Top News:
Pete Caldera / NorthJersey.com:
Steinbrenner says he'll call the shots from now on — If Johan Santana was a free agent this year, you can bet Hank Steinbrenner would not have taken ‘no’ for an answer. — The Yankees only have a bittersweet 16 games remaining in their lost 2008 season, but their course for '09 is about to begin.
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Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Hank riding to the rescue of the Yankees — This should provide comfort to Yankee fans. — “I'm going to be reviewing the entire organization,” Hank Steinbrenner told the AP in Tampa today. “We're going to do everything we can to win next year. We're not going to wait. Do everything we can that makes sense.
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Yankees' Offense at Heart of Team's Problems — When the Yankees splurged last winter to preserve the majors' best lineup, they showered millions on several hitters. Another deal went largely unnoticed: a three-year, $1 million contract for the hitting coach, Kevin Long …
George A. King III / New York Post:
HANK: CASH MAY LOSE POWER — If Brian Cashman wants to return to the Yankees as general manager, he might not have the total power George Steinbrenner gave him in 2005 when he signed a three-year deal worth $5.4 million. — “If Brian stays on as GM, that doesn't mean he won't be the No. 1 guy,” Hank Steinbrenner said yesterday.
Newsday:
Mets' surging Delgado has decent shot to be MVP — So what chance does Carlos Delgado really have of winning the National League MVP award this year? To answer that question, it's important to look beyond the Hudson River to get a better handle on how voters outside New York view Delgado's candidacy.
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Wallace Matthews / Newsday:
It's time for Mets to give Manuel an extension — For the past three months, Jerry Manuel has done right by the Mets. — Now it's time for the Mets to do right by him. — Asked to unite a divided clubhouse, energize a dispirited roster and somehow coax a season of accomplishment …
Discussion:
Mets Merized Online
Adam Rubin / NY Daily News:
For Mets, collapse is so last year — Johan Santana, who hasn't lost since June 28, takes the hill Friday night against Mike Hampton and the Braves — Exactly one year ago, last Sept. 12, John Maine outpitched John Smoltz and the Mets beat the Braves to take a seven-game lead in the NL East with 17games to play.
Gordon Wittenmyer / Chicago Sun Times:
Cubs' Friday, Saturday games postponed due to Ike — ST. LOUIS — The Cubs' games Friday and Saturday against the Houston Astros have been postponed because of Hurricane Ike, but the tentative plan is to get the series in Sunday and Monday in Houston. — Monday originally was scheduled as a day off for both teams.
Discussion:
GoatRiders of the Apocalypse
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Rick Gano / Associated Press:
Marcum, Blue Jays Beat White Sox Again — CHICAGO — Shaun Marcum pitched effectively for 7 1-3 innings and the Toronto Blue Jays broke a scoreless tie with six runs in the eighth Thursday night in beating the Chicago White Sox 6-4 for their 11th win in 12 games.
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Mike Puma / New York Post:
BERNIE TO ATTEND STADIUM CLOSING CEREMONY — Before construction crews literally bring down the house, the return of a Yankees icon figures to serve the same purpose. — Bernie Williams told The Post last night he plans to be at Yankee Stadium as part of the pregame festivities on Sept. 21 …
Kelly Thesier / MLB.com:
Twins tripped up in 10th vs. Royals — Liriano dominant across eight innings, strikes out six — MINNEAPOLIS — Coming off their recent disappointing 14-game road trip in which they won just five games, the Twins had a simple mission: To take advantage of the six games that awaited …
Discussion:
Metrodome Memories
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Mike Puma / New York Post:
WAGNER: I'VE PLAYED MY LAST DAY AS MET — The competitor in Billy Wagner would love to say he'll return late next season and help the Mets win a championship. But Wagner isn't about to make a hollow guarantee. He knows he's done with the Mets. — A day after Tommy John surgery …
ESPN.com:
Earliest reference to baseball found in England — LONDON — Baseball is as American as ... tea and crumpets? — That may be case, according to a diary uncovered in southern England last year but only now being made public. — Julian Pooley, the manager of the Surrey History Centre …
Jeff Passan / Yahoo! Sports:
Young infusion — The voting bloc in the Baseball Writers' Association of America has made some fairly egregious mistakes in selecting awards in the past, all of which its critics dissect with cynical glee. Contrary to some of my peers' opinions, this is a good thing.
Discussion:
Extra Baggs
Ken Mandel / MLB.com:
Phils gain on East, Wild Card leaders — Moyer notches 14th victory; Howard belts 43rd home run — PHILADELPHIA — Jamie Moyer demanded the ball and Ryan Howard made one vanish. — With that, the Phillies made progress on the National League Wild Card side of a two-pronged playoff attack …
Tom Haudricourt / Brewers Blog:
Hart: Brewers “looser” on road — Philadelphia - You wouldn't know it from the way they played in a 6-3 loss to Philadelphia tonight, but Brewers rightfielder Corey Hart said the team feels looser in Citizens Bank Park than back home in Milwaukee. — Apparently, the Brewers were not pleased …
search.japantimes.co.jp:
Tazawa eyes place in major leagues — Right-hander Junichi Tazawa, who helped Nippon Oil to its first title in 13 years at the national corporate baseball tournament that ended Tuesday, will try to sign with a major league club without playing in Japan, baseball sources said Wednesday.
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