OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) The Oakland Athletics traded away their second starting pitcher this month, dealing burly right-hander Joe Blanton to the Philadelphia Phillies for three minor leaguers on Thursday. A's general manager Billy Beane swapped Blanton a

Former Bucs manager Murtaugh has unlikely advocate Danny Murtaugh (left) won two World Series titles as manager of the Pirates. (Harry Cabluck/AP) Pirates Headlines ? Bucs bitten by Rockies' rally ? Bucs hope break has bullpen rested ? Bucs recall

Second, they've shown they can come back at anytime, evidenced by their 23 come-from-behind wins and 15 victories in their last at-bat. Third, and most importantly, the depth of pitching across the organization is slim and is in need of help. Whether

It came at Yankee Stadium in the 11th inning of a tied All-Star Game. McLouth had entered the game in the bottom of the fifth, taking over for Chicago's Kosuke Fukudome in center. Heading into the 11th, the Pirates center fielder had made two routine

For starters Part of it was a result of the changeover in the front office and field staff. But much of it centered around a promising young starting rotation and the potential it held in its arms. 'I see no reason why we can't be one of the

The 26-year-old right-hander looked better at Triple-A Indianapolis, posting a 2-3 record with two saves and a 4.17 ERA in 27 relief appearances spanning 36 2/3 innings this season. Pittsburgh made room for Salas by optioning reliever Romulo Sanchez to

Russell, who just completed the first half of his first year as a Major League manager, takes that same approach every day. The 47-year-old former big league catcher believes in consistency and patience over a 162-game schedule. 'You can't be one guy

For starters However, sparked by some surprising standouts in the rotation and by the offense's consistent production, the Pirates find themselves having put together a first half that still has a .500 finish within reach. Club MVP: Let's

Among those most in need of a breather was southpaw John Grabow, who appeared in 42 games for the Pirates before the break, joining fellow left-hander Damaso Marte (45) and right-hander Tyler Yates (45) as a trio of relievers who posted over 40

- " Discuss this story on the ... GENEVA, IL - Victor Garate tied a career high with seven innings pitched and the tied a season high for hits in a game en route to a 7-2 Thursday night victory over the Kane County Cougars. The Loons strung together