Kudos to the Cubs.

Rich Harden comes with a big risk - like Kerry Wood and Mark Prior, he's on the DL a heck of a lot more often than he's off the DL - but he's pitching like an ace this year.

Why not give up a handful of guys - none who are considered top-of-the-line prospects - to reel the A's ace from Oakland.

My guess is the Phils couldn't offer a similar package because most of their better prospects are at the lower levels of the minor leagues. The Cubs package, while not overwhelming, was chock full of major league-ready players.

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(read the following sentence with your own Jerry Seinfeld voice):

What's the deal with the Phillies offense?

Last night was the sixth time they've been shut out this year in 91 games. They were only shut out three times in 162 games last season.

They were also nearly shut out two games ago, before Jayson Werth's two-run home run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.

The Phils are second in the National League in runs. But they're maddeningly inconsistent.

So what's the problem? Great question.

Too many guys prone to double plays (read: not enough speed at bottom of order) or striking out.

But this isn't anything new, regardless of a change in personnel.

Perhaps the Phils are primed to bust out and end this offensive drought. But the way things are going, I'm not sure I'd bet on it.