By Shannon Drayer

First, a heads up. Tomorrow I will be hosting a live chat during the game starting at 11:15. The link should be up on this page later tonight.

(Editor's note: We are unable to host a live chat today due to complications with the chat program.)

It feels like we have been here for a week already. Four game series, long ballgames. Thank goodness we like spending time here despite the heat which is considerable. Eric Wedge had the pen ready a little earlier than he usually would last night because of the heat. I would suspect he may need to do that tonight as well unless Kevin Millwood really economizes early with the pitches.

The team did take a full batting practice (sometimes they don't when the heat is extreme) and it was good to see Franklin Gutierrez take his first bp since suffering the concussion. That is the good news. The bad news is Guti is still experiencing headaches so he is not yet ready to be sent out on a rehab assignment. Franklin did say that he is feeling better every day but the headaches have to go away before he can take the next step.

Mike Carp is close to returning according to Eric Wedge. Carp had the day off yesterday and should be back in the lineup tonight for the Rainiers. Also with the Rainiers now is Stephen Pryor who Wedge said will stay there now for the time being.

Not quite with the Rainiers is Steve Delabar who was optioned out yesterday and then recalled today after Charlie Furbush was placed on the 15 day DL with a strained triceps. Delabar was scheduled to fly out this morning but received word to stay put after Furbush came out of the game last night. Charlie went through his normal throwing routine earlier this afternoon and checked out okay until he started throwing from the mound. He felt the twinge once again and was shut down. He will be sent back to Seattle for further evaluation.

As for Delabar he took the moves in stride. Yesterday was his birthday and his family had traveled to Kansas City to see him. He was able to spend the day with them but was disappointed that several of his friends from home who were teachers had planned to travel to Tampa for the series. Well all's well that ends well for Delabar. Let's hope the same for Fubush.

Finally, Eric Wedge insists that John Jaso will catch tomorrow regardless of who is pitching. The Royals have changed their starter once again. Instead of righty Luke Hochaver who was orginally scheduled to take the hill, lefty Will Smith has been called up from Omaha to make the start.