Around The Majors- Friday

200th post! I never thought that I'd make it this far but I have. Thanks to the loyal readers of SprungOnSportsNation for helping me to this point. I hope I can provide the top notch posts that you've come to expect from me. Today on ATM, a thursday recap, some news and notes, a weekend preview, and the latest trade rumors.
Thursday Recap
In what was supposed to be a pitcher's duel, CC Sabathia was lit up by the Tigers, and Justin Verlander and Detroit cruised to a 12-3 win. Hideki Matsui's 2 run shot off of Pat Neshek in the 8th gave the Yankees a 7-6 win over Minnesota. Josh Beckett won his 12th and Tampa Bay has dropped 11 straight as the Red Sox bombed the Rays 15-4. Tad Iguchi and Jermaine Dye drove in 3 runs each as the White Sox stay hot with an 11-6 win over Baltimore. Kelvim Escobar and the Angels defeated Texas 5-2, and Chad Gaudin and Oakland turned aside Seattle 3-2. Adam LaRoche homered twice as Pittsburgh doubled up Milwaukee 6-3, Florida edged San Diego 3-2, the Cubs nipped the Nats 4-2, and Bronson Arroyo went deep in the Reds' 6-3 win over the Giants. The Cards slithered past the Snakes 3-2, John Maine and the Mets beat Houston 6-2, and Atlanta got 2 Chipper Jones dingers to beat the Dodgers 8-6.
News and Notes
- The leaker of the BALCO steroids scandal agreed to spend an extra 9 months in jail. Is there really another place that I'd least want to spend my time in? Maybe the DMV. - John Smoltz had his shoulder checked out, the results will be known on Monday. Smoltz will miss his next start and the all star game, Roy Oswalt was named his replacement. - A-Rod had a successful MRI result yesterday and may play today. - Hideki Okajima and Chris Young won the final ASG votes. - Atlanta recalled Joey Devine and sent down Pete Orr. Boston optioned Jacoby Ellsbury, the Cubs recalled Sean Gallagher, and the White Sox recalled Gavin Floyd. Mike Stanton was activated from the DL, Josh Johnson was placed on the DL, and Eric Reed was called up by Florida to fill up the spot. Minnesota sent down Kevin Slowey in favor of Carmen Cali, Carlos Gomez will be shelved 6-8 weeks and was DL"d. David Newhan was recalled. The Cards gave Ryan Franklin a 2 year contract extension.
Weekend Preview
Friday
The Twins and White Sox are playing a day night twinbill today, with Garland going during the day and a Garza-Floyd matchup at night. Andrew Miller and Detroit face Boston, Colon-Pettitte in the Bronx, and Halladay against Cleveland. Shields battles the Royals, Guthtrie pitches in Texas, and Weaver-Haren in Oakland. Marquis faces the Pirates, Lowry battles Maroth in St Louis, Francis faces the Phillies, and Willis-Billingsley in LA.
Saturday
Carmona-Marcum in Toronto, King Felix in Oakland, Bonderman against Boston, Meche against the Rays, and Bedard in Texas. Bonser-Buehrle, Lackey-Clemens, and Braves-Pads are all 4pm FOX games. Glavine faces Houston, Suppan in Washington, Lilly in Pittsburgh, Webb-Bailey, Lincecum-Looper, Moyer in Colorado, and Mitre-Lowe.
Sunday
Dice-K in Detroit, Santana-Wang, Byrd in Toronto, and Vazquez against the Twins. Kazmir battles KC, and Blanton battles Seattle. Petit faces Harang in Cincy, Capuano in DC, Zambrano in Pittsburgh, and Oswalt against the Mets. Zito faces the Cards, and Maddux faces the Braves on sunday night baseball (8pm ESPN).
Rumors
- The White Sox will start selling rather soon, but many players believe that Buehrle will sign a contract extension soon. (4/56) (Chicago Sun-Times) - The Tigers are likely to make an aggressive move for a Ranger reliever. Many players in their system are in play, but not Maybin, Miller, or Granderson. (Dallas Morning News) - The Red Sox and Rangers didn't talk yet about Gagne or Otsuka, but Boston has inquired about Brad Lidge.(Boston Herald) - Scouts say the Reds are alerting other clubs that everybody on their roster is available except Aaron Harang, Homer Bailey, Josh Hamilton, Alex Gonzalez and Brandon Phillips. (Philadelphia Daily News) - Boston wouldn't mind dealing Wily Mo Pena. (Boston Globe) - The Dodgers may not end up chasing offense, including Troy Glaus. (LA Times) - Shawn Chacon wants a contract extension. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Enjoy the weekend!