It's the Most Hall Time of the Year

Happy New Year means that it is just about time for the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY to announce who this year's inductees are.

The ballot for this year's class was loaded - the first-year eligible players alone include Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz, and Gary Sheffield. In all, there were 34 names on this year's ballot for voters to choose from.

As you may recall, it takes a 75% vote count to gain induction via the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA). With that in mind, Craig Biggio should be a shoe-in for this year's class. If not, an investigation should take place ASAP. Biggio finished with 74.8% last year, his third year on the ballot. The next highest on the 2014 ballot was Mike Piazza, who was hampered by performance enhancing drug rumors, and finished with 62.2%. He too should be elected this year.

I won't get on my soapbox about players that were never "caught" using PEDs, other than to say it's not fair of the voters to leave someone off their ballot that they think was a cheater. Jeff Bagwell has been thrown into this same category (he finished third in 2014 with 54.3%).

Johnson and Martinez are no brainers. Smoltz should join former teammates Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine, who were inducted together in 2014. The right-hander is the only pitcher in Major League Baseball history with at least 200 wins (207) and 150 saves (154).
 
Though Sheffield finished his career as a memeber of the 500 home run club, PEDs could definitely derail his Hall bid. In 2003, Sheffield told a grand jury that he had "unwittingly" used a steroid cream that he had obtained from BALCO. He was introduced to the company by its most well known client, Barry Bonds.

At the time, Sheffield said he thought it was a cortisone cream and was angry when he found out otherwise. ESPN tried to ask Bonds about it in 2004, but Bonds, via a spokesman, ignored the elephant in the room and wished Sheffield all the best. So did Sheffield lie about "oops" moment? The guess is that the voter's will think so. With a .907 career OPS. nine All-Star appearances, and a World Series ring, it would be hard to make an argument to keep Sheffield out otherwise.

At the other end of the spectrum are those players who are near elimination from future ballots. A candidate must receive at least 5% to remain on future ballots. PED prime suspect Sammy Sosa received 7.2% of the vote in 2014 and is likely to drop off in this year's vote. Don Mattingly, who could have ended up with Hall numbers had he stayed healthy, managed to receive barely over 10% last year.

As much as I loved Mattingly as a player, I don't believe he belongs in the Hall of Fame. Many do though and point to Kirby Puckett, who I don't believe should be in either, whose statistics are similar to that of Mattingly's. The biggest difference between the two are the two World Series rings Puckett earned, while Mattingly's mediocre Yankees teams made the post-season just once in his 14 years.

No matter what happens this year, these things hold true - no one will get a unanimous vote; the steroid players will see their perecentages drop; fans, media, and players will not like all the results. It's that Hall time of the year, what else would you expect?

UPDATE (toh to @rebeccapbp):

A's fan and HoF tracker Ryan Thibs has made a spreadsheet of vote totals available to the public. If these numbers hold true, Pedro Martinez, Randy Johnson, Craig Biggio, Mike Piazza, and John Smoltz are headed to Cooperstown this Summer.

As of 1:55 PM ET, Both Johnson (98.63%) and Martinez (97.95%) approached Tom Seaver's all-time record of 98.8%, but as usual some voters left them out. Inexplicably, Twins beat writer Mike Berardino left both pitchers off.

Looks like Sheffield did indeed take a big hit. So far just over 8% of the vote. Don Mattingly and Sammy Sosa are both below the required 5% minimum. Jeff Bagwell increased to 66.44%, so there is still hope for him in future years.

UPDATE 7:50 PM

As of now, Randy Johnson has tied Tom Seaver with 98.8% of the vote. Pedro Martinez is closing in at 98.2%. Going the wrong way - that would be Mike Piazza, who has dipped below the 75% minimum.

Mets Even Things Up

Omir, O my

June 13th, 2009 • Related • Filed Under

Filed Under: Yankees

Tags: Alex Rodriguez • andy pettitte • Derek Jeter • Fernando Nieve • Francisco Rodriguez • Gary Sheffield • omir santos • Subway Series • Yankees 6/13 recap • Yankees vs. Mets

After Friday’s night crushing loss, it would have been only natural for the Mets to come out flat for today’s game with the Yankees. But instead it was the home team that looked flat. Former Yankees’ farm hand Omir Santos and former Yankees’ major leaguer Gary Sheffield both played big roles in the Mets 6-2 win over the Yankees this afternoon.

Less than 24 hours after Mets second baseman Luis Castillo dropped the ball heard round the Bronx, the Mets got an unexpected starting performance from Fernando Nieve and jumped all over Yankees starter Andy Pettitte.

Nieve had made only 52 big league appearances since debuting with the Houston Astros back in 2006. But with John Maine on the DL, the Mets needed someone to step up and Nieve did just that.

The 26-yr old limited the Yankees to 4 hits over 6.2 innings for his 4th big league win. His battery mate, Santos, gave his teammate a quick lead to work with when he went deep with a man aboard in the 2nd.

The 28-yr old catcher had been a career minor leaguer (He appeared in 10 games for the Baltimore Orioles last season), before he took advantage of injuries to the Mets catching corp this spring. He nearly added a second home run, but settled for an RBI double that capped the Mets’ 3-run 5th inning.

Pettitte was done after five innings and continued his struggles of late. Though he’s 3-2 in his last six starts, Pettitte has allowed 20 earned runs in his last 34.2 innings (5.19 ERA), and hasn’t pitched past the 5th inning in three of them.

Sheffield, who many thought were done when he was released by the Detroit Tigers this spring, continued his recent resurgence. He homered off Brett Tomko Friday night and went yard on Al Aceves this afternoon. He also contributed an RBI single off of Pettitte, despite a balky knee that has him set for an MRI shortly.

The Yankees couldn’t muster much of anything against Nieve. Alex Rodriguez hit a solo shot to left that cut the Mets lead to 2-1 in the 2nd, but were held scoreless other than a Derek Jeter RBI single in the 7th.

Even though it was a non-save situation, Mets manager Jerry Manuel wasn’t taking any chances and sent for Francisco Rodriguez to pitch the 9th. He retired the side without incident and the Mets had themselves a split of the first two games of the Subway Series.

Game Notes

A-Rod’s home run was his 562nd, putting him one behind Reggie Jackson for 11th place on the all-time list. He was also hit again, this time on the left elbow by a Nieve pitch, and is clearly getting tired of it.

Nieve’s victory was his first since June 25, 2006 when the Astros beat the White Sox in interleague play.

Rumor of the Day: Tigers could release Ordonez

The Detroit Tigers have already released one non-producing outfielder this season, Gary Sheffield, and according to the Chicago Sun-Times might unload another.

Magglio Ordonez was a contender for the AL MVP two seasons ago, but is hitting just .241 with 2 HR and 12 RBI in 30 games this season. While it's still early in the year, there is a lot of money riding on the 35-yr old's future.

Ordonez's current contract includes an $18 million option for next season and a $15 million option for 2011. If Mags can reach 540 plate appearances or makes 135 starts this season, the 2010 option becomes guaranteed.

If the Tigers were to release Ordonez, they would have to eat the $18 million remaining on this season's deal.

Breaking News: Gary Sheffield released by Tigers

Former Yankee, and always controversial figure, Gary Sheffield is now a former Detroit Tiger too. The 39-yr old is just one home run shy of joining the 500 home run club, but has become injury prone the last few years. Last season he hit just .225 in 114 games.

Some team will probably give him a shot, though he is likely to clear waivers, meaning he won't be on an opening day roster.

CC Gets an FF

Not a good day for CC Sabathia in his start against the Tigers. After a scoreless first, the big left-hander was tagged for 5 runs in the second inning, leaving with 2 outs. Among the hits was a 2-run home run off the bat of Gary Sheffield. The Tigers lead it 7-4 in the 8th.

The Yanks had built a 4-0 lead with a pair of runs in each of the first two innings off of a wild Justin Verlander. The Tigers extended their lead with a pair of solo home runs, including Sheffield's second blast of the game. That home run came off of Al Aceves, who also gave up a long ball to Wil Ramirez.

The Yankees RBI are from Mark Teixeira, Jorge Posada, who DH'ed, and Nick Swisher. Melky Cabrera fell further behind Brett Gardner in the center field battle, going 0-3 before leaving the game. He's now hitting .238 for the spring.

The Pennant Race - 9/23

The Mets players may deny they are uptight about the last week of the season, but who can blame them. After last year's momentous collapse, the Mets are on the brink of blowing another playoff opportunity. Last night, for the second time this season, the Mets were burned by an opposing pitcher's grand slam. The Cubs' Jason Marquis joined the Mariners' Felix Hernandez in the Mets record book by taking rookie starter Jon Niese deep with the bases loaded. The Cubs went on to a 9-5 victory, which dropped the Mets lead in the wildcard to a half-game ahead in front of the Brewers.

The Phillies also pushed their advantage in the NL East to 2.5 games ahead of the Mets with a 6-2 win over the Braves. The game was tied 2-2 in eighth inning when the Phillies went ahead on a fielder's choice. Pat Burrell then put the game away with a 3-run home run, his 33rd long ball of the season. Chase Utley also picked up his 100th RBI, the fourth year in a row the second baseman has achieved the feat.

Brandon Webb picked up his 22nd win and the Diamondbacks moved to within 2 games of the idle Dodgers in the NL West with their 4-2 defeat of the Cardinals. Stephen Drew reached the 20 home run mark for the first time in his career and Brandon Lyon escaped a 2nd and 3rd, nobody out, jam in the eighth inning.

The Rays moved 2.5 games in front of the Red Sox in the AL East with a 4-2 win over the Orioles. Jason Bartlett's RBI double snapped a 2-2 tie in the seventh inning. Last year's number one amateur pick, David Price, made his first major league start, going 5.1 innings, with one earned run allowed.

The Indians' Zach Jackson won his first MLB game in two years in the Tribe's 4-3 win over the Red Sox. Jamey Carroll and Shin-Soo Choo singled in runs off of Josh Beckett in the fifth inning to give Cleveland the lead for good.

News and Notes

The Indians' Fausto Carmona (6 games) and the Tigers' Gary Sheffield (4 games) were each suspended for the role in the bench clearing brawl between the two teams on Friday night. Indians' Victor Martinez and Asdrubel Cabrera also were suspended for 3 games each.

The Red Sox J.D. Drew received a cortisone shot for his bad back, but it remains to be seen if he'll play again this year. Teammate Mike Lowell could be back in the lineup this week though.

Speaking of bad backs, Rays' closer Troy Percival will be getting a second epidural this week.

The Pennant Race - 9/23

The Mets players may deny they are uptight about the last week of the season, but who can blame them. After last year's momentous collapse, the Mets are on the brink of blowing another playoff opportunity. Last night, for the second time this season, the Mets were burned by an opposing pitcher's grand slam. The Cubs' Jason Marquis joined the Mariners' Felix Hernandez in the Mets record book by taking rookie starter Jon Niese deep with the bases loaded. The Cubs went on to a 9-5 victory, which dropped the Mets lead in the wildcard to a half-game ahead in front of the Brewers.

The Phillies also pushed their advantage in the NL East to 2.5 games ahead of the Mets with a 6-2 win over the Braves. The game was tied 2-2 in eighth inning when the Phillies went ahead on a fielder's choice. Pat Burrell then put the game away with a 3-run home run, his 33rd long ball of the season. Chase Utley also picked up his 100th RBI, the fourth year in a row the second baseman has achieved the feat.

Brandon Webb picked up his 22nd win and the Diamondbacks moved to within 2 games of the idle Dodgers in the NL West with their 4-2 defeat of the Cardinals. Stephen Drew reached the 20 home run mark for the first time in his career and Brandon Lyon escaped a 2nd and 3rd, nobody out, jam in the eighth inning.

The Rays moved 2.5 games in front of the Red Sox in the AL East with a 4-2 win over the Orioles. Jason Bartlett's RBI double snapped a 2-2 tie in the seventh inning. Last year's number one amateur pick, David Price, made his first major league start, going 5.1 innings, with one earned run allowed.

The Indians' Zach Jackson won his first MLB game in two years in the Tribe's 4-3 win over the Red Sox. Jamey Carroll and Shin-Soo Choo singled in runs off of Josh Beckett in the fifth inning to give Cleveland the lead for good.

News and Notes

The Indians' Fausto Carmona (6 games) and the Tigers' Gary Sheffield (4 games) were each suspended for the role in the bench clearing brawl between the two teams on Friday night. Indians' Victor Martinez and Asdrubel Cabrera also were suspended for 3 games each.

The Red Sox J.D. Drew received a cortisone shot for his bad back, but it remains to be seen if he'll play again this year. Teammate Mike Lowell could be back in the lineup this week though.

Speaking of bad backs, Rays' closer Troy Percival will be getting a second epidural this week.

Yankees Get Very Offensive

Lets just say the Yankees pitching was a good offense on Monday. Just like the Yankees season in general, the Yankees hung on by their teeth yesterday for a 13-9 win over the Tigers. The Bombers offensive lived up to its reputation, blasting Justin Verlander en route to an 8-1 lead after an inning and a half.

Sidney Ponson had the good fortune of being on the mound with a big lead early, but wasn't around long enough to figure in the decision. He was charged with seven runs, six of them earned, in three innings before giving way to Edwar Ramirez, who fared no better. K-Ram walked three, gave up a pair of hits, and two runs in just 1.1 innings pitched, before the rest of the pen finally shut the Tigers down.

Verlander has had an up and down season, with more of an emphasis on the latter. He walked Johnny Damon and Derek Jeter to start the game, and gave up a single to Bobby Abreu to load the bases with no one out. Alex Rodriguez singled to center to give the Yankees a quick 2-0 lead. A Jason Giambi sac fly and an RBI single by Hideki Matsui would build the lead to 4-0.

The Tigers picked up a run in their half of the first, but Damon homered with one out in the second to get the run back. Back to back singles by Jeter and Abreu, a Curtis Granderson error, and Abreu's stolen base, put two men in scoring position. A-Rod picked up his third RBI when first baseman Jeff Larish misplayed his grounder for an error. Verlander retired Giambi, but Xavier Nady's RBI single increased the lead to 7-1 and drove the right-hander from the game. Matsui delivered another RBI single against lefty Bobby Seay for the final run of the inning.

A Gary Sheffield second inning home run was countered by RBI singles by Abreu and A-Rod, and a sac fly by Nady built the lead to 11-2. But Ponson met his Waterloo in the fourth. A Brandon Inge 2-run home run got things started. A hit and a walk put two more men aboard, and then, for the second time in three games, Robinson Cano made a crucial error that helped make for a big inning.

Joe Girardi saw enough and sent for Ramirez, who gave up a sac fly to Magglio Ordonez, and a 2-run blast to Miguel Cabrera. A laugher had become a nail biter and Girardi was on the edge of seat when Ramirez then walked the tying runs on base. But the slight right-hander retired Larish on a pop up and struck out Inge to end the inning.

Ordonez's RBI single cut the margin to two, but Derek Jeter gave the Yankees some breathing room with a 2-run single in the sixth. The pen then finally shut the Tigers offense down. It included lefty Phil Coke's major league debut. The rookie, who was rumored to be part of the original Marte-Nady deal, struck out two in his major league debut.


News and Notes

Ivan Rodriguez got a long standing ovation, from his former home crowd, when he stepped to the plate in the second inning.

Gary Sheffield's home run was the 494th of his career, putting ahead of Fred McGriff and Lou Gehrig for 25th on the all-time list.

Yankees Get Very Offensive

Lets just say the Yankees pitching was a good offense on Monday. Just like the Yankees season in general, the Yankees hung on by their teeth yesterday for a 13-9 win over the Tigers. The Bombers offensive lived up to its reputation, blasting Justin Verlander en route to an 8-1 lead after an inning and a half.

Sidney Ponson had the good fortune of being on the mound with a big lead early, but wasn't around long enough to figure in the decision. He was charged with seven runs, six of them earned, in three innings before giving way to Edwar Ramirez, who fared no better. K-Ram walked three, gave up a pair of hits, and two runs in just 1.1 innings pitched, before the rest of the pen finally shut the Tigers down.

Verlander has had an up and down season, with more of an emphasis on the latter. He walked Johnny Damon and Derek Jeter to start the game, and gave up a single to Bobby Abreu to load the bases with no one out. Alex Rodriguez singled to center to give the Yankees a quick 2-0 lead. A Jason Giambi sac fly and an RBI single by Hideki Matsui would build the lead to 4-0.

The Tigers picked up a run in their half of the first, but Damon homered with one out in the second to get the run back. Back to back singles by Jeter and Abreu, a Curtis Granderson error, and Abreu's stolen base, put two men in scoring position. A-Rod picked up his third RBI when first baseman Jeff Larish misplayed his grounder for an error. Verlander retired Giambi, but Xavier Nady's RBI single increased the lead to 7-1 and drove the right-hander from the game. Matsui delivered another RBI single against lefty Bobby Seay for the final run of the inning.

A Gary Sheffield second inning home run was countered by RBI singles by Abreu and A-Rod, and a sac fly by Nady built the lead to 11-2. But Ponson met his Waterloo in the fourth. A Brandon Inge 2-run home run got things started. A hit and a walk put two more men aboard, and then, for the second time in three games, Robinson Cano made a crucial error that helped make for a big inning.

Joe Girardi saw enough and sent for Ramirez, who gave up a sac fly to Magglio Ordonez, and a 2-run blast to Miguel Cabrera. A laugher had become a nail biter and Girardi was on the edge of seat when Ramirez then walked the tying runs on base. But the slight right-hander retired Larish on a pop up and struck out Inge to end the inning.

Ordonez's RBI single cut the margin to two, but Derek Jeter gave the Yankees some breathing room with a 2-run single in the sixth. The pen then finally shut the Tigers offense down. It included lefty Phil Coke's major league debut. The rookie, who was rumored to be part of the original Marte-Nady deal, struck out two in his major league debut.


News and Notes

Ivan Rodriguez got a long standing ovation, from his former home crowd, when he stepped to the plate in the second inning.

Gary Sheffield's home run was the 494th of his career, putting ahead of Fred McGriff and Lou Gehrig for 25th on the all-time list.

The Pennant Race - 8/13

AL EAST

The Red Sox gained a game on the the Rays with a win in one of the wildest games in recent memory. The Sox jumped out to a 10-0 first inning lead with David Ortiz hitting a pair of 3-run home runs. As the Fenway faithful were yelling, "This is wicked awesome!", the Rangers started chipping away and put up an eight spot in the fifth inning. Trailing 12-10, the Rangers responded with a 5-run sixth inning. Suddenly the Rangers had a 16-14 lead. But no lead is safe in Fenway and it always helps to bat last. The Sox battered the Rangers bullpen for four more runs in the eighth, capped off with Kevin Youkilis' second home run, a 3-run shot. Texas got one back off Jon Papelbon in the ninth, but the Red Sox held on for a 19-17 win.

The Red Sox look like they have one more loss though, Mike Lowell to the DL with a strained oblique. Shortstop Julio Lugo isn't expected back until September, so Youkilis will probably move to third base, with Sean Casey taking over at first.

Meanwhile A's rookie Gio Gonzalez picked up his first major league victory with five innings of work in Oakland's 2-1 win over Tampa. The Rays have to be concerned about their offense now with Evan Longoria out until approximately September 1, and Carl Crawford done for the season with a tendon tear in his finger. One month of Barry Bonds? A deal for Gary Sheffield?


AL CENTRAL

The White Sox leaped over the Twins and back into first place with a 9-0 white washing of the Royals. Javier Vazquez struck out 10 in eight innings to improve to 9-10. The home run happy Chisox got blasts from Jermaine Dye, A.J. Pierzyinski, and Nick Swisher.

Tigers owner Mike Illitch had enough of Gary Sheffield's mouth and ordered the team to put him on waivers. Sheffield responded by hitting two home runs. The Tigers look like they may also shut down Joel Zumaya with continuing arm problems.


AL WEST

The Angels won for a change, 7-3 over Seattle. K-Rod picked up his 44th save. Mark Teixeira has 10 RBI in 12 games with the Halos.


NL EAST

Mets fans and radio talking heads have been getting on Johan Santana for his habit of giving up leads as soon as the Mets get them. The two time Cy Young winner blew two leads last night, but the Mets pulled out a 4-3 win when Damion Easley was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Santana earned his 10th win.

The Mets picked up a game on the Phillies, whose bullpen blew a lead late to the Dodgers. Cole Hamels departed the game with a 3-2 lead after seven innings, but Chad Durbin gave up the tying run in the eighth and J.C. Romero was tagged for a walk-off single by LA's Andre Ethier for a 4-3 loss.

The Phillies pen took another hit when it was learned that they will probably be without Tom Gordon for the rest of the year.

Hanley Ramirez's second inning 3-run home run withstood the Cardinals and a lengthy rain delay, in the Marlins' 4-3 win. Rookie Chris Volstad outpitched 13-game winner Kyle Lohse for his fourth win.


NL CENTRAL

With the Cubs and Braves rained out, the Brewers were able to gain a half-game in the standings with a 5-2 win over the Padres. Jeff Suppan pitched 4-hit ball for eight innings and Mike Cameron and Prince Fielder went deep.


NL WEST

The Diamondbacks retained their one game lead on the Dodgers with a 4-2 triumph over the Rockies. Randy Johnson earned his 10th win of the season and career win number 294. Newcomer Adam Dunn was 1-3 with 2 walks and 2 strikeouts.

The Arizona Republic reported that Micah Owings may be one of the players going to Cincinnati in exchange for Dunn.

The Pennant Race - 8/13

AL EAST

The Red Sox gained a game on the the Rays with a win in one of the wildest games in recent memory. The Sox jumped out to a 10-0 first inning lead with David Ortiz hitting a pair of 3-run home runs. As the Fenway faithful were yelling, "This is wicked awesome!", the Rangers started chipping away and put up an eight spot in the fifth inning. Trailing 12-10, the Rangers responded with a 5-run sixth inning. Suddenly the Rangers had a 16-14 lead. But no lead is safe in Fenway and it always helps to bat last. The Sox battered the Rangers bullpen for four more runs in the eighth, capped off with Kevin Youkilis' second home run, a 3-run shot. Texas got one back off Jon Papelbon in the ninth, but the Red Sox held on for a 19-17 win.

The Red Sox look like they have one more loss though, Mike Lowell to the DL with a strained oblique. Shortstop Julio Lugo isn't expected back until September, so Youkilis will probably move to third base, with Sean Casey taking over at first.

Meanwhile A's rookie Gio Gonzalez picked up his first major league victory with five innings of work in Oakland's 2-1 win over Tampa. The Rays have to be concerned about their offense now with Evan Longoria out until approximately September 1, and Carl Crawford done for the season with a tendon tear in his finger. One month of Barry Bonds? A deal for Gary Sheffield?


AL CENTRAL

The White Sox leaped over the Twins and back into first place with a 9-0 white washing of the Royals. Javier Vazquez struck out 10 in eight innings to improve to 9-10. The home run happy Chisox got blasts from Jermaine Dye, A.J. Pierzyinski, and Nick Swisher.

Tigers owner Mike Illitch had enough of Gary Sheffield's mouth and ordered the team to put him on waivers. Sheffield responded by hitting two home runs. The Tigers look like they may also shut down Joel Zumaya with continuing arm problems.


AL WEST

The Angels won for a change, 7-3 over Seattle. K-Rod picked up his 44th save. Mark Teixeira has 10 RBI in 12 games with the Halos.


NL EAST

Mets fans and radio talking heads have been getting on Johan Santana for his habit of giving up leads as soon as the Mets get them. The two time Cy Young winner blew two leads last night, but the Mets pulled out a 4-3 win when Damion Easley was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Santana earned his 10th win.

The Mets picked up a game on the Phillies, whose bullpen blew a lead late to the Dodgers. Cole Hamels departed the game with a 3-2 lead after seven innings, but Chad Durbin gave up the tying run in the eighth and J.C. Romero was tagged for a walk-off single by LA's Andre Ethier for a 4-3 loss.

The Phillies pen took another hit when it was learned that they will probably be without Tom Gordon for the rest of the year.

Hanley Ramirez's second inning 3-run home run withstood the Cardinals and a lengthy rain delay, in the Marlins' 4-3 win. Rookie Chris Volstad outpitched 13-game winner Kyle Lohse for his fourth win.


NL CENTRAL

With the Cubs and Braves rained out, the Brewers were able to gain a half-game in the standings with a 5-2 win over the Padres. Jeff Suppan pitched 4-hit ball for eight innings and Mike Cameron and Prince Fielder went deep.


NL WEST

The Diamondbacks retained their one game lead on the Dodgers with a 4-2 triumph over the Rockies. Randy Johnson earned his 10th win of the season and career win number 294. Newcomer Adam Dunn was 1-3 with 2 walks and 2 strikeouts.

The Arizona Republic reported that Micah Owings may be one of the players going to Cincinnati in exchange for Dunn.

Around the Horn - 5/27

Willie Randolph survived a Monday meeting with management, but for how long?. The verdict, "he's still manager, for now". That's not a rave. Then the Mets went out and looked flat against the NL East leading Marlins and lost 7-3. Luis Gonzalez drove in 3 runs to out do Jose Reyes who hit a pair of solo home runs. Mike Pelfrey was awful yet again in taking the loss. Perhaps he's been vastly overrated by Mets management.

Another manager hanging by a thread is Mariners skipper John McLaren. And you can understand how the front office would be upset with him after his handling of young gun Felix Hernandez yesterday. Hernandez and Bartolo Colon were locked in a great pitchers duel as the Mariners and Red Sox met. The game was tied 1-1 in the 8th when The King rang into trouble.

Sean Casey singled before Hernandez got 2 quick ground outs. It appeared he might escape trouble and maybe that's why McLaren left him in so long. Dustin Pedroia's ground rule double scored pinch-runner Julio Lugo to put the Sox up 2-1. The Mariners elected to walk David Ortiz and pitch to Manny Ramirez. That backfired when Ramirez singled to right. 3-1 Sox. Maybe a good time to take Hernandez out. No? An infield single by Mike Lowell made it 4-1. Okay, pull him now. No? A J.D. Drew single loaded the bases. You have to take him out now. NO???

McLaren finally pulled Hernandez after he walked Jason Varitek to force in a run. Great job taking a kid's great game and turning it into a fiasco. The Mariners scored twice in the bottom of the 9th, but it was too little too late at that point. Perhaps it might not have been had McLaren had the smarts to go to the bullpen about 4 batters earlier.

Clint Hurdle and the Rockies front office must be wondering what happened to their playoff team from a year ago. Granted the Rockies weren't much better at this time last year, just 3 games ahead of their current (20-31) pace. But the great pitching they got in '07 has not been there. Yesterday they were pounded by the Phillies 20-5. Chase Utley homered and drove in 6 runs and Chris Coste and Pedro Feliz knocked in 4 runs each. Jamie Moyer picked up career win #235.

No such outburst in Anaheim, where it took 12 innings before anyone scored. The Angels pulled out a 1-0 win over the Tigers when Garrett Anderson drew a bases loaded walk. Jose Arredondo picked up his first major league victory. Starters Kenny Rogers and John Garland both threw 7 scoreless innings. Gary Sheffield had to leave the game with an oblique injury and will be re-evaluated today.

Eric Hinske belted a 3-run home run to help boost the Rays to a 7-3 win over the Rangers. The victory moved the Rays to 11 games over .500. Scott Kazmir was dealing- 3 hits and 10 Ks over 7 innings. Meanwhile Sidney Ponson crashed back to earth with a 5 inning, 5 run, 12 hit performance.

Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez homered and Ryan Dempster improved to 6-2 in the Cubs 3-1 win over the Dodgers. Kerry Wood picked up his 11th save.

Team meetings don't always work. Royals manager Trey Hillman tried it before yesterday's game with the Blue Jays. But a few hours later the Royals had lost their 8th straight, 7-2. Marco Scutaro and Greg Zaun homered to help Shaun Marcum improve to 5-3, 2.64.

Gabe Kapler's 11th inning single gave the Brewers a 4-3 win over the Nationals.

The Indians and White Sox went 12 innings before the Chisox scored 3 times for a 6-3 win. Starters Javier Vazquez and Paul Byrd each allowed 3 runs in 6 innings. The Indians had to know they were in trouble when they put Scott Elarton into the game to start the 12th.

The Braves beat the Diamondbacks 7-3 to hand Brandon Webb his second consecutive loss. The right-hander allowed 7 runs, 4 of them earned, in just 4.1 innings pitched. Jair Jurrjens couldn't go 5 to get the win, but the Braves bullpen did an excellent job over the final 4.1 innings. Mark Texeira lead the offense with 4 RBI and Brian McCann homered.

News and Notes

Mets outfielder Ryan Church will be examined by a neurologist today due to lingering effects from the concussion he suffered last week.

The Reds are reportedly calling up top prospect Jay Bruce today which could mean the end of Scott Hatteberg's days in Cincy.

Around the Horn - 5/27

Willie Randolph survived a Monday meeting with management, but for how long?. The verdict, "he's still manager, for now". That's not a rave. Then the Mets went out and looked flat against the NL East leading Marlins and lost 7-3. Luis Gonzalez drove in 3 runs to out do Jose Reyes who hit a pair of solo home runs. Mike Pelfrey was awful yet again in taking the loss. Perhaps he's been vastly overrated by Mets management.

Another manager hanging by a thread is Mariners skipper John McLaren. And you can understand how the front office would be upset with him after his handling of young gun Felix Hernandez yesterday. Hernandez and Bartolo Colon were locked in a great pitchers duel as the Mariners and Red Sox met. The game was tied 1-1 in the 8th when The King rang into trouble.

Sean Casey singled before Hernandez got 2 quick ground outs. It appeared he might escape trouble and maybe that's why McLaren left him in so long. Dustin Pedroia's ground rule double scored pinch-runner Julio Lugo to put the Sox up 2-1. The Mariners elected to walk David Ortiz and pitch to Manny Ramirez. That backfired when Ramirez singled to right. 3-1 Sox. Maybe a good time to take Hernandez out. No? An infield single by Mike Lowell made it 4-1. Okay, pull him now. No? A J.D. Drew single loaded the bases. You have to take him out now. NO???

McLaren finally pulled Hernandez after he walked Jason Varitek to force in a run. Great job taking a kid's great game and turning it into a fiasco. The Mariners scored twice in the bottom of the 9th, but it was too little too late at that point. Perhaps it might not have been had McLaren had the smarts to go to the bullpen about 4 batters earlier.

Clint Hurdle and the Rockies front office must be wondering what happened to their playoff team from a year ago. Granted the Rockies weren't much better at this time last year, just 3 games ahead of their current (20-31) pace. But the great pitching they got in '07 has not been there. Yesterday they were pounded by the Phillies 20-5. Chase Utley homered and drove in 6 runs and Chris Coste and Pedro Feliz knocked in 4 runs each. Jamie Moyer picked up career win #235.

No such outburst in Anaheim, where it took 12 innings before anyone scored. The Angels pulled out a 1-0 win over the Tigers when Garrett Anderson drew a bases loaded walk. Jose Arredondo picked up his first major league victory. Starters Kenny Rogers and John Garland both threw 7 scoreless innings. Gary Sheffield had to leave the game with an oblique injury and will be re-evaluated today.

Eric Hinske belted a 3-run home run to help boost the Rays to a 7-3 win over the Rangers. The victory moved the Rays to 11 games over .500. Scott Kazmir was dealing- 3 hits and 10 Ks over 7 innings. Meanwhile Sidney Ponson crashed back to earth with a 5 inning, 5 run, 12 hit performance.

Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez homered and Ryan Dempster improved to 6-2 in the Cubs 3-1 win over the Dodgers. Kerry Wood picked up his 11th save.

Team meetings don't always work. Royals manager Trey Hillman tried it before yesterday's game with the Blue Jays. But a few hours later the Royals had lost their 8th straight, 7-2. Marco Scutaro and Greg Zaun homered to help Shaun Marcum improve to 5-3, 2.64.

Gabe Kapler's 11th inning single gave the Brewers a 4-3 win over the Nationals.

The Indians and White Sox went 12 innings before the Chisox scored 3 times for a 6-3 win. Starters Javier Vazquez and Paul Byrd each allowed 3 runs in 6 innings. The Indians had to know they were in trouble when they put Scott Elarton into the game to start the 12th.

The Braves beat the Diamondbacks 7-3 to hand Brandon Webb his second consecutive loss. The right-hander allowed 7 runs, 4 of them earned, in just 4.1 innings pitched. Jair Jurrjens couldn't go 5 to get the win, but the Braves bullpen did an excellent job over the final 4.1 innings. Mark Texeira lead the offense with 4 RBI and Brian McCann homered.

News and Notes

Mets outfielder Ryan Church will be examined by a neurologist today due to lingering effects from the concussion he suffered last week.

The Reds are reportedly calling up top prospect Jay Bruce today which could mean the end of Scott Hatteberg's days in Cincy.

Yankees Can't Overcome Igawa

Sorry for the late recap, we were catching up on some much needed sleep. Last night's game pretty much went as we expected. When you score 5 runs in a major league baseball game, you should win said game. But when Kei Igawa is your starting pitcher, 5 runs is just not enough. Igawa gave up 6 in 3 innings (we had predicted 5 in 3.1, not bad) and a Yankees rally fell short in the 9th as the Tigers held on for a 6-5 win.

Ivan Rodriguez doubled to lead off the 1st and scored two batters later on a sac fly by Carlos Guillen to give the Tigers a 1-0 lead just 3 batters into their lineup. Igawa managed to have a 1-2-3 2nd inning after Jason Giambi tied the game with his team leading 7th home run against Kenny Rogers, but Igawa ran smack into trouble again in the 3rd.

Ryan Rayburn reached on an infield single and came home all the way from 1st on Rodriguez's second double of the game. Placido Polanco's bunt single put runners on the corners and 1 out later, Magglio Ordonez singled through the left side for a 3-1 Tigers lead. Igawa retired Miguel Cabrera, but Gary Sheffield doubled down the left field line (the left field line got more action than any Yankees infielder) for a 4-1 advantage.

Joe Girardi was hoping to save some wear and tear on his pen, but after Igawa gave up four straight singles, including RBI hits by Rodriguez and Polanco, to open the 4th, he had no choice but to go to Jonathan Albaladejo.

The Yankees bullpen kept the team in the game, though Albaladejo had to leave the game in the 6th inning with an elbow injury and is headed for the disabled list. A double by Robinson Cano ended Rogers night in the 7th, and he came around on Chad Moeller's RBI single to cut the lead to 6-2.

In the 9th the Yankees rallied against Tigers closer Todd Jones, who was came on for a non-save situation. Wilson Betemit doubled, moved to 3rd on a wild pitch, and came home on Cano's ground out. Johnny Damon pinch-hit and beat out a slow grounder for an infield single. He moved to 3rd on another wild pitch and a Melky Cabrera ground out and scored on Derek Jeter's single. Jeter moved to 2nd on fielder's indifference and scored on Bobby Abreu's RBI double. Suddenly a blow out was a 6-5 game and the Yankees had the tying run on 2nd Base.

Jim Leyland elected to intentionally walk Hideki Matsui, whose 17-game hitting streak came to an end, to face Shelley Duncan. The big 1st Baseman got wood on the ball, but skied to Curtis Granderson in center field to end the game.

News and Notes

Jonathan Albaladejo said he felt like a needle was in his elbow and a burning sensation accompanied it. Maybe instead of Chris Britton making his umpteenth trip up, we'll finally see Scott Patterson. Nah.

Derek Jeter has started the season with a home run in 128 at-bats, the longest such streak of his career.

Kei Igawa is still slated for a start against the Rays next Wednesday. Why not just forfeit the game now and send everyone to the movies?

May 9, 2008

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
NY Yankees	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	3		5	14	3
Detroit	1	0	3	2	0	0	0	0	X		6	13	0

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Cabrera, CF	5	0	2	0	0	0	2	.277
Jeter, SS	4	1	2	1	1	0	3	.305
Abreu, RF	4	0	1	1	1	2	3	.297
Matsui, LF	4	0	0	0	1	0	4	.333
Duncan, S, 1B	5	0	1	0	0	0	2	.194
Giambi, DH	4	1	2	1	0	0	0	.178
Betemit, 3B	4	1	2	0	0	0	2	.250
Cano, 2B	4	1	2	1	0	0	0	.182
Moeller, C	3	0	1	1	0	1	1	.290
a-Damon, PH	1	1	1	0	0	0	0	.286
Totals	38	5	14	5	3	3	17
a-Singled for Moeller in the 9th.
BATTING 2B: Cabrera (5, Rogers), Giambi (5, Rogers), Cano (5, Rogers), Betemit (1, Jones, T), Abreu (6, Jones, T). HR: Giambi (7, 2nd inning off Rogers, 0 on, 1 out). TB: Cabrera 3; Jeter 2; Abreu 2; Duncan, S; Giambi 6; Betemit 3; Cano 3; Moeller; Damon. RBI: Giambi (19), Moeller (4), Cano (11), Jeter (17), Abreu (22). 2-out RBI: Jeter; Abreu. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Matsui; Betemit 2; Duncan, S. GIDP: Matsui; Jeter. Team LOB: 9. BASERUNNING PO: Betemit (1st base by Rogers). FIELDING E: Matsui (1, fielding), Moeller (2, throw), Betemit (1, fielding). Outfield assists: Abreu (Rodriguez at 3rd base). DP: 2 (Abreu-Cano-Betemit, Betemit-Cano-Duncan, S).

NY Yankees	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Igawa (L, 0-1)	3.0	11	6	6	0	0	0	18.00
Albaladejo	2.1	2	0	0	1	2	0	3.95
Hawkins	1.2	0	0	0	0	1	0	6.38
Ramirez	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.00

Detroit	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Rodriguez, C	4	2	3	2	1	0	1	.269
Polanco, 2B	4	1	2	1	0	0	3	.280
Guillen, 3B	3	0	0	1	0	0	6	.305
Ordonez, RF	4	0	2	1	0	1	1	.309
Cabrera, 1B	4	0	1	0	0	0	3	.252
Sheffield, LF	4	0	1	1	0	1	1	.204
Joyce, LF	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.182
Renteria, SS	4	0	0	0	0	0	2	.272
Thames, DH	4	1	1	0	0	1	1	.260
Raburn, CF	2	2	2	0	0	0	0	.304
Granderson, CF	2	0	1	0	0	1	1	.262
Totals	35	6	13	6	1	4	19
BATTING 2B: Rodriguez 2 (12, Igawa, Igawa), Ordonez (9, Igawa), Sheffield (5, Igawa). TB: Rodriguez 5; Polanco 2; Ordonez 3; Cabrera; Sheffield 2; Thames; Raburn 2; Granderson. RBI: Guillen (15), Rodriguez 2 (16), Ordonez (25), Sheffield (7), Polanco (13). 2-out RBI: Sheffield. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Cabrera; Renteria 2; Ordonez; Guillen; Rodriguez. SF: Guillen. GIDP: Sheffield. Team LOB: 7. BASERUNNING SB: Granderson (2, 2nd base off Albaladejo/Moeller), Polanco (2, 2nd base off Albaladejo/Moeller). FIELDING DP: 2 (Rogers-Renteria-Cabrera, Polanco-Renteria-Cabrera). Pickoffs: Rogers (Betemit at 1st base).

Detroit IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA Rogers (W, 3-3) 6.0 9 2 2 2 3 1 5.82 Miner 2.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 8.41 Jones, T 1.0 4 3 3 1 0 0 4.50

Igawa pitched to 4 batters in the 4th. Rogers pitched to 1 batter in the 7th. WP: Ramirez, Miner, Jones, T 2. IBB: Matsui (by Jones, T). Pitches-strikes: Igawa 64-41, Albaladejo 36-17, Hawkins 12-10, Ramirez 13-8, Rogers 97-57, Miner 28-16, Jones, T 25-15. Ground outs-fly outs: Igawa 2-7, Albaladejo 3-1, Hawkins 3-1, Ramirez 1-1, Rogers 8-6, Miner 4-2, Jones, T 2-1. Batters faced: Igawa 20, Albaladejo 8, Hawkins 5, Ramirez 4, Rogers 26, Miner 7, Jones, T 8. Inherited runners-scored: Albaladejo 2-0, Hawkins 2-0, Miner 1-1. Umpires: HP: Jerry Meals. 1B: Bill Miller. 2B: Paul Emmel. 3B: Gary Darling. Weather: 60 degrees, partly cloudy. Wind: 8 mph, L to R. T: 3:03. Att: 44,062.

Yankees Can't Overcome Igawa

Sorry for the late recap, we were catching up on some much needed sleep. Last night's game pretty much went as we expected. When you score 5 runs in a major league baseball game, you should win said game. But when Kei Igawa is your starting pitcher, 5 runs is just not enough. Igawa gave up 6 in 3 innings (we had predicted 5 in 3.1, not bad) and a Yankees rally fell short in the 9th as the Tigers held on for a 6-5 win.

Ivan Rodriguez doubled to lead off the 1st and scored two batters later on a sac fly by Carlos Guillen to give the Tigers a 1-0 lead just 3 batters into their lineup. Igawa managed to have a 1-2-3 2nd inning after Jason Giambi tied the game with his team leading 7th home run against Kenny Rogers, but Igawa ran smack into trouble again in the 3rd.

Ryan Rayburn reached on an infield single and came home all the way from 1st on Rodriguez's second double of the game. Placido Polanco's bunt single put runners on the corners and 1 out later, Magglio Ordonez singled through the left side for a 3-1 Tigers lead. Igawa retired Miguel Cabrera, but Gary Sheffield doubled down the left field line (the left field line got more action than any Yankees infielder) for a 4-1 advantage.

Joe Girardi was hoping to save some wear and tear on his pen, but after Igawa gave up four straight singles, including RBI hits by Rodriguez and Polanco, to open the 4th, he had no choice but to go to Jonathan Albaladejo.

The Yankees bullpen kept the team in the game, though Albaladejo had to leave the game in the 6th inning with an elbow injury and is headed for the disabled list. A double by Robinson Cano ended Rogers night in the 7th, and he came around on Chad Moeller's RBI single to cut the lead to 6-2.

In the 9th the Yankees rallied against Tigers closer Todd Jones, who was came on for a non-save situation. Wilson Betemit doubled, moved to 3rd on a wild pitch, and came home on Cano's ground out. Johnny Damon pinch-hit and beat out a slow grounder for an infield single. He moved to 3rd on another wild pitch and a Melky Cabrera ground out and scored on Derek Jeter's single. Jeter moved to 2nd on fielder's indifference and scored on Bobby Abreu's RBI double. Suddenly a blow out was a 6-5 game and the Yankees had the tying run on 2nd Base.

Jim Leyland elected to intentionally walk Hideki Matsui, whose 17-game hitting streak came to an end, to face Shelley Duncan. The big 1st Baseman got wood on the ball, but skied to Curtis Granderson in center field to end the game.

News and Notes

Jonathan Albaladejo said he felt like a needle was in his elbow and a burning sensation accompanied it. Maybe instead of Chris Britton making his umpteenth trip up, we'll finally see Scott Patterson. Nah.

Derek Jeter has started the season with a home run in 128 at-bats, the longest such streak of his career.

Kei Igawa is still slated for a start against the Rays next Wednesday. Why not just forfeit the game now and send everyone to the movies?

May 9, 2008

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
NY Yankees	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	3		5	14	3
Detroit	1	0	3	2	0	0	0	0	X		6	13	0

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Cabrera, CF	5	0	2	0	0	0	2	.277
Jeter, SS	4	1	2	1	1	0	3	.305
Abreu, RF	4	0	1	1	1	2	3	.297
Matsui, LF	4	0	0	0	1	0	4	.333
Duncan, S, 1B	5	0	1	0	0	0	2	.194
Giambi, DH	4	1	2	1	0	0	0	.178
Betemit, 3B	4	1	2	0	0	0	2	.250
Cano, 2B	4	1	2	1	0	0	0	.182
Moeller, C	3	0	1	1	0	1	1	.290
a-Damon, PH	1	1	1	0	0	0	0	.286
Totals	38	5	14	5	3	3	17
a-Singled for Moeller in the 9th.
BATTING 2B: Cabrera (5, Rogers), Giambi (5, Rogers), Cano (5, Rogers), Betemit (1, Jones, T), Abreu (6, Jones, T). HR: Giambi (7, 2nd inning off Rogers, 0 on, 1 out). TB: Cabrera 3; Jeter 2; Abreu 2; Duncan, S; Giambi 6; Betemit 3; Cano 3; Moeller; Damon. RBI: Giambi (19), Moeller (4), Cano (11), Jeter (17), Abreu (22). 2-out RBI: Jeter; Abreu. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Matsui; Betemit 2; Duncan, S. GIDP: Matsui; Jeter. Team LOB: 9. BASERUNNING PO: Betemit (1st base by Rogers). FIELDING E: Matsui (1, fielding), Moeller (2, throw), Betemit (1, fielding). Outfield assists: Abreu (Rodriguez at 3rd base). DP: 2 (Abreu-Cano-Betemit, Betemit-Cano-Duncan, S).

NY Yankees	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Igawa (L, 0-1)	3.0	11	6	6	0	0	0	18.00
Albaladejo	2.1	2	0	0	1	2	0	3.95
Hawkins	1.2	0	0	0	0	1	0	6.38
Ramirez	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.00

Detroit	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Rodriguez, C	4	2	3	2	1	0	1	.269
Polanco, 2B	4	1	2	1	0	0	3	.280
Guillen, 3B	3	0	0	1	0	0	6	.305
Ordonez, RF	4	0	2	1	0	1	1	.309
Cabrera, 1B	4	0	1	0	0	0	3	.252
Sheffield, LF	4	0	1	1	0	1	1	.204
Joyce, LF	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.182
Renteria, SS	4	0	0	0	0	0	2	.272
Thames, DH	4	1	1	0	0	1	1	.260
Raburn, CF	2	2	2	0	0	0	0	.304
Granderson, CF	2	0	1	0	0	1	1	.262
Totals	35	6	13	6	1	4	19
BATTING 2B: Rodriguez 2 (12, Igawa, Igawa), Ordonez (9, Igawa), Sheffield (5, Igawa). TB: Rodriguez 5; Polanco 2; Ordonez 3; Cabrera; Sheffield 2; Thames; Raburn 2; Granderson. RBI: Guillen (15), Rodriguez 2 (16), Ordonez (25), Sheffield (7), Polanco (13). 2-out RBI: Sheffield. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Cabrera; Renteria 2; Ordonez; Guillen; Rodriguez. SF: Guillen. GIDP: Sheffield. Team LOB: 7. BASERUNNING SB: Granderson (2, 2nd base off Albaladejo/Moeller), Polanco (2, 2nd base off Albaladejo/Moeller). FIELDING DP: 2 (Rogers-Renteria-Cabrera, Polanco-Renteria-Cabrera). Pickoffs: Rogers (Betemit at 1st base).

Detroit IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA Rogers (W, 3-3) 6.0 9 2 2 2 3 1 5.82 Miner 2.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 8.41 Jones, T 1.0 4 3 3 1 0 0 4.50

Igawa pitched to 4 batters in the 4th. Rogers pitched to 1 batter in the 7th. WP: Ramirez, Miner, Jones, T 2. IBB: Matsui (by Jones, T). Pitches-strikes: Igawa 64-41, Albaladejo 36-17, Hawkins 12-10, Ramirez 13-8, Rogers 97-57, Miner 28-16, Jones, T 25-15. Ground outs-fly outs: Igawa 2-7, Albaladejo 3-1, Hawkins 3-1, Ramirez 1-1, Rogers 8-6, Miner 4-2, Jones, T 2-1. Batters faced: Igawa 20, Albaladejo 8, Hawkins 5, Ramirez 4, Rogers 26, Miner 7, Jones, T 8. Inherited runners-scored: Albaladejo 2-0, Hawkins 2-0, Miner 1-1. Umpires: HP: Jerry Meals. 1B: Bill Miller. 2B: Paul Emmel. 3B: Gary Darling. Weather: 60 degrees, partly cloudy. Wind: 8 mph, L to R. T: 3:03. Att: 44,062.