Dodgers get tough draw in interleague play

The Dodgers are getting a raw deal in interleague play. They are playing the Angels (six games), Yankees, Red Sox and Tigers while the surprisingly strong Padres drew the Mariners (six games), Orioles, Blue Jays and Rays. … Just wondering — was Dayan Viciedo’s promotion the first step toward a Paul Konerko trade for the White Sox? Konerko, who entered the weekend third in the AL in home runs (17) and fifth in RBIs (48) could have significant value if he keeps hitting. Four AL teams — two in the East (Yankees and Rays) and two in the West (Rangers and Angels) could use him in their first base-DH mix. … Daniel Bard’s continued development is making it more and more likely the Red Sox will shop Jonathan Papelbon after the season. … Look out for CC Sabathia. His victory over Roy Halladay on Tuesday reminded us that we have arrived at his time of the year. The Yankees’ ace has gone 29-6 from mid-June until the end of the season the last two seasons. … After Indians fans booed Stephen Strasburg for fussing over the Progressive Field pitcher’s mound, the Mets’ Jon Niese had trouble with it. As the New York Post’s Kevin Kernan commented, “Bad team … bad mound.” … Is anyone more hot/cold than the Angels’ Joe Saunders? He comes into a Sunday start at Wrigley Field with a 1.97 ERA in 53 career victories and a 9.41 ERA in 29 career losses. … Do the Rockies need a first baseman? Todd Helton, earning $17.75 million, has two homers and 12 RBIs in 205 at-bats. His batting average has dropped every month, and he’s hitting .158 with men in scoring position. … With Ken Griffey Jr. retired, Jason Kendall takes over the lead for most games without a World Series appearance. Griffey had 2,671; the Royals’ Kendall entered the weekend at 2,031. … The Rangers won’t be in a hurry to get Rich Harden off the DL. He’s leading the AL in walks (43 in 65 innings) and is second in homers allowed (14). That’s part of the reason they’re exploring a deal for Roy Oswalt or another available starter, a tricky proposition given the bankruptcy challenge to their sale from Tom Hicks to Chuck Greenberg. … The first songs on the Padres’ PA system after the last out of Monday’s earthquake game at Petco Park were Carole King’s “I Feel the Earth Move,” and Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.” … Young players can’t help but offer extra energy. David Price’s start in Atlanta prompted his family to organize a group of more than 250 to make the four-hour drive from their hometown in Tennessee to see him beat the Braves. All were wearing Price T-shirts. … PETA is urging Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria to drop his plan to have two large salt-water aquariums built into the home plate backstop of their new stadium, saying the fish won’t be able to handle the stress of loud crowds and bright lights.