Switch is flipped  —  To boost offense, Red Sox acquire versatile Martinez from Indians  —  BALTIMORE - There were at least two other trade scenarios considered more major than the Victor Martinez deal that was consummated yesterday afternoon, but Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein …

Jake Peavy Dealt To White Sox Again  —  4:45pm: Two White Sox officials tell USA Today's Bob Nightengale that the Sox will pay all of Peavy's contract.  That means they'll pay him $56MM by the end of 2012 and maybe more afterwards.  —  4:12pm: Peavy's agent, Barry Axelrod …

YANKEES GET JERRY HAIRSTON  —  The Yankees have obtained Jerry Hairston from the Reds in exchange for minor-league catcher Chad Weems.  —  Hairston is a righty batter and utility player who is hitting .254 this year with eight homers.  —  “Whatever they ask me to do, I'll do it,” Hairston told The Associated Press.

Jays trade Rolen to Reds for three players  —  The Toronto Blue Jays didn't deal Roy Halladay on Friday, but they granted the request of third baseman Scott Rolen to play closer to his Indiana home by trading him to Cincinnati.  —  Rolen waived his no-trade clause to approve the deal …

Different Milledge spurs Pirates to win  —  It was sheer coincidence that Lastings Milledge happened to make his debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday against his former club, a Washington Nationals team that earlier in the day had traded away two key veterans.

Schmidt, Dodgers blank Braves 5-0  —  ATLANTA (AP) — Jason Schmidt (FSY) gave up one hit in his longest start in more than two years, Andre Ethier (FSY) hit a homer and drove in four runs and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Atlanta Braves 5-0 on Friday night.

Marlins land first baseman Johnson  —  Solid bat acquired from Nationals for Minors arm Thompson  —  MIAMI — For four months, the Marlins' players did their part, remaining in playoff contention in the National League East.  —  On Friday afternoon, minutes before the 4 p.m. ET non-waiver Trade Deadline …

Pitcher Beimel moves to contender with Rockies  —  The press releases said Joe Beimel was traded to the Rockies.  Paroled is more like it.  —  The 32-year-old reliever leaves a Washington Nationals team that has drawn comparisons to the '62 Mets to join a Rockies club heck-bent on reaching the playoffs.

Bronson Arroyo: Bad andro may be cause  —  + Recent Articles + Recent Blog Entries + Email  —  Bronson Arroyo, a 2003 Red Sox [team stats] teammate of David Ortiz [stats] and Manny Ramirez [stats], said yesterday he would not be shocked to discover his name on the list of 104 major league ballplayers …

After Standing Pat, Mets Fold in Late Innings  —  The Mets wear their troubles on their faces.  Just look at Brian Schneider's beard, David Wright's scruff, Mike Pelfrey's peach fuzz.  Some players have resolved not to shave until the Mets climb back to .500, a measure of mediocrity that has evaded them for four weeks.

Shelley Duncan called up  —  Shelley's back!  —  Don't know who's been sent down, but Shelley Duncan has been called up from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and will be with the big league club tonight in Chicago.  The move comes after Shelley sat out the second game of yesterday's doubleheader.

Lee pitches four-hitter in triumphant Phillies debut  —  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Cliff Lee (FSY) spotted his fastball with precision, and his curveball, too.  What a National League debut for the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner.  —  Lee pitched a four-hitter, carrying a no-hit bid …

Iannetta's crush powers Rockies' win  —  He is a menacing mass of muscle and hustle.  Chris Iannetta swears he played other positions growing up.  But one look at his body — broad shoulders, squatty legs — and it appears he was born to be a catcher.  —  The Rockies believe he can be an all-star someday.