I’m still sorting out the vacation induced cobwebs, so I probably won’t be full speed until tomorrow morning. I’m still baffled by the Dimitri Young-at-$5 million-a-year signing (The Post). Sure, he is hitting this year, but it is downright naive to think he can continue at this pace over the life of his contract. I want to know how spending $5 million annually on a fat DH playing in the NL fits in with The Plan? It isn’t obvious to me right now. I also wonder if Ronnie Belliard is kicking himself for signing a contract extension that was so low. Fire Bowden!

In current news, it is deadline day and there is no indication that the Nats will make any trades according to The Post. Jon Rauch is the most likely to go elsewhere, but don’t be surprised if it doesn’t happen (The Wash. Times).

Have you wondered what life in the Gulf Coast League is like? The answer is in today’s Wash. Times.

Shawn Hill pitched for the P-Nats (nationals.com) last night. Manny Acta was there and liked what he saw — 3 H 0 R 0 BB 1 K. If his arm isn’t hurting this morning, it’ll be a victory.

I kept up with the Nats through The Times this weekend, but didn’t watch them. The next time I am down the Shore, they’ll play Philly for three games, so I can follow them in The Inky.