Stakes even higher for trades this year  —  The Brewers were more than willing to trade two top prospects for left-hander CC Sabathia in July 2008, and not simply because they were getting one of the best pitchers in the game.  —  No, the Brewers also knew that they could possibly replace the youngsters …

CarGo sets Rox mark with four straight homers  —  DENVER — Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez swatted a three-run homer off the Astros' Bud Norris in his first at-bat Thursday night at Coors Field to set a Rockies record by going deep in his fourth straight at-bat.

Epstein: Cubs not considering trade of Castro  —  CHICAGO — Despite a published report Thursday that might have suggested otherwise, Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said star shortstop Starlin Castro isn't expected to be going anywhere in the near future.

Players, umpires need replay now more than ever  —  Russell Martin cinched the funniest line of the 2012 Major League Baseball season Wednesday night when he strutted around the New York Yankees clubhouse and yelled the inimitable phrase: “Laz Diaz is a [expletive].  Write it hard.”

Edgar Mercedes, Trainer Of Yoenis Cespedes, Arrested In Dominican Republic  —  Edgar Mercedes, the powerful Dominican trainer who represented Yoenis Cespedes and has been a part of some of baseball's most expensive international amateur signings, was arrested yesterday in the Dominican Republic …

Feldman, Lowe to hit trade market for pitching-rich Rangers, who seek righty bat  —  With Roy Oswalt now in the fold and hard-throwing prospect Tanner Scheppers pitching well at Triple-A Round Rock, the Rangers are expected to make right-handed pitchers Scott Feldman and Mark Lowe available …

Carlos Beltran makes first return to Citi Field  —  The hotly anticipated return of Carlos Beltran to Citi Field could fizzle Friday night if the Cardinals rightfielder isn't over the right knee pain that kept him out of the lineup Wednesday.  —  Beltran, who spent 6 1/2 seasons with the Mets …

Clemens trial: Ex-manager said Clemens got better as he aged by getting smarter  —  WASHINGTON — Roger Clemens lost something off his fastball in his 40s but still succeeded by pitching smarter, his former manager testified today.  —  “He continued to have great success, but for different reasons …

Giants don't have to look far to find Draft talent  —  Picking 20th, club has many options located near Bay Area  —  SAN FRANCISCO — The Giants might be able to drive down the Peninsula or across the Bay Bridge to grab their next premier prospect or two.  —  The plethora of talented …

Dodgers lose Kemp for at least four weeks  —  LOS ANGELES — Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring on Thursday and team trainer Sue Falsone determined he'd need at least four weeks to recover.  —  Kemp injured his leg scoring …

Cleveland Indians could have Roberto Hernandez back by All-Star break  —  CLEVELAND, Ohio — A lobbyist working on behalf of Roberto Hernandez, the Indians pitcher formerly known as Fausto Carmona, said he could be back in the United States by the All-Star break.