Top News:
M.A. Mehta / New Jersey Online:
Joba Chamberlain begins conversion process in 8-0 win over Orioles — On night when Darrell Rasner was brilliant and the Yankees awoke from an offensive slumber, Joe Girardi delivered the most jolting news moments after the post-game handshakes: Joba Chamberlain's much anticipated conversion to a starter has officially begun.
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Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Wang Says Strain Won't Stop Next Start — Brian Cashman was in a meeting Wednesday when he took a call from the Yankees' trainer's room. That is rarely a good call for a general manager to take. — Cashman learned that Chien-Ming Wang, the Yankees' No. 1 starter, had noticed some discoloration …
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Steinbrenner: Yanks down but not out — Co-chairman unhappy with play but optimistic for turnaround — NEW YORK — Hank Steinbrenner said Wednesday that he is “very down” about his team's 20-25 start, but the Yankees' co-chairman remains confident that he is still presiding over a playoff-caliber club.
Kat O'Brien / Newsday:
Joba's future as a starter overshadows Yanks' dominant win — Joba Chamberlain celebrates the Yankees' 8-0 win after pitching the final two innings of the Yankees' win over Baltimore. Manager Joe Girardi confirmed after the game that the process has begun to make Chamberlain a starter.
Discussion:
BBTF's Baseball Primer …
Anthony DiComo / MLB.com:
Wang: Mild calf strain won't keep him out — Yankees right-hander expects to make next start Saturday — NEW YORK — The afterglow of Alex Rodriguez's return on Tuesday lasted only three innings, just time enough for the Yankees to see another superstar, Derek Jeter, go down with an injury.
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Matthew Cerrone / MetsBlog.com:
Recap: Willie Randolph on WFAN — During his interview a few moments ago on WFAN, Willie Randolph told the show's host that many of his comments from the infamous Bergen Record article by Ian O'Conner were intended to be off the record, adding, “But, that's my fault..,I thought I was just blowing off steam.”
Discussion:
Shea Nation
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Jason Beck / MLB.com:
Willis headed to Tigers' bullpen — Left-hander activated from DL, available Wednesday — DETROIT — Dontrelle Willis is rejoining the Tigers, but he's doing so in the bullpen. — The Tigers activated the left-hander from the 15-day disabled list Wednesday, but manager Jim Leyland announced …
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Alan Robinson / Associated Press:
Sheets beats Pirates with 11-hitter — PITTSBURGH (AP)—Ben Sheets limited Pittsburgh to one run despite allowing 11 hits in his second complete game of the season, and Rickie Weeks homered and scored twice to lead the Milwaukee Brewers to a 4-1 victory over the Pirates on Wednesday night.
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Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Fan seriously injured by fall at Turner Field — A Braves fan has serious head injuries after falling from the stands at Turner Field, police said. — The 25-year-old man, who wasn't immediately identified, fell an estimated four levels inside the stadium to field level …
Janie McCauley / Associated Press:
Eveland, Cust lead A's past Rays 9-1 — OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)—From about the time he started driving, Dana Eveland began hearing the comparisons to David Wells. — “If you're a chubby lefty it always gets you the comparison,” said Eveland, whose back is covered in an “EVELAND” tattoo.
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David Pinto / Baseball Musings:Games of the Day — The Tampa Bay Rays go for a sweep …
Discussion:
Athletics Nation
Jason Beck / MLB.com:
Leyland divided on Stanley Cup finals — Tigers' manager has reasons to root for both teams — DETROIT — Tigers manager Jim Leyland has quite a conflict of interest awaiting him as the National Hockey League's Stanley Cup finals begin this weekend not far from here at Joe Louis Arena.
Discussion:
The Daily Fungo
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Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Pedro leaves Mets to be with ill father — Pitcher was to throw bullpen session on Wednesday — ATLANTA — Pedro Martinez's return to pitching in the big leagues has been delayed by a medical episode involving his father. — The Mets pitcher, close to ending his assignment on the disabled list …
Discussion:
Mets Blog
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David Lennon / On the Mets beat: Pedro returns to DR — The Mets have scratched today's bullpen session …
Adam Rubin / NY Daily News:Pedro's test Wednesday
Discussion:
New York Post, The Transaction Guy, NJ.com, MLB Rumors, Associated Press and Shea Nation
Anthony DiComo / MLB.com:
A-Rod loses out on second home run — Slugger's drive appeared to clear fence, but ruled a double — NEW YORK — Alex Rodriguez lost out on a potential home run in the sixth inning of Wednesday's game against the Orioles, when umpires instead ruled his hit a double.
Ross / Yankee Stadium Insider Blog:
“Terry Crowley is lucky he's in f*cking baseball” makes it on the air on YES — UPDATE (9:34 PM): Minor correction. This is still bad for YES, but it was not a producer, or anyone on the YES crew, apparently. It was Earl Weaver in the famous manager's corner clip as an anonymous commenter pointed out.
Joseph White / Associated Press:
Phillies hit 4 home runs in win over Nationals — WASHINGTON - Pedro Feliz's home run landed in the left field bullpen. Shane Victorino put one just inside the left foul pole. Ryan Howard didn't play around at all, launching shots into both decks in right-center.
Kristie Rieken / Associated Press:
Astros' Chacon gets decision, beats Cubs — HOUSTON (AP)—Decisions, decisions—or rather, finally just one. — Shawn Chacon pitched seven solid innings for his first win this season, breaking his major league record streak of nine straight no-decisions to start a season in Houston's 5-3 win over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night.
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs rookie Micah Hoffpauir makes most of 1st career start — HOUSTON — After playing in 613 games in the minor leagues, Micah Hoffpauir finally got his first start in a major-league game Wednesday night, subbing in left field for Alfonso Soriano. — The 28-year-old first baseman is trying …
