Latest trade talk on Washburn, Halladay, Lee, Martinez and others … Knowing their chances remain slim for superstar pitcher Roy Halladay and even slimmer for star pitcher Cliff Lee, the Yankees called the pitching-strong Mariners on Saturday to inquire about their status as buyer or seller.

Selig mulling pardon for Rose  —  Rickey Henderson (second from left) accepts his Cooperstown plaque with (from l.)  Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson, HOF chairperson Jane Forbes Clark and Bud Selig.  —  COOPERSTOWN - Thanks to the behind-the-scenes lobbying from some of the most influential Hall …

A Computer Cracks the Cooperstown Code  —  Now that Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice have been inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, fans the country over can return to the only thing they like as much as watching games: Arguing over who should join them in Cooperstown.

Dodger delusions  —  I am convinced that the Dodgers are the most misunderstood team in Major League Baseball.  As it stands now, the Dodgers have the best record in baseball and an 8-game division lead, yet no one in the media can seem to tell you why.  —  This has become obvious …

Pirates still scouting Tigers  —  Larry Corrigan, one of GM Neal Huntington's special assistants, stayed to scout the Tigers through Detroit's weekend series with the White Sox.  Corrigan has been watching the Tigers every day since last Tuesday.  —  Detroit is mulling a couple different directions …

Royals look to convert Peña into a pitcher  —  After watching shortstop Tony Peña Jr. struggle at the plate for almost three years, it looks as if the Royals are now ready to see what he can do on the mound.  —  Manager Trey Hillman said Peña, who recently cleared waivers …

July 26: Pirates (43-54) @ D-backs (42-56); Yanks scouting Snell  —  First some new news on the trade front...  There may not be any biggest discussion/dilemma in the Pirates' front office right now than about what to do with Ian Snell.  One month ago, the right-hander asked for a demotion to Triple-A …

Jackson not the answer right now  —  With Brett Gardner shelved until at least mid-August with a broken thumb, the Yankees will need another outfielder.  They do have three players on the active roster — Cody Ransom, Eric Hinske, and Hideki Matsui — to spell their three starters …

Redding's spot saved by injuries  —  HOUSTON - Tim Redding, who was on the verge of being released as the Mets started a 10-game trip to open the second half, is off the chopping block, a team insider told the Daily News.  —  The Mets privately had resolved to eat the remainder …

Tampa Bay Rays rookie Jeff Niemann pitches well in loss  —  TORONTO — The Rays hitters couldn't do much in Sunday's 5-1 loss against Toronto's Brett Cecil, the latest in a string of young lefties who have stymied them.  —  And there wasn't much RHP Jeff Niemann could do to help.

Will NY Mets' slide in standings lead to drop in attendance at Citi Field? … Two years ago, as Citi Field was steadily rising behind Shea Stadium, the notion that the Mets might have trouble selling tickets at their new ballpark was almost unfathomable.  By design, there would be 15,000 fewer seats …

A little more information on Wang  —  Here's an update on Chien-Ming Wang:  —  When he got the second MRI on Tuesday, it revealed a possible rotator-cuff tear.  The question is whether it's a new injury or scar tissue from the operation he had back in 2000.

HALL INDUCTEE SAYS REYES NEEDS TO GET BACK ON FEET  —  COOPERSTOWN — Even dur ing Hall of Fame weekend the Mets are Team Chaos.  Rickey Henderson, who was inducted into the Hall yesterday, said Jose Reyes has struggled with leg injuries this season because he has gotten away …

Tazawa gets a promotion  —  The Sea Dogs leave on a road trip after learning their top starting pitcher is headed to Triple-A.  —  PORTLAND — The Sea Dogs knew they were not going to hold on to pitcher Junichi Tazawa much longer.  —  Word finally arrived Sunday.  Tazawa, 23, has been promoted to Triple-A Pawtucket.