Top News:
Marc Topkin / St. Petersburg Times:
Rays beef up bullpen … ST. PETERSBURG - The Devil Rays had to do something about the majors' worst bullpen. After deciding the relievers they had weren't necessarily going to get better, they went out and got what they hope are better relievers. — They acquired four pitchers …
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Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
D-backs looking to upgrade offense — FOXSports.com, Updated 48 minutes ago — LIKE THIS STORY? — *The Diamondbacks have shown "some" interest in Rangers first baseman Mark Teixeira, according to one industry source, but their offer is not as strong as those of the Braves and Angels, according to another.
Associated Press:
With Wigginton aboard, Astros designate Ensberg for assignment — HOUSTON — One day after acquiring Ty Wigginton in a trade with Tampa Bay, the Houston Astros designated struggling third baseman Morgan Ensberg for assignment on Sunday. — Houston also recalled left-hander Mark McLemore …
George King / New York Post:
FARNSWORTH, PROCTOR ARE LIKELY CHIPS — If the Yankees make a trade before Tuesday afternoon's deadline it's highly likely that Kyle Farnsworth and or Scott Proctor will be in it. And even if they aren't moved, neophyte Joba Chamberlain is a solid bet to be added to the bullpen mix as early as Tuesday.
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Joel Sherman / New York Post:
METS, YANKS AFTER GAGNE — The Yankees and Mets join the Red Sox as the teams still trying to land Rangers closer Eric Gagne as the trade deadline nears, The Post has learned. — However, neither the Yankees nor Mets seem willing to give up a significant prospect for a player who can be a free agent after the season.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Adam Kilgore / Washington Post:
Young Signs A Two-Year Extension — The Washington Nationals announced the signing of first baseman Dmitri Young, the team's lone all-star, to a $10-million, two-year contract extension on Saturday. The move reinforces Young's remarkable turnaround, removes a possible trade chip …
Discussion:
Capitol Punishment
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Notes: Time running out for Johnson — Club concerned first baseman may not play at all in 2007 — NEW YORK — For the first time, Nationals manager Manny Acta sounded like a man who had doubts that first baseman Nick Johnson could make a comeback this season.
Discussion:
The Nationals Enquirer
John Harper / NY Daily News:
To Keith, as to fans, something feels wrong — Just when you think the Mets are shifting into a higher gear for the stretch run, they lose three out of four to the Pirates and Nationals, the dregs of the National League. August is only a couple of days away now and you wonder if it is ever …
Dan Rosenheck / New York Times:
Opponents Pay a Painful Price in Walking Bonds — Barry Bonds may not have had to overcome the obstacles that Hank Aaron did in trying to become baseball's career home run leader, but Aaron did enjoy one advantage Bonds would dearly appreciate: He rarely lacked for a pitch to hit.
Discussion:
ESPN
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Chuck Finder / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Pirates Notebook: Starting rotation changes in works — PHILADELPHIA — The Pirates yesterday made the following changes: — Removed pitcher John Van Benschoten from their rotation, sending him to Class AAA Indianapolis for more work. — Delayed Tom Gorzelanny, skipping his turn early …
Dylan Hernandez / Los Angeles Times:
Pitchers' injuries might be more serious — Lowe has an irritated hip and Penny left Thursday's game because of an abdominal strain. — DENVER — The injuries to Derek Lowe and Brad Penny could be more serious than they have been letting on. — Trainer Stan Conte clarified that Lowe …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
ESPN:
Canseco says he has 'stuff' on A-Rod in new book — When Jose Canseco wrote "Juiced" in 2005, he brought the issue of steroids in Major League Baseball to the forefront. Now, Canseco has another book due this fall and he promises some juicy info on Alex Rodriguez.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
David O'Brien / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
If Tex arrives, will Elvis leave building? — A few thoughts while wondering how many years it's been since the Braves had a better lineup than 1. Johnson/Escobar, 2. Renteria, 3. Chipper, 4. Teixeira, 5. McCann, 6. Francouer, 7. Andruw, 8. Diaz/Harris.
Discussion:
Rain Delay
Scott Lauber / Phillies/baseball:
July 29 — REYES OF HOPE? — Heard an interesting rumor last night after our final deadline for the 50-cent edition. The Phillies dispatched major-league scouting director Gordon Lakey to St. Louis to watch Anthony Reyes, the Cardinals' down-on-his-luck right-hander who was making …
