The Cardinals have signed John Smoltz, who was released by the Red Sox.
Of starting pitchers with at least 100 innings pitched, the Brewers' starters have three of the top 15 pitchers in highest slugging percentage allowed as pointed out by Brew Crew Ball.
Babes Loves Baseball has compiled a list (in honor of Brett Favre, who unretired yesterday) of ten baseball players who should never un-retire.
Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee threw a two-hitter against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Reds have called up Drew Stubbs, the former number one pick in 2006.
The Mets have placed Billy Wagner on waivers, according to Jayson Stark of ESPN.
The Indians have recalled Matt LaPorta and he will mostly play first base.
Jered Weaver pitched a seven-hit shutout as the Angels beat the Indians 3-0.
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti doesn't expect Matt Cain, whose fastball to David Wright's head landing Wright on the DL, to pitch with fear on Thursday.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Nats sign Strasburg to four-year deal
The Washington Nationals have signed Stephen Strasburg, the top overall pick in this year's amateur draft, to a four-year deal worth $15.1 million, according to Ben Goessling of The Washington Times.
The record-setting deal was signed with only a minute to spare before the Monday midnight deadline.
"We are proud to have him in the organization, and we're very happy to add him to a growing list of young, upsided right-handed starters," acting general manager Mike Rizzo said. "It's a big day for the Washington Nationals. It's a big day for the fans of Washington, D.C. And it's a big day for the city of Washington."
The previous record deal was given to Mark Prior when the Cubs signed him to a $10.5 million deal in 2001.
Rizzo wouldn't discuss a possible September call up for Strasburg saying, "We're not going to go into that right now." But if he is called up, it'll be the first time the top overall pick plays in the majors in the same year in which they were drafted since 1989.
Strasburg was nearly unhittable at San Diego State where he struck out 195 batters in 109 innings last year. He went 10-1 with an ERA of 1.32.
The record-setting deal was signed with only a minute to spare before the Monday midnight deadline.
"We are proud to have him in the organization, and we're very happy to add him to a growing list of young, upsided right-handed starters," acting general manager Mike Rizzo said. "It's a big day for the Washington Nationals. It's a big day for the fans of Washington, D.C. And it's a big day for the city of Washington."
The previous record deal was given to Mark Prior when the Cubs signed him to a $10.5 million deal in 2001.
Rizzo wouldn't discuss a possible September call up for Strasburg saying, "We're not going to go into that right now." But if he is called up, it'll be the first time the top overall pick plays in the majors in the same year in which they were drafted since 1989.
Strasburg was nearly unhittable at San Diego State where he struck out 195 batters in 109 innings last year. He went 10-1 with an ERA of 1.32.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
David Wright heading to 15-day DL, may be done for year
After getting hit in the head by a 93-mph fastball from Giants pitcher Matt Cain in yesterday's game, Mets third baseman David Wright, who spent the night in the hospital, had a CT scan, which was negative, according to Roger Rubin of the NY Daily News.
Wright, who suffered a concussion, has since been released from the hospital.
The Mets have placed Wright on the 15-day disabled list and it's possible that he could miss the remainder of the season. "It's going to depend on the tests," Mets manager Jerry Manuel said. "If there's any question, it's a possibility."
“David wanted to take a chance to go out and play, but we decided to take it away from him and DL him based on the recommendation of our doctors who consulted with a specialist,” [general manager Omar] Minaya said, per the Associated Press.
With Wright being placed on the DL, the Mets have called up Andy Green from Triple-A Buffalo.
On the season, Wright was hitting .324 with eight home runs and 55 runs batted in. He also had 24 stolen bases.
Wright, who suffered a concussion, has since been released from the hospital.
The Mets have placed Wright on the 15-day disabled list and it's possible that he could miss the remainder of the season. "It's going to depend on the tests," Mets manager Jerry Manuel said. "If there's any question, it's a possibility."
“David wanted to take a chance to go out and play, but we decided to take it away from him and DL him based on the recommendation of our doctors who consulted with a specialist,” [general manager Omar] Minaya said, per the Associated Press.
On the season, Wright was hitting .324 with eight home runs and 55 runs batted in. He also had 24 stolen bases.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Big Fraud and Manny? Busted...
What do David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez share in common with Alex Rodriguez and Sammy Sosa?
They appear on the list of roughly 100 players that tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003, according to Michael S. Schmidt of The New York Times.
Ramirez and Ortiz were two key components of Boston's World Series teams (2004 and 2007). Ramirez was named MVP of the 2004 World Series.
In 2003, Major League Baseball performed survey testing, which was supposed to be confidential and not subject to penalties. However, names have been leaked roughly every month or two.
While it would make more sense to release all the names and put this behind us, I can't see the MLB Players Association going for that.
Back in 2003, David "Big Fraud" Ortiz set career highs in home runs (31) and runs batted in (101) and continued to improve on those numbers for four straight years as noted by Schmidt.
Big Fraud's comments earlier in the year make this report that much funnier -- especially as a Yankees fan that's annoyed by the holier-than-thou attitude of Red Sox fans.
"I think you clean up the game by the testing," Ortiz said in February at Red Sox camp in Fort Myers, Fla. "I test you, you test positive, you're going to be out. Period.
"If I test positive by using any kind of banned substance, I'm going to disrespect my family, the game, the fans and everybody," Ortiz said. "And I don't want to be put in that situation. So what I will do, I won't use it. I'm pretty sure everybody is on the same page."
So then, Big Fraud, as you say, you have disrespected your family, the game, the fans and everybody.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Cards acquire Matt Holliday from A's
The St. Louis Cardinals have acquired Matt Holliday from Oakland Athletics.
In return, the A's receive prospects Brett Wallace, Shane Peterson and Clayton Mortensen from the Cardinals.
Wallace, who was considered the Cardinals' top prospect, was drafted in the first round in 2008.
Before the trade, Holliday was hitting .286 with 11 home runs and 52 RBI in Oakland. However, he was starting the hit the ball really well. In his last 10 games in Oakland, Holliday had five multi-hit games collecting 16 hits during that span.
Now he goes to a lineup where he will bat behind Albert Pujols, the world's greatest hitter.
In his first game with the Cardinals, Holliday had four hits in five at bats in the Cards' 8-1 win over the Phillies.
Holliday provides protection for Pujols and helps boost the Cardinals lineup. The Cardinals are 17th in the majors in runs scored (428 runs) and 23rd in batting average (.254).
However, their pitching has been strong as they are fifth in ERA (3.75). Both Chris Carpenter (8-3, 2.26 ERA) and Adam Wainwright (11-6, 2.95 ERA) have sub-3.00 ERAs.
While only 2 1/2 games separate the top four teams in the N.L. Central, this move means the Cardinals should separate themselves from the pack.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Perfect game for Mark Buehrle
Chicago White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle became the 18th pitcher in Major League history to pitch a perfect game beating the Rays 5-0 at U.S. Cellular Field.
For the first out of the ninth inning, White Sox outfielder Dewayne Wise made a spectacular grab to rob a home run from Gabe Kapler.
It becomes the second perfect game in franchise history. The other was thrown by Charlie Robertson in 1922.
Back in 2007, Buehrle pitched a no-hitter and walked only one batter (Sammy Sosa). In fact, Sosa was picked off two pitches later and Buehrle faced the minimum 27 batters in that game as well.
Buehrle improves his record to 11-3 with an ERA of 3.28 and the White Sox are now tied with the Tigers for first in the A.L. Central. The Tigers lost to the Mariners today.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Wakefield to DL, Buchholz to start Wednesday
The Boston Red Sox have placed All-Star Tim Wakefield on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain.
To replace Wakefield on the roster and in the rotation, the Red Sox have recalled Clay Buchholz from Pawtucket
“Any day in the big leagues is a better day than in the minor leagues,’’ Buchholz said. “I’m happy to be here. I’ll go after them and see what happens.’’
"He pitched good the other day,’’ Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. “As an organization, I think we’re pretty fortunate that something like this can happen and we can have a guy like Clay ready to pitch.’’
Buchholz, who went 2-9 with an ERA of 6.75 last year, will get the ball tomorrow night against the Texas Rangers and Vicente Padilla.
Wakefield will be eligible to come off the DL on August 2nd, which means Buchholz will get at least two starts.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Tigers place Joel Zumaya on DL
The Detroit Tigers have placed reliever Joel Zumaya on the 15-day disabled list, per Steve Kornacki of MLive.com.
Zumaya, who gave up the game-winning home run to Mark Teixeira last night, felt pain in his shoulder and is scheduled for an MRI later today.
The Tigers have recalled Ryan Perry, who was their first-round pick in 2008, from Triple-A Toledo to take Zumaya's roster spot.
Perry, who has a 4.28 ERA in 27 1/3 innings, was sent down to improve his control, which he has done. In 13 2/3 innings in Toledo, Perry was 1-0 with an ERA of 2.63, 12 strikeouts and only four walks.
Zumaya, on the other hand, has now blown four save opportunities in his past nine appearances.
The Hot Corner, 7/18 edition
The Braves shut out the Mets 11-0 for the Mets' fourth shutout loss in their past nine games.
Per Adam Rubin of the NY Daily News, Mets pitcher Tim Redding may be released as soon as today.
The Mets deny that Jose Reyes suffered a setback in his rehab.
Luke Grienke, Zack's brother, hopes to make a return in 2010 from the surgery he had last year to repair a torn labrum.
The Yankees will start Sergio Mitre on Tuesday against Baltimore.
Matt Gagne of the NY Daily News wonders about a possible future return to the starting rotation for Phil Hughes.
The Yankees ended a three-game losing streak by beating the Tigers 5-3 yesterday.
Giants pitcher Matt Cain will keep his scheduled start on Sunday.
Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman is working on reducing errors.
The Blue Jays are moving Brian Tallet to the bullpen.
Albert Pujols hit a pair of home runs last night as the Cards beat the D'Backs 6-1.
Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello said of stepping onto the field at Yankee Stadium: "It was pretty cool. It was pretty special. It was one of those moments."
Detroit's Carlos Guillen is sore, but he continues to rehab.
Despite three RBI from Josh Hamilton, the Rangers lost 5-3 to the Twins.
Despite a shaky performance by closer Brad Lidge, the Phillies won in 12 innings last night.
Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla had the night off against the Phillies.
Red Sox GM Theo Esptein says of talks with Jason Bay, "... we’re going to table discussions again, which once again is a mutual decision, and pick them up most likely after the season.’’
The Red Sox have cut Julio Lugo.
Baltimore's Adam Jones said of the All-Star game, "Words can't even describe it. My eyes are still in amazement from the things that I've seen."
Houston's Roy Oswalt threw a four-hit complete game against the Dodgers.
No issues with the ring finger that scratched his All-Star game appearance as Evan Longoria homered against the Royals last night.
White Sox skipper Ozzie Guillen says in reference to Roy Halladay that he doesn't "think we'll give up half the organization for one guy."
Both Alfonso Soriano and Ted Lilly were scratches last night for the Cubs.
Marlins' ace Josh Johnson is on pace to pitch 229 innings.
The A's might consider using a six-man rotation if Justin Duscherer returns to the active roster this year.
Edwin Encarnacion is hitting .323 in 11 games since coming off the DL. He went 4-for-4 last night and he's 7-for-7 in the series against the Brewers as Bronson Arroyo got his 10th win of the season last night.
Per Adam Rubin of the NY Daily News, Mets pitcher Tim Redding may be released as soon as today.
The Mets deny that Jose Reyes suffered a setback in his rehab.
Luke Grienke, Zack's brother, hopes to make a return in 2010 from the surgery he had last year to repair a torn labrum.
The Yankees will start Sergio Mitre on Tuesday against Baltimore.
Matt Gagne of the NY Daily News wonders about a possible future return to the starting rotation for Phil Hughes.
The Yankees ended a three-game losing streak by beating the Tigers 5-3 yesterday.
Giants pitcher Matt Cain will keep his scheduled start on Sunday.
Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman is working on reducing errors.
The Blue Jays are moving Brian Tallet to the bullpen.
Albert Pujols hit a pair of home runs last night as the Cards beat the D'Backs 6-1.
Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello said of stepping onto the field at Yankee Stadium: "It was pretty cool. It was pretty special. It was one of those moments."
Detroit's Carlos Guillen is sore, but he continues to rehab.
Despite three RBI from Josh Hamilton, the Rangers lost 5-3 to the Twins.
Despite a shaky performance by closer Brad Lidge, the Phillies won in 12 innings last night.
Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla had the night off against the Phillies.
Red Sox GM Theo Esptein says of talks with Jason Bay, "... we’re going to table discussions again, which once again is a mutual decision, and pick them up most likely after the season.’’
The Red Sox have cut Julio Lugo.
Baltimore's Adam Jones said of the All-Star game, "Words can't even describe it. My eyes are still in amazement from the things that I've seen."
Houston's Roy Oswalt threw a four-hit complete game against the Dodgers.
No issues with the ring finger that scratched his All-Star game appearance as Evan Longoria homered against the Royals last night.
White Sox skipper Ozzie Guillen says in reference to Roy Halladay that he doesn't "think we'll give up half the organization for one guy."
Both Alfonso Soriano and Ted Lilly were scratches last night for the Cubs.
Marlins' ace Josh Johnson is on pace to pitch 229 innings.
The A's might consider using a six-man rotation if Justin Duscherer returns to the active roster this year.
Edwin Encarnacion is hitting .323 in 11 games since coming off the DL. He went 4-for-4 last night and he's 7-for-7 in the series against the Brewers as Bronson Arroyo got his 10th win of the season last night.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
The Hot Corner, 7/16 edition
A drunk Matt Kemp was an "absolute train wreck" at the ESPY's last night.
The Cubs have signed reliever B.J. Ryan, who had been released by the Blue Jays, to a minor-league contract.
The Dodgers have placed reliever Cory Wade on the DL.
Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard has hit his 200th home run and has done it faster (in 658 games) than any other player in baseball history.
Here's a list of top offensive players in the first half of the 2009 season.
And here's a list of players who might have a better second half than they did in the first half.
The Red Sox will have a tough time trading Julio Lugo even if the eat his salary.
Yankee Damaso Marte threw 12 pitches in a rehab game.
Rangers pitcher Derek Holland will get the start on Sunday against the Twins.
The Cubs have signed reliever B.J. Ryan, who had been released by the Blue Jays, to a minor-league contract.
The Dodgers have placed reliever Cory Wade on the DL.
Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard has hit his 200th home run and has done it faster (in 658 games) than any other player in baseball history.
Here's a list of top offensive players in the first half of the 2009 season.
And here's a list of players who might have a better second half than they did in the first half.
The Red Sox will have a tough time trading Julio Lugo even if the eat his salary.
Yankee Damaso Marte threw 12 pitches in a rehab game.
Rangers pitcher Derek Holland will get the start on Sunday against the Twins.
Monday, July 13, 2009
The Hot Corner, 7/13 edition
Rays third baseman Evan Longoria may miss the All-Star game with an infection on his right ring finger.
Jason Bulger, teammate of Brian Fuentes, says of playing catch with Fuentes: "I get a nice extra stretch when I'm playing catch with him, little agility workouts from time to time. He has such movement with the delivery he has. . . . I'm just happy I have all of my teeth."
Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay would welcome a trade to the Yankees.
Ichiro praises manager Don Wakamatsu by saying he's "the number-one field commander, our manager. He has been huge. He's very calm, cool headed, and he prevents the players from panicking. He also has the ability to evaluate things, in an outside-looking-in way. That has been huge for us as well."
Cincinnati's Jay Bruce will miss two months with a broken wrist.
K-Rod feels the game isn't as much as it used to be due to the business aspect of it. "The day you don't get the job done, the day you get hurt, the day you, basically, [don't] do what they ask you to do, they're going to throw you away and they're going to get somebody else to do your job. That's how it is."
The Nationals have fired Manny Acta, who compiled a 158-252 record, and replaced him with bench coach Jim Riggleman.
Some other of my posts today on my other sites - Urban Meyer's comments about his (permanent) future at Florida and Derrick Mason calling it quits.
Jason Bulger, teammate of Brian Fuentes, says of playing catch with Fuentes: "I get a nice extra stretch when I'm playing catch with him, little agility workouts from time to time. He has such movement with the delivery he has. . . . I'm just happy I have all of my teeth."
Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay would welcome a trade to the Yankees.
Ichiro praises manager Don Wakamatsu by saying he's "the number-one field commander, our manager. He has been huge. He's very calm, cool headed, and he prevents the players from panicking. He also has the ability to evaluate things, in an outside-looking-in way. That has been huge for us as well."
Cincinnati's Jay Bruce will miss two months with a broken wrist.
K-Rod feels the game isn't as much as it used to be due to the business aspect of it. "The day you don't get the job done, the day you get hurt, the day you, basically, [don't] do what they ask you to do, they're going to throw you away and they're going to get somebody else to do your job. That's how it is."
The Nationals have fired Manny Acta, who compiled a 158-252 record, and replaced him with bench coach Jim Riggleman.
Some other of my posts today on my other sites - Urban Meyer's comments about his (permanent) future at Florida and Derrick Mason calling it quits.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Mid-season Awards: A.L. MVP
In what was intended to be a weekend worth of mid-season picks for major MLB awards, my laziness has stretched to three weeks.
That being said, I'm ready to post my selection for the A.L. MVP as the Cubs and Cardinals play us into this year's All-Star break.
For N.L. MVP, there was no uncertainty. Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols was the obvious choice. The A.L. MVP isn't nearly as obvious.
A.L. MVP: Joe Mauer, Twins - Ernie Lombardi (1942) was the last catcher to win a battle before Joe Mauer. Since Lombardi, Mauer has won two batting titles. Despite having his worst game of the season (0-for-5 with four strikeouts) today, Mauer is hitting .373 heading into the All-Star break and leading the A.L. in batting average.
What's different in 2009 for the career .324 hitter is his increase in power. Mauer has hit 15 home runs at the midway point even though he missed the first month of the season. And before this year, his career high was 13 home runs.
Mauer leads the A.L. in OBS (1.090). He and Tampa Bay's Ben Zobrist are the only two A.L. players with an OBS of 1.000 or greater heading into Sunday's games.
His 49 runs scored and 49 RBIs put him on pace to surpass 100 of each.
Runner-up: Justin Morneau, Twins - Morneau has put up strong numbers across the board and you could easily make the case that Mauer and Morneau should swap positions.
At the break, Morneau is batting .311 with 21 home runs and 70 RBI. He's second in the A.L. in RBI and tied for fourth place in home runs.
Mauer and Morneau have a nearly identical AB:HR ratio. Mauer has hit one home run per 16.07 at bats while Morneau has hit one home run per 15.9 at bats.
Honorable Mention: Ichiro Suzuki (Seattle), Jason Bay (Boston), Mark Teixeira (NY Yankees), Evan Longoria (Tampa Bay), Ben Zobrist (Tampa Bay), Torii Hunter (LA Angels)
See Cy Young picks: American League and National League.
That being said, I'm ready to post my selection for the A.L. MVP as the Cubs and Cardinals play us into this year's All-Star break.
For N.L. MVP, there was no uncertainty. Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols was the obvious choice. The A.L. MVP isn't nearly as obvious.
A.L. MVP: Joe Mauer, Twins - Ernie Lombardi (1942) was the last catcher to win a battle before Joe Mauer. Since Lombardi, Mauer has won two batting titles. Despite having his worst game of the season (0-for-5 with four strikeouts) today, Mauer is hitting .373 heading into the All-Star break and leading the A.L. in batting average.
What's different in 2009 for the career .324 hitter is his increase in power. Mauer has hit 15 home runs at the midway point even though he missed the first month of the season. And before this year, his career high was 13 home runs.
Mauer leads the A.L. in OBS (1.090). He and Tampa Bay's Ben Zobrist are the only two A.L. players with an OBS of 1.000 or greater heading into Sunday's games.
His 49 runs scored and 49 RBIs put him on pace to surpass 100 of each.
Runner-up: Justin Morneau, Twins - Morneau has put up strong numbers across the board and you could easily make the case that Mauer and Morneau should swap positions.
At the break, Morneau is batting .311 with 21 home runs and 70 RBI. He's second in the A.L. in RBI and tied for fourth place in home runs.
Mauer and Morneau have a nearly identical AB:HR ratio. Mauer has hit one home run per 16.07 at bats while Morneau has hit one home run per 15.9 at bats.
Honorable Mention: Ichiro Suzuki (Seattle), Jason Bay (Boston), Mark Teixeira (NY Yankees), Evan Longoria (Tampa Bay), Ben Zobrist (Tampa Bay), Torii Hunter (LA Angels)
See Cy Young picks: American League and National League.
Carlos Pena to replace Dustin Pedroia on All-Star team
Boston Red Sox second baseman is going to miss this year's All-Star game. A.L. manager Joe Madden named Carlos Pena as his replacement, per Joe Smith of the St. Petersburg Times.
"I have to believe who ever leads the league in home runs normally belongs in an All-Star game," Maddon said. "And the fact he hadn't been on the team yet bothered me just a little bit, so for whatever reason, it all worked out well."
Pena leads the A.L. in home runs (24) and was one of the five finalists for the final A.L. All-Star spot. Despite the Rays' "Vote 'Los" campaign, Detroit's Brandon Inge won that honor.
Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler finished second to Inge in voting for the final spot. Pena finished fourth.
In addition to leading the A.L. in home runs, Pena is tenth in RBI (58) and is hitting .230.
Pena is one of the eight Home Run Derby contestants. He'll be competing against Nelson Cruz (Texas), Brandon Inge (Detroit), Joe Mauer (Minnesota), Albert Pujols (St. Louis), Adrian Gonzalez (San Diego), Prince Fielder (Milwaukee) and Ryan Howard (Philadelphia).
Other Rays' All-Stars include Evan Longoria, who will start at third base, and reserves Jason Bartlett, Ben Zobrist and Carl Crawford. See the full All-Star roster here.
The Hot Corner, 7/12 edition
Yankees starter Andy Pettitte, who said "I didn't make the adjustments I needed to make," didn't make it out of a seven-run fifth inning for the Angels.
Alex Rodriguez hit two home runs (career #569 and #570) to pass Rafael Palmeiro, who says he's "not on that list," for 10th all-time on the career home run list.
A-Rod, who's not an All-Star for the first time since 1999, will have the opportunity to rest up. But he is tearing it up lately hitting .407 with eight homers and 22 RBI in his last 16 games.
Jeff Francoeur hit a two-run single in his first at bat as a Met.
The Mets have signed 29 of their 39 picks in last month's MLB First-Year Player Draft. The deadline to sign players in August 17th.
Ted Lilly got his 100th career victory as the Cubs beat the Cardinals 5-2. But the guys in the clubhouse tell Lilly, "You have 200 to go.''
Without Ryan Zimmerman in the lineup, the Nats are being creative. In the process, they beat the Houston Astros 13-2 last night.
The A's traded Jack Hannahan to Seattle for Double-A pitcher Justin Souza.
As Mark Zwolinski of the Toronto Star writes, "The Blue Jays are becoming the authorities in the AL East on walk-off losses." Last night, the Jays suffered their third such loss in the past 10 games.
Melvin Mora had the game-winning hit in the 12th inning against the Jays last night.
The Mets will likely start Oliver Perez to begin the second half.
Mets first baseman Carlos Delgado spent yesterday with a dozen Puerto Rican high school seniors.
Mets demoted Nick Evans to Triple-A Buffalo.
Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun writes about change coming to the Orioles.
Juan Uribe on the error that made Jonathan Sanchez's perfect game a no-hitter: "I didn't feel good that I didn't make the play. I wanted to do something, I wanted to make the play, but maybe if I go back (on the ball), maybe it's a base hit. An error is better than a base hit."
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti said of the no-no: "I waited for a while, let everybody else clear out and had a little cry. It was wonderful."
Tigers rookie pitcher Rick Porcello won't start again until June 22nd.
John Smoltz got his first win as a Red Sox starter.
The 'Stros will start Wandy Rodriguez in their first game after the All-Star break.
Nelson Cruz, the Rangers right fielder, said of the Home Run Derby: "You always dream about being in the Home Run Derby. I think I have a chance. I think I’m going to do well."
The Rangers fell out of first place in the A.L. West after losing to Seattle last night.
“I’ll never moan and groan if they want to put me at short,” said Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis.
Justin Upton had a career-high four hits in last night's win over the Marlins.
Jake Fox might catch some as the Cubs second catcher with Geovany Soto on the DL.
Brad Radke is now a member of the Twins Hall of Fame.
White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said the White Sox might be willing to make a trade, per Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Growing up, White Sox rookie Gordon Beckham's favorite sport was football. ''As a child, he never dreamed of playing baseball in the major leagues,'' his mother told Carol Slezak of the Chicago Sun-Times. ''It was actually shocking that he chose [to pursue baseball in college].''
Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times believes that the Dodgers shouldn't let Roy Halladay get away.
After shutting out the Marlins last night, Dan Haren's N.L.-leading ERA dropped from 2.16 to 2.01.
Rays catcher Dioner Navarro was hospitalized for tests after a foul tip off of the catcher's mask.
Marc Lancaster of The Tampa Tribune writes, "barring a significant injury to a player the Rays can't adequately replace internally, status quo seems the likely outcome."
The Pirates will stick with their rotation (Paul Maholm, Charlie Morton, Zach Duke, Ross Ohlendorf and Virgil Vasquez) after the All-Star break, which gives all pitchers 10 days off.
Diamondbacks third baseman Mark Reynolds is on the verge of becoming arbitration-eligible based on his performance, which could be costly to the D'Backs in 2010.
Alex Rodriguez hit two home runs (career #569 and #570) to pass Rafael Palmeiro, who says he's "not on that list," for 10th all-time on the career home run list.
A-Rod, who's not an All-Star for the first time since 1999, will have the opportunity to rest up. But he is tearing it up lately hitting .407 with eight homers and 22 RBI in his last 16 games.
Jeff Francoeur hit a two-run single in his first at bat as a Met.
The Mets have signed 29 of their 39 picks in last month's MLB First-Year Player Draft. The deadline to sign players in August 17th.
Ted Lilly got his 100th career victory as the Cubs beat the Cardinals 5-2. But the guys in the clubhouse tell Lilly, "You have 200 to go.''
Without Ryan Zimmerman in the lineup, the Nats are being creative. In the process, they beat the Houston Astros 13-2 last night.
The A's traded Jack Hannahan to Seattle for Double-A pitcher Justin Souza.
As Mark Zwolinski of the Toronto Star writes, "The Blue Jays are becoming the authorities in the AL East on walk-off losses." Last night, the Jays suffered their third such loss in the past 10 games.
Melvin Mora had the game-winning hit in the 12th inning against the Jays last night.
The Mets will likely start Oliver Perez to begin the second half.
Mets first baseman Carlos Delgado spent yesterday with a dozen Puerto Rican high school seniors.
Mets demoted Nick Evans to Triple-A Buffalo.
Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun writes about change coming to the Orioles.
Juan Uribe on the error that made Jonathan Sanchez's perfect game a no-hitter: "I didn't feel good that I didn't make the play. I wanted to do something, I wanted to make the play, but maybe if I go back (on the ball), maybe it's a base hit. An error is better than a base hit."
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti said of the no-no: "I waited for a while, let everybody else clear out and had a little cry. It was wonderful."
Tigers rookie pitcher Rick Porcello won't start again until June 22nd.
John Smoltz got his first win as a Red Sox starter.
The 'Stros will start Wandy Rodriguez in their first game after the All-Star break.
Nelson Cruz, the Rangers right fielder, said of the Home Run Derby: "You always dream about being in the Home Run Derby. I think I have a chance. I think I’m going to do well."
The Rangers fell out of first place in the A.L. West after losing to Seattle last night.
“I’ll never moan and groan if they want to put me at short,” said Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis.
Justin Upton had a career-high four hits in last night's win over the Marlins.
Jake Fox might catch some as the Cubs second catcher with Geovany Soto on the DL.
Brad Radke is now a member of the Twins Hall of Fame.
White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said the White Sox might be willing to make a trade, per Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Growing up, White Sox rookie Gordon Beckham's favorite sport was football. ''As a child, he never dreamed of playing baseball in the major leagues,'' his mother told Carol Slezak of the Chicago Sun-Times. ''It was actually shocking that he chose [to pursue baseball in college].''
Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times believes that the Dodgers shouldn't let Roy Halladay get away.
After shutting out the Marlins last night, Dan Haren's N.L.-leading ERA dropped from 2.16 to 2.01.
Rays catcher Dioner Navarro was hospitalized for tests after a foul tip off of the catcher's mask.
Marc Lancaster of The Tampa Tribune writes, "barring a significant injury to a player the Rays can't adequately replace internally, status quo seems the likely outcome."
The Pirates will stick with their rotation (Paul Maholm, Charlie Morton, Zach Duke, Ross Ohlendorf and Virgil Vasquez) after the All-Star break, which gives all pitchers 10 days off.
Diamondbacks third baseman Mark Reynolds is on the verge of becoming arbitration-eligible based on his performance, which could be costly to the D'Backs in 2010.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Jonathan Sanchez throws first Giants' no-hitter in 33 years
It hadn't been done in 33 years.
John Montefusco was the last Giants' pitcher to throw a no-hitter (1976 in Atlanta).
Even though no Giants' pitcher has thrown a no-no during his lifetime, reigning N.L. Cy Young Tim Lincecum had a feeling that the Giants might be due to end the drought.
Per Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle, Lincecum said yesterday, "Someone might throw a no-hitter and it might not be the ace of the squad. It might be an unsung hero kind of guy. Anybody can do anything."
Jonathan Sanchez, who started in place of the injured Randy Johnson, allowed no runs, no hits and no walks. However, teammate Juan Uribe's error in the eighth inning means Sanchez will have to settle for a no-hitter.
"I think if you looked at the staff, he wouldn't be the one you picked," Bochy said. "He came out throwing 94-96 [mph]. He just had incredible stuff."
Sanchez, who only threw 110 pitches, struck out a career-high 11 batters.
Last night was the first start for Sanchez since June 22nd and his first win since May 25th.
On the season, the Giants have 13 shutouts, which lead the majors.
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