Team USA lost its first game of the World Cup today when Italy (2-0) defeated the Americans 6-2, dropping Team USA’s record to 2-1.

Italy took a 3-2 lead into the fourth inning, then widened its lead to 6-2 with three runs in the bottom of the fourth. Lefthander Josh Outman allowed three runs in three innings and took the loss. Team USA committed three errors during the game, including two by shortstop Brian Bixler.

Team USA had a chance to rally in the top of the ninth after right fielder Justin Ruggiano and catcher Jason Jaramillo walked with one out. Manager Davey Johnson brought in Steven Pearce to pinch-hit for Bixler, but Pearce struck out swinging. With two outs, center fielder Colby Rasmus drew a walk to load the bases, but second baseman Jayson Nix struck out to end the game.

For Team USA, one bright spot was Ruggiano, who went 2-for-2 with a home run and two walks. Check back later in the day on the World Cup Blog for more detailed coverage and analysis of Team USA’s loss and for reports on other games from around the World Cup in Taiwan.

Team USA’s pair of talented third basemen went a combined 5-for-8 with a home run and two doubles to defeat Panama 7-0 and improve to 2-0 in the World Cup. Team USA’s next game is against Italy (1-0) at noon in Taiwan (11 p.m. Eastern Standard Time).

Third baseman Andy LaRoche, one of the Dodgers’ top prospects, went 3-for-4 with two doubles. Evan Longoria (Devil Rays), who played third base in the team’s 3-0 win over Mexico in the opener, went 2-for-3 with a home run as the team’s designated hitter. While LaRoche and Longoria carried the offense, righthander Matt Wright (Royals) struck out five without allowing a walk through six shutout innings.

Team USA got on the board in the first inning and drove Panama starter Elpidio Pinto out of the game early. After Pinto retired Colby Rasmus (Cardinals) and Jayson Nix (Rockies) to start the game, LaRoche singled and Delwyn Young (Dodgers) drew a walk. Longoria’s single up the middle drove in LaRoche for the first run of the game before Pinto retired Steven Pearce (Pirates) to end the inning. [...] Continue Reading »

The Phillies landed Brad Lidge along with infielder Eric Bruntlett from the Astros in exchange for outfielder Michael Bourn, third baseman Mike Costanzo and righthander Geoff Geary on Wednesday night, bolstering the Philadelphia bullpen while sending two players in the Phillies’ top 10 to Houston.

The Phillies’ top pick in 2005 out of Coastal Carolina, Costanzo batted .270/.368/.490 with 27 homers in 508 at-bats during the regular season at Double-A Reading in 2007.

We caught up with Costanzo, who grew up in the Philadelphia area and is currently playing in the Arizona Fall League: [...] Continue Reading »

Righthander Jeff Karstens shut down Mexico in six scoreless innings of work to lead Team USA to a 3-0 victory over Mexico in the first games for both teams in the 2007 World Cup in Taiwan. Team USA plays Panama (1-0) today.

Team USA scored all three of its runs with two outs in the fifth inning. Mexico lefthander Hector Rodriguez, who had held Team USA scoreless until that point, hit right fielder Justin Ruggiano with a pitch. Catcher Jason Jaramillo followed with a single to right field before Rodriguez walked shortstop Brian Bixler to load the bases.

With center fielder Colby Rasmus at the plate, Rodriguez hurled a wild pitch, allowing Ruggiano to score the first run of the game. After Rasmus walked to reload the bases, second baseman Jayson Nix singled to right field, scoring Jaramillo and Bixler. [...] Continue Reading »

World Cup games this year will be broadcast live through a streaming feed online at http://www.stadeo.tv/?lang=en. The World Cup’s first scheduled game between host Taiwan and Italy was postponed due to rain. The tournament will now begin Wednesday, when Team USA plays its first game against Mexico. You can find a complete schedule of Stadeo TV’s broadcasts here.

To watch the game, download the plug-in from Stadeo TV’s web site, then watch the games. Once the games are over, stay tuned to BaseballAmerica.com for continuing World Cup coverage and analysis.

This week’s installment considers all transactions reported between Oct. 27 and Nov. 2. Last week’s transactions available here.

For a complete listing of minor league free agents, go here.

Atlanta Braves
Traded: SS Edgar Renteria to Tigers for RHP Jair Jurrjens and OF Gorkys Hernandez
Outrighted off 40-man roster: RHP Chad Paronto, C Corky Miller
Granted free agency: RHP Chad Paronto, C Corky Miller

Baltimore Orioles
Signed: RHP Ryan Keefer, LHP Craig Anderson, OF Chris Amador, OF Kennard Jones
Acquired: RHP Jake Renshaw from Cubs to complete earlier trade of RHP Steve Trachsel

The Orioles netted Renshaw when the Cubs made the playoffs, as contingent upon their August trade. Chicago also sent righthander Rocky Cherry and third baseman Scott Moore to Baltimore. [...] Continue Reading »

The following 602 players were declared free agents following the 2007 season, as provided by Major League Baseball. Last year's list is here.

Arizona Diamondbacks (12)
Righthanders: Jeff Bajenaru, D.J. Carrasco, Chad Harville, Donald Julio, Mike Schultz
Lefthander: Hipolito Guerrero
Catcher: Mark Johnson
Third baseman: Mayo Santana
Shortstops: Matt Erickson, Ronnie Merrill
Outfielders: Jarred Ball, Rich Thompson

Atlanta Braves (15)
Righthanders: Ryan Baerlocher, Buddy Hernandez, Trey Hodges, Jose Santiago, Wes Wilkerson
Lefthander: Rheal Cormier
Catchers: Iker Franco, Fernando Lunar, Carlos Mendez, Corky Miller, Ray Serrano
Outfielders: Larry Bigbie, Josh Burrus, Doug Clark, J.D. Roberts [...] Continue Reading »