Lee's stellar pitching lifts Texas, but free agency is looming  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — As the Texas Rangers convened behind closed clubhouse doors July 9, manager Ron Washington announced to his players the move that forever changed the franchise.  —  “We have traded,” Washington said, “for Cliff Lee.”

Baseball union head says players open to expanding playoffs  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Baseball's playoffs could be expanding in two years.  —  The new head of the players' union says his members are open to adding more wild-card teams for 2012 and possibly extending the division series to a best-of-seven.

Duncan's new deal puts him at the top  —  The Cardinals formally cemented all but one position within their coaching staff Monday, reaching agreement with pitching coach Dave Duncan on a two-year contract that includes a mutual option for 2013 and with four others on one-year arrangements.

Inside the Phillies: Age is a consideration as Phillies GM Ruben Amaro builds his team for next season  —  Winning never gets old, but the players do and that has always been the tricky part for the men in charge of making sure the victories keep coming even as the names on the back of the uniforms change.

Jon Daniels out of Mets' plans for next GM, will decide between Sandy Alderson and Josh Byrnes  —  Texas Rangers general manager and Queens product Jon Daniels is no longer being considered to replace Omar Minaya as Mets' GM, and all indications are that the team expects to choose between Sandy Alderson …

Source: Red Sox to talk to Curt Young  —  BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox intend to interview Curt Young, who just cut ties with the Oakland Athletics after seven years as pitching coach, a club source told ESPNBoston.com.  —  He would appear to fit the profile of what the Sox are seeking in a replacement for John Farrell.

Nats to unveil uniform changes Nov. 10  —  After months of rumors and speculation, the Nats are set to unveil significant changes to their uniforms on Nov. 10 at Nats Park.  The team will hold a fashion show event at the stadium, and will show off at least three styles of uniforms.

Tragedy  —  My favorite part about sitting in the Yankee Stadium press box is getting the chance to watch Bill Shannon, the official scorer, in action.  Shannon, who for years was the head of public relations at MSG, was ripped out of the pages of Damon Runyon.

Tim Wallach out of Brewers mix  —  PHOENIX — Tim Wallach has been told by the Milwaukee Brewers that he is no longer a candidate for their managerial vacancy, a development that all but assures Wallach will be the third-base coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2011.

Yanks, Girardi will open contract talks  —  The Yankees and Joe Girardi are beginning contract talks Monday that are expected to keep Girardi as manager an additional three years.  —  Girardi's new deal is expected to pay him about $3 million a year, according to sources.

Vlad to play right field in Game 1 of Series  —  Hunter to start Game 4 as Rangers keep rotation the same  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Vladimir Guerrero will be in right field for the Rangers in Game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday, and right-hander Tommy Hunter will be on the mound for Game 4 when the Series returns to Texas.

Slighting Weaver  —  Jered Weaver was a top five starter in the 2010 AL.  —  If you accept the premise, you may expect a few Cy Young votes to come his way.  'Twas a fine season, worthy of recognition.  —  Alternatively, you reject the premise and would be surprised if many—if any—writers figured in him the top three.