...Chipper ".400" Jones is out of the Braves line up today and could be out for longer. In last nights loss to the Phillies, Jones strained his right quadriceps. It's being listed as a 'slight' tear, and he will be forced to miss at least three games or so.
...According to reports from the Miami Herald, 19 year-old Cuban Third baseman Dayan Viciedo has defected to the United States and is now in Florida. His journey started in May on a boat bound for Mexico, after that it was a trip to Miami to reunite with family and friends. Here's a quick and dirty scouting report:
Standing 6-2 and weighing 202 pounds, Viciedo is known as a powerful batter and a versatile defender, capable of playing shortstop, third base and outfield, and he even can pitch. His fastball has been clocked at more than 90 mph, but he said his pitching days are over....In what has been a season to forget for the San Diego Padres, they've got some good news. Ace pitcher Jake Peavy is due back to the Padres rotation next week as long as there are no ill effects from his simulated game he threw yesterday.
Since age 9, he has played for Cuban national teams in all categories, and at 15 he started playing in the Cuban national championship. He is the first Cuban to play for three national teams at the same time -- 15-16 year-olds, juveniles and majors.