Top News:
David Waldstein / New York Times:
A Trade About Money, Not Manpower — Francisco Rodriguez's recent change of agents helped hasten his trade to the Milwaukee Brewers, a critical deal that at least marginally enhances the Mets' ability to re-sign Jose Reyes. — Rodriguez hired Scott Boras to represent him this month …
Discussion:
Bats
RELATED:
Ian Begley / ESPN:
GM: Mets not giving up on 2011 — NEW YORK — If you think the Francisco Rodriguez trade is a sign that the New York Mets have given up on the 2011 season, think again. — That was the message from Mets general manager Sandy Alderson less than 24 hours after he pulled the trigger on a deal …
Discussion:
Associated Press and Yahoo! Sports
ESPN:
Brewers get closer Francisco Rodriguez
Discussion:
Pinstriped Bible …, Associated Press, Fox Sports, Amazin' Avenue, lenNY's Yankees and Sports Illustrated
Fox Sports:
Sources: K-Rod didn't see trade coming
Discussion:
MLB Rumors, Baseball Crank, baseballmusings.com and Baseball Time in Arlington
JSOnline:
Melvin explains K-Rod deal
Discussion:
FanGraphs Baseball, CloserNews, MLB Daily Dish and Al's Ramblings
ESPN:
Christian Lopez gets plenty of help — One good turn deserves another, and another, and another. — Christian Lopez, a 23-year-old cellphone salesman from Highland Mills, N.Y., decided to return Derek Jeter's 3,000th hit ball Saturday instead of trying to cash in.
Discussion:
HardballTalk, Seattle Mariners blog, River Avenue Blues and Sliding Into Home
RELATED:
ESPN:
Christian Lopez won't pay taxes — If the fan who returned Derek Jeter's 3,000th hit ball has to pay taxes on the goods he received from the New York Yankees, companies are ready strike out his debt. — Christian Lopez, a 23-year-old cellphone salesman from Highland Mills, N.Y., scooped up the milestone baseball on Saturday.
Discussion:
Associated Press and Yahoo! Sports
Associated Press:
Jaime Garcia signs with Cardinals — ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Cardinals solidified their rotation for the future Wednesday, signing left-hander Jaime Garcia to a four-year contract extension with club options for a fifth and sixth season. — “Jaime is one the best young arms in baseball,” general manager John Mozeliak said.
Discussion:
FanGraphs Baseball and MLB Daily Dish
RELATED:
Tim Dierkes / MLB Rumors:
Cardinals Sign Jaime Garcia To Four-Year Deal — The Cardinals announced that they signed Jaime Garcia to a four-year deal with two club options, according to the Associated Press (via ESPN). Jon Heyman of SI.com reports that the deal is worth $27.5MM in guaranteed money (Twitter link).
Discussion:
Associated Press, Baseball Nation, HardballTalk and baseballmusings.com
Eric Nusbaum / Deadspin:
The 100 Worst Baseball Players Of All Time: A Celebration (Part 1) — Eric Nusbaum — This is a celebration. I realize that sounds strange—compiling a list of the worst of something doesn't seem like a joyous occasion. But by worst 100 baseball players I don't just mean the objective worst …
Discussion:
HardballTalk, Seattle Mariners blog, NESN.com, JSOnline and Baseball Crank
Larry Brown Sports:
Joe Buck Cites Willie Mays ‘Interview’ from Wall Street Journal that Never Happened — FOX MLB announcer Joe Buck was providing commentary during the All-Star Game about several players skipping the Midsummer Classic. Buck was obviously dissatisfied that so many players elected not to partake in the game …
Discussion:
NESN.com and HardballTalk
RELATED:
James Kannengieser / Amazin' Avenue:
Transcript Of Justin Timberlake Trolling Joe Buck On Live Television During The All Star Game (Now With Video!)
Discussion:
Angels blog, Boston Sports Media Watch, HardballTalk and Baseball Nation
Jason Gay / Wall Street Journal:
Absent All-Stars Can Learn From Willie
Discussion:
Larry Brown Sports
Kevin Baxter / Los Angeles Times:
Kirk Gibson's passion spills over to Diamondbacks players — In his first full season as Arizona manager, the former All-Star outfielder known for a fiery disposition is making the team a winner with a blend of toughness and flexibility. — Arizona Diamondbacks Manager Kirk Gibson has steered his team toward the top of the NL West.
Discussion:
AZ Snake Pit
Daniel Barbarisi / Wall Street Journal:
The Yankees on the Yankees — We Asked the Tough Questions: Who'd Win ‘Jeopardy’? Who Has Your Back in a Brawl? Who Would Be Class President? — Photo Illustration by Patrick Conlon / The Wall Street Journal; Everett Collection, Southcreek Global/Zuma Press — Nobody knows a baseball player like his teammates.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors, River Avenue Blues, ESPN and NESN.com
Jim Callis / Baseball America:
Prospects Chat With Jim Callis — Moderator: Jim Callis will answer your draft, prospects and major league questions beginning at 3 p.m. ET. — Steve Dakota (Orlando,Fl): Does Matt Moore have better overall ‘stuff’ than Clayton Kershaw? How do they compare?
Associated Press:
New low for All-Star Game ratings — PHOENIX (AP) — Baseball's All-Star game has drawn a record-low rating for the second straight year. — The National League's 5-1 win Tuesday on Fox earned a 6.9 rating and 12 share. That's down 8 percent from the 7.5/13 in 2010.
Discussion:
NESN.com
Associated Press:
Mark Prior pitches in game — TAMPA, Fla. — New York Yankees right-hander Mark Prior is back pitching after missing almost three months because of a strained groin. — The converted reliever said it was a step in the right direction Wednesday after allowing an unearned run and one hit …
Discussion:
MLB and HardballTalk
Carroll Rogers / Atlanta Braves:
Braves to shut down Medlen for six weeks — What the Braves thought was a minor setback for Kris Medlen in his recovery from elbow reconstruction surgery will now force them to shut him down for six weeks. — Braves general manager Frank Wren said Wednesday that Medlen is suffering …
Discussion:
HardballTalk, The Knobler Blog and Talking Chop
Associated Press:
As expected, Phillies lead the pack — PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Phillies are right where they were supposed to be, leading the majors in wins at the All-Star break. — It's proof what excellent pitching can do. — With Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels leading the way …
Discussion:
The Good Phight
