July 21, 2010

BP Unfiltered

The Paper Trail of July 21

by John Perrotto

Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune writes that Lou Piniella announced he will retire at the end of the season because "it's time to get on with a new phase of life."

Sullivan also writes that the Cubs rallied to beat the Astros as Aramis Ramirez had three home runs and seven RBIs.

Barry Rozner of the Arlington Heights Daily Herald writes that Piniella made the right call at the wrong time.

David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune writes that Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts upstaged Piniella's announcement by giving a strong indication that he is setting the team's course.

The Tribune's Phil Rogers writes that Jim Hendry deserves a shot to rebuild the Cubs.

Rick Morrisey of the Chicago Sun-Times writes that Ricketts' confidence in Cubs president Crane Kenney and Hendry is scary.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post writes that Piniella's retirement could lure Joe Girardi to the Cubs, the team for which he made his major-league debut.

The Post's Mike Vaccaro writes that Alex Rodriguez's chase of 600 home runs is fatally flawed.

Tim Smith of the New York Daily News writes that Phil Hughes' struggles show that the Yankees need starting pitching insurance.

Bernardo Fallas of the Houston Chronicle writes that the Astros and Phillies are in discussions about a potential trade that would send Roy Oswalt to Philadelphia.

Al Balderas of the Los Angeles Daily News writes that the Dodgers fall to the Giants after acting manager Don Mattingly makes too many trips to the mound, forcing the removal of closer Jonathan Broxton.

Helene Elliott of the Los Angeles Times writes that Clayton Kershaw didn't win but his growth continued.

Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes that the Cardinals beat the Phillies for their seventh straight victory to move 12 games over .500.

Michael Hunt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes that Prince Fielder getting hit by pitches won't be the Brewers' problem much longer.

Tom Powers of the St. Paul Pioneer Press writes that Twins pitching breakdowns are popping up all over.

Jim Souhan of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune writes that Carl Pavano puts the ace in the phrase "What's that on your face?"

Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun writes that it's too early to bail on the Orioles' young pitchers.

John Perrotto is an author of Baseball Prospectus. 
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