Top News:
Bill Shaikin / Los Angeles Times:
Angels had interest in reliever Billy Wagner — General Manager Tony Reagins says he continues to explore waiver claims and trades. But Angels could face Red Sox in the playoffs. — Former Mets reliever Billy Wagner went to the Red Sox on Tuesday as the Angels continue to look for bullpen help.
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Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Red Sox-White Sox: Updates — (9:43. Game Over, Red Sox 3, Chicago 2)The good old days returned to Fenway as David Ortiz stroked a walkoff homer to right field, his second of the night. It was Ortiz' 10th walkoff homer, ninth with the Red Sox, breaking the team record his shared with Jimmie Foxx.
John Barone / MLB.com:
Martinez accepts challenge of knuckler — Chicago (63-63) at Boston (72-53), 7:10 p.m. ET — BOSTON — At 30 years of age, Victor Martinez already has quite the Major League resume. — A veteran of 843 career games, he's made three trips to the All-Star Game, finished in the Top 10 …
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Penny done? — There were strong indications the Red Sox were planning a roster move involving Brad Penny. — After the game, the Sox brass, which included owner John Henry, general manager Theo Epstein, director of baseball operations Brian O'Halloran and Terry Francona met with Penny before Francona's post-game press conference.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Paul Elias / Associated Press:
Court: Investigators wrong to seize MLB drug list — SAN FRANCISCO — An appeals court ruled Wednesday that federal agents were wrong to seize the infamous drug list and samples of 104 Major League Baseball players who allegedly tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003.
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Ken Davidoff / Newsday:
Mid-day reading: Hideki Matsui, Ken Griffey, Jr., Oliver Perez and the Nick Swisher bunt — For my Midweek Insider, I asked Hideki Matsui whether he would be all right playing with Ichiro Suzuki. Matsui said yes. Thanks to Sandy for inspiring me to ask the question.
Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com:
Joba to go on regular rest, start Sunday — Yankees look ahead on young righty with eye on innings — NEW YORK — Yankees manager Joe Girardi announced prior to Tuesday's game that Joba Chamberlain will make his next scheduled start on Sunday against the White Sox.
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Matthew Cerrone / MetsBlog.com:
Oliver Perez to have Season-Ending Surgery — Oliver Perez has been diagnosed with patella tendon tendinosis in his right knee and will have season-ending surgery. — ...are you surprised... seriously, i hope you aren't... Perez was examined today by Dr. Altchek at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.
Discussion:
Talking Chop
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Jack Curry / Bats:
Would You Have Asked? — The Yankees were staging a dramatic comeback against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night. They scored four runs in the ninth inning to trim their deficit to 10-9, and they had runners on first and second with no outs. Frank Francisco, the Rangers' closer, was aching to get an out.
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Dan Shaughnessy / Boston Globe:
Covering the bases with Youkilis — He is the Swiss Army Knife of baseball players. The late Billy Mays would have been perfect for a Kevin Youkilis infomercial. — “Youuuuuk! He plays first base! He plays third base! He plays left field! He'll pitch if you want him to pitch!
Jerry Crasnick / MLB:
Starting 9 — September a key month for Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz and several managers — Employed, unemployed or retired in 2010? For some, final month could be key — ESPN.com — September is a time for college dorm openings, Jerry Lewis sightings, foliage tours to begin booking seats …
Tom King / Nashuatelegraph.com:
Defenders locked out of Holman — sports@nashuatelegraph.com — NASHUA - Parked at nearly the same spot at home plate in Holman Stadium where the Nashua Pride era began 11 years ago, a city tractor may have signified the end to the American Defenders of New Hampshire era.
Associated Press:
Howard's Blast In 10th Inning Rescues Phillies — Ryan Howard hit a three-run home run in the 10th inning after visiting Philadelphia's bullpen blew a lead, and the division-leading Phillies bounced back from one of their toughest losses this season to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates, 4-1, on Wednesday night.
Discussion:
Phillies Nation
Doug Miller / MLB.com:
Rockies activate Rincon from DL — Righty headed back to 'pen; Murton designated for assignment — The hot Colorado Rockies got a bullpen boost Wednesday when they reinstated reliever Juan Rincon from the 15-day disabled list. — Rincon, the veteran right-hander, will take the roster spot …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Associated Press:
Yankees blast Rangers 9-2 behind Posada, Pettitte — NEW YORK (AP) — Andy Pettitte (FSY) was sitting at home Wednesday morning, watching the Little League World Series on TV when he saw his name scrolling across the bottom of the screen. — The caption informed him that if Pettitte beat …
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports
Chicagosports / Hardball:
Bradley: I face hatred on a daily basis — Milton Bradley said after Tuesday's loss he's “never” comfortable playing at Wrigley Field. — “It's hard to be comfortable when you don't get a hit and get booed every time,” he said. “When I go home and look in the mirror, I like what I see.
Discussion:
RosenBlog, Yahoo! Sports, Babes Love Baseball, MLB FanHouse, GoatRiders of the Apocalypse and Lone Star Ball
TMZ.com:
Former Mets Pitcher Sued for Balking on a Bill — Just days after being dropped by the New York Mets for being a terrible baseball player, Livan Hernandez had a lawsuit dropped in his lap for allegedly being a terrible payer. — A guy named Franklin Vizcaino — who claims …