Cubbie Conundrum: Winning during a fire sale  —  Cubs' Alfonso Soriano talks about possible trades after Monday's 8-2 win over the White Sox.  —  The Cubs have won 8 of their last 12 games since June 26, a streak roughly coinciding with the beginning of their long-anticipated fire sale.

Ryan Braun didn't answer questions  —  Ryan Braun, who has repeatedly denied ever using performance-enhancing drugs, refused to answer questions during a recent meeting with Major League Baseball about his connection to Tony Bosch and the Biogenesis clinic in Miami, sources told “Outside the Lines.”

Cards weigh options with veteran Wigginton  —  • By Derrick Goold dgoold@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8285  —  The Cardinals are considering a roster move before tonight's game against Houston that could bring clarity to veteran Ty Wigginton's role with the club and reshape the club's bench …

Rockies Acquire Mitchell Boggs, Designate Gardner  —  The Rockies have acquired Mitchell Boggs from the Cardinals in exchange for international bonus slot money, according to announcements from both clubs.  The Cards will get the Rockies' int'l slot bonus No. 4, according to Scott Miller of CBSSports.com …

Dodgers look for relief, may find it in Milwaukee  —  The Dodgers got the starting pitcher they needed when they traded for Ricky Nolasco.  —  The next task: Improving what statistically has been one of baseball's worst bullpens.  —  A Dodgers scout was dispatched to Milwaukee this week …

Shaun Marcum out for the season; Mets activate Gonzalez Germen  —  Shaun Marcum will not pitch again this season, according to multiple reports.  —  The Mets have recalled RHP Gonzalez Germen from Triple-A Las Vegas.  —  7:05 pm: Marcum has been diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome …

Sources: Giants, Francoeur reach deal  —  The reeling San Francisco Giants added to their depleted outfield Tuesday, reaching agreement with Jeff Francoeur, according to major-league sources.  —  Francouer, 29, was designated for assignment for the Kansas City Royals on June 30 and released Sunday.

Statement from the San Diego Padres  —  SAN DIEGO - Peter Seidler, lead investor of the San Diego Padres, and Ron Fowler, Executive Chairman, announced today that they have accepted the resignation of Tom Garfinkel as President and CEO of the team.  —  Both Fowler and Seidler expressed …

If Derek Jeter does return to these Yankees, he'll be going from Triple-A to Triple-A roster in Bronx  —  Brett Gardner and Robinson Cano were the only hitters in the lineup who could have scared the Royals, though Vernon Wells seems to have found some life in his bat after his recent work with hitting coach Kevin Long.

Howard contract a total loss  —  Why Phillies slugger's deal is the worst of all time  —  It may surprise no one that the 2013 Philadelphia Phillies are not where they hoped to be in the win-loss column.  After a disappointing 81-81 record in 2012, the worst finish for the Phillies in a decade …