Top News:
Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com:
Rosters unveiled for 82nd All-Star Game — Three full months are in the books, one week remains before the celebrated midway point and a record 32.5 million ballots are in. — Now, it's time to unveil the All-Stars. — In anticipation for the 82nd All-Star Game in Phoenix's Chase Field on July 12 …
Discussion:
Red Sox Monster and The Good Phight
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Louie Horvath / MLB.com:
Rangers sending caravan to All-Star Game — Starting outfielder Hamilton to be joined by Beltre, Wilson, Young — ARLINGTON — Josh Hamilton, C.J. Wilson, Adrian Beltre, and Michael Young will represent the Rangers in the 2011 All-Star Game, to be played July 12 in Phoenix.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Gregor Chisholm / MLB.com:
Bautista tops all to earn starting All-Star nod — TORONTO — Jose Bautista made history on Sunday afternoon by becoming the first Blue Jays player in history to be named the top vote-getter in fan balloting for an All-Star Game. — Bautista took over top spot when the first round of results …
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports and Batter's Box Interactive …
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TSN.ca:
Jays aim to end Lee's dominance, avoid sweep against Phillies — The Sports Network — (Sports Network) - If the Toronto Blue Jays hope to avoid a three-game sweep at the hands of the Phillies they will have to find a way to get to Cliff Lee who has been nearly untouchable of late.
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com, Associated Press and Canadian Press
Ben Badler / Baseball America:
Mets Sign Venezuelan Catcher Jose Garcia — The Mets have signed Venezuelan catcher Jose Garcia. Bonus terms were not immediately available. — A 16-year-old from San Felipe, Garcia was considered one of the top catchers this year. He's a 5-foot-11, 180-pound switch-hitter with a line-drive swing and good catch-and-throw skills.
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue, MLB Rumors and Mets Merized Online
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Ben Badler / Baseball America:
Padres Sign Jose Ruiz For $1.1 Million
Ben Badler / Baseball America:
Cubs Sign Enrique Acosta For $1.1 Million
Cubs Sign Enrique Acosta For $1.1 Million
Discussion:
Talking Chop, MLB Rumors and Lone Star Ball
Rick Gano / Associated Press:
Phil Humber pitches White Sox to 1-0 win over Cubs — CHICAGO—Phil Humber, backed by strong defense, pitched shutout ball for seven innings and Juan Pierre singled in the only run Saturday, lifting the Chicago White Sox past the Cubs 1-0. — Humber (8-4), who made the team in spring training …
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue and Yahoo! Sports
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Scott Merkin / MLB.com:
Pierre starting to turn on pitches early in count
Pierre starting to turn on pitches early in count
Discussion:
South Side Sox
Ben Badler / Baseball America:
Pirates Sign Elvis Escobar For $570,000 — The Pirates have signed Venezuelan center fielder Elvis Escobar for $570,000. — Escobar, 16, is a 5-foot-9, 165-pound lefty with advanced baseball instincts and feel for hitting. Escobar comes from one of baseball's biggest families.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors, MLB Daily Dish and Pirates Prospects
Joe Kay / Associated Press:
Indians lose Carmona, beat Reds 3-1 — CINCINNATI—Michael Brantley hit a three-run homer and Frank Herrmann took over after Indians starter Fausto Carmona took a tumble, pitching three scoreless innings Saturday for his first big league win in Cleveland's 3-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.
Discussion:
Associated Press and Yahoo! Sports
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Jordan Bastian / MLB.com:
Carmona strains quad while taking tumble
Carmona strains quad while taking tumble
Discussion:
HardballTalk and Let's Go Tribe
Associated Press:
Ross, Braves slam Orioles 5-4 — ATLANTA — David Ross hit his second career grand slam and the Atlanta Braves held on for a 5-4 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday night. — Tim Hudson pitched six innings and Jordan Schafer made a couple of nice plays in center field …
Discussion:
Talking Chop, Camden Chat, Yahoo! Sports and Associated Press
Ben Bolch / Los Angeles Times:
Dodgers GM Ned Colletti not ready to unload just yet — Contenders could be interested in players such as Hiroki Kuroda and Jamey Carroll, yet Colletti says the Dodgers might make a push before the trading deadline. — Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti, shown talking with Manager Don Mattingly …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Associated Press:
Ramirez Homers Twice to Lead Marlins Past Rangers — ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Hanley Ramirez hit a grand slam and solo shot for a career high-tying five RBIs, helping the Florida Marlins overcome Josh Hamilton's two homers to beat the Texas Rangers 9-5 Saturday night.
Discussion:
Fish Stripes and Associated Press
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
McDonald times it right — HOUSTON - Darnell McDonald has been through a lot of disappointments in his professional baseball career. And, boy, would he like to avoid another one. — After watching Mike Cameron get designated for assignment this week, it had to serve as a wake-up call to the 32-year-old outfielder.
Associated Press:
Kotchman, Ruggiano Spark Rays Past Cardinals 5-1 — ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Casey Kotchman drove in three runs with a double and Justin Ruggiano hit a two-run homer during a five-run sixth inning, and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-1 on Saturday night.
Discussion:
Viva El Birdos, DRaysBay and Associated Press
Bob Ryan / Boston Globe:
In outfield, he may have hit upon something — The subject on my mind was the designated hitter, but in the course of research it became apparent that perhaps the more intriguing question was, where have all the great outfielders gone? — People in the game have been kvetching for years …