Getting Closer

Baseball Update:
The NL is heating up every division leader holding just a one game lead over their closest competitor including the Cubs who were able to keep a small cushion over the surging Brewers with a 6-3 win over the Marlins.

As for those Brewers, they got a boost from a Ryan Braun homerun sealing the sweep over the Cardinals with their 4-3 victory.

In other Cubs news, they will place closer Kerry Wood on the DL with a blister on his pitching hand. This is the 12th time in his 10 year career that Wood will go on the DL. And Mark Cuban is among finalists to purchase the team.

The Mets catapulted their way to the top of the division with a 3-1 win over the Phillies thanks to a red hot Carlos Delgado who tapped a two run double in the eighth to break up a 1-1 tie. The two teams were tied for the lead in the East after Wednesday's Met's victory. Jimmy Rollins was pulled from the starting lineup after arriving late to Shea Stadium.

The Phillies were apparently unhappy with Jose Reyes on Wednesday night after the shortstop "wagged his left index finger" while rounding the bases following a decisive three run homer. Manager Charlie Manuel defended his star by using the whole "he's young" defense. I don't care if he's 25, he's been in the league to long to continually be defended by his age. He's immature and it's time for him to wake up. On the other hand, I think the Phillies are overreacting on this one.

Over on the left coast, Matt Cain four hit the Nats to come out on the right side of a 1-0 Giants win. Good for Cain, I swear he always seems to pitch some great games but the offense doesn't back him up.

Want to know how to beat the Rays? Play them on the road. (Although that could go for almost every Major League team.) The Royals handed Tampa Bay its seventh straight road loss with their 4-2 win. Mitch Maier was in the starting line-up in place of outfielder Joey Gathright who was placed on the DL with a bone bruise in his right shoulder.

The Blue Jays pounced on the O's, 7-1 in the battle of the birds. Roy Halladay's one run, seven inning performance probably upped his stock on the trade market.

The Red Sox and Yankees will battle it out in Fenway this weekend and David Ortiz is reportedly ready to make his big debut on Friday since hitting the DL in May. The Sox fans are going to be extra spicy this weekend I bet.

The Yankees, among other things, discussed Barry Bonds during a team meeting on Thursday.

Infamous fan Steve Bartman reportedly turned down an offer of $25,000 to autograph a photo of himself tipping a foul ball that appeared catchable by Moises Alou. To date, Bartman has refused any offers to make an appearance.

Nascar Update:
The Brickyard beckons for the Cup boys this weekend. The race remains one of the most presitigous on the schedule and will feature two former Indy 500 winners in Sam Hornish, Jr. and Juan Pablo Montoya. But can they go toe-to-toe with four time Brickyard winner Jeff Gordon or two time winner Tony Stewart? Both guys are in search of their first wins of the season and I couldn't think of a better place for them to break through. You'll have to tune into the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard at 1 PM/est on ESPN. (NOTE THE CHANNEL CHANGE)

37 year old Jeff Gordon mentioned he doesn't see himself driving full time much past 40, so get your booing in now because in a couple of years, you'll have to use that energy to boo the Busch brothers.

Chad Walter has resigned handing crew chief duties of the JR Motorsports #5 Nationwide Series car to Cam Strader.

Popo in my crib News:
A California minor leauge game was suspended due to a police stand-off at a nearby home. Tulare County Sheriff Sgt. John Gray was stabbed while serving an eviction when he was stabbed by suspect Melvin Nicks. Gray shot at Nicks who went into his home. A stand-off ensued stopping a game between Modesto and Visaila. A makeup date has not been announced. Watch out Melvin, because the popo are on your tail!

News&Notes: Jeremy Shockey reported to Saints training camp and seemed to be in good spirits after being traded by the Giants only a few days prior. Not at the acceptance stage yet, but I'm working on it. Kick ass Shockey!...The Warriors have re-signed Monta Ellis to a six year, $66 million deal...The Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin is pissed off with the organization over what he says is a broken promise for a new deal...Iraqi athletes will not be allowed to compete in this year's Beijing Olympics.

Check this out: Mad Men's second season is finally premiering on AMC on Sunday. Tune in at 10 PM/est to catch all the latest from the Steerling Cooper Ad Agency. If you haven't watched click here to find out how you can catch up for free. (Or head over to iTunes to download the entire season) And here to learn a little bit about the show.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate