Read more NL Central stories on Newserhttp://www.newser.com/taggrid/5868/nl-central.htmlhttp://img1-cdn.newser.com/images/newser-black250x40.gifhttp://www.newser.com/2012 - Newseren-usNewser Feed GeneratorSat, 26 May 2012 06:52:30 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/7516/cubs-battle-back-to-top-of-nl-central.htmlKatherine Thompson<img src='http://img1-cdn.newser.com/getimage.aspx?mediaid=27188&width=45&height=45&crop=Y&updateddate=20110401032117' border='0' />The Cubs edged a half game ahead of Milwaukee in the heated National League Central race last night, shelling the Astros' Woody Williams (8-15) for six runs on four longballs to Houston's two. Chicago's defense stepped it up as well, pulling in key double plays to help Steve Trachsel lock...Chicago Cubs' Aramis Ramirez (16) hits a three-run home run as Houston Astros catcher Eric Munson waits for the pitch during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)http://www.newser.com/story/7516/cubs-battle-back-to-top-of-nl-central.htmlFri, 14 Sep 2007 04:40:47 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/7250/cubs-drop-out-of-first-place.htmlJesse Andrews<img src='http://img2-cdn.newser.com/getimage.aspx?mediaid=25829&width=45&height=45&crop=Y&updateddate=20110401032246' border='0' />Freddy Sanchez' second-inning bases-loaded triple yesterday propelled a Pirates victory over the Cubs, 10-5. The loss allowed Milwaukee to take sole possession of first place in a congested, bumbling National League Central that Chicago had led since August 17. Call-up outfielder Nyjer Morgan continued to impress with three RBIs and...Chicago Cubs' Mark DeRosa, bottom, Felix Pie, top right, Aramis Ramirez, center, and Henry Blanco sit in the dugout as their team bats against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the ninth inning of the baseball game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007. The Cubs fell out of first place in the NL Central, losing 10-5 to the Pirates. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)http://www.newser.com/story/7250/cubs-drop-out-of-first-place.htmlMon, 10 Sep 2007 03:43:37 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/6531/astros-dump-manager-garner-gm-purpura.htmlJoseph Fasano<img src='http://img2-cdn.newser.com/getimage.aspx?mediaid=22587&width=45&height=45&crop=Y&updateddate=20110401032730' border='0' />The Astros released manager Phil Garner and general manager Tim Purpura yesterday, temporarily replacing them with bench coach Cecil Cooper and the president of operations Tal Smith. The Astros, who have sunk to 58-73 under Garner and Purpura, are tied with Pittsburgh for last place in the National League Central,...Houston Astros manager Phil Garner watches during a a 5-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates in baseball action at Pittsburgh, in this April 26, 2007 file photo. Manager Phil Garner and general manager Tim Purpura were fired Monday Aug. 27, 2007 by the Houston Astros, less than two years after leading the team to its first World Series appearance. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)http://www.newser.com/story/6531/astros-dump-manager-garner-gm-purpura.htmlTue, 28 Aug 2007 05:13:28 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/4471/brewers-place-sheets-on-dl.htmlJoseph Fasano<img src='http://img2-cdn.newser.com/getimage.aspx?mediaid=12855&width=45&height=45&crop=Y&updateddate=20110401033958' border='0' />The Milwaukee Brewers have placed right-handed ace Ben Sheets on the disabled list for at least 4 weeks, citing a torn tendon in his throwing hand. The Brewers, currently battling Chicago for first place in the NL Central, will sit their All-Star for two weeks before sketching a rehab schedule....With his finger wrapped, Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Ben Sheets answers reporters' questions before a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Monday, July 16, 2007, in Milwaukee. Earlier in the day, the Brewers placed Sheets on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained finger on his pitching hand.(AP Photo/Morry Gash)http://www.newser.com/story/4471/brewers-place-sheets-on-dl.htmlWed, 18 Jul 2007 07:16:59 CDT