Thursday, August 3, 2006

Around the Horn - 8/3

5:00 Update

The NY Daily News is reporting that the New York Mets and Jose Reyes have agreed to terms on a four-year, $23.25 million contract extension with an option for 2011.

Fausto Carmona won't be getting Christmas presents from the Yankees any time soon. Carmona took over as the Cleveland Indian's closer after Bob Wickman was traded to the Atlanta Braves. Carmona faced the Boston Red Sox yesterday and Monday in save situations and imploded in both situations.

On Monday Carmona entered the 9th to protect an 8-6 lead. He gave up a single to Alex Cora and walked Kevin Youkilis. Carmona got Mark Loretta to pop up for the 1st out. It would be the only out. Big Papi was next and the game was quickly over as Ortiz smashed a 3-run home run to deep center. Yesterday was even worse.

Protecting a 5-4 lead, Carmona started out great, striking out Wily Mo Pena and Coco Crisp to start the 9th. Then he hit Doug Mirabelli with a 3-2 pitch. Carmona followed that up by hitting Alex Gonzalez and walking Youkilis on a 3-2 pitch. Loretta then ended the game with a double off the Green Monster.

Chase Utley extended his hitting streak to 34 games. It's the longest streak since Benito Santiago hit in 34 straight games in 1987. Dom DiMaggio also hit in 34 games. Utley's streak was extended due to some hot hitting by his teammates late in the game. The Phillies scored 8 runs over the 8th and 9th innings to allow Utley to extend his streak after going 0-4. In the 8th Utley hit a slow chopper that pitcher Randy Flores fielded, checked the runner at third, and then made a throw to first that pulled 1st baseman Ryan Howard off the bag. The play was originally ruled as a fielder's choice, but was later changed to a hit since Utley had already beaten the throw. It didn't matter anyway as Utley picked up another hit in the 9th.

Greg Maddux makes his Dodger debut tonight as LA faces the Cincinnati Reds. Shawn Chacon of the Pirates and Corey Lidle of the Yankees are also starting for their new teams today.

Kerry Wood has opted against surgery on his injured right shoulder. The Cubbie has a partially torn rotator cuff, but has decided against having it repaired. Wood's plan is to work as a reliever next year whether it is in Chicago or elsewhere.

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