Top News:
Barry Svrluga / Nationals Journal:
Belliard signs with Nats! — The Nationals have signed infielder Ronnie Belliard to a two-year extension beyond this season. — I don't have terms yet, but will get them pronto. TERMS UPDATE: A major leauge source with knowledge of the deal says it's a two-year, $3.5 million contract.
Discussion:
MLB.com, Associated Press, Capitol Punishment, Just A Nats Fan, Federal Baseball, Nats320, Nats Triple Play and Hot Foot
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Howard Fendrich / Associated Press:
Nats' Belliard agrees to 2-year deal — WASHINGTON (AP) — Infielder Ronnie Belliard and the Washington Nationals agreed Monday to a $3.5 million, two-year contract extension through the 2009 season, a veteran building block for a club trying to improve. — "They have a good thing going here …
Discussion:
We've Got Heart
USA Today:
If present for No. 756, Selig won't celebrate record — MILWAUKEE — Bud Selig might be in attendance when Barry Bonds breaks Henry Aaron's all-time home run record, but the baseball commissioner will not move from his seat to participate in any on-field celebration, according to two people with knowledge of the decision.
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Sean McAdam / ESPN:
McAdam: Cancer-free Lester gets his second chance — BOSTON — Jason Varitek was one of the first Red Sox players to spot Jon Lester in the home clubhouse Sunday afternoon, moments after the Red Sox had held off the Chicago White Sox, 8-5. — "He had the biggest smile on his face," …
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Dejan Kovacevic / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Pirates Notebook: Inquiry about Glaus spurned — Talk about aiming high. — The Pirates, in preliminary talks with Toronto regarding shortstop Jack Wilson, inquired about the Blue Jays' power-hitting third baseman, Troy Glaus, according to two sources intimately familiar with the matter.
Discussion:
Pittsburgh Lumber Co., Bucs Dugout, Mets Fever, Mondesishouse.com, Where have you gone … and Over the Monster
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Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Ex-Brown pitched against Babe Ruth — Rolland Mays "Lena" Stiles, the oldest living former major-league baseball player, died Sunday morning in his sleep at the age of 100 at Bethesda Southgate nursing home in St. Louis. — Mr. Stiles compiled a 9-14 record while pitching for the St. Louis Browns in 1930 …
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Joe Kay / Associated Press:
Harang goes 10, Reds top Brewers in 12 — CINCINNATI (AP) — Aaron Harang knew his grandfather would have wanted it this way. — Harang returned from his grandfather's funeral and pitched 10 innings Monday night, setting up the Cincinnati Reds' 2-1, 12-inning victory over the Milwaukee Brewers …
Discussion:
Blue-Collar Baseball
Jason Beck / MLB.com:
Tigers call up power-hitting Hessman — Corner infielder, 29, leads International League in homers — The Tigers purchased the contract of infielder Mike Hessman on Monday, giving the International League's leading slugger his first Major League stint since 2004.
New Jersey Online:
D'backs gauging interest in Livan — PLAYER OF THE DAY LIVAN HERNANDEZ RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks — Jose Contreras might not be the hottest Cuban pitcher on the trade market. According to officials with two different teams, who asked not to be identified because talks are ongoing …
Discussion:
Nationals Journal, The Nationals Enquirer, Chop-n-Change, Mets Fever, MetsBlog.com, MLB Trade Rumors and Fox Sports
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Justin Terranova / New York Post:
ALOU READY TO RETURN — When the Mets return to Shea Stadium tomorrow to play the Pirates, Moises Alou expects to join them. — "I don't know if I will be back in the lineup on Tuesday," said Alou, who has been on the disabled list since May 13 with a strained left quadriceps. "I think I will be, though.
Discussion:
the metropolitans
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Jonah Keri / ESPN:
Meet the Mets (for a week) — If you're a baseball fan, there's a good chance that the way you follow the game revolves around your favorite team. You read the papers, then rant about what an idiot the local columnist is. You click on highlight shows in search of Web Gems by your team's center fielder.
Dan Mangan / New York Post:
SPENDING HIS A-WAD — ALEX'S ESTATE HUNT TIPS YANKEE PLANS — Maybe we can call him "Stay-Rod" now. — Yankee superstar Alex Rodriguez is eyeing a stunning new $25 million estate in Greenwich, Conn. - strongly suggesting he plans on remaining with the Bronx Bombers beyond this season, The Post has learned.
Discussion:
WasWatching.com
Tim Marchman / New York Sun:
Lack of Clutch Hitting Plaguing Mets — Nothing will drive a baseball fan mad quicker than a team that doesn't hit in the clutch. There is nothing worse, and no amount of knowledge will make it better. — A perfectly rational person, fully aware that performance in the clutch has nothing …
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue
Tom Jones / St. Petersburg Times:
Aki tells it like it is … They call him Aki. — After nine seasons in Japan, Akinori Iwamura joined the Devil Rays in the offseason, signing a three-year deal worth $7.7-million after the team spent $4.55-million for rights to negotiate with him. In just a half-season, Iwamura, 28, has made quite the impression.
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Joe Sheehan / Baseball Prospectus:
Prospectus Today — Calm Seas — We've launched the summer version of "The Mill," which will take us up through the trade deadline. In addition to Will Carroll's regular reports from the front, we'll have even more inside information from the equally well-connected John Perrotto and Kevin Goldstein.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Duncan keeps them cheering — Rookie receives repeat curtain calls with two more homers — NEW YORK — Shelley Duncan sure knows how to make a good first impression. — After waiting six years for his chance in the big leagues, the 27-year-old rookie made the most of an extended weekend in the Bronx …
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Doug Padilla / L.A. Daily News:
Angels finally get home run, beat Minnesota 7-2 — MINNEAPOLIS - On the day the Angels' home-run drought ended, their general manager said he is trying to hit one out of the park as well. — Garrett Anderson hit a home run off the facing of the Metrodome's upper deck to end the team's streak …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors