Yunel Escobar of the Atlanta Braves named the National League Player of the Week presented by Bank of America  —  Atlanta Braves shortstop Yunel Escobar, who led the National League with eight RBI and 16 total bases, has been named National League Player of the Week presented by Bank of America for the period ending July 19th.

One small step into history: Baseball recalls moon landing  —  Perhaps the most memorable story connecting baseball with the Apollo 11 moon landing begins back in 1962, when a reporter asked Giants manager Alvin Dark about the rookie pitcher taking swings in the batting cage - Gaylord Perry.

Mussina Staying Retired  —  NEW YORK - — Mike Mussina is not the un-retiring type.  —  “Baseball was great,” said Mussina, who walked away after winning 20 games for the Yankees last season.  “But there comes a point where you have to say it's time to go home.”

Dodgers in on Halladay and Relievers  —  Dodgers assistant general manager Logan White and special assistant Vance Lovelace scouted Toronto starter Roy Halladay's victory over Boston Sunday.  The need for Halladay is clear in a rotation that lacks a clear ace and the club has enough prospects …

Halladay deals as Blue Jays prevail  —  TORONTO — The afternoon began and ended with a standing ovation for Roy Halladay.  —  Prior to taking the mound on Sunday afternoon, the Blue Jays' ace stepped out of the bullpen beyond the wall in left field at Rogers Centre and slowly made his way toward the dugout.

He's got to have something better to do  —  Red Sox owner John Henry is a smart guy.  He played hedge funds to make a fortune, picked Theo Epstein to be his GM and put seats on top of the Green Monster.  He just married a woman half his age.  —  So why was he on Twitter (John_W_Henry) posting this tonight?

Cincinnati Reds catcher Ramon Hernandez sidelined up to six weeks with knee injury  —  CINCINNATI — The Reds placed catcher Ramon Hernandez on the 15-day disabled list Monday to treat a knee injury.  —  Hernandez will have surgery to clean out his left knee on Tuesday.

Mets Are a Case Study In Squandered Fortunes  —  The day before the New York Mets were to open the second half of their rapidly deteriorating season, GQ magazine ran a small item that quoted newsman Larry King as saying pal Fred Wilpon — the Mets' (once-)deep-pocketed owner …

Twins Sign Grudzielanek  —  Unhappy with the league-worst production that they've gotten from second base and unwilling as usual to make a significant midseason trade to address the issue, the Twins signed Mark Grudzielanek to a minor-league contract yesterday.

Monday Ten Pack  —  Drew Carpenter, RHP, Phillies (Triple-A Lehigh Valley)  —  Carpenter pitched seven innings of three-hit ball on Sunday, and that's really nothing new, as it was his ninth quality start in his last 11.  He's hardly a stud prospect-wise, and is more of a strike-throwing speed-changer …

Tavarez Cut After Nats Are Swept Away by Cubs  —  Start to finish, Julián Tavárez spent 128 days with the Washington Nationals, and though the relationship started out well, by the end he contributed dismal performances with such regularity that even the poorest team in baseball couldn't keep him around.

Brewers acquire Felipe Lopez  —  By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel  —  Cincinnati - While on the hunt for a starting pitcher, Brewers general manager Doug Melvin decided to give his offense a boost today by trading for Arizona second baseman Felipe Lopez.

O's, Padres Swap Salazar and Meredith  —  6:51pm: As several readers have pointed out, this deal may be a precursor to a Danys Baez or George Sherrill trade.  —  Both have been floated as possible trade chips recently.  —  6:29pm: Kubatko reports the Orioles have acquired submariner Cla Meredith in return.

Pirates pull offers to Wilson, Sanchez  —  Huntington cites lack of counter-offers; Wilson says none were sought  —  The Pirates yesterday pulled back their contract extension offers to Jack Wilson and Freddy Sanchez and, though they remain open to new negotiations, there was no indication any are forthcoming.