Quoted: Because the Rainiers have unexpectedly stormed back into the Pacific Coast League pennant race, and having Silva pitch might "jeopardize" their chances, in the words of TNT's Larry LaRue. Yes, a pitcher who'll make $11 million this year (and $11.5 million both next year and the year after) can't be trusted against the Salt Lake Bees.

Quoted: Dinesh Patel and Rinku Singh, cricket players who had not pick up a baseball until April, on Monday became the first athletes from India to sign professional baseball contracts, agreeing to deals with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Amazing. In a down economy, run your company with the efficiency of the Rays.

Quoted:
4 Boston Red Sox $133,440,037
29 Tampa Bay Rays $43,820,598

RRS defends Ichiro.

Quoted: But I will take a moment to address the disturbing article because I do think its important to make this clear from a player’s point of view:
..
Ichiro is very very respected in the clubhouse, yes as a player but most of all as a teammate. He is a class act, a true professional, and has so much respect for the game of baseball.

Quoted: I liked “Out of 14 teams, we’re 11th in pitching. And I’ll guarantee some of those people pointing fingers are pitchers … I’d keep my mouth shut if I was somebody saying something and part of that staff. 11th in the league in pitching, I don’t think I’d be saying too much.”

Couldn't have asked for a better debut by Brandon Morrow. He 1-hit the Yankees over a span of 7 2/3 innings.

Quoted: Seattle’s Brandon Morrow overwhelmed the Yankees, allowing a run and a hit while striking out eight with three walks.

Nice to see the emergence of RRS this season and his optimism for next season.

Quoted: I know it sucks that we haven’t done well this year. It’s been tough for everyone. Ignore the negativity you read! There are some great guys in this locker room and we’re gonna have a youth revolution and be strong next year!

This is one of a number of (oddly) intelligent moves the Mariners have made in the past week.

Quoted: The Jose Vidro era ended today when the Mariners designated him for assingment. I just drove by him in the Safeco Field parking lot. I was headed in, he was leaving. The Mariners have 10 days to release, trade or demote Vidro to the minors -- a move he could refuse. Anyhow, he's gone