Some post-deadline running updates:

Cubs season HR pace: 136 - they ought to comfortably make the over of 120.5
Cubs top player by bWAR: Darwin Barney, 4.4 (t5 in the NL)
Cubs top player by fWAR: Alfonso Soriano, 2.9
Cubs top player by WARP: Starlin Castro, 2.6
Cubs defensive efficiency (NL rank): .700 (5)

Players on Opening Day roster still in organization: 19/25, as we say goodbye to Dempster, Soto, Maholm and Johnson
Dempster leaves the Cubs while 1st in the majors in ERA+

I really like this new Pirates OF. Must be nice to have three young OF with lots of upside. One piece of good news today-Casey Coleman sent back to Iowa. The bad news-Volstead was brought up.

Castro!

Man, TWood gives up homers like I eat pizza.

Steve Trout does not sing good.

I am getting old because it doesn't seem that long ago I saw Trout play and he looks old.

I remember my 9-year-old self being infuriated when he was traded after consecutive shutouts. Who trades a pitcher after consecutive shutouts?

Shawn Camp fail.

The Alberto Cabrera Era begins.

This Cubs team looks lifeless the past two games.

That was an effective inning by Cabrera, at least.

He does look like he has a lively arm. I am not opposed to seeing what young kids like that can do in these last two months. I also have no desire to see Volstead or Coleman to pitch any more innings.

Or Marmol.

Wow, I wouldn't have guessed that Castillo had that kind of power. That was to straight-away center, and over the juniper bushes. That's a big-time HR.

Oh well. Thought maybe they had something going there but no such luck.