Good evening Cubs fans. The Cubs had a very busy day today as they defeated the Houston Astros 12-3 in the final game of their four game series. The Cubs took three out of four games against the visiting stros and could find themselves in first place if the Cardinals lose to the Dodgers to night.

The offense was led by back-to-back home runs from Jake Fox and Milton Bradley. Kosuke Fukudome reached base all five times and had four rbi as did shortstop Ryan Theriot. All around it was a great day for the offense as they beat up on Astros pitching.

Kevin Hart got the win for the Cubs but then found out that he had been traded to to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Hart, Jose Ascanio and minor leaguer Josh Harrison were sent to Pittsburgh in exchange for left handers John Grabow and Tom Gorzelanny.

Jim Hendry was after a left hander to add to the bullpen as the only lefty out of the pen has been Sean Marshall. Grabow is 3-0 with a 3.42 ERA for last-place Pittsburgh, with 41 strikeouts and 28 walks in 47 1/3 innings. He has two blown saves and 16 holds.

Gorzelanny will report to Triple-A Iowa where he will go into the rotation.

Not a bad deal for the Cubs. They gave up decent players for decent players. It will be interesting to see if Hendry can swing a deal for a left handed hitting right fielder before the trade deadline. Who would you like added to the roster if Hendry can work something out?

- Cliff