The Chicago Cubs have acquired pitcher Rich Harden from the Oakland Athletics in a six-player trade, a day after the rival Milwaukee Brewers landed CC Sabathia.

Free agent power forward Elton Brand has informed the Philadelphia 76ers that he will accept their five-year, $82 million offer, according ESPN.com.

Joel Pineiro and three relievers combined on a six-hitter, Rick Ankiel and Ryan Ludwick hit solo homers and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Philadelphia Phillies 2-0 on Tuesday night.

Imprisoned quarterback Michael Vick is seeking bankruptcy protection, saying he owes between $10 million and $50 million to creditors.

Part of the marathon of the World Series of Poker involves players waiting to get back to the tables — back to their chip stacks and dreams of winning — after going as many as four days without playing.

Michael Beasley griped about some calls, tumbled after missing layups, then shook his head in disappointment after a rebound bounced off his outstretched hands.

Alex Rodriguez’s decision to opt out of his contract last October cost him $200,000 in All-Star bonuses from the New York Yankees this year.

Opinion: It’s hard to imagine that a world-class athlete and narcissist such as Alex Rodriguez is going to be affected negatively by minor distractions such as his divorce and the breathless gossip of his alleged relationship with Madonna.