Cuban gives highest opening bid for Rangers

A group of investors led by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban submitted the highest opening bid for the AL West-leading Rangers at a rare and unusual auction in bankruptcy court yesterday, jeopardizing the sale to Major League Baseball's preferred buyer.

Rangers attorney Martin Sosland said Cuban's bid was about $25 million more than the bid submitted by a group led by Rangers president Nolan Ryan and sports attorney Chuck Greenberg. That group, endorsed by MLB and the only other bidder, offered about $520 million as its opening bid.

Sosland did not reveal the specific amount or provide details on the bid from a group led by Cuban and Houston businessman Jim Crane.

The auction is the most dramatic development yet in one of the most contentious sales of an American professional sports team. The last Major League Baseball team to be auctioned off in such a way was the Orioles in 1993.

Reds 9, Pirates 4

Johnny Cueto (11-2) dominated for six innings and Paul Janish homered and drove in four runs for visiting Cincinnati.

Rockies 6, Giants 1

Ubaldo Jimenez won his major league-leading 17th game for host Colorado. Carlos Gonzalez homered twice and Troy Tulowitzki also went deep for the Rockies.

Cubs 15, Brewers 3

Geovany Soto homered and had five RBIs and pinch hitter Aramis Ramirez capped a six-run sixth inning with a three-run shot as host Chicago snapped a seven-game losing streak.

Phillies get Sweeney

The Seattle Mariners traded five-time All-Star Mike Sweeney to Philadelphia for a player to be named or cash considerations. Sweeney will provide hitting depth for Philadelphia. - AP