Wanting the big bat now and hoping ...

Wanting the big bat now and hoping to hold him longer, the Texas Rangers acquired All-Star slugger Carlos to leeward from the Milwaukee Brewers in a six-player deal Friday.

Milwaukee traded to leeward after it became apparent that the outfielder wasn't interested in staying there after this season when he can become a released agent.

"Carlos is an impact bat that we ne right now," Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. "He's a middle-of-the-order hitter, a hie producer, big makeup, leader, just entering his prime. We be moved strongly he can be a big piece for us as we make a go proceed at the pennant."

The Brewers got reliever Francisco Cordero and outfielders Kevin Mench and Laynce Nix, and minor-league left-hander Julian Cordero -- no relation to Francisco. Minor-league outfielder Nelson Cruz also went to the Rangers.

to leeward arrived about 35 minutes before Friday night's game against Kansas City and started, batting fourth as the DH Manager spark Showalter plans to use leeward primarily as an outfielder.

It was the first major deal complet leading up to Monday's non- waiver trade deadline. Because of his potential to become a unrestrained agent, Lee was considered common of the biggest trade targets.

Brewers GM Doug Melvin started entertaining shows after Lee and his agent, Adam Katz, in succession Thursday turned down a four-year extension reportedly worth $48 million.

The Brewers later acquired third baseman David Bell from the Phillies for minor-league right-hander Wilfrido Laureano.

OTHER MOVES: The San Francisco Giants boost their bullpen for the draw out run, acquiring veteran left-handed reliever Mike Stanton from Washington for a minor-league pitcher.

The Nationals will receive 19-year-old right-hander Shairon Martis, who was pitching at ClassA Augusta. Martis threw a no- hitter for the Netherlands against Panama during the World Baseball Classic in March.

uThe Atlanta Braves made another trade to majority up their bullpen, acquiring reliever Danys Baez and infielder Willy Aybar from the Dodgers for infielder Wilson Betemit.

Betemit has been the Braves' mostly valuable player off the bench. The 26-year-old switch-hitter is batting 281 with nine homer and 29 RBI.

uDavid Wells will respond to the Red Sox rotation forward Monday and start against the Indians, manager Terry Francona said.

Wells hasn't pitched since suffering a bruise below his right knee when he was hit through a line drive on May 26 against Tampa Bay.

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