A Trade About Money, Not Manpower  —  Francisco Rodriguez's recent change of agents helped hasten his trade to the Milwaukee Brewers, a critical deal that at least marginally enhances the Mets' ability to re-sign Jose Reyes.  —  Rodriguez hired Scott Boras to represent him this month …

Deal means security for Garcia, family  —  The words Jaime Garcia used most often Wednesday to describe the benefits of his new, four-year extension with the Cardinals were the same words his agent heard repeatedly from the lefty as the motivation to pursue a contract.  —  He wanted “security.”

What went right, wrong and what's ahead for the Florida Marlins?  —  Marlins fans could be saying good-bye to Leo Nunez and hello to prospect Matt Dominguez before season's end.  —  Marlins Midseason report  —  Three things that went right  —  Bullish bullpen: The Achilles' heel for much of last season …

Christian Lopez gets plenty of help  —  One good turn deserves another, and another, and another.  —  Christian Lopez, a 23-year-old cellphone salesman from Highland Mills, N.Y., decided to return Derek Jeter's 3,000th hit ball Saturday instead of trying to cash in.

Does Ted Williams Own A More Impressive Streak Than Joe DiMaggio?  —  Ask even the most casual baseball fan to name the player who holds the record for longest hitting streak in Major League Baseball history, and odds are you'll hear the correct answer, Joe DiMaggio, and the correct number of games, 56.

Exclusive: MLB Wants AEG LA Downtown Ballpark  —  On July 20, 2011, in a Delaware bankruptcy court, current Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and Major League Baseball legal representatives will present competing plans for interim financing for the club.

Go Big ... Or Don't Go At All  —  I've been thinking about quite a few things related to baseball over the last several days, but it's only in the last few hours that I've managed to synthesize them into a string of coherent thoughts.  You may not agree with everything I'm firing off here, and that's fine.

FRANCONA CRITICIZES ASG ON BIG SHOW  —  Red Sox manager Terry Francona joined The Big Show Wednesday, discussing Josh Beckett's knee, which kept him out of Tuesday's All-Star game.  He also offered his thoughts on the game, which many have criticized.  —  On the subject of Beckett …

The 100 Worst Baseball Players Of All Time: A Celebration (Part 1)  —  Eric Nusbaum — This is a celebration.  I realize that sounds strange—compiling a list of the worst of something doesn't seem like a joyous occasion.  But by worst 100 baseball players I don't just mean the objective worst …

Kirk Gibson's passion spills over to Diamondbacks players  —  In his first full season as Arizona manager, the former All-Star outfielder known for a fiery disposition is making the team a winner with a blend of toughness and flexibility.  —  Arizona Diamondbacks Manager Kirk Gibson has steered his team toward the top of the NL West.