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 …
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David Waldstein / New York Times:
Mets Will Evaluate Parnell's Ability to Close — When Francisco Rodriguez was lost for the season last August with a thumb injury, the Mets had a chance to see if Bobby Parnell, their hard-throwing young relief pitcher, could assume the role as closer of the future.
Discussion:
Faith and Fear in Flushing and Bats
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Deal means security for Garcia, family — The words Jaime Garcia used most often Wednesday to describe the benefits of his new, four-year extension with the Cardinals were the same words his agent heard repeatedly from the lefty as the motivation to pursue a contract. — He wanted “security.”
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball
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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:
ESPN, MLB Daily Dish and FanGraphs Baseball
Tim Dierkes / MLB Rumors:
Cardinals Sign Jaime Garcia To Four-Year Deal
Discussion:
MiamiHerald.com, Associated Press, Baseball Nation and baseballmusings.com
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:
Seattle Mariners blog, HardballTalk, River Avenue Blues and Sliding Into Home
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Joey Matschulat / Baseball Time in Arlington:
Go Big ... Or Don't Go At All — I've been thinking about quite a few things related to baseball over the last several days, but it's only in the last few hours that I've managed to synthesize them into a string of coherent thoughts. You may not agree with everything I'm firing off here, and that's fine.
Discussion:
MLB.com, baseballmusings.com and Lone Star Ball
Brooks / SPORTSbyBROOKS:
Exclusive: MLB Wants AEG LA Downtown Ballpark — On July 20, 2011, in a Delaware bankruptcy court, current Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and Major League Baseball legal representatives will present competing plans for interim financing for the club.
Discussion:
HardballTalk and 6-4-2
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
DJ Bean / WEEI:
FRANCONA CRITICIZES ASG ON BIG SHOW — Red Sox manager Terry Francona joined The Big Show Wednesday, discussing Josh Beckett's knee, which kept him out of Tuesday's All-Star game. He also offered his thoughts on the game, which many have criticized. — On the subject of Beckett …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
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
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
James Kannengieser / Amazin' Avenue:
Transcript Of Justin Timberlake Trolling Joe Buck On Live Television During The All Star Game (Now With Video!) — During tonight's All Star Game, FOX cut away to a sideline interview with Justin Timberlake, star of the upcoming film Friends With Benefits. Most of the time these types …
Discussion:
Over the Monster, Angels blog, Boston Sports Media Watch, HardballTalk and Baseball Nation
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