Breaking news: Rauch traded, Guzman re-signed  —  On the same day, the Nationals determined the futures of their two most valuable veterans.  They traded closer Jon Rauch to Arizona and they signed all-star shortstop Cristian Guzman to a two-year contract extension, keeping him with the team through 2010.

Lester dominates; Ramirez lectured by traffic cop  —  The Boston fans in the crowd here, and there were thousands of them at Safeco Field tonight, erupt as Jonathan Papelbon and company jog back to the dugout after ending a wild eighth inning.  Seattle loaded the bases with one out off Jon Lester …

Astros acquire Wolf from Padres  —  Houston sends Minor League pitcher for veteran left-hander  —  CINCINNATI — The Padres found a willing trade partner for left-handed pitcher Randy Wolf on Tuesday, sending the veteran to the Astros for Minor League right-handed pitcher Chad Reineke.

Blanton's first test as Phillies comes tonight against Mets  —  MIAMI - As Joe Blanton stood at his locker 2 days ago and fiddled with the brim of his red Phillies cap, he wasn't much different than a lot of modern-day Americans feeling their way through the first couple of days at a new job.

Trading Tex not as simple as some think  —  Raise you hands if you thought that on July 21, the Braves would be opening this series in Florida with the Marlins playing for a share of first place and the Braves contemplating trading away a star this late in the season for the first time since …

‘LAST CALL’ FOR AILING GODZILLA  —  If Hideki Matsui's left knee fills with fluid again, GM Brian Cashman believes it will be impossible for the Yankee DH to avoid a second knee surgery.  —  “If the knee swells up we are dealing with last call,” Cashman said last night after Dr. Scott Rodeo recommended …

Under The Knife  —  Deep Cut with Jorge Posada … It's not often that news breaks during a chat.  I'd ignored a couple calls, but apparently my readers didn't, asking about Jorge Posada almost as soon as the news started to trickle out.  The Yankees' catcher was headed to the DL …

Baker's focus on defensive skills wins teammates' trust  —  MIAMI GARDENS - John Baker didn't have to break into any offices and skim through his personnel file to find out why his professional career had stalled.  —  His offense wasn't the reason Baker totaled 1,151 Triple-A at-bats …

SUNBLOCKHEADS AT THE STADIUM  —  YANKS TAKE HEAT OVER BIZARRE BAN  —  Ladies and gentlemen, The Bronx is sunburning.  —  Yankee fans are seeing - and turning - red over a ban on sunscreen, which Stadium security guards say was widely expanded in the last few weeks.

Seeing Stars  —  Introduction  —  The Huntsville Stars, the Double-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, have one of the most prospect-laden teams in minor league baseball.  Even after trading away Matt LaPorta to Cleveland in the CC Sabathia deal, this Alabama team is loaded with position players.

Brewers expected to sign ex-Oriole Gibbons  —  Out of the major leagues since being released by the Orioles in March, Jay Gibbons is expected to sign a minor league deal this week with the Milwaukee Brewers.  —  An announcement could come as early as today, according to baseball sources.

Markakis, O's talk deal, back off  —  The Orioles and standout right fielder Nick Markakis engaged in negotiations for a contract extension in the past week, but those discussions halted yesterday and likely will not be rekindled until after the season, several baseball sources said.

Mets' Wagner has muscle spasm near shoulder  —  Mets closer Billy Wagner has no structural damage and only muscles spasms around his pitching shoulder, an MRI revealed today.  Wagner could be ready to pitch possibly as early as tonight against the rival Phillies, according to Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz.