Colorado's trade price for Fuentes may be too high  —  The Rockies are playing an intriguing game of poker with closer Brian Fuentes.  The price is high, causing most interested teams — the Tampa Bay Rays, the New York Yankees and Mets, the Boston Red Sox and the Florida Marlins — to consider other options.

Wolf trade shows reality has yet to sink in for Astros  —  If Drayton McLane keeps watching his Astros, he may finally see them for what they actually are instead of what he'd like them to be.  —  He's stubborn, not stupid.  He'll eventually understand that his franchise is broken.

Mill Grinding  —  We'll open up The Mill later this week, but the grind is already starting in the week-plus leading into the non-waiver trade deadline.  Let's keep that part of the equation in play, since many teams are already talking about which guys might clear waivers and be available in August.

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 …

First things first for Buchholz  —  Right-hander looking to improve on early struggles  —  SEATTLE — When Clay Buchholz goes to the bullpen in the minutes leading into Wednesday afternoon's start against the Mariners, he will do so with a little bit of simulation in mind.

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.

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.

Yanks, Mariners discussing swap for Washburn … 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 …

Ramirez crossed the line  —  He got nabbed . . . jaywalking  —  SEATTLE - Terry Francona reacted decisively when told that Manny Ramírez had been apprehended jaywalking by one of Seattle's finest while leaving the ballpark after Monday night's game.  —  “That's the last straw,” the Red Sox manager declared.

Mets' Aguayo has Chavez DOA twice at home  —  Endy Chavez couldn't remember the last time he was thrown out at home.  As for getting thrown out twice in one game, both times by such a wide margin even Chavez thought to himself, “Wow, I'm really far away,” there wasn't a precedent.

Game 101: Twins at Yankees  —  YANKEES (55-45)  —  Mike Mussina (12-6, 3.49) vs. the Minnesota hitters.  —  Glen Perkins (7-2, 3.84) vs. the New York hitters.  —  Notes: Thanks to Brian Heyman for calling in the lineup. ...  The Yankees are trying for their third straight series sweep at home.