Around the Horn - 8/4

The Boston Red Sox have temporarily made up for the loss of Jason Varitek with Javy Lopez. The much rumored deal took place today as the Baltimore Orioles sent Lopez to the Red Sox for a player to be named later (if he can clear waivers it's most likely going to be Adam Stern). While Lopez's bat is better than Varitek's, his defense ability does not compare. The Orioles quickly inked Chris Widger, who had been released by the White Sox, to replace Lopez.

Chase Utley extended his hitting streak to 35 games last night with a 3-6 effort against the Cardinals. Fred Clarke, Ty Cobb, and Luis Castillo are the only other major leaguers to hit in 35 straight games.

Greg Maddux made his Los Angeles Dodger debut last night and it was a memorable one. It could have been even more memorable if not for a rain delay. Maddux had thrown 6 innings of no-hit ball, but rain stopped played for 46 minutes and ended Maddux's night. Reliever Joe Beimel gave up a single to the first man he faced, Scott Hatteberg, to end the team no-hit bid.

Roger Clemens turns 44 today - wonder if he'll get yet another hummer as a gift.