Truth + Rumors

MLB

After the Big Unit, the Pirates' Kris Benson is the top pitcher available on the free-agent market. Scott Halleran/Getty Images • Pete McEntegart: The 10 Spot -- Tuesday, July 20 • Truth + Rumors: Angels enter Big Unit hunt • Albert Chen: Bagwell fading in Houston heat • Bill Scheft: Glass slipper fits Todd Hamilton • Caption This: Reader responses • More Blogs: Wertheim | Habib | Elliott Click here for Today's Sign of the Apocalypse, Game to Watch, Leading Off gallery and much more!

The Randy Johnson talks have become a three-way affair, with the Anaheim Angels entering negotiations. Yankees prospects would go to Anaheim for pitcher Ramon Ortiz, who then would be shipped to Arizona for the Big Unit.
-- Newark Star-Ledger (7/20)

The Rangers are targeting Pittsburgh ace Kris Benson. The Rangers want to part with Kevin Mench, but the Pirates are holding out for Laynce Nix.
-- Fort Worth Star-Telegram (7/20)

Cardinals GM Walt Jocketty says he has narrowed his trade search to right-handed middle relief. He's looking at Pittsburgh's Jose Mesa and Detroit's Ugueth Urbina.
-- St. Louis Post-Dispatch (7/20)

The Rockies have cautioned all teams interested in lefty hurler Shawn Estes that they'll only accept legitimate prospects.
-- Rocky Mountain News (7/19)

Jose Paniagua, who is 18-21 with a 4.49 ERA in parts of eight big-league seasons with four teams, threw for the second time in an audition for the Phillies.
-- Philadelphia Inquirer (7/19)

With Rangers GM John Hart's tenure waning, there is speculation that owner Tom Hicks will try to lure senior VP of baseball operations Mark Newman away from the Yankees.
-- New York Post (7/19)

Giants manager Felipe Alou insisted Matt Herges will remain the team's closer, even after Herges suffered his seventh blown save this season.
-- San Jose Mercury News (7/19)

NBA

When asked about a potential return to the Heat bench to guide Shaquille O'Neal, Pat Riley replied, "Never. Never. I have not even entertained that."
-- South Florida Sun-Sentinel (7/20)

With trade rumors and reports of discontent swirling around him, Toronto's Vince Carter refused comment on whether he wants to return next season with the Raptors.
-- The Globe and Mail (7/20)

Karl Malone's agent says the Lakers' signing of Vlade Divac does not rule out Malone's return.
-- Los Angeles Daily News (7/20)

Atlanta is expected to pass on making a substantial offer to Golden State center Erick Dampier, clearing the way for a sign-and-trade deal with the Knicks.
-- Newark Star-Ledger (7/20)

Seeking a backup shooting guard, Nuggets GM Kiki Vandeweghe continues to pursue Minnesota's Trenton Hassell.
-- Denver Post (7/20)

NFL

Unhappy with the Titans' offer, Eddie George has asked for a release. If he gets it, the Cowboys, Eagles and Buccaneers are among the teams expected to pursue him.
-- The Tennessean (7/20)

The Patriots signed first-round pick Vince Wilfork to a six-year, $9 million contract, with another $9 million in escalator clauses. He'll battle veteran Keith Traylor for the starting nose tackle job.
-- Boston Herald (7/20)

After skipping the Steelers' May camp, receiver Plaxico Burress returned to Pittsburgh yesterday, and observers reported he was in outstanding shape.
-- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (7/20)

The Dolphins began preliminary talks with wide receiver Chris Chambers on a new contract
-- Miami Herald (7/20)