Pirates Notebook: Rays part of deep talks involving Bay  —  The Pirates are deep into trade talks with the Tampa Bay Rays and other parties regarding left fielder Jason Bay, one team source with direct knowledge said yesterday, but it remains far from certain that Bay will be moved by Major League Baseball's deadline tomorrow afternoon.

Yankees find their catcher for stretch, trade for Rodriguez … The New York Yankees have found a replacement for Jorge Posada.  —  New York acquired catcher Ivan Rodriguez from the Tigers on Wednesday for right-handed pitcher Kyle Farnsworth.  —  Rodriguez, who is in the final year of his contract …

Hard times at Turner Field  —  A few thoughts before heading back out to the salvage yard, er, Turner Field for the resumption of spill cleanup coverage after the Mark Teixeira-for-Casey Kotchman trade.  —  But seriously, you should prepare for another trade, one that will ship …

Truth be told, injured Blalock concerns Texas Rangers  —  ARLINGTON - The Rangers were caught in a little white lie Tuesday afternoon.  By the evening, it paled in comparison to their bigger headache: the future of Hank Blalock.  —  Blalock, it turns out, did not have an upset stomach as was initially announced Monday.

Mad Dog shuts down possible deal to Phillies  —  The Philadelphia Phillies' search for pitching took them to San Diego on Tuesday, where they inquired whether Greg Maddux would approve a deal.  Maddux, who has full no-trade powers, nixed the idea when asked by the Padres.

Treanor needs surgery on injured hip  —  Catcher still on DL, mulling procedure that could end season  —  MIAMI — Results from an MRI exam on Monday revealed Marlins catcher Matt Treanor has three muscle tears in his left hip-pelvic area.  —  On Tuesday, Treanor said that he will have to face surgery.

Manny, oh, Manny  —  Hate to burst your bubble out there, Marlins fans, but Manny Ramirez will take the field as a member of the home team at Dolphin Stadium right after a hoodie-wearin' Norman Braman headlines Super Saturday by trading rhymes with Rappin' David Samson.

Hurdle pushes to keep Fuentes  —  PITTSBURGH — Brian Fuentes is no longer a closer.  He's a modified hit by The Clash: “Should he Stay or Should he Go?”  —  That question hangs over the Rockies with each outcome.  Fuentes will not be available with a win tonight.

Disgruntled Zaun wants out  —  Jay catcher, reduced to backup role, seeks trade; Halladay adamant he's ‘not going anywhere’  —  Hours before tomorrow's trade deadline, the Blue Jays now have a checklist they can consult before making any deals.  Gregg Zaun: Wants out.  Roy Halladay: Wants to stay put.

Twins pursuing Aurilia  —  • We haven't heard much from the Twins this week.  But clubs that have spoken with them report that Minnesota has been talking to the Giants about Rich Aurilia for a middle-tier prospect — and they've been dangling Boof Bonser for a right-handed bat or middle-infield depth.

Rays win Series?  Pizza for all  —  John Keiley isn't really that big of a Rays fan.  —  It's more that he likes a good story and a big underdog — and a little publicity — as much as he likes making a good pizza.  And, oh yeah, he hates the Red Sox and the Yankees.

Perez looks strong as Mets remain alone in first  —  MIAMI - With so much focus on what the Mets need before tomorrow's non-waivers trade deadline, sometimes it's easy to overlook what they already have.  Take last night's 4-1 victory over the Marlins, for example.

Rays Scouting Jayson Werth  —  By Tim Dierkes [July 30 at 10:49am CST]  —  Mike Tingle of ESPN 840 in Charlottesville spoke to Rays scout Mike Cubbage yesterday.  Cubbage said that he plans to scout Phillies outfielder Jayson Werth, and that Werth may be available in the right deal.