BD Hot Stove: Beltre Finalizes Deal With Texas | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: Beltre Finalizes Deal With Texas | Baseball Digest

While the family and friends of Roberto Alomar and Bert Blyleven are celebrating their new found fame as baseball hall of fame members, Adrian Beltre’s going to party like it’s 1999 after inking his six year, $96M deal with the Texas Rangers.

Beltre last signed a large free agent contract with the Seattle Mariners in December, 2004. That deal was five years and put $64M in Beltre’s bank account. It also backfired for the Mariners, who never received the production Beltre created as a member of the LA Dodgers. Texas is hoping for better things after Beltre’s big season with the Boston Red Sox in 2010.

The slick fielding 3rd baseman hit .321 last season with 28 home runs and 102 RBI. He also led the American League in doubles and was a first time All-Star. Beltre’s deal includes a provision which allows Texas to void the final year of the contract if Beltre does not reach a certain amount of plate appearances in the fourth and/or final year of the deal. The sixth year would pay him $16M.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

Carlos Gonzalez has finalized a seven year contract agreement that will have the Colorado Rockies paying him $80M.

Ken Rosenthal reports that the Braves and recently acquired 2nd baseman Dan Uggla have avoided arbitration with a new five year, $64M contract. Prior to being traded, Uggla reportedly turned down a four year, $48M offer from the Florida Marlins.

Adam LaRoche is the Washington Nationals new 1st baseman after signing a two year, $15M deal. The contract includes an option for 2013 worth $13M/$1M buyout.

Tony Pena Jr., son of the catching standout and a former shortstop, has signed a minor league deal with the Boston Red Sox. The younger Pena converted to pitcher after not being able to hit major league pitching.

Despite a previous report, Mariners infielder Brendan Ryan has NOT signed a two year deal with the club and is still headed to arbitration at this time.

Things are getting desperate in the Bronx. Jon Morosi reports that the Yankees are showing interest in the worn right arm of Jeremy Bonderman.

Tigers to Sign Freddy Garcia

Jon Heyman of SI is reporting that the Detroit Tigers are the winners of the very limited Freddy Garcia sweepstakes. At one time, it was thought Garcia could make an impact on this year's pennant race. Well, Garcia thought that any way. But teams who took a look at him weren't overly impressed.

The Tigers are a bit short on pitching with Jeremy Bonderman down for the count, so Garcia seemed like a logical option.

On another note, Jim Leyland said that Justin Verlander was suffering from a dead arm after yesterday's start. Perhaps Leyland shouldn't have let him throw 130 pitches his last time out.

Tigers to Sign Freddy Garcia

Jon Heyman of SI is reporting that the Detroit Tigers are the winners of the very limited Freddy Garcia sweepstakes. At one time, it was thought Garcia could make an impact on this year's pennant race. Well, Garcia thought that any way. But teams who took a look at him weren't overly impressed.

The Tigers are a bit short on pitching with Jeremy Bonderman down for the count, so Garcia seemed like a logical option.

On another note, Jim Leyland said that Justin Verlander was suffering from a dead arm after yesterday's start. Perhaps Leyland shouldn't have let him throw 130 pitches his last time out.

Yankees vs. Tigers - May 10

The Yankees and Tigers hook up in the 2nd game of their 3 game series today in a nationally televised game on the Weasel (Fox) Network. Darrell Rasner gets his 2nd start of the season for the Bombers, while Jeremy Bonderman goes for the Tigers. Bonderman came out on the winning end of an 6-2 game back on April 30.

We all love Shelley Duncan, but we're finding out what we already knew. The guy can't hit major league pitching on a consistent basis. Add Morgan Ensbserg and Wilson Betemit to that list and you can see just some of the reasons the Yankees are hurting so bad right now.

Here are today's lineups courtesy of Yahoo Sports.

Yankees

J. Damon lf
D. Jeter ss
B. Abreu rf
H. Matsui dh
J. Giambi 1b
M. Cabrera cf
R. Cano 2b
W. Betemit 3b
C. Moeller c

Tigers

C. Granderson cf
M. Joyce lf
C. Guillen 3b
M. Ordonez rf
M. Cabrera 1b
G. Sheffield dh
E. Renteria ss
I. Rodriguez c
R. Santiago 2b

Yankees vs. Tigers - May 10

The Yankees and Tigers hook up in the 2nd game of their 3 game series today in a nationally televised game on the Weasel (Fox) Network. Darrell Rasner gets his 2nd start of the season for the Bombers, while Jeremy Bonderman goes for the Tigers. Bonderman came out on the winning end of an 6-2 game back on April 30.

We all love Shelley Duncan, but we're finding out what we already knew. The guy can't hit major league pitching on a consistent basis. Add Morgan Ensbserg and Wilson Betemit to that list and you can see just some of the reasons the Yankees are hurting so bad right now.

Here are today's lineups courtesy of Yahoo Sports.

Yankees

J. Damon lf
D. Jeter ss
B. Abreu rf
H. Matsui dh
J. Giambi 1b
M. Cabrera cf
R. Cano 2b
W. Betemit 3b
C. Moeller c

Tigers

C. Granderson cf
M. Joyce lf
C. Guillen 3b
M. Ordonez rf
M. Cabrera 1b
G. Sheffield dh
E. Renteria ss
I. Rodriguez c
R. Santiago 2b

Time to Get in Gear in the Motor City

The Yankees start a 3-game series with the Detroit Tigers tonight in Motown. Unfortunately, Kei Igawa will be on the hill for the Bombers, which means we'll probably finally get around to watching Michael Clayton.

The Yankees (18-18) were swept in a 3-game set by the Tigers (15-21) last week at Yankee Stadium. The Tigers thought they had some momentum going and then dropped 6 of 7 to the Twins and Red Sox.

Igawa's opponent tonight will be Kenny Rogers who limited a punchless Yankees lineup to 2 runs over 6 innings on April 29. The Tigers won that game 6-4 as Phil Hughes made his last pre-disabled list start. The Tigers took the next two games of the series as well by 6-2 and 8-4 margins.

Saturday's nationally televised game on Fox which will feature Jeremy Bonderman against Darrell Rasner, and the series winds up Sunday afternoon with a pair of lefties, Nate Robertson and Andy Pettitte, facing off.

Time to Get in Gear in the Motor City

The Yankees start a 3-game series with the Detroit Tigers tonight in Motown. Unfortunately, Kei Igawa will be on the hill for the Bombers, which means we'll probably finally get around to watching Michael Clayton.

The Yankees (18-18) were swept in a 3-game set by the Tigers (15-21) last week at Yankee Stadium. The Tigers thought they had some momentum going and then dropped 6 of 7 to the Twins and Red Sox.

Igawa's opponent tonight will be Kenny Rogers who limited a punchless Yankees lineup to 2 runs over 6 innings on April 29. The Tigers won that game 6-4 as Phil Hughes made his last pre-disabled list start. The Tigers took the next two games of the series as well by 6-2 and 8-4 margins.

Saturday's nationally televised game on Fox which will feature Jeremy Bonderman against Darrell Rasner, and the series winds up Sunday afternoon with a pair of lefties, Nate Robertson and Andy Pettitte, facing off.

Young or Old, Yankees Stink

That smell you smell emanating from Yankee Stadium is the scent of mediocrity and Ben Gay. The Yankees were hoping their veteran stopper Andy Pettitte, would end their modest 1-game losing streak, but for the second straight start the left-hander fell apart in the middle in the innings, and the Yankees lost the lead and the game. This time it was the Detroit Tigers going on to a 6-2 vicory. To top things off the team lost yet another player, Phil Hughes, to the disabled list. Hughes will sit 15 days with a strained oblique, hopefully time enough to get him straightened out physically and mentally. It wouldn't be surprising at all for the Yankees to send him to Tampa for a rehab start or two when he's ready.

But back to tonight's fiasco. Armed with a 2-1 lead in the 5th, Pettitte (3-3) surrendered a 2-run home run to former Yankee Marcus Thames to put the Tigers ahead for good. In his previous start, Pettitte had a 3-1 lead in the 5th when the Indians' Jhonny Peralta belted a 3-run HR off of him. Franklin Gutierrez later added a solo shot in the same inning. This time it took an inning before Placido Polanco hit the first of his two solo home runs in the 6th inning.

We spoke earlier about the problems Jeremy Bonderman has been having with his control and velocity since the second half of last year. Tonight's 1st inning was no different as Bonderman again had trouble throwing strikes. Bonderman immediately fell behind lead off man Johnny Damon, 3-0, before coming back to get the count full. Damon then sliced a ball over the 3rd Base bag for a double. Derek Jeter singled through the left side and Bobby Abreu walked on four pitches to loaded the bases.

The lack of a big hit hurt again though as Hideki Matsui flew to shallow left-center for the first out. Jason Giambi's deep drive to left scored Damon with the first run before Melky Cabrera had a big 2-out single to score Jeter just ahead of Thames' throw from left. But the slump of Robinson Cano continued as he flew out routinely to left.

Having escaped without too much damage done, Bonderman (2-2) was a different pitcher after that He only allowed 3 hits through his remaining 6.2 innings and didn't walk another batter until Damon drew a free pass in the 8th inning.

News and Notes

Placido Polanco's 2nd home run of the game came against Kyle Farnsworth, who has surrendered 4 home runs in just 13.1 innings.

Brian Cashman announced after the game that Darrell Rasner will get Phil Hughes' start against Seattle on Sunday.

Chad Moeller passed through waivers and rejoined the ball club. Chris Stewart was designated for assignment. sent down to Scranton. One and Done.

April 30, 2008

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Detroit	0	1	0	0	2	2	0	1	0		6	10	0
NY Yankees	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0		2	5	0

Detroit	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Rodriguez, C	5	0	0	0	0	1	3	.255
Polanco, 2B	5	2	2	2	0	0	2	.228
Sheffield, DH	4	1	2	0	0	1	0	.183
Ordonez, RF	3	1	1	0	1	1	1	.301
Cabrera, 1B	4	0	1	0	0	1	3	.270
Guillen, 3B	3	0	1	1	0	2	1	.321
Renteria, SS	4	1	1	1	0	1	1	.309
Thames, LF	2	1	1	2	0	0	1	.200
Granderson, CF	1	0	1	0	1	0	0	.375
Inge, CF-LF	3	0	0	0	0	0	1	.257
Totals	34	6	10	6	2	7	13
BATTING 2B: Granderson (3, Ramirez). HR: Thames (2, 5th inning off Pettitte, 1 on, 1 out), Polanco 2 (2, 6th inning off Pettitte, 0 on, 0 out; 8th inning off Farnsworth, 0 on, 0 out). TB: Polanco 8; Sheffield 2; Ordonez; Cabrera; Guillen; Renteria; Thames 4; Granderson 2. RBI: Renteria (17), Thames 2 (5), Polanco 2 (9), Guillen (12). 2-out RBI: Guillen. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Thames; Rodriguez; Guillen; Polanco. S: Guillen. GIDP: Cabrera. Team LOB: 5. BASERUNNING SB: Sheffield (3, 2nd base off Farnsworth/Molina). PO: Guillen (1st base by Pettitte).

Detroit	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Bonderman (W, 2-2)	7.2	5	2	2	2	1	0	3.86
Rapada	1.1	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.00

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Damon, LF	3	1	1	0	1	0	0	.276
Jeter, SS	4	1	1	0	0	0	1	.277
Abreu, RF	3	0	0	0	1	0	1	.269
Matsui, DH	4	0	1	0	0	0	3	.322
Giambi, 1B	3	0	0	1	0	0	1	.164
Cabrera, CF	4	0	2	1	0	1	0	.299
Cano, 2B	3	0	0	0	0	0	3	.151
Molina, C	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.231
Gonzalez, 3B	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	.273
Totals	30	2	5	2	2	2	9
BATTING 2B: Damon (10, Bonderman). TB: Damon 2; Jeter; Matsui; Cabrera 2. RBI: Giambi (13), Cabrera (12). 2-out RBI: Cabrera. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Cano. SF: Giambi. Team LOB: 4. BASERUNNING CS: Cano (2, 2nd base by Bonderman/Rodriguez). FIELDING DP: (Jeter-Cano-Giambi). Pickoffs: Pettitte (Guillen at 1st base).

NY Yankees IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA Pettitte (L, 3-3) 6.0 7 5 5 1 3 2 3.93 Hawkins 1.0 0 0 0 1 1 0 7.47 Farnsworth 1.0 2 1 1 0 2 1 4.05 Ramirez 1.0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0.00

HBP: Inge (by Ramirez). Pitches-strikes: Bonderman 100-57, Rapada 16-9, Pettitte 92-65, Hawkins 20-14, Farnsworth 27-21, Ramirez 18-14. Ground outs-fly outs: Bonderman 11-10, Rapada 3-0, Pettitte 13-1, Hawkins 2-0, Farnsworth 0-1, Ramirez 1-1. Batters faced: Bonderman 29, Rapada 4, Pettitte 24, Hawkins 4, Farnsworth 5, Ramirez 5. Inherited runners-scored: Rapada 1-0. Umpires: HP: Chad Fairchild. 1B: Rick Reed. 2B: Jeff Kellogg. 3B: Scott Barry. Weather: 53 degrees, partly cloudy. Wind: 11 mph, L to R. T: 2:48. Att: 49,513.

Young or Old, Yankees Stink

That smell you smell emanating from Yankee Stadium is the scent of mediocrity and Ben Gay. The Yankees were hoping their veteran stopper Andy Pettitte, would end their modest 1-game losing streak, but for the second straight start the left-hander fell apart in the middle in the innings, and the Yankees lost the lead and the game. This time it was the Detroit Tigers going on to a 6-2 vicory. To top things off the team lost yet another player, Phil Hughes, to the disabled list. Hughes will sit 15 days with a strained oblique, hopefully time enough to get him straightened out physically and mentally. It wouldn't be surprising at all for the Yankees to send him to Tampa for a rehab start or two when he's ready.

But back to tonight's fiasco. Armed with a 2-1 lead in the 5th, Pettitte (3-3) surrendered a 2-run home run to former Yankee Marcus Thames to put the Tigers ahead for good. In his previous start, Pettitte had a 3-1 lead in the 5th when the Indians' Jhonny Peralta belted a 3-run HR off of him. Franklin Gutierrez later added a solo shot in the same inning. This time it took an inning before Placido Polanco hit the first of his two solo home runs in the 6th inning.

We spoke earlier about the problems Jeremy Bonderman has been having with his control and velocity since the second half of last year. Tonight's 1st inning was no different as Bonderman again had trouble throwing strikes. Bonderman immediately fell behind lead off man Johnny Damon, 3-0, before coming back to get the count full. Damon then sliced a ball over the 3rd Base bag for a double. Derek Jeter singled through the left side and Bobby Abreu walked on four pitches to loaded the bases.

The lack of a big hit hurt again though as Hideki Matsui flew to shallow left-center for the first out. Jason Giambi's deep drive to left scored Damon with the first run before Melky Cabrera had a big 2-out single to score Jeter just ahead of Thames' throw from left. But the slump of Robinson Cano continued as he flew out routinely to left.

Having escaped without too much damage done, Bonderman (2-2) was a different pitcher after that He only allowed 3 hits through his remaining 6.2 innings and didn't walk another batter until Damon drew a free pass in the 8th inning.

News and Notes

Placido Polanco's 2nd home run of the game came against Kyle Farnsworth, who has surrendered 4 home runs in just 13.1 innings.

Brian Cashman announced after the game that Darrell Rasner will get Phil Hughes' start against Seattle on Sunday.

Chad Moeller passed through waivers and rejoined the ball club. Chris Stewart was designated for assignment. sent down to Scranton. One and Done.

April 30, 2008

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Detroit	0	1	0	0	2	2	0	1	0		6	10	0
NY Yankees	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0		2	5	0

Detroit	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Rodriguez, C	5	0	0	0	0	1	3	.255
Polanco, 2B	5	2	2	2	0	0	2	.228
Sheffield, DH	4	1	2	0	0	1	0	.183
Ordonez, RF	3	1	1	0	1	1	1	.301
Cabrera, 1B	4	0	1	0	0	1	3	.270
Guillen, 3B	3	0	1	1	0	2	1	.321
Renteria, SS	4	1	1	1	0	1	1	.309
Thames, LF	2	1	1	2	0	0	1	.200
Granderson, CF	1	0	1	0	1	0	0	.375
Inge, CF-LF	3	0	0	0	0	0	1	.257
Totals	34	6	10	6	2	7	13
BATTING 2B: Granderson (3, Ramirez). HR: Thames (2, 5th inning off Pettitte, 1 on, 1 out), Polanco 2 (2, 6th inning off Pettitte, 0 on, 0 out; 8th inning off Farnsworth, 0 on, 0 out). TB: Polanco 8; Sheffield 2; Ordonez; Cabrera; Guillen; Renteria; Thames 4; Granderson 2. RBI: Renteria (17), Thames 2 (5), Polanco 2 (9), Guillen (12). 2-out RBI: Guillen. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Thames; Rodriguez; Guillen; Polanco. S: Guillen. GIDP: Cabrera. Team LOB: 5. BASERUNNING SB: Sheffield (3, 2nd base off Farnsworth/Molina). PO: Guillen (1st base by Pettitte).

Detroit	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Bonderman (W, 2-2)	7.2	5	2	2	2	1	0	3.86
Rapada	1.1	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.00

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Damon, LF	3	1	1	0	1	0	0	.276
Jeter, SS	4	1	1	0	0	0	1	.277
Abreu, RF	3	0	0	0	1	0	1	.269
Matsui, DH	4	0	1	0	0	0	3	.322
Giambi, 1B	3	0	0	1	0	0	1	.164
Cabrera, CF	4	0	2	1	0	1	0	.299
Cano, 2B	3	0	0	0	0	0	3	.151
Molina, C	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.231
Gonzalez, 3B	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	.273
Totals	30	2	5	2	2	2	9
BATTING 2B: Damon (10, Bonderman). TB: Damon 2; Jeter; Matsui; Cabrera 2. RBI: Giambi (13), Cabrera (12). 2-out RBI: Cabrera. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Cano. SF: Giambi. Team LOB: 4. BASERUNNING CS: Cano (2, 2nd base by Bonderman/Rodriguez). FIELDING DP: (Jeter-Cano-Giambi). Pickoffs: Pettitte (Guillen at 1st base).

NY Yankees IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA Pettitte (L, 3-3) 6.0 7 5 5 1 3 2 3.93 Hawkins 1.0 0 0 0 1 1 0 7.47 Farnsworth 1.0 2 1 1 0 2 1 4.05 Ramirez 1.0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0.00

HBP: Inge (by Ramirez). Pitches-strikes: Bonderman 100-57, Rapada 16-9, Pettitte 92-65, Hawkins 20-14, Farnsworth 27-21, Ramirez 18-14. Ground outs-fly outs: Bonderman 11-10, Rapada 3-0, Pettitte 13-1, Hawkins 2-0, Farnsworth 0-1, Ramirez 1-1. Batters faced: Bonderman 29, Rapada 4, Pettitte 24, Hawkins 4, Farnsworth 5, Ramirez 5. Inherited runners-scored: Rapada 1-0. Umpires: HP: Chad Fairchild. 1B: Rick Reed. 2B: Jeff Kellogg. 3B: Scott Barry. Weather: 53 degrees, partly cloudy. Wind: 11 mph, L to R. T: 2:48. Att: 49,513.

Yankees vs. Tigers - April 30

The Yankees and Tigers go at it again in the Bronx tonight. Andy Pettitte (3-2, 3.23), coming off of a rough start in Cleveland, goes up against Jeremy Bonderman (1-2, 4.28). Pettitte had strung together three good outings in a row, before he couldn't hold a 3-1 lead in a 5 inning stint against the Indians. Pettitte has to put together a 10-8, 3.49 record against the Tigers in 22 career starts.

Bonderman is having a rocky April after a very tough second half of 2007. Going into last year's All-Star break Bonderman was on fire. His 9-1 record and 3.48 ERA put him in San Francisco for his first All-Star game. But something was clearly not right in the second half. After walking just 24 batters in 106 innings, Bonderman issued the same amount of free passes in just 68.1 innings after the break.

After losing 8 of his last 10 decisions, a September MRI showed a pinched cartilage in Bonderman's right elbow, and though it didn't require surgery, his season was over. This season hasn't gone much better.

Bonderman has already walked 21 batters in 27.1 innings. He was removed in his last start with 2 outs in the 5th inning after walking in the tying run. It was his 7th walk of the game.

Tigers vs. Pettitte

Miguel Cabrera 3-9 2 HR 3 RBI
Curtis Granderson 0-7
Carlos Guillen 9-24 (.375) 3 RBI
Brandon Inge 5-14 (.357) 2 RBI
Jacques Jones 2-16 (.125) 7 K
Magglio Ordonez 12-35 (.343) 2 HR 6 RBI
Placido Polanco 2-4
Edgar Renteria 3-13 (.231)
Ivan Rodriguez 16-40 (.400) 2 HR 5 RBI
Gary Sheffield 0-3
Marcus Thames 0-3
Ramon Santiago 0-4

Yankees vs. Bonderman

Bobby Abreu 6-9 (.667) 1 HR 3 RBI
Melky Cabrera 5-13 (.385) 3 RBI
Robinson Cano 5-18 (.278)
Johnny Damon 14-32 (.438) 2 HR 6 RBI
Jason Giambi 3-15 (.200)
Derek Jeter 5-26 (.192) 2 HR 6 RBI
Hideki Matsui 10-19 (.526) 3 HR 9 RBI
Jose Molina 2-8


Tonight's lineup courtesy of Peter Abraham:

Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Matsui DH
Giambi 1B
Cabrera CF
Cano 2B
Molina C
Gonzalez 3B

Yankees vs. Tigers - April 30

The Yankees and Tigers go at it again in the Bronx tonight. Andy Pettitte (3-2, 3.23), coming off of a rough start in Cleveland, goes up against Jeremy Bonderman (1-2, 4.28). Pettitte had strung together three good outings in a row, before he couldn't hold a 3-1 lead in a 5 inning stint against the Indians. Pettitte has to put together a 10-8, 3.49 record against the Tigers in 22 career starts.

Bonderman is having a rocky April after a very tough second half of 2007. Going into last year's All-Star break Bonderman was on fire. His 9-1 record and 3.48 ERA put him in San Francisco for his first All-Star game. But something was clearly not right in the second half. After walking just 24 batters in 106 innings, Bonderman issued the same amount of free passes in just 68.1 innings after the break.

After losing 8 of his last 10 decisions, a September MRI showed a pinched cartilage in Bonderman's right elbow, and though it didn't require surgery, his season was over. This season hasn't gone much better.

Bonderman has already walked 21 batters in 27.1 innings. He was removed in his last start with 2 outs in the 5th inning after walking in the tying run. It was his 7th walk of the game.

Tigers vs. Pettitte

Miguel Cabrera 3-9 2 HR 3 RBI
Curtis Granderson 0-7
Carlos Guillen 9-24 (.375) 3 RBI
Brandon Inge 5-14 (.357) 2 RBI
Jacques Jones 2-16 (.125) 7 K
Magglio Ordonez 12-35 (.343) 2 HR 6 RBI
Placido Polanco 2-4
Edgar Renteria 3-13 (.231)
Ivan Rodriguez 16-40 (.400) 2 HR 5 RBI
Gary Sheffield 0-3
Marcus Thames 0-3
Ramon Santiago 0-4

Yankees vs. Bonderman

Bobby Abreu 6-9 (.667) 1 HR 3 RBI
Melky Cabrera 5-13 (.385) 3 RBI
Robinson Cano 5-18 (.278)
Johnny Damon 14-32 (.438) 2 HR 6 RBI
Jason Giambi 3-15 (.200)
Derek Jeter 5-26 (.192) 2 HR 6 RBI
Hideki Matsui 10-19 (.526) 3 HR 9 RBI
Jose Molina 2-8


Tonight's lineup courtesy of Peter Abraham:

Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Matsui DH
Giambi 1B
Cabrera CF
Cano 2B
Molina C
Gonzalez 3B

Around the Horn - 4/25

Two of the most promising young pitchers hooked up at Petco Park last night. The Giants sent second year man Tim Lincecum to the hill against the Padres big man, 6'10", Chris Young. Young allowed 1 run on 2 hits, and struck out 10 in his 7 innings...and lost the game.

Rich Aurilia, who seems like he's 400 years old, hit his first home run of the season for the game's line run. Lincecum's line - 6.1 IP 4 H 5 BB 9 K- earned him the win.

Chipper Jones, "Wally" to those out at Shea, celebrated his 36th birthday with his 393rd career home run and went 3-3. The Braves beat the Marlins 7-4 as the chipper feeling Jones raised his average to .442.

Troy Tulowitzki's fielder's choice and Ryan Spilborghs singled plated a pair of runs in the 8th to give the Rockies a 4-2 win over the Cubs.

Lance Berkman went 3-3 with a home run and 3 RBI in the Astros 5-3 win over the Reds. Rookie phenom Johnny Cueto gave up all 5 runs in 7 innings.

The Mets lead the Nationals 3-0, but starter Oliver Perez and the bullpen faltered, and the Nats pulled out a 10-5 win. Aaron Heilmann continued his horrid pitching, serving up a grand slam to Felipe Lopez who drove in 6 on the day.

Conor Jackson and Jeff Salazar drove in 2 runs each to pace the Diamondbacks past the Dodgers 6-4.

Pat Burrell's 2-run double in the 8th snapped a 1-1 tie and the Phillies held on against the Brewers, 3-1. Jamie Moyer and Jeff Suppan both pitched well in gaining no-decisions.

Brian Barton drove in 2 runs and Joel Pineiro picked up his first win in the Cardinals 6-2 win against the Pirates.

Eric Hinske drove in 2 runs to back a strong outing from Andy Sonnanstine in the Rays 5-3 win over the Blue Jays. Toronto starter Dustin McGowan walked 7 hitters in just 4 innings.

The Orioles rallied from a 5-0 deficit to beat the Mariners 8-7. Former 'M', Adam Jones drove in 3 runs including the game winner. George Sherrill picked up the save, his 5th against his former team this season (out of 8 total).

The Indians swept the Royals in a doubleheader, 9-6 and 2-0. Grady Sizemore had 4 hits including a home run and Fausto Carmona was shaky but earned his 3rd win. In the nightcap, Cliff Lee threw a complete game shutout to raise his record to 4-0 and lower his ERA to a mind boggling 0.28.

The Angels came back from a 3-0 deficit to beat the Rex Sox 7-5. The Angels couldn't solve rookie emergency starter Justin Masterson, but they had the number of the Sox pen. Gary Matthews Jr. enjoyed a 3-hit, 3 RBI afternoon.

The Tigers rolled over the Rangers again, this time by an 8-2 margin. Magglio Ordonez hit two of the five Tigers home runs on the day. Detroit outscored the Rangers in the three game series, 37-10. Jim Leyland has to be concerned about Jeremy Bonderman, who was removed one out shy of being eligible for the win. He'd already thrown 110 pitches and walked 7.

Donnie Murphy hit his first two home runs of the year and knocked in 4 as the A's steamrolled the Twins 11-2. Twins starter Francisco Liriano only retired 2 hitters, allowing 6 runs, 5 hits, and 3 walks. He's probably ticketed for a return to the minors.

Around the Horn - 4/25

Two of the most promising young pitchers hooked up at Petco Park last night. The Giants sent second year man Tim Lincecum to the hill against the Padres big man, 6'10", Chris Young. Young allowed 1 run on 2 hits, and struck out 10 in his 7 innings...and lost the game.

Rich Aurilia, who seems like he's 400 years old, hit his first home run of the season for the game's line run. Lincecum's line - 6.1 IP 4 H 5 BB 9 K- earned him the win.

Chipper Jones, "Wally" to those out at Shea, celebrated his 36th birthday with his 393rd career home run and went 3-3. The Braves beat the Marlins 7-4 as the chipper feeling Jones raised his average to .442.

Troy Tulowitzki's fielder's choice and Ryan Spilborghs singled plated a pair of runs in the 8th to give the Rockies a 4-2 win over the Cubs.

Lance Berkman went 3-3 with a home run and 3 RBI in the Astros 5-3 win over the Reds. Rookie phenom Johnny Cueto gave up all 5 runs in 7 innings.

The Mets lead the Nationals 3-0, but starter Oliver Perez and the bullpen faltered, and the Nats pulled out a 10-5 win. Aaron Heilmann continued his horrid pitching, serving up a grand slam to Felipe Lopez who drove in 6 on the day.

Conor Jackson and Jeff Salazar drove in 2 runs each to pace the Diamondbacks past the Dodgers 6-4.

Pat Burrell's 2-run double in the 8th snapped a 1-1 tie and the Phillies held on against the Brewers, 3-1. Jamie Moyer and Jeff Suppan both pitched well in gaining no-decisions.

Brian Barton drove in 2 runs and Joel Pineiro picked up his first win in the Cardinals 6-2 win against the Pirates.

Eric Hinske drove in 2 runs to back a strong outing from Andy Sonnanstine in the Rays 5-3 win over the Blue Jays. Toronto starter Dustin McGowan walked 7 hitters in just 4 innings.

The Orioles rallied from a 5-0 deficit to beat the Mariners 8-7. Former 'M', Adam Jones drove in 3 runs including the game winner. George Sherrill picked up the save, his 5th against his former team this season (out of 8 total).

The Indians swept the Royals in a doubleheader, 9-6 and 2-0. Grady Sizemore had 4 hits including a home run and Fausto Carmona was shaky but earned his 3rd win. In the nightcap, Cliff Lee threw a complete game shutout to raise his record to 4-0 and lower his ERA to a mind boggling 0.28.

The Angels came back from a 3-0 deficit to beat the Rex Sox 7-5. The Angels couldn't solve rookie emergency starter Justin Masterson, but they had the number of the Sox pen. Gary Matthews Jr. enjoyed a 3-hit, 3 RBI afternoon.

The Tigers rolled over the Rangers again, this time by an 8-2 margin. Magglio Ordonez hit two of the five Tigers home runs on the day. Detroit outscored the Rangers in the three game series, 37-10. Jim Leyland has to be concerned about Jeremy Bonderman, who was removed one out shy of being eligible for the win. He'd already thrown 110 pitches and walked 7.

Donnie Murphy hit his first two home runs of the year and knocked in 4 as the A's steamrolled the Twins 11-2. Twins starter Francisco Liriano only retired 2 hitters, allowing 6 runs, 5 hits, and 3 walks. He's probably ticketed for a return to the minors.