Top News:
MLB:
Acta says he's been fired — Manny Acta has been fired as manager of the Washington Nationals, he told ESPNdeportes.com's Enrique Rojas on Sunday. — Acta — The Nationals were blanked by the Houston Astros on Sunday 5-0 to go into the All-Star break with the worst record in the league at 26-61.
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nationals dismiss Acta as manager — Announcement expected to be made early today — HOUSTON — About five hours after losing their 61st game of the season, the Nationals dismissed Manny Acta as their manager on Sunday night, according to multiple sources. An announcement is expected as early as today.
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs have interest in ex-Blue Jays closer B.J. Ryan — If they sign lefty, Sean Marshall could return to rotation — Blue Jays catcher Michael Barrett congratulates closer B.J. Ryan after they beat the Twins. in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Paul Battaglia / April 13, 2009)
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MLB Rumors
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Associated Press:
Angels chase Sabathia, complete sweep of Yankees with 5-4 win — ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Derek Jeter doesn't think there's any reason to be alarmed. — GAME REPORT: Angels 5, Yankees 4 — RED SOX ROLL: Beckett's three-hitter leads Sox past Royals 6-0 — The New York Yankees haven't fared …
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Erik Boland / Newsday:
Yankees skid into All-Star break as Angels sweep — ANAHEIM, Calif. - Three days ago, the All-Star break looked like an inconvenience, something that could only serve as a momentum-buster for one of baseball's hottest teams. — Three days later, few teams appear more in need of the time off.
Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
Good, but not yet good enough — To a man — and manager — the Yankees said that getting swept by the Angels was no big deal and that they still had a good first half. — Fair enough. They are 51-37 and if the playoffs started tomorrow, they would be the wild card.
Doug Miller / MLB.com:
Field set, Derby promises to thrill — Newcomers pitted against hometown favorite Pujols — ST. LOUIS — Post positions have been drawn and the horses are just about ready to break from the gate in baseball's favorite Derby. — The 2009 State Farm Home Run Derby field was finalized on Sunday …
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John Barone / MLB.com:
Beckett shuts down KC for 100th win — Sox ace goes all the way, picks up second shutout of '09 — BOSTON — Josh Beckett credited the Red Sox's offense for helping him reach a personal milestone on Sunday, but in truth, it was his teammates who should have thanked their ace.
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Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
World a winner on soggy night in Futures game — ST. LOUIS — Rene Tosoni wonders whether any of his buddies were sober enough to see it, but he captured the MVP award Sunday night in the World Team's 7-5 victory against the USA at the All-Star Futures Game. — FANTASY WINDUP: Mauer's newfound power gets him into Derby
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Baseball America
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Anthony Castrovince / MLB.com:World reigns victorious after final-frame rally
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Bleed Cubbie Blue
Mark Sheldon / MLB.com:
Pitching stumbles as Reds fall to Mets — Harang pulled early; late rally not quite enough in finale — NEW YORK — As far as Reds pitcher Aaron Harang was concerned, the first half of this season can stuffed into a safe and dropped into the East River. — Ditto for the Reds …
Discussion:
Red Reporter
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Jason Grodsky / MLB.com:
Astros option Paulino to Triple-A — Right-hander sent to work on controlling offspeed pitches — HOUSTON — The Astros optioned right-hander Felipe Paulino down to Triple-A Round Rock after Houston's 5-0 win over the Washington Nationals on Sunday. — Paulino allowed four runs over 2 1/3 innings of relief on Saturday.
Marc Stein / MLB:
Report: Pedro Martinez may be on way to Philadelphia — Pedro Martinez may be flying to Philadelphia on Monday, WCAU-TV reported on Sunday night. — Martinez — After arriving, it is believed Martinez will take a physical, which appears to be the final obstacle standing …
Associated Press:
Ludwick's two homers power Cardinals to split with Cubs — CHICAGO (AP) — Ryan Ludwick hit a pair of two-run homers, Adam Wainwright pitched eight strong innings and the St. Louis Cardinals salvaged a split by beating the Chicago Cubs 4-2 in the nightcap of Sunday's doubleheader.
