Top News:
Dylan Hernandez / Los Angeles Times:
Dodgers' Manny Ramirez suspended 50 games after failing drug test — The suspension, for using what a source says is a female fertility drug, will cost him $7.7 million. Ramirez takes responsibility, while the Dodgers support the testing program and back their star slu
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Yahoo! Sports:
Source: Ramirez's substance a sexual enhancer — Buzz up! — LOS ANGELES - A source close to Manny Ramirez — said Thursday that the illegal substance for which the Los Angeles Dodgers slugger tested positive was not “an agent customarily used for performance enhancing.”
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Bill Plaschke / Los Angeles Times:
Next notice for Manny Ramirez should be an eviction — The slugger is a selfish player who can no longer be trusted. — The best and brightest neighborhood in the Los Angeles sports landscape is a very different place today. — Mannywood has officially gone to hell. — The giddy streets are lined in shadows.
Michael Hiltzik / Los Angeles Times:
Baseball's anti-doping program faces renewed scrutiny in light of Ramirez case — Some officials say the Dodger slugger's suspension shows that Major League Baseball is serious about stamping out doping. For others, it is a reminder that the program has a long way to go.
ESPN.com:
Manny Ramirez of Los Angeles Dodgers will serve 50-game suspension for drug violation — Major League Baseball announced Thursday that Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez has been suspended for 50 games for violating its drug policy. — Ramirez — The commissioner's office …
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Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Manny is latest star to fall under drug cloud; banned 50 games
Manny is latest star to fall under drug cloud; banned 50 games
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Tom Verducci / Sports Illustrated:
Manny reportedly used HCG, gets 50-game ban
Manny reportedly used HCG, gets 50-game ban
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Steve Gilbert / MLB.com:
D-backs to replace Melvin with Hinch — Club dismisses skipper, coach after 12-17 start — SAN DIEGO — The D-backs will name farm director A.J. Hinch as the team's manager Friday, a baseball source said. — Hinch, who has no prior managerial experience, will replace Bob Melvin, who was dismissed Thursday night.
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Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Hinch expected to replace Melvin — SAN DIEGO - Off to an uneven start to a season that was brimming with expectations, the Diamondbacks fired manager Bob Melvin on Thursday night. — Melvin was given the news Thursday night after the team returned from its road trip in San Diego …
Jon Heyman / Sports Illustrated:
Hinch to succeed Melvin as D-backs manager — Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin has been fired and will be replaced by A.J. Hinch, who was Arizona's VP of Player Development, SI.com has learned. — Hinch, 34, played with the A's, Royals, Tigers and Phillies between 1998 and 2004.
Tyler Bassett / KTAR.com:
Bob Melvin to be replaced as Diamondbacks manager — The Arizona Diamondbacks had high expectations for this season and have under-performed, leading to the team making a change at the managerial position. — Sports 620 KTAR's John Gambadoro reports Bob Melvin will be out as manager …
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Sports Illustrated:
AP Source: Melvin out as Diamondbacks manager — PHOENIX (AP) -A person familiar with the decision says Arizona Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin will be fired by the end of the day. — The person told The Associated Press of the decision on the condition of anonymity because it had yet to be announced.
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Rare Collapse by Rivera Sends Yankees to Fifth Straight Loss — When the greatest savior in franchise history crumbled at the end a dismal homestand on Thursday, it was the nadir of the Yankees' rocky season. At least, that is how it would seem. Things can only improve — can't they? …
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John Amato / Pinstripe Alley:
Now Girardi tells us Mariano's shoulder has been bothering him — In the post game show tonight on YES, Joe Girardi admitted that Mariano Rivera's surgically repaired shoulder has been bothering him for a while now. He said it wasn't a major issue, but that it just seems to be a little tired which is affecting his velocity.
MLB:
New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez plays in what could be final rehab game — TAMPA, Fla. — New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez played what could be his final rehab game Thursday, going 0-for-2 with two walks and putting in three innings of defense.
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Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Game 28: Rays at Yankees (updates with A-Rod news: He'll be back tomorrow)
Game 28: Rays at Yankees (updates with A-Rod news: He'll be back tomorrow)
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Associated Press:
Mets jump Moyer, Phillies early to get two-game sweep — NEW YORK (AP) — Carlos Beltran and David Wright each hit a two-run homer in the first inning, and the New York Mets beat the Philadelphia Phillies 7-5 on Thursday night for their fourth consecutive victory.
Keona Gardner / TCPalm.com:
Mets player Angel Pagan arrested for traffic violations in Martin County — MARTIN COUNTY — New York Mets baseball player Angel Pagan has been arrested for traffic violations, according to Florida Highway Patrol arrest report. — On Thursday troopers stopped Pagan, 27 …
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Mets Merized Online