Chicago Cubs: Starlin Castro on the Trading Block?

The Chicago Cubs are a long way from being a championship contender, but one position they appear to be set at is shortstop. Starlin Castro looks like a surefire star that the team could build around. But in the interest of building for the future, the Cubs’ front office might actually consider putting the 22-year-old on the block this summer.

Castro carries a career .306 batting average, but as Buster Olney points out, he is still incredibly raw at the plate. One-quarter of the way through the 2012 season, Castro is hitting .316, but has a .326 on-base percentage and just four walks. Yes, Castro could turn into a perennial All-Star, but his approach at the plate could end up turning him into a fringe starter if he doesn’t develop.

Those raw skills that make him intriguing to the Cubs could also make him a very attractive trade piece. Theoretically, the Chicago could net at least two high-level prospects in return for him, not only for his ability and youth, but also because he plays a premium position up the middle of the diamond.

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Tony Gwynn Joins Bid To Buy San Diego Padres

Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn has joined movie producer Thomas Tull’s attempt to buy the San Diego Padres. Gwynn claimed on Monday that he is not yet sure what his role will be other than offering advice to Tull and his fellow investors, but he has decided to back that particular group’s bid to buy the team.

Gwynn reportedly met with Tull in San Diego last week and has spoken to him several times since. Tull is the chairman and CEO of Legendary Entertainment and is one at at least five people interested in buying the Padres from current owner John Moores.

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Chinese TV Expects Euro 2012 To Turn Continent To Ashes

Anyone who has visited Europe knows it’s a beautiful place. And if you haven’t? Well, then you better get there quick because the Chinese are about it to burn it to the ground.

Don’t believe me? Check out this Chinese television advertisement for its upcoming coverage of Euro2012.

Maybe they’re pissed about defaulted loans. All I know is, I’m glad America has xenophobes like Eric Cartman to make sure we’re wise to Chinese plots of world domination.

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Stephen Strasburg Leaves Game With Arm Soreness

Stephen Strasburg had an eventful Sunday. He went two-for-two at the plate with his first career home run, while also pitching five innings, allowing just four hits, three runs (one earned) and striking out eight. He improved his record to 4-1 and lowered his ERA to 2.21 with a 9-3 win over the Baltimore Orioles. The big news, however, was how the 23-year-old exited the game.

After the fifth inning Strasburg reported tightness in the biceps of his throwing arm, and manager Davey Johnson immediately shut his prized right-hander down.

While all parties involved have sworn that there is no reason to panic, any time Strasburg has arm trouble there is reason to be worried.

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Los Angeles Lakers Hit 41 of 42 Free Throws, Beat Thunder 99-96

The Los Angeles Lakers crawled themselves back into their series with the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 99-96 home win on Friday night. The victory in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals put the series at 2-1 with the Thunder still holding the advantage.

But the big story Friday came at the free throw line, where the Lakers hit an astonishing 41 of 42 shots from the charity stripe. In fact, both teams were outstanding from the line, as Oklahoma City hit 26 of 28 free throws as well.

But Los Angeles was simply incredible from the line and it got them the win.

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