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
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
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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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 …
John Hickey / Seattle Post-Intelligencer:
Mariners sweepin' in the rain — Offense overcomes another poor road start by Ramirez — BALTIMORE — Baseball conventional wisdom says good pitching beats good hitting. — And while that may be true, good hitting can slaughter mediocre pitching. That was the key for the Mariners …
Discussion:
Lookout Landing
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.
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
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.
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 …
Dan Shaughnessy / Boston Globe:
The road is paved with hot issues — ANAHEIM, Calif. — Too much going on. Hard to keep up, especially sitting here 3,000 miles removed from the panic on the streets of Boston. — First Tom Brady gets named best-dressed man in the world — an unspeakable shot at Bill Belichick, Larry Bird, and yours truly.
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