Truth + Rumors

MLB

Barry Zito is having the worst season (5-7, 4.61 ERA) of his five-year career. Michael Zagaris/SI • Pete McEntegart: The 10 Spot -- Friday, July 23 • Truth + Rumors: George returning to Texas? • Stephen Cannella: Beckett's fastball also his curse • Richard Deitsch: A new side out for Kiraly • More Blogs: Murphy | Bechtel | Chen | Wertheim Click here for Today's Sign of the Apocalypse, Game to Watch, Leading Off gallery and much more!

In need of a second baseman and some help in the bullpen, the A's could send Barry Zito to Baltimore for Brian Roberts and Jorge Julio.
-- Baltimore Sun (7/23)

The Marlins seem to be solely interested in Larry Walker, as Steve Finley has demanded to play center field. To acquire Walker, the Marlins probably will have to send Jeff Conine to Colorado. Finley could end up with the Phillies, who have been searching for solid center-field play all season.
-- Palm Beach Post, South Florida Sun-Sentinel (7/23)

The Mets' offer of Ty Wigginton and Class AA pitcher Matt Peterson isn't enough for Kris Benson in Pittsburgh's eyes. Currently, the Pirates are favoring a trade with Minnesota, a possible deal involving outfielder Michael Restovich and a minor-league player.
-- Newark Star-Ledger (7/23)

The Mets are one of many teams that have inquired about Expos reliever Luis Ayala, but Montreal GM Omar Minaya isn't interested in moving his right-hander.
-- Newark Star-Ledger (7/23)

The Angels remain interested in Randy Johnson, as long as Arizona does not want more than one of Anaheim's top three prospects -- third baseman Dallas McPherson, catcher Jeff Mathis and first baseman Casey Kotchman -- in return. But Johnson has indicated to Arizona that he only will waive his no-trade clause if he's going to the Yankees.
-- Los Angeles Times (7/23)

Shawn Estes wants to re-sign with the Rockies.
-- Denver Post (7/23)

Many teams, including the Phillies, have expressed interest in Ramon Ortiz. Though Ortiz has been demoted to the Angels' bullpen, teams want him as a starter.
-- Orange County Register (7/23)

The Mets probably will trade "Super" Joe McEwing before the July 31 deadline.
-- New York Daily News (7/23)

Manager Ned Yost is not expecting the fading Brewers to receive any help via trade.
-- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (7/23)

Seven minor league teams owned by the Goldklang Group will give away bobbleheads in the image of either President George Bush or Sen. John Kerry, depending on each fan's preference.
-- Pioneer Press (7/23)

NFL

If Eddie George gets a clean bill of health in a physical today, he'll most likely sign with the Cowboys. George has agreed with Dallas on a one-year, $2.1 million deal plus incentive bonuses.
-- Fort Worth Star-Telegram (7/23)

With Bears training camp starting in four days, it is becoming less likely that rookie defensive lineman Tommie Harris will end his holdout in time.
-- Chicago Sun-Times (7/23)

NBA

The Mavericks are working on a trade in which they would send Jerry Stackhouse and Christian Laettner to the Magic for Drew Gooden and probably Andrew DeClercq.
-- Fort Worth Star-Telegram (7/23)

The 76ers have offered Glenn Robinson to the Mavs for Antoine Walker. If Walker went to Philly, he'd be reunited with his old Celtics coach, Jim O'Brien.
-- Philadelphia Inquirer (7/23)

Allan Houston called Erick Dampier, trying to convince him to come to New York. The Hawks have offered Dampier a four-year, $40 million contract.
-- New York Post (7/23)

Jamal Crawford desires to play in New York. Aaron Goodwin, Crawford's agent, has asked Bulls GM John Paxson and Knicks GM Isiah Thomas to meet face-to-face in an attempt to further trade talks.
-- Newsday (7/23)

Free-agent forward Vin Baker hopes to stay with the Knicks.
-- Newsday (7/23)

An Upper Deck basketball card featuring LeBron James and Michael Jordan sold for $150,100 on eBay.
-- Akron Beacon Journal (7/23)