Major-league firings produce only minor spark

Major-league firings produce only minor spark
Interim managers are hired midseason to bring a quick turnaround to a disappointing year, but so far the results have been mixed …

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/324884039″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Get lowdown with midseason check-up
The best way to look at the 81-game midpoint of the baseball season is to treat it like a check-up at the doctor’s office get …

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/325000044″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

All-Star nod affirms Hamilton’s climb from addiction
Josh Hamilton says the drug demons try to nudge him awake when he sleeps. They pester him when he’s alone, waiting for that moment …

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/325358756″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Athletics‘ Chavez returns to disabled list
The Oakland Athletics placed six-time Gold Glove third baseman Eric Chavez on the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday because of …

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/325250429″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Angels‘ Escobar might be done for the season (Yahoo! Sports)
So much for that debate over whether Kelvim Escobar should return to the Los Angeles Angels rotation or bullpen.

Anton shows first-strike capability

Michael Anton squeezed a lot out of his 99 pitches Sunday afternoon, but none were more important than the first one each batter saw.

Pass out the midterm report cards (Yahoo! Sports)
We don’t grade on a curve, and that’s why only the Rays get an A-plus while three teams are given Fs.

Athletics give Dominican prospect $4.25 million signing bonus
The Oakland Athletics and prized 16-year-old pitching prospect Michael Inoa agreed Wednesday to a minor league contract with …

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/325315284″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Blackburn helps Twins tweak Tigers, seal shutout
Nick Blackburn combined with two relievers on a five-hitter, and Joe Mauer’s two-out, two-run single sparked a five-run third …

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/325177103″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>