Ward Double Clinches Cubbies' Sweep

Lefty pitcher calls it a day after reaching 300 wins

(AP) - After 22 major league seasons, The Big Unit is walking away from baseball, ending one of the greatest pitching careers in baseball history. The 6-foot-10 Johnson announced his retirement on a conference call late yesterday, a decision that had been expected from the overpowering left-hander who reached 300 wins last June. "I really wanted to go out on my terms," Johnson said. "I just feel like there's not a lot more for me to do in this game." More»

(NEWSER) - White Sox left-hander Mark Buehrle retired 27 consecutive Tampa Bay Rays today for a perfect game and a 5-0 win, the Chicago Tribune reports. There were a couple of dicey moments, particularly in the ninth inning, when center fielder DeWayne Wise barely caught a drive by Gabe Kapler destined for the stands, the AP adds. It’s the first perfect game since Randy Johnson’s in 2004, and the 16th since 1900. More»

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(AP) - Tim Lincecum and Roy Halladay were selected today as the starting pitchers for tomorrow night's All-Star game in St. Louis. Lincecum, last year's National League Cy Young Award winner, is 10-2 with a 2.33 ERA for the San Francisco Giants; he got the nod from NL manager Charlie Manuel. Halladay, 10-3 with a 2.85 ERA for the Toronto Blue Jays, was chosen by American League manager Joe Maddon. More»

Marlins come bottom in latest ranking of baseball's MVTs

(NEWSER) - The New York Yankees' $1.5 billion valuation lands them solidly in the top spot in the Forbes ranking of baseball's most valuable teams. The crosstown Mets came second, trailing by almost $600 million. The Yanks, however, were one of only two teams to lose money last season, dropping $3.7 million. The Detroit Tigers lost a whopping $26.3 million. More»

(AP) - Francisco Rodriguez became the first top-tier free agent to reach an agreement when he decided to join the New York Mets, while longtime Cub Kerry Wood appeared to be on the verge of striking a deal with the Cleveland Indians. Coming off a record 62 saves for the Los Angeles Angels, Rodriguez reached a preliminary agreement on a $37 million, three-year contract with the Mets, who are desperate for bullpen help. More»