The most blunt response to the St. Louis Cardinals acquiring former Cub Mark DeRosa came from current Cubs shortstop Ryan Theriot.

"It (stinks)," Theriot said Sunday.

The Cleveland Indians traded DeRosa to the Cubs' National League Central rivals Saturday night for reliever Chris Perez and a player to be named.

"I didn't think we were going to get him anyway," Theriot said. "He's going to the Cardinals. What do you want me to say? It's good? I'm glad? I'm happy for him? He's going a division contender. Yeah, I'm excited about that. No.

"I know what type of player he is and what he brings to a ballclub. Obviously, I don't want to see him in our division, much less a team like the Cardinals. He'll help them. He'll help them tremendously."

Cubs insiders said they initially inquired about DeRosa in early May, when third baseman Aramis Ramirez went down with a dislocated left shoulder. At that time, the Indians were not ready to unload DeRosa.

Baseball people say the Indians last week began letting teams know DeRosa was on the market. The Cubs, however, did not seem willing to give up the major-league ready reliever Cleveland wanted, in addition to prospects.

The Cubs traded the popular DeRosa to the Indians on New Year's Eve for three minor-league pitchers, who have good numbers so far.

DeRosa and the Cardinals will be at Wrigley Field on July 10. When the Indians visited Wrigley Field earlier this month, DeRosa was cheered loudly in appreciation of his two years with the Cubs.

"Hopefully, we'll get Mark out enough times when we face him and win enough games against St. Louis," said pitcher Ted Lilly. "Hopefully, they'll come in second place in the division. That's the idea.

"I think once the game starts and we get going, there's going to be a lot of cheers when Mark strikes out with men on second and third with the game on the line."

No charge: Third baseman Ryan Freel said he was expecting to get drilled leading off the seventh inning after teammate Carlos Zambrano hit the Sox' DeWayne Wise in the sixth. John Danks did indeed hit Freel, who said he had no intention of charging the mound.

"I believe in peace," Freel said. "I knew it was coming, 100 percent."

Injury updates: The Cubs may put infielder Aaron Miles (elbow) on the disabled list today, when they open a series in Pittsburgh. It's possible they'll recall Bobby Scales from Class AAA Iowa.

Third baseman Aramis Ramirez took light batting practice after lingering soreness in his shoulder following Saturday's full session. Ramirez isn't sure when he'll start his minor-league rehab.