Top News:
Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Game 53: Yankees at Orioles — YANKEES — ORIOLES — Andy Pettitte (4-5, 4.27) vs. the Baltimore hitters. — Jeremy Guthrie (2-5, 3.62) vs. the New York hitters. — and just for kicks ... Jobamania vs. the Baltimore hitters — Notes: RHP Chris Britton is here.
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Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Well-traveled Britton recalled to Yanks — Reliever going to be used more frequently, says Girardi — BALTIMORE — To this point in the big league season, Chris Britton hasn't had the opportunity to do much but amass frequent traveler miles. Now serving his fourth stint with the Yankees this year …
Mark Feinsand / NY Daily News:
Yankees pitching gets Joba done — BALTIMORE - Starting next week, there might be some new Joba Rules. — Joba Chamberlain made what was likely his final relief appearance Wednesday night, combining with Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera to lead the Yankees to a 4-2 win, salvaging the final game of the three-game set.
Discussion:
The Bronx Stop
Mark Sheldon / MLB.com:
Reds option Patterson to Minors — Infielder Phillips promoted from Triple-A Louisville — CINCINNATI — Struggling center fielder Corey Patterson was optioned to Triple-A Louisville by the Reds on Wednesday. — The contract of infielder Andy Phillips was selected from Louisville to replace Patterson.
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Associated Press:
Reds send slumping Patterson down to minors … CINCINNATI (AP) — Slumping Reds center fielder Corey Patterson was optioned to Triple-A Louisville Wednesday, with Cincinnati hoping he will work the kinks out of his swing. — Patterson pinch hit and flied out Tuesday night in a 9-6 win over Pittsburgh …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Paul DePodesta / It Might Be Dangerous:
Baek for Wells — This is precisely why this forum exists! — I've gotten a number of questions/comments about this trade already, so I'll provide a quick view into our thinking. — Cha Seung Baek is a 6'4", 225 lb, 28-year old (turns 29 tomorrow) RHP from Pusan, Korea.
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Jerry Crasnick / ESPN:
Some familiar faces still looking for work … Craig Biggio left Major League Baseball on his own terms. He joined the 3,000-hit club last June, took a farewell tour with the Astros and retired at the end of the 2007 season. Now he's ready to embrace a new role as coach of his son Conor's baseball team …
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Enrique Rojas / ESPN.com:
Reports: Sosa plans to retire after 2009 WBC
Reports: Sosa plans to retire after 2009 WBC
Discussion:
Baseball Digest Daily
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Dice-K to be examined Friday — SEATTLE - Daisuke Matsuzaka will likely accompany the team to Baltimore tonight and then shoot off to to Boston Friday to visit with team physician Dr. Thomas Gill and also be given a precautionary MRI in his ailing right shoulder.
Discussion:
SOX1FAN
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Mark Newman / MLB.com:
Fans to pick games for Yankees DVD — Voting for Yankee Stadium tribute is under way — The mission: Vote now to decide which games should be included in the “Essential Games of Yankee Stadium” DVD that will come out later this year. — The problem: You can choose only five.
Joe Cowley / Chicago Sun Times:
Ozzie's patience tested, Cabrera should take note — CLEVELAND — Ozzie Guillen's baby-sitting service is officially closed. — Are you listening, Orlando Cabrera? — The never-boring world of the White Sox manager was yet again filled with one drama after another on Tuesday …
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Associated Press:
Galarraga, Thames lead Tigers by Angels — ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP)—Armando Galarraga came within two outs of his first complete game and shutout in the majors, Marcus Thames hit two homers and the Detroit Tigers beat the Los Angeles Angels 6-2 on Wednesday night to avoid a three-game sweep.
Discussion:
Bless You Boys
Associated Press:
Pedro almost as sharp as Price in Class A start — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — New York Mets ace Pedro Martinez pitched six sharp innings in a Class A start Wednesday night, staying on track to return to the majors next week. — The three-time Cy Young winner strained his left hamstring …
Gregg Bell / Associated Press:
Bedard 2-hits Red Sox in 7, M's win 1-0 — SEATTLE (AP)—Fastballs that flew past Boston's flailing bats. Curves sharp enough to break the will of the Red Sox. Then, diving cut fastballs and tricky changeups. — So this is why Seattle traded five players to Baltimore for Erik Bedard.
Discussion:
Red Sox Monster
Boston Globe:
Sox lose again — SEATTLE - The Red Sox are now 1-5 on the West Coast leg of this 10-game road trip. — The Sox bowed to the Mariners 1-0 at Safeco before 30,752 as the trio of Erik Bedard, Brandon Morrow and J.J. Putz held the Red Sox to two hits wasting a nice performance by Tim Wakefield who went 8 innings in the loss.
Discussion:
Surviving Grady
Alyson Footer / MLB.com:
Borkowski odd man out for Astros — Reliever designated for assignment following Tuesday's game — ST. LOUIS — Dave Borkowski knew the Astros had to make a roster move before Wandy Rodriguez took the mound on Wednesday, so he wasn't all that shocked when manager Cecil Cooper called …
Doug Tucker / Associated Press:
Twins' rally extends Royals' skid to 10 — KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)—This one hit the Kansas City Royals like a sucker punch to the belly, and perhaps planted the seeds of an ugly clubhouse rebellion. — Craig Monroe's three-run homer with two out in the ninth capped a five-run rally …
John Lowe / Detroit Free Press:
Guillen battling painful case of hemorrhoids; Fearless Dolsi impressing Leyland — There's a reason Carlos Guillen had a rough game — including two errors — Monday night at third base. “He can hardly move — he's got hemorrhoids so bad,” Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Tuesday.