Top News:
Jon Heyman / Sports Illustrated:
Red Sox getting aggressive for Jimenez — It now seems more likely that Colorado Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez could be traded. The Red Sox are the most aggressive puruser so far, but the Reds, Indians and Blue Jays are interested. The Yankees are on the outside for now but have some interest in acquiring Jimenez.
Discussion:
Sports Illustrated, Bleacher Report, It's About The Money and Full Count
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Fox Sports:
Yanks need starting pitching at deadline — I refuse to believe that the Yankees are going to enter the postseason with a rotation consisting of CC and the Uncertains. — Plain and simple, the Yankees need to acquire a starting pitcher before the non-waiver deadline Sunday at 4 p.m. ET.
Discussion:
Boston Globe and Bleacher Report
Fox Sports:
Sources: Tigers seek to upgrade rotation — FOX Sports — The Tigers, intensifying their efforts to land a starting pitcher, were active on multiple fronts Thursday, aiming for the market's top prize while also trying to establish a fallback position. — The top prize, Rockies right …
Discussion:
Bless You Boys, Full Count and MLB.com's On the Beat
CBSSports.com Blogs:
Five teams talking Dodgers' Kuroda — Five clubs continue to engage the Dodgers in talks for right-hander Hiroki Kuroda in trade discussions that probably present the biggest wild card between now and Sunday's non-waiver trade deadline. — The Yankees, Red Sox, Rangers …
Discussion:
Bleacher Report, MLB Rumors, Full Count, The Knobler Blog and Bless You Boys
Fox Sports:
Tigers, Nats discussing trade for RHP — FOX Sports — The Tigers, unable to land their top pitching targets, are discussing a trade for Nationals right-hander Jason Marquis, according to major-league sources. — Marquis, 8-5 with a 3.95 ERA, is in the second year of a two-year contract …
Discussion:
HardballTalk, Full Count and MLB Rumors
Peter Abraham / Boston Globe:
As concern grows for Buchholz, Red Sox explore the market for starters
Discussion:
Over the Monster, Yahoo! Sports, Boston Herald and WEEI
Jayson Stark / ESPN:
Daily Rumble: Ranking the trade chips — Hunter Pence and Ubaldo Jimenez stack up as the market's top commodities … Once a week, here at ESPN.com, we roll out our world-famous Power Rankings of all 30 teams. But it's a funny thing this time of year. When trade-deadline season rolls around …
Discussion:
HardballTalk, MLB Rumors, Phillies Nation, Where Have You Gone …, Talking Chop, Baseball Nation, DRaysBay and ESPN
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Fox Sports:
Phils making progress toward Pence — FOX Sports — The Phillies are making progress in their efforts to acquire Astros right fielder Hunter Pence, but there is a caveat, according to major-league sources. — The teams will need to reach agreement by Friday, or the Astros will move …
Discussion:
Bucs Dugout, Bleacher Report, Lone Star Ball, HardballTalk, Talking Chop, The Big Lead, The Good Phight and Baseball Nation
Jayson Stark / ESPN:
Daily Rumble: Padres narrowing focus
Discussion:
ESPN, mlbbuzz, HardballTalk, Bleacher Report, South Side Sox, AaronGleeman.com, Twinkie Town, Baseball Nation, Lone Star Ball, Talking Chop, MLB Rumors and Full Count
Associated Press:
Hideki Irabu found dead in California — LOS ANGELES — Hideki Irabu joined the New York Yankees 14 years ago in a swell of international excitement. The quirky, flamethrowing Japanese right-hander seemed destined to become a pioneering star for American baseball's marquee franchise.
Discussion:
Ducksnorts, joy of sox, ESPN and It's About The Money
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Craig Calcaterra / HardballTalk:
Hideki Irabu found dead; suicide suspected
Discussion:
Baseball Nation, SportsGrid, Yahoo! Sports, Beyond the Box Score, Deadspin and Sliding Into Home
Bob Dutton / Kansas City Star:
KC's trade possibilities focus on rotation as deadline nears — The internal debate by the Royals regarding the merits of sticking with a six-man rotation could become moot over the next few days if the club succeeds in trading one of its starting pitchers.
Discussion:
HardballTalk, MLB Rumors and Royals Review
Fox Sports:
Reds might be sellers at trade deadline — Ever since Colorado ace Ubaldo Jimenez hit the trade market, the Cincinnati Reds have been cited as one of his top suitors. For weeks, baseball observers noted that the Reds needed one starting pitcher — at least — in order to prepare for the pennant drive.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors and Redleg Nation
Bill Shaikin / Los Angeles Times:
Jamie McCourt-Ron Burkle ‘deal’ is denied — One of Jamie McCourt's lawyers says his client doesn't have a pact with billionaire Ron Burkle, or anyone, to buy Dodgers. — Did Jamie McCourt enlist billionaire Ron Burkle in her efforts to buy out her ex-husband Frank McCourt as owner of the Dodgers?
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Bruce Levine / ESPN:
Aramis Ramirez softens trade stance — MILWUAKEE — Chicago Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez may be softening his stance that he would veto any trade that had him leaving the city, but as of Thursday the Cubs did not appear to be looking to move him. — When asked Thursday if he would waive …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
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