Friend of Nordhagen

Also staggering is that 6 out of those 8 ERA's are lower than Cliff Politte's.

Still wouldn't be entirely surprised to see Erstad playing centerfield for the White Sox before this year is done. He's always been a Kenny Williams favorite. I think he's in his walk year, and if we get to the deadline with Anderson still not hitting, a prospect or two might get that one done (and who knows, maybe one of those Angels bullpen guys, too). Plus he can play first, so he takes Gload's spot pretty easily, and Anderson stays up as a defensive guy at all the outfield positions.

Good point on Sean Tracey. As for Augustin Montero, I like his arm, would like to see more. The Vizcaino role is wide open, it is tough to pull off a trade right now. Maybe they'll give him more opportunities. I thought he pitched ok tonite.

The issue with Tracey is that he regained his control at Charlotte only when he went back into the rotation. Out of the bullpen, he couldn't find the plate. Maybe they'll bring him up, but my guess is that Sean Tracey is trade bait at the deadline. I didn't see much of the game when Montero pitched (was in and out of the room), but it sure didn't look like he got much defense played behind him, and I did see that he was throwing in the low to mid 90's. What's the problem with him?

Boone has talent. Now's not the time.

The real problem is that we have a gap in our pen -- another guy to close out games. This was Jenks' third appearance in a row. If we learned anything from late last year, it's that Bobby loses a little something (a little break on the curve; a few MPH off the fastball) when he's used often. That's when someone else has to be available. The problem was that Cotts had pitched two straight days, too. And Ozzie has 0 confidence in Politte or McCarthy to close right now.