What you missed, in a nutshell:
- The story should have been Chien-Ming Wang no-hitting the Red Sox until the 7th inning or Robinson Cano's two homeruns against Curt Schilling. Instead, it's whether or not Joba Chamberlain meant to throw behind Kevin Youkilis in the 9th inning. Twice. Just another day in the rivalry. Yankees def. Red Sox 5-0.
- Team rallies late, Wagner blows the save. Remember when the Mets were good...oh...a week or so ago? Phillies def. Mets 11-10.
- Why are the Orioles still playing at this point? Just concede every game until you face the Yankees again and roll over them like a championship-caliber team. Devil Rays def. Orioles 8-6.
- No final yet on the Diamondbacks-Padres game, but the D-backs are leading 6-0 in the 6th inning. Seems like a done deal unless Arizona's bullpen pulls a Baltimore. Bad night for Chris Young, who lasted just 4.1 innings coming off a missed start due to back problems. His ERA is up to 2.38 now, giving his teammate Jake Peavy the title of "Lowest ERA in the Majors" with 2.18.
Other results of note: Tigers def. Royals (6-1), Indians def. Mariners (6-5), Astros def. Cardinals (2-1), Cubs def. Brewers (5-4)
Some Friday action to kick back with at the end of your work week...
Huge series this weekend begins as RHP John Maine (13-8, 3.68 ERA) looks to lift the slumping Mets against RHP Tim Hudson (15-6, 3.23 ERA) and the Braves. Maine is coming off a loss against the Dodgers on August 26th. He allowed three earned runs over 5.2 innings (six total) on nine hits with one walk and six strikeouts. Maine took the loss in his August 9th start against the Braves. Not a good outing in that one, as Maine allowed six runs on seven hits (2 HR - C. Jones, Teixeira) with three walks and four strikeouts.
Hudson is coming off a loss against the Cardinals on August 25th. He was roughed up in that one, allowing five runs in five innings on nine hits with three walks and no strikeouts. Hudson is 2-0 in two starts against the Mets this season. He faced Maine back on August 9th and went six innings while allowing three runs on nine hits with one walk and three strikeouts. Back in April, he pitched eight shutout innings against the Mets.
Check out this match-up: rookie RHP Jack Cassel (0-0, 6.00) joins the Padre rotation to take over for Tim Stauffer, who was laughable in his start last week. He'll face the triumphantly returning LHP David Wells (6-8, 5.46 ERA) and the division and wild card-rival Dodgers, who just finished a sweep of the Nationals. Cassel is making his first major league appearance since August 10th, in which he was held on a short leash. He worked just three innings and allowed two runs on two hits with one walk and one strikeout.
Wells won his Dodger debut on August 26th against the Mets. He went five innings in that one and allowed two runs on seven hits with three walks and two strikeouts. Obviously, this will be Wells' first start against his old team this season.
Fresh off a sweep of the Red Sox, it's up to rookie RHP Phil Hughes (2-2, 5.35 ERA) to keep the momentum going as he and the Yankees take on RHP Andy Sonnanstine (3-9, 6.38 ERA) and the Devil Rays. Hughes made some mistake pitches that cost him against the Tigers on August 26th. He lasted six innings while giving up five runs on four hits (3 HR) with one walk and six strikeouts. This will be his first start against the Devil Rays.
Sonnanstine won his August 26th start against the Athletics. He went five innings and allowed two runs on five hits with two walks and seven strikeouts. Sonnanstine lost his July 14th start against the Yankees. In that one, he went 6.1 innings and allowed five runs on nine hits (2 HR - Matsui, Abreu) with one walk and three strikeouts.
How's this for a random match-up? Rookie RHP Radhames Liz (0-1, 7.50) makes his second major league start as he and the Orioles take on RHP Tim Wakefield (16-10, 4.16 ERA) and the Red Sox. Is Wakefield the most underappreciated sixteen game winner in recent memory? Geez. Liz's first major league start was against the Twins on August 25th. The line doesn't look pretty - five runs on four hits (1 HR) with three walks and five strikeouts. But the majority of the damage was handed down in the 6th inning on a mistake pitch to Torii Hunter that was hit out for a three-run homer. Considering it was his first major league game and the rain delay beforehand, that's not bad. It will, obviously, be Liz's first time facing the Red Sox. The Orioles probably hope he can show a bit more control than Olson did in his game against the Red Sox. Olson, by the way, will be taking Bedard's place this weekend as Bedard sits with a strained oblique.
Amazing as it seems, Wakefield has the opportunity to beat out teammate Josh Beckett as the first pitcher in the majors to reach 17 wins. (Beckett, Wakefield, Lackey, and Wang are tied at the top with 16. Hudson has the chance to join them Friday) He's coming off a win against the White Sox on August 25th, pitching seven shutout innings with just three hits and three walks, while striking out seven. Wakefield has not allowed a run in his last three starts. Wakefield's one start against Baltimore this season was a win. Back on August 2nd, he allowed three runs on six hits with one walk and five strikeouts.
After a brutal three game sweep by the Dodgers, the Nationals look to pick it up again as RHP Tim Redding (3-4, 3.10 ERA) takes on RHP Kevin Correia (2-6, 3.84 ERA) and the Giants. Redding is coming off of his worst outing since being called up by the Nationals on July 3rd. He lasted just four innings in a loss to the Rockies, allowing five runs on six hits (2 HR) with five walks and one strikeout. Redding's August 8th start against the Giants was a loss. He went seven innings in that game and allowed four runs on six hits (2 HR - Bonds, Cain) with three walks and one strikeout.
Correia has been in the bullpen for most of the season with the Giants, but I believe this will be his third start. He started on August 25th against the Brewers and took the win with 5.2 innings, two runs on five hits with no walks and four strikeouts. He's had two relief outings against the Nats this season. He took the loss against them on August 7th, unable to record an out before giving up two runs on three hits with one walk. In his August 9th outing, Correia allowed only one hit against the Nats over two innings.
Other games of note:
Astros @ Cubs (Rodriguez vs. Marshall)
White Sox @ Indians (Buehrle vs. Carmona)
Phillies @ Marlins (Kendrick vs. Mitre)
Mariners @ Blue Jays (Washburn vs. Marcum)
Pirates @ Brewers (Armas vs. Gallardo)
Reds @ Cardinals (Shearn vs. Reyes)
Rockies @ Diamondbacks (Jimenez vs. Hernandez)
Tigers @ Athletics (Vasquez vs. Blanton)
Rangers @ Angels (Padilla vs. Saunders)
Game of the day looks to be Maine vs. Hudson with the sudden tightness of the NL East race. Buehrle vs. Carmona could be a decent pitching match-up if the White Sox remember how to not stink. And I like Cassel vs. Wells, more for the possible crowd reaction when Wells takes the hill in Petco. Then again, they're all polite in San Diego. Go back to #755 if you don't believe me. Ah well, I'll hope for fun anyway. Over-under on how many runs the Orioles' bullpen coughs up against the Red Sox?
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Wednesday baseball
What you missed, in a nutshell:
- Good pitching shuts down good hitting for the Yankees. Well, unless you're Kyle Farnsworth. Yankees def. Red Sox 4-3.
- So, I might have mentioned something about the Orioles' bullpen sucking, right? I told Steve Trachsel he needed that complete game, but no one listens to me... Bullpen blows a win for Steve Trachsel, sends the game into extras, and then loses. So the team will be annoyed and tired. Always good. Devil Rays def. Orioles 5-4.
- Speaking of extras, so much for that pitching duel I anticipated. The award for best pitching of the afternoon went to former Yankee Scott Proctor, who pitched three scoreless extra innings in relief on the way to a victory. Dodgers def. Nationals 10-9.
- How does it feel to be bested by someone as old as Moyer, I wonder? Perez was good. Just, not good enough. Phillies def. Mets 3-2.
- Arizona and San Diego are still playing. They are in the bottom of the 7th inning, and the score is tied 1-1.
Other scores of note: Angels def. Mariners (8-2), Indians def. Twins (4-3), Royals def. Tigers (5-0), Braves def. Marlins (7-4), Brewers def. Cubs (6-1), Astros def. Cardinals (7-0)
News: As if the Orioles needed any more pitching woes. Staff ace Erik Bedard will be missing his next scheduled start because of an oblique issue. First Chris Young of the Padres with the oblique strain, now Bedard. Bedard still has an outside chance for a Cy Young if he puts up some more wins and keeps the strikeout lead. Hopefully this will be nothing serious.
As for Thursday's action...
RHP Chien-Ming Wang (15-6, 3.95 ERA) and the Yankees look to make it a sweep against RHP Curt Shilling (8-5, 4.11 ERA) and the Red Sox. Wang took the win in his August 25th start against Detroit. He went eight innings, his longest outing since June 17th against the Mets. Wang gave up one earned run (two total) with five hits, two walks, and six strikeouts. In three starts against the Red Sox this season, Wang is 2-1. His last start, back on June 1st, was a victory. Wang lasted 5.2 innings and allowed three runs on ten hits with two walks and one strikeout. His two homeruns allowed to Boston came in his April 29th start against them - to David Ortiz and Alex Cora.
Schilling is coming off a win against the White Sox (but which Red Sox pitcher isn't?) on August 24th. He went six innings in that one, allowing one run on three hits (1 HR) with one walk and three strikeouts. In three starts this season against the Yankees, Schiling as an 0-1 record. His last start against the Yankees back on June 2nd was a no decision. Schilling went five innings in that game and allowed four runs on nine hits (2 HR - Cabrera, Posada) with one walk and two strikeouts. He has allowed no fewer than four runs in a game against the Yankees this season, but this is the first they will see of Schilling since his return from the DL.
The Padres are singing praises in San Diego as RHP Chris Young (9-4, 2.12 ERA) returns to the rotation after missing one start with back issues. He is taking on LHP Doug Davis (11-11, 4.09 ERA) and the Diamondbacks. Young had an abbreviated start against the Mets on August 21st. He went five innings and allowed four runs on five hits (1 HR) with two walks and five strikeouts. In two starts this season against Arizona, Young is 0-1. He took the no decision against the Diamondbacks back on July 14th. Young went six innings in that game and allowed one run on two hits (1 HR - Clark) with no walks and eight strikeouts.
Davis is coming off a win against the Cubs on August 25th. He went seven innings and allowed one run on six hits with one walk and eight strikeouts. Davis' one start against the Padres this season was a victory on July 13th. He went six innings in this one and allowed two runs on five hits (1 HR - Kouzmanoff) with three walks and two strikeouts.
RHP Orlando Hernandez (9-4, 3.07 and the Mets look to salvage anything against RHP Kyle Lohse (7-12, 4.47 ERA) and the Phillies. El Duque is coming off a win against the Dodgers on August 25th. He went seven innings and allowed two runs on four hits (2 HR) with two walks and seven strikeouts. In two starts against the Phillies this season, Hernandez is 1-0. His last start against them, June 29th, resulted in a victory. Hernandez went six innings and allowed two runs on three hits (2 HR - Rowand, Coste) with two walks and seven strikeouts.
Lohse picked up a no decision against San Diego on August 25th. He went 6.2 innings and allowed one run on four hits (1 HR) with two walks and four strikeouts. Lohse's one start against the Mets this season was a loss. He lasted just 4.2 innings against them back on July 15th and allowed five runs on six hits (1 HR - Reyes) with three walks and three strikeouts.
Good match-up of young talent as RHP Jeremy Guthrie (7-4, 3.46 ERA) takes on LHP Scott Kazmir (10-8, 3.64 ERA). Guthrie pitched a good game against the Twins on August 24th. He lasted 6.2 innings and allowed three runs on nine hits (2 HR) with one walk and one strikeout. But, as usual, the bullpen blew it for him. Guthrie is 2-0 in two starts this season against the Devil Rays. His last start against them was all the way back on May 8th. In that one, Guthrie went six innings and allowed one run on sit hits with no walks and two strikeouts.
Kazmir is coming off of a win against the Athletics on August 25th. He lasted eight innings and allowed three runs on five hits (1 HR) with no walks and thirteen strikeouts. Kazmir is 1-1 in three starts this season against the Orioles. His last start against them was on August 4th. Kazmir took the win in that one, going seven innings and allowed one earned run on seven hits with two walks and nine strikeouts.
Other games of note:
Cardinals @ Astros (Pineiro vs. Albers)
Tigers @ Royals (Bonderman vs. Nunez)
Mariners @ Indians (Ramirez vs. Laffey)
Brewers @ Cubs (Parra vs. Lilly)
- Good pitching shuts down good hitting for the Yankees. Well, unless you're Kyle Farnsworth. Yankees def. Red Sox 4-3.
- So, I might have mentioned something about the Orioles' bullpen sucking, right? I told Steve Trachsel he needed that complete game, but no one listens to me... Bullpen blows a win for Steve Trachsel, sends the game into extras, and then loses. So the team will be annoyed and tired. Always good. Devil Rays def. Orioles 5-4.
- Speaking of extras, so much for that pitching duel I anticipated. The award for best pitching of the afternoon went to former Yankee Scott Proctor, who pitched three scoreless extra innings in relief on the way to a victory. Dodgers def. Nationals 10-9.
- How does it feel to be bested by someone as old as Moyer, I wonder? Perez was good. Just, not good enough. Phillies def. Mets 3-2.
- Arizona and San Diego are still playing. They are in the bottom of the 7th inning, and the score is tied 1-1.
Other scores of note: Angels def. Mariners (8-2), Indians def. Twins (4-3), Royals def. Tigers (5-0), Braves def. Marlins (7-4), Brewers def. Cubs (6-1), Astros def. Cardinals (7-0)
News: As if the Orioles needed any more pitching woes. Staff ace Erik Bedard will be missing his next scheduled start because of an oblique issue. First Chris Young of the Padres with the oblique strain, now Bedard. Bedard still has an outside chance for a Cy Young if he puts up some more wins and keeps the strikeout lead. Hopefully this will be nothing serious.
As for Thursday's action...
RHP Chien-Ming Wang (15-6, 3.95 ERA) and the Yankees look to make it a sweep against RHP Curt Shilling (8-5, 4.11 ERA) and the Red Sox. Wang took the win in his August 25th start against Detroit. He went eight innings, his longest outing since June 17th against the Mets. Wang gave up one earned run (two total) with five hits, two walks, and six strikeouts. In three starts against the Red Sox this season, Wang is 2-1. His last start, back on June 1st, was a victory. Wang lasted 5.2 innings and allowed three runs on ten hits with two walks and one strikeout. His two homeruns allowed to Boston came in his April 29th start against them - to David Ortiz and Alex Cora.
Schilling is coming off a win against the White Sox (but which Red Sox pitcher isn't?) on August 24th. He went six innings in that one, allowing one run on three hits (1 HR) with one walk and three strikeouts. In three starts this season against the Yankees, Schiling as an 0-1 record. His last start against the Yankees back on June 2nd was a no decision. Schilling went five innings in that game and allowed four runs on nine hits (2 HR - Cabrera, Posada) with one walk and two strikeouts. He has allowed no fewer than four runs in a game against the Yankees this season, but this is the first they will see of Schilling since his return from the DL.
The Padres are singing praises in San Diego as RHP Chris Young (9-4, 2.12 ERA) returns to the rotation after missing one start with back issues. He is taking on LHP Doug Davis (11-11, 4.09 ERA) and the Diamondbacks. Young had an abbreviated start against the Mets on August 21st. He went five innings and allowed four runs on five hits (1 HR) with two walks and five strikeouts. In two starts this season against Arizona, Young is 0-1. He took the no decision against the Diamondbacks back on July 14th. Young went six innings in that game and allowed one run on two hits (1 HR - Clark) with no walks and eight strikeouts.
Davis is coming off a win against the Cubs on August 25th. He went seven innings and allowed one run on six hits with one walk and eight strikeouts. Davis' one start against the Padres this season was a victory on July 13th. He went six innings in this one and allowed two runs on five hits (1 HR - Kouzmanoff) with three walks and two strikeouts.
RHP Orlando Hernandez (9-4, 3.07 and the Mets look to salvage anything against RHP Kyle Lohse (7-12, 4.47 ERA) and the Phillies. El Duque is coming off a win against the Dodgers on August 25th. He went seven innings and allowed two runs on four hits (2 HR) with two walks and seven strikeouts. In two starts against the Phillies this season, Hernandez is 1-0. His last start against them, June 29th, resulted in a victory. Hernandez went six innings and allowed two runs on three hits (2 HR - Rowand, Coste) with two walks and seven strikeouts.
Lohse picked up a no decision against San Diego on August 25th. He went 6.2 innings and allowed one run on four hits (1 HR) with two walks and four strikeouts. Lohse's one start against the Mets this season was a loss. He lasted just 4.2 innings against them back on July 15th and allowed five runs on six hits (1 HR - Reyes) with three walks and three strikeouts.
Good match-up of young talent as RHP Jeremy Guthrie (7-4, 3.46 ERA) takes on LHP Scott Kazmir (10-8, 3.64 ERA). Guthrie pitched a good game against the Twins on August 24th. He lasted 6.2 innings and allowed three runs on nine hits (2 HR) with one walk and one strikeout. But, as usual, the bullpen blew it for him. Guthrie is 2-0 in two starts this season against the Devil Rays. His last start against them was all the way back on May 8th. In that one, Guthrie went six innings and allowed one run on sit hits with no walks and two strikeouts.
Kazmir is coming off of a win against the Athletics on August 25th. He lasted eight innings and allowed three runs on five hits (1 HR) with no walks and thirteen strikeouts. Kazmir is 1-1 in three starts this season against the Orioles. His last start against them was on August 4th. Kazmir took the win in that one, going seven innings and allowed one earned run on seven hits with two walks and nine strikeouts.
Other games of note:
Cardinals @ Astros (Pineiro vs. Albers)
Tigers @ Royals (Bonderman vs. Nunez)
Mariners @ Indians (Ramirez vs. Laffey)
Brewers @ Cubs (Parra vs. Lilly)
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Tuesday baseball
What you missed, in a nutshell:
- After bailing out his team plenty of times this season, it was nice for Johnny Damon to return the favor for Andy Pettitte. Yankees def. Red Sox 5-3.
- In case you haven't been paying attention, Baltimore's bullpen kinda sucks. 11-run 8th inning. What now, Angelos? Devil Rays def. Orioles 15-8.
- Speaking of bullpen malfunctions, the Mets' bullpen is trying to make me eat my words about their team winning the NL East already. Phillies def. Mets 4-2.
- Vin Scully was far too amused by Felipe Lopez's recent blunders at SS. But at least, I'm assuming, Bergmann made it through his first return from the DL unscathed. Dodgers def. Nationals 4-3.
- What were they saying about another Cy Young for Brandon Webb? Padres def. Diamondbacks 6-4.
Other results of note: Indians def. Twins (6-5), Royals def. Tigers (6-3), Angels def. Mariners (10-6), Marlins def. Braves (4-3), Cubs def. Brewers (5-3), Cardinals def. Astros (7-0)
The baseball season is heating up. Are we having fun yet?
News: Mike Mussina is officially out of the Yankees' rotation, at least for his next start. In a somewhat surprising move, it will be rookie Ian Kennedy making the start for the Yankees on Saturday against the Devil Rays. Kennedy is believed to have the best stuff of any of the options in the Yankee system, but this will be his first appearance in the majors. And as an arm with even less experience than Phil Hughes in the minor leagues, I'd expected the organization to want to cap his innings. What, no love for Kei Igawa? *crickets chirp*
As for tomorrow...
RHP Roger Clemens (5-5, 4.34 ERA) has a tough task ahead of him as he and the Yankees take on Cy Young candidate, RHP Josh Beckett (16-5, 3.21 ERA) and the Red Sox. Clemens is coming off of a no decision against Detroit on August 24th. He wasn't good in that one (though a four hour rain delay could have had something to do with it), going five innings and allowing six runs on six hits (1 HR) with three walks and three strikeouts. This will be Clemens' first start against the Red Sox this season.
Beckett picked up his 16th win of the season on August 24th when he defeated the White Sox. He was okay but not as dominant as he's capable of being, going 5.2 innings and allowing three runs on seven hits (1 HR) with three walks and four strikeouts. In two starts against the Yankees so far this season, Beckett is 1-0. His last start against them, on June 3rd, was a no decision. Beckett went 6.1 innings and allowed four runs on eight hits with three walks and five strikeouts. He hasn't allowed a homerun to a Yankee batter yet this season, and he has not lost a game since July 31st.
RHP Greg Maddux (10-9, 3.90 ERA) and the Padres look to tie the Diamondbacks in the NL West standings as they take on RHP Micah Owings (6-7, 4.69 ERA). Maddux is coming off of a win against the Phillies on August 24th. He went seven innings and allowed three runs on seven hits with no walks and one strikeout. Maddux's only start against Arizona this season was a loss on July 13th. He lasted just four innings in that outing, allowing four runs on nine hits with one walk and one strikeout.
Owings is coming off of a loss against the Cubs on August 24th. He lasted six innings and allowed three runs on seven hits with one walk and two strikeouts. Owings took a no decision in his one start of the season against San Diego. Back on August 1st, Owings went six innings and allowed one run on four hits with two walks and four strikeouts.
LHP Oliver Perez (12-8, 3.34 ERA) will try to put the Mets back on the winning trail as he takes on LHP Jamie Moyer (11-10, 5.16 ERA) and the Phillies. Perez won his August 24th start against the Dodgers in dominating fashion. He went seven shutout innings and allowed three hits with five walks and six strikeouts. Perez took the loss in his one start against the Phillies this season. He lasted just 2.2 innings in that one and allowed three runs on one hit with seven walks and two strikeouts.
Moyer is coming off of a bad loss against San Diego on the 24th. He went just 4.2 innings and allowed six earned runs (eight total) on ten hits (3 HR) with two walks and two strikeouts. In two starts against the Mets so far this season, Moyer has an 0-1 record. Moyer went seven innings in his June 5th start against the Mets with two runs on eight hits, two walks, and one strikeout. Moyer has not allowed a homerun to a Met so far this season.
RHP Shawn Hill (3-3, 2.31 ERA) looks to stop the bleeding for the Nationals as he takes on Cy Young candidate, RHP Brad Penny (14-4, 2.65 ERA) and the Dodgers. Hill is coming off of a dominant outing against the Rockies on August 24th. He went seven innings and allowed one run on just four hits with no walks and five strikeouts. But because he pitches for the Nationals, the team found a way to lose that game and give him a no decision. This will be Hill's first start of the season against the Dodgers.
Penny is coming off of a loss at Shea on August 24th. He went six innings and allowed three runs on six hits (1 HR) with four walks and two strikeouts. Penny won his one start against the Nationals this season. In that outing, he pitched 6.1 shoutout innings with four hits, one walk, and four strikeouts.
RHP Steve Trachsel (6-8, 4.61 ERA) is praying for a complete game as he takes on RHP James Shields (10-8, 4.09 ERA) and the Devil Rays. Trachsel is coming off of a tough luck loss against the Twins on August 23rd. In that one, he went 7.1 innings and allowed one earned run (two total) on four hits with two walks and zero strikeouts. In two starts against the Devil Rays this season, Trachsel is 0-1. His last start, on July 26th, was a no decision. Trachsel lasted 4.2 innings and allowed five runs on seven hits (2 HR - Pena, Wigginton) with three walks and three strikeouts.
Shields is coming off of a fantastic start against the Athletics. He took the win on August 24th, going 8.1 innings and allowing two runs on nine hits (1 HR) with one walk and eight strikeouts. In three starts against Baltimore, Shields is 0-1. His last start, on August 3rd, was a los. He went 6.2 innings and allowed three runs on six hits (1 HR - Huff) with three walks and six strikeouts.
Other games of note:
Angels @ Mariners (Weaver vs. Hernandez)
Braves @ Marlins (Carlyle vs. Willis)
Twins @ Indians (Santana vs. Sabathia)
Brewers @ Cubs (Sheets vs. Zambrano)
Cardinals @ Astros (Wells vs. Oswalt)
Tigers @ Royals (Miller vs. Greinke)
Some huge pitching matches in there. Weaver vs. Hernandez should be a good game with two young starters. But the match of the night has to be Johan Santana vs. C.C. Sabathia. Two Cy Young candidates, each searching for his 15th win.
- After bailing out his team plenty of times this season, it was nice for Johnny Damon to return the favor for Andy Pettitte. Yankees def. Red Sox 5-3.
- In case you haven't been paying attention, Baltimore's bullpen kinda sucks. 11-run 8th inning. What now, Angelos? Devil Rays def. Orioles 15-8.
- Speaking of bullpen malfunctions, the Mets' bullpen is trying to make me eat my words about their team winning the NL East already. Phillies def. Mets 4-2.
- Vin Scully was far too amused by Felipe Lopez's recent blunders at SS. But at least, I'm assuming, Bergmann made it through his first return from the DL unscathed. Dodgers def. Nationals 4-3.
- What were they saying about another Cy Young for Brandon Webb? Padres def. Diamondbacks 6-4.
Other results of note: Indians def. Twins (6-5), Royals def. Tigers (6-3), Angels def. Mariners (10-6), Marlins def. Braves (4-3), Cubs def. Brewers (5-3), Cardinals def. Astros (7-0)
The baseball season is heating up. Are we having fun yet?
News: Mike Mussina is officially out of the Yankees' rotation, at least for his next start. In a somewhat surprising move, it will be rookie Ian Kennedy making the start for the Yankees on Saturday against the Devil Rays. Kennedy is believed to have the best stuff of any of the options in the Yankee system, but this will be his first appearance in the majors. And as an arm with even less experience than Phil Hughes in the minor leagues, I'd expected the organization to want to cap his innings. What, no love for Kei Igawa? *crickets chirp*
As for tomorrow...
RHP Roger Clemens (5-5, 4.34 ERA) has a tough task ahead of him as he and the Yankees take on Cy Young candidate, RHP Josh Beckett (16-5, 3.21 ERA) and the Red Sox. Clemens is coming off of a no decision against Detroit on August 24th. He wasn't good in that one (though a four hour rain delay could have had something to do with it), going five innings and allowing six runs on six hits (1 HR) with three walks and three strikeouts. This will be Clemens' first start against the Red Sox this season.
Beckett picked up his 16th win of the season on August 24th when he defeated the White Sox. He was okay but not as dominant as he's capable of being, going 5.2 innings and allowing three runs on seven hits (1 HR) with three walks and four strikeouts. In two starts against the Yankees so far this season, Beckett is 1-0. His last start against them, on June 3rd, was a no decision. Beckett went 6.1 innings and allowed four runs on eight hits with three walks and five strikeouts. He hasn't allowed a homerun to a Yankee batter yet this season, and he has not lost a game since July 31st.
RHP Greg Maddux (10-9, 3.90 ERA) and the Padres look to tie the Diamondbacks in the NL West standings as they take on RHP Micah Owings (6-7, 4.69 ERA). Maddux is coming off of a win against the Phillies on August 24th. He went seven innings and allowed three runs on seven hits with no walks and one strikeout. Maddux's only start against Arizona this season was a loss on July 13th. He lasted just four innings in that outing, allowing four runs on nine hits with one walk and one strikeout.
Owings is coming off of a loss against the Cubs on August 24th. He lasted six innings and allowed three runs on seven hits with one walk and two strikeouts. Owings took a no decision in his one start of the season against San Diego. Back on August 1st, Owings went six innings and allowed one run on four hits with two walks and four strikeouts.
LHP Oliver Perez (12-8, 3.34 ERA) will try to put the Mets back on the winning trail as he takes on LHP Jamie Moyer (11-10, 5.16 ERA) and the Phillies. Perez won his August 24th start against the Dodgers in dominating fashion. He went seven shutout innings and allowed three hits with five walks and six strikeouts. Perez took the loss in his one start against the Phillies this season. He lasted just 2.2 innings in that one and allowed three runs on one hit with seven walks and two strikeouts.
Moyer is coming off of a bad loss against San Diego on the 24th. He went just 4.2 innings and allowed six earned runs (eight total) on ten hits (3 HR) with two walks and two strikeouts. In two starts against the Mets so far this season, Moyer has an 0-1 record. Moyer went seven innings in his June 5th start against the Mets with two runs on eight hits, two walks, and one strikeout. Moyer has not allowed a homerun to a Met so far this season.
RHP Shawn Hill (3-3, 2.31 ERA) looks to stop the bleeding for the Nationals as he takes on Cy Young candidate, RHP Brad Penny (14-4, 2.65 ERA) and the Dodgers. Hill is coming off of a dominant outing against the Rockies on August 24th. He went seven innings and allowed one run on just four hits with no walks and five strikeouts. But because he pitches for the Nationals, the team found a way to lose that game and give him a no decision. This will be Hill's first start of the season against the Dodgers.
Penny is coming off of a loss at Shea on August 24th. He went six innings and allowed three runs on six hits (1 HR) with four walks and two strikeouts. Penny won his one start against the Nationals this season. In that outing, he pitched 6.1 shoutout innings with four hits, one walk, and four strikeouts.
RHP Steve Trachsel (6-8, 4.61 ERA) is praying for a complete game as he takes on RHP James Shields (10-8, 4.09 ERA) and the Devil Rays. Trachsel is coming off of a tough luck loss against the Twins on August 23rd. In that one, he went 7.1 innings and allowed one earned run (two total) on four hits with two walks and zero strikeouts. In two starts against the Devil Rays this season, Trachsel is 0-1. His last start, on July 26th, was a no decision. Trachsel lasted 4.2 innings and allowed five runs on seven hits (2 HR - Pena, Wigginton) with three walks and three strikeouts.
Shields is coming off of a fantastic start against the Athletics. He took the win on August 24th, going 8.1 innings and allowing two runs on nine hits (1 HR) with one walk and eight strikeouts. In three starts against Baltimore, Shields is 0-1. His last start, on August 3rd, was a los. He went 6.2 innings and allowed three runs on six hits (1 HR - Huff) with three walks and six strikeouts.
Other games of note:
Angels @ Mariners (Weaver vs. Hernandez)
Braves @ Marlins (Carlyle vs. Willis)
Twins @ Indians (Santana vs. Sabathia)
Brewers @ Cubs (Sheets vs. Zambrano)
Cardinals @ Astros (Wells vs. Oswalt)
Tigers @ Royals (Miller vs. Greinke)
Some huge pitching matches in there. Weaver vs. Hernandez should be a good game with two young starters. But the match of the night has to be Johan Santana vs. C.C. Sabathia. Two Cy Young candidates, each searching for his 15th win.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Monday baseball
What you missed in a nutshell:
- DeSalvo? Igawa? Karstens? A new face, like Steven White? It doesn't look like it will be Ian Kennedy. But good chances are it's not going to be Mike Mussina either. We should know more tomorrow. For tonight...yikes. Tigers def. Yankees 16-0. Yes, seriously.
- Jake Peavy owns you. And he owes Geoff Blum a nice dinner after this one. Padres def. Diamondbacks 3-1. Usual 9th inning drama for Hoffman. It just wouldn't be the same if he sat everybody down.
- Pitcher Brian Lawrence hits an RBI single for the Mets but still loses the game. How is that fair? Phillies def. Mets 9-2.
- Wily Mo Pena fouls a 3-2 pitch off his ankle and on the very next pitch hits a homerun. He had to leave the game afterwards. If those heroics don't inspire you to victory, nothing will! ... Oh, wait. Dodgers def. Nationals 5-4.
Other results of note: Braves def. Mariners (13-2), Indians def. Twins (8-3), Angels def. Mariners (6-0), Giants def. Rockies (4-1)
Coming up tomorrow...
The match-up may not have the division implications it usually has, but it's still a big game when LHP Andy Pettitte (11-7, 3.69 ERA) takes on RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka (13-10, 3.76 ERA) and the Red Sox. Pettitte comes into this game with a five game winning streak. His last start against the Angels was brilliant: seven innings with only one earned run on five hits with two walks and six strikeouts. In four starts against Boston this season (he pitched one game in relief back in April), Pettitte is 1-1. His last start against the Sox was on June 3rd. Pettitte didn't have a good outing in that one, lasting just 4.1 innings and allowing five earned runs on seven hits with one walk and three strikeouts.
Matsuzaka is coming off of a loss against Tampa Bay on August 22nd. Yes, against Tampa Bay, but it was a tough luck loss. Matsuzaka went six innings and allowed just two earned runs on two hits (1 HR) with four walks and eight strikeouts. Against the Yankees this season, Matsuzaka is 2-0 in two starts. Both starts were back in August, and in both starts Matzuaka allowed over three runs. Only one homerun though, back on April 22nd to Derek Jeter. (That was the game where Chase Wright gave up four homeruns in a row. Oh dear.)
LHP Tom Glavine (11-6, 4.32 ERA) and the Mets look to take one back from the Phillies as they're scheduled to take on the penciled-in RHP Adam Eaton (9-8, 6.36 ERA) who would be coming off of rebah assignment. Glavine took a no decision in his August 23rd start against the Padres. He went just five innings and allowed six runs on eleven hits with three walks and one strikeout. In three starts against the Phillies this season, Glavine has a 2-0 record. Each of those outings yielded three runs or fewer. His last start against the Phillies was a no decision on June 5th, where Glavine went seven innings and allowed two earned runs on eight hits.
If Eaton makes the start tomorrow, it will be his first major league appearance since August 11th against the Braves. He lasted just three innings in that game, allowing six earned runs on eight hits (2 HR). In two games against the Mets this season, Eaton is 2-0. His last start was on June 6th, where he allowed two earned runs on five hits (1 HR - Beltran).
RHP Daniel Cabrera (9-13, 5.10 ERA) is back on the mound for the first time since that 30-3 debacle against the Rangers as the Orioles take on RHP Jason Hammel (1-4, 7.43 ERA) and the Devil Rays. To be fair to Cabrera, while he was bad in his August 22nd outing, he wasn't historically bad, leaving after allowing six earned runs in five innings. Mussina would have loved that line for the Yankees on Monday night... In three starts against the Devil Rays this season, Cabrera is 3-0. His last start against them came on August 3rd. Cabrera's better half was out in force that night, lasting seven innings and allowing just one earned run on four hits with one walk and three strikeouts.
Hammel is comming off of a loss against the A's on August 23rd. He lasted just three innings and allowed six earned runs on five hits (1 HR) with five walks and two strikeouts. This will be Hammel's first start against the Orioles this season.
One NL Cy Young candidate took the win on Monday night. Now, it's time for the Padres to try to rough up a rival, as RHP Justin Germano (6-7, 4.24 ERA) takes the hill against RHP Brandon Webb (14-8, 2.63 ERA) and the Diamondbacks. Germano is coming off of a no decision in the wild August 23rd game against the Mets. He went five innings and allowed three earned runs (four total) on five hits with two walks and two strikeouts. In one start against Arizona this season, Germano is 0-1. He lasted five innings back on July 31st, with four earned runs (2 HR - Drew, Young) on four hits with one walk and seven strikeouts.
Webb's scoreless inning streak ended on August 22nd, but he still took the win against the Brewers by going seven innings and allowing just two earned runs on five hits with one walk and five strikeouts. In four starts against the Padres this season, Webb is 1-1. His last start was a win on July 31st against Germano. Webb pitched seven shutout innings with only three hits and two walks, with seven strikeouts.
Finally, RHP Jason Bergmann (2-5, 4.56 ERA) makes his triumphant return for the Nationals as he takes on RHP Chad Billingsley (8-4, 3.48 ERA) and the Dodgers. Bergmann's last major league appearance was back on July 24th. He lasted 2.1 innings and allowed two runs on four hits (1 HR) with one walk and one strikeout. It will be Bergmann's first start against the Dodgers this season. He is taking over for John Lannan in the rotation.
Billingsley earned his first win in exactly one month when he beat the Phillies on August 23rd. He lasted seven innings while allowing one earned run on four hits with two walks and seven strikeouts. This will be Billingsley's first start against the Nationals this season.
Other games of note:
Braves @ Marlins (Smoltz vs. VandenHurk)
Twins @ Indians (Bonser vs. Westbrook)
Brewers @ Cubs (Suppan vs. Hill)
Cardinals @ Astros (Looper vs. Williams)
Tigers @ Royals (Robertson vs. Bannister)
Angels @ Mariners (Santana vs. Weaver)
- DeSalvo? Igawa? Karstens? A new face, like Steven White? It doesn't look like it will be Ian Kennedy. But good chances are it's not going to be Mike Mussina either. We should know more tomorrow. For tonight...yikes. Tigers def. Yankees 16-0. Yes, seriously.
- Jake Peavy owns you. And he owes Geoff Blum a nice dinner after this one. Padres def. Diamondbacks 3-1. Usual 9th inning drama for Hoffman. It just wouldn't be the same if he sat everybody down.
- Pitcher Brian Lawrence hits an RBI single for the Mets but still loses the game. How is that fair? Phillies def. Mets 9-2.
- Wily Mo Pena fouls a 3-2 pitch off his ankle and on the very next pitch hits a homerun. He had to leave the game afterwards. If those heroics don't inspire you to victory, nothing will! ... Oh, wait. Dodgers def. Nationals 5-4.
Other results of note: Braves def. Mariners (13-2), Indians def. Twins (8-3), Angels def. Mariners (6-0), Giants def. Rockies (4-1)
Coming up tomorrow...
The match-up may not have the division implications it usually has, but it's still a big game when LHP Andy Pettitte (11-7, 3.69 ERA) takes on RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka (13-10, 3.76 ERA) and the Red Sox. Pettitte comes into this game with a five game winning streak. His last start against the Angels was brilliant: seven innings with only one earned run on five hits with two walks and six strikeouts. In four starts against Boston this season (he pitched one game in relief back in April), Pettitte is 1-1. His last start against the Sox was on June 3rd. Pettitte didn't have a good outing in that one, lasting just 4.1 innings and allowing five earned runs on seven hits with one walk and three strikeouts.
Matsuzaka is coming off of a loss against Tampa Bay on August 22nd. Yes, against Tampa Bay, but it was a tough luck loss. Matsuzaka went six innings and allowed just two earned runs on two hits (1 HR) with four walks and eight strikeouts. Against the Yankees this season, Matsuzaka is 2-0 in two starts. Both starts were back in August, and in both starts Matzuaka allowed over three runs. Only one homerun though, back on April 22nd to Derek Jeter. (That was the game where Chase Wright gave up four homeruns in a row. Oh dear.)
LHP Tom Glavine (11-6, 4.32 ERA) and the Mets look to take one back from the Phillies as they're scheduled to take on the penciled-in RHP Adam Eaton (9-8, 6.36 ERA) who would be coming off of rebah assignment. Glavine took a no decision in his August 23rd start against the Padres. He went just five innings and allowed six runs on eleven hits with three walks and one strikeout. In three starts against the Phillies this season, Glavine has a 2-0 record. Each of those outings yielded three runs or fewer. His last start against the Phillies was a no decision on June 5th, where Glavine went seven innings and allowed two earned runs on eight hits.
If Eaton makes the start tomorrow, it will be his first major league appearance since August 11th against the Braves. He lasted just three innings in that game, allowing six earned runs on eight hits (2 HR). In two games against the Mets this season, Eaton is 2-0. His last start was on June 6th, where he allowed two earned runs on five hits (1 HR - Beltran).
RHP Daniel Cabrera (9-13, 5.10 ERA) is back on the mound for the first time since that 30-3 debacle against the Rangers as the Orioles take on RHP Jason Hammel (1-4, 7.43 ERA) and the Devil Rays. To be fair to Cabrera, while he was bad in his August 22nd outing, he wasn't historically bad, leaving after allowing six earned runs in five innings. Mussina would have loved that line for the Yankees on Monday night... In three starts against the Devil Rays this season, Cabrera is 3-0. His last start against them came on August 3rd. Cabrera's better half was out in force that night, lasting seven innings and allowing just one earned run on four hits with one walk and three strikeouts.
Hammel is comming off of a loss against the A's on August 23rd. He lasted just three innings and allowed six earned runs on five hits (1 HR) with five walks and two strikeouts. This will be Hammel's first start against the Orioles this season.
One NL Cy Young candidate took the win on Monday night. Now, it's time for the Padres to try to rough up a rival, as RHP Justin Germano (6-7, 4.24 ERA) takes the hill against RHP Brandon Webb (14-8, 2.63 ERA) and the Diamondbacks. Germano is coming off of a no decision in the wild August 23rd game against the Mets. He went five innings and allowed three earned runs (four total) on five hits with two walks and two strikeouts. In one start against Arizona this season, Germano is 0-1. He lasted five innings back on July 31st, with four earned runs (2 HR - Drew, Young) on four hits with one walk and seven strikeouts.
Webb's scoreless inning streak ended on August 22nd, but he still took the win against the Brewers by going seven innings and allowing just two earned runs on five hits with one walk and five strikeouts. In four starts against the Padres this season, Webb is 1-1. His last start was a win on July 31st against Germano. Webb pitched seven shutout innings with only three hits and two walks, with seven strikeouts.
Finally, RHP Jason Bergmann (2-5, 4.56 ERA) makes his triumphant return for the Nationals as he takes on RHP Chad Billingsley (8-4, 3.48 ERA) and the Dodgers. Bergmann's last major league appearance was back on July 24th. He lasted 2.1 innings and allowed two runs on four hits (1 HR) with one walk and one strikeout. It will be Bergmann's first start against the Dodgers this season. He is taking over for John Lannan in the rotation.
Billingsley earned his first win in exactly one month when he beat the Phillies on August 23rd. He lasted seven innings while allowing one earned run on four hits with two walks and seven strikeouts. This will be Billingsley's first start against the Nationals this season.
Other games of note:
Braves @ Marlins (Smoltz vs. VandenHurk)
Twins @ Indians (Bonser vs. Westbrook)
Brewers @ Cubs (Suppan vs. Hill)
Cardinals @ Astros (Looper vs. Williams)
Tigers @ Royals (Robertson vs. Bannister)
Angels @ Mariners (Santana vs. Weaver)
Monday, August 27, 2007
Baseball Update
What you've missed during my inconsistence:
- The Yankees aren't a fan of four hour rain delays, one run games, or Sean Henn. But hey, at least Kyle Farnsworth has reason to pop his collar.
- Yes, Orioles pitching is that bad. And apparently, it's contagious. Bedard was rocked on Sunday. But not for 30 runs, thankfully.
- The Padres sent down Clay Hensley to call up Tim Stauffer for Sunday's start. Eleven earned runs later, you have to wonder if they're calling "my bad" on that one. What, Ledezma couldn't start?
- Chad Cordero is a closer? Really? Could have fooled me...
- Don't have a funny tagline for the Mets. But David Wells did beat out a push bunt on a John Maine pitch Sunday night. That's comedy unto itself.
Today is August 27th. There's just about one month to go in the chase for a postseason spot. Get excited, kids! After all, there's only one October~!~!~! (I hate that commercial, in case you couldn't tell.) So let's take a look at the standings, shall we?
AL East
Red Sox ~ 80-51 ~ --
Yankees ~ 72-58 ~ 7.5
Blue Jays ~ 65-65 ~ 14.5
Orioles ~ 58-71 ~ 21.0
Devil Rays ~ 51-79 ~ 28.5
AL Central
Indians ~ 72-57 ~ --
Tigers ~ 70-60 ~ 2.5
Twins ~ 67-63 ~ 5.5
Royals ~ 57-72 ~ 15.0
White Sox ~ 56-74 ~ 16.5
AL West
Angels ~ 76-54 ~ --
Mariners ~ 73-55 ~ 2.0
Athletics ~ 65-67 ~ 12.0
Rangers ~ 58-72 ~ 18.0
Thoughts: Is the Eastern Division still achievable for the Yankees? Yes, with a miracle record in September and a slip by the Red Sox - including Boston conceding games to the Yankees in the six remaining with them. Is it probable? No. Yes, the Yankees could sweep all six remaining games with the Sox. They don't play the games on paper. Anything is possible. But realistically, that won't happen. It's the WC the Yankees are looking at. More on that in a moment ... I go back and forth between whether the Mariners will fall off or whether the Angels need to be looking in their rearview. LA hasn't been playing good baseball of late. It's very possible that the Mariners could overtake the West. ... Man, how terrible are the White Sox this year? I don't know that anyone expected them to be up there with the Indians and Tigers in the Central, but to be as bad as they are? Yikes. ... One week ago, I thought it was very possible that the Orioles could overtake the Blue Jays for third place in the East, thus giving Erik Bedard an outside shot at the AL Cy Young. One week later, it seems obvious that this won't happen. ... To add to the above point, the Devil Rays have a better shot of catching the Orioles at this point than the Orioles do of catching the Blue Jays.
NL East
Mets ~ 73-56 ~ --
Phillies ~ 67-62 ~ 6.0
Braves ~ 67-64 ~ 7.0
Nationals ~ 58-73 ~ 16.0
Marlins ~ 57-74 ~ 17.0
NL Central
Cubs ~ 66-63 ~ --
Brewers ~ 65-65 ~ 1.5
Cardinals ~ 63-64 ~ 2.0
Reds ~ 60-70 ~ 6.5
Astros ~ 58-73 ~ 9.0
Pirates ~ 57-72 ~ 9.0
NL West
Diamondbaks ~ 74-57 ~ --
Padres ~ 70-59 ~ 3.0
Rockies ~ 67-63 ~ 6.5
Dodgers ~ 67-63 ~ 6.5
Giants ~ 59-72 ~ 15.0
Thoughts: Barring a catastrophic collapse, the Mets have won that division. They didn't win it as easily as they did last year, nor did they win it as easily as they should have. But they've won it. ... If the Nationals manage to finish ahead of the Marlins, does Manny Acta have a serious shot at Manager of the Year? Everyone was boasting about the manager of the Brewers, but unless they take that division you'd have to think Acta has a shot. Unless the Diamondbacks hold on. ... Speaking of the D-Backs, all right, you've had your fun. Planning to come back to Earth anytime soon? What a story that is if they manage to win the West. ... The Reds are closer to first place in their division than the Yankees are to first place in their division. Just saying. ... Just as surprising as the D-Backs dominance has to be the Dodgers inefficiency. Tied with the Rockies for third place at the end of August? Wow. Granted, they've had a slew of pitching injuries and busts to the point where David Wells is an improvement. ... Freakin' Cardinals.
The Wild Cards
AL WC
Mariners ~ 73-55 ~ --
Yankees ~ 72-58 ~ 2.0
Tigers ~ 70-60 ~ 4.0
Twins ~ 67-63 ~ 7.0
Blue Jays ~ 65-65 ~ 9.0
Thoughts: With the Mariners having lost two in a row, this Tigers series hasn't been at all good for the Yankees. I still expect the Tigers to have overtaken the Indians by the end, but this final game Monday with the Yankees-Tigers is huge for both teams. ... Watch out for those Twins. Yes, they're seven back, but they're on a five-game win streak and are known for last minute comebacks. The Blue Jays and Oakland (sitting at 10.0 games back) are not threats to the top three WC teams. The Twins are. ... Huge week coming up both in the division and WC. The Yankees and Mariners each have huge tasks, taking on the Red Sox and Angels respectively. The Tigers, meanwhile, travel to Kansas City to take on the Royals. Could be a big week for the Tigers to get back in it, especially if they take one more from the Yankees Monday. ... Speaking of the Tigers, their division rival Indians will be taking on those surging Twins. There's a very good chance the Tigers could be back on top of the Central by the end of the week.
NL WC
Padres ~ 70-59 ~ --
Phillies ~ 67-62 ~ 3.0
Rockies ~ 67-63 ~ 3.5
Dodgers ~ 67-63 ~ 3.5
Braves ~ 67-64 ~ 4.0
Thoughts: The Padres had a great road trip, taking two away from the Mets and two away from the Phillies. That second series especially was huge, because it gave them a little breathing room in the Wild Card. ... Huge series coming up this week, with the Padres taking on the Diamondbacks and the Mets taking on the Phillies. Easier times for the Braves, Dodgers, and Rockies. The Braves take on the Marlins next, the Dodgers have the Nationals, and the Rockies have the Giants. Philadelphia especially needs a big series here so they don't fall completely out of contention both in the division and in the WC.
So, that's where we stand. Now, as for what we do about it...
Huge game Monday night as RHP Mike Mussina (8-9, 5.22 ERA) and the Yankees look to split their wrap-around series against RHP Justin Verlander (13-5, 3.94 ERA) and the Tigers. We know where Mussina stands. He took the loss in Anaheim, lasting just 1.2 innings and allowing seven earned runs on seven hits, including two walks. Expect a short leash in this one, even with the Boston series coming up. Mussina needs a good start here, not only for his team but for his place in the rotation. He recently asked the press who they would replace him with if he doesn't produce. As scary as it sounds, even Kei Igawa often was better than 1.2 innings and seven earned runs. And there's a kid named Ian Kennedy with a great arm in AAA. Though, with the struggles Hughes has seen since returning to the starting rotation, I'd have to guess that Kennedy isn't an option for this year unless absolutely necessary. Moose took the loss in his one previous outing against the Tigers. He lasted five innings and allowed six earned runs (seven total) on nine hits with one homerun (Guillen) and two strikeouts.
In a somewhat ironic coincidence, Justin Verlander is also coming off of a bad start, though his wasn't quite as bad as Mussina's. Verlander lasted just four innings against the Indians and allowed seven earned runs on ten hits with one walk and five strikeouts. He took the win in his August 16th start against Mussina and the Yankees. Verlander wasn't great in that one, going 5.1 innings and allowing three earned runs on seven hits, including one homerun (Abreu), and one walk. But he was good enough to win on Mussina's off-night.
RHP Brian Lawrence (1-1, 5.57 ERA) and the Mets make the short trip from Shea to Philadelphia to take on RHP J.D. Durbin (5-3, 5.44 ERA) and the division rival Phillies. Lawrence is coming off of a loss against the Padres on the 22nd. He lasted five innings and allowed four earned runs on seven hits with four walks and two strikeouts. Lawrence has not faced Philadelphia this season.
Durbin is coming off a loss against the Dodgers. He lasted six innings in that one, allowng four earned runs (five total) on seven hits (1 HR) with three walks and one strikeout. Durbin's only start of the season against the Mets was at the end of June. He took the loss in that one, going 4.2 innings and allowing six earned runs on eight hits, with two homeruns (Delgado & Reyes), two walks, and five strikeouts.
Big series out in San Diego as Padres ace RHP Jake Peavy (14-5, 2.21 ERA) takes on RHP Livan Hernandez (9-8, 4.96 ERA) and the Diamondbacks. Peavy took the win in his last start against the Mets, going six innings and allowing two earned runs on two hits with five walks and eleven strikeouts. In three starts against the Diamondbacks this season, Peavy is 2-0. His last start against them was on August 2nd. Peavy was dominant - throwing seven shutout innings with only three hits and one walk while recording ten strikeouts.
Hernandez took the loss in his August 21st start against the Brewers. He lasted six innings and allowed five earned runs on seven hits with one walk and one strikeout. In three starts against San Diego this season, Hernandez is 1-1. His last start on July 14th was a no decision. He went six innings in that one, allowing four earned runs on six hits - including three homeruns (Kouzmanoff, Greene, B. Giles) - with two walks and three strikeouts.
Finally, LHP Mike Bacsik (5-7, 4.61 ERA) and the Nationals look to bounce back from a sweep by the Rockies as they head to LA to take on RHP Derek Lowe (10-11, 3.47 ERA) and the Dodgers. Bacsik is coming off a decent outing against Houston. He lasted six innings and allowed three earned runs on seven hits (1 HR) with one walk and four strikeouts, but he still took the loss. Bacsik has not faced the Dodgers since May 30th, where he went six innings and allowed two earned runs (four total) on six hits - one homerun (Martin) - with one walk and one strikeout. He took the tough luck loss against Lowe in that one, who pitched seven innings of shutout ball.
Lowe is coming off of a win against the Phillies. He lasted seven innings and allowed three earned runs on six hits (1 HR) with no walks and three strikeouts. His only start of the season against the Nationals was the aforementioned May 30th game, where he took the win against Bacsik with a seven inning shutout performance.
Other games of note:
Braves @ Marlins (Cormier vs. Olsen)
Twins @ Indians (Silva vs. Byrd)
Angels @ Mariners (Lackey vs. Batista)
- The Yankees aren't a fan of four hour rain delays, one run games, or Sean Henn. But hey, at least Kyle Farnsworth has reason to pop his collar.
- Yes, Orioles pitching is that bad. And apparently, it's contagious. Bedard was rocked on Sunday. But not for 30 runs, thankfully.
- The Padres sent down Clay Hensley to call up Tim Stauffer for Sunday's start. Eleven earned runs later, you have to wonder if they're calling "my bad" on that one. What, Ledezma couldn't start?
- Chad Cordero is a closer? Really? Could have fooled me...
- Don't have a funny tagline for the Mets. But David Wells did beat out a push bunt on a John Maine pitch Sunday night. That's comedy unto itself.
Today is August 27th. There's just about one month to go in the chase for a postseason spot. Get excited, kids! After all, there's only one October~!~!~! (I hate that commercial, in case you couldn't tell.) So let's take a look at the standings, shall we?
AL East
Red Sox ~ 80-51 ~ --
Yankees ~ 72-58 ~ 7.5
Blue Jays ~ 65-65 ~ 14.5
Orioles ~ 58-71 ~ 21.0
Devil Rays ~ 51-79 ~ 28.5
AL Central
Indians ~ 72-57 ~ --
Tigers ~ 70-60 ~ 2.5
Twins ~ 67-63 ~ 5.5
Royals ~ 57-72 ~ 15.0
White Sox ~ 56-74 ~ 16.5
AL West
Angels ~ 76-54 ~ --
Mariners ~ 73-55 ~ 2.0
Athletics ~ 65-67 ~ 12.0
Rangers ~ 58-72 ~ 18.0
Thoughts: Is the Eastern Division still achievable for the Yankees? Yes, with a miracle record in September and a slip by the Red Sox - including Boston conceding games to the Yankees in the six remaining with them. Is it probable? No. Yes, the Yankees could sweep all six remaining games with the Sox. They don't play the games on paper. Anything is possible. But realistically, that won't happen. It's the WC the Yankees are looking at. More on that in a moment ... I go back and forth between whether the Mariners will fall off or whether the Angels need to be looking in their rearview. LA hasn't been playing good baseball of late. It's very possible that the Mariners could overtake the West. ... Man, how terrible are the White Sox this year? I don't know that anyone expected them to be up there with the Indians and Tigers in the Central, but to be as bad as they are? Yikes. ... One week ago, I thought it was very possible that the Orioles could overtake the Blue Jays for third place in the East, thus giving Erik Bedard an outside shot at the AL Cy Young. One week later, it seems obvious that this won't happen. ... To add to the above point, the Devil Rays have a better shot of catching the Orioles at this point than the Orioles do of catching the Blue Jays.
NL East
Mets ~ 73-56 ~ --
Phillies ~ 67-62 ~ 6.0
Braves ~ 67-64 ~ 7.0
Nationals ~ 58-73 ~ 16.0
Marlins ~ 57-74 ~ 17.0
NL Central
Cubs ~ 66-63 ~ --
Brewers ~ 65-65 ~ 1.5
Cardinals ~ 63-64 ~ 2.0
Reds ~ 60-70 ~ 6.5
Astros ~ 58-73 ~ 9.0
Pirates ~ 57-72 ~ 9.0
NL West
Diamondbaks ~ 74-57 ~ --
Padres ~ 70-59 ~ 3.0
Rockies ~ 67-63 ~ 6.5
Dodgers ~ 67-63 ~ 6.5
Giants ~ 59-72 ~ 15.0
Thoughts: Barring a catastrophic collapse, the Mets have won that division. They didn't win it as easily as they did last year, nor did they win it as easily as they should have. But they've won it. ... If the Nationals manage to finish ahead of the Marlins, does Manny Acta have a serious shot at Manager of the Year? Everyone was boasting about the manager of the Brewers, but unless they take that division you'd have to think Acta has a shot. Unless the Diamondbacks hold on. ... Speaking of the D-Backs, all right, you've had your fun. Planning to come back to Earth anytime soon? What a story that is if they manage to win the West. ... The Reds are closer to first place in their division than the Yankees are to first place in their division. Just saying. ... Just as surprising as the D-Backs dominance has to be the Dodgers inefficiency. Tied with the Rockies for third place at the end of August? Wow. Granted, they've had a slew of pitching injuries and busts to the point where David Wells is an improvement. ... Freakin' Cardinals.
The Wild Cards
AL WC
Mariners ~ 73-55 ~ --
Yankees ~ 72-58 ~ 2.0
Tigers ~ 70-60 ~ 4.0
Twins ~ 67-63 ~ 7.0
Blue Jays ~ 65-65 ~ 9.0
Thoughts: With the Mariners having lost two in a row, this Tigers series hasn't been at all good for the Yankees. I still expect the Tigers to have overtaken the Indians by the end, but this final game Monday with the Yankees-Tigers is huge for both teams. ... Watch out for those Twins. Yes, they're seven back, but they're on a five-game win streak and are known for last minute comebacks. The Blue Jays and Oakland (sitting at 10.0 games back) are not threats to the top three WC teams. The Twins are. ... Huge week coming up both in the division and WC. The Yankees and Mariners each have huge tasks, taking on the Red Sox and Angels respectively. The Tigers, meanwhile, travel to Kansas City to take on the Royals. Could be a big week for the Tigers to get back in it, especially if they take one more from the Yankees Monday. ... Speaking of the Tigers, their division rival Indians will be taking on those surging Twins. There's a very good chance the Tigers could be back on top of the Central by the end of the week.
NL WC
Padres ~ 70-59 ~ --
Phillies ~ 67-62 ~ 3.0
Rockies ~ 67-63 ~ 3.5
Dodgers ~ 67-63 ~ 3.5
Braves ~ 67-64 ~ 4.0
Thoughts: The Padres had a great road trip, taking two away from the Mets and two away from the Phillies. That second series especially was huge, because it gave them a little breathing room in the Wild Card. ... Huge series coming up this week, with the Padres taking on the Diamondbacks and the Mets taking on the Phillies. Easier times for the Braves, Dodgers, and Rockies. The Braves take on the Marlins next, the Dodgers have the Nationals, and the Rockies have the Giants. Philadelphia especially needs a big series here so they don't fall completely out of contention both in the division and in the WC.
So, that's where we stand. Now, as for what we do about it...
Huge game Monday night as RHP Mike Mussina (8-9, 5.22 ERA) and the Yankees look to split their wrap-around series against RHP Justin Verlander (13-5, 3.94 ERA) and the Tigers. We know where Mussina stands. He took the loss in Anaheim, lasting just 1.2 innings and allowing seven earned runs on seven hits, including two walks. Expect a short leash in this one, even with the Boston series coming up. Mussina needs a good start here, not only for his team but for his place in the rotation. He recently asked the press who they would replace him with if he doesn't produce. As scary as it sounds, even Kei Igawa often was better than 1.2 innings and seven earned runs. And there's a kid named Ian Kennedy with a great arm in AAA. Though, with the struggles Hughes has seen since returning to the starting rotation, I'd have to guess that Kennedy isn't an option for this year unless absolutely necessary. Moose took the loss in his one previous outing against the Tigers. He lasted five innings and allowed six earned runs (seven total) on nine hits with one homerun (Guillen) and two strikeouts.
In a somewhat ironic coincidence, Justin Verlander is also coming off of a bad start, though his wasn't quite as bad as Mussina's. Verlander lasted just four innings against the Indians and allowed seven earned runs on ten hits with one walk and five strikeouts. He took the win in his August 16th start against Mussina and the Yankees. Verlander wasn't great in that one, going 5.1 innings and allowing three earned runs on seven hits, including one homerun (Abreu), and one walk. But he was good enough to win on Mussina's off-night.
RHP Brian Lawrence (1-1, 5.57 ERA) and the Mets make the short trip from Shea to Philadelphia to take on RHP J.D. Durbin (5-3, 5.44 ERA) and the division rival Phillies. Lawrence is coming off of a loss against the Padres on the 22nd. He lasted five innings and allowed four earned runs on seven hits with four walks and two strikeouts. Lawrence has not faced Philadelphia this season.
Durbin is coming off a loss against the Dodgers. He lasted six innings in that one, allowng four earned runs (five total) on seven hits (1 HR) with three walks and one strikeout. Durbin's only start of the season against the Mets was at the end of June. He took the loss in that one, going 4.2 innings and allowing six earned runs on eight hits, with two homeruns (Delgado & Reyes), two walks, and five strikeouts.
Big series out in San Diego as Padres ace RHP Jake Peavy (14-5, 2.21 ERA) takes on RHP Livan Hernandez (9-8, 4.96 ERA) and the Diamondbacks. Peavy took the win in his last start against the Mets, going six innings and allowing two earned runs on two hits with five walks and eleven strikeouts. In three starts against the Diamondbacks this season, Peavy is 2-0. His last start against them was on August 2nd. Peavy was dominant - throwing seven shutout innings with only three hits and one walk while recording ten strikeouts.
Hernandez took the loss in his August 21st start against the Brewers. He lasted six innings and allowed five earned runs on seven hits with one walk and one strikeout. In three starts against San Diego this season, Hernandez is 1-1. His last start on July 14th was a no decision. He went six innings in that one, allowing four earned runs on six hits - including three homeruns (Kouzmanoff, Greene, B. Giles) - with two walks and three strikeouts.
Finally, LHP Mike Bacsik (5-7, 4.61 ERA) and the Nationals look to bounce back from a sweep by the Rockies as they head to LA to take on RHP Derek Lowe (10-11, 3.47 ERA) and the Dodgers. Bacsik is coming off a decent outing against Houston. He lasted six innings and allowed three earned runs on seven hits (1 HR) with one walk and four strikeouts, but he still took the loss. Bacsik has not faced the Dodgers since May 30th, where he went six innings and allowed two earned runs (four total) on six hits - one homerun (Martin) - with one walk and one strikeout. He took the tough luck loss against Lowe in that one, who pitched seven innings of shutout ball.
Lowe is coming off of a win against the Phillies. He lasted seven innings and allowed three earned runs on six hits (1 HR) with no walks and three strikeouts. His only start of the season against the Nationals was the aforementioned May 30th game, where he took the win against Bacsik with a seven inning shutout performance.
Other games of note:
Braves @ Marlins (Cormier vs. Olsen)
Twins @ Indians (Silva vs. Byrd)
Angels @ Mariners (Lackey vs. Batista)
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Catching up
I've been a little behind these last few days and won't even try to catch up. How's that for persistence?
Here's what you missed over the last few days:
- Mariano Rivera is struggling big time.
- Shawn Hill returned for the Nationals, and it was like he'd never left.
- Speaking of Hill - he, Erik Bedard of the Orioles, and Chris Young of the Padres all need to blow up their bullpens.
- Speaking of Chris Young, he's having a Cy Young season with a 1.93 ERA, but he still only has a 9-4 record.
The big baseball news of the week was about the draftee signings or non-signings, but I'll leave analysis of that to people who follow college baseball far more closely than I do.
And because it's too important to simply be another bullet point: Phil Rizzuto passed away this week at the age of 89. All the best to his family and friends.
As for tonight...
It's a return match-up from Game 2 of last year's ALDS when RHP Mike Mussina (8-7, 4.50 ERA) takes on reigning AL Rookie of the Year RHP Justin Verlander (12-4, 3.58 ERA) and the Tigers. This will be the first meeting of these two clubs since Spring Training, and the first meaningful game between them since the 2006 postseason. Moose is coming off of a quality outing against the Indians on August 11th. He lasted 7.2 innings, tying a season-high on June 13th against the Diamondbacks, and allowed two earned runs on eight hits with zero walks and six strikeouts. While his pitching has been overshadowed by the strength of the offense of late, Mussina has been far more consistent than he was earlier in the year. He hasn't given up more than three runs since July 20th against the Devil Rays.
Verlander is also coming off of a win on August 11th, his against the Oakland A's. He lasted six innings and allowed two earned runs on seven hits while walking three and striking out seven. It was Verlander's first win since July 15th at Seattle. While still keeping his team in the game, Verlander has not been as lights-out as he was earlier in the season. It should be interesting to see if he rises to the occasion of Yankee Stadium tonight.
As a side-bar, it should be fun to hear the Stadium's reaction to Gary Sheffield's first at-bat since being traded in the off-season. I'd imagine he probably won't get a standing-O. Call it a hunch.
RHP Brian Lawrence (1-0, 4.09 ERA) and the Mets look to take another one from the Pirates tonight, this time against RHP Tony Armas (2-3, 6.13 ERA). Lawrence is coming off of a decent start against the Marlins on August 10th. He took the no decision, going six innings and allowing two earned runs on eight hits with three walks and six strikeouts. This will be Lawrence's third start in the majors this season. He has not yet faced the Pirates.
Tony Armas is coming off of a win at San Francisco on August 11th. He lasted six innings and allowed three runs on six hits (including one homerun), one walk, and two strikeouts. His two appearances this season against the Mets, on July 24th and 25th, were in relief. In those outings, Armas worked a total of 3.2 innings and allowed just one hit, no walks, and struck out two.
RHP Joel Hanrahan (2-0, 2.76 ERA) and the Nats look to make it two in a row against LHP Cole Hamels (13-5, 3.64 ERA) and the Phillies. Hanrahan has been very good for the Nationals since being called up from the minors. In his last start at San Francisco, Hanranhan went 5.1 innings and allowed just one earned run on seven hits and four walks with two strikeouts. This will be his first time facing the Phillies.
Cole Hamels is coming off of a win against the Braves on August 10th. He lasted seven innings and allowed four earned runs on five hits (including one homerun) and two walks with two strikeouts. In two starts against the Nationals this season, Hamels is 0-1. He took a no decision in his last start against the Nats on July 25th, going seven innings and allowing just two earned runs, including a solo homer by Ronnie Belliard. The Phillies went on to win that game in the bottom of the 14th on a two-run homer by Ryan Howard.
RHP Clay Hensley (1-3, 6.18 ERA) makes his first major league appearance since #755 against RHP Elmer Dessens (1-1, 6.60 ERA) and the Rockies. In that outing against the Giants, Hensley went 4.2 innngs and allowed two runs on three hits (including that one homerun) with five walks and three strikeouts. Control is something Bud Black and the rest of the San Diego staff will be looking to see out of Hensley tonight. His last start against Colorado was back on April 21st. He won that night, allowing two runs on ten hits and three walks with one strikeout over six innings.
Dessens is making his first major league appearance May 18th, when he worked two innings of scoreless relief for the Brewers. I'll be honest, I have no idea when Dessens was traded/signed by the Rockies, and I have no idea why he's going to be making this start tonight. But...hey, at least I got his name right? I hope?
News: This isn't really recent news, but just to keep track - Edwar Ramirez and Sean Henn, both of whom pitched yesterday for the Yankees, are up. Jeff Karstens and Jim Brower are down. Pitcher Jose Veras (remember him?) has finished rehabbing from injury and is now with AAA-Scranton. Infielder Chris Basak (remember him??) and outfielder Kevin Reese (darn it, I liked that guy) were designated for assignment. ... More not recent news, Marlon Anderson was reinstated from the bereavement list for the Mets, and David Newhan was sent down. ... Similarly, Doug Brocail was reinstated from the bereavement list for San Diego. Mike Thompson was sent down.
Also, the song and dance continues as it was announced Jason Giambi will not be punished by Major League Baseball following that whole USA Today incident earlier in the year. Giambi agreed to cooperate with the Mitchell investigation, he'll be donating $100,000 to charity, and so it goes.
Here's what you missed over the last few days:
- Mariano Rivera is struggling big time.
- Shawn Hill returned for the Nationals, and it was like he'd never left.
- Speaking of Hill - he, Erik Bedard of the Orioles, and Chris Young of the Padres all need to blow up their bullpens.
- Speaking of Chris Young, he's having a Cy Young season with a 1.93 ERA, but he still only has a 9-4 record.
The big baseball news of the week was about the draftee signings or non-signings, but I'll leave analysis of that to people who follow college baseball far more closely than I do.
And because it's too important to simply be another bullet point: Phil Rizzuto passed away this week at the age of 89. All the best to his family and friends.
As for tonight...
It's a return match-up from Game 2 of last year's ALDS when RHP Mike Mussina (8-7, 4.50 ERA) takes on reigning AL Rookie of the Year RHP Justin Verlander (12-4, 3.58 ERA) and the Tigers. This will be the first meeting of these two clubs since Spring Training, and the first meaningful game between them since the 2006 postseason. Moose is coming off of a quality outing against the Indians on August 11th. He lasted 7.2 innings, tying a season-high on June 13th against the Diamondbacks, and allowed two earned runs on eight hits with zero walks and six strikeouts. While his pitching has been overshadowed by the strength of the offense of late, Mussina has been far more consistent than he was earlier in the year. He hasn't given up more than three runs since July 20th against the Devil Rays.
Verlander is also coming off of a win on August 11th, his against the Oakland A's. He lasted six innings and allowed two earned runs on seven hits while walking three and striking out seven. It was Verlander's first win since July 15th at Seattle. While still keeping his team in the game, Verlander has not been as lights-out as he was earlier in the season. It should be interesting to see if he rises to the occasion of Yankee Stadium tonight.
As a side-bar, it should be fun to hear the Stadium's reaction to Gary Sheffield's first at-bat since being traded in the off-season. I'd imagine he probably won't get a standing-O. Call it a hunch.
RHP Brian Lawrence (1-0, 4.09 ERA) and the Mets look to take another one from the Pirates tonight, this time against RHP Tony Armas (2-3, 6.13 ERA). Lawrence is coming off of a decent start against the Marlins on August 10th. He took the no decision, going six innings and allowing two earned runs on eight hits with three walks and six strikeouts. This will be Lawrence's third start in the majors this season. He has not yet faced the Pirates.
Tony Armas is coming off of a win at San Francisco on August 11th. He lasted six innings and allowed three runs on six hits (including one homerun), one walk, and two strikeouts. His two appearances this season against the Mets, on July 24th and 25th, were in relief. In those outings, Armas worked a total of 3.2 innings and allowed just one hit, no walks, and struck out two.
RHP Joel Hanrahan (2-0, 2.76 ERA) and the Nats look to make it two in a row against LHP Cole Hamels (13-5, 3.64 ERA) and the Phillies. Hanrahan has been very good for the Nationals since being called up from the minors. In his last start at San Francisco, Hanranhan went 5.1 innings and allowed just one earned run on seven hits and four walks with two strikeouts. This will be his first time facing the Phillies.
Cole Hamels is coming off of a win against the Braves on August 10th. He lasted seven innings and allowed four earned runs on five hits (including one homerun) and two walks with two strikeouts. In two starts against the Nationals this season, Hamels is 0-1. He took a no decision in his last start against the Nats on July 25th, going seven innings and allowing just two earned runs, including a solo homer by Ronnie Belliard. The Phillies went on to win that game in the bottom of the 14th on a two-run homer by Ryan Howard.
RHP Clay Hensley (1-3, 6.18 ERA) makes his first major league appearance since #755 against RHP Elmer Dessens (1-1, 6.60 ERA) and the Rockies. In that outing against the Giants, Hensley went 4.2 innngs and allowed two runs on three hits (including that one homerun) with five walks and three strikeouts. Control is something Bud Black and the rest of the San Diego staff will be looking to see out of Hensley tonight. His last start against Colorado was back on April 21st. He won that night, allowing two runs on ten hits and three walks with one strikeout over six innings.
Dessens is making his first major league appearance May 18th, when he worked two innings of scoreless relief for the Brewers. I'll be honest, I have no idea when Dessens was traded/signed by the Rockies, and I have no idea why he's going to be making this start tonight. But...hey, at least I got his name right? I hope?
News: This isn't really recent news, but just to keep track - Edwar Ramirez and Sean Henn, both of whom pitched yesterday for the Yankees, are up. Jeff Karstens and Jim Brower are down. Pitcher Jose Veras (remember him?) has finished rehabbing from injury and is now with AAA-Scranton. Infielder Chris Basak (remember him??) and outfielder Kevin Reese (darn it, I liked that guy) were designated for assignment. ... More not recent news, Marlon Anderson was reinstated from the bereavement list for the Mets, and David Newhan was sent down. ... Similarly, Doug Brocail was reinstated from the bereavement list for San Diego. Mike Thompson was sent down.
Also, the song and dance continues as it was announced Jason Giambi will not be punished by Major League Baseball following that whole USA Today incident earlier in the year. Giambi agreed to cooperate with the Mitchell investigation, he'll be donating $100,000 to charity, and so it goes.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Saturday action
Final Score: Yankees 11, Indians 2
WP: Mussina (8-7, 4.50 ERA)
LP: Byrd (10-5, 4.53 ERA)
In case you haven't figured it out? Alex Rodriguez is a pretty good baseball player. Two homeruns tonight: a 2-run shot off of Byrd in a huge Yankee 2nd inning and another 2-run homer off of Mujica (whose name is awesome) in the 8th inning. Giambi added some power off the bench as well, with a solo homerun off of Mujica in the 9th inning.
That was the big offense. The little offense says that this line-up is still a force to be reckoned with. Every starter in the game had at least one hit. In fact, every batter for the Yankees except Shelley Duncan (who didn't get an at-bat, as he came in to play 1B in the bottom of the 9th) had at least one hit. And every batter exept Duncan and Cabrera scored at least one run. Cabrera picked up an RBI though, as well as a hit to bring his streak up to 16 games on his birthday. Happy 23rd, Melky! Huge night for recent Yankee acquisition Jose Molina, who went 4-for-5.
But with all that offense, the story of the night had to be Mike Mussina's outing. It was his 100th win as a Yankee, which makes it appropriate that this was also his best start of the season. He went 7.2 innings and allowed just two runs on eight hits, no walks, and six strikeouts. It was also Mussina's third straight start without allowing a walk. His control has really settled in for these last few games. If there's any time for Moose to get hot for the Yankees, now is it.
Final Score: Red Sox 6, Orioles 2
WP: Beckett (15-5, 3.24 ERA)
LP: Olson (1-1, 4.60 ERA)
Josh Beckett became the first pitcher in the majors this season to 15 wins. At the rate he's going, it seems like last year's lack of 20-game winners won't be an issue again. Beckett nearly pitched a complete game, at 8.2 innings. He allowed two runs on eight hits with eight strikeouts and no walks. The two O's runs, batted in by Tejada and Millar, came in the 9th inning. Other than that, the O's offense couldn't do anything against Beckett.
Olson was okay given that he was a rookie going against a tough Red Sox line-up. He went 6.1 innings and allowed four runs on eight hits with six strikeouts. Six walks too, which didn't help matters.
Final Score: Reds 8, Padres 3
WP: Livingston (3-2, 4.24 ERA)
LP: Hampson (2-3, 3.57 ERA)
Either the Padres are really slumping right now, even for their offense, or I'm going to have to stop making fun of the Reds. Germano was okay given the finger issues he had last outing. He went 5.1 innings, allowing just one earned run on five hits with four walks and five strikeouts. It seemed like we had a good game going until the bottom of the 7th inning. The first run of the afternoon came in the bottom of the 6th on a Jeff Keppinger double, which scored Ken Griffey Jr. That ended Germano's afternoon and brought in Meredith, who picked up the last two outs with ease.
The Padres came back to tie the game in the top of the 7th on a solo homerun from Brian Giles. But then it all went downhill in the bottom of the 7th. Long story short, Hampson didn't have a good game. He gave up four earned runs in 0.2 innings on two hits and three walks. The rest of the Reds' runs were earned by Mike Thompson (one earned, three total).
Livingston, on the other side, pitched well. He went 8.1 innings and allowed three earned runs, including the two homers to Brian Giles. Bray came in to finish the game.
Final Score: Marlins 7, Mets 5
WP: Miller (4-0, 2.83 ERA)
LP: Heilman (7-4, 3.66 ERA)
Speaking of bullpen blunders...
Good pitching match going into the 7th inning between Olsen and Glavine. Olsen went six innings, allowing three runs on seven hits with one walk and two strikeouts. All of his runs came on long-ball shots from David Wright. Two homers, a 2-run shot in the 4th inning and a solo shot in the 6th. Something about those New York third baseman yesterday...
Glavine stayed with him, going 6.1 innings and giving up two earned runs on seven hits with one walk and five strikeouts. He left with one out in the 7th and one man on. Enter Mota, who earned the blown save by being charged with three runs. The Mets bailed him out with two runs in the bottom of the inning, but Heilman was convinced he could one-up that. The Marlins picked up two more runs in the top of the 8th, putting the game away.
At least this NL East race is going to stay interesting?
Final Score: Diamondbacks 1, Nationals 0
WP: Webb (12-8, 2.77 ERA)
LP: Lannan (1-1, 3.00 ERA)
This is one of those final results that makes you cringe a little bit. Lannan was as good as anyone could have asked the kid to be. He pitched seven good innings, with one earned run on four hits, two walks, and one strikeout. But he happened to run into a pretty good pitcher named Brandon Webb, who pitched a complete game shutout: five hits, one walk, ten strikeouts. How about this kid Lannan's first four starts in the majors? Ejected in his debut, Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds and #756 on the line, and now reigning NL Cy Young winner Brandon Webb? Lannan doesn't blow people away with his stuff, but he's got poise like Hill and Bergmann showed early in the season. Definitely someone for Nats fans to be proud of.
The only run of the game was scored in the fourth inning on a Justin Upton triple that scored Eric Byrnes from 2B. Those Upton boys are something, aren't they?
News: Mets catcher Paul Lo Duca is on the 15-day DL now with a strained right hamstring. The Mets recalled catcher Mike DeFelice from AAA-New Orleans ... Speaking of hamstrings, Milton Bradley of the Padres is working on coming back from a straight right hammy of his own. He was supposed to be back in the lineup this weekend, but after some pregame workouts Bradley was feeling sore. Black decided to hold Bradley out for a little longer. He's not a definite lock to sit on Sunday, but it makes sense that they would give him another day to rest, then the off-day Monday, before bringing him back in Tuesday ... Jorge Posada of the Yankees sat out again Saturday with a sore neck that supposedly stems from some, and I'm quoting MLB.com here, "bad pillows in a Toronto hotel earlier this week." Keep away from those Canadian pillows, eh! Or should be blame the Blue Jays for sabatoging Yankee hotel rooms during their stay in Toronto? Given some of the low blows taken by Josh Towers, I wouldn't be surprised. Posada is said to have done some light hitting on the side Saturday, but no word yet on whether he'd be in the line-up to catch Pettitte on Sunday ... He's up, he's down, he's up again! A few days ago, it was believed Shawn Hill would be back pitching with the Nationals on Tuesday against the Phillies. Friday, Nats GM Jim Bowden pushed Hill back to next weekend against the Mets because the team wanted him to refine some of his secondary pitches before his return. On Saturday, Bowden again had a change of heart. It seems Hill will make the start Tuesday against the Phillies. Bowden cited wanting to put the best team on the field as the Nationals take on contending clubs in upcoming weeks ... Saturday, Jay Gibbons of the Orioles confirmed reports in The Baltimore Sun about a tear in the labrum of his left shoulder. The tear will require surgery that will keep Gibbons away from the team for the rest of the season.
As for tomorrow...
LHP Andy Pettitte (8-7, 4.00 ERA) looks to one up fellow 8-7 record holder Mike Mussina with a win over RHP Jake Westbrook (3-6, 5.00 ERA) and the Indians. Pettitte is coming off of an okay outing in Toronto. He took the win in that one, going 5.2 innings and allowing three earned runs on six hits with four walks and seven strikeouts. This will be Pettitte's first start this season against the Indians.
Westbrook's last outing in Chicago against the White Sox was quality. He won that game, going eight innings and allowing just one run on two hits with no walks and five strikeouts. He certainly hopes this outing against the Yankees is better than his first back on April 17th. Westbrook was pounded in that one, lasting just 1.2 innings and allowing eight runs on eight hits, including three homeruns. (Mientkiewicz, Rodriguez, Posada)
LHP Oliver Perez (10-8, 3.31 ERA) looks to stop the bleeding against RHP Rick VandenHurk (3-3, 7.49 ERA) and the Marlins. Perez is also looking to rebound from two not-so-good starts. His last start against the Braves was especially bad: five innings with six runs on ten hits, including two homeruns. Perez's only start against the Marlins this season was a win on May 2nd. In that one, he lasted 5.2 innings and allowed one earned run (three total) on three hits with three walks and ten strikeouts.
VandenHurk is also coming off a rough outing, his against the Phillies. He took the loss, going just 2.1 innings and allowing six earned runs on five hits with five walks. VandenHurk's one start against the Mets this season was a loss, and a bad one at that. On April 19th, VandenHurk went four innings and allowed eight runs on seven hits, including two homeruns (Castro, Beltran).
Padres ace RHP Jake Peavy (12-5, 2.21 ERA) takes the mound Sunday in hopes of sealing a series win against RHP Bronson Arroyo (5-12, 4.51 ERA) and the Reds. Good outing for Peavy in his last start. He picked up the win, going six shutout innings, with just three hits and two walks with five strikeouts (low for him). In his one start against the Reds this season (May 16th), Peavy took a no decision. He pitched seven innings, allowing two runs on nine hits with one walk and five strikeouts. At that point in the season, his ERA was still sub-2.00. Wow.
Arroyo hasn't been as consistent as he's been in past seasons, but he's coming off a good win against the Dodgers. In that one, Arroyo went 6.2 shutout innings, allowing six hits and striking out five. No walks. In his one start against San Diego (he faced Peavy on May 16th), Arroyo took a tough loss. He went eight innings and allowed one earned run (three total) on ten hits, with two walks and six strikeouts.
RHP Steve Trachsel (5-7, 4.88 ERA) looks to win this series with the Red Sox as he takes out RHP Curt Schilling (6-5, 4.31 ERA). Trachsel (who has one of the most frightening profile pictures in the major leagues right now), is coming off of a no decision against the Mariners. He pitched 5.2 innings and allowed two earned runs on six hits (one homerun) and three walks. His only start against the Red Sox this season was a no decision on May 12th. Trachsel wasn't long for that one, lasting 4.1 innings and allowing three earned runs (four total) on five hits with four walks and one strikeout.
Schilling had his first start since being placed on the DL in June on August 6th against against the Angels. He took the loss in that one, going 6.0 innings and allowing four earned runs on nine hits (including one homerun). But a promising sign? Schilling didn't walk anyone. He's 1-0 with two starts against Baltimore this season. In the win on April 25th, Schilling pitched a gem: seven innings with just one earned run (Tejada homerun). In the no decision on May 12th? Not so quality. Schilling went 5.1 innings in that one, allowing four earned runs on nine hits. The offense bailed Schilling out in that one late.
Finally, LHP Mike Bacsik (5-6, 4.47 ERA) makes his first start after giving up historic #756 to Barry Bonds in San Francisco. He'll take on RHP Micah Owings (5-6, 4.96 ERA) and the Diamondbacks. Other than the homerun to Bonds, Bacsik took the no decision in the August 7th game against the Giants. He went five innings and allowed five earned runs on seven hits, including two homers. Bacsik has not faced the Diamondbacks this season.
Owings is coming off of a loss against the Pirates on August 7th. He lasted 6.1 innings and allowed four earned runs on six hits with three walks and five strikeouts. In his one start against the Nationals this season, Owings' major league debut, he took the win and pitched a fantastic five shutout innings: just one hit and three walks with six strikeouts.
WP: Mussina (8-7, 4.50 ERA)
LP: Byrd (10-5, 4.53 ERA)
In case you haven't figured it out? Alex Rodriguez is a pretty good baseball player. Two homeruns tonight: a 2-run shot off of Byrd in a huge Yankee 2nd inning and another 2-run homer off of Mujica (whose name is awesome) in the 8th inning. Giambi added some power off the bench as well, with a solo homerun off of Mujica in the 9th inning.
That was the big offense. The little offense says that this line-up is still a force to be reckoned with. Every starter in the game had at least one hit. In fact, every batter for the Yankees except Shelley Duncan (who didn't get an at-bat, as he came in to play 1B in the bottom of the 9th) had at least one hit. And every batter exept Duncan and Cabrera scored at least one run. Cabrera picked up an RBI though, as well as a hit to bring his streak up to 16 games on his birthday. Happy 23rd, Melky! Huge night for recent Yankee acquisition Jose Molina, who went 4-for-5.
But with all that offense, the story of the night had to be Mike Mussina's outing. It was his 100th win as a Yankee, which makes it appropriate that this was also his best start of the season. He went 7.2 innings and allowed just two runs on eight hits, no walks, and six strikeouts. It was also Mussina's third straight start without allowing a walk. His control has really settled in for these last few games. If there's any time for Moose to get hot for the Yankees, now is it.
Final Score: Red Sox 6, Orioles 2
WP: Beckett (15-5, 3.24 ERA)
LP: Olson (1-1, 4.60 ERA)
Josh Beckett became the first pitcher in the majors this season to 15 wins. At the rate he's going, it seems like last year's lack of 20-game winners won't be an issue again. Beckett nearly pitched a complete game, at 8.2 innings. He allowed two runs on eight hits with eight strikeouts and no walks. The two O's runs, batted in by Tejada and Millar, came in the 9th inning. Other than that, the O's offense couldn't do anything against Beckett.
Olson was okay given that he was a rookie going against a tough Red Sox line-up. He went 6.1 innings and allowed four runs on eight hits with six strikeouts. Six walks too, which didn't help matters.
Final Score: Reds 8, Padres 3
WP: Livingston (3-2, 4.24 ERA)
LP: Hampson (2-3, 3.57 ERA)
Either the Padres are really slumping right now, even for their offense, or I'm going to have to stop making fun of the Reds. Germano was okay given the finger issues he had last outing. He went 5.1 innings, allowing just one earned run on five hits with four walks and five strikeouts. It seemed like we had a good game going until the bottom of the 7th inning. The first run of the afternoon came in the bottom of the 6th on a Jeff Keppinger double, which scored Ken Griffey Jr. That ended Germano's afternoon and brought in Meredith, who picked up the last two outs with ease.
The Padres came back to tie the game in the top of the 7th on a solo homerun from Brian Giles. But then it all went downhill in the bottom of the 7th. Long story short, Hampson didn't have a good game. He gave up four earned runs in 0.2 innings on two hits and three walks. The rest of the Reds' runs were earned by Mike Thompson (one earned, three total).
Livingston, on the other side, pitched well. He went 8.1 innings and allowed three earned runs, including the two homers to Brian Giles. Bray came in to finish the game.
Final Score: Marlins 7, Mets 5
WP: Miller (4-0, 2.83 ERA)
LP: Heilman (7-4, 3.66 ERA)
Speaking of bullpen blunders...
Good pitching match going into the 7th inning between Olsen and Glavine. Olsen went six innings, allowing three runs on seven hits with one walk and two strikeouts. All of his runs came on long-ball shots from David Wright. Two homers, a 2-run shot in the 4th inning and a solo shot in the 6th. Something about those New York third baseman yesterday...
Glavine stayed with him, going 6.1 innings and giving up two earned runs on seven hits with one walk and five strikeouts. He left with one out in the 7th and one man on. Enter Mota, who earned the blown save by being charged with three runs. The Mets bailed him out with two runs in the bottom of the inning, but Heilman was convinced he could one-up that. The Marlins picked up two more runs in the top of the 8th, putting the game away.
At least this NL East race is going to stay interesting?
Final Score: Diamondbacks 1, Nationals 0
WP: Webb (12-8, 2.77 ERA)
LP: Lannan (1-1, 3.00 ERA)
This is one of those final results that makes you cringe a little bit. Lannan was as good as anyone could have asked the kid to be. He pitched seven good innings, with one earned run on four hits, two walks, and one strikeout. But he happened to run into a pretty good pitcher named Brandon Webb, who pitched a complete game shutout: five hits, one walk, ten strikeouts. How about this kid Lannan's first four starts in the majors? Ejected in his debut, Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds and #756 on the line, and now reigning NL Cy Young winner Brandon Webb? Lannan doesn't blow people away with his stuff, but he's got poise like Hill and Bergmann showed early in the season. Definitely someone for Nats fans to be proud of.
The only run of the game was scored in the fourth inning on a Justin Upton triple that scored Eric Byrnes from 2B. Those Upton boys are something, aren't they?
News: Mets catcher Paul Lo Duca is on the 15-day DL now with a strained right hamstring. The Mets recalled catcher Mike DeFelice from AAA-New Orleans ... Speaking of hamstrings, Milton Bradley of the Padres is working on coming back from a straight right hammy of his own. He was supposed to be back in the lineup this weekend, but after some pregame workouts Bradley was feeling sore. Black decided to hold Bradley out for a little longer. He's not a definite lock to sit on Sunday, but it makes sense that they would give him another day to rest, then the off-day Monday, before bringing him back in Tuesday ... Jorge Posada of the Yankees sat out again Saturday with a sore neck that supposedly stems from some, and I'm quoting MLB.com here, "bad pillows in a Toronto hotel earlier this week." Keep away from those Canadian pillows, eh! Or should be blame the Blue Jays for sabatoging Yankee hotel rooms during their stay in Toronto? Given some of the low blows taken by Josh Towers, I wouldn't be surprised. Posada is said to have done some light hitting on the side Saturday, but no word yet on whether he'd be in the line-up to catch Pettitte on Sunday ... He's up, he's down, he's up again! A few days ago, it was believed Shawn Hill would be back pitching with the Nationals on Tuesday against the Phillies. Friday, Nats GM Jim Bowden pushed Hill back to next weekend against the Mets because the team wanted him to refine some of his secondary pitches before his return. On Saturday, Bowden again had a change of heart. It seems Hill will make the start Tuesday against the Phillies. Bowden cited wanting to put the best team on the field as the Nationals take on contending clubs in upcoming weeks ... Saturday, Jay Gibbons of the Orioles confirmed reports in The Baltimore Sun about a tear in the labrum of his left shoulder. The tear will require surgery that will keep Gibbons away from the team for the rest of the season.
As for tomorrow...
LHP Andy Pettitte (8-7, 4.00 ERA) looks to one up fellow 8-7 record holder Mike Mussina with a win over RHP Jake Westbrook (3-6, 5.00 ERA) and the Indians. Pettitte is coming off of an okay outing in Toronto. He took the win in that one, going 5.2 innings and allowing three earned runs on six hits with four walks and seven strikeouts. This will be Pettitte's first start this season against the Indians.
Westbrook's last outing in Chicago against the White Sox was quality. He won that game, going eight innings and allowing just one run on two hits with no walks and five strikeouts. He certainly hopes this outing against the Yankees is better than his first back on April 17th. Westbrook was pounded in that one, lasting just 1.2 innings and allowing eight runs on eight hits, including three homeruns. (Mientkiewicz, Rodriguez, Posada)
LHP Oliver Perez (10-8, 3.31 ERA) looks to stop the bleeding against RHP Rick VandenHurk (3-3, 7.49 ERA) and the Marlins. Perez is also looking to rebound from two not-so-good starts. His last start against the Braves was especially bad: five innings with six runs on ten hits, including two homeruns. Perez's only start against the Marlins this season was a win on May 2nd. In that one, he lasted 5.2 innings and allowed one earned run (three total) on three hits with three walks and ten strikeouts.
VandenHurk is also coming off a rough outing, his against the Phillies. He took the loss, going just 2.1 innings and allowing six earned runs on five hits with five walks. VandenHurk's one start against the Mets this season was a loss, and a bad one at that. On April 19th, VandenHurk went four innings and allowed eight runs on seven hits, including two homeruns (Castro, Beltran).
Padres ace RHP Jake Peavy (12-5, 2.21 ERA) takes the mound Sunday in hopes of sealing a series win against RHP Bronson Arroyo (5-12, 4.51 ERA) and the Reds. Good outing for Peavy in his last start. He picked up the win, going six shutout innings, with just three hits and two walks with five strikeouts (low for him). In his one start against the Reds this season (May 16th), Peavy took a no decision. He pitched seven innings, allowing two runs on nine hits with one walk and five strikeouts. At that point in the season, his ERA was still sub-2.00. Wow.
Arroyo hasn't been as consistent as he's been in past seasons, but he's coming off a good win against the Dodgers. In that one, Arroyo went 6.2 shutout innings, allowing six hits and striking out five. No walks. In his one start against San Diego (he faced Peavy on May 16th), Arroyo took a tough loss. He went eight innings and allowed one earned run (three total) on ten hits, with two walks and six strikeouts.
RHP Steve Trachsel (5-7, 4.88 ERA) looks to win this series with the Red Sox as he takes out RHP Curt Schilling (6-5, 4.31 ERA). Trachsel (who has one of the most frightening profile pictures in the major leagues right now), is coming off of a no decision against the Mariners. He pitched 5.2 innings and allowed two earned runs on six hits (one homerun) and three walks. His only start against the Red Sox this season was a no decision on May 12th. Trachsel wasn't long for that one, lasting 4.1 innings and allowing three earned runs (four total) on five hits with four walks and one strikeout.
Schilling had his first start since being placed on the DL in June on August 6th against against the Angels. He took the loss in that one, going 6.0 innings and allowing four earned runs on nine hits (including one homerun). But a promising sign? Schilling didn't walk anyone. He's 1-0 with two starts against Baltimore this season. In the win on April 25th, Schilling pitched a gem: seven innings with just one earned run (Tejada homerun). In the no decision on May 12th? Not so quality. Schilling went 5.1 innings in that one, allowing four earned runs on nine hits. The offense bailed Schilling out in that one late.
Finally, LHP Mike Bacsik (5-6, 4.47 ERA) makes his first start after giving up historic #756 to Barry Bonds in San Francisco. He'll take on RHP Micah Owings (5-6, 4.96 ERA) and the Diamondbacks. Other than the homerun to Bonds, Bacsik took the no decision in the August 7th game against the Giants. He went five innings and allowed five earned runs on seven hits, including two homers. Bacsik has not faced the Diamondbacks this season.
Owings is coming off of a loss against the Pirates on August 7th. He lasted 6.1 innings and allowed four earned runs on six hits with three walks and five strikeouts. In his one start against the Nationals this season, Owings' major league debut, he took the win and pitched a fantastic five shutout innings: just one hit and three walks with six strikeouts.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
La Science des rêves [The Science of Sleep] (2006)
Directed by: Michel Gondry
Writer: Michel Gondry
Rated: R (sexual content, nudity, profanity)
Main Cast:
Gael Garcia Bernal ... Stéphane Miroux
Charlotte Gainsbourg ... Stéphanie
Alain Chabat ... Guy
Miou-Miou ... Christine Miroux
Emma de Caunes ... Zoé
I procrastinated on watching this movie for a long time, and now I wish I hadn't. It's one of those movies that was so creative that I couldn't help but be riveted by it, but now that it's over it's hard to describe why.
The main gist of the plot is that Stéphane (Bernal) has returned from Mexico to the building his mother (Miou-Miou) owns in France after the death of his father. He soon meets Stéphanie (Gainsbourg), the new tenant living in the apartment next to his.
What you would expect to follow is the typical romance between the foreign loner and the neighbor, both artists in their own right. The romance is there - or is it? - but the real focus of this film is on the relationship between subconscious and consciousness. Dreams and reality. We get the sense that the parallels between Stéphane's dream world and reality are more prominent than that of the average person. He jumps in and out of the two so erratically that half of the time even he doesn't know whether he's dreaming or awake, and neither do we. Even when a caption on screen tells us that two months have passed and we are taken to a party celebrating the success of Stéphane's calendar, has that time really passed? Is the time passing also a dream? Have he and Stéphanie started a romance, or has it simply been in Stéphane's mind?
To try to make sense of it all doesn't seem to do the film justice. The dream sequences are a joy to behold, so frenetic and colorful that you can't help but be drawn to them. Despite not ever being certain what was going on, I was never bored by the movie. Bernal was fantastic, ranging from the exuberance of his dream state to the quiet mumblings of the awkward, withdrawn Stéphane. And Gainsbourg, as his parallel, brought a quiet stability to the cyclone of impressions and emotions depicted herein.
The contrast between conscious and subconscious is more successfully bridged in films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. But the perplexing nature of The Science of Sleep doesn't make it a failure. Like dreams themselves, it fascinates as it confuses. Making sense of the images it provides doesn't seem to be the point. It's an odd film, but it's satisfying in an inexplicable way.
Final Rating: B+
Friday and Saturday
Well, if you ever wanted to see a game that excited you about the future of the Yankees, this was the one.
Final Score: Yankees 6, Indians 1
WP: Hughes (2-1, 4.64 ERA)
LP: Carmona (13-7, 3.26 ERA)
For the last week or two, the story has been the offense, and it wasn't like they took the day off here. Alex Rodriguez went yard for his 501st career homerun. Bobby Abreu had a 2-RBI night, including a triple in the 8th inning. Another good night at the plate for Robinson Cano, who went 2-for-4; and a very good night for Derek Jeter, who went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored.
But the story here was two 21-year olds who aren't wasting any time making their presence felt. Phil Hughes bounced back from his previous start with six innings of 1-run baseball, giving up just four hits and walking one while striking out six. His one homerun came on a solo shot in the 5th inning to Josh Barfield.
As if that wasn't great to see, how about two innings of relief from Joba Chamberlain? Two innings, no hits, no walks, four strikeouts. He's a young, fresh arm so maybe it isn't fair to compare... But man, you have to figure there was a group of guys sitting in the bullpen nodding slowly and saying, "Oh wait, so that's what I'm supposed to do? Throw strikes?" There's no other way to say it. Other than Rivera and Vizcaino at his best, Chamberlain has completely outclassed everyone in the bullpen with just four innings of work. And, by the way, did I mention he's 21?
The night ended appropriately with one inning of Mo being Mo. No hits, no walks, one strikeout. The end.
Other scores from last night:
Final Score: Orioles 6, Red Sox 5
WP: Hoey (1-0, 13.50 ERA)
LP: Okajima (3-1, 1.11 ERA)
Take a look at those ERAs on the pitchers of note! Goes to show that the numbers aren't everything in baseball.
Despite the score, this actually was the pitching duel that peope were anticipating. Through seven innings, Bedard and Matsuzaka kept it close, with Bedard holding the 1-0 advantage. Enter the top of the 8th. Two outs, two on for Wily Mo Pena, who hit a single back up the middle to tie the game at one. Two outs, two on, exit Bedard for Chad Bradford. Let the bullpen implosion begin. Bradford couldn't get that last out. Neither could Walker, and by the time Hoey finally shut the door the Red Sox had put together a five-run top of the 8th. 5-1 Red Sox. Ballgame, right?
Head to the bottom of the 8th and Eric Gagne. Of five batters faced, Gagne could only retire one. His relief effort turned into a four-run 8th for the Orioles, knotting the score at 5-5 (Okajima, who allowed an inherited runner to score, was credited with the blown save). After a scoreless 9th from Hoey, the Orioles went on to win it in the bottom of the 9th. Nick Markakis hit a fly ball to CF with less than two outs and Brian Roberts at third. Coco Crisp made the catch, Roberts tagged up, Julio Lugo bobbled the relay throw (but, to be fair, he would have had no shot with Roberts running), and the Orioles won in walk-off fashion.
Final Score: Padres 12, Reds 7
WP: Cameron, K (1-0, 0.82 ERA)
LP: Weathers (2-4, 3.86 ERA)
Did they use every pitcher in the major leagues in this game or what?
Ledezma made the start for the Padres, filling in for David Wells who was cut from the roster this week. As noted in the preview for this game, Ledezma has spent the entire year as a reliever, so you knew he wasn't going to be long for this game. 2.1 innings, but I think the Padres had hoped he wouldn't be as bad as he was. Four runs (three earned), on five hits with three walks and three strikeouts. Those runs included a solo shot to Ken Griffey Jr. in the 3rd inning. By the time of his exit, it was 4-2 Reds.
But that would change in the fifth on a 3-run homer from Adrian Gonzalez, giving the Padres a 5-4 lead. They tacked on another run in the 6th inning on a solo homerun from Khalil Greene. But the Reds came back to tie it in the bottom of that inning. Jack Cassel was brought up from the minors for this game, with the expectation that Ledezma wouldn't eat up all the innings they would need. Here, in his major league debut, Cassel was solid. He departed with one out in the 6th inning and two on for Cla Meredith. Meredith struggled, and both runs were able to score, knotting the game at 6-6. The Padres were 7-6 heading into the bottom of the 9th in. Trevor in, blown save, Trevor out. 7-7, to extras we go.
Until a five-run 11th inning for the Padres, including a 2-run second deck shot from Kevin Kouzmanoff. Kevin Cameron, who had worked a scoreless 10th, finished off the 11th to scure the Padres win.
Final Score: Marlins 4, Mets 3
WP: Lindstrom (2-3, 3.88 ERA)
LP: Wagner (1-1, 1.61 ERA)
Brian Lawrence was in line for the win here, after going six innings and allowing two earned runs on eight hits with three walks and six strikeouts. Good effort from him, added to by a welcome bat shot off the bat of a returning Carlos Beltran - a 3-run job that was all the Mets offense yesterday.
Wagner in, blown save, Wagner out. The winning hit came off the bat of last year's NL Rookie of the Year Hanley Ramirez. His 34th double of the season scored Miguel Olivo and Jason Wood to put the Mets down by one. The Mets went quietly in the bottom of the 9th, giving Kevin Gregg his 25th save of the season for the Marlins.
Final Score: Diamondbacks 11, Nationals 4
WP: Hernandez (8-7, 4.85 ERA)
LP: Rivera (4-4, 3.78 ERA)
Here's one of those funny things about baseball. A guy gives up three homeruns in the same inning and still manages to get the W. If you can't win a game after three homeruns in an inning, you know it's not your day.
Matt Chico made the start for the Nationals, and he had one of his not-so-good days. In five innings, he allowed four earned runs, including a two-run shot to Conor Jackson in the first inning. It was his first of two homeruns last night. Jackson would go on to hit a second two-run shot, this time off of Luis Ayala in the 8th inning. Chico was taken off the hook, with the Nats down 4-1 in the top of the 6th. Former Nat Livan Hernandez was still in the game, and he was touched up for three solo homers. The first was from Felipe Lopez to lead off the inning. Nook Logan made the first out. Then, Ryan Zimmerman went yard, and he was followed with a back-to-back shot from Austin Kearns to tie the score at 4-4.
Enter the bullpen. Strange how the Yankees had the opportunity to really celebrate their newest relief pitcher last night, but everyone else had a bullpen malfunction.
Anyway, after a perfect sixth inning from Chris Schroder (he's been great since getting the call-up for the Nationals), the ball was turned over to Saul Rivera in the 7th inning. And Rivera, who has been consistent for the Nats this season, wasn't last night. After recording just one out, Rivera was touched up for four runs, two of them having been inherited by Ray King. King was no better, brought on in relief of Rivera yet unable to get anyone out. Ayala was next, inheriting two runners from King and allowing just one of them to score. He would pick up his own blunders in the 8th inning, however, on the aforementioned 2-run shot from Jackson.
News: Some roster moves from yesterday - Garrett Olson was recalled to pitch today's game against the Red Sox. Left-hander Kurt Birkins was optioned to AAA-Norfolk to make room for him on the roster. To activate Beltran yesterday, the Mets placed Marlon Anderson on the bereavement list. Cassel's place on the Padres' roster was made by OF Scott Hairston, who is on the 15-day DL with a strained left oblique. What is it with Padres and oblique muscles anyway? And LHP Joe Thatcher was recalled from AAA-Portland when Doug Brocail was placed on the bereavement list. Oh, and for those curious? Jerome Williams, released not too long ago by the Nationals, was picked up on a minor league deal by the Twins.
I'm not sure if I mentioned this yesterday, but Roger Clemens is not appealing his suspension, in a surprise move. He served the first game of the five-game suspension last night. No word on how this is going to affect the pitching rotation yet. Joe Torre served his one game suspension last night. He should be back today.
Shawn Hill's scheduled Tuesday start against the Phillies has been pushed back. GM Jim Bowden wants to see Hill control his secondary pitches a bit better before putting him into a major league game. The tentative plan is to have him start Tuesday for Columbus, then pitch him for the Nationals the following Sunday against the Mets. Dmitri Young sat out again last night because of his hamstring problem. He said he was available to pinch hit, but no word on whether he'll get the start today yet.
Padres catcher Michael Barrett will be placed on the disabled list today, probably, because of concussion-like symptoms. The team plans to recall Pete Laforest from AAA. They've also stated that Jack Cassel will be optioned down to recall a pitcher from AAA (no word on who yet) and replenish their bullpen. There have been a lot of rumors flying around about the Padres claiming Yankee pitcher Kei Igawa off of waivers, but there's been nothing concrete out there. They'd have to work out some kind of trade, I'd imagine, and after posting that $26 million fee for Igawa I'm not sure even the Yankees would want to eat that money unless San Diego put out a strong offer.
As for today...
RHP Mike Mussina (7-7, 4.66 ERA) and the Yankees try to make it two in a row against RHP Paul Byrd (10-4, 4.13 ERA) and the Indians. Moose is coming off of a win against the Royals. He went six innings and allowed just two earned runs on that 6th inning two-run shot to Gload. Very rarely has Moose gone over six innings for the Yankees this season, so I'm sure they'll be happy if they can get that kind of effort from him tonight. With Chamberlain eating two innings last night, the rest of the bullpen should be well-rested. ... That could be a good or bad thing depending on what you think of the rest of the bullpen.
Paul Byrd is coming off of a win in Minnesota aganst the Twins. He pitched a complete game, allowing just four hits and walking one without giving up a run. Mussina and Byrd will be facing their opposing teams for the first time this season.
LHP Garrett Olson (1-0, 3.86 ERA) was recalled from AAA-Norfolk to make this start against RHP Josh Beckett (14-5, 3.31 ERA) and the Red Sox. This will be Olson's third major league start. Both of the previous starts were against the White Sox. In his last major league start, July 15th, Olson earned his first win with five innings of two-run baseball. Both runs came on solo homers.
Beckett is coming off of a win in Seattle. He pitched 6.2 innings while allowing one run on eight hits with two walks and nine strikeouts. Beckett has a 1-1 record in three starts against the Orioles this season. He didn't have his best stuff in his last outing against Baltimore on July 31st. Beckett lasted eight innings, but he allowed five earned runs, including a lead-off homerun to Brian Roberts.
RHP Justin Germano (6-6, 4.30) and the Padres will be up against LHP Bobby Livingston (2-2, 4.46 ERA) and the Reds. Germano is coming off of a no decision against the Giants. His outing ended abruptly at 5.2 innings after a comebacker pulled his thumbnail back. Something to keep an eye on as he pitches this afternoon. This will be Germano's first start this season against the Reds, a team he pitched in two games for in 2006.
Livingston is coming off of a no decision in Pittsburgh on August 4th. He went 5.1 innings and allowed two earned runs on six hits with four strikeouts and no walks. One of those runs was a solo shot from opposing pitcher Matt Morris. This will be Livingston's first start against the Padres this season.
LHP Tom Glavine (10-6, 4.31 ERA) looks for his 301st win as he and the Mets take on LHP Scott Olsen (9-9, 5.43 ERA) and the Marlins. Glavine picked up his 300th career victory in his August 5th start at Wrigley Field. He pitched 6.1 innings and allowed just two earned runs on six hits with one walk and one strikeout. This will be Glavine's first start this season against the Marlins.
Olsen is coming off of a win on August 5th against the Astros. He went 7.1 innings and allowed three earned runs on six hits with one walk and eight strikeouts. Olsen is 1-1 in two starts against the Mets this season. His last start against them was back on May 27th, a loss. In that one, he lasted just five innings while allowing five runs on six hits with two walks and seven strikeouts. No homeruns in that one.
LHP John Lannan (1-0, 3.71) can't seem to draw any easy assignments. He's gone from facing Ryan Howard and being ejected in his major league debut to facing Ken Griffey Jr. to Barry Bonds in San Francisco with #756 on the line. Lannan now looks to pick up a win against last year's NL Cy Young award winner, RHP Brandon Webb (11-8, 2.92 ERA). Lannan's last outing had to be the most important of his young career. He went toe-to-toe with Barry Zito, picking up a hard luck no decision with seven innings of 1-run ball.
Webb is coming off of a complete game shutout against the Dodgers on August 5th, in which he allowed seven hits and struck out four with no walks. His only start against the Nationals this season back on April 7th was a win. In that one, he went seven innings and allowed just one earned run - a solo shot from Austin Kearns.
Final Score: Yankees 6, Indians 1
WP: Hughes (2-1, 4.64 ERA)
LP: Carmona (13-7, 3.26 ERA)
For the last week or two, the story has been the offense, and it wasn't like they took the day off here. Alex Rodriguez went yard for his 501st career homerun. Bobby Abreu had a 2-RBI night, including a triple in the 8th inning. Another good night at the plate for Robinson Cano, who went 2-for-4; and a very good night for Derek Jeter, who went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored.
But the story here was two 21-year olds who aren't wasting any time making their presence felt. Phil Hughes bounced back from his previous start with six innings of 1-run baseball, giving up just four hits and walking one while striking out six. His one homerun came on a solo shot in the 5th inning to Josh Barfield.
As if that wasn't great to see, how about two innings of relief from Joba Chamberlain? Two innings, no hits, no walks, four strikeouts. He's a young, fresh arm so maybe it isn't fair to compare... But man, you have to figure there was a group of guys sitting in the bullpen nodding slowly and saying, "Oh wait, so that's what I'm supposed to do? Throw strikes?" There's no other way to say it. Other than Rivera and Vizcaino at his best, Chamberlain has completely outclassed everyone in the bullpen with just four innings of work. And, by the way, did I mention he's 21?
The night ended appropriately with one inning of Mo being Mo. No hits, no walks, one strikeout. The end.
Other scores from last night:
Final Score: Orioles 6, Red Sox 5
WP: Hoey (1-0, 13.50 ERA)
LP: Okajima (3-1, 1.11 ERA)
Take a look at those ERAs on the pitchers of note! Goes to show that the numbers aren't everything in baseball.
Despite the score, this actually was the pitching duel that peope were anticipating. Through seven innings, Bedard and Matsuzaka kept it close, with Bedard holding the 1-0 advantage. Enter the top of the 8th. Two outs, two on for Wily Mo Pena, who hit a single back up the middle to tie the game at one. Two outs, two on, exit Bedard for Chad Bradford. Let the bullpen implosion begin. Bradford couldn't get that last out. Neither could Walker, and by the time Hoey finally shut the door the Red Sox had put together a five-run top of the 8th. 5-1 Red Sox. Ballgame, right?
Head to the bottom of the 8th and Eric Gagne. Of five batters faced, Gagne could only retire one. His relief effort turned into a four-run 8th for the Orioles, knotting the score at 5-5 (Okajima, who allowed an inherited runner to score, was credited with the blown save). After a scoreless 9th from Hoey, the Orioles went on to win it in the bottom of the 9th. Nick Markakis hit a fly ball to CF with less than two outs and Brian Roberts at third. Coco Crisp made the catch, Roberts tagged up, Julio Lugo bobbled the relay throw (but, to be fair, he would have had no shot with Roberts running), and the Orioles won in walk-off fashion.
Final Score: Padres 12, Reds 7
WP: Cameron, K (1-0, 0.82 ERA)
LP: Weathers (2-4, 3.86 ERA)
Did they use every pitcher in the major leagues in this game or what?
Ledezma made the start for the Padres, filling in for David Wells who was cut from the roster this week. As noted in the preview for this game, Ledezma has spent the entire year as a reliever, so you knew he wasn't going to be long for this game. 2.1 innings, but I think the Padres had hoped he wouldn't be as bad as he was. Four runs (three earned), on five hits with three walks and three strikeouts. Those runs included a solo shot to Ken Griffey Jr. in the 3rd inning. By the time of his exit, it was 4-2 Reds.
But that would change in the fifth on a 3-run homer from Adrian Gonzalez, giving the Padres a 5-4 lead. They tacked on another run in the 6th inning on a solo homerun from Khalil Greene. But the Reds came back to tie it in the bottom of that inning. Jack Cassel was brought up from the minors for this game, with the expectation that Ledezma wouldn't eat up all the innings they would need. Here, in his major league debut, Cassel was solid. He departed with one out in the 6th inning and two on for Cla Meredith. Meredith struggled, and both runs were able to score, knotting the game at 6-6. The Padres were 7-6 heading into the bottom of the 9th in. Trevor in, blown save, Trevor out. 7-7, to extras we go.
Until a five-run 11th inning for the Padres, including a 2-run second deck shot from Kevin Kouzmanoff. Kevin Cameron, who had worked a scoreless 10th, finished off the 11th to scure the Padres win.
Final Score: Marlins 4, Mets 3
WP: Lindstrom (2-3, 3.88 ERA)
LP: Wagner (1-1, 1.61 ERA)
Brian Lawrence was in line for the win here, after going six innings and allowing two earned runs on eight hits with three walks and six strikeouts. Good effort from him, added to by a welcome bat shot off the bat of a returning Carlos Beltran - a 3-run job that was all the Mets offense yesterday.
Wagner in, blown save, Wagner out. The winning hit came off the bat of last year's NL Rookie of the Year Hanley Ramirez. His 34th double of the season scored Miguel Olivo and Jason Wood to put the Mets down by one. The Mets went quietly in the bottom of the 9th, giving Kevin Gregg his 25th save of the season for the Marlins.
Final Score: Diamondbacks 11, Nationals 4
WP: Hernandez (8-7, 4.85 ERA)
LP: Rivera (4-4, 3.78 ERA)
Here's one of those funny things about baseball. A guy gives up three homeruns in the same inning and still manages to get the W. If you can't win a game after three homeruns in an inning, you know it's not your day.
Matt Chico made the start for the Nationals, and he had one of his not-so-good days. In five innings, he allowed four earned runs, including a two-run shot to Conor Jackson in the first inning. It was his first of two homeruns last night. Jackson would go on to hit a second two-run shot, this time off of Luis Ayala in the 8th inning. Chico was taken off the hook, with the Nats down 4-1 in the top of the 6th. Former Nat Livan Hernandez was still in the game, and he was touched up for three solo homers. The first was from Felipe Lopez to lead off the inning. Nook Logan made the first out. Then, Ryan Zimmerman went yard, and he was followed with a back-to-back shot from Austin Kearns to tie the score at 4-4.
Enter the bullpen. Strange how the Yankees had the opportunity to really celebrate their newest relief pitcher last night, but everyone else had a bullpen malfunction.
Anyway, after a perfect sixth inning from Chris Schroder (he's been great since getting the call-up for the Nationals), the ball was turned over to Saul Rivera in the 7th inning. And Rivera, who has been consistent for the Nats this season, wasn't last night. After recording just one out, Rivera was touched up for four runs, two of them having been inherited by Ray King. King was no better, brought on in relief of Rivera yet unable to get anyone out. Ayala was next, inheriting two runners from King and allowing just one of them to score. He would pick up his own blunders in the 8th inning, however, on the aforementioned 2-run shot from Jackson.
News: Some roster moves from yesterday - Garrett Olson was recalled to pitch today's game against the Red Sox. Left-hander Kurt Birkins was optioned to AAA-Norfolk to make room for him on the roster. To activate Beltran yesterday, the Mets placed Marlon Anderson on the bereavement list. Cassel's place on the Padres' roster was made by OF Scott Hairston, who is on the 15-day DL with a strained left oblique. What is it with Padres and oblique muscles anyway? And LHP Joe Thatcher was recalled from AAA-Portland when Doug Brocail was placed on the bereavement list. Oh, and for those curious? Jerome Williams, released not too long ago by the Nationals, was picked up on a minor league deal by the Twins.
I'm not sure if I mentioned this yesterday, but Roger Clemens is not appealing his suspension, in a surprise move. He served the first game of the five-game suspension last night. No word on how this is going to affect the pitching rotation yet. Joe Torre served his one game suspension last night. He should be back today.
Shawn Hill's scheduled Tuesday start against the Phillies has been pushed back. GM Jim Bowden wants to see Hill control his secondary pitches a bit better before putting him into a major league game. The tentative plan is to have him start Tuesday for Columbus, then pitch him for the Nationals the following Sunday against the Mets. Dmitri Young sat out again last night because of his hamstring problem. He said he was available to pinch hit, but no word on whether he'll get the start today yet.
Padres catcher Michael Barrett will be placed on the disabled list today, probably, because of concussion-like symptoms. The team plans to recall Pete Laforest from AAA. They've also stated that Jack Cassel will be optioned down to recall a pitcher from AAA (no word on who yet) and replenish their bullpen. There have been a lot of rumors flying around about the Padres claiming Yankee pitcher Kei Igawa off of waivers, but there's been nothing concrete out there. They'd have to work out some kind of trade, I'd imagine, and after posting that $26 million fee for Igawa I'm not sure even the Yankees would want to eat that money unless San Diego put out a strong offer.
As for today...
RHP Mike Mussina (7-7, 4.66 ERA) and the Yankees try to make it two in a row against RHP Paul Byrd (10-4, 4.13 ERA) and the Indians. Moose is coming off of a win against the Royals. He went six innings and allowed just two earned runs on that 6th inning two-run shot to Gload. Very rarely has Moose gone over six innings for the Yankees this season, so I'm sure they'll be happy if they can get that kind of effort from him tonight. With Chamberlain eating two innings last night, the rest of the bullpen should be well-rested. ... That could be a good or bad thing depending on what you think of the rest of the bullpen.
Paul Byrd is coming off of a win in Minnesota aganst the Twins. He pitched a complete game, allowing just four hits and walking one without giving up a run. Mussina and Byrd will be facing their opposing teams for the first time this season.
LHP Garrett Olson (1-0, 3.86 ERA) was recalled from AAA-Norfolk to make this start against RHP Josh Beckett (14-5, 3.31 ERA) and the Red Sox. This will be Olson's third major league start. Both of the previous starts were against the White Sox. In his last major league start, July 15th, Olson earned his first win with five innings of two-run baseball. Both runs came on solo homers.
Beckett is coming off of a win in Seattle. He pitched 6.2 innings while allowing one run on eight hits with two walks and nine strikeouts. Beckett has a 1-1 record in three starts against the Orioles this season. He didn't have his best stuff in his last outing against Baltimore on July 31st. Beckett lasted eight innings, but he allowed five earned runs, including a lead-off homerun to Brian Roberts.
RHP Justin Germano (6-6, 4.30) and the Padres will be up against LHP Bobby Livingston (2-2, 4.46 ERA) and the Reds. Germano is coming off of a no decision against the Giants. His outing ended abruptly at 5.2 innings after a comebacker pulled his thumbnail back. Something to keep an eye on as he pitches this afternoon. This will be Germano's first start this season against the Reds, a team he pitched in two games for in 2006.
Livingston is coming off of a no decision in Pittsburgh on August 4th. He went 5.1 innings and allowed two earned runs on six hits with four strikeouts and no walks. One of those runs was a solo shot from opposing pitcher Matt Morris. This will be Livingston's first start against the Padres this season.
LHP Tom Glavine (10-6, 4.31 ERA) looks for his 301st win as he and the Mets take on LHP Scott Olsen (9-9, 5.43 ERA) and the Marlins. Glavine picked up his 300th career victory in his August 5th start at Wrigley Field. He pitched 6.1 innings and allowed just two earned runs on six hits with one walk and one strikeout. This will be Glavine's first start this season against the Marlins.
Olsen is coming off of a win on August 5th against the Astros. He went 7.1 innings and allowed three earned runs on six hits with one walk and eight strikeouts. Olsen is 1-1 in two starts against the Mets this season. His last start against them was back on May 27th, a loss. In that one, he lasted just five innings while allowing five runs on six hits with two walks and seven strikeouts. No homeruns in that one.
LHP John Lannan (1-0, 3.71) can't seem to draw any easy assignments. He's gone from facing Ryan Howard and being ejected in his major league debut to facing Ken Griffey Jr. to Barry Bonds in San Francisco with #756 on the line. Lannan now looks to pick up a win against last year's NL Cy Young award winner, RHP Brandon Webb (11-8, 2.92 ERA). Lannan's last outing had to be the most important of his young career. He went toe-to-toe with Barry Zito, picking up a hard luck no decision with seven innings of 1-run ball.
Webb is coming off of a complete game shutout against the Dodgers on August 5th, in which he allowed seven hits and struck out four with no walks. His only start against the Nationals this season back on April 7th was a win. In that one, he went seven innings and allowed just one earned run - a solo shot from Austin Kearns.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Thursday baseball
Early results from Thursday's baseball action:
Final Score: Braves 7, Mets 6
WP: Hudson (13-5, 3.01 ERA)
LP: Maine (12-7, 3.53 ERA)
See what I mean about calling for those pitcher duels? Hudson did all right on his end. Six innings, three earned runs on nine hits. But still, not the star effort one is used to from him. Maine, on the other hand, wasn't good at all. 5.1 nnings, six earned runs, including two homeruns. The big blow was a 5th inning, 3-run homer to Chipper Jones. Mark Teixeira went back-to-back with Jones with a solo shot. It was an exciting conclusion, with David Wright hitting a 2-run homer in the 9th inning. All-in-all, the Mets scored three runs in the 9th off of Yates, but they weren't able to get the one more they needed against Villarreal to force extra innings.
Final Score: Nationals 3, Giants 1
WP: Hanrahan (2-0, 2.76 ERA)
LP: Misch (0-2, 4.58 ERA)
Another good outing for the Nationals rookie. He went 5.1 innings and allowed just one earned run on seven hits, four walks and two strikeouts. He was also instrumental in the Nats' victory with a double hit off of Misch in the 5th inning. Felipe Lopez followed with a two-run homer that was the difference in the Nationals' 3-1 victory. So the Nats faced some ego bruising in San Francisco, with Tuesday night's 756th Bonds homer off of Mike Bacsik (and 757 against Tim Redding), but they escape with a split of their four games. Not bad, all things considered. The Nationals have to be excited with what they've seen out of rookies Lannan and Hanrahan thus far.
The Padres and Cardinals game is just kicking off as I type this with the score still 0-0.
The Mariners and Orioles are currently in a rain delay at Camden Yards. Already an eventful three innings though. Daniel Cabrera wasn't good out of the box. By the third inning, he'd already allowed four runs, including a solo homerun to Guillen. But the O's answered big time in the bottom of the 3rd with a five-run inning, including a Tejada grand slam with two outs. Corey Patterson batted in the other RBI in the inning.
Various News: So, what's with all this drama between Chipper Jones and Alex Rodriguez? Fabricated drama, I should say, as the NY Post again shows their journalistic integrity by sensationalizing quotes from Jones Wednesday about the steroid era and how being a part of this era would reflect on any player who put up impressive numbers, whether they were users or not. Rodriguez was brought up as an example. Jones said he didn't believe Rodriguez had used steroids, but his numbers would be questioned like anyone else's - including Chipper's. This somehow turned into various New York papers leading off with headlines like "A'ROID" and "A-Rod Faces Serious Steroid Questions."
In a follow-up after this afternoon's game at Shea, Jones refused to address members of the New York media and later clarified his comments on Rodriguez and planned to call Rodriguez to clear up the misunderstanding with him. I've seen no update from the Post thus far regarding this, but it's hard to blame Chipper for pulling back because of misrepresentation.
It's official. Roger Clemens has been suspended five games and Joe Torre has been suspended one following Alex Rios' HBP Tuesday night in Toronto. Clemens nailed Rios in the back to lead off the 7th inning following two bench-clearing incidents earlier in the game following Alex Rodriguez being hit in the calf by a pitch from Josh Towers. Torre will most likely sit out tomorrow. I'd expect Clemens to appeal and push the suspension back until he will not have to miss a start because of it. The Yankees' Alex Rodriguez, Larry Bowa, and Tony Pena were fined for their roles in the incident; as were Toronto's Matt Stairs, Josh Towers, and Brian Butterfield. I've never liked that the pitcher who obviously started the incident by intentionally throwing at a player just takes a fine while the pitcher who retaliates gets tossed, even with a warning. A warning should have been issued before Tuesday's game after Litsch intentionally threw behind Rodriguez.
Then again, Towers missing a start might actually help the Blue Jays with the record and ERA he has this season.
David Wells was officially released by the Padres to make room for Chris Young coming off the DL. I haven't seen any official decision on retirement, but I would assume some team out there would be interested. The one hang-up might be that Wells has said he is uninterested in doing anything but starting where, at this point in his career, people might be more interested in him as a reliever.
Dmitri Young was held out of the final game of the Nats' series with the Giants after tweaking his hamstring after his only at-bat Wednesday. Young told the media that he was pulled early Wednesday for precautionary reasons but that he expects to play over the weekend. Robert Fick was pulled fifth inning out of left field, but no word yet on if this was because of injury or simply a defensive replacement.
But possibly big news for the Nats' rotation: pitcher Shawn Hill, who has been on the DL for what feels like 2,000 years, will be making his first start back from the DL on Tuesday against the Phillies as long as nothing goes wrong in his rehab start for Columbus. If Hill can regain some of his form from earlier in the season, he'll be a big help to the Nats down the stretch.
As for tomorrow? Bring on the battle of the babies!
RHP Phil Hughes (1-1, 5.87 ERA) vs. RHP Fausto Carmona (13-6, 3.17 ERA)
Hughes showed some stamina issues in his first start back from the DL against Kansas City. He took the no decision after lasting 4.2 innings and allowing six earned runs on seven hits. It was a far cry from his no-hit effort through 6.1 innings against the Rangers on May 1st. But with the experience of a game back in the major leagues, hopefully Hughes will be ready to step up against the AL Central-leading Indians.
Not only does Carmona have one of the coolest names in baseball, but he's been a revelation for the Indians this season and is probably a strong candidate in this year's Rookie of the Year race. He's coming off of a tough luck loss against the Twins on August 5th. Carmona went seven innings and allowed just one earned run on five hits.
So much for my hope that Bedard would be pitching on FOX's Saturday baseball. LHP Erik Bedard (12-4, 3.09 ERA) actually goes Friday night in what should be a good pitching match against Daisuke Matsuzka and the Red Sox. Even with dehydration issues and a lack of command, Bedard bested Boston ace Josh Beckett in Fenway not too long ago. Now, the Red Sox travel to Camden Yards...which doesn't really change home field advantage, given how many Red Sox fans will travel to this game. Still, should be a good one.
RHP Brian Lawrence (1-0, 5.40 ERA) and the Mets host probable rookie pitcher Daniel Barone and the Marlins. It would be Barone's major league debut. Lawrence's first major league start of the season on August 2nd was a win. He went five innings and allowed three earned runs, including one homer, with no walks.
LHP Wilfredo Ledezma (3-3, 5.06 ERA) makes the spot start for the Padres as they begin a series at the Great American Ball Park against Matt Belisle and the Reds. Ledezma is filling in for David Wells, who was released this week by the Padres. He was acquired in a trade with the Braves for Royce Ring on July 31st. It will be his first start for the Padres. In fact, it will be his first start of the season. His longest outing in 2007 was back on April 22nd against the White Sox in which he pitched three scoreless innings.
LHP Matt Chico (5-6, 4.76 ERA) and the Nationals leave San Francisco behind to travel to the home of the NL West-leading Diamondbacks, to be represented Friday by former National Livan Hernandez. Chico is coming off of a no decision against the Cardinals on August 5th. He went five innings and allowed three earned runs on six hits with three walks and two Ks.
An update on games in progress: the Orioles and Mariners are now knotted at 5-5 in the bottom of the 5th. Both starters are still in the game through the top of the 5th. It's the bottom of the 5th now, one out with Patterson at the plate and Brian Roberts at first.
The Padres-Cardinals game has moved to the top of the 4th and remains 0-0. The DL is apparently no match for Chris Young. He has pitched three hitless innings, though he has allowed two walks. Pineiro has allowed three hits and no walks through 3.1 innings.
Final Score: Braves 7, Mets 6
WP: Hudson (13-5, 3.01 ERA)
LP: Maine (12-7, 3.53 ERA)
See what I mean about calling for those pitcher duels? Hudson did all right on his end. Six innings, three earned runs on nine hits. But still, not the star effort one is used to from him. Maine, on the other hand, wasn't good at all. 5.1 nnings, six earned runs, including two homeruns. The big blow was a 5th inning, 3-run homer to Chipper Jones. Mark Teixeira went back-to-back with Jones with a solo shot. It was an exciting conclusion, with David Wright hitting a 2-run homer in the 9th inning. All-in-all, the Mets scored three runs in the 9th off of Yates, but they weren't able to get the one more they needed against Villarreal to force extra innings.
Final Score: Nationals 3, Giants 1
WP: Hanrahan (2-0, 2.76 ERA)
LP: Misch (0-2, 4.58 ERA)
Another good outing for the Nationals rookie. He went 5.1 innings and allowed just one earned run on seven hits, four walks and two strikeouts. He was also instrumental in the Nats' victory with a double hit off of Misch in the 5th inning. Felipe Lopez followed with a two-run homer that was the difference in the Nationals' 3-1 victory. So the Nats faced some ego bruising in San Francisco, with Tuesday night's 756th Bonds homer off of Mike Bacsik (and 757 against Tim Redding), but they escape with a split of their four games. Not bad, all things considered. The Nationals have to be excited with what they've seen out of rookies Lannan and Hanrahan thus far.
The Padres and Cardinals game is just kicking off as I type this with the score still 0-0.
The Mariners and Orioles are currently in a rain delay at Camden Yards. Already an eventful three innings though. Daniel Cabrera wasn't good out of the box. By the third inning, he'd already allowed four runs, including a solo homerun to Guillen. But the O's answered big time in the bottom of the 3rd with a five-run inning, including a Tejada grand slam with two outs. Corey Patterson batted in the other RBI in the inning.
Various News: So, what's with all this drama between Chipper Jones and Alex Rodriguez? Fabricated drama, I should say, as the NY Post again shows their journalistic integrity by sensationalizing quotes from Jones Wednesday about the steroid era and how being a part of this era would reflect on any player who put up impressive numbers, whether they were users or not. Rodriguez was brought up as an example. Jones said he didn't believe Rodriguez had used steroids, but his numbers would be questioned like anyone else's - including Chipper's. This somehow turned into various New York papers leading off with headlines like "A'ROID" and "A-Rod Faces Serious Steroid Questions."
In a follow-up after this afternoon's game at Shea, Jones refused to address members of the New York media and later clarified his comments on Rodriguez and planned to call Rodriguez to clear up the misunderstanding with him. I've seen no update from the Post thus far regarding this, but it's hard to blame Chipper for pulling back because of misrepresentation.
It's official. Roger Clemens has been suspended five games and Joe Torre has been suspended one following Alex Rios' HBP Tuesday night in Toronto. Clemens nailed Rios in the back to lead off the 7th inning following two bench-clearing incidents earlier in the game following Alex Rodriguez being hit in the calf by a pitch from Josh Towers. Torre will most likely sit out tomorrow. I'd expect Clemens to appeal and push the suspension back until he will not have to miss a start because of it. The Yankees' Alex Rodriguez, Larry Bowa, and Tony Pena were fined for their roles in the incident; as were Toronto's Matt Stairs, Josh Towers, and Brian Butterfield. I've never liked that the pitcher who obviously started the incident by intentionally throwing at a player just takes a fine while the pitcher who retaliates gets tossed, even with a warning. A warning should have been issued before Tuesday's game after Litsch intentionally threw behind Rodriguez.
Then again, Towers missing a start might actually help the Blue Jays with the record and ERA he has this season.
David Wells was officially released by the Padres to make room for Chris Young coming off the DL. I haven't seen any official decision on retirement, but I would assume some team out there would be interested. The one hang-up might be that Wells has said he is uninterested in doing anything but starting where, at this point in his career, people might be more interested in him as a reliever.
Dmitri Young was held out of the final game of the Nats' series with the Giants after tweaking his hamstring after his only at-bat Wednesday. Young told the media that he was pulled early Wednesday for precautionary reasons but that he expects to play over the weekend. Robert Fick was pulled fifth inning out of left field, but no word yet on if this was because of injury or simply a defensive replacement.
But possibly big news for the Nats' rotation: pitcher Shawn Hill, who has been on the DL for what feels like 2,000 years, will be making his first start back from the DL on Tuesday against the Phillies as long as nothing goes wrong in his rehab start for Columbus. If Hill can regain some of his form from earlier in the season, he'll be a big help to the Nats down the stretch.
As for tomorrow? Bring on the battle of the babies!
RHP Phil Hughes (1-1, 5.87 ERA) vs. RHP Fausto Carmona (13-6, 3.17 ERA)
Hughes showed some stamina issues in his first start back from the DL against Kansas City. He took the no decision after lasting 4.2 innings and allowing six earned runs on seven hits. It was a far cry from his no-hit effort through 6.1 innings against the Rangers on May 1st. But with the experience of a game back in the major leagues, hopefully Hughes will be ready to step up against the AL Central-leading Indians.
Not only does Carmona have one of the coolest names in baseball, but he's been a revelation for the Indians this season and is probably a strong candidate in this year's Rookie of the Year race. He's coming off of a tough luck loss against the Twins on August 5th. Carmona went seven innings and allowed just one earned run on five hits.
So much for my hope that Bedard would be pitching on FOX's Saturday baseball. LHP Erik Bedard (12-4, 3.09 ERA) actually goes Friday night in what should be a good pitching match against Daisuke Matsuzka and the Red Sox. Even with dehydration issues and a lack of command, Bedard bested Boston ace Josh Beckett in Fenway not too long ago. Now, the Red Sox travel to Camden Yards...which doesn't really change home field advantage, given how many Red Sox fans will travel to this game. Still, should be a good one.
RHP Brian Lawrence (1-0, 5.40 ERA) and the Mets host probable rookie pitcher Daniel Barone and the Marlins. It would be Barone's major league debut. Lawrence's first major league start of the season on August 2nd was a win. He went five innings and allowed three earned runs, including one homer, with no walks.
LHP Wilfredo Ledezma (3-3, 5.06 ERA) makes the spot start for the Padres as they begin a series at the Great American Ball Park against Matt Belisle and the Reds. Ledezma is filling in for David Wells, who was released this week by the Padres. He was acquired in a trade with the Braves for Royce Ring on July 31st. It will be his first start for the Padres. In fact, it will be his first start of the season. His longest outing in 2007 was back on April 22nd against the White Sox in which he pitched three scoreless innings.
LHP Matt Chico (5-6, 4.76 ERA) and the Nationals leave San Francisco behind to travel to the home of the NL West-leading Diamondbacks, to be represented Friday by former National Livan Hernandez. Chico is coming off of a no decision against the Cardinals on August 5th. He went five innings and allowed three earned runs on six hits with three walks and two Ks.
An update on games in progress: the Orioles and Mariners are now knotted at 5-5 in the bottom of the 5th. Both starters are still in the game through the top of the 5th. It's the bottom of the 5th now, one out with Patterson at the plate and Brian Roberts at first.
The Padres-Cardinals game has moved to the top of the 4th and remains 0-0. The DL is apparently no match for Chris Young. He has pitched three hitless innings, though he has allowed two walks. Pineiro has allowed three hits and no walks through 3.1 innings.
I'm a jinx
Well, you know, every once in awhile a pitcher has to have a clunker. We saw it two starts ago from Roger Clemens? On Wednesday night? The honor belonged to Yankees ace Chien-Ming Wang.
Final Score: Blue Jays 15, Yankees 4
WP: Halladay (13-5, 4.17 ERA)
LP: Wang (13-6, 3.94 ERA)
I need to stop anticipating pitcher duels. The opposite always seems to happen. You know, a lot of people will say the entire team fell apart for this game, but I wouldn't say that. Yes, the majority of the offense in this game was Robinson Cano: two homeruns off of Halladay. Matsui also contributed with a homern off of Halladay. But really, this was about the pitching have a "nothing goes right" day. Had you told me ahead of time that Halladay allowed four earned runs, all on the long ball? I would have assumed the Yankees won the game since Wanger was on the mound. But that wasn't the case Wednesday night.
Wang gave up three runs in the first inning. That, in and of itself, wasn't a signal of the end. Wanger has spotted three runs in the first inning before, only to adjust himself between innings and steady himself in the second. That didn't happen in this game. Wanger's control was all over the place, and when he was in the strikezone? He was up. The Jays responded by hitting him hard. Wang's 2.2 innings and eight earned runs makes this one of his worst, if not his worst ever, start.
The relief pitching was no better. Karstens went three innings and allowed two earned runs; five total. He gets a bit of a pass because of a blister on his pitching thumb. That he gutted through three innings was good. Then, enter Villone with one out to get in the 6th and the bases loaded. All three baserunners scored. The only pitcher who can say they did their job Wednesday night was, don't laugh, Kyle Farnsworth. He pitched a perfect 8th: no hits, no walks, one strikeout.
The one good thing about this game was that the animosity from Tuesday night seemed to have dissipated. Maybe this was because A-Rod wasn't on the field. As explained in the earlier entry, he sat out Wednesday because of a sore calf following his HBP by Josh Towers Tuesday. The most heated moment on Wednesday came when Bobby Abreu was ejected in the 4th inning by the homeplate ump for arguing balls and strikes. It was a strange scene. Abreu obviously yelled something at Derryl Cousins after being called out on strikes, but he wasn't ejected then. It was only after he returned to the dugout and slammed his bat into the rack that Cousins saw fit to eject him. Whether something additional was said wasn't clear. Torre claimed afterwards that there was no cursing, and Cousins had four other people yelling at him from the dugout. Shelley Duncan took over for Abreu in RF. In the late innings, Posada was replaced by Jose Molina and Jeter was replaced by Wilson Betemit, who had been playing 3B. Andy Phillips moved to third, and Johnny Damon came into the game to play first.
Jason Giambi looked okay in his return, though none of the Yankees except Cano had consistently good swings against Halladay. Giambi took an outside the pitch the other way, which is something he rarely did before his stint on the DL. He seemed to be running okay on his previously injured foot, but he scored his one run of the game on a homerun from Cano so his speed wasn't tested much.
As for other action...
Final Score: Mariners 8, Orioles 4
WP: Hernandez (8-6, 3.97 ERA)
LP: Guthrie (7-4, 3.22 ERA)
I questioned how the Orioles would manage to lose this one for Guthrie, but that wasn't necessary. Guthrie lost this game for himself with one of his worst outings of the season. He lasted only four innings, allowing five earned runs - including two 2-run HRs, one to Vidro and the other to Guillen. Rob Bell worked three innings of relief following Guthrie, and he allowed another two runs including a HR to Ibanez in the fifth inning. Hernandez was okay, but not as advertised. He lasted 6.2 innings, allowing four earned runs on ten hits while only striking out two. J.J. Putz (whose name always makes me snicker childishly) worked 1.1 innings to pick up his 33rd save of the season.
Final Score: Mets 4, Braves 3
WP: Heilman (7-3, 3.41 ERA)
LP: Soriano (2-3, 3.83 ERA)
This was looking like it would be the pitcher duel I'd anticipated. El Duque cruised until the 6th inning, where he allowed all three of his earned runs. Smoltz left in the 7th inning with two men on, in line for the win. But Mahay was unable to stop them from scoring, knotting the score at 3-3. It remained that way until the 8th inning, where Alou hit a solo homerun off of Soriano that turned out to be the game winner.
Final Score: Cardinals 2, Padres 1
WP: Wells (5-13, 5.27 ERA)
LP: Maddux (7-9, 4.15 ERA)
That would be Kip Wells who won the game, not the Wells who the Padres announced they were releasing today. A true pitcher duel in this one. Wells went seven innings and allowed one run, not earned, with six hits and four strikeouts. Maddux lasted six innings and allowed two runs, both earned, on four hits with five strikeouts. That was all there was to this one. Oh, and Maddux hit his first double of the season. I guess that's pretty exciting. Both teams left seven men on base.
Final Score: Giants 5, Nationals 0
WP: Cain (4-12, 3.77 ERA)
LP: Redding (1-3, 2.86 ERA)
Wow, Matt Cain got a win! It's a miracle! Redding wasn't terrible as far as the numbers go. He lasted seven innings and allowed four earned runs on six hits. That's below the level he's set for himself over the last few weeks, but it's solid. What killed him primarily was the mistake pitch for the long ball. Bonds hit his 757th career homerun in the first inning, a 2-run shot. Pitcher Matt Cain followed in the 5th, hitting his first career homerun off of Redding. The final two RBI were credited to Vizquel and Molina. The Nationals only had four hits all night. Good night for Lopez, who went 2-for-4, but he was the only one who had much to be proud of. The only other Nationals with a hit all night were Church and Logan. And there was only one walk all night, taken by Brian Schneider.
As for tomorrow:
RHP Joel Hanrahan (1-0, 3.27 ERA), rookie pitcher for the Nationals, will make the final start in this four game series against the Nationals. His opponent is assumed to be LHP Patrick Misch, as the Giants look to fill in the spot in the rotation left by the Matt Morris trade. This will be Hanrahan's third major league start. He is coming off of his first major league victory against the Cardinals, going five innings and allowing just one earned run on six hits. He took a no decision in his major league debut against the Mets.
RHP Daniel Cabrera (8-11, 4.90 ERA) and the Orioles will take on Mariners lefty Horacio Ramirez at 7:05pm ET. Cabrera is coming off of a win at Tampa Bay. It was the "good" Daniel Cabrera on August 3rd, going seven innings and allowing just one earned run on four hits while walking only one.
RHP Chris Young (9-3, 1.82 ERA) will make his first start since being put on the DL following an oblique strain July 25th against the Rockies. He and the Padres will take on former Red Sox reliever Joel Pineiro and the Cardinals.
RHP John Maine (12-6, 3.27 ERA) and the Mets are in for what should be a good pitching match-up (I know, I know) as they take on Tim Hudson and the Braves. Maine is coming off of a terrible outing at Wrigley. He lasted just 2.2 innings and allow six earned runs. This will be Maine's first start against the Braves this season.
No Yankees game tomorrow, as they travel to Cleveland and prepare for an important weekend series against the Indians.
Final Score: Blue Jays 15, Yankees 4
WP: Halladay (13-5, 4.17 ERA)
LP: Wang (13-6, 3.94 ERA)
I need to stop anticipating pitcher duels. The opposite always seems to happen. You know, a lot of people will say the entire team fell apart for this game, but I wouldn't say that. Yes, the majority of the offense in this game was Robinson Cano: two homeruns off of Halladay. Matsui also contributed with a homern off of Halladay. But really, this was about the pitching have a "nothing goes right" day. Had you told me ahead of time that Halladay allowed four earned runs, all on the long ball? I would have assumed the Yankees won the game since Wanger was on the mound. But that wasn't the case Wednesday night.
Wang gave up three runs in the first inning. That, in and of itself, wasn't a signal of the end. Wanger has spotted three runs in the first inning before, only to adjust himself between innings and steady himself in the second. That didn't happen in this game. Wanger's control was all over the place, and when he was in the strikezone? He was up. The Jays responded by hitting him hard. Wang's 2.2 innings and eight earned runs makes this one of his worst, if not his worst ever, start.
The relief pitching was no better. Karstens went three innings and allowed two earned runs; five total. He gets a bit of a pass because of a blister on his pitching thumb. That he gutted through three innings was good. Then, enter Villone with one out to get in the 6th and the bases loaded. All three baserunners scored. The only pitcher who can say they did their job Wednesday night was, don't laugh, Kyle Farnsworth. He pitched a perfect 8th: no hits, no walks, one strikeout.
The one good thing about this game was that the animosity from Tuesday night seemed to have dissipated. Maybe this was because A-Rod wasn't on the field. As explained in the earlier entry, he sat out Wednesday because of a sore calf following his HBP by Josh Towers Tuesday. The most heated moment on Wednesday came when Bobby Abreu was ejected in the 4th inning by the homeplate ump for arguing balls and strikes. It was a strange scene. Abreu obviously yelled something at Derryl Cousins after being called out on strikes, but he wasn't ejected then. It was only after he returned to the dugout and slammed his bat into the rack that Cousins saw fit to eject him. Whether something additional was said wasn't clear. Torre claimed afterwards that there was no cursing, and Cousins had four other people yelling at him from the dugout. Shelley Duncan took over for Abreu in RF. In the late innings, Posada was replaced by Jose Molina and Jeter was replaced by Wilson Betemit, who had been playing 3B. Andy Phillips moved to third, and Johnny Damon came into the game to play first.
Jason Giambi looked okay in his return, though none of the Yankees except Cano had consistently good swings against Halladay. Giambi took an outside the pitch the other way, which is something he rarely did before his stint on the DL. He seemed to be running okay on his previously injured foot, but he scored his one run of the game on a homerun from Cano so his speed wasn't tested much.
As for other action...
Final Score: Mariners 8, Orioles 4
WP: Hernandez (8-6, 3.97 ERA)
LP: Guthrie (7-4, 3.22 ERA)
I questioned how the Orioles would manage to lose this one for Guthrie, but that wasn't necessary. Guthrie lost this game for himself with one of his worst outings of the season. He lasted only four innings, allowing five earned runs - including two 2-run HRs, one to Vidro and the other to Guillen. Rob Bell worked three innings of relief following Guthrie, and he allowed another two runs including a HR to Ibanez in the fifth inning. Hernandez was okay, but not as advertised. He lasted 6.2 innings, allowing four earned runs on ten hits while only striking out two. J.J. Putz (whose name always makes me snicker childishly) worked 1.1 innings to pick up his 33rd save of the season.
Final Score: Mets 4, Braves 3
WP: Heilman (7-3, 3.41 ERA)
LP: Soriano (2-3, 3.83 ERA)
This was looking like it would be the pitcher duel I'd anticipated. El Duque cruised until the 6th inning, where he allowed all three of his earned runs. Smoltz left in the 7th inning with two men on, in line for the win. But Mahay was unable to stop them from scoring, knotting the score at 3-3. It remained that way until the 8th inning, where Alou hit a solo homerun off of Soriano that turned out to be the game winner.
Final Score: Cardinals 2, Padres 1
WP: Wells (5-13, 5.27 ERA)
LP: Maddux (7-9, 4.15 ERA)
That would be Kip Wells who won the game, not the Wells who the Padres announced they were releasing today. A true pitcher duel in this one. Wells went seven innings and allowed one run, not earned, with six hits and four strikeouts. Maddux lasted six innings and allowed two runs, both earned, on four hits with five strikeouts. That was all there was to this one. Oh, and Maddux hit his first double of the season. I guess that's pretty exciting. Both teams left seven men on base.
Final Score: Giants 5, Nationals 0
WP: Cain (4-12, 3.77 ERA)
LP: Redding (1-3, 2.86 ERA)
Wow, Matt Cain got a win! It's a miracle! Redding wasn't terrible as far as the numbers go. He lasted seven innings and allowed four earned runs on six hits. That's below the level he's set for himself over the last few weeks, but it's solid. What killed him primarily was the mistake pitch for the long ball. Bonds hit his 757th career homerun in the first inning, a 2-run shot. Pitcher Matt Cain followed in the 5th, hitting his first career homerun off of Redding. The final two RBI were credited to Vizquel and Molina. The Nationals only had four hits all night. Good night for Lopez, who went 2-for-4, but he was the only one who had much to be proud of. The only other Nationals with a hit all night were Church and Logan. And there was only one walk all night, taken by Brian Schneider.
As for tomorrow:
RHP Joel Hanrahan (1-0, 3.27 ERA), rookie pitcher for the Nationals, will make the final start in this four game series against the Nationals. His opponent is assumed to be LHP Patrick Misch, as the Giants look to fill in the spot in the rotation left by the Matt Morris trade. This will be Hanrahan's third major league start. He is coming off of his first major league victory against the Cardinals, going five innings and allowing just one earned run on six hits. He took a no decision in his major league debut against the Mets.
RHP Daniel Cabrera (8-11, 4.90 ERA) and the Orioles will take on Mariners lefty Horacio Ramirez at 7:05pm ET. Cabrera is coming off of a win at Tampa Bay. It was the "good" Daniel Cabrera on August 3rd, going seven innings and allowing just one earned run on four hits while walking only one.
RHP Chris Young (9-3, 1.82 ERA) will make his first start since being put on the DL following an oblique strain July 25th against the Rockies. He and the Padres will take on former Red Sox reliever Joel Pineiro and the Cardinals.
RHP John Maine (12-6, 3.27 ERA) and the Mets are in for what should be a good pitching match-up (I know, I know) as they take on Tim Hudson and the Braves. Maine is coming off of a terrible outing at Wrigley. He lasted just 2.2 innings and allow six earned runs. This will be Maine's first start against the Braves this season.
No Yankees game tomorrow, as they travel to Cleveland and prepare for an important weekend series against the Indians.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Well, it's done
Barry Bonds made history last night with his 756th homerun off of Nationals pitcher Mike Bacsik in the 5th inning of the DC-SF game. At the time, the homerun broke up a 4-4 tie, putting the score 5-4 in favor of the Giants. Of course, no one was concerned with that. The game stopped for a good 15 minutes for a video from Hank Aaron celebrating the accomplishment followed by Bonds addressing the crowd on a microphone.
I wasn't sure how I would react when the homerun was hit, as I've been fairly apathetic towards Bonds during this whole homerun chase. I only shrugged when he passed Babe Ruth awhile ago, and I expected my reaction to be the same here. If anything, I think it would have been the same were the Nationals not the team that will be forever linked with Bonds and 756. That aspect of the moment made it difficult to swallow, although a final score of 8-6 Nationals helped to ease some of the queasiness.
Opinions on Bonds are what they are. Steroids or not, I have little respect for how he's conducted himself personally over the course of his major league career. However, there's no denying that what he's accomplished is amazing. If they can't indict him on anything right now, there's nothing to do but accept the moment and move on. But I can't call it a special moment I'll hold in my memories from here on out. Cal Ripken passing Lou Gehrig's consecutive game record is something I still remember to this day, and I wasn't nearly as invested in baseball as I am now. This? It just happened. Now, it's over.
I do want to give Mike Bacsik a lot of credit for how he's carried himself since the homerun. He tipped his cap to Bonds, spoke to him afterwards, agreed to an interview during the ESPN broadcast of the game, and was very classy in his postgame press conference. In the wake of the mixed emotions following 756, one of the positives to come out of it has been the positive light shed on the Washington Nationals team. Not only did they have the opportunity to play two hard-fought games on national television (they should have won that game on Monday, by the way) but their players handled last night's events with dignity. They didn't jump up and down in celebration, but they didn't disrespect the moment either. And once it was done, they played hard and came back to win the game in the 8th inning. These little things can only help the organization going forward. I have to admit, it was nice to turn on ESPN 2 and hear little snippets of how good of a player Ryan Zimmerman is or how underrated Manny Acta has been as a manager in the middle of the media chaos that was Barry Bonds.
And because I didn't update after Monday's game, a lot of credit also should be given to rookie John Lannan. He struggled through seven innings against the Giants but managed to hold them to only one run, scored in the 1st inning by Molina. Lannan went after Bonds, he grit his way through jams, and he saved his best pitch for the most tense moment of the game - 7th inning, 3-2 count, 2 outs, Barry Bonds at the plate. The breaking ball he threw for the strikeout was one of the most beautiful things you'll see.
Other games from yesterday:
Final Score: Yankees 9, Blue Jays 2
WP: Clemens (4-5, 4.00 ERA)
LP: Towers (5-9, 5.36 ERA)
In case you missed it, the Blue Jays don't really like Alex Rodriguez much. Back in May, there was the now infamous "HA!" game where A-Rod apparently yelled something while Toronto 3B Howie Clark settled beneath a pop fly from the bat of Jorge Posada. The yell must have distracted Clark, who let the ball fall. Everyone was safe. The Blue Jays were livid.
I still say, you're a 3rd baseman in the major leagues. Catch the ball. You have fans yelling in the stands, cameras going off, and you can't even tell that the voice behind you isn't your teammate's? And if you're that intune to your surroundings, where you're going to hear this voice loud and clear, shouldn't you be able to hear the footsteps running away from you towards third base? Alex Rodriguez isn't exactly a little boy...
That aside, retaliation - it seemed - was in order. The Blue Jays had a series in New York in July, but there was nothing. Manager John Gibbons claimed that the entire affair was behind them. He forgot to add "until August." In Monday's game, A-Rod was greeted in his first at-bat with a pitch thrown behind his legs by Toronto starter Jesse Litsch. Rodriguez had no complaint. Neither did the Yankees. Keep in mind, Yankee reliever Luis Vizcaino hit Matt Stairs with a pitch during his two innings of relief work. This didn't appear to be intentional, as Stairs' HBP brought the winning run to the plate in the 8th inning. But stairs apparently had other thoughts.
Fast-forward to Tuesday and the third inning, where Towers greeted Rodriguez with a pitch thrown at nearly the same position on his leg as Litsch's the day before. This time, the pitch didn't miss. Rodriguez barked at Towers, and the two players closed in on each other. The benches cleared. No punches were thrown, but the benches were warned. A-Rod took first base. There were apparently some words between Towers and Tony Pena, and the benches cleared again. Like before, no punches thrown, but Shelley Duncan quite aggressively sought out Matt Stairs and got in his way as he went right after Rodriguez. Why Stairs' beef would be with Rodriguez when Vizcaino was the one who hit him, I'm not sure. Because he's A-Rod, apparently.
Check out this quote from Towers:
"I heard somebody chirping and I didn't think it was Alex," Towers said. "I asked who it was and Tony Pena is running his mouth. ... He's a quitter. He was managing (the Royals in 2005) and he quit in the middle of a season because he couldn't hack it."
Said Pena: "I don't care, I have no comment. Let him talk."
Source: The Journal News
Keep in mind, this is the same Josh Towers who has a 5-9 record with a 5.36 ERA for 2007. In his career, he is 45-54 with an ERA of 4.95. That, my friends, is what we call Clown Shoes.
Final Score: Braves 7, Mets 3
WP: Carlyle (7-3, 4.28 ERA)
LP: Perez (10-8, 3.31 ERA)
Not a good outing at all for Perez, who gave up six earned runs over five innings of work including a solo homerun to Diaz in the first inning and a 3-run HR to Francoeur in the 3rd. The offense for the Mets came from two sources: an RBI triple from David Newhan, pinch-hitting for Perez, and an RBI single from Reyes. That's all she wrote.
Final Score: Mariners 10, Orioles 3
WP: Weaver (3-10, 6.20 ERA)
LP: Walker (1-2, 2.72 ERA)
Every time I see Jeff Weaver's name, I'm shocked to see that he's still pitching this season, as bad as he's been. But he was pretty good here. Six innings, three earned runs, no walks, and three strikeouts. He gave up 11 hits though, but I guess that's okay when your opponent is leaving 10 men on base. (Seattle, to be fair, left 13. And STILL put up 10 runs. That's what you call a bullpen malfunction)
Trachsel started this game for the Orioles and was okay. He went 5.2 innings, allowing two earned runs - including a solo homerun by Ibanez in the 2nd inning. He'd go on to have a multi-homer night, with a 2-run HR against Walker in the 7th inning. Parrish closed out the 6th inning in a bases loaded jam without allowing a run, and the Orioles were in line at that point for the victory.
Enter the bullpen. Parrish started off the 7th inning, recording the first out. Then, Trembley went to Shuey. He recorded the second out but allowed the tying run to reach. Then, we have Jamie Walker who...well, obviously didn't have his best stuff. He couldn't get that last out in the 7th inning to save his outs. Shuey's baserunner scored, as did one more run until Trembley finally went to Bradford, who inherited two. One of those scored. Bradford would record two earned runs (three total), while Birkins added on another two to turn a previously 3-2 game into a Seattle rout.
Final Score: Padres 4, Cardinals 0
WP: Peavy (12-5, 2.21 ERA)
LP: Reyes (1-11, 5.66 ERA)
Yikes, check out that record on Reyes! He took a tough-luck loss here, allowing just one earned run over seven innings. But one run isn't as good as none, which is what Peavy allowed over six innings. Only three hits, two walks, and five strikeouts. Meredith, Bell, and Brocail all pulled their weight out of the bullpen and preserved the shutout victory. The rest of the Padres runs came during the 9th inning, where Isringhausen allowed 2 earned runs (three total) to put the game out of reach for the Cards. Peavy owes his win to Josh Bard, who hit an RBI single in the 7th inning. Scott Hairston picked up two RBI of his own in the 9th inning, with a triple off of Isringhausen.
Roster Moves: Lots of moves that were seen as both inevitable and surprising by the Yankees on Tuesday. Joba Chamberlain made his much-anticipated major league debut, with a two-inning scoreless performance. Jason Giambi was also activated and pinch-hit for Shelley Duncan in the 9th inning. He hit into a double play. In order to activate Giambi, the eyebrow-raising move was to designate popular bench player Miguel Cairo for assignment. With Duncan providing right-handed power off the bench, Andy Phillips doing so well at first base, and Betemit able to play all of the infield positions (we're still questionable on 1B), there was just no space for Cairo. Not as surprising, right-handed reliever Brian Bruney was optioned down to AAA in exchange for Chamberlain. All reports say he wasn't happy with the move. But hey, at least he's not Scott Proctor over with the Dodgers. I'd be stunned if Bruney wasn't back with the club during September call-ups. So, after a week of wheeling & dealing, the Yankee bullpen is currently Mariano Rivera, Ron Villone, Jeff Karstens, Kyle Farnsworth, Luis Vizcaino, Jim Brower, and Joba Chamberlain. Quite a change from what it was on July 31st, and more bold moves than we're used to from the Yankees this late in the season. We'll see if the bullpen moves pay off.
Big news out of the Padres organization today. Following the disaster of a game Monday evening, Padres GM Kevin Towers has announced that left-handed veteran David Wells has started his last game for the team. He will either be put on the voluntary retirement list or designated for assignment. No word has come yet of Wells' decision. Either way, his spot opening will allow Chris Young to be activated from the DL in time for his start Thursday. Ledezma is the Padres' leading candidate to start in Wells' place this weekend. Clay Hensley, who was optioned to Portland on Sunday, will not be eligible for recall until next week except in the case of injury.
Unrelated to anything...wow, the Rockies spanked the Brewers this afternoon. 19-4.
Tonight's action:
RHP Chien-Ming Wang (13-5, 3.49 ERA) vs. Roy Halladay (12-5, 4.13 ERA)
Excellent pitching match-up tonight up in Toronto. Hopefully it'll stay at that and the drama of yesterday will be put to bed.
Wanger has struggled recently, but he came back in a big way in his last outing against the Royals. Wang went seven innings and allowed just one earned run on seven hits, including one walk and three strikeouts. Wang's only start against Toronto on July 19th ended in a loss. He went 7.1 innings and allowed three earned runs. This is the game where Wang had a 2-0 lead heading into the 7th inning and lost it with a three-run inning. That start was against Toronto starter Dustin McGowan.
Halladay took the win in his last start against the Rangers. Halladay went six innings and allowed four earned runs on seven hits with two walks and nine strikeouts. In his only outing of the season against the Yankees on July 17th, Halladay took a no decision. He went seven innings and allowed one earned run on five hits with three walks and six strikeouts. This is the game where Cano hit the game-winning RBI single in the 10th inning to score Rodriguez. Halladay had been in line to win this game until the bottom of the 9th and a run scored off of Jays pitcher Accardo.
(Edit: After checking the line-ups for tonight, Alex Rodriguez will be sitting out because of soreness in the calf where he was hit yesterday by Towers. That, at least, should mean there will be less tension and motivation for retaliation by either team tonight. Wilson Betemit will get the start at third. Damon is sitting tonight, as Jason Giambi makes his first start since coming off the DL. He will be the DH. Cabrera leads off in Damon's place. Heavy lefty/switch-hitting line-up against Halladay tonight. In fact, the only right-handers in the line-up are Jeter and Phillips.)
Another good pitching match-up of MLB rookies as RHP Jeremy Guthrie (7-3, 2.98 ERA) and the Orioles host "King" Felix Hernandez and the Mariners. Will the O's offense and bullpen actually let Guthrie get the win here? We'll have to wait and see.
Yet another good pitching match-up, this time of the old folks, as RHP Orlando Hernandez (7-4, 3.00 ERA) and the Mets take on John Smoltz and the Braves at Shea. The rain of earlier has cleared up, so hopefully they'll be able to play as scheduled tonight. This game will be on ESPN at 7pm.
RHP Greg Maddux (7-8, 4.20 ERA) and the Padres take on Kip Wells and the Cardinals. Not such a great pitching match-up, no offense to Wells, but a must-win for the Padres as they look to take two in a row from the Cardinals and keep pace in the NL West. How 'bout them Diamondbacks?
Finally, RHP Tim Redding (1-2, 2.43 ERA) and the Nationals take on possibly the most unlucky pitcher in all of baseball, 3-12 and 3.93 ERA-sporting Matt Cain. So, is Redding relieved that the media circus has departed from San Francisco? Or is he a little disappointed that he's lost a lot of the audience he would have had were Barry still sitting on 755? I'm guessing the former. Should be interesting to see how many empty seats there are at AT&T Park tonight.
I wasn't sure how I would react when the homerun was hit, as I've been fairly apathetic towards Bonds during this whole homerun chase. I only shrugged when he passed Babe Ruth awhile ago, and I expected my reaction to be the same here. If anything, I think it would have been the same were the Nationals not the team that will be forever linked with Bonds and 756. That aspect of the moment made it difficult to swallow, although a final score of 8-6 Nationals helped to ease some of the queasiness.
Opinions on Bonds are what they are. Steroids or not, I have little respect for how he's conducted himself personally over the course of his major league career. However, there's no denying that what he's accomplished is amazing. If they can't indict him on anything right now, there's nothing to do but accept the moment and move on. But I can't call it a special moment I'll hold in my memories from here on out. Cal Ripken passing Lou Gehrig's consecutive game record is something I still remember to this day, and I wasn't nearly as invested in baseball as I am now. This? It just happened. Now, it's over.
I do want to give Mike Bacsik a lot of credit for how he's carried himself since the homerun. He tipped his cap to Bonds, spoke to him afterwards, agreed to an interview during the ESPN broadcast of the game, and was very classy in his postgame press conference. In the wake of the mixed emotions following 756, one of the positives to come out of it has been the positive light shed on the Washington Nationals team. Not only did they have the opportunity to play two hard-fought games on national television (they should have won that game on Monday, by the way) but their players handled last night's events with dignity. They didn't jump up and down in celebration, but they didn't disrespect the moment either. And once it was done, they played hard and came back to win the game in the 8th inning. These little things can only help the organization going forward. I have to admit, it was nice to turn on ESPN 2 and hear little snippets of how good of a player Ryan Zimmerman is or how underrated Manny Acta has been as a manager in the middle of the media chaos that was Barry Bonds.
And because I didn't update after Monday's game, a lot of credit also should be given to rookie John Lannan. He struggled through seven innings against the Giants but managed to hold them to only one run, scored in the 1st inning by Molina. Lannan went after Bonds, he grit his way through jams, and he saved his best pitch for the most tense moment of the game - 7th inning, 3-2 count, 2 outs, Barry Bonds at the plate. The breaking ball he threw for the strikeout was one of the most beautiful things you'll see.
Other games from yesterday:
Final Score: Yankees 9, Blue Jays 2
WP: Clemens (4-5, 4.00 ERA)
LP: Towers (5-9, 5.36 ERA)
In case you missed it, the Blue Jays don't really like Alex Rodriguez much. Back in May, there was the now infamous "HA!" game where A-Rod apparently yelled something while Toronto 3B Howie Clark settled beneath a pop fly from the bat of Jorge Posada. The yell must have distracted Clark, who let the ball fall. Everyone was safe. The Blue Jays were livid.
I still say, you're a 3rd baseman in the major leagues. Catch the ball. You have fans yelling in the stands, cameras going off, and you can't even tell that the voice behind you isn't your teammate's? And if you're that intune to your surroundings, where you're going to hear this voice loud and clear, shouldn't you be able to hear the footsteps running away from you towards third base? Alex Rodriguez isn't exactly a little boy...
That aside, retaliation - it seemed - was in order. The Blue Jays had a series in New York in July, but there was nothing. Manager John Gibbons claimed that the entire affair was behind them. He forgot to add "until August." In Monday's game, A-Rod was greeted in his first at-bat with a pitch thrown behind his legs by Toronto starter Jesse Litsch. Rodriguez had no complaint. Neither did the Yankees. Keep in mind, Yankee reliever Luis Vizcaino hit Matt Stairs with a pitch during his two innings of relief work. This didn't appear to be intentional, as Stairs' HBP brought the winning run to the plate in the 8th inning. But stairs apparently had other thoughts.
Fast-forward to Tuesday and the third inning, where Towers greeted Rodriguez with a pitch thrown at nearly the same position on his leg as Litsch's the day before. This time, the pitch didn't miss. Rodriguez barked at Towers, and the two players closed in on each other. The benches cleared. No punches were thrown, but the benches were warned. A-Rod took first base. There were apparently some words between Towers and Tony Pena, and the benches cleared again. Like before, no punches thrown, but Shelley Duncan quite aggressively sought out Matt Stairs and got in his way as he went right after Rodriguez. Why Stairs' beef would be with Rodriguez when Vizcaino was the one who hit him, I'm not sure. Because he's A-Rod, apparently.
Check out this quote from Towers:
"I heard somebody chirping and I didn't think it was Alex," Towers said. "I asked who it was and Tony Pena is running his mouth. ... He's a quitter. He was managing (the Royals in 2005) and he quit in the middle of a season because he couldn't hack it."
Said Pena: "I don't care, I have no comment. Let him talk."
Source: The Journal News
Keep in mind, this is the same Josh Towers who has a 5-9 record with a 5.36 ERA for 2007. In his career, he is 45-54 with an ERA of 4.95. That, my friends, is what we call Clown Shoes.
Final Score: Braves 7, Mets 3
WP: Carlyle (7-3, 4.28 ERA)
LP: Perez (10-8, 3.31 ERA)
Not a good outing at all for Perez, who gave up six earned runs over five innings of work including a solo homerun to Diaz in the first inning and a 3-run HR to Francoeur in the 3rd. The offense for the Mets came from two sources: an RBI triple from David Newhan, pinch-hitting for Perez, and an RBI single from Reyes. That's all she wrote.
Final Score: Mariners 10, Orioles 3
WP: Weaver (3-10, 6.20 ERA)
LP: Walker (1-2, 2.72 ERA)
Every time I see Jeff Weaver's name, I'm shocked to see that he's still pitching this season, as bad as he's been. But he was pretty good here. Six innings, three earned runs, no walks, and three strikeouts. He gave up 11 hits though, but I guess that's okay when your opponent is leaving 10 men on base. (Seattle, to be fair, left 13. And STILL put up 10 runs. That's what you call a bullpen malfunction)
Trachsel started this game for the Orioles and was okay. He went 5.2 innings, allowing two earned runs - including a solo homerun by Ibanez in the 2nd inning. He'd go on to have a multi-homer night, with a 2-run HR against Walker in the 7th inning. Parrish closed out the 6th inning in a bases loaded jam without allowing a run, and the Orioles were in line at that point for the victory.
Enter the bullpen. Parrish started off the 7th inning, recording the first out. Then, Trembley went to Shuey. He recorded the second out but allowed the tying run to reach. Then, we have Jamie Walker who...well, obviously didn't have his best stuff. He couldn't get that last out in the 7th inning to save his outs. Shuey's baserunner scored, as did one more run until Trembley finally went to Bradford, who inherited two. One of those scored. Bradford would record two earned runs (three total), while Birkins added on another two to turn a previously 3-2 game into a Seattle rout.
Final Score: Padres 4, Cardinals 0
WP: Peavy (12-5, 2.21 ERA)
LP: Reyes (1-11, 5.66 ERA)
Yikes, check out that record on Reyes! He took a tough-luck loss here, allowing just one earned run over seven innings. But one run isn't as good as none, which is what Peavy allowed over six innings. Only three hits, two walks, and five strikeouts. Meredith, Bell, and Brocail all pulled their weight out of the bullpen and preserved the shutout victory. The rest of the Padres runs came during the 9th inning, where Isringhausen allowed 2 earned runs (three total) to put the game out of reach for the Cards. Peavy owes his win to Josh Bard, who hit an RBI single in the 7th inning. Scott Hairston picked up two RBI of his own in the 9th inning, with a triple off of Isringhausen.
Roster Moves: Lots of moves that were seen as both inevitable and surprising by the Yankees on Tuesday. Joba Chamberlain made his much-anticipated major league debut, with a two-inning scoreless performance. Jason Giambi was also activated and pinch-hit for Shelley Duncan in the 9th inning. He hit into a double play. In order to activate Giambi, the eyebrow-raising move was to designate popular bench player Miguel Cairo for assignment. With Duncan providing right-handed power off the bench, Andy Phillips doing so well at first base, and Betemit able to play all of the infield positions (we're still questionable on 1B), there was just no space for Cairo. Not as surprising, right-handed reliever Brian Bruney was optioned down to AAA in exchange for Chamberlain. All reports say he wasn't happy with the move. But hey, at least he's not Scott Proctor over with the Dodgers. I'd be stunned if Bruney wasn't back with the club during September call-ups. So, after a week of wheeling & dealing, the Yankee bullpen is currently Mariano Rivera, Ron Villone, Jeff Karstens, Kyle Farnsworth, Luis Vizcaino, Jim Brower, and Joba Chamberlain. Quite a change from what it was on July 31st, and more bold moves than we're used to from the Yankees this late in the season. We'll see if the bullpen moves pay off.
Big news out of the Padres organization today. Following the disaster of a game Monday evening, Padres GM Kevin Towers has announced that left-handed veteran David Wells has started his last game for the team. He will either be put on the voluntary retirement list or designated for assignment. No word has come yet of Wells' decision. Either way, his spot opening will allow Chris Young to be activated from the DL in time for his start Thursday. Ledezma is the Padres' leading candidate to start in Wells' place this weekend. Clay Hensley, who was optioned to Portland on Sunday, will not be eligible for recall until next week except in the case of injury.
Unrelated to anything...wow, the Rockies spanked the Brewers this afternoon. 19-4.
Tonight's action:
RHP Chien-Ming Wang (13-5, 3.49 ERA) vs. Roy Halladay (12-5, 4.13 ERA)
Excellent pitching match-up tonight up in Toronto. Hopefully it'll stay at that and the drama of yesterday will be put to bed.
Wanger has struggled recently, but he came back in a big way in his last outing against the Royals. Wang went seven innings and allowed just one earned run on seven hits, including one walk and three strikeouts. Wang's only start against Toronto on July 19th ended in a loss. He went 7.1 innings and allowed three earned runs. This is the game where Wang had a 2-0 lead heading into the 7th inning and lost it with a three-run inning. That start was against Toronto starter Dustin McGowan.
Halladay took the win in his last start against the Rangers. Halladay went six innings and allowed four earned runs on seven hits with two walks and nine strikeouts. In his only outing of the season against the Yankees on July 17th, Halladay took a no decision. He went seven innings and allowed one earned run on five hits with three walks and six strikeouts. This is the game where Cano hit the game-winning RBI single in the 10th inning to score Rodriguez. Halladay had been in line to win this game until the bottom of the 9th and a run scored off of Jays pitcher Accardo.
(Edit: After checking the line-ups for tonight, Alex Rodriguez will be sitting out because of soreness in the calf where he was hit yesterday by Towers. That, at least, should mean there will be less tension and motivation for retaliation by either team tonight. Wilson Betemit will get the start at third. Damon is sitting tonight, as Jason Giambi makes his first start since coming off the DL. He will be the DH. Cabrera leads off in Damon's place. Heavy lefty/switch-hitting line-up against Halladay tonight. In fact, the only right-handers in the line-up are Jeter and Phillips.)
Another good pitching match-up of MLB rookies as RHP Jeremy Guthrie (7-3, 2.98 ERA) and the Orioles host "King" Felix Hernandez and the Mariners. Will the O's offense and bullpen actually let Guthrie get the win here? We'll have to wait and see.
Yet another good pitching match-up, this time of the old folks, as RHP Orlando Hernandez (7-4, 3.00 ERA) and the Mets take on John Smoltz and the Braves at Shea. The rain of earlier has cleared up, so hopefully they'll be able to play as scheduled tonight. This game will be on ESPN at 7pm.
RHP Greg Maddux (7-8, 4.20 ERA) and the Padres take on Kip Wells and the Cardinals. Not such a great pitching match-up, no offense to Wells, but a must-win for the Padres as they look to take two in a row from the Cardinals and keep pace in the NL West. How 'bout them Diamondbacks?
Finally, RHP Tim Redding (1-2, 2.43 ERA) and the Nationals take on possibly the most unlucky pitcher in all of baseball, 3-12 and 3.93 ERA-sporting Matt Cain. So, is Redding relieved that the media circus has departed from San Francisco? Or is he a little disappointed that he's lost a lot of the audience he would have had were Barry still sitting on 755? I'm guessing the former. Should be interesting to see how many empty seats there are at AT&T Park tonight.
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