"As the players dressed and left the ballpark late Wednesday afternoon, the Yankees' general manager, Brian Cashman, was already in the air. The team heads to Boston on Thursday, but Cashman has a different agenda.

With the nonwaiver trading deadline a week away, Cashman will meet with club executives in Tampa, Fla., to talk about strengthening the Yankees for the stretch run. Considering the timing, it could feel like shopping for groceries on a full stomach. With six victories in a row since the All-Star break, the Yankees might have what they need.

"I don't think there's going to be anything earth-shattering," Mike Mussina said after beating the Minnesota Twins with eight shutout innings in a 5-1 victory. "We've got a team right now that believes in themselves and believes we can play with anybody, any time.""