Notes

ST. LOUIS — CARDINALS Franklin near new contract

The St. Louis Cardinals and National League saves leader Ryan Franklin are negotiating a two-year contract extension that could allow him to end his career in St. Louis.

The 36-year-old Franklin made the All-Star team for the first time this season, and is 34 for 36 in save opportunities with a 2-1 record and 1.07 ERA in his first full season as a closer. He has saves in 10 consecutive outings.

The right-hander is in the final season of a two-year extension he signed in July 2007 when he was the setup man for Jason Isringhausen, and the Cardinals have an $2.75 million option for 2010. Franklin said he and the Cardinals have been talking for a couple of months about a new deal, which would replace the terms of the option year.

ANGELS-RAYS Pitcher Kazmir traded

ANAHEIM, Calif. - Two-time All-Star pitcher Scott Kazmir was traded by the Tampa Bay Rays to the Los Angeles Angels for two minor leaguers and a player to be named.

The left-hander was 8-7 with a 5.92 ERA this season for the defending AL champion Rays.

Tampa Bay receives left-hander Alex Torres of the Arkansas Travelers and third baseman Matt Sweeney in the deal.

Because he was dealt before Aug. 31, Kazmir is eligible for postseason play with Los Angeles. He had to clear waivers to be traded at this point in the season.

Torres, is a combined 13-4 with a 2.75 ERA in 26 games (24 starts) at Class A Rancho Cucamonga and Class AA Arkansas. He began the season in A-ball, going 10-3 with a 2.74 ERA and 124 strikeouts in 21 appearances. He was promoted to Arkansas on Aug. 1, and was 3-1 with a 2.77 ERA in 5 starts.

BREWERS Hoffman claimed on waivers

MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee Brewers closer Trevor Hoffman was placed on waivers and claimed by another team, but General Manager Doug Melvin said he had no trade discussions for the career saves leader.

Melvin declined to say which club claimed the 41-year-old Hoffman, but ESPN.com reported it was the San Francisco Giants.

Milwaukee can work out a deal to trade Hoffman to the club that claimed him, assign him to that team for no compensation or pull him back off waivers. If Hoffman is pulled back, the Brewers can't trade him for the rest of the season.

Hoffman is 1-1 with a 1.85 ERA this year, converting 28 saves in 30 chances. He has a major league-record 582 save.

MLB Player suspended

NEW YORK - Free agent minor league pitcher Jonady Nunez has received a 50-game suspension after testing positive for Stanozolol, a performance-enhancing substance, in violation of the minor league drug program.

Most recently, Nunez had been a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers' Dominican Summer League team. The suspension will be effective upon signing with another major league organization.