Top News:
NY Daily News:
Spotlight is off Alex Rodriguez and his poker games as Yankees, Red Sox battle for first — Alex Rodriguez has a lot of heat on him for playing in some underground poker games. But he won't have any heat on him this weekend as the Yankees play the Red Sox.
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
RELATED:
David Pinto / baseballmusings.com:
Even in the East — The Red Sox fall 7-3 to the Indians and the Yankees sweep the White Sox 7-2, setting up a weekend series in Boston with the two teams tied at 68-42. They hold a big lead in the wild card as well, so this is for home field in the first two rounds of the playoffs.
Discussion:
Boston Globe, Red Sox Monster, Pinstripe Alley and Yahoo! Sports
Associated Press:
Masterson beats former team again as Indians down Red Sox — BOSTON - Justin Masterson struck out nine and again beat his former team, Carlos Santana hit a go-ahead home run and the Cleveland Indians topped the Boston Red Sox 7-3 Thursday night. — The loss dropped Boston into a tie with the Yankees for the AL East lead.
Discussion:
Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Let's Go Tribe, Over the Monster, Yahoo! Sports and Associated Press
Associated Press:
Lee tosses 5th shutout of 2011 as Phils top Giants — SAN FRANCISCO—For Cliff Lee it was just another game, another win that will help his team reach the postseason. There was no revenge factor, no statements. — Lee threw a seven-hitter, Hunter Pence and John Mayberry hit …
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports, Blogging Baseball, The Good Phight and McCovey Chronicles
RELATED:
Fox Sports:
Lee, Phillies appear to be in top form — SAN FRANCISCO — It was almost midnight in Texas when Cody Ross, last year's World Series hero, went down on strikes for the fourth and final time. Cliff Lee had shut out the San Francisco Giants, 3-, which must have elicited a chorus of weary murmurs …
Paul Hagen / Philly.com:
Going forward, Phillies face shortstop question — Sometimes, seemingly minor transactions can telegraph what's to come. If a baseball team clears a spot on its 40-man roster for no apparent reason, for example, it could mean that the opening was needed to make room for a player who's about to be acquired.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Dan Shaughnessy / Boston Globe:
A pressing matter — Ochocinco grabbed my attention with his hug-the-reporters suggestion — Group hug. — I still can't get my arms around it. — The inimitable Chad Ochocinco, a man destined to make us forget about Bill Lee, Oil Can Boyd, Shaquille O'Neal, and every other free spirit …
Discussion:
Boston Sports Media Watch, NESN.com and Dan Shaughnessy Watch
Joe Christensen / Associated Press:
Extension offered, but Cuddyer waits — A two-year deal was on the table, but the All-Star wants to negotiate his contract after the season. — Twins outfielder Michael Cuddyer — Buy Photos — view larger — ANAHEIM, CALIF. - Knowing Michael Cuddyer can become a free agent at season's end …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors and HardballTalk
Associated Press:
Haren beats Twins 7-1 despite Thome's 598th HR — ANAHEIM, Calif.—Dan Haren took a one-hitter into the eighth inning before giving up Jim Thome's 598th career home run, rookie Mark Trumbo had a homer and four RBIs and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Minnesota Twins 7-1 on Thursday night in the rubber game of the three-game series.
Discussion:
Halos Heaven and Twinkie Town
Chris Jaffe / Hardball Times:
Matt Stairs' career highlights — Matt Stairs recently announced his retirement, which didn't come as much of a surprise to those who knew he was still playing, but possibly jolted many who figured he left years ago. — He was a late bloomer, not making it to 100 games in a season until …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Steve Popper / NorthJersey.com:
Batting glove the only kind that fits Mets' Murphy — You ask Daniel Murphy what his choice is and he pushes aside his first baseman's glove. He moves the outfielder's glove, the second baseman's glove and the slightly longer third baseman's glove. — “I don't care,” he said.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com, Mets Merized Online and New York Times
Andy Martino / NY Daily News:
Sources: Mets “still nervous” about Crawford-type deal for Reyes — Jose Reyes is still here, knocking triples and stealing bases in the big city. He was not traded last month, not shopped, not even mentioned in rumors. This must have signalled an increased likelihood that the Mets will re-sign him …
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com, MLB Rumors, MLB.com and New Jersey Online
