The Associated Press

ARLINGTON, Texas - The Texas Rangers traded AL saves leader Ugueth Urbina to the Florida Marlins for three minor-leaguers Friday.

Florida gave up first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2000 amateur draft, outfielder Will Smith and left-handed pitcher Ryan Snare, the only one of the three on the Marlins' 40-man roster. All three are playing in Double-A.

"Ugie came as advertised and did a great job for us," Rangers general manager John Hart said. "We're bringing back good players. It dovetails with the direction that we are going. That's going with youth and trying to acquire as many young players as we can."

Urbina bolsters the Marlins' bullpen as they try to make a surprising push for the NL wild card. Florida entered the day two games above .500 and only 4 1/2 games out of a wild-card spot.

The Marlins plan to use the right-hander as a set-up man for closer Braden Looper, who leads the team with 16 saves.

• Marlins rookie left-hander Dontrelle Willis was selected as a replacement for Brown on the National League All-Star team. The move ends a debate over an alleged snub by the Cubs' Dusty Baker, who will manage the NL this year.

Baker left Willis off the team in favor of his own Kerry Wood, who is 9-6 with a 3.19 ERA. Willis is 8-1 with a 1.98 ERA and is unbeaten in his last nine starts with a 0.85 ERA in that span.

PIRATES: The Pirates extended manager Lloyd McClendon's contract through 2004, dousing speculation that he could be fired if Pittsburgh doesn't post its first winning season since 1992.

General manager Dave Littlefield said team officials are pleased with the direction McClendon is taking the team in his third season as manager.

DODGERS: Ace Kevin Brown was placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 4 because of a lower abdominal strain.

Left-hander Wilson Alvarez will take Brown's scheduled start Sunday against Colorado.