Source: ChiSox 'extremely close' to Soriano deal  —  The White Sox are "extremely close" to trading for Nationals outfielder Alfonso Soriano, a source close to the situation told ESPN The Magazine's Tim Kurkjian.  The Nationals have great interest in pitcher Brandon McCarthy.

Notes: Wagner looking for more work  —  Closer hoping to get into a groove down the stretch  —  NEW YORK — The baseball whizzed by Billy Wagner, close enough to be caught and close to enough to frustrate the Mets closer when it wasn't.  Wagner watched the potential out become a two-out base hit …

Lee back to DL with wrist inflammation  —  Cubs first baseman experiences setback following brief return  —  CHICAGO — Derrek Lee's comeback from a fractured right wrist has been stalled.  —  The Chicago Cubs placed Lee on the 15-day disabled list on Monday with post-traumatic inflammation of the wrist …

Dodgers acquire LaMura for Alomar  —  Catcher traded for Double-A pitcher; Repko to be activated  —  LOS ANGELES — With the team caught in a tailspin, the Dodgers announced a move after Sunday's 6-1 loss.  Sandy Alomar was sent to the White Sox in exchange for right-hander BJ LaMura …

King Kaufman's Sports Daily  —  Trade A-Rod now?  What is it about this guy that makes people "plutonic"?  Plus: Inside-the-park "home runs."  —  I have come to the conclusion that there are three topics that should be avoided in polite conversation because too many people are unable …

Future Shock  —  2B Alberto Callaspo, Triple-A Tucson (Diamondbacks)  —  Callaspo is on another roll, with Sunday's five-hit performance as part of Tucson's 28-5 drubbing of Salt Lake representing his fifth consecutive multi-hit game.  It's a streak in which he's gone 15-for-27 with a pair of doubles …

Jays brush aside turmoil, Yankees  —  Toronto takes 3 of 4, putting to rest Hillenbrand saga  —  TORONTO — Shea Hillenbrand is with the San Francisco Giants now and the pitcher the Toronto Blue Jays obtained for him, Jeremy Accardo, saw his first American League action in yesterday's 13-5 victory over the New York Yankees.

Twins could use Lee's power  —  CLEVELAND - Several major league scouts sat in the Jacobs Field press lounge before Sunday's Twins game, sipping coffee and talking smart.  —  CLEVELAND - Several major league scouts sat in the Jacobs Field press lounge before Sunday's Twins game, sipping coffee and talking smart.

Nats Win, Soriano Watch Escalates  —  Kasten Weighs In On Slugger's Status : Nationals 7, Cubs 1  —  He draws the loudest cheers, hits the longest home runs, smiles the brightest smile.  When Alfonso Soriano launched a ball deep toward left field yesterday at RFK Stadium …

Marlins unlikely to make major moves  —  Florida's GM and manager say team likely to stay the course  —  MIAMI — Barring something overwhelming that would pique their interest, the Marlins are unlikely to make any major moves before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.

Cabrera Is a Royal Pain for Brown  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Orlando Cabrera is an outgoing player, often fraternizing with opponents during batting practice and chatting them up on the basepaths, but the Angels shortstop is not exactly making friends with Kansas City Royals outfielder Emil Brown.