Truth + Rumors

MLB

The Yankees and Red Sox may continue their feud by dueling over Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson. AP • Pete McEntegart: The 10 Spot -- Thursday, July 8 • Truth + Rumors: Red Sox may pursue Big Unit • Austin Murphy Daily Blog -- Never count out Lance • Michael Bradley: 'Canes, Hokies better get tough Click here for Today's Sign of the Apocalypse, Game to Watch, Leading Off gallery and much more!

Sources say the Red Sox have joined many other teams by showing major interest in Randy Johnson. Boston could possibly send Nomar Garciaparra to a third party for prospects and then ship the prospects to Arizona for Johnson. Red Sox GM Theo Epstein strongly denied the possibility of a trade for Johnson.
 -- Boston Herald, Boston Globe (7/8)

Randy Johnson is most likely to waive his no-trade clause if his destination is Anaheim. Johnson owns a home in nearby Newport Beach, and the Angels are rich with prospects -- a commodity the Diamondbacks would want in return for their ace.
 -- Boston Herald, New York Post (7/8)

Eddie Guardado would consider waiving his no-trade clause to go to the Yankees because, according to his agent, Guardado "is old school and thinks being a Yankee means something."
 -- New York Post (7/8)

The Diamondbacks are looking to deal free agent-to-be Richie Sexson, who has only played 23 games this year because of a torn left labrum.
 -- The Arizona Republic (7/8)

The A's are listening to offers for Barry Zito, saying they would like an offensive-minded second baseman and a premier setup man in return. Rumored suitor Baltimore has the goods with two solid second basemen (Brian Roberts and Jerry Hairston) and a plethora of sought-after relievers (B.J. Ryan, Jorge Julio and Jason Grimsley).
 -- Baltimore Sun (7/8)

Steve Finley, who has been mentioned in a lot of trade discussions, may receive a one-year extension from the Diamondbacks.
 -- The Arizona Republic (7/8)

Minnesota had a scout in Toronto to watch Miguel Batista's outing against the Mariners.
 -- Toronto Sun (7/8)

The Mariners are accelerating their effort to deal Rich Aurilia. If Seattle can't trade its struggling shortstop, it may release him and eat the remainder of his $3.1 million contract.
 -- The Seattle Times (7/8)

NBA

Contrary to rumor, the Bulls are far from trading Jamal Crawford to the Knicks.
 -- Daily Herald (7/8)

Carmelo Anthony said he would take a pay cut if the Nuggets could acquire both Kobe Bryant and Kenyon Martin. Even if Anthony wanted to defer money, he couldn't alter his contract because of rules under the league's collective bargaining agreement.
 -- Denver Post (7/8)

Kenyon Martin made it clear to the Nuggets yesterday that they would need to offer him the maximum contract, which would be $86 million over six years. The Nuggets could trade Nene for Martin, but GM Kiki Vandeweghe wants to keep his core.
 -- Rocky Mountain News, Denver Post (7/8)

NCAA BASKETBALL

Xavier assistant coach Sean Miller is likely to replace Thad Matta -- who left for Ohio State -- as the Musketeers' head coach.
 -- The Cincinnati Enquirer (7/8)

If a reform unanimously approved by the National Association of Basketball Coaches passes, basketball players will earn five years of college eligibility.
 -- The Indianapolis Star (7/8)