AROUND THE MAJORS : Cubs Trade Beck to the Red Sox

The Chicago Cubs traded closer Rod Beck to the Boston Red Sox and catcher Tyler Houston to the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday as clubs in the pennant and wild-card races tried to beef up their rosters.

The Cubs, long out of the chase for a spot in the playoffs, got reliever Mark Guthrie and a player to be named for Beck, and minor-league pitcher Richard Negrette for Houston.

Last season, Beck became the fifth pitcher with 50 saves and was a key in the Cubs’ chase for the National League wild card, converting 51 of 58 opportunities. He faltered at the start of this year, going 2-4 with four blown saves and a 10.54 earned-run average.

He was placed on the disabled list May 17 because of bone spurs and chips in his right elbow, and underwent surgery five days later. He was activated July 21.

He has a 5.51 ERA and no decisions in 15 games since returning, though he pitched six scoreless innings in his last four outings.

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Manager Jim Leyland of the Colorado Rockies would not comment on speculation that he wants to take a break from baseball. The Boston Globe reported Sunday that Leyland, 54, has told friends he wants to take a year off because he is worried he can no longer relate to the players. . . . Houston Astro outfielder Moises Alou, recovering from major knee surgery, will not play this season, the Astros announced. . . . The San Francisco Giants traded outfielder Stan Javier to the Houston Astros for pitching prospect Joe Messman. . . . The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired utility infielder Lenny Harris from the Rockies for minor league second baseman Belvani Martinez. . . . The Baltimore Orioles acquired left-hander Jimmy Hamilton as the player to be named in the trade that sent Harold Baines to the Cleveland Indians.