Top News:
Carroll Rogers / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Braves demote Francoeur to Class AA Mississippi — ‘I do not agree with this,’ struggling outfielder says — The Braves have sent struggling right fielder Jeff Francoeur to AA Mississippi, and the homegrown talent is not happy about it. — “This has really put a damper on my relationship …
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Braves Journal
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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.
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Baseball Digest Daily
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 …
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Rain Delay
Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Game 87: Red Sox at Yankees — 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.
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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.
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.
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Associated Press:
Tribe cuts struggling Borowski, '07 AL saves leader — CLEVELAND — Indians closer Joe Borowski, last year's American League saves leader, was designated for assignment on Friday. — The right-hander blew his fourth save in 10 chances on Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox, and was 1-3 with a 7.56 ERA in 18 games this season.
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Mets Today
MiamiHerald.com:
Uggla could return during trip — DENVER — Injured second baseman Dan Uggla hit in the batting cage and did some light jogging before Thursday's game at Coors Field and felt fine afterward. — “I've obviously been really, really anxious to do something,” said Uggla, who sprained his left ankle against Arizona on Saturday.
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Mike Berardino / Sun-Sentinel:
Achy Uggla passes first test — DENVER - Dan Uggla missed his fifth straight game with a sprained left ankle Thursday, but the Marlins' second baseman was still encouraged. — Uggla did some light jogging during the afternoon at Coors Field and took some flips in the indoor batting cage.
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FishStripes
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.
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.
Clark Spencer / MiamiHerald.com:
Marlins on verge of dubious record — The Marlins haven't had a pitcher throw a complete game in nearly two years, and could set a record if Scott Olsen doesn't go the distance Friday night. — Facebook — AIM — cspencer@MiamiHerald.com — If pitcher Scott Olsen doesn't finish …
Discussion:
FishStripes
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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