Ryan, Injuries, Soriano, Lugo, and More

Cubs Excited about Ryan
Cubs GM Jim Hendry and assistant GM Randy Busch have been saying that they are really excited about LHP B.J. Ryan, who they signed yesterday. Ryan is signed through 2010, so if he gets through the rehab in Mesa, pitches well at AAA for awhile, and then come to Chicago in September, he could become a staple in the Cubs bullpen next year.

Soto and Dempster Updates
Both Geo and Demp, who are on the 15 day DL, are making good progress and could be back sooner than expected. The Cubs are "exploring other things" as far as the catching situation, but they are happy with where Soto is at and the job Koyie Hill and Jake Fox are doing. Cubs pitching coach Larry Rothschild feels that Dempster could only miss one more start before coming off the DL.

Santo Still Out
Ron Santo was expected to return to the WGN Radio booth last night, but he stayed in Chicago because of a lingering illness, and will not return until the next road trip. Former Cubs Keith Moreland will fill in with Pat Hughes for this trip.

Harden likes Nights
Rich Harden has said he feel better when he pitches under the lights than during the day. Rich is 5-1 with a 2.41 ERA in night games so far this season. Maybe the Cubs should use both Harden and Marshall in the 5th spot in the rotation, Sean during the day, Rich at night.

Six More with Washington
The Nationals are really struggling and the Cubs still get to play them 3 more times in this series, then 3 at Wrigley later in the season. The MUST take advantage of this.

Soriano Out with Jammed Finger
Yesterday Alfonso Soriano made a costly baserunning error. Not only did Fonzi get in a pickle and get out trying to advance to second on a clear single, but he jammed his finger on the play. Micah Hoffpauir in LF and batting 6th today. Fontenot and Kosuke both back in the lineup.

Ramirez Back but not 100%
It's going to take time for Aramis to get his old stroke back after the shoulder injury that sidelined him for much of the first half of the season. He says he is still feeling discomfort and says not to expect to see too much power from his the rest of the way.

Cubs Interested in Lugo
The Red Sox want to move infielder Julio Lugo, and the Cubs are one of 3 or 4 teams that are interested.
New Website!!!
Big site news for everyone, I am now writing on a brand new all Major League Baseball website! I will still be posted daily Cubs updates for you on this site, but for updates of old of MLB check out my new site, that I'm writing on with fellow blogger Phil Wilson. Here's the link! Let me know what you think!

That's it for now, I'll keep you posted!!!