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Luke Adams / MLB Rumors:
Cliff Lee Rumors: Sunday — Citing rival executives, ESPN.com's Buster Olney (Insider link) says that Seattle GM Jack Zduriencik is searching for a “difference-making hitter” in any Cliff Lee negotiations. Expanding upon a tweet he made yesterday, Olney takes a look at the type of young hitter …
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Mike Silva's …
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Frank Fitzpatrick / Philly.com:
Inside Baseball: Cliff Lee keeps an eye on the Phillies — NEW YORK - Cliff Lee walked into the visiting clubhouse at Yankee Stadium Thursday morning, stopped at the corner locker with his name and No. 36 above it, and craned his neck to see one of the four HDTVs hanging in the middle of the room.
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MLB Rumors
Wallace Matthews / ESPN:
The Boss belongs in Cooperstown — For better or worse, Steinbrenner changed baseball — and should be in the Hall of Fame … NEW YORK — George Steinbrenner will not be at Yankee Stadium for the commemoration of his 80th birthday Sunday. — But his fingerprints will be all over the place …
Jeff Zrebiec / Orioles Insider:
Wigginton makes All-Star team — Ty Wigginton spent spring training wondering about whether he even had role with the Orioles' and those questions only increased when the infielder didn't start the team's first four games. But in second baseman Brian Roberts' absence …
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Boston Globe
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Associated Press:
Lester shines again against Orioles, Sox win 9-3 — BOSTON—Jon Lester keeps piling up wins. He hopes it's enough to earn his first All-Star selection. — Lester pitched seven strong innings to remain undefeated against Baltimore in 12 career decisions, Kevin Youkilis homered and drove in three runs …
Mark Newman / MLB.com:
Star power unveiled for Midsummer Classic — Mauer is leading vote-getter; Pujols leads NL in balloting — On a day of celebration and fireworks far and wide, Major League Baseball fans can now gaze upon a sight that truly inspires oohs and ahhs. — Meet your 2010 rosters for the 81st All-Star Game on July 13 in Anaheim.
Peter Abraham / Boston Globe:
Buchholz headed to DL — Terry Francona just said Clay Buchholz would not pitch in Tampa and is likely to be placed on the DL retroactive to last Sunday. They're not willing to take a chance he really pops that hamstring. — No announcement yet, but Felix Doubront is a good candidate to start on Tuesday.
Kelly Thesier / MLB.com:
Thome passes Killebrew on all-time HR list — DH's second homer of day gives him sole possession of 10th — MINNEAPOLIS — Jim Thome took over sole possession of 10th place on the all-time career home run list on Saturday afternoon after belting career home runs Nos. 573 and 574.
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MLB.com:
Byrd earns first trip to All-Star Game — Center fielder leading Cubs in several offensive categories — CHICAGO — The fans picked their top National League outfielders. The players, managers and coaches chose Cubs center fielder Marlon Byrd. — 2010 All-Stars — AL starters
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Federal Baseball
Bob Baum / Associated Press:
Six Arizona errors help Dodgers to 14-1 rout — PHOENIX—A franchise-record six Arizona errors, three by shortstop Tony Abreu, cleared the way for an 14-1 rout by the Los Angeles Dodgers Saturday night in an exceedingly ugly second game for Kirk Gibson as Diamondbacks interim manager.
Bob Dutton / Kansas City Star:
Bloomquist attracting attention from other clubs as trade deadline nears — Veteran utilityman Willie Bloomquist's recent surge is heightening interest from several clubs in advance of the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline. — The Red Sox and Phillies are looking hard for low-cost additions …
Alan Robinson / Associated Press:
Howard, Rollins lead Phils' 12-4 rout of Pirates — PITTSBURGH—Seven Phillies players are on the disabled list, and the offense was badly underperforming during a slump that was becoming worrisome even to their manager. — This should help. — Ryan Howard picked up Philadelphia's struggling lineup …