WEEKLINGS
Quote of the week: White Sox reliever Scott Linebrink, on his 8.87 earned run average since the All-Star break: "When I'm doing my job, I help anchor that bullpen. When I'm not doing my job, I'm an anchor around their necks."
Refusenik of the week: There has been some speculation in Milwaukee that second baseman Ricky Weeks could be moved to the outfield. Apparently it was under consideration until Weeks made it clear that he wanted no part of it. "I would never go out there," he said. "I've talked to [general manager] Doug Melvin about it and it's been squashed."
State of the week: The Dodgers' bullpen had nine blown saves behind starter Randy Wolf, the most of any pitcher in the majors. Phillies lefthander Cole Hamels was next (seven) followed by Gavin Floyd of the White Sox, Roy Oswalt of the Astros and Braden Looper of the Brewers (six).
Plain talk of the week: Jeff Suppan is 7-12 with a 5.30 earned run average for the Brewers. Observed manager Ken Macha: "I think there will probably be some guys going home not feeling good about their years. He's one of them."
Hey, don't sugarcoat it.
- Paul Hagen
