-ESPN's Buster Olney reports that talks between the Twins and the Athletics continue regarding a deal for shortstop Orlando Cabrera. Cabrea is batting .380 in July and according to Olney, the trade would not involve any top-tier prospects from the Twins. Cabrera told the San Francisoco Chronicle that after the A's played Minnesota last week, every time Joe Mauer or Justin Morneau got on base, they told him, "we're trying to get you." This explains the Twins interest in Blue Jays' Marco Scutaro, who has experience playing second, shortstop and third and has playoff experience.
-While the Cubs worked their way back into first place this weekend for the first time since early April, there has been speculation that they are looking for ways to bolster their bullpen. Orioles' George Sherrill would be a great addition but they remain in financial limbo because the team has been sold by Sam Zell to the Ricketts family but the closing has not taken place. Two names have surfaced as possible short-term rentals because there would be no financial obligation after this season. ESPN's Jayson Stark is identifying those being in the Cubs' sights as the Nationals' Joe Beimel and Pirates' John Grabow.