Bruiser Chong

Maybe Aramis Ramirez is trying to get traded. Seven homers since Thursday.

The Dodgers finally dumped Odalis Perez. I'd say being dealt to the Royals is worse than being "treated like trash" by the Dodgers.

This is the same network that employs Michael Irvin.

Nothing's been confirmed yet, but sexual harrassment seems to be the popular reason.

"Back then we didn't have fancy birth control methods...like pulling out."

I've never thought Baker was the sole problem. But things have not worked out with him. Even when they had a good lineup, the team still underachieved. Hendry is to blame for constructing the team, but Baker is to blame for making Neifi Perez a regular. Baker and his crew are also to blame for not stressing the importance of quality at-bats. We know hitters develop their plate discipline early in their careers, but we also know Dusty's stance on walks. To me, Cedeno was probably the most overrated member of the team. He's never had plate discipline, which means a few bad breaks are going to 180 his offensive numbers. He has no business batting second and if there were any better options, he'd have no business being the starting shortstop.

Todd Walker's trade value isn't going to be helped any by being benched in favor of Neifi Perez every game.

They're the type of team stupid enough to tack value to the guy because he brings speed to the table.

Lee going back on the DL probably secures Dusty's job for the rest of the season and could solidify Hendry's case to extend him.

There's that whole "veteran presence" idea that some teams just lap up like no other. Then there's the case that he's pitching poorly because he's playing for a terrible team. Maddux isn't the kind to phone it in, so I'm not sure I buy into that theory.

Obviously they'd like to fuel their pitiful offense.

I'd expect the returns to be better than that the way he's been playing.

Articles keep popping up about A-Rod to the Cubs, but that's a pipedream. The only way you do that deal on the Cubs' end is if Zambrano is not part of it. And here's your Cubs fun fact for today... Number of wins from starters not named "Zambrano" since May 1: 11.

Yeah, Heilman's only making millions to play a game. Why in the world would he show any hustle to make an easy play? What a dumbass.

Sean Marshall's officially a Cub: he went on the DL today. Rich Hill's been brought up to fill in. Hill's one of those guys who's been bad in the bigs, but incredible in AAA.

This is so awesome Neifi Perez is getting regular starts at second since Walker's poor defensive showing last Sunday. Really gives you a nice idea what it'll be like following July 31.

I haven't been online since Thursday, but I glanced at the lineup the Cubs had today; John Mabry: Cleanup hitter? Awesome. And speaking of those Cubs, they traded Scott Williamson the Fathers for some prospects.

Just got back from Chicago and while I felt like a traitor even being in the Cell, it was good times openly cheering for the Rangers and when they played clips of the Tigers beating Oakland. For all the miraculous comebacks the team's made this year, these "faithful" fans bolted towards to exits after Mench's three-run shot.

Deal's official. Indians get a catcher named Max Ramirez. I don't know anything about Ramirez, but the Indians aren't going anywhere this year and Wickman wasn't all that great this season, but he's an upgrade in Atlanta.

So the Jays designate Hillenbrand for assignment. That was quick.

Juan Uribe was really the difference-maker in that game. Had he gone for the easy double-play, the game would've been tied, but the possibility of the slam would've been out of the question.

The latest gem from Dusty after refusing on Ryne Sandberg's comments about the Cubs not taking infield practice anymore: “I’m not the one who invented it; don’t ask me,” Baker said. “We took infield (when Baker was a player). I didn’t like taking it back then, but we took it. Why they don’t take it, I really don’t know. I can’t answer that.” If I'm a casual reader, that last comment makes Dusty sound like some guy and not the manager of the team whose reasons for not taking infield practice are unknown to him.

Not that it matters, but even when he's been hot, Matt Murton's still fighting for starts with the over-the-top Phil Nevin and career minor leaguer, Angel Pagan.

Cubs' third base coach got arrested for drunk driving.

John Lackey's scoreless streak ends in grand fashion. Eek.