DBAHO

He needs protection in that lineup, havin a bad year without Vlad.

Some people hav said a lack of velocity possibly, or that just because he's signed a long term deal, he's goin to suck like Konerko. I think he'll turn it around soon enough, but we should be thankful we hav sum1 like Shingo to step in as a set - up man.

1-1 in a doubleheader so far.

Cheat found this on Brad Thomson for u, Amar A. writes: I was wondering what you thought about Cardinals Double-A pitcher Brad Thomson, who is working on a 30-plus scoreless innings streak right now. Will he join Adam Wainwright and Dan Haren in the future rotation for the Cardinals? Thompson's numbers for Double-A Tennessee are off the charts right now: 37.1 innings, 19 hits allowed, three walks, 30 strikeouts, and zero runs allowed, earned or otherwise. He's 5-0 in five starts, with a 0.00 ERA. Obviously it can't get better than that. The Cardinals drafted Thompson in the 16th round in 2002, out of Dixie Junior College in Utah. He spent 2003 in the bullpen at Class A Peoria, posting a 2.91 ERA and a 43/10 K/BB ratio in 65 innings, allowing 70 hits. His control was very impressive, but his K/IP and H/IP rates were below average. I gave him a Grade C in my book this year, a standard grade for an effective Class A pitcher who doesn't burn radar guns. Thompson pitched well in the Arizona Fall League, earning his way to Double-A for 2004. Used as a starter this season, he's shown he can pound the lower half of the strike zone with his 88-92 mph sinking fastball. He also has an excellent slider, and has added an effective changeup now that he's a starter. You have to be impressed by what he's done this year. At some point he'll give up some runs, of course, but 37 scoreless innings do wonders padding the ERA. While Thompson doesn't have as much pure stuff as Wainwright or Haren, if he stays healthy and maintains this sort of command, he could be a very fine middle rotation starter, at least in a Brad Radke sort of way, and possibly better than that.

PHOENIX -- Jose Vidro is close to signing a $30 million, four-year contract extension with the Montreal Expos. "Last week, everything worked out very good," the All-Star second baseman said Friday night before the Expos' game against Arizona. "It should be done pretty soon." Vidro, eligible for free agency after the season, told his agents earlier this year not to call unless the deal was completed. The sides have agreed on the dollars but are still negotiating language. "If it's done it's done," Vidro said. "If not, I'll just keep playing." Vidro has spent his entire seven-year career in Montreal, becoming the Expos' player with the longest current tenure. The three-time All-Star is hitting .262 with a team-high four homers and 13 RBIs. He is completing a $19 million, four-year deal he signed in 2001. Vidro entered Friday's game fifth on the Expos' career list in doubles (241), sixth in runs (482), seventh in hits (973) and ninth in RBIs (424). "As long as I keep wearing this uniform, I'm going to be faithful to it," Vidro said. "I hope to stay here. I hope for the team to get an owner. I hope for us to get a stadium. I hope for a winning team. Those are the only things that have been in my mind. I don't want to think about playing for another team."

Cheat, do u know if Kim was injured or not, doesn't seem right him just pitchin 2 innings.

AW NUTS.

9 pitches so far this AB.

Keepin Nathan honest at least.

Big Willie Style's gotta do sumthin here.

2-2

2-1

Ouch. Not Sandy's best game today.

Guzman K's lookin, 3-2 Twinkies, looks like Joe Nathan's coming in to close it out.

Yet another steal off Sandy.

Shannon Stewart singles to right off Mr. Zero. Still 2 out.

Hey I told em to stop talkin bout that avatar ok.

Frank with another walk.

At least we got out of that inning without any more damage done. It's Rally McFlurry time!

Any1 fancy a Twinkie?

Damnit, bring in Shingo now.

Hunter's on 2nd and Mientkiewicz on 1st with only 1 out. Not good.

Damaso's in to pitch the 8th.

Willie singles to left center.

Rivas singles to center.