Top News:
Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:
Ramírez unloads on Yankees again — NEW YORK - Had enough of the Yankees, having seen them five times in the last seven days? — The sentiment is understandable, unless you're Manny Ramírez, who has reason to mourn because he won't see the Bombers again until Fourth of July weekend.
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George A. King III / New York Post:
MANNY SOX IT TO BOMBERS, AGAIN — RAMIREZ LAUNCHES TWO BLASTS OFF MUSSINA — The Yankees should give Manny Ramirez the finger. Actually, four of them, every time he steps into the batter's box. — In what can only be compared to one's head feeling better when it no longer is getting banged …
NY Daily News:
After HRs, Kyle Farnsworth brushes back Manny Ramirez — The Yankees finally decided enough was enough, and rightly so. If Kyle Farnsworth had to be the enforcer, well, why not? At least it gave the fans at the Stadium reason to cheer for him. — More to the point …
Bill Center / signonsandiego.com:
Padres fall short in epic battle — Troy Tulowitzki doubled home Willy Taveras with an unearned run in the top of the 22nd this morning to give the Colorado Rockies a 2-1 victory over the Padres in the longest game in Padres history. — The Rockies had two out and no one on in the 22nd …
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Bill Chastain / MLB.com:
Rays sign Longoria to multiyear contract — Nine-year deal is longest in Tampa Bay franchise history — ST. PETERSBURG — Evan Longoria has been signed by the Rays to the longest contract in franchise history. — Friday afternoon at a news conference at Tropicana Field …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
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Newsday:
Fraternization makes Mets' Randolph hostile — This week's visit to Shea by the Nationals, a team managed by former Mets coach Manny Acta, again featured the kind of affection usually reserved for family reunions. Hugs, handshakes, plenty of laughs. — Acta is a great guy, and still well liked in Mets circles.
Juan C. Rodriguez / Sun-Sentinel:
Samson: Forbes way off base — MIAMI GARDENS - Forbes released its annual state of baseball report Thursday, drawing little more than a chuckle in Marlins offices. — According to the magazine's numbers, the Marlins are the least valuable, but second- most profitable franchise in Major League Baseball.
Discussion:
FishStripes
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George A. King III / New York Post:
A-ROD LEAVES ABREU HANGING — Because every move he makes is under a huge spotlight, Alex Rodriguez was asked last night why he doesn't shake hands, exchange fist knuckles or acknowledge Bobby Abreu when Abreu homers in front of him. — As Abreu approaches the plate Rodriguez is off …
Discussion:
Yankee Stadium Insider Blog, Sliding Into Home, Highlander Origins and The Baseball Outsider
Adam Rubin / NY Daily News:
Beltran's injury really is a pain in neck — Carlos Beltran didn't start Thursday night's series finale against Washington because of a stiff neck. The discomfort particularly bothered Beltran when he looked over his left shoulder, which the switch-hitter would have been required …
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Detractors having a field day with Lugo — NEW YORK - Shortstops have come and gone in Boston. Mostly gone. — From John Valentin to Nomar Garciaparra to Orlando Cabrera to Edgar Renteria to Alex Gonzalez to Julio Lugo - whether Boston devours them, who really knows?
Chicago Sun Times:
Easier said than done — Williams plays it smart in swap shop reality, not in trade fantasies of fans, media — BALTIMORE — White Sox general manager Ken Williams is smarter than you. But it's not your fault. — After all, you're tainted. — Tainted by media that examine every little detail …
Discussion:
Baseball Digest Daily
Joshua Robinson / New York Times:
Figueroa's Fan Club Moves With His Pitches — Apparently, the seats in luxury suite No. 44 at Shea Stadium are just a suggestion. — Through each of Nelson Figueroa's 101 pitches in his second start for the Mets on Thursday night against the Washington Nationals, 14 of his family members squeezed …
Discussion:
Hot Foot
Curt Schilling / 38 Pitches:
Intent? — You just cannot throw a ball BEHIND someone when you are trying to throw a strike, or even a ball in. A stray breaking ball sure, but that's even rare to impossible. A ball sailing behind a hitter, one that's hit 2 bombs, is a ball being thrown at a guy.
Discussion:
SOX & Dawgs