Apparently Adam Dunn cleared waivers.

The Reds traded Dunn to the Arizona Diamonbacks today for minor league right-hand pitcher Dallas Buck and two players to be named later. Based entirely on the fact that “Dallas Buck” sounds like an apt description for Dunn, I’m liking this deal so far.

You might wonder how, without their OPS machine, the Reds are going to score any runs at all, and you’d have a valid point (and an opinion that many others are likely to share). However, Dunn’s offensive production has failed to translate into wins thus far in his career; maybe taking it away will put the pressure on the rest of the team to step it up. Plus, Dunn will get a chance to play on a non-sucking team for a change.

It *is* weird, though, to have the final piece of the Kearns, Griffey, and Dunn outfield dismantled.

Some of these references seems a little dated, but I think the idea of swapping fan bases with the Marlins is awesome.

Boxscore

Whoever had chosen the number 3 has won the “How many games before Chris Carpenter’s injured again sweepstakes.” Congratulations.

The Cubs pretty much ended the Cardinals season on ESPN for all the world not watching the Olympics to see. Chicago won the 3-game series and dropped St. Louis to a distant 3rd place. Yes, the Cardinals, who have defied the odds all season, are now 7 games back. They’re now closer to fourth place than first, and I’m afraid that they’re magical run is nearly done.

Not even the amazing Felipe Lopez can save them now.

Chicago was pretty much awesome. Sure they got blown out in the second game of the series, but that happens. The Cubs, as difficult as it is to believe, are a very good team managed by a crazy, but very good manager.

You know, the Reds had the opportunity to get Lou Piniella. I believe they stayed pat with Jerry Narron instead. Good call, Castellini.

Boxscore

Okay, the title for this wrap isn’t exactly shocking, but it’s getting to the point that it’s difficult to describe how utterly dreadful the Reds are. Case in point: even reporters for the Reds are comparing the team disfavorably to the Pirates. That’s gotta hurt.

Of course, all sensible people know that the Reds are doomed, regardless of what moves are made until Dusty Baker is fired. But apparently all sensible people stopped paying serious attention to the Reds weeks ago and are now watching the Olympics in high definition.

As for the game, Aaron Harang returned too early and it showed. He gave up 8 runs in 4 innings to Houston, despite the Astros being without slugger Carlos Lee, who’s out for the rest of the year with a broken finger. “Magic Man” Gary Majewski also made an appearance and allowed 5 runs (4 earned) in 1/3 of an inning.

Beyond that, there was nothing of note. Same old, same old for a crappy team. The Astros swept the Reds and now likely have delusions of .500 dancing in their little heads, much like the Reds did at the All Star break.