I just spoke with Brewers' GM Doug Melvin, who said ESPN reports that a Ray-Durham-To-The-Brewers trade is in place are premature.  Melvin said Durham will be in a Giants uniform this afternoon for the series' finale here in San Francisco.  He did not deny that trade talks are ongoing, but chuckled when told that ESPN has reported that the deal is done.  For reasons that are still unclear, it sounds like the trade will be announced after today's game.  The switch-hitting Durham is playing well this season, carrying a healthy OBP (.385) and batting average (.293).  The 36-year-old will be a big boost to the Brewers' bench and will give Ned Yost a high quality button to push.  Colleague Tom Haudricourt of JSOnline is reporting that two lower-tier prospects, LHP Steve Hammond and OF Darren Ford, are the likely package headed to the Giants when the deal is finalized.  This sounds like an excellent deal for Milwaukee.  I would be shocked if Durham actually plays in the game for SF today. 

  I have to say that this is by far the most fun I've had working Major League Baseball games in my career.  While I have always enjoyed calling big league games for the Brewers and Twins, I have never been around a team that is even close to as good as this one.  Last season was the first time I'd ever worked for a team that finished over .500 and there was plenty of fun to be had, but when the team faded down the stretch and helplessly watched the Cubs snatch a division title right from under their noses, it was as frustrating for us in the booth as it was for the players on the field and the fans in the stands.  2008 feels much different, however.  The team is both more talented and more experienced than it was last year.  The only catch is that the Cubs are also better, and if the Cards can stay where they are long enough to get arms like Wainwright and Carpenter back, the Brewers may need to get into the mid-90's in wins to make the post-season.  I think they can accomplish that.  We'll all have an even better feel for their prospects when the trade deadline passes and we see what other presents Melvin has placed under the Brewers' tree.

  Manny Parra, who is from nearby Sacramento, will try to pitch the Brewers to a sweep today.  Milwaukee has caught the flu-ridden Giants at a very good time, although electric right-hander Tim Lincecum has recovered from his illness which caused him to miss the All-Star game in time to take the ball today.  No matter the outcome of today's game here at AT&T Park, I can't wait to call the four-game series pending in St. Louis.  The Brewers will get starts from both CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets against the Cardinals, and it appears that Jeff Suppan will be healthy enough to be activated for his scheduled start on Tuesday.  It is going to be an exciting week for sure.