Top News:
David Kaplan / csnchicago.com:
RED SOX PLAYING HARDBALL WITH CUBS — Major League Baseball sources have confirmed to me tonight that the negotiations between the Cubs and the Boston Red Sox have turned increasingly contentious and the two sides remain far apart as they try to hammer out a compensation package …
Discussion:
Boston Globe, HardballTalk and FenwayNationWorld
RELATED:
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Just what will Epstein cost? — As talks for GM drag on, Cubs announce ticket pricing plan — Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein on the field prior to the game against Oakland. (Michael Zagaris, Getty Images / July 20, 2010) — The Cubs announced their 2012 ticket pricing plan Friday …
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
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.
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, MLB Rumors, Fenway West and NESN.com
Alex Speier / WEEI:
HENRY: ‘PERSONALLY OPPOSED’ SIGNING CRAWFORD
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
Discussion:
BBTF's Baseball Primer …
Billy Lanni / CBS Boston:
John Henry Invades Felger & Massarotti
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports, NESN.com, SportsGrid and Boston Sports Media Watch
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
RELATED:
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
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
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
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.”
Brendan McGair / Pawtucket Times:
Kalish feeling no pain — Four weeks have elapsed since Ryan Kalish underwent surgery to repair a bulging disc in his neck. — “At this point honestly, I can't really tell that anything was done to my neck,” said Kalish via phone from San Francisco, where the Red Sox outfield prospect is conducting his rehab.
Discussion:
Boston Globe
