MLB Hall of Fame Time: Why is it the Most Miserable Time of the Year?

Finding out which players, executives, announcers, etc. were elected to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame used to be one of the most exciting, highly anticipated days of the year. Then the Internet and social media took off and suddenly a day that should be joyous for a number of people became overshadowed by the disdain nominees, fans, and media - specifically the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) had for one another.

With the announcement coming up tomorrow, Wednesday, the fury has already gotten off to a great start thanks to MLB.com beat writer Ken Gurnick. As part of this year's process, all of the MLB.com writers made their ballots public on Tuesday which put a bullseye right on Gurnick's back due to this statement by the Dodgers' beat writer:

"(Jack) Morris has flaws -- a 3.90 ERA, for example. But he gets my vote for more than a decade of ace performance that included three 20-win seasons, Cy Young Award votes in seven seasons and Most Valuable Player Award votes in five. As for those who played during the period of PED use, I won't vote for any of them."

With that simple act Gurnick threw the baby out with the bathwater. It means he completely ignored legitimate candidates like pitcher Greg Maddux and slugger Frank Thomas. It also means there will still be no unanimous electee to the Hall. It's also an embarrassment to the game and to those are tasked with the privilege of electing the Hall entrants.

While I agree that players that were caught or admitted using performance enhancing drugs should not gain entrance to the Hall, you cannot lump other players (i.e. Jeff Bagwell) that you believe were PED users in with the "bad guys". And you certainly shouldn't be leaving out those, like Thomas, who have been anti-PED activists.

This year's election process also became farcicle when one voter sold a ballot to Deadspin.com, which then allowed its readers to fill out the ballot. Deadspin is trying to make a point of how much the process has degraded over the years, but the anonymous seller of the ballot should be permanently stripped of the honor of being part of the vote.

My ballot, if I had a vote, would look like this:

Greg Maddux
Frank Thomas
Jack Morris
Craig Biggio
Jeff Bagwell
Mike Piazza
Tom Glavine

FullCountPitch | July Trades Bring August Gambles

Wandy Rodriguez will be among those dangled on waivers

With the trade deadline concluded a week ago Sunday, teams must now pass players through waivers to deal with any team. All waivers are revocable, so general managers can dangle any players out there and not worry about automatically losing them.

Just to quickly recap the rules…if a player is claimed by one team on waivers, that is the only team the orginal team can try to make a trade with. If more than one team makes a claim, the team with the worst record is the only team that can make a deal. If the player’s team pulls him back off waivers, he can still be put on waivers again in September. However, if anyone claims the player at that time, he is all their’s, free and clear.

Teams will pick up players as late as September even if it means said player isn’t eligible for the post-season. The 1977 Yankees were a powerhouse, but still grabbed Dave Kingman for the stretch run. “Kong” hit four home runs in eight games and slugged his way to an 1.167 OPS. (Imagine if Kingman and Hideki "Godzilla" Matsui ever had the chance to oppose each other.)

Then there are the gamblers, like White Sox GM Kenny Williams who claimed Alex Rios and his over the top contract. Rios’ current employer, the Toronto Blue Jays, said “He’s all yours”. It used to be no one would be claimed on waivers, effectively allowing any trades to be worked out. But then teams started saying the hell with that and blocked deals by claiming players to prevent the competition from getting him. The Yankees got saddled with Jose Canseco in 2000 when they claimed him just to keep him away from the Red Sox.

Other players have had a major impact on their new team. Outfielder Cody Ross was a key component to the Giants World Series title after being picked up on August 21. So who might be dealt post-deadline in 2011, or outright grabbed on waivers? Who might a team take a chance on?

Read the rest of this free article at FullCountPitch.com.

Vegas Update - Day 1 - 4:45 EST

Dodgers GM Ned Colletti denied an earlier report that LA and the Yankees were discussing a Robinson Cano-Matt Kemp deal. Colletti is also unhappy about the progress, or lack thereof, in negotiating with Manny Ramirez and his agents. NY Post

The Dodgers may have some good news shortly though according to Yahoo Sports' Tim Brown who says that the team is close to a new pact with Casey Blake.

Greg Maddux made it official, announcing his retirement today after 19 seasons in the bigs.

The NY Post's Joel Sherman feels that a Jake Peavy to the Cubs deal could still get done this week. We wonder if the Cubs ownership filing for bankruptcy will affect that. According to LoHud's Pete Abraham, Padres GM Kevin Towers reiterated that Peavy wants no part of the Yankees or any other AL team. We have two words for you Jake. I think you can guess what they are.

The Baltimore Sun's local rumor of the day is a possible deal of catcher Ramon Hernandez to the Reds.

Vegas Update - Day 1 - 4:45 EST

Dodgers GM Ned Colletti denied an earlier report that LA and the Yankees were discussing a Robinson Cano-Matt Kemp deal. Colletti is also unhappy about the progress, or lack thereof, in negotiating with Manny Ramirez and his agents. NY Post

The Dodgers may have some good news shortly though according to Yahoo Sports' Tim Brown who says that the team is close to a new pact with Casey Blake.

Greg Maddux made it official, announcing his retirement today after 19 seasons in the bigs.

The NY Post's Joel Sherman feels that a Jake Peavy to the Cubs deal could still get done this week. We wonder if the Cubs ownership filing for bankruptcy will affect that. According to LoHud's Pete Abraham, Padres GM Kevin Towers reiterated that Peavy wants no part of the Yankees or any other AL team. We have two words for you Jake. I think you can guess what they are.

The Baltimore Sun's local rumor of the day is a possible deal of catcher Ramon Hernandez to the Reds.

Booing Suspended in City of Brotherly Love

Philadelphia fans love to boo their teams as much as they love to cheer them, but there will be no booing tonight. The Phillies have advanced to the World Series for the first time since 1993 by defeating the Dodgers tonight, 5-1. The Phillies won their sixth National League pennant in five games, taking the series 4 games to 1.

Jimmy Rollins got the Phillies rolling right off the bat, leading off the ball game with a solo home run off of Dodgers starter Chad Billingsley. The Phillies added two more in the third inning, knocking out Billingsley after 2.2 innings. Billingsley, who won 16 regular season games and beat the Cubs in the NLDS, lasted on 2.1 innings in his prior NLCS start in game 2.

Phillies starter Cole Hamels on the other hand was outstanding once again, winning his second game of the series. Hamels, who allowed just 3 runs in the 14 innings, picked up the series MVP award.

Rollins ignited things again in the third with a one out walk and a stolen base. Billingsley struck out Jayson Werth, but walked Chase Utley. Ryan Howard, who had been 2-19 in the series before finishing 6 for his last 12, picked up his first of three hits, an RBI single to right. Pat Burrell added an RBI single for a 3-o lead.

A shoddy Dodgers defense helped put the game out of reach in the fifth. Singles by Werth and Howard put runners on the first and second with one out. Greg Maddux got Burrell to hit a potential double play ball grounder to short, but Rafael Furcal kicked the ball into left field to allow a run to score. After an intentional walk to Shane Victorino loaded the bases, Maddux struck out Pedro Feliz, but Furcal threw away Carlos Ruiz's grounder for a fifth run.

The Dodgers picked up their only run in the sixth on Manny Ramirez's solo home run, his first of the series. Phils' manager Charlie Manuel went to his usual bullpen men to close things out, using Ryan Madson in the 8th and Brad Lidge in the 9th. Nomar Garciaparra fouled out to Ruiz for the final out.

Box Score

Booing Suspended in City of Brotherly Love

Philadelphia fans love to boo their teams as much as they love to cheer them, but there will be no booing tonight. The Phillies have advanced to the World Series for the first time since 1993 by defeating the Dodgers tonight, 5-1. The Phillies won their sixth National League pennant in five games, taking the series 4 games to 1.

Jimmy Rollins got the Phillies rolling right off the bat, leading off the ball game with a solo home run off of Dodgers starter Chad Billingsley. The Phillies added two more in the third inning, knocking out Billingsley after 2.2 innings. Billingsley, who won 16 regular season games and beat the Cubs in the NLDS, lasted on 2.1 innings in his prior NLCS start in game 2.

Phillies starter Cole Hamels on the other hand was outstanding once again, winning his second game of the series. Hamels, who allowed just 3 runs in the 14 innings, picked up the series MVP award.

Rollins ignited things again in the third with a one out walk and a stolen base. Billingsley struck out Jayson Werth, but walked Chase Utley. Ryan Howard, who had been 2-19 in the series before finishing 6 for his last 12, picked up his first of three hits, an RBI single to right. Pat Burrell added an RBI single for a 3-o lead.

A shoddy Dodgers defense helped put the game out of reach in the fifth. Singles by Werth and Howard put runners on the first and second with one out. Greg Maddux got Burrell to hit a potential double play ball grounder to short, but Rafael Furcal kicked the ball into left field to allow a run to score. After an intentional walk to Shane Victorino loaded the bases, Maddux struck out Pedro Feliz, but Furcal threw away Carlos Ruiz's grounder for a fifth run.

The Dodgers picked up their only run in the sixth on Manny Ramirez's solo home run, his first of the series. Phils' manager Charlie Manuel went to his usual bullpen men to close things out, using Ryan Madson in the 8th and Brad Lidge in the 9th. Nomar Garciaparra fouled out to Ruiz for the final out.

Box Score

The Pennant Race - 8/28

The Mets leap frogged the Phillies back into first place in the NL East. One day after blowing a 7-0 lead, the Mets came back from a 3-1 deficit behind a pair of Carlos Delgado home runs and beat the Phillies bullpen 6-3.

Rookie Glen Perkins won his 12th game as the Twins defeated the Mariners, 6-5, to move back within a game of the White Sox in the AL Central. John Danks and Lance Broadway got shelled in the Orioles 11-3 win over Chicago. Aubrey Huff and Brian Roberts drove in three runs each.

Joe Saunders had a rare bad start, getting knocked out in the second inning as the Angels fell to the A's 6-5. The Halos are still 28 games over .500.

The Rays maintained their lead over the Red Sox with a 1-0 dazzler against the Blue Jays. Matt Garza pitched into the eighth inning to pick up his 11th win. Carlos Pena's 27th home run was the game's lone run.

Jason Marquis, Carlos Marmol, and Kerry Wood combined on a shutout as the Cubs beat the Pirates 2-0. That pushed their lead over the Brewers to six games after Milwaukee lost to the Cardinals, 5-3. The Cards struck for four runs in the eighth and now trail the Brewers by 3.5 in the NL wildcard race.

Randy Johnson pitched well for Arizona, but the Diamondbacks blew a 4-0 lead and lost to the Padres 5-4. No harm though as the Dodgers lost to the Nationals again, 5-4. Tim Redding out pitched Greg Maddux for the win.
Other News

The Indians won again, their 10th straight, beating the Tigers 9-7. Kelly Shoppach hit his career high 17th home run. The Indians lost 10 in a row earlier this season.
Josh Johnson is back for Florida and excelling. He pitched a complete game last night in the

Marlins 4-1 win over the Braves, to improve to 4-0, 3.12.
Tim Lincecum is 15-3 after the Giants beat the Rockies 4-1. Lincecum struck out 10 in 7.2 innings pitched.

The Pennant Race - 8/28

The Mets leap frogged the Phillies back into first place in the NL East. One day after blowing a 7-0 lead, the Mets came back from a 3-1 deficit behind a pair of Carlos Delgado home runs and beat the Phillies bullpen 6-3.

Rookie Glen Perkins won his 12th game as the Twins defeated the Mariners, 6-5, to move back within a game of the White Sox in the AL Central. John Danks and Lance Broadway got shelled in the Orioles 11-3 win over Chicago. Aubrey Huff and Brian Roberts drove in three runs each.

Joe Saunders had a rare bad start, getting knocked out in the second inning as the Angels fell to the A's 6-5. The Halos are still 28 games over .500.

The Rays maintained their lead over the Red Sox with a 1-0 dazzler against the Blue Jays. Matt Garza pitched into the eighth inning to pick up his 11th win. Carlos Pena's 27th home run was the game's lone run.

Jason Marquis, Carlos Marmol, and Kerry Wood combined on a shutout as the Cubs beat the Pirates 2-0. That pushed their lead over the Brewers to six games after Milwaukee lost to the Cardinals, 5-3. The Cards struck for four runs in the eighth and now trail the Brewers by 3.5 in the NL wildcard race.

Randy Johnson pitched well for Arizona, but the Diamondbacks blew a 4-0 lead and lost to the Padres 5-4. No harm though as the Dodgers lost to the Nationals again, 5-4. Tim Redding out pitched Greg Maddux for the win.
Other News

The Indians won again, their 10th straight, beating the Tigers 9-7. Kelly Shoppach hit his career high 17th home run. The Indians lost 10 in a row earlier this season.
Josh Johnson is back for Florida and excelling. He pitched a complete game last night in the

Marlins 4-1 win over the Braves, to improve to 4-0, 3.12.
Tim Lincecum is 15-3 after the Giants beat the Rockies 4-1. Lincecum struck out 10 in 7.2 innings pitched.

Breaking News: Dodgers Acquire Maddux

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that the Dodgers have acquired future Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux from the San Diego Padres. Maddux cleared waivers, but would only agree to a deal that would send him to LA.

No word on what the Padres will received in return for Maddux, who pitched for the Dodgers in 2006.

Breaking News: Dodgers Acquire Maddux

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that the Dodgers have acquired future Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux from the San Diego Padres. Maddux cleared waivers, but would only agree to a deal that would send him to LA.

No word on what the Padres will received in return for Maddux, who pitched for the Dodgers in 2006.

Hump Day Rumors - 7/30

The Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports that the Tampa Rays are in serious talks with the Pirates for outfielder Jason Bay. So far the Rays, who are notoriously difficult to deal with, aren't willing to part with a top prospect or a cache of prospects.

Adam Dunn is available, but apparently there are no takers for the moment.

Miguel Tejada was assured by the Astros front office that he won't be traded.

Jon Heyman reports that the Phillies and Red Sox are in deep talks about Manny Ramirez, and that the Phillies are the most likely destination. Speculation is that Pat Burrell would be sent north. The Marlins are also trying to work a Jeremy Hermida based deal.

The Dodgers are also interest in Manny and are thought to be putting together a deal centering on Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier, though a deal doesn't seem likely.

Before sending Mark Teixeira to the Angels, the Braves turned down a package of Micah Owings and Chad Tracy from the Diamondbacks.

The talks with the Yankees have gone cold, but the Denver Post reports that the Rockies are interested in Jarrod Washburn. The Rockies are also taking a look at their former pitcher Josh Fogg, and Tim Redding. Of course they still don't know if they are buying, selling, or combining the two.

Blue Jays catcher Greg Zaun would like to be dealt, but GM J.P. Ricciardi said there's no interest.

Royals outfielder Jose Guillen is shooting down reports that he doesn't get along with manager Trey Hillman and wants out of Kansas City.

CBS Sportsline reports that Padres pitcher Greg Maddux said no to a trade to the Phillies.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers have joined the Twins in having an interest in LaTroy Hawkins.

UPDATE - 12:03 P.M. EDT

According to the Miami Herald, the Marlins are close to acquiring left-handed reliever Arthur Rhodes from the Mariners.

Hump Day Rumors - 7/30

The Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports that the Tampa Rays are in serious talks with the Pirates for outfielder Jason Bay. So far the Rays, who are notoriously difficult to deal with, aren't willing to part with a top prospect or a cache of prospects.

Adam Dunn is available, but apparently there are no takers for the moment.

Miguel Tejada was assured by the Astros front office that he won't be traded.

Jon Heyman reports that the Phillies and Red Sox are in deep talks about Manny Ramirez, and that the Phillies are the most likely destination. Speculation is that Pat Burrell would be sent north. The Marlins are also trying to work a Jeremy Hermida based deal.

The Dodgers are also interest in Manny and are thought to be putting together a deal centering on Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier, though a deal doesn't seem likely.

Before sending Mark Teixeira to the Angels, the Braves turned down a package of Micah Owings and Chad Tracy from the Diamondbacks.

The talks with the Yankees have gone cold, but the Denver Post reports that the Rockies are interested in Jarrod Washburn. The Rockies are also taking a look at their former pitcher Josh Fogg, and Tim Redding. Of course they still don't know if they are buying, selling, or combining the two.

Blue Jays catcher Greg Zaun would like to be dealt, but GM J.P. Ricciardi said there's no interest.

Royals outfielder Jose Guillen is shooting down reports that he doesn't get along with manager Trey Hillman and wants out of Kansas City.

CBS Sportsline reports that Padres pitcher Greg Maddux said no to a trade to the Phillies.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers have joined the Twins in having an interest in LaTroy Hawkins.

UPDATE - 12:03 P.M. EDT

According to the Miami Herald, the Marlins are close to acquiring left-handed reliever Arthur Rhodes from the Mariners.

Around the Horn - 7/29

The Cubs and Brewers started their big 3-game series last night with left-handers Ted Lilly and CC Sabathia facing off. The lead seesawed back and forth with the Brewers' Russell Branyan hitting a game tying home run in the 8th. The Cubs prevailed in the 9th when Derek Lee doubled in a run and Mark DeRosa followed with an RBI single. The Cubs now lead the Brewers by 2 games in the NL Central.

The Mets have to be concerned after John Maine left yesterday's game with the Marlins with shoulder stiffness. They have to be even more concerned with a bullpen that flat out stinks. They blew 2-0 and 3-2 leads before losing 7-3 to the Marlins.

Greg Maddux's winless streak finally ended at 14 games when the Padres topped the 1st place Diamondbacks last night, 8-5. It was career win number 351.

Neither the Dodgers or Rockies could gain ground on the Dbacks as they both lost as well. The Dodgers nearly rallied from a 7-0 deficit to the Giants, but lost 7-6. But Joe Torre has a new fan. The Rockies had an early 3-0 lead but fell to the Pirates 8-4.

The Angels put a six spot on the board against Dice-K and hung on to beat the Red Sox 7-5. The Angels are 4-0 against the Sox this month.

The Blue Jays beat the Rays 3-1 behind 7 stellar innings from A.J. Burnett. The right-hander, who struck out 10, will not be dealt before the trade deadline, according to GM J.P. Ricciardi.

The Twins got back to a 1.5 games of the White Sox behind a complete game shutout by Kevin Slowey. The 4-game series continues tonight with rookies Clayton Richard and Glen Perkins squaring off.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that Braves right-hander Tim Hudson may have to undergo season ending Tommy John surgery.

Around the Horn - 7/29

The Cubs and Brewers started their big 3-game series last night with left-handers Ted Lilly and CC Sabathia facing off. The lead seesawed back and forth with the Brewers' Russell Branyan hitting a game tying home run in the 8th. The Cubs prevailed in the 9th when Derek Lee doubled in a run and Mark DeRosa followed with an RBI single. The Cubs now lead the Brewers by 2 games in the NL Central.

The Mets have to be concerned after John Maine left yesterday's game with the Marlins with shoulder stiffness. They have to be even more concerned with a bullpen that flat out stinks. They blew 2-0 and 3-2 leads before losing 7-3 to the Marlins.

Greg Maddux's winless streak finally ended at 14 games when the Padres topped the 1st place Diamondbacks last night, 8-5. It was career win number 351.

Neither the Dodgers or Rockies could gain ground on the Dbacks as they both lost as well. The Dodgers nearly rallied from a 7-0 deficit to the Giants, but lost 7-6. But Joe Torre has a new fan. The Rockies had an early 3-0 lead but fell to the Pirates 8-4.

The Angels put a six spot on the board against Dice-K and hung on to beat the Red Sox 7-5. The Angels are 4-0 against the Sox this month.

The Blue Jays beat the Rays 3-1 behind 7 stellar innings from A.J. Burnett. The right-hander, who struck out 10, will not be dealt before the trade deadline, according to GM J.P. Ricciardi.

The Twins got back to a 1.5 games of the White Sox behind a complete game shutout by Kevin Slowey. The 4-game series continues tonight with rookies Clayton Richard and Glen Perkins squaring off.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that Braves right-hander Tim Hudson may have to undergo season ending Tommy John surgery.

Around the Horn - 5/16

9-0. That's where Brandon Webb stands now after the Diamondbacks beat the Colorado Rockies yesterday, 8-5. Webb became the first pitcher since Andy Hawkins, yeah him, in 1985 to win their first 9 starts. Counting the end of last season, Webb has won 11 straight.

The Yankees are woeful coming into tonight's Subway Series, but the Mets aren't exactly firing on all cylinders. They dropped 3 of 4 to the last place Washington Nationals, including yesterday's 1-0 defeat. Mike Pelfrey had a no-hitter into the 7th inning before allowing the game's lone run. The Mets base running killed them in the 8th and 9th innings, including a game ending double play when Carlos Delgado lined to 1st and Carlos Beltran was easily caught off of 3rd. Billy Wagner then had a post-game tirade to the media and on his weekly spot with Michael Kay on ESPN radio. Not much different than Paul Lo Duca's blow up last season.

The Astros came back from a 6-0 hole to beat the Giants 8-7 on Lance Berkman's 15th home run in the 9th inning. The red hot Berkman, whose game winner went into McCovey Cove, is hitting .392 with 43 RBI.

The Pirates came back from 5-1 to beat the Cardinals 11-5. Jason Bay snapped a 5-5 tie in the 8th with a pinch-hit 3-run home run. Jason Isringhausen (1-5) blew his 6th save and was placed on the DL after the game, more for mental ailments than physical.

Cole Hamels tossed a 4-hit complete game shutout in the Phillies 5-0 blanking of the Braves. Pedro Feliz, Ryan Howard, and Shane Victarino all went deep. The win moved the Phillies within a half-game of 1st place behind the idle Marlins.

Ryan Dempster struck out a career high 12 batters in 8+ innings in the Cubs 4-0 win over Greg Maddux and the Padres. Dempster also drove in the game's first run.

The Dodgers broke open a scoreless duel with the Brewers with a 6-run 6th inning, en route to a 7-2 win. Andruw Jones, Jeff Kent, and Gary Bennett each homered in the inning off of Ben Sheets. Ryan Braun hit his 10th of the year for the Brew Crew.

Jim Thome singled in the game winner in the top of the 9th as the White Sox beat the Angels 4-3. The win gained the Sox a split of the 4-game series.

The Royals swept a 3-game series from the Tigers for the 2nd time this season. Gil Meche was his 3rd game and the Royals clobbered Kenny Rogers for an 8-4 win. Jose Guillen broke out of a season long slump with a home run and 3 RBI.

The Blue Jays recalled Joe Inglett from the minors just in time. Inglett singled in the game winner in the Blue Jays 3-2 win over the Twins in 11 innings. The win enabled the Jays to hop over the Yankees and out of the basement in the AL East standings.

Their scoreless streak came to end, but the Indians beat the A's 4-2 behind 7 stellar innings from Aaron Laffey. The one run allowed by Laffey was unearned, so the Indians starting rotation has still not allowed an earned run in 50.1 innings.

Around the Horn - 5/16

9-0. That's where Brandon Webb stands now after the Diamondbacks beat the Colorado Rockies yesterday, 8-5. Webb became the first pitcher since Andy Hawkins, yeah him, in 1985 to win their first 9 starts. Counting the end of last season, Webb has won 11 straight.

The Yankees are woeful coming into tonight's Subway Series, but the Mets aren't exactly firing on all cylinders. They dropped 3 of 4 to the last place Washington Nationals, including yesterday's 1-0 defeat. Mike Pelfrey had a no-hitter into the 7th inning before allowing the game's lone run. The Mets base running killed them in the 8th and 9th innings, including a game ending double play when Carlos Delgado lined to 1st and Carlos Beltran was easily caught off of 3rd. Billy Wagner then had a post-game tirade to the media and on his weekly spot with Michael Kay on ESPN radio. Not much different than Paul Lo Duca's blow up last season.

The Astros came back from a 6-0 hole to beat the Giants 8-7 on Lance Berkman's 15th home run in the 9th inning. The red hot Berkman, whose game winner went into McCovey Cove, is hitting .392 with 43 RBI.

The Pirates came back from 5-1 to beat the Cardinals 11-5. Jason Bay snapped a 5-5 tie in the 8th with a pinch-hit 3-run home run. Jason Isringhausen (1-5) blew his 6th save and was placed on the DL after the game, more for mental ailments than physical.

Cole Hamels tossed a 4-hit complete game shutout in the Phillies 5-0 blanking of the Braves. Pedro Feliz, Ryan Howard, and Shane Victarino all went deep. The win moved the Phillies within a half-game of 1st place behind the idle Marlins.

Ryan Dempster struck out a career high 12 batters in 8+ innings in the Cubs 4-0 win over Greg Maddux and the Padres. Dempster also drove in the game's first run.

The Dodgers broke open a scoreless duel with the Brewers with a 6-run 6th inning, en route to a 7-2 win. Andruw Jones, Jeff Kent, and Gary Bennett each homered in the inning off of Ben Sheets. Ryan Braun hit his 10th of the year for the Brew Crew.

Jim Thome singled in the game winner in the top of the 9th as the White Sox beat the Angels 4-3. The win gained the Sox a split of the 4-game series.

The Royals swept a 3-game series from the Tigers for the 2nd time this season. Gil Meche was his 3rd game and the Royals clobbered Kenny Rogers for an 8-4 win. Jose Guillen broke out of a season long slump with a home run and 3 RBI.

The Blue Jays recalled Joe Inglett from the minors just in time. Inglett singled in the game winner in the Blue Jays 3-2 win over the Twins in 11 innings. The win enabled the Jays to hop over the Yankees and out of the basement in the AL East standings.

Their scoreless streak came to end, but the Indians beat the A's 4-2 behind 7 stellar innings from Aaron Laffey. The one run allowed by Laffey was unearned, so the Indians starting rotation has still not allowed an earned run in 50.1 innings.

Milestone Men

Time to take a look at who around baseball is close to achieving greatness, or greater greatness(?).

Because chicks love the long ball.

Player Total
Ken Griffey Jr. 597
Alex Rodriguez 522
Frank Thomas 516
Jim Thome 514
Manny Ramirez 498
Gary Sheffield 482
Carlos Delgado 436
Chipper Jones 397


Games Played
Manny Ramirez 1,991

Wins
Greg Maddux 350 (5 wins to pass Clemens)
Randy Johnson 287

Strikeouts
Randy Johnson 4648 (5 more to pass Clemens for 2nd place)

Milestone Men

Time to take a look at who around baseball is close to achieving greatness, or greater greatness(?).

Because chicks love the long ball.

Player Total
Ken Griffey Jr. 597
Alex Rodriguez 522
Frank Thomas 516
Jim Thome 514
Manny Ramirez 498
Gary Sheffield 482
Carlos Delgado 436
Chipper Jones 397


Games Played
Manny Ramirez 1,991

Wins
Greg Maddux 350 (5 wins to pass Clemens)
Randy Johnson 287

Strikeouts
Randy Johnson 4648 (5 more to pass Clemens for 2nd place)

The Thinker

Ian Kennedy's four seamless innings against the Cincinnati Reds last night further punctuated the reasons that he has progressed through the minors so quickly. Granted he had two years of college ball at USC prior to being drafted and signing with the Yankees in 2006. But Kennedy has always been a thinking man's pitcher. The NY Daily News' John Harper has dubbed Kennedy the heir apparent to Greg Maddux as the embodiment of the thinking man's pitcher.

Don't get Harper wrong, he's not saying Ian Kennedy will win 300 games or pitch in 3 decades. But while Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes grab most of the headlines, the man who is called Ike by his teammates, quietly goes about his business of retiring hitters.

"I don't know if I overthink (sic) some things at times," Kennedy said. "But I like that part of the game. I think it's a big part of pitching. It's like playing chess - you have to think a couple of moves ahead, a couple of pitches ahead, sometimes even a couple of at-bats ahead."

Harper cites two examples of why he feels Kennedy will be successful. First, when the Yankees faced the Twins earlier this spring, Kennedy was behind in the count, 3-1, to Delmon Young. Kennedy challenged Young with a fastball (usually 91-92 mph) down the middle. Young promptly hit it out of the park. But Kennedy had accomplished what he wanted- don't give away anything for free.

Afterward, Kennedy laughed and said he would text message "You're Welcome" to Young, with whom he once played on Team USA, but in truth he was setting him up for a big at-bat down the road, admitting later that he didn't want Young to see how he might pitch him in a similar situation during the season.

"It's rare and it's impressive for somebody in his second year in professional baseball," pitching coach Dave Eiland said of the Young example. "But it's part of why Ian is here so quick.

"It's always fun to watch a guy like that pitch. He can change speeds behind in the count, but he's not afraid to challenge hitters with his fastball behind in the count either. He's really unpredictable."

The second instance occurred in last night's game with the Reds After getting a couple of quick strikes on Ken Griffey Jr., on fastballs away, IPK jammed with a fastball that should have produced a ground out. Instead, Morgan Ensberg misplayed it into a single for the only hit Kennedy would allow.

But this kid doesn't get fazed. He struck out Brandon Phillips and Adam Dunn on 2-2 changeups, and than used a curveball, a fastball away, and an inside fastball to retire Edwin Encarnacion on a soft liner to third.

It was an inning that made one American League scout at the game last night nod in admiration and say: "That was a Greg Maddux inning."

It was the type of inning that has baseball people debating Kennedy's potential.

"A lot of people who have seen him think he's a No.3 starter at best in the American League because he doesn't have the big fastball," one AL executive said yesterday. "But I've heard a couple of scouts say they think he can be more than that because he has such great location with his fastball and he's got a great changeup."

Kennedy takes pride in his approach.

"I still strike people out with my fastball," he said emphatically. "You can't pitch backwards all the time. Sometimes you want to give the hitter what he wants, you just have to hit your location.

"And sometimes you know what they're looking for, and you give them something that looks like it ... only it's different.

The Yankees and their fans definitely have something to look forward to, hopefully for 10 years or more.

The Thinker

Ian Kennedy's four seamless innings against the Cincinnati Reds last night further punctuated the reasons that he has progressed through the minors so quickly. Granted he had two years of college ball at USC prior to being drafted and signing with the Yankees in 2006. But Kennedy has always been a thinking man's pitcher. The NY Daily News' John Harper has dubbed Kennedy the heir apparent to Greg Maddux as the embodiment of the thinking man's pitcher.

Don't get Harper wrong, he's not saying Ian Kennedy will win 300 games or pitch in 3 decades. But while Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes grab most of the headlines, the man who is called Ike by his teammates, quietly goes about his business of retiring hitters.

"I don't know if I overthink (sic) some things at times," Kennedy said. "But I like that part of the game. I think it's a big part of pitching. It's like playing chess - you have to think a couple of moves ahead, a couple of pitches ahead, sometimes even a couple of at-bats ahead."

Harper cites two examples of why he feels Kennedy will be successful. First, when the Yankees faced the Twins earlier this spring, Kennedy was behind in the count, 3-1, to Delmon Young. Kennedy challenged Young with a fastball (usually 91-92 mph) down the middle. Young promptly hit it out of the park. But Kennedy had accomplished what he wanted- don't give away anything for free.

Afterward, Kennedy laughed and said he would text message "You're Welcome" to Young, with whom he once played on Team USA, but in truth he was setting him up for a big at-bat down the road, admitting later that he didn't want Young to see how he might pitch him in a similar situation during the season.

"It's rare and it's impressive for somebody in his second year in professional baseball," pitching coach Dave Eiland said of the Young example. "But it's part of why Ian is here so quick.

"It's always fun to watch a guy like that pitch. He can change speeds behind in the count, but he's not afraid to challenge hitters with his fastball behind in the count either. He's really unpredictable."

The second instance occurred in last night's game with the Reds After getting a couple of quick strikes on Ken Griffey Jr., on fastballs away, IPK jammed with a fastball that should have produced a ground out. Instead, Morgan Ensberg misplayed it into a single for the only hit Kennedy would allow.

But this kid doesn't get fazed. He struck out Brandon Phillips and Adam Dunn on 2-2 changeups, and than used a curveball, a fastball away, and an inside fastball to retire Edwin Encarnacion on a soft liner to third.

It was an inning that made one American League scout at the game last night nod in admiration and say: "That was a Greg Maddux inning."

It was the type of inning that has baseball people debating Kennedy's potential.

"A lot of people who have seen him think he's a No.3 starter at best in the American League because he doesn't have the big fastball," one AL executive said yesterday. "But I've heard a couple of scouts say they think he can be more than that because he has such great location with his fastball and he's got a great changeup."

Kennedy takes pride in his approach.

"I still strike people out with my fastball," he said emphatically. "You can't pitch backwards all the time. Sometimes you want to give the hitter what he wants, you just have to hit your location.

"And sometimes you know what they're looking for, and you give them something that looks like it ... only it's different.

The Yankees and their fans definitely have something to look forward to, hopefully for 10 years or more.