Canadian-born lefty Jeff Francis can get the Colorado Rockies started on a long-awaited win streak tonight, when the team hosts the Chicago Cubs to open a three-game weekend series at Coors Field.

The Giants drew a sellout crowd Thursday, but not because of a bobblehead giveaway.

The baseball hot stove is cookin'. Two big-name pitchers - Cliff Lee and Dan Haren - have already switched allegiances, and Scott Podsednik , Jhonny Peralta and Alberto Callaspo have changed zip codes, as well.

Cubs manager Lou Piniella will not return to the Cubs next season. AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar There are many who are happy to say goodbye and good riddance to retiring Chicago Cubs Manager Lou Piniella, as was evident last week after Lou's announcement that he was retiring at the end of the season.

Chicago Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee has rejected a trade to the Los Angeles Angels, saying he prefers to finish the season with his team.

Derrek Lee invoked his no-trade rights to make sure he could continue losing with the Cubs instead of trying to win with a good team.

Two members of the Phillies organization laughed when told of the latest rumor sweeping through cyberspace yesterday - that lefthander J.A. Happ was involved in talks for Cubs lefthander Ted Lilly.

He is expected to be activated in time for the weekend series against the Rockies.

Trade deadline dash: If I were Jim Hendry... ...I would be on the phone with Detroit so fast it would make their heads spin.

It's certainly too soon to know how much hitting coach Jeff Bagwell can help improve the Houston Astros offense.

Chicago Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee has told the organization he prefers to remain a Cub rather than accept a trade, general manager Jim Hendry told ESPNChicago.com on Wednesday.

Be prepared to get jealous. Married men will weep, while the adventurous spirits will be inspired.

Ryan Theriot figures to be playing this weekend at Coors Field when the Rockies face the Chicago Cubs.

David J. Phillip AP Brett Myers tossed his first complete game of the season, holding the Cubs to one run on four hits and striking out 12 batters to improve to 8-6. Box score Fresh off Tuesday night's 6-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs, Lance Berkman described teammate Brett Myers as a throwback hurler, one unconcerned with pitch counts and always ...

Ryan Theriot in his home run trot. Astros 3B Chris Johnson can't believe what he's seeing.

GMs, chasing that blockbuster deal, are asking more than ever... Price gouging Teams on the bubble don't know whether to buy or sell.

Speculation is the name of the game in fantasy baseball. Think about it: Success in this game is, in essence, predicting what might happen in a particular circumstance, be it a singular at-bat or inning, a game, a week, a month or a season's time.

Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano apologized for his dugout tirade last month.

Ted Lilly pitches to a 3.88 ERA in 17 starts for the Cubs, but has a disappointing 3-8 record.

Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Silva wasn't happy after losing two straight games. He never lost confidence that he could turn things around.