It was announced earlier today that Marlon Byrd will be the Chicago Cubs’ lone representative in this year’s all star game. This does not come as much of a surprise as none of the other offensive players have made much of a case to be a part of the game. I think that a case could be made for a couple of the pitchers on the staff such as Carlos Silva and Carlos Marmol, but certainly no complaints about them not making it. This will be Marlon Byrd’s first career all star game appearance and he will be a reserve.
Aramis Ramirez apparently reinjured his left thumb on a swing during Friday’s game and will sit out and work with team trainers to try to get back to full strength. Ramirez is hitting just .177 on the season with six home runs, but he had been better since coming off of the disabled list on June 25 granted it was in a very limited number of at-bats. No timetable has been placed on his return, but it does not appear as though he will be put back on the disabled list.
Lastly, with the trade deadline nearing, several Cub players could be on the trading block. The most recent names being thrown about are infielders Ryan Theriot, Mike Fontenot, and Jeff Baker. Theriot had carved out a role for himself the past two years as a scrappy, hit-machine but he has not been at that level this season. As for Baker and Fontenot, both have been inconsistent and Piniella has moved them in and out of the lineup. I do believe that these guys could help a contender as a utility player, but they are being looked at for more than that. Teams such as Boston, Philadelphia, and Detroit are all looking for help at second base, but if they are thinking that one of these three can be an everyday player for them they should probably look elsewhere. It should be a very interesting month for the Cubs with the potential for a lot of player movement.
