Transactions, Thoughts and Useless Information?

While the Cubs rest...

On Monday, August 29th the Cubs traded OF Todd Hollandsworth to the Atlanta Braves for 2 minor league pitchers. Todd Blackford and Angelo Burrows. Blackford was drafted in 2004 by the Braves and is in Class A ball. Burrows, 25, is a converted outfielder who is also in Class A ball. Both pitchers are projects and should be interesting to watch their career.

On Tuesday, August 30th the Cubs called up Jermaine Van Buren, 25, from AAA Iowa. Van Buren is a right handed reliever that picked up his 25th save on Monday for The Iowa Cubs. His first appearance on Thursday, was his Major League debut. According to cubs.com, Van Buren had a 1.98 ERA in 52 relief appearances, and was honored with a selection to the all-Pacific Coast League team. This is one of the young arms that we have heard so much about.

Did you know? The last Cubs player to wear #23 before Ryne Sandberg was current Dodgers' manager Jim Tracy. Tracy was a member of the Cubs in the 1980 & 1981 seasons.

It was great to see Ron Cey sing the 7th Inning Stretch on Tuesday night. 'The Penguin' was a big part of the Cubs success in the 1984 season. Cey signed with the Cubs in 1983, after playing with the Dodgers his entire career. Cey was a member of the Cubs from 1983-1986.

Kerry Wood's surgery went well on Wednesday. According to cubs.com, Wood underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder. The surgery entailed reinforcement of the labrum, debridement of the rotator cuff and debridement of the bursa. Beginning Monday, September 5, Wood will begin an exhaustive four-month rehabilitation program to regain range of motion and strength. He is expected to be ready for the start of the 2006 season. This is the first good move of the 2006 season.

Did You Know? Mike Remlinger was DFA'd by the Red Sox last week. He did not do well in their bullpen and currently is not on a Major League roster.

I am very surprised that the Cubs did not make anymore moves. I really thought Todd Walker would be traded. I still do not think he will be in their plans for next year, but who knows. I wish they could have gotten something for the guys that will be free-agents. Walker really loves Chicago...but I like the idea of Nomar at 2nd.

The September call ups were not announced today. The call-ups should be done before tomorrow night's game in Pittsburgh. Look for the Cubs to call up Rich Hill and Sergio Mitre. As far as possibilities, Felix Pie, Eric Patterson(Corey's little brother), John Koronka, Angel Guzman, Geovany Soto, Ben Grieve and David Kelton. Eric Patterson is supposed to be better than Corey, with the year CPat has had, let's all hope so.

If you play them, you will win!!!