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Daily Clips July 3, 2014

LOCAL

D-backs' Kevin Towers not concerned about job security approaching All-Star break By Vince Marotta / Arizona Sports http://arizonasports.com/42/1747029/PLUGGING

D-backs' Towers: Wade Miley may be turning season around By Justin Janssen / Arizona Sports http://arizonasports.com/42/1747050/Dbacks-Towers-Wade-Miley-may-be-turning-season-around

Yarnell 19: Baseball helps healing process for Parker family FOX Sports Arizona http://msn.foxsports.com/arizona/story/yarnell-19-baseball-helps-healing-process-for-parker-family-070214

What to watch: Diamondbacks at Pirates, 3:30 p.m., FOX Sports Arizona By Max Kraust / FOX Sports Arizona http://msn.foxsports.com/arizona/story/what-to-watch-diamondbacks-at-pirates-3-30-p-m-fox-sports-arizona-070214

Arizona Diamondbacks' All-Star hats unveiled Arizona Sports http://arizonasports.com/42/1747162/Arizona-Diamondbacks-AllStar-hats-unveiled

Gibson thrilled with Goldy on verge of All-Star start By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140702&content_id=82767284&notebook_id=82786708&vkey=notebook_ari&c_id=ari

Anderson sinks deeper into funk as D-backs fall Righty allows eight hits in 3 2/3 innings, drops fourth straight By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2014_07_02_arimlb_pitmlb_1&mode=recap_away&c_id=ari

Arizona Diamondbacks sloppy in loss to Pittsburgh Pirates By Nick Piecoro / azcentral sports http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2014/07/02/arizona-diamondbacks-fall-gregory-polanco-pittsburgh-pirates/12122669/

Arizona Diamondbacks farm system releases pitcher for suspected theft By Nick Piecoro / azcentral sports http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2014/07/02/diamondbacks-farm-system-releases-pitcher-suspected-theft/12123537/

D-backs lose second in a row in Pittsburgh

By AP / FOX Sports Arizona http://msn.foxsports.com/arizona/story/d-backs-lose-second-in-a-row-in-pittsburgh-070214

Pirates run away from Anderson, D-backs: By The Numbers By Alex Williams / Arizona Sports http://arizonasports.com/42/1747222/Pirates-run-away-from-Anderson-Dbacks-By-The-Numbers

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon McCarthy is healthy, but his statistics aren't By Nick Piecoro / azcentral sports http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2014/07/03/diamondbacks-pitcher-brandon-mccarthy-healthy-statistics/12125549/

Touki Toussaint debuts for Arizona Diamondbacks rookie league team By Zach Buchanan / azcentral sports http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2014/07/03/touki-toussaint-debuts-diamondbacks-rookie-league-team/12125685/

D-Backs' Touki Toussaint talks debut Azcentral sports http://www.azcentral.com/videos/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2014/07/03/12125953/

D-Backs' Mark Trumbo talks return Azcentral sports http://www.azcentral.com/videos/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2014/07/03/12125963/

D-backs' top pick Toussaint makes pro debut Right-hander strikes out three while facing five in one inning of Arizona League action By Teddy Cahill / MLB.com http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/ari/d-backs-top-pick-touki-toussaint-makes-pro-debut?ymd=20140703&content_id=82876530&vkey=news_ari

NATIONAL

D-backs hand Anderson ball against Pirates By Sports Network / The Province http://www.theprovince.com/sports/backs+hand+Anderson+ball+against+Pirates/9993386/story.html

For UCLA standout Trevor Bauer, it's different but same with Indians By Helene Elliott / Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-trevor-bauer-elliott-20140702-column.html

Isan Diaz homers as AZL Diamondbacks roll, 10-4

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By Mark C. Volain / Mass Live http://www.masslive.com/sports/index.ssf/2014/07/isan_diaz_homers_as_azl_diamondbacks_roll_10-4.html

MLB Midseason Awards: See Which Stars Take Home the Baseball's Most Prestigious Awards By Dave Kreissman / Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dave-kreissman/mlb-midseason-awards-see-_b_5547377.html

Watch MLB first basemen recite Lou Gehrig's iconic 'luckiest man' speech By Ted Berg / USA Today http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/07/lou-gehrig-speech-75th-anniversary-mlb-new-york-yankees

Would Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker be in the Hall of Fame if they had played in New York? By Craig Calcaterra / NBC Sports http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/07/02/would-alan-trammell-and-lou-whitaker-be-in-the-hall-of-fame-if-they-had-played-in-new-york/

Los Angeles Angels Rumors: A Move For Brad Ziegler Next? By Bob Garica IV / Rant Sports http://www.rantsports.com/mlb/2014/07/02/los-angeles-angels-rumors-a-move-for-brad-ziegler-next/

Six players among Act of Valor Award nominees Five Hall of Famers also up for distinguished award which honors Feller By Spencer Fordin / MLB.com http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article/cle/six-players-among-bob-feller-act-of-valor-award-nominees?ymd=20140702&content_id=82741338&vkey=news_cle

Pirates 5, Diamondbacks 1 Reuters http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/03/bbo-diamondbacks-pirates-recap-idUSMTZEA734708DO20140703

Surging Pirates top Diamondbacks By Sports Network / The Province http://www.theprovince.com/sports/Surging+Pirates+Diamondbacks/9995288/story.html

Pirates Bats Stay Hot, Down D-backs 5-1 By Josh Garcia / Vavel http://www.vavel.com/en-us/mlb/365741-pirates-bats-stay-hot-down-d-backs-for-second-straight-night.html

Arizona Baseball Games Blacked Out In Utah By Matt Gephardt / KUTV http://www.kutv.com/news/features/gephardt/stories/vid_729.shtml

Irving Signs Deal with Diamondbacks By Damon Dillman / Newsplex http://www.newsplex.com/sports/headlines/Irving-Signs-Deal-with-Diamondbacks-265642261.html

Pirates Insider: Polanco blast launches Pirates over D-Backs

By John Perrotto / Times Online http://www.timesonline.com/sports/pirates/pirates-insider-polanco-blast-launches-pirates-over-d-backs/article_69f52bc2-5fe3-593b-b38f-76547da8d0ac.html

Pirates taking advantage of a run of weak competition By John Perrotto / Times Online http://www.timesonline.com/sports/pirates/pirates-taking-advantage-of-a-run-of-weak-competition/article_8a60ff8e-3f93-5588-b114-5f0f46813b3e.html

Morton, Polanco come up big to pace Pirates in win vs. Diamondbacks By Travis Sawchik / Trib Live http://triblive.com/sports/-topstories/6377540-74/morton-pirates-curveball - axzz36NqFlXfa

UVa Catcher Nate Irving Signs With Diamondbacks NBC 29 WVIR http://www.nbc29.com/story/25931118/uva-catcher-nate-irving-signs-with-diamondbacks

Polanco leads Pirates over Diamondbacks, 5-1 By Bill Brink / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2014/07/02/Polanco-leads-Pirates-over-Diamondbacks-5-1/stories/201407020225

Trade deadline preview: Sellers, buyers & top players on market By R.J. Anderson / FOX Sports http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/trade-deadline-preview-sellers-buyers-players-on-market-david-price-jeff-samardzija-070314

A Diamondbacks minor leaguer was released for suspected theft By Craig Calcaterra / NBC Sports http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/07/03/a-diamondbacks-minor-leaguer-was-released-for-suspected-theft/

Preview: Diamondbacks at Pirates Reuters http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/thomson-reuters/140703/preview-diamondbacks-at-pirates

Frankly speaking: 'Hot Dog Explorer' seeks best ballpark wieners across North America By Dave Sottile / Special to PennLive http://www.pennlive.com/senators/index.ssf/2014/07/frankly_speaking_hot_dog_explo.html

DETROIT TIGERS: Memories of '84 World Series team live on in the hearts of fans, champions By Matthew B. Mowery / Oak Press http://www.sourcenewspapers.com/articles/2014/07/03/sports/doc53b2b73b788a7644832103.txt

RENO ACES

Cahill Returns to Form in Aces 3-Hit Shutout Campana, Cedeno lead way with multi-hit games By Chad Seely / Reno Aces http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140703&content_id=82865548&fext=.jsp&vkey=recap&sid=t2310

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Cahill, Aces shut down Rainiers By Staff / Reno Gazette-Journal http://www.rgj.com/story/sports/2014/07/03/cahill-aces-shut-rainiers/12125735/

MOBILE BAYBEARS

BayBears & Generals Suspended by Rain Rain halts play in Jackson with BayBears and Generals scoreless in the fourth inning. By MiLB.com / Mobile BayBears http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140701&content_id=82622680&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t417&sid=t417

VISALIA RAWHIDE

Rawhide lose fifth straight game By Damian Marquez / Visalia Times-Delta http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/story/sports/2014/07/03/rawhide-lose-fifth-straight-game/12140117/

Rawhide Come Up Short in Another Squeaker Visalia Rawhide http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140703&content_id=82874202&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t516&sid=t516

SOUTH BEND SILVER HAWKS

Homers, pen help Silver Hawks By Staff / South Bend Tribune http://www.southbendtribune.com/sports/professional/silverhawks/homers-pen-help-silver-hawks/article_f7ae11b0-029b-11e4-829f-001a4bcf6878.html

HILLSBORO HOPS

Hillsboro Hops survive in 8-7 win over Everett on Zombie Night By Andrew Nemec / Oregonian http://www.oregonlive.com/hillsboro-hops/index.ssf/2014/07/hillsboro_hops_survive_in_8-7.html#incart_river

Hillsboro Hops' Zombie Night promotion a hit with fans By Andrew Nemec / Oregonian http://www.oregonlive.com/hillsboro-hops/index.ssf/2014/07/hillsboro_hops_zombie_night_pr.html#incart_river

Hops game day: Former Oregon State pitcher Scott Schultz gets the start on Zombie NIght By Andrew Nemec / Oregonian http://www.oregonlive.com/hillsboro-hops/index.ssf/2014/07/hops_game_day_former_oregon_st_1.html#incart_river

Hillsboro Hops manager J.R. House plays puppet master in clubhouse designed for individual success By Andrew Nemec / Oregonian http://www.oregonlive.com/hillsboro-hops/index.ssf/2014/07/hillsboro_hops_manager_jr_hous.html#incart_river

MISSOULA OSPREY

Osprey pitcher Brooks called up to AA Mobile Missoulian

http://missoulian.com/sports/osprey_blog/osprey-pitcher-brooks-called-up-to-aa-mobile/article_ac55634c-0248-11e4-a9ed-0019bb2963f4.html

Billings Snaps Missoula's Win Streak Dane McFarland's Two-Run Homer Was His First Missoula Osprey http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140703&content_id=82862588&fext=.jsp&vkey=recap&sid=t518

STREAK SNAPPED Nightmare ninth ends Osprey winning ways MUSTANGS SCORE 5 IN FINAL INNING OF 7-2 VICTORY By AJ Mazzolini / Missoulian http://missoulian.com/sports/osprey/nightmare-ninth-ends-osprey-winning-ways/article_27f14d9a-0267-11e4-942a-0019bb2963f4.html

NATIONAL

MLB NEWS July 3, 2014 • MLB.com http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/news/mlb_news_index.jsp ASSOCIATED PRESS July 3, 2014 • Sports.yahoo.com http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews MLB TRANSACTIONS July 3, 2014 • MLB.com http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions

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LOCAL

D-backs' Kevin Towers not concerned about job security approaching All-Star break By Vince Marotta / Arizona Sports http://arizonasports.com/42/1747029/PLUGGING Tuesday night's 3-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates was painful on a couple of levels for the Arizona Diamondbacks. First, the loss spoiled Wade Miley's best start of the season. The left-hander didn't allow a hit until the fifth inning and struck out 10 batters over eight innings of work. Miley did allow back-to-back singles to Neil Walker and Gregory Polanco to start the ninth and was relieved by Addison Reed, who eventually took the loss on Ike Davis' walk-off RBI single. Second, the D-backs fell to 35-50, marking just the second time they've dipped as many as 15 games below .500 on the season. The constant struggles of the club have led to continued speculation about the job security of general manager Kevin Towers. But even through the tough times, Towers is focused on the things he can control. "When it comes to job security, I've never really worried about it," Towers said on the Doug and Wolf Show Wednesday on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. "I figure every year you're under the gun regardless of the length of your contract. You're judged on wins and losses and ultimately, the people above you make the decision if you're the right guy to lead this organization going forward or not." The All-Star break is less than two weeks away, possibly fueling more speculation that the struggling D-backs could make a front office change at that point. However, Towers still believes the team can improve. "Hopefully I can help (manager Kirk Gibson) out and work with Gibby to try to get this thing turned around," he said. "I've seen a few clubs that have made runs. The good thing is this year is that there is so much parity in the game. Clubs that have been 12 or 13 games under have made a little run. "We're going to need a good streak but it's probably going to take us getting back healthy to get that streak together. Hopefully (Mark) Trumbo gives us a little jump start." Trumbo is one of 11 Diamondbacks on the disabled list. The outfielder, who is recovering from a stress fracture in his left foot, began a minor-league rehab assignment in rookie league Tuesday. "Regardless of what happens, I care a lot about the organization. Not only now, but the future, and as we approach the deadline, regardless of my tenure here, I want to do what's best for this organization going forward," Towers said. "So if I'm here or I'm not here, at least my legacy won't be a negative one -- it'll be a good one. We've got a good corps of young players with a chance to win."

D-backs' Towers: Wade Miley may be turning season around

By Justin Janssen / Arizona Sports http://arizonasports.com/42/1747050/Dbacks-Towers-Wade-Miley-may-be-turning-season-around It has just been that kind of season for Wade Miley and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Miley pitched his best game of the season Tuesday in Pittsburgh, but couldn't earn the win when closer Addison Reed blew the save. Miley allowed two hits in eight shutout innings, as the D-backs entered the ninth inning leading 2-0. Instead of finishing his shutout, Miley surrendered back-to-back hits to lead off the ninth. In came Reed, who gave up a game-tying double, which was nearly caught, and the walk-off single. "He battled and gave it everything he had," D-backs general manager Kevin Towers said on the Doug and Wolf show on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. "You even look at the couple hits in the ninth inning, they weren't hit hard, they just happened to find spots." Miley is 3-6 in 2014 and is carrying a career-worst 4.61 ERA following a two-season stretch when he was 26-21 with a 3.44 ERA. While Miley has had other solid outings this season, none were quite as dominant as Tuesday night's gem. "I thought he had good tempo right from the beginning of the game," Towers said. "He attacked the zone. He was keeping the ball out of the middle part of the plate. He was changing speeds. I thought he had an extra gear with fastball when he needed it last night. He was hitting all different quadrants." Miley fanned 10 hitters without allowing a walk for only the second time in his career. Towers thinks the lefty may be able to string together better starts with the improved strikeout to walk ratio. "When the walks are down (and) the strikeouts are up, those are good indicators that a guy's starting to turn it around," Towers said.

Yarnell 19: Baseball helps healing process for Parker family FOX Sports Arizona http://msn.foxsports.com/arizona/story/yarnell-19-baseball-helps-healing-process-for-parker-family-070214 (VIDEO EMBEDDED) Baseball helps one Arizona family recover from the tragic events of a year ago, when the Yarnell wildfire claimed the lives of 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots. You can see this piece and much more on FOX Sports Arizona’s latest "Diamondbacks 10th Inning" episode that debuts Sunday, July 6, after the D-backs vs. Braves game. It replays later that night at 10 p.m. (PT)

What to watch: Diamondbacks at Pirates, 3:30 p.m., FOX Sports Arizona By Max Kraust / FOX Sports Arizona

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http://msn.foxsports.com/arizona/story/what-to-watch-diamondbacks-at-pirates-3-30-p-m-fox-sports-arizona-070214 The Diamondbacks look to even the series tonight at PNC Park as they take on Andrew McCutchen, Gregory Polanco and the rest of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Here's what to watch for tonight on FOX Sports Arizona, coverage beginning with "Diamondbacks Live" at 3:30 p.m., as Chase Anderson (5-3, 3.63 ERA) faces off against Charlie Morton (4-9, 3.41). PREGAME SHOW, 3:30 P.M. -- Bob Brenly discusses Wade Miley and Addison Reed. -- A look at Touki Toussaint's first professional start. -- Chris Owings and Mark Trumbo injury updates. -- A story from Allan Trammel about the 1985 All-Star Game in Detroit. D-BACKS AT PIRATES, 4:00 P.M. -- Breaking down Addison Reed: The good vs. the bad. -- Paul Goldschmidt and Andrew McCutchen comparisons. -- A look at Pirates rookie Gregory Polanco. -- Mark Trumbo injury update.

Arizona Diamondbacks' All-Star hats unveiled Arizona Sports http://arizonasports.com/42/1747162/Arizona-Diamondbacks-AllStar-hats-unveiled Major League Baseball unveiled its new line of All-Star Game hats because the All-Star Game is such a spectacle, it needs its own hats and well, it's a great opportunity to make more money. The hats were designed to pay homage to the Minnesota Twins and their batting helmet design from the 1970s. The Twins will host the annual contest at Target Field July 15. The Diamondbacks' look features a black hat with a Sedona red wedge on the front containing the team's 'A' logo. As of Wednesday, it looks like first baseman Paul Goldschmidt will be the only member of the D-backs wearing one at the Midsummer Classic. Check out all the All-Star caps here.

Gibson thrilled with Goldy on verge of All-Star start By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140702&content_id=82767284&notebook_id=82786708&vkey=notebook_ari&c_id=ari PITTSBURGH -- D-backs manager Kirk Gibson was pleased to see his first baseman Paul Goldschmidt leading the National League at his position in the All-Star Game vote totals that were released Tuesday. Goldschmidt had 2,582,955 votes, which was a whopping 1,152,560 ahead of Milwaukee's Mark Reynolds, who overtook the Dodgers Adrian Gonzalez for second place. "I think beyond the outpouring of support that he's received from our fans, that the people that have had the opportunity to watch him around the league, whether it's on TV or they've been

down to the ballpark, they understand who Paul Goldschmidt is," Gibson said. "And he's an easy pick. It's not taking anything away from any other guy in the league, but we know because we're with him every day that he's special. And when you say All-Star, you would think Paul Goldschmidt and it looks like he'll be rewarded and start that game." Goldschmidt hates to talk about himself and prefers the focus to be on his teammates rather than himself. That could be one of the reasons Gibson has been so vocal in his support of Goldschmidt when it comes to the All-Star Game voting or last year's Most Valuable Player Award voting. "It's an honor to be involved with a guy like that for you guys, as well as everybody he touches," Gibson said. "Everybody doesn't just do that. He feels such an obligation to everybody else and is really so cautious about himself. He really thinks about everybody else before he almost thinks about himself. I mean he holds onto everything he gets from every person and applies it. So he knows it's his obligation to spread that on and try to make a difference with everything he's involved with." Fans can cast their votes for starters at MLB.com and all 30 club sites -- online or on a mobile device -- using the 2014 All-Star Game MLB.com Ballot Sponsored by Experian until Thursday, July 3, at 11:59 p.m. ET. The 2014 All-Star Game will be played at Target Field on Tuesday, July 15. Fans may submit up to 25 online ballots, but they can also earn a one-time bonus of 10 additional online ballots. To access these additional online ballots, you must be logged into your MLB.com account when you submit any online ballot. If you do not have an MLB.com account, register on the site in accordance with the enrollment instructions for a free MLB.com account. Fans this year once again can participate in the Home Run Derby Fan Poll. Fans will have the opportunity to select three players in each league who they would most like to see participate in the Home Run Derby. The 2014 Home Run Derby will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN Deportes and ESPN Radio in the United States beginning at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, July 14. The 2014 American League and National League All-Star teams will be unveiled on the 2014 MLB All-Star Game Selection Show during the weekend of July 5-6, with further details to follow on MLB.com. Immediately following the announcement of the AL and NL All-Star rosters, fans can begin voting to select the final player for each league's 34-man roster via the 2014 All-Star Game MLB.com Final Vote Sponsored by Experian. Fans will cast their votes from a list of five players from each league over the balloting period. And the voting doesn't end there. The final phase of All-Star Game voting will again have fans participating in the voting for the Ted Williams All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet. During the Midsummer Classic, fans will vote exclusively online at MLB.com via the 2014 All-Star Game MLB.com MVP Vote Sponsored by Pepsi, and their voice will represent 20 percent of the overall vote that determines the recipient of the Arch Ward Trophy.

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MLB.com will provide extensive online coverage of the All-Star Week festivities. The 85th All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 200 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com. Reed still owns Gibson's full support as closer PITTSBURGH -- There was no doubt in D-backs manager Kirk Gibson's mind that Addison Reed would remain in the closer's role one day after blowing his fourth save of the season. And Gibson did not much appreciate the question about it before Wednesday's game. "Why would you ask?" Gibson said. "What, because a guy had a tough inning?" Reed entered the ninth with two on, no outs and the D-backs leading 2-0. He was able to get one out, but missed his spot with a pitch to Starling Marte that resulted in a game-tying double off the wall in center and he allowed a broken-bat single to Ike Davis that drove home the game-winner as the D-backs lost, 3-2. But Gibson's point was that there were other things that led to the loss. "I write stuff on the back of my cards and it was very lengthy last night," said Gibson, referencing the notes he keeps about mistakes during a game. "We should have gotten the bunt down in the ninth inning too. I understand how you can sit and look at it -- he made a really bad 0-2 pitch to Marte and it really changed the whole game, but we had a lot of other opportunities to make good plays throughout the game. So I don't go through and re-evaluate every guy that made a mistake throughout the game." Reed entered Wednesday's game 19-for-23 in save chances with a 4.15 ERA. "I think he's been pretty good," Gibson said. "He's done a pretty good job for him. We've had no discussions about removing him. You might feel differently, but we don't."

Anderson sinks deeper into funk as D-backs fall Righty allows eight hits in 3 2/3 innings, drops fourth straight By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2014_07_02_arimlb_pitmlb_1&mode=recap_away&c_id=ari PITTSBURGH -- Heading into his Wednesday night outing, D-backs rookie Chase Anderson was hoping to snap his three-start losing streak and pitch deep into the ballgame.

Neither happened, though, as the Pirates jumped on Anderson early en route to a 5-1 win over the D-backs at PNC Park. "Just fastball command once again," Anderson said of his issue Wednesday. "The first pitch of the game was a sinker away and from then on, I didn't have a feel for it. My off-speed pitches were pretty good, except for that one pitch hit for a home run. The leadoff double I didn't get it in far enough, I wasn't able to establish the inside part of the plate tonight. I didn't do a good job of putting myself in counts to be successful. That game's on me, for sure." The loss was the third in a row for the D-backs, who will try to avoid a sweep when the three-game series concludes Thursday night. If they want to do that, they'll need to find a way to jumpstart an offense that has scored just 10 runs over the last six games. "You've got to give their guys some credit," first baseman Paul Goldschmidt said. "They've made some good pitches and got some good arms, but you've got to find a way to score more than one run. It's not a one-night thing; this last week or 10 days we haven't every day been able to put up the type of runs we'd like to put up. Hopefully we can start tomorrow." Anderson won his first five big league starts, but is 0-4 since. The Pirates took a 1-0 lead in the first when Gregory Polanco led off with a double off the wall and went to third when right fielder Gerardo Parra had trouble picking the ball up on the carom. Starling Marte then grounded out to short to bring home Polanco. It was Polanco who did the damage in the second inning as well when he smacked a 3-1 pitch into the bleachers in right for a two-run homer and a 3-0 Pittsburgh lead. "It was a curveball that I was trying to get down in the dirt," Anderson said of the home run. "It was probably four or five inches off the ground and the guy just put a good swing on it and hit it out. It's a testament to him. It's a good swing. It was a decent pitch -- I wouldn't say a good pitch or a bad pitch, but kind of right in his wheelhouse. I should have tried to bury that pitch. Bad location." Though he only surrendered three runs, Anderson allowed 11 baserunners and the Pirates put together some long at-bats to drive up his pitch count. Anderson was lifted with the bases loaded and two out in the fourth having thrown 88 pitches. In trying too hard to make the perfect pitch, Anderson said his front shoulder has been flying open, causing him to lose command. "I've been working in the bullpens and doing pretty good in between [starts] but I've got to carry it into games," Anderson said. "You don't last in this game very long if you don't go deep in the game as a starting pitcher. I've got to get better for sure."

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Charlie Morton (5-9) managed to keep the D-backs in check for most of his six-inning stint. Arizona's lone run against him came in the third when Goldschmidt singled with one out and came around to score on Aaron Hill's bloop single to right. Goldschmidt was a rare bright spot for the offense going 3-for-4 with a double. "He's a really good hitter," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "We probably haven't hit the spots we like to, but this guy can hit. You keep the people off base in front of him, go from there."

Arizona Diamondbacks sloppy in loss to Pittsburgh Pirates By Nick Piecoro / azcentral sports http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2014/07/02/arizona-diamondbacks-fall-gregory-polanco-pittsburgh-pirates/12122669/ Recap: The Diamondbacks played a sloppy, seemingly uninspired game on Wednesday, falling to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday night at PNC Park. They received an abbreviated outing from their starting pitcher, managed only one run offensively and committed three errors in the field, not to mention another mistake in the outfield that wasn't ruled an error. Manager Kirk Gibson clearly was frustrated after the game. When asked what needed to be done to clean up the play, he answered, "I think maybe you should ask the guys in the clubhouse that." Short outing: RHP Chase Anderson turned in his second consecutive shaky start, struggling to locate his fastball in an outing that lasted just 3 2/3 innings. "I didn't do a good job of putting myself in counts to be successful," he said. "That game's on me." Anderson said he can sometimes feel himself rushing through his mechanics, a problem he's noticed in previous starts and has worked to rectify in bullpen sessions. "I've got to carry it into games," he said. "You don't last in this game very long if you don't go deep in the game as a starting pitcher." Polanco's blast: After giving up consecutive singles to open the second inning, Anderson appeared to be on the verge of escaping trouble when opposing pitcher Charlie Morton bunted into a double play. But after falling behind Pirates rookie sensation Gregory Polanco 3-1, Anderson threw a curveball down and in that Polanco hooked into the right-field seats for a two-run homer. "It was probably 4 or 5 inches off the ground and the guy just put a good swing on it and hit it out," Anderson said. "It's a testament to him. It's a good swing. It was a decent pitch — I wouldn't say a good pitch or a bad pitch, but kind of right in his

wheelhouse. I should have tried to bury that pitch. Bad location." Rough stretch: In being held to just one run by Morton and three relievers, the Diamondbacks have a total of 10 runs in their past six games and are hitting only .217 in that stretch. "They've made some good pitches and got some good arms, but you've got to find a way to score more than one run," Diamondbacks 1B Paul Goldschmidt said. "It's not a one-night thing; this last week or 10 days we haven't every day been able to put up the type of runs we'd like to put up. Hopefully, we can start tomorrow." View from the press box: It wasn't just that the Diamondbacks didn't hit or pitch well, it was how poorly they played in the field that made this game feel like one of their worst performances of the season. And that's saying something, given how ugly their April was. They made three errors and let a lazy fly ball drop in the outfield. For most of the past two months, the Diamondbacks haven't looked as bad as their record would indicate. But they looked that bad Wednesday night. Up next D-Backs at Pirates When: Thursday at 4:05 p.m. Where: PNC Park, Pittsburgh. TV/radio: FSAZ/KTAR-AM 620, KMVP-FM 98.7, KSUN-AM 1400 Pitching matchup: Diamondbacks RHP Brandon McCarthy (2-10, 5.11) vs. Pirates RHP Vance Worley (2-0, 1.74). Notable: McCarthy snapped a nine-start winless streak by beating the Padres on Friday in San Diego, giving up just one run in seven innings in a 2-1 victory. He'll be looking to post consecutive quality starts for the first time since mid-May. … Worley replaced the injured LHP Francisco Liriano in the Pirates' rotation and has pitched very well, notching quality starts in each of his three outings. Projected pitchers Friday: At Atlanta, 4:35 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Josh Collmenter (7-4, 3.74) vs. Braves RHP Ervin Santana (6-5, 4.05). Saturday: At Atlanta, 1:10 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Mike Bolsinger (1-4, 4.53) vs. Braves RHP Aaron Harang (7-6, 3.69). Sunday: At Atlanta, 10:35 a.m., Diamondbacks LHP Wade Miley (3-6, 4.61) vs. Braves RHP Alex Wood (6-6, 3.19).

Arizona Diamondbacks farm system releases pitcher for suspected theft By Nick Piecoro / azcentral sports http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2014/07/02/diamondbacks-farm-system-releases-pitcher-suspected-theft/12123537/

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PITTSBURGH – The Diamondbacks released a minor-league pitcher after he was accused of stealing from a teammate, according to a published report. Left-hander Anderson Placido wasn't a significant prospect in the organization, but he had been a member of the starting rotation for the Diamondbacks' affiliate in short-season Hillsboro, Ore. Hillsboro Hops manager J.R. House believes Placido sneaked into the clubhouse during a game to take the items, according to a story on OregonLive.com. Diamondbacks farm director Mike Bell declined to discuss the specifics of the situation. "He broke team and organizational rules," Bell said, "and we had to let him go." A source said Placido was released in 2012 by the Cleveland Indians after being accused of the same offense. After the Hops' game on Saturday, a player told House items were missing from his locker and that he had reason to believe Placido was the culprit. At that point, House confronted Placido, who denied the charge, the report said. But the missing items were found among Placido's belongings, at which point House called the Diamondbacks' front office. "We always call the organization when things like that happen," House told OregonLive.com. "They tell me what to do." The Diamondbacks quickly released him. Placido had a 2.35 ERA in three starts for Hillsboro. No change Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson threw his support behind Addison Reed, saying the inconsistent right-hander is still his closer. Gibson, though, seemed surprised reporters were wondering about Reed's status. "Why would you ask?" Gibson said. "What, because a guy had a tough inning?" Reed's blown save on Tuesday night was his fourth of the season in 23 chances. That comes out to an 82.6 percent save percentage, which ranks 22nd among 32 qualifying closers. Only two closers have more blown saves than Reed — Detroit's Joe Nathan and San Francisco's Sergio Romo, who was recently removed from the role. "I think he's been pretty good," Gibson said of Reed. "He's done a pretty good job for us. We've had no discussions about removing him. You might feel differently, but we don't." Parra's speed After Gerardo Parra was thrown out at the plate on Tuesday night, Gibson was asked about Parra's apparent lack of speed compared to previous years.

"Pitchers lose miles an hour on their arm," Gibson said. "Maybe he's not as fast as when he first came up." He said he wasn't aware of any injury that might be preventing Parra from running full speed. "He probably wouldn't tell me," Gibson said. "He really wants to play every day, he has played every day. "He may not be as fast as when he was here in 2007, but he's still a pretty good player." Short hops Diamondbacks scouting director Ray Montgomery was expected to interview for the San Diego Padres' vacant general manager's position on Wednesday, according to sources. Montgomery has been the Diamondbacks' scouting director since October 2010. • Slugger Mark Trumbo was 2 for 3 with a double and two RBIs on Tuesday in his first game on a rehab assignment in the rookie-level Arizona League. In his professional debut on Wednesday, right-hander Touki Toussaint gave up a run on a walk and a double but struck out the side in an inning of work in the Arizona League.

D-backs lose second in a row in Pittsburgh By AP / FOX Sports Arizona http://msn.foxsports.com/arizona/story/d-backs-lose-second-in-a-row-in-pittsburgh-070214 PITTSBURGH -- The Arizona Diamondbacks weren't sharp in any phase of the game Wednesday night. The result was a third consecutive loss. "We made some mistakes tonight, and it came back to haunt us," first baseman Paul Goldschmidt said after a 5-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. "That's uncharacteristic of this team and these guys; we take a lot of pride on our defense and baserunning, hitting and pitching. "Tonight we didn't get it done with any." Goldschmidt went 3 for 4 and scored a run for the Diamondbacks. Gregory Polanco hit a two-run homer and reached base three times, and the Pirates won for the fifth time in six games. Diamondbacks starter Chase Anderson couldn't get out of the fourth inning, Arizona committed three errors and its offense has been limited to 10 runs over its past six games. "Offensively, we had nothing going again," Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said. ". And we didn't play well defensively. We made some mistakes -- and when you do that, it's tough to win against a good team like that." Pittsburgh (44-40) has won nine of 11 and moved a season-best four games over .500.

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Anderson (5-4) allowed 11 baserunners. "I wasn't able to establish the inside part of the plate tonight and just didn't do a good job of putting myself in good counts to be successful," Anderson said. "That game's on me, for sure." Polanco, a 22-two-year-old phenom, entered his fourth week in the majors without a hit in 12 at-bats over his previous three starts, dropping his average 50 points to .288. But a night after singling in his first pinch-hit at-bat, Polanco doubled, walked and hit his third home run Wednesday. "This game is all about adjustments," Polanco said. "You have to adjust quick. The faster you adjust, the better you do." Charlie Morton continued his effective pitching at home for Pittsburgh, which clinched its fourth consecutive series victory. Morton (5-9) limited Arizona to one run, five hits and three walks in six innings to lower his ERA at PNC Park to 2.13. "We had a bad April. We dug a hole," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "We've been digging out. That's all we're doing right now, is digging out." Polanco has taken the opposite approach, reaching safely in 19 of 21 major league games. His line-drive shot to right off Anderson in the second inning gave the Pirates a 3-0 lead. "It's fun to watch him," Hurdle said. "He's got skills and he pays attention. The league has adjusted to him to some degree already and now he's starting to fire back a little bit." Andrew McCutchen of the Pirates, who earlier in the day was named NL player of the month for June, did not play the field in the ninth inning. He fouled a ball off his left foot and winced in pain in the eighth, but continued his at-bat and singled. After the game, McCutchen said, "I'm good to go. feel good," but would not commit to being able to start Thursday's game. Morton has worked into the sixth inning during all eight of his home starts this season and has allowed four earned runs over 33 2-3 innings in his past five starts at home. "When I got into a tight spot I made some good pitches," Morton said. "But I really didn't get ahead of guys. I think when I did get in a situation where some pitches had to be made, I made some pretty good pitches." Justin Wilson, Tony Watson and Mark Melancon each worked a scoreless inning for Pittsburgh. Run-scoring hits by Starling Marte and McCutchen in the eighth inning eliminated a save opportunity for Melancon. Russell Martin went 2 for 3 with a walk for the Pirates. NOTES: Reigning NL MVP McCutchen led the NL -- or tied for the lead -- in extra-base hits (20), home runs (8) and RBIs (25). . A day after blowing his fourth save in 23 opportunities

this season, Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said Addison Reed would remain his closer. . Pirates LHP Francisco Liriano, who has been on the DL since June 11 because of an oblique strain, threw a simulated game Wednesday. He indicated it went well, but no specifics were offered about a return.

Pirates run away from Anderson, D-backs: By The Numbers By Alex Williams / Arizona Sports http://arizonasports.com/42/1747222/Pirates-run-away-from-Anderson-Dbacks-By-The-Numbers It took a three-run ninth inning for the Arizona Diamondbacks to fall to the Pittsburgh Pirates in heartbreaking fashion Tuesday night. The D-backs made it a little easier on themselves Wednesday. Pittsburgh jumped out to a first-inning lead and added a pair of runs in both the second and eighth innings and D-backs starter Chase Anderson didn't last four innings as the Pirates topped the D-backs 5-1 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Here's a closer look at the loss, by the numbers: .200 D-backs shortstop Didi Gregorius has seen his batting average drop to the Mendoza line after an 0-for-3 showing with two strikeouts Wednesday. 2.84 Arizona reliever Matt Stites -- the club's top relief prospect entering the season -- now owns a 2.84 in his inaugural stint in the major leagues. He has allowed just two runs while striking out six over 6.1 innings, though both runs came Wednesday. 3 The Diamondbacks made three errors on Wednesday, though the pitching staff didn't allow any unearned runs. Martin Prado, Gerardo Parra and Gregorius each made a fielding miscue in the game. Arizona has committed 63 errors this season -- the second-worst number in baseball. 3.2 Anderson lasted just 3.2 innings Wednesday -- by far the worst start of his short major league career. He allowed three runs on eight hits while walking out three and striking out five. 10 Arizona left 10 runners on base in Wednesday's game, thanks to a 1-for-6 performance with runners in scoring position. 23 D-backs first baseman Paul Goldschmidt has now reached base in 23 consecutive games after a 3-for-4 performance Wednesday. His season batting average is at .305 after dipping to .299 earlier in the week.

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Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon McCarthy is healthy, but his statistics aren't By Nick Piecoro / azcentral sports http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2014/07/03/diamondbacks-pitcher-brandon-mccarthy-healthy-statistics/12125549/ PITTSBURGH – History kept repeating itself for Diamondbacks right-hander Brandon McCarthy. Every year around the end of May, his body would betray him, he would land on the disabled list and he would wonder what might have been. "I always said, 'What could I do if I could stay healthy?' " McCarthy said. "It turns out I'd be 2-10 with a 5.00 (ERA). That's the (expletive) part. It's gone the opposite direction." Since McCarthy rebuilt his mechanics five years ago, he has generally been an effective pitcher when he has taken the ball. The problem, though, has been how often he's been able to take it. Not this year. McCarthy has made each of his scheduled 17 starts, but his results haven't been good. He'll make his 18th start of the year Thursday night in Pittsburgh, where he'll look to lower his career-worst 5.11 ERA. Still, the fact he's made it this far without incident is encouraging. He has some ideas as to how he's done it. It all started with the offseason. McCarthy hired a personal trainer and focused on strengthening his upper body, an unusual plan for a pitcher. "For a long time, there have been a lot of maxims in the game that if you're a pitcher you don't really lift upper body," McCarthy said. "I threw that out the window this year. I lifted upper body. I still lifted everything, got everything baseball strong, but I really tried to grow into a stronger upper body." When last season ended, he looked and felt frail and beaten down. The previous offseason, he was limited in what he could do; in September 2012, he was struck in the head by a line drive, and doctors ordered him to rest. Then midway through last summer, he suffered a seizure related to the head injury, causing him to lose weight and strength. But he went into the most recent offseason with no limitations, and he came out of it feeling stronger. He doesn't feel perfect now, but he imagines what he feels is typical of his fellow pitchers. "I'm looking forward to the (All-Star) break," he said. "It hurts everywhere and you're tired, but you still feel fine and you go out on your start day and everything is good." His other major change comes in his between-starts routine. Rather than throwing every day like most pitchers, McCarthy doesn't even pick up a baseball in the first two days after his starts. "(In the past), I would play catch every day and I kind of noticed that those were the days that I felt like I broke down," McCarthy

said. "Even if you're throwing light on (the first day after a start), you're still carrying stuff over from the day before when you were pitching. "I just started thinking about how if you're a lifter and you do a huge workout, which is essentially what a start day is for your arm, you wouldn't come out the next day and lift again. At some point, you need rest." Now, he says, he feels like he has "something behind it" when he throws a pitch. He figures it helps explain his jump of more than 2 mph in average fastball velocity. Usually, the harder a pitcher throws, the better his results, but that hasn't been the case for McCarthy this year, one of the many puzzling aspects to his frustrating season. Some advanced metrics, including xFIP, indicate McCarthy has pitched as well as some of baseball's better pitchers. That, and how he's feeling, leave him optimistic he can finish his season on a positive note. "I feel like I've thrown so, so much better than the numbers look and I feel so much stronger," he said. "It could just be part of my journey this year. There could still be a rainbow at the end of this where it all turns out well. I like where I'm at right now — not in the results, but where I'm at physically and the potential I have to keep getting better."

Touki Toussaint debuts for Arizona Diamondbacks rookie league team By Zach Buchanan / azcentral sports http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2014/07/03/touki-toussaint-debuts-diamondbacks-rookie-league-team/12125685/ (VIDEO EMBEDDED) Touki Toussaint's professional debut didn't last long, but that was by design. The Arizona Diamondbacks' top selection in the June draft, Toussaint threw the first inning of an Arizona Rookie League game Wednesday at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick as the organization looks to ease him into the professional game. Toussaint, 18, gave up a leadoff walk and an RBI double, but recorded all three outs via strikeout. He used mostly fastballs, which were around 95 mph, but mixed in a loopy curveball and a change-up for good measure. The AZL Diamondbacks ended up losing 4-3 to the AZL Indians. "I was a little nervous, but I got over it and had to make pitches," Toussaint said. Toussaint began the game with a walk to Silento Sayles, but then rebounded for back-to-back strikeouts of Willi Castro and Emmanuel Tapia.

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Toussaint then fell behind 2-0 to Bobby Bradley, the Indians' third-round pick out of LSU, and served up a fastball that Bradley launched to right for a run-scoring double. "It's professional baseball," Toussaint said. "A 2-0 fastball, I could have gotten away with it (in high school). A 2-0 fastball today got hit a long way." On the Diamondbacks' side, the quality of the hitters was skewed by the presence of leftfielder Mark Trumbo, playing in his second straight AZL game on rehab assignment. Trumbo, who suffered a stress fracture in his left foot in late April, went 1 for 3 with a two-run homer and a strikeout. Perhaps most notably, Trumbo played the field for the first time since his injury, playing six innings in left field and tracking down a hard-hit line drive tailing toward the foul line in the fourth. "Everything checked out and everything felt healthy, which is the biggest thing for me right now," Trumbo said. Trumbo is now 3 for 6 with a double, home run and four RBIs in two AZL games. He'll remain in the rookie league through Saturday and will head to Triple-A Reno on Sunday. He expects to be ready to return to the big leagues on July 17, when play resumes after the All-Star break. Toussaint is much further away from the big leagues than that, but the 28-year-old Trumbo was impressed by what he saw and thinks Toussaint won't take too long to progress through the minors. (VIDEO EMBEDDED) "That's a big arm right there," Trumbo said. "Great kid, super projectable. He's just starting out, but you can see the sky's the limit for him. He's just putting the work in, but you can see he's going to be a contributor at the highest level soon enough."

D-Backs' Touki Toussaint talks debut Azcentral sports http://www.azcentral.com/videos/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2014/07/03/12125953/ (VIDEO EMBEDDED)

D-Backs' Mark Trumbo talks return Azcentral sports http://www.azcentral.com/videos/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2014/07/03/12125963/ (VIDEO EMBEDDED)

D-backs' top pick Toussaint makes pro debut Right-hander strikes out three while facing five in one inning of Arizona League action By Teddy Cahill / MLB.com http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/ari/d-backs-top-pick-touki-toussaint-makes-pro-debut?ymd=20140703&content_id=82876530&vkey=news_ari

Right-hander Touki Toussaint, the D-backs' first round pick in the 2014 First-Year Player Draft, made his professional debut Wednesday, throwing one inning for the rookie-level D-backs. But his career didn't begin with a victory, as the Indians won, 4-3, in Arizona League action. Toussaint struck out three batters of the five batters he faced. He allowed one run on one hit and a walk. Mark Trumbo also started Wednesday's game, as his rehab assignment continued. He played six innings in left field and went 1-for-3 with a home run. The D-backs selected Toussaint out of Coral Springs (Fla.) Christian Academy with the 16th overall pick June 5. He signed with the club June 20 and officially began his career Wednesday. Toussaint walked the leadoff batter before recording back-to-back strikeouts. He then gave up an RBI double to Bobby Bradley, the Indians' third round pick, before finishing his outing with another strikeout. Toussaint helped lead Coral Springs Christian to the state semifinals in Florida's Class 3A this spring. He was committed to Vanderbilt before deciding to sign with the D-backs.

NATIONAL.

D-backs hand Anderson ball against Pirates By Sports Network / The Province http://www.theprovince.com/sports/backs+hand+Anderson+ball+against+Pirates/9993386/story.html (SportsNetwork.com) - Chase Anderson hopes to put the brakes on a personal three-game losing streak on Wednesday when the Arizona Diamondbacks continue a three-game set with the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Anderson started his career by winning his first five starts, but has dropped three in a row since. His most recent setback came against Cleveland last Wednesday, as he gave up four runs and seven hits in five innings to raise his ERA to 3.63. "I felt good, just too many runs," said Anderson, who has never faced the Bucs. "Two home runs, and then the two other runs -- you got to limit the damage, which I thought I did inning to inning, but overall probably not the best outing I've had." Pittsburgh, meanwhile, will counter with righty Charlie Morton, who has lost his last two starts. Morton pitched well in defeat on Wednesday against Tampa Bay, as he struck out 11 and allowed two earned runs in seven innings, but still fell to 4-9 on the year to go along with a 3.41 ERA. Morton is 2-1 in five starts versus the Diamondbacks with a 4.50 ERA. Pittsburgh continued to roll in Tuesday's opener, as pinch-hitter Ike Davis singled in Starling Marte to cap a three-run rally in the ninth inning to lift the Pirates to a 3-2 win. Wade Miley was perfect into the fifth inning and came within three outs of his first career complete game for Arizona, but left

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after Neil Walker and pinch- hitter Gregory Polanco singled to start the home ninth. Addison Reed (1-4) retired Josh Harrison on a fly ball to center, but Marte then delivered a two-run double high off the wall in center. The relay throw home got away from catcher Miguel Montero and Marte advanced to third. Andrew McCutchen was intentionally walked before Davis, pinch-hitting for Gaby Sanchez, lined a single to right field to win the game. Miley, who was bidding to snap a personal eight-game winless (0-3) stretch, gave up four hits and had 10 strikeouts. "He was in total command of that game," Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said. "I'd like to see it the next time out as well." Jeff Locke surrendered eight hits over eight innings, while Ernesto Frieri (1-0) got the win, Pittsburgh's eighth in 10 games, despite giving up three hits in the ninth. "We just kept battling and tried to make something happen. Through eight, not a whole lot happened for us," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. These teams split six games a year ago.

For UCLA standout Trevor Bauer, it's different but same with Indians By Helene Elliott / Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-trevor-bauer-elliott-20140702-column.html Trevor Bauer never cared about conforming. A tireless worker who long ago established an eyebrow-raising, pole-to-pole pregame long-toss routine, the 23-year-old UCLA product was judged to be something of an attitude problem and be a potential failure before his career had really begun. Only 18 months and four major league starts after the Arizona Diamondbacks had chosen him third overall in the 2011 draft, they traded him to Cleveland in a puzzling three-way deal. Why would the Diamondbacks give up on a kid whose lively right arm had helped him become their minor league pitcher of the year in 2012? What was wrong with him? Maybe nothing. Maybe Bauer, who was a standout at Hart High in Newhall and was 38-4 in three seasons at UCLA, simply needed to grow up, needed to spend most of last season in the minor leagues to work on his mechanics and his mental approach. He's scheduled to make his first start at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, a destination he has reached by staying true to himself. "People either hate it or they love it. I guess I kind of polarize people," he said of his unusual routine. "But the people who actually take the time to get to know me don't find me that different."

To know him is to realize he detests being labeled or told there's only one way to do things and it isn't his way. "Everyone's so absolute in this world. Everything's so final," he said Tuesday. "I didn't have success in four starts in Arizona and then I have a bad year last year so it's like, 'Oh, he's done, he's a bust.' You hear all that stuff because of social media these days and all the reporters ask questions and all the people, family and friends want to tell you to do this, and you're not doing that. I try not to pay attention to that stuff as much as possible and just focus on getting better. "I knew that last year was going to be a struggle and it set me up in a position where I can hopefully have success here in the near future and over the course of a long career, hopefully. I try to focus mostly on what I can do to get better and stay in that mind-set." Bauer has yet to record a win on the road in his career: he's 0-5 with a 6.94 earned-run average in eight career road starts. He has faced the Dodgers once before, while with Arizona on July 8, 2012, holding them scoreless while giving up two hits over six innings. That season he pitched 161/3 innings over four starts, walking 13 and striking out 17 while compiling an ERA of 6.06. Last season, in 17 innings over four starts, he walked 16 and struck out 11. His numbers are much better this season: 20 walks and 52 strikeouts in 531/3 innings, with a 2-4 record and 4.39 ERA. With the Indians' approval, he's still doing the long-toss routine, occasional heavy bullpen sessions, extensive stretching, and crow-hop before unleashing a 90-plus-miles-per-hour warmup pitch before every inning. But he's also listening to their suggestions and incorporating them into his routine. "He's not unorthodox at all anymore and he never has been with me," Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway said. "He does some different things but it's all just preparation. And everybody prepares different." Manager Terry Francona couldn't recall his first impression of Bauer but has strong impressions now. "He came to spring training this year and seemed to be in a much better place to compete. And it's starting to show," Francona said. "He's able to do some things now that maybe he wasn't able to last year — throw his fastball for strikes, and make teams respect his fastball so he can throw his off-speed over." That's just the technical stuff. "He's learning himself. He's learning the league. And we're seeing him improve," Francona said. "He's 23 years old. There's a lot to love about him as a pitcher." Bauer has become a pitcher, not just a thrower, and he credited the Indians with creating a productive, positive environment in which he can learn and grow. On Wednesday he will get to show off his growth in front of his father, Warren, mother, Kathy, and friends who have helped him during a journey that appears to be getting a second and stronger launch.

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"I've learned a lot since last year in all aspects of life," he said. "Baseball-wise and personally and interacting with teammates and interacting with family and friends, and what is important and what's not."

Isan Diaz homers as AZL Diamondbacks roll, 10-4 By Mark C. Volain / Mass Live http://www.masslive.com/sports/index.ssf/2014/07/isan_diaz_homers_as_azl_diamondbacks_roll_10-4.html Former Central shortstop Isan Diaz collected his first professional extra-base hit Tuesday night, hitting a solo home run in the AZL Diamondbacks 10-4 victory over the AZL Dodgers. Batting seventh, Diaz went 2-for-3 in the game, singling to lead off the bottom of the second and homering to lead off the bottom of the fifth. Diaz's home run padded the Diamondbacks lead, pushing the score to 9-0. On Wednesday, Diaz was named the Western Mass. baseball Player of the Year after his impressive senior year. Diaz is now hitting .200 over is first nine pro games, with seven hits in 35 at-bats. He has also stolen two bases.

MLB Midseason Awards: See Which Stars Take Home the Baseball's Most Prestigious Awards By Dave Kreissman / Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dave-kreissman/mlb-midseason-awards-see-_b_5547377.html Yes, yes, I know it's early. Yes, I know we have of the games left in the 2014 MLB regular season. But still, somebody has to predict who will taking home baseball's biggest awards by season's end (and who'd deserve these awards if the season ended today). As an FYI, all the stats you'll see here are through June 30th. Some of the names you'll probably expect, and others might surprise you. But enough babble, let's predict some award winners. American League Rookie of the Year: This was probably the easiest decision of all to make. Though both the Chicago White Sox's Jose Abreu and the Houston Astros' George Springer have impressed the league with raw power, they stand no match for New York Yankees' ace Masahiro Tanaka. While many of the voters believe that Japanese imports should not qualify for the ROY award, Tanaka's nearly immaculate start puts him in a far lead. As of the end of June, Tanaka leads the American League in ERA (2.10) and leads baseball with 11 wins. And perhaps most significantly, he leads all pitchers in baseball in Wins Above Replacement by more than fifty points (4.32). Not to mention, he's tied for fifth most K's in the MLB and lays claim to the AL's second best WHIP (.95). Don't be surprised if you see the Yankees ace elsewhere on this list. Runner up: Jose Abreu AL ROY at season's end: Yes

National League Rookie of the Year: Unlike the American League this year, the National League has not seen a tremendous amount of rookie talent. It really wasn't until mid-June with the promotions of Gregory Polanco and Oscar Taveras that the NL rookie pool was really spiced up. Unfortunately, Taveras only lasted 11 games before being sent down, and as solid as Polanco has looked so far this year, he joined the race a little late to be considered for any awards. And while Arizona Diamondbacks rookie Chris Owings has shown a lot of good play and leads all NL rookies in WAR, he lacks the pizzazz that gives the speedy Billy Hamilton a huge jump in this race. (In addition, Owings recently hit the DL, and the problem looks fairly serious.) Although Hamilton's season began on a bumpy path, since the beginning of June he has played incredibly, with a slugging percentage around .500 for the month. And don't forget his lightning speed (34 stolen bases through June). Go Billy, go! Runner up: Chris Owings NL ROY at season's end: Yes American League Cy Young: I've already told you everything there is to know about him. Tanaka is a true ace. And nearly single-handedly carrying his team's pitching shouldn't hurt his case for the American League's best pitcher. By year's end, we'll all get to see him join Fernando Valenzuela as the only two pitchers to receive the honor of Cy Young and ROY in the same season ... We should have Tanaka Nation! Runner Up: Felix Hernandez AL Cy Young at season's end: Yes National League Cy Young: We have come to expect the likes of Adam Wainwright and Clayton Kershaw in this conversation year in and year out ... but Johnny Cueto?! Each pitcher has their own claim. Cueto: 8-5, 1.88 ERA (leads MLB), 122 K's, and 3.5 WAR. Wainwright: 10-4 (tied for NL lead), 2.01 ERA, 105 K's, and 3.6 WAR (leads NL). Kershaw: 9-2, 2.04 ERA, 107 K's, and 3.0 WAR. Honestly, any of these aces would be deserving of the NL Cy Young. However, I think Kershaw's DL stint slightly hurts his chances. And as much as I love Wainwright, I feel Cueto has the upper-hand because of his return from an injury defined 2013 season. Runner up: Adam Wainwright NL Cy Young at season's end: I say no. Cueto has been phenomenal, but I don't entirely see him keeping up what he's been doing. My prediction: Wainwright finally captures that elusive Cy Young, narrowly beating out the great Kershaw. American League Most Valuable Player: It looks like it's finally gonna happen kids. It took three years, and some controversy, but as looks as though Mike Trout will finally get in front of Miguel Cabrera and take home his first MVP. Trout leads the AL in WAR (5.0) and OPS (1.017), a sabermetrician's dream. Not to mention, baseball traditionalists salivate over his unparalleled five tool production. He's waited too long, let him have it.

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Runner up: Josh Donaldson (I know, where did that come from?) AL MVP at season's end: Yes. National League Most Valuable Player: Troy Tulowitzki, Giancarlo Stanton, and Jonathan Lucroy. Yes, a motley crew indeed. While Stanton and Tulo have had the more impressive seasons, both of their teams lie below the five hundred line, while Lucroy's bat has helped propel the Brewers to a beautiful first half. And don't forget the catching aspect also helps, as he contributes on all sides of the field. Lucroy sits third in third place in the the NL in WAR, behind who else but Stanton and Tulowitzki. The Brewers catcher is also second in NL batting average (.334), nineteen points behind Tulo, and twenty-one points higher than Stanton. Stanton leads the league with 21 home runs, Tulowitzki has the second most with 18. Stanton does have the advantage in RBI's (60), towering over Tulo's 47 and Lucroy's 42. And let's not forget WAR! Tulo: 5.1, Stanton: 5.0, and Lucroy: 4.2. Just because of the standings, as of today, Lucroy's got it. Runner up: Troy Tulowitzki NL MVP at season's end: Nope. Sorry Jonathan. Unfortunately I do not see the Rockies making a playoff run or even reaching .500, a fact that will severely damage Tulo's MVP hopes. However, this Marlins team which had close to zero expectations entering the season sits only four games below .500. My prediction, Stanton leads the league in home runs, RBI's, and WAR, earning him the NL MVP. The Marlins will miss out on the playoffs, but they'll finish the season much better than anyone expected. Stay tuned my precious readers and see how the predictions unfold! Enjoy the second half of the season!

Watch MLB first basemen recite Lou Gehrig's iconic 'luckiest man' speech By Ted Berg / USA Today http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/07/lou-gehrig-speech-75th-anniversary-mlb-new-york-yankees (VIDEO EMBEDDED OF FIRST BASEMAN RECITING GEHRIG'S SPEECH) Friday, July 4, marks the 75th anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s beautiful and heartbreaking retirement speech, when he declared himself “the luckiest man on the face of the earth” despite the recent ALS diagnosis that would ultimately take his life. In tribute to Gehrig, and to help raise awareness of the illness now known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, MLB recorded first baseman from all 30 teams reciting Gehrig’s iconic speech. Though not a first baseman, Derek Jeter gets the final lines in the mash-up, because he’s Derek Jeter. It all adds up to a good video, but it’s impossible to trump the original. (VIDEO EMBEDDED)

Would Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker be in the Hall of Fame if they had played in New York? By Craig Calcaterra / NBC Sports http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/07/02/would-alan-trammell-and-lou-whitaker-be-in-the-hall-of-fame-if-they-had-played-in-new-york/ Here’s a fact I didn’t know: of all of the pre-1995 teams, the 1984 Tigers and the 1981 Dodgers are the only two World Series champions who do not have a player in the Hall of Fame. I would’ve guessed there were more, as it seems quite possible to build a World Series winner consisting of a lot of very good players, but apparently it’s not terribly common. Or maybe it has more to do with Hall of Fame voters overlooking players on those two teams. Hall of Fame voters getting it wrong isn’t exactly shocking, but here it’s not a 100% satisfying answer. After all, the 1981 Dodgers don’t have anyone who stands out as an obviously overlooked Hall of Famer. Steve Garvey came the closest, but he really didn’t deserve it. Maybe if, in another dimension, someone had put Pedro Guerrero at DH and left him there for his whole career he would’ve made it. Heck, maybe the Dodgers wouldn’t have won the World Series at all if it hadn’t been a strike year with weird playoff rules. The 1981 Reds had the best record in baseball that year and didn’t even make the playoffs because of the split season. They had Tom Seaver and Johnny Bench. But whatever we say about that Dodgers team, I hope that we can agree that the 1984 Tigers have gotten boned in the Hall of Fame department. Specifically Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker. The Detroit News has an article about the two of them and other 1984 Tigers meeting for the team’s 30th anniversary the other night and about how they’d love to be considered by the Veteran’s Committee and that they’d like to go in together. For what it’s worth, former Tigers’ broadcaster Paul Carey has an idea why each of them got short shrift: “It’s because we’re Detroit, and not New York or Boston. You understand that?” said Paul Carey, Ernie Harwell’s long-time partner on Tigers broadcasts. “We’re west of the Hudson River, and that’s the problem.” It’s hard to say, of course. But I do feel like Trammell and Whitaker would have a way, way higher profile if they had done what they did in another, more glamorous city. In other news, Whitaker and Trammell turned two at the anniversary celebration the other night: (PHOTO EMBEDDED)

Los Angeles Angels Rumors: A Move For Brad Ziegler Next? By Bob Garica IV / Rant Sports http://www.rantsports.com/mlb/2014/07/02/los-angeles-angels-rumors-a-move-for-brad-ziegler-next/ With the Los Angeles Angels still looking to bolster their bullpen prior to the trade deadline, the team should look into acquiring veteran reliever Brad Ziegler from the Arizona Diamondbacks.

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Despite the Diamondbacks treading through another disappointing season as they currently lie in last place in the NL West, Ziegler has been one of the few bright spots on the team. In his 44 appearances made so far in 2014, Ziegler has a 3-1 record with a 2.34 ERA, and is tied for second in the league with 20 holds. That type of consistency from the 34-year-old has not only been this season, but for the past three years. He has posted a sub-2.50 ERA and appeared in over 65 games in each campaign. On the other end of the spectrum, the Angels’ bullpen has struggled mightily this season. They are currently 24th in ERA (4.24), fourth in most home runs allowed (28) and seventh in most walked (111). The Angels have already made two acquisitions over the past five days to help fix the problem by adding veteran relievers in Jason Grilli and Rich Hill. Ziegler could be the missing piece in the bullpen as he has proven to be one of the league’s best relievers over the last few years. The Angels could use Ziegler and Joe Smith, who has a 2.78 ERA in 37 appearances in 2014, as their primary seventh- and eighth-inning arms as a transition to Grilli in the ninth inning. His addition would especially alleviate the added pressure that has been put on Smith, who has had to play both the role of a closer and setup man in the past few weeks. Although a trade for Ziegler is a bit of a pie in the sky type of scenario, it could become more realistic as the trade deadline nears and the Diamondbacks continue to struggle and fall further behind in the NL West. What this all comes down to is the fact the Angels need bullpen help, and a move for the veteran right hander may go a long way in solidifying a glaring area of weakness.

Six players among Act of Valor Award nominees Five Hall of Famers also up for distinguished award which honors Feller By Spencer Fordin / MLB.com http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article/cle/six-players-among-bob-feller-act-of-valor-award-nominees?ymd=20140702&content_id=82741338&vkey=news_cle Major League players are often noted for their work on the field, but they are seldom noted for what they do in the community. The Bob Feller Act of Valor Award, however, was created to recognize players of integrity and character, who give back to their community and attempt to serve their country. The award, which was distributed for the first time last season, will have a distinguished group of nominees in 2014. Six current Major League players and five Hall of Fame members have been selected as finalists and may be recognized for their work at a Veterans Day ceremony in Washington, D.C. The six active players are first baseman Adam LaRoche of the Washington Nationals, reliever Brad Ziegler of the Arizona Diamondbacks, catcher Jonathan Lucroy of the Milwaukee Brewers, starter Charlie Morton of the Pittsburgh Pirates, second baseman Dustin Pedroia of the Boston Red Sox and outfielder Nick Swisher of the Cleveland Indians.

The five Hall of Fame nominees are: Johnny Bench, Tommy Lasorda, Monte Irvin, Whitey Ford and Willie Mays. Feller, the late Hall of Famer and former World War II veteran, remained dedicated to fellow veterans during his lifetime, and the Indians are happy to carry on his legacy after his passing. "The Indians remain extremely grateful for Bob's contribution to our organization and this country, and are proud to share in the creation of this award, which focuses on three things Bob held most dear: the Cleveland Indians, the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and the United States Navy," said Bob DiBiasio, the team's senior vice president of public affairs, in a release. "We look forward to honoring these nominees for their display of high character and dedication to servicemen and women." LaRoche, who plays in the Washington area, supports the Wounded Warriors Project at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and participates in USO tours for troops in Afghanistan. Lucroy supports veterans treated at the local Milwaukee VA hospital, hosts wounded heroes at monthly Brewers games and provides college scholarships to military families. Morton founded Morton's Military Initiative and partners with the Pirates Charities, Operation Troop Appreciate and Wounded Warrior Project in several initiatives designed to aid soldiers. Pedroia, the 2008 American League Most Valuable Player Award winner, founded Pedroia's Platoon and regularly visits hospitalized veterans. Ziegler founded Pastime for Patriots, and he visits with troops in Africa, as well as on Arizona and San Diego road trips. Swisher has participated in USO tours to Afghanistan and other forward-deployed troops, and he's active in the Wounded Warrior Project and in Operation Homefront. The nominees will be honored by Mrs. Anne Feller -- Bob's widow -- and by representatives of the United States Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard on July 4 at Progressive Field in Cleveland. Justin Verlander was the first active player to win the award in recognition of his contributions to Victory for Veterans and Wins for Warriors. Yogi Berra was the first Hall of Fame member honored, and was recognized for his military service in World War II. Last year's military honoree was Hospital Corpsman Chief Petty Officer Garth Sinclair of the United States Navy, who served for 27 years.

Pirates 5, Diamondbacks 1 Reuters http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/03/bbo-diamondbacks-pirates-recap-idUSMTZEA734708DO20140703 Pirates 5, Diamondbacks 1: Rookie Gregory Polanco belted a two-run homer and Charlie Morton tossed six solid innings as host Pittsburgh posted its ninth win in 11 outings. Starling Marte had an RBI double and drove in a pair while Andrew McCutchen added a run-scoring single for the Pirates,

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who won their fourth straight series and moved a season-high four games over .500. Jordy Mercer added three hits and Polanco, McCutchen and Russell Martin chipped in with two apiece. Aaron Hill had an RBI single for the second straight game, but the Diamondbacks mustered little else en route to dropping their third straight contest. Paul Goldschmidt collected three of his team's eight hits to improve to 5-for-7 in the series. After scoring on Marte's groundout in the first inning, Polanco gave Pittsburgh a 3-0 advantage in the second after depositing a 3-1 curveball from Chase Anderson (5-4) over the wall in right field. The rookie right-hander didn't last much longer, exiting after permitting eight hits in 3 2/3 innings to take the loss. Morton (5-9) rebounded after suffering a loss despite striking out a career-high 11 batters by allowing one run on five hits to pick up the win. Three relievers combined to yield three hits to seal the victory. GAME NOTEBOOK: McCutchen was named the National League Player of the Month for June on Wednesday. The reigning NL MVP batted .343 with eight homers in 26 games during the month. ... Anderson has lost his last four starts after winning his initial five of his major-league career. ... Pirates LHP Francisco Liriano pitched a simulated game Wednesday without issue as he continues to work his way back from a strained left oblique.

Surging Pirates top Diamondbacks By Sports Network / The Province http://www.theprovince.com/sports/Surging+Pirates+Diamondbacks/9995288/story.html Pittsburgh, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - Gregory Polanco belted a two-run homer in the second inning and Charlie Morton took advantage of the early support by throwing six solid frames in Pittsburgh's 5-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Starling Marte also drove in two runs for the Pirates, who won for the ninth time in their last 11 games. Pittsburgh goes for its first series sweep of the season Thursday night. Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen, who was honored earlier in the day as the National League Player of the Month for June, had two hits and drove in a run in the eighth inning. Morton (5-9) allowed five hits and a run while logging five strikeouts against three walks. The right-hander won his third consecutive start at PNC Park. "He stayed focused and kept making pitches," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "The command was a little bit of a struggle, but he found what worked. He just moved the ball around with what he had tonight." Diamondbacks rookie Chase Anderson (5-4) was charged with eight hits and three runs over 3 2/3 innings and lost his fourth consecutive start.

"He really didn't have fastball command at all," Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said. "His change-up was his best pitch, but you have to command the count better than that." Paul Goldschmidt went 3-for-4 and scored Arizona's only run. The Pirates won Tuesday's contest, 3-2, by scoring three times in the ninth inning -- two of which came on a Marte double -- but got enough offense early on Wednesday. Polanco doubled to right field in the bottom of the first and went to third when Gerardo Parra bobbled the ball on the warning track. Marte followed with a groundout to shortstop for the 1-0 edge. After Morton grounded into a double play in the second, Polanco homered to right field with Jordy Mercer aboard. Morton did his part to help build Pittsburgh's 3-0 lead, escaping jams with men on first and second in the opening two innings. McCutchen tried to make a sliding catch on a fly off the bat of Aaron Hill in the third, but the ball caromed off his glove. The hit scored Goldschmidt, who singled two batters earlier. Arizona's Randall Delgado fanned Neil Walker to leave the bases full in the bottom of the fourth and the Pirates stranded runners at the corners in the fifth. The hosts tacked on two runs in the eighth, however, with Marte plating Travis Snider with the first on a double to right. McCutchen, who briefly walked near the dugout after fouling a ball off his left foot, then singled to left-center field to account for the final margin. The ball dropped between Ender Inciarte and David Peralta after a miscommunication between the two outfielders. Game Notes Polanco, who was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on June 10, has reached base safely in 19 of his first 21 big league games ... Goldschmidt has reached base safely in 23 straight games ... The Pirates, who are a season-high four games over .500 (44-40), have won their last four series and eight of 10 ... Mercer had three of Pittsburgh's 12 hits.

Pirates Bats Stay Hot, Down D-backs 5-1 By Josh Garcia / Vavel http://www.vavel.com/en-us/mlb/365741-pirates-bats-stay-hot-down-d-backs-for-second-straight-night.html Chase Anderson was chased for his fourth straight loss in Wednesday's ballgame as the Arizona Diamondbacks lost again to the Pittsburgh Pirates by the score of 5-1. Anderson only lasted 3 2/3 innings before being removed from the game, giving up three earned runs on eight hits in that time. Starling Marte brought in the first run with his RBI groundout in the first inning.

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Gregory Polanco followed up his two RBI ninth inning on Tuesday with a two run homer in the second inning of Wednesday's game to put Pittsburgh up 3-0. The D-backs managed just the one run off of Charlie Morton and the Pirates with Aaron Hill's RBI single in the third. Pittsburgh poured it on in the eighth inning, scoring two runs off Matt Stites to cement the victory. Starling Marte hit a RBI double and Andrew McCutchen hit a RBI single. McCutchen actually left the game following the inning, after fouling a ball of his ankle during his at bat. The D-backs will hope that Brandon McCarthy can break his trend of only beating the Padres thus far this season in the series finale on Thursday. Vance Worley has been lights out in his three starts for the Pirates this season and will look to keep it going against the struggling D-backs.

Arizona Baseball Games Blacked Out In Utah By Matt Gephardt / KUTV http://www.kutv.com/news/features/gephardt/stories/vid_729.shtml MAGNA, UT (KUTV) James Bybee is a fan of the Atlanta Braves baseball team. "I think it was back when I used to watch the games with my grandpa," he said. Through Major League Baseball's MLB.tv, he is able to watch most Braves games from the comfort of his own living room. That is, except for when the Braves are playing against Arizona. "I'm not able to watch it on the MLB.tv because it's, quote, blacked out," he said. MLB.tv doesn't allow subscribers to watch Arizona Diamondback games in Utah. And James wants to know why. He asked Get Gephardt to investigate. Arizona Diamondbacks VP of broadcasting Scott Geyer says every major league team has a designated TV territory. The Diamondbacks, as well as the Colorado Rockies, claim Utah as their territory. Geyer says all broadcast rights for Diamondback games belong to Fox Sports Arizona. According to Fox Sports Arizona director of communications Brett Hansen, Fox Sports Arizona is available in Utah only through DirecTV or Dish Network and only with a premium sports package. So, James, there are options to see Diamondback games here in Utah; your premium MLB.tv subscription just isn't one of them. A little silver lining for James: as a thank you for showing interest in the team, the Diamondbacks told James that if he ever feels like making a trip to Phoenix, they will comp him some seats to a game.

Irving Signs Deal with Diamondbacks By Damon Dillman / Newsplex

http://www.newsplex.com/sports/headlines/Irving-Signs-Deal-with-Diamondbacks-265642261.html Catcher Nate Irving is the latest Virginia baseball player to sign a pro contract. The Arizona Diamondbacks announced Wednesday that they've signed Irving, the team's 34th round pick in last month's MLB Draft. Irving hit .242 as a junior in 2014, helping the Cavaliers get to within a win of the program's first-ever national title. Irving had been UVa's primary catcher since arriving as a true freshman for the 2011 season, starting 153 games in his three college seasons. He hit .269 in his UVa career, and threw out 31.4 percent of attempted base stealers. Irving joins fellow Nick Howard, Derek Fisher, Brandon Downes, and Branden Cogswell as UVa juniors who were drafted last month, and have signed with pro teams. Mike Papi was also drafted, but has not yet signed with the Cleveland Indians. Senior pitchers Artie Lewicki and Whit Mayberry were both drafted by the Detroit Lions.

Pirates Insider: Polanco blast launches Pirates over D-Backs By John Perrotto / Times Online http://www.timesonline.com/sports/pirates/pirates-insider-polanco-blast-launches-pirates-over-d-backs/article_69f52bc2-5fe3-593b-b38f-76547da8d0ac.html Gregory Polanco homered, Charlie Morton continued his strong pitching at PNC Park and the Pirates won for the fifth time in six games, 5-1 over the Diamondbacks on Wednesday night. Polanco, the rookie right fielder, had a double, a walk and his third home run for the Pirates, who clinched its fourth consecutive series victory. Polanco's line-drive shot to right off Chase Anderson in the second inning gave the Pirates a 3-0 lead. Morton (5-9) limited Arizona to one run, five hits and three walks in six innings to lower his ERA at home to 2.13. The Pirates (44-40) have won nine of 11 and moved a season-best four games over .500. KEY MOMENT Polanco’s home run gave Morton and the Pirates enough cushion. STAR OF THE GAME Morton wasn’t at his best but he held the slumping Diamondbacks in check. HIDDEN STAT 12 Left fielder Starling Marte, who drove in two runs, has a hit in all 12 career games against the Diamondbacks.

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NOTEWORTHY -- CF Andrew McCutchen was removed at the start of the ninth inning. He fouled a ball off his foot in the bottom of the eighth inning, stayed in the game then limped to first base after hitting a single. The Pirates had no update on McCutchen’s condition after the game. Earlier in the day, McCutchen was voted as the National League Player of the Month for June. He hit .343 with eight home runs, 25 RBIs and a league-leading 20 extra-base hits in 26 games. -- Left-hander Francisco Liriano pitched a four-inning simulated game Wednesday. It was the first time he faced batters since going on the disabled list June 11 with a strained left oblique. Liriano is expected to begin a rehab assignment in the minor leagues early next week. UP NEXT Right-hander Vance Worley (2-0, 1.74) will start at 7:05 tonight as the Pirates try to sweep the three series. Brandon McCarthy (2-10, 5.11), who is being eyed in trade talks by the Pirates, will start for the Diamondbacks. Worley is 1-0 with a 1.00 ERA against Arizona in two career starts. He has pitched into the seventh inning in each of his three starts since being called up June 15 from Class AAA Indianapolis. McCarthy is 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA against the Pirates in three career starts.

Pirates taking advantage of a run of weak competition By John Perrotto / Times Online http://www.timesonline.com/sports/pirates/pirates-taking-advantage-of-a-run-of-weak-competition/article_8a60ff8e-3f93-5588-b114-5f0f46813b3e.html PITTSBURGH ---One thing the Pirates have done extremely well this season is beat up on bad teams. They did it again Wednesday night with a 5-1 win over the Diamondbacks --- the cellar dwellers in the National League West --- at PNC Park. The Pirates have gone 22-9 against teams with records under .500. Conversely, they are just 22-31 against teams .500 or better. The Pirates ability to beat inferior completion has helped them move a season-high four games above .500 at 44-40 and get within sight of the NL Central-leading Milwaukee. The Pirates are now six games behind the Brewers, slicing 2 ½ games off that deficit in three days. The Pirates are feasting during a stretch of 16 straight games against sub-.500 teams that runs through the end of the week when they play a three-game home series against the Phillies that begins Friday and runs through Sunday.

The Pirates began the stretch by taking two of three from both the Cubs and Rays on their last road trip. They returned home last Thursday and took three of four from the Mets over the weekend and have now won the first two games of a three-game series with the Diamondbacks that ends tonight. The Pirates have won their last six series against teams with losing records. While part of the Pirates’ success against sub-.500 teams is having better talent, manager Clint Hurdle also believes his club ability to maintain focus has helped. “I think the perception that teams are having problems or are struggling come from people who aren’t playing the game,” Hurdle said. “People on the inside don’t look at this way. The objective is still to win that day’s ballgame regardless of how many injuries your team might have or how many games in a row you might have lost. “It’s not like you can half-step it against certain teams. Winning is hard at this level. You can never take it for granted and our guys are very about going out and giving a good, consistent effort on a daily basis.” That has allowed the Pirates to at least dream about a division title again, even if Hurdle downplays it. “The only team we’re worrying about now is our team, and no one else,” he said.

Morton, Polanco come up big to pace Pirates in win vs. Diamondbacks By Travis Sawchik / Trib Live http://triblive.com/sports/-topstories/6377540-74/morton-pirates-curveball - axzz36NqFlXfa Charlie Morton said the evolution of a pitcher is constant. Morton has evolved to become more than a one-pitch pitcher. Since the beginning of June, the Pirates' right-hander has showcased another above-average pitch, another way to get batters out — particularly left-handed hitters — and another offering that will perhaps allow him to reach another level. Known primarily as a two seam-throwing, groundball-inducing pitcher, Morton's sweeping curveball has become increasingly effective. It is increasingly a pitch he relies on, like he did in a 5-1 win over the Diamondbacks on Wednesday. “I'm throwing it more,” Morton said. “I'm getting more used to that pitch.” Morton leaned on his curveball Wednesday and was boosted by Gregory Polanco, who smashed a two-run homer over the Clemente Wall in the second inning. The Pirates moved past Cincinnati into third place in the standings and are six games behind first-place Milwaukee in the National League Central. The Pirates (44-40) are a season-best four games over .500.

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“We had a bad April. We dug a hole,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. “We've been digging out.” Digging out, in part, because of Morton's evolution. Morton (5-9) struck out five and allowed one run and five hits. He recorded his fourth win since June 2. Since the beginning of June, Morton has enjoyed a dramatic increase in his strikeout rate tied to a significantly better curveball. In April, Morton was getting whiffs on 11.4 percent of his curveballs. The rate jumped slightly in May (12.5 percent). In June, 26 percent of his curves resulted in swings and misses. Morton ramped up his curveball usage last month, and he began his July like he ended his June. Morton threw 93 pitches Wednesday, and 30 were curveballs. According to pitch-tracking data from PITCHf/x, Morton entered Wednesday's start with the most horizontal break on his curveball among all major league starting pitchers. Morton said he has made an adjustment in his delivery in the past month that has refined his curve. “It's allowed the energy to be more toward home plate,” Morton said. The Diamondbacks were a good test for Morton. Lefties hit .302 against him in 2013. The five left-handed Diamondbacks were 1 for 18 on Wednesday. Diamondbacks right fielder Gerardo Parra, a lefty, swung and missed at a curveball in the first inning for a strikeout. Morton threw the left-handed Didi Gregorius four breaking balls in a fourth-inning at-bat. Gregorius pounded the final one into the ground for an easy putout. Morton was supported by Polanco, who went 2 for 4 with a run and two RBIs. After doubling and scoring in the first, Polanco golfed a Chase Anderson curveball into the right-field bleachers for the third career home run. “I have long arms, and I can reach a lot more down and away,” Polanco said. “I just stay with the ball. It was a breaking ball, so I just stayed with it and hit it like golf.” Hurdle said Andrew McCutchen left the game in the ninth inning with left foot discomfort. McCutchen fouled a pitch off his foot in the bottom of the eighth, moments before capping the Pirates' two-run inning with an RBI single.

UVa Catcher Nate Irving Signs With Diamondbacks NBC 29 WVIR http://www.nbc29.com/story/25931118/uva-catcher-nate-irving-signs-with-diamondbacks (VIDEO EMBEDDED) UVa catcher Nate Irving has become the fifth Cavalier baseball player to sign with a Major League team this offseason, as the junior came to terms with the Arizona Diamondbacks on a minor league contract Wednesday.

Irving was a 34th round selection of the D'Backs in the MLB draft last month. He batted .242 this year, with eighteen RBI and nineteen runs scored. Irving started the majority of the games behind the plate for Virginia, helping the Wahoos' pitching staff post a 2.23 ERA as a team. Mike Papi is the only junior remaining in UVa's eight-man draft class, and the first-round selection is in Cleveland working out the details with the Indians. The junior batted .307 with a team leading eleven home runs for Virginia this season. Seniors Artie Lewicki and Whit Mayberry were both drafted by the Tigers. The final day to sign is July 18th.

Polanco leads Pirates over Diamondbacks, 5-1 By Bill Brink / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2014/07/02/Polanco-leads-Pirates-over-Diamondbacks-5-1/stories/201407020225 In his first two at-bats, Gregory Polanco did all the damage the Pirates needed to do. Polanco homered and doubled Wednesday night in the Pirates’ 5-1 victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks at PNC Park, driving in two runs and scoring twice. Polanco and Charlie Morton, who recorded his second consecutive strong outing, gave the Pirates (44-40) their third win in a row and fifth in the past six games. They passed the Cincinnati Reds, who lost their third consecutive game Wednesday, in the National League Central Division standings and were tied with the second-place St. Louis Cardinals pending the Cardinals’ late game Wednesday night in San Francisco. “We’re not going to measure ourselves against other teams and how they’re playing,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “We’re going to measure ourselves against ourselves.” Polanco began the first with a double off the wall in right. He took third when Gerardo Parra bobbled the ball and scored on Starling Marte’s grounder. Pedro Alvarez started the second with a bouncing single away from an infield shift. Jordy Mercer also singled. Morton attempted to put them in scoring position with a sacrifice, but instead bunted into a double play, leaving Mercer on. On a 3-1 pitch, Polanco yanked a low, inside curveball over the Clemente Wall in right for his third homer and a 3-0 Pirates lead. “I hit it like a golf [shot],” Polanco said. Polanco broke an 0-for-12 streak with a pinch-hit single Tuesday night in what became a ninth-inning rally that led to a walk-off

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victory. Before that, he also was 6 for 35 since going 2 for 6 June 19 against Cincinnati. “You have to keep working, keep doing what I’m doing,” Polanco said. “Stay strong in my mind. I know this is the major leagues, and it is hard to be here.” Diamondbacks rookie starter Chase Anderson, making his ninth major league start, needed 88 pitches to record 11 outs. In those 32⁄3 innings, Anderson (5-4) allowed three runs and eight hits. The Pirates added two runs in the eighth. Marte’s double scored Travis Snider and Andrew McCutchen’s bloop single fell between two outfielders to score Marte from second. McCutchen, who fouled a ball off his foot before the hit, left the game in the ninth. “Looks like his left foot hurts,” Hurdle said after the game. Morton (5-9) completed six innings and allowed one run and five hits, but said he was not satisfied. In his previous start, a seven-inning outing in which he struck out 11, he walked only one. Wednesday, he walked three of the first eight batters he faced, but kept the Diamondbacks scoreless. “When I got into a tight spot, I made some good pitches,” Morton said. “I didn’t really get ahead of guys well.” Morton navigated through a lineup featuring five left-handed batters, an extension of his improvement against left-handed batters this season. Left-handed batters had hit .313 with a .395 on-base percentage against Morton in his career, but he had held them to .232 with a .315 OBP this season before Wednesday. “Getting a better idea of what’s working, making my misses a little bit better,” Morton said of his approach to left-handed batters. “If I miss, I’m missing more in[side], and I get that ball back. As opposed to me missing and them hitting a line drive.” Justin Wilson and Tony Watson pitched scoreless innings in the seventh and eighth. Mark Melancon pitched a scoreless ninth with a four-run lead. With one out in the third, Paul Goldschmidt singled, took second on a grounder and was running with two outs when Aaron Hill hit a pop fly to shallow center. The ball bounced off the glove of the sliding McCutchen, allowing Goldschmidt to score. That was it for the Diamondbacks as the Pirates won for the 10th time in the past 13 games. “We dug a hole. We’ve been digging out,” Hurdle said. “That’s all we’re doing right now is digging out.”

Trade deadline preview: Sellers, buyers & top players on market By R.J. Anderson / FOX Sports

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/trade-deadline-preview-sellers-buyers-players-on-market-david-price-jeff-samardzija-070314 e trade deadline is July 31, so expect the winds of trade rumors to pick up. THE SELLERS The buyers far outnumber those interested in moving the present for the future. These four teams seem like the most likely to make moves. (All team win-loss record through Saturday, June 28). Arizona Diamondbacks General manager: Kevin Towers Record: 35-48 Playoff probability: 0.2 percent GM's best deadline deal (as a seller): Jason Middlebrook and Steve Reed for Josh Reynolds, Jason Bay and Bobby Jones (2002) No one can say whether Towers o Tony La Russa will make the decisions for the D-backs. This makes Arizona the biggest wild card among the sellers. The D-backs should anticipate calls on impending free agents Brandon McCarthy and Joe Thatcher. Should Towers and/or La Russa get creative, they could also test the waters on infielders Aaron Hill and Martin Prado; those two have multi-year deals, however, which could cause more complications for the D-backs. Chicago Cubs General manager: Jed Hoyer Record: 34-46 Playoff probability: 0.3 percent GM's best deadline deal (as a seller): Matt Garza for Mike Olt, C.J. Edwards, Justin Grimm and Neil Ramirez (2013) While the Cubs roster continues to turn over, Hoyer has authored a predictable trend: he's traded multiple starting pitchers in each of his first two seasons in charge. Bet on that streak continuing, with both Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel finding new homes before the deadline passes. Beyond those two, expect Hoyer to peddle Nate Schierholtz, Emilio Bonifacio and Darwin Barney; the first two of whom are on expiring contracts. San Diego Padres General managers: A.J. Hinch, Omar Minaya and Fred Uhlman Jr. Record: 34-47 Playoff probability: 0.1 percent GM's best deadline deal (as a seller): None — this is the trio's first deadline in charge. The Padres looked like sellers before Josh Byrnes was fired, and there's no telling whether the change at GM will cause them to be more or less aggressive in stripping down. Huston Street and Joaquin Benoit appear to be the top relief arms available, while soon-to-be free agents Chase Headley and Chris Denorfia ought to draw interest. If the Padres get super-aggressive, they could move Ian Kennedy and Carlos Quentin. Tampa Bay Rays

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General manager: Andrew Friedman Record: 34-49 Playoff probability: 2.2 percent GM's best deadline deal (as a seller): Seth McClung for Grant Balfour (2007) The deadline's most surprising seller, Tampa Bay entered 2014 favored by many to win the World Series. Injuries and underperformance have instead relegated the Rays to the cellar, where they haven't spent much time since 2007. They appear ready to move David Price, the market's top player, but Friedman’s willingness to shed Ben Zobrist (or others) is unclear. Because the Rays are neither rebuilding nor tanking, Friedman could hold onto the rest of his roster and try again in 2015. One aspect to consider: Juan Carlos Oviedo is the only Rays player scheduled to become a free agent. THE BUYERS More than half the 30 major-league clubs are in playoff contenders, so limiting the scope to four teams isn't going to cover every team likely to add parts. Still, these four seem like the most likely to do something. New York Yankees General manager: Brian Cashman Record: 41-38 Playoff probability: 41.5 percent GM's best deadline deal (as a buyer): Acquired Bobby Abreu and Cory Lidle for C.J. Henry, Matt Smith, Jesus Sanchez and Carlos Monasterios (2006) The Yankees are guaranteed a place in trade rumors whenever they're in the playoff hunt. Realistically, though, Cashman's problems will be solved with better internal play — particularly from offseason additions like Brian McCann and Carlos Beltran. Derek Jeter isn't getting benched or replaced, so the two spots in the lineup where the Yankees could shop for external upgrades are second base and right field. Cashman figures to troll the starting pitcher market as well. San Francisco Giants General manager: Brian Sabean Record: 46-35 Playoff probability: 79.4 percent GM's best deadline deal (as a buyer): Acquired Jason Schmidt and John Vander Wal for Ryan Vogelsong and Armando Rios (2001) Sabean has never been a stranger to making a bold move, and the Giants' slight lead over the Dodgers is as good of a reason as any to go for it. The Giants have Marco Scutaro on the way back, so they might pass on second-base solutions. Sabean seems more likely to pursue an upgrade in the rotation. It's not clear that the Giants have the prospect ammunition to net the big dogs, however. Seattle Mariners General manager: Jack Zduriencik Record: 43-38 Playoff probability: 37 percent GM's best deadline deal (as a buyer): Acquired Ian Snell and Jack Wilson for Nathan Adcock, Jeff Clement,

Ronny Cedeno, Brett Lorin and Aaron Pribanic (2009) The expectation is the Mariners, who might or might not have chased David Price during the winter, will look for help in the lineup and rotation. Zduriencik should have his sights set on an outfielder, at minimum, given the M's lackluster production. Nick Franklin’s name is going to come up, though there's no telling anymore what his value is around the league or within the Seattle front office. Toronto Blue Jays General manager: Alex Anthopoulos Record: 45-38 Playoff probability: 57.7 percent GM's best deadline deal (as a buyer): Acquired Yunel Escobar and Jo-Jo Reyes for Alex Gonzalez, Tim and Tyler Pastornicky (2010) After missing on Ervin Santana (and the rest of the free-agent pitching class) during the offseason, expect Anthopoulos to find an arm at the deadline. Toronto could also look to upgrade at the keystone, where they've dealt with injuries and poor performance. The question then is how Anthopoulos will acquire these upgrades. His farm system's strength is in the lower minors, which means Aaron Sanchez is the club's top trade chip in more than one way. THE PLAYERS The nine players most likely to pop up in rumors, along with Randy the Random Number Generator's predictions (limited to teams with better than 15 percent playoff odds). David Price Position: Left-handed starter Team: Rays Date of birth: 8/26/1985 (28) Contract status: Under team control through 2015 Remaining cost: ~$7 million plus arbitration costs Observations: Price survived an offseason chock full of rumors, but it would appear his time in St. Petersburg, Fla., is near its end. As evidenced by a gaudy strikeout-to-walk ratio, his game is all about command and control. Price attacks hitters with a four-pitch mix, led by a low-to-mid-90s fastball that he'll cut and sink. Despite a stay on the DL last season, his durability has been of little concern in 2014, with his average outing lasting longer than seven innings. Price has had issues with the long ball thus far, which has kept his ERA higher than he would like it to be. Should he shake the home run bug, then there's no questioning his status as a legitimate top-of-the-rotation starter. Barring an injury, Price ought to receive the qualifying offer next winter. Prediction: Dodgers. LA has the money to keep Price and the prospects to entice GM Friedman. Randy's prediction: Nationals Jeff Samardzija Position: Right-handed starter Team: Cubs DOB: 1/23/1985 (29) Contract status: Under team control through 2015 Remaining cost: ~$2.17 million plus arbitration costs. Observations: Physical, with a power arsenal and strike-throwing tendencies, Samardzija's best stretches leave no doubt that he is a

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well-above-average starter, but bouts of inconsistency have caused many to question his reliability. Samardzija is an intriguing pitcher. Everything in his arsenal works off his mid-90s fastball that he cuts, sinks, and splits; there's also a slider in there. The Cubs have tried to extend him on multiple occasions, with the legitimacy of their latest attempt coming under scrutiny. Look for the Cubs to shop Samardzija as the cheaper (albeit lesser) alternative to Price, and the one who should be available to AL East clubs in case Tampa doesn’t want to deal within its division.. Prediction: Blue Jays. Samardzija gives Toronto another quality arm for their playoff push. Randy's prediction: Yankees Ben Zobrist Position: Second base, right fielder and shortstop Team: Rays DOB: 5/26/1981 (33) Contract status: Club option for 2015 Remaining cost: ~$11 million (with the option) Observations: Although there's no indication that the Rays will go into a serious rebuild, if they do, then expect the league's buyers to line up for a shot at Zobrist. At the plate, Zobrist still walks and puts the bat on the ball. His power production, which declined last season, has yet to return to form, and his average has slipped as well. When Zobrist reaches base, he remains an intelligent, if not necessarily fast baserunner, who excels at taking the extra base. Defensively, he remains capable of defending most positions on the diamond. Zobrist is also known as a true professional. Prediction: Rays. Unless a team makes a ridiculous offer, it's doubtful the Rays move Zobrist. Randy's prediction: Dodgers Chase Headley Position: Third base Team: Padres DOB: 5/9/1984 (30) Contract status: Free agent at season's end Remaining cost: ~$5.26 million Observations: A year and a half ago, it would've been inconceivable that the Padres would need to trade Headley in order to guarantee a return. Now, it's unclear that they could give him the qualifying offer without him accepting it on the spot. Headley's overall numbers have suffered this season, but he still does some things well, like commanding the strike zone. A move away from Petco Park would almost certainly help his power production. It’s possible a team will buy low with that in mind. Prediction: Yankees. Headley would allow the Yankees to move Yangervis Solarte and Kelly Johnson to second base. Randy's prediction: Brewers Daniel Murphy Position: Second base Team: Mets DOB: 4/1/1985 (29) Contract status: Under team control through 2015 Remaining cost: ~$2.85 million plus arbitration costs Observations: A nominal second baseman, Murphy's value is gleaned from his bat. He's a quality contact hitter, blessed with a line-drive swing and a knack for doubles. After much offseason chatter, Murphy has improved his walk rate, though his swing

and chase rates have remained mostly static. His biggest negative, beyond defense, is that he struggles against left-handed pitching. Nonetheless, there aren't many second basemen available with this kind of bat, so expect him to catch the attention of a few teams eager for more offense. Prediction: Orioles. Dan Duquette's interest in Murphy dates back through at least last winter. Randy's prediction: Tigers Huston Street Position: Right-handed closer Team: Padres DOB: 8/2/1983 (30) Contract status: Signed through 2014 with a club option for 2015 Remaining cost: ~$10 million (with the option) Observations: There doesn’t figure to be a more proven closer on the market than Street, who has notched at least 15 saves in each season since 2005 when he debuted. Street doesn't look like a closer on the mound or on the display of a radar gun. His fastball tops out in the low-90s, leaving him to rely on his command and secondary pitches. Durability has always been an issue, and there are no guarantees he won't get hurt again, perhaps after being traded. A team in need will no doubt take that chance if the cost is right. Prediction: Angels. Assuming the Jason Grilli trade isn't a fix-all, GM Jerry Dipoto could use a reliable ninth-inning option. Randy's prediction: Athletics Joaquin Benoit Position: Right-handed reliever Team: Padres DOB: 7/26/1977 (36) Contract status: Signed through 2015 with a club/vesting option for 2016 Remaining cost: ~$12.5 million (with buyout) or $19 million (with option) Observations: Benoit remains the same quantity he was when he signed over the winter. Though he has the stuff to close — he pairs a mid-90s fastball with a nasty splitter and slider — over the last four years he has carved out a career as one of the league's top setup men. The deciding factor for whether Benoit gets moved might be whether a team is willing to take on the remaining money in his contract. Prediction: Brewers. Benoit shores up the bridge to Francisco Rodriguez. Randy's prediction: Royals Brandon McCarthy Position: Right-handed starter Team: Diamondbacks DOB: 7/7/1983 (30) Contract status: Free agent at season's end Remaining cost: ~$5.12 million Observations: As poor as McCarthy's mainstream statistics are, there's still reason to think he's a capable starter. One of those reasons is a new look on the mound. The story has it that McCarthy gained velocity thanks to offseason training. Whereas he used to be a sinker-cutter-curveball pitcher, these days he's traded some of his cutters for four-seam fastballs. McCarthy loves to double up on his curveball, which he uses to steal strikes and change eye levels, and the pitch helps one of the new parts in his game — the high two-strike fastball — play quicker than it

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is. McCarthy's remaining cost could cause Arizona to eat some money in order to get a sweeter return. Prediction: Pirates. McCarthy would give the Pirates back-end a boost. Randy's prediction: Pirates Jason Hammel Position: Right-handed starter Team: Cubs DOB: 9/2/1982 (31) Contract status: Free agent at season's end Remaining cost: ~$3 million Observations: Hammel, likely the latest one-year deal for the Cubs to pay dividends at the deadline, entered the season pegged as a No. 4 starter. He's since pitched well beyond expectations, however, and there are some tangible reasons to think he might be better than thought. Hammel has improved his slider and altered his pitch selection, making that pitch a bigger part of his gameplan in exchange for fewer curves and changeups. Interested teams should be concerned about his durability, as he's never topped 180 innings in a season. Prediction: Mariners. Seattle gets its rotation upgrade without giving up a ton. Randy's prediction: Reds

All-Star picks: What to do with Big Papi, Jeter and more By Ken Rosenthal / FOX Sports http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/all-star-picks-what-to-do-with-big-papi-jeter-and-more-070314 Warning! My All-Star teams are a mish-mosh of conflicting agendas, just like the actual selections will be. I like fresh faces as well as big names. I like players with game-changing skills. And – forgive me, Internet police, for I am about to sin – I also like players with compelling narratives. Let others play paint-by-numbers and choose their All-Stars by Wins Above Replacement. I’m influenced by WAR, too. I’m just not a slave to it here, even though the outcome determines home-field advantage for the World Series. It’s still an All-Star Game, OK? It’s not a presidential election or something truly important, like a Most Valuable Player award. As always, to make the selection process as realistic as possible, I am picking 34 All-Stars for each team and, yes, following the rule that each club must be represented. The era of diminished offense makes the pitching choices even more difficult; there will be notable omissions even in my notable omissions. Seems everyone who can pick up a ball has a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 10-to-1, while every hitter is batting about .205. In any case, don’t worry about your favorite player getting snubbed. Between injuries and ineligible pitchers, about 200 players eventually will be named All-Stars. The game has become sort of like Little League, where everyone gets a trophy. The teams will be announced Sunday. The game will air on FOX a week from Tuesday at Target Field. Direct all complaints to

the usual place on Twitter: @Ken_Rosenthal. If you prefer Facebook, you can find me at kenrosenthalsports. Here we go. Starters denoted with asterisks. AMERICAN LEAGUE Pitchers (13) *Felix Hernandez, Mariners Dellin Betances, Yankees Mark Buehrle, Blue Jays Yu Darvish, Rangers Sean Doolittle, Athletics Greg Holland, Royals Scott Kazmir, Athletics Corey Kluber, Indians Jon Lester, Red Sox Jake McGee, Rays David Price, Rays Garrett Richards, Angels Masahiro Tanaka, Yankees Notable omissions: Wade Davis, Royals; Sonny Gray, Athletics; Dallas Keuchel, Astros; Glen Perkins, Twins; David Robertson, Yankees; Chris Sale, White Sox; Rick Porcello, Tigers; Anibal Sanchez, Tigers; Max Scherzer, Tigers; Koji Uehara, Red Sox. All of the above have legitimate cases; Robertson leads AL relievers with 15.61 strikeouts per nine innings, and Davis is fourth with 14.24, but I couldn’t fit either in my bullpen. Tanaka will be selected but likely won’t be eligible because he is scheduled to pitch the Sunday before the game. I would replace him with Sale, who missed a month with a flexor muscle strain, but is walking filth. Infielders/DH (12) *Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays Jose Abreu, White Sox Miguel Cabrera, Tigers *Nelson Cruz, Orioles Victor Martinez, Tigers *Jose Altuve, Astros

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Robinson Cano, Mariners Brian Dozier, Twins *Derek Jeter, Yankees Erick Aybar, Angels *Adrian Beltre, Rangers Kyle Seager, Mariners Notable omissions: Josh Donaldson, Athletics; Alcides Escobar, Royals; Ian Kinsler, Tigers; Brandon Moss, Athletics; David Ortiz, Red Sox; Alexei Ramirez, White Sox. Altuve leads the majors with 118 hits and the American League with 37 stolen bases – and at 5-foot-5, he’s only a half-inch taller than me. Not that I’m biased, but I’ve already named him my All-Star MVP. Second base actually is quite crowded. Dozier’s offensive numbers aren’t as good as Kinsler’s, but I’m throwing Twins fans a bone. The good people of Minnesota can also thank me for excluding Big Papi, who got released by the Twins in 2002 and has tortured them ever since. It’s no great snub; Ortiz isn’t as deserving as Martinez and Cruz. I also had an ulterior motive for excluding Papi – I want to see him go all Kanye if he doesn’t make the team. Finally, a message to the anti-Jeter crowd: Who would you prefer, Ramirez? Escobar? Pedro Florimon? Stephen Drew? The celebration of great careers is part of what the ASG is about. Outfielders (6) *Jose Bautista, Blue Jays *Mike Trout, Angels *Yoenis Cespedes, Athletics Michael Brantley, Indians Coco Crisp, Athletics Alex Gordon, Royals Notable omissions: Melky Cabrera, Blue Jays; Adam Jones, Orioles; George Springer, Astros. Man, I’d love to get Springer on there, or at least see him in the Home Run Derby; he has hit 16 homers, or two more than Miguel Cabrera in 58 fewer at-bats. He also is eighth in the AL in OPS as an outfielder. Jones is worthy, but I prefer Crisp, a switch hitter who can steal a base – and one of the most valuable A’s. Catchers (3)

*Derek Norris, Athletics Salvador Perez, Royals Kurt Suzuki, Twins Notable omissions: Chris Iannetta, Angels; Matt Wieters, Orioles. Wieters, who leads in the fan balloting, has appeared in only 26 games. Norris doesn’t play every day, but he’s the AL leader in OPS as a catcher by a wide margin. Iannetta, another part-timer, is second in OPS, but I’ll take Suzuki, who is having a breakthrough season at 30 and would give the game a second Twin. NATIONAL LEAGUE Pitchers (14) Danny Moloshok-AP St. Louis' Adam Wainwright is the top option for NL starting pitcher. *Adam Wainwright, Cardinals Johnny Cueto, Reds Henderson Alvarez, Marlins Madison Bumgarner, Giants Aroldis Chapman, Reds Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers Craig Kimbrel, Braves Jonathon Niese, Mets Francisco Rodriguez, Brewers Alfredo Simon, Reds Julio Teheran, Braves Rafael Soriano, Nationals Huston Street, Padres Jordan Zimmermann, Nationals Notable omissions: Josh Beckett, Dodgers; Jonathan Broxton, Reds; Steve Cishek, Marlins; Zack Greinke, Dodgers; Jason Hammel, Cubs; Tim Hudson, Giants; Ian Kennedy, Padres; Jean Machi, Giants; Pat Neshek, Cardinals; Jonathan Papelbon, Phillies; Jeff Samardzija, Cubs; Stephen Strasburg, Nationals; Tony Watson, Pirates. I’m going with a 14-man staff, and it still isn’t enough. Consider the rotation I could form just from the omissions; Grienke,

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Hammel, Hudson, Samardzija and Strasburg. I also wish I could find spots for some of the other relievers, but the statistics for my selections are just ridiculous. Simon makes five Reds, which is perhaps excessive for a team that is just two games over .500. Still, the guy is ninth in the NL in ERA after opening the season in the rotation only due to injuries. Like Alvarez – and unlike some of the bigger names – he also was terrific in June. Wainwright over Cueto to start was extremely close. Hudson would be the first pitcher I added in case of injury. Infielders (9) *Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks Freddie Freeman, Braves Anthony Rizzo, Cubs *Chase Utley, Phillies Dee Gordon, Dodgers Starlin Castro, Cubs *Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies *Todd Frazier, Reds Casey McGehee, Marlins Notable omissions: Brandon Crawford, Giants; Scooter Gennett, Brewers; Josh Harrison, Pirates; Adam LaRoche, Nationals; Justin Morneau, Rockies; Daniel Murphy, Mets; Jhonny Peralta, Cardinals; Anthony Rendon, Nationals; Joey Votto, Reds. First base is crazy; five of the top 12 in OPS in the NL play the position, and LaRoche and Morneau are quite deserving. Gordon, because of his base-stealing ability, is more of a weapon for this game than Gennett or Murphy (and to add to the fun, I chose Billy Hamilton for my outfield, too.) I love Rendon at third, but McGehee is tied for seventh in the league with 49 RBIs despite hitting only one home run, and his on-base percentage is .380. Outfielders (8) *Carlos Gomez, Brewers *Andrew McCutchen, Pirates *Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins Yasiel Puig, Dodgers Billy Hamilton, Reds Jason Heyward, Braves

Hunter Pence, Giants Seth Smith, Padres Notable omissions: Michael Morse, Giants; Seth Smith, Padres; Justin Upton, Braves. The biggest question is which three should start. Stanton is second in the league in OPS and McCutchen third, so it came down to Puig vs. Gomez. Both are electric, but I’ll go with Gomez, the better defender. Heyward, likewise, isn’t as productive a hitter as his teammate Upton, but he is the game’s top-rated defender according to defensive runs saved. I want him in right field in the late innings. Catchers (3) *Jonathan Lucroy, Brewers Yadier Molina, Cardinals Buster Posey, Giants Notable omissions: Evan Gattis, Braves; Devin Mesoraco, Reds. Gattis would have made my team if he had not gone on the DL with a bulging thoracic disc. Mesoraco’s candidacy also was compromised by injuries; his OPS of 1.026 would be second in the league to Tulowitzki if he qualified.

A Diamondbacks minor leaguer was released for suspected theft By Craig Calcaterra / NBC Sports http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/07/03/a-diamondbacks-minor-leaguer-was-released-for-suspected-theft/ And the Ruben Rivera Award goes to . . . Dbacks’ minor league pitcher Anderson Placido! The Diamondbacks released a minor-league pitcher after he was accused of stealing from a teammate, according to a published report . . . Hillsboro Hops manager J.R. House believes Placido sneaked into the clubhouse during a game to take the items, according to a story on OregonLive.com. The other minor leaguers are all broke anyway, man. Go do the respectable thing and rob a bank or something. Gosh. Rivera is still the all-time champ here. For those who don’t recall: Early in 2002, the Yankees signed him as a free agent, but released him during spring training after Rivera took teammate Derek Jeter‘s glove and bat, and then sold them to a sports memorabilia dealer, reportedly for $2,500. That’s moxie, my friends. Forward-thinking. If he had gotten away with it, Rivera’s haul would have appreciated nicely by now. What’s this Placido guy doing? Going after a low-A level player’s iPhone? Release the guy for lack of vision just as much as the theft.

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Preview: Diamondbacks at Pirates Reuters http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/thomson-reuters/140703/preview-diamondbacks-at-pirates After clinching their fourth straight series victory, the Pittsburgh Pirates vie for their first sweep of the season on Thursday as they conclude a three-game set versus the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks. Rookie Gregory Polanco belted a two-run homer to extend his torrid stretch of reaching base to 19 in 21 games as Pittsburgh cruised to a 5-1 triumph on Wednesday. Starling Marte, who had an RBI double in the contest, has hit safely in all 12 games in his career versus the Diamondbacks. Paul Goldschmidt and Aaron Hill are enjoying strong series, but Arizona is mustering little else en route to losing three in a row. Goldschmidt, who is leading the National League in All-Star Game vote totals at first base, collected three hits to improve to 5-for-7 in the set. Hill recorded an RBI single for the second straight game Wednesday. TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN (Arizona), ROOT (Pittsburgh) PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Brandon McCarthy (2-10, 5.11 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Vance Worley (2-0, 1.74) McCarthy posted his first win since May 3 as he allowed one run and struck out seven in as many innings of a 2-1 triumph over San Diego on Friday. The 30-year-old, who did not walk a batter for the first time in five outings, owns a road record of 2-4 - which is significantly better than his 0-6 mark at home. McCarthy has struggled when facing Pittsburgh, posting an 0-2 record with a 5.40 ERA while allowing the Pirates to bat .304 against him. Worley recorded his third straight quality start by yielding one run on seven hits in as many innings of a 5-2 victory over the New York Mets on Thursday. The 26-year-old continues to have impressive control, issuing just three walks in 20 2/3 frames this season. Worley has fared well in two career meetings with the Diamondbacks, going 1-0 with a slim 1.00 ERA and 0.78 WHIP. WALK-OFFS 1. Pittsburgh CF Andrew McCutchen, who was named the National League Player of the Month for June, has hit safely in all but one of his last 10 games. 2. Arizona manager Kirk Gibson reiterated that RHP Addison Reed would remain the team's closer despite failing to convert a save opportunity for the fourth time in 23 opportunities in the series opener. 3. Pirates C Russell Martin is 3-for-6 with a double since returning from a two-game absence due to a sore left shoulder. PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Diamondbacks 1

Frankly speaking: 'Hot Dog Explorer' seeks best ballpark wieners across North America By Dave Sottile / Special to PennLive

http://www.pennlive.com/senators/index.ssf/2014/07/frankly_speaking_hot_dog_explo.html Tom Lohr spent 24 years repairing missiles for the U.S. Navy, six more working on oil and gas pipelines and 13 months toiling in Antarctica as part of the National Science Foundation's Amundsen-Scott South Pole station management team. Exciting experiences, certainly, but none prepared him for the most challenging adventure of his 52-year-old life: Criss-crossing North America in a 2008 Toyota RAV4, searching for the best ballpark hot dog. "It's a steady diet of processed meat, that's for sure," Lohr said Tuesday night, when he visited Metro Bank Park, home of the Harrisburg Senators. The West Virginia native and Oklahoma resident's business card refers to Lohr as the "Hot Dog Explorer," and he's more than 14,000 miles into his quest to visit all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums and sample frankfurters in each location. He's chronicling the trip in his Blog About A Dog, which includes reviews of stops at minor league venues like the one on City Island. And Lohr plans on compiling his work into a book tentatively titled "Gone to the Dogs: A Journey Across America in Search of the Perfect Ballpark Hot Dog." "Like a lot of people, I always wanted to see all 30 major league parks in one season," said the retired Lohr, who drove U.S. Route 66 in each direction from Chicago to Los Angeles last year. "It's a daytime thing, because you want to see as much of the [Route 66] scenery as possible. "What I tried to do is work it so I could spend the night somewhere that had a minor league team. I saw a lot of baseball games along the way and took pictures of me eating hot dogs to put on my Facebook page." That's when friends and family started asking him which park had the best dogs. He wasn't exactly keeping notes at the time, but when Lohr decided to pursue a new adventure in 2014, he had the perfect opportunity. A GRADING SYSTEM IS BORN After consulting with the Washington-based National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Lohr developed a six-category grading system for judging wieners based upon their bun, taste, toppings, price, portability and "It" factor. Each category is assigned a number value from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest), so 30 would be a perfect score. Lohr also grades each venue, too, using the same scale to rate location, access, cleanliness, ambiance, general admission ticket price and fans. "This isn't just about the hot dogs," Lohr said. "I also came up with a way to rate the ballpark, too, so it's a baseball-hot dog experience. It's the stadium as well, because you can eat the same hot dog but it just tastes better some places than others because of the surroundings.

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"It's the sights, sounds, smells, ambiance of the field. It's a combination of things. The hot dog can get 30 points, the stadium can get 30 points, so the overall best score would be 60." So far, Baltimore's Oriole Park at Camden Yards is the only venue to obtain a perfect score among the 47 places he's visited, which includes 21 minor league facilities. Other top scores include Denver's Coors Field (58), home of the Colorado Rockies; the Pittsburgh Pirates' PNC Park (57.5); Phoenix's Chase Field (57.5), home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago (56.5), where the White Sox play. The highest-rated minor league park was Fifth Third Field in Toledo, Ohio, home of the Triple-A Mud Hens. The Detroit Tigers' farm club facility scored a 56.5, finishing just ahead of Double-A Springfield (Mo.) Cardinals' Hammons Field (56). Lohr was also impressed by Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park and Washington's Nationals Park. Both graded out at 55. At the other end of the spectrum is Lake Elsinore, Calif., home of the Single-A Storm of the California League. Its Lake Elsinore Diamond stadium scored 37, the worst Lohr has issued. The lowest MLB grade belonged to Oakland's O.com Stadium, formerly the Oakland Coliseum. The Athletics' home field graded out at 40. HOW HARRISBURG FARED After driving all day from his previous stop at Boston's Fenway Park (which got a 50.5), Lohr set out to sample a frank in the middle of the Susquehanna River and rate the Senators' home. So how did Metro Bank Park fare? Pretty well, actually, coming in with a score of 51 in a review Lohr posted Wednesday. "While it is not the fanciest of parks, Metro Bank Park has a distinct aura of baseball," Lohr wrote on his blog. "You simply cannot manufacture that." On City Island, Lohr limited his main hot dog grading to standard concession stand fare, but he made sure to eat a Spot Dog, too, having been informed of The Spot's Harrisburg tradition. That helped add to the park's total score. The Metro Bank Park wieners earned a 24 out of 30 grade, while the facility itself scored a 27. Lohr didn't even mind the mayflies, but a sparse crowd (2,033) for the Sens' 3-2 loss to the Richmond Flying Squirrels and what he referred to as a "very bland" Kessler's frank brought down the overall grade. "The lack of fans hit the Senators hard and kept the ballpark portion of the rating from getting a perfect score," Lohr wrote. "A paper wrapper and new frank supplier would really boost the hot dog's rating (I can give you Hebrew National's number). A few adjustments and the Senators will be among the best ballparks to bite a dog." RACKING UP THE MILES Metro Bank Park was his 47th stop since the tour began. Lohr – who refers to himself as a "confirmed bachelor" – has visited 26

major league parks, with only Cincinnati, Tampa Bay, Miami and Atlanta remaining. "When I started, I thought I'd drive 11,000 miles, but I still have to go all the way down to South Florida, so I'll probably wind up somewhere in the neighborhood of 16,000 miles total," Lohr said. When asked how much the whole endeavor will cost, Lohr shrugged. "Just the gas alone will probably be $2,500," Lohr said. "I do what I can to keep the cost down. I want to get the Average Joe's experience: A general admission ticket and a regular hot dog. That's what I get at each stop, which keeps the costs down. "I always ask for military discounts, which help a little bit. The St. Louis Cardinals let veterans in for free, which is pretty awesome. A regular ticket would have been $48 that day. A couple of minor league parks let veterans in for free, too." Lohr sleeps in his car and is a slave to both geography and the MLB schedule, which dictates where he goes and which teams he sees on given dates. After leaving Harrisburg, he visited Harry Groves Stadium in Frederick, Md., home of the Single-A Keys. That was his 22nd minor league stop. He has others planned for Chattanooga, Tenn., Savannah, Ga., Charleston, S.C., Greenville, S.C., and Winston-Salem, N.C., before the trek is through. Raised a Pirates fan in his hometown of Jane Lew, W.Va., located two hours south of Pittsburgh, Lohr's 12-year Navy hitch in San Diego forged a love of Tony Gwynn's Padres, too, at Jack Murphy Stadium. But since leaving his current home in Tulsa, Okla., on April 12, the road has become Lohr's constant companion. "The amount of driving and all the windshield time has been tough," he admitted. "Keeping yourself occupied isn't easy, and there's not enough music in my iPod to keep things fresh. Fortunately, if I'm driving in the evening, I can listen to baseball games, which helps. "The driving has definitely been the hardest part, that and the consecutive days of ballgame, drive a couple of hours, sleep at the rest stop, drive some more, go to a Starbucks and write my blog, then take off for the next town. At the park, the ballgame and hot-dog eating is three hours. There's a bunch more time to fill after that, but I've loved every minute of it."

DETROIT TIGERS: Memories of '84 World Series team live on in the hearts of fans, champions By Matthew B. Mowery / Oak Press http://www.sourcenewspapers.com/articles/2014/07/03/sports/doc53b2b73b788a7644832103.txt DETROIT — The park they played in no longer exists, but the memories will never fade. A little older, maybe a lot grayer, the core of the 1984 World Series champion Detroit Tigers squad visited Comerica Park Monday evening for a ceremony honoring the 30-year anniversary of their championship season.

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Every five years or so, they show up for one of these, still honored as the last Tigers team to hoist the big trophy at the end of the season. And still beloved. “A lot. Shows me that the Ilitch family, Mr. Ilitch — a great Tiger fan and a great Tiger owner — could take time out to ... show the fans the team we had. We had one of the best teams to ever hit a ball field. Just to recognize that,” said Dave Rozema, who visited the site of the old Tiger Stadium at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull with Lou Whitaker Monday morning. “In my mind, I think it’s one of the best teams that played in our era of baseball. ... Our team from one to nine, we were unstoppable. ... I thought maybe we could’ve won more.” After a pregame ceremony, the keystone combination of Whitaker and Alan Trammell — the former Tigers manager, who is now the bench coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks — reprised their roles from their playing days, turning the ceremonial first pitch into a ceremonial double play. While that team will always be remembered for the 35-5 start, going wire-to-wire for the win, there will always be the thought that maybe a team stacked with that much talent could’ve won more. The ’84 Tigers think so, too. “We had a great team, a great manager. Great coaches, awesome starting lineup. Helluva bench,” Whitaker said, when asked how history will remember that squad. “As one of the greatest teams that ever played together — just one year now. We thought we could do it more, but we had some unfortunate injuries. ... (The) 1984 (Tigers) was probably the best team that ever walked on a baseball field, in my personal opinion. There’ve been some great ones now.” He’s not the only one. That sentiment was nearly universal in the room Monday. “Oh my gosh — we thought we’d be good for a long period of time. We thought we were built, with a nucleus that was in their mid-20s ... Now, looking back, we found out how difficult it really is. You know what? At least I can say we won one,” Trammell said. “I will say this: Even though we only won the one world championship, we did have a great group of guys. In the decade of the ‘80s, we were as good as there was in baseball. Again, we only won the one world championship, but we were a pretty darned good organization for a good period of time. I look back very fondly on those days.” So do the fans, who flocked to the park early, to line up for the replica 1984 road jerseys given out to the first 20,000 fans, and to lob questions at the Tigers themselves in a question-and-answer session. Why do the Tigers — dubbed “Bless You Boys” or “The Roar of ’84” — still resonate three decades later?

“It’s a good question, but you could say the same thing about the 1968 team. Everybody talks about what shape the city was in after the riots and everything,” Dan Petry said. “Everything that Willie Horton did, and you’ve got the (Al) Kalines and (Denny) McLains and (Mickey) Loliches, and on and on and on — I don’t think it’s necessarily just the ’84 team. I think Michigan, and all the surrounding areas just love the Detroit Tigers. And when you have a winner like that, I don’t think they’ll ever forget you.” READER MEMORIES Tigers fans have their own vivid memories of the 1984 Tigers. Here are some of those collected from Facebook and Twitter: • “Bergman fouling off pitch after pitch after pitch then hitting walkoff home run vs Blue Jays on Monday Night Baseball.” — Scott Frenzel • “My dad and I were on the right field upper deck railing for the AL clincher, and behind home plate for the WS clincher!” — Timothy Steere • “Vindication on the school bus and Trammel on the cover of SI in my elementary school library” — @tigerexile on Twitter “The photo says it all. Sadly most of the team was gone within a couple of years. We'll always remember that photo of Gibby along with Sweet Lou and Tram, the best double play combination in baseball.” — Neil Baxter “BLESS YOU BOYS!!!” — Keri Snover Bradsher “Lance Parrish Tigerrrrrr catcher!! Still have my poster! Lol” — Debbie Ingles “Looooou! Kirk had great hair! The double plays! It was a great time to be a Tiger Fan. In those days you could get tickets to a double header and enjoy two games !!” — Sarah Lewis “I vaguely remember a Tigers bumper sticker on the siding of our house in Detroit, and the celebration of course.” — Lena Khzouz “By far, the best memory is 35-5 — Wayne Reif “I lived in Detroit.......it was the year I graduated from high school, and my giant Grand Marquis had the bumper sticker that said "Tigers Roar in 84". It was an awesome summer!” — Barb Meyers “My fiancée worships that team. Trammel is his favorite. He watched every game! Makes gift giving easy! Any memorabilia from that team is the perfect choice!!” — Kim Davis Eller “My brother was being born and one of the Detroit Tigers wives was having a baby in the room next door.” — Allyson Lejzorowicz

RENO ACES

Cahill Returns to Form in Aces 3-Hit Shutout

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Campana, Cedeno lead way with multi-hit games By Chad Seely / Reno Aces http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140703&content_id=82865548&fext=.jsp&vkey=recap&sid=t2310 TACOMA, WA - Trevor Cahill tossed six shutout innings and picked up his first win with the Aces as they shut out the Rainiers, 7-0, Wednesday night at Cheney Stadium. The veteran right-hander has been pitching in the minor leagues since mid-June and turned in his best performance as he tries to work his way back into the Arizona rotation. Cahill retired the first ten batters he faced and didn't allow a hit until the fifth inning when Stefen Romero sent a 3-2 pitch back up the middle for a single. He struck out six and yielded only two hits. The Aces plated three runs in the third inning to break the game open. Ronny Cedeno scored from first when Tony Campana rifled a triple to deep center. Danny Dorn lifted a sacrifice fly to score Campana, then Alfredo Marte followed with a solo home run, his eighth blast of the year. They added two more the next inning when the newcomer Cedeno ripped a two-out, two-run double down the left-field line to up the lead to 5-0. Cedeno finished the night 2-for-4 and has hits in each of his first two games with Reno. With Cahill keeping the Rainiers offense at bay, the Aces bats kept churning. Dorn led off the fifth inning with a laser home run to right-field, his fifth long ball of the season. Cahill got Jesus Sucre to bounce into a 6-3 double play to end the bottom of the fifth and got Ji-Man Choi to groundout to second with two runners on to end the sixth, and his night. Campana capped the scoring in with his second hit of the night, a run-scoring single to left-field to give the Aces a 7-0 lead. Jess Todd and Joe Paterson worked the final three innings in relief to give Reno their seventh shutout win of the season. The series concludes Thursday night in Tacoma. Right-hander Charles Brewer (3-5, 7.28) starts for the Aces for the first time since May 18. He goes against right-hander Jordan Pries (4-5, 3.11) for the Rainiers. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Tickets for the July 4 and 5 games, including the July 5 Family Pack, are on sale now. For more information, or to purchase an Aces ticket plan, call (775) 334-4700. For up-to-date news and notes throughout the offseason, visit www.RenoAces.com, follow the club on Twitter (@aces) or like the team on Facebook.

Cahill, Aces shut down Rainiers By Staff / Reno Gazette-Journal http://www.rgj.com/story/sports/2014/07/03/cahill-aces-shut-rainiers/12125735/ The Reno Aces pitching staff, led by Trevor Cahill, shut out the Tacoma Rainiers, 7-0, on Wednesday at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, Wash.

Cahill threw six innings of two-hit ball, striking out six. He improved to 1-1 with the Aces, spending the past two weeks in the minors. Cahill retired his first 10 batters and allowed his first hit int he fifth inning. Jess Todd pitched 12/3 innings in relief of Cahill, allowing one hit. Joe Paterson shut the door on the Rainiers in the final 11/3 innings of hitless ball. The Aces' offense backed up the stellar pitching by scoring runs in the third, fourth, fifth and sixth innings. The Aces scored three in the third on Tony Campana's RBI triple, Danny Dorn's sacrifice fly RBI and Alfredo Marte's solo homer. Ronny Cedeno blasted a two-run double in the next frame in just his second game with the Aces. Dorn also hit a homer in the fifth inning, and Campana drove in the Aces' final run on an RBI single. The teams will play the final game of their series at 7:05 p.m. Thursday. The Aces will send RHP Charles Brewer (3-5, 7.28 ERA) to the mound for the first time since May 18. The team returns to Reno on Friday for the July 4 celebration. Tickets for the weekend holiday games are limited.

MOBILE BAYBEARS

BayBears & Generals Suspended by Rain Rain halts play in Jackson with BayBears and Generals scoreless in the fourth inning. By MiLB.com / Mobile BayBears http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140701&content_id=82622680&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t417&sid=t417 JACKSON, TN - The Mobile BayBears (49-32) and Jackson Generals (34-47) were not able to complete Tuesday night's game at the Baseball Park at Jackson as the game has been suspended in the bottom of the fourth inning due to inclement weather. With the score tied at 0-0 and RHP Archie Bradley on the mound for Mobile, play has been suspended with one out and a runner at first for the Generals, batting in the bottom of the fourth inning . The game will be resumed and completed on Wednesday starting at 5:05 PM. The two teams will conclude Tuesday's game as a full nine inning contest then play Wednesday's originally scheuled game as a seven inning affair 30 minutes following the completion of Tuesday's suspended game. The BayBears return to Mobile July 4 to open a five game set with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at Hank Aaron Stadium. Fans are invited to stick around after Friday's game for a special Independence Day Fireworks show. Tickets to all BayBears' 2014 home games are available for sale now by calling the BayBears ticket office at (251) 479-BEAR

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(2327), Monday through Friday, 9-5 PM. For more information on the BayBears, or for more information on any upcoming games and promotions, visit the official team web site at MobileBayBears.com or by "Liking" the Mobile BayBears on Facebook and following the team on Twitter @Mobile_BayBears

VISALIA RAWHIDE

Rawhide lose fifth straight game By Damian Marquez / Visalia Times-Delta http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/story/sports/2014/07/03/rawhide-lose-fifth-straight-game/12140117/ The Visalia Rawhide can’t seem to figure out the second-half version of the Bakersfield Blaze. Bakersfield scored five runs in the top of the fifth inning en route to a 7-6 victory over the Rawhide on Wednesday night at Recreation Park in Visalia. It was the fifth straight loss for the Rawhide. Visalia and Bakersfield have played five times in the second half of the California League season with the Blaze winning four of those games. The Rawhide overcame a 6-2 deficit on Wednesday, tying the game at 6-6 in the bottom of the eighth inning, but the Blaze scored in the top of the ninth to re-take the lead. Juan Perez delivered the game-winning hit in the ninth inning, scoring Zach Vincej from second base on a single. The Rawhide went down in the bottom of the ninth with Ben Klimesh closing the door and picking up the victory after blowing the save in the eighth. He iimproved to 3-1 on the season. Bakersfield was led offensively by Sean Buckley. The designated hitter went 3-for-5 with a home run, double, three RBIs and two runs scored. He was the only Blaze player to record multiple hits in the game. The Blaze got to Visalia starting pitcher Aaron Blair, who was a first-round pick in the 2013 MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Blair gave up six runs on six hits in 4 1/3 innings of work. He struck out five. Offensively, Visalia was led by Rudy Flores. The first baseman went 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored. Alex Glenn went 2-for-5 with a double, two RBIs and one run scored. The two teams will close out the final game of their three-game series at 7 p.m. tonight in Visalia. The game will be followed by a fireworks show.

Rawhide Come Up Short in Another Squeaker Visalia Rawhide http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140703&content_id=82874202&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t516&sid=t516

VISALIA-Juan Silva's two-out RBI single in the top of the 9th plated the go-ahead run on Wednesday night, as the Bakersfield Blaze held on for a 7-6 win over the Visalia Rawhide. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Visalia left fielder Alex Glenn singled to right field, scoring Kevin Medrano and knotting the game at 6-6. But the Blaze immediately regained the lead in the next half-inning, and held on for the win. Close contests have been Visalia's achilles heel, as the Rawhide record dropped to to an excruciating 10-19 in one run games. For the second consecutive night, the Blaze scored 5 times in the 5th inning. With one out, a walk and bloop double doomed hard-luck starter Aaron Blair. Blair appeared to have induced Sean Buckley into an inning-ending double play...but a wicked, crazy hop over the head of shortstop Raul Navarro led not only to two Bakersfield runs, but an additional run scored when Glenn bobbled the ball in left field. The next batter Juan Perez then smacked a ball that second basemen Kevin Medrano could not wrestle in. Blair was pulled (he struck out five) and the Blaze had once again done in the Hide with a long 5th inning. The Rawhide rallied back, with 2 runs in their half of the 5th, 1 in the 6th, and the tying run in the 8th. But they again came up short in the end. Visalia first basemen Rudy Flores has swung a hot bat lately. Flores collected 3 hits, and is hitting .400 over his last six games. Bakersfield's Buckley remains red hot--the Tampa Florida native homered in the first, and has belted 11 hits in his last 16 at bats--a whopping .667. After the game on Thursday, the Rawhide will host their annual 3rd of July Fireworks extravaganza. There are still a few tickets remaining--first pitch is set for 7 p.m.

SOUTH BEND SILVER HAWKS

Homers, pen help Silver Hawks By Staff / South Bend Tribune http://www.southbendtribune.com/sports/professional/silverhawks/homers-pen-help-silver-hawks/article_f7ae11b0-029b-11e4-829f-001a4bcf6878.html MIDLAND, Mich. — The South Bend Silver Hawks scored five runs through the first three innings, then held on for a 5-4 Class A minor league baseball victory over Great Lakes Wednesday night. The Hawks got solo home runs from Daniel Palka, his 17th, and Breland Almadova (4th). Hawks’ starter Blake Perry struggled, allowing four runs and five hits in 4Ð innings, but four relievers shut down the Loons. The Hawks entered the day one game out of first in the Midwest League’s Eastern Division (second half).

HILLSBORO HOPS

Hillsboro Hops survive in 8-7 win over Everett on Zombie Night By Andrew Nemec / Oregonian

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http://www.oregonlive.com/hillsboro-hops/index.ssf/2014/07/hillsboro_hops_survive_in_8-7.html#incart_river HILLSBORO – While the Hillsboro Hops fans spent Wednesday evening trying to remain unscathed against brain-hungry undead on "Zombie Night," it was the players who survived a late Everett scare to beat the AquaSox 8-7 at Ron Tonkin Field. Trailing 8-7 with one out in the ninth inning and runners on second and third, Everett hit a grounder to Hillsboro shortstop Justin Gonzalez, who immediately noticed Chris Mariscal caught between second and third base. After a brief rundown, second baseman Pedro Ruiz made the tag and quickly spotted leadoff hitter Nelson Ward stuck in no man's land a quarter of the way toward home. A second rundown was on, and after completing the double play the contest was over. "The guy at second base was a little too far off. Gonzo just happened to throw me the ball," Ruiz said. "After tagging that guy, I saw that the runner didn't break home until after the play evolved, so I just ran it straight at the guy at third and got the third out right there." The highlight was one of many for Ruiz, who went 3-for-4 at the plate with two ground-rule doubles and two RBIs. Reliever Zac Curtis, who had been a perfect 4-for-4 in save chances before allowing three runs in a 5-4 loss to Everett on Monday, bounced back to get the sweat-inducing save. "There's still a lot of things to improve on, but it was good to preserve the win for the guys ahead of me," he said. "The guys put up great numbers hitting, so I wanted to go in and shut the door." The Hops (13-7) face Everett in the fifth and final game of the series Thursday at 7:05 p.m. in what has already been announced as a sellout crowd.

Hillsboro Hops' Zombie Night promotion a hit with fans By Andrew Nemec / Oregonian http://www.oregonlive.com/hillsboro-hops/index.ssf/2014/07/hillsboro_hops_zombie_night_pr.html#incart_river HILLSBORO – The Ron Tonkin Field video board displayed a "Civil Danger Warning" and it was announced that several states were experiencing a zombie outbreak Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. Stay in groups, the warning stated, and avoid small spaces. The zombies are coming! The Hillsboro Hops held a promotional "Zombie Night" and pulled out all the stops, delighting fans with a topic that is blood-red hot thanks to the hit show, "The Walking Dead." Prior to the game, the usual warnings to watch for flying bats and foul balls also asked "breathers" to be aware of "flying

limbs." Between several innings, Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg, stars of "Zombieland," appeared on the video screen to discuss ways to kill and survive a zombie apocalypse. At various points in the game, fans were treated to rules for surviving the zombie uprising and there was even a "brain-eating competition" that looked suspiciously similar to red Jell-O. While initially skeptical about the idea, Hops general manager K.L. Wombacher said the promotion was a huge success. "It started from our staff, because I was a little hesitant to do a 'Zombie Night,' but 'Walking Dead' has been a hit TV show," he said. "Staff wanted to do something creative and fun, so we let them roll with it and I think they did a great job. We dressed up some staff and some people actually came in zombie gear. The theme of the night has gone well." Here are some of the best fan tweets and photos from the day's promotion: (TWEETS & PHOTOS EMBEDDED)

Hops game day: Former Oregon State pitcher Scott Schultz gets the start on Zombie NIght By Andrew Nemec / Oregonian http://www.oregonlive.com/hillsboro-hops/index.ssf/2014/07/hops_game_day_former_oregon_st_1.html#incart_river When: 7:05 p.m. Where: Ron Tonkin Field, Hillsboro (Zombie Night) On the air: 620 AM (listen live); live box score at hillsborohops.com Probable starters: Luiz Gohara (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Scott Schultz (0-1, 2.45 ERA) Briefly: AquaSox starting pitcher Luiz Gohara is a 17-year-old pitcher from Brazil who was listed as the No. 7 international prospect by Baseball America in 2012.... Pitching coach Doug Drabek said Schultz has the opportunity to pitch six or more innings tonight for the first time in his professional career. He has not pitched more than four innings in any of his three starts so far with the Hops.... Two days after being hit by a pitch in the elbow, shortstop Justin Gonzalez returns to the lineup and will bat second.... Designated hitter Cesar Carrasco returns to the lineup for the first time since June 20. He has been battling a sore shoulder all season.... Hillsboro is one quarter of the way through the season and leads the South Division of the Northwest League by four games. Tied in second are Boise, Eugene and Salem-Keizer at 8-11.

Hillsboro Hops manager J.R. House plays puppet master in clubhouse designed for individual success By Andrew Nemec / Oregonian http://www.oregonlive.com/hillsboro-hops/index.ssf/2014/07/hillsboro_hops_manager_jr_hous.html#incart_river

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HILLSBORO – Take a peek behind the curtain. Here's how the sausage is made. In minor league baseball, there is an "I" in "team" – and it's the biggest letter. The lower levels of professional baseball aren't about winning or team chemistry. Players getting along and teams making the playoffs are secondary goals to developing individual talent. That may not be what fans want to hear, but it's the harsh reality of the minor leagues. "Well, first and foremost, it is every man for himself, because it's about the development of the individual player – 100 percent," Hillsboro Hops manager J.R. House said. "After that is the winning and the chemistry and all those things. The best way to build those things is to be selfless. We try to preach that, but at the same time, my goal is try to develop each person individually to help them get to the big leagues – that's number one. After that, you try your best to get everybody on the same page." Despite priorities that would seem to have athletes clutching at each other's throats in an attempt to earn a promotion to a higher level, the Hops clubhouse is remarkably tight-knit and supportive – and every player immediately points to House, the first-year manager, as the reason Hillsboro has jumped out to a first-place start in the South Division (12-7) behind a mixture of talent and passion. "Everyone wants to do well for themselves, get called up, whatever, but we're definitely a team and I think that's why we are winning," said Hops outfielder Grant Heyman, an eighth-round selection by Arizona in June. After catcher Elvin Soto delivered a walk-off single on June 21 in a 2-1 victory over Salem-Keizer, he was mobbed by teammates near second base. The first man to reach him, however, was House – a smile beaming from his face as he tackled Soto to the ground in euphoric celebration. Managers don't typically do that, Soto explained, but it was a welcomed display of exuberance. House laughed when told of Soto's reaction. "I just try to be myself. It's not a show or anything," he said. "And I don't try to fit any type of protocol. If they see me that way and that's okay, then great." That passion has players buying into a team atmosphere that House himself states is not necessarily a priority, but has not-so-quietly become part of the recipe for both player development and winning. "I came in here thinking it was going to be every man for himself, kind of a dogfight, and that's what I'd heard," Heyman said. "But everyone is pulling for each other and I don't know if that's rare or not, because this is my first team, but everyone's got each other's back. We're a team, for sure." If there were a player that a dysfunctional clubhouse would single out, it would be Heyman. The former junior college

outfielder is one of the youngest players on the team, but has already become the top hitter in the lineup. While it's too early to put a "big league future" label on the first-year player, his ability and potential are hard to ignore. Despite already passing older players as one of the top prospects on the team, Heyman said his teammates have encouraged his success. "We just have good guys in the clubhouse. There are no jerks," Heyman said. "We are just a lot of good guys who work hard and we all get along. They help me out." It may not be the top priority, but the togetherness of the Hops' clubhouse is one of the early-season accomplishments of which House is most proud. "I'm excited all-around – what we've built together as a team, the chemistry of it and the good bunch of guys," he said. "It's been great so far." One of the ways House's style differs from others is his peer interaction with players. Between innings, House, a former catcher, is the rare manager who will often squat behind the plate and warm up the pitcher before Soto or catcher Tyler Baker are ready. "As long as they're not too hesitant and bouncing a throw and hitting the manager in the face," House said, laughing. "I think sometimes they don't want to actually get loose. I worry about that sometimes, that they baby it in there. But I do like to watch the guys throw from that angle, because it's what I know." For the first time in his career, the job ventured into unknown territory during the Hops' recent trip to Boise. Former Hillsboro pitcher Anderson Placido was accused of stealing from a teammate during a game, leading to his dismissal from the Arizona organization. Players have declined to comment on the incident in much detail, but they have made clear that House's leadership turned an ugly, potentially clubhouse-dividing incident, into a quiet matter than came and went without drama. "We've got a great manager," Hops infielder Nate Robertson said. "Honestly, I didn't know until about a week ago that we wasn't the manager here last year. He carries himself well, he knows the game and he respects the game. He's a great manager." But even as House's team praises his ability to build a winning environment in the clubhouse, the manager admits he isn't opposed to upsetting the applecart. Asked if players were ever intentionally put in a position to fail with games on the line, House interrupted the question to answer. "Yes," he said. "One-hundred percent, we put people in different situations to see how they handle it that might not be their best spot. Then, if we are trying to build confidence, we try to put them in successful situations, as best as possible."

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House provided a quick example from the recent homestand. "We're facing a tough lefty (the other) night with a bunch of different lefties coming up, and never was there any thought to bring in a righty to face one of those guys, because our lefties need to learn how to hit lefties," he said. "Even if it hurts our team in the end and we lose the game because we can't hit him, we need to learn how to." In that sense, House is a puppet master. Pull a string here and a hitter swings and misses in an unfavorable matchup against a pitcher. Manipulate a string there and that same batter delivers a key hit with the odds in his favor. House said that difficult balance is made easier simply by being upfront with his team. "The biggest thing is that I try to communicate with them as best I can, because as a player that was one thing I felt like was lacking, in the minor leagues and the big leagues, was just being honest," he said. "The best way to improve is to know your faults." Winning isn't the priority and neither is a close clubhouse, but they do matter. So far, House has been able to mesh player development with those two traits to create a winner. The Hops were the last team in minor league baseball to win back-to-back games last season and it took until July 18 to register win No. 9. Under House this summer, Hillsboro won back-to-back games by its third contest and registered its ninth victory with nearly a week left in June. It would be premature to call House's foray into the manager position a success after just 19 games. But the 34-year old has already displayed many of the qualities that have the Diamondbacks believing he is an up-and-comer in the baseball coaching world.

MISSOULA OSPREY

Osprey pitcher Brooks called up to AA Mobile Missoulian http://missoulian.com/sports/osprey_blog/osprey-pitcher-brooks-called-up-to-aa-mobile/article_ac55634c-0248-11e4-a9ed-0019bb2963f4.html Eric Brooks has been on-call for the Arizona Diamondbacks organization for the last few weeks, ready for a move at any moment. The Missoula Osprey pitcher got his third reassignment notice since the O's opened the season on June 16, this one a call up to Double-A Mobile on Wednesday. Brooks, a free agent signee by the Diamondbacks earlier this year, pitched most recently the Independent League Lincoln Saltdogs before the D-backs bought out his contract in May. He started the year on the Osprey opening day roster but bounced all the way up to Triple-A Reno before the club had even played a game.

The move, to fill a very specific role on the Reno staff, only last three games. Brooks started one game and came out of the bullpen for two more in tossing seven shutout innings. When Brooks returned to Missoula on June 21 following the loan, he dominated the Pioneer League. In three appearances that covered 6 1-3 innings, Brooks allowed just one run and struck out six batters. That included a shutout inning of work on Tuesday in his final appearance with the O's. The native of Round Rock, Texas, and McLennan (Texas) Community College product will now head to the BayBears of the Southern League. Not including this season's brief foray into Triple-A ball, it's the highest Brooks has advanced since playing with Single-A in the Texas Rangers organization. Texas drafted Brooks in the 11th round in 2012 and he played two seasons in the Rangers' minor league system before being released by the team in 2013.

Billings Snaps Missoula's Win Streak Dane McFarland's Two-Run Homer Was His First Missoula Osprey http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140703&content_id=82862588&fext=.jsp&vkey=recap&sid=t518 MISSOULA, MONT. - The Missoula Osprey (9-8) made another comeback attempt but suffered a five-run ninth inning to drop a 7-2 score to the Billings Mustangs (8-8) in front of 2,022 fans at Ogren Park Allegiance Field. Dane McFarland led the charge offensively with a 3-4 game highlighted by a two-run home run in the seventh inning to tie the game. However, it would be a big Billings ninth inning to end Missoula's five-game win streak. Brad Keller gave the Osprey five innings in his fourth start of the season with just one earned run. Despite allowing a run in the first inning, Keller left runners at second and third base to end a jam. He would finish with seven hits allowed, two walks, and earn three strikeouts. Jency Solis and Wagner Mateo would keep the O's within striking distance after Billings tacked on a run in fourth inning by combining for three shutout relief innings, two hits, and four strikeouts with no walks. Derek Cape (0-1) took the loss in relief with five earned runs off two hits. Tyler Mahle gave Billings a strong start with five hits and no runs over five innings. He issued a pair of walks and struck out four batters. Fabian Roman (1-2) was credited with the win in three innings of relief despite giving up the Dane McFarland two-run home run. Joined by Brennan Barnardino in the ninth inning, the Mustang hurlers would give up just six hits to the Osprey. The O's continue their six-game homestand with tomorrow's start time with Billings set for 6:35 p.m. with a Fireworks Extravaganza planned following the game. Tickets for all Osprey games are available at the MSO Hub Box Office, by phone at (406) 543-3300 and online at MissoulaOsprey.com.

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STREAK SNAPPED Nightmare ninth ends Osprey winning ways MUSTANGS SCORE 5 IN FINAL INNING OF 7-2 VICTORY By AJ Mazzolini / Missoulian http://missoulian.com/sports/osprey/nightmare-ninth-ends-osprey-winning-ways/article_27f14d9a-0267-11e4-942a-0019bb2963f4.html The streak is finished at five – and boy did it go down in a crash of flames. The Missoula Osprey had their winning streak snapped Wednesday by the Billings Mustangs, a 7-2 loss that saw the ’Stangs send 10 batters to the plate in the ninth inning, but also some controversy in a close contest up to that point. Long before Billings (8-8) broke a 2-all tie with five runs in its final at-bat, the Osprey (9-8) were scratching away to try to escape a shutout when it looked like the Mustangs should have handed them a pair on a rules infraction. With two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the fifth inning, Osprey batter Fernery Ozuna went to a 2-2 count against Billings pitcher Fabian Roman. Roman’s next pitch spiked the dirt in front of home plate, banking up and hitting Mustangs catcher Garrett Boulware. Boulware lunged to his right to nab the loose ball before it rolled too far to try to keep the Osprey base runners from advancing. But he did so with his catcher’s mask in hand, appearing to scoop the ball toward his left glove hand to regain control. Neither umpire saw a potentially illegal move. Osprey manager Audo Vicente certainly thought he did, running down the line from his post near third base to argue. “It looked really close, that’s what I thought,” Vicente said. “He said he didn’t touch it. … I’m pretty sure the guy touched the ball with the mask. I’ll have to look at the video to make sure.” “Like I said, my job is to go out there and make sure. By the rule it’s two bases.” According to entry 7.05(b) of MLB’s official rulebook: Each runner may advance “two bases if a fielder deliberately touches a thrown ball with his cap or mask” if the ball is still in play. If deliberate, sequence would have resulted in a parade of Osprey coming home and a 2-2 tie ballgame. “I did see it and I understand (Vicente’s) point of view,” Billings manager Dick Schofield said. “I think the mask hit the ball after he threw it down; he wasn’t trying to use it as a device to rake it in.” Ozuna grounded out to the first baseman to end the threat quietly. Missoula wound up tying the game at 2s anyway soon after. Tyler Clark led off the seventh inning with a single to left field before Maik Ehmcke took over at first as a pinch runner. Dane McFarland blasted a two-run home run with two outs.

Billings scored once in the first, an Alex Blandino RBI single, and once in the fourth on a wild pitch. The ninth inning started with a groundout back to Missoula’s closer Derek Cape before the trouble set in. Back-to-back doubles from Cory Thompson and Blandino – Thompson’s just missing a home run to left – brought home the go-ahead run and the Mustangs loaded the bases. “When we scored the one, I was relieved like good,” Schofield said of the tie-breaker. “We had the lead (in a close game). I felt like we got this thing.” Runs just kept coming, though. Kevin Franklin got an RBI the hard way by taking a pitch to the body to force in a run and Boulware singled home a third. The worst of it wrapped up on a Nick Benedetto infield single that dropped harmlessly when the Osprey second baseman lost the fly in the lights at Ogren-Allegiance Park. “It’s part of the game,” Vicente said. “Unfortunately Cape, who is one of the best guys that we have, he just gave it up today. That situation comes up again, he will be in there. That’s the best guy we have in a tie ballgame to pitch the ninth.” Missoula couldn’t muster a rally in the home half, though Ehmcke drew a leadoff walk. With two outs McFarland struck out looking to end the game. He was 3 for 3 before the K. “Different guy on the mound and he just made a quality pitch on me,” McFarland said. “He had been throwing in to all the righties so I was just trying to stick to my plan, to find a ball up that I could hit hard.” Missoula managed only three hits other than McFarland’s trio. The Osprey fall into a tie with Great Falls (9-8) atop the Pioneer League’s North Division following Wednesday’s finals.

NATIONAL

MLB NEWS July 3, 2014 • sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews July 3, 2014

Yanks call up Wheeler, option Solarte 12:00 pm EDT (The SportsXchange)

CC Sabathia struggled in his rehab start at Double-A 11:51 am EDT (NBC Sports)

Phillies-Marlins: 5 things you need to know 11:36 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia)

Jonathan Lucroy passes Yadier Molina in the All-Star voting 11:33 am EDT (NBC Sports)

What we learned about the Red Sox Wednesday 11:32 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet New England)

Cherington: 'Frustrated...but optimistic' 11:32 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet New England)

Joe Kelly will make at least one more rehab start before rejoining the Cardinals 11:19 am EDT (NBC Sports)

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Back end of Nationals' bullpen has been elite 11:19 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Daniel Webb 'dedicating everything' to his mother 11:12 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

A sleeve to prevent Tommy John surgery? 11:02 am EDT (NBC Sports)

Yankees demote April and May star Yangervis Solarte to Triple-A 10:47 am EDT (NBC Sports)

Great Moments in “If the Boss were alive” 10:30 am EDT (NBC Sports)

Waiver Wired:Top MLB Pickups 10:17 am EDT (Rotoworld)

Here's one opinion for All-Star teams 10:16 am EDT (The SportsXchange)

Matt Williams removed Ryan Zimmerman from last night’s game for defensive reasons 10:15 am EDT (NBC Sports)

Reuters Sports Schedule at 1400 GMT on Thursday, July 3 10:05 am EDT (Reuters)

Mark Mulder watched and live-tweeted “Moneyball” last night 9:57 am EDT (NBC Sports)

Video: A Comerica Park vendor made the catch of the day yesterday 9:33 am EDT (NBC Sports)

Hunter Pence to bat leadoff for the Giants 9:14 am EDT (NBC Sports)

Jurors to keep talking in beaten Giants fan case 9:11 am EDT (The Associated Press)

Signed Lou Gehrig glove could sell for $200K 9:10 am EDT (The Associated Press)

Wakeup Call: 'He hanged it, I banged it' 8:49 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet New England)

A Diamondbacks minor leaguer was released for suspected theft 8:44 am EDT (NBC Sports)

And That Happened: Wednesday’s scores and highlights 7:23 am EDT (NBC Sports)

Team Report - ST. LOUIS CARDINALS 3:40 am EDT (The SportsXchange)

Team Report - SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS 3:40 am EDT (The SportsXchange)

Giants' Pagan due for second epidural 3:20 am EDT (The SportsXchange)

Mets' Wright close to return 3:11 am EDT (The SportsXchange)

Dodgers' Ramirez could be headed for DL 3:00 am EDT (The SportsXchange)

Rockies acquire Jurrjens 3:00 am EDT (The SportsXchange)

Cardinals-Giants Preview 2:45 am EDT (The Associated Press)

Wainwright, Cardinals shut out Giants 2:40 am EDT (The SportsXchange)

Rewind: Big lineup changes coming after Giants shut out 2:18 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Wainwright stymies Giants in Cardinals' 2-0 win 2:14 am EDT (The Associated Press)

Angels' six-man rotation remains for one more turn 2:10 am EDT (The SportsXchange)

Reuters Sports Schedule at 0600 GMT on Thursday, July 3 2:00 am EDT (Reuters)

Chicago's Abreu named AL rookie of the month 1:57 am EDT (The SportsXchange)

Rangers-Orioles Preview 1:54 am EDT (The Associated Press)

SportsNet Central Update: Cubs, White Sox both winners 1:51 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Waiver Wired: Wrath of Hahn 1:47 am EDT (Rotoworld)

Workman's rocky start set tone for Cubs onslaught 1:33 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet New England)

Baseball-Highlights of Wednesday's MLB games 1:30 am EDT (Reuters)

Instant Replay: Wainwright quiets Giants, Cardinals win 2-0 1:06 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Anthony Rizzo enjoys Cubs sweeping Red Sox at Fenway Park 1:03 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Astros-Angels Preview 1:02 am EDT (The Associated Press)

Jones, Flaherty homer as Orioles beat Rangers 6-4 1:01 am EDT (The Associated Press)

Flaherty, Orioles rally past Rangers 12:57 am EDT (The SportsXchange)

Cubs hammer Red Sox to cap 3-game sweep 12:50 am EDT (The SportsXchange)

Cubs complete sweep over Red Sox, 16-9 12:34 am EDT (The Associated Press)

Diamondbacks-Pirates Preview 12:33 am EDT (The Associated Press)

Daily Dose: Rockin' Ross 12:33 am EDT (Rotoworld)

Garcia single lifts White Sox over Angels 3-2 12:28 am EDT (The Associated Press)

White Sox edge Angels in pitchers' duel 12:27 am EDT (The SportsXchange)

Hamels, Phillies continue spiral with 11th shutout 12:25 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia)

Phillies-Marlins Preview 12:16 am EDT (The Associated Press)

MLB reportedly gave A-Rod OK to take testosterone 12:11 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Flaherty's home run sparks Orioles in 6-4 win 12:00 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

July 2, 2014

Polanco's home run helps Pirates top Diamondbacks 11:54 pm EDT (The SportsXchange)

Koehler helps Marlins beat Phillies 5-0 11:50 pm EDT (The Associated Press)

Carlos Gonzalez cleared for live batting practice 11:41 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

Expectant father Koehler leads Marlins past Phils 11:40 pm EDT (The SportsXchange)

Cubs: What if Samardzija was compensation for Theo? 11:39 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Nationals have to grind out series-sweeping win 11:36 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

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Teheran, Braves beat Mets 3-1 to complete sweep 11:34 pm EDT (The Associated Press)

Polanco, Pirates beat Diamondbacks 5-1 11:33 pm EDT (The Associated Press)

Red Sox swept by Cubs in ugly fashion, 16-9 11:32 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet New England)

Trade leaks: Cubs look at security system after Astros hacked 11:24 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Dodgers-Rockies Preview 11:21 pm EDT (The Associated Press)

Behind Teheran, Braves win seventh straight 11:21 pm EDT (The SportsXchange)

Ventura's Garcia gamble pays off, White Sox walk off vs. Angels 11:11 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Keuchel pleasantly surprised by quick return 10:45 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Houston)

Desmond's homer lifts Nationals past Rockies 4-3 10:43 pm EDT (The Associated Press)

Mookie Betts slugs his first major league home run 10:39 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

Nationals polish off Rockies for sweep 10:30 pm EDT (The SportsXchange)

Bass back in action immediately 10:18 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Houston)

Brandon Belt on track to be activated Friday 10:15 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

LIVE: Cardinals vs. Giants 10:13 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Instant Replay: Marlins 5, Phillies 0 10:00 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia)

You're both out: Managers tossed for arguing calls 10:00 pm EDT (The Associated Press)

Nationals' Triple-A affiliate turned fans away for tattoo promotion 9:58 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

MLB TRANSACTIONS July 3, 2014 • MLB.com http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions

LAST UPDATED: THU, JULY 3, 2014, 12:14 EDT

THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2014

TEAM PLAYER TRANSACTION

Miami Marlins

Tom Koehler

Placed on Paternity Leave List

Miami Marlins

Brad Hand

Removed From 15-Day DL, (Sprained right ankle)

Miami Marlins

Brad Hand

Recalled From Minors, Rehab Assignment

New York Yankees

Dean Anna Designated for Assignment

New York Yankees

Zelous Wheeler

Purchased From Minors

WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014

TEAM PLAYER TRANSACTION

Atlanta Braves

David Carpenter

Removed From 15-Day DL, (Strained right biceps)

Atlanta Braves

David Carpenter

Recalled From Minors, Rehab Assignment

Colorado Rockies

Jair Jurrjens

Traded From from Reds, Cincinnati (for INF Harold Riggins)

Colorado Rockies

Brett Anderson

Sent to Minors, For Rehabilitation

Houston Astros

Anthony Bass

Removed From 15-Day DL, (Right intercostal strain)

Houston Astros

Kevin Chapman

Sent to Minors

Houston Astros

Anthony Bass

Recalled From Minors, Rehab Assignment

Kansas City Royals

Casey Coleman

Called Up from Minors

Kansas City Royals

Michael Mariot

Sent to Minors

Los Angeles Angels

Tyler Skaggs

Removed From 15-Day DL, (Hamstring strain)

Miami Marlins

Justin Bour Called Up from Minors

Miami Marlins

A.J. Ramos

Placed on 15-Day DL, (Right shoulder inflammation)

Minnesota Twins

Chris Colabello

Called Up from Minors

Minnesota Twins

Joe Mauer

Placed on 15-Day DL, (Right oblique strain)

New York Yankees

Edgmer Escalona

Signed to a Minor League Contract

New York Yankees

Yangervis Solarte

Sent to Minors

Philadelphia Phillies

Domonic Brown

Placed on Paternity Leave List

Philadelphia Phillies

Wil Nieves

Sent to Minors, For Rehabilitation

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Philadelphia Phillies

Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez

Sent to Minors

Philadelphia Phillies

Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez

Recalled From Minors, Rehab Assignment

Philadelphia Phillies

Aaron Altherr Called Up from Minors

Philadelphia Phillies

Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez

Removed From 60-Day DL, (Sore right shoulder)

Philadelphia Phillies

Mike Adams

Transferred to 60-Day DL, (Right rotator cuff inflammation)

San Diego Padres

Seth Smith

Signed, ( 2015-2016; Opt 2017)(two-year contract extension)

San Diego Padres

Brooks Conrad

Purchased From Minors

San Diego Padres

Troy Patton

Transferred to 60-Day DL, (Left shoulder soreness)

San Diego Padres

Everth Cabrera

Placed on 15-Day DL, (Strained left hamstring)

San Francisco Giants

Ehire Adrianza

Sent to Minors, For Rehabilitation