CNNSI reports that Chiefs "pitcher"--and I use the term loosely--Julio Castillo was arrested last night in Dayton on felonious assualt charges.  The link is here:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/baseball/mlb/07/25/pitcher.arrested.ap/index.html

Other related charges proferred against Castillo were impersonating a professional pitcher and decent human being--both misdemeanors in Ohio.  I would agree that what that boy needs right now is a good lawyer and a welcoming family back wherever he came from

Everyone every now and again passes one along.  So, here's mine.  The folks over at the Blue Jays site--Bluebird Banter--seem to think the Jays could be sellers at the deadline for another bat(s).  They are thinking A.J Burnett could be sent packing.  Evidently, according to Peter Gammons (I'm too lazy right now to look up his quote and/or the link to it), our Cubs could be a landing place for for him.  My question is, would you prefer him at the back end of the rotation rather than Marquis?  I know he's not the best out there (read C.C Sabathia) but could be had for much less and could be solid in moving back to the National League.  Here's the link to Bluebird Banter where I picked this up.  Have at it all.

http://www.bluebirdbanter.com/2008/6/7/547817/aj-burnett

For all true baseball fans, the Alaska Baseball League is something that must be experienced at least once in life.  I was stationed in Alaska for 3 years and, regretably, only made it to the Midnight Sun game once.  There is something a little surreal but almost religious about sitting and watching a baseball game at 2:00 am without lights in the great outdoors.  The story on CNN is a pretty good snapshot of life in the league and the stars that have passed through it. 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/baseball/more/06/03/alaska.pipeline/

This is the difference between winning--Cubs baseball--and losing--Royals baseball.  I had no idea that Trey Hillman was a Dusty Baker disciple.  This is a truly terrible stat and one that, not too long ago, would have been painfully familiar.

http://www.royalsreview.com/2008/5/29/542203/love-that-treyball-147-str

I now have to meet the word limit.  Just ignore everything below the link this is just filler. I think I now have enough.  Everyone have a great day.

Here is the link to MLB.com's ballot updates for the National League.  Its nice to see that the hard work of our favorite players is finally being noticed nationally--either that or the collective voting powers of all Cubs fans multiplied by 25 ballots a piece is finally starting to have an effect.  I'd like to believe its not just us voting for our favorite players.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080528&content_id=2786521&vkey=allstar2008&fext=.jsp#ballotResults

This was in yesterday's Kansas City Star.  The story includes some information about the Red Baron I hadn't heard before, in particular the bit about the lifetime contract offer he received from the Royals.  We should all be directing our thoughts and prayers to one of the truely class acts in baseball.  I wish I could get to meet him, living this close, it would be great for this Cubs fan--a real treat and honor.

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/634747.html

Hey guys, now that the season has begun, how about a rethink of the idea of trading for Matt Murton?  He is basically a fifth wheel outfielder without a team for the Cubs and, with Soriano comming back, will be looking at another trip to the minors.  He would represent a huge defensive upgrade for you guys and, with regular playing time, would become far more consistant at the plate.  How about it guys--he's scuffling along right now and you could probably buy low.  Great bargain and value for you guys.