Top News:
Mark Bowman / MLB.com:
Smoltz may be facing shoulder surgery — Braves expected to discuss veteran's future at news conference — ATLANTA — John Smoltz has said that he'll be content if he never throws another pitch. Now, just two days after he attempted to alleviate stress on his shoulder with a move to the bullpen …
Discussion:
Hardball Times, Sabernomics, Fox Sports, Phillies Nation, Braves Journal, FanHouse, Talking Chop, Baseball Digest Daily and Walkoff Walk
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David O'Brien / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Smoltz to have season-ending shoulder surgery — Surgery could put career of 41-year-old in jeopardy — John Smoltz will have season-ending shoulder surgery that could also put the career of the 41-year-old Braves pitcher in doubt. — The Braves have called a media conference at 11:30 …
ESPN:
Smoltz to have season-ending shoulder surgery — Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz, who spent five weeks on the disabled list with an inflamed rotator cuff, will have season-ending shoulder surgery. — The report first appeared in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
John Manuel / Baseball America Draft Blog:
Draft Eve News & Rumors — Jim Callis is still making his list and checking it twice for his final mock draft prior to the beginning Thursday of the 2008 Draft. We still are pinching ourselves at BA World Headquarters that the draft is on TV and happy to be part of ESPN's show. …
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Baseball Analysts:
MLB Draft Preview — In anticipation of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on Thursday, it is our intention to discuss several topics today in a blog-type format. — There are a number of talented two-way prospects from the high school ranks that could be selected …
Discussion:
Phillies Nation
Kevin Goldstein / Baseball Prospectus:
Mock Draft 2008 — With 24 hours to go before the selections begin …
Mock Draft 2008 — With 24 hours to go before the selections begin …
Discussion:
Phuture Phillies
Amalie Benjamin / Boston Globe:
Hoping to avoid surgery, Ortiz is cast in uncertainty — The sight of David Ortiz standing in front of his locker yesterday afternoon, clad in a green T-shirt and hard black cast, gave those in the clubhouse a glimpse of just how long this summer might be. While it is possible that doctors …
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Jeff Seidel / MLB.com:
Early miscues doom Perez, Nats in loss — Lefty leaves with tendinitis in twice rain-delayed game — WASHINGTON — By the 16th pitch of Tuesday's game with the Cardinals, starter Odalis Perez and the Nationals were in big trouble. — Perez hit one batter and gave up a three-run homer and an RBI double …
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Mark Hale / New York Post:
JOBA IS STOPPED FOR JAY-WALKING — CHAMBERLAIN'S STARTING DEBUT BRIEF; YANKS FALL FLAT — It wasn't very pretty for Joba Chamberlain. It was simply disappointing. — With back-page hype and a sellout Bronx crowd on hand, Chamberlain's starting debut was far from a huge success last night.
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Jonathan Hale / Baseball Digest Daily:
Joba Time (about 60 minutes of it)
Joba Time (about 60 minutes of it)
Discussion:
The Mockingbird
Kevin Kernan / Where's Kernan?:
JOBA AND THE PITCH COUNT GENERATION — Here are some thoughts on Joba the Starter. — As I sat and watched Joba Chamberlain speak at his press conference, I got the feeling here was another example of a kid being caught up in the hype. This single start became so big, so anticipated that Joba forgot what he does best.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Newest Yankee Just Tries to Blend In — Dan Giese had never been to Yankee Stadium before Tuesday, when he showed up five and a half hours before game time. Giese wanted to see the sights, and he noticed a group taking a tour of the ballpark. He tagged along a few feet behind, careful not to step out of line.
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Art Thiel / Seattle Post-Intelligencer:
Sorry, Mac, but it's time for Mariners to release Sexson — LISTENING TO JOHN McLaren dutifully protect Richie Sexson, I wished I had the Mariners manager on my side in the principal's office after I broke a school window. Not only would the episode shift from intentional to accidental …
Zachary Osterman / MLB.com:
Nats to become even more ‘green’ — Club to host program for environment on Wednesday — WASHINGTON — Major League Baseball's most eco-friendly park will get a little more so on Wednesday when the Washington Nationals host “Get Your Green On,” a one-night program encouraging their fans to be more environmentally conscious.
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Marlins option Tankersley to reduce 'pen — Reliever was 0-1 with a 7.16 ERA in 23 appearances this season — ATLANTA — The Marlins on Tuesday night optioned left-handed reliever Taylor Tankersley to Triple-A Albuquerque. — The team has been carrying 13 pitchers …
Discussion:
FishStripes
Phil Rosenthal / Chicago Tribune:
Zell on Cubs, Leno in last leg of tour — Tribune Co. expects to retain a minority interest in the Chicago Cubs when it sells control of the major league ballclub. It also wants to talk to top-rated late-night comedian Jay Leno, whom NBC plans to replace next year as host of “The Tonight Show.”