If you were about to be arrested for DUI, would you take a drink from your bottle of scotch in front of an officer?
Well, if you were Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera, the answer to that question (allegedly) would be yes.
Late Wednesday night, Cabrera was arrested in Ft. Pierce (FL) and charged with DUI and two counts of resisting arrest without violence, per the Detroit Free-Press.
And not only did Cabrera take a swig of scotch in front of the officer, but he then proceeded to use the ever-so-popular line: “Do you know who I am?"
So, Cabrera, who had issues with alcohol in the past, apparently has issues with alcohol in the present as well.
Cabrera, who finished second in AL MVP voting, hit .328 and a career-high 38 home runs while driving in 126 runs last season.
According to Mock Draft Central, Cabrera is the third player, on average, off fantasy baseball draft boards behind Albert Pujols and Hanley Ramirez. There's a good chance that will soon change, especially with first base being such a deep position.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
David Aardsma likely to miss first two weeks of season
Seattle Mariners closer David Aardsma will likely miss at least the first two weeks of the 2011 season, per Kirby Arnold of the Everett Herald.
Aardsma, who had hip surgery in January, had 31 saves and five blown saves in 2010 with an ERA of 3.44.
However, he converted 15-of-16 save opportunities after the All-Star Break with an ERA of 0.84 during that span.
“Next week I’ll start the process of walking, and once I can put my full weight on my leg I can start throwing,” Aardsma said. “By that, I mean really throwing, not sitting on a chair. Then a couple of weeks after that, I can start letting it go. The big thing is putting all my weight on my leg.”
In addition, Aardsma says he's in good overall shape.
“I think I’m in better shape and stronger than I ever have been,” he said. “I can do the bike every day without resistance and I do pool work every day. Conditioning-wise, I’ve lost 10 pounds and I’m in great shape. I can do leg strengthening things but I can’t do push-off stuff. I can do hamstring curls, quad stuff, interior and exterior stuff, and I’m doing full upper-body workouts.”
With Aardsma (likely) out for the first two weeks (and maybe more) of the season, Brandon League will get closing duties and be a source of temporary saves in fantasy leagues.
Aardsma, who had hip surgery in January, had 31 saves and five blown saves in 2010 with an ERA of 3.44.
However, he converted 15-of-16 save opportunities after the All-Star Break with an ERA of 0.84 during that span.
“Next week I’ll start the process of walking, and once I can put my full weight on my leg I can start throwing,” Aardsma said. “By that, I mean really throwing, not sitting on a chair. Then a couple of weeks after that, I can start letting it go. The big thing is putting all my weight on my leg.”
In addition, Aardsma says he's in good overall shape.
“I think I’m in better shape and stronger than I ever have been,” he said. “I can do the bike every day without resistance and I do pool work every day. Conditioning-wise, I’ve lost 10 pounds and I’m in great shape. I can do leg strengthening things but I can’t do push-off stuff. I can do hamstring curls, quad stuff, interior and exterior stuff, and I’m doing full upper-body workouts.”
With Aardsma (likely) out for the first two weeks (and maybe more) of the season, Brandon League will get closing duties and be a source of temporary saves in fantasy leagues.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Butler, Royals agree to four-year extension
The Kansas City Royals and first baseman Billy Butler have agreed yesterday to a four-year extension worth $30 million with a club option for a fifth season (2015), per Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star.
With the extension, the Royals avoided arbitration with Butler and keep him from becoming a free agent after the 2013 season.
“It’s personable here, man,” Butler said. “You can’t go anywhere and have fans (act) like the fans here. They love the Royals.”
Butler, who is only 24 years old, has hit over .300 in each of his past two seasons. Although he has only 36 home runs in 1203 at bats over those two seasons, he has 96 doubles during the same span.
“We have a lot of young players that you’re going to start seeing this year,” he said. “You don’t get ranked the No. 1 minor-league system for nothing.”
That said, Bodog has the Royals in their typical spot as the biggest underdog (tied with the Pirates) to win the 2011 World Series at 150-1.
With the extension, the Royals avoided arbitration with Butler and keep him from becoming a free agent after the 2013 season.
“It’s personable here, man,” Butler said. “You can’t go anywhere and have fans (act) like the fans here. They love the Royals.”
Butler, who is only 24 years old, has hit over .300 in each of his past two seasons. Although he has only 36 home runs in 1203 at bats over those two seasons, he has 96 doubles during the same span.
“We have a lot of young players that you’re going to start seeing this year,” he said. “You don’t get ranked the No. 1 minor-league system for nothing.”
That said, Bodog has the Royals in their typical spot as the biggest underdog (tied with the Pirates) to win the 2011 World Series at 150-1.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Gordon Beckham to bat second
The White Sox will bat Gordon Beckham second in their lineup to start the season, per Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune.
Beckham, who was the eighth overall pick in 2008, struggled mightily in the first half of 2010.
Before the All-Star break, Beckham hit only .216 and three home runs in 273 at bats. His batting average in the first three months: .235, .159 and .233.
After the break, however, Beckham hit .310 with six home runs in 171 at bats.
In early mock drafts, Beckham is the 16th second baseman and 200th player selected, according to Mock Draft Central.
Beckham, who was the eighth overall pick in 2008, struggled mightily in the first half of 2010.
Before the All-Star break, Beckham hit only .216 and three home runs in 273 at bats. His batting average in the first three months: .235, .159 and .233.
After the break, however, Beckham hit .310 with six home runs in 171 at bats.
In early mock drafts, Beckham is the 16th second baseman and 200th player selected, according to Mock Draft Central.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
CarGo, Rockies agree to seven-year, $80 million extension
The Colorado Rockies are about to sign outfielder Carlos Gonzalez to an extension for seven years and $80 million, provided he passes a physical on Thursday.
"It's not at all finalized. But everything is practically concluded. All that's left are the physical evaluations," Gonzalez told Meridiano Television in Venezuela.
Last year, CarGo won a Gold Glove and the N.L. batting title (.344) while hitting 34 home runs while driving in 117 runs.
Gonzalez has been part of two large trades: (1) went to Oakland in deal for Dan Haren to Arizona and (2) went to Colorado with Huston Street and Greg Smith for Matt Holliday.
"It's not at all finalized. But everything is practically concluded. All that's left are the physical evaluations," Gonzalez told Meridiano Television in Venezuela.
Last year, CarGo won a Gold Glove and the N.L. batting title (.344) while hitting 34 home runs while driving in 117 runs.
Gonzalez has been part of two large trades: (1) went to Oakland in deal for Dan Haren to Arizona and (2) went to Colorado with Huston Street and Greg Smith for Matt Holliday.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Ubaldo Jimenez wins 11th
Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez won his 11th game of the season as the Rockies beat the Diamondbacks 3-2 on Sunday.
In the process, Jimenez extended his scoreless innings streak to 33, which is a franchise record. The streak ended on a home run by Connor Jackson in the eighth inning.
The previous franchise record was held by Gabe White, who pitched 29 1/3 scoreless innings in 2000.
“I’m just really happy,” Jimenez said (via the Associated Press). “As a starter, you only pitch every five days so it’s so hard, especially when you’re having a season like this. You can’t wait for your next start to come.”
By allowing a two-run homer to Jackson today, Jimenez's ERA jumped to 0.93.
In the process, Jimenez extended his scoreless innings streak to 33, which is a franchise record. The streak ended on a home run by Connor Jackson in the eighth inning.
The previous franchise record was held by Gabe White, who pitched 29 1/3 scoreless innings in 2000.
“I’m just really happy,” Jimenez said (via the Associated Press). “As a starter, you only pitch every five days so it’s so hard, especially when you’re having a season like this. You can’t wait for your next start to come.”
By allowing a two-run homer to Jackson today, Jimenez's ERA jumped to 0.93.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Perfect...but not really
We nearly saw a third perfect game this season. Well, we did. But not really.
Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga was one out away from throwing the first-ever perfect game in Detroit Tigers history. And he did. Or he didn't.
Galarraga did his part. However, umpire Jim Joyce called Cleveland's Jason Donald safe (when he was clearly out).
Joyce handled it like a man, apologizing to Galarraga saying he "cost that kid a perfect game."
While this error is another reminder of why baseball should have instant replay, Ian O'Connor of ESPN New York recommends that MLB commissioner Bud Selig intervene and reverse the call.
Considering the call happened on the last play (or what should have been the last play) of the game, O'Connor's recommendation makes sense.
It won't impact the outcome from a win-loss standpoint. But it will impact history.
Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga was one out away from throwing the first-ever perfect game in Detroit Tigers history. And he did. Or he didn't.
Galarraga did his part. However, umpire Jim Joyce called Cleveland's Jason Donald safe (when he was clearly out).
Joyce handled it like a man, apologizing to Galarraga saying he "cost that kid a perfect game."
While this error is another reminder of why baseball should have instant replay, Ian O'Connor of ESPN New York recommends that MLB commissioner Bud Selig intervene and reverse the call.
Considering the call happened on the last play (or what should have been the last play) of the game, O'Connor's recommendation makes sense.
It won't impact the outcome from a win-loss standpoint. But it will impact history.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Mark Teixeira expects to play tonight
Last night, Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira, who fouled a ball off his foot during a first-inning at-bat, left the game early.
But he expects to return to the lineup, per George A. King III of the New York Post.
"I thought I could play through it, I thought it would loosen up, but it stiffened up," said Teixeira. "I fully expect to be in there [tonight]. The concern is fielding and running, not hitting."
Aside from a five-game stretch (May 18-22) where he had one hit (and seven strikeouts) in 20 at-bats, Teixeira had a solid month of May. For the entire month, Teixeira hit .280 with six home runs and 25 runs batted in over 29 games.
But he expects to return to the lineup, per George A. King III of the New York Post.
"I thought I could play through it, I thought it would loosen up, but it stiffened up," said Teixeira. "I fully expect to be in there [tonight]. The concern is fielding and running, not hitting."
Aside from a five-game stretch (May 18-22) where he had one hit (and seven strikeouts) in 20 at-bats, Teixeira had a solid month of May. For the entire month, Teixeira hit .280 with six home runs and 25 runs batted in over 29 games.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Another solid start for Vazquez, X-rays negative
After getting off to a horrible start (9.78 ERA as of May 1st), New York Yankees pitcher Javier Vazquez looks like he's finally turning the corner.
Vazquez threw six innings of one-hit baseball against the Mets last night although he left the game prematurely (70 pitches) after taking a pitch off his right index finger on a bunt attempt.
"It's frustrating, but the good news is that the finger is good and the X-rays were negative," Vazquez said, per Mark Feinsand of the NY Daily News. "I'm pretty sure I'm going to make my next start."
Over the past 13 1/3 innings, Vazquez has allowed only six hits and two earned runs. In addition, he has struck out 14 batters.
"He picked up right where he left off," [Yankees manager] Joe Girardi said. "The last three times out, he's thrown the ball well. It looks like he's getting his stuff back and locating again."
Next up for Vazquez are the Minnesota Twins on Thursday.
Vazquez threw six innings of one-hit baseball against the Mets last night although he left the game prematurely (70 pitches) after taking a pitch off his right index finger on a bunt attempt.
"It's frustrating, but the good news is that the finger is good and the X-rays were negative," Vazquez said, per Mark Feinsand of the NY Daily News. "I'm pretty sure I'm going to make my next start."
Over the past 13 1/3 innings, Vazquez has allowed only six hits and two earned runs. In addition, he has struck out 14 batters.
"He picked up right where he left off," [Yankees manager] Joe Girardi said. "The last three times out, he's thrown the ball well. It looks like he's getting his stuff back and locating again."
Next up for Vazquez are the Minnesota Twins on Thursday.
Jimmy Rollins leaves game due to calf strain
More bad luck for Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins and his fantasy owners.
After missing five weeks due to a calf strain, it's possible that Rollins could land back on the disabled list (DL).
Rollins, who returned to the leadoff spot in the Phillies' lineup, left Friday's game in the sixth inning after straining his calf on a single.
When asked about the potential of another DL stint, Rollins responded that he has "about as good (of an idea) as yours," per David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News.
As Murphy points out, if Rollins doesn't return to the DL, it's safe to say that he'll be kept out of the lineup for the remainder of the weekend.
In 11 games played, Rollins has an on-base percentage of .458 and has scored 11 runs.
After missing five weeks due to a calf strain, it's possible that Rollins could land back on the disabled list (DL).
Rollins, who returned to the leadoff spot in the Phillies' lineup, left Friday's game in the sixth inning after straining his calf on a single.
When asked about the potential of another DL stint, Rollins responded that he has "about as good (of an idea) as yours," per David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News.
As Murphy points out, if Rollins doesn't return to the DL, it's safe to say that he'll be kept out of the lineup for the remainder of the weekend.
In 11 games played, Rollins has an on-base percentage of .458 and has scored 11 runs.
Chad Billingsley wins third straight
In 14 starts after last year's All-Star Break, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Chad Billingsley struggled by posting a record of 3-7 and an ERA of 5.20.
And in his first three starts of 2010, Billingsley posted an ERA of 7.07 and allowed 20 hits and seven walks in only 14 innings pitched.
Since then, he's had only one bad outing (four earned runs in six innings versus Milwaukee on May 5th) in six appearances including Friday's 4-1 win over the Detroit Tigers.
Or, in other words, Billingsley allowed 11 earned runs in 14 innings in his first three starts compared to only 10 earned runs in 37 2/3 innings in his past six starts.
And in his first three starts of 2010, Billingsley posted an ERA of 7.07 and allowed 20 hits and seven walks in only 14 innings pitched.
Since then, he's had only one bad outing (four earned runs in six innings versus Milwaukee on May 5th) in six appearances including Friday's 4-1 win over the Detroit Tigers.
Or, in other words, Billingsley allowed 11 earned runs in 14 innings in his first three starts compared to only 10 earned runs in 37 2/3 innings in his past six starts.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Jacoby Ellsbury to return Saturday
Outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury is expected to return to the Red Sox lineup on Saturday night against the Phillies, according to Amalie Benjamin of the Boston Globe.
Ellsbury hasn't played since April 11th when he fractured four ribs in a collision with Adrian Beltre.
“He gives us a different element,’’ [Red Sox manager Terry] Francona said. “It gives us that game-changing speed. It gives us the same headaches we have when we have to face guys like Carl Crawford. He gives us a certain look when he’s in there that we don’t have when he’s not in there.’’
Although Ellsbury will be out of the lineup tonight, he doesn't expect some lingering pain in his ribs to cause him to miss any games.
“I still feel it right now,’’ Ellsbury said. “It’s going to be one of those things, it’s going to be there for a little while.’’
Ellsbury, who has only played six games this year, led the majors in steals (70) in 2010.
Ellsbury hasn't played since April 11th when he fractured four ribs in a collision with Adrian Beltre.
“He gives us a different element,’’ [Red Sox manager Terry] Francona said. “It gives us that game-changing speed. It gives us the same headaches we have when we have to face guys like Carl Crawford. He gives us a certain look when he’s in there that we don’t have when he’s not in there.’’
Although Ellsbury will be out of the lineup tonight, he doesn't expect some lingering pain in his ribs to cause him to miss any games.
“I still feel it right now,’’ Ellsbury said. “It’s going to be one of those things, it’s going to be there for a little while.’’
Ellsbury, who has only played six games this year, led the majors in steals (70) in 2010.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Still unknown if Ethier will land on DL
According to Jim Peltz of the Los Angeles Times, it's not yet known whether outfielder Andre Ethier will land on the 15-day disabled list or not.
During batting practice on Saturday, Ethier broke a bone in his right pinkie.
"My guess is we're going to wait a couple of days," [manager Joe] Torre said. "By that time we should have a clearer idea of where we're going, if he's not going to stay active."
In May, he was hitting nearly .500 (24-for-49) as he had nine multi-hit games in 12 games played. He also has five home runs and 19 runs batted in this month.
Either, who is currently the top-ranked player in Yahoo! Fantasy Baseball, is leading the National League in all three Triple Crown categories: batting average (.392), home runs (11) and runs batted in (38).
During batting practice on Saturday, Ethier broke a bone in his right pinkie.
"My guess is we're going to wait a couple of days," [manager Joe] Torre said. "By that time we should have a clearer idea of where we're going, if he's not going to stay active."
In May, he was hitting nearly .500 (24-for-49) as he had nine multi-hit games in 12 games played. He also has five home runs and 19 runs batted in this month.
Either, who is currently the top-ranked player in Yahoo! Fantasy Baseball, is leading the National League in all three Triple Crown categories: batting average (.392), home runs (11) and runs batted in (38).
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Wrist surgery in Nick Johnson's future?
Yankees designated hitter Nick Johnson, who received a cortisone shot on May 7th, may need wrist surgery, according to general manager Brian Cashman.
Of course, it he needs surgery, Johnson's return from the disabled list will be further delayed.
"The best case scenario is he's back in four weeks (from the time of the shot), three weeks from now, he goes through rehab games and he's back," Cashman said, per Kristie Ackert of the NY Daily News. "The alternate is he needs surgery and he's sidelined for four to six weeks."
Although Cashman said Johnson would "be a $15 million a year player if he didn't have this history of injuries," he can never seem to stay healthy.
In 2002, Johnson played 129 games as a 23-year-old. Since then, he's played 100+ games in only three times in the past six seasons.
Of course, it he needs surgery, Johnson's return from the disabled list will be further delayed.
"The best case scenario is he's back in four weeks (from the time of the shot), three weeks from now, he goes through rehab games and he's back," Cashman said, per Kristie Ackert of the NY Daily News. "The alternate is he needs surgery and he's sidelined for four to six weeks."
Although Cashman said Johnson would "be a $15 million a year player if he didn't have this history of injuries," he can never seem to stay healthy.
In 2002, Johnson played 129 games as a 23-year-old. Since then, he's played 100+ games in only three times in the past six seasons.
Jose Reyes to leadoff tonight vs Marlins
When the Mets face the Marlins in Miami tonight, shortstop Jose Reyes will return to a familiar spot. (And, no, I don't mean the disabled list.)
Reyes, who is hitting only .207 on the season since returning from the DL, will be the leadoff hitter in tonight's lineup, according to Brian Costa of the Newark Star-Ledger.
Meanwhile, Angel Pagan will bat third in the order in front of left fielder Jason Bay tonight.
Only six teams have a lower batting average than the Mets (.240).
Through 55 at bats so far in May, Reyes has only ten hits (.182 batting average), but he has stolen four bases.
In addition to struggling in May (even more so than in April), Reyes is struggling on the road (.136 average and .329 OPS). His home batting average is a solid .290 with an OPS of .763.
Reyes is hitless in his past three road games and has never faced Nate Robertson, who will start for the Marlins tonight.
Reyes, who is hitting only .207 on the season since returning from the DL, will be the leadoff hitter in tonight's lineup, according to Brian Costa of the Newark Star-Ledger.
Meanwhile, Angel Pagan will bat third in the order in front of left fielder Jason Bay tonight.
Only six teams have a lower batting average than the Mets (.240).
Through 55 at bats so far in May, Reyes has only ten hits (.182 batting average), but he has stolen four bases.
In addition to struggling in May (even more so than in April), Reyes is struggling on the road (.136 average and .329 OPS). His home batting average is a solid .290 with an OPS of .763.
Reyes is hitless in his past three road games and has never faced Nate Robertson, who will start for the Marlins tonight.
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