I thought that this was noteworthy considering all of the conflicting reports regarding Farrell over the last few weeks. Also, the article doesn't mention Mills in connection with the Indians job, but does confirm that the Astros have contacted the Red Sox about Mills.

Kerry Wood's 2011 option vests if he finishes 55 games in either 2009 or 2010. As Castrovince pointed out in his notes on Monday, he has finished 44 games so far with 26 games left to be played:

* Regarding a CastroTurf Commenter's question about Kerry Wood's vesting option status, Wood has finished 44 games this season, with 26 to play. He needs to reach 55 for his $11 million option for 2011 to vest. It's starting to get interesting.

While it still seems unlikely to me that Wood will reach 55 games finished this year, can anyone explain what recourse Wood would have if the Indians began to sit him in save situations? Is it merely to have the union and/or players association file a grievance with the owners, and if so, what exactly are their options once the grievance is filed?

I'm making the trek out to Chicago this weekend with some friends for the Indians - Cubs series. I know there are a lot of Chicagoland residents on LGT, any recommendations for pre-game/post-game spots? I seem to remember the Cubby Bear being the Browns Backer bar in the Wrigleyville area, will that Cleveland theme translate over to the series this weekend?

Just in time for the Yankees series, I noticed a fresh batch of midges in the city last night/this morning. Be prepared to watch the Justin clip from 07 a few times tonight.

This would have been much funnier without Varitek's relative hot start this year, but it still made me laugh.

From Castro:

(On yesterday's replay)
"There was a second feed from the YES Network that was very different from the STO feed. It certainly appeared the ball went over Crowe's glove and into the stands. I can understand the umpire's ruling. Most importantly, focusing on that play would be an excuse. We didn't execute situationally, and our bullpen didn't execute. That play was influential, but to use that would be an excuse, and that's not how we play."

(On possible roster moves)
"We'd consider any move that would make our team better. No one at Columbus has made themselves a clear, better alternative to the guys up here. We need to balance the importance of making us better and understanding there's some urgency with also understanding the long schedule and respecting what players have done and giving them the opportunity to get on track."

The author's headline, not mine.

"So before burying the Indians with more than 95 percent of their season to play, allow us to present a few facts: Over the past 25 full seasons, 45 teams in Major League Baseball have begun their seasons 1-6 or worse. Of those 45, eight have finished the year with a better-than-average record. And of those eight, only one – the 2007 Philadelphia Phillies – made the postseason. In which they were promptly swept."