Since the Phillies are currently romping the hapless Pirates behind another good performance from J. A. Happ and Josh Beckett’s bid for 100 wins is going swimmingly (he’s 1-hitting the Royals), I’m listening to the Cubs-Cardinals game. I’ve been rewarded for going outside my comfort zone by hearing the call of Carlos Zambrano’s home run. And as I’m writing this, the dreamy Albert Pujols has made 6 unassisted outs through 6 innings. Here are some other facts that will make you a better person.

• With the addition of Jayson Werth to the N.L. All-Star lineup, the Phillies will be sending 5 players to the Midsummer Classic. Looks like A.L. and Tampa Bay manager, Joe Madden, has made an addition of his own by replacing the unable-to-attend Dustin Pedroia with A.L. home run leader, Carlos Pena. This move means that the entire Tampa Bay starting infield will be on the American League roster, impressive when you consider they lost stud 2nd baseman, Awinori Iwamura, early in the season to injury.
• Jimmy Rollins walked 16 times in his first 69 games this season. In the first 11 games of July, he’s walked 10 times and is hitting .380 this month.
• J.A. Happ has given up 4 hits and 1 run through 7 today against the Pirates. His K-BB ratio has improved to 2-1 and his ERA has lowered to 2.90. On his way to his 6th win (against no losses) and 4th-consecutive outing logging at least7 innings, Happ may be a candidate for N.L. Rookie of the Year according to Johnny Goodtimes.
• ESPN Insider is reporting that the Brewers may have thrown their hats in the Roy Halladay ring. If true and the interest is serious, this could be a problem for the Phils. The Brewers showed last year they’re willing to mortgage the house (if even for half a season) to get a top-notch pitcher (C. C. Sabathia); I’m not sure the Phillies have ever made a mid-season move that big.