Soto So Hot
Backstop's Homer, 3 RBIs Key Win over Dodgers

Kirby Lee/US PRESSWIRE

Maybe Geovany Soto has heard the trade whispers, or maybe he's just putting it together. Whatever the reason, the 2008 Rookie of the Year continued his recent tear, hitting a two-run homer in the second inning and a run-scoring single in the third. Also, Aramis Ramirez went yard for the fourth time in five games. And let's not forget the pitching of lefty Tom Gorzelanny, who gave up only one earned run and struck out seven over six innings. Add it all up and you get an impressive 7-3 win over the Dodgers. Nice.

ESPN Chicago: Gorzelanny stays on roll as Ramirez, Soto power Cubs [+ video]
Chicago Tribune: Ricketts 'disappointed' in Cubs' first half
Daily Herald: Ramirez, Soto power Cubs to 7-3 win over Dodgers
CSN Chicago: Cubs top Dodgers, still have something to play for [+ video]
MLB: Soto leads support for Gorzelanny in LA [+ video]

Opening up in Iowa
Cubs Owner Chats with Media in Des Moines
When it comes to talking to the press, no one would say Cubs owner Tom Ricketts talks too much. But Ricketts chatted with the Des Moines Register at Friday's Iowa Cubs game, and he described the entire family as "disappointed" with this season. But, he noted, "I don't think anyone could really have predicted the difficulty we've had this year." He also reiterated that he's a hands-off owner, saying any decision about being a buyer or a seller at the trade deadline is "in Jim's court." Fair enough.

Des Moines Register: Ricketts: I-Cubs staying in D.M. for the future

The Verdict
Will Hendry Still Be GM Next Year?
With the Cubs limping into the All-Star break, we wonder: What does this mean for GM Jim Hendry, whose contract runs through 2012? Should he be applauded for getting the team to the playoffs three times in six years, or should he be blamed for saddling the team with the contracts of Carlos Zambrano, Alfonso Soriano, et al? Wax Paper Beer Cup notes that if Hendry leaves, he might take wuenderkind scouting director Tim Wilken with him. Nevertheless, WPBC concludes "it's a closed case Hendry should be gone." Hmmm.

Wax Paper Beer Cup: Jim Hendry's future?

Sonic Youth
Cubs' Youngsters Hold the Team's Future
Clearly, something needs to change with the Cubs. Tales from Aisle 424 says the team simply needs to blow it up real good — i.e., trade all of the team's high-ceiling talent like Soto, Carlos Marmol, and Sean Marshall. Wow. Meanwhile, the Sun-Times notes that the youth movement has begun, with Tyler Colvin and Starlin Castro already playing key roles. The paper also points out minor leaguers Brett Jackson and Hak-Ju Lee might be playing at Wrigley Field pretty soon. So, ummm, be patient? You've already waited this long....

Tales from Aisle 424: Jim Hendry thinks Cubs are close to contending
Chicago Sun-Times: The truth: think youth

Swap Meet
Trade Whispers Getting Louder
As the trade deadline nears, Cubs trade rumors are getting as loud as a Megadeth concert. Chicago Cubs Online says the Dodgers are looking to be the front-runners for Ted Lilly's services, while the Rangers are eyeing Xavier Nady to replace Justin Smoak, the awesomely named first baseman they traded to get Cliff Lee. Meanwhile, fan fave Ryan Theriot could end up playing in Colorado, while the San Francisco Giants are scouting Tom Gorzelanny. Thanks for playing, fellas.

Chicago Cubs Online: Sunday Cub Rumors...

Lou Piniella was ejected for the first time this season after arguing a play at first-base yesterday... Soto is 9-for-17 during Cubs' road trip... Ryan Dempster will open the second half of the season against Philadelphia Thursday night.

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