The Cubs started the second half of the season by sweeping the Nationals in a four game series in Washington. Granted, the Nationals aren’t very good, but a four game sweep is still a very nice feat.
In Sunday’s game, the Cubs offense exploded for eleven runs to beat the Nationals 11-3. Micah Hoffpauir, Jake Fox and Mike Fontenot all had three hits in five at-bats. Fox and Alfonso Soriano hit homeruns for the Cubs, and Kosuke Fukudome went 2-4 in the leadoff spot. It was the third day in a row that Fukudome led off and was 2-4.
The win moves the Cubs into second place in the NL Central, just two games back of the Cardinals. Milwaukee and Houston are three and four games back respectively.
The Cubs now travel to Philadelphia to take on the Phillies. Ted Lilly will start for the Cubs against the Phillies’ Rodrigo Lopez.
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Speaking of the Phillies, they remain the most likely destination for Roy Halladay should the Blue Jays trade him. However, Tim Kurkjian commented yesterday on ESPN Radio that he doesn’t believe that the Phillies have the pieces necessary to trade for Halladay. He said that the Blue Jays are looking for two MLB-ready players (one a pitcher), and two top prospects.
According to Danny Knobler of CBSsports.com (via MLBTradeRumors.com), the Brewers are in the hunt for Halladay. Knobler writes:
“Rival teams say the Brewers have enough prospects to make a Halladay deal, even though they’ve suggested they won’t trade Alcides Escobar or Mat Gamel. One intriguing possibility: A team that talked to the Brewers was told that shortstop J.J. Hardy could be available “in the right deal.” “
I hate to hear that. Facing the Brewers with Doc Halladay on the mound wouldn’t be much fun for the Cubs.
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Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports says that the Cubs are one of the teams showing interest in Baltimore closer George Sherrill. Other teams thought to be interested according to Rosenthal are the Marlins, Dodgers, Brewers, and Angels.
Orioles GM Andy McPhail has taken the position that Baltimore doesn’t need to trade Sherrill, but the truth of the matter is that Sherrill is probably the best closer available right now and his trade value may never be higher. Plus, Sherrill’s contract is up at the end of the year. If Baltimore has any plans to move Sherrill, now may be the time.
In 2008, Sherrill had 31 saves in 37 opportunities. So far in 2009 he has coverted 20 of 23 save opportunities. In 38.1 innings, Sherrill has given up 30 hits, struck out 35 and walked 12. In comparison, Kevin Gregg has converted 18 of 21 save opportunities this year. He’s pitched a total of 44.1 innings giving up 37 hits, striking out 43, and walking 18.
Comparing their contracts, Sherrill is on a one-year contract worth $2.75 million. He’ll be a free agent at the end of the 2009 season. Gregg is also on a one year contract and he too will be a free agent at the end of the season. Gregg earns $4.2 million per year. Gregg is 31-years old while Sherrill is 32.
I’m not convinced the Cubs have much interest in Sherrill, but if they do, my guess is that they would use him in the 7th or 8th inning to get to Gregg rather to replace him. Sherrill is not much of an upgrade over Gregg, if in fact he is an upgrade at all.
