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 …
Discussion:
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.
Discussion:
Baseball Digest Daily
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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Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Yankees' Surge Lasts an Inning as Red Sox Beat Them Again — The first inning could not have gone better for the Yankees on Friday. The Boston Red Sox loaded the bases with one out, but Darrell Rasner survived with a pop out and a line out. For a change, the opponent had wasted an opportunity, not the Yankees.
Dan Shaughnessy / Boston Globe:They found a spark — NEW YORK - The Red Sox had to get out of Florida …
Matthew Cerrone / MetsBlog.com:
postGame: Phillies 3 Mets 2 — The Mets (42-44) lost to the Phillies (48-39) by the score of 3 to 2 in Philadelphia tonight. — For a recap, boxscore, stats, etc., go to SNY.tv. — However, in case you missed it, know that Johan Santana looked great, but, for some bizarre reason …
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Rob Maaddi / Associated Press:
Victorino's hit in 9th lifts Phillies — PHILADELPHIA (AP)—Shane Victorino's two-out RBI single in the ninth inning lifted the Philadelphia Phillies over the New York Mets 3-2 on Friday night. — Duaner Sanchez (3-1) retired the first two batters before Pedro Feliz doubled to left field.
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.
Discussion:
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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Tom Haudricourt / Brewers Blog:
Forget the Hardy rumor — A reliable source just told me I could forget the rumors that shortstop J.J. Hardy would be included in a deal for C.C. Sabathia. Just thought I'd throw that out there before too many people freaked out. — These trade rumors get so nutty.
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Chico Harlan / Nationals Journal:
As the trade deadline approaches... Jim Bowden today offered a little insight into the team's strategy as the trading deadline approaches. It's kind of a maverick strategy founded on a simple premise: This season is not worth salvaging ... in any way. Bowden appears very willing to trade …
Discussion:
Nats320
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.
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.
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Brewers brass meets on Thursday — Melvin, Ash and Yost talk, but won't say what was discussed — PHOENIX — For more than an hour on Thursday, Brewers general manager Doug Melvin and assistant GM Gord Ash met with manager Ned Yost in Yost's office. The trio eventually was joined by head athletic trainer Roger Caplinger.
Discussion:
Al's Ramblings
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