Elephant Rumblings: A’s shut out Red Sox again; more extensions across MLB

A’s Coverage:

• Slusser: Mike Fiers contines roll by A’s starters in win over Red Sox...
• Gallegos: Mike Fiers cruises, Laureano makes another unreal throw in A’s shutout of Red Sox...
• Slusser: After struggles, A’s Ryan Buchter glad Bob Melvin used him in tight game...
• Lockard: A’s 2019 minor-league preview - Position players are the strength of the system, highlighted by the Stockton outfield... ($)
• Gallegos: Sean Manaea looks back at his no-hitter with Boston Red Sox in town...
• Haft: Olson has cast removed; return still a ways off...

Best of AN:

• Schmidt: Game #8 - Soft Tossing and A Solo Shot
• Hall: Oakland A’s rotation is so hot right now...
• DeClercq: Quick Look - Aaron Brooks Blanks Red Sox...

MLB News:

• Passan: Braves, Ronald Acuña finalize eight-year, $100 million extension...
• Davidi: Blue Jays, Randal Grichuk agree on five-year, $52-million extension...
• Passan: Rockies ink righty German Marquez to five-year, $43 million deal...
• Rosenthal: Six managers on the hot seat this season... ($)
• ESPN: Giants acquire outfielder Pillar from Blue Jays...
• Olney: Nationals shortstop Trea Turner breaks index finger on HBP...

Baseball Interest Stories:

• Baumann: It Takes a Thief - The Case for MLB Teams Attempting More Stolen Bases...
• Murphy: Baseball has regressed in its treatment of minor league workers, and organizations need to do more... ($)
• Jaffe: David Hess and No-Hittus Interruptus...
• Edwards: Major League Payrolls Set to Drop Again in 2019...

Today in Baseball History:

• 1987 - The Chicago Cubs trade starting pitcher Dennis Eckersley to the Oakland Athletics for three minor leaguers. Eckersley will emerge as the game’s dominant closer, saving 291 games over the next eight seasons.
• 1989 - Ken Griffey, Jr. of the Seattle Mariners makes his major league debut. The rookie outfielder hits a double in his first at-bat against Dave Stewart of the Oakland Athletics.

Best of Twitter:

• Condolences to all who knew Matthews, lost far too soon...

• A positive update on injured lefty Sean Manaea...

• Bryce Harper showed his former team what they’re missing out on...