Well, look at it this way. It took a 3-time NL All-Star and .298 career hitter to replace Battlin’ Michael Barrett. Of course, Jason Kendall is also hitting .226, with 2 homers and just 22 RBI’s this season while making more than $13 million, precisely the reasons why the Cubs were able to obtain the veteran catcher for the mere price of Rob Bowen and pitcher Jerry Blevins.

The former sat out Monday evening’s 3-2 win over the Giants, a pitching duel won by Cubs starter Rich Hill (8 IP, 4 hits, 2 earned runs) over Tim Lincecum (6.1 IP, 8K’s, 1 earned run). Aramis Ramirez’ two run double off reliever Kevin Correira in the last of the 8th provided the margin of victory — Ramirez has 13 RBI’s since the begining of July, and he’s bounced back nicely from the horrors of Jim Belushi singing “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” during Friday’s 7th inning stretch.

After being denied the services of Wilfredo Ledezma due to what’s being called “a washing incident”, there’s no truth to the rumor the Atlanta Braves have asked Pascual Perez to counsel their newly acquired reliever….who could surely come up with a better excuse.