Here's what you need to know while you stand outside around a smoker (meat, or cigarette):
*The Declaration of Independence wasn't actually signed on July 4th. (Note: Don't tell people this.)
*George Springer and Collin McHugh made a Baseball America mid-season All-Star team.
*Jon Heyman: "There's no absolute certainty" the Astros will sign Brady Aiken.
*Bo Porter hit Jason Castro 2nd to try to get him going.
*Carlos Corporan rented a bigger house than he needed because he promised Kike Hernandez - who is Corporan's daughter's godfather - he would save him some room when he got called up.
*While this trade deadline will be less active, bullpen pieces could be moved.
*Gregorio Petit, Max Stassi, and Nick Tropeano are your OKC reps for the PCL All-Star Team
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
