Top News:
The Times-Tribune:
Robertson to New York — Don't know yet who's coming down, but David Robertson is in New York. Seems like his audition for the eighth inning will begin any day now, possibly tonight. No doubt Robertson earned the opportunity. He has a 1.64 ERA in Triple-A, with 48 strikeouts in 33 innings.
Scott Merkin / MLB.com:
Swisher helps White Sox slam Cubs — First baseman's home run caps seven-run third inning — CHICAGO — The tale of Friday's 10-3 victory for the White Sox over the Cubs, breaking a six-game losing streak against their neighbors to the North, certainly could be told by examining nothing more than the third inning.
RELATED:
Cork Gaines / MLB Rumors:
Billy Beane To Step Down In '09? — According to Tracy Ringolsby of the Rocky Mountain News, the A's assistant general manager David Forst has turned down all interview requests. The feeling is that Forst is expected to take over for Billy Beane as Oakland GM as early as next season.
Jon Blau / MLB.com:
No rhyme, reason for Pedro's struggles — Mets righty not sure why past two starts have been ineffective — NEW YORK — It was not too long ago that Pedro Martinez was promising to make his presence felt in the Mets' clubhouse once he arrived off the disabled list.
Discussion:
You can't script baseball
Josh Kalk / Hardball Times:
A sneak peak at Tim Beckham — Wednesday night I had the fortune of being in attendance for Tim Beckham's minor league debut with the Princeton Rays of the Appalachian League. While Beckham only DH'ed during the game it was great to see the first overall pick in action and see his first hit as a professional.
Jon Heyman / Sports Illustrated:
Will C.C. be traded? (cont.) — For Starters... Here's a rundown of the top starting pitchers who could be available for trade at the deadline ... 1. Sabathia. See above. — 2. Rich Harden. A's GM Billy Beane is always willing to shake things up, and Harden, whom one GM calls …
Dallas Morning News:
Texas Rangers' Gabbard not in control — ARLINGTON - The boos began four pitches into the fourth inning, after Chris Coste ripped a Kason Gabbard pitch into the left-field stands for a game-tying home run. — The frustrated fans would've been well within their rights to boo Gabbard in the third inning.
Roch Kubatko / Baltimore Sun:
Cabrera misses again in O's loss — 2-run 7th foils pitcher, who's winless in June — WASHINGTON - Challenged to name a key to the game last night for starter Daniel Cabrera, Orioles manager Dave Trembley shifted his focus to the batter's box, never a comfortable spot for the Dominican pitcher.
Discussion:
Associated Press
Jim Street / MLB.com:
Batista's health issues surprise Mariners — Right-hander complaining of pain in back and rib area — SAN DIEGO — If veteran pitcher Miguel Batista experiences any sort of physical discomfort, interim manager Jim Riggleman, pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre and the training staff would like to know about it.
Ken Peters / Associated Press:
Park, Ethier lead Dodgers by Angels 6-0 — LOS ANGELES (AP)—Chan Ho Park, back where he had the best years of his career, has been revitalized by his return to the Los Angeles Dodgers. — The 33-year-old Park struck out seven and scattered four hits over his six innings in the Dodgers' 6-0 victory over the Angels on Friday night.
Discussion:
6-4-2
Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:
Crisp suspension reduced — Major League Baseball reduced Coco Crisp's suspension from 7 games to 5. — The punishment, the result of Crisp charging the mound against Tampa Bay earlier this month at Fenway Park, is scheduled to begin tomorrow, which means Crisp would miss the final two games …
RELATED:
Alan Robinson / Associated Press:
Longoria, Hinske HRs power Rays by Bucs — PITTSBURGH (AP)—Home runs to left field, home runs to right, line drives all over PNC Park. The Tampa Bay Rays are fast developing not only into one of the majors' best young teams, but one of the best teams, period.
Baseball America:
Prospect Hot Sheet: June 27 — Early in the season, it seemed like hitters had the upper hand as we compiled the Hot Sheet. But this week, pitchers have definitely gotten their revenge. There's a no-hitter, plenty of double-digit strikeout games, and enough mid-90s fastballs to have hitters quaking in fear.
Discussion:
WasWatching.com