Top News:
Matthew Geagan / CBS Boston:
Henry Denies Red Sox Owners Involved In Globe Francona Story — “The author of the story has gone on the record as saying we did not participate in that,” Henry told Felger and Massarotti Friday afternoon. — “I don't condemn Bob Hohler for writing a story,” said Henry.
Discussion:
Surviving Grady, Fenway West, MLB Rumors and NESN.com
RELATED:
Alex Speier / WEEI:
HENRY: ‘PERSONALLY OPPOSED’ SIGNING CRAWFORD — Red Sox principal owner John Henry, in an appearance on CBS Radio, said that the signing of outfielder Carl Crawford to a seven-year, $142 million contract was a decision driven purely by baseball rather than concern about declining TV ratings.
Discussion:
Baseball Nation, Over the Monster, Baseball Nerd and Yahoo! Sports
Aaron Gleeman / HardballTalk:
Red Sox owner John Henry: “I personally opposed” signing Carl Crawford — During an appearance on CBS Radio in Boston this afternoon Red Sox owner John Henry explained that he “personally opposed” the team's decision to sign free agent Carl Crawford to a seven-year, $142 million contract last offseason.
Discussion:
BBTF's Baseball Primer … and Al's Ramblings
Peter Abraham / Boston Globe:
Epstein talks drag on — The Red Sox and Cubs continued to negotiate yesterday over the terms of compensation for general manager Theo Epstein, a process that is expected to last into next week. — The Sox would appear to hold all the good cards in this poker game.
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Billy Lanni / CBS Boston:
John Henry Invades Felger & Massarotti — Boston Red Sox principal owner John Henry came to the 98.5 The Sports Hub studios to clear the air about the recent moves made by the Red Sox organization. — Henry touched on a number of topics, including Terry Francona, Theo Epstein and the Red Sox clubhouse.
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports, NESN.com, SportsGrid and Boston Sports Media Watch
Globe and Mail:
Cardinals take 3-2 series lead on Brewers — Yadier Molina recorded three hits and an RBI as the St. Louis Cardinals took advantage of some terrible defense by the visiting Milwaukee Brewers to grab a 7-1 victory on Friday and take a 3-2 lead in the National League Championship Series.
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
RELATED:
MLB.com:
Crew's Game 6 starter a topic of discussion — ST. LOUIS — Brewers manager Ron Roenicke left the door open ever so slightly Friday to bringing back Yovani Gallardo on short rest to pitch Game 6 of the National League Championship Series, but made it abundantly clear that Plan A was to pitch Shaun Marcum.
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Hairston's great play quickly muted by error — ST. LOUIS — In a span of two pitches, the Cardinals went from frustration to elation in the second inning of Game 5 of their National League Championship Series with the Brewers. — Brewers third baseman Jerry Hairston Jr. exprienced the highs …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
MLB.com:
Berkman batting cleanup in return to lineup — ST. LOUIS — After handing his position over to Allen Craig for one night, Lance Berkman returned to the Cardinals' lineup for Game 5 of the National League Championship Series on Friday. Berkman will take his regular position in right field …
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports
Sports Illustrated:
Brewers, Cards seek edge in NLCS — Now that the Milwaukee Brewers have snapped their decades-long postseason road losing streak, they have a chance to regain the advantage in their NL championship series against the St. Louis Cardinals. — Looking to build on their first playoff road win in 29 years …
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball, Baseball Nation, Lookout Landing, BBTF's Baseball Primer … and Yahoo! Sports
Anthony DiComo / MLB.com:
Mets name Geren as bench coach — NEW YORK — Seeking to add Major League experience to their coaching staff, the Mets on Friday named former A's manager Bob Geren the bench coach to Terry Collins. — “Bob Geren's experience as a former manager and bench coach will be a great fit for us,” Collins said in a statement.
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue, MetsBlog.com, Rising Apple and HardballTalk
RELATED:
Michael Baron / MetsBlog.com:
Mets hire Bob Geren to be the bench coach
Discussion:
Kranepool Society, Yahoo! Sports and Tedquarters
Dan Connolly / Orioles Insider:
Randolph talks about leaving Orioles — Orioles third base/infielders coach Willie Randolph acknowledged he was “a little disappointed” when he learned Thursday night in a telephone conversation with Orioles manager Buck Showalter that he would not be back with the club next season, “but I am always going to move forward.”
Chris Haft / MLB.com:
MLB announces All-Star roster for Taiwan trip — Granderson, Cano lead squad in five-game, three-city competition — The group of Major League All-Stars traveling to Taiwan next month for an exhibition series will have a definite Yankees flavor. — Center fielder Curtis Granderson …
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports and Deadspin
Chicago Sun Times:
Carlos Pena sold on Theo Epstein's way of doing things — Theo Epstein thought enough of Carlos Pena five years ago to sign him with the Red Sox organization. Does he think enough of Pena now to keep the pending free agent in a Cubs uniform next year? — Pena, for one, thinks the hiring …
Discussion:
ESPN
RELATED:
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
What's the delay in hiring Epstein?
Discussion:
ESPN, Full Count, Bats, Baseball Nation, MLB Rumors, Boston Globe, Boston Herald and WEEI
Bill Shaikin / Dodgers Blog:
Angels — not Dodgers — close to new TV deal with Fox? — As Dodgers owner Frank McCourt seeks the intervention of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to pursue a new television contract for his team, the Angels could be nearing a lucrative deal of their own with Fox Sports.
Discussion:
HardballTalk
RELATED:
Bill Shaikin / Los Angeles Times:
Dodgers' bankruptcy could cost Frank McCourt plenty
Discussion:
Dodgers Blog and HardballTalk
