New ‘Cash’ crunch a Cole hard truth  —  The 2010 Yankees enjoyed a prosperous first half thanks significantly to strong starting pitching.  Yet when the Mariners made Cliff Lee available, Brian Cashman worked aggressively to acquire the crafty lefty, failing only when the Rangers agreed to include Justin Smoak in their package.

Phillies said willing to offer Hamels at least $120 million  —  The Phillies are said to be planning to offer at least $120 million to star lefthander Cole Hamels in an effort to keep him in Philadelphia and prevent him from becoming a free agent, according to sources.

Expect trading frenzy before deadline  —  On baseball's midsummer marketplace, there is no Big Board to tell us the value of Cole Hamels or Matt Garza.  General managers aren't crammed together on a trading floor, like at the New York Stock Exchange, although that would be highly entertaining.

White Sox are latest to enter Greinke derby  —  The surprising White Sox now have Zack Greinke on their radar, scoures said.  —  The first-place White Sox have established themselves as the favorite in the A.L. Central to the surprise of many, and they are said to be hoping to make another second big splash on the trade market.