Top News:
Mark Bowman / MLB.com:
Wickman designated for assignment — Veteran closer converted 20 of 26 save opportunities — ST. LOUIS — Adam Dunn said goodbye to Bob Wickman's 12th-inning fastball on Thursday night, and the Braves said goodbye to Wickman on Friday afternoon. — Somewhat surprisingly …
RELATED:
Carroll Rogers / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Braves cut ties with Wickman — Designate closer for assignment — St. Louis — In a fairly surprising move in the heat of a pennant race, the Braves cut ties with closer Bob Wickman on Friday, designating the 38-year-old for assignment. — Braves manager Bobby Cox …
Associated Press:
Braves designate closer Wickman for assignment — ST. LOUIS — The Atlanta Braves cut ties with struggling closer Bob Wickman on Friday, designating him for assignment. — The move came a day after Wickman surrendered a game-winning two-run home run to the Reds' Adam Dunn in the 12th inning of a 9-7 loss.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Is getting rid of Wickman right choice now? — The Braves designated reliever Bob Wickman for assignment on Friday after the former closer allowed a game-winning home run in the 12th inning at Cincinnati Thursday night. — Is this the right decision for the club at this time?
Associated Press:
Perez shuts down the Dodgers — Mets left-hander outduels Penny in 5-2 victory. Wright drives in two runs and make two big plays at third base. — NEW YORK — Oliver Perez outpitched Dodgers ace Brad Penny, and the New York Mets got a dazzling all-around performance from David Wright in a 5-2 victory tonight at Shea Stadium.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
RELATED:
Mark Hale / New York Post:
COMEBACK CRUMBLED — GONZALEZ, PODS WIN A WILD ONE — This was a crushing loss for the Mets, and there were a few things that caused the pain. — Two different and dramatic Mets comebacks were negated. They had a thrilling hit that made Shea explode. They should have captured the victory.
Associated Press:
Maddux first 10-20 pitcher, leads Padres in rout of Phillies — CBSSports.com wire reports — PHILADELPHIA — Passing Cy Young didn't faze Greg Maddux. Moving ahead of his older brother was a bit more exciting. — Maddux became the first pitcher to win 10 games in 20 consecutive seasons …
RELATED:
Rob Maaddi / Associated Press:
Howard on pace to break strikeout record — PHILADELPHIA (AP) — When he connects, the Phillies' Ryan Howard can hit the ball a long way. Making contact is the slugger's biggest problem. — The reigning NL MVP is on pace to set the major league record for strikeouts in a season.
Discussion:
Balls, Sticks, & Stuff
Mike Fitzpatrick / Associated Press:David Wells agrees to deal with Dodgers
Discussion:
Boston Herald
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Opener with White Sox washed away — Game will be made up Friday as part of day-night twin bill — CHICAGO — The Red Sox and White Sox waited for a window of dryness that never came before Thursday night's game was finally cancelled following a delay of about two and a half hours.
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports, Associated Press, Boston Globe, Baseball Musings, Union-News and South Side Sox
Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Game 128: Yankees at Tigers — Here is the lineup: — YANKEES — Johnny Damon DH — Melky Cabrera CF — Derek Jeter SS — Alex Rodriguez 3B — Jorge Posada C — Hideki Matsui LF — Robinson Cano 2B — Andy Phillips 1B — Shelley Duncan RF — Roger Clemens RHP (5-5, 3.92)
Associated Press:
MLB, New Era both agree to yank caps — LIKE THIS STORY? — NEW YORK (AP) - A lineup of team logo baseball caps denounced as tailor-made for gang members was ordered removed from store shelves by its manufacturer Friday after complaints from baseball officials.
Discussion:
The Biz of Baseball
George King / New York Post:
MOOSE ON SHORT LEASH — Their first preference is for Mike Mussina to bounce back from two morbid outings Monday night so the veteran right-hander remains in their rotation as they chase the Red Sox and Mariners. — However, Mussina is on a short rope against the Tigers.
Mark Newman / MLB.com:
MLB.TV celebrates five years of growth — Free live Webcast of Yankees-Tigers offered on Sunday — "If this catches on, the worker productivity index might go into a serious slump." — Chicago Sun-Times on Aug. 27, 2002, after the birth of MLB.TV — First there was print, telegraph and word of mouth.
Aimee Blanchette / Minneapolis Star Tribune:
How I got my job: Aaron Gleeman, 24, Minnetonka — What does your business card say? Senior editor of Rotoworld.com and NBCSports.com, and blogger for AaronGleeman.com. — What do you do? I write a daily column for NBCSports.com and Rotoworld.com about baseball or football.
