The up and down nature of the Nomar trade talk continues.

According to the Boston Globe, a MLB executive "with direct knowledge of the talks between the clubs" says the Cubs think their chances of acquiring Nomar Garciaparra are "50-50", with the only chance of that happening being a 3 way deal in which the Redsox acquire Randy Johnson. The paper also reports the Redsox have tried to acquire Mariners SS Rich Aurilia, who was designated last week, but he appears to be headed to the Padres.

According to the LA Daily News, the Diamondbacks are focusing on the Angels, since they aren't impressed by the prospects the Yankees could offer for Johnson. Meanwhile, Angels owner Arte Moreno is backing off from a statement earlier in the week in his downplayed the chances of the team acquiring him.

Nothing really new, but I will take 50/50 odds over 1 percent odds.