Top News:
Henry Schulman / San Francisco Chronicle:
Giants close book on closer Benitez — (05-31) 21:25 PDT New York — There was one unusual sight in the Giants' clubhouse after their 4-2 loss to the Mets on Thursday night. As 24 players scurried to dress for the two-hour bus ride to Philadelphia, Armando Benitez's locker was abandoned, his chair folded and stored.
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Henry Schulman / San Francisco Chronicle:
Benitez headed back to Marlins — (05-31) 18:10 PDT New York — Armando Benitez's days as a Giant are over. — The Giants have all but completed a deal that will ship the embattled closer to the Florida Marlins, The Chronicle has learned. It could be announced tonight …
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Giambi Will Be Out Several Weeks With a Foot Injury — Jason Giambi tore the plantar fascia in his left foot while trotting around second base after hitting a home run on Tuesday in Toronto. He had already been hobbled by the injury, and when he felt a pop during his trot, he feared the worst.
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George King / New York Post:
CHASIN' WITH NO JASON — FOOT INJURY LIKELY SHELVES GIAMBI FOR YEAR — On the eve of a colossal series against the Red Sox, the Yankees learned yesterday that Jason Giambi's season is likely finished. — Giambi was diagnosed with a partially torn plantar fascia tendon on the bottom of the left foot …
Discussion:
Replacement Level …
Roger Rubin / NY Daily News:
Theo pities Cashman — BOSTON - If the buzz about this three-game series between the Yankees and the Red Sox feels a little different, it should. — The distance in the standings between first-place Boston and the fourth-place Bombers is an astonishing 13-1/2 games, the furthest apart the teams have been since September of 2001.
Discussion:
WasWatching.com
Dan Shaughnessy / Boston Globe:
Did A-Rod put foot in mouth? — Bush league or smart play? — Sometimes the answer depends on the individual involved. It almost always depends on which team you like. — The reeling New York Yankees come to Fenway tonight, and Red Sox fans can't wait to mock the pathetic millionaires from the Bronx.
Discussion:
Dan Shaughnessy Watch
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John Branch / New York Times:
Rodriguez Keeps Straddling Baseball's Foul Line — It was clever or childish, cunning gamesmanship or borderline cheating, or maybe something in between. But when Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees shouted something to a Toronto Blue Jays infielder Wednesday night, helping cause a pop-up to drop …
Discussion:
Across the Seams
Mark Hale / New York Post:
PEDRO NEARS NEXT STAGE — Four days from now, Pedro Martinez is scheduled to throw off a mound for the first time this season. — Martinez, who's recovering from a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder, is scheduled for his initial bullpen session on Tuesday. He also will long toss that day.
Tom D'Angelo / Palm Beach Post:
Mitre's status still undetermined — MILWAUKEE — Starter Sergio Mitre will attempt to throw a bullpen session today before a decision is made about his availability next week. — "We'll see how it feels when I push off,'' he said. — Mitre strained his right hamstring against the Cubs …
Lee Jenkins / New York Times:
Detour on the Scott Boras Expressway — For any young ballplayer who thinks he should have been drafted higher, treated better, offered more, there is a place where he can still go and get the signing bonus of his dreams. — LaGrave Field is on the banks of the Trinity River, between the stockyards and the skyline.
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Infection sends Duncan home — DENVER — Cardinals outfielder Chris Duncan was admitted to a St. Louis-area hospital Thursday night and is expected to meet with a specialist to determine what kind of infection has taken root in his injured left knee, the club said.
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Notes: Speigner stays in rotation for now — Righty gets the call Saturday despite struggles as starter — WASHINGTON — The Nationals have decided to let right-hander Levale Speigner start on Saturday night against the Padres instead of right-hander Joel Hanrahan, who is pitching for Triple-A Columbus.
Discussion:
Oleanders and Morning Glories
Jeff Goldberg / Hartford Courant:
Youkilis Is Removing Any Doubt — Critics Provide Motivation — BOSTON — During the course of his ascent to a top major league hitter, Kevin Youkilis has always considered his toughest critics his biggest allies. — The more Youkilis perceives he is being doubted, the harder he plays to prove them wrong.
Jim Street / MLB.com:
Mariners begin special series — Texas (19-34) at Seattle (25-24), Thursday., 7:05 p.m. PT — A series that includes the induction of designated hitter extraordinaire Edgar Martinez into the Mariners Hall of Fame begins Thursday night at Safeco Field with right-hander Cha Seung Baek opposing the last-place Rangers' Vicente Padilla.
Discussion:
Lookout Landing
