I think Hairston could have made a great backup for years to come, as he was relatively young. However, I don't think he accepted that role...he wants to be a starter. Trade-wise, he was expendable, and offered the most value to another team (especially over Neifi). By the way, who was Hendry bidding against for Neifi's services? How about Rusch for that matter? Stupid moves...

I checked out Nevin's stats, and while he doesn't look like he is healthy all the time, when he has had over 500 at-bats, he has done very well. In 2004, he had a 25/100 HR/RBI year, with an average in the .285 range. This is more productive than Walker or Barrett have ever been in their careers, and a heckuva lot better than Jones was in 2004. Problem is, Sosa was ok in 2004 as well, and now he is out of the game. So does Nevin have anything left? I am betting on an Eric Karros type of run...a change of scenery wake him up, and he fills in admirably for Lee, and for Barrett because of his suspension. Then he can continue to spot Lee if he needs the rest for his wrist, and can offer a better offensive alternative to Blanco on Barrett's days off. He can also spot Jones on days against lefties...so he has ample room for at-bats, if he hits well.

Sorry that it didn't work out for the local guy in Hairston (Naperville). I think I am more sorry that our coaching staff is so inept at getting the best out of our players. If you need an example of that, just check out Corey Patterson in Baltimore. He is lighting it up in my fantasy league as well!

Jason I'm crying...I almost fell out of my chair that is hilarious!!! What will the new doll be named?

On a related note....did anyone see the report on Cubs.com? Here is a quote:

"Hairston was hitting just .207 in part-time status this season. Womack's arrival and 8-for-16 start meant that someone had to go. The Cubs can't part with Todd Walker, despite offseason trade rumors, because of his bat and ability to play first, and Neifi Perez has limited trade value. So Hairston was the logical player to shop and the Rangers liked his versatility."

Any thoughts?

Thanks Jason. Now I have had a good laugh and can get to sleep.

Remember my call for a mutiny by the players...where they simply tune out the coaches? That would have led to a win tonight.

1. Once they saw Neifi was in the lineup, they would have dragged him into the clubhouse and beaten the crap out of him...forcing Baker to play someone...anyone...else.

2. They may have taken a ball here and there, and, who knows, maybe have actually gotten a few walks out of it.

3. The ninth inning would have lasted longer than the time it took me to get my pillow comfortable.

Remember Ace Ventura? The scene where he realizes Finkel is Einhorn, and Einhorn is Finkel?

Neifi is Rusch...Rusch is Neifi...oh my God, Neifi sucks!

Of course they swing at first pitches. Remember, Dusty likes his guys to be "aggressive"! Yuck!!! If they don't swing at the first pitch, they will probably be on the bench the next day.

Why do you keep saying "owned" with a "p"?

My name is Michael Barrett. I don't know the meaning of patience. My name is Aramis Ramirez, I still don't know what patience is. To the guy who bagged on Walker before, Walker is hitting .315, so he pwnz you.

Alright, Clutch hit time Mr. Barrett....

Jacque Jones is starting to come around, big time

Bynum has to advance that runner. Freddie lacks a lot of fundamentals I think. Lets see if Pierre can get it done here.

Ok, now im pissed too,

why are they all swinging at the first bloody pitch.

7th inning. Barrett, Ramirez, Walker -- first pitch, first pitch, first pitch.

Do they have scrambled eggs for brains?

down 3 runs -- trying to hit home runs ---- they need to take walks, get on base!!

Now I am pissed! Not bad enough that Neifi is playing, but he swings at the first pitch again and does not let Pierre use his base stealing skills. When the hell is somebody going to mention this when they say Dusty is not the fault for this team being in such a sad state? This is disgusting!!!!!!!!!!

Did anyone see Womack? Very good AB, although he struck out, fouled off some pitches and made Milton work. Neifi has committed 2 ground outs on 3 pitches....why? why? why?

Hubert, Milton always pitches well against the Cubs, remember the no hitter into the 9th with the Phillies in 2004 and he is coming off a great game against the Diamondbacks.

Can we trade Neifi while we're in the business of acquiring and trading useless second baseman. I really like a prospect of Walker starting at 2B and Womack backing him up once Lee returns.

BTW, anybody else notice our lineup getting pwned by a guy with a 4.89 season ERA?

What was going on with Neifi in the 1st with Juan on first base? Juan should have been at 2nd...twice and now a 2 pitch ground out....

Is Neifi and Dusty a couple? Not only does Neifi play, he gets to bat second. This is my depth chart for 2b: Without Lee: Womack

Bynum

Perez

With Lee or Nevin at 1b: Walker

Womack

Bynum

Neifi should only play at SS to give Cedeno a break

Hey Neil & Jim,

I guess Womack wasn't doing well enough for Dusty to keep him in there? Huh? What?

This is why you fire Baker...as Neil showed statistically, starting Neifi almost guarantees a loss. I just don't understand this...

Isn't Womack hitting the crap out of the ball right now??? Wasn't the combo of Pierre-Womack an important aspect of the last two wins? Why is Neifi playing?

Neifi is batting second tonight and playing 2b.

I guess Nevin isn't here yet.

Tonight's lineup was just posted:

Pierre - CF

Perez - 2B

Barrett - C

Ramirez - 3B

Walker - 1B

Murton - LF

Jones - RF

Cedeno - SS

Zambrano - P