[sharknut]

Thanks to 2 rainouts, we now have to play from August 7th until September 12th without a single day off. 37 days in a row, 22 on the road. We then have 1 day off and then a 10 day road trip.

Dennis Martinez started to struggle and in the most recent scouting report, his skills dropped across the board. Mike Morgan had been a really good long reliever so we gave him a go as the 5th starter and so far he has gone 2-2 with a sub 3 ERA, so hopefully we stabilized that 5th spot. We didn't make any deals at the deadline, I couldn't add a really good piece without giving up something I didn't want.

Hensley Meulens has become a really good prospect at AAA Albuquerque. The 23 year old started at AA San Antonio where he hit .312 with 7 home runs in 33 games earning his promotion. So far in AAA, he has hit .311/.410/,541 with 14 home runs in 72 games. He is also an A level fielding 1st baseman. Jack Clark will be a 35 year old UFA after the season, and I think we are going to let him go after 8 years in LA. I can use the millions I won't pay Clark to add a top starter, where I feel the need is greater next season. We got Sid Fernandez cheap last year, but he wants at least 5 years and almost $10 million and I don't trust him that much despite him being pretty good so far. He just can't go much past 6 innings