Top News:
Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Bullpen Keeps Giants at Bay — It was the one moment that will be determined worthy of highlights nationwide. Barry Bonds, pinch hitter, against Jon Rauch, setup man. Eighth inning, two men on, one out, Bonds's San Francisco Giants trailing Rauch's Washington Nationals by two runs.
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nats win behind Hanrahan's arm, bat — Rookie right-hander smacks key double, earns victory — SAN FRANCISCO — It's a story about two players. One could be sent down to the Minor Leagues as early as next week, while the other has a clear mind to play the game of baseball the right way.
Discussion:
We've Got Heart
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Notes: Logan on fire since chat — Nationals GM talked to center fielder about energy — SAN FRANCISCO — Not too long ago, Nationals general manager Jim Bowden didn't like the way center fielder Nook Logan was playing the game of baseball, and told him so.
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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Mike Puma / New York Post:
MAINE SINKING FAST — METS: 'HE'LL BE FINE' — John Maine's earned run average continued its ascent toward ordinary-pitcher territory yesterday. — After arguably deserving a spot on the NL All-Star team for his first-half accomplishments, Maine's summer nosedive continued with his third defeat …
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
Daniel Berk / MLB.com:
Ankiel propels Cardinals to win — Right fielder hits three-run homer in first game since 2004 — ST. LOUIS — When it was all said and done, after his team beat the Padres 5-0, Rick Ankiel stood in front of his locker with the sweat still dripping down his face and a smile that just wouldn't go away.
Discussion:
Baseball Prospectus
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Joe Strauss / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:Sources: Spiezio to seek drug treatment
Discussion:
Viva El Birdos
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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Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Sweeney now in Dodgers blue — First trade between Los Angeles, San Francisco since 1985 — ST. LOUIS — Only hours after manager Grady Little hinted at roster changes, the Dodgers made one after Thursday's game, acquiring left-handed pinch-hitter Mark Sweeney from the Giants. — That's right, the Giants.
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
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Tony Massarotti / Boston Herald:
Unfit foundation: Back of Sox rotation must shoulder some of the load — The Red Sox [team stats] are built to win with pitching now, and maybe that is a sign of just how far this franchise has come. But in the here and now, as we wonder how far these Sox can go, a most curious concern has sprouted.
Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:
Ortiz is powerless in clutch — BALTIMORE — It remains one of the flukiest of seasons, and it was highlighted here. — Brady Anderson was the Red Sox minor league outfielder who was traded with a minor league pitcher named Curt Schilling to the Orioles for pitcher Mike Boddicker in 1988 …
Discussion:
Yanksfan vs Soxfan
Tom Krasovic / San Diego Union-Tribune:
Hairston example of Towers' acumen — ST. LOUIS - Kevin Towers blamed the rival Arizona Diamondbacks when the Padres last failed to win the National League West. Towers said General Manager Joe Garagiola Jr. treated the Padres like a "leper colony" when he refused to trade Steve Finley to him.
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 …
Kevin Goldstein / Baseball Prospectus:
Positional Rankings - Shortstop — Shortstop is normally the crown jewel of the prospect kingdom, but that doesn't seem to be the case this year. Making things worse is a 2007 draft class that was among the worst in years for the position. I know there's a lot of negativity in this introduction …
Tim Lemke / Washington Times:
Nationals balk after funding pitch — The Washington Nationals have contributed less than $8 million toward the construction of their new ballpark in the District, though club officials publicly said the team would spend as much as $50 million on stadium improvements.
Discussion:
Capitol Punishment
