"Neifi Perez: Cardinals manager Tony La Russa winces when asked about Perez's being perhaps the best backup middle infielder in the big leagues, saying he looks at him as a regular. That's what he has been since Garciaparra tore his groin muscle on April 20, and he has been adequate in the field and a streaky hitter at the plate. Perez hit .368 in April but has been sliding ever since. He's a free swinger who rarely walks, making him a poor fit for the top of the lineup. Baker hits him No. 2 because he believes he needs Todd Walker in the sixth spot as protection for Ramirez. Garciaparra is in Mesa, Ariz., rebuilding strength in his leg and hopes to be back for the second half of the season. The Cubs have a torrid hitter in Triple-A shortstop Ronny Cedeno (.371-7-30 in 52 games), but Baker's not one to go with kids." http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=rogers_phil&id=2095672