I usually try to blog on Tuesday evening. Well, it's that time again. Man, how time flies in 110 degrees.

I'm watching the Diamondbacks take batting practice at Chase Field. The roof is closed and it's so far ahead of game time that the air conditioning isn't on full blast yet. Toasty.

I just don't get how the schedule makers can send an American League club to the National League for 9 straight games. There's something very wrong with that. Big Papi and Travis Hafner are among guys that don't play defense. Both will get 9 at-bats in a week and a two days. When those two guys call it a career, I don't think we'll ever again see players that don't play defense.

What to make of Alexi Ogando? To begin, he's a two pitch pitcher. The league and hitters are catching up with him. Secondly, he has thrown more innings than he's used to. I wouldn't doubt that he pitches every sixth day in August and September. Like so many clubs, the Rangers need at least one more arm. Ricky Romero is on fire.

Fausto Carmona might be the answer for a club needing a starter. Fix him and you have a great arm. Just return a promising bat like Chris Davis in return.

I've been asked this over and over here at the park. No, I am not in favor of what Jim Riggleman did. But then again, I'm not walking in his shoes. My bosses talk to me. His didn't. I won't judge him. I feel badly for him because he's a good guy. I feel just as badly for good guy John McLaren who got left in the dust in the entire "dust up."

Maybe Mat Latos is turning his season around. He's got a good arm and good stuff and he plays in a great park for pitchers. There is a rumor out there that has the Indians talking to San Diego about Ryan Ludwick.

If Seattle's shopping Eric Bedard I think it's a mistake. They have a shot to win the West. They're doing it so far with pitching. Bedard has been a big part of the success. I wouldn't mess with success.

Does it make sense for the Reds to trade free agent to be Ramon Hernandez? They have two very solid catchers in Hernandez and Ryan Hanigan with Devin Mesoraco on deck. Makes sense to talk with Boston and San Francisco just to name two. I'd throw Kansas City in the mix as well.

Jesus Montero is struggling at AAA Trenton/Wilkes-Barre. I'm struggling without him in the big leagues. What gives?

Wily Mo Pena is much faster than people want to be believe. He runs very well for a man the size of a mountain. I'm glad he's getting another chance to hit big league pitching.

The Dodgers situation is a mess. It's such a shame that storied franchises like the Dodgers and the Mets have these horrible financial situations when they play in markets that should be cash cows.

I hear no rumblings of the Diamondbacks bringing either Goldschmidt or Cowgill to the big league club. If they are in the immediate plans, no one is talking.

Melky Cabrera and Jeff Francoeur are both on one year contracts. They're having good years. But Wil Myers, Lorenzo Cain and others are just around the corner, a heart beat away from a promotion. It'll be interesting to see what the Royals do with their two veteran outfielders the second half. Keep you eye on that.

Philly, San Francisco and Atlanta all have great starting pitching, right? Bullpens aren't too shabby either when you think of it.
Which of the three has the best starting staff? Some club you like better?

I don't really know what to make of Mat Gamel. Haven't we talked about Gamel, Matt LaPorta, and Nolan Reimold since Nixon was President? I'm just askin.

I look at the Orioles and I see a collection of good arms, sound bats and some youth with mixed with vets like Luke Scott and Vlady mixed in. Then I look at the results and I don't know how much better they can get in the AL East.

My prospect feature this week is about the Red's Devin Mesoraco. It should be posted tomorrow or Thursday. Please come on over to RotoWire.com and give it a read. It would be appreciated. As always, your comments and questions are welcome.

Follow me on twitter @BerniePleskoff.