Heilman, Harden could be claimed

Cubs relief pitcher Aaron Heilman seemed surprised Thursday when reporters told him it's possible he has been claimed on waivers by another club.

A report on foxsports.com said Heilman and starting pitcher Rich Harden have been claimed, most likely by National League clubs.

The Cubs did not wish to comment on the report. If the report is accurate, the Cubs have until Monday to either allow the pitchers to be claimed by the other teams, work out trades or pull the pitchers off waivers and keep them the rest of the year.

Heilman is eligible for salary arbitration this coming off-season while Harden becomes a free agent.

"It's news to me; I don't know," said Heilman, for whom the Cubs traded last off-season. "I guess we wait and see what happens. Definitely a little bit, it would surprise me."

Harden is 8-7 with a 3.99 ERA, and he could help a contender, such as the Dodgers, Giants or Rockies. If the Cubs don't trade him, they could get draft picks as compensation if he leaves as a free agent in the off-season.

It's Hill again: Even though the Cubs played a day game after a night game, manager Lou Piniella started backup catcher Koyie Hill for a second straight game over Geovany Soto.

"Hill's been doing a nice job," Piniella said. "So we've got him back in the lineup."

Soto is batting .218 with 9 homers one year after winning Rookie of the Year honors. Staying in good physical shape has been an issue for Soto in the past, and Piniella was asked if he'd like to see Soto on a good training regimen this winter.

"I'd like to see him finish strong, first, this year," Piniella said. "That's the most important thing. Over the winter, I'm sure that our strength coach will have a nice program for him and a few of the other players."

No gain: The Cubs fell to 63-62 with their 5-4 loss to the Nationals. They remained 9 games behind the Cardinals and all but out of the playoff picture.

"Look, let's just win some baseball games," Lou Piniella said. "Forget the Cardinals and every other team. Just win some baseball games."

Curious play: Milton Bradley popped out to the catcher trying to bunt in the first inning after Ryan Theriot was hit by a pitch leading off. Lou Piniella gave a terse assessment.

"Bunting on his own," Piniella said.