Top News:
Enrique Rojas / ESPN.com:
Source: Youkilis' at-bat reaction led to dugout fight … BOSTON — The emotions from an on-field brawl in Thursday's Red Sox-Rays game may have brought a chemistry issue to light for the defending World Series champs. — Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez and first baseman Kevin Youkilis …
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Boston Globe:
Did Youkilis ignite scrap? — Multiple Red Sox players confirmed yesterday that Thursday night's dugout altercation between Manny Ramírez and Kevin Youkilis resulted from Ramírez objecting to what he believed was excessive - and chronic - complaining about the strike zone …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Marc Topkin / St. Petersburg Times:
Rays try to minimize impact on pitching staff — ARLINGTON, Texas — The Rays won't know the full impact of the suspensions handed down for a few days. — By having James Shields (six games) and Jonny Gomes (five games) appeal their suspensions, which were to begin Friday …
Gary Shelton / St. Petersburg Times:Rays needed to wait on revenge against Crisp
Discussion:
TBO.com, Rays Index, umpbump.com, Hartford Courant, Projo SoxBlog, SOX & Dawgs, Surviving Grady, Babes Love Baseball and DRaysBay
Todd Davis / TEXAS RANGERS:
Texas Rangers cut ties with Sidney Ponson — The latest from Evan Grant: — The Texas Rangers have cut ties with Sidney Ponson for what GM Jon Daniels called “disrespectful and adverse reactions to situations unbecoming of teammates.” He has officially been designated for assignment.
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T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Ponson designated for assignment — Right-hander was 4-1 with a 3.88 ERA with the Rangers — ARLINGTON — The Rangers have designated veteran pitcher Sidney Ponson for assignment because of off-field issues that have arisen in the past few weeks. — General manager Jon Daniels …
Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:Texas Rangers cut ties with pitcher Ponson
Discussion:
TEXAS RANGERS
Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Game 61: Royals at Yankees (and draft news) — YANKEES — Kyle Davies (1-0, 1.80) vs. the New York hitters. — Darrell Rasner (3-2, 2.67) vs. the Kansas City hitters. — Notes: No Posada after his first game back. Not sure why yet. ... Damon has hit in 14 straight at 29 of 60 with 10 RBI and one strikeout. ...
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Peter Botte / NY Daily News:
Hank Steinbrenner: Do your own jobs — Do your own jobs, and stop worrying about Joba. — That was Hank Steinbrenner's strongly worded message Friday for Johnny Damon or any other veteran Yankee who wants to see Joba Chamberlain switched back to the bullpen.
Jack Curry / New York Times:
Home Run Derby Swaps Ortiz for 2 to Be Named — David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox was supposed to try to mimic Babe Ruth during a Call Your Shot promotion in next month's All-Star Game festivities at Yankee Stadium. After the Yankees protested and Ortiz was injured, officials decided to have two players replace him.
Discussion:
Hardball Times
Associated Press:
Padres' Wolf outpitches Mets' Santana — SAN DIEGO (AP)—Randy Wolf pitched seven strong innings and Kevin Kouzmanoff drove in the go-ahead run to lead the San Diego Padres to a 2-1 victory over the New York Mets on Friday night. — The Padres won their third straight game, all by 2-1 scores …
Charles Odum / Associated Press:
Victorino's hit, throw lift Phils in 10 — ATLANTA (AP)—Kelly Johnson's unlikely ninth-inning error gave the Philadelphia Phillies new life. — Shane Victorino took advantage with his bat and arm the next inning. — Victorino drove in the go-ahead run with a triple in the 10th …
Discussion:
crashburnalley.com
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David O'Brien / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:Chipper plans to play a lot longer
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Chicago Sun Times:
Cuban still believes he has a shot at Cubs — Mark Cuban addressed several subjects today while guesting on the “Waddle and Silvy Show” on WMVP-AM (1000). — Here's a transcript of the interview: — Where are you on this whole thing about buying the Cubs:
Jim Molony / MLB.com:
Astros designate Cruz for assignment — Abercrombie to be called up to replace outfielder — HOUSTON — When Jose Cruz Jr. made the Houston Astros roster in Spring Training, it was a dream come true for the veteran outfielder, who always wanted to play for the Astros as his father …
Dylan Hernandez / Los Angeles Times:
Hiroki Kuroda shuts down Cubs — He throws a complete game shutout and Dodgers acquire shortstop Angel Berroa from Royals. — Hiroki Kuroda said he felt he regained something that he lost when he left Japan to play in the major leagues: the ability to deliver every pitch with everything he had …
Discussion:
6-4-2
Jim Callis / Baseball America:
Draft Day Chat With Jim Callis — Q: … A: — Jim Callis: Hi, everyone. Sorry I got tied up there for a moment but I'll make it up to you on the back end of the chat . . . To me, the story of the first day was that the best players went in the first round and that teams didn't let the tough signs after that drop forever.
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