A surprisingly varied coffee this morning, but a lot of baseball to lead off:
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- Despite a good start from Phil Hughes and a Nick Swisher two-run homer, the Rays topped the Bombers by a score of 3-2. The Rays answered with a three-run shot from Matt Joyce in the sixth to provide them with all the scoring they needed. Rafael Soriano got his 29th save. It was the Rays first home win on a Friday since early April during the team's first home series with the Yankees. More from Pinstripe Alley. ↵
- Meanwhile, the Yankees went on being the Yankees off the field. For a smattering of mid-level at best minor league prospects, they have acquired Lance Berkman from the Astros and Austin Kearns from the Nationals. Pinstripe Alley has the scoop on all of this. ↵
- The Mets appear ready to stand on their laurels and appear ready to get beaten by the Diamondbacks for another series, falling in game one this weekend to Arizona 9-6. Other than two David Wright home runs, the Mets had only five hits. Ian Kennedy was good enough, and Mike Pelfrey resumed struggling, but Raul Valdes was the real goat. More coverage from Amazin' Avenue. ↵
- According to the credible former Ranger (and Rogers Sportsnet insider) Nick Kypreos, the hearing for the NHLPA's grievance on behalf of Ilya Kovalchuk will be held on Wednesday and be over with by Thursday. Richard Bloch will arbitrate. ↵
- The Liberty triumphed over the Sparks, beating LA at the Garden 88-79. It was Cappie Pondexter leading the Libs once again, with 20 points. Tina Thompson lead the Sparks with 18. New York has now won four of its last five. ↵