I am getting some database errors on the news aggregator part of the site. I'll see what I can do to fix the problems.

UPDATE (11:20pm CT): The problem has been fixed thanks to some excellent service from my web host, OpenSourceHost.com. As about as fast as I could let them know of the problem, they replied back that the problem had been fixed.

A few days ago, I wrote, "If Jim Hendry has shown anything as a general manager, it is that he will not overpay for you unless you are a middle reliever or your name is Jose Macias." I should not have limited myself to middle relievers. Today, the Cubs signed closer Ryan Dempster to a 3-year extension that will pay him $15.5 million, reports the AP.

Dempster has a 3.13 ERA in 92 innings this year, including 6 starts. As a reliever, he has a 1.85 ERA in 58.1 innings. For his career, Dempster has a 4.83 ERA, mostly as a starter.