Brewers trade Lee to Rangers, get Cordero … The Milwaukee Brewers are trading slugger Carlos Lee to the Texas Rangers as part of a multiplayer deal, ESPN.com learned Friday.  —  The Brewers are sending Lee, minor league outfield prospect Nelson Cruz to the Rangers for relief pitcher Francisco Cordero …

Lowell putting up gold numbers with the glove  —  For the last five years, third baseman Eric Chavez of the Athletics has been an automatic choice as the American League's Gold Glove winner for defensive excellence.  With five Gold Gloves, Chavez joins Brooks Robinson (16), Buddy Bell (6) …

Padres-Rockies Preview  —  The Colorado Rockies have been struggling, but their play against the NL West-leading San Diego Padres has given them some hope.  —  The Rockies look to follow up a comeback victory with a second straight win over the Padres when the teams continue a four-game series at Coors Field on Friday.

Nationals acquire pitching prospect Shairon Martis from Giants in exchange for Mike Stanton  —  The Washington Nationals today acquired 19 year-old right-handed pitcher Shairon Martis from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for left-handed pitcher Mike Stanton.

The LoHud Mets blog  —  July 28: In-Game: Martinez ripped in first inning  —  Mets GM Omar Minaya said it was important to get a look at Pedro Martinez before the trade deadline.  He couldn't have liked what he saw in the first.  The Braves scored four and hit everything hard.

Maddux could be bound to N.Y.  —  Old pal Glavine trying to sway him to join Mets  —  Cubs general manager Jim Hendry finds himself in a somewhat unusual position: His team has nowhere to go and not much to trade as the interleague deadline approaches Monday.

THERE'S A TOUGH ROAD AHEAD FOR REYNOLDS  —  July 28, 2006 — IF HAROLD Reynolds is going to work as a baseball television analyst again, he is going to have to convince broadcasting executives that he is not delusional.  —  Reynolds cannot go into future job interviews and tell potential employers …

Wait of world on Cashman  —  There are 3-1/2 days remaining until the non-waiver trading deadline and the Yankees seem to be engaged in a large-scale game of chicken.  —  This is by design.  GM Brian Cashman is continuing to work the phones - he put a conference call of reporters on hold …

Will's Mill  —  Let the Deadline Drama Begin  —  It's that time of year again, so let's get into it...  Friday, July 28, noon ET: The Carlos Lee trade immediately changes the market.  No one caught on to Jon Daniels' interest as the Rangers worked under the radar with their former GM …

BIG-TALKIN' BRAVES READY FOR 1ST-PLACE AMAZIN'S  —  July 28, 2006 — ATLANTA - They are an optimistic lot down here.  Every fly ball is a just-miss home run if you believe the roars that spill from the grandstand.  No deficit is too high if you chop your felt tomahawks hard enough and chant loud enough.

Phillies Trade Bell to Milwaukee For Young Pitcher  —  Club receives Minor League pitcher Wilfrido Laureano  —  Veteran third baseman David Bell was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for 22-year-old right-handed pitcher Wilfrido Laureano, Vice President & General Manager Pat Gillick announced after tonight's game.

Indians promote Marte to Majors  —  Club options utility infielder Vazquez to Triple-A Buffalo  —  CLEVELAND — The key cog in the controversial trade that sent Coco Crisp to the Red Sox has made it to the big leagues.  —  Third-base prospect Andy Marte was promoted to the Indians from Triple …

Efficiency test — Lester aims to cut down pitch counts  —  Jon Lester became frustrated earlier this season by the number of pitches he was being limited to by the Red Sox.  The team strictly monitored his workload at Triple-A Pawtucket in order to conserve his strength for the big league pennant race …

Cards notebook: Mulder progresses  —  Mulder progresses  —  Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan said Thursday that, barring complications, lefthanded starting pitcher Mark Mulder could be headed to a rehab assignment as soon as Aug. 6.  —  Duncan called Mulder's 122-throw side session Wednesday …

As Attachment Grows, Perhaps Soriano Should Stick Around  —  As Alfonso Soriano rounded the bases after his leadoff home run in the first inning yesterday at RFK Stadium, Washington General Manager Jim Bowden rose in his box to applaud like an approving Caesar, "I, Claudius" haircut and all.