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.

Guzman agrees to two-year extension  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Nationals shortstop Cristian Guzman has decided to forgo free agency and agreed to terms on a two-year $16 million contract extension.  Guzman will make $8 million in 2009 and ‘10.  —  Guzman has been the Nationals’ best player this season.

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 …

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.

Cards put Duncan on DL; Mather recalled  —  The nagging pain in the neck outfielder Chris Duncan has been playing with and through for several games became too much to tolerate late Monday night.  —  The Cardinals placed Duncan on the 15-day disabled list with a pinched nerve in his neck Tuesday …

Yankees to celebrate 62nd—and largest—Old-Timers' Day at Yankee Stadium with 15 first-time attendees  —  The New York Yankees announced today that 15 first-time Old-Timers will attend the 62nd annual Old-Timers' Day at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 2.  This season marks the final …

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.

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 …