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 …

Manny looks headed to Miami  —  Multiple baseball sources say the Red Sox are on the verge of sending disgrunted left fielder Manny Ramirez to the Marlins in a trade for a package of three players that included low Class A Greensboro outfielder Mike Stanton, an 18-year-old who is hitting .275/.351/.569 with 26 home runs in 96 games.

Pirates, Rays, Cardinals discussing Bay  —  By Dejan Kovacevi c |  The Pirates and Tampa Bay continue to discuss Jason Bay, a process that became deep yesterday, and two prospect names known to be in the mix on the Rays' end are shortstop Reid Brignac and pitcher Jeremy Hellickson.

Mets passing on Ibanez  —  The Mariners continue to ask the Mets for pitcher Jon Niese and a second prospect for Raul Ibanez.  And unless the price comes down, the Mets plan to pass and wait to see which bats clear waivers in August, according to clubs that have spoken with them.

Depth at catcher has teams calling on Texas Rangers  —  ARLINGTON — Gerald Laird is the Texas Rangers' starting catcher, a statement that has been made on a number of occasions the past two seasons but always with a caveat.  —  For now.  —  He entered spring training as the starter …

Treanor will play through injury  —  Catcher Matt Treanor has decided to postpone surgery on his left hip, opting instead to play through the injury and provide the Marlins with help behind the plate in the final months of the season.  —  “I felt like the best thing to do was see if I could get through the season,” Treanor said.

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.

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.

JASON GIAMBI SAYS F U TO BRIAN ROBERTS  —  In the bottom of the sixth inning last night in Yankees Stadium the Orioles had a massive shift on Jason Giambi, aka Dirk Diggler, in which Orioles 2b Brian Roberts was basically playing shallow right field.  The 70's Porn Stache smoked a ball …

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.

Sox talking to Braves about reliever  —  The Red Sox today are talking to the Braves about reliever Will Ohman, who has a 2.84 ERA, 13 holds, and 41 strikeouts (with 18 walks) in 44 1/3 innings pitched this season.  —  Besides the Red Sox, five other teams are discussing Ohman with the Braves …

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.

2 Cubans believed to have defected in Canada  —  EDMONTON, Alberta—A tournament chairman said Wednesday that two prominent players from Cuba's junior baseball team may have defected in Edmonton.  —  Ron Hayter said 2008 IBAF World Junior AAA starting pitcher Noel Arguelles and infielder Jose Iglesias …