I cannot help it. Eric Wedge is driving me insane. I think it's the lack of shaving.

Yesterday, he offered this quote: "He's a consummate pro. He's somebody his teammates can look to for guidance. In a season that's been very hectic, he's been the one constant." Who is he talking about? Jamey Carroll, "The Elf".

Those are the type of comments you expect to hear from a championship club, not some team looking for discarded cigarettes to smoke. Wedge also compared Carroll to (The Dreaded) Casey Blake, in terms of clubhouse presence and the willingness to take up any position at any time. Casey Blake's Legacy: Ryan Garko and Carroll as outfielders. Or maybe that's Lou Merloni's Legacy (he actually spent time in LF in 2004). Or maybe even Bill Selby's Legacy (he spent time in the outfield in 2002 and 2003). Talk about grinders!

Meal of Links

Yesterday, Pitchfork completed its list of the best tracks of the century. Numbers 50-21 are here and the Top 20 are here. This was a really good compilation, and they are spot on with many of the hip-hop selections, as well. I thought "Seven Nation Army" could have done better than Number 30, because it's now one of the most recognizable songs worldwide. I can see "Crazy" at #11, probably the best word-of-mouth song this decade. I see much love, too, for LCD Soundsystem and OutKast and that's not bad.

Lou Dobbs has an epiphany on healthcare. Sort of.

It's back to the land of one-armed drummers, butter sandwiches, drug overdoses and band breakups. Yep, it's the return of "Behind The Music". First up: Lil Wayne on 9/10.

Joel Stein talks about Las Vegas. Kind of a strange place these days.

Thomas Jones of the Jets just loves to watch "The Golden Girls". I don't think I've ever seen that show.

Exercise Yard

Here is the Cleveland Indians organizational depth chart.

I think there is some promise at these positions:

Catcher: Santana is the real deal. Marson will eventually be here.

Second Base: Jason Donald (Lee trade) is back on the DL. Uh-oh.

Third Base: Hodges and don't forget Chisenhall.

Outfield: Brantley.

Starting Pitching: Rondon, Carrasco, Knapp, Hagadone, Graham.

Relief Pitching: Keep your eye on Francisco Jimenez at Lake County.

Visitor

14 Across: Role in the film "W." (7 letters) Answer: Jeb Bush