Cleveland Indians defeat LA Angels 3-2. Prior to the game, Manager Mike Scioscia named Scott Downs as the new closer replacing Jordan Walden. Too bad it didn't matter in this game. After Jered Weaver tossed six innings of shutout ball staked to a 2-0 lead, Hisanori Takahashi was charged with the tying runs. The bullpen held strong until rookie David Carpenter gave up the winning run on Asdrubal Cabrera's single. Of note was Cabrera's bat flip after hitting the game winner. more ›

If it's trade rumors you're after, this is a remarkably weak season for them. With about 20 teams in at least theoretical contention, almost nobody is selling, and almost no club is in a position where fixing one weak position will vault that team over their division rivals. With only six days left until the trade deadline (after which players are required to clear waivers), the list of likelies is shrinking faster than the willies of polar bear club members.
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Dodger first baseman Nomar Garciaparra was not voted into the MLB All-Star game's starting lineup or chosen as a reserve despite a spectacular comeback and .360+ batting average. But the converted shortstop has, many of us here at LAist think, a good chance of earning the National League's selection as the Final Vote. more ›