View from the cheap seats

Cubs and Brewers 1, Cardinals 0

Apparently missing Mark Prior's presence on their roster -- or at least their disabled list -- the Cubs have acquired Rich Harden from Oakland in a six-player deal.

I joke because Harden has been an enigma, much like Prior, always finding his way to the disabled list when you finally think he is going to reach his considerable potential. But the Cubs and Brewers have made major moves to try to improve their chances of winning while the team between them in the standings does abosolutely nothing.

I, for one, am growing tired of the Cardinals constantly claiming their big move is right around the bend. The last three seasons they promise they will be aggressive on the free agent market only to do nothing. Then they claim that there was no one worth having and that they decided to save their money so they can make a move at the trade deadline. Guess what happens in July?

Glaus vs. Rolen

Former Cardinals third basman Scott Rolen ranks second in the majors in fielding percentage, according to Yahoo! Sports.

The only player he trails in hot corner defense is... drumroll please... current Cardinals third baseman Troy Glaus.

Glaus has a .986 fielding percentage while Rolen's is .984. They are tied with three errors apiece. Rolen does lead major league third sackers in zone rating -- a measurement of how much ground they cover. But Glaus has not been nearly the defensive liability some expected him to be when the Rolen for Glaus trade happened over the winter.

Left back

Did you think it was about time that things start breaking in the Cardinals favor?

Wrong!

The lefty vulnerable Redbirds are in line to face seven -- count 'em, seven -- southpaws in a row as they head through Philadelphia and Pittsburgh on their way to the All-Star break.

Up first is Cole Hamels of the Phillies, who has a 9-3 record and 110 strikeouts against 33 bases on balls.

If that wasn't bad enough, the Cardinals face someone named J.A. Happ in the second game. He's making his second start of the season and third of his career, and we all know that the only thing that troubles St. Louis hitters more than a lefty is a pitcher no one has ever heard of before. This one could be a no-hitter.

In the third game of the set, Jamie Moyer goes for the Phillies. And he has always been a handful for the Cardinals hitters.

Rumor Mill: All roads lead to Colorado

If the Cardinals want Rockies closer Brian Fuentes, they're going to have to get serious in a hurry.

Word out of Tampa is that the Rays are hot on his trail to replace former Cardinals reliever Troy Percival, who injured his leg last week.

It's hard to gauge the Redbirds interest in Fuentes because they probably value him more as a left-handed specialist than a closer. Lefty bullpen help is something they desperately need but that doesn't usually fetch the return a reliable finisher would. So another team may offer more in return than the Birds are willing to give.

Ecks Blue Jays shortstop?

David Eckstein, the former Cardinals shortstop and 2006 World Series MVP, may soon be house hunting once again.

Half a season removed from leaving St. Louis for Toronto via free agency, the Blue Jays have placed a "for rent" sign on Eckstein's back.

He's lost playing time to a trio of Toronto middle infielders after missing time due to injuries. Baltimore is said to be a suitor as the Orioles struggle to find a replacement for Miguel Tejada after trading him to the Astros over the winter.