Cubszone.com | Chicago Cubs News, cubs Scores, Game Recaps & Commentary - <div>The Brewers acquired another All-Star over the weekend, bringing second baseman Ray Durham to the squad in exchange for minor leaguers.</div>Although it's not sending the same shockwaves through the game that the deal for CC Sabathia did, it does show the Brewers are intent on ending this long playoff drought. And with word that the Cubs may lose closer Kerry Wood to the disabled list, one has to wonder what's next on the horizon?My calendar reads 7/21, meaning general managers have 10 days to decide whether their teams are contenders or pretenders in 2008. It's going to be an interesting period for owners in AL or NL-only leagues, as we're sure to see some movement of big names. After all, only the AL West has a gap wider than two games between the first and second-place teams. However, am I the only one really intrigued to see what the A's are able to do in the second half after dealing Joe Blanton and Rich Harden? Is Huston Street next?Let's put the rumor, conjecture and speculation aside for the moment and return to the field, breaking down the action by Short-Hopping The Wall. <h4>Fantasy Forces: High Yields </h4>Andy Pettitte's been alternately brilliant and brutal in his four July starts, with three of four starts coming against AL East competitors. Pettitte allowed one earned run in eight innings against the A's while striking out nine batters on Sunday. He's pitched to a strong 3.38 ERA this month while earning his 10th and 11th wins. He's walked only one batter in his past 22 innings.Luke Scott produced a fine first half for the Orioles, and the three days of rest during the All-Star break helped him to rediscover his power stroke. He homered three times during the four-game series against Detroit this weekend, batting .538 (7-for-13) with five extra-base hits and six RBI. Jeremy Hermida of the Marlins enters the week with a modest five-game hitting streak (.300, 6-for-20), but he's starting to put a charge into the ball. He's homered three times during the streak with four RBI, and he even stole a base for good measure. He's batting only .196 for the month, but perhaps the All-Star break served him well.Adam Dunn of the Reds homered twice in the weekend series against the Mets, giving him eight in the month of July with 15 RBI. Dunn's batting .277 this month with a robust .390 on-base percentage as the Reds consider possible trade options.The Mets have been playing lights-out ball since the firing of Willie Randolph. While Carlos Delgado and David Wright are getting the press, the bat of Fernando Tatis has piqued my interest. After starting the season in the minors, he's helped jumpstart the offense with a hot bat in July, hitting .386 (17-for-44) with four home runs and 12 RBI this month.Pitcher-turned-slugger Rick Ankiel continues to clear walls for the Cardinals with regularity. Ankiel hit two home runs during this weekend's series against the Padres to run his season total to 22 with 56 RBI. He's batting .368 (21-for-57) with seven home runs and 17 RBI this month.San Diego hasn't generated much offense this season, but I would be remiss if I failed to acknowledge the hot bat of Scott Hairston. He hit his sixth home run this month on Sunday against St. Louis and is batting .447 (17-for-38) with nine RBI and 11 runs scored.<h4>Fantasy Flops: Trimming Margins </h4>Jose Contreras of the White Sox had seemingly turned things around at the end of June with solid efforts against the Cubs and Indians. He was then hit hard in back-to-back starts against the Royals and Rangers, sending his season ERA to its highest point since April 22 (4.60). He allowed 20 hits and 12 earned runs in 9 2/3 innings in his past two trips to the mound (11.17 ERA). The White Sox placed the veteran right-hander on the disabled list this weekend.Also in the AL Central, the Tigers had hoped Nate Robertson would somehow kickstart his season as teammate Justin Verlander had recently done. Alas, Robertson's struggles continue. He dominated the Mariners in an early-July game (but seriously, which opposing pitcher hasn't found some success there?), but has allowed five or more runs in his other three trips to the hill in July. He allowed 29 hits in 13 1/3 innings in those starts, while producing a dismal 12.15 ERA.Fantasy owners started to climb aboard the Randy Wolf bandwagon in mid-June, and his performance collapsed under the weight. He's lost six of his past seven starts, pitching to a horrid 6.94 ERA during this period. The San Diego offense offered three or fewer runs of support in five of those games.Toronto starter Jesse Litsch was on the good side of this divider earlier in the year, but starts against the Yankees and Angels brought his totals back to earth. He allowed nine earned runs in eight innings (10.13 ERA). He was hit hard (and received little help from his defense), as he failed to escape the third inning. He'll look to rebound from these performances on Monday night against the Orioles.Kenji Johjima's struggles at the plate continue in the lost season in Seattle. Johjima's batting an abysmal .067 this month (2-for-30). I have to believe balls start to fall in eventually, as he's struck out only once during this period. Wishing and hoping isn't helping anybody, of course, but that's all they have right now.The Dodgers are still wondering when Andruw Jones' bats will arrive in 2008. Since returning from the disabled list, he's yet to produce an extra-base hit in 38 at-bats while striking out 16 times. He's batting .148 (6-for-38) during July.Carlos Gomez of the Twins was a tremendous early-season option for cheap speed. He stole 21 bases through June, but has attempted just one steal (unsuccessful) in 15 games this month. Of course, the fact he's batting .167 (10-for-60) with three walks this month doesn't help the cause.<h4> Category Kings: Who's Riding High? </h4>Every week, I'll break down my top performers in each of the standard categories. It won't be a simple regurgitation of the sortable stats. Rather, it'll take into account historical performance, current trends, and expected returns. HR <ul><li> Adam Dunn, CIN </li><li> Ryan Howard, PHI </li><li> Pat Burrell, PHI </li><li> Chase Utley, PHI </li><li> Ryan Braun, MIL </li></ul> RBI <ul><li> Josh Hamilton, TEX </li><li> Ryan Howard, PHI </li><li> Justin Morneau, MIN </li><li> Lance Berkman, HOU </li><li> Carlos Lee, HOU </li></ul> AVG <ul><li> Albert Pujols, STL </li><li> Chipper Jones, ATL </li><li> Matt Holliday, COL </li><li> Lance Berkman, HOU </li><li> Joe Mauer, MIN </li></ul> Runs <ul><li> Ian Kinsler, TEX </li><li> Jose Reyes, NYM </li><li> Lance Berkman, HOU </li><li> Hanley Ramirez, FLA </li><li> Chase Utley, PHI </li></ul> SB <ul><li> Willy Taveras, COL </li><li> Jacoby Ellsbury, BOS </li><li> Jose Reyes, NYM </li><li> Ichiro, SEA </li><li> Juan Pierre, LAD </li></ul> Wins <ul><li> Joe Saunders, LAA </li><li> Brandon Webb, ARI </li><li> Cliff Lee, CLE </li><li> Mike Mussina, NYY </li><li> Edinson Volquez, CIN </li></ul> ERA <ul><li> Justin Duchscherer, OAK </li><li> Tim Lincecum, SF </li><li> Edinson Volquez, CIN </li><li> Cliff Lee, CLE </li><li> Dan Haren, ARI </li></ul> WHIP <ul><li> Dan Haren, ARI </li><li> Justin Duchscherer, OAK </li><li> Roy Halladay, TOR </li><li> Cliff Lee, CLE </li><li> Shaun Marcum, TOR </li></ul> Strikeouts <ul><li> CC Sabathia, MIL </li><li> Cole Hamels, PHI </li><li> Edinson Volquez, CIN</li><li> Tim Lincecum, SF </li><li> Chad Billingsley, LAD </li></ul> Saves <ul><li> Francisco Rodriguez, LAA </li><li> Jonathan Papelbon, BOS </li><li> Joe Nathan, MIN </li><li> George Sherrill, BAL </li><li> Jose Valverde, HOU </li></ul><h4> Injury Updates </h4>The Chicago Tribune reports that Cubs closer Kerry Wood is expected to hit the disabled list because of a blister issue that has persisted for several weeks and kept him out of the All-Star Game. The Cubs are expected to make a decision on him in the next several days. Hard-throwing middle reliever Carlos Marmol will assume the closer duties in his absence. Marmol's pitched to a horrendous 8.83 ERA in 21 appearances since June 1, but it's his ball with Wood unavailable.Also in Chicago, outfielder Alfonso Soriano will begin a brief minor league rehabilitation assignment on Monday. If all goes according to plan, Soriano may rejoin the team for this weekend's visit by the Marlins.According to New York Newsday, the MRI that was scheduled for Billy Wagner's shoulder has been cancelled, as the pain has subsided. Wagner's pitched five scoreless innings in his past five appearances.The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Brett Myers was recalled by the Phillies on Monday. He's expected to take the hill on Wednesday against the Mets and struggling John Maine. Myers had allowed four or more earned runs in four consecutive starts (5.84 ERA overall) before his demotion to the minor leagues.J.J. Putz pitched a pain-free inning in his return from the disabled list. The Seattle Times advises that Putz will likely appear out of middle relief for several more games before reclaiming his closer role from Brandon Morrow.The Indians will re-evaluate the status of Fausto Carmona following a throwing session on Monday. He struck out three batters and pitched effectively for four innings in a rehabilitation start last week. Barring a setback, he could end his two-month stint on the disabled list and rejoin the Indians in Cleveland for a series against the Twins. The Cleveland Plain-Dealer reports that Victor Martinez of the Indians has recovered sufficiently from his elbow surgery to allow him to swing a bat in the next week. He'll begin by playing catch and doing light hitting in the near-term, but the team's hopeful he could rejoin the lineup within the next three weeks.Roy Oswalt had been battling a hip injury for some time. The veteran hurler had worked through the pain and final found his stride with a 2.97 June ERA. It's being called a hip strain combined with a herniated disk in his back. The move was made retroactive to July 12.There were reports last week that continued swelling in Hideki Matsui's knee might force the veteran outfielder to undergo season-ending surgery. We'll soon hear a verdict (or an extension of the waiting game), as Matsui's scheduled to meet with his physicians on Monday afternoon.Keep an eye on the pages of FOXSports.com for all of the latest player and team news.

The Brewers acquired another All-Star over the weekend, bringing second baseman Ray Durham to the squad in exchange for minor leaguers.

Although it's not sending the same shockwaves through the game that the deal for CC Sabathia did, it does show the Brewers are intent on ending this long playoff drought. And with word that the Cubs may lose closer Kerry Wood to the disabled list, one has to wonder what's next on the horizon?

My calendar reads 7/21, meaning general managers have 10 days to decide whether their teams are contenders or pretenders in 2008. It's going to be an interesting period for owners in AL or NL-only leagues, as we're sure to see some movement of big names. After all, only the AL West has a gap wider than two games between the first and second-place teams. However, am I the only one really intrigued to see what the A's are able to do in the second half after dealing Joe Blanton and Rich Harden? Is Huston Street next?

Let's put the rumor, conjecture and speculation aside for the moment and return to the field, breaking down the action by Short-Hopping The Wall.

Fantasy Forces: High Yields

Andy Pettitte's been alternately brilliant and brutal in his four July starts, with three of four starts coming against AL East competitors. Pettitte allowed one earned run in eight innings against the A's while striking out nine batters on Sunday. He's pitched to a strong 3.38 ERA this month while earning his 10th and 11th wins. He's walked only one batter in his past 22 innings.

Luke Scott produced a fine first half for the Orioles, and the three days of rest during the All-Star break helped him to rediscover his power stroke. He homered three times during the four-game series against Detroit this weekend, batting .538 (7-for-13) with five extra-base hits and six RBI.

Jeremy Hermida of the Marlins enters the week with a modest five-game hitting streak (.300, 6-for-20), but he's starting to put a charge into the ball. He's homered three times during the streak with four RBI, and he even stole a base for good measure. He's batting only .196 for the month, but perhaps the All-Star break served him well.

Adam Dunn of the Reds homered twice in the weekend series against the Mets, giving him eight in the month of July with 15 RBI. Dunn's batting .277 this month with a robust .390 on-base percentage as the Reds consider possible trade options.

The Mets have been playing lights-out ball since the firing of Willie Randolph. While Carlos Delgado and David Wright are getting the press, the bat of Fernando Tatis has piqued my interest. After starting the season in the minors, he's helped jumpstart the offense with a hot bat in July, hitting .386 (17-for-44) with four home runs and 12 RBI this month.

Pitcher-turned-slugger Rick Ankiel continues to clear walls for the Cardinals with regularity. Ankiel hit two home runs during this weekend's series against the Padres to run his season total to 22 with 56 RBI. He's batting .368 (21-for-57) with seven home runs and 17 RBI this month.

San Diego hasn't generated much offense this season, but I would be remiss if I failed to acknowledge the hot bat of Scott Hairston. He hit his sixth home run this month on Sunday against St. Louis and is batting .447 (17-for-38) with nine RBI and 11 runs scored.

Fantasy Flops: Trimming Margins

Jose Contreras of the White Sox had seemingly turned things around at the end of June with solid efforts against the Cubs and Indians. He was then hit hard in back-to-back starts against the Royals and Rangers, sending his season ERA to its highest point since April 22 (4.60). He allowed 20 hits and 12 earned runs in 9 2/3 innings in his past two trips to the mound (11.17 ERA). The White Sox placed the veteran right-hander on the disabled list this weekend.

Also in the AL Central, the Tigers had hoped Nate Robertson would somehow kickstart his season as teammate Justin Verlander had recently done. Alas, Robertson's struggles continue. He dominated the Mariners in an early-July game (but seriously, which opposing pitcher hasn't found some success there?), but has allowed five or more runs in his other three trips to the hill in July. He allowed 29 hits in 13 1/3 innings in those starts, while producing a dismal 12.15 ERA.

Fantasy owners started to climb aboard the Randy Wolf bandwagon in mid-June, and his performance collapsed under the weight. He's lost six of his past seven starts, pitching to a horrid 6.94 ERA during this period. The San Diego offense offered three or fewer runs of support in five of those games.

Toronto starter Jesse Litsch was on the good side of this divider earlier in the year, but starts against the Yankees and Angels brought his totals back to earth. He allowed nine earned runs in eight innings (10.13 ERA). He was hit hard (and received little help from his defense), as he failed to escape the third inning. He'll look to rebound from these performances on Monday night against the Orioles.

Kenji Johjima's struggles at the plate continue in the lost season in Seattle. Johjima's batting an abysmal .067 this month (2-for-30). I have to believe balls start to fall in eventually, as he's struck out only once during this period. Wishing and hoping isn't helping anybody, of course, but that's all they have right now.

The Dodgers are still wondering when Andruw Jones' bats will arrive in 2008. Since returning from the disabled list, he's yet to produce an extra-base hit in 38 at-bats while striking out 16 times. He's batting .148 (6-for-38) during July.

Carlos Gomez of the Twins was a tremendous early-season option for cheap speed. He stole 21 bases through June, but has attempted just one steal (unsuccessful) in 15 games this month. Of course, the fact he's batting .167 (10-for-60) with three walks this month doesn't help the cause.

Category Kings: Who's Riding High?

Every week, I'll break down my top performers in each of the standard categories. It won't be a simple regurgitation of the sortable stats. Rather, it'll take into account historical performance, current trends, and expected returns.

Adam Dunn, CIN
Ryan Howard, PHI
Pat Burrell, PHI
Chase Utley, PHI
Ryan Braun, MIL

RBI

Josh Hamilton, TEX
Ryan Howard, PHI
Justin Morneau, MIN
Lance Berkman, HOU
Carlos Lee, HOU

AVG

Albert Pujols, STL
Chipper Jones, ATL
Matt Holliday, COL
Lance Berkman, HOU
Joe Mauer, MIN

Runs

Ian Kinsler, TEX
Jose Reyes, NYM
Lance Berkman, HOU
Hanley Ramirez, FLA
Chase Utley, PHI

Willy Taveras, COL
Jacoby Ellsbury, BOS
Jose Reyes, NYM
Ichiro, SEA
Juan Pierre, LAD

Wins

Joe Saunders, LAA
Brandon Webb, ARI
Cliff Lee, CLE
Mike Mussina, NYY
Edinson Volquez, CIN

ERA

Justin Duchscherer, OAK
Tim Lincecum, SF
Edinson Volquez, CIN
Cliff Lee, CLE
Dan Haren, ARI

WHIP

Dan Haren, ARI
Justin Duchscherer, OAK
Roy Halladay, TOR
Cliff Lee, CLE
Shaun Marcum, TOR

Strikeouts

CC Sabathia, MIL
Cole Hamels, PHI
Edinson Volquez, CIN
Tim Lincecum, SF
Chad Billingsley, LAD

Saves

Francisco Rodriguez, LAA
Jonathan Papelbon, BOS
Joe Nathan, MIN
George Sherrill, BAL
Jose Valverde, HOU

Injury Updates

The Chicago Tribune reports that Cubs closer Kerry Wood is expected to hit the disabled list because of a blister issue that has persisted for several weeks and kept him out of the All-Star Game. The Cubs are expected to make a decision on him in the next several days. Hard-throwing middle reliever Carlos Marmol will assume the closer duties in his absence. Marmol's pitched to a horrendous 8.83 ERA in 21 appearances since June 1, but it's his ball with Wood unavailable.

Also in Chicago, outfielder Alfonso Soriano will begin a brief minor league rehabilitation assignment on Monday. If all goes according to plan, Soriano may rejoin the team for this weekend's visit by the Marlins.

According to New York Newsday, the MRI that was scheduled for Billy Wagner's shoulder has been cancelled, as the pain has subsided. Wagner's pitched five scoreless innings in his past five appearances.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Brett Myers was recalled by the Phillies on Monday. He's expected to take the hill on Wednesday against the Mets and struggling John Maine. Myers had allowed four or more earned runs in four consecutive starts (5.84 ERA overall) before his demotion to the minor leagues.

J.J. Putz pitched a pain-free inning in his return from the disabled list. The Seattle Times advises that Putz will likely appear out of middle relief for several more games before reclaiming his closer role from Brandon Morrow.

The Indians will re-evaluate the status of Fausto Carmona following a throwing session on Monday. He struck out three batters and pitched effectively for four innings in a rehabilitation start last week. Barring a setback, he could end his two-month stint on the disabled list and rejoin the Indians in Cleveland for a series against the Twins.

The Cleveland Plain-Dealer reports that Victor Martinez of the Indians has recovered sufficiently from his elbow surgery to allow him to swing a bat in the next week. He'll begin by playing catch and doing light hitting in the near-term, but the team's hopeful he could rejoin the lineup within the next three weeks.

Roy Oswalt had been battling a hip injury for some time. The veteran hurler had worked through the pain and final found his stride with a 2.97 June ERA. It's being called a hip strain combined with a herniated disk in his back. The move was made retroactive to July 12.

There were reports last week that continued swelling in Hideki Matsui's knee might force the veteran outfielder to undergo season-ending surgery. We'll soon hear a verdict (or an extension of the waiting game), as Matsui's scheduled to meet with his physicians on Monday afternoon.

Keep an eye on the pages of FOXSports.com for all of the latest player and team news.