Phil Rogers' MLB whispers

10:43 PM CDT, July 19, 2008

David Ortiz is expected to spend a week on a rehab assignment, helping Double-A Portland and Triple-A Pawtucket sell out seven games, before rejoining the Red Sox on Friday. It's perfect timing to allow general manager Theo Epstein to evaluate whether he needs to pursue Mark Teixeira or another impact hitter. …

The Orioles have lost their last 14 Sunday games, prompting a promotion of "We Win, You Win 2" this Sunday. If the Orioles beat Detroit on Sunday, fans in attendance get tickets to two other games. …

The Phillies weren't happy Brad Lidge (20-for-20 in save situations in the first half) was up and down multiple times before getting into the All-Star Game in the 15th inning. Clint Hurdle had hoped to bring him in with a lead, but the AL kept escaping ugly messes. …

Thumbs up to Justin Morneau for shrugging off being called "Jason Morneau" during the trophy presentation at the home run derby. He says it happens a lot. Also thumbs up to Hurdle for inviting the out-of-baseball Don Baylor to participate in the All-Star activities, a thank you to Baylor for helping Hurdle get his coaching start. …



Look for the Cardinals to make a move soon to try to bolster their playoff chances. The front office has some financial flexibility, and manager Tony La Russa is pushing for a move, at least the addition of a left-handed reliever like Brian Fuentes or Ron Mahay. …

Arizona hit .233 and scored 3.4 runs per game in its last 60 games before the break. It needs a turnaround by Justin Upton more than it needed the addition of first baseman Tony Clark. …

The loss of Takashi Saito for at least six weeks is a major blow to the Dodgers, who should have left the Diamondbacks behind long ago. Suddenly the need for a bullpen arm might trump the need to add power to the weakest lineup among contenders. …



Don't write off the Rockies just yet. They are scheduled to play all but four games the rest of the season against teams that had losing records at the All-Star break. Troy Tulowitzki is due back soon, and Todd Helton shouldn't be far behind.

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