Contenders jockeying for position in pursuit of big four trade targets … With one week to go before the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline, the Phillies remain the favorites to land ace Roy Halladay and the Cardinals emerged as a possible landing spot for outfielder Matt Holliday.

Mariano, meet your successor  —  I've already gone on record saying that I believe Phil Hughes should be the Yankees' next closer.  What I saw tonight did nothing but confirm that belief.  —  Hughes picked up his first big-league save with a pair of scoreless innings …

Umpire Cooper has a full plate of no-hitters  —  Some umpires can work their entire careers and never find themselves behind the plate for a no-hitter.  Eric Cooper has been the plate umpire for three of them, including two by White Sox left-hander Mark Buehrle, who pitched a perfect game Thursday against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Wang's right shoulder not improving  —  Yanks to discuss results of righty's visit with doctor  —  NEW YORK — Chien-Ming Wang is concerned that his 2009 season may be over, having sought a second opinion as he continues to feel discomfort in his right shoulder.

MLB trade: St. Louis Cardinals, Oakland Athletics talking Matt Holliday trade  —  The St. Louis Cardinals and Oakland Athletics have been talking about a possible swap of All-Star outfielder Matt Holliday and top prospect Brett Wallace, according to sources, and one person familiar with the talks places the odds of a deal at 50-50.

Source: Maine could miss rest of season  —  Mets pitcher John Maine will seek a second opinion on his injured right shoulder, multiple sources confirmed Thursday.  Maine, who went on the disabled list June 12 with a pinched nerve in the shoulder, is expected to visit Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham …

Comeback Kings: Napoli, Kendrick rally Angels past Twins  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Howie Kendrick's (FSY) single ricocheted off second base in the ninth inning to drive in Los Angeles' tying run, and Mike Napoli's (FSY) run-scoring double in the 10th capped the Angels' 31st comeback victory …

Betancourt traded to Rockies for Class A pitcher  —  Setup man Rafael Betancourt returned to the Indians' bullpen just in time to become trade bait.  And on Thursday, the Rockies bit.  —  The Indians have traded Betancourt, a fixture in their 'pen since 2003, to the Rockies in exchange for Class A right-hander Connor Graham.

Cardinals win wet one against Nationals  —  WASHINGTON — As Adam Wainwright packed to leave Houston hours before his teammates, several teammates told him the price of dodging Wednesday's all-night flight from Texas was throwing a complete game Thursday.  —  So he did.  —  Weather permitting.

Dodgers' top homers leave previous memories  —  Kurt Gibson, left, celebrates after hitting a game-winning, two-run home run in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series against the Oakland Athletics.  Steve Finley reacts after hitting a game-winning grand slam in the bottom of the ninth inning …

Disquieting Hush Envelops Floundering Mets  —  The Mets are tumbling in the standings.  The list of players on the disabled list is growing at an alarming rate.  The team's top minor league affiliates are in last place, apparently lacking budding stars.  The vice president …

Kershaw's acceleration a marvel  —  Southpaw has allowed just three runs in past 42 2/3 innings  —  LOS ANGELES — Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw sat back in a leather chair on Monday afternoon, eyes fixated on a small laptop.  —  On the screen was footage of the Marlins from a game earlier …

Rays Want to Deal, Could Move Kazmir to Angels to Clear Room  —  According to a source familiar with the Rays front office, team VP of baseball operations Andrew Friedman is “eager to do something,” with Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez “players of interest” to Tampa Bay.

Cox makes tough decision to demote Conrad  —  Brooks Conrad did more than anyone could have expected in his first stint with the Braves, but it wasn't enough to keep them from sending the 29-year-old rookie back to the minors Thursday.  —  Conrad was optioned to Class AAA Gwinnett to make room …