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 Spring Training Report: Time For Redemption | Baseball Digest

BD Spring Training Report: Time For Redemption | Baseball Digest

Spring training is all about redemption, about getting a clean slate; the chance to prove yourself to your new team or to earn new confidence from your old team. Sometimes it’s about cleaning up your personal life and image, or it can simply be a case of putting a poor performance behind you. Like every other season though, this spring training there are a number of stories involving redemption seekers.

Francisco Rodriguez made a quick impression on Major League Baseball in 2002. A late season call up that blew away hitters to earn the nickname ‘K-Rod’ and helped the at-the-time Anaheim Angels win their first World Series championship. Eventually he would replace All-Star Troy Percival in the closer’s role and would dominate American League hitters. In 2008 he saved a record breaking 62 games and then bolted for the Big Apple to the tune of $37MM over three years.

Obviously it would be difficult to match his ’08 numbers and at times Rodriguez wasn’t as consistent in his first year in a New York Mets uniform. But he still saved 35 games in 42 attempts, and made 70 appearances. Last season, due to injuries and other factors, the Mets had a miserable season. But nothing was more horrible than what happened off the field on the night of August 13 at Citi Field.

Rodriguez, after arguing with his girlfriend’s father, Carlos Pena, shoved the man into a wall and struck the 53-yr old repeatedly. Rodriguez was arrested and charged with assault. A month later seven counts of criminal contempt were added after Rodriguez sent a barrage of texts to his girlfriend/mother of his twins, Daian Pena, in violation of a court order of protection. Rodriguez plead guilty to all charges in December and was ordered to attend 52 anger management sessions. In addition he had to reimburse Pena for his medical expenses and paid a $1,000 fine.

Two months later he begins the process of winning back the support of the fans, his teammates, and the organization. Rodriguez spoke with reporters, including the NY Daily New’s Andy Martino, at the Mets’ complex in Port St. Lucie yesterday.

“It’s a very unfortunate situation I put myself in,” Rodriguez said. “Obviously I regret (it) a thousand percent. But I’ve got to move on. I’ve got to learn from those mistakes. It made me grow up more as a human being. I’m truly sorry for the way I put my teammates, the Mets organization, the fans, in that spot.”

“One second, one decision can change pretty much your whole life. It already happened to me in a bad way. When you have a lot of success, things going your way, you’re not thinking about the opposite. When that happened to me, it made me open my eyes. It made me realize I’m not doing things the right way. I just have to put my feet in earth once again and correct what I was doing wrong in trying to become a better father, a better boyfriend, better in everything. It made me grow up a lot in everything, all aspects.”

Rodriguez is in the final guaranteed year of his contract, which includes a $17.5MM vesting option for next season should he finishes 55 games or more in 2011. It will take a lot more to earn back the respect of the Mets faithful.

It may take a little longer for the Detroit Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera to work things out. The devastating hitter was arrested late Wednesday night and charged with DUI and two counts of resisting arrest. It was especially troubling since Cabrera has an acknowledged drinking problem.

In October, 2009 he was taken into a custody after a domestic dispute with his wife. Though he was not charged with any crimes, his alcohol level was nearly three times (.26) the legal limit. Cabrera’s teammates were also let down because the incident occurred the night before a crucial game in the AL Central race. Last winter Cabrera was treated for alcoholism and declared last March that he no longer drank.

Cabrera seemed true to his word and responded on the field with an MVP-caliber season. But for now, it’s back to square one.

A.J. Burnett didn’t have the same issues as Rodriguez or Cabrera, but he struggled in his own right in 2010. He had been an integral part of the Yankees 27th world championship the prior year, but for whatever reason Burnett could never get a handle on any kind of consistency last year. Yankees fans tried to point the finger of blame everywhere else- at catcher Jorge Posada and substitute pitching coach Mike Harkey (regular pitching coach Dave Eiland had taken an extended leave of absence during the season), before squarely putting the blame and boos on Burnett himself.

The end result was a 10-15, 5.26 record and a pitcher whose confidence appeared gone. It also led to immature behavior- an angry Burnett smashed his hands on the shower room doors in the clubhouse during a July game and received cuts on both hands as a reward. Now he not only had let his teammates and organization down with his performance, but with his actions as well.

Remember the mantra, Feburary is the time for redemption and a clean slate. Burnett told reporters on Tuesday that he’s confident, that nothing needs to be fixed. But he did acknowledge what a disaster 2010 was. “I’m a force out there. Guys don’t want to face me. I just felt like guys didn’t care if they faced me (last year). I feel like I gave them that edge… I came here to win. I came here to pitch. I came here to be behind Big Man (CC Sabathia). And I wasn’t last year.”

Burnett’s new pitching coach, Larry Rotschild who also worked with Burnett in Florida, was asked if the talent abandoned Burnett first or his confidence. He told LoHud’s Chad Jennings and others, “It’s a chicken and egg question,” new pitching coach Larry Rothschild said. “Is the confidence there because of success or is success there because he’s doing things right mechanically and gets confidence? I think we’ll attack it right now to get him in line to the plate. Get him comfortable throwing the ball, and I think he’ll get the confidence and demeanor that he should have.”

Burnett has a full year to figure it out, but for the sake of his team and himself, he had better figure it out in a hurry.

TKO-Rod

It's been a strange season for the NY Mets, but things got a whole lot odder tonight. Closer Francisco Rodriguez was arrested after punching his father in-law in the face.

No word yet on what led to the scuffle, but several news sources have stated that K-Rod was removed by stadium security and was arrested. Meanwhile, K-Rod's F-I-L was pretty marked up and reportedly had a head injury.

K-Rod's lone comment on the situation was, "None of your fucking business".

World Baseball Classic - 3/12

Venezuela puts the brakes to US' run

Team USA won't forget the name Blanco soon. Gregor and Henry Blanco combined for six hits, two RBI, and two runs scored, and Ivan Blanco blanked the US for 1.1 innings, in Venezuela's 5-3 win.

Ted Lilly allowed a run over an effective three innings before manager Davey Johnson turned to the pen. Indians pitcher Jeremy Guthrie was tagged for four runs over the middle innings as the US fell behind 5-1.

Chris Iannetta's 2-run home run in the eighth inning cut the lead in half, but some over aggressive play cost the US team in the ninth. With closer Francisco Rodriguez on the mound, Jimmy Rollins drew a lead off walk and quickly stole second base. Dustin Pedroia flied out, but Derek Jeter reached on an error to put two aboard. That's when the US tried to pull of a double steal.

Rollins made it safely to third base, but Henry Blanco fired down to second base to nail Jeter for the second out. K-Rod then struck out Kevin Youkilis to end the ball game.

Box Score


The US will now face Puerto Rico, which defeated the Netherlands 5-0 yesterday, on Saturday. Giants starter Jonathan Sanchez went four innings for Puerto Rico before seven relievers came on to finish the shut out.

The Puerto Rican team had 10 different players with a hit and also drew 9 walks, 3 of them by Carlos Delgado.


Mexico sent Australia home with an embarrassing 16-1 defeat, in a game called after 6 innings. Former Yankee Karim Garcia went 4-4 with 4 RBI and 4 runs scored, and hit a pair of home runs.

Box Score

Winter Meetings- That's a Wrap

The winter meetings finished up in Las Vegas yesterday with the locals coming out the big winners. We give the Mets the top nod for addressing their bullpen needs by acquiring not one, but two closers. The signing of Francisco Rodriguez is, for now at least, the signing of the off-season. Why you ask?

K-Rod is coming off a record breaking season, where he smashed the single season saves mark. The perfect time to become a free agent. Well that is unless the economy is in the tank. Bingo. K-Rod was hoping for a 5 year deal, worth more per season than Mariano Rivera currently receives ($15 million) from the Yankees.

With offers not reaching the level he was looking for, K-Rod "settled" for a 3 year, $37 million contract. A bargain by today's standards. A win-win for the Mets who needed a big time closer after Billy Wagner went down with an elbow injury during the '08 season. The Mets have their closer for the next 3 years, and, keep this in mind, he's just 26 years old.

The Mets set up situation was in shambles last year. In acquiring J.J. Putz, they not only got a reliever who can close if needed, but they dumped ineffective, whiney, Aaron Heilman in the process. They gave up a lot of players, but not all that much quality, at least none that how will have a big impact any time soon.

The Yankees are the number two winners because they nabbed the biggest prize. It took money and a loophole (an escape clause), but the Yankees got the pitcher they wanted in CC Sabathia. Sabathia is not Johan Santana, but my waiting a year the Yankees didn't have to give up any of their chips to get a top notch left-hander. A big plus is that Sabathia is just 28 years old and has shown tremendous durability.

The Yankees didn't get a deal done with free agent A.J. Burnett, but may be very close according to Joel Sherman and George King of the NY Post. An unidentified Yankee player told the pair that Burnett told him they would soon be teammates and that he (Burnett) really wanted to come to New York.

A 5 year contract worth over $80-$90 million can generate a lot of excitement.


During a Hot Stove addition of Baseball Tonight last evening, Karl Ravech remarked that were no losers, per se, at the meetings, since the off-season still has a long way to go and lot of moves can still be made. He was wrong in one respect- there was one loser and his name is Manny.

Manny being Manny again? Perhaps. Ramirez is "threatening" retirement because he's not finding any offers to his liking. So go ahead and retire. Are owners suddenly supposed to feel bad for you? "NO, we can't let this happen, give him all our millions!!!" Be very wary of signing Manny. Big bat, peanut brain.f

Winter Meetings- That's a Wrap

The winter meetings finished up in Las Vegas yesterday with the locals coming out the big winners. We give the Mets the top nod for addressing their bullpen needs by acquiring not one, but two closers. The signing of Francisco Rodriguez is, for now at least, the signing of the off-season. Why you ask?

K-Rod is coming off a record breaking season, where he smashed the single season saves mark. The perfect time to become a free agent. Well that is unless the economy is in the tank. Bingo. K-Rod was hoping for a 5 year deal, worth more per season than Mariano Rivera currently receives ($15 million) from the Yankees.

With offers not reaching the level he was looking for, K-Rod "settled" for a 3 year, $37 million contract. A bargain by today's standards. A win-win for the Mets who needed a big time closer after Billy Wagner went down with an elbow injury during the '08 season. The Mets have their closer for the next 3 years, and, keep this in mind, he's just 26 years old.

The Mets set up situation was in shambles last year. In acquiring J.J. Putz, they not only got a reliever who can close if needed, but they dumped ineffective, whiney, Aaron Heilman in the process. They gave up a lot of players, but not all that much quality, at least none that how will have a big impact any time soon.

The Yankees are the number two winners because they nabbed the biggest prize. It took money and a loophole (an escape clause), but the Yankees got the pitcher they wanted in CC Sabathia. Sabathia is not Johan Santana, but my waiting a year the Yankees didn't have to give up any of their chips to get a top notch left-hander. A big plus is that Sabathia is just 28 years old and has shown tremendous durability.

The Yankees didn't get a deal done with free agent A.J. Burnett, but may be very close according to Joel Sherman and George King of the NY Post. An unidentified Yankee player told the pair that Burnett told him they would soon be teammates and that he (Burnett) really wanted to come to New York.

A 5 year contract worth over $80-$90 million can generate a lot of excitement.


During a Hot Stove addition of Baseball Tonight last evening, Karl Ravech remarked that were no losers, per se, at the meetings, since the off-season still has a long way to go and lot of moves can still be made. He was wrong in one respect- there was one loser and his name is Manny.

Manny being Manny again? Perhaps. Ramirez is "threatening" retirement because he's not finding any offers to his liking. So go ahead and retire. Are owners suddenly supposed to feel bad for you? "NO, we can't let this happen, give him all our millions!!!" Be very wary of signing Manny. Big bat, peanut brain.f

Vegas Update - Day 2 8:20 AM EST

Jon Heyman of SI and Joel Sherman of the NY Post expect the Mets and free agent closer Francisco Rodriguez to work out a 3-year deal, worth app. $37 million, before the end of the winter meetings.

Rodriguez's agent, Paul Kinzer, said, "I am more optimistic than I have ever been" about finalizing a deal between the single-season save leader and the Mets.

It's hard to believe the Angels wouldn't match such an offer or bump it up a bit to keep K-Rod.

One team rep feels the Red Sox will sign Mark Teixeira. Why does that count any more than what we think?

These updates from Fox's Ken Rosenthal:

The Braves and Cards are trying to work out a deal that would send Rick Ankiel to Atlanta, but thus far the Cards are asking for Mike Gonzalez, and that's a no-go for Atlanta.

The Blue Jays are meeting with shortstop Rafael Furcal's agents, but the chance of signing the free agent are slim.

The Phillies are still looking at Delmon Young of the Twins, and have jumped into the Jake Peavy trade talks.

The Rangers are quietly shopping shortstop Michael Young according to an AL executive, so says Yahoo Sports' Tim Brown.

The Dodgers inked veteran Mark Loretta to a one year deal, meaning that Nomar's days in LA are numbered.

Vegas Update - Day 2 8:20 AM EST

Jon Heyman of SI and Joel Sherman of the NY Post expect the Mets and free agent closer Francisco Rodriguez to work out a 3-year deal, worth app. $37 million, before the end of the winter meetings.

Rodriguez's agent, Paul Kinzer, said, "I am more optimistic than I have ever been" about finalizing a deal between the single-season save leader and the Mets.

It's hard to believe the Angels wouldn't match such an offer or bump it up a bit to keep K-Rod.

One team rep feels the Red Sox will sign Mark Teixeira. Why does that count any more than what we think?

These updates from Fox's Ken Rosenthal:

The Braves and Cards are trying to work out a deal that would send Rick Ankiel to Atlanta, but thus far the Cards are asking for Mike Gonzalez, and that's a no-go for Atlanta.

The Blue Jays are meeting with shortstop Rafael Furcal's agents, but the chance of signing the free agent are slim.

The Phillies are still looking at Delmon Young of the Twins, and have jumped into the Jake Peavy trade talks.

The Rangers are quietly shopping shortstop Michael Young according to an AL executive, so says Yahoo Sports' Tim Brown.

The Dodgers inked veteran Mark Loretta to a one year deal, meaning that Nomar's days in LA are numbered.

The Pennant Race - 10/4

2-0 is the running theme in this year's playoffs. All four series are 2-0 thus far, with an even split between the home and road teams.

ALDS

The Angels clearly must have thought they would be playing the Yankees again this year. Apparently they freaked out when they heard they were playing the Red Sox, because they have their backs to the wall after losing two straight at home. Last night was a perfect example of why Francisco Rodriguez, aka K-Rod, is no Mariano Rivera. Though Mo struggled in tie games this year, K-Rod failed on a much bigger stage last night. Trailing 4-0 after one inning, the Angels rallied to tie the game at 5-5 in the eighth before J.D. Drew took K-Rod deep in the ninth with a man aboard.

The series continues Monday night in Boston with John Lackey facing Josh Beckett.

The Rays are on the brink of winning their first playoff series after Friday's 6-2 win over the White Sox. Scott Kazmir struggled with his control in the first inning and was unfortunate to escape down just 2-0. Aki Iwamura's 2-run home run off of Mark Buerhle in the fifth inning gave the Rays a 3-2 lead and the Rays added three more in the eighth to put the game away.

The Rays can close the series out in Chicago on Sunday afternoon with Matt Garza against John Danks.


NLDS

Jinx or no jinx, the Cubs woes continue. The Cubs committed three errors that led to five unearned runs as the Dodgers pounded Chicago 10-3. Manny Ramirez homered for the second straight game and Chad Billingsley allowed one run while striking out seven in six innings of work. The Wrigley faithful were fired up with Carlos Zambrano on the mound, but were all doom and gloom when it was over.

CC Sabathia can only work his magic so many times. Coming back on three days rest again, the Phillies jumped on the Brewers ace for five runs in the second inning. Shane Victorino delivered the big blow with a grand slam. Phillies starter Brett Myers allowed just two hits over seven innings for the win. Victorino added a pair of singles, a walk, and a two stolen bases.

The Pennant Race - 10/4

2-0 is the running theme in this year's playoffs. All four series are 2-0 thus far, with an even split between the home and road teams.

ALDS

The Angels clearly must have thought they would be playing the Yankees again this year. Apparently they freaked out when they heard they were playing the Red Sox, because they have their backs to the wall after losing two straight at home. Last night was a perfect example of why Francisco Rodriguez, aka K-Rod, is no Mariano Rivera. Though Mo struggled in tie games this year, K-Rod failed on a much bigger stage last night. Trailing 4-0 after one inning, the Angels rallied to tie the game at 5-5 in the eighth before J.D. Drew took K-Rod deep in the ninth with a man aboard.

The series continues Monday night in Boston with John Lackey facing Josh Beckett.

The Rays are on the brink of winning their first playoff series after Friday's 6-2 win over the White Sox. Scott Kazmir struggled with his control in the first inning and was unfortunate to escape down just 2-0. Aki Iwamura's 2-run home run off of Mark Buerhle in the fifth inning gave the Rays a 3-2 lead and the Rays added three more in the eighth to put the game away.

The Rays can close the series out in Chicago on Sunday afternoon with Matt Garza against John Danks.


NLDS

Jinx or no jinx, the Cubs woes continue. The Cubs committed three errors that led to five unearned runs as the Dodgers pounded Chicago 10-3. Manny Ramirez homered for the second straight game and Chad Billingsley allowed one run while striking out seven in six innings of work. The Wrigley faithful were fired up with Carlos Zambrano on the mound, but were all doom and gloom when it was over.

CC Sabathia can only work his magic so many times. Coming back on three days rest again, the Phillies jumped on the Brewers ace for five runs in the second inning. Shane Victorino delivered the big blow with a grand slam. Phillies starter Brett Myers allowed just two hits over seven innings for the win. Victorino added a pair of singles, a walk, and a two stolen bases.

Around the Horn - 6/4

There was a huge impact felt by a New York pitcher's start last night and it wasn't Joba Chamberlain. Pedro Martinez made his return to the Mets starting rotation and immediately gave them a lift, putting in a quality efforts in the Mets 9-6 win over the Giants. Pedro stepped on the mound for the first time since April 1, allowing 3 runs in 6 innings for his first won of the year and the 210th of his career.

The Cubbies ran wild in their come from behind 9-6 win over the Padres. Alfonso Soriano hit a 3-run home run and had one of the 6 Cubs stolen bases. The win was Chicago's 9th straight, their longest streak since 2001.

The Rockies snapped an 8-game losing streak and a 13-game road losing streak by beating the Dodgers 3-0. Jeff Francis turned in 7 stellar innings to pick up his 2nd win. The game also featured a brawl between Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp and Rockies catcher Yorvit Torrealba. Kemp struck out on a pitch that he chased in the dirt. When Torrealba tagged him, Kemp shoved him, and Torrealba shoved back. Kemp admitted afterwards that it was his fault.

“I’m not used to acting in that way. It’s not in my character. It was out of frustration,” Kemp said. “We were losing the game and it was stupid— really stupid. It was not a good decision on my part. But it happened, and we have to deal with whatever happens after it.

You can catch a video of the fight at the bottom of the thread.

Wandy Rodriguez and 3 relievers combined on a 5-hit shutout in the Astros 2-0 win over the Pirates. Lance Berkman drove in his 48th run.

Greg Norton's 2-run double in the 8th lifted the Braves over the Marlins 5-4. Chipper Jones hit his 399th career home run in the game, while the Marlins Dan Uggla had a pair to give him 18 this season.

Randy Johnson passed Roger Clemens for 2nd place on the all-time strike out list, but took the loss as the Diamondbacks fell to the Brewers 7-1. Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, and J.J. Hardy homered for the Brewers. Fielder has hit one out in 4 of the last 5 games.

Yadier Molina belted a 3-run home run to lift Kyle Lohse and the Cardinals over the Nationals 6-1. Albert Pujols was forced to leave the game with a strained calf.

Pat Burrell smacked a 2-run home run and Chase Utley drove in his 53rd run to help the Phillies hold off the Reds 3-2.

The Indians lost for the 13th time in 17 games when the Rangers pasted them last night 12-7. Josh Hamilton, Milton Bradley, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and David Murphy all went deep. Ian Kinsler (18 games) and Michael Young (19 games) each extended their hitting streaks.

Justin Masterson has struggled in the minors this season, but he's 2-0, 2.95 in 3 major league starts for the Red Sox. Last night Boston beat the Tampa Rays 7-4. Coco Crisp's 2-run double highlighted a 4-run 6th inning.

Carlos Quentin, A.J. Pierzynski, and Alexi Ramirez homered to help lift the White Sox over the Royals 9-5. Gavin Floyd won his 6th game as the White Sox moved 5 games over .500.

Radhames Liz won his first major league in the Orioles 5-3 victory over the Twins. Melvin Mora and Kevin Millar homered for the O's.

The A's rallied to beat the Tigers 5-4 in 11 innings. Newly recalled Travis Buck singled in the tying run in the 8th before Jack Cust's single sent everyone home happy in extras. Dontrelle Willis returned to the starting rotation for Detroit and tossed 4 shutout innings. He gave up 2 hits, walked 5, and struck out 3.

Maecir Izturis drove in 3 runs and the Angels held off the Mariners 5-4. Francisco Rodriguez notched his major league leading 23rd save to preserve the win for Joe Saunders (9-2). The loss left the Mariners 17 games under .500. Vlad Guerrero missed his 2nd straight game with hyperflexion in his right knee, but may return to the lineup tonight.

Around the Horn - 6/4

There was a huge impact felt by a New York pitcher's start last night and it wasn't Joba Chamberlain. Pedro Martinez made his return to the Mets starting rotation and immediately gave them a lift, putting in a quality efforts in the Mets 9-6 win over the Giants. Pedro stepped on the mound for the first time since April 1, allowing 3 runs in 6 innings for his first won of the year and the 210th of his career.

The Cubbies ran wild in their come from behind 9-6 win over the Padres. Alfonso Soriano hit a 3-run home run and had one of the 6 Cubs stolen bases. The win was Chicago's 9th straight, their longest streak since 2001.

The Rockies snapped an 8-game losing streak and a 13-game road losing streak by beating the Dodgers 3-0. Jeff Francis turned in 7 stellar innings to pick up his 2nd win. The game also featured a brawl between Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp and Rockies catcher Yorvit Torrealba. Kemp struck out on a pitch that he chased in the dirt. When Torrealba tagged him, Kemp shoved him, and Torrealba shoved back. Kemp admitted afterwards that it was his fault.

“I’m not used to acting in that way. It’s not in my character. It was out of frustration,” Kemp said. “We were losing the game and it was stupid— really stupid. It was not a good decision on my part. But it happened, and we have to deal with whatever happens after it.

You can catch a video of the fight at the bottom of the thread.

Wandy Rodriguez and 3 relievers combined on a 5-hit shutout in the Astros 2-0 win over the Pirates. Lance Berkman drove in his 48th run.

Greg Norton's 2-run double in the 8th lifted the Braves over the Marlins 5-4. Chipper Jones hit his 399th career home run in the game, while the Marlins Dan Uggla had a pair to give him 18 this season.

Randy Johnson passed Roger Clemens for 2nd place on the all-time strike out list, but took the loss as the Diamondbacks fell to the Brewers 7-1. Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, and J.J. Hardy homered for the Brewers. Fielder has hit one out in 4 of the last 5 games.

Yadier Molina belted a 3-run home run to lift Kyle Lohse and the Cardinals over the Nationals 6-1. Albert Pujols was forced to leave the game with a strained calf.

Pat Burrell smacked a 2-run home run and Chase Utley drove in his 53rd run to help the Phillies hold off the Reds 3-2.

The Indians lost for the 13th time in 17 games when the Rangers pasted them last night 12-7. Josh Hamilton, Milton Bradley, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and David Murphy all went deep. Ian Kinsler (18 games) and Michael Young (19 games) each extended their hitting streaks.

Justin Masterson has struggled in the minors this season, but he's 2-0, 2.95 in 3 major league starts for the Red Sox. Last night Boston beat the Tampa Rays 7-4. Coco Crisp's 2-run double highlighted a 4-run 6th inning.

Carlos Quentin, A.J. Pierzynski, and Alexi Ramirez homered to help lift the White Sox over the Royals 9-5. Gavin Floyd won his 6th game as the White Sox moved 5 games over .500.

Radhames Liz won his first major league in the Orioles 5-3 victory over the Twins. Melvin Mora and Kevin Millar homered for the O's.

The A's rallied to beat the Tigers 5-4 in 11 innings. Newly recalled Travis Buck singled in the tying run in the 8th before Jack Cust's single sent everyone home happy in extras. Dontrelle Willis returned to the starting rotation for Detroit and tossed 4 shutout innings. He gave up 2 hits, walked 5, and struck out 3.

Maecir Izturis drove in 3 runs and the Angels held off the Mariners 5-4. Francisco Rodriguez notched his major league leading 23rd save to preserve the win for Joe Saunders (9-2). The loss left the Mariners 17 games under .500. Vlad Guerrero missed his 2nd straight game with hyperflexion in his right knee, but may return to the lineup tonight.

Around the Horn

Around the Horn - our recap of what's going around major league baseball - is back. In case you missed it, Carlos Beltran took a pre-emptive strike at the Phillies' Jimmy Rollins, by saying the Mets were the team to beat this year. Rollins of course made that proclomation about the Phillies last season, and thanks to a monumental Mets collapse, he was right when it came to the NL East crown. It's also highly unusual for Beltran to speak louder than a whisper.

K-Rod is quite upset with the Angels over his pending arbitration case. After seeing the deal Mariano Rivera got, K-Rod wants a big multi-year deal of his own. But so far Angels management has not been forthcoming. So while K-Rod may not be planning his exist from Anaheim/LA/that area, he was clearly upset when asked if he thought he might be elsewhere next season.

"Yeah, probably. Probably," he said. "If they wanted me here, they would have done something a long time ago. But, in the meantime, I have to put that out of my head. I can't be thinking they don't want me here or anything like that. Just do my job."

The Marlins have taken a hit already. Anibel Sanchez has been shut down after complaining of discomfort in his surgically repaired shoulder. And the Cardinals are being very cautious with Albert Pujols who is complaining of elbow pain in his right arm.

Around the Horn

Around the Horn - our recap of what's going around major league baseball - is back. In case you missed it, Carlos Beltran took a pre-emptive strike at the Phillies' Jimmy Rollins, by saying the Mets were the team to beat this year. Rollins of course made that proclomation about the Phillies last season, and thanks to a monumental Mets collapse, he was right when it came to the NL East crown. It's also highly unusual for Beltran to speak louder than a whisper.

K-Rod is quite upset with the Angels over his pending arbitration case. After seeing the deal Mariano Rivera got, K-Rod wants a big multi-year deal of his own. But so far Angels management has not been forthcoming. So while K-Rod may not be planning his exist from Anaheim/LA/that area, he was clearly upset when asked if he thought he might be elsewhere next season.

"Yeah, probably. Probably," he said. "If they wanted me here, they would have done something a long time ago. But, in the meantime, I have to put that out of my head. I can't be thinking they don't want me here or anything like that. Just do my job."

The Marlins have taken a hit already. Anibel Sanchez has been shut down after complaining of discomfort in his surgically repaired shoulder. And the Cardinals are being very cautious with Albert Pujols who is complaining of elbow pain in his right arm.