Top News:
Jonathan Mayo / MLB.com:
Crystal ball: Projecting first 30 picks — It's close, but still no clear-cut choice at the top of the Draft — We're just two days from the Draft and things are getting interesting. — There's still no clear-cut choice at the top of the first round, which makes figuring out the rest of it all the more challenging.
Discussion:
Dem Bums
RELATED:
Steve Henson / Yahoo! Sports:
MLB first-round projections — Nothing gets the ol' pulse racing like relief pitchers and corner infielders. OK, five-tool shortstops do. And filthy left-handed starting pitchers. And athletic catchers with strong bats. And center fielders who throw out runners, hit home runs and steal bases.
Discussion:
Rays Index
Rany / Rany on the Royals:
I Feel a Draft Coming On. — Now that our long national nightmare is over - at least this year's annual nightmare - we can focus on the long term again. Appropriately enough, the draft is in two days. … That's how I opened my draft study from three years ago. Ah, Mark Prior. Those were the days.
Discussion:
Minor League Ball
ESPN.com:
Bartman on hook again? Alou says he had '03 ball — Moises Alou wants to set the record straight — again. — Months after being quoted as saying he would not have caught the foul ball that Chicago Cubs fan Steve Bartman reached for in the eighth inning of the National League Championship Series …
RELATED:
Byron / GoatRiders of the Apocalypse:
Pestilence v. Comcast SportsNet Chicago
Pestilence v. Comcast SportsNet Chicago
Discussion:
ShysterBall
Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:
Time to take series seriously — Rays' standing has a new look — J.D. Drew has a rather flip response to one of his two strikeouts on the night. Orioles pitchers struck out eight overall. (Associated Press) — BALTIMORE - For now, it ranks more as novelty than high drama …
RELATED:
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Ortiz goes on DL
Ortiz goes on DL
Discussion:
Providence Journal, Empyreal Environs, My Pinstripes, LyfLines, Projo SoxBlog, Sox and Pinstripes, Sox Therapy, The Joy of Sox and ShysterBall
Jayson Stark / ESPN:
Dos and don'ts of Joba's transition … It's not as if Joba Chamberlain doesn't know what the first inning feels like. — It's not as if the Yankees have asked him to hit cleanup, right? It's not as if they're trying to convert him to a catcher or something.
RELATED:
Jayson Stark / ESPN:
Stark: Starter's guide for Joba — The transition from reliever to starter can be a tricky one. Curt Schilling and Tom Gordon offer advice for Joba Chamberlain. Jayson Stark — • BBTN Minute: More pressure on Yankees' bullpen | BBTN Clubhouse — • Baseball Today: Orel Hershiser on Joba |
Tracy Ringolsby / Rocky Mountain News:
Latest loss new Lowe point for Rockies — Winless trip continues at hands of L.A. pitcher — Battered in Philadelphia, frustrated in Chicago, the Rockies arrived at Dodger Stadium on Monday afternoon with hope a new series in a new city would provide relief from the struggles they have endured.
RELATED:
DJ Gallo / ESPN:
Kneel before the power of Joba! — (OMG!!!) — This is obviously one of the biggest events in world history. I mean, he's a legitimate prospect ... and he plays in New York ... for the YANKEES! (OMG again!!!) — But is tonight's start the single most important event in the history of the universe?
RELATED:
Larry Dobrow / CBS SportsLine.com:
Joba's big night will be a success — if there are two of him
Joba's big night will be a success — if there are two of him
Discussion:
It is about the money, stupid
Juan C. Rodriguez / Sun-Sentinel:
Ramirez shows signs of breakout — ATLANTA - Hanley Ramirez is trying to get used to the star treatment. — Not only did he receive a contract that compensates him like one of the game's best players for his age, opposing pitchers are adjusting their approach to him.
RELATED:
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Joba ready for rotation debut vs. Jays — Toronto (31-28) at New York (28-29), Tuesday, 7:05 p.m. ET — MINNEAPOLIS — For the first time in his brief Major League career, Joba Chamberlain had a reason to fly ahead of the Yankees. — By the time New York finished a four-game split …
Duk / Yahoo! Sports:
So is Chase Utley chasing Davey Johnson's 42 or 43 HRs? — Ladies and gentlemen, please meet the issue that has lately been creating some confusion. — Just how many homers does Chase Utley have to hit to own the record for most in a season by a second baseman?
Steven Goldman / Baseball Prospectus:
You Could Look It Up — The Dual-Ball Era — Two weeks ago, Joe Sheehan noted the offensive disparity between the two leagues this season: … While it was possible that the early gap would prove to be an aberration, we haven't seen much convergence in the ensuing weeks.
Discussion:
The Biz of Baseball
Amy K. Nelson / ESPN:
Alvarez following in some famous footsteps … At El Nuevo Caridad restaurant in Washington Heights, $12.95 can get you a special of ox tail, rice, pinto beans and lemonade, otherwise known as “the Pedro Alvarez.” And though the dish is not quite as renowned as a “Manny Ramirez” (goat stew) …