Top News:
Joe Strauss / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Sources: Spiezio to seek drug treatment — The Cardinals have removed infielder-outfielder Scott Spiezio from the active 25-man roster, and Spiezio has left the club to seek treatment for a substance-abuse problem, team and industry sources said. — Spiezio was moved to Major League …
Discussion:
Viva El Birdos
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R.B. Fallstrom / Associated Press:
Cards' Spiezio to join treatment program — ST. LOUIS (AP) — Cardinals utility player Scott Spiezio is voluntarily entering a treatment program for a substance problem that the team did not specify. — Spiezio, who has relished a hard-rocking image through his 12 seasons in the major leagues …
Discussion:
Associated Press
Associated Press:
Student says he may keep Bonds' 756 ball — NEW YORK (AP) — Matt Murphy could become $500,000 richer if he sells Barry Bonds' record-breaking home run ball. — The college student, however, may just want to hang on to it — even if he's hit with a whopping tax bill. — "Part of me wants to keep it.
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Hank Aaron / Associated Press:
Pinch-hitting specialist Sweeney traded to Dodgers — SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Giants dealt pinch hitter deluxe Mark Sweeney to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, the first trade between the rivals in more than 20 years. — Sweeney had a pinch-hit single in the sixth inning …
Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:
Loose change for Sox — They overtake Angels to avert a series sweep — ANAHEIM, Calif. — It was apparent before last night's game in the Red Sox clubhouse that the team was gripped with the same anxiety that had seized many of its followers. — Julio Lugo was at the controls …
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Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Hill's Return Will Require Decisions — With right-hander Shawn Hill due to return to the Washington Nationals' rotation next week — assuming his final rehabilitation start at Class AAA Columbus on Thursday goes well — the club will have decisions to make about how to shape a pitching staff that …
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Jordan Bastian / MLB.com:
Yankees, Jays disciplined by MLB — Clemens, Torre receive suspensions; three Jays fined — TORONTO — The Blue Jays and Yankees are going to have to pay for their actions after clearing the benches twice during a heated on-field incident on Tuesday night in Toronto.
Discussion:
The Bronx Block
Hal McCoy / Dayton Daily News:
Harang, Reds pile on to Dodgers' woes — Cincinnati ace throws eight shutout innings, gets support from Griffey, Phillips in 1-0 victory. — CINCINNATI — Aaron Harang is back and so is his back. — After missing his last turn with a sore back and pitching only one inning …
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Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Infielder Graffanino lost for the season — Veteran out after tearing ACL while making catch on Wed — DENVER — Brewers infielder Tony Graffanino has a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a torn meniscus in his right knee, and his 2007 season is over. — Graffanino suffered the injury making …
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball
Andrew Marchand / ESPN:
Angry Chipper tells NY media: 'I'm not talking' — Upset over the portrayal of his comments about Alex Rodriguez and steroids, Chipper Jones boycotted the New York media on Thursday. — "I told you I'm not talking," Jones said after he hit a three-run homer in the Braves' 7-6 victory over the Mets at Shea Stadium.
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FanHouse
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John Hickey / Seattle Post-Intelligencer:
Mariners trade for bullpen help, get John Parrish from Baltimore — BALTIMORE — The Mariners bolstered their bullpen for the stretch run Thursday when they acquired left-hander John Parrish from the Baltimore Orioles. — Because the Mariners are playing the Orioles in the finale …
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports
Kurt Hunzeker / The Biz of Baseball:
Are the Cubs Leading a New Era in Baseball Sponsorships? — Years from now, when sports business practitioners look back at 2007, will they recognize the "tipping point" of a new era in sports marketing? Time will tell, but I believe an ideological shift in marketing philosophy gained acceptance …
Curt Schilling / 38 Pitches:
Pete's status and then some trivial stuff — First off the important stuff. Here is the latest update on Peter Despain. — "I wanted to let you know we brought Pete home last night. He was pretty much out of it until today due to the pain medication.
Kent Somers / Arizona Republic:
A different sort of film session — FLAGSTAFF - The Cardinals went to the practice field twice Wednesday but worked hard in just one of them. — That's because coach Ken Whisenhunt called off the morning session and took everyone to the movies instead. Talk about a fun film session.
Rob Bradford / Boston Herald:
Troubling sign for Pena: Waivers clear way for trade — ANAHEIM, Calif. - Wily Mo Pena got the call from his agent, Josh Zeide, yesterday morning. The news wasn't what the 25-year-old outfielder had hoped to hear. — The Red Sox [team stats] had signed Bobby Kielty …
Leitch / Deadspin:
Forgive Us As We Weep Sweet Tears Of Hope: Ankiel Gets The Call — FORGIVE US AS WE WEEP SWEET TEARS OF HOPE — Ankiel Gets The Call — He is the The Natural, he is Young Musial, he is the alpha, the omega, the beginning, the end. And, as of today, he is a member of the St. Louis Cardinals.