Before I get started with another addition of random thoughts, I would like to apologize for the lack of posts on the site recently.  I have been spending WAY too much time working, and not nearly enough time writing.  In addition, I have begun working with the sports ministry at my church, and I am developing the baseball program.  Not only will I be coaching this fall, but I will also be organizing baseball clinics with hopes of managing a league in the near future.  However, I do still have great plans for the site, and will continue to update as often as I can.  Enough about my life…  on with the show…

• If Ben Zobrist is still available in your league, go get him now!  Go ahead, I will wait for you.  He is on pace for around 30 home runs and 100 RBI, and this production is available from the Middle Infield slot.  He will be a top 5 second baseman the rest of the season.
• The desperate Padres called up Kyle Blanks on Friday.  For those of your who do not know, Blanks is a big kid that can hit the ball a mile.  He has been playing Left Field recently, and presumably has been called up to cover for the injury to Scott Hairston.
• With the injury to Carlos Beltran, Fernando Martinez has been recalled once again.  He should receive more playing time than he did last time, but I still think he is too young to make a huge impact this year.  I own him on my minor league roster, but I am not calling him up just yet.
• While we are talking about top prospects, the Pirates promoted Pedro Alvarez from Single-A to Double-A.  With Andy LaRoche playing reasonably well, don’t look for Alvarez to arrive in 2009.  Even though he stuck out 70 times this year, he still managed to club 14 home runs as well.
• I love how everyone is talking up Manny Ramirez.  Reports are that “he is in the best shape of his life” and that he is “raking” while working on his comeback.  The Dodger PR is doing a great job of creating a positive stir around Manny.  He will be Manny upon his return.  BTW… your window to trade for him might be closed.
• I love how one day Ervin Santana has a solid bullpen session, and then the next day it is announced that he will go to the Disabled List.  As much as I love Santana, I think it may be time to cut bait with him.
• Chris Ray was called up from Triple-A today.  He has pitched extremely well since being sent down about a month ago.  Look for him to gain the closer role if the success continues and George Sherrill gets dealt.  This is a situation to watch over the next 3-4 weeks.
• I am beginning to be quite impressed with Jason Kubel.  The power is for real, and he has been hot as of late.  I believe that he should be owned in all leagues… even shallow ones. Here is a solid write-up on Kubel.
• After all the talk about how Howie Kendrick was going to win a batting title making me sick to my stomach, I am not sad to see him getting demoted.  I guess you could say that his demotion was a perfect dose of Pepto Bismal.
• Joe Torre needs to realize that Matt Kemp is a better hitter than James Loney and Russell Martin.  He is even a better option than Rafael Furcal.  Batting 8th yesterday in front of Brad Ausmus, he went 2 for 4. I sure hope he does not lose playing time once Manny returns.
• Anyone notice that J.P. Howell has two saves in the last four appearances?  Looks like I got that one right.
• I heard someone say that Erik Bedard is the AL version of Rich Harden.  I completely agree with that.  When they are healthy, they both pitch in a dominant fashion.  However, injury after injury takes them off the mound. In addition, none of the injuries are major ones.  Always relatively minor muscular ones.

That is all that I have for now.  Look for some more updates over the next few days.