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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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.
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.
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.
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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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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.
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.
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 …
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
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
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
