Today the Yankees beat the Rangers 11-1 as Phil Hughes pitched eight scoreless innings on 101 pitches.
When we made our earlier post about the game, one note we didn't mention was that Hughes refused to shake manager Joe Girardi's hand when he was taken out.
"He didn't want to shake my hand," Girardi said. "He wanted to go back out. I said, 'You know what? You're going to have plenty of time to get complete games in your career. It's a hot day, you've thrown a hundred pitches, and we don't want to send you back out there for the ninth.'"
It's not a huge deal, but I like his competitiveness.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Akinori Iwamura done for season
Per Marc Lancaster of The Tampa Tribune, the Rays have lost second baseman Akinori Iwamura for the season.
An MRI revealed that Iwamura has a torn ACL, damage to his MCL and torn ankle ligaments after Chris Coghlan's slide in Sunday's game against the Marlins.
Iwamura will have surgery and the Rays hope to have him back for spring training, according to Lancaster.
"It's a tough loss, obviously," [Rays executive vice president Andrew] Friedman said. "Aki brings a lot to our team offensively, defensively and off the field. But this group has demonstrated how resilient they are last year and the beginning part of this year and I expect that we'll do more of the same here."
In addition to losing Aki for the season, the Rays placed relief pitcher Brian Shouse on the 15-day disabled list.
An MRI revealed that Iwamura has a torn ACL, damage to his MCL and torn ankle ligaments after Chris Coghlan's slide in Sunday's game against the Marlins.
Iwamura will have surgery and the Rays hope to have him back for spring training, according to Lancaster.
"It's a tough loss, obviously," [Rays executive vice president Andrew] Friedman said. "Aki brings a lot to our team offensively, defensively and off the field. But this group has demonstrated how resilient they are last year and the beginning part of this year and I expect that we'll do more of the same here."
In addition to losing Aki for the season, the Rays placed relief pitcher Brian Shouse on the 15-day disabled list.
Yankees dominate Rangers 11-1
The Yankees have now won 13 of their past 17 games with their 11-1 victory over the Rangers.
Former Rangers Alex Rodriguez went 5-for-5 with four RBI and Mark Teixeira went 2-for-4 with two RBI. Teixeira continues to feed off having A-Rod in the lineup to protect him.
Phil Hughes picked up his third win of the season by pitching eight scoreless innings. Hughes only threw 101 pitches.
He allowed three hits and only one walk while striking out six batters.
Former Rangers Alex Rodriguez went 5-for-5 with four RBI and Mark Teixeira went 2-for-4 with two RBI. Teixeira continues to feed off having A-Rod in the lineup to protect him.
Phil Hughes picked up his third win of the season by pitching eight scoreless innings. Hughes only threw 101 pitches.
He allowed three hits and only one walk while striking out six batters.
Bruney heading back to DL
In a New York-minute (or, rather a New York-inning), Yankees set-up man Brian Bruney is heading back to the disabled list, according to Marc Craig of the Newark Star-Ledger.
After spending one month on the DL, Bruney returned to the Bronx and pitched one scoreless inning.
However, Bruney is still feeling elbow pain although tests reveal no structural damage.
After spending one month on the DL, Bruney returned to the Bronx and pitched one scoreless inning.
However, Bruney is still feeling elbow pain although tests reveal no structural damage.
Carlos Guillen has MRI on shoulder
According to Steve Kornakci of the MLive.com, Detroit Tigers left fielder Carlos Guillen had an MRI on his shoulder.
And the results should be known on Tuesday.
"Carlos is not throwing or hitting right now," [Tigers head athletic trainer Kevin] Rand said this morning. "He's just conditioning and running."
Although he was initially placed on the DL due to tendinitis in his Achilles, it's Guillen's shoulder (not Achilles) that is troubling him now.
In 24 games, Guillen is hitting only .200 this season with no home runs.
And the results should be known on Tuesday.
"Carlos is not throwing or hitting right now," [Tigers head athletic trainer Kevin] Rand said this morning. "He's just conditioning and running."
Although he was initially placed on the DL due to tendinitis in his Achilles, it's Guillen's shoulder (not Achilles) that is troubling him now.
In 24 games, Guillen is hitting only .200 this season with no home runs.
Rays gave Maddon three-year extension
The Tampa Bay Rays have given a three-year extension to Joe Maddon, who won the A.L. Manager of the Year award in 2008.
The Rays' skipper is now under contract until 2012.
"This is where I belong,'' Maddon said. "This is where I want to be. I really have to use the word love when I talk about this organization. ... For me, it's a no-brainer. I really want to stay here and I'm really grateful that I get the opportunity.' "
In the Rays' first-ever winning season (97-65), the Rays made it to the World Series. This year, the Rays are 23-23 and four games out of first.
The Rays' skipper is now under contract until 2012.
"This is where I belong,'' Maddon said. "This is where I want to be. I really have to use the word love when I talk about this organization. ... For me, it's a no-brainer. I really want to stay here and I'm really grateful that I get the opportunity.' "
In the Rays' first-ever winning season (97-65), the Rays made it to the World Series. This year, the Rays are 23-23 and four games out of first.
Giants interested in Dan Uggla?
Per Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the San Francisco Giants have reached out to the Florida Marlins to inquire about second baseman Dan Uggla.
The Marlins will move Uggla and his $5.35 million salary before the trade deadline, according to Rodriguez. When they do, Emilio Bonifacio or Chris Coghlan will move to second.
In return, the Marlins would seek one of the Giants' young arms - either lefty Jonathan Sanchez or righty Matt Cain. The Giants would obviously be less willing to part ways with Cain.
However, the Giants currently have pitching prospects Madison Bumgarner and Tim Alderson at Double-A.
On the season, Uggla is only hitting .205, but he has eight home runs (tied for first on team) and 30 runs batted in (second on team).
The Marlins will move Uggla and his $5.35 million salary before the trade deadline, according to Rodriguez. When they do, Emilio Bonifacio or Chris Coghlan will move to second.
In return, the Marlins would seek one of the Giants' young arms - either lefty Jonathan Sanchez or righty Matt Cain. The Giants would obviously be less willing to part ways with Cain.
However, the Giants currently have pitching prospects Madison Bumgarner and Tim Alderson at Double-A.
On the season, Uggla is only hitting .205, but he has eight home runs (tied for first on team) and 30 runs batted in (second on team).
The Hot Corner, 5/25 edition
Braves catcher Brian McCann hit two home runs as the Braves went on to sweep the Blue Jays.
The Diamondbacks saw their four-game winning streak, which was a season high, come to an end with a loss to the A's Sunday.
Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips is hoping to avoid the DL despite having a hairline fracture in his right thumb. "I just need to give it a couple of days," Phillips said. "It is really swollen right now. I'll think about the next step when it gets here, after the swelling goes down."
The Rockies have placed catcher Jeff Iannetta on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring.
Astros third baseman Geoff Blum will miss at least two games with a strained left hamstring he suffered in Sunday's game against the Rangers.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the Angels are considering placing Scott Shields on the DL to allow the tendinitis in his left knee to ease.
Red Sox hitting coach Dave Magadan said of dropping David Ortiz in the batting order: "I think that's something we're going to discuss. We'll probably talk about it on the flight [to Minnesota]. We want to do what's best not only for David, but what's best for the team."
Astros closer Jose Valverde is still on track in his rehab, but he is still "weeks away from him being able to pitch in a game at the big league level,” according to GM Ed Wade.
Astros pitcher Mike Hampton has struggled with a 1-5 record and 7.04 ERA in his past six starts. “Right now, I’m kind of at a loss,” [manager Cecil] Cooper said. “I don’t know exactly what to do.”
"Backup catcher, it's hard sometimes," [manager Terry] Francona said [of back-up catcher George Kottaras, who went 3-for-5 Sunday]. "Their numbers aren't going to always indicate how they're swinging. It's hard to get on a roll. You swing the bat real well today and you might sit for a few days. But he should feel a lot better about himself."
With seven more games to play in May, Twins catcher Joe Mauer has 10 home runs this month. His previous monthly best was five.
The last time the Cubs suffered a three-game sweep at the hands of the Padres was 25 years ago in the playoffs.
Pittsburgh's Adam LaRoche helped end Jack Wilson 1-for-17 slump. "Since he had the day off, LaRoche was nice enough to throw BP today," Wilson said. "He said he was going to get me right. Sure enough, he did."
''Watching him lay there, you feel awful because you never want to hurt anybody,'' said [Marlins Chris] Coghlan, who barreled into [Rays Aki] Iwamura in the eighth inning while trying to break up a double play. "But, at the same time, I've got to try to break up the double play.''
Rays manager Joe Maddon says of pitching phenom David Price: "When you bring a guy like this, you really want him to stay. You don't want to move guys like him up and down."
The Diamondbacks saw their four-game winning streak, which was a season high, come to an end with a loss to the A's Sunday.
Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips is hoping to avoid the DL despite having a hairline fracture in his right thumb. "I just need to give it a couple of days," Phillips said. "It is really swollen right now. I'll think about the next step when it gets here, after the swelling goes down."
The Rockies have placed catcher Jeff Iannetta on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring.
Astros third baseman Geoff Blum will miss at least two games with a strained left hamstring he suffered in Sunday's game against the Rangers.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the Angels are considering placing Scott Shields on the DL to allow the tendinitis in his left knee to ease.
Red Sox hitting coach Dave Magadan said of dropping David Ortiz in the batting order: "I think that's something we're going to discuss. We'll probably talk about it on the flight [to Minnesota]. We want to do what's best not only for David, but what's best for the team."
Astros closer Jose Valverde is still on track in his rehab, but he is still "weeks away from him being able to pitch in a game at the big league level,” according to GM Ed Wade.
Astros pitcher Mike Hampton has struggled with a 1-5 record and 7.04 ERA in his past six starts. “Right now, I’m kind of at a loss,” [manager Cecil] Cooper said. “I don’t know exactly what to do.”
"Backup catcher, it's hard sometimes," [manager Terry] Francona said [of back-up catcher George Kottaras, who went 3-for-5 Sunday]. "Their numbers aren't going to always indicate how they're swinging. It's hard to get on a roll. You swing the bat real well today and you might sit for a few days. But he should feel a lot better about himself."
With seven more games to play in May, Twins catcher Joe Mauer has 10 home runs this month. His previous monthly best was five.
The last time the Cubs suffered a three-game sweep at the hands of the Padres was 25 years ago in the playoffs.
Pittsburgh's Adam LaRoche helped end Jack Wilson 1-for-17 slump. "Since he had the day off, LaRoche was nice enough to throw BP today," Wilson said. "He said he was going to get me right. Sure enough, he did."
''Watching him lay there, you feel awful because you never want to hurt anybody,'' said [Marlins Chris] Coghlan, who barreled into [Rays Aki] Iwamura in the eighth inning while trying to break up a double play. "But, at the same time, I've got to try to break up the double play.''
Rays manager Joe Maddon says of pitching phenom David Price: "When you bring a guy like this, you really want him to stay. You don't want to move guys like him up and down."
Jose Reyes won't play Monday
According to Adam Rubin of the NY Daily News, Mets shortstop Jose Reyes says there is "no chance" that he'll play on Monday.
Ramon Martinez left Sunday's game against the Red Sox in the eighth inning with back discomfort.
In the past 10 days, Reyes has played in only three games in which he is one-for-seven at the plate.
Ramon Martinez left Sunday's game against the Red Sox in the eighth inning with back discomfort.
In the past 10 days, Reyes has played in only three games in which he is one-for-seven at the plate.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Should Posada DH more often?
Joel Sherman of the New York Post argues that the New York Yankees should use Jorge Posada less at catcher and more at designated hitter.
He also argues that the Yankees should (as the Rays did last year) emphasize defense and play Brett Gardner in center, Melky Cabrera in left and either Jose Molina or Francisco Cervelli catching with Posada as DH.
His rationale:
On the season, the Yankees have scored 240 runs, which ranks third in baseball. However, they've posted a team ERA of 5.17, which is the fifth worst in baseball.
He also argues that the Yankees should (as the Rays did last year) emphasize defense and play Brett Gardner in center, Melky Cabrera in left and either Jose Molina or Francisco Cervelli catching with Posada as DH.
His rationale:
- Yankees will have enough offense even with a defensive-minded offense. However, if need be, they can be aggressive late by pinch-hitting with guys like Hideki Matsui, Nick Swisher and Xavier Nady (when he comes back).
- Only use Posada to catch for those with a high comfort level with Posada, such as Andy Pettitte and Chien-Ming Wang. Posada's catching ERA is considerably higher than that of Cervelli, Molina and Kevin Cash.
- Since Posada is 38 and on the DL again after last year, why not protect your investment that runs through 2011? Especially since guys like Johnny Damon, Matsui, and Nady will be free agents next year.
On the season, the Yankees have scored 240 runs, which ranks third in baseball. However, they've posted a team ERA of 5.17, which is the fifth worst in baseball.
K-Rod doing "a lot better"
Last night, Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez was taken to the hospital to be treated for back spasms after the Mets 3-2 win.
Per Adam Rubin of the NY Daily News, K-Rod says he is doing better after being hospitalized
Per Adam Rubin of the NY Daily News, K-Rod says he is doing better after being hospitalized
"As soon as the medicine started kicking in, I started feeling a lot better. And by this morning I was doing a lot of things that I wasn't capable of last night," Rodriguez said. "The pain went away and I'm feeling pretty good. Man, that was really painful. I've never experienced anything like this before. I was a little struggling to walk yesterday, but I got some medicine in me and I feel pretty good now."Through 20 games, K-Rod is 1-0 with a 0.87 ERA and is 12 of 12 in save opportunities.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Giambi hits 400th career home run
Oakland A's DH Jason Giambi has done something that only 43 players have done before him.
Giambi hit his 400th career home run off Diamondbacks pitcher Dan Haren in today's game.
It was the fourth home run of the year for Giambi.
Giambi hit his 400th career home run off Diamondbacks pitcher Dan Haren in today's game.
It was the fourth home run of the year for Giambi.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Kazmir, Percival to DL; Price to be called up
The Tampa Bay Rays have placed both starter Scott Kazmir and closer Troy Percival on the 15-day disabled list, according to Marc Lancaster of The Tampa Tribune.
Percival has shoulder tendinitis and Kazmir has a quadriceps strain.
Manager Joe Maddon wonders if Percival, who's 39 and gone home to clear his mind, will be back.
Percival has shoulder tendinitis and Kazmir has a quadriceps strain.
Manager Joe Maddon wonders if Percival, who's 39 and gone home to clear his mind, will be back.
"I wouldn't be surprised if he chooses not to come back," Maddon said. "There's only so much you can do when you get to that age, and he's tried everything possible to put himself back together to be, not just functional, but a very big contributor to us. He's just not feeling that he can be that right now."
Kazmir is leading (in a bad way) the majors in pitches per inning (19.2) and he has an ERA of 11.35 in his previous five starts.
Pitching phenom David Price will likely start on Monday in Kazmir's place.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Twins pound White Sox 20-1
Calling the Twins' 20-1 win over the White Sox today is a gross understatement.
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire decided to "mix things up a little bit" by batting catcher Joe Mauer second in the lineup. And he certainly responded with six runs batted in and a grand slam.
White Sox pitcher Bartolo Colon allowed seven hits and eight runs in two innings. However, only one of the eight runs was earned.
Today's loss matches the biggest loss in White Sox history. The White Sox lost to the Angels 19-0 on May 10th, 2002.
It's been a rough day for the White Sox as Jake Peavy also vetoed a trade today that would have sent him to Chicago.
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire decided to "mix things up a little bit" by batting catcher Joe Mauer second in the lineup. And he certainly responded with six runs batted in and a grand slam.
White Sox pitcher Bartolo Colon allowed seven hits and eight runs in two innings. However, only one of the eight runs was earned.
Today's loss matches the biggest loss in White Sox history. The White Sox lost to the Angels 19-0 on May 10th, 2002.
It's been a rough day for the White Sox as Jake Peavy also vetoed a trade today that would have sent him to Chicago.
Peavy says no to White Sox deal
Per the Chicago Sun-Times, the deal agreed upon by the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox to send Jake Peavy to Chicago has been vetoed. The Sun-Times reports that sources indicate Peavy has told the Padres that he won't accept the trade.
Although both teams agreed to the deal, Peavy has a no-trade clause in his contract.
Peavy spoke with his former Padres teammate Scott Linebrink about the team and playing for manager Ozzie Guillen.
Although both teams agreed to the deal, Peavy has a no-trade clause in his contract.
Peavy spoke with his former Padres teammate Scott Linebrink about the team and playing for manager Ozzie Guillen.
"At this point, it's 50-50," Linebrink said, adding he spoke to Peavy with Sox general manager Ken Williams blessings. "It's his decision and his family's, but given the trade rumors that haven't come to fruition, especially with the Cubs, I think he might want to get this behind him. I'm sure it was tough for him to go back [to San Diego, after the near-trade. He's probably ready to put on whatever uniform he's going to have."Peavy, who prefers to pitch in the National League, has $63 million left on his contract and is due $11 million this season.
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