Special - Dreams Come True

[cubfan33]

As always on Mondays, even a holiday like today, the UTK@FOX is up. You can see it at this link. If you're not checking out Foxsports.com for your sports coverage, you're really missing out on some of the best coverage available on the web. UTK is now on the front page of the MLB section in "training table" - making it much easier to find. The new site design is great and there's more video than ever.

This season has been amazing. Taken almost to the brink with the threat of a work stoppage, perhaps it seems more dramatic than it actually is, but we're seeing great performances all over the place, compelling pennant races, records being broken and in places, we're seeing the true spirit of baseball showing through the dark veneer of business and cynicism. As I was able to announce today over on Fox, one of the best stories in baseball is getting a storybook moment. Jim Rushford has been called up by the Brewers and will make his debut tomorrow in Wrigley Field. Making it even better is that Jim's hometown is Chicago. I wish I were able to go up and see the game, but construction and panic attacks won't allow for that. Instead, I'll be living vicariously, knowing what it's like to walk out of the dugout and seeing the ivy, smelling the grass, and feeling the sun beating down. I just spoke with Jim and he would like everyone to know how much he appreciates the support everyone has shown for him. Some have chided me over my blatant rooting for guys like Jim, that a "true journalist" would be more objective about it. At heart, I am and always will be a fan. I just happen to be a lucky fan - I have had the opportunity to meet people, hear stories, tell stories, and I have a great bunch of friends that I send an email to each night. The thought that Jim Rushford might be out in right field, standing in the same spot where Sammy Sosa will stand in the other half innings, just sends chills down my spine.

A couple quick injury notes:

Chris Carpenter will undergo surgery on a torn labrum in his pitching shoulder. His surgeon feels he will be ready for spring training, but as we know, labrums are tough to predict and while some come back well, some don't come back at all. This is an injury we'll be keeping a close eye on during the off-season.

Ken Griffey was due to return for the Reds today, but was held out with what is reported as hip pain. As the Reds fade, it becomes more clear that Griffey should be shut down in order to heal up and hope that he can somehow have a productive season next year as Cincy moves into it's new ballpark. If Carl Lindner opens up the purse a little bit, it could be amazing what the Reds might do. Then again, they might make deals for Neifi Perez.

Javy Lopez's shoulder is acting up again and he will be rested for a couple days. Another cortisone shot might be ordered, but at this stage, it may be doing more harm than good. If rest doesn't work, Lopez's season may be in jeopardy and the Braves may have to hope that Henry Blanco can hold up under a heavier load.

Ted Lilly is due to come back for the A's on September 10th, but it may not be as a starter. Instead, the A's, who reportedly feel Lilly needs a strengthening program to fit into their rotation, will use him as a short starter or long relief man with strict pitch counts. Lilly is an intriguing player for next year since the A's have four solid starters in place and Aaron Harang pitched well in his look, with more college pitchers coming up fast. Someone will probably be moved in order to find a first baseman, center fielder, or second baseman.

Craig Counsell will see a spine specialist in order to look at everything possible before having surgery that would end his season. A final decision will be made by the end of the week. In the meantime, Tony Womack has been ... gasp ... playing well. There's almost a reverse SI curse with being derided in UTK.

I promised a new contest and then forgot to include it in the Fox report. So, here it is ... as usual, the prize will be your choice from the UTK Store. This month's contest is: Work "UTK", "Under the Knife", or some variation into your favorite movie or TV quote. For instance, "The first rule of UTK is tell everyone about UTK." would be a play on the rules from Fight Club. "Is this heaven? No, this is UTK." would be a fun riff on Field of Dreams. If you can make it injury related, all the better. There's going to be a thread set up at Netshrine.com for this. NOTE: Entries sent to my email will not be eligible.

Next report tomorrow, as normal.