I got to watch a lot of the Indians games the past several days. I'll break it down over the All-Star break, but let's say for now, it is a pain to watch them. Injuries offer the easiest excuse, but there's a whole lot more going on. Just a note, it appears that Grady Sizemore decided he couldn't be an All-Star hitting .262. His at-bats the past week have him parroting Manny Trillo's games march to the 1983 All-Star Game, which he started. He ended up going with a .270 average, after banging out 8 hits in the last series before the Midsummer Classic. Six weeks later, he was traded.

Speaking of traded, the Indians finally bit the bullet and traded C.C. Sabathia. I liked Captain Cheeseburger the last few years. I also liked how my Dad always referred to him as "our so-called ace". But it was obvious the way this season turned out, he had to go. I'm wondering if he becomes the first star free agent we have traded during their free agent year. I think he is, but cannot be sure. Milwaukee is smelling playoffs and had to make the deal before someone else did. Their fans are absolutely stoked! Do you think it's a sellout in C.C's first game there? I bet it'll be close.

Looks like the Indians got Matt LaPorta, AA outfielder with some power. This guy's on-base percentage is a shade over .400 and he slugging near .580, but Huntsville has a lineup that is absolutely loaded. Also Taylor Green is a third baseman who was the Brewers Minor League Player of the Year in 2007. Probably worth a September callup on both counts. We also got some other dude, as well.

Meal of Links

Seymour Hersh details the plan against Iran in The New Yorker. It's a lengthy read and don't know how much of the info is new. However, we have your covert ops, secret Democratic permission, and, of course, we are cozying up to dissidents who have been against us in the past.

How Prozac delivered a head fake in the treatment of depression. It might not be the serotonin, but the rejuvenation of brain cells that Prozac helps.

Rick Moranis refused to perform in the "Ghostbusters" video game. Why? Because he's rich, bitch and he's retired.

Exercise Yard

This year's bad All-Star picks. The Jason Varitek pick is really abysmal. He is resembling last year's Trot Nixon at the plate these days.

Visitor

None, just a beautiful sunny, summer Sunday.