Top News:
Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:
Gagne here, Drew missing w/family situation — Eric Gagne met with the media this afternoon after making the rounds of the Sox clubhouse, introducing himself to his new mates, including Jonathan Papelbon. Terry Francona said he met with Gagne this winter at the winter meetings …
Discussion:
Over the Monster
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David Pinto / Baseball Musings:
One Base Red Sox — The Red Sox picked up five hits and drew five walks through six innings against Steve Trachsel, but have scored just one run. All five hits went for singles, and the walks are concentrated in two batters, Ortiz(2) and Crisp(3). They're getting runners on, but they're not supplying any power to move them along.
Discussion:
Associated Press
Dick Kaegel / MLB.com:
Bell stepping down as Royals skipper — Manager will stay on through season's end, then assist Moore — MINNEAPOLIS — Buddy Bell has decided to step down as Royals manager at the end of this season. — Bell made the surprising announcement Wednesday afternoon at the Metrodome, where the Royals are playing the Twins.
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Bob Dutton / www.kansascity.com:
Bell stepping down as Royals manager at season's end — Bell insisted that the decision is his own, that he is not being forced out; nor does he feel compelled to resign because of health concerns or burnout with baseball's punishing schedule. — In fact, Bell told The Kansas City Star …
Associated Press:
Rangers bunt way past Indians 9-6 in 10 — CLEVELAND (AP) — Rookie reliever Jensen Lewis failed to get an out on consecutive bunts by Texas and the Rangers took advantage with three runs in the 10th inning to defeat the Cleveland Indians 9-6 Wednesday night.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
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Woody Paige / Denver Post:
New deal no deal, just like old deal — The only deal Rockienthusiasts got was a raw deal. — Every contender in the National League has made trades in the past two weeks in an effort to improve its roster and postseason chances. — Every contender except one. — Guess which one.
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David O'Brien / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Franco designated for assignment — Braves clear roster spots for bullpen newcomers Dotel and Mahay — Julio Franco was designated for assignment by the Braves on Wednesday, but that doesn't necessarily mean the popular first baseman's playing career with the Braves is over.
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Glavine denied No. 300 as Mets fall in 13 — Bullpen unable to preserve benchmark win for left-hander — MILWAUKEE — The Mets outfielders assembled in center field in the seventh inning Tuesday night as Willie Randolph, Ramon Castro and Tom Glavine conferred on the mound.
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Joe Christensen / Minneapolis Star Tribune:
Santana's unhappiness doesn't bode well — The two-time Cy Young winner says he might not have a future with the team because it won't do what it takes to win a title. — Terry Ryan said he didn't read the critical and skeptical comments Twins players made Monday after he traded Luis Castillo to the Mets.
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ESPN:
Report: Mad Santana questions future with Twins — The Minnesota Twins didn't add any players but did subtract their starting second baseman. And after watching his front office's inactivity, ace Johan Santana reportedly didn't hide his disappointment. — "It's not just about hope," Santana told The Star Tribune.
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Dye, Sox talk about new deal — Hints he'd take less money to stay here — NEW YORK — Right fielder Jermaine Dye will remain a part of the White Sox's immediate future, and maybe longer than the final two months of the season. — Less than an hour after Tuesday's non-waiver trading deadline …
Discussion:
The Bard's Room
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Dejan Kovacevic / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Pirates get Morris, but what about Wilson? — Former S.F. pitcher will be highest-paid player in team history — The Pirates yesterday acquired starting pitcher Matt Morris, who will be the highest-paid player in the franchise's 121-year history, from the San Francisco Giants …
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Bob Smizik / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:Littlefield reveals his desperation
Discussion:
Mondesishouse.com
Stephanie Storm / MLB.com:
Schilling says he's ready to go — After strong rehab start, veteran could rejoin Red Sox's rotation — COLUMBUS, OHIO — Curt Schilling said he knew by the fifth inning. — But the veteran pitcher went another two frames for the heck of it, proving he is ready to rejoin his Boston teammates …
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Yankees Have Pitching, So They Add Betemit — On July 8, the day before the All-Star Game break, the Yankees led the Angels by 10 runs when Scott Proctor was sent in to pitch the eighth inning. To the Yankees' decision makers, this was an obvious sign that Manager Joe Torre …
Gordon Wittenmyer / Chicago Sun Times:
Wood will start out in middle — CUBS IN BRIEF — Cubs manager Lou Piniella said he plans to use Kerry Wood in the middle innings at first when the right-hander is activated from the disabled list and joins the bullpen. — That's expected to happen as early as Thursday …
