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The Brewers called a 10 a.m. CT (11 ET) news conference on Thursday to announce a contract extension for left fielder Ryan Braun. The deal is said to be at least seven years beyond this season and exceeds the six-year, $31 million contract signed by Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki.   more »

The Tampa Bay Rays and pitcher Scott Kazmir have agreed on a four-year contract extension. The first three years of the agreement covering 2009, 2010 and 2011 are guaranteed with the team holding an option for the 2012 season. The contract guarantees Kazmir $28.5 million and has a maximum value of approximately $39.5 million.   more »

On a foul ball in the second inning of tonight's game vs the Marlins, Jeff Keppinger fouled a ball off his left knee. X-rays revealed that the Reds SS suffered a fractured left kneecap. He will undergo an MRI tomorrow. Bad news for the Reds and Keppinger who was on pace for a career year.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinal is reporting that a source close to Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez has confirmed that the young star has agreed to the framework on a 6 year, $70 million contract extension. Florida is essentially buying out 3 years of arbitration and 3 years of free agency from Ramirez. This is, of course, is pending a physical and an official announcement.

The Minnesota Twins have announced that relief pitcher Pat Neshek was placed on the 15-day DL with an acute partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow...   more »

Just as Dave thought might happen in the previous post Hill goes down, Gallagher comes up...   more »

Per the media relations department, the Brewers have placed RHP Yovani Gallardo on the 15-day disabled with a torn ACL in the right knee.   more »

The Associated Press is reporting some bad news for Rockies and Yankees fans. According to the wire service, Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki suffered a torn tendon in his left quadriceps and could be out until the All-Star break if not longer, his agent said Thursday. In New York, it's being reported that Phil Hughes has a stress fracture in one of his ribs, and the New York Yankees' pitcher is expected to be sidelined until at least July. Ouch!

John Smoltz was placed on the 15-day disabled list today with no scheduled timetable for return.   more »

The Oakland A's today agreed to terms with free agent designated hitter Frank Thomas. To clear a spot for Thomas on the roster, the A's placed outfielder Travis Buck on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 19 with shin splints. To clear a spot for Thomas on the 40-man roster, the A's transferred Eric Chavez to the 60-day DL.   more »

According to WWWT (3WT) radio in Washington D.C., the Oakland A's have come to terms on a contract with DH Frank Thomas. Details are unconfirmed, and I'm not sure how reliable the Nationals radio announcers are, but we'll have more information as it becomes available.

Update

Yahoo Sports via Rotoworld is also reporting that Thomas is set to sign with the A's. Sounds like more evidence that the deal is at least close.

It's been quite some time since I've seen an athlete like Utley in person. The guy is just a tremendous player. He possesses incredible bat speed and is rarely fooled. His pitch recognition and plate discipline all seem to be improving to elite levels as well.   more »

In an interview with the Seattle Times, Brian Bannister talks about our own Voros McCracken...   more »

According to TSN in Canada, the Blue Jays have released designated hitter Frank Thomas. Thomas was batting .167 in 16 games, with three homers and 11 RBI this season. WOW!

The Chicago Cubs today recalled outfielder Matt Murton from Triple-A Iowa and optioned infielder Eric Patterson to Triple-A.   more »

The Tampa Bay Rays and third baseman Evan Longoria have reached agreement on a nine-year contract. It is the longest contract in the franchise’s history. The salaries for first six years of the agreement are guaranteed with the team holding a one-year option for 2014 season and a subsequent two-year option for the 2015 and 2016 seasons. The contract guarantees $17.5 million. If the Rays exercise both options, Longoria would earn more than $44 million over the life of the nine-year agreement.   more »

A daily look at baseball transactions.   more »

The New York Mets, and the Jackie Robinson Foundation today unveiled the imagery and text for the Jackie Robinson Rotunda at Citi Field.   more »

Kevin Slowey goes on the 15-day DL with biceps strains and Francisco Liriano is recalled   more »