Greetings from the heartland, where, amongst other things, I will be gathering with a cluster of humans tonight to watch the locals--meaning Pale Hose and Cubbies--go at it.

If you saw any of Saturday's match-up between the teams, well, you can guess how intense the game and rivalry can be. In that game the Cubs, down 5-1 in the fourth, whacked four homers, including two by Jim Edmonds in the innings to pound out four runs, send Jose Contreras packing, and build enough of a lead to win the game.

In deeper leagues Edmonds is likely long gone, but in mixed formats, he could be sitting out there in the reserves, his two dingers merely a signal of "what if?" And, well, save those deeper leagues, where every at-bat means so much, Edmonds should still be avoided despite the little surge in pop. His overall totals of .236-5-23 with a couple of steals suggest his numbers will hurt more than help. His .305 OBP and .688 OPS probably confirm the suggestion.

Since it has been fun, in I guess an ironic way, to follow players like Edmonds--players who have started the season somewhere, and then were dropped and picked back up somewhere else--I cannot go on without noting the Yankees signed miscreant Sidney Ponson the other day.

Ponson, loaded with baggage, was released outright by the Rangers despite a 4-1, 3.88 mark. Now, you have to think that a team as pitching desperate as Texas has been over the years would not release an ostensibly successful arm unless management felt they had no other choice.

And, noting the Yankees are really hurting for pitchers, somehow their seven game winning streak took a hit right around the time Ponson was picked up. The Yanks might be willing to indulge just about any personality to win, but somehow Ponson is just scary, in fantasy, or on the field, and I have to think his time with the Bombers will be minimal. Especially when you look at the 1.56 WHIP the pitcher has to go with those basically strong stats. Just stay away, unless you are desperate.

Another player who has had his share of personality issues, Washington's Elijah Dukes, is a guy who has also had a ton of talent and expectations associated with the adjustment problems. Dukes is also playing regularly, and starting to get the hang with stats at .260-2-14. Both homers have come for Dukes in June, and one the past week during which the outfielder also hit to the tune of .462. Keep an eye on him as the talented player, who does not turn 24 for another week, may finally be settling in. When--and if--he does, he will be a force.

Several solid prospects were advanced over the past week, with the most notable being San Diego's Chase Headley, a 24-year old third sacker. Headley has zipped through the Padres system, jumping a level a year, posting .300-38-185 totals over 311 games. This year Headley moved to AAAPortland, hitting .305-13-40 before being summoned to the Show. He can indeed hit, but might run into issues when Kevin Kouzmanoff returns from the DL, but, if the rookie continues with an active stick (.292-2-2 over 14 games) the Pads will need to find space for him. Since Headley has played in the OF already, that is a likely path.

Seattle adavanced top backstop prospect Jeff Clement, 24, who has a path very much like that of Headley. Clement also shot through the minor, advancing a level a year (.276-32-142 over 237 games, assembling .337-14-43 totals at AAA Tacoma over 47 2008 games. Clement's beginnings (.169-1-4) totals are not quite as auspicious as Headley's, but as Seattle struggles to redefine itself, Clement will likely stick and be a part of the new equation. If either of these players is available in your keeper leagues, you need to jump on them.

The Bucs brought back speedster Nyjer Morgan, a 27-year old speedster who has tantalized fantasy owners with 190 swipes over a seven year minor league career. Nyjer is pretty much a typical leadoff hitting outfield type, with some pretty good on-base totals (.358) over his career, but, even on a Pirates team struggling for an identity, he likely no more than a fourth outfielder. However, in a deep league where you need swipes, grab him, and even with part time play, he could help you in a mixed format.

With Shaun Marcum down suffering arm damage, Toronto recalled starter Brandon League. League is another example of just how tough it is to make it at the big league level no matter how good one's minor league stats. At 25 he has bounced up and down in the Jays chain, with some good success (eg, 7-2, 3.15 at A Dunedin at the age of 20) but his major league totals of 3-3, 4.44 over 72 games indicate his best chance is in middle relief, not starting (think RA Dickey). Even in a deep league, let him go.

Finishing up with a couple of pitchers, Colrado's Jorge de la Rosa does pitch at Coors, but apparently that does not carry the stigma it used to. But, de la Rosa had a hot time last week, whiffing 18 over two starts and 11 innings. Even in a deep league, de la Rosa's numbers and situation likely scared most owners off, but, the guy has struck out 44 over 38.2 inningsand allowed 16 walks to 38 hits. He is certainly worth tracking and riding the streak, if this is indeed a streak. On the other hand, his 2-3, 6.52 totals might suggest his 15 minutes of big league fame are over, but, well, you just never know.

Then Florida's Ricky Nolasco also put together a great week, striking out 12 Rays over 8.2 innings, then holding Oakland to three runs over seven innings, and turning in three consecutive quality starts. Nolasco's overall totals of 7-4, 4.31 mean he might be available in a shallow league, and that is a good enough run of pitching to risk a gamble. Chances are Nolasco is long gone in NL only formats.