Today's Baseball Headlines

Arizona Republic

• Rauch deal has implications: Tuesday's deal for Jon Rauch seemed to address a current question mark and an upcoming one.
• Giants up next for D-Backs: The teams begin a 3-game set Friday.
• Reynolds finds glove the perfect fit: Two days after the All-Star game, Mark Reynolds tried on one of Augie Ojeda's gloves.
• Pitch and catch with Leo Rosales: What's the biggest difference between Triple-A and the big leagues? ''The way they treat you here, it's a little nicer, but all in all, it's the same game. When you get on the field, it's all the same - except there's like 35,000, 40,000 people watching.''
• Bonds among topics at Yankees' meetings: Barry Bonds in pinstripes? If nothing else, the New York Yankees talked about it.
• Fan injured, 17 ejected in baseball brawl: Fifteen players and both managers were ejected - and a fan was sent to the hospital - following a 10-minute, benches-clearing brawl.
• Baseball making Olympic swan song?: Baseball will be absent from the 2012 Olympics, but talks abound about the need for MLB help to bring the sport back by 2016.

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Associated Press

• Pitcher charged after minor league brawl in Ohio: DAYTON, Ohio (AP) -- A minor league pitcher accused of throwing a ball that hit a fan during a brawl has been charged with felonious assault....
• Brewers stay hot behind Braun and Hardy: No team in baseball is playing as well as the Milwaukee Brewers and no hitter is on a tear like Ryan Braun. The left fielder hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning to cap his second straight four-hit game and Milwaukee won its eighth straight, 4-3 over the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday night....
• Meche battles sweat, pitches Royals past Rays: KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Gil Meche's arms and hands were coated with sweat, his rhythm completely off from spending so much time trying to dry off....
• Meche battles sweat, pitches Royals over Rays: KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Gil Meche's arms and hands were coated with sweat, his rhythm completely off from spending so much time trying to dry off....
• Cubs snap losing streak to Marlins with 6-3 win: CHICAGO (AP) -- Carlos Zambrano pitched seven solid innings and the Chicago Cubs snapped a 10-game losing streak to the Florida Marlins with a 6-3 victory Thursday night....

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Boston Globe

• Ortiz will bring punch to the party: The most telling aspect of David Ortiz's absence from the Red Sox lineup is that by any meaningful measure, the team's offense did not lose any of its potency.
• McCarver set for showdown: There will be subplots aplenty when the Yankees visit Fenway Park to face the Red Sox beginning tonight, most notably the return of Boston slugger David Ortiz from a wrist injury.
• He can go long way at short: Future Hall of Fame shortstop Omar Vizquel is his hero, and Argenis Diaz would like one day to be compared with him.
• Red Sox option OF Moss to Pawtucket: The Boston Red Sox have optioned outfielder Brandon Moss to Triple-A Pawtucket. The Red Sox said they would fill Moss' roster spot on Friday, prior to the start of a weekend series with the New York Yankees. The team was expected to activate David Ortiz after the slugger completed a six-game minor league rehab stint.

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Detroit News

• Tigers'big trades mostly a bust: When the Tigers invested heavily, even dangerously, in three National League stars during the offseason, any anxiety was overwhelmed by a baseball team's bliss. Miguel Cabrera, Dontrelle Willis and Edgar Renteria were exactly what a contending team believed it needed to win a ticket to the World Series.
• Tony Paul: Secret to the Central? Eye Q: Should the Tigers miss out on the playoffs for a second consecutive season, it's likely they'll have one man to blame: Carlos Quentin.
• Yankees consider signing Bonds: TAMPA, Fla. -- Barry Bonds in pinstripes? If nothing else, the New York Yankees talked about it.
• Mariner talks way into Hall of Fame: SEATTLE -- Before Junior, A-Rod, The Big Unit and Ichiro, the Seattle Mariners'lone icon was Dave Niehaus and his golden Midwestern voice.

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ESPN.com

• Caple: Restoring the Red Sox's order: The Red Sox may make a trade before the deadline, but their biggest July move likely will be activating David Ortiz from the disabled list.
• Braun HR in 9th sparks Brewers to 8th straight win: Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.
• Delgado's big hit puts Mets alone in first in NL East: Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.
• Report: Mavs' Cuban among finalists to buy Cubs: Tribune Co. is inviting at least three potential buyers who each submitted bids for the Cubs and Wrigley Field near or above $1 billion to participate in a second round of proposals, according to a person involved in the process.
• Cubs place closer Wood on DL because of blister: The Cubs placed closer Kerry Wood on the disabled list Thursday for the 12th time in his 10-year career because of a blister on his pitching hand.
• Meche steadies, sends Rays to 7th road loss in row: Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.
• Bonds, trades among topics at Yankees' meetings: Barry Bonds in pinstripes? If nothing else, the New York Yankees plan to talk about it.
• 17 ejected after 10-minute minor league brawl: Fifteen players and both managers were ejected -- and a fan was sent to the hospital -- following a 10-minute, benches-clearing brawl in a Class-A minor league game between affiliates of the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs on Thursday night.
• Cain's four-hit gem helps Giants blank Nationals: Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.
• Martinez in Dominican Republic for father's funeral: New York Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez arrived in the Dominican Republic on Thursday following the death of his father.
• Father of Mets' Martinez dies at 79 in Dominican: The father of Pedro Martinez died in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday.

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Fort Worth Star-Telegram

• Hamilton might be too good to be true: Jeff Wilson
• Playoffs grasp may exceed Texas Rangers’ reach this season: By ANTHONY ANDRO

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Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

• 8 victories and counting: Rick Schlesinger can gauge how well the Milwaukee Brewers are doing these days by the number of "new" friends who reach...
• Full Count: Mound masters:

  MOUND MASTERS

  The Brewers' pitching staff has been dominant since the all-star break. Entering play...
• Notes: Melvin dispels Sherrill trade rumors: Many national reports have mentioned the Milwaukee Brewers as one of the clubs interested in trading for Baltimore...
• Brewers 3, Cardinals 0: St. Louis - Did this guy come as advertised, or what?Anyone who has taken a peek at what CC Sabathia has done in four...
• Full Count: Four out of five ain't bad: With the exception of one outing since returning from the disabled list June 30, Eric Gagné has been impressive. Here...
• Gagné taking to role as set-up man: St. Louis - Things immediately got off to a rough start for

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MLB.com

• Yankees hierarchy discusses Bonds: Vowing to leave no stone unturned in upgrading the Yankees for a playoff push, the addition of Barry Bonds was discussed during organizational meetings on Thursday, Hank Steinbrenner confirmed to the Associated Press.
• Marlins, Cubs to close series on TBS: The Marlins and Cubs will close a four-game set at Wrigley Field in the TBS Game of the Week on Sunday at 1:20 p.m.
• Braun keeps Brewers' streak alive: Ryan Braun collected four hits for the second straight game and capped his night with a go-ahead, two-run home run in the ninth inning for a 4-3 win over the Cardinals.
• Arrest made after Minor League fracas: Class A Peoria pitcher Julio Castillo was arrested on a felony assault charge Thursday night after heightening an already dangerous situation by hitting a fan with a ball in the first inning of the visiting Chiefs' 6-5 loss to the Dayton Dragons.
• Mets alone in first, thanks to Delgado: Carlos Delgado hit a tiebreaking, two-run double in the eighth and Oliver Perez struck out 12, giving the Mets a 3-1 win over the Phils and sole possession of first place in the NL East.
• Singleton aims for Breakthrough career: Jonathan Singleton was one of the first players to show up for the Urban Youth Academy when it opened in May of 2006. He will likely get a Division I scholarship or pro contract after he graduates high school, thanks to help from people like Frank Robinson.
• The Weekender: Fenway faithful fodder:
• Morning roundup: Cain, Perez dominant:
• Four-run inning powers Cubs: Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano held the Marlins to two runs and six hits in seven innings in a 6-3 series-opening victory Thursday night.
• 'Empire' and 'Nation' set to meet again: Yankees. Red Sox. Fenway. It's all you need to know as the two AL East rivals meet once again to in a three-game series that could change the landscape of the division.
• Braves facing crossroads with Teixeira: On the eve of a three-game set with the Phillies, Braves GM Frank Wren is undecided if he will ship Mark Teixeira at the Trade Deadline, or hang onto the first baseman and add an outfield bat.
• Wood can't avoid 15-day DL: The Cubs placed closer Kerry Wood on the 15-day disabled list for the 12th time in his career with fingers crossed that this stint will be the shortest of them all.
• Ichiro zeroing in on 3,000 hits as pro: Ichiro Suzuki is approaching a huge milestone for any hitter -- 3,000 career hits -- but is approaching it with his trademark stoicism. He'll join Isao Harimoto as the only other Japanese player to reach the lofty mark.
• Weathers may be on move again: Veteran right-hander David Weathers knows what it is like to be prominently mentioned in Trade Deadline deals, having been moved in two of them himself. He also has resigned himself to the business of baseball.
• Remember Cain? Nats want to forget: Matt Cain pitched a dominating four-hit shutout as the Giants completed a season sweep of the Nationals on Thursday afternoon.
• Blue Jays reach .500 with win over O's: The Blue Jays reached the .500 mark for the first time this season under manager Cito Gaston, toppling the Orioles, 7-1, at Camden Yards on Thursday.
• Jays don't let rain get in way of victory: For the Blue Jays, it was worth the wait. One day after persistent rain suspended their game against the Orioles, the Jays captured a 5-1 victory at Camden Yards on Thursday afternoon.
• Yankees could seek help behind plate: With Jorge Posada sidelined by a right shoulder injury that will keep him from behind the plate, the Yankees could be in the market for an experienced starting catcher.
• With pressure on, Herrera delivers: Carrying the Pirates to a 9-1 win in front of 17,916 at PNC Park, Yoslan Herrera erased the nightmarish 1 2/3-inning start from last weekend by tossing six scoreless innings in a start that had been handed to him mainly because of the lack of other internal starting options.
• Ortiz set to return Friday vs. Yankees: David Ortiz, who has been out since May 31 with a left wrist injury, is expected to return to the lineup Friday in the series opener vs. the Yankees.
• Bats, Garza endure off night in KC: The road woes continue for the Rays. Tampa Bay lost its seventh straight as a visitor, falling to the Royals, 4-2, on Thursday night at Kauffman Stadium.
• Mets may have filled Saturday slot: With Pedro Martinez back in the Dominican Republic, grieving the loss of his father, Pablo, the Mets on Thursday set about the business of determining who his replacement might be. And the winner, it appears, is Brandon Knight.
• Gathright placed on disabled list: Outfielder Joey Gathright was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Thursday because of a bone bruise in his right shoulder.
• Wainwright fine after bullpen session: Adam Wainwright threw a bullpen session prior to the start of the Cardinals' series finale against the Brewers on Thursday.
• Bartlett's return means improved 'D': With Jason Bartlett back with the Rays after a stay on the disabled list, manager Joe Maddon envisions an improved defense.
• Rollins benched after arriving late: Jimmy Rollins was scratched from Thursday's starting lineup after arriving about an hour before the game, or 30 minutes after the team bus. The change was announced 15 minutes before the scheduled start of Thursday's afternoon series finale against the Mets, with Eric Bruntlett replacing Rollins in the leadoff spot.
• Milledge returns as Estrada departs: The Nationals activated outfielder Lastings Milledge from the disabled list on Thursday and designated catcher Johnny Estrada for assignment.
• Durham makes first start for Brewers: Newly acquired Ray Durham made his first Brewers start on Thursday as the team's leadoff hitter and second baseman in the finale of a four-game series at St. Louis with his team seeking a sweep.
• Cordero's agent upset with GM's timing: The agent for injured Chad Cordero said he was upset that the Nationals have announced in midseason that the closer will not be tendered a contract for next season.
• Miller off DL, back in Marlins' 'pen: The Marlins' bullpen welcomed back a steady performer on Thursday with Justin Miller being reinstated off the disabled list.
• Celebration rubs Phillies wrong way: Jose Reyes' celebration after his decisive three-run homer in the sixth inning of Wednesday's game -- he began his trot a few steps from the batter's box as the ball just cleared the right-field fence, and wagged his right index finger in the air after low-fiving first-base coach Ken Oberkfell -- didn't sit well with some Phillies.
• Cano surges out of All-Star break: More than anything, Robinson Cano needed the All-Star break to reset and get his mind ready for the second half of the season.
• K-Rod's adjustments bring success: When Francisco Rodriguez decided in Spring Training to tweak his delivery to reduce some of its violence and protect his arm and lower body, it wasn't without critics.
• TWIB goes inside HOF weekend: Saturday's edition of TWIB will focus on the upcoming Hall of Fame weekend, as TWIB followed Goose Gossage on a tour of the Hall of Fame in May.
• Meche shaves Buck, Rays' bats in win: Gil Meche gave the Royals the best start they've had from a pitcher since, um let's see, the last time Meche started.

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NY Times

• NYT>Baseball: SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Matt Cain pitched a four-hitter, Dave Roberts singled home a run in the eighth inning and the San Francisco Giants earned their first three-game home sweep of the season Thursday with a 1-0 win over the Washington Nationals.
  
  
• Mets 3, Phillies 1: Victory Over Phillies Lifts Mets Into First Place: Carlos Delgado’s two-out, two-run double in the eighth inning snapped a tie and propelled the Mets to a victory against the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday afternoon.
  
  
• Yankees Outline Priorities for Trades as They Take Streak to Fenway: The Yankees are a season-high 11 games over .500 and would climb into a virtual tie for the lead in the American League wild-card race with a sweep this weekend.
  
  
• A Celebration by Reyes Adds Heat to a Rivalry: Tension between division rivals Phillies and Mets mounted after Thursday’s game—a 3-1 loss that moved the Mets into first place above Philadelphia.
  
  
• In M.L.B. Study, 257 Broken Bats . . . and Counting: The M.L.B. is investigating the proliferation of broken bats by collecting every bat that shattered, chipped, cracked or smashed during the last three weeks.
  
  
• Church and Martínez Remain Unavailable to Mets: The Mets remain uncertain when Ryan Church and Pedro Martínez will rejoin the team, but they hope to resolve the questions as soon as Friday.
  
  
• Major League Roundup: Braun’s Homer in Ninth Gives Milwaukee Sweep: The Toronto Blue Jays’pitcher Roy Halladay scattered seven hits in seven innings in a 7-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles to move the Blue Jays to .500.
  
  
• Blue Jays 7, Orioles 1: BALTIMORE (AP) -- Roy Halladay scattered seven hits over seven innings, leading Toronto over the Baltimore Orioles 7-1 Thursday after the Blue Jays won a game suspended one night earlier.
  
  
• Royals 4, Rays 2: KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Gil Meche pitched seven scoreless innings after a shaky start and John Buck drove in two runs, helping the Kansas City Royals hold off Tampa Bay 4-2 Thursday night to extend the AL East-leading Rays' road losing streak to seven games.
  
  
• Pirates 9, Padres 1: PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Yoslan Herrera pitched six shutout innings for his first major league win, and the Pittsburgh Pirates got back-to-back homers from Jason Bay and Xavier Nady in a 9-1 victory over the San Diego Padres on Thursday night.
  
  
• Cubs 6, Marlins 3: CHICAGO (AP) -- Carlos Zambrano pitched seven solid innings and the Chicago Cubs snapped a 10-game losing streak to the Florida Marlins with a 6-3 victory Thursday night.
  
  

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Philadelphia Daily News

• Ashley Fox: Why doesn't Rollins get Manuel's rules?: NEW YORK - Charlie Manuel has two rules. Two. Hustle, and be on time.You don't have to be an MVP or an all-star, a Gold Glove winner or a home-run king. You don't have to put the seat down, or chew with your mouth closed, or say"excuse me" when you spit. All you have to do to be a member in good standing on Manuel's Philadelphia Phillies is hustle and be on time.
• Rich Hofmann: Rollins has to set better example if he wants to be leader for Phillies: NEW YORK - They cannot take away the Most Valuable Playertrophy that Jimmy Rollins won last year. It was earned and deserved. He and the Phillies' 2007 division championship were both special and specially intertwined, and the hardware rightly followed. It is his forever.
• Rollins benched for being late: Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins was benched for this afternoon's game against the Mets for being late.
• Minor Leagues: Shutout gives IronPigs a split: ALLENTOWN - Les Walrond pitched a four-hit shutout in the second game yesterday as the Lehigh Valley IronPigs split an International League doubleheader with the Durham Bulls.
• Moyer takes lack of support in stride: NEW YORK - Last season, it seemed as if the Phillies couldn't score enough to keep up with one of the worst pitching staffs in the National League.
• Reyes escalates rivalry with home-run gesture: NEW YORK - The Phillies and New York Mets aren't friends and won't be friends anytime soon.But Jose Reyes widened that rift Wednesday when he thrust his right index finger into the air as he rounded first base after hitting a three-run home run in a 6-3 victory over the Phillies at Shea Stadium. The hotdog act caught the eyes of many in the visitors' dugout, some of whom weren't happy about it.
• Rollins benched as Phils bow, 3-1: NEW YORK - The road to the postseason has been rocky for the Phillies the last several weeks.And now the traffic is bad.
• Paul Hagen: Manuel forced to navigate choppy waters with Rollins: MANAGING A big league baseball team used to be like being an airplane pilot. Or the captain of a ship. That's why they're still sometimes referred to as skippers. Either way, they yielded pretty much absolute authority.
• Rollins disagrees with Manuel about benching: NEW YORK - After Charlie Manuel benched Jimmy Rollins on June 5 for failing to run out a fly ball, the Phillies' MVP shortstop acknowledged that his manager had two rules.
• Phillies waste more Moyer magic in loss to Mets: NEW YORK - It happened fast. One minute, the Phillies were in first place, or at least tied for it, nursing a game knotted at 1-1 in the eighth inning at Shea Stadium. The next, Carlos Delgado was swinging, and his line drive was falling, and Robinson Cancel and David Wright were scoring. And while the dust around home plate was settling, Wright popped up and pumped his fist, and this is what was left: a fourth straight series loss to the Mets, and a berth in second place for the first time since May 31.
• Phillies Notebook: Phillies unhappy with display by Mets' Reyes: NEW YORK - As Jose Reyes circled the bases at Shea Stadium with his right index finger held high in the air after his go-ahead, three-run home run off Ryan Madson on Wednesday night, Phillies broadcaster Larry Andersen suggested on air that one of the team's pitchers"oughta put one in his neck" for his showmanship.
• Giants' Cain remains in complete control: When manager Bruce Bochy came trotting to the mound to visit Matt Cain with NL saves leader Brian Wilson already warming up, it looked as if Cain's fine day might be done.
• As Yanks officials chat, Bonds' name comes up: Barry Bonds in pinstripes? If nothing else, the New York Yankees talked about it.High-ranking Yankees officials gathered for meetings at their spring-training complex in Tampa yesterday, a day off for the team before it begins a three-game series tonight in Boston.
• Delgado's hit lifts Mets to win over Phillies: Carlos Delgado hit a tiebreaking, two-run double in the eighth inning and Oliver Perez stifled the Philadelphia Phillies again, helping the New York Mets earn a 3-1 win Thursday that gave them sole possession of first place in the NL East.
• Shea it ain’t so ... Rollins was late to ballpark: Phillies shortstop and 2007 NL MVP Jimmy Rollins was scratched from today's lineup against the Mets because he was late getting to the ballpark. Rollins arrived only an hour before game time because he was stuck in traffic.

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Pittsburg Post-Gazette

• Pirates Notebook: Trade rumors not distraction yet: It's a daily occurrence. Maybe even an hourly occurrence because the non-waiver trading deadline is less than a week away. This player's going there. That player's coming here. ...
• Boras cites Teixeira, others as cases for draft value: Scott Boras, the super-agent advising the Pirates'first-round draft pick, Pedro Alvarez, declined to discuss specifics of those contract negotiations in his first interview on the matter last night.
• Pirates roll past Padres to win fourth in a row: Ryan Doumit's pregame"talk"with Yoslan Herrera was short and to the point.
• MLB Notebook: Cuban in bidding to be new Mr. Cub: Dallas Mavericks owner, Internet billionaire and former Mt. Lebanon resident Mark Cuban is one of at least three potential buyers for the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field that the Tribune Co. ...
• Pirates beat Padres, 9-1: Nate McLouth, Jason Bay and Xavier Nady homered and Yoslan Herrera pitched six scoreless innings tonight to help the Pirates beat San Diego, 9-1, in front of 17,916 at PNC Park.

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Seattle Times

• Ichiro's glove—The hands of a master: No one takes more pride in the beauty of the All-Star outfielder's hands than Nobuyoshi Tsubota, the man who has handcrafted nearly every professional glove Ichiro has worn.
• Resilient Mets take charge in NL East: Jerry Manuel was curious to see how his New York Mets would respond after a heartbreaking loss to Philadelphia. They answered with two big...
• AL | Yankees not likely to add Barry Bonds: High-ranking Yankees officials gathered for meetings at their spring training complex in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, a day off for the team before it begins an important three-game series Friday night in Boston.
• NL | Tardy Jimmy Rollins benched by Phils manager: Jimmy Rollins was yanked from Philadelphia's lineup after arriving late to Shea Stadium on Thursday, making the reigning National League MVP a spectator for much of the Phillies'3-1 loss to the Mets in New York.
• Gray Goose still scary: "He would snort, just coming at you with everything he had,"recalls—not fondly—one batter who had to face Rich Gossage.
• AquaSox can't stop Boise bats: Boise roughed up Everett left-hander Bobby LaFromboise for five runs in the first inning and went on to beat the AquaSox 12-4 in a Northwest...
• Rainiers lefty sharp in 9-1 win: Left-hander Ryan Feierabend pitched six scoreless innings and Victor Diaz homered twice as the Tacoma Rainiers beat Nashville 9-1 in a Pacific...
• Fan injured, 17 ejected in Ohio baseball brawl: Fifteen players and both managers were ejected - and a fan was sent to the hospital - following a 10-minute, benches-clearing brawl in a Class-A minor league game between affiliates of the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs on Thursday night.
• Barry Bonds among topics at Yankees'meetings: Barry Bonds in pinstripes? If nothing else, the New York Yankees talked about it.
• Cubs closer Kerry Wood placed on DL with blister: The Cubs placed closer Kerry Wood on the disabled list Thursday for the 12th time in his 10-year career because of a blister on his pitching hand.
• Rollins arrives late, scratched from lineup: Jimmy Rollins was yanked from Philadelphia's lineup after arriving late to Shea Stadium on Thursday, making the reigning NL MVP a spectator for much of the Phillies'3-1 loss in a key division matchup with the New York Mets.

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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

• Bullpen blows it again: For eight innings against the Milwaukee Brewers Thursday night, the Cardinals did more with less. In the ninth they fell hard in familiar fashion.
• Up Next: Cards at Mets: Cardinals vs. New York Mets at Shea Stadium 6:10 p.m. today FSN Midwest Mitchell Boggs RH Record 3-1 ERA 6.59 Mike Pelfrey RH Record 8-6 ERA 3.81 6:10 p.m. Saturday FSN Midwest Joel Pineiro RH Record 3-4 ERA 4.52 Brandon Kni...
• Top 10 Cardinals moments at Shea Stadium: Unlike many of the traditionalists who are sorry about Yankee Stadium's imminent demise, there don't seem to be many mourning the similar treatment Shea Stadium will receive when the season is over.
• Players eager for aces' return: After getting an up-close look this week at what two staff aces can mean to a pennant race, Cardinal players are becoming increasingly interested in the return of Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright.
• Notes: Pujols' power outage: First baseman Albert Pujols entered Thursday night still sitting on 300 career home runs, a place he reached on July 4 against the Chicago Cubs but had not budged from in 54 at-bats before the Cardinals' series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers.

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Yahoo!

• Mets now alone atop NL East, Phils fall (AP):

  New York Mets' Oliver Perez, right, reacts after hitting Philadelphia Phillies' Ryan Howard with a pitch to load the bases during the eighth inning in Major League Baseball action Thursday, July 24, 2008 at Shea Stadium in New York. The Mets won 3-1. " align="left" border="0">

  Jerry Manuel was curious to see how his New York Mets would respond after a heartbreaking loss to Philadelphia. They answered with two big wins. Carlos Delgado hit a tiebreaking, two-run double in the eighth inning and Oliver Perez stifled the Phillies again, helping the Mets earn a 3-1 victory Thursday that gave them sole possession of first place in the NL East.

  
  
• Braun's 4 hits, HR in 9th lift Brewers (AP):

  St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Ryan Franklin stands on the mound after giving up a two-run home run to Milwaukee Brewers' Ryan Braun during the ninth inning of a baseball game Thursday, July 24, 2008, in St. Louis. The home run gave the Brewers a 4-3 victory. " align="left" border="0">

  Ryan Braun and the Milwaukee Brewers are on quite a roll. The left fielder hit a two-run homer in the top of the ninth inning to cap his second straight four-hit game and lift Milwaukee to a 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, the Brewers' eighth straight win. The latest victory completed a 7-0 road trip that included a four-game sweep of the Cardinals.

  
  
• Cubs end 10-game skid to Marlins (AP):

  Chicago Cubs outfielders Alfonso Soriano, left, Reed Johnson, center, and Mark DeRosa celebrate after defeating the Florida Marlins 6-3 in a baseball game Thursday, July 24, 2008, in Chicago. " align="left" border="0">

  Despite a number of key injuries, manager Lou Piniella and the Chicago Cubs have found a way to stay on top of the NL Central. Carlos Zambrano pitched seven solid innings and the Cubs snapped a 10-game losing streak to the Florida Marlins with a 6-3 victory Thursday night. After a 2-4 road trip, the Cubs got home runs from Henry Blanco and Ronny Cedeno and a two-run double from Aramis Ramirez to...

  
  
• Royals extend Rays' road slide to 7 (AP):

  Kansas City Royals' Mitch Maier, left, and Mike Aviles (30) celebrate their 4-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays, Thursday, July 24, 2008, in Kansas City, Mo. " align="left" border="0">

  Gil Meche promised John Buck he'd pitch a good game if he could shave the catcher's head. Buck lived up to his end of the bargain. He has the shiny dome and razor burns to prove it. Meche followed through, too, though it took a little longer. Meche pitched seven scoreless innings after a shaky start and Buck drove in two runs after his pregame haircut, helping the Kansas City Royals hold off Tampa...

  
  
• Bonds among topics at Yankees' meetings (AP): Barry Bonds in pinstripes? If nothing else, the New York Yankees talked about it. High-ranking Yankees officials gathered for meetings at their spring training complex Thursday, a day off for the team before it begins an important three-game series Friday night in Boston. Missing injured sluggers Hideki Matsui and Jorge Posada, the Yankees discussed ways to improve for the stretch run as next...
• Cubs closer Wood goes on DL with blister (AP): The Cubs placed closer Kerry Wood on the disabled list Thursday for the 12th time in his 10-year career because of a blister on his pitching hand. Wood, who has 24 saves in 29 chances and was selected to the NL All-Star team, has a blister on his right index finger that has kept him out since July 11.
• Cuban among final 3 bidders for Cubs (AP): Tribune Co. is inviting at least three potential buyers who each submitted bids for the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field near or above $1 billion to participate in a second round of proposals, according to a person involved in the process. Several bidders offering between $700 million and $900 million for all the properties have been excluded from the second round, according to the person, who spoke...
• Rollins arrives late, pulled from lineup (AP): Jimmy Rollins was yanked from Philadelphia's lineup after arriving late to Shea Stadium on Thursday, making the reigning NL MVP a spectator for much of the Phillies' 3-1 loss in a key division matchup with the New York Mets. Rollins, who was pulled from the Phillies' 5-0 win over Cincinnati on June 5 for failing to run hard on a popup that was dropped, said he got caught in traffic.
• Pedro leaves Mets after father's death (AP): New York Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez arrived in the Dominican Republic on Thursday following the death of his father. Martinez's father, Pablo Jaime, died Wednesday at age 79 after battling a form of brain cancer for more than a year. Martinez had gone home just before the All-Star break to be with his father.
• Halladay completes Jays' 'sweep' of O's (AP):

  Baltimore Orioles third baseman Melvin Mora misses a grounder hit by Toronto Blue Jays' Scott Rolen during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, July 24, 2008, in Baltimore. The Blue Jays won 7-1. " align="left" border="0">

  Following a victory well worth the wait, the Toronto Blue Jays used another strong outing by Roy Halladay to reach .500 and secure a rare series win on the road. Halladay scattered seven hits over seven innings Thursday in a 7-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles after the Toronto bullpen nailed down a 5-1 victory in a game suspended one night earlier.

  
  

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