The Cubs salvaged the final game of their series in Philadelphia by beating the Phillies 10-5. Carlos Zambrano earned the victory to improve his record to 7-4. Kevin Gregg picked up his 19th save of the year.
Ryan Theriot went 3-5 and scored two runs, while Aramis Ramizez was 2-4 with a double, two runs scored and two driven in.
After an off day Thursday, the Cubs come home to take on the Cincinnati Reds in a weekend series at Wrigley. Aaron Harang (5-10) takes on Randy Wells (5-4) on Friday. Cubs.com says Ted Lilly will go on Saturday. It will be interesting to see if his knee is ready for another start.
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According to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Cubs are not in on Roy Halladay, but they may be in the market for a reliever. Wittenmyer mentions George Sherrill of the Orioles and Chad Qualls of the D-Backs as two possible targets.
The Cubs may also be in the market for a catcher, depending on how Geovany Soto’s rehab is going. They should know more by the end of this week. Soto is swinging a bat now and the Cubs hope to have Soto back in the big leagues during the first week of August. If he has a set back this week, the Cubs may take a look at Toronto’s Rod Barajas. He’ll be a free agent at the end of the year, so he’s really nothing more than a short term rental, but that’s exactly what the Cubs need.
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The Cardinals traded Chris Duncan and a player to be named later (or cash) in exchange for SS Julio Lugo. Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post Dispatch says Lugo is expected to play multiple infield positions, but will likely not start. Boston will be picking up the remainder of Lugo’s $13.5 million contract.
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Tom Hardicourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Milwaukee is looking for starting pitching and last night they watched Cliff Lee pitch a seven hit complete game against Toronto. Doug Melvin insists the Brewers are not in on Roy Halladay, but Cliff Lee may fit their needs. His contract is just $5.75 million in 2009 with an $8 million option for 2010. Plus, they wouldn’t have to give up as much to the Indians to get Lee as it would to get Halladay from Toronto.
