Wednesday's Action:
Brewers 3 Dodgers 2 (10 innings)
Standings:
| W | L | GB | Last 10 | Streak | |
| Cardinals | 9 | 3 | - | 7-3 | W4 |
| Brewers | 6 | 6 | 3.0 | 5-5 | W2 |
| Pirates | 5 | 7 | 4.0 | 4-6 | W2 |
| Reds | 4 | 8 | 5.0 | 3-7 | L2 |
| Astros | 4 | 8 | 5.0 | 3-7 | L4 |
| Cubs | 3 | 9 | 6.0 | 3-7 | L4 |
News and Notes:
Astros:
- They may not be very good now, but if their young players prove to be worth it GM Jeff Luhnow is willing to open the checkbook to keep them Astros.
- mlbtraderoumors.com takes a look at the offseason that was for the Astros.
- No offense to Matt Downs, who was actually quite serviceable last season, but thank God we're not Astros fans. It just can't be very exciting when line-up changes are upcoming to accommodate him.
- The Astros have released minor league outfielder Collin DeLome.
Cardinals:
- Matt Holliday isn't worried about his slow start. Unfortunately the Cards haven't needed his bat much during their hot start.
- Lance Berkman and David Freese were back in the line-up for Tuesday's 2-1 victory over the Rees... whoever those guys are.
- quick hits from the Post-Dispatch.
- Mitch Canham is the newest Cardinal.
- Matt Carpenter has had his fair share of internet space lately.
- The Cardinals will take it slow and not rush Skip Schumaker and Allen Craig back from their respective injuries. Neither Schumaker nor Craig have seen action in the majors this season.
- Manager Mike Matheny will keep the hot hitting Carlos Beltran in the two spot in the line-up for the time being despite his early season power production.
Cubs:
- Is Starlin Castro an MVP in the making? Ozzie Guillen thinks so.
- Manager Dale Sveum only has so much patience with the struggling Marlon Byrd if he doesn't snap out of his early season funk.
- Kerry Wood received a cortisone shot in his right shoulder yesterday and is set to be back in the Cubs' bullpen on Friday if all goes well.
- Carlos Zambrano had nice things to say about his time in Chicago and (apparently) does not harbor any hard feelings. Former teammates also had complimentary things to say about him. Unfortunately, Big Z won't face his former team during their series in Miami.
Pirates:
- The Pirates placed Jeff Karstens on the 15-day disabled list and have replaced him with Brad Lincoln, who was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis.
- Lincoln provides the Pirates with versatility, as he can start or relieve for the big league club.
- Closer Joel Hanrahan is day-to-day due to tightness in his right hamstring. Juan Cruz has filled in and is 2-for-2 in converting saves Tuesday and Wednesday.
- A winning streak!
Reds:
- Miguel Cairo has been placed on the 15-day disabled list and Todd Frazier has been recalled from Triple-A Louisville to take his spot on the active roster.
- The slumping Jay Bruce and a line-up shake up from mlb.com.
- Albert Pujols: almost a Cincinnati Red? He, of course, thankfully he got out of the division and league joining the Los Angeles Angeles of Anaheim (Is there a worse team name in sports?), on a monster contract.
On Tap:
It's afternoon baseball in Milwaukee as the Brewers take on the Dodgers at 12:10 p.m. CDT. Randy Wolf (0-1) starts for the Crew and Aaron Harang (0-1) will make the start for the Dodgers. Hopefully he got all the strikeouts out of his system in his last start against the Padres.
The Astros and Nationals continue their series in Washington with Bud Norris (0-0) taking the mound for Houston. Edwin Jackson (1-0) will take the hill for the Nats. Game time is set for 6:05 p.m. CDT.
Afternoon baseball is also in store in St. Louis as the Cardinals take on the Reds in a game beginning at 12:45 p.m. CDT. Adam Wainwright (0-2) and Bronson Arroyo are the scheduled starters.
The Cubs and Marlins finish off their series this morning at 11:40 a.m. CDT. Jeff Samardzija (2-0) takes on Ricky Nolasco (1-0).
The Pirates also have an off day today before beginning a series against the Cardinals in Pittsburgh tomorrow.