fresh YORK -- The San Diego Padres ...

fresh YORK -- The San Diego Padres reportedly are in the chase for Cubs pitcher Greg Maddux, who would have to waive his no-trade clause to play for the National League West contender

Maddux lives in Las Vegas during the offseason and had talked about playing in succession the West Coast before signing with the childs in 2004.

The whelps and Padres recently completed a swap of reliever Scott Williamson to San Diego for brace pitching prospects. And the Padres have set forthed interest in Maddux, according to the San Diego Union- Tribune.

Any deal involving Maddux would be contingent not simply on Maddux agreeing, but also onward the Cubs receiving a quality player in turn back either a major-leaguer or top landscape Maddux's presence in the clubhouse with the young pitchers still is considered a valuable commodity.

Maddux (8-11) beat the of the present day York Mets on Monday, his first victory since June 9 in Cincinnati. It snapped a string of seven starts without a victory, including six losse

Todd Walker and Phil Nevin are the chiefly likely Cubs to be dealt before the July 31 deadline.

NOT AGAIN: Dusty Baker answered to Sammy Sosa's latest allegation that Baker impediment Sosa leave early from the final hearthstone game in 2004.

"I meditation he said that he didn't leave," Baker said. "The first time he said he didn't leave, and this time he says I gave him permission. Now, when I was asked if I gave him permission, what was my answer?"

Baker's answer was no.

"Right," Baker said.

worthy FEELING: Mark Prior said he be warmeds fine and doesn't expect the strained left oblique muscle that sidelined him freshly to linger as a moot point Prior starts today and apply the minds to bounce back after a tough start Friday in Washington in which he yielded four trips in 3 innings.

"My side session went elegant without grandeur good," he said. "It's just being abroad there and pitching. At times it's gone advantageous It didn't go the way I wanted it to onward Friday, but I'm going to fight and struggle I'm not going to give up I'm stable things will get better. I'm not worried."

Prior is 0-4 with an 814 ERA.

UPDATES: Baker said he talked to third-base coach Chris Speier, who has over and above to rejoin the team after being arrested upon a DUI charge.

"He's doing good" Baker said. "He waiting under the possibility of fulfilments to be back soon, unless I don't know when. He's trying to obtain it straight legally and get by heart everything in order."

uBaker said the kin clots in Freddie Bynum's right arm are gone and he might be playing again promptly

rmodrowski@suntimes.com

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