I understand that with rainouts comes a big shuffle of the schedule. Teams have to make due with games postponed early in the season being rescheduled in grueling times in July, which can take a lot out of your team. That said, why didn't the Astros and the Cubs lobby to have Friday's game (ppd: rain) rescheduled today, instead of July 30th?

There are a few things to consider for both teams: the Astros would rather skip the struggling Paulino and start Mike Hampton on Tuesday, giving Paulino a little breather before he jumps back into the rotation. The Cubs can now jump to Lilly (they're short staffed as well with Big Z making rehab starts), which I also understand. The Cubs play in St. Louis Tuesday, but the Cards are struggling. The Astros play at home against the Brew Crew tomorrow, which should but the club has some injuries to deal with of late (though they are playing tremendously). But I don't think this outweighs the positives of trying to play the game today.

The July 30th makeup game was added as the last game of a three game stretch at Wrigley. The trade deadline looms, and if the July 30th date hadn't been added, both teams would have an off day. Houston travels to St. Louis the next day, while the Cubs will taken on a Dodgers team with Manny back in the lineup. Do you really want to forfeit that extra day of rest you would have received had you played today? It's July, and off-days do not come often. C'mon Cecil. C'mon Lou. We should be playing ball today. It's in your best interest and that of the team's.

 Oh, and today's weather in Chicago? Hovering in the 60's. Mostly sunny. Point made.