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 …

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.

Phillies send 3B Bell to Brewers  —  PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies began dismantling a disappointing team, trading third baseman David Bell to the Milwaukee Brewers for a minor league pitcher Friday night.  —  Bell, who will be a free agent after this season …

Dodgers acquire Betemit from Atlanta for Baez and Aybar  —  LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers announced today that they have acquired infielder Wilson Betemit from the Atlanta Braves for right-handed pitcher Danys Baez, infielder Willy Aybar and cash considerations, according to Dodger General Manager Ned Colletti.

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.

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 …

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.

PHILS' LIDLE IN CENTER OF TRADE RADAR  —  July 28, 2006 — Having already completed a minor deal that transported backup catcher Sal Fasano from Philly to The Bronx, the Yankees remain interested in more Phillies.  —  And while Bobby Abreu may not be dealt or may require talent the Yankees …

Pirates Notebook: Littlefield rejects idea he is difficult dealer  —  By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  Two weeks ago, one New York tabloid described Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield as a difficult dealer.  He asks for too much in trade talks, the report said …

The Rumor Mill: A Little Less Conversation  —  Published reports today have the Oakland Athletics and the New York Mets in discussions for A's left-hander Barry Zito.  As Gotham Baseball Magazine reported Wednesday, reliever Duaner Sanchez is one of the names mentioned.

Rookies' play leaves Baker in awkward place  —  GM Hendry wants to see youngsters  —  When general manager Jim Hendry handed Dusty Baker the keys to the Cubs' car for the rest of this season, he warned that all the cylinders might not work all the time.  —  In other words the Cubs' manager …

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 …

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 …