Top News:
ESPN.com:
Sources: Nats GM, assistant under investigation … Federal authorities and Major League Baseball are investigating Washington Nationals general manager Jim Bowden and special assistant Jose Rijo for their possible roles in a growing financial scandal involving the signing of players …
Discussion:
Nationals Journal, Associated Press, Fox Sports, MissChatter, Nats Triple Play, The Nationals Enquirer and Bucs Dugout
Marc Topkin / St. Petersburg Times:
Rays ace Kazmir blasts teammates' focus — CLEVELAND — LHP Scott Kazmir accused teammates of paying more attention to their competitors' results than their own play and said that is a primary reason for the Rays' recent struggles. — “We've got to worry about ourselves and concentrate …
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Associated Press:
Rays Drop Fifth Straight — CLEVELAND — Cliff Lee pitched six stellar innings in a warmup for a possible All-Star game start, and the Cleveland Indians defeated Tampa Bay 5-0 on Friday night to extend the Rays' season-high losing streak to five games. — Jhonny Peralta hit a two-run homer …
Ed Price / New Jersey Online:
Yankees sign Eric Milton to minor-league deal — Gernal manager Brian Cashman confirmed the Yankees have signed lefty Eric Milton to a minor-league contract. — Milton, who turns 33 next month, is still recovering from “Tommy John” surgery. He threw on flat ground today in Tampa, Fla. …
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Matthew Cerrone / MetsBlog.com:
postGame: Mets 2 Rockies 1 — The Mets (49-44) defeated the Rockies (39-55) by the score or 2 to 1 in Shea Stadium. — The Mets have won seven games in a row, their longest winning streak since 2006. — For a recap, boxscore, stats, etc., go to SNY.tv.
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Rachel Cohen / Associated Press:
Easley homers, Mets win seventh straight — NEW YORK (AP)—The pain rippled through Damion Easley's leg as he twisted away from an inside pitch. The New York Mets second baseman needed to take a few extra moments before stepping back in the batter's box. — Easley bought enough …
Discussion:
The Musings and Prophecies …
Associated Press:
Halladay's 2-hitter lifts Jays by Yanks — TORONTO (AP)—When it comes to Roy Halladay, Derek Jeter has seen enough. The New York Yankees shortstop considers his American League East rival to be the game's best starter. — Halladay threw a two-hitter and Matt Stairs and Rod Barajas homered …
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David Singh / MLB.com:
Rasner to test new mechanics vs. Jays — New York (49-44) at Toronto (46-47), Saturday, 1:07 p.m. ET — TORONTO — Although Darrell Rasner has struggled to maintain his early-season success, the Yankees starter believes that he may have discovered the root of his recent problems on the mound.
Newsday:
Church: New tests ‘went very well’ — Ryan Church had tests in Cleveland during the past few days, and the results were encouraging enough that the outfielder and the Mets are cautiously optimistic that he'll be able to return to the team, Newsday has learned.
Steve Lombardi / WasWatching.com:
A-ROD & GIAMBI BECOME POP-GUNS IN BIG SPOT? — In an attempt to find some reasons why the Yankees have issues scoring runs this season - when they're not facing the Mariners or Astros - I decided to look at how New York has done, this season, to date, in terms of “slugging” in High Leverage game situations.
Discussion:
The LoHud Yankees Blog
Jason Tsai / NorthJersey.com:
Record columnist hurt in baseball game — Bob Klapisch has pitched for the Hackensack Troasts since 1989 and the Morris Mariners since 1996. — Klapisch was pitching in relief for the Morris Mariners at a Parsippany baseball field when a ground ball took an errant hop and caught …
Associated Press:
Boy injured at Wrigley expected to live — CHICAGO (AP)—Doctors and family members say a 7-year-old boy who fractured his skull when he was struck by a foul ball at Wrigley Field was recovering and expected to live. — Dominic DiAngi of suburban Frankfort was sitting behind …
Jon Heyman / Sports Illustrated:
Diamondbacks, Cardinals lead pursuit of Pittsburgh's Bay … The Diamondbacks and Cardinals are among the most ardent pursuers of Pirates star outfielder Jason Bay, SI.com has learned. — The Mets and Rays, who also seek an outfielder, are among other teams thought to have checked in with the Pirates.
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