Barry Larkin, the former shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds who is contemplating a comeback with the Washington Nationals, said yesterday that it will be 'at least two weeks' before he makes a decision on whether he would play with the team this season.
-- Washington Post
Kevin Millar is not getting too worked up about finding his name included in pre-trading deadline stories. When teammates strolled into the clubhouse yesterday, Millar yelled to them, 'I'm going to Minnesota... The Red Sox remain interested in Florida right-hander A.J. Burnett but continue to have little interest in dealing away a top prospect and Bronson Arroyo for him.
-- Boston Herald
A report in the Boston Herald suggested an expanded deal, with J.C. Romero and Joe Mays going to Boston for Bill Mueller and first baseman Kevin Millar. But officials from other teams said if the Twins were indeed ready to part with Romero, Mays or starter Kyle Lohse, they could command much more in return.
-- Minneapolis Star Tribune
A.J. Burnett may still be in the Blue Jays' sights...Rather than acquire the right-hander from the Florida Marlins at the non-waiver trade deadline in nine days' time, the Jays now could be in the running when the free-agent sweepstakes begin two days after the end of the World Series...The Jays say they might be interested in Cincinnati Reds outfielder Adam Dunn, but general manager Dan O'Brien is asking for too much in return.
-- Toronto Sun
Cubbie blue sounds good to Johnny Damon, who wears red as a key member of the Red Sox. The American League's premier leadoff hitter with a .339 batting average and AL-best runs with 73 can be a free agent after the season and admitted Thursday night before the Red Sox-White Sox game that he would have interest in the Cubs, who are having center-field problems.
-- Chicago Sun-Times
If outfielder Austin Kearns wants to come to the Cubs, and people behind the scenes in Cincinnati insist that he does, he might not have helped himself by beating the Cubs 9-6 Thursday afternoon. Cubs general manager Jim Hendry met Thursday with Reds GM Dan O'Brien about a possible trade for Kearns, though Hendry said the talks never got serious and they discussed a variety of topics.
-- Chicago Sun-Times
The Mets are reviewing scouting reports on left-hander Alan Embree, who was designated for assignment by the Red Sox on Tuesday. General manager Omar Minaya wouldn't characterize his interest other than to say there was some.
-- Journal News
As the Yankees approach the trading deadline, they are giving Crosby a longer look to see if he can handle more playing time in center... The Yankees have been trying for weeks to acquire a center fielder to solidify the position, with Colorado's Eric Byrnes, Seattle's Randy Winn and Florida's Juan Pierre surfacing as possibilities.
-- New York Times
The Angels have made inquiries into starting pitchers Brett Tomko of the San Francisco Giants and Kip Wells of the Pittsburgh Pirates. They also would like to add a reliever, though Wells or Tomko could be used in long relief when Kelvim Escobar returns.
-- Orange County Register
The Rockies are trying to work out a deal that would send Desi Relaford to the San Francisco Giants and open a roster spot, but if that does not get done, they could send out infielder Eddy Garabito or designate Relaford for assignment.
-- Rocky Mountain News
