Top News:
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Clemens Is Handed Five-Game Suspension — After hitting Toronto's Alex Rios in the back with a fastball on Tuesday, the Yankees' Roger Clemens did not try to claim innocence. It was clear that Clemens was retaliating for the Blue Jays' actions toward Alex Rodriguez, and Major League Baseball agreed Thursday.
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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.
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.
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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Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Ankiel expected to get plenty of playing time early on — The sudden departure of infielder Scott Spiezio, who is being treated for a substance abuse problem, is a step backward for the Cardinals. But the long-awaited promotion of outfielder Rick Ankiel could be a large step forward.
R.B. Fallstrom / Associated Press:Cards' Spiezio to join treatment program
Discussion:
Associated Press
Scott Merkin / MLB.com:
Notes: Contreras in 'pen for now — Veteran right-hander will rejoin White Sox rotation next week — CHICAGO — John Danks' one-start respite barely survived 24 hours, before the rookie left-hander was returned to the White Sox starting rotation prior to Thursday's series finale against the Indians.
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David Pinto / Baseball Musings:
A Longer Streak? — Scott Johnson writes noting that Bobby Jenks streak of retiring batters is longer than reported: — Photo: Warren Wimmer/Icon SMI … I've checked two sources, STATS, Inc. and BIS and both agree with Scott. However, I almost made the same mistake.
Discussion:
The Griddle
Adam Rubin / NY Daily News:
Mets can't catch up — Great grab ends 9th-inning rally — Chipper Jones, who named a son after Shea Stadium, still owns the place. Thanks to a game-saving catch on Carlos Delgado's would-be homer, the Braves continue to own the Mets, too. — Jones hit a three-run homer to put Atlanta ahead …
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New York Post
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Vic Ziegel / NY Daily News:
Close loss has Braves closer — The Mets vice president in charge of postgame notes drops the stapled pages near every writer's laptop. They're useful, especially when the scribbles that are meant to be my scorecard resemble a Romanian ransom note. Sometimes, though, the drama has been missed completely.
Discussion:
New York Post
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 …
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Associated Press:
Ripken to be appointed envoy to State Dept — BALTIMORE (AP) — Hall of Fame newcomer Cal Ripken Jr. was chosen by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to promote baseball around the world. — Rice on Monday will make Ripken a Special Sports Envoy to the Department of State …
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
Corey Brock / MLB.com:
Notes: Ledezma to start on Friday — Newcomer takes spot of Wells, who was cut Thursday — ST. LOUIS — Of the three trades the Padres made before July 31, the non-waiver trade deadline, trading for left-handed pitcher Wil Ledezma was probably received with the least amount of fanfare.
Discussion:
Gaslamp Ball
Alex / L.A. Rag Mag:
L.A. Rag Mag Exclusive - Jessica Alba Got HERPES From Derek Jeter — We're going to apologize in advance to all the straight men out there, for ruining their Jessica Alba fantasies, but here goes..... Jessica Alba(before she was Jessica Alba) used to date Derek Jeter, the serial celebrity dater, who plays for the NY Yankees.
