Talks, tweets abound as Deadline looms  —  This is the way it works today, in July, Trade Deadline dead ahead.  —  One National League and one Boston scout were doing their normal coverage at a Cubs game in Washington.  The NL scout was sitting next to an enthusiastic Red Sox fan …

Tampa Bay Rays more likely to take buyers stance as trade deadline approaches  —  The Rays are more likely than not to make a trade during the final two weeks leading up to the July 31 deadline for nonwaiver deals.  —  What's interesting, unless things change with a really bad start to this week …

Team says Cuddyer won't be dealt this season  —  Michael Cuddyer isn't going to be traded to a team in need of offensive help, a team official said.  —  The Twins have no plans to trade Michael Cuddyer this season even if they fall from contention, a team official said Friday …

Polanco sore after taking batting practice  —  NEW YORK — Placido Polanco's two days of batting practice have not gone well, leaving some doubt whether he will come off the disabled list on Wednesday, as scheduled.  —  “It's sore,” the third baseman told MLB.com about his back …

Theriot ejected after arguing play at second  —  CINCINNATI — Cardinals shortstop Ryan Theriot was ejected in the bottom of the sixth inning on Sunday after arguing a call with second-base umpire Mike Muchlinski.  —  With one out and a runner on first, Joey Votto hit a chopper …

Phillies looking for a bargain  —  The Phillies are telling rival clubs that they can add about $2 million in salary.  The amount makes sense, considering that the Phils' payroll reportedly is within $3 million of the $178 million luxury-tax threshold.  But the relatively modest sum …

Ex-catcher Hatcher makes history as pitcher  —  CHICAGO — If you are going to make history, Wrigley Field is certainly an ideal setting.  —  Chris Hatcher earned an intriguing distinction on Saturday afternoon, attaching himself to something that hadn't been done in 75 years.

Sources: Tigers interested in Braves' Derek Lowe  —  The Tigers, who currently have a vacancy in their starting rotation, are interested in acquiring veteran right-hander Derek Lowe from the Braves, major-league sources told FOXSports.com.  —  The sources indicated that the sides have not had serious talks …

Weeks' Homer the Difference in Brewers' Wild Win  —  DENVER (AP) — Rickie Weeks hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning as the Milwaukee Brewers came back after squandering a seventh-inning lead and beat Colorado 8-7 Saturday night in a game that included the ejections of Rockies manager Jim Tracy and catcher Chris Iannetta.