Top News:
Bob Klapisch / NorthJersey.com:
Time for Yanks to face reality — The manager berated the Yankees for failing to capitalize on back-to-back walks to Johnny Damon and Derek Jeter. — The manager berated the Yankees for their listless at-bats in what was supposed to be a showdown weekend against their division rivals.
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Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Yanks' quiet loss spurs loud meeting — Subpar Pettitte combines with dormant offense to irk Girardi — NEW YORK — The doors to the Yankees' clubhouse were ordered shut on Thursday evening, remaining closed for more than 30 minutes as manager Joe Girardi took his entire roster to task for its lack of consistency on the field.
John Harper / NY Daily News:
Harper: Yankee stars didn't come through — Joe Girardi can have all the meetings he wants, and the Yankees can talk about being embarrassed all they want, but in games like these, big games the Yankees desperately need if they are ever going to look like a contender this season, they have to be able to count on their stars.
Dan Shaughnessy / Boston Globe:
They found a spark — NEW YORK - The Red Sox had to get out of Florida to find an easy game. They had to come to the Bronx to find a patsy. — Talk about your alternative universe. — A safe distance from the Big, Bad Trop Dome and those devilish Rays, the Red Sox got back on message …
Bill Shanks / Scout.com:
First on The Braves Show: Francoeur to AA — The Atlanta Braves have sent outfielder Jeff Francoeur to AA Mississippi. Jason Perry will replace Francoeur on the Atlanta roster. — The Braves Show.com has learned the Atlanta Braves have sent struggling outfielder Jeff Francoeur to Double-A Mississippi.
Discussion:
Baseball Digest Daily
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Mark Bowman / MLB.com:
Braves option Francoeur to Double-A — Outfielder sent down to Mississippi to recover, refine swing — ATLANTA — There was a time when it seemed unfathomable to believe Jeff Francoeur would ever be sent back to the Minors. But over the next two weeks, the struggling outfielder will return …
Discussion:
Rain Delay
Bart Hubbuch / New York Post:
SKIDDING METS A REAL FIGHT CLUB — HERNANDEZ, REYES NEARLY COME TO BLOWS ON PLANE — ST. LOUIS - Jose Reyes and Keith Hernandez had to be separated on the Mets' charter plane Sunday night after a tense confrontation over Hernandez's critical comments about the All-Star shortstop.
Anthony Castrovince / MLB.com:
Borowski designated for assignment — Indians to go with closer-by-committee in wake of decision — CLEVELAND — The Joe Borowski era has ended for the Indians. — Looking to repair their battered bullpen and get a better read on what the future holds, the Indians designated the veteran Borowski for assignment on Friday.
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Brewers stunned in ninth by D-backs — Parra's gem spoiled as Arizona scores six times in last at-bat — PHOENIX — Judging by the silence in the Brewers clubhouse Thursday afternoon, no one had the right words to describe what had just happened. — Some guys tried. — “Incredible,” starter Manny Parra said.
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Tom Haudricourt / Brewers Blog:
Stars aligned for Sabathia deal — Here are 10 reasons why I believe the stars are aligned for the Brewers to trade for Cleveland ace C.C. Sabathia, possibly very soon: — 1. The Brewers haven't been to the playoffs for 26 years and are desperate to make a move now to end that drought.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
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Denver Post:
Helton's back forces him to take time off — Late Wednesday night, Todd Helton moved gingerly through the Rockies clubhouse. It was clear his problematic lower back was acting up. — “It's just worse than usual,” Helton said. — In an unusual move, Helton left Wednesday's game before the eighth inning.
Discussion:
Purple Row
Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Game 87: Red Sox at Yankees — YANKEES (45-41) — RED SOX (51-37) — Josh Beckett (7-5, 3.65) vs. the Yankee hitters. — Darrell Rasner (4-6, 4.42) has never faced any of the Red Sox hitters. — Notes: Happy Fourth of July everybody. Hope you enjoy some time with your friends and family along with the baseball.
Jim Molony / MLB.com:
Inside Pitch: Garcia on comeback trail — Right-hander expects to be fully healthy; could help contender — Freddy Garcia took another step toward returning to the mound this week and could be ready to help a contender by the end of August. — “I saw him pitch this week and he's at 75-80 percent …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Kearns back in action for opener — Right fielder activated from disabled list in time to face Reds — CINCINNATI — The Nationals activated right fielder Austin Kearns from the 15-day disabled list and optioned infielder/outfielder Kory Casto to Triple-A Columbus on Thursday.
Discussion:
Federal Baseball
