Top News:
Steve Adams / MLB Rumors:
Garza Trade From Cubs To Rangers No Longer Imminent — For a while earlier today, it looked like the top available starting pitcher on the trade market could pack his bags for Texas. The Cubs and Rangers reached the point of exchanging medical information on six players who were apparently ready …
Discussion:
Full Count and The Strike Zone
RELATED:
Fox Sports:
Sources: Garza close to being Ranger — The Texas Rangers are close to acquiring right-hander Matt Garza from the Chicago Cubs, according to two officials with knowledge of the discussions. — The Cubs will receive a strong package of prospects for Garza, who is eligible for free agency at the end of the season, the officials said.
Discussion:
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, ESPN, CBSSports.com, MLB Daily Dish, SI Wire and Postcards From Elysian Fields
Jonathan Mayo / MLB.com:
Plenty of prospects could be moved by Deadline — Here's a look at who contending teams could offer to swing a trade to get help now — As play resumes in Major League Baseball following the All-Star break, there were 16 teams at or above .500. All of them, if not more, are at least somewhat in contention for a postseason spot.
Matthew Cerrone / Metsblog:
Let's Make a Deal: Mets Trade Market Update — The Mets want a hitter, who is under contract through at least the next season or two; and their biggest strength - young pitching - is in high demand. — I had been hearing the Mets would only consider moving Bobby Parnell in a deal for an experienced …
RELATED:
Dylan Hernandez / Los Angeles Times:
Dodgers' Yasiel Puig faces $12-million lawsuit filed by man in Cuba — Dodgers rookie Yasiel Puig is being sued by a man who alleges the outfielder made false accusations against him. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times / July 14, 2013) — WASHINGTON - Yasiel Puig is being sued …
Discussion:
HardballTalk and SI Wire
Andrew Marchand / ESPN:
Yankees return Jeter (quad) to disabled list — The New York Yankees on Friday placed captain Derek Jeter back on the disabled list due to a strained right quad. — Jeter will be eligible to return from his latest DL stint on July 27. The Yankees will call up Brent Lillibridge to take his roster spot.
Discussion:
Surviving Grady, Deadspin, Red Sox Monster and baseballmusings.com
Justin Williams / Cincinnati Magazine for Dining …:
Brandon Phillips Is the Most Entertaining Player in Baseball — And he's got a nice smile, too. — Because someone has to be. — “Baseball is boring.” — Brandon Phillips is serious. He professes this with a smirk, arching his eyebrows ever so slightly as he speaks, but the man means what he says.
Discussion:
Cincinnati Reds, Redleg Nation, HardballTalk and baseballmusings.com
Dylan Hernandez / Los Angeles Times:
Checkup looks good for Dodgers — With top players back and performing as expected, surging Dodgers look like favorites to capture the weak NL West. — The Dodgers look to lock up the National League West after the All-Star break in part thanks to the return of Hanley Ramirez, right …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com and True Blue LA
Stephen Haynes / Newsday:
Alex Rodriguez hits second rehab HR, this time for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre — MOOSIC, Pa. - It was a vintage A-Rod moment. — Alex Rodriguez strode to the plate in the third inning, his at-bat soundtracked by a mixture of loud applause and loud-enough derisive comments from the PNC Field crowd.
Discussion:
HardballTalk and NY Daily News
RELATED:
Bob Nightengale / Associated Press:
Yankees president: A-Rod returning Monday
Discussion:
New York Post, CBSSports.com, River Avenue Blues and USA Today
Jeff Todd / MLB Rumors:
Red Sox, Pedroia Discussing Long-Term Extension — The Red Sox are in long-term extension talks with star second baseman Dustin Pedroia, reports Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports. According to Passan, the prospective deal would make Pedroia — a client of ACES — the game's highest-paid second baseman …
Discussion:
CBSSports.com, Boston Globe and SI Wire
Jason Lind / Metsblog:
Game 92: Mets vs. Phillies at 7:10 PM — The Good: The Mets open the second half of their season with seven straight home games. They are 5-3 in their last eight games. David Wright has 45 hits since June 12, the second-highest total in the majors. — The Bad: The Mets are 3-6 against the Phillies this season.
Discussion:
Phillies Nation
Steve Adams / MLB Rumors:
Red Sox Sign Contreras, Lyon To Minor League Deals — The Red Sox have signed right-handers Jose Contreras and Brandon Lyon to minor league deals and assigned each to Triple-A Pawtucket, the team announced (hat tip: Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald on Twitter).
Discussion:
Over the Monster
TSN.ca:
Jays open second half with three-game set against Rays — The Sports Network — (Sports Network) - The Toronto Blue Jays try to start their second half off on the right foot tonight when they begin a three-game set with the Tampa Bay Rays at Rogers Centre.
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter and DRaysBay
