For now, video will be used only on so-called "boundary calls," such as determining whether fly balls went over the fence, whether potential home runs were fair or foul and whether there was fan interference on potential home runs.

Replay will go into use with three series scheduled to open Thursday: Philadelphia at the Chicago Cubs, Minnesota at Oakland and Texas at the Los Angeles Angels. For other games, replays will be available to umpires starting Friday.

Baseball officials wanted to avoid having a situation in the postseason where fans with access to televisions and viewers at home knew what the correct call was but the umpires on the field did not.

Leaving the dugout to argue a call following a replay will result in an automatic ejection. Replays of the boundary calls will not be shown on stadium video boards, MLB executive vice president for baseball operations Jimmie Lee Solomon said.

About fucking time.

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Rosenthal:

The Cubs, trying to cover every angle in their quest to win their first World Series in 100 years, are discussing trades for a left-handed hitter, including Mariners outfielder Raul Ibanez.
The team is not close to a deal, major-league sources say, and ultimately might settle for a bench player who would be an upgrade over Daryle Ward, or make no trade at all.

Olney:

Washburn a fit for Mets?

"It's a natural fit for those two teams," the executive mused.

Yes, it's barely anything, I know.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Wednesday that the Pirates are deep into talks with the Rays about Jason Bay. Separately, with about 29 hours to go before the trade deadline, sources indicate to ESPN that while nothing is imminent, the two sides are talking constructively and trying to bridge the gap.

Yes yes yes, go Rays.

Per Rotoworld, (via Goose)

The Miami Herald reports that the Marlins are close to acquiring Arthur Rhodes from the Mariners.
The 37-year-old southpaw has a 3.83 ERA and 26/10 K/BB ratio in 21 1/3 innings for the Mariners, pitching to a total of 83 batters in his 35 appearances.

Update: Pudge to to the Bronx:

Rosenthal:

"You have to give up to get," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "You have to do the balancing act."

Tigers president Dave Dombrowski said the team didn't want to trade Rodriguez, but had bigger needs in the bullpen. The two teams began discussing the deal early Wednesday and had it wrapped up about six hours later, just as the Yankees were finishing off a 13-3 win over the Orioles.

"It's going to be very exciting. They are in the race and I'm ready to do my job," Rodriguez said.

I don't get this at all. It's a complete steal for the Yankees.

Olney:

The Mets have continued discussions with the Mariners about outfielder Raul Ibanez, but as of early Tuesday afternoon, nothing seemed particularly promising.

If the conversations with the Mariners heat up, they could conceivably expand the conversation to include Arthur Rhodes, the veteran lefty.

Rosenthal:

Almost immediately after the Braves decided to trade Mark Teixeira on Monday, the Diamondbacks emerged as the apparent front-runner to land the switch-hitting first baseman.

The Angels, however, also are in the mix.

The Diamondbacks, sources say, will not part with first baseman Conor Jackson for Teixeira, who is a free agent at the end of the season. But they would be open to moving Chad Tracy, who is signed for $4.75 million next season with a $7 million option for 2010.

Also, per ESPN, fuck my life:

The St. Louis Cardinals have decided it is time to return the closer's role to Jason Isringhausen, who has been languishing as a middle reliever after an early-season slump and a trip to the disabled list.

 

"In my head, I knew Izzy's the closer and I'm just here to fill in until he got ready, which I think he is," Franklin said.

Update: Rosenthal:

The Angels have won the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes. 

First baseman Casey Kotchman and Class AA right-hander Stephen Marek are headed to Atlanta in exchange for the power-hitting first baseman.

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This trade couldn't happen at a better time. Atlanta must be out of players.

The Yankees can not acquire Mariners left-hander Jarrod Washburn without his approval.
Washburn's limited no-trade protection gives him the right to veto a deal to the Yankees, according to a major-league source.

Washburn, who turns 34 on Aug. 14, is owed the balance of his $9.85 million salary this season and $10.35 million next season.

Players generally require financial compensation to waive no-trade protection, usually in the form of a cash bonus or contract extension.

Just when you thought this contract couldn't be any more hilarious...

Click me!

PLEASE GOD END IN A TIE

OR AN AL FORFEIT, THAT WOULD BE SLIGHTLY BETTER

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A publicist for George Carlin says the legendary comedian has died of heart failure at a hospital in Santa Monica, Calif.

Jeff Abraham says Carlin went into St. John’s Hospital on Sunday afternoon, complaining of chest pain. Carlin died at 5:55 p.m. PDT. He was 71.

George Carlin is one of the smartest, funniest, most clever human beings to live. He and his mastery of the English language will be missed.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25322638/&GT1=43001

Via USSM:

"(The security guard said) the mom doesn't want to explain to the kids why two girls are kissing. So I said 'well, I'm not going to stop, so you'll have to kick me out. So he said 'so I suggest you leave then,"' she said.

Safeco Field officials refused to comment on the incident. However, officials did send KOMO News a copy of the field's code of conduct which states "displays of affection are not appropriate in a public family setting."

I was hoping for more, but I'll take it.

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