(Courtesy of The Sports Xchange) Michael Barrett is closing in on having enough plate appearances to qualify for the batting title race.

Barrett, who is hitting .329, joins Minnesota's Joe Mauer in the American League in bidding to become the first catcher to win a batting title since 1942.

"It can be done, but I'm staying focused on the right things right now, which are getting these young pitchers comfortable and ready," Barrett said. "I know that's hard to believe, but I realize this organization is desperate for change and desperate for the future to be here now.

"Winning the batting title wouldn't be as sweet at getting these guys where they need to be and helping the team."

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NOTES

 --RHP Wade Miller, who threw 73 pitches on Saturday in a rehab appearance for Class A Peoria, will be moved up to Triple-A Iowa on Friday. He hopes to get in close to 90 pitches. Miller had shoulder surgery last September.

--LHP Rich Hill said that attacking hitters rather than trying to be too fine is the difference in his turnaround. Hill, a minor league phenom who struggled on the major league level, has two consecutive wins and struck out nine batters in Sunday's seven-inning performance against Pittsburgh.

--2B Ronny Cedeno, who is learning a new position after being moved from shortstop, is not letting the change affect his hitting. Cedeno, who had been struggling at the plate, broke out with an 11-game homestand in which he went .429 with two homers and six RBIs.

--RHP Ryan Dempster, who had some problems with wildness and blown saves in May and June, has converted nine consecutive save opportunities since July 5.

--OF Matt Murton, who has had his ups and downs at the plate in his first full year of major league play, hit more than .400 in a recently completed 11-game homestand and is flirting with .300 for the season. But the Cubs will have to decide if they can afford to stick with a corner outfielder who has just six homers and 39 RBIs in 95 games.

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