Great morning for beating mlb.com to the punch. Sully and I were on the connecting flight out of Chicago to St. Louis with Matt and Rocky. They were in great spirits. So we both put something on our Web sites. The Trib's was a little faster, but no longer is mlb.com the sole owner of breaking news. No, I don't know the corresponding roster moves yet.
Since you're here, I was wondering if you could let us know if Hendry has been in at all on Wily Mo Pena or Bobby Kielty. They seem like the kind of guys Hendry would acquire to help out in right, and I'd heard rumors at least of a deal falling through for Pena going to an unnamed team I thought could have been us. I hadn't heard that such a deal fell through. Hendry and Co. no doubt are looking at both.
Bruce, any news real quick before the game starts on rumors you are hearing? Thanks! No news. I posted something on that Dunn thing. I wouldn't go very far with that at all.
Not including '07 draftees: 1. Jeff Clement, Mariners 2. Bryan Anderson, Cardinals [3. Soto - see above] 3. J.R. Towles, Astros 4. Taylor Teagarden, Rangers 5. Hank Conger, Angels 6. John Jaso, Devil Rays 7. Max Ramirez, Indians 8. Nick Hundley, Padres 9. Tony Recker, Athletics 10. Jesus Montero, Yankees Who is Jeremy Blevins? Maybe Mr. Goldstein meant Jerry Blevins? Or Jeremy Piven?
For the last four weeks, they've been thrilled with who has been behind the plate. Do you sense any apprehension among them with this move? Too early to tell. But none so far.
For the last four weeks, they've been thrilled with who has been behind the plate. Which is why I'm concerned about bringing in a catcher who's defensive ability isn't what it used to be. Good point and one worth keeping an eye on.
Cubs pitchers would beg to differ. He is an automatic out every time in the lineup. Right now the Cubs are getting by because the rest of the offense is picking up the slack, but as the season progresses that production is not acceptable. I'm not disagreeing about his offense. All I'm doing is pointing out what I hear directly from the pitchers, including one Mr. Z.