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.
Chico Harlan / Nationals Journal:
Acta Fired As Washington Nationals Manager — [UPDATE] — Read the updated news story here. — In the middle of his third season as manager, Manny Acta has been fired by the Washington Nationals, a source with knowledge of the situation said tonight. Asked in an e-mail about his job status …
Mark Feinsand / NY Daily News:
Yankees pitching prospect Sergio Mitre makes strong case for rotation spot — ANAHEIM - The Yankees plan on discussing their fifth starter situation during the All-Star break, but Sergio Mitre may have helped make that decision a little easier Sunday. — Mitre tossed eight shutout innings …
Discussion:
iYankees
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Peter Abraham / The Journal News:
Girardi will rotate outfielders after break — ANAHEIM, Calif. — Joe Girardi benched Johnny Damon and Nick Swisher yesterday and announced plans to use all five of the team's outfielders after the All-Star break. — “As I told all the outfielders today, we have five guys who are playing pretty good …
Spencer Fordin / MLB.com:
Bergesen closes first half in fitting style — Starter allows two runs in victory; Roberts rips two RBIs — BALTIMORE — They thought he was ready, but they never thought he'd already be their ace. Rookie starter Brad Bergesen ended his first half in fine style Sunday …
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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)
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 …
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com, MLB Rumors, The 'Ropolitans, MLB Daily Dish, Seven Train to Shea Mets Blog and Phillies Nation
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Todd Zolecki / The Zo Zone:
Like Cheesesteaks, Pedro? — Pedro Martinez will fly to Philadelphia today to take a physical today or tomorrow, a source confirmed. — If Martinez passes, expect him to sign with the Phillies in the next few days. — The Phillies watched Martinez throw twice last week at the team's baseball academy in the Dominican Republic.
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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Anthony Castrovince / MLB.com:
World reigns victorious after final-frame rally — Four runs score in seventh of rain-shortened Futures Game — ST. LOUIS — The future looks bright. But first, it looked wet. — A four-hour rain delay might have knocked a couple innings off Sunday's XM All-Star Futures Game on Sunday …
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Bob Nightengale / USA Today:World a winner on soggy night in Futures game
Discussion:
Baseball America
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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Ian O'Connor / NorthJersey.com:
Citi is the wrong field for Wright — NEW YORK - David Wright had just crushed a double, a run-scoring double at that, and yet through his smeared eye black he wore the expression of a 12 year old just informed his X-Box was on the blink. — This was the perfect scene to capture the Mets at the All-Star break.
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Matt Ryan / We're the Team to Beat:Apple Malfunctions at Citi Field
Discussion:
Can't Stop The Bleeding
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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Bloomberg:
Chicago Cubs Bankruptcy Looms as Way to Finish Sale by Tribune — The Chicago Cubs may become the first Major League Baseball team in 39 years to file for bankruptcy as Tribune Co. seeks to sell the franchise after months of negotiations. — Tribune sought Chapter 11 protection in December.
Chris De Luca / NW Indiana Post-Tribune:
Writers should end Hall of Fame vote — ST. LOUIS — Don't look for Manny Ramirez to do any damage to the Big Mac Land sign at Busch Stadium during All-Star festivities this week. As White Sox broadcasting legend Hawk Harrelson would say, after 11 consecutive trips to the All-Star Game, “He gone.”
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THE BOOK
