AFL Players, Sale, Harden's Future, and Much More

Lou Playing His Vets
Cubs manager Lou Piniella told the media today that he plans to play his veteran players down the stretch, despite the fact that Fuld and Fox have played well. "I said that I was going to have to play my veteran player, they're going to have to get it done. I'll get the kids in as much as I can, but I'm going to lean as much as I can on our veteran players here and see what they can do and how far we can do." Does that make sense to you? Play the guys that hit Lou! Alfonso Soriano was in the starting lineup tonight, but was scratched because his knee is still bothering him. Jake Fox took Sori's place in left.

Caridad To AAA
As expected, the Cubs optioned righty Esmalin Caridad to AAA today when they activated Big Z from the DL. We could see Esmalin back when roster's expand on September 1.

Will Harden Return in 2010?
According to Paul Sullivan, Rich Harden is in line for a long term deal approaching $60 million. Harden says, "I kind of don't even want to talk about it right now." Hendry will also have to consider that he will need to re-sign Ted Lilly at some point next season, which is the last year of his contract. Buster Olney doesn't think Harden will make more than $20MM as a FA.

How to Fix the Cubs
Carol Slezak says that Tom Rickets should look to the South Side to see how to build a winner. Carol points out that the Cubs message is not clear, they're outfield stinks, and the farm system is a disaster.

September Call-ups Update
Carrie Muskat says that we should expect the Cubs to call up 8 guys on Sept. 1. Jeff Samardzija will be one of the call-ups, and most of the rest will be youngsters who have already spent time with the big league team this season.

Reed's Foot
Reed Johnson was able to take BP, but he's not able to run on his left foot. He's one of the guys that has a hard time staying off the field, he wants to be out there.

Kenney Extension?
The radio buzz today is that chairman Crane Kenney might get a contract extension under the new ownership. Also, according to Bruce Miles, Jim Hendry is probably going to be back next season. In the mean time, Steven Rosenburg would like to see Steve Stone as the Cubs' president.

AFL Players Named
The Cubs will send 7 players to play for the Mesa Solar Sox in the Arizona Fall League. Former #1 draft picks Andrew Cashner and Josh Vitters will play for Mesa. Pitchers John Gaub, James Russell, and Blake Parker will join Cashner on the Solar Sox staff. Catcher Welington Castillo and SS Starlin Castro are also on the team. I'll have more info as the start of the AFL gets closer and during October and November I will have lots of updates. Opening Day is Oct. 13, the Rising Starts game on Nov. 7, and the championship game on Nov. 21.

Samardzija to the Bears
One Cub fan wrote into Carrie Muskat's mailbag and said that Samardzija should be sent to the Bears because the need a wide receiver and Samardzija has not pitched well. Read Muskat's full mailbag here. Also, The Cubs are 31-20 when Koyie Hill starts behind the plate and just 31-40 when the catcher is Soto according to Muskat.

Closer's Role
Carlos Marmol is excited about being the Cubs closer, and if he does well he could own that role for the year's to come. Link.

Hearing Set
The judge has set the hearing date for the Cubs sale, it will be Aug. 31.

And lastly, Ken Rosenthal wonders how Hendry will get out of this mess.

Lots of good stuff today! The bad news- the Cubbies are losing yet again, tonight to the Nationals! They are 8... count'em 8.... games back of the Cardinals going into today and could fall to 9 behind. It's not looking too good for us.

I'll keep you posted on everything Cubs!