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Kiley McDaniel / Unfiltered:
The July 2nd Liveblog — As I discuss in today's article, I'm not even sure what to expect as far as players that will sign today and what information will be available. That being said, I already have one confirmed signing, and it's a big one, so I figured it would be worth throwing …
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Jorge Arangure / MLB:
Aroldis Chapman, top Cuban pitcher, defects — Aroldis Chapman, a Cuban considered by many scouts to be the best left-handed pitching prospect in the world, has defected from the national team, several sources have confirmed to ESPN The Magazine. — Chapman, 21, walked out of his hotel in Rotterdam …
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NY Daily News:
Ex-Yankee Jim Leyritz arrested again — Fallen Yankee hero Jim Leyritz was busted early Thursday on charges of beating up his ex-wife. — Leyritz went ballistic and dragged Karrie Leyritz out of bed and socked her twice because she'd written a check without his permission, police said.
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Associated Press:
Leyritz charged with battery — DAVIE, Fla. — Authorities say former major leaguer Jim Leyritz has been arrested and accused of battery in South Florida. — The arrest comes about two months before he faces a trial on a DUI manslaughter charge. — Broward County Jail spokeswoman Keyla Concepcion …
Yahoo! Sports:
Source: Cubs deal for Rockies' Baker — The Chicago Cubs have acquired Jeff Baker — from the Colorado Rockies, according to a source close to the club. — It is unclear who the Rockies will receive in return for Baker or the Cubs' plans for him. — Baker, an infielder …
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Associated Press:
Chicago Cubs deal for Jeff Baker of Colorado Rockies, cut Ryan Freel loose — CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs have acquired infielder Jeff Baker from the Colorado Rockies for minor league right-handed pitcher Al Alburquerque and designated infielder Ryan Freel for assignment.
Jared Diamond / MLB.com:
Choosing when to rest A-Rod a puzzle — New York (45-32) vs. Seattle (39-38), 7:05 p.m. ET — NEW YORK — Yankees manager Joe Girardi knows he eventually needs to rest Alex Rodriguez. He has seen firsthand what happens when Rodriguez plays too often while recovering from right hip surgery …
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MLB.com:
All-Star rosters expand to 33 players — NL and AL will each carry a 13th pitcher on staffs — Major League Baseball moved on Wednesday to alleviate a nagging problem, expanding All-Star rosters for the July 14 game in St. Louis to include one more pitcher, for a total of 33 players on each squad.
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Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Hanley records RBI in 10th straight game — Shortstop's streak the longest in the Majors in 2009 — MIAMI — Hanley Ramirez's RBI rampage continues. — The Marlins shortstop dropped a two-run double in the third inning off Washington's Jordan Zimmermann, extending his club-record string …
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Evan Grant / Dallas Sports:
Club Officials Go Silent Over Chatter Major League Baseball Has Loaned Texas Rangers Money — UPDATED, 9:10 a.m. CDT to indicate it is Hicks Sports Group, not Tom Hicks personally, that is struggling with debt issues. — ARLINGTON - Amid increased internet chatter Wednesday that Tom Hicks' sports group …
Bill Plunkett / Orange County Register:
Blunders cost Angels in loss to Rangers — The biggest mistake of the night might have been made in the dugout. — Recommend — ARLINGTON, TexasThis one was a beauty all right — but it was no beauty contest. — “It was ugly,” Angels outfielder Torii Hunter said of the team's 9-7 loss …
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Rany / Rany on the Royals:
Banned! — Whew. — As those of you who follow me on twitter (@jazayerli) know, the Royals are PISSED OFF at me right now. Let's just say you won't hear anyone from the front office on my radio show anytime soon. — I confess to being surprised that after years of being critical …
Bruce Jenkins / Bruce Jenkins' Three Dot Blog:
On Mullin, Bad Words and Hypocrites — It seems like a natural fit: Chris Mullin, New York guy and deposed general manager of the Warriors, going back to his home town for a job in the Knicks' front office. I just wonder if Mullin, having taken a hard look at the scene, wants to make that move.
Mike Puma / New York Post:
BRUNEY WON'T CRY IF HE LOSES EIGHTH-INNING ROLE — Brian Bruney isn't launching a campaign to keep his eighth-inning job. — The inconsistent Yankee reliever yesterday stopped short of saying he'd welcome a new role, but also made it known he wouldn't lose sleep if manager Joe Girardi …
Sports Illustrated:
MLB teams raid international market … Approximately 40 percent of the players in organized baseball were born outside the United States. Most of those players sign during the summer when they are 16 years old, a signing bonanza that begins annually on July 2.
Gordon Edes / Yahoo! Sports:
Mets might be on a road to nowhere — Buzz up! — Magic bus? Jerry Manuel's decree that the New York Mets all share a ride to the ballpark Wednesday morning in Milwaukee probably beat the alternative - 25 players, 25 cabs. At least it reduced the chances of anyone repeating …
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
D-Backs scouting Red Sox — The Arizona Diamondbacks spent a lot of time scouting the Red Sox during the Atlanta and Baltimore series. While it could merely be normal coverage assignments with nothing cooking, the D-Backs might have a player who could be appealing to the Red Sox.
Henry Wofford / msnbc.com:
Personal struggle leads Snell back to Indianapolis — Indianapolis - A former major league pitcher is back in Indianapolis following a tough personal battle. — Ian Snell returned to Indianapolis last week, back to the friendly confines of Victory Field. — “It's something about this stadium that brings out the best of me.
Jeff Passan / Yahoo! Sports:
Mauer's best rap is with a bat — Buzz up! — Joe Mauer — is from Minnesota. He is white. He plays Major League Baseball. He is considered something of a pretty boy. None of these four things outlaws him from practicing his secret hobby. All of them combined into one 6-foot-5 …
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Hardball Times