Top News:
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 …
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ESPN.com:
Rays lock up Longoria for six years, $17.5 million — ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Rookie third baseman Evan Longoria and the Tampa Bay Rays agreed Friday to a $17.5 million, six-year contract, a deal that could be worth up to $44 million over nine seasons. — Tampa Bay has a club option …
Marc Topkin / The Heater:
Rays, Longoria reach deal - 9 years, $44-million — Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria, left, and Andrew Friedman, Rays executive vice president for baseball operations, answer reporters' questions at a Tropicana Field news conference today after announcing Longoria's new contract.
Sports Illustrated:
Canseco's ‘Max’ identity revealed … MIAMI — As the Justice Department pursues its perjury investigation of Roger Clemens, Jose Canseco may put his credibility at risk during a scheduled interview with federal agents next week if the author of Vindicated discloses the identity of “Max.”
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ESPN.com:
Report: Feds likely to question Canseco on ‘Max’ — While federal agents are meeting Tuesday with Jose Canseco in connection with their probe of Roger Clemens on possible perjury charges, a person named “Max” might also be part of the conversation. — In “Vindicated,” his second book …
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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Troy E. Renck / Denver Post:
Rockies outlast Padres in 22 innings — SAN DIEGO — This wasn't a game. It was a relationship. — The Rockies and San Diego Padres stayed close for hours Thursday night. Problem is they don't know to break it off. Or break away. — After 6 hours, 16 minutes, 15 pitchers …
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Chimpanzee Rage / Deuce of Davenport:
Marty Brennaman Hates Cubs Fans — To say that Marty Brennaman doesn't like Chicago Cubs fans would be a bit of an understatement. Here's a video with the audio from the Chicago Tribune of Marty Brennaman taking Cubs fans to task for throwing like 20 balls onto the field after a huge Adam Dunn home run at Wrigley Field.
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Dan Tomasino / New York Post:
PHIL'S FALLING FAST — YANKEES' HUGHES NEEDS TO IMPROVE — Phil Hughes is in dangerous territory. The 21-year-old Yankees right-hander will make his fourth start of the season tonight against the Orioles in Baltimore (7:05 p.m., YES, WCBS 880 AM) but already he faces a crossroads.
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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 …
Susan Slusser / SFGate:
Johnson claimed by Tampa Bay - update — From Chronicle Staff Writer Susan Slusser — I just got off the phone with Dan Johnson's agent, who said that Tampa Bay claimed Johnson this morning. Johnson confirmed it, as well. — “It's been a long 10 days,” Johnson said.
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MLB Rumors
ESPN.com:
Joba to miss another game, says dad feels better — BALTIMORE — Joba Chamberlain's father is breathing on his own and feeling better, no longer needing a ventilator but still in critical condition and awaiting more tests. — Chamberlain was to miss his fifth consecutive game Friday night …
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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Gordon Wittenmyer / Chicago Sun Times:
A shirt stop is needed — Offensive image on hot-selling item doesn't reflect positively on city — Kosuke Fukudome didn't have to wait long for the ugly American part of his welcome to Wrigleyville. — A Fukudome T-shirt with a racist image is the hottest-selling item at a souvenir stand …
The Big Lead:
Peter Gammons on Kyle Farnsworth Throwing Behind Manny: “AAA pitchers ... Please.” — Baseball, Boston vs. New York, ESPN, Media Gossip/Musings — Our great commenter Gonzo saw this on ESPN last night and just uploaded it over at Red Lasso. ESPN's Peter Gammons, an occasional Boston homer …