July 29
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Braves needed something special in the first inning Wednesday night to turn the momentum of this series and this road trip around. They got it from Jason Heyward. The Braves' electrifying right fielder stole home on the front end of a double-steal on a play when the Braves were just trying to stay out of a double play. He made it work to the Braves' advantage, scoring the second of two first-inning runs on the team's first steal of home in 10 years, and the Braves bounced back with a 3-1 win over the Nationals. "It's a heads-up play," Heyward said. "You're not going to see a lot of it, but when it does happen and you can take advantage of a situation like that it's always great." The"
July 29
Washington Post
columnist Tracee Hamilton
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Forty thousand people turned up at Nationals Park on Tuesday night expecting Jim Riggleman to shout "Release the Kraken" as Stephen Strasburg strode to the mound for his 10th start. That's 40,000 people, but not necessarily 40,000 fans. Fans don't boo the hometown team because of a pitching change. Fans don't boo the long reliever who had a 10-minute warning that he was going to start. Fans don't get up and walk out because one player is out of the lineup, even if that player is Stephen Strasburg. Hopefully much of the booing was expressing disappointment rather than disagreement with GM Mike Rizzo's decision. Rizzo did exactly the right thing. Strasburg (5-2) hasn't mentioned shoulder"
July 25
Washington Post
columnist Tracee Hamilton
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Should the Nationals trade Adam Dunn? Absolutely not. Next question. Oh, all right, let's discuss that one some more, then, since the Nats have until Saturday's trade deadline to entertain offers. In the meantime, they can continue to try to re-sign Dunn. If they're smart, that's exactly what happens. But let's look at their options. There is no question Dunn is one of the most attractive dishes on the trade buffet this week. It has been widely reported that the White Sox have offered anyone in their minor league system for Dunn as they try to hold off the Tigers and Twins for the AL Central title. The Red Sox and Giants have also been mentioned as interested parties, among others."
July 25
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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In essence, Jim Edmonds announced his retirement Saturday night, effective at the end of the season. He plans to go out with a bang, however. "I'm going to play these last nine weeks like they're my last," said the veteran outfielder. "And we'll see how it goes." Edmonds was one of several players displaying true grit in the Milwaukee Brewers' dramatic 4-3 victory over the Washington Nationals, delivered on Ryan Braun's long RBI single with one out in the bottom of the ninth that delighted a sellout crowd of 41,987 at Miller Park. Playing basically on one leg with an inflamed Achilles' tendon that often leaves him in agony, Edmonds, 40, played a huge role in the game with a home run,"