BD Spring Training Report: Is There A Fireman In The House? | Baseball Digest

Brian Wilson is one of the handful of closers with a secure job.

BD Spring Training Report: Is There A Fireman In The House? | Baseball Digest

There are some things that are certain when it comes to baseball’s closer role. Mariano Rivera will be on the hill for the Yankees, Brian Wilson will toe the rubber in San Francisco, but some decisions are not clear cut when it comes to filling the role of baseball fireman.

Case in point, the Minnesota Twins where Joe Nathan is coming back from the Tommy John surgery he underwent back in March, 2010. Feeling healthy, Nathan proclaimed he was taking role his back from trade deadline acquisition Matt Capps. He recently told Kelly Thiesier of MLB.com that he’s pleased with his progress thus far. “The command has really been a pleasant surprise to this point, and I can’t ask for much more than what’s gone on out there now as far as life on the ball, movement on the ball, sharpness and stuff. Just keep moving forward and keep trying to improve and build arm strength, and I’ll be ready for April 1. I’m happy, very happy with how things feel right now.”

Seattle’s David Aardsma was a subject of trade rumors soon after the 2010 season ended, but then underwent hip surgery. He has yet to be cleared to throw which means he won’t be ready for opening day. Erratic set up man Brandon League is the favorite to fill the role, while former Orioles’ closer Chris Ray and reliever Manny Delcarmen are auditioning as well.

Jonathan Papelbon is the Red Sox closer to start the season, but the front office isn’t totally happy with the him or his $12MM salary. With former White Sox closer Bobby Jenks and closer in training Daniel Bard on the squad, the Red Sox could move Papelbon before the trade deadline.

Leo Nunez is the incumbent closer for the Florida Marlins, but by no means is his job safe. Should Nunez falter, Clay Hensley is more than willing to grab the job.

Brandon Lyon is the projected closer for the Astros. That doesn’t say too much for the Houston bullpen.

Fernando Rodney will start the season as the Angels closer, but anyone who has seen him pitch for LA (AL) or Detroit knows that may not last. Free agent pick up Scott Downs should definitely get some save opportunities as he did in Toronto.

The Orioles have Kevin Gregg as the early favorite for closer, but could go back to Koji Uehara who did a fine job when placed in the role late last season.

Texas has yet to decide whether or not to keep 2010 AL Rookie of the Year Neftali Feliz in the closer’s role or move him to the starting rotation. Beat writer Anthony Andro tweeted on Monday that Rangers’ GM Jon Daniels is expected to make a decision around March 22.

Clint Hurdle has named Joel Hanrahan as the Pirates closer to start the season, but give Hanrahan’s erratic performance as closer with Pittsburgh and Washington (in 2008), Hurdle could turn to Evan Meek.

The Atlanta Braves are looking for a closer after Billy Wagner retired following the 2010 season. Craig Kimbrel, Pete Moylan, George Sherrill, Scott Linebrink, and Jonny Venters are all getting a look. It’s possible new manager Fredi Gonzalez will open with a closer by committee.

Tampa Bay lost a number of players to free agency including closer Rafael Soriano. Joe Maddon, like Gonzalez, may go with a committee at first until he can pick a clear cut closer. Rookie Jake McGeeimpressed Maddon immediately when he came out and said he wanted the job. Now he has to back it up.Kyle Farnsworth, Juan Cruz, Joel Peralta, Adam Russell, Chris Archer, and Cesar Ramos are among the pitchers looking for roles in the Tampa pen. Farnsworth is the only one with closing experience in the majors.

The Blue Jays shook up their bullpen and now must choose between three pitchers with closer experience- Frank Francisco (the favorite), Jon Rauch, and Octavio Dotel.

In non-closer news, Zack Greinke’s Milwaukee Brewers’ debut is on hold and the Brewers front office can’t be happy about it.Greinke fell hard to the floor while playing pick up basketball the first week of spring training and fractured a rib.

BD Hot Stove: You Won’t Be Sori | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: You Won’t Be Sori | Baseball Digest

While many a set up man has inked a pricey, multi-year deal, closer Rafael Soriano has sat back and waited. Waited for the right situation- be it money, length of contract or team. So today the hot stove will focus on the possible landing spots for a hard throwing right-hander that nailed down 45 saves in 48 opportunities last season.

As a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, Soriano held opponents to a .163 batting average and had a 4:1 strikeout to walk ratio in 2010. He allowed just 36 hits and 14 walks in 62.1 innings pitched. His numbers far outweigh those of other relievers already signed and is looking for money equivalent to a pitcher of his stature. Fellow free agent Mariano Rivera received $15M per season on a two year deal from the Yankees. With the Red Sox signing inconsistent closer Bobby Jenks to a two year, $12M deal (albeit to set up for now), Soriano’s money total should fall somewhere in between.

Soriano is just 31 years of age and has made 141 appearances over the last two seasons after missing most of 2008 campaign with an elbow injury. The time is now for him to grab major money, but who is left to give it to him?

AL East

There are a number of fans and members of the media who feel the Yankees will go hard after Soriano. Some think it depends on whether or not Andy Pettitte returns. Really one should have nothing to do with the other. Pettitte should affect the starting rotation and the rotation only. The Yankees would love to have Soriano to set up and serve as insurance for Rivera, but would Soriano be willing to take possibly a one year deal (not likely) and serve in a set up capacity (maybe)?

The Red Sox are the only other team that has the money to sign Soriano, but they’re big spending is done.

AL Central

The White Sox have spent a lot of money this winter, primarily on shoring up their offense. With Jenks gone, and no established closer, Soriano would be a good fit. But he may not be a fit for the payroll. Still, I can see Kenny Williams making Soriano an offer he can’t refuse.

Everyone else in the division has an established closer, can’t afford Soriano, and/or isn’t good enough to invest in him.

AL West

The Rangers have already said they’ll pass on Soriano, and they’ll stick to that answer. A’s GM Billy Beane makes some crazy signings/trades (Ben Sheets, Matt Holliday) in hopes of getting a huge return in a deadline deal, but that’s not happening this time around. The Mariners aren’t going to invest in a closer when they’re team is so mediocre. That leaves the Angels who have not been able to spend owner Artie Moreno’s money this winter. It may not make a lot of sense for the Angels true needs, but the Halos could have a great one-two punch with Scott Downs, whom the Angels gave a three year, $15M deal, out of the bullpen. It would also mean guaranteeing Soriano at least three years.

NL East

The Phillies won’t say it, but if they could get a taker for Brad Lidge, they certainly would try to sign Soriano. If the Nationals have money left after Jayson Werth’s signing, I could see them making a strong bid so that a youngster like Drew Storen isn’t thrust into the closer’s role just yet. No one else in the division has the money to make this sort of move.

NL Central

Pirates? Not happening Reds? Unless they move Francisco Cordero, not happening. Astros? They need bats not arms. Cardinals? Ryan Franklin is the guy, though like the Angels they could make a good one-two punch. But who would close? Cubs? Already set with Marmol and Wood.

NL West

The Giants are the kind of team that has the money to bring in Soriano, but with Brian Wilson the closer incumbent on a World Series winner, it’s not likely to happen. Though GM Brian Sabean could put some floaters out there to see if Soriano would set up for the right price.

The Rockies could certainly make a solid offer and combine him with Huston Street or possibly then move Street.

At some other point the Dodgers would certainly be contenders, but their too busy fighting over custody of 2nd base and the Padres don’t have enough in the collection basket.

Wild guess – Soriano ends up as a White Sox. Long shot- SF Giant.

Rumors, News, Transactions

Edgar Renteria’s hometown newspaper “El Heraldo” reports that the native of Barrinquilla, Colombia has signed a one year deal with the Cincinnati Reds. It will be Renteria’s 7th team in his 15 year career. The deal is said to be worth $3M plus incentives.

Jon Heyman reports the Yankees are willing to offer Andy Pettitte $12M or $13M to return in 2011. It may take more than that.

Another reliever still on the market is lefty Brian Fuentes, who has told teams he wants to close. Good luck with that.

Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes reports that the Orioles, Angels, and Rays are interested in free agentVlad Guerrero, and the Rays also have some interest in Manny Ramirez.

The Phillies have signed veteran Delwyn Young to a minor league deal.

BD Hot Stove: If I Were A GM… | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: If I Were A GM… | Baseball Digest

I’m just sitting around, keeping warm by the hot stove as we wait for more moves to occur. Things are a little slow right now with the holidays, so maybe it’s time to ponder what moves might occur and some moves I would like to see during the 2011 season.

The Red Sox deal Jon Papelbon for a bat or a starting pitcher. The Red Sox had some discussion with Mariano Rivera then signed closer Bobby Jenks to a two year deal to set up (for now) Papelbon. It’s obvious the front office isn’t happy with Papelbon’s performance and would like to move him even though they insist otherwise. The Red Sox are still trying to sign Brian Fuentes, which would give them another closer/set up guy and plenty of depth to deal Papelbon.

How about a non-move? The Brewers, bolstered by Zack Greinke, Shaun Marcum, and Yovani Gallardo, hold on to Prince Fielder for the entire season.

The Yankees, in need of starting pitching, decide to go all out to land Joakim Soria from the Royals. Soria sets up Rivera as a prelude to taking over as closer one day.

The Mets deal Carlos Beltran and cash to the Brewers as Milwaukee goes all out for a shot at the World Series.

The Mets tire of Jose Reyes‘ inconsistency and work out a mega deal with the Angels. Among the players the Mets receive are Erick Aybar, Brandon Wood, and prospect Garrett Richards.

The Astros continue to clean house and deal Carlos Lee, not getting too much in return, but not having to pay out the entire remainder of his contract either.

The Yankees are rebuffed in numerous attempts to acquire Felix Hernandez or Justin Verlander, and overpay to acquire Fausto Carmona from the Indians.

Derrek Lee has a tremendous comeback season with the Orioles, who then flip him at the deadline for several prospects.

Okay, time for things that are more likely to happen…

Rumors, News, and Transactions

A’s beat reporter Joe Stiglich reports the team is among six clubs interested in reliever Chad Qualls.

According to the Centre Daily Times, the Metrodome roof won’t be fixed until March. That means hundreds of college baseball games will be affected and the Twins annual fan festival will have to find another venue.

Cuba is considering letting some ball players sign with teams in the US in exchange for some money… a lot of money. First things first though, the U.S. would have to lift the embargo on such a maneuver.

AOL Fanhouse has named 19 year outfielder Mike Trout as the top MLB prospect of the year.

SI’s Jon Heyman said the Yankees “checked in” on Rafael Soriano, which just sounds like due diligence.

BD Hot Stove: Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes | Baseball Digest

D Hot Stove: Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes | Baseball Digest

It’s time to check in on the AL East and see what progress or lack of progress the teams have made.

Champion of the Winter Meetings: The Boston Red Sox clearly claim this title. First they swung a deal to bring the powerful bat of Adrian Gonzalez to Beantown and then signed the speedy Carl Crawford to a free agent deal. Post winter meetings, GM Theo Epstein has worked on stocking the bullpen. He’s added Bobby Jenks, Dan Wheeler, and Matt Albers and will still look to add another lefty (Felix Doubront is the sole left-hander in the pen at the moment).

Where’d everybody go?: The Tampa Rays knew this would happen, but it still has to be painful for manager Joe Maddon to see his team being dismantled. Crawford and Wheeler are in Boston. 1st baseman Carlos Pena went to the Chicago Cubs. Shortstop Jason Bartlett was dealt to the Padres. Set up man Joaquin Benoit went to Detroit. Lefty Randy Choate signed with the Marlins. Brignac will replace Bartlett and there’s still very good starting pitching, but some major holes need to be filled.

Standing Still: The NY Yankees had a chance, but it turns out they never really had a chance, to land Cliff Lee. While Boston’s offense and pen got stronger, the Yankees have been unable to fill their biggest needs, starting pitching and bullpen help. Andy Pettitte has yet to determine if wants to play again. Kerry Wood wanted a sizable “donation” from the Yankees, but instead gave the Cubs a hometown discount. Jon Rauch should be on the Yankees radar. The Yankees did add a new starting catcher, Russell Martin, with Jorge Posada taking on full time DH duty. It remains to be seen whether or not minor leaguer Jesus Montero will have an impact in 2011.

Oh Canada: The Blue Jays dealt their top starter, Shaun Marcum, for a top 2nd base prospect in the Brewers’ Brett Lawrie. A good deal for both squads. The Blue Jays are counting on their stud, Kyle Drabek, to earn a spot in the rotation some time during the 2011 season.

The Jays lost reliable set up man/closer Scott Downs, 1st baseman Lyle Overbay, and catcher John Buck, who enjoyed his best season, to free agency. As possible additions, the Jays signed 1st baseman Mike Jacobs and outfielder Corey Patterson to minor league deals. It’ll be difficult to compete with those plusses and minuses.

Hot L Baltimore: It’s been a tough off-season for the once proud Orioles. Players just don’t want to sign with a team that has been floundering in the AL East for so long. The O’s did get shortsop J.J. Hardy in a deal with the Twins and slugger/whiffer Mark Reynolds from the Diamondbacks. The latter deal cost them David Hernandez, but dealing the pitcher for some more offense was worth it.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

The Angels have reportedly dropped out of the running, for now, for 3rd baseman Adrian Beltre. The free agent is demanding a sixth year guaranteed contract.

Brandon Webb is said to be weighing offers, with either the Rangers, Cubs, or Nationals being the right-hander’s final destination.

It's Time To Roll The Dice On Greinke

You should never make a move in reaction to another's move unless your playing chess or at war, and when I say war I really mean war (Note to Kellen Winslow Jr.).

Brian Cashman made a number of poor moves last winter. Nick Johnson chief among them. This off-season the main focus has been on Cliff Lee. We all know how that panned out. But that had nothing to do with Cashman, though some feel otherwise. Lee never wanted to play in NY and for that matter didn't want to return to Texas either. I doubt Nolan Ryan is getting vilified in Arlington.

More importantly, the Yankees chief rival in the AL East has gotten stronger. Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez have replaced Victor Martinez and Adrian Beltre in the lineup. That's a big plus for the Red Sox especially since, at the moment, the Yankees have no left-hander in the starting rotation.

So what's an elfin, building rappelling GM to do? Go hard after Zack Greinke. The Royals righty has decided he's had enough of bad baseball in Kansas City. The team has no hope for contending especially since ownership is putting their luxury tax dollars right into their own pockets.

We all know that Greinke has been dealing with anxiety issues. He's not the only one in major league baseball or in life to do so. Not all have gone public with their inner demons. It's now a trendy thing too, but it's still taboo in many circles to admit to "mental" issues. People hear the word mental and they think psychotic which is absurd. Some of us deal with anxiety, depression, or other psychological issues on a daily basis. That's what therapy and/or meds are for, unless your Tom Cruise of course.

The Yankees rotation right now is CC Sabathia (A+), Phil Hughes (B), A.J. Burnett (A, B, C, D, F depending on the day; hell, depending on the inning). My feeling is Andy Pettitte will be back, but until he makes his mind up, and decides he likes the money figure, that's up in the air. The rest is Ivan Nova (high upside, little experience), Sergio Mitre (experience, mediocre), and a bunch of kids who aren't ready for prime time.

Felix Hernandez isn't going anywhere according to the Seattle Mariners hierarchy. The remaining free agent starters aren't front end guys, unless you count Carl Pavano. Don't make me laugh.

As the headline says, it's time for the Yankees and Brian Cashman to roll the dice on Zack Greinke. Perhaps they have studied reports about Greinke's well-being. We know that playing in the plain states is not the same as playing in the Big Apple. NYC has chewed up many a player (Yes, Bobby Bonilla had the smile wiped off his face), who thought they could handle it. But Greinke isn't the same guy he was three years ago. People get past the things holding them back and they get better. I know from experience.

Greinke had his ups and downs this past season on the mound, but playing for a bad team with little fan support doesn't help. Playing with a passionate fan base, with a lineup that can hit, and with a defense can support you will do wonders for your game. Yes, he will have to listen to monotonous questions about his well being. It's best to hold a press conference with no or little questions (the Yankees can see to that) and get it out of the way immediately if they land him.

Greinke won't come cheaply. Possibly Jesus Montero. Ivan Nova. Brandon Laird. Andrew Backman. Delin Betances. Gary Sanchez Hector Noesi. Those are names I'm throwing out..it won't take all of them.

Greinke makes $11.5M in 2011 and $13.5M in 2012. That's $25M off the Royals payroll, which means the Yankees shouldn't have to give up as much either if the Royals were taking some of the money on.

The time is now. The Rays are going to be considerably weaker than the last year. The Red Sox offense has gotten stronger, their pen better with the addition of Bobby Jenks, but their rotation still has questions. Jon Lester is a stud. Josh Beckett is coming off an awful year, which included injury. John Lackey is on the downside. Clay Buchholz was magnificent, but can he repeat? Dice-K, Tim Wakefield? More awful than good.

Only one team should make it out of the west, but the White Sox and Twins will battle for both the AL Central and Wild Card, which means the Yankees MUST bolster their starting rotation and bullpen in order to REALLY compete in the AL East and for the Wild Card.

So roll the dice Brian Cashman, roll the dice. Show the Yankees fan base you have the stomach for it.

BD Hot Stove: Armed And (Somewhat) Dangerous | Baseball Digest

With the week winding down and the likes of Cliff Lee, Bobby Jenks, Joaquin Benoit, and Matt Guerrier off the market, it’s time to look at what free agent arms are still available.

BD Hot Stove: Armed And (Somewhat) Dangerous | Baseball Digest

2009 AL Central Preview

We're not going to go in-depth with our predictions for the remainder of baseball's divisions, but here we go.

AL CENTRAL

White Sox
Twins
Indians
Tigers
Royals

The defending division champs White Sox should take this division again in a close race with the Twins. The White Sox combination of rotation and bullpen will be the difference in the AL Central. Mark Buehrle, John Danks, and Gavin Floyd are solid at the front end, while recent injury prone starters, Jose Contreras and Bartolo Colon take up the back end. Colon, in particular, has looked good this spring and might be close to his old form. Bobby Jenks is a dynamite closer and the White Sox have solid arms throughout the pen. The offense has plenty of power, though that could also be looked at as being one dimensional.

A lot of talking heads expect the Indians to be back were they were in 2007, when they came within one win of going to the World Series, but we don't see it. Travis Hafner is still not swinging the bat with authority, closer Kerry Wood is always a sneeze away from an arm injury, and the rotation, outside of Cliff Lee and Fausto Carmona, does nothing for us.

We really like the young arms in the Twins rotation - Scott Baker (DL), Francisco Liriano, Nick Blackburn, Kevin Slowey, and Glen Perkins are all quality arms. Joe Nathan is as reliable a closer as there is in baseball, but the rest of the Twins pen isn't scintillating. More importantly, the Twins don't have a lot of pop in their lineup, especially if Joe Mauer is hurting. The Twins really need Delmon Young to have a break out season.

Some people think the Tigers underachieved last season. We think they were just overrated and not that good. There's not much to make us feel different about the team this year. Fernando Rodney and Brandon Lyon are the the team's closers. Joel Zumaya is hurt again. Jeremy Bonderman is still hurt. Carlos Guillen is playing another position. Dontrelle Willis is battling an anxiety disorder. On the up side, Miguel Cabrera will mash and local boy Rick Porcello should be fun to watch.

The only thing keeping the Tigers from the basement is the Royals. Yes, they have some quality young players- Alex Gordon, Billy Butler, Joakim Soria; but pitching wins and with Kyle Davies, Sidney Ponson, and Horacio Ramirez in the rotation, KC is NOT going to win.

The Pennant Race - 9/26

The Mets may very well have saved their season last night. Heavy rains could have an affect on this weekend's series with the Marlins, but the Mets would have been in even deeper water, or something else, had they not won last night's game with the Cubs. Trailing 6-3, the Mets rallied back and then won the game in the bottom of the 9th when Carlos Beltran's line drive ticked off the end of the glove of a diving Micah Hoffpauir at 1st base. Jose Reyes raced home with the winning run in a 7-6 victory. It overshadowed a big game by Hoffpauir, who was playing in just his 31st big league game. The rookie homered twice, doubled, and drove in 5 runs.

The Mets bullpen, for once, was key, holding the Cubs over the final 2.2 innings after a shaky start from Pedro Martinez. It kept the Shea inhabitants in a tie with the Milwaukee Brewers, who also won in dramatic fashion, for the wildcard lead, and moved them to within one game of the idle Phillies in the NL East. Martinez left to a standing ovation, which he admittedly realized could be his last.

Knowing that the Mets had already won, the Brewers were locked in a 1-1 battle with the Pirates. The key to the 10th inning win came down to one at-bat. With two men aboard and two outs, Dale Sveum sent up Craig Counsell to pinch-hit for Bill Hall. Rookie Jesse Chavez walked him, meaning he had to face Ryan Braun. Moments later Bernie Brewer was going nuts, as was the rest of Miller Park, as Braun hit a walk off grand slam. Kudos to the Brewers pitchers, all eight of them, that held the Pirates to one run.

Bullpens were huge in the White Sox-Twins game last night as well. The White Sox built up a 6-1 and looked like they would remain in first place in the AL Central, but the Twins rallied against the Chicago pen, while their own relievers shut down the White Sox after the 4th inning.

An RBI triple by Carlos Gomez and a run scoring double by Denard Span cut the White Sox lead in half in the fourth. Down 6-4 in the eighth inning, the two struck again. Gomez's RBI single off of Bobby Jenks narrowed the deficit to a run, and moments later Span tripled to score Gomez and knot the game at 6-6. In the 10th, Nick Punto drew a one out walk, moved to second on Gomez's ground out, and advanced to third on Jenks' wild pitch. After Span was intentionally walked, Alexi Casilla singled home Punto with the game winner and vaulted the Twins into first place by a half-game.

The Dodgers clinched the NL West when the Cardinals pounded the Diamondbacks 12-3 Thursday afternoon, but held off celebrating until after they lost last night's game with the Padres, 7-5. Joe Torre and Manny Ramirez made the difference with this bunch, which took advantage of a collapsing Dbacks squad.

The Red Sox moved back to within 2 games of the Rays with a 6-1 win over the Indians. Jon Lester and three relievers combined on a 2-hitter and Kevin Youkilis hit his 28th home run. Meanwhile, the Rays fell to the Tigers, 7-5, as Scott Kazmir was tagged for four of the five home runs Detroit hit. Rookie Armando Galarraga won his 13th game for the Tigers.


News and Notes

The Padres clung to their slim playoff hopes with an 8-6 win over the Reds. Roy Oswalt won his 17th game. Oswalt went 8-2, 1.70 in his last 10 starts.

Vlad Guerrero's 3-run home run yesterday gave him at least 90 RBI for the 10th time in his career.

The Pennant Race - 9/26

The Mets may very well have saved their season last night. Heavy rains could have an affect on this weekend's series with the Marlins, but the Mets would have been in even deeper water, or something else, had they not won last night's game with the Cubs. Trailing 6-3, the Mets rallied back and then won the game in the bottom of the 9th when Carlos Beltran's line drive ticked off the end of the glove of a diving Micah Hoffpauir at 1st base. Jose Reyes raced home with the winning run in a 7-6 victory. It overshadowed a big game by Hoffpauir, who was playing in just his 31st big league game. The rookie homered twice, doubled, and drove in 5 runs.

The Mets bullpen, for once, was key, holding the Cubs over the final 2.2 innings after a shaky start from Pedro Martinez. It kept the Shea inhabitants in a tie with the Milwaukee Brewers, who also won in dramatic fashion, for the wildcard lead, and moved them to within one game of the idle Phillies in the NL East. Martinez left to a standing ovation, which he admittedly realized could be his last.

Knowing that the Mets had already won, the Brewers were locked in a 1-1 battle with the Pirates. The key to the 10th inning win came down to one at-bat. With two men aboard and two outs, Dale Sveum sent up Craig Counsell to pinch-hit for Bill Hall. Rookie Jesse Chavez walked him, meaning he had to face Ryan Braun. Moments later Bernie Brewer was going nuts, as was the rest of Miller Park, as Braun hit a walk off grand slam. Kudos to the Brewers pitchers, all eight of them, that held the Pirates to one run.

Bullpens were huge in the White Sox-Twins game last night as well. The White Sox built up a 6-1 and looked like they would remain in first place in the AL Central, but the Twins rallied against the Chicago pen, while their own relievers shut down the White Sox after the 4th inning.

An RBI triple by Carlos Gomez and a run scoring double by Denard Span cut the White Sox lead in half in the fourth. Down 6-4 in the eighth inning, the two struck again. Gomez's RBI single off of Bobby Jenks narrowed the deficit to a run, and moments later Span tripled to score Gomez and knot the game at 6-6. In the 10th, Nick Punto drew a one out walk, moved to second on Gomez's ground out, and advanced to third on Jenks' wild pitch. After Span was intentionally walked, Alexi Casilla singled home Punto with the game winner and vaulted the Twins into first place by a half-game.

The Dodgers clinched the NL West when the Cardinals pounded the Diamondbacks 12-3 Thursday afternoon, but held off celebrating until after they lost last night's game with the Padres, 7-5. Joe Torre and Manny Ramirez made the difference with this bunch, which took advantage of a collapsing Dbacks squad.

The Red Sox moved back to within 2 games of the Rays with a 6-1 win over the Indians. Jon Lester and three relievers combined on a 2-hitter and Kevin Youkilis hit his 28th home run. Meanwhile, the Rays fell to the Tigers, 7-5, as Scott Kazmir was tagged for four of the five home runs Detroit hit. Rookie Armando Galarraga won his 13th game for the Tigers.


News and Notes

The Padres clung to their slim playoff hopes with an 8-6 win over the Reds. Roy Oswalt won his 17th game. Oswalt went 8-2, 1.70 in his last 10 starts.

Vlad Guerrero's 3-run home run yesterday gave him at least 90 RBI for the 10th time in his career.

Yankee Fail to Weather the White Sox

Things were going swimmingly for the Yankees last night. They held a 3-0 lead and Phil Hughes had allowed just 1 hit in 2 innings of work. Then the rains came and washed away the Yankees hopes of winning a fourth straight game.

Joe Crede singled home Carlos Quentin with the winning run with one out in the 9th against Joba Chamberlain. The Yankees had overcome a 6-3 deficit on Melky Cabrera's 2-run home run in the 6th and an RBI single by Morgan Ensberg in the 7th. But after breezing through the 8th inning with a pair of strike outs, Chamberlain ran into trouble in the 9th.

First A.J. Pierzynski narrowly missed hitting one out of the ball park when he flied to the warning track in center. Then Quentin drilled one to left that hit the base of the left field wall for a double. When Chamberlain left a pitch up in the zone to Crede, the White Sox 3rd Baseman lined it to center to easily score Quentin ahead of Cabrera's throw.

The loss was Chamberlain's first in 27 major league appearances. He might not have been used for 2 innings or even in the 8th inning, had the Yankees bullpen not been shorted. Brian Bruney twisted his foot when he stumbled en route to covering 1st Base on Tuesday night. He was in a walking boot yesterday, which had everyone wondering why he wasn't placed on the DL and another reliever called up. That scenario is likely to take place before tonight's game in Cleveland.

The Yankees took advantage of White Sox starter Gavin Floyd's control problems in the 3rd inning. Jason Giambi lead off with a single, the first of his two hits on the night, and moved to 2nd on a wild pitch. Floyd then walked Cabera and Johnny Damon, retiring Jose Molina in between, to load the bases with one out. Derek Jeter's sac fly to right brought home Giambi with the game's first run and the hot hitting Bobby Abreu plated two more with a double up the gap in left-center field. But by the time Enbserg grounded out to end the inning, the rain was coming down in buckets and the umpires stopped play.

hen play resumed some 50 minutes later, Hughes was shut down for the night and Joe Girardi brought in Ross Ohlendorf, who has become the unofficial long man out of the pen. Ohlendorf retired the White Sox in order in the 3rd, but ran into big trouble one inning later.

With one out the White Sox put two men aboard on a single by Orlando Cabrera and a walk to Jim Thome. Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye followed with consecutive singles to cut the lead to 3-2, and then Pierzynski doubled to right-center to tie the game. Dye moved to 3rd on the play and scored ahead of Ensberg's throw on a Quentin grounder. Alexi Ramirez drove in the 5th run of the inning with an RBI double.

LaTroy Hawkins proved that no matter what no matter what number he wears, he was an ill advised signing. Thome took him deep in the 5th for his 6th home run of the year and the 513th of his career, moving him past Ernie Banks and Eddie Matthews on the all-time list.

The Yankees had a chance to take the lead in the top of the 9th on singles by Derek Jeter and Hideki Matsui with one out. Ozzie Guillen immediately sent for his closer Bobby Jenks (we're not sure which is stranger, how out of shape he looks or that blonde goatee) to face pinch-hitter Jorge Posada. The move worked as Posada bounced into an inning ending double play.

-On a side note, we get a good laugh every time Posada hits a potential double play ball. Why? Because Michael Kay says, "They'll try to get two." Have you ever seen Posada beat the throw to first? We didn't think so.
News and Notes

Bobby Abreu's two RBI gave him 1,000 for his career.

Joba Chamberlain took the loss somewhat in stride. “I’m not perfect every night,” said Chamberlain, who was the subject of much attention this week when team co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner said he should be starting instead of relieving. “I give up hits and that’s the way it’s going to be. I let my team down.”

In addition to Bruney, Kyle Farnsworth was felled by the wet grounds. Farnsworth slipped down to one knee on his final pitch of the night and felt a twinge in his elbow afterwards. He'll be re-evaluated today.

Jermaine Dye left the game for the White Sox after the 6th inning with a strained groin. He'll sit in tonight's with the Orioles.

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Damon, DH	3	1	0	0	2	1	0	.244
Jeter, SS	4	0	1	1	0	0	1	.275
Abreu, RF	5	1	2	2	0	2	2	.299
Matsui, LF	3	0	1	0	2	0	1	.324
Ensberg, 3B	4	0	1	1	0	1	2	.300
a-Posada, PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	2	.298
Gonzalez, 3B	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.333
Cano, 2B	3	0	0	0	1	1	0	.159
Giambi, 1B	4	2	2	0	0	0	3	.161
Cabrera, CF	3	2	2	2	1	0	0	.309
Molina, C	4	0	0	0	0	0	3	.300
Totals	34	6	9	6	6	5	14
a-Grounded into a double play for Ensberg in the 9th.
BATTING 2B: Abreu (4, Floyd), Giambi (3, Floyd). HR: Cabrera (4, 6th inning off Floyd, 1 on, 2 out). TB: Jeter; Abreu 3; Matsui; Ensberg; Giambi 3; Cabrera 5. RBI: Jeter (13), Abreu 2 (16), Cabrera 2 (10), Ensberg (2). 2-out RBI: Abreu 2; Cabrera 2; Ensberg. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Ensberg; Matsui; Giambi 2. SF: Jeter. GIDP: Posada. Team LOB: 8. BASERUNNING SB: Damon (4, 2nd base off Floyd/Pierzynski). FIELDING DP: (Cano-Jeter-Giambi).

Chi White Sox	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Swisher, CF-RF	4	0	1	0	0	0	2	.232
Cabrera, SS	4	1	1	0	0	1	0	.263
Thome, DH	3	2	1	1	1	1	0	.236
Konerko, 1B	4	1	2	1	0	1	0	.203
Dye, RF	3	1	1	1	0	0	1	.316
Uribe, 2B	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.164
Pierzynski, C	4	1	1	1	0	0	1	.319
Quentin, LF	4	1	1	1	0	2	1	.246
Crede, 3B	4	0	1	1	0	0	2	.293
Ramirez, 2B-CF	3	0	1	1	0	0	0	.167
Totals	34	7	10	7	1	6	7
BATTING 2B: Pierzynski (7, Ohlendorf), Ramirez (2, Ohlendorf), Quentin (2, Chamberlain). HR: Thome (6, 5th inning off Hawkins, 0 on, 1 out). TB: Swisher; Cabrera; Thome 4; Konerko 2; Dye; Pierzynski 2; Quentin 2; Crede; Ramirez 2. RBI: Konerko (16), Dye (9), Pierzynski (12), Quentin (17), Ramirez (1), Thome (18), Crede (21). 2-out RBI: Ramirez. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Swisher 2. GIDP: Pierzynski. Team LOB: 3. BASERUNNING CS: Swisher (2, 2nd base by Farnsworth/Molina). FIELDING DP: (Uribe-Cabrera-Konerko).

NY Yankees	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Hughes	2.0	1	0	0	0	1	0	7.85
Ohlendorf	2.0	5	5	5	1	1	0	6.06
Hawkins	2.0	1	1	1	0	1	1	10.03
Farnsworth	1.0	1	0	0	0	1	0	4.35
Chamberlain (L, 1-1)	1.1	2	1	1	0	2	0	1.93

Chi White Sox	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Floyd	6.0	5	5	5	4	4	1	2.84
Thornton (H, 2)	0.2	1	1	1	1	1	0	5.87
Linebrink (BS, 1)	0.1	1	0	0	1	0	0	2.45
Logan	1.1	2	0	0	0	0	0	3.12
Jenks (W, 1-0)	0.2	0	0	0	0	0	0	1.86

WP: Floyd.
IBB: Matsui (by Floyd).
Pitches-strikes: Hughes 23-15, Ohlendorf 49-33, Hawkins 26-18,
Farnsworth 12-8, Chamberlain 33-23, Floyd 90-49, Thornton 14-6,
Linebrink 14-6, Logan 20-14, Jenks 4-2.
Ground outs-fly outs: Hughes 3-2, Ohlendorf 2-3, Hawkins 3-2,
Farnsworth 0-1, Chamberlain 1-1, Floyd 5-9, Thornton 0-1, Linebrink 0-1,
Logan 2-2, Jenks 2-0.
Batters faced: Hughes 6, Ohlendorf 13, Hawkins 7, Farnsworth 3,
Chamberlain 6, Floyd 27, Thornton 4, Linebrink 3, Logan 6, Jenks 1.
Inherited runners-scored: Linebrink 2-1, Jenks 2-0.
Umpires: HP: Paul Emmel. 1B: Gary Darling. 2B: Jerry Meals. 3B: Bill Miller.
Weather: 64 degrees, cloudy.
Wind: 14 mph, In from CF.
T: 3:05 (1:25 delay).
Att: 27,243.

Yankee Fail to Weather the White Sox

Things were going swimmingly for the Yankees last night. They held a 3-0 lead and Phil Hughes had allowed just 1 hit in 2 innings of work. Then the rains came and washed away the Yankees hopes of winning a fourth straight game.

Joe Crede singled home Carlos Quentin with the winning run with one out in the 9th against Joba Chamberlain. The Yankees had overcome a 6-3 deficit on Melky Cabrera's 2-run home run in the 6th and an RBI single by Morgan Ensberg in the 7th. But after breezing through the 8th inning with a pair of strike outs, Chamberlain ran into trouble in the 9th.

First A.J. Pierzynski narrowly missed hitting one out of the ball park when he flied to the warning track in center. Then Quentin drilled one to left that hit the base of the left field wall for a double. When Chamberlain left a pitch up in the zone to Crede, the White Sox 3rd Baseman lined it to center to easily score Quentin ahead of Cabrera's throw.

The loss was Chamberlain's first in 27 major league appearances. He might not have been used for 2 innings or even in the 8th inning, had the Yankees bullpen not been shorted. Brian Bruney twisted his foot when he stumbled en route to covering 1st Base on Tuesday night. He was in a walking boot yesterday, which had everyone wondering why he wasn't placed on the DL and another reliever called up. That scenario is likely to take place before tonight's game in Cleveland.

The Yankees took advantage of White Sox starter Gavin Floyd's control problems in the 3rd inning. Jason Giambi lead off with a single, the first of his two hits on the night, and moved to 2nd on a wild pitch. Floyd then walked Cabera and Johnny Damon, retiring Jose Molina in between, to load the bases with one out. Derek Jeter's sac fly to right brought home Giambi with the game's first run and the hot hitting Bobby Abreu plated two more with a double up the gap in left-center field. But by the time Enbserg grounded out to end the inning, the rain was coming down in buckets and the umpires stopped play.

hen play resumed some 50 minutes later, Hughes was shut down for the night and Joe Girardi brought in Ross Ohlendorf, who has become the unofficial long man out of the pen. Ohlendorf retired the White Sox in order in the 3rd, but ran into big trouble one inning later.

With one out the White Sox put two men aboard on a single by Orlando Cabrera and a walk to Jim Thome. Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye followed with consecutive singles to cut the lead to 3-2, and then Pierzynski doubled to right-center to tie the game. Dye moved to 3rd on the play and scored ahead of Ensberg's throw on a Quentin grounder. Alexi Ramirez drove in the 5th run of the inning with an RBI double.

LaTroy Hawkins proved that no matter what no matter what number he wears, he was an ill advised signing. Thome took him deep in the 5th for his 6th home run of the year and the 513th of his career, moving him past Ernie Banks and Eddie Matthews on the all-time list.

The Yankees had a chance to take the lead in the top of the 9th on singles by Derek Jeter and Hideki Matsui with one out. Ozzie Guillen immediately sent for his closer Bobby Jenks (we're not sure which is stranger, how out of shape he looks or that blonde goatee) to face pinch-hitter Jorge Posada. The move worked as Posada bounced into an inning ending double play.

-On a side note, we get a good laugh every time Posada hits a potential double play ball. Why? Because Michael Kay says, "They'll try to get two." Have you ever seen Posada beat the throw to first? We didn't think so.
News and Notes

Bobby Abreu's two RBI gave him 1,000 for his career.

Joba Chamberlain took the loss somewhat in stride. “I’m not perfect every night,” said Chamberlain, who was the subject of much attention this week when team co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner said he should be starting instead of relieving. “I give up hits and that’s the way it’s going to be. I let my team down.”

In addition to Bruney, Kyle Farnsworth was felled by the wet grounds. Farnsworth slipped down to one knee on his final pitch of the night and felt a twinge in his elbow afterwards. He'll be re-evaluated today.

Jermaine Dye left the game for the White Sox after the 6th inning with a strained groin. He'll sit in tonight's with the Orioles.

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Damon, DH	3	1	0	0	2	1	0	.244
Jeter, SS	4	0	1	1	0	0	1	.275
Abreu, RF	5	1	2	2	0	2	2	.299
Matsui, LF	3	0	1	0	2	0	1	.324
Ensberg, 3B	4	0	1	1	0	1	2	.300
a-Posada, PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	2	.298
Gonzalez, 3B	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.333
Cano, 2B	3	0	0	0	1	1	0	.159
Giambi, 1B	4	2	2	0	0	0	3	.161
Cabrera, CF	3	2	2	2	1	0	0	.309
Molina, C	4	0	0	0	0	0	3	.300
Totals	34	6	9	6	6	5	14
a-Grounded into a double play for Ensberg in the 9th.
BATTING 2B: Abreu (4, Floyd), Giambi (3, Floyd). HR: Cabrera (4, 6th inning off Floyd, 1 on, 2 out). TB: Jeter; Abreu 3; Matsui; Ensberg; Giambi 3; Cabrera 5. RBI: Jeter (13), Abreu 2 (16), Cabrera 2 (10), Ensberg (2). 2-out RBI: Abreu 2; Cabrera 2; Ensberg. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Ensberg; Matsui; Giambi 2. SF: Jeter. GIDP: Posada. Team LOB: 8. BASERUNNING SB: Damon (4, 2nd base off Floyd/Pierzynski). FIELDING DP: (Cano-Jeter-Giambi).

Chi White Sox	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Swisher, CF-RF	4	0	1	0	0	0	2	.232
Cabrera, SS	4	1	1	0	0	1	0	.263
Thome, DH	3	2	1	1	1	1	0	.236
Konerko, 1B	4	1	2	1	0	1	0	.203
Dye, RF	3	1	1	1	0	0	1	.316
Uribe, 2B	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.164
Pierzynski, C	4	1	1	1	0	0	1	.319
Quentin, LF	4	1	1	1	0	2	1	.246
Crede, 3B	4	0	1	1	0	0	2	.293
Ramirez, 2B-CF	3	0	1	1	0	0	0	.167
Totals	34	7	10	7	1	6	7
BATTING 2B: Pierzynski (7, Ohlendorf), Ramirez (2, Ohlendorf), Quentin (2, Chamberlain). HR: Thome (6, 5th inning off Hawkins, 0 on, 1 out). TB: Swisher; Cabrera; Thome 4; Konerko 2; Dye; Pierzynski 2; Quentin 2; Crede; Ramirez 2. RBI: Konerko (16), Dye (9), Pierzynski (12), Quentin (17), Ramirez (1), Thome (18), Crede (21). 2-out RBI: Ramirez. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Swisher 2. GIDP: Pierzynski. Team LOB: 3. BASERUNNING CS: Swisher (2, 2nd base by Farnsworth/Molina). FIELDING DP: (Uribe-Cabrera-Konerko).

NY Yankees	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Hughes	2.0	1	0	0	0	1	0	7.85
Ohlendorf	2.0	5	5	5	1	1	0	6.06
Hawkins	2.0	1	1	1	0	1	1	10.03
Farnsworth	1.0	1	0	0	0	1	0	4.35
Chamberlain (L, 1-1)	1.1	2	1	1	0	2	0	1.93

Chi White Sox	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Floyd	6.0	5	5	5	4	4	1	2.84
Thornton (H, 2)	0.2	1	1	1	1	1	0	5.87
Linebrink (BS, 1)	0.1	1	0	0	1	0	0	2.45
Logan	1.1	2	0	0	0	0	0	3.12
Jenks (W, 1-0)	0.2	0	0	0	0	0	0	1.86

WP: Floyd.
IBB: Matsui (by Floyd).
Pitches-strikes: Hughes 23-15, Ohlendorf 49-33, Hawkins 26-18,
Farnsworth 12-8, Chamberlain 33-23, Floyd 90-49, Thornton 14-6,
Linebrink 14-6, Logan 20-14, Jenks 4-2.
Ground outs-fly outs: Hughes 3-2, Ohlendorf 2-3, Hawkins 3-2,
Farnsworth 0-1, Chamberlain 1-1, Floyd 5-9, Thornton 0-1, Linebrink 0-1,
Logan 2-2, Jenks 2-0.
Batters faced: Hughes 6, Ohlendorf 13, Hawkins 7, Farnsworth 3,
Chamberlain 6, Floyd 27, Thornton 4, Linebrink 3, Logan 6, Jenks 1.
Inherited runners-scored: Linebrink 2-1, Jenks 2-0.
Umpires: HP: Paul Emmel. 1B: Gary Darling. 2B: Jerry Meals. 3B: Bill Miller.
Weather: 64 degrees, cloudy.
Wind: 14 mph, In from CF.
T: 3:05 (1:25 delay).
Att: 27,243.