Sunday Update

• The Cardinals have an opportunity to put even more distance between themselves and the pack in the NL Central tonight. The Reds suffered a defeat at the hands of the Giants for the third straight day. With a win, the Cardinals will move three games up on the Reds and seven up on the third-place Astros. Tonight's assignment isn't the toughest, as the Cubs are throwing yet another rookie on the fire in the guise of Les Walrond. I'm rooting for the 29 year-old Walrond tonight not only because he's been an organizational soldier for forever and a day but because he is a former Kansas Jayhawk. I've been waiting all year for the Cubs to call Walrond up to assist their depleted pitching staff, and it appears today is the day. Walrond has been decent if a bit wild in the minors this year, and he hasn't been too horrible tonight. He's a lefty with a pretty good curveball and a low-90's fastball that lacks movement. Walrond has given up two runs in just over two innings thus far, although the runs came on an egregious Jacque Jones error out in right field. I'm also rooting vehemently against the Cardinals because Tony LaRussa is using Preston Wilson in the leadoff spot tonight. Tony LaRussa: complete idiot.

• The Phillies picked up another ancient but useful part today, stealing Jeff Conine from the Orioles for cash considerations. The Orioles had no use for Conine, so it was nice of them to let him finish up with a contender. The Phils aren't weak at the corner outfield spots, but they could use some depth off of the bench to counteract Charlie Manuel's regularization of the uber-horrible Abraham Nunez. At this point in his career Conine is suited perfectly for this sort of role, and the Phillies are certainly the better for this acquisition.