In the National League, that is. The Cubs have acquired Steve Trachsel from the Baltimore Orioles for 3B Scott Moore and reliever Rocky Cherry. Trachsel's 4.48 ERA is just a touch above the AL average of 4.43, but how he has managed to remain that close to the mean is a mystery to anyone below Operating Thetan VIII. Trax has allowed 220 walks plus hits in 140.2 innings while striking out just 45 batters. His 45-to-69 strikeout-to-walk rate is one of the worst I have ever seen for someone still collecting a Major League paycheck.