Top News:
ESPN.com:
Beckett goes on DL; tests show only elbow strain — Josh Beckett was diagnosed with a strained right elbow and was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday, retroactive to Aug. 18. — The announcement was made prior to the Red Sox game Friday night against the Chicago White Sox.
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Steven Krasner / Projo Sox Blog:
Beckett elbow exam results: “Awesome” — BOSTON — Josh Beckett had his valuable right elbow examined Friday morning by noted orthopedic surgeon James Andrews, and the results of those tests were “awesome,” said manager Terry Francona. — “Everything came out completely structurally sound,” Francona said Friday afternoon.
Discussion:
SOX & Dawgs
Michael Vega / Boston Globe:
More on Beckett — The news on Josh Beckett is becoming a little clearer.
More on Beckett — The news on Josh Beckett is becoming a little clearer.
Steven Krasner / Providence Journal: Despite his being placed on DL, results of Beckett's elbow exam were “awesome”
Mike Fitzpatrick / Associated Press:
Beckett scratched, to be examined by Dr. Andrews
Beckett scratched, to be examined by Dr. Andrews
Discussion:
Washington Post, Associated Press, SOX1FAN, Hartford Courant, Over the Monster and ShysterBall
Rick Gano / Associated Press:
Soriano's HR helps Cubs run streak to 7 — CHICAGO (AP)—The Philadelphia Phillies may have benefited from an instant replay in the seventh inning. Too bad the rule only is in effect for home run calls. — Ryan Howard was called out on a close play at first, thwarting a rally that helped …
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Associated Press:
Soriano's homer lifts Cubs to seventh straight win — CHICAGO (AP) — Alfonso Soriano hit a tiebreaking homer in the seventh inning, and the Chicago Cubs beat the Philadelphia Phillies 3-2 Friday for their seventh straight win, — Soriano's first homer in 15 days and 23rd of the season came off Clay Condrey (3-4).
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
Jon Heyman / Sports Illustrated:
Why the Yankees are done … Jason Giambi launched a blast and later a game-winning bullet, rocking the aging house for what was surely the last Yankees-Red Sox game at this Yankee Stadium. The heroics by the lame-duck former star at the about-to-be-demolished ballpark salvaged a game …
Discussion:
iYankees
RELATED:
Projo Sox Blog:
Prospect Bowden called up — Red Sox pitching prospect Michael Bowden has been called up to Boston and will make his major-league debut on Saturday. — The 21-year-old right-hander left McCoy Stadium a little while ago and was on his way to Fenway Park. — Red Sox backup first baseman Sean Casey …
Bob Dutton / Kansas City Star:
Royals told Hosmer can't play until union appeal resolved — First baseman Eric Hosmer and the Royals are now officially snagged in the ongoing dispute between the Pittsburgh Pirates and third baseman Pedro Alvarez. — The commissioner's office told the Royals that Hosmer is not allowed …
Jayson Stark / ESPN:
Phillies, in need of left-handed bat, deal for Stairs … The Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to send Matt Stairs to the Phillies for a minor leaguer to be named later. — The trade, first reported by FOXSports.com, gives the Phillies a left-handed bat off the bench to replace the injured Geoff Jenkins.
Discussion:
Washington Post, Bronx Banter, MLB Rumors, Drunk Jays Fans, Balls, Sticks, & Stuff, MLB.com and Baseball Digest Daily Blog
ESPN.com:
Yankees announce pricing plans for new stadium — NEW YORK — Even seats behind the outfield fence will be costly at the new Yankee Stadium. — The front part of the area behind the outfield in right and left will cost $100 and $75 per game next year as part of season-ticket plans at the $1.3 billion ballpark.
Discussion:
WasWatching.com
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Two Yanks Minor Leaguers suspended — Pitchers penalized for performance-enhancing drugs — NEW YORK — Two Yankees pitchers from the Dominican Summer League were suspended for 50 games on Friday for testing positive for banned performance-enhancing drugs under baseball's Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
Arizona Republic:
Diamondbacks acquire pitcher Ledezma … In an effort to continue to bolster their bullpen, the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday announced they have claimed left-handed pitcher Wilfredo Ledezma from the San Diego Padres. — Ledezma will report to the D-backs tomorrow, at which time another corresponding move will be made.
Associated Press:
Astros extend deals for Moehler, Erstad thru '09 — HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros extended the contracts of pitcher Brian Moehler and outfielder Darin Erstad through the 2009 season. — Erstad will make $1.75 million plus bonuses next season and Moehler will make $2.3 million plus bonuses.
Discussion:
The Crawfish Boxes
Baseball America:
Prospect Hot Sheet: Aug. 29 — Is the season almost over already? Brett Wallace may wish that it could go on a little longer. Just a couple of months ago he was playing for Arizona State, now he's in Double-A and leading Springfield to a playoff spot. It's an amazing run …