Ace On The Shelf
Among other things, it's been driving Milwaukeeans to drink for over a generation now: The Brewers just can't seem to keep key pitchers off the disabled list. In the early '80s it was Cy Young winners Rollie Fingers and Pete Vuckovich. By the time the decade ended, Teddy Higeura and Juan Nieves had seen their promising careers come to a grinding halt because of injuries. Cal Eldred looked to be the franchise's ace of the future as the '90s began, but his development was stunted by arm problems. Today, Ben Sheets is continuing the tradition by making annual trips to the DL. Who knows what to make of this disturbing trend. It could be bad luck, an organizational flaw or a combination of both. Until this cycle is broken, you won't see the Brew Crew in the postseason.

Are You Sure It's Not Beerlogged?
Runs are mysteriously down at Coors Field this season and Milwaukee infielder Jeff Cirillo thinks he knows why. The former Rockie hinted that the baseballs used there were waterlogged and thus, heavier. "One looked like a round ball and the other looked like an oblong ball," Cirillo told the Associated Press. "And even some of the infielders said when they were throwing across the diamond, the ball felt a little heavy."

His manager, Ned Yost, dismissed the suggestion as "nuts" and the Rockies claim the only difference is that their baseballs are now put into a humidor before use. Cirillo, however, believes MLB should investigate. Stay tuned.

No Luck for Josh
The troubles of Devil Rays prospect Josh Hamilton have been well chronicled. The No. 1 overall pick in 1999's amateur draft hadn't played in a minor league game in nearly four years when he was cleared to suit up for Class-A Hudson Valley on June 30. The 25-year-old hit .260 with five RBI in 15 games, but was sidelined with a knee injury in late July. It's always sad to see a great talent go to waste. Let's hope Hamilton can get back on the field soon and make something out of his career.