MLB Stuff

New Blog

2007-05-23T21:47:00.000-07:00

Year of the Monkey, a Los Angeles Angels blog.

May 5th 2007

2007-05-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

American League

White Sox (12-14) vs. Angels (17-13) 3:55
Season Series: 3-1 LAA
J. Garland (CHW)- 0-2, 3.93 ERA
J. Lackey (LAA)- 4-2, 2.19 ERA
White Sox have a 5 game losing streak
Angels have a 1 game winning streak
Mariners (13-11) vs. Yankees (12-15) 3:55
Season Series: 1-0 SEA
J. Weaver (SEA)- 0-4, 18.26 ERA
C. Wang (NYY)- 0-2, 5.84 ERA
Mariners have a 2 game winning streak
Yankees have a 1 game losing streak
Indians (17-9) vs. Orioles (13-16) 7:05
Season Series: 2-2 Tie
J. Sowers (CLE)- 0-1, 4.40 ERA
E. Bedard (BAL)- 1-3, 4.50 ERA
Indians have a 1 game losing streak
Orioles have a 1 game winning streak
Red Sox (19-9) vs. Twins (15-14) 7:10
Season Series: 1-0 BOS
J. Tavarez (BOS)- 1-2, 7.58 ERA
J. Santana (MIN)- 3-2, 3.60 ERA
Red Sox have a 3 game winning streak
Twins have a 3 game losing streak
Tigers (17-11) vs. Royals (10-20) 7:10
Season Series: 5-2 DET
M. Maroth (DET)- 2-0, 4.82 ERA
O. Perez (KC)- 2-3, 6.91 ERA
Tigers have a 5 game winning streak
Royals have a 1 game losing streak
Athletics (14-14) vs. D-Rays (13-16) 7:10
Season Series: 2-2 Tie
D. Haren (OAK)- 3-2, 1.60 ERA, 24 K, 9 BB, 30 H
C. Fossum (TB)- 2-2, 8.58 ERA, 16 K, 6 BB, 38 H
Athletics have a 1 game winning streak
D-Rays have a 1 game losing streak
Blue Jays (13-16) vs. Rangers (11-18) 8:05
Season Series: 3-2 TEX
R. Halladay (TOR)- 4-0, 2.28 ERA
V. Padilla (TEX)- 0-4, 5.66 ERA
Blue Jays have a 4 game losing streak
Rangers have a 1 game winning streak

National League

Nationals (9-20) vs. Cubs (13-14) 1:05
Season Series: 1-0 CHC
J. Patterson (WSH)- 1-4, 6.44 ERA
R. Hill (CHC)- 3-1, 1.77 ERA
Nationals have a 3 game losing streak
Cubs have a 3 game winning streak
Astros (12-16) vs. Cardinals (11-16) 1:10
Season Series: 3-1 STL
B. Moehler (HOU)- 0-1, 3.12 ERA
K. Wells (STL)- 1-5, 5.65 ERA
Astros have a 1 game losing streak
Cardinals have a 1 game winning streak
Phillies (13-16) vs. Giants (15-13) 3:55
Season Series: 1-1 Tie
J. Lieber (PHI)- 1-0, 2.57 ERA
N. Lowry (SF)- 3-2, 3.69 ERA
Phillies have a 1 game losing streak
Giants have a 1 game winning streak
Padres (15-14) vs. Marlins (14-14) 7:05
Season Series: 1-0 FLA
D. Wells (SD)- 1-1, 6.23 ERA
S. Mitre (FLA)- 0-2, 3.97 ERA
Padres have a 1 game losing streak
Marlins have a 1 game winning streak
Dodgers (17-12) vs. Braves (18-10) 7:05
Season Series: 1-0 ATL
D. Lowe (LAD)- 2-3, 4.62 ERA
T. Hudson (ATL)- 3-0, 1.40 ERA
Dodgers have a 1 game losing streak
Braves have a 2 game winning streak
Pirates (13-15) vs. Brewers (19-10) 7:05
Season Series: 3-1 MIL
Z. Duke (PIT)- 1-2, 6.06 ERA
J. Suppan (MIL)- 4-2, 2.55 ERA
Pirates have a 1 game losing streak
Brewers have a 1 game winning streak
Rockies (12-17) vs. Reds (13-16) 7:10
Season Series: 1-0 COL
A. Cook (COL)- 0-1, 3.83 ERA
A. Harang (CIN)- 4-0, 4.23 ERA
Rockies have a 1 game winning streak
Reds have a 3 game losing streak
Mets (18-10) vs. D-Backs (16-15) 9:40
Season Series: 2-0 NYM
A. Sele (NYM)- 1-0, 5.11 ERA
B. Webb (ARI)- 2-1, 3.21 ERA
Mets have a 3 game winning streak
D-Backs have a 4 game losing streak

All Times Eastern

May 4th 2007

2007-05-03T19:26:00.000-07:00

News--
-Gordon to go on DL, Myers is new Phillies closer (Link to full article)
-Pavano expected to need surgery (Link)
-Giants' prospect Lincecum to make debut on Sunday (Link)

American League

Indians (17-8) vs. Orioles (12-16) 7:05
Season Series: 2-1 CLE
P. Byrd (CLE)- 2-1, 3.50, 10 K, 3 BB, 23 H
E. Bedard (BAL)- 3-2, 6.09 ERA, 42 K, 13 BB, 39 H
Indians have a 4 game winning streak
Orioles have a 4 game losing streak
Mariners (12-11) vs. Yankees (12-14) 7:05
Season Series: 0-0 Tie
C. Baek (SEA)- 0-0, 4.22 ERA, 7 K, 4 BB, 12 H
K. Igawa (NYY)- 2-1, 6.08 ERA, 19 K, 13 BB, 26 H
Mariners have a 1 game winning streak
Yankees have a 3 game winning streak
Athletics (13-14) vs. D-Rays (13-15) 7:10
Season Series: 2-1 TB
D. Haren (OAK)- 3-2, 1.60 ERA, 24 K, 9 BB, 30 H
C. Fossum (TB)- 2-2, 8.58 ERA, 16 K, 6 BB, 38 H
Athletics have a 1 game losing streak
D-Rays have a 2 game winning streak
Blue Jays (13-15) vs. Rangers (10-18) 8:05
Season Series: 2-2 Tie
T. Ohka (TOR)- 2-2, 5.02 ERA, 12 K, 11 BB, 29 H
B. McCarthy (TEX)- 1-4, 9.90 ERA, 12 K, 10 BB, 32 H
Blue Jays have a 3 game losing streak
Rangers have a 5 game losing streak
Red Sox (18-9) vs. Twins (15-13) 8:10
Season Series: 0-0 Tie
T. Wakefield (BOS)- 2-3, 2.59 ERA, 19 K, 15 BB, 25 H
C. Silva (MIN)- 2-1, 3.10 ERA, 19 K, 7 BB, 37 H
Red Sox have a 2 game winning streak
Twins have a 2 game losing streak
Tigers (16-11) vs. Royals (10-19) 8:10
Season Series: 4-2 DET
J. Verlander (DET)- 1-1, 2.79 ERA, 21 K, 14 BB, 22 H
B. Bannister (KC)- 0-1, 4.91 ERA, 5 K, 4 BB, 9 H
Tigers have a 4 game winning streak
Royals have a 2 game winning streak
White Sox (12-13) vs. Angels (16-13) 10:05
Season Series: 2-1 LAA
J. Contreras (CHW)- 2-2, 5.68 ERA, 11 K, 13 BB, 24 H
K. Escobar (LAA)- 2-1, 3.28, 18 K, 9 BB, 20 H
White Sox have a 4 game losing streak
Angels have a 2 game losing streak

National League

Nationals (9-19) vs. Cubs (12-14) 2:20
Season Series: 0-0 Tie
J. Bergmann (WSH)- 0-2, 2.79 ERA, 26 K, 16 BB, 16 H
C. Zambrano (CHC)- 2-2, 5.77, 25 K, 19 BB, 37 H
Nationals have a 2 game losing streak
Cubs have a 2 game winning streak
Padres (15-13) vs. Marlins (13-14) 7:05
Season Series: 0-0 Tie
G. Maddux (SD)- 2-2, 3.86 ERA, 17 K, 4 BB, 29 H
D. Willis (FLA)- 5-1, 5.35, 31 K, 10 BB, 49 H
Padres have a 2 game winning streak
Marlins have a 1 game losing streak
Rockies (11-17) vs. Reds (13-15) 7:10
Season Series: 0-0 Tie
J. Hirsh (COL)- 2-2, 3.41 ERA, 25 K, 11 BB, 27 H
M. Belisle (CIN)- 3-1, 3.45, 22 K, 5 BB, 28 H
Rockies have a 1 game losing streak
Reds have a 2 game losing streak
Dodgers (17-11) vs. Braves (17-10) 7:35
Season Series: 0-0 Tie
B. Tomko (LAD)- 0-2, 3.75 ERA, 19 K, 11 BB, 26 H
J. Smoltz (ATL)- 3-1, 3.96, 30 K, 13 BB, 43 H
Dodgers have a 2 game winning streak
Braves have a 1 game winning streak
Pirates (13-14) vs. Brewers (18-10) 8:05
Season Series: 2-1 MIL
P. Maholm (PIT)- 1-3, 5.28 ERA, 14 K, 8 BB, 33 H
C. Vargas (MIL)- 2-0, 3.68, 29 K, 8 BB, 25 H
Pirates have 1 a game winning streak
Brewers have 1 a game losing streak
Astros (12-15) vs. Cardinals (10-16) 8:10
Season Series: 2-1 STL
C. Sampson (HOU)- 3-1, 3.55 ERA, 19 K, 6 BB, 294 H
A. Wainwright (STL)- 1-2, 6.14, 21 K, 16 BB, 39 H
Astros have a 2 game winning streak
Cardinals have 5 a game losing streak
Mets (17-10) vs. D-Backs (16-14) 9:40
Season Series: 1-0 NYM
J. Maine (NYM)- 4-0, 1.35 ERA, 30 K, 17 BB, 18 H
R. Johnson (ARI)- 0-1, 6.55, 12 K, 5 BB, 13 H
Mets have a 2 game winning streak
D-Backs have 3 a game losing streak
Phillies (13-15) vs. Giants (14-13) 10:15
Season Series: 1-0 PHI
J. Moyer (PHI)- 3-1, 2.65 ERA, 24 K, 13 BB, 26 H
M. Morris (SF)- 3-1, 3.34, 14 K, 15 BB, 36 H
Phillies have a 1 game winning streak
Giants have a 1 game losing streak

All Times Eastern

May 3rd 2007

2007-05-02T20:11:00.000-07:00

Now text only, but with more information available. Graphics may come back soon, if I can find a way to make them easier to get set up for the day.

News--
-Langerhans traded again, this time to Washington (Link to full article)
-MLB denies Indians' protest (Link)
-Clemens to make decision by the end of May (Link)
-Giants will keep Lincecum in AAA, for now (Link)

American League

Angels (16-12) vs. Royals (9-19) 2:10
Season Series: 2-1 LAA
J. Weaver career vs. KC: 2-0, 13.2 IP, 0.66 ERA, 9 K, 13 BB+H (2 starts)
G. Meche career vs. LAA: 5-2, 87.0 IP, 5.38 ERA, 61 K, 124 BB+H (15 starts)
Angels have a 1 game losing streak
Royals have a 1 game winning streak
Mariners (12-10) vs. Red Sox (17-9) 7:05
Season Series: 1-1 Tie
H. Ramirez vs. BOS: Has never faced BOS
D. Matsuzaka vs. SEA: 0-1, 7.0 IP, 3.86 ERA, 4 K, 9 BB+H (1 start)
Mariners have a 3 game winning streak
Red Sox have a 1 game winning streak
Blue Jays (13-14) vs. Indians (16-8) 7:05
Season Series: 2-0 CLE
D. McGowan career vs. CLE: 0-1, 5.0 IP, 7.20 ERA, 6 K, 9 BB+H (1 start)
C. Lee career vs. TOR: 0-2, 13.1 IP, 5.40 ERA, 14 K, 21 BB+H (15 starts)
Blue Jays have a 2 game losing streak
Indians have a 3 game winning streak
Twins (15-12) vs. D-Rays (12-15) 7:10
Season Series: 3-3 Tie
R. Ortiz career vs. TB: 6-1, 59.2 IP, 3.77 ERA, 48 K, 71 BB+H (10 starts)
J. Shields career vs. MIN: 0-1, 4.1 IP, 10.38 ERA, 1 K, 10 BB+H (1 start)
Twins have a 1 game losing streak
D-Rays have a 1 game winning streak
Yankees (10-14) vs. Rangers (10-16) Double-Header starting at 3:35
Season Series: 1-0 NYY
M. Mussina career vs. TEX: 15-12, 223.1 IP, 3.83 ERA, 190 K, 253 BB+H (33 starts)
M. Wood career vs. NYY: 0-1, 12.2 IP, 5.68 ERA, 1 K, 17 BB+H (5 games [1 start])
A. Pettitte career vs. TEX: 8-7, 108.0 IP, 5.75 ERA, 74 K, 175 BB+H (17 starts)
R. Tejeda career vs. NYY: 0-1, 3.0 IP, 18.00 ERA, 3 K, 8 BB+H (1 start)
Yankees have a 1 game winning streak
Rangers have a 3 game losing streak

National League

Reds (13-14) vs. Astros (11-15) 8:05
Season Series: 3-1 HOU
E. Milton career vs. HOU: 3-1, 46.1 IP, 3.50 ERA, 30 K, 52 BB+H (8 starts)
W. Rodriguez career vs. CIN: 2-1, 12.1 IP, 8.03 ERA, 11 K, 26 BB+H (3 starts)
Reds have a 1 game losing streak
Astros have a 1 game winning streak
Pirates (12-14) vs. Brewers (18-9) 8:05
Season Series: 2-0 MIL
T. Gorzelanny career vs. MIL: 0-0, 7.2 IP, 1.17 ERA, 6 K, 7 BB+H (1 start)
D. Bush career vs. PIT: 0-2, 13.0 IP, 6.23 ERA, 8 K, 14 BB+H (2 starts)
Pirates have a 2 game losing streak
Brewers have a 4 game winning streak
Mets (16-10) vs. D-Backs (16-13) 9:40
Season Series: 0-0 Tie
T. Glavine career vs. ARI: 10-3, 99.0 IP, 2.27 ERA, 60 K, 104 BB+H (14 starts)
M. Owings career vs. NYM: Has never faced NYM
Mets have a 1 game winning streak
D-Backs have a 2 game losing streak
Phillies (12-15) vs. Giants (14-12) 10:15
Season Series: 0-0 Tie
A. Eaton career vs. SF: 2-5, 80.2 IP, 4.57 ERA, 62 K, 106 BB+H (13 starts)
M. Cain career vs. PHI: 0-1, 10.0 IP, 6.30 ERA, 9 K, 17 BB+H (2 starts)
Phillies have a 1 game losing streak
Giants have a 1 game winning streak

All Times Eastern

May 2nd 2007

2007-05-02T07:44:00.000-07:00

May 1st 2007 Stuff

2007-05-01T07:39:00.000-07:00

Text only again today. Everything should return to normal tomorrow, including the return of players of the day.

News--
-Sheets to start tonight despite injury (Link to full article)

AL

Baltimore vs. Detroit 7:05
Oakland vs. Boston 7:05
Toronto vs. Cleveland 7:05
Minnesota vs. Tampa Bay 7:10
N.Y. Yankees vs. Texas 8:05
L.A. Angels vs. Kansas City 8:10
Chi. White Sox vs. Seattle 10:05

NL

Chi. Cubs vs. Pittsburgh 7:05
Florida vs. N.Y. Mets 7:10
Philadelphia vs. Atlanta 7:35
St. Louis vs. Milwaukee 8:05
Cincinatti vs. Houston 8:05
Washington vs. San Diego 10:05
Arizona vs. L.A. Dodgers 10:10
Colorado vs. San Francisco 10:15

April 30th 2007 Stuff (only text today)

2007-04-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

News--
-Tulowitzki turns unassisted triple play (Link to full article)
-Angels win despite a case of bad umpires (Link)

AL

Baltimore vs. Detroit 7:05
Texas vs. Toronto 7:05
L.A. Angels vs. Kansas City 8:10

NL

Chi. Cubs vs. Pittsburgh 7:05
Philadelphia vs. Atlanta 7:05
St. Louis vs. Milwaukee 7:05
Florida vs. N.Y. Mets 7:05
Washington vs. San Diego 10:05
Arizona vs. L.A. Dodgers 10:05
Colorado vs. San Francisco 10:15

April 29th 2007 Stuff

2007-04-29T07:35:00.000-07:00

News--
-More trouble for Yanks' rotation: Karstens breaks leg (Link to full article)
-Thome on DL, won't be rushed (Link)
-Howry suffers minor back injury moving a barbeque grill (Link)

Matchup with most letters--
W. Obermueller (FLA) vs. J. Moyer (PHI)

Should be a high scoring game--
B. McCarthy (TEX) vs. T. Ohka (TOR)
B. Bannister (KC) vs. C. Baek (SEA)

Abbreviated Players of the Day 4/28/07

2007-04-29T07:16:00.000-07:00

Best Batter: Josh Willingam, FLA- 3-for-4, 2 RBI, 3 Runs, 1 HR, 1 2B
Best Pitcher: Kei Igawa, NYY- 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 4 BB, 6 K

Worst Batter: Alex Rodriguez, NYY- 0-for-4, 2 K, 8 Left on Base, Error
Worst Pitcher: Casey Fossum, TB- 5.0 IP, 9 ER, 9 H, 3 BB, 2 HR, Hit Batter

Notable Performance: Brandon Duckworth, P, KC- Got his first career save last night, in his 106th game (7th season). He pitched the last 3.0 innings of an 8-3 game to get the save. In his Yahoo Sports picture, he is still wearing an Astros cap, even though he hasnt played there since 2005.

April 28th 2007 Stuff

2007-04-28T07:45:00.000-07:00

News--
-Tests show Sheets' injury not serious (Link)
-Reds trade injured Denorfia to A's (Link)

Matchup with most letters--
C. Zambrano (CHC) vs. A. Wainwright (STL)

Should be a high scoring game--
D. Willis (FLA) vs. A. Eaton (PHI)

Players of the Day 4/27/07

2007-04-28T07:08:00.000-07:00

Major League Baseball

Best Batter: Mike Jacobs, FLA- 4-for-4, 1 RBI, 2 Runs, 1 HR, 2 2B
Best Pitcher: James Shields, TB- 8.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 9 K

Worst Batter: Bobby Abreu, NYY- 0-for-5, 2 K, 7 Left on Base, Grounded Into Double Play
Worst Pitcher: Trevor Hoffman, SD- 0.2 IP, 4 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, Blown Save

Minor League Baseball

AAA

Best Batter: Val Pascucci, 1B/OF, Albuquerque Isotopes (FLA)- 2-for-5, 4 RBI, 2 Runs, 2 HR
Best Pitcher: John Van Benschoten, P, Indianapolis Indians (PIT)- 7.1 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 7 K

AA

Best Batter: Brandon Jones, OF, Mississippi Braves (ATL)- 2-for-5, 4 RBI, 2 Runs, 2 HR
Best Pitcher: Kazuhito Tadano, SP, Midland Rockhounds (OAK)- 6.1 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 7 K

NPB Japanese Baseball

No Games 4/27

April 26th 2007 Stuff

2007-04-25T22:06:00.000-07:00

News--
-Will Prior ever pitch for Cubs again? (Link to full article)
-Sheets might miss next start (Link)

Matchup with most letters--
N. Robertson (DET) vs. J. Contreras (CHW)

Should be a high scoring game--
W. Rodriguez (HOU) vs. T. Armas (PIT)

Players of the Day 4/25/07

2007-04-25T21:00:00.000-07:00

Major League Baseball

Best Batter: Derek Lee, CHC- 4-for-5, 2 RBI, 2 Runs, 1 HR, 2 2B
Best Pitcher: Jake Peavy, SD- 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 3 BB, 16 K

Worst Batter: Brad Wilkerson, TEX- 0-for-5, 4 K, 3 Left on Base
Worst Pitcher: John Patterson, WSH- 5.1 IP, 6 ER, 8 H, 3 BB, 1 HR

Minor League Baseball

AAA

Best Batter: Luis Montanez, LF, Norfolk Tides (BAL)- 3-for-4, 3 RBI, 1 Run, 1 HR, 1 2B
Best Pitcher: Felix Diaz, SP, Columbus Clippers (WSH)- 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 7 K

AA

Best Batter: Jason Perry, RF, Midland Rockhounds (OAK)- 2-for-4, 4 RBI, 2 Runs, 2 HR
Best Pitcher: Luis Munoz, SP, Altoona Curve (PIT)- 8.2 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 7 K

Notable Performance: Justin Berg, SP, Tennessee Smokies (CHC)- 1.0 IP, 10 Runs (6 Earned), 6 H, 4 BB

NPB Japanese Baseball

Best Batter: Kosuke Fukudome, OF, Chunichi Dragons- 3-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 Runs, 2 HR
Best Pitcher: Yasutomo Kubo, SP, Chiba Lotte Marines- 8.0 IP, 1 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 7 K

How Do the Teams '07 Starts Compare?

2007-04-25T10:11:00.001-07:00

How do the major league teams '07 beginnings compare to their past beginnings? Let's find out:

Arizona D-Backs: '07- 10-11 (21 games); 10-11 21 game start last year, finished 76-86; have started .500+ in their first 21 games 5 times in their 10 years of existence.

Atlanta Braves: '07- 13-7 (20 games); Best 20-game start since 2000 when they started 14-6 (finished 95-67, lost in NLDS); in 1999 they started 13-7 and finished 103-59, losing in the World Series; in '98 they started 13-7 and finished 106-56, losing in the NLCS.

Baltimore Orioles: '07- 11-9 (20 games); Started 11-9 last year, finished 72-90; started 13-7 in 2005, finished 74-88; Have had at least 10 wins over the first 20 games every year since 2003 (8-12 start in '02)

Boston Red Sox: '07- 12-7 (19 games); Started 12-7 last year, finished 86-76; Started 13-6 in '05, finished 98-64 and won the World Series; Started 13-6 in '03 and finished 95-67, losing in the ALCS; Have won at least 10 of first 19 games every year since 1997- they started 4-15 in '96.

Chicago Cubs: '07- 7-13 (20 games); Worst 20 game start since 2000, when they started 7-13 and finished 65-97; Last time they won less than 7 in their first 20 games: '97, when they started 3-17 (They lost their first 14 games; finished 68-94).

Chicago White Sox: '07- 11-8 (19 games); Worst start since 2004, when they started 11-8 (finished 83-79); Have won at least 10 of first 19 games every year since 2002 (in 2001 they started 7-12; finished 83-79); Started 13-6 last year, finished 90-72; Started 15-4 in '05 and finished 99-63 (won the World Series).

Cincinnati Reds: '07- 10-10 (20 games); Have won at least 10 of first 20 games every year since 2004 (6-14 start in '03); Started 10-10 in '05 and finished 73-89; Started 10-10 in 1995 and finished 85-59, losing in the NLCS in the strike shortened season.

Cleveland Indians: '07- 10-7 (17 games); Started 10-7 last year, finished 78-84; Last time they won more than 10 in their first 17 games: 2002, when they started 11-6 (finished 74-88); Started 11-6 in '01 and finished 91-71.

Colorado Rockies: '07- 8-13 (21 games); Worst 21 game start since 2005, when they started 6-15 (finished 67-95); Started 11-10 last year, finished 76-86.

Detroit Tigers: '07- 11-9 (20 games); Since 2004, they have won at least 10 and less than or equal to 12 every year- in '03 they started 2-18 (finished 43-119; they were 3-25 at one point).

Florida Marlins: '07- 9-11 (20 games); Best 20 game start: 1996, 2003: 13-7 (finished 80-82 in '96; 91-71 in '03); Worst 20 game start: 1995: 5-15 (finished 67-76 in strike-shortened season).

Houston Astros: '07- 9-10 (19 games); Only their 4th sub-.500 19 game start in 16 years (finished 72-90, 84-78, and 89-73 the other 3 times)

Kansas City Royals: '07- 6-14 (20 games); Best start since 2004, when they start 7-13 (finished 58-104); They have won at least 10 of first 20 games only once in the past 18 years (including this year); Started 5-15 last year (62-100 finish) and '05 (56-106 finish).

Los Angeles Angels: '07- 10-10 (20 games); Worst 20 game start since 2003, when they started 9-11 (finished 77-85); First time since 2000 that they have started 10-10 (they finished 82-80); They also started 10-10 in 1998, and finished 85-77; Started 6-14 in '02, the year they won the World Series.

Los Angeles Dodgers: '07- 13-7 (20 games); Best 20 game start since 2005 (finished 71-91); Started 13-7 in '04 and finished 93-69; Started 13-7 in 1988, finished 94-67, and won the World Series; Last time they won more than 13 of their first 20: 1983, when they started 14-6 (finished 91-71)

Milwaukee Brewers: '07- 13-7 (20 games); Best 20 game start since 1998 (finished 74-88); First start over .500 since '98; Started 10-10 last year, finished 75-87.

Minnesota Twins: '07- 11-9 (20 games); Started 8-12 last year, finished 96-66 (lost in division series); Started 12-8 in '05, finished 83-79; The last time they started 11-9 was 1997, and they finished 68-94.

New York Mets: '07- 13-6 (19 games); Best 19 game start since 1988, when they started 13-6 (finished 100-60); Started 12-7 last year, finished 97-65 (lost in the NLCS).

New York Yankees: '07- 8-11 (19 games); Started 8-11 in 2005, and finished 95-67; Started 8-11 in '04, and finished 101-61; Have not won more than 11 of first 19 games since 2003 (started 16-3, finished 101-61); Last time they did not win at least 8 of first 19 games: 1991 (they started 7-12, finished 71-91)

Oakland Athletics: '07- 11-9 (20 games); Best 20 game start since 2003 (started 11-9, finished 96-66 losing in the ALDS); Started 11-9 in '02, and finished 103-59, losing in the ALDS; Last time they won more than 11 of first 20: 1992 (they started 13-7, and finished 96-66)

Philadelphia Phillies: '07- 8-11 (19 games); Started 8-11 last year, finished 85-77; Started 8-11 in '05, finished 88-74; Have not won more than 10 of first 19 games since 2001, when they started 13-6 (finished 86-76)

Pittsburgh Pirates: '07- 8-10 (18 games); Best 18 game start since 2004 (8-10 start, finished 72-89); Have not won more than 8 of first 18 since '03 (started 9-9, finished 75-87); Have not won more than 10 of first 18 since '02 (started 12-6, finished 72-89).

St. Louis Cardinals: '07- 8-11 (19 games); Worst 19 game start since 1997, when they started 7-12 (finished 73-89)

San Diego Padres: '07- 12-8 (20 games); Best 20 game start since 1998 (16-4 start, finished 98-64, lost in World Series); Started 8-12 last year, finished 86-76 and won the division; Started 9-11 in 2005, finished 82-80 and won the division.

San Francisco Giants: '07- 10-8 (18 games); Started 10-8 last year, finished 76-85; Have not won more than 10 of first 18 since 2003, when they started 15-3 (finished 100-61).

Seattle Mariners: '07- 6-9 (15 games); Started 6-9 last year, finished 78-84; Have not won more than 8 of first 15 since 2002 (started 12-3, finished 93-69).

Tampa Bay Devil Rays: '07- 9-11 (20 games); Best 20 game start since 2002 (started 9-11, finished 55-106); Have not won more than 10 of first 20 games since 1999 (11-9 start, finished 69-93).

Texas Rangers: '07- 8-11 (19 games); Worst 19 game start since 2003, when they started 8-11 (finished 71-91); Last time they won less than 8 of first 19: 2002, when they started 5-14 (finished 72-90)

Toronto Blue Jays: '07- 10-10 (20 games); Started 11-9 last year, finished 87-75; Last time they won more than 11 or lost more than 11 of their first 20 games: 2004, when they started 7-13 (finished 67-94); Started 10-10 in 1997, and finished 76-86.

Washington Nationals: '07- 6-14 (20 games); Worst 20 game start since 2004, as the Montreal Expos, when they started 5-15 and finished 67-96; Last time they won more than 10 of first 20 games: 2003, when they started 12-8 (finished 83-79).

April 25th 2007 Stuff

2007-04-25T08:57:00.001-07:00

News--
-Rodriguez wants to stay with Angels for career (Link to full article)
-Yankees' Rodriguez to stay in New York "no matter what" (Link)
-Rays will be without Iwamura 4-6 weeks (Link)

Matchup with most letters--
C. Schilling (BOS) vs. D. Cabrera (BAL)

Should be a high scoring game--
J. Fogg (COL) vs. M. Pelfrey (NYM)

Abbreviated Players of the Day 4/24/07

2007-04-25T08:45:00.000-07:00

Best Batter: Alex Gonzalez, CIN- 4-for-5, 5 RBI, 4 Runs, 2 HR, 1 2B
Best Pitcher: Paul Maholm, PIT- 9.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 4 K (threw 99 pitches; game time of 1:57)

Worst Batter: Curtis Granderson, DET- 1-for-6, 4 K, 5 Left on Base (Did hit a HR, though)
Worst Pitcher: Rick Vanden Hurk, FLA- 1.0 IP, 6 ER, 4 H, 4 BB, 1 Balk

Yankees in last

2007-04-24T20:04:00.000-07:00

Anti-Yankees people, enjoy this while it lasts:

Five losses in a row, 8-11 record, last place. Suggestions: save this and set it as your desktop background; print it and put it on the refrigerator; have it framed, and put it on the wall, above the TV.

April 24th 2007 Stuff

2007-04-24T08:09:00.000-07:00

News--
-Yankees' Hughes to make debut Thursday (Link to full article)
-Prior to undergo surgery; may not pitch for Cubs again this year (Link)
-Could Myers take over Phillies' closer role? (Link)
-Twins' Hunter violates little known rule (Link)
-Odds of hitting four consecutive home runs (Link)
-Brewers will not call up Capellan, are unhappy with him (Link)

Matchup with most letters--
M. Redman (ATL) vs. R. Vanden Hurk (FLA)
J. Bonderman (DET) vs. K. Escobar (LAA)

Should be a high scoring game--
M. Redman (ATL) vs. R. Vanden Hurk (FLA)

Players of the Day 4/23/07

2007-04-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

Major League Baseball

Best Batter: Alex Rodriguez, NYY- 4-for-5, 3 RBI, 4 Runs, 2 HR
Best Pitcher: John Maine, NYM- 7.2 IP, 1 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 5 K

Worst Batter: Jorge Posada, NYY- 0-for-4, 1 K, 7 Left on Base, Grounded Into Double Play
Worst Pitcher: Jered Weaver, LAA- 1.2 IP, 7 R (5 Earned), 7 H, 2 BB, 1 HR

Minor League Baseball

AAA

Best Batter: Jack Cust, OF, Portland Beavers (SD)- 3-for-4, 2 RBI, 3 Runs, 2 HR, 1 2B
Best Pitcher: Winston Abreu, RP, Columbus Clippers (WSH)- 3.0 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 0 BB, 8 K (41 pitches, 32 strikes)

Notable Performance: Tim Lincecum, SP, Fresno Grizzlies (SF)- 6.1 IP, 1 ER, 0 H, 6 BB, 4 K

AA

Best Batter: Sergio Santos, SS, New Hampshire Fisher Cats (TOR)- 3-for-4, 2 Runs, 3 RBI, 2 HR, 1 2B
Best Pitcher: David Purcey, SP, New Hampshire Fisher Cats (TOR)- 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 1 H, 0 BB, 6 K

NPB Japanese Baseball

No Games 4/23

DL Report

2007-04-23T17:27:00.000-07:00

Arizona D-Backs: The D-Backs have announced that Randy Johnson (recovery from back surgery) will return from the DL to pitch against the Padres on Tuesday. He made 3 rehab starts in the minors, striking out 14 in 18.0 innings, with an ERA of 3.00.

Baltimore Orioles: Jaret Wright (right shoulder soreness) has thrown several times over the past few days, and has reported no pain. He is hoping to return to the rotation on April 25th, the day he is eligible to come off the DL. Ramon Hernandez (strained oblique) took batting practice on the 20th, and was a possibility to return to the team over the weekend, but will instead go on a rehab assignment. Wright will be pitching to Hernandez in a class-A game tonight.

Chicago Cubs: Mark Prior will undergo surgery on Tuesday. Wade Miller (back spasms) has been placed on the DL.

Cleveland Indians: The Indians have placed 3B Andy Marte on the DL with a strained hamstring. The injury occurred running out a groundball at Tampa Bay on the 22nd. Shin-Soo Choo was recalled from AAA to fill the roster spot. Cliff Lee (strained abdominal) will likely make one more minor league start before rejoining the Cleveland rotation. He has a 3.00 ERA and 8 strikeouts in 6 minor league innings so far.

Colorado Rockies: Kazuo Matsui (back spasms) has started to throw lightly as he works to return to the team.

Florida Marlins: Jeremy Hermida (deep bone bruise, right knee) has begun to do light running and has hit off a tee. There is still no timetable for his return.

Kansas City Royals: Octavio Dotel (strained oblique) has started throwing, but is not expected to return until mid-May. For now, Joakim Soria is holding the closer role, and could possibly take over the role for good if he continues to shut down opposing hitters. Luke Hudson (inflamed biceps tendon) made his first rehab start for AA Wichita on the 20th. He allowed 3 runs (2 earned) in 3 innings, while striking out 5.

Los Angeles Angels: Chone Figgins (two broken fingers) is expected to begin a rehab assignment this week. Howie Kendrick suffered a broken finger and is likely going to be out 4-6 weeks. Kelvim Escobar (right shoulder irritation) is likely to return from the DL on Tuesday the 24th to make a start against the Tigers.

Minnesota Twins: Rondell White (calf strain) attempted to run before the game on the 21st, but experienced another setback in his rehab.

New York Yankees: Carl Pavano (right elbow strain) played catch from 60 feet a few days ago, and will do so again before the Yankees make a decision on what the next step will be. Mike Mussina (strained hamstring) threw 30 pitches off flat ground on the 21st, and could go on a rehab assignment next. Chien-Ming Wang (threw a bullpen session on the 21st and says he is ready to make the start against Tampa Bay on Tuesday the 24th. Hideki Matsui (strained hamstring) says he is 100% healthy and will rejoin the Yankees today.

Oakland Athletics: Rich Harden (shoulder strain) and Milton Bradley (strained hamstring) have been placed on the DL.

San Diego Padres: Josh Bard (strained groin) ran the bases and participated in catching drills on the 21st. He is expected to return to the team on Friday.

Seattle Mariners: Felix Hernandez (elbow strain) has been placed on the DL, and will throw Tuesday or Wednesday and then have a bullpen session later on in the week.

Texas Rangers: The Rangers have placed Eric Gagne (strained hip) on the DL. He is expected to stay on the DL the minimum amount of time, which would have him back sometime in the 2nd week of May.

Toronto Blue Jays: Troy Glaus (bone spurs in heel) is likely to return to the Jays around the end of April at the earliest.

April 23rd 2007 Stuff

2007-04-23T08:22:00.000-07:00

News--
-Gagne's injury not too serious (Link to full article)
-Pie might stay in CF for Cubs; where would Soriano play? (Link)
-Yankees worried about pitching staff (Link)

Matchup with most letters--
C. Vargas (MIL) vs. C. Zambrano (CHC)

Should be a high scoring game--
T. Ohka (TOR) vs. T. Wakefield (BOS)

Players of the Day 4/22/07

2007-04-23T07:48:00.000-07:00

Major League Baseball

Best Batter: Dan Uggla, FLA- 3-for-5, 6 RBI, 3 Runs, 2 HR
Best Pitcher: James Shields, TB- 8.0 IP, 2 ER, 2 H, 1 BB, 12 K

Notable Performance: Scott Rolen, STL- 5-for-6, 3 RBI, 3 Runs, 1 HR, 1 3B

Worst Batter: Paul Konerko, CHW- 0-for-6, 3 K, 8 Left on Base, Grounded Into Double Play
Worst Pitcher: Jerome Williams, WSH- 6.0 IP, 10 R (9 Earned), 9 H, 4 BB, 3 HR

Best Rookie: Jason Hirsh, COL- 7.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 7 K

Minor League Baseball

AAA

Best Batter: Mike Hessman, 1B, Toledo Mud Hens (DET)- 4-for-7, 2 RBI, 3 Runs, 2 HR, 1 2B
Best Pitcher: Tim Dillard, SP, Nashville Sounds (MIL)- 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 3 K

AA

Best Batter: Tim Brown, 1B, San Antonio Missions (SD)- 3-for-5, 3 Runs, 3 RBI, 2 HR
Best Pitcher: Gio Gonzalez, SP, Birmingham Barons (CHW)- 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 12 K

Notable Performance: Frisco/Corpus Christi combined SP: 8.2 IP, 20 H, 17 R (10 Earned), 4 BB

NPB Japanese Baseball

Best Batter: Alex Ramirez, OF, Yakult Swallows- 2-for-5, 4 RBI, 2 Runs, 1 HR
Best Pitcher: Hisanori Takahashi, SP, Yomiuri Giants- 8.0 IP, 1 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 6 K

April 22nd 2007 Stuff

2007-04-22T06:44:00.000-07:00

News--
-Soriano to move to LF upon return (Link to full article)
-Will A-Rod leave NY after '07? (Link)
-Howard could return today (Link)

Matchup with most letters--
J. Williams (WSH) vs. W. Obermueller (FLA)

Should be a high scoring game--
J. Williams (WSH) vs. W. Obermueller (FLA)

Players of the Day 4/21/07

2007-04-21T21:29:00.000-07:00

Major League Baseball

Best Batter: J.J. Hardy, MIL- 2-for-3, 3 RBI, 2 Runs, 2 HR
Best Pitcher: Cole Hamels, PHI- 9.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 15 K

Worst Batter: Carlos Quentin, ARI- 0-for-4, 2 K, 5 Left on Base
Worst Pitcher: J. Francis, COL- 6.0 IP, 6 ER, 13 H, 2 BB, 1 HR

Minor League Baseball

AAA

Best Batter: Sean Barker, Colorado Springs Sky Sox (COL)- 2-for-3, 3 RBI, 2 Runs, 1 HR, 1 3B
Best Pitcher: Virgil Vasquez, SP, Toledo Mudhens (DET)- 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 10 K

AA

Not Available Today

NPB Japanese Baseball

Best Batter: Kosuke Fukudome, OF, Chunichi Dragons- 5-for-6, 5 RBI, 3 Runs, 2 HR
Best Pitcher: Tom Davey, SP, Orix Buffaloes- 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 5 K

Things to watch in today's morning games

2007-04-21T08:14:00.000-07:00

CHW vs. DET
The White Sox won the 2006 season series 12-7. Five of the games were decided by one run.
The Tigers are hitting .389 with 24 RBI and 3 HR this season with the bases loaded.

ATL vs. NYM
Shawn Green's 9th inning homer in yesterday's game was the first home run allowed by the Braves bullpen in 2007. The Atlanta relievers had gone 47 innings without allowing a home run.

MIN vs. KC
The Twins won the 2006 season series 12-7.
Minnesota is 8-0 this season when they outhit their opponent.

NYY vs. BOS
The Yankees won the 2006 season series 11-8, including a 5-game series sweep in August.
The Yankees outscored the Red Sox 119-111 in '06.

STL vs. CHC
The Cardinals have allowed 10 first inning runs this season.
The Cubs won last year's season series 11-8.
Since 1903, the Cubs are 1,034-1,000 against the Cardinals (Regular Season and Playoffs)

April 21st 2007 Stuff

2007-04-21T08:04:00.000-07:00

News--
-Howard close to returning to Phillies (Link to full article)
-Marlins' Cabrera likely to return to lineup this weekend (Link)

Matchup with most letters--
J. Contreras (CHW) vs. N. Robertson (DET)

Should be a high scoring game--
P. Byrd (CLE) vs. J. Seo (TB)

Players of the Day 4/20/07

2007-04-21T07:08:00.000-07:00

Major League Baseball

Best Batter: Alex Rodriguez, NYY- 3-for-5, 4 RBI, 3 Runs, 2 HR, 1 2B
Best Pitcher: Tim Hudson, ATL- 8.0 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 3 K

Worst Batter: Dan Uggla, FLA- 0-for-6, 3 K, 6 Left on Base
Worst Pitcher: Tony Armas, PIT- 2.2 IP, 8 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, Hit Batter

Top Rookie: Travis Buck, OAK- 2-for-3, 2 Runs, 5 RBI, 1 HR, 1 2B, 3 BB

Minor League Baseball

AAA

Best Batter: Jack Cust, LF, Portland Beavers (SD)- 3-for-5, 3 RBI, 2 Runs, 2 HR
Best Pitcher: Scott Baker, SP, Rochester Red Wings (MIN)- 8.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 0 BB, 8 K

AA

Best Batter: Jacoby Ellsbury, CF, Portland Sea Dogs (BOS)- 4-for-5, 3 RBI, 2 Runs, 2 3B, 1 2B
Best Pitcher: Mike Prochaska, SP, Montgomery Biscuits (TB)- 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 2 BB, 3 K

NPB Japanese Baseball

Unavailable today

April 20th 2007 Stuff

2007-04-20T08:17:00.000-07:00

News--
-Phillies' Howard hoping to return in a few days (Link to full article)
-Owens likely Marlins new closer (Link)

Matchup with most letters--
A. Pettitte (NYY) vs. C. Schilling (BOS)

Should be a high scoring game--
J. Danks (CHW) vs. C. Durbin (DET)

Players of the Day 4/19/07

2007-04-19T21:32:00.000-07:00

Major League Baseball

Best Batter: Carlos Beltran, NYM- 4-for-6, 2 RBI, 2 Runs, 1 HR, 2 2B
Best Pitcher: Rich Hill, CHC- 8.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 7 K

Notable Performance: Jim Thome, CHW- 5 Walks

Worst Batter: Freddy Sanchez, PIT- 0-for-5, 4 K, 2 Left on Base
Worst Pitcher: Zach Duke, PIT- 4.0 IP, 7 ER, 11 H, 1 BB, 1 HR

Top Rookie: Josh Hamilton, CIN- 2-for-4, 2 Runs, 3 RBI, 1 HR, 1 2B

Minor League Baseball

AAA

Best Batter: Ryan Ludwick, OF, Memphis RedBirds (STL)- 3-for-4, 4 RBI, 2 Runs, 2 HR
Best Pitcher: Kevin Slowey, SP, Rochester Red Wings (MIN)- 5.2 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 9 K

AA

Best Batter: Val Majewski, LF, Bowie Baysox (BAL)- 2-for-4, 3 RBI, 3 Runs, 1 HR
Best Pitcher: Clay Buchholz, SP, Portland Sea Dogs (BOS)- 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 8 K

NPB Japanese Baseball

Best Batter: Kenta Kurihara, 1B, Hiroshima Toyo Carp- 2-for-3, 3 RBI, 1 Run, 1 HR, 2 BB
Best Pitcher: Seth Greisinger, SP, Yakult Swallows- 9.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 0 BB, 9 K

Photo Analysis

2007-04-19T12:19:00.000-07:00

It is often funny to see photos of the people in the crowd as plays are made. People can be seen yelling, waving their arms, etc. Here are some interesting crowd views I found:

There is a lot going on in this photo. First of all, Matt Holliday of the Rockies is trying to make a catch on a foul ball, but one fan (hidden behind Holliday in this view) disagrees with that. The ball gets knocked away, and goes as a simple foul ball. There are several other points of interest here; my favorite is the lady in the pink shirt on the right running away and covering her head. Then there is the guy in the blue shirt near the top, holding his arms up and shouting. It is a little difficult to see, but to the right of him (from our view), there is an individual ducking and covering his/her head. How much safer does that make them? There is still a large portion of their head left uncovered, and it seems a little dangerous to take a chance that the ball would not hit them there. The lady in the upper left carrying the tray of food has the worst idea: duck and close your eyes. "Ok, if I close my eyes, when the ball hits me, I won't have to watch it!".

Here is another interesting one. This is from Monday morning when Vladimir Guerrero got hit on the hand by a Josh Beckett pitch. In one angle, you can see a guy (circled in red here) jump up from his seat, throw his arms up, and shout. I'm guessing he was the only Angels fan in that section, as everyone else seemed rather uncaring about it. They all have that look like they are at an art museum, appreciating a painting. They stare for a bit, nod their head in approval, and move on. The guy just to the right of Vladdy (again, from our view) talking on his cell phone appears to be laughing, either at Vladdy's "I just got hit on the hand" dance, or at something said by whoever he is talking to.

April 19th 2007 Stuff

2007-04-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

News--
-Mariners' Hernandez leaves game with elbow discomfort (Link to full article)
-White Sox' Buerhle throws no-hitter (Link)
-Howard with possible knee injury (Link)
-Angels' Kendrick headed for DL (Link)
-Lopez signs four-year extension with Mariners (Link)
-Yankees rotation in trouble, but Hughes will not fill in (Link)

This Date in Baseball History--
-1900: The Phillies defeated the Braves 19-17 in 10 innings, the major league record for total runs on opening day. The Braves scored 9 runs in the 9th inning to send the game to extra innings.
-1938: Ernie Koy of the Dodgers and Emmett Mueller of the Phillies homered in their first major league at-bats during the first inning.
-1986: The Mariners and the A's set the major league record for total strikeouts in a nine-inning game, with 30 total strikeouts.

Matchup with most letters--
O. Hernandez (NYM) vs. R. Vanden Hurk (FLA)

Should be a high scoring game--
F. Carmona (CLE) vs. D. Rasner (NYY)

Players of the Day 4/18/07

2007-04-19T07:25:00.000-07:00

Major League Baseball

Best Batter: Jim Thome, CHW- 2-for-2, 2 RBI, 3 Runs, 2 HR
Best Pitcher: Mark Buerhle, CHW- 9.0 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 1 BB, 8 K

Worst Batter: Mike Cameron, SD- 0-for-6, 2 K, 6 Left on Base
Worst Pitcher: Jeremy Sowers, CLE- 2.2 IP, 6 ER, 9 H, 1 BB, Hit Batter

Top Rookie: Kei Igawa, NYY- 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 5 K

Minor League Baseball

AAA

Best Batter: Alvin Colina, Colorado Springs Sky Sox (COL)- 2-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 Run, 2 2B
Best Pitcher: Philip Hughes, SP, SWB Yankees (NYY)- 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 0 BB, 10 K

AA

Best Batter: Thomas Collaro, OF, Birmingham Barons (CHW)- 3-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 Run, 1 HR, 2 2B
Best Pitcher: David Purcey, SP, New Hampshire Fisher Cats (TOR)- 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 1 BB, 11 K

NPB Japanese Baseball

Best Batter: Jose Fernandez, DH, Rakuten Golden Eagles- 2-for-3, 4 RBI, 2 Run, 1 HR
Best Pitcher: Masahiro Tanaka, SP, Rakuten Golden Eagles- 9.0 IP, 2 ER, 9 H, 1 BB, 13 K

April 18th 2007 Stuff

2007-04-18T09:10:00.001-07:00

News--
-Guerrero likely out until Friday, but should be ok (Link to full article)
-Dodgers place Schmidt on DL (Link)
-Podsednik placed on DL (Link)
-Marlins interested in Brewers' Capellan, but deal unlikely (Link)

This Date in Baseball History--
-1950: The Yankees defeated the Red Sox 15-10, despite trailing 9-0 in the 6th.
-1997: Rangers' pitcher Roger Pavlik became the first AL pitcher to walk the first four batters of the game.
-2000: Adam Kennedy tied an Angels record by driving in 8 runs in a 16-10 victory over Toronto.

Matchup with most letters--
K. Millwood (TEX) vs. M. Buehrle (CHW)

Should be a high scoring game--
A. Eaton (PHI) vs. J. Bergmann (WSH)

Players of the Day 4/17/07

2007-04-18T08:27:00.000-07:00

Major League Baseball

Best Batter: Moises Alou, NYM- 2-for-3, 3 RBI, 3 Runs, 2 HR
Best Pitcher: Tom Gorzelanny, PIT- 8.1 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 2 K

Worst Batter: Terrmel Sledge, SD- 0-for-5, 2 K, 6 Left on Base
Worst Pitcher: J. Westbrook, CLE- 1.2 IP, 8 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 3 HR

Top Rookie: Daisuke Matsuzaka, BOS- 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 10 K

Minor League Baseball

AAA

Best Batter: Kendry Morales, 1B, Salt Lake Bees (LAA)- 3-for-5, 5 RBI, 2 Run, 1 HR, 1 2B
Best Pitcher: Tim Lincecum, SP, Fresno Grizzlies (SF)- 6.2 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 11 K

AA

Best Batter: Brendan Katin, OF, Huntsville Stars (MIL)- 4-for-5, 6 RBI, 1 Run, 1 HR
Best Pitcher: Luke Hochevar, SP, Wichita Wranglers (KC)- 7.2 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 0 BB, 11 K

NPB Japanese Baseball

Best Batter: Jeffrey Liefer, DH, Seibu Lions- 1-for-4, 4 RBI, 1 Run, 1 HR
Best Pitcher: Hideaki Wakui, SP, Seibu Lions- 9.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 9 K

Fenway Pizza Update

2007-04-17T17:44:00.000-07:00

Found the video:

Adblock

Flying Pizza at Fenway!

2007-04-17T09:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, a Red Sox fan in the front row near the left field line reached out to try and catch a pop up, but Garret Anderson of the Angels was also trying to catch it. As a result, both parties dropped the ball, and got soaked in beer. Seen it before, nothing special. But then, a fan a few seats away throws an entire piece of pizza at the beer-covered, foul ball dropping fan. Here are the photos:

The pizza-thrower is circled in red, winding up for the pitch, while the victim is circled in blue.

Here comes the pizza...

Strike!

Now, here is the close up view of the incident. I like the expressions of the surrounding people in the following picture.

The pizza tosser got ejected from the game, and lost a large piece of pizza. The victim got beer spilled on him, got hit by pizza, and missed the foul ball. Everybody loses, except the people watching.

April 17th 2007 Stuff

2007-04-17T08:11:00.001-07:00

News--
-Ryan needs no surgery; Johnson does; Glaus placed on DL (Link to full article)
-Soriano day-to-day with injured hamstring (Link)
-Guerrero hit by pitch, leaves game with wrist contusion (Link)
-Slice of pizza thrown at Fenway (Link)
-Rays blow 7-1 lead, lose 9-7 (Link)

This Date in Baseball History--
-1869: The first professional baseball game ever was played, as the Cincinnati Reds defeated the Cincinnati Amateurs 24-15.
-1951: Golfer Sam Snead teed off from home plate and hit the center field scoreboard at Wrigley Field before the Cubs home opener.
-1953: Yankees' Mickey Mantle hit a 565-foot home run against the Senators.

Matchup with most letters--
A. Wainwright (STL) vs. T. Gorzelanny (PIT)

Should be a high scoring game--
S. Trachsel (BAL) vs. C. Fossum (TB)

Players of the Day 4/17/07

2007-04-17T08:11:00.000-07:00

Major League Baseball

Best Batter: Ivan Rodriguez, DET- 2-for-5, 6 RBI (All with 2 out), 1 Run, 1 HR, 1 2B
Best Pitcher: Barry Zito, SF- 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 4 K

Worst Batter: Ton Graffanino, MIL- 0-for-4, 1 K, 4 Left on Base, Grounded into Double Play
Worst Pitcher: Clay Hensley, SD- 5.0 IP, 10 ER, 11 H, 3 BB, 2 HR (He did steal a base, though)

Top Rookie: No players deserving of the award

Minor League Baseball

AAA

Best Batter: Ryan Mulhern, 1B-LF, Buffalo Bisons (CKE)- 4-for-5, 6 RBI, 1 Run, 1 HR, 1 2B
Best Pitcher: Virgil Vasquez, SP, Toledo Mud Hens (DET)- 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 9 K

Notable Performance: Tim Redding, SP, Columbus Clippers (WSH)- 1.1 IP, 12 ER, 10 H, 2 BB

AA

Best Batter: Jonathan Zeringue, OF, Mobile Baybears (ARI)- 3-for-5, 6 RBI, 2 Runs, 2 HR, 1 2B
Best Pitcher: Matt Harrison, SP, Mississippi Braves (ATL)- 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 5 K

NPB Japanese Baseball

No Games 4/16

Weekly Look-alike

2007-04-16T12:29:00.000-07:00

The Best and Worst of the Week

2007-04-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

The Best

1) Ian Kinsler: He hit .476 this past week, along with 4 home runs, more than anybody else in the past 7 days. Overall in 2007 he is hitting .343 with 6 home runs.

2) Tim Hudson: 14 innings, 1 run on 9 hits this week. He has an 0.86 ERA overall this season, and has pitched at least 7 innings each time out.

3) Oakland A's: The Athletics won three games on walkoff hits over the past week, including two against the Yankees. The only game they lost against the Yankees, they lost by one run.

4) Red Sox: Boston outscored opponents 32-7 this week, and those 32 runs came in just 4 games, thanks to 3 off days (2 from rain).

The Worst

1) Derek Jeter: Jeter made 3 errors this week, which, combined with last week, gives him 6 on the season. He only made 15 all of last season.

2) Angels Offense: The Angels offense could score only 13 runs over 5 games, and that was after they could score only 3 runs in the final 2 games of last week.

3) Ryan Zimmerman: The Nats' 3rd baseman had only one hit in his 22 at-bats over the past 7 days, to go along with 4 strikeouts.

4) Manny's hair:

Players of the Day 4/15/07

2007-04-16T07:33:00.000-07:00

Major League Baseball

Best Batter: Jose Vidro, SEA- 3-for-5, 4 RBI, 3 Runs, 2 HR
Best Pitcher: Kyle Lohse, CIN- 8.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 12 K

Worst Batter: Bobby Abreu, NYY- 0-for-5, 2 K, 6 Left on Base, Grounded into Double Play
Worst Pitcher: Scott Olsen, FLA- 2.2 IP, 5 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 1 HR

Top Rookie: Kevin Cameron, RP, SD- 3.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 1 BB, 3 K

Minor League Baseball

AAA

Feature will return tommorrow

AA

Feature will return tommorrow

NPB Japanese Baseball

Best Batter: Tyrone Woods, 1B, Chunichi Dragons- 3-for-5, 6 RBI, 2 Runs, 2 HR
Best Pitcher: Hisanori Takahashi, SP, Yomiuri Giants- 9.0 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 6 K

Notable Performance: Yasuhiro Ichiba, RP, Rakuten Golden Eagles- 5.0 IP, 14 Runs (13 Earned), 18 H, 1 BB

April 15th 2007 Stuff

2007-04-15T07:37:00.000-07:00

Here are the games today, but just assume anything on the east coast to be rained out.

Players of the Day 4/14/07

2007-04-14T21:37:00.000-07:00

Major League Baseball

Best Batter: Chase Utley, PHI- 3-for-5, 2 RBI, 2 Runs, 1 HR, 2 2B
Best Pitcher: Curt Schilling, BOS- 8.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 4 K

Worst Batter: Joe Crede, CHW- 0-for-4, 2 K, 5 Left on Base
Worst Pitcher: Jason Schmidt, LAD- 2.0 IP, 6 R (5 Earned), 7 H, 2 BB, 2 HR

Top Rookie: Shawn Hill, SP, WSH- 7.0 IP, 2 ER, 8 H, 1 BB, 5 K

Minor League Baseball

AAA

Unavailable today

AA

Unavailable today

NPB Japanese Baseball

Best Batter: Yasushi Iihara, 3B/OF, Yakult Swallows- 2-for-4, 4 RBI, 1 Run, 1 HR, 1 BB
Best Pitcher: Yu Darvish, SP, Nippon Ham Fighters- 9.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 9 K

Things to watch in this afternoon's games

2007-04-14T14:49:00.000-07:00

KC vs. BAL
The Royals had 15 runners in scoring position in yesterday's game, but had only one hit and did not score in such a situation.

FLA vs. ATL
The Marlins are 11-28 in Atlanta since the start of the 2003 season, and have not won back-to-back games in Atlanta during that stretch.
Alejandro De Aza is the first Marlin to start his career with an 8-game hitting streak.
The Marlins have made only 2 errors this season, both on April 6th vs. PHI. They have a 6 game errorless streak going into today's game.
The Braves have only forced two double plays this season, the lowest total in the majors.

MIL vs. STL
The Cardinals starting pitchers have combined for a 2.86 ERA this season, 3rd lowest in the majors.
Prince Fielder has a 9-game hitting streak going, and with a hit in today's game could be the 5th Brewer in history to start the season with a double digit hitting streak.

TB vs. MIN
The Twins have averaged just 2.3 runs per game over the last 7 games. During that stretch, they are 3-4.
The Rays have homered in each of the last 10 games, tying the franchise record set in September of 2000.
Tampa Bay rookies Akinori Iwamura, Delmon Young, and Elijah Dukes combined are 32-99 (.323), with 5 HR, and 13 RBI.

NYY vs. OAK
Yankees starting pitchers went 0-2 with a 9.97 ERA over the first five games of the season. However, through the past four games, they are 2-0 with a 1.77 ERA.

COL vs. ARI
The Rockies have hit only 4 home runs all season, tied for 2nd lowest in the majors. They have hit only one homer in their last 6 games.
Colorado has an all-time 27-49 record in Arizona's Chase Field.
All of the Rockies 6 runs last night came with 2 outs. It was the 5th time this season the Rockies have scored all their runs with 2 out.
The D-Backs have not made an error in the last 40.0 innings. The team record is 87.1, accomplished back in July of 1999.
Arizona is 4-0 when leading after 7 innings this season, and 6-0 when leading after 8 innings.

SD vs. LAD
The Padres have scored 19 of their 34 runs this season after the 6th inning, including 7 runs in the 9th inning. San Diego has outscored opponents 19-0 from the 7th inning on, while being outscored 30-15 in the first 6 innings.

Aramis Ramirez Update: Ramirez missed his second straight game with wrist tendinitis today, but is expected to return in a few days.

Kelvim Escobar Update: Escobar is expected to return on April 25th, after the minimum 15 days on the DL

Things to watch in today's morning games

2007-04-14T09:42:00.000-07:00

CHW vs. CLE
The White Sox have not allowed a home run in four games.
The Indians won the 2006 season series 11-8.
Indians starters have gone at least 5.0 innings in 6 of 7 games this season.

DET vs. TOR
Ivan Rodriguez in his career against the Blue Jays: .317 AVG, 74 RBI, 69 R, 17 HR, 33 2B in 118 games (460 At-Bats).
The Tigers have made only 3 errors through 10 games this season.

CIN vs. CHC
The Reds have played 4 consecutive one-run games.
Derek Lee has a 9-game hitting streak. He has a hit in each game he has played this season.

WSH vs. NYM
Ryan Church has a 10-game hitting streak going, while Ronnie Belliard has a 9-game hitting streak. The last time the Nationals had two double-digit hitting streaks alive at the same time was in April of 2005.
The Nationals and the Mariners are the only teams yet to steal a base in 2007.
David Wright has a 22-game hitting streak, dating back to last season.
Jose Reyes is 4 RBI away from 200 in his career.

LAA vs. BOS
The 2006 season series was an even 3-3.

HOU vs. PHI
Through 10 games, the Phillies lead all teams with 62 walks.

TEX vs. SEA
Mark Teixeira is 8-for-36 this season, but does not have an extra-base hit or an RBI for the Rangers.

April 14th 2007 Stuff

2007-04-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

News--
-Sore elbow sidelines Jennings (Link to full article)
-Rafael Furcal is back from the DL (Link)
-Westbrook gets 3 year, $33 million contract (Link)
-Pavano will miss today's start with sore elbow (Link)
-Could Lidge become starter for D-Rays? (Link)

This Date in Baseball History--
-1925: The Indians defeated the Browns 21-4 to set the major league record for runs scored by one team on opening day.
-2001: By scoring in their 175th consecutive game, the Reds set the National League record for games without being shut out.

Players of the Day 4/13/07

2007-04-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

Major League Baseball

Best Batter: Carlos Lee, HOU- 3-for-5, 6 RBI, 3 Runs, 3 HR
Best Pitcher: Roy Halladay, TOR- 10.0 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 0 BB, 2 K

Worst Batter: Kelly Shoppach, CLE- 0-for-4, 3 K, 6 Left on Base
Worst Pitcher: Zach Duke, PIT- 2.0 IP, 7 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 1 HR

Top Rookie: Mike Pelfrey, SP, NYM- 5.2 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 4 BB, 3 K

Minor League Baseball

AAA

Best Batter: Dan Ortmeier, LF, Fresno Grizzlies (SF)- 3-for-5, 4 RBI, 2 Runs, 1 HR, 1 2B
Best Pitcher: Tom Shearn, SP, Louisville Bats (CIN)- 7.0 IP, 1 Run (0 Earned), 2 H, 2 BB, 4 K

AA

Best Batter: Josh Whitesell, 1B, Harrisburg Senators (WSH)- 5-for-5, 5 RBI, 3 Runs, 1 HR, 2 2B
Best Pitcher: Joshua Miller, SP, Corpus Christi Hooks (HOU)- 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 2 K

NPB Japanese Baseball

Best Batter: Tsuyoshi Nishioka, SS, Chiba Lotte Marines- 3-for-6, 3 RBI, 1 Run, 1 2B, 1 SB
Best Pitcher: En-Yu Lin, SP, Rakuten Golden Eagles- 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 4 BB, 3 K

Pirates Uniforms

2007-04-13T19:43:00.000-07:00

What's up with the Pirates' uniforms today? They look sort of like the Pirates "Turn Ahead the Clock" uniforms from 1999.

More News:
-Rafael Furcal is back from the DL (Link)
-Westbrook gets 3 year, $33 million contract (Link)

Strange names

2007-04-13T16:26:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Gobble (RP, KC)
Terrmel Sledge (LF, SD)
Colter Bean (RP, SWB Yankees [NYY])
Emiliano Fruto (P, Columbus Clippers [WSH])
Rodney Choy Foo (SS, Akron Aeros [CLE])
Ty Taubenheim (P, Syracuse Chiefs [TOR])
Harry Colliflower (Pitcher in 1899)
Zip Zabel (Real Name: George Zabel)(Pitcher from 1913-'15)
Mysterious Walker (Real Name: Frederick Walker)(Pitcher from 1910-'15)
Jorge Fabregas (Catcher from 1994-2002)
Urban Shocker (Real Name)(Pitcher from 1916-'28)
Frank Funk (Pitcher from 1960-'63)
Hansel Izquiredo (Pitcher in 2002)
Chicken Wolf (Real Name: William Van Winkle Wolf; which is worse?)(OF from 1882-'92)
Dizzy Trout (Real Name: Paul Trout)(Pitcher from 1939-'52)
Ossee Schreckengost (Catcher from 1897-1908)

April 13th 2007 Stuff

2007-04-13T08:38:00.001-07:00

News--
-Furcal likely to return to Dodgers lineup tonight (Link to full article)
-Weaver to pitch Monday for Angels (Link)
-Shoulder pain gets Prior again (Link)
-Orioles place Wright on DL, recall Burres (Link)

This Date in Baseball History--
-1954: In a 9-8 victory over the Braves, the Reds' Jim Greengrass doubles four times in his first major league game. The Braves' Hank Aaron goes 0-for-5 in his major league debut.
-1963: Pete Rose tripled off Pirates' pitcher Bob Friend for his first career hit.

Players of the Day 4/12/07

2007-04-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

Major League Baseball

Best Batter: Jimmy Rollins, PHI- 2-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 Runs, 2 HR
Best Pitcher: Jason Bergmann, WSH- 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 4 BB, 8 K

Worst Batter: Aubrey Huff, TB- 0-for-5, 3 K, 5 Left on Base
Worst Pitcher: Scot Shields, LAA- 1.0 IP, 3 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 1 HR

Top Rookie: Dustin Moseley, SP, LAA- 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 3 K

Minor League Baseball

AAA

Best Batter: Ryan Roberts, 2B, Syracuse Chiefs (TOR)- 3-for-4, 4 RBI, 2 Runs, 2 HR
Best Pitcher: Tim Lincecum, SP, Fresno Grizzlies (SF)- 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 9 K

AA

Best Batter: Joe Mather, SS, Springfield Cardinals (STL)- 2-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 Runs, 2 HR
Best Pitcher: Troy Patton, SP, Corpus Christi Hooks (HOU)- 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 3 BB, 5 K

NPB Japanese Baseball

Best Batter: Takeshi Yamasaki, DH, Rakuten Golden Eagles- 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 Runs, 1 HR
Best Pitcher: Hidetaka Kawagoe, SP, Orix Buffaloes- 9.0 IP, 0 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 5 K

April 12th 2007 Stuff

2007-04-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

News--
-Julio out as Marlins closer (Link to full article)
-Garcia ready to rejoin Phillies rotation (Link)
-Mariners' Rhodes could be out for season (Link)

This Date in Baseball History--
-1916: The Red Sox traded future Hall Of Famer Tris Speaker to the Indians for Sam Jones, Fred Thomas, and $50,000
-1980: Brewers' Cecil Cooper and Don Money each hit grand slams in the 2nd inning of an 18-1 win over the Red Sox.
-1988: Rangers' Bobby Witt tied an American League record by committing 4 balks in a 4-1 loss to the Tigers.

Players of the Day 4/11/07

2007-04-11T21:06:00.000-07:00

Major League Baseball

Best Batter: Michael Young, TEX- 2-for-4, 4 RBI, 2 Runs, 2 HR
Best Pitcher: Felix Hernandez, SEA- 9.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 2 BB, 6 K

Worst Batter: Brad Hawpe, COL- 0-for-4, 5 Left on Base
Worst Pitcher: Kyle Farnsworth, NYY- 0.1 IP, 4 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 1 Wild Pitch

Top Rookie: Ben Zobrist, SS, TB- 2-for-5, 1 RBI, 2 Runs, 1 HR

Minor League Baseball

AAA

Best Batter: Val Pascucci, 1B, Albuquerque Isotopes (FLA)- 3-for-4, 4 RBI, 4 Runs, 1 HR
Best Pitcher: Devern Hansack, SP, Pawtucket Red Sox (BOS)- 5.0 IP, 1 R (0 Earned), 2 H, 2 BB, 10 K

AA

Best Batter: Eric Crozier, 1B, Portland Seadogs (BOS)- 2-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 Runs, 1 HR, 1 2B
Best Pitcher: Chase Wright, SP, Trenton Thunder (NYY)- 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 1 BB, 10 K

NPB Japanese Baseball

Best Batter: Brian Buchanan, DH, Fukuoka Softbank Hawks- 3-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 Runs, 2 HR
Best Pitcher: Hanshin Tigers bullpen- 8.2 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, 4 BB, 13 K (Game ended in a 6-6 tie after 12)

DL Report

2007-04-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

Arizona D-Backs: Carlos Quentin (slight tear in left labrum) took batting practice Monday and Tuesday, and is expected to begin taking at-bats in extended spring training in Tuscon as early as Friday. Randy Johnson (recovery from back surgery) allowed 2 hits in 6 innings while striking out 4 in single-A Visalia on Sunday, and reported no back problems.

Cleveland Indians: Cliff Lee (strained right abdominal) allowed just one hit in 2 innings in a rehab start for single-A Kinston today.

Florida Marlins: Taylor Tankersley (shoulder tendinitis) could come off the DL on Friday.

Kansas City Royals: Octavio Dotel (strained oblique) could return from the DL on April 20th as a best-case scenario.

Los Angeles Angels: Bartolo Colon (rotator cuff tear) allowed 1 ER in 5 innings for single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Tuesday. Colon is expected to throw approximately 90 pitches from AAA Salt Lake on Sunday. Jered Weaver (forearm tendinitis) will make his 2nd start for Rancho Cucamongo tonight, and is expected to throw about 90 pitches. Chone Figgins (two broken fingers) could possibly start rehab as early as next week.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Rafael Furcal (sprained ankle) went 0-for-4 as DH for single-A Inland Empire on Tuesday. He will make an appearance again tonight, and is expected to play shortstop.

New York Yankees: Chien-Ming Wang (pulled right hamstring) is going to have to make at least 2 minor league starts before he can rejoin the major league team.

2007 Predictions

2007-04-11T08:54:00.001-07:00

A week late, sure, but with Ronnie Belliard hitting .391 right now, I don't think the first week gave away too much.

AL MVP: Grady Sizemore
He had a great year last year, hitting .290 with 22 homers, stealing 22 bases, and scoring 134 runs. He is only 24 though, and has potential to have a ridiculous 2007 season. He will get some good pitches with Travis Hafner and possibly Victor Martinez (depending on his leg injury) hitting close behind him, and besides that, no team would want to put him on base with the speed he has.
Other possibilities- Travis Hafner, Alex Rodriguez

AL Cy Young: Johan Santana
But that is always assumed, so anyways:
Other possibilities- Roy Halladay, Daisuke Matsuzaka

AL Rookie of the Year: Daisuke Matsuzaka
Even though he isn't really a rookie, he is considered one in the major leagues, so he can win the award. If he can pitch nearly as well as he did in Japan, there really should not be any competition. He is said to have at least half a dozen pitches (which may or may not include a gyroball), and supposedly can use all of them effectively.
Other possibilities- Alex Gordon, Delmon Young

NL MVP: Albert Pujols
Pujols hit 49 home runs last year, even though he missed half of June with a strained oblique. Besides that, he will be 27 years old this season, entering his power prime. Could he hit 60 home runs? Maybe. I'm sure Joe Morgan would happily agree.
Other possibilities- Ryan Howard, Jose Reyes

NL Cy Young: Jake Peavy
If Peavy can return to his pre-2006 pitching, he has a very good chance at taking the NL Cy Young. In 2004, he had a 2.27 ERA, and the next year, a 2.88 ERA, while striking out batters at a rate of more than one per inning in both years. Peavy is only 25 years old, is making about half his starts in pitcher-friendly Petco Park, and has Angels' former pitching coach Bud Black as his manager in San Diego now, so another big year is not out of reach.
Other possibilities- Brandon Webb, Carlos Zambrano

NL Rookie of the Year: Kevin Kouzmanoff
The 2007 National League rookie class is relatively weak compared to the American League, but there are still a few decent rookies to choose from. Kouzmanoff is one of them. He has already made history by hitting the first pitch he saw in the majors for a grand slam. Kouzmanoff ripped apart pitching in the minors last year, hitting .379 with 22 homers in 94 games, and he followed it up with a very good spring, hitting .339 with 2 home runs and 12 RBI in 59 at-bats. He will be hitting 6th or 7th in the lineup for now, but could move up to 5th if he hits as well as advertised.
Other possibilities- Chris B. Young, Homer Bailey

American League Standings-
East- Yankees, Blue Jays, Red Sox, Devil Rays, Orioles
Central- Tigers, Indians, Twins, White Sox, Royals
West- Angels, Athletics, Rangers, Mariners
Wild Card- Blue Jays

National League Standings-
East- Mets, Phillies, Marlins, Braves, Nationals
Central- Cubs, Brewers, Cardinals, Astros, Reds, Pirates
West- Padres, D-Backs, Dodgers, Rockies, Giants
Wild Card- Brewers

AL Division Series- Angels over Yankees, Tigers over Blue Jays
NL Division Series- Mets over Brewers, Padres over Cubs

ALCS- Tigers over Angels
NLCS- Mets over Padres

World Series- Tigers over Mets

Bobby Crosby's first DL appearance: May 16th
Number of closers the Devil Rays try: 4
Number the Giants try: 4
Number the Marlins try: 2
Number of saves for Gagne before he returns to the DL: 14
Jose Reyes or Carl Crawford with more steals: Reyes
Adam Dunn strikeouts: 168
Casey Fossum final ERA: 5.82
Reed Johnson hit by pitch: 17 times
Number of Red Sox vs. Yankees games on ESPN: 7

April 11th 2007 Stuff

2007-04-11T08:32:00.000-07:00

News--
-Gagne to get closer role when he returns to active roster (Link to full article)
-Padres give Young contract extension (Link)
-Bone spurs the source of Carpenter's problems (Link)

*MIL/FLA will start at 7:05 ET in the 11th inning, where the game was before it was suspended due to rain. When that game is finished, there will be a short break before the regularly scheduled game begins.

Players of the Day 4/10/07

2007-04-11T07:33:00.000-07:00

Major League Baseball

Best Batter: Ty Wigginton, TB- 3-for-4, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 Runs, 1 HR, 2 2B, 1 BB
Best Pitcher: Tim Hudson, ATL- 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 7 K

Worst Batter: Mark Teahen, KC- 0-for-5, 3 K, 5 Left on Base
Honorable Mention: Cesar Izturis, CHC- 3 Errors
Worst Pitcher: Jeff Weaver, SEA- 2.0 IP, 7 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 1 HR

Top Rookie: Delmon Young, TB- 3-for-5, 2 RBI, 1 Run, 1 HR

Minor League Baseball

AAA

Best Batter: Rick Ankiel, CF, Memphis Redbirds (STL)- 3-for-4, 4 RBI, 2 Runs, 1 2B, 1 HR, 1 BB
Best Pitcher: Marty McLeary, SP, Indianapolis Indians (PIT)- 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 0 BB, 6 K

AA

Best Batter: Sean Rodriguez, SS, Arkansas Travelers (LAA)- 3-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 Runs, 2 HR, 2 BB
Best Pitcher: Greg Reynolds, SP, Tulsa Drillers (COL)- 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 0 BB, 7 K

NPB Japanese Baseball

Best Batter: Tuffy Rhodes, OF, Orix Buffaloes- 2-for-3, 3 RBI, 2 Runs, 1 HR, 1 BB
Best Pitcher: Hideaki Wakui, SP, Seibu Lions- 9.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 8 K

April 10th 2007 Stuff

2007-04-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

News--
-Wheeler replaces Lidge as Astros' closer (Link to full article)
-Carpenter sidelined for the rest of April (Link)
-Hampton out for season with torn elbow tendon (Link)
-Angels-Indians series moved to Milwaukee (Link)
-Kemp, Schmidt injured in Dodgers' loss (Link)

This Date in Baseball History--
-1977: The major league record for most runs scored by both teams in one inning was set, as the Indians scored 13 and the Red Sox scored 6 in the 8th inning.
-1985: Cal Ripken sprained his ankle in a third inning pick-off play on game 444 of his record games played streak, but did not leave the game, and continued playing the next day.

Players of the Day 4/09/07

2007-04-09T08:41:00.000-07:00

Major League Baseball

Best Batter: Bobby Abreu, NYY- 3-for-4, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3 Runs
Best Pitcher: Chris Young, SD- 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 5 K

Worst Batter: Alex Gordon, KC- 0-for-3, 1 K, 6 Left on Base, 1 Error
Worst Pitcher: Sidney Ponson, MIN- 5.2 IP, 8 ER, 10 H, 3 BB, 2 HR

Top Rookie: Akinori Iwamura, 3B, TB- 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 1 SB, 1 BB

Minor League Baseball

AAA

Best Batter: Ivan Ochoa, SS, Fresno Grizzlies (SF)- 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 Runs, 2 2B
Best Pitcher: Emiliano Fruto, SP, Columbus Clippers (WSH)- 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 1 BB, 5 K
Honorable Mention: Mitch Talbot, SP, Durham Bulls (TB)- 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 2 BB, 4 K

AA

Best Batter: Jeffrey Baisley, 3B, Midland Rockhounds (OAK)- 3-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 Runs, 2 HR, 2 BB
Best Pitcher: Chuck Lofgren, SP, Akron Aeros (CLE)- 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 6 K

NPB Japanese Baseball

No Games 4/09/07

April 9th 2007 Stuff

2007-04-09T08:22:00.000-07:00

News--
-Hampton experiences elbow pain in rehab (Link to full article)
-Carpenter will miss start on Tuesday (Link)
-Gagne will have to earn closer role back (Link)
-Orioles put Hernandez on DL (Link)
-Indians-Angels series to be moved to Milwaukee (Link)

This Date in Baseball History--
-1980: Mariners' Opening day starter Mike Parrot got the win in Seattle's 8-6 victory over the Jays. It would be his only win of the year, as he finished with a 1-16 record.
-2000: The Twins defeated the Royals 13-7, as each team hit 3 consecutive home runs in the same game for the first time ever.

Players of the Day 4/08/07

2007-04-08T17:27:00.000-07:00

Major League Baseball

Best Batter: Luis Gonzalez, LAD- 3-for-4, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 3 Runs
Best Pitcher: Johan Santana, MIN- 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 3 BB, 9 K

Worst Batter: Mark DeRosa, CHC- 0-for-4, 4 K, 4 Left on Base, 1 Error
Worst Pitcher: Barry Zito, SF- 6.0 IP, 8 ER, 9 H, 3 BB, 1 HR

Top Rookie: Delmon Young, RF, TB- 2-for-3, 1 RBI, 1 Run, 1 2B

Minor League Baseball

AAA

Best Batter: Aaron Herr, 3B, Louisville Bats- 3-for-5, 2 RBI, 2 Runs, 1 HR, 1 2B
Best Pitcher: Andy Sonnanstine, SP, Durham Bulls- 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 1 BB, 8 K

AA

Best Batter: Thomas Collaro, RF, Birmingham Barons- 3-for-4, 3 RBI, 1 Run, 1 3B, 1 HR
Best Pitcher: Luis Mendoza, SP, Frisco Rough Riders- 5.1 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 3 BB, 4 K

NPB Japanese Baseball

Best Batter: Takeshi Aono, IF, Chiba Lotte Marines- 2-for-3, 4 RBI, 2 Runs, 2 HR
Best Pitcher: Hisanori Takahashi, SP, Yomiuri Giants- 9.0 IP, 0 ER, 6 H, 9 K

April 8th 2007 Stuff

2007-04-08T06:57:00.000-07:00

News--
-Willingham falls single short of cycle (Link to full article)
-Cantu will play in AAA, but still wants trade (Link)

This Date in Baseball History--
-1986: Against Nolan Ryan, Will Clark homered in his first major league at-bat.
-1998: Mark McGwire hit the 400th home run of his career.

Players of the Day 4/07/07

2007-04-07T21:43:00.000-07:00

Major League Baseball

Best Batter: Alex Rodriguez, NYY- 3-for-4, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 4 Runs
Best Pitcher: Roy Oswalt, HOU- 9.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 4 K

Worst Batter: Ryan Howard, PHI- 0-for-5, 3 K, 5 Left on Base
Worst Pitcher: Casey Fossum, TB- 3.2 IP, 7 ER, 8 H, 1 BB, 1 HR, 2 Hit Batters

Minor League Baseball

AAA

Best Batter: Wes Bankston, 1B, Durham Bulls- 3-for-5, 5 RBI, 1 Run, 1 HR, 1 2B
Best Pitcher: Tim Lincecum, SP, Fresno Grizzlies- 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 9 K

AA

Best Batter: Jacob Fox, C, Tennessee Smokies- 4-for-5, 5 RBI, 4 Runs, 2 HR, 2 2B
Best Pitcher: Jack Egbert, SP, Birmingham Barons- 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 1 BB, 12 K

NPB Japanese Baseball

Best Batter: Weizhu Lin, RF, Hanshin Tigers- 2-for-4, 3 RBI, 1 Run, 1 HR
Best Pitcher: Yu Darvish, SP, Nippon Ham Fighters- 9.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 14 K

Weekly Look-alike

2007-04-07T09:15:00.000-07:00

April 7th 2007 Stuff

2007-04-07T08:39:00.000-07:00

News--
-K-Rod baseball doctoring investigation dropped (Link to full article)
-Gagne's fastball shows improvement in AA (Link)
-Owings impressive in major league debut (Link)

This Date in Baseball History--
-1973: The Indians set an Opening Day attendance record, with 74,420 people watching the Indians beat the Tigers, 2-1.
-1986: Red Sox outfielder Dwight Evans became the first player to hit the first pitch of the first game of the season for a home run.
-2004: Braves' Adam LaRoche got the first two hits of his career in one inning. LaRoche singled and doubled in the Braves 11-run 4th inning.

Players of the Day 4/06/07

2007-04-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

Major League Baseball

Best Batter: Jose Reyes, NYM- 3-for-6, 4 RBI, 2 Runs, 2 3B
Best Pitcher: Robinson Tejeda, TEX- 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 3 BB, 1 K

Worst Batter: Jason Giambi, NYY- 0-for-5, 1 K, 5 Left on Base
Worst Pitcher: Mike Mussina, NYY- 4.0 IP, 8 H, 3 BB, 6 ER, Hit Batter

Minor League Baseball

AAA

Best Batter: Adam Lind, LF, Syracuse Skychiefs- 3-for-6, 5 RBI, 2 Runs, HR
Best Pitcher: Geremi Gonzalez, SP, Syracuse Skychiefs- 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 9 K

AA

Best Batter: Reid Brignac, SS, Montgomery Biscuits- 2-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 Runs, HR
Best Pitcher: William Juarez, SP, Jacksonville Suns- 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 2 K

NPB Japanese Baseball

Best Batter: Hirokazu Ibata, IF, Chunichi Dragons- 3-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 Runs, 1 HR, 1 BB
Best Pitcher: Seth Greisinger, SP, Yakult Swallows- 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 4 K

April 6th 2007 Stuff

2007-04-06T08:49:00.000-07:00

News--
-Matsuzaka impressive in debut (Link to full article)
-K-Rod accused of doctoring baseball (Link)
-Buerhle day-to-day after being hit by line drive (Link)
-Phillies acquire Rosario from Jays (Link)

This Date in Baseball History--
-1992: Rangers scored 9 in the 8th to come back from an 8-3 deficit. They went on to win 12-10.
-2005: The Nationals won their first game in Washington D.C.

Players of the Day 4/05/07

2007-04-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

Major League Baseball

Best Batter: Scott Hatteberg, CIN- 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI
Best Pitcher: Daisuke Matsuzaka, BOS- 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 10 K

Worst Batter: Ryan Howard, PHI- 0-for-4, 2 K, 6 Left on Base, 1 Error
Worst Pitcher: Adam Eaton, PHI- 4.2 IP, 7 H, 4 BB, 8 Runs (7 Earned)

NPB Japanese Baseball

Best Batter: Tyrone Woods, 1B, Chunichi Dragons- 4-for-5, 5 RBI, 3 Runs
Best Pitcher: - Satoru Kanemura, SP, Nippon Ham Fighters- 9.0 IP, 1 ER, 7 H, 4 K

April 5th 2007 Stuff

2007-04-05T08:47:00.000-07:00

News--
-Carpenter's says his arm is feeling better (Link to full article)
-Mariners re-sign Betancourt to three year contract (Link)
-Royals place Dotel on DL (Link)

This Date in Baseball History--
-1993: The Rockies and Marlins made their debuts. Colorado lost to the Mets, while the Marlins beat the Dodgers
-2005: The Washington Nationals, formerly the Montreal Expos, made their debut, losing to the Phillies

Players of the Day 4/04/07

2007-04-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Major League Baseball

Best Batter: Curtis Granderson, DET- 2-for-5, Grand Slam, 3B, 5 RBI, 2 Runs, SB
Best Pitcher: John Maine, NYM- 7.0 IP, 1 H, 2 BB, 0 ER, 6 K

Worst Batter: Brandon Inge, DET- 0-for-4, 3 K, 8 Left on Base
Worst Pitcher: Miguel Batista, SEA- 4.2 IP, 8 ER, 10 H, 2 BB, Hit Batter, 2 Balks

NPB Japanese Baseball

Unavailable Today

April 4th 2007 Stuff

2007-04-04T08:56:00.000-07:00

News--
-Cardinals' Carpenter to miss next start (Link to full article)
-Nats' Logan, Guzman put on DL; replaced by Casto, Wilson (Link)
-Rockies rookies Tulowitzki, Iannetta lead 11th inning Rockies rally (Link)

This Date in Baseball History--
-1948: 84 year old A's manager Connie Mack challenges 78 year old Senators owner Clark Griffith to a foot race from home plate to 1st base. The race turns out a tie.
-1994: Eddie Murray played his 2,403rd game at first base, setting the record for games played at that position.
-2001: For the first time since June 7, 1995, the Indians failed to have a sellout crowd at Jacobs Field. The streak of 455 consecutive sellouts is a major league record.

Players of the Day 4/03/07

2007-04-04T08:35:00.000-07:00

Major League Baseball

Best Batter: Vladimir Guerrero, LAA- 4-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, 2 Runs, 1 BB
Best Pitcher: Ian Snell, PIT- 6.0 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 2 ER, 11 K

Worst Batter: Craig Biggio, HOU- 0-for-4, 3 K, 4 Left on Base
Worst Pitcher: Vicente Padilla, TEX- 4.2 IP, 9 H, 3 BB, 6 ER, 1 HR

NPB Japanese Baseball

Best Batter: Masahiko Morino, LF, Chunichi Dragons- 2-for-4, 3 RBI, 1 Run
Best Pitcher: - Toshiya Sugiuchi, SP, Fukuoka Softbank Hawks- 7 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 8 K

April 3rd 2007 Stuff

2007-04-03T10:01:00.000-07:00

News--
-Pirates come back against Lidge, win in 10 innings (Link to full article)
-Rockies re-sign manager Hurdle, GM O'Dowd through '09 (Link)
-Capellan could be traded by Brewers (Link)

This Date in Baseball History--
-1987: The Cubs trade pitcher Dennis Eckersley and minor leaguer Dan Rohn to the A's for three minor leaguers.
-2003: Alex Rodriguez- 27 years, 349 days- becomes youngest player to reach 300 home runs.

Players of the Day 4/02/07

2007-04-03T07:40:00.000-07:00

Major League Baseball

Best Batter: Edgar Renteria, ATL- 2-for-5, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 2 Runs
Best Pitcher: Felix Hernandez, SEA- 8.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 12 K

Worst Batter: Matt Holliday, COL- 0-for-5, 3 K's, 6 Left on Base, Error
Worst Pitcher: Jose Contreras, CHW- 1 IP, 8 Runs (7 Earned), 7 H, 1 BB, 1 HR Allowed

NPB Japanese Baseball

Best Batter: Michihiro Ogasawara, 3B, Yomiuri Giants- 3-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 Runs
Best Pitcher: - Hiroyuki Kobayashi, SP, Chiba Lotte Marines- 7 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 1 BB, 6 K

April 2nd 2007 Stuff

2007-04-02T06:33:00.000-07:00

News--
-Reds release RP Hermanson, put Milton on DL (Link to full article)
-Buck to start in RF for Athletics (Link)

This Date in Baseball History--
-1984: For the first time in ten years, the Mets lose on opening day, losing to the Reds 8-1.
-1996: Tigers 1B Cecil Fielder steals the first base of his career. The steal came in his 1,097th game, the longest duration without a steal.
-2003: Todd Zeile homers in his first at-bat as a Yankee, becoming the first major leaguer to hit a home run for ten different teams.

First Game of the Season

2007-04-01T07:11:00.000-07:00

Spring Training- Day 8

2007-03-08T08:06:00.000-08:00

Braves 4 Tigers 4
Orioles 2 Marlins 2
-Dontrelle Willis pitched three scoreless innings with three strikeouts and allowed only one hit in his start for the Marlins
-Erik Bedard pitched three scoreless innings, allowing only one hit and striking out four. He has now pitched six scoreless innings this spring
Indians 10 D-Rays 2
-Carl Crawford stole two bases; he now has four this spring
Mets 5 Red Sox 9
-Red Sox backup SS Ed Rogers hit a walk-off grand slam against Mets pitcher Ambiorix Burgos in the 9th
Pirates 5 Twins 2
Cardinals 11 Dodgers 1
-Cardinals OF Skip Schumaker went 3-for-4 with three RBI and two home runs
-Braden Looper made his 2nd start of the spring, and pitched 3.1 scoreless innings.
Blue Jays 3 Phillies 6
Nationals 2 Astros 5
Diamond Backs 8 Rangers 9
Royals 10 White Sox 5
Brewers 8 Rockies 2
Athletics 8 Cubs 9
-Alfonso Soriano hit his first homer of the spring to lead off the game for the Cubs
Padres 4 Angels 6
Giants 15 Brewers 6
-Rich Aurilia, who will be competing with Lance Niekro for the Giants starting 1B job, went 3-for-4 with two runs, two RBI, and a home run
-Niekro went 3-for-6 with an RBI, two runs, and a triple
Giants 5 Mariners 4
Dodgers 10 Marlins 0
Reds 1 Yankees 1
-Andy Pettitte pitched three scoreless innings, striking out two, walking two, and allowing three hits

Other Notes
-Atlanta Braves pitcher Mike Hampton injured his left side swinging a bat, and will be sidelined through at least the end of April
-Athletics CF Mark Kotsay opted to undergo back surgery, and will not be able to play for 2 to 3 months

Spring Training- Day 6

2007-03-06T08:03:00.000-08:00

Marlins 3 Orioles 5
Astros 5 Cardinals 0
-Adam Wainwright made his second start for the Cardinals this spring, and pitched four more scoreless innings, allowing no hits, walking two, and striking out one
Dodgers 2 Red Sox 1
Twins 4 D-Rays 2
Phillies 8 Reds 9
Pirates 8 Blue Jays 8
Nationals 5 Braves 14
Indians 2 Mets 1
Tigers 5 Yankees 6
White Sox 3 Brewers 4
-Jeff Suppan made his Brewers debut, allowing one run in three innings
Cubs 6 Mariners 5
-Mark Prior made his spring debut for the Cubs, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks in 1.1 innings
-Kerry Wood also made his spring debut, and pitched one scoreless inning, striking out one
Athletics 8 Angels 7
-Ervin Santana made his spring debut, pitching three scoreless innings
Padres 4 Royals 9
-LF Terrmel Sledge hit his 2nd homer of the spring for the Padres. He is expected to platoon with Jose Cruz Jr., but if he keeps playing like he is now he may win the full time starting job.
Giants 0 Diamond Backs 9
-Enrique Gonzalez made his spring debut for the D-Backs, pitching three scoreless innings. He was followed up by new Diamond Back Dana Eveland, who also pitched three scoreless innings.
Rangers 8 Rockies 2

Other notes
-Marlins SP Josh Johnson is expected to be out two months with nerve problems in his arm.
-Red Sox SP Daisuke Matsuzaka faces a major league team for the first time today against the Marlins.

Spring Training- Day 5

2007-03-05T07:40:00.000-08:00

Braves 4 Dodgers 1
Red Sox 6 Twins 1
-Johan Santana made his spring debut, allowing one run on three hits and three walks in two innings
Reds 10 Pirates 4
-Highly rated prospect pitcher Homer Bailey allowed 3 runs on 3 hits and a walk in two innings in his spring debut
Tigers 7 Indians 4
Dodgers 2 Nationals 6
Yankees 10 Phillies 5
-Carl Pavano, who has missed large portions of each of the last two seasons, started for the Yankees and pitched two innings, allowing one run on two hits and two walks
-Cole Hamels started for the Phillies and pitched three scoreless innings with one strikeout
Mets 3 Orioles 6
Cardinals 12 Marlins 3
-Only 5 of the Cardinals runs were earned, because of errors by Dillon, Borchard, and Stokes, and two errors by Miguel Cabrera
Blue Jays 7 D-Rays 4
White Sox 13 Cubs 2
Brewers 4 Angels 5
Athletics 4 Padres 3
Mariners 4 Diamond Backs 6
Mariners 4 Giants 5
Rangers 5 Royals 0
-Brandon McCarthy made his first start as a Ranger and pitched two scoreless innings, striking out four.
Rockies 14 Diamond Backs 7
-Rockies probable regular season SS Troy Tulowitzki went 3-for-4 with 3 RBI, 3 runs, and a double

Spring Training- Day 4

2007-03-03T20:54:00.000-08:00

Orioles 7 Nationals 2
Indians 11 Tigers 2
-Jason Grilli struggled in his relief appearance, allowing 9 runs (7 earned) in 1.1 innings
Marlins 1 Cardinals 8
Astros 6 Braves 1
-Jason Jennings made his Astros debut, striking out 2 and walking 2 in 2 scoreless innings
Twins 1 Reds 14
Phillies 12 Red Sox 9
-Adam Eaton made his Phillies debut, pitching 3 innings and allowing 1 run
-Greg Dobbs continued to hit well for the Phillies, going 4-for-5 with 4 runs and 4 RBI, including a two-run homer in the 5th to give the Phillies their first lead. He went 3-for-4 with 2 runs and 2 RBI on Thursday
D-Rays 5 Blue Jays 4
-Rays OF Jonny Gomes, coming off shoulder surgery, hit 2 home runs and drove in 3 runs
Dodgers 5 Mets 2
-Mets Jose Reyes hit his 2nd homer of spring training
-Possible Mets starters Mike Pelfrey and Jason Vargas combined to pitch 4 scoreless innings, allowing only 2 hits
Pirates 3 Yankees 4
Angels 9 Rockies 8
D-Backs 5 White Sox 6
Cubs 5 Athletics 5
Royals 5 Rangers 8
Padres 1 Mariners 0
-The game's only run came on a first inning home run by LF Terrmel Sledge
-Padres pitchers involved in the shutout included starter Clay Hensley and set-up pitcher Scott Linebrink, new acqusitions Heath Bell and Justin Hampson, along with Scott Strickland, Steve Watkins, Aaron Rakers, and Jared Wells
Giants 12 Brewers 8
-Matt Morris struggled in his spring debut for the Giants, allowing 7 earned runs in 1.2 innings
-Ben Sheets also made his spring debut, pitching for the Brewers, and allowed 2 runs in 2 innings

Spring Training- Day 3

2007-03-03T07:48:00.000-08:00

Blue Jays 9 Red Sox 6
Indians 4 Phillies 6
-Ryan Howard went 1-for-2 and hit his first home run of spring training
Tigers 13 Astros 8
-Roy Oswalt made his spring debut for the Astros, allowing 3 runs (1 earned) in 2 innings, striking out three
Marlins 0 Orioles 3
-The Marlins only got one hit, by LF Cody Ross against Paul Shuey
-Possible Orioles ace Erik Bedard pitched two perfect innings, while striking out two in his first spring training game of the year
Yankees 3 Devil Rays 1
-Andy Pettitte made his spring debut for the Yankees, and did not allow any hits or walks in two innings.
-All the Yankees runs came on an 8th innings home run by backup 3B Chris Basak
Mets 6 Cardinals 5
-Braden Looper, who has never started a regular season game, made the start for the Cardinals, and pitched 3 innings, allowing 1 run on 2 hits and a walk.
Pirates 4 Braves 5
Nationals 7 Dodgers 12
-Jason Schmidt made his Dodger debut, and pitched two scoreless innings, despite putting 4 runners on base
-OF Larry Bigbie hit 2 home runs and had 5 RBI for the Dodgers. Bigbie will be competing for a spot on the roster.
Angels 9 Cubs 6
-Carlos Zambrano made his spring debut for the Cubs, and pitched 2 scoreless innings with 4 strikeouts
White Sox 3 D-Backs 10
Brewers 6 Athletics 7
Brewers 21 Giants 2
-2B Hernan Iribarren and C J.D. Closser each drove in 7 runs for the Brewers
-3B Ryan Braun, who drove in 7 yesterday, went 2-for-5 today with an RBI, 2 runs, and another home run, his 3rd in 2 games
-Matt Cain made his spring debut for the Giants, and gave up 5 earned runs in 2 innings
-Giants relief pitcher Ryan Meaux did not get off to a good start, allowing 6 earned runs on 7 hits while recording just one out
Mariners 2 Padres 3
-Chris Young made his spring debut for the Padres, and allowed 2 runs on 4 hits in his 2 innings
-Felix Hernandez made his spring debut for the Mariners, allowing 1 run on 2 hits and 2 walks in 2 innings
Rangers 6 Royals 8
-Gil Meche, recently signed by the Royals for 55 million over 5 years, made his spring debut and pitched three scoreless innings. He allowed 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1
Reds 5 Twins 2
-Twins CF Torii Hunter took a fastball to the head in the first inning and had to leave the game, but plans to be back in the lineup on Sunday.
Red Sox 9 Boston College 1
-Daisuke Matsuzaka made his Red Sox debut, and pitched 2 scoreless innings with 3 strikeouts. He allowed only one hit, a leadoff double.

Spring Training- Day 2

2007-03-02T07:17:00.000-08:00

Orioles 6 Marlins 8
Red Sox 1 Jays 4
-Red Sox 3B Chad Spann made 2 more errors, giving him a total of 4 in just 2 games
Reds 9 Pirates 7
-Reds took the lead in the 5th with 2 run homers by 2B Brandon Phillips and 1B Mark Bellhorn against Pirates RP Salomon Torres
-Pirates CF Luis Matos hit 2 solo homers in his two at-bats
Astros 2 Indians 13
-Astros first four pitchers combined to allow 12 earned runs on 14 hits and 5 walks in 5.2 innings
-Indians catchers combined for a great day: Victor Martinez went 3-for-3 with 3 runs, 3 RBI, and a three-run homer. He was later replaced by Mike Rose, who was 2-for-2 with 2 runs, 2 RBI, and 2 doubles.
-Indians pitcher Cliff Lee will miss his next start on Friday because of an abdominal strain during practice last week.
Dodgers 2 Braves 7
-Braves starter Kyle Davies got a good start to spring training, where he will be trying to earn a spot in the rotation, by pitching 2 perfect innings
Phillies 7 Tigers 9
Cardinals 3 Mets 4
-Tom Glavine pitched two hitless innings in his start for the Mets
Twins 1 Yankees 6
-Yankees CF Johnny Damon hit a home run to lead off the game for New York
-SP Chien Ming Wang pitched two perfect innings for the Yankees
D-Backs 8 White Sox 5
-White Sox RP Bobby Jenks, who left after just three batters with a sore shoulder Wednesday, says he should be pitching again by the weekend
White Sox 3 Rockies 4
Royals 6 Angels 7
-Angels won in the bottom of the 9th when SS Hainley Statia hit a sac fly to drive in the winning run against the Royals Wayne Franklin
Athletics 8 Brewers 14
-Brewers 3B Ryan Braun dominated Athletics pitching, going 4-for-5 with a double, a three-run homer, and a grand slam. Braun drove in 7 runs
Giants 9 Cubs 2
-Only 2 of the 9 runs the Cubs allowed were earned, because of an error by SS Ronny Cedeno and 2 by 3B Scott Moore
-Barry Zito pitched two scoreless innings, allowing only one hit, in his Giants debut
Mariners 3 Padres 4

Spring Training- Day 1

2007-02-28T19:03:00.000-08:00

Notes from Day 1

Cardinals- Adam Wainwright, Jason Isringhausen's replacement at closer at the end of last season, started for the Cardinals and pitched three scoreless innings, while striking out one and walking one; Outfielder Rick Ankiel came off the bench to play RF and went 2-for-2 with 2 RBI.

Marlins- Scott Olsen started for Florida and allowed one run on four hits and a walk in 1.2 innings; Potential closer Kevin Gregg allowed one run on one hit and a walk in his inning of pitching.

Tigers- Chad Durbin started the game for the Tigers and pitched two perfect innings and got the win.

Mets- Oliver Perez struggled in his first start of the spring, allowing 4 runs on five hits in two innings and getting the loss; Closer Billy Wagner pitched one inning and allowed one run.

Rockies- Left-Fielder Matt Holliday went 2-for-3 with a home run and 2 RBI; Right-Fielder Brad Hawpe hit 3-for-3 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI; Starting Pitcher Aaron Cook pitched two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and struck out one.

White Sox- Pitchers Mark Buehrle and Jon Garland combined to give up 11 runs (10 earned) on 14 hits in 4 innings; Closer Bobby Jenks left the game before even recording an out because of shoulder tightness.

Twins- Matt Garza pitched two perfect innings in his start for the Twins; Catcher Joe Mauer hit a three-run home run to tie the game at 4-4 in the 5th.

Red Sox- Potential Second Baseman Dustin Pedroia went 1-for-2 with 2 runs and a walk; Outfield prospect Jacoby Ellsbury went 1-for-3 with 2 RBI and a stolen base.

Offseason Transactions

2007-01-03T18:53:00.000-08:00

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Los Angeles Angels: Signed RP Justin Speier to a four-year contract; Traded P Kevin Gregg to Marlins for RP Chris Resop; Signed OF Gary Matthews Jr. to a five-year contract; Signed P Darren Oliver to a one-year contract, option for 2008; Traded RP Brendan Donnelly to Red Sox for P Phil Seibel; Signed 1B/3B Shea Hillenbrand to one-year contract, option for 2008; Re-Signed RP Francisco Rodriguez and RP Scot Shields to one-year contracts; Re-Signed IF Robb Quinlan to a two-year contract

Oakland Athletics: Fired manager Ken Macha, hired Bob Geren as replacement; Signed RP Scott Dunn to a one-year contract; Traded cash to Royals for IF Donnie Murphy; Released P Juan Dominguez; Signed RP Alan Embree to a two-year contract; Signed C Mike Piazza to a one-year contract; Selected P Andy Shipman from Cubs in Rule 5 Draft; Selected P Jay Marshall from White Sox in Rule 5 Draft; Selected P Josh Alliston from Brewers in Rule 5 Draft; Traded cash to Devil Rays for OF Ryan Goleski; Re-Signed RP Justin Duchscherer to a one-year contract; Traded P Kirk Saarloos and a player to be named later to Reds for P David Shafer and a player to be named later; Signed OF Shannon Stewart to a one-year contract; Acquired P Lenny DiNardo off waivers from Red Sox; Signed P Ron Flores, P Shane Komine, P Dan Shafer, C Jeremy Brown, OF Ryan Goleski, OF Javier Herrara, IF Dan Johnson, and IF Donnie Murphy to one-year contracts

Toronto Blue Jays: Signed P Matt Roney to a one-year contract; Signed DH Frank Thomas to a two-year contract, option for 2009; Signed SS Royce Clayton to a one-year contract; Selected IF Jason Smith from Cubs in Rule 5 Draft; Signed IF Jason Smith to a one-year contract; Signed CF Vernon Wells to a seven-year contract extension; Signed RP Jason Frasor to a one-year contract extension; Signed SP John Thomson to a one-year contract; Re-Signed Lyle Overbay to a four-year contract; Acquired IF Ray Olmedo off waivers from Reds; Signed SP Tomo Ohka to a one-year contract; Re-Signed OF Alex Rios, OF Reed Johnson, and P Scott Downs to one-year contracts

Tampa Bay Devil Rays: Released RP Tyler Walker, RP Brian Meadows; Acquired P Bobby Livingston off waivers from Mariners; Traded P Bobby Livingston to Phillies for cash; Selected OF Ryan Goleski in Rule 5 Draft; Traded OF Ryan Goleski to Athletics for cash; Released RP Travis Harper; Signed 3B Akinori Iwamura to a three-year contract, option for 2010; Traded a player to be named later to Reds for IF Brendan Harris; Re-Signed P Seth McClung and IF Ty Wigginton to one-year contracts; Released P Shinji Mori

Cleveland Indians: Traded 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff and P Andrew Brown to Padres for 2B Josh Barfield; Signed OF David Dellucci to a three-year contract; Signed RP Roberto Hernandez to a one-year contract, option for 2008; Signed P Aaron Fultz to a one-year contract, option for 2008; Signed RP Joe Borowski to a one-year contract, option for 2008; Signed RP Keith Foulke to a one-year contract, option for 2008; Re-Signed RP Matt Miller to a one-year contract; Re-Signed RP Rafael Betancourt to a one-year contract; Signed OF Trot Nixon to a one-year contract; Re-Signed OF Jason Michaels to a two-year contract

Seattle Mariners: Released P Jesse Foppert; Signed OF Jose Guillen to a one-year contract, option for 2008; Released P Jorge Campillo; Traded RP Rafael Soriano to Braves for SP Horacio Ramirez; Traded OF Chris Snelling and RP Emiliano Fruto to Nationals for 2B Jose Vidro; Traded cash to Pirates for P Sean White; Signed P Miguel Batista to a three-year contract; Signed RP Chris Reitsma to a one-year contract, option for 2008; Re-Signed P Horacio Ramirez and IF Ben Broussard to one-year contracts; Signed SP Jeff Weaver to a one-year contract; Traded P Yorman Bazardo to Tigers for OF Jeff Frazier; Signed P Cha-Seung Baek, P Jon Huber, P Sean White, P Ryan Feierabend, P Cesar Jimenez, P Ryan Rowland-Smith, IF Michael Garciaparra, OF Wladimir Balentien, OF Adam Jones, and OF Michael Wilson to one-year contracts

Baltimore Orioles: Traded RP Chris Britton to Yankees for SP Jaret Wright; Signed RP Jaime Walker to a three-year contract; Signed RP Danys Baez to a three-year contract; Signed RP Chad Bradford to a three-year contract; Signed RP Scott Williamson to a one-year contract; Signed C Paul Bako to a one-year contract; Signed 1B Kevin Millar to a one-year contract, option for 2008; Traded a player to be named later to Cubs for IF/OF Freddie Bynum; Signed OF Jay Payton to a two-year contract; Selected P Alfredo Simon in Rule 5 draft; Traded P Alfredo Simon to Phillies for C Adam Donachie and cash; Signed IF Chris Gomez to a one-year contract; Signed 3B/OF Aubrey Huff to a three-year contract; Traded SP Rodrigo Lopez to Rockies for P Jim Miller and P Jason Burch; Re-Signed P Todd Williams to a one-year contract; Acquired P Jeremy Guthrie off waivers from Indians; Re-Signed OF Nick Markakis, P Kurt Birkins, P Ryan Keefer, and OF Adam Stern; Re-Signed 2B Brian Roberts to a one-year contract; Re-Signed P Jim Hoey, P Jim Johnson, P Brian Burres, OF Jeff Fiorentino, IF Luis Hernandez, and C Adam Donachie to one-year contracts; Signed SP Steve Trachsel to a one-year contract, option for 2008; Re-Signed SP Erick Bedard to a one-year contract

Texas Rangers: Fired manager Buck Showalter, hired Ron Washington as replacement; Acquired P Francisco Cruceta off waivers from Mariners, P Mike Wood off waivers from Royals; Signed C Miguel Ojeda to a one-year contract; Signed IF/OF Frank Cattalanotto to a three-year contract, option for 2010; Signed OF Kenny Lofton to a one-year contract; Signed OF Marlon Byrd to a one-year contract; Signed SP Vicente Padilla to a three-year contract, option for 2010; Traded cash to Rockies for C Salomon Manriquez; Signed RP Eric Gagne to a one-year contract; Traded SP John Danks, P Nick Masset, and P Jacob Rasner to White Sox for P Brandon McCarthy and OF David Paisano; Signed C Guillermo Quiroz; Traded P John Lujan to White Sox for C Chris Stewart; Re-Signed P Joaquin Benoit to a one-year contract; Re-Signed P Rick Bauer, RP Akinori Otsuka, and OF Brad Wilkerson to one-year contracts; Signed RP Scott Dohmann to a one-year contract; Re-Signed P A.J. Murray, P Omar Beltre, P Alexi Ogando, SP Robinson Tejada, SP Edinson Volquez, RP Scott Feldman, RP Josh Rupe, IF Joaquin Arias, OF Freddy Guzman, and C Chris Stewart to one-year contracts; Signed P Francisco Cruceta, P Frank Francisco, P Armando Galarraga, P Daniel Haigwood, and P John Rheinecker to one-year contracts

Boston Red Sox: Signed P Hideki Okajima to a two-year contract, option for 2009; Signed OF J.D. Drew to a five-year contract; Signed SS Julio Lugo to a four-year contract; signed SP Daisuke Matsuzaka to a six-year contract; Selected P Nick Debarr in Rule 5 Draft; Traded P Phil Seibel to Angels for RP Brendan Donnelly; Signed RP J.C. Romero to a one-year contract; Signed C Doug Mirabelli to a one-year contract; Signed P Joel Pineiro to a one-year contract, option for 2008; Signed P Kyle Snyder to a one-year contract; Signed RP Brendan Donnelly to a one-year contract; Re-Signed OF Wily Mo Pena to a one-year contract

Kansas City Royals: Acquired RP Ken Ray off waivers from Braves; Traded Minor League Player to be Named Later to Reds for C Jason LaRue; Traded IF Donnie Murphy to Athletics for cash; Traded RP Ambiorix Burgos to Mets for SP Brian Bannister; Signed P John Bale to a two-year contract; Signed RP Octavio Dotel to a one-year contract; Selected P Joakin Soria from Padres in Rule 5 Draft; Selected IF Rich Lewis from Cubs in Rule 5 Draft; Released SP Runevlys Hernandez; Signed SP Gil Meche to a five-year contract; Traded RP Andrew Sisco to White Sox for IF/OF Ross Gload; Signed RP David Riske to a one-year contract, option for 2008; Re-Signed P Jimmy Gobble to a one-year contract; Re-Signed OF Emil Brown to a one-year contract; Signed P Todd Wellemeyer to a one-year contract; Signed P Ryan Braun, P Danny Christensen, P Neal Musser, P Leo Nunez, P Joakim Soria, RP Joel Peralta, C John Buck, and IF Justin Huber to one-year contracts

Detroit Tigers: Traded prospect pitchers Humberto Sanchez, Kevin Whelan, and Anthony Clagget to Yankees for OF Gary Sheffield; Signed 1B Sean Casey to a one-year contract; Signed RP Jose Mesa to a one-year contract; Traded cash to Brewers for P Edward Campusano; Re-Signed RP Fernando Rodney, SP Nate Robertson, IF Omar Infante, and OF Craig Monroe to one-year contracts; Re-Signed RP Fernando Rodney to a two-year contract; Signed P Eulogio de la Cruz, P Preston Larrison, P Virgil Vazquez, P Edward Campusano, and C Mike Rabelo to one-year contracts; Traded OF Jeff Frazier to Mariners for P Yorman Bazardo; Re-Signed P Yorman Bazardo, P Roman Colon, P Kyle Sleeth, P Kody Kirkland, and OF Curtis Granderson to one-year contracts

Minnesota Twins: Signed IF Jeff Cirillo to a one-year contract; Signed OF Rondell White to a one-year contract; Signed SP Ramon Ortiz to a one-year contract; Re-Signed 1B Justin Morneau, OF Lew Ford, and P Juan Rincon to one-year contracts; Re-Signed IF Nick Punto to a two-year contract; Re-Signed C Joe Mauer to a four-year contract

Chicago White Sox: Signed OF Luis Terrero to a 1-year contract; Traded RP Neal Cotts to Cubs for RP David Aardsma and RP Carlos Vasquez; Signed IF/OF Pablo Ozuna to a one-year contract; Traded SP Freddy Garcia to Phillies for SP Gavin Floyd and P Gio Gonzalez; Signed RP Mike MacDougal to a three-year contract, option for 2010; Traded IF/OF Ross Gload to Royals for RP Andrew Sisco; Traded P Brandon McCarthy and OF David Paisano to Rangers for SP John Danks, P Nick Masset, and P Jacob Rasner; Re-Signed 3B Joe Crede to a one-year contract

New York Yankees: Traded OF Gary Sheffield to Tigers for prospect pitchers Humberto Sanchez, Kevin Whelan, and Anthony Clagget; Traded SP Jaret Wright to Orioles for RP Chris Britton; Signed SP Andy Pettitte to a one-year contract, option for 2007; Selected IF Josh Phelps in Rule 5 Draft; Signed 1B Juan Miranda to a four-year contract; Signed SP Kei Igawa to a five-year contract; Signed 1B Doug Mientkiewicz to a one-year contract; Traded SP Randy Johnson to Diamond-Backs for RP Luis Vizcaino, P Ross Ohlendorf, and P Steven Jackson; Re-Signed IF Miguel Cairo to a one-year contract

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Houston Astros: Released 1B Jeff Bagwell; Signed OF Carlos Lee to a six-year contract; Signed SP Woody Williams to a two-year contract, option for 2009; Traded OF Willy Taveras, SP Jason Hirsh, and SP Taylor Buchholz to Rockies for SP Jason Jennings and P Miguel Asencio; Signed SP Brandon Backe to a one-year contract; Selected P Lincoln Holzkom from Cubs in Rule 5 Draft; Signed P Dave Borkowski to a one-year contract; Signed IF Eric Bruntlett to a one-year contract; Signed IF Mark Loretta to a one-year contract; Re-Signed IF/OF Mike Lamb to a one-year contract; Re-Signed RP Brad Lidge to a one-year contract; Re-Signed SS Adam Everett, OF Jason Lane, and 3B Morgan Ensberg to one-year contracts

Atlanta Braves: Released RP John Foster; Acquired OF T. J. Bohn off waivers for Mariners; Signed P Tanyon Sturtze to a one-year contract; Traded SP Horacio Ramirez to Mariners for RP Rafael Soriano; Signed IF/OF Chris Woodward to a one-year contract; Re-Signed RP Rafael Soriano to a one-year contract; Signed 1B/OF Craig Wilson to a one-year contract; Traded 1B Adam LaRoche and OF Jamie Romak to Pirates for RP Mike Gonzalez and SS Brent Lillibridge

Milwaukee Brewers: RP Dan Kolb, 3B David Bell, P Rick Helling, IF Jeff Cirillo, IF Tony Graffanino, and SP Tomo Ohka filed for free agency; released P Geremi Gonzalez; acquired C J.D. Closser off waivers from Rockies; Traded SP Doug Davis, P Dana Eveland, and OF David Krynzel to Diamond-Backs for RP Greg Aquino, C Johnny Estrada, and P Claudio Vargas; Signed SS/2B Craig Counsell to a two-year contract, option for 2009; Selected P Edward Campusano from Cubs in Rule 5 Draft; Traded P Edward Campusano to Tigers for cash; Selected IF Michael Carlin from Pirates in Rule 5 Draft; Signed SP Jeff Suppan to four-year contract, option for 2011; Re-Signed RP Grant Balfour to a one-year contract; Re-Signed OF Kevin Mench to a one-year contract; Re-Signed SP Chris Capuano to a one-year contract; Re-Signed IF Tony Graffanino to a one-year contract; Signed SP Claudio Vargas to a one-year contract; Re-Signed RP Jose Capellan, P Mike Jones, P Manny Parra, OF Drew Anderson, and IF Hernan Iribarren to one-year contracts; Acquired P Marino Salas off waivers from Orioles; Re-Signed C Johnny Estrada to a one-year contract; Signed C Mike Rivera, C/IF/OF Vinny Rottino, P Ben Hendrickson, and P Marino Salas to one-year contracts

St. Louis Cardinals: Signed 1B/3B Scott Speizio to a two-year contract, option for 2009; Signed 2B Adam Kennedy to a three-year contract; Signed SP Chris Carpenter to a five-year contract extension, option for 2012; Signed RP Russ Springer to a one-year contract; Signed 2B Aaron Miles to a one-year contract; Signed SP Mark Mulder to a two-year contract, option for 2009; Re-Signed RP Randy Flores to a two-year contract; Re-Signed OF So Taguchi to a one-year contract, option for 2008; Signed OF Preston Wilson to a one-year contract

Chicago Cubs: Fired manager Dusty Baker, hired Lou Piniella; Signed P Wade Miller to a one-year contract; Signed IF Mark DeRosa to a three-year contract; Signed C Henry Blanco to a two-year contract, option for 2009; Traded RP David Aardsma and RP Carlos Vasquez to White Sox for RP Neal Cotts; Signed LF/2B Alfonso Soriano to an eight-year contract; Signed SP Ted Lilly to a four-year contract; Traded IF/OF Freddie Bynum to Orioles for a player to be named later; Selected OF Josh Hamilton from Devil Rays in Rule 5 Draft; Traded OF Josh Hamilton to Reds for cash; Selected P James Henderson from Nationals in Rule 5 Draft; Re-Signed RP Will Ohman to a two-year contract; Signed Jeff Samardzija to a five-year contract; Signed OF Cliff Floyd to a one-year contract, option for 2008; Released P Glendon Rusch; Re-Signed SP Mark Prior to a one-year contract; Re-Signed SP Carlos Zambrano to a one-year contract

Arizona Diamond-Backs: Traded IF/OF Jerry Gil to the Reds for P Abe Woody; Traded RP Greg Aquino, C Johnny Estrada, and P Claudio Vargas to Brewers for SP Doug Davis, P Dana Eveland, and OF David Krynzel; Traded RP Luis Vizcaino, P Ross Ohlendorf, and P Steven Jackson to Yankees for SP Randy Johnson; Signed P Juan Cruz and P Jorge Julio to one-year contracts; Re-Signed OF Eric Byrnes to a one-year contract

Los Angeles Dodgers: Released RP Eric Gagne; Signed 1B Nomar Garciaparra to a two-year contract; Signed OF Juan Pierre to a five-year contract; Signed SP Randy Wolf to a one-year contract; Signed RP Takashi Saito to a one-year contract; Signed C Mike Lieberthal to a one-year contract, option for 2008; Signed SP Jason Schmidt to a three-year contract; Signed OF Luis Gonzalez to a one-year contract; Signed P Chin-Hui Tsao to a one-year contract

San Francisco Giants: Fired manager Felipe Alou, hired Bruce Bochy as replacement; Released P Jamey Wright and OF Steve Finley; Signed OF Dave Roberts to a three-year contract; Signed 2B Ray Durham to a two-year contract; Signed INF Rich Aurilia to a two-year contract; Signed 3B Pedro Feliz to a one-year contract; Signed C Bengie Molina to a three-year contract; Signed RP Steve Kline to a two-year contract; Signed 1B Ryan Klesko to a one-year contract; Signed SP Barry Zito to a seven-year contract, option for 2014; Signed SP Russ Ortiz to a one-year contract; Re-Signed OF Barry Bonds to a one-year contract

Florida Marlins: Fired manager Joe Girardi, hired Fredi Gonzalez as replacement; Traded RP Chris Resop to Angels for P Kevin Gregg; Traded P Jason Vargas and P Adam Bostick to Mets for P Henry Owens and P Matt Lindstrom; Selected OF Lorenzo Scott in Rule 5 Draft; Signed IF Aaron Boone to one-year contract; Re-Signed SP Dontrelle Willis to a one-year contract; Re-Signed C Miguel Olivo to a one-year contract; Released P Jimmy Serrano

New York Mets: Acquired P Jason Standridge off release waivers from Reds; Traded RP Royce Ring and RP Heath Bell to Padres for OF Ben Johnson and RP Jon Adkins; Signed IF Damion Easley to a one-year contract; Signed OF Moises Alou to a one-year contract; Traded P Henry Owens and P Matt Lindstrom to Marlins for P Jason Vargas and P Adam Bostick; Signed SP Tom Glavine to a one-year contract with option for 2008; Traded SP Brian Bannister to Royals for RP Ambiorix Burgos; Signed RP Guillermo Mota to a two-year contract; Signed IF/OF David Newhan to a one-year contract; Re-Signed RP Duaner Sanchez to a one-year contract; Signed RP Scott Schoeneweis to a three-year contract; Signed P Jorge Sosa to a one-year contract; re-signed OF Endy Chavez and C Ramon Castro to one-year contracts; P Jason Standridge selected free agency; Signed SP Chan Ho Park to a one-year contract; Acquired RP Marcos Carvajal off waivers from Devil Rays

Washington Nationals: Fired manager Frank Robinson, hired Manny Acta as replacement; Released P Brian Lawrence, P Pedro Astacio, P Zach Day, P Ryan Drese, P Joey Eischen, and RP Felix Rodriguez; Traded 2B Jose Vidro to Mariners for OF Chris Snelling and RP Emiliano Fruto; Signed P Chris Schroder, P Chris Booker, P Mike Hinckley, OF Kory Casto, and C Brandon Harper to one-year contracts; Signed P Jerome Williams to a one-year contract; Re-Signed OF Austin Kearns to a three-year contract; Re-Signed P Joel Hanrahan, SP Jason Bergmann, SP Tim Redding, SP Billy Traber, RP Micah Bowie, RP Emiliano Fruto, RP Jon Rauch, RP Saul Rivera, RP Ryan Wagner, OF Ryan Church, OF Michael Restovich, and IF Josh Wilson to one-year contracts; Re-Signed OF Nook Logan to a one-year contract

San Diego Padres: Released manager Bruce Bochy, hired Bud Black as replacement; Acquired P Justin Hampson off waivers from Rockies; Signed RP Ryan Ketchner to a one-year contract; Traded 2B Josh Barfield to Indians for 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff and P Andrew Brown; Traded OF Ben Johnson and RP Jon Adkins to Mets for RP Royce Ring RP Heath Bell; Signed IF Geoff Blum to a one-year contract; Signed SP Greg Maddux to a one-year contract; Selected P Kevin Cameron in Rule 5 Draft; Signed 2B Marcus Giles to a one-year contract, option for 2008; Re-Signed SS Khalil Greene and C Josh Bard to one-year contracts; Re-Signed SP David Wells to a one-year contract

Philadelphia Phillies: Released P Julio Santana; Signed IF Wes Helms to a two-year contract, option for 2009; Signed SP Adam Eaton to a three-year contract; Traded SP Gavin Floyd and P Gio Gonzalez to White Sox for SP Freddy Garcia; Traded cash to Devil Rays for P Bobby Livingston; Selected C Adam Donachie from Royals in Rule 5 Draft; Traded C Adam Donachie to Orioles for P Alfredo Simon; Selected C Ryan Budde from Angels in Rule 5 Draft; Selected P Jim Warden from Indians in Rule 5 Draft; Selected OF Victor Hall from Yankees in Rule 5 Draft; Signed OF Jayson Werth to a one-year contract; Traded OF Jeff Conine to Reds for minor leaguers 3B Brad Key and OF Javon Moran; Signed C Rod Barajas to a one-year contract, option for 2008; Acquired P Anderson Garcia off waivers from Orioles; Acquired IF Greg Dobbs off waivers from Mariners; Re-Signed 2B Chase Utley to a seven-year contract extension; Signed RP Antonio Alfonseca to a one-year contract; Re-Signed SP Brett Myers to a three-year contract; Re-Signed P Fabio Castro, P Alfredo Simon, P Clay Condrey, SP Cole Hamels, IF Gregg Dobbs, and OF Chris Roberson to one-year contracts

Pittsburgh Pirates: Acquired RP Franquelis Osoria off waivers from Dodgers; Selected P Sean White from Braves in Rule 5 Draft; Traded P Sean White to Mariners for cash; Released OF Yurendell DeCaster; Re-Signed RP Mike Gonzalez and IF/OF Xavier Nady to one-year contracts; Traded RP Mike Gonzalez and SS Brent Lillibridge to Braves for 1B Adam LaRoche and OF Jamie Romak; Re-Signed P Shawn Chacon to a one-year contract; Re-Signed OF Jody Gerut to a one-year contract; Signed SP Tony Armas to a one-year contract; Re-Signed 1B Adam LaRoche and P John Grabow to one-year contracts; Re-Signed IF Freddy Sanchez to a one-year contract; Signed 2B Luis Castillo to a one-year contract

Cincinnati Reds: Released P Jason Standridge; signed OF Bubba Crosby to a one-year contract; Traded P Abe Woody to the Diamond-Backs for IF/OF Jerry Gil; Signed SS Alex Gonzalez to a three-year contract, option for 2010; Traded C Jason LaRue to Royals for Minor League Player to be Named Later; Signed RP Mike Stanton to a two-year contract, option for 2009; Traded cash to Cubs for OF Josh Hamilton; Traded minor leaguers 3B Brad Key and OF Javon Moran to Phillies for OF Jeff Conine; Traded IF Brendan Harris to Devil Rays for player to be named later; Signed P Kyle Lohse to a one-year contract; Traded P David Shafer and a player to be named later to Athletics for P Kirk Saarloos and a player to be named later; Signed P John Coutlangus, P Phil Dumatrait, P Calvin Medlock, OF Chris Dickerson, and 1B Joey Votto to one-year contracts; Re-Signed SP Aaron Harang to a four-year contract; Re-Signed SP Bronson Arroyo to two-year contract extension through the 2010 season, option for 2011; Signed P Jared Burton to a one-year contract

Colorado Rockies: Signed IF Kaz Matsui to a one-year contract; Signed RP LaTroy Hawkins to a one-year contract, option for 2008; Traded SP Jason Jennings and P Miguel Asencio to Astros for OF Willy Taveras, SP Jason Hirsh, and SP Taylor Buchholz; Traded C Salomon Manriquez to Rangers for cash; Signed P Tom Martin to a one-year contract; Signed C Yorvit Torrealba to a one-year contract; Signed RP Danny Graves to a one-year contract; Signed IF Jamey Carroll to a two-year contract, option for 2009; Signed C Javy Lopez to a one-year contract; Traded P Jim Miller and P Jim Burch to Orioles for SP Rodrigo Lopez; Re-Signed OF Matt Holliday, OF Cory Sullivan, P Jeremy Affeldt, and SP Rodrigo Lopez to one-year contracts; Signed P Brian Lawrence to a one-year contract, option for 2008; Re-Signed P Josh Fogg to a one-year contract; Released OF Choo Freeman; Signed OF Alexis Gomez to a one-year contract

The Season in Review- Minnesota Twins

2007-01-03T18:41:00.000-08:00

C- J. Mauer- A+
1B- J. Morneau- A
2B- L. Castillo- B-
3B- N. Punto/T. Batista- C+
SS- J. Bartlett/N. Punto- B-
OF- M. Cuddyer/T. Hunter/J. Kubel/L. Ford/J. Tyner/R. White- B-
DH- R. White- D

The Season in Review- Pittsburgh Pirates

2006-12-22T13:57:00.000-08:00

C- R. Paulino- B+
1B- X. Nady/C. Wilson/S. Casey- C
2B- J. Castillo- C-
3B- F. Sanchez- A+
SS- J. Wilson- B-
OF- J. Bay/J. Burnitz/J. Bautista/C. Duffy- B

The Season in Review- New York Yankees

2006-12-20T12:17:00.000-08:00

C- J. Posada- A
1B- J. Giambi/A. Phillips/C. Wilson- B-
2B- R. Cano- A+
3B- A. Rodriguez- A
SS- D. Jeter- A+
OF- J. Damon/Melky Cabrera/G. Sheffield/B. Abreu/H. Matsui/Bernie Williams- B+
DH- J. Giambi/B. Williams- A-

The Season in Review- Philadelphia Phillies

2006-12-05T17:16:00.000-08:00

C- M. Lieberthal/C. Coste- B
1B- R. Howard- A+
2B- C. Utley- A+
3B- D. Bell/A. Nunez- D
SS- J. Rollins- A-
OF- P. Burrell/S. Victorino/A. Rowand/B. Abreu/D. Dellucci- B+

The Season in Review- Oakland Athletics

2006-11-21T17:23:00.000-08:00

Oakland Athletics (93-69)

It may be tough to find an explanation for the Oakland Athletics winning the AL West, but either way, they managed it. The Athletics, who scored only 44 more runs than they allowed during the season, rolled right past the heavily favored Twins in a 3 game sweep. Frank Thomas played a big part in the ALDS for the A’s, but when he failed to get any hits in the ALCS against the Tigers, Oakland got swept. It can certainly be seen as a successful year for the A’s, as they were finally able to advance past the LDS for the first time since 1990.

Pitching was the biggest part of the Athletics AL West championship season and playoff run. Ace Barry Zito led the team with a 3.83 ERA and 16-10 record. His first half was significantly better, with a 3.29 ERA as compared to a 4.55 ERA in the second half. After Zito, Haren had the second lowest ERA, at 4.12. Like Zito, he had a better first half, with an ERA of 3.52. Haren’s ERA may be a misleading number however; if you take out his starts on August 21st and September 18th, his ERA is a team leading 3.66. The same is true for Blanton, whose 4.82 ERA is a disappointing follow-up to a 3.53 2005 ERA. Eliminating his starts on April 13th and 19th, his ERA is only 4.40, quite a bit lower than before.

In the bullpen, they had 2005 A.L. Rookie of the Year Huston Street as closer, who finished with a 3.31 ERA and 37 saves in 48 opportunities. For a large portion of the season, though, it was Justin Duchscherer who held the closer role. Duchscherer saved 9 games in 10 chances as a closer, with a 2.91 ERA. Kiko Calero also supported the Athletics bullpen throughout the 2006 season, with a 3.41 ERA and 2 saves.

The Oakland offense was very average in 2006, with the exception of Frank Thomas. Thomas, a free agent signing last off season, hit 39 home runs and drove in 114 runs. After him, the best hitter in the lineup was Nick Swisher, who hit 35 home runs and drove in 95 runs, but only hit .254, compared to Thomas’s .270. The biggest problem was SS Bobby Crosby, who, whenever he was actually off the DL, hit only .229 with 9 home runs. Crosby won the A.L. Rookie of the Year in 2004, but since then has lost his power, plus his batting average continues to decline. At 2B, the Athletics had Mark Ellis, who finished with a .249 average and 11 home runs, but spent most of the season under .230 in average. Even more upsetting for Oakland is that their supposedly big hitter, 3B Eric Chavez, hit only .241. The 22 home runs he hit might make that look better, but 9 of those homers came in April, and 3 more in May, meaning that throughout the last 4 months of the season, he hit only 10.

C- J. Kendall- D+
1B- N. Swisher/D. Johnson- B+
2B- M. Ellis/M. Scutaro- D+
3B- E. Chavez- B
SS- B. Crosby/M. Scutaro- D-
OF- J. Payton/M. Kotsay/M. Bradley/B. Kielty- C-
DH- F. Thomas- A

The Season in Review- St. Louis Cardinals

2006-11-15T21:22:00.000-08:00

St. Louis Cardinals (83-79)

Their regular season record might have been 83-79, but what will be remembered most is how they did in October. After stumbling through the last week of the season, the world champion St. Louis Cardinals left it all behind and went on a roll at the right time. They easily got by the Padres to advance to the NLCS for the 4th time in 5 years, where they took the Mets all the way to Game 7, and ended up winning 3-1 thanks to a great performance by Jeff Suppan and a 9th inning home run by Yadier Molina. Their World Series opponent was the Tigers, who had won 7 in a row and were predicted to win the series. The Tigers problem may have been the week of rest they had before the series, or it may have been the 5 errors their pitchers made in the 5 games of the series, but in the end, it was the Cardinals winning their first World Series in 24 years.

As could be expected, Albert Pujols was the key to the team’s offense. In 2006, he had career-highs in home runs, with 49, and RBI, with 137. He also hit for a .331 average, 7th in the major leagues, and scored 119 runs, tying 3 others for 6th in the majors. The offense was also benefited by 3B Scott Rolen, who hit 22 homers and drove in 95 runs while hitting .296 this season. At the all-star break, he had a .331 average, 14 homers, and 57 RBI, but significantly slowed down throughout the second half. Also hitting 22 home runs in 2006 was Chris Duncan, although he accomplished it in half as many at-bats. He had a batting average of .293 to go along with his home run total, showing that he has a possibility of a great future.

The pitching was more of a problem than the offense. Once again, Chris Carpenter was the clear leader of the pitching staff, posting a 3.09 ERA and finishing 3rd in Cy Young voting. Carpenter’s 5 complete games tied him for 2nd in the major leagues, and his 3 shutouts tied him with Cy Young winner Brandon Webb for the major league lead. Following Carpenter was Jeff Suppan, who proved to be an important part of the Cardinals success, in both the regular season and the post-season. Suppan finished with a 12-7 record, and a 4.12 ERA, but eliminate his starts on April 18th, May 26th, and July 5th, and his ERA is 3.18.

The problem with the Cardinals pitching staff wasn’t Carpenter or Suppan, however. Mark Mulder, in his second season in St. Louis, was involved in many losses, with a surprising 7.14 ERA. In 2005, he allowed more hits than innings pitched for the first time ever, allowing 212 in 205 innings pitched. In 2006, he took that to a whole new level, allowing 124 hits in 93.1 innings. Mulder is a left-handed pitcher, meaning right-handed hitters likely had a better chance of hitting against him. Right-handed hitters did indeed hit better against him, as Mulder had an ERA of 8.27 against right-handed batters. Things became even worse when he had to pitch on the road (10.93 ERA), at night (7.78 ERA), or in any month other than April (5.50 in May, 12.71 in June, 27.00 in two August starts).

Besides Mulder, there was Jason Marquis (14-16, 6.02 ERA) and a combination of Jeff Weaver (5-4, 5.18 ERA as a Cardinal) and Anthony Reyes (5-8, 5.06 ERA). If the Cardinals are to repeat as World Series champions, their number one priority should be upgrading the starting rotation.

For most of the season, the Cardinals had Jason Isringhausen as their closer. While he may not appear too bad, with 33 saves and a 3.55 ERA, he needed 43 save opportunities to get those 33 saves. Even more, he spent most of September on the DL because of a need for hip surgery. While he was sidelined, however, rookie pitcher Adam Wainwright took the closer spot, and showed great potential. Wainwright’s overall ‘06 stats consisted of a 3.12 ERA in 61 appearances, 72 strikeouts in 75 innings, 3 saves, and 17 holds. Other valuable pieces of the bullpen were veteran Braden Looper (3.56 ERA in 69 appearances), Josh Kinney (3.24 ERA in 21 games), and Brad Thompson (3.34 ERA in 43 appearances).

Overall, it was a great season for the Cardinals, as they won their first world series since 1967 despite nearly losing a 7 game lead in the last week and a half of the season. If they are planning to defend their title in 2007, though, they will need help in their starting rotation.

The Season in Review- Seattle Mariners

2006-11-07T18:36:00.000-08:00

Seattle Mariners (78-84)

While the Mariners didn’t make the playoffs, or even finish above last place in the AL West, their season really wasn’t that bad, and shows that they have a decent chance at improvement next season.

Their offense was pretty average; they were near the middle of the pack in all the main offensive categories; average, home runs, and RBI. Ichiro Suzuki was as usual a big part of their lineup, leading the team with a .322 batting average, 110 runs, and 45 stolen bases. Surprisingly, though, only 20 of his 224 hits were doubles. The Mariners lineup also had decent power, as Richie Sexson hit 34 home runs and outfielder Raul Ibanez hit 33 homers. Ibanez drove in a career high 133 runs, 7th in the majors, and 3rd in the American League. Sexson also topped 100 RBI, finishing with 107, an impressive total, but not quite up to his standards. Rookie shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt showed that he could be a solid contributor in the future, finishing with a .289 average, 47 RBI, and 11 stolen bases. His biggest problem could be his fielding, as he committed 20 errors, 6th most in the majors and 2nd most in the American League. The other half of the Mariners middle infield was occupied by all-star Jose Lopez. While his final stats show a .282 average, 79 RBI, and 10 home runs, and you may be wondering how he ever ended up in the all-star game, his season was much better than that. Before his all-star game appearance, he was hitting .280 with 9 home runs and 58 RBI. After the break, he had a better average, at .285, but hit only 1 home run and drove in only 21 runs with those 72 second-half hits.

Their pitching staff wasn’t exactly anything to get excited about either. They had five pitchers make at least 20 starts, and their stats were:

Jamie Moyer: 4.39 ERA in 25 starts
Gil Meche: 4.48 ERA in 32 starts
Felix Hernandez: 4.52 ERA in 31 starts
Jarrod Washburn: 4.67 ERA in 31 starts
Joel Pineiro: 6.36 ERA in 25 starts

Felix Hernandez was expected to have a great season after what he did at the end of last season, but his actual performance wasn’t nearly as good. He was inconsistent all year, mostly alternating between good starts and bad starts, and ended up with an ERA of well over 4.00.

The bullpen was good, as long as the Mariners had the lead. Rafael Soriano (2.25 ERA in 53 games) set up for closer J.J. Putz, who had a surprisingly good season with a 2.30 ERA and 36 saves. When the Mariners didn’t have the lead, Jake Woods, Julio Mateo, or George Sherrill could be expected to come out of the bullpen, each with ERAs of over 4.00.

Overall, the Mariners had a decent season and with a few key free agent signings, they could be in the race next September, even if just for 2nd or 3rd place.

Free Agent Catchers

2006-11-06T15:56:00.000-08:00

Teams weak at catcher:
Toronto
Oakland

Teams average at catcher:
Chicago White Sox
Florida
Philadelphia
Washington
Milwaukee
Cincinnati

Free Agents

(* = possibly good free agent
** = likely good free agent)

Right-Handed Batting Catchers
Sandy Alomar Jr.
* Rod Barajas
Gary Bennett
Henry Blanco
Einar Diaz
Mike DiFelice
Todd Greene
Tim Laker
Mike Lieberthal
Javy Lopez (C/1B)
Doug Mirabelli
* Bengie Molina
* Mike Piazza
Todd Pratt
Kelly Stinnett
Chris Widger

Left-Handed Batting Catchers
Paul Bako
Robert Fick (C/1B)

Switch-Hitting Catchers
Gregg Zaun

Catchers with ‘07 options
None

Free Agent Shortstops

2006-11-05T18:56:00.000-08:00

Teams weak at shortstop:
Toronto
Kansas City
Pittsburgh

Teams average at shortstop:
Tampa Bay
Boston
Houston
Cincinnati
San Diego
Colorado

Free Agents

(* = possibly good free agent
** = likely good free agent)

Right-Handed Batting Shortstops
Royce Clayton
Ramon E. Martinez (2B/3B/SS)
Alex Gonzalez
Jose Hernandez (1B/2B/3B/SS)
* Julio Lugo (2B/SS)

Left-Handed Batting Shortstops
Alex Cora (2B/3B/SS)
* Craig Counsell

Switch-Hitting Shortstops
Tomas Perez (1B/2B/3B/SS/OF)
Desi Relaford (2B/3B/SS)
Jose Vizcaino (1B/2B/3B/SS)

Shortstops with ‘07 options
None

Free Agent Third Basemen

2006-11-04T08:34:00.000-08:00

Teams weak at third base:

Los Angeles Angels
Seattle
Minnesota
Philadelphia
San Diego

Teams average at third base:

Baltimore
Tampa Bay
Boston
Chicago Cubs
Milwaukee

Free Agents

(* = possibly good free agent
** = likely good free agent)

Right-Handed Batting Third Basemen
Edgardo Alfonzo (2B/3B)
Tony Batista
David Bell
Aaron Boone
Vinny Castilla
Jeff Cirillo (1B/2B/3B)
Pedro Feliz
Alex S. Gonzalez
Tony Graffanino (1B/2B/3B/SS/OF)
* Wes Helms (1B/3B)
Lou Merloni
** Aramis Ramirez
Joe Randa
Fernando Tatis (1B/3B/OF)
* Akinori Iwamura

Left-Handed Batting Third Basemen
* Aubrey Huff (3B/OF)

Switch-Hitting Third Basemen
Mark Bellhorn (2B/3B)
Geoff Blum (3B/SS)
* Scott Spiezio (1B/2B/3B/OF)

Third Basemen with ‘07 options
Rich Aurilia (1B/2B/3B/SS)
Russell Branyan

Free Agent Second Basemen

2006-11-03T16:44:00.000-08:00

Teams weak at second base:

Boston
Kansas City
New York Mets
Washington
Chicago Cubs
Colorado

Teams average at second base:

Detroit
Houston
St. Louis
Los Angeles Dodgers

Free Agents

(* = possibly good free agent
** = likely good free agent)

Right-Handed Batting Second Basemen
** Alfonso Soriano (2B/LF)
Manny Alexander (2B/3B/SS)
Ronnie Belliard
* Craig Biggio
Miguel Cairo (1B/2B/3B/SS)
* Mark DeRosa (2B/OF)
Damion Easley (2B/3B)
Chris Gomez (1B/2B/SS)
Jerry Hairston Jr. (2B/OF)
Damian Jackson (2B/SS/3B/OF)
* Mark Loretta
Chris Woodward (2B/RF)

Left-Handed Batting Second Basemen
Adam Kennedy
Tony Womack (2B/OF)

Switch-Hitting Second Basemen
* Ray Durham

Second Basemen with ‘07 options
None

Free Agent First Basemen

2006-11-02T16:45:00.000-08:00

Teams weak at first base:

Tampa Bay
Kansas City
San Francisco
Florida

Teams average at first base:

Los Angeles Angels
Chicago Cubs
Colorado
Toronto
New York Yankees
Boston

Free Agents

(* = possibly good free agent
**= likely good free agent)

Right-Handed Batting First Basemen
** Nomar Garciaparra
Phil Nevin
Joe McEwing
Shea Hillenbrand
* Craig Wilson
Brian Jordan
Kevin Millar

Left-Handed Batting First Basemen
* Sean Casey
Erubiel Durazo
* Todd Walker
Doug Mientkiewicz
Travis Lee
J.T. Snow
Daryle Ward
John Mabry

Switch-Hitting First Basemen
Dmitri Young

First Basemen with ‘07 options
Jeff Bagwell (R)
Jeff Conine (R)
Eduardo Perez (R)

Free Agent Relief Pitchers

2006-11-01T15:15:00.000-08:00

Teams with weak bullpens:

Tampa Bay
Kansas City
Washington
Cleveland
San Francisco
Florida

Teams with average bullpens:

Los Angeles Angels
Chicago Cubs
Arizona
Atlanta

Free Agents

(* = possibly good free agent)

Right-Handed Relievers
Antonio Alfonseca
Joe Borowski
* Chad Bradford
Doug Brocail
Jim Brower
Giovanni Carrara
Octavio Dotel
Ryan Franklin
Geremi Gonzalez
Jason Grimsley
LaTroy Hawkins
Matt Herges
Roberto Hernandez
Kevin Jarvis
Steve Karsay
* Dan Kolb
Matt Mantei
Brian Meadows
Guillermo Mota
Jeff Nelson
Cliff Politte
David Riske
Felix Rodriguez
Julio Santana
* Justin Speier
Russ Springer
Tanyon Sturtze
David Weathers
Rick White
Scott Williamson
Esteban Yan

Left-Handed Relievers
Vic Darensbourg
Joey Eischen
* Alan Embree
Aaron Fultz
* Eddie Guardado
John Halama
Chris Hammond
Mike Holtz
Steve Kline
Tom Martin
Kent Mercker
Terry Mulholland
Darren Oliver
Mike Remlinger
Arthur Rhodes
J.C. Romero
Scott Sauerbeck
Scott Schoeneweis
Mike Stanton
Ron Villone
Jamie Walker

Relievers who’s teams have ‘07 options
Mike DeJean
Keith Foulke
Dustin Hermanson
Rudy Seanez
Jose Mesa
Ray King

Free Agent Starting Pitchers

2006-10-31T20:22:00.000-08:00

Teams with weak starting pitching:

Tampa Bay
Kansas City
Chicago Cubs
Washington
Seattle

Teams with average starting pitching:

Milwaukee
Baltimore
New York Yankees
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Cincinnati
Toronto

Free Agents

(* = possibly good free agent)

Right-Handed Starters
Tony Armas Jr
Pedro Astacio
Miguel Batista
Roger Clemens (retirement possibility)
Adam Eaton
Scott Erickson
Rick Helling
* Orlando Hernandez
Jose Lima
* Greg Maddux
* Jason Marquis
Joe Mays
Gil Meche
Brian Moehler
* Tomo Ohka
Ramon Ortiz
Vicente Padilla
* Chan Ho Park
Sidney Ponson
* Jason Schmidt
Aaron Sele
* Jeff Suppan
* John Thomson
Steve Trachsel
John Wasdin
Jeff Weaver
Kip Wells
* Woody Williams
Jamey Wright
* Daisuke Matsuzaka

Left-Handed Starters
Bruce Chen
Shawn Estes
Ted Lilly
* Mark Mulder
* Andy Pettitte
Mark Redman
David Wells
Randy Wolf
* Barry Zito

Pitchers with ‘07 options
Jason Johnson
Byung-Hyun Kim
* Mike Mussina
Tim Wakefield
Paul Wilson
Kerry Wood
Jaret Wright
* Mark Buerhle
Tom Glavine

The Season in Review- San Diego Padres

2006-10-31T14:13:00.000-08:00

San Diego Padres (88-74)

Though the San Diego Padres season ended with a disappointing Division Series against the Cardinals, they should be happy about the season and what it could mean for the future. They are N.L. West champions for the 2nd consecutive season.

The reason they won the division was most likely their pitching, with the best team ERA in the N.L. They had a rotation that included Chris Young, Woody Williams, and Clay Hensley, all with ERAs under 4.00, plus Jake Peavy, who had a 3.68 ERA in the 2nd half. Chris Young could have easily been the ace in the rotation, with a 3.46 ERA and 164 strikeouts in 179.1 innings. Twice during the season he took a no-hitter into at least the 8th, once against Colorado, where a double to lead off the 8th inning broke it up, and once against Pittsburgh, broken up by a two-run homer by former Padre Joe Randa with one out in the 9th.
Woody Williams proved that even at 39, he could still be a good pitcher, going 12-5 with a 3.65 ERA in a season shortened by almost 2 months because of a calf injury.
After the first month of the season, Clay Hensley had an ERA of 5.48 in 21.1 innings, and appeared very inconsistent. However, he allowed only 4 runs over his next 20 innings, including a complete game two-hit shutout, and stayed consistent for the rest of the year, finishing with a 3.71 ERA.

In the bullpen, the Padres once again had Trevor Hoffman as their closer. Hoffman tied Lee Smith for first on the all-time saves list on September 23rd against Pittsburgh, and then passed him the next day. Though he was 38 years old this season, he showed that he is still able to handle the 9th inning. He finished with a 2.14 ERA, his lowest since 1999, and 46 saves in 51 chances, his highest total since 1998.
Helping get the lead to the 9th inning for Hoffman was Rookie of the Year candidate Cla Meredith. As if his 1.07 ERA and only 6 walks in 50.2 innings weren’t impressive enough, from July 18th to September 17th, nearly 2 months, he did not allow any earned runs. That was 33.2 innings, breaking the record for a Padres pitcher, either starter or reliever. It also tied Orel Hershiser for the 2nd longest scoreless streak by a rookie pitcher since 1970.

The biggest problem for the Padres was their offense. The San Diego pitching gave the offense a chance in the playoffs, but that chance was ignored. They went 2-for-32 (.063 average) with runners in scoring position in 4 playoff games, including a 1-for-15 in one of the games. The offense wasn’t much of the reason for the Padres’ regular season success, either. Adrian Gonzalez led the team with 24 home runs and a .304 average, and was only 1 RBI behind Brian Giles’ and Mike Cameron’s 83 RBI.

The Padres were one of the top teams in both fielding and speed. They had 3 players that stole at least 20 bases; Dave Roberts (49), Mike Cameron (25), and rookie Josh Barfield (21). Roberts, Cameron, and Barfield combined for 95 stolen bases and only 20 times caught stealing. On defense, their .985 fielding percentage tied them for 5th in the majors and 2nd in the National League. They committed only 92 errors, 9th in the majors and 4th in the National League.

In 2007 they will be trying to win their 3rd N.L. West title in a row, and they are hoping they will have a better offense to go along with their great pitching to help.

St. Louis Cardinals World Champions

2006-10-27T21:19:00.000-07:00