Top News:
Dave Skretta / Associated Press:
Pelfrey leads Mets to ninth straight win — NEW YORK (AP)—Jerry Manuel insisted that the All-Star break was coming at a good time for the Mets. A chance to rest a tired bullpen and maybe get some banged up guys back. — Then Carlos Beltran hit a three-run homer Sunday night …
Discussion:
The Musings and Prophecies …
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Joshua Robinson / New York Times:
Castillo Set to Return, but to a Crowded Spot — With a team that has spent much of the season plugging holes in the roster, Mets Manager Jerry Manuel could be in a rare situation next week, at least when it comes to second base. All of a sudden, it seems as if he is going to have options to choose from.
Discussion:
BBTF's Baseball Primer …
Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Pettitte: “We stink” — The Yankees had 32 plate appearances against A.J. Burnett and 25 of them were over in three pitches or fewer. Only four of those were strikeouts. — Joe Girardi defended his players, saying Burnett was able to get ahead of them.
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Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Game 95: Yankees at Blue Jays — YANKEES (50-44) — BLUE JAYS (46-48) — Andy Pettitte (10-6, 3.93) vs. the Toronto hitters. — A.J. Burnett (9-8, 5.23) vs. the New York hitters. — Notes: The Yankees have won five of seven. This is the final game before the All-Star break. ...
Richard Goldstein / New York Times:Bobby Murcer, 62, Yankee on Field and Air, Dies
Discussion:
New Jersey Online, Deadspin, The Weblog That Derek Built, NY Daily News, The LoHud Yankees Blog and Bugs & Cranks
Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Marmol replaces Wood on NL All-Stars — Blister will keep Cubs closer out of Midsummer Classic — CHICAGO — Cubs pitcher Carlos Marmol was named to the National League All-Star team to replace teammate Kerry Wood, who cannot pitch because of a blister on his pitching hand.
Discussion:
The Cub Reporter (TCR)
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La Velle E. Neal III / Minneapolis Star Tribune:
Twins ask Seattle about Beltre — DETROIT - The Twins recently contacted Seattle to inquire about third baseman Adrian Beltre as they look for ways to boost their offense against lefthanded pitching, a club source said. — It's unclear how deep the discussions got, but the Twins decided …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Chico Harlan / Nationals Journal:
Today's lineup, and things that might affect future lineups — Bos and I had a wide-ranging discussion this morning with Nats principal owner Mark Lerner. We talked everything from offseason strategy to federal investigations. — Here is just an excerpt from some of the most interesting things he said...
Will Lingo / Baseball America Prospects Blog:
Bottom 9th: World preserves shutout — The United States put together its best rally of the game, but it still couldn't scratch out a run as the World team preserved a 3-0 victory. — Third baseman Wes Hodges opened the inning with a double, but when Jamie D'Antona and Nate Schierholtz flied …
Discussion:
Unfiltered
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Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Sox in first place at All-Star break — The Red Sox have gone into the All-Star break with a 2-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles before 37,344. They are one-half game in first place over the Tampa Bay Rays, who lost their seventh straight game, a 5-2 decision to the Cleveland Indians yesterday.
Associated Press:
Infield hit in 9th lifts Angels past A's — OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)—Reggie Willits' aggressive baserunning is a result of coaches past and present instilling in him that instinct. Sometimes it's pure luck. — Willits scored from second on Erick Aybar's infield single with two outs …
Joel Sherman / New York Post:
YANKEES MAY BE LOOKING PAST '08 — Opposing teams say the Yankees' strategy right now appears to be to determine if they are truly in the race in the next 10 days, and if so, then act, but only on a smaller scale to land a left-handed reliever or a secondary starting pitcher.
Dylan Hernandez / Los Angeles Times:
Chad Billingsley continues impressive run by Dodgers pitchers — Dodgers starting pitcher Chad Billingsley struck out a career-high 13 batters Sunday against Florida. He gave up five hits and one run in the 9-1 victory. — He strikes out a career-high 13 in a victory over the Marlins …
Discussion:
Associated Press
Associated Press:
Miles' 5 RBIs lead Cardinals past Pirates 11-6 — PITTSBURGH - Aaron Miles drove in five runs with a home run and a triple and the St. Louis Cardinals held off a Pittsburgh comeback this time, beating the Pirates 11-6 today. — Miles got three hits and is batting .344 as a starter.
Discussion:
Where have you gone …
