Top News:
Kit Stier / MLB.com:
Damon helps Mussina win third straight — Righty holds Mariners to one run behind outfielder's three hits — NEW YORK — Johnny Damon and Mike Mussina entered this season with something to prove. So far, both Yankees veterans are satisfied with their progress.
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Kit Stier / MLB.com:
Yanks in no rush to demote Kennedy — Not needing fifth starter, club can work with struggling rookie — NEW YORK — The Yankees, manager Joe Girardi said on Saturday morning, are in no rush to make a determination on the immediate future of struggling young right-hander Ian Kennedy.
Andrew Bagnato / Associated Press:
Diamondbacks' Webb improves to 7-0 — PHOENIX (AP)—The Arizona Diamondbacks figure they're going to win every time Brandon Webb pitches. — They didn't expect Augie Ojeda to help make him the majors' first seven-game winner. — Ojeda drove in a career-high six runs to lead …
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Adam Rubin / NY Daily News:
Mets still on fire against the Diamondbacks
Mets still on fire against the Diamondbacks
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
MLB.com:
Philadelphia's Utley named ‘Sharp Presents the National League Player of the Month’ for April — Chase Utley of the Philadelphia Phillies has been named the ‘Sharp Presents the National League Player of the Month’ for April. — The left-handed hitting second baseman hit .360 (40-111) …
Discussion:
Babes Love Baseball
Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Tabata returns from suspension — Have this going in the paper tomorrow. I'm sure some of you have heard the news already. — Double-A outfielder Jose Tabata, considered one of the organization's top prospects, was suspended for three games last week and considered asking the Yankees for his release before returning to the team.
Discussion:
Bus Leagues Baseball
Mychael Urban / MLB.com:
Four errors cost A's, Blanton in opener — Righty goes seven solid innings, but takes the tough-luck loss — OAKLAND — Every year, it seems, the A's have one starting pitcher who can't seem to catch a break. — He's the guy who shatters bats, only to see the jam-shots land safely in the outfield.
Discussion:
Athletics Nation
Dylan Hernandez / Los Angeles Times:
L.A. rips relievers in a rout — Two big innings cause Colorado's downfall in a tough loss at Coors Field. — Los Angeles starting pitcher Brad Penny was walking hitters, the slick glove of Blake DeWitt wasn't so slick, and a four-run lead nearly dissipated into the thin Colorado air.
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Pat Graham / Associated Press:
Dodgers post seventh straight victory
Dodgers post seventh straight victory
Discussion:
BBTF's Baseball Primer …
Associated Press:
23-year vet Franco retires following stint in Mexico — MEXICO CITY — Julio Franco finally called it quits. — The oldest player to hit a home run in the majors announced his retirement from baseball after a 23-year career in the major leagues and stints in his native Dominican Republic, Korea, Japan and Mexico.
Washington Post:
Kazmir's First Start of '08 Comes at Fenway — The Tampa Bay Rays feel like the only thing that can postpone LHP Scott Kazmir's first start of the season is the weather this afternoon at Fenway Park. — The 24-year-old Kazmir, last's season's AL strikeout leader and the ace of a young Rays' staff …
Discussion:
Associated Press
Associated Press:
Monroe, Bass lead Twins over Tigers 4-1 — MINNEAPOLIS (AP)—Craig Monroe hit a two-run homer off Justin Verlander and Brian Bass picked up his first major league win in relief of injured starter Scott Baker, leading the Minnesota Twins to a 4-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Saturday night.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
R.B. Fallstrom / Associated Press:
Cubs demote LHP Hill after wild outing — ST. LOUIS (AP)—Chicago Cubs left-hander Rich Hill was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday less than a day after he walked four and recorded just two outs in a start against the St. Louis Cardinals. — Hill is 1- with a 4.12 ERA in five starts …