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Shortly after Reed Johnson's departure from the dugout, Soto said his farewells to the team, too. No word yet where he's going, or the return, but it's believed to be a separate deal than the Reed Johnson trade. Also worth noting, Tgers’ Low-A starting pitcher Thomas Collier was just pulled from his start after going three innings. Though Collier has pitched well this year, you'd hope for a better return for a former Rookie of the Year.

Geovany Soto will have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and will miss 3-4 weeks. Replacing him until Steve Clevenger is ready, is Blake Lalli, who has been a great organizational asset since 2006. Its good to see him get to the majors at 29.

Micah Hoffpauir will likely be back soon, if not for a September call up.

DC starter John Lannan was named to the Topps Major League Rookie All-Star Team today, according to MLB.com's Bill Ladson's article entitled, "Lannan named to Rookie All-Star Team", putting him in the same company as Reds' rookie Joey Votto, "The Cuban Missile" Alexei Ramirez, Cubs' backstop Geovany Soto and others. Finally the world will know what DC fans have known for two seasons, John "Cool Hand" Lannan is for real...

Here's a direct link to the MLB conference call recognizing Geovany Soto as 2008 National League Rookie of the Year. During the call, Geo answers media questions about his big win, his approach to the game, and, of course, the Cubs early exit from the playoffs. He even gives a shoutout to his mentor, Henry Blanco. Note how the call moderator keeps mispronouncing Gordon Wittenmyer's name. Also note how one of the reporters actually names Edinson Volquez as a candidate for Rookie of the Year even though Volquez wasn't eligible. ARGH!