Truth + Rumors

The Dodgers may be on the verge of adding Jeff Conine's 7 homers and 43 RBIs for the pennant- drive in the NL West. AP • Pete McEntegart: The 10 Spot -- Thursday, July 29 • Truth + Rumors: Dodgers are after Marlins' Conine • Chris Ballard: Warriors' Cardinal living the good life • More Blogs: Chen | Chadiha | Elliott | Cannella Click here for Today's Sign of the Apocalypse, Game to Watch, Leading Off gallery and much more!

While Dodgers GM Paul DePodesta denied rumors that he'd reached a deal with Arizona for Randy Johnson involving Guillermo Mota, Jayson Werth and a pair of talented pitching prospects (a deal which Johnson reportedly nixed), more Dodger trade gossip has arisen. Los Angeles could be on the verge of acquiring Jeff Conine to play first base. If the Dodgers deal Paul Lo Duca, Florida will also throw in A.J. Burnett.
 -- Los Angeles Daily News (7/29)

The Marlins desire Lo Duca and may give up Brad Penny to acquire the Dodgers catcher.
 -- Los Angeles Times (7/29)

The Giants have dropped out of the bidding for Diamondbacks outfielder Steve Finley, leaving the Dodgers and Padres as the frontrunners for his services.
 -- Los Angeles Daily News (7/29)

The Cubs want Nomar Garciaparra, but are unwilling to part with pitcher Matt Clement. Chicago GM Jim Hendry continues to talk to Expos GM Omar Minaya about Orlando Cabrera.
 -- Chicago Sun-Times (7/29)

Lacking talent on the farm, the Yankees are looking to enlist the services of the Marlins to help them get Randy Johnson. The Marlins would give the Yankees a handful of prospects -- which would then be passed on to Arizona -- and end up with New York's Jose Contreras and Arizona's Brent Mayne.
 -- Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel (7/29)

The Pirates will probably receive Twins Triple-A outfielder Jason Kubel in exchange for pitcher Kris Benson.
 -- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (7/29)

With Trot Nixon on the 15-day DL, the Red Sox could trade Triple-A catcher Kelly Shoppach to Arizona for outfielder Danny Bautista.
 -- Arizona Republic (7/29)

If the Marlins aren't able to acquire Larry Walker from the Rockies, they will go after Anaheim's Jose Guillen. In exchange for Guillen, the Angels would receive Double-A pitcher Randy Messenger and another prospect.
 -- Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel (7/29)

Boston may look to deal for "the poor man's Greg Maddux," San Diego's Brian Lawrence.
 -- Boston Herald (7/29)

Amid all of the trade rumors in Boston, Pedro Martinez expressed his desire for the team to keep Derek Lowe and Nomar Garciaparra for the rest of the season.
 -- Boston Herald (7/29)

Looking for an upgrade at first base, the Red Sox could go after Twins first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz.
 -- New York Post (7/29)

Yankees GM Brian Cashman contacted John Olerud's agent.
 -- New York Post (7/29)

The Phillies are interested in Yankees outfielder Kenny Lofton.
 -- New York Post (7/29)

Following weeks of negotiations, the Mets are finalizing a contract with Cuban right-hander Alay Soler.
 -- New York Post (7/29)

As usual, Phillies manager Larry Bowa is on the hot seat. 
 -- Philadelphia Inquirer (7/29)

T.V. reality show The Bachelor asked Marlins pitcher Carl Pavano to star in a future season.
 -- Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel (7/29)

NBA

In a sign-and-trade deal, the Knicks offered the Warriors Kurt Thomas for Erick Dampier.
 -- New York Daily News (7/29)

Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said the Clippers will match the Suns' six-year, $42 million offer to restricted free agent Quentin Richardson. But Richardson says he hopes Los Angeles doesn't match the deal, as he longs to play for Phoenix. 
 -- Orange County Register (7/29)

The Bucks could sign guard Mike James by the end of the week.
 -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (7/29)

NFL

The Dolphins are strongly considering making a push for Chiefs running back Larry Johnson.
 -- Kansas City Star (7/29)

Attempting to increase their depth at outside linebacker, the Steelers made a pitch to former Cincinnati starter Adrian Ross. They also signed James Harrison.
 -- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (7/29)

Cycling

Lance Armstrong could be engaged to Sheryl Crow.
 -- New York Post (7/29)