• Newark Star-Ledger: "According to a baseball official familiar with the situation, the Diamondbacks asked the Yankees if it would be possible to include catcher Jorgé Posada in a deal for Randy Johnson. ... The Yankees have been trying to figure out a way to get a major-league pitcher back to Arizona in the deal. That could mean getting right-hander Ramon Ortíz from the Angels and spinning him off to the Diamondbacks in a three-way trade, as has been discussed. The Angels are interested in left-handed reliever Felix Heredia."
• New York Post: "The Yankees have been informed by the Diamondbacks that they won't begin exchanging names until Tuesday. That's when owner Arizona owner Jerry Colangelo returns from a vacation in Italy and after the Red Sox and Yankees slug it out for three games in Fenway Park this weekend. ... The Diamondbacks also want to move outfielder Steve Finley before getting serious about Randy Johnson. ... In addition to the Marlins and Padres, the Giants, Dodgers, Phillies and Rangers have expressed an interest in the outfielder as they prepare for the final two months of the season."
• Arizona Republic: "The New York Yankees are getting more familiar with Randy Johnson, even though the Diamondbacks haven't said publicly if they will trade their five-time Cy Young Award winner. The Yankees had two scouts watch Johnson allow three runs in the first two innings of a 3-1 loss to San Francisco. ... Meanwhile, center fielder Steve Finley is getting more attention from Florida, Texas and Philadelphia."
• East Valley Tribune: "Like ace Randy Johnson — the losing pitcher in Tuesday's 3-1 victory by the San Francisco Giants at Bank One Ballpark — Steve Finley has been the subject of trade talk between the D-Backs and other teams. An industry source said Finley is likely to approve a trade to a contender, and that Texas, Philadelphia and Florida have been the most aggressive pursuers."
• Los Angeles Times: "In a sign that the Angels may have pulled themselves out of the Randy Johnson derby, neither Gary Sutherland, special assistant to Angel General Manager Bill Stoneman, nor his brother, Angel scout Dale Sutherland, was spotted at Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix on Tuesday to watch the Arizona Diamondback ace pitch against the San Francisco Giants."
• Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel: "Trade talks involving Arizona outfielder Steve Finley appear to be heating up, and the Marlins are right in the thick of the competition. According to a source close to the discussions, the Marlins, Phillies and Rangers have made the most aggressive bids for the prospective free agent. ... San Diego, where Finley played previously and still has a home, had been considered the early frontrunner but has lost ground because it wanted the Diamondbacks to take back outfielder Jay Payton. ... The Marlins have told teams they believe there are only two offensive 'difference-makers' available through trade: Finley and Toronto first baseman Carlos Delgado. Delgado, however, is still due close to $7.5 million through season's end. He also can block any trade. David Sloane, his Coral Springs-based agent, says Delgado isn't going anywhere without a multiyear extension."
• San Diego Union-Tribune: "Steve Finley apparently has also given his approval to being traded to Philadelphia, Texas (managed by former Arizona skipper Buck Showalter), Florida and the New York Yankees (who reportedly are the No. 1 choice of Arizona's ace pitcher, Randy Johnson). Padres General Manager Kevin Towers yesterday said he is still waiting to hear from the Diamondbacks."
• Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "When he takes the mound tonight in Atlanta, Kris Benson won't be thinking about it possibly being his last start in a Pirates uniform. ... Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield has turned down trade proposals from the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies."
• New York Daily News: "The Pirates have made no secret of the fact they would give the highest preference to any Kris Benson bidder willing to take catcher Jason Kendall as part of the exchange. Problem is, Kendall has $34 million remaining on an egregiously escalating contract through 2007. There's no way Jim Duquette would dare even broach such a deal to the Wilpons, much less push for it."
• The Dallas Morning News: "Rangers officials acknowledged contacting Pittsburgh about RHP Kris Benson but were not optimistic that talks would go anywhere. The Pirates asked for CF Laynce Nix."
• Denver Post: "The calls haven't been coming in, but the word around the baseball industry is Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd has placed a few of his own. One Rockies player dropped in trade discussions: Larry Walker ... One team that could be a match is the Los Angeles Dodgers."
• The Boston Globe: "With the Houston Astros slipping farther behind in the National League Central, speculation increases that the Astros will entertain offers for center fielder Carlos Beltran, whom they acquired in a 'rent-a-player' three-way deal with the Royals and A's. So far, however, the Astros have not given any indications that they are willing to deal Beltran, who is eligible for free agency after the season."
• Houston Chronicle: "Their biggest decision after this season will involve picking up Craig Biggio's option for 2005. I'm guessing right now that they'll do it, but things can change by the end of the year. Regardless, the only definite change for next season will be Chris Burke playing 2B for Jeff Kent, who won't be re-signed."
• Seattle Times: "With the trade deadline approaching, teams are talking and one rumor has Minnesota coming after Mariners catcher Dan Wilson. Rookie Twins catcher Joe Mauer is on the disabled list again with soreness in the left knee he tore up early in the season. In addition, with shortstop Rich Aurilia gone to San Diego, word is that first baseman John Olerud might also be traded to a National League team, with Atlanta and San Diego showing the most interest."
• Seattle Post-Intelligencer: "Reports yesterday from ESPN baseball pundit Peter Gammons that the Mariners were finding second baseman Bret Boone difficult to trade and were considering handing him his release didn't get much credence in the team's clubhouse."
• Tampa Tribune: "Lou Piniella has lobbied for a right-handed bat, and Rays general manager Chuck LaMar has talked to other clubs. One player he has inquired about is Arizona IF Shea Hillenbrand, who plays first and third."
• Cleveland Plain Dealer: "The Mariners have several pitchers in the minors and big leagues who interest the Indians. Three of them at the big- league level are lefties Mike Myers, Ron Villone and Eddie Guardado."