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R.B. Fallstrom / Associated Press:
Carpenter sharp, Cardinals beat Dodgers 7-1 — ST. LOUIS—Chris Carpenter allowed four hits in eight innings to improve to 6-0 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the St. Louis Cardinals chased an off-kilter Clayton Kershaw in the fifth inning of a 7-1 victory Thursday night.
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Tony Jackson / ESPN:
Los Angeles Dodgers activate Manny Ramirez from disabled list — ST. LOUIS — As expected, the Los Angeles Dodgers activated left fielder Manny Ramirez from the 15-day disabled list Thursday and immediately inserted him into the starting lineup, batting fourth, for the team's second-half opener against the St. Louis Cardinals.
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R.B. Fallstrom / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
McGwire confident Cards' offense will take off
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TSN.ca:
Ramirez, Cubs clobber Phils — The Sports Network — Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Aramis Ramirez wiped the slate clean from a dreadful first half, driving in four to set the tone of Chicago's 12-6 victory over Philadelphia in the first of four games at Wrigley Field.
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Bruce Levine / ESPN:
Cincinnati Reds' Joey Votto rips Chicago Cubs, passes on congratulations for Marlon Byrd — Marlon Byrd made two big plays to help the National League beat the American League for the first time in 14 years, but All-Star teammate Joey Votto wasn't about to congratulate the Cubs outfielder.
Associated Press:
Yankees plan Friday tribute to Steinbrenner — NEW YORK—The Yankees plan a Friday night tribute to George Steinbrenner when the team returns home for the first time since the owner's death. — The team said Thursday there will be pregame tributes to Steinbrenner and longtime public address …
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Rachel Cohen / Associated Press:
Bob Sheppard's funeral: a majestic voice stilled — BALDWIN, N.Y.—Bob Sheppard considered himself a speech teacher more than a public address announcer, enlightening students about the importance of diction and elocution. — So imagine the pressure of speaking at his funeral.
Charles Odum / Associated Press:
Heyward helps Jurrjens as Braves beat Brewers, 2-1 — The Atlanta Braves' new shortstop, Alex Gonzalez, left, prepares to throw after fielding a ground ball as second baseman Martin Prado looks on during batting practice for the Braves' baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Turner Field in Atlanta on Thursday, July 15, 2010.
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Phil Sheridan / Philly.com:
Braves force Phillies' hand on making a move — On the day major-league teams reassembled in the cities where they will resume their seasons, the Atlanta Braves made a bold statement that should resonate with the Phillies and their fans. — The Braves, back atop the division they owned for a decade, plan to stay there.
Jimmy Golen / Associated Press:
Rangers get off to quick start vs. Red Sox — BOSTON—The Texas Rangers couldn't wait for the All-Star break. — And then they couldn't wait for it to end. — Josh Hamilton took over the major league batting lead with three doubles, helping the Rangers get off to a quick start …
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Ben Badler / Baseball America:
Castillo's $2.2 Million Deal Highlights Seattle's Three Top International Signings — The Mariners have signed three high-profile international free agents, the most prominent being Dominican outfielder Phillips Castillo, who signed for $2.2 million. — Seattle also signed Colombian …
Josh Alper / Fanhouse MLB Blog:
Cardinals Give John Mozeliak a Three-Year Extension — The Cardinals will hold a press conference on Thursday afternoon where they will formally announce that general manager John Mozeliak will receive a three-year contract extension. The news wasn't expected but it doesn't come as much of a surprise either.
Ben Nicholson-Smith / MLB Rumors:
Reds Seek Right-Handed Reliever — The first-place Reds are looking to add a right-handed reliever, according to ESPN.com's Buster Olney (via Twitter). Cincinnati leads the NL Central, but their bullpen (4.45 ERA) could use help. Francisco Cordero, Nick Masset, Logan Ondrusek …
