-Cleveland is the first team in history to trade the reigning Cy Young Award winner in back-to-back years. In exchange for CC Sabathia, who was dealt to Milwaukee a year ago, and Cliff Lee, who was sent to the Phillies this year, the Indians have received eight players, none of which are currently in the major leagues.
-The Pirates are en route to a major-league record 17 consecutive losing seasons.
-Reds right-hander Edinson Volquez underwent Tommy John surgery after being placed on the DL on June 2nd. He was working his way back but suffered a setback last week. Don't expect him back in the Reds rotation until 2011. He is the sixth Reds player to have surgery this season.
-The Pirates are the only team in the majors without a player making at least the MLB average salary of $3.26 million (Paul Maholm is highest at $2.5 million). -- Boston Globe
-Which five pitchers have 3,000 strikeouts and fewer than 1,000 walks? (Greg Maddux, Ferguson Jenkins, Pedro Martinez, Curt Schilling and ... John Smoltz, now of the Red Sox, who was hanging at 997 free passes.) -- NY Times