Open Thread

I had a more thorough analysis of the trade partially written up, but then my dog ate it. C'est la vie.

And unfortunately I won't be around my computer much today, so feel free to continue the discussion here and any other deadline deals.

Otherwise, the Cubs march into Florida, a place that hasn't been too kind to them over the last few seasons. They beat them 2 of 3 last year, but in 2006 and 2007, were swept out of LandShark Stadium or whatever they're calling it these days. Rich Harden vs. Christ Volstad tonight, Zambrano pitches for the Cubs Saturday, but I don't see a starter listed for the Marlins anywhere. Sunday brings old friend Ricky Nolasco versus Ryan Dempster.

I'm taking the weekend off from TCR to spend some much needed time with the family, although I probably will be around parachat for some of the games. We did have a decent chat crowd last night for the opener which always makes it more fun.

....Neal Cotts had Tommy John Surgery.

....Alfonso Soriano will be back at leadoff and left field today.

...Aramis Ramirez, Reed Johnson and Angel Guzman should be back Monday, goodbye Kevin Hart, Sam Fuld and ? (I assume one of Fox, Hoffpauir or Fontenot). Honestly, that Jeff Baker trade is making no sense. I assumed Ryan Freel was going to be the casualty of Aramis returning, but the Cubs created a bigger log jam with the acquisition. There's no doubt that Fox is hot and can handle major league pitching and while he sure hasn't been smooth in the field, he's made the plays so far. Ramirez isn't going to be able to play every day, so wouldn't you want Fox around on those days that he can't play and to give Bradley and Soriano some breaks (a lot more breaks)? I could see Fontenot getting sent down as he's just stunk up the joint, particularly over the last month, but that means committing to a Blanco/Baker second base platoon and having only three middle infielders which Lou doesn't seem to like.  I think Blanco is safe by virtue of being the only capable back-up shortstop on the team, safe at least until Aaron Miles returns.

I guess the answers will come Monday...Happy 4th!

until we take a one game lead over the Brewers in the NL Central.

And just in case you forgot how bad that Kellie Pickler performance was:

Unfortunately (maybe fortunately), it doesn't have the follow-up interview.