Top News:
Buster Olney / ESPN:
Source: Sox appear likely to trade Wells … The Red Sox are shopping veteran pitcher David Wells, and a source familiar with the conversations has put the odds at "80-20 or 90-10" that Boston will trade him in the next 48 hours. — St. Louis, the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego appear …
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Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Red Sox entertain offers on Wells — The Padres and Dodgers are showing the most interest in trading for Red Sox left-hander David Wells, a source with knowledge of the Sox's discussions told FOXSports.com on Tuesday. — The Cardinals, the source said, also could be in the mix for Wells, who has cleared waivers.
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball
Joe Strauss / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cards pursue trade for Wells — Increasingly uncertain about the identity of their potential No. 3 playoff starter, the Cardinals have joined a mix of National League clubs involved in trade discussions for Boston Red Sox lefthander David Wells, sources told the Post-Dispatch on Tuesday.
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Beckett will try to break Boston's slump — Boston (71-60) at Oakland (75-56), 10:05 p.m. ET — The Red Sox will try to snap a four-game losing streak behind the right arm of Josh Beckett on Tuesday night against the Athletics. — The road trip got off to a solid start, with the Sox taking two out of three in Anaheim.
Discussion:
The Joy of Sox
Joe Capozzi / Palm Beach Post:
Marlins in market for a center fielder — ST. LOUIS — Don't be surprised if the Marlins trade for a center fielder this week. — The front office has held meetings the past few days about beefing up the lineup to make a run for a wild-card berth. — One option being pushed …
Discussion:
FishStripes
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R.B. Fallstrom / Associated Press:Manager stays with pregnant wife, awaiting storm
Discussion:
The Griddle
Associated Press:
Oswalt, Astros agree to 5-year, $73 million extension — HOUSTON — Roy Oswalt got a $73 million birthday present from the Houston Astros. — The two-time 20-game winner agreed to a five-year, $73 million contract extension on his 29th birthday Tuesday, the biggest multiyear deal ever given to an Astros pitcher.
Discussion:
Baseball Crank
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Alyson Footer / MLB.com:
Oswalt signs five-year extension — Deal for $73 million, includes club option for 2012 — HOUSTON — Roy Oswalt rang in his 29th birthday on Tuesday with the best gift imaginable — a nice fat contract that probably ensures he will end his career as a Houston Astro.
Ryan Mink / MLB.com:
Extent of Pavano's injury unknown — Yanks will conduct own investigation into righty's car accident — NEW YORK — The official investigation into Carl Pavano's car accident is underway. — Police have already released their report, and now it's the Yankees' and general manager Brian Cashman's turn …
Discussion:
Off the Facade
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Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Who needs a big payroll? Not the Marlins — The Marlins — yes, the Marlins — are trying to add a veteran reliever before the Aug. 31 deadline for setting postseason rosters. — Gotta love it. — The Marlins' $14.3 million payroll is the lowest in the majors, yet the team …
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Troy E. Renck / Denver Post:
Skipper Hurdle pulls plug on Barmes — Character is admirable. But as the Rockies have proved the past few weeks, even the best of men can be on the worst of teams. Once on the verge of being a postseason threat, Colorado has plunged into the National League West basement, falling 10-5 to the New York Mets on Tuesday night.
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Thomas Harding / MLB.com:
Tulowitzki called up from Tulsa — Top pick expected to start at short; Barmes takes utility role — DENVER — Rockies manager Clint Hurdle no doubt will discuss on Wednesday his excitement over the arrival of shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, the club's No. 1 pick in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft.
Discussion:
Purple Row
Maury / The Baseball Journals:
Rumblings: Clubs Notified that Draft Pick Compensation to be Dropped in Upcoming CBA — Ken Davidoff of Newsday reported just over a week ago that teams may no longer receive draft picks as compensation for free agents who leave as part of the upcoming CBA.
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Anthony Rieber / Newsday:
Pedro gives his boot the boot — Heads for Florida to start rehab; Glavine, Duque likely back soon — As his rained-out Mets teammates scattered for an unscheduled day off yesterday, Pedro Martinez dragged a large duffel bag through the clubhouse and out the door. — Martinez was headed for Florida.
Discussion:
Always Amazin'
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Joe Strauss / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Mulder comes up empty — It took just five outs and 49 pitches Tuesday night for manager Tony La Russa to know Mark Mulder had gone far enough to call it a night. — Two months, three rehabilitation outings and two failed major league appearances after going on the disabled list with shoulder problems …
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Notes: Vidro critical of Nationals — Second baseman doesn't like the effort he's seen this year — WASHINGTON — Second baseman Jose Vidro played on some bad Expos teams during his eight years in Montreal, but, according to Vidro, those teams battled every night and the 2006 season is the worst he has ever experienced.
Bob Baum / Associated Press:
Webb, crash victim were closest of friends, college roommates — PHOENIX (AP) — Right up until the time he took the field for his latest start, Arizona Diamondbacks ace Brandon Webb was thinking about his friend and college roommate, Jon Hooker, searching the internet for more information …
