The Game - April 11

The Orioles nearly blew a 5-1 lead last night to the Rays, but hung on for a 5-4 win. It snapped 12 game losing streak to Tampa Bay.

It wasn't his head, but John Maine was hurting after taking a comebacker off his shin in last night's Mets loss to the Marlins. Florida is 4-0.

Indians fans had to endure a 4 hour rain delay that began in the fifth inning. What made it worse was the Blue Jays eventual 13-7 win. It's the first time since 1985 that Cleveland is 0-4 to start the season. Adam Lind drove in 4 runs in the game for Toronto and now has 11 RBI.

Miguel Cabrera tied a career high with 6 RBI in the Tigers 15-2 pounding of the Rangers. Kris Benson had a very unsuccessful return to the majors- 7 earned runs in 5 innings.

The Phillies have to be concerned after ace Cole Hamels allowed 7 runs in 3+ innings yesterday. Needless to say, the Phillies lost (10-3).

Joe Crede said take that yesterday in his return to Chicago. The Twins third baseman homered off former teammate Jose Contreras, who was making his first appearance since August 9 of last season (Due to Achilles surgery).

Props to Jered Weaver and the Angels, who went out and beat the Red Sox 6-3 last night. It was their game since the tragic death of Nick Adenhart.

Life is Short Even in its Longest Days

More details have come out in the tragic death of Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart. There were conflicting reports yesterday as to how many cars were involved and who was killed in what car.

Adenhart and two of the three other people in the car in which he was riding were killed. Henry Nigel Pearson, 25, and Courtney Frances Stewart, 20, died at the scene. Adenhart died at a nearby hospital as surgeons tried to save his life.

The driver of the silver mini-van, that ran the red light and struck Adenhart's car, fled the scene on foot. Police captured Andrew Gallo, ironically also 22, a half-hour later. His blood alcohol level was well above the .08 legal limit. Gallo was booked on three counts of murder, three counts of vehicular manslaughter, felony hit-and-run and felony driving under the influence of alcohol. He was driving despite having a suspended license.


This is for you Nick and your family, and those who drink and drive need to remember it.

Breaking News: Angels Nick Adenhart killed in hit and run accident

Stunning news out of Los Angeles this morning. 22-yr old Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart was killed shortly after Midnight earlier today in a felony hit and run accident.

Adenhart, who had thrown six shutout innings in his star against the Oakland A's Wednesday night, was traveling with three other passengers in Fullerton, CA. A red minivan ran a red light and smashed into the silver van that Adenhart was a passenger in. In addition to Adenhart, another passenger was killed at the scene, while a third victim was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Anyone with information on the accident should contact the local authorities.

We send our condolences to the friends and family of Nick Adenhart. This is a true tragedy.

photo courtesy of LA Times


UPDATE - 1:05 pm EDT

It appears now that two of the other victims killed were in a third car, not in the same car as Adenhart.

Adenhart's family released the following statement:

"Nick's family expresses sincere gratitude for all the help the Angels have provided. He lived his dream and was blessed to be part of an organization comprised of such warm, caring, and compassionate people. The Angels were his extended family. Thanks to all of Nick's loyal supporters and fans throughout his career. He will always be in everyone's hearts forever."

AL '09 Rookie Preview - AL West

It's hump day, which means it's the first Spring Training game for the Yankees. Unfortunately it's neither on radio nor TV (not sure about MLBTV). It also means we continue our look at the American League rookie of the year candidates, this time focusing on the AL West.

Angels

Another team filled with the veterans, the Angels don't have too many openings on their roster. But they have been a team that isn't afraid to give a youngster a chance (just look at how they turned K-Rod loose on the AL).

Kendry Morales and Brandon Wood no longer have rookie status, but have a shot to win the corner infield spots. The number 5 spot in the rotation is the only area that a rookie has a real shot of staking a claim to. Nick Adenhart was up for a cup of coffee last season and looked over matched, but he'll get a chance this spring to be in the rotation. He struggled at Triple-A as well in '08, but put up solid numbers in the past, and at just 22 years of age, is still considered a prized prospect.

Athletics

The team traded away outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, first baseman Daric Barton is injured at the moment, brought in veterans Jason Giambi and Matt Holliday, and although Billy Beane will always play kids, there are just no openings in the lineup this season.

That could change though if a starting pitcher struggles, and left-hander Brett Anderson (ranked as the 7th best prospect in all of baseball by Baseball America) continues to emerge. For now, Anderson will start the season at Triple-A Sacramento after going 11-5 last season with 118 strikeouts in 105 innings pitched.

Rangers

Texas moved Michael Young to third base in order to give the starting shortstop job to Elvis Andrus. The 20-yr old has been in the organization since he was 16 years old and has never played above Double-A. But the numbers he put up in 118 games - .295 average, 65 RBI, and 53 steals - for the Frisco Rough Riders, caught the organization's attention. They also brought in veteran Omar Vizquel to tutor him.

Andrus will have a legitimate shot to win the AL Rookie of the Year. He won't be alone though. With the departure of Gerald Laird, Taylor Teagarden will battle Jarrod Saltalamacchia for the starting catching position.

Teagarden wow the Rangers front office last season, when he hit 6 home runs and drove in 17 runs in just 47 at-bats. (Can you imagine if Teagarden, Saltalamacchia, Chris Davis, and Nelson Cruz all lived up to their power potential?).

Mariners

The Mariners are another team loaded with veterans (and looking very mediocre). They're also a team that doesn't have any rookies ready to step in to a starting position on the near horizon.


Ranking the AL Central ROY Prospects

1. Elvis Andrus
2. Taylor Teagarden
3. Brett Anderson
4. Nick Adenhart