Top News:
Steve Gilbert / MLB.com:
D-backs get relief in Rauch from Nats — Washington receives infielder Bonifacio in return — PHOENIX — The D-backs weary bullpen is about to get some help. — Arizona acquired right-hander Jon Rauch from the Nationals on Tuesday in exchange for second baseman Emilio Bonifacio.
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Tim Brown / Yahoo! Sports:
Who's next after Rauch, Wolf? — Baseball's trade market Tuesday turned away from the splashy and toward the routine - and borderline irrelevant, in the case of the Houston Astros - and that landscape is beginning to resemble what many general managers believe will be a measured conclusion to the non-waiver trading season.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nats trade Rauch for infielder — Speedy second baseman expected to be solid leadoff hitter — SAN FRANCISCO — The Nationals traded reliever Jon Rauch to the Diamondbacks for second baseman Emilio Bonifacio, who was then optioned to Triple-A Columbus, on Tuesday.
Chico Harlan / Nationals Journal:
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.
Discussion:
Distinguished Senators, William World News, Fox Sports, Baseball Musings and Federal Baseball
Johnette Howard / Newsday:
Can the ace go a little longer? — Johan Santana pitched fine. That wasn't the problem. The rub was yet another game that left you somehow wanting more. The problem was with his closer, Billy Wagner, out of the game with shoulder spasms, with the surging Mets playing arch nemesis Philadelphia …
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
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Tim Smith / NY Daily News:
Smith: For Santana, it's complete game or total collapse — This was the Mets' opportunity to make a statement. They had their high-priced ace, Johan Santana, on the mound for an NL East first-place showdown with their rivals, the Phillies - a team that had crushed all their hopes last season …
Discussion:
Archie Bunker's Army
Sports Illustrated:
Yanks, Mariners talk Washburn deal … The Yankees and Mariners have begun trade discussions that could land lefthanded pitcher Jarrod Washburn in the Bronx, if the finances can be worked out. — There is hope for a deal. But the talks could still be derailed by attempts to include some other big contracts in any potential trade.
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Chris Duncan / Associated Press:
Astros acquire LHP Wolf from Padres — HOUSTON (AP)—The Houston Astros acquired pitcher Randy Wolf from San Diego on Tuesday in exchange for minor leaguer Chad Reineke. — Wolf, an NL All-Star in 2003, is 6-10 with a 4.74 ERA in 21 starts for the Padres this season.
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Corey Brock / MLB.com:
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.
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cards fall to Brewers — BREWERS 4, CARDINALS 3 • Up next: 7:15 tonight vs. Brewers, FSN Midwest — Cardinals starter Kyle Lohse pitched deep and dominantly into the night but didn't get the offensive support his manager has demanded nor the helping hand from a bullpen under siege.
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
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.
Jon Heyman / Sports Illustrated:
Is Sabathia California dreamin'? … CC Sabathia, who hails from Northern California and currently lives there, is building a home in Southern California. So it's obvious his heart is on the West Coast. — But will the rest of him follow as a free agent this winter? — Quite possibly.
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
Dylan Hernandez / Los Angeles Times:
Juan Pierre could return to Dodgers this week — The outfielder, who sprained a ligament in his left knee four weeks ago, is set to begin a rehabilitation assignment in Las Vegas. — DENVER — Less than four weeks removed from suffering a sprained ligament in his left knee …
Mike DiGiovanna / Los Angeles Times:
Angels throw out a lot of pitchers to beat Indians, 3-2 — Angels starter Jered Weaver is pulled after three innings because of back problem, but the bullpen tag team of Darren Oliver, Jose Arredondo, Scot Shields and Francisco Rodriguez blanks Cleveland. — It wasn't so much a relief effort as it was a rescue mission.
Discussion:
6-4-2
MLB.com:
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 …
