Lawyers near agreement for Giambi meeting

New York – Facing a Thursday deadline, lawyers neared an agreement that would lead to a meeting between Jason Giambi and steroids investigator George Mitchell.

Attorneys for Major League Baseball and the players’ union negotiated for a third straight day Wednesday to work out a deal that would lead to Giambi becoming the first active player known to speak with Mitchell’s staff, several people familiar with the talks said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because no statements were authorized.

Several people said it was probable an agreement on rules for a Giambi-Mitchell meeting would be reached today.

When he asked on June 6 for Giambi to meet with Mitchell, commissioner Bud Selig said he wanted the session to talk place within two weeks

Tigers send Ledezma to Braves for McBride

Atlanta – The Braves swapped left-handed relievers with Detroit on Wednesday, sending Macay McBride to the Tigers for Wilfredo Ledezma.

If nothing else, the deal was convenient. Ledezma will fly to Atlanta with his former team, which opens a three-game series against the Braves on Friday. McBride will hang out in his native Georgia until his new club arrives.

“It will make the transition easier,” McBride said.

Astros reliever Qualls

suspended three games

Anaheim, Calif. – Houston reliever Chad Qualls was suspended for three games and fined $3,000 by Major League Baseball on Wednesday – two days after throwing a baseball into the stands at Angel Stadium in frustration.

Qualls asked the players’ union to appeal the penalty, meaning he cannot disciplined until after a hearing is held and the appeal is decided.

Damon might go on DL for first time in career

Denver – Johnny Damon might be headed to the disabled list for the first time in his career.

The New York Yankees’ designated hitter and former center fielder has been bothered since last week by a strained abdominal muscle, which he aggravated Tuesday while taking cuts in the batting cage at Coors Field.

“Especially with this last incident yesterday, it’s something that we have to consider,” manager Joe Torre said.

Schilling headed to DL because of sore shoulder

Atlanta – Boston Red Sox starter Curt Schilling is headed to the disabled list because of soreness in his right shoulder, though an exam found no major damage. Schilling will be placed on the 15-day DL when the Red Sox get to San Diego on Friday for the start of a weekend series. He had returned to Boston for treatment.