Red Sox claim Giles  —  The Union-Tribune has learned that the Boston Red Sox have claimed Padres right fielder Brian Giles off the waiver wire, if only to keep him away from the two teams with better records in the American League.  Thus, Boston entered a 48-hour period in which the Sox …

Trade made  —  Orioles reliever Chad Bradford has been assigned to the Tampa Bay Rays, via a waiver claim.  In exchange, the Orioles will receive a player to be named later.  —  That's how much times have changed in the AL East.  The Rays are acquiring a veteran reliever for the stretch drive.

Yankees' Pudge hurts knee in collision at plate  —  ARLINGTON, Texas - The Yankees took yet another injury hit last night when Ivan Rodriguez went down with a bruised right knee that leaves his status as day to day.  —  Rodriguez, who was acquired last week from the Tigers …

Pettitte could miss next start  —  As if the Yankees didn't have enough problems in the starting rotation already, it now appears that Andy Pettitte might be forced to miss his next start.  —  According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Pettitte has been experiencing stiffness in his left arm …

Mark Teixeira Rumors  —  By Tim Dierkes [August 7 at 9:46am CST]  —  It's not fair to lump all Orioles fans into one big group.  But as you might expect, some of the team's fans are pushing for a signing of Maryland native Mark Teixeira.  Teixeira, for his part, said all the right things while remaining noncommittal.

Ranking baseball's ethical transgressions  —  Imagine a college course where students hang out with Ron Coomer in the bowels of the Metrodome, watch video of Lenny Randle on all fours trying to blow Amos Otis' famous squibbler into foul territory, spend hours debating nuanced baseball ethics …

Nationals interested in re-signing Harris  —  Utility man enjoying breakout campaign with more playing time  —  DENVER — The Nationals have expressed interest in re-signing infielder/outfielder Willie Harris, according to three baseball sources.  —  It's not known what kind of deal Harris is looking for.

Ryan Church may not return to Mets  —  It appears the Mets no longer have their hopes up that Ryan Church will return this season.  The right fielder has been out since July 6 due to aftereffects from a pair of concussions.  He has been evaluated several times, but doctors haven't cleared him to play.

Gillaspie, Marshall Sign Rich Deals  —  Wichita State third baseman Conor Gillaspie and Sterling High (Baytown, Texas) righthander Brett Marshall received lucrative bonuses on Wednesday.  Gillaspie, a supplemental first-rounder, signed for $970,000 with the Giants.

Phils Get Eyre  —  We just caught wind that the Phillies have acquired lefthander Scott Eyre from the Chicago Cubs.  —  It appears single-A Clearwater pitcher Brian Schlitter was part of the trade.  —  Details to come.  —  Update: It's official.  The Phillies have traded Schlitter to the Cubs for Eyre.

HUGHES NEAR ‘MAJOR’ STEP  —  ARLINGTON - Phil Hughes, rehabbing from a fractured rib, could be two minor-league starts away from providing help to the Yankee rotation.  —  Hughes starts tonight for Triple-A Scranton, and is expected to throw in the area of 60 pitches.  His next outing would be an 80-pitch effort.