Monday's First Pitch - Mannyside; New nickname for Mike Sweeney

Leading Off
Did the White Sox really take a risk in bringing in Manny Ramirez?
I don't think so.
If he doesn't produce, they don't have to play him.
They already trail the Twins by 4.5 games.
But if he produces, the team will be that much better.

Player of the Day

Matt Diaz put the Braves back in the game.

Regional Roundup

• "Huggable?" I've never heard a player described as Huggable. From now on, we call Mike Sweeney "Pooh Bear."


• The Orioles swept the Angels.


• Are the Nationals on a roll?


• Morton got beat.

Chasing Jamie

The Orioles have caught Jamie Moyer. They now have 47 wins, matching the 47 birthday's Jamie Moyer has celebrated.

Best of Rest

• A deserving tribute to The Big Hurt.
• Tampa Bay continues to be the best team in baseball.
• Rocket man's big day.
• The Giants had a bad weekend, but they're still alive.

Batter's Eye

• Several perspectives on a salary cap.

Wisdom from Springfield

A thought-provoking quote from the Southpaw's favorite animated show, "The Simpsons."

Bart: Wow, cool poster of Joe Montana. Joe Montana: It's not a poster. Bart screams Joe Montana: I'm the real deal. Every day I stand here the family donates a million dollars to Notre Dame. Did you know the words "Notre Dame" are French, but the team is the Fighting Irish? That's the kind of thing I think about in here. Bart: Back in the poster, gabby. Joe Montana: Yes, sir.

Today in history, from baseball-reference.com

1930-- Hack Wilson returns to the Cubs lineup and drives in six runs on his 45th and 46th homers of the year to lead Chicago over the Cardinals, 16 - 4. For August, Hack hits 13 homers and drives in 53 runs.

1973-- After a 10-inning 1 - 0 loss to Cardinals, the last-place Mets drop to 61-71. They'll finish at 82-79 and make it to first place in the National League East.

What to watch on YouTube

The Southpaw wastes time finding gems on Youtube so you don't have to.

He was once traded for Adrian Gonzalez. The Closer

Is Adrian Gonzalez an MVP candidate? Rob Neyer weighs in. His answer is a bit convoluted. Mine isn't. Gonzalez deserves to be in the discussion, if not leading it.