- What’s the Rays’ next move. Tampa Bay is playing without two of its most explosive players. Rookie third baseman Evan Longoria (wrist) and speedy left fielder Carl Crawford (hand) are both sidelined with injuries. The waiver wire should be busy for the Rays, but it seems the Red Sox have blocked many of the potential outfielders Tampa Bay covets. One potential solution for both positions would be former Rays slugger Aubrey Huff, who would seemingly be available on waivers from the Orioles, but he has a contract next season for more than $8 million.
- Will the Yankees get Jarrod Washburn? The Yankees’ were interested in acquiring Seattle left-hander Jarrod Washburn has long been reported. But Washburn was reportedly claimed before he reached the Yankees in the waiver order, as teams with the most losses getting top priority. The Yankees, however, have a bigger problem: making the playoffs. New York is closer to last place than the first-place Rays, and are headed toward missing the playoffs for the first time since 1994.
- Bring on the replay. Major League Baseball was preparing its ballparks for instant replay, Commissioner Bud Selig said Thursday. Selig said his “confidence is growing” that the umpire assistance program is close to completion. MLB’s first replay system would involve a “war room” in New York, City where officials will only review disputed home runs. Under the proposed plan, phones and monitors would be installed near the field at every ballpark, with decisions coming from crew chiefs upon consultation with the New York office.
HE SAID WHAT?
“He was going to be moved no matter what. I don’t know if he told [the media], but he made it was no secret to us that he was looking for $100 to $120 million contract. I don’t think this franchise is going to give out that kind of contract.” — Cincinnati pitcher Bronson Arroyo on former Reds outfielder Adam Dunn, who was traded to Arizona last week.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Melvin Mora
Baltimore’s third baseman has been one of the best hitters in baseball. In the past 13 games entering the weekend, Mora was 434 (23-for-53) in that stretch with 16 runs batted-in. Through 112 games, he is batting .272 with 17 home runs and 81 runs batted-in.
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