BD Hot Stove: Thanksgiving Turkeys | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: Thanksgiving Turkeys | Baseball Digest


A look at Barry Zito, Carl Pavano and the five biggest busts of the past decade's free agent signings.

Around the Horn - 5/30

Joe Torre was back in the city so nice they named it twice. But it wasn't at Yankee Stadium and the Yankees weren't playing. Torre took his Dodger blue to Shea and got pummeled by David Wright and the Mets, 8-4. Wright belted a couple of home runs off of Brad Penny to help the Mets win their 3rd. Jose Reyes has reached base safely in 29 straight games.

The Giants completed a very unexpected 3-game sweep of the Diamondbacks with a 4-3 win. The Giants tied the game in the 8th on Fred Lewis' bases loaded walk and went ahead for good in the top of the 9th on Randy Winn's home run. Barry Zito came up with arguably his best start of the season (6 IP 3 ER 6 H 3 BB 5 K) while Randy Johnson allowed 2 runs and struck out 9 in 7 innings.

The Pirates pounded the Reds 7-2 behind a big night from starter Phil Dumatrait. The lefty allowed 1 unearned run, 2 hits, and struck out 9 in 7 innings.

Kyle Lohse out pitched Roy Oswalt in the Cardinals 3-2 win over the Astros. Albert Pujols belted his 13th home run for the Cards while Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman went deep for Houston. Berkman's home run tied him with Chase Utley for the major's lead with 17.

Jody Gerut's 3-run home run in the bottom of the 8th gave the Padres a 5-2 win over the Nationals. Padres pitcher Chris Young, who was hit in the head by a liner off the bat of Albert Pujols last week, will need surgery on his septum and there is concern about a small skull fracture he suffered.

The Cubs 4th straight win sent the Rockies to their 4th straight loss. Derek Lee homered for the 2nd straight night to help the Cubs to an 8-4 victory.

The Braves pounded the Brewers 8-1. Mark Texeira homered and drove in 4 and Jose Campillo won his 2nd big league game. He also drove in 2 runs. Rafael Soriano returned to the Braves bullpen after 45 days on the DL.

Jesse Litsch has been flying under the radar for much of the season, but certainly not in Toronto. The Blue Jays starter improved to 7-1, 3.18 in the Jays 12-0 trouncing of the A's. Rod Barajas, who will be getting the bulk of playing time with Greg Zaun on the DL, capitalized on his chances with a 3-hit, 3 RBI day.

John Danks improved to 4-4 in the White Sox 5-1 win over the Rays. Joe Crede and Paul Konerko homered in a battle between division leaders.

Kevin Slowey pitched a complete game as the Twins sent the Royals down to their 11th straight loss, 5-1. Carlos Gomez was 4-5 with 2 RBI.

Around the Horn - 5/30

Joe Torre was back in the city so nice they named it twice. But it wasn't at Yankee Stadium and the Yankees weren't playing. Torre took his Dodger blue to Shea and got pummeled by David Wright and the Mets, 8-4. Wright belted a couple of home runs off of Brad Penny to help the Mets win their 3rd. Jose Reyes has reached base safely in 29 straight games.

The Giants completed a very unexpected 3-game sweep of the Diamondbacks with a 4-3 win. The Giants tied the game in the 8th on Fred Lewis' bases loaded walk and went ahead for good in the top of the 9th on Randy Winn's home run. Barry Zito came up with arguably his best start of the season (6 IP 3 ER 6 H 3 BB 5 K) while Randy Johnson allowed 2 runs and struck out 9 in 7 innings.

The Pirates pounded the Reds 7-2 behind a big night from starter Phil Dumatrait. The lefty allowed 1 unearned run, 2 hits, and struck out 9 in 7 innings.

Kyle Lohse out pitched Roy Oswalt in the Cardinals 3-2 win over the Astros. Albert Pujols belted his 13th home run for the Cards while Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman went deep for Houston. Berkman's home run tied him with Chase Utley for the major's lead with 17.

Jody Gerut's 3-run home run in the bottom of the 8th gave the Padres a 5-2 win over the Nationals. Padres pitcher Chris Young, who was hit in the head by a liner off the bat of Albert Pujols last week, will need surgery on his septum and there is concern about a small skull fracture he suffered.

The Cubs 4th straight win sent the Rockies to their 4th straight loss. Derek Lee homered for the 2nd straight night to help the Cubs to an 8-4 victory.

The Braves pounded the Brewers 8-1. Mark Texeira homered and drove in 4 and Jose Campillo won his 2nd big league game. He also drove in 2 runs. Rafael Soriano returned to the Braves bullpen after 45 days on the DL.

Jesse Litsch has been flying under the radar for much of the season, but certainly not in Toronto. The Blue Jays starter improved to 7-1, 3.18 in the Jays 12-0 trouncing of the A's. Rod Barajas, who will be getting the bulk of playing time with Greg Zaun on the DL, capitalized on his chances with a 3-hit, 3 RBI day.

John Danks improved to 4-4 in the White Sox 5-1 win over the Rays. Joe Crede and Paul Konerko homered in a battle between division leaders.

Kevin Slowey pitched a complete game as the Twins sent the Royals down to their 11th straight loss, 5-1. Carlos Gomez was 4-5 with 2 RBI.

Around the Horn - 5/8

You can tack another loss on to Barry Zito's record. The Giants gave Zito a start yesterday and held their breath. Throwing 99 pitches in 5 innings is not good, but he gave his team a chance to win by allowing 2 runs in 5 innings. But the Giants bats couldn't do anything against Pirates starter Phil Dumatrait and the bullpen. They finally broke up the shutout in the 9th, but still lost, 3-1.

The Rockies looked like they were going down to defeat again after the Cards' Adam Wainwright shut them down for 7 innings. But Kyle McLellan, Randy Flores, and Jason Isringhausen each did their part to blow the game. The Rocks scored 4 times off of the 3 Cards pitchers in the 8th inning with Chris Ianette delivering the decisive blow- a 2-run game winning triple.

The Astros won their second straight over the Nationals in their final at-bat. In both cases, Carlos Lee delivered the game winning hit. Tuesday night Lee doubled in a pair with the Astros trailing by a run. Last night's game was tied in the bottom of the 9th when Lee singled home Kaz Matsui with the winning run a 4-3 contest.

The Marlins moved 5 games over .500 with a 6-2 win over the Brewers. Jorge Cantu and Dan Uggla each homered against a Brewers team that fell back under the .500 mark.

The Mets took out their frustrations from the prior two games and pounded the Dodgers 12-1. Four different Mets drove in 2 runs each and John Maine came within 2 outs of a complete game shutout.

Tim Hudson picked up his 140th career win in the Braves 5-2 thumping of the Padres. The game was tied 2-2 in the 7th when newly acquired Greg Norton put the Braves ahead with a pinch-hit single. The Padres fell to 12-23, but got to watch Bobby Cox get ejected for the 137th time in his managerial career.

As we told you yesterday, Joey Votto smacked 3 home runs and the Reds totalled 7 in all in a 9-0 whitewashing of the Cubs.

The Phillies came back from 3-1 and 4-3 deficits to beat the Diamondbacks 5-4. Eric Bruntlett and Chase Utley each knocked in runs in the go-ahead 8th inning.

Carlos Gomez hit for the cycle in the Twins 13-1 win over the White Sox. Gomez had the two hardest hits, a home run and triple, by the end of the 5th inning. He's the first Twin to achieve the feat since Kirby Puckett in 1986. Meanwhile the White Sox have dropped 7 out of 8.

Detroit blew a 3-run lead, but rallied against Jon Papelbon in the 9th inning to beat the Red Sox 10-9. Curtis Granderson tied it with an RBI ground out before Placido Polanco's 5th hit brought home the game winner for the Tigers. Kevin Youkilis homered twice for Boston.

Mark Ellis belted a walk-off home run in the A's 6-5, 10 inning win over the Orioles. The loss was a season high 5th straight for the O's.

Zach Grienke improved to 4-1 (1.80 ERA) and David DeJesus belted a 3-run HR in the Royals 9-4 thumping of the Angels. Jered Weaver was tagged for 8 runs in just 3.1 innings.

Shaun Marcum allowed just 1 hit over 8 innings before losing the shutout in the 9th, but he came away with the win in the Blue Jays 6-2 triumph over the Rays. Scott Rolen hit his 2nd home run in Jays uni.

Vincente Padilla won his 3rd straight game as the Rangers blanked the anemic Mariners 2-0. Padilla has allowed just 1 earned run over his last 21.2 innings Erik Bedard took the hard luck loss and is just 2-2 despite a 1.99 ERA. The Mariners, who have scored 2 or less runs in 6 of their last 7 games, dropped into sole possession of last place in the AL West.

Around the Horn - 5/8

You can tack another loss on to Barry Zito's record. The Giants gave Zito a start yesterday and held their breath. Throwing 99 pitches in 5 innings is not good, but he gave his team a chance to win by allowing 2 runs in 5 innings. But the Giants bats couldn't do anything against Pirates starter Phil Dumatrait and the bullpen. They finally broke up the shutout in the 9th, but still lost, 3-1.

The Rockies looked like they were going down to defeat again after the Cards' Adam Wainwright shut them down for 7 innings. But Kyle McLellan, Randy Flores, and Jason Isringhausen each did their part to blow the game. The Rocks scored 4 times off of the 3 Cards pitchers in the 8th inning with Chris Ianette delivering the decisive blow- a 2-run game winning triple.

The Astros won their second straight over the Nationals in their final at-bat. In both cases, Carlos Lee delivered the game winning hit. Tuesday night Lee doubled in a pair with the Astros trailing by a run. Last night's game was tied in the bottom of the 9th when Lee singled home Kaz Matsui with the winning run a 4-3 contest.

The Marlins moved 5 games over .500 with a 6-2 win over the Brewers. Jorge Cantu and Dan Uggla each homered against a Brewers team that fell back under the .500 mark.

The Mets took out their frustrations from the prior two games and pounded the Dodgers 12-1. Four different Mets drove in 2 runs each and John Maine came within 2 outs of a complete game shutout.

Tim Hudson picked up his 140th career win in the Braves 5-2 thumping of the Padres. The game was tied 2-2 in the 7th when newly acquired Greg Norton put the Braves ahead with a pinch-hit single. The Padres fell to 12-23, but got to watch Bobby Cox get ejected for the 137th time in his managerial career.

As we told you yesterday, Joey Votto smacked 3 home runs and the Reds totalled 7 in all in a 9-0 whitewashing of the Cubs.

The Phillies came back from 3-1 and 4-3 deficits to beat the Diamondbacks 5-4. Eric Bruntlett and Chase Utley each knocked in runs in the go-ahead 8th inning.

Carlos Gomez hit for the cycle in the Twins 13-1 win over the White Sox. Gomez had the two hardest hits, a home run and triple, by the end of the 5th inning. He's the first Twin to achieve the feat since Kirby Puckett in 1986. Meanwhile the White Sox have dropped 7 out of 8.

Detroit blew a 3-run lead, but rallied against Jon Papelbon in the 9th inning to beat the Red Sox 10-9. Curtis Granderson tied it with an RBI ground out before Placido Polanco's 5th hit brought home the game winner for the Tigers. Kevin Youkilis homered twice for Boston.

Mark Ellis belted a walk-off home run in the A's 6-5, 10 inning win over the Orioles. The loss was a season high 5th straight for the O's.

Zach Grienke improved to 4-1 (1.80 ERA) and David DeJesus belted a 3-run HR in the Royals 9-4 thumping of the Angels. Jered Weaver was tagged for 8 runs in just 3.1 innings.

Shaun Marcum allowed just 1 hit over 8 innings before losing the shutout in the 9th, but he came away with the win in the Blue Jays 6-2 triumph over the Rays. Scott Rolen hit his 2nd home run in Jays uni.

Vincente Padilla won his 3rd straight game as the Rangers blanked the anemic Mariners 2-0. Padilla has allowed just 1 earned run over his last 21.2 innings Erik Bedard took the hard luck loss and is just 2-2 despite a 1.99 ERA. The Mariners, who have scored 2 or less runs in 6 of their last 7 games, dropped into sole possession of last place in the AL West.

NL Around the Horn - 4/28

Just as we talked about the Rays and Orioles being atop the AL East, who would have thought the Marlins would be leading the NL East, ahead of the Mets, Phillies, and Braves.

The Cardinals 16-10 start has to be a surprise considering what disarray their pitching staff has been in. And while many, us included, picked the Diamondbacks to win the NL West, we didn't see them being an offensive juggernaut and jumping out to an 18-7 record.

The Diamondbacks and Padres had all eyes on them yesterday as their aces, Brandon Webb and Jake Peavy went toe to toe. Both were very good, but it was Webb improving to 6-0 as his team won it 2-1.

And how about Edinson Volquez of the Reds, who is making about a buck and quarter while Barry Zito has his own Ft. Knox. Volquez dominated the Giants yesterday to improve to 4-0, 1.23. Meanwhile Zito, whose fastball couldn't break a pane of glass these days, dropped to 0-6, 7.53.

With no real offense outside of Pence, Tejada, and Berkman, how are the Astros 12-14.

After losing 6 of 10 the Dodgers bounced back with a 3-game sweep of division rival Colorado. Arizona is still the only team over .500 in the division.

The Nationals are only 9-17, but they just won 3 out of 4 from the Mets and Cubs combined.

The annual division contending Padres have dropped 8 out of 10 and are six games under .500. This despite having Peavy and Chris Young in the rotation.

NL Around the Horn - 4/28

Just as we talked about the Rays and Orioles being atop the AL East, who would have thought the Marlins would be leading the NL East, ahead of the Mets, Phillies, and Braves.

The Cardinals 16-10 start has to be a surprise considering what disarray their pitching staff has been in. And while many, us included, picked the Diamondbacks to win the NL West, we didn't see them being an offensive juggernaut and jumping out to an 18-7 record.

The Diamondbacks and Padres had all eyes on them yesterday as their aces, Brandon Webb and Jake Peavy went toe to toe. Both were very good, but it was Webb improving to 6-0 as his team won it 2-1.

And how about Edinson Volquez of the Reds, who is making about a buck and quarter while Barry Zito has his own Ft. Knox. Volquez dominated the Giants yesterday to improve to 4-0, 1.23. Meanwhile Zito, whose fastball couldn't break a pane of glass these days, dropped to 0-6, 7.53.

With no real offense outside of Pence, Tejada, and Berkman, how are the Astros 12-14.

After losing 6 of 10 the Dodgers bounced back with a 3-game sweep of division rival Colorado. Arizona is still the only team over .500 in the division.

The Nationals are only 9-17, but they just won 3 out of 4 from the Mets and Cubs combined.

The annual division contending Padres have dropped 8 out of 10 and are six games under .500. This despite having Peavy and Chris Young in the rotation.

Around the Horn - 4/23

The Mets have to be glad to be their series with the Cubs was only 2 games. The North siders thumped the Flushing crew for the second straight game, this time 8-1. Ronny Cedeno belted a grand slam and drove in 5 to help Ted Lilly earn his first win of the year.

Eric Gagne blew his 4th save already, but the Brewers pulled the game out, 9-8, in 12 innings on Gabe Kapler's RBI single.

Xavier Nady drove in 2 runs to give the Pirates a 3-2 win over the Marlins and Paul Maholm his first win of the season.

The Diamondbacks overcame a 3-0 deficit to make Brandon Webb the first 5-game winner in the majors. Webb helped his own cause, delivering a 2-run double in the Dbacks 5-4 win over the Giants. Barry Zito dropped to 0-5 for the Giants.

John Smoltz (3-1, 0.78) picked up his 3,000 career strikeout, but despite allowing just 1 run in 7 innings, also picked up his first loss in the Nationals 6-0 win over the Braves. John Lannan went 7 innings for his first win of the year.
Jerry Hairston Jr. celebrated his recall from the minors with a 4-hit, 3 RBI day as the Reds thumped the Dodgers, 8-1. Edinson Volquez improved to 3-0, 1.21 with the win.

Pat Burrell drove in 3 runs, giving him 22 RBI for the month of April, and Jayson Werth homered in the Phillies 8-6 win over the Rockies.

Jose Valverde blew his 3rd save this month, but the Astros scored 4 times in the bottom of the 8th for an 11-7 win over the Padres. Miguel Tejada remained red hot, going 4-5 to raise his average to .370. Jake Peavy allowed 4 run in his 6 inning start for the Padres.

C.C. Sabathia finally got his first win with 6 innings of shutout ball. The big left-hander struck out 11 and the Indians pounded the Royals 15-1. Casey Blake was 4-4 with a grand slam and 6 RBI.

Justin Verlander picked up his first win too in the Tigers 10-2 drubbing of the slumping Rangers. Verlander allowed 1 run in 6 innings to send the Rangers to their 5th straight loss. Ramon Santiago hit his first home run in 4 years and Miguel Cabrera and Magglio Ordonez also went deep. Ordonez picked up his 1,000th career RBI in the process.

The Red Sox won their 6th straight, and has become custom lately, won it late. Dustin Pedroia doubled in the go-ahead run in the 8th to give the Sox a 7-6 win over the Angels. David Pauley was the emergency starter for Josh Beckett who was scratched with a stiff neck.

Craig Monroe hit a game tying home run in the 8th and Jason Kubel singled in the game winner in the 9th in the Twins 5-4 win over the A's. Monroe was hitting just .231 entering the game, but capped off his 3-hit day with his first home run of the year.

Arthur Rhodes won his first game in two years in the Mariners 4-2 win over the Orioles. Jose Vidro's 2-run single in the 8th snapped a 2-2 tie. Mariners starter Felix Hernandez was effective (7 IP 2 ER 7 K), but got no decision.

Dionner Navarro made a triumphant return from the DL with a 3-hit, 2 RBI night, and Eric Hinske matched him in the Rays 6-4 win over the Jays. Hinske also homered and James Shields picked up his 2nd win.

News and Notes

Wednesday's Pitching Match up of the Day - Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers. Dan Haren (3-0, 1.80) vs. Derek Lowe (1-1, 2.59)

The San Fran Chronicle reports that the A's are considering bringing back Frank Thomas, who had big year for them in 2006.

Blue Jays 3rd Baseman Scott Rolen has started his rehab assignment, going 0-6 in two games. He returned to the infield after DH'ing the first game.

The Tigers defense wasn't helping their cause any, so they decided a defensive switch was in order. Shaky 3rd Baseman Miguel Cabrera was moved across the diamond to 1st Base, and 1st Baseman, and former shortstop, Carlos Guillen was shifted to 3rd.

Gabe Gross scored the Brewers winning run in the 12th inning yesterday- and then was traded. With a glut of outfielders, the Brewers sent Gross to the Rays for minor league pitcher Josh Butler.

Braves oft-injured pitcher Mike Hampton says he's ready to start a rehab assignment. Good luck with that.

The Star-Ledger's Jeremy Cothran has a feature today on how Carlos Delgado's struggles are dragging down the Mets and his career.

Around the Horn - 4/23

The Mets have to be glad to be their series with the Cubs was only 2 games. The North siders thumped the Flushing crew for the second straight game, this time 8-1. Ronny Cedeno belted a grand slam and drove in 5 to help Ted Lilly earn his first win of the year.

Eric Gagne blew his 4th save already, but the Brewers pulled the game out, 9-8, in 12 innings on Gabe Kapler's RBI single.

Xavier Nady drove in 2 runs to give the Pirates a 3-2 win over the Marlins and Paul Maholm his first win of the season.

The Diamondbacks overcame a 3-0 deficit to make Brandon Webb the first 5-game winner in the majors. Webb helped his own cause, delivering a 2-run double in the Dbacks 5-4 win over the Giants. Barry Zito dropped to 0-5 for the Giants.

John Smoltz (3-1, 0.78) picked up his 3,000 career strikeout, but despite allowing just 1 run in 7 innings, also picked up his first loss in the Nationals 6-0 win over the Braves. John Lannan went 7 innings for his first win of the year.
Jerry Hairston Jr. celebrated his recall from the minors with a 4-hit, 3 RBI day as the Reds thumped the Dodgers, 8-1. Edinson Volquez improved to 3-0, 1.21 with the win.

Pat Burrell drove in 3 runs, giving him 22 RBI for the month of April, and Jayson Werth homered in the Phillies 8-6 win over the Rockies.

Jose Valverde blew his 3rd save this month, but the Astros scored 4 times in the bottom of the 8th for an 11-7 win over the Padres. Miguel Tejada remained red hot, going 4-5 to raise his average to .370. Jake Peavy allowed 4 run in his 6 inning start for the Padres.

C.C. Sabathia finally got his first win with 6 innings of shutout ball. The big left-hander struck out 11 and the Indians pounded the Royals 15-1. Casey Blake was 4-4 with a grand slam and 6 RBI.

Justin Verlander picked up his first win too in the Tigers 10-2 drubbing of the slumping Rangers. Verlander allowed 1 run in 6 innings to send the Rangers to their 5th straight loss. Ramon Santiago hit his first home run in 4 years and Miguel Cabrera and Magglio Ordonez also went deep. Ordonez picked up his 1,000th career RBI in the process.

The Red Sox won their 6th straight, and has become custom lately, won it late. Dustin Pedroia doubled in the go-ahead run in the 8th to give the Sox a 7-6 win over the Angels. David Pauley was the emergency starter for Josh Beckett who was scratched with a stiff neck.

Craig Monroe hit a game tying home run in the 8th and Jason Kubel singled in the game winner in the 9th in the Twins 5-4 win over the A's. Monroe was hitting just .231 entering the game, but capped off his 3-hit day with his first home run of the year.

Arthur Rhodes won his first game in two years in the Mariners 4-2 win over the Orioles. Jose Vidro's 2-run single in the 8th snapped a 2-2 tie. Mariners starter Felix Hernandez was effective (7 IP 2 ER 7 K), but got no decision.

Dionner Navarro made a triumphant return from the DL with a 3-hit, 2 RBI night, and Eric Hinske matched him in the Rays 6-4 win over the Jays. Hinske also homered and James Shields picked up his 2nd win.

News and Notes

Wednesday's Pitching Match up of the Day - Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers. Dan Haren (3-0, 1.80) vs. Derek Lowe (1-1, 2.59)

The San Fran Chronicle reports that the A's are considering bringing back Frank Thomas, who had big year for them in 2006.

Blue Jays 3rd Baseman Scott Rolen has started his rehab assignment, going 0-6 in two games. He returned to the infield after DH'ing the first game.

The Tigers defense wasn't helping their cause any, so they decided a defensive switch was in order. Shaky 3rd Baseman Miguel Cabrera was moved across the diamond to 1st Base, and 1st Baseman, and former shortstop, Carlos Guillen was shifted to 3rd.

Gabe Gross scored the Brewers winning run in the 12th inning yesterday- and then was traded. With a glut of outfielders, the Brewers sent Gross to the Rays for minor league pitcher Josh Butler.

Braves oft-injured pitcher Mike Hampton says he's ready to start a rehab assignment. Good luck with that.

The Star-Ledger's Jeremy Cothran has a feature today on how Carlos Delgado's struggles are dragging down the Mets and his career.

Around the Horn - 4/1

The Yankees may have been rained out yesterday, but plenty of other teams did get their seasons under way.

American League

Wild one in Cleveland, that saw the Indians blow a 7-2 lead against the Chicago White Sox before winning 10-8. Mark Buehrle lasted on 1.2 innings and allowed 7 runs as the Tribe hammered him. The bad news for Cleveland- catcher Victor Martinez injured his hamstring and was sent for an MRI. So far he's listed as day-to-day. White Sox slugger Jim Thome homered twice.

It only took Miguel Cabrera two at-bats to his first AL home run, but Justin Verlander blew a 3-0 lead and the Detroit Tigers lost to the Kansas City Royals 4-3 in 11 innings. The victory made it a successful debut for new manager Trey Hillman. But Hillman lost spark plug David DeJesus to an ankle injury.

The Tampa Bay Rays have a modified name and are hoping to reach .500 for the first time. They got off to a good start yesterday with a 6-2 win against the hapless Baltimore Orioles.

Former Oriole Erik Bedard gave up just 1 run in his Seattle Mariners debut. But the left-hander issued 4 walks in 5 innings. Seattle pulled out a 5-2 win over the Texas Rangers.

The Twins ruined Torii Hunter's homecoming with a 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels. New Twin Livan Hernandez went 7 strong innings and Hunter went 0-4 in his return to the homer dome.

National League

Johan Santana's NL debut was a successful one. The much sought after left-hander allowed just 3 hits and struck out 8 in 7 innings. David Wright drove in 3 runs at the Mets rolled over the Florida Marlins 7-2.

Jake Peavy matched up against Roy Oswalt last night as the San Diego Padres and the Houston Astros met. Peavy allowed just 3 hits in 7 innings and the Padres blanked the 'stros 4-0.

Break up the Nationals. The Washingtonians improved to 2-0 with an 11-6 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. One night after christening their new ball park with a Ryan Zimmerman walk-off win, the Nats scored 5 runs in the top of the 9th with the help of 4 doubles.

Brandon Webb picked up his first win as the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Cincinnati Reds 4-2. The Dbacks slugged 3 home runs.

Great starting pitching and bad closing marked the Chicago Cubs-Milwaukee Brewers game. Carlos Zambrano and Ben Sheets put up goose eggs in front of the Wrigley faithful into the 7th inning. The Brewers finally got to Kerry Wood in the 9th for 3 runs, but Kosuke Fukudome gain instant fan favorite status with a game tying 3-run HR off of Eric Gagne. The Brewers got Gagne off the hook in the 10th the game winning run.

Joe Torre's LA debut was a triumphant one as the Dodgers thumped Barry Zito and the San Francisco Giants, 5-0. Zito once again proved what a mistake the Giants made signing him by giving up 4 runs in 5 innings.

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves played the first ugly contest of the season, a 12-11 non-pitcher's duel. The Braves blew 3-0 and 4-1 leads and the Pirates squandered an 8-4 advantage. Finally the Braves blew a 9-8 lead in the 9th before their 2-run rally in the bottom of the 9th fell just short. Tom Glavine had a semi-successful return to Atlanta with 5 innings of 2 run (1 earned) ball. Xavier Nady smacked 2 HRs for the Pirates.

Albert Pujols overcame his elbow problems to slug his 1st home run, but the St. Louis Cardinals couldn't fight off the rain too. The Cards 5-1 lead over the Colorado Rockies was washed out by heavy rains. Jeff Francis must be grinning from ear to ear today. He allowed all 5 runs in 1+ innings.

Around the Horn - 4/1

The Yankees may have been rained out yesterday, but plenty of other teams did get their seasons under way.

American League

Wild one in Cleveland, that saw the Indians blow a 7-2 lead against the Chicago White Sox before winning 10-8. Mark Buehrle lasted on 1.2 innings and allowed 7 runs as the Tribe hammered him. The bad news for Cleveland- catcher Victor Martinez injured his hamstring and was sent for an MRI. So far he's listed as day-to-day. White Sox slugger Jim Thome homered twice.

It only took Miguel Cabrera two at-bats to his first AL home run, but Justin Verlander blew a 3-0 lead and the Detroit Tigers lost to the Kansas City Royals 4-3 in 11 innings. The victory made it a successful debut for new manager Trey Hillman. But Hillman lost spark plug David DeJesus to an ankle injury.

The Tampa Bay Rays have a modified name and are hoping to reach .500 for the first time. They got off to a good start yesterday with a 6-2 win against the hapless Baltimore Orioles.

Former Oriole Erik Bedard gave up just 1 run in his Seattle Mariners debut. But the left-hander issued 4 walks in 5 innings. Seattle pulled out a 5-2 win over the Texas Rangers.

The Twins ruined Torii Hunter's homecoming with a 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels. New Twin Livan Hernandez went 7 strong innings and Hunter went 0-4 in his return to the homer dome.

National League

Johan Santana's NL debut was a successful one. The much sought after left-hander allowed just 3 hits and struck out 8 in 7 innings. David Wright drove in 3 runs at the Mets rolled over the Florida Marlins 7-2.

Jake Peavy matched up against Roy Oswalt last night as the San Diego Padres and the Houston Astros met. Peavy allowed just 3 hits in 7 innings and the Padres blanked the 'stros 4-0.

Break up the Nationals. The Washingtonians improved to 2-0 with an 11-6 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. One night after christening their new ball park with a Ryan Zimmerman walk-off win, the Nats scored 5 runs in the top of the 9th with the help of 4 doubles.

Brandon Webb picked up his first win as the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Cincinnati Reds 4-2. The Dbacks slugged 3 home runs.

Great starting pitching and bad closing marked the Chicago Cubs-Milwaukee Brewers game. Carlos Zambrano and Ben Sheets put up goose eggs in front of the Wrigley faithful into the 7th inning. The Brewers finally got to Kerry Wood in the 9th for 3 runs, but Kosuke Fukudome gain instant fan favorite status with a game tying 3-run HR off of Eric Gagne. The Brewers got Gagne off the hook in the 10th the game winning run.

Joe Torre's LA debut was a triumphant one as the Dodgers thumped Barry Zito and the San Francisco Giants, 5-0. Zito once again proved what a mistake the Giants made signing him by giving up 4 runs in 5 innings.

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves played the first ugly contest of the season, a 12-11 non-pitcher's duel. The Braves blew 3-0 and 4-1 leads and the Pirates squandered an 8-4 advantage. Finally the Braves blew a 9-8 lead in the 9th before their 2-run rally in the bottom of the 9th fell just short. Tom Glavine had a semi-successful return to Atlanta with 5 innings of 2 run (1 earned) ball. Xavier Nady smacked 2 HRs for the Pirates.

Albert Pujols overcame his elbow problems to slug his 1st home run, but the St. Louis Cardinals couldn't fight off the rain too. The Cards 5-1 lead over the Colorado Rockies was washed out by heavy rains. Jeff Francis must be grinning from ear to ear today. He allowed all 5 runs in 1+ innings.

MLB News - 2/16

Keith Foulke, who was a major part of the Red Sox end to the "Curse of the Bambino" has decided to call it quits. Foulke had signed with the Cleveland Indians this past off-season, but after feeling discomfort in his throwing elbow, he has decided to call it quits. Foulke missed most of the last 2 seasons with injuries.

Former Yankee and current Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti has only just started to work with newcomer Barry Zito, but is already concerned. Zito changed his delivery during the off-season (was Rick Peterson in on this?). After adding 10 pounds of muscle to his legs and core, Zito has lengthened his delivery. Righetti feels the new style will wear him down quicker.

Dmitri Young was released by the Detroit Tigers during last season's stretch drive due to his antics on and off the field. The Washington Nationals have decided to give "The Meathook" a new life in DC by signing him to a minor league deal.

Jorge De Paula has moved on from the Yankees after failing to fully recover from Tommy John surgery over the last 2 seasons.