Cubs acquire Harden from Oakland  —  The Cubs answered the Brewers acquisition of CC Sabathia, picking up Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin from Oakland on Tuesday for Sean Gallagher, Eric Patterson, Matt Murton and Josh Donaldson.  —  The right-handed Harden is 5-1 with an 2.34 earned-run average …

Mets' Church on the DL again  —  For the second time this season, Mets outfielder Ryan Church was placed on the 15-day disabled list with head-related injuries.  —  After coming out of Saturday's game against Philadelphia with a migraine, Church, who went on the DL in June with post-concussion syndrome …

Prospectus Today  —  Sabathia for LaPorta  —  Tonight in Milwaukee, Brewers fans will pack Miller Park for what they hope will be the start of a run that ends sometime in October.  Despite some dalliances with the wild card in 2006 and 2007, the Brewers haven't been relevant …

Starting Rivera in Midsummer Classic would be ultimate tribute  —  NEW YORK — In a world of crazy, outside-the-box thinking, here's one idea that has gained some traction in the Yankees' clubhouse lately: Why not give Mariano Rivera, this generation's greatest closer, a chance to be really appreciated at the All-Star Game?

Beltran's Throw  —  During the ninth inning of last night's game against the Phillies, Carlos Beltran made a throw to third base in attempt to nail Eric Bruntlett going from first to third on a single by Pedro Feliz.  The ball got away from third baseman David Wright, allowing Bruntlett to score and Feliz to take second base.

Braves sign right-hander Tavarez  —  Los Angeles — The Braves signed free-agent right-handed pitcher Julian Tavarez Tuesday to a contract through the remainder of the 2008 season.  Tavarez is expected to be in Los Angeles in time for the Braves' game versus the Dodgers at 10:10 p.m. Tuesday.

Records being set with 2008 Final Vote  —  Hart, Longoria lead the way midway through furious balloting  —  At the halfway point of the Monster 2008 All-Star Game Final Vote, Milwaukee outfielder Corey Hart and Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria were holding slim leads while baseball fans …

White Sox reinstate Paul Konerko from disabled list; Designate Pablo Ozuna for assignment  —  CHICAGO — The Chicago White Sox have returned Paul Konerko from his injury rehabilitation assignment to Class AAA Charlotte and have reinstated the first baseman from the 15-day disabled list.

Giants aren't expected to trade pitchers  —  N.L. West contender won't trade pitchers  —  The fans were incensed, the players felt betrayed and the organization suffered at the gate for the next two seasons.  —  The year was 1997, the executive under fire was Chicago White Sox General Manager Ron Schueler …

A's agree to terms with first round pick Jemile Weeks  —  Sixth round pick Tyreace House also signs  —  OAKLAND — The Oakland A's today announced that they have agreed to terms with Jemile Weeks, their first round selection from the 2008 First-Year Player Draft held on June 5 and 6.

Nats Striking Out on TV  —  MASN Programming Ranks Last Among U.S. Major League Markets  —  The Washington Nationals are drawing the smallest U.S. regional television audience in baseball this season, attracting less than one-third the average number of households of any other team …

Kuroda's one-hitter is a sunny delight  —  LOS ANGELES - The sunny view here amid the palm trees and rag tops has the Dodgers coming to understand Joe Torre and Torre getting them, the only explanation for a July that has seen six wins and 36 runs in seven games, because it couldn't possibly …