Top News:
NY Daily News:
Baseball union boss Michael Weiner warns Biogenesis drug cheats could face major road block — Although Weiner was not specifically speaking about Alex Rodriguez, sources have told The News that MLB investigators have gathered an overwhelming amount of evidence that shows …
Discussion:
MLB, HardballTalk and CBSSports.com
RELATED:
Andrew Marchand / ESPN:
Next week targeted for A-Rod return
Next week targeted for A-Rod return
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish, USA Today, SI Wire, HardballTalk and Associated Press
Tom Pelissero / USA Today:
Derek Lowe ‘officially’ threw his last MLB pitch — STATELINE, Nev. - Derek Lowe doesn't see the point in using the word “retirement” to signify the end of his 17-year major league career. — But Lowe left no room for interpretation after his practice round on Wednesday at the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament.
Discussion:
CBSSports.com, MLB Rumors, Over the Monster, HardballTalk, Boston Globe and MLB Daily Dish
Tim Dierkes / MLB Rumors:
Braves Eyeing Left-Handed Relievers — The Braves' priority is to add a left-handed reliever, writes MLB.com's Mark Bowman, with James Russell of the Cubs, Mike Gonzalez of the Brewers, and Wesley Wright of the Astros on their wish list. The Braves are more interested in Russell and Gonzalez, he adds.
Discussion:
Al's Ramblings
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Mark Bowman / Trade Deadline 2013:
Braves searching for a left-handed reliever — Over the past couple months, it has been apparent the Braves will attempt to gain bullpen depth before the July 31 Trade Deadline. But with all indications that Alex Wood will join Atlanta's starting rotation before the end of the month …
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish
Steve Adams / MLB Rumors:
2014 Competitive Balance Lottery Results — The Competitive Balance Lottery for the 2014 MLB Draft took place today. Twelve competitive balance picks are awarded, with the first six taking place after the first round's conclusion and the next six taking place following conclusion of the second round.
Discussion:
Bucs Dugout and Brew Crew Ball
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Jonathan Mayo / MLB.com:
Competitive Balance Lottery pays out 12 Draft picks
Competitive Balance Lottery pays out 12 Draft picks
Discussion:
Associated Press, HardballTalk and Let's Go Tribe
Jon Heyman / CBSSports.com:
(USATSI) — The Yankees recently called for Padres star third baseman Chase Headley and were told there wasn't a deal to be made, according to people familiar with the brief discussion. — While the Padres are willing to listen on any of their players, Headley appears to be about as close …
Discussion:
Pinstriped Bible, MLB Daily Dish, MLB Rumors, River Avenue Blues, Gaslamp Ball and Trade Deadline 2013
Maury Brown / The Biz of Baseball:
Miami Marlins to Host “Legends of Wrestling Night” in August — It's something that Bill Veeck knew and it's a staple of the Minors: when all else fails, make sure you do creative promotions. The Miami Marlins have certainly taken this to heart for a date in late August.
Discussion:
HardballTalk and Deadspin
JSOnline:
Brewers' chief sees a ‘silver lining’ — “We win and lose as a team, and as a team, we need to figure this out from a planning standpoint as well as from an execution standpoint.” - Mark Attanasio — With the Milwaukee Brewers in the midst of one of their worst seasons in several years …
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball and Al's Ramblings
Keith Law / ESPN:
Top 50 MLB prospects update — Byron Buxton moves to top spot; No. 1 draft pick Mark Appel in top 10 — At the MLB season's midpoint, just past the signing deadline for drafted players, here is a fresh look at the top 50 prospects still in the minor leagues, including a new name on top.
Discussion:
Pinstriped Bible, Over the Monster, Red Reporter and ESPN
Lee Enterprises / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Beltran hopes to play three more years — • By Derrick Goold dgoold@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8285 — NEW YORK • Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran found a familiar sight waiting for him when he reported to the National League clubhouse Monday afternoon.
Discussion:
MLB and MLB Rumors
Tim Dierkes / MLB Rumors:
Jair Jurrjens Elects Free Agency — Righty Jair Jurrjens elected free agency, announced the Orioles, rather than accepting an outright assignment to Triple-A Norfolk after clearing waivers. Jurrjens had been designated for assignment on Friday, as the Orioles sought a 40-man roster spot for Jairo Asencio.
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish
Jesse Sanchez / MLB.com:
Cuban righty Gonzalez could sign next week — The next baseball sensation from Cuba could be in a Major League uniform soon. — According to an industry source, the market is taking shape for Cuban pitcher Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez and the right-hander could sign with a club as early as next week.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors and Bluebird Banter
Tom Singer / MLB.com:
Bucs' renaissance can be completed with playoff berth — After teasing with hot starts last two seasons, Pittsburgh has goods to make run — PITTSBURGH — There is an old expression in sports for situations when a team is doing something unexpectedly well: — “Stop the season.”
Discussion:
ESPN and Purple Row