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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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
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:
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.
Discussion:
Epic Carnival, Associated Press, the metropolitans, Our Book of Scrap, Hot Foot and Washington Post
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:
baseballtoaster.com
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
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
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 …
Sean McAdam / Providence Journal:
Drew still a mystery to Sox — ANAHEIM, Calif. — J.D. Drew was in center field last night for the first time this season, a season that has seen him occupy center stage — for all the wrong reasons. — Signed as a free agent last winter to a $70-million, five-year deal, Drew has been an enigma …
Discussion:
The Joy of Sox
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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.
Discussion:
FanHouse
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John Hickey / Seattle Post-Intelligencer:
M's acquire Parrish — Move gives Lowe chance to gain strength in minors — BALTIMORE — At first glance, Seattle acquiring left-handed reliever John Parrish from Baltimore while demoting right-hander Mark Lowe doesn't seem like a home run. — Lowe has a 1.50 ERA …
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
Erie SeaWolves:
Tigers Top Prospect Cameron Maybin Joins Erie — The Detroit Tigers announced today that their 2005 first round draft pick (10th overall), Cameron Maybin, has been added to Erie's roster from Class-A Lakeland. — Maybin is currently ranked the top prospect in the Detroit Tigers organization according to Baseball America.
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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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 …
