7th Inning
Ron Villone seems to be struggling ever since Torre said he was pretty much a shoe-in to make the roster. He's allowed a couple of runs in the 7th, Yankees up 7-5.
Josh Phelps belted a solo home run for a 7-3 lead.
6th Inning
Kyle Farnsworth had a nice easy inning, striking out 2.
5th Inning
Pavano exited after 4 1-3 innings. Mike Myers came on, allowing a hit and an RBI grounder.
Pavano's final line - 4.1 IP 8 H 3 R 3 ER 2 BB 2 K
Yankees 6-3 lead.
A-Rod's solo shot off of Lohse gives the Yankees a 6-2 lead.
On a side note, Jeff "Cowboy" Brantley is in his 1st year as a play-by-play guy for the Reds radio broadcast. While he did a decent job on BBTN, he absolutely stinks in this capacity. Gets the players mixed up and forgets to inform you as to what is going on.
4th Inning
Now we've got the Pavano we all know and hate. A lead off walk to Valentin, and a single to Ross put two on. Janish smacked a ball off the right field wall...and no one scored. Bad base running by Valentin gave Janish a long single and loaded the bases. But...Pavano gives up a 2-run single to Kyle Loshe - yes, the pitcher! Trade Pavano now and put Karstens or Rasner or whoever in there. 5-2 game after 4.
Robinson Cano lead off the inning with a double. This is one guy who must wish this was April baseball already. Robbie is now 20-50 (.400) with a HR and 7 doubles.
Yankees make it 5-0 as Lohse throw Melky's tapper into right field.
3rd Inning
Pavano had a relatively easy time through the top of the order this time, retiring Freel, Phillips, and Dunn with a walk to Hamilton stuck in there.
Bobby Abreu is healing up nicely, thank you. A 3-run bomb off of Kyle Lohse gives the Yankees a 4-0 lead. Melky and Derek Jeter started it off with back to back walks.
2nd Inning
Pavano struck out the lead off man, Javier Valentin. David Ross followed with a soft liner to right for a single, the Reds 4th hit of the game). Shortsop Paul Janish bounced out to A-Rod on a high chopper with Ross reaching 2nd. Pavano then made a nice play on a tapper to the side of the mound by Kyle Lohse to end the inning. Much better than the 1st inning.
Yankees lead 1-0 after 2. Robinson Cano reached on a single and came home on an error by Paul Janish.
1st Inning
Can you say rocky starts? Pavano gave up 3 straight hits to Ryan Freel, Josh Hamilton, and Brandon Phillips to load the bases with none out. But after Adam Dunn lined out hard to Bobby Abreu in right, Pavano got Edwin Encarnacion to bounce into an inning ending 6-4-3 double play.
No score after 1.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Furcal out, Papelbon in
The Dodgers Rafael Furcal could be out for a significant amount of time after colling today with centerfielder Jason Repko. Furcal was taking off with what has been initially diagnosed as a severely sprained ankle.
ESPN is reporting that Jon Papelbon will once again be the closer for the Red Sox. The Sox are expected to make an announcement after today's game.
ESPN is reporting that Jon Papelbon will once again be the closer for the Red Sox. The Sox are expected to make an announcement after today's game.
Short Stops - 3/22
Do as I say not as I do - Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa was charged this morning with suspicion of DUI. LaRussa was found asleep at the wheel when police found his car idling through a couple of green lights at an intersection in Jupiter, Florida. His blood alcohol level was .093, a little over Florida's 0.8 limit.
Angel Berroa won the Rookie of the Year award for the Royals back in '03 (also known as the year Hideki got screwed), but now is falling victim to a case of "what have you done for me lately?". The Kanas City Star reports that the Royals' front office has compiled a list of replacements for their starting shortstop. Berra hit .287-17-73 and stole 21 bases in getting the award for 4 years ago. He followed that up with 2 poor seasons (hitting only .234 last year) and 1 mediocre one. His fielding hasn't been anything special either.
The Atlanta Braves took a step towards solidifying their future by signing catcher Brian McCann to a 6-year contract extension. McCann, who also has an option for a 7th season, will reportedly make in excess of $29 million.
Nick Johnson ran outdoors for the first time since breaking his leg last September, but the timetable for the former Yankee's return is any one's guess. Good luck NJ!
Freddy Garcia had to leave his start for the Phillies yesterday with bicep tightness. Garcia pitched much of last season with shoulder soreness; this can't be a good sign for the Phils. Perhaps that is why they haven't been quick to deal Jon Lieber.
Hey what shock this - Cable operators could not make a deal with MLB to retain the Extra Innings package it has had until this point. MLB's new deal with DirecTV screws the fans once again and proves, once again, that varmint head Selig does not care about you.
Angel Berroa won the Rookie of the Year award for the Royals back in '03 (also known as the year Hideki got screwed), but now is falling victim to a case of "what have you done for me lately?". The Kanas City Star reports that the Royals' front office has compiled a list of replacements for their starting shortstop. Berra hit .287-17-73 and stole 21 bases in getting the award for 4 years ago. He followed that up with 2 poor seasons (hitting only .234 last year) and 1 mediocre one. His fielding hasn't been anything special either.
The Atlanta Braves took a step towards solidifying their future by signing catcher Brian McCann to a 6-year contract extension. McCann, who also has an option for a 7th season, will reportedly make in excess of $29 million.
Nick Johnson ran outdoors for the first time since breaking his leg last September, but the timetable for the former Yankee's return is any one's guess. Good luck NJ!
Freddy Garcia had to leave his start for the Phillies yesterday with bicep tightness. Garcia pitched much of last season with shoulder soreness; this can't be a good sign for the Phils. Perhaps that is why they haven't been quick to deal Jon Lieber.
Hey what shock this - Cable operators could not make a deal with MLB to retain the Extra Innings package it has had until this point. MLB's new deal with DirecTV screws the fans once again and proves, once again, that varmint head Selig does not care about you.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Yankee Trivia Answers
Here are the answers to yesterday's trivia:
1. Name the 2 Yankees who were double tagged out by the White Sox Carlton Fisk at home plate? (1 pt for each name)
Bobby Meacham and Dale Berra
2. Who were the Yankees 1st and 3rd bases coaches when they won the World Series in 1977? (2 pts for each name)
Elston Howser and Dick Howser
3. Who was the last Yankee pitcher to win a World Series game? (5 pt)
Sterling Hitchcock, game 5 2001
4. Who was the 1st batter El Duque faced in the major leagues? (5 pts)
Quinton McCracken, Tampa Bay
5. Who hit the 1st home run in the remodeled Yankee Stadium in 1976 (5 pts)
Disco Dan Ford, Minn Twins
6. Who hit the pop up that Derek Jeter dove in the stands for in July, 2004? (3 pts)
Trot Nixon
7. Who had the most at-bats in a single game? (5 pts)
Bobby Richardson 11 (22 inning game vs Det, 1962)
8. What pitcher holds the team record for strikeouts by a righthander? (5 pts)
David Cone, 16
9. Who were the last 3 Yankees to hit for the cycle? (5 pts for each name)
Tony Fernandez, Bobby Murcer, Mickey Mantle
10. Who was the first Yankee to win a gold glove? (5 pts)
Roger Maris, 1960
Based on your score you deserve a place in
45-50 Monument Park
39-44 Main Box
34-38 Main Reserved
25-33 Bleachers
15-24 Nose Bleeds
Under 15 Go Root for the Mets
1. Name the 2 Yankees who were double tagged out by the White Sox Carlton Fisk at home plate? (1 pt for each name)
Bobby Meacham and Dale Berra
2. Who were the Yankees 1st and 3rd bases coaches when they won the World Series in 1977? (2 pts for each name)
Elston Howser and Dick Howser
3. Who was the last Yankee pitcher to win a World Series game? (5 pt)
Sterling Hitchcock, game 5 2001
4. Who was the 1st batter El Duque faced in the major leagues? (5 pts)
Quinton McCracken, Tampa Bay
5. Who hit the 1st home run in the remodeled Yankee Stadium in 1976 (5 pts)
Disco Dan Ford, Minn Twins
6. Who hit the pop up that Derek Jeter dove in the stands for in July, 2004? (3 pts)
Trot Nixon
7. Who had the most at-bats in a single game? (5 pts)
Bobby Richardson 11 (22 inning game vs Det, 1962)
8. What pitcher holds the team record for strikeouts by a righthander? (5 pts)
David Cone, 16
9. Who were the last 3 Yankees to hit for the cycle? (5 pts for each name)
Tony Fernandez, Bobby Murcer, Mickey Mantle
10. Who was the first Yankee to win a gold glove? (5 pts)
Roger Maris, 1960
Based on your score you deserve a place in
45-50 Monument Park
39-44 Main Box
34-38 Main Reserved
25-33 Bleachers
15-24 Nose Bleeds
Under 15 Go Root for the Mets
Yankees Trivia
Just a little something to pass the time of day. Try not to cheat, and check back tomorrow for the answers.
1. Name the 2 Yankees who were double tagged out by the White Sox Carlton Fisk at home plate? (1 pt for each name)
2. Who were the Yankees 1st and 3rd bases coaches when they won the World Series in 1977? (2 pts for each name)
3. Who was the last Yankee pitcher to win a World Series game? (1 pt)
4. Who was the 1st batter El Duque faced in the major leagues? (5 pts)
5. Who hit the 1st home run in the remodeled Yankee Stadium in 1976 (5 pts)
6. Who hit the pop up that Derek Jeter dove in the stands for in July, 2004? (3 pts)
7. Who had the most at-bats in a single game? (5 pts)
8. What pitcher holds the team record for strikeouts by a righthander? (5 pts)
9. Who were the last 3 Yankees to hit for the cycle? (5 pts for each name)
10. Who was the first Yankee to win a gold glove? (5 pts)
1. Name the 2 Yankees who were double tagged out by the White Sox Carlton Fisk at home plate? (1 pt for each name)
2. Who were the Yankees 1st and 3rd bases coaches when they won the World Series in 1977? (2 pts for each name)
3. Who was the last Yankee pitcher to win a World Series game? (1 pt)
4. Who was the 1st batter El Duque faced in the major leagues? (5 pts)
5. Who hit the 1st home run in the remodeled Yankee Stadium in 1976 (5 pts)
6. Who hit the pop up that Derek Jeter dove in the stands for in July, 2004? (3 pts)
7. Who had the most at-bats in a single game? (5 pts)
8. What pitcher holds the team record for strikeouts by a righthander? (5 pts)
9. Who were the last 3 Yankees to hit for the cycle? (5 pts for each name)
10. Who was the first Yankee to win a gold glove? (5 pts)
Short Stops - 3/21
With the first official day of spring, it's just a short leap until opening day. And what would opening day be without Kerry Wood (triceps) and Mark Prior on the disabled list. There's a good chance that one or both will be sidelined on April 2.
Angel's phenom Jered Weaver will also start the season on the DL with a strained bicep.
The LA Dodgers have given manager Grady Little a one year extension for 2008. How happy must Little be to be out of Boston?
The Mets are talking to former Yankee Ramiro Mendoza about a possible minor league contract.
Angel's phenom Jered Weaver will also start the season on the DL with a strained bicep.
The LA Dodgers have given manager Grady Little a one year extension for 2008. How happy must Little be to be out of Boston?
The Mets are talking to former Yankee Ramiro Mendoza about a possible minor league contract.
In Memory of Corey
The Yankees are in talks with Melanie Lidle, wife of the late Corey Lidle, to throw out the first pitch at the home opener on April 2nd. The Yankees officially stated that there were on-going talks and nothing is official yet.
Just what has to be discussed? You do or you don't.
Just what has to be discussed? You do or you don't.
Igawa Strikes Back
Kei Igawa had heard the rumblings; perhaps he would lose his starting job to Jeffrey Karstens. But on the heels of Karstens 1st bad outing of the spring, Igawa threw 5 scoreless innings against the Phillies in his best outing of the pre-season, and the Yankees hung out for a 2-0 win.
Igawa's only shaky inning came in the 2nd, when he walked Jayson Werth and fell behind 2-0 to Rod Barajas. But Igawa worked out of the jam and didn't allow a runner past 2nd. The biggest concern that came out of his start, was only starting 10 of 19 hitters off with a strike. Pitching coach Ron Guidry has reminded Igawa to finish his pitches - to follow through completely. Igawa must now do it on a more consistent basis.
Mariano Rivera had yet another easy spring training appearance. He struck out the side, including reigning NL MVP Ryan Howard. Mo struck out Howard with his little used change up.
Bobby Abreu made his 1st spring training game appearance, going 0-3. The oh-fer didn't matter since Abreu took some hard swings (and misses), and was fine after the game. He's expected to return to the outfield on Friday.
With Abreu back, the Yankees biggest concern now revolves around Andy Pettitte. Pettitte's lower back stiffened up and spasmed on him yesterday, and the Yankees have shut him down for the foreseeable future. For now, the team is characterizing the shut down as a precautionary measure. Hopefully it's no more than that.
What, no baseball? The Yankees have their 1st day off today since the start of the spring training games.
Igawa's only shaky inning came in the 2nd, when he walked Jayson Werth and fell behind 2-0 to Rod Barajas. But Igawa worked out of the jam and didn't allow a runner past 2nd. The biggest concern that came out of his start, was only starting 10 of 19 hitters off with a strike. Pitching coach Ron Guidry has reminded Igawa to finish his pitches - to follow through completely. Igawa must now do it on a more consistent basis.
Mariano Rivera had yet another easy spring training appearance. He struck out the side, including reigning NL MVP Ryan Howard. Mo struck out Howard with his little used change up.
Bobby Abreu made his 1st spring training game appearance, going 0-3. The oh-fer didn't matter since Abreu took some hard swings (and misses), and was fine after the game. He's expected to return to the outfield on Friday.
With Abreu back, the Yankees biggest concern now revolves around Andy Pettitte. Pettitte's lower back stiffened up and spasmed on him yesterday, and the Yankees have shut him down for the foreseeable future. For now, the team is characterizing the shut down as a precautionary measure. Hopefully it's no more than that.
What, no baseball? The Yankees have their 1st day off today since the start of the spring training games.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Short Stops - 3/20
Haven't had a chance to comment on this up until now, but Pete Rose's latest statement had me hysterical with laughter. Just how desperate is this guy getting to be inducted into the hall of fame and reinstated. Forget it Petie, you little prick. If nothing else, your confession of supposedly betting on the Reds every night should be more proof to keep you out of the hall. On top of that John Dowd's report already said you didn't bet on them every night, especially when Mario Soto was pitching.
I doubt anyone was shocked when it was announced Sunday that David Wells has type 2 diabetes. Boomer is the poster boy for unhealthy living.
The times they are a changing. Ken Griffey Jr. has been roaming centerfields everywhere since 1989, but that's about to change. Jr. will be patrolling right field when the season starts, and long awaited phenom Josh Hamilton will get the nod in center. Reminds me of the time years ago when Buck Showalter criticized for the way Griffey carried himself, especially wearing his hat backwards. Buck, you really are an anal dope. Jr. has been a model citizen in the bigs and now is losing his CF job to a guy who has a history of drug problems. Wonder what Buck has to say about that.
The Red Sox are at the top of the list of things I hate, but it's great to see Jon Lester back on a major league mound. The 23-year old was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer last August and missed the remainder of the season. The lefty will have a mentor in 3rd Baseman Mike Lowell who is a survivor of testicular cancer.
BK Kim is on the block again with the Oakland A's reportedly very interested in acquiring him.
I doubt anyone was shocked when it was announced Sunday that David Wells has type 2 diabetes. Boomer is the poster boy for unhealthy living.
The times they are a changing. Ken Griffey Jr. has been roaming centerfields everywhere since 1989, but that's about to change. Jr. will be patrolling right field when the season starts, and long awaited phenom Josh Hamilton will get the nod in center. Reminds me of the time years ago when Buck Showalter criticized for the way Griffey carried himself, especially wearing his hat backwards. Buck, you really are an anal dope. Jr. has been a model citizen in the bigs and now is losing his CF job to a guy who has a history of drug problems. Wonder what Buck has to say about that.
The Red Sox are at the top of the list of things I hate, but it's great to see Jon Lester back on a major league mound. The 23-year old was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer last August and missed the remainder of the season. The lefty will have a mentor in 3rd Baseman Mike Lowell who is a survivor of testicular cancer.
BK Kim is on the block again with the Oakland A's reportedly very interested in acquiring him.
New Poll - Who Remains in the Rotation?
Pavano and Igawa? Igawa and Pavano? Igawa? Pavano? Neither? Something has to give, and it will probably be Pavano's back.
I'm going with Igawa being in the rotation when the regular season comes to a close. Hopefully Pavano will be in parts (well, not literally) nowhere near here.
New Poll - Thataway ---------------------------->
I'm going with Igawa being in the rotation when the regular season comes to a close. Hopefully Pavano will be in parts (well, not literally) nowhere near here.
New Poll - Thataway ---------------------------->
Abreu Back in the Lineup
The chances of Bobby Abreu being in the opening day lineup gets a boost tonight when he returns to the lineup as the DH. Let's hope he has NO check swings. The quiet man has not played in 3 weeks.
The battle wages on for the right-handed side of the 1st Base platoon. Andy Phillips hasn't had many at-bats due to his Mom's car accident and Josh Phelps has taken advantage, hitting over .400 this spring. What's worrisome is Joe Torre talking about Phillips's versatility. Joe, he is now a 1st Baseman for a reason. Torre is loyal to the point of excess, and so it wouldn't be surprising to Phillips make the team even if Phelps were to have the much better spring. To be perfectly honest, I would like to dump both and get a bigger bat, but that's unlikely.
It's a good thing that Doug Mientkiewicz is a defensive specialist, 'cause he hasn't shown squat at the plate (2-26) this spring. The Yankees need him to hit a minimum .250.
It's anyone's guess as to who the backup catcher will be. Wil Nieves is back in the lineup after suffering with a sore elbow. Todd Pratt is suffering from plantar fasciitis, and Raul Chavez got off to a slow start due to a broken hand. All 3 have performed decently behind the dish this spring. Chavez (.294) is the only one hitting above the Mendoza line.
The battle wages on for the right-handed side of the 1st Base platoon. Andy Phillips hasn't had many at-bats due to his Mom's car accident and Josh Phelps has taken advantage, hitting over .400 this spring. What's worrisome is Joe Torre talking about Phillips's versatility. Joe, he is now a 1st Baseman for a reason. Torre is loyal to the point of excess, and so it wouldn't be surprising to Phillips make the team even if Phelps were to have the much better spring. To be perfectly honest, I would like to dump both and get a bigger bat, but that's unlikely.
It's a good thing that Doug Mientkiewicz is a defensive specialist, 'cause he hasn't shown squat at the plate (2-26) this spring. The Yankees need him to hit a minimum .250.
It's anyone's guess as to who the backup catcher will be. Wil Nieves is back in the lineup after suffering with a sore elbow. Todd Pratt is suffering from plantar fasciitis, and Raul Chavez got off to a slow start due to a broken hand. All 3 have performed decently behind the dish this spring. Chavez (.294) is the only one hitting above the Mendoza line.
Igawa on the Hot Seat?
Maybe he's just using it as a motivational tool, but Joe Torre has hinted at sending Kei Igawa to the minors until he's up to speed. With the amount of money Igawa has coming to him, it's hard to believe that would be the case, but it wouldn't set a precedent. El Duque started out in the minors, but of course he hadn't been pitching in any professional games for a number of years. Igawa may feel some added pressure, but he needs to show better command tonight when he faces the Phillies. He's allowed 4 runs on 8 hits in 7 IP, but the bigger concern is the 7 walks allowed. On a positive note, Igawa has struck out 12.
Some Yankees fans have gone over the top, already labeling Igawa as a bust (perhaps unfond memories of Hideki Irabu). Can we give this guy a chance to throw in some real games before we blast him? He's adjusting to a new throwing routine, a new mound, new teammates, new language, and a new city.
Jeffrey Karstens' bubble finally burst a little yesterday, as he continues to push Igawa and Carl Pavano for the 4 and 5 spots in the rotation. The 24-year old, who was impressive in his 6 starts and 2 relief appearances last season, had thrown 9 shutout innings before the Toronto Blue Jays roughed him up for 4 runs and 6 hits in 4 1/3 innings yesterday afternoon. Even if he starts the season in Triple-A, Karstens has definitely given the Yankees something to think about.
Are you a Man or a Moose?
It's only spring training, but I for one was relieved to see Mike Mussina throw 5 scoreless innings against the Pirates on Sunday. Moose's lack of command until then had to be at least somewhat of a concern. In addition to having trouble locating his pitches, he had gotten smacked around for 5 earned runs, 11 hits, and allowed 3 home runs in 8 innings.
Taiwan On
Chien-Ming Wang's spring has been just the opposite of Moose's. A model of consistency, The Wanger has excelled in March, to the tune of a 2.57 ERA. He's allowed just 12 hits and 1 walk in 14 innings IP. He's also struck out 7.
You CAN go home again
Andy Pettitte's return to New York could become even more special if he is giving the opening day assignment. Joe Torre has yet to announced the starter, but sentimentality would say that Pettitte will get the ball. Pettitte has certainly pleased everyone thus far, tossing 10 shutout innings, while allowing only 5 hits, and embracing a leadership role.
The Usual Suspects
Mariano Rivera, Kyle Farnsworth, Scott Proctor. Those 3 names are etched in stone for the Yankees bullpen, but its difficult to tell who will make up those final 4 slots. Luis Vizcaino is the closest thing to a given. Ron Villone would seem to have an inside track based on comments made Torre a couple of weeks back. His versatility certainly is a plus.
Lefty specialist Mike Myers will probably clog up another roster spot...again. As much as I don't trust Sean Henn, I would almost rather see him on the squad than Myers.
That leaves 1 spot open. Brian Bruney is behind the others due to his early spring training back troubles, but he could still make the squad based on last year. If Karstens doesn't make it north as a starter he'd probably be sent to Scranton to pitch every 5th day. But Darrell Rasner has been effective this spring, and did a good job filling in last year, and could be a swingman out of the pen. Chris Britton hurt his chances yesterday with an awful outing against the Jays. He faced 6 hitters, only retiring one. Greg Zaun finished him off with a grand slam.
Some Yankees fans have gone over the top, already labeling Igawa as a bust (perhaps unfond memories of Hideki Irabu). Can we give this guy a chance to throw in some real games before we blast him? He's adjusting to a new throwing routine, a new mound, new teammates, new language, and a new city.
Jeffrey Karstens' bubble finally burst a little yesterday, as he continues to push Igawa and Carl Pavano for the 4 and 5 spots in the rotation. The 24-year old, who was impressive in his 6 starts and 2 relief appearances last season, had thrown 9 shutout innings before the Toronto Blue Jays roughed him up for 4 runs and 6 hits in 4 1/3 innings yesterday afternoon. Even if he starts the season in Triple-A, Karstens has definitely given the Yankees something to think about.
Are you a Man or a Moose?
It's only spring training, but I for one was relieved to see Mike Mussina throw 5 scoreless innings against the Pirates on Sunday. Moose's lack of command until then had to be at least somewhat of a concern. In addition to having trouble locating his pitches, he had gotten smacked around for 5 earned runs, 11 hits, and allowed 3 home runs in 8 innings.
Taiwan On
Chien-Ming Wang's spring has been just the opposite of Moose's. A model of consistency, The Wanger has excelled in March, to the tune of a 2.57 ERA. He's allowed just 12 hits and 1 walk in 14 innings IP. He's also struck out 7.
You CAN go home again
Andy Pettitte's return to New York could become even more special if he is giving the opening day assignment. Joe Torre has yet to announced the starter, but sentimentality would say that Pettitte will get the ball. Pettitte has certainly pleased everyone thus far, tossing 10 shutout innings, while allowing only 5 hits, and embracing a leadership role.
The Usual Suspects
Mariano Rivera, Kyle Farnsworth, Scott Proctor. Those 3 names are etched in stone for the Yankees bullpen, but its difficult to tell who will make up those final 4 slots. Luis Vizcaino is the closest thing to a given. Ron Villone would seem to have an inside track based on comments made Torre a couple of weeks back. His versatility certainly is a plus.
Lefty specialist Mike Myers will probably clog up another roster spot...again. As much as I don't trust Sean Henn, I would almost rather see him on the squad than Myers.
That leaves 1 spot open. Brian Bruney is behind the others due to his early spring training back troubles, but he could still make the squad based on last year. If Karstens doesn't make it north as a starter he'd probably be sent to Scranton to pitch every 5th day. But Darrell Rasner has been effective this spring, and did a good job filling in last year, and could be a swingman out of the pen. Chris Britton hurt his chances yesterday with an awful outing against the Jays. He faced 6 hitters, only retiring one. Greg Zaun finished him off with a grand slam.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Short Stops - 3/12
The Boston Red Sox started searching for a new closer as soon as they decided Jon Papelbon was better off in the starting rotation. So far Joel Pineiro has the early edge, but he's nowhere near a certainty. The Sox made inquiries on Chad Cordero prior to spring training. Now comes word that New York no-fan favorite Armando Benitez is being looked into by little Theo.
Update - Terry Francona announced today that Julian Tavarez would be his closer if the season started tomorrow. There's no way that's going to happen.
Gagging in Fenway?
White Sox prospect and former QB Clayton Richard must be tip-toeing his way through the clubhouse right now. Yesterday Richard plunked fellow pitcher Bobby Jenks in the throat with an errant pitch. Jenks was shaken up at first, then had to be restrained from going after the rookie. Meanwhile Javier Vazquez continued to celebrate his new contract by getting hammered once again.
It wasn't such a good weekend for ex-White Sox players either. Maglio Ordonez got beaned on Saturday by the Red Sox' Josh Beckett. Ordonez was still feeling some dizziness on Sunday.
The good news for the Cubs' Mark Prior is that he's healthy. The bad news is that he has stunk so badly he may start the season in the minors. At the moment he's got nothing on his fastball.
Josh Hamilton was once the pride and joy of the Devil Rays' farm system. Then came injuries, drugs, and suspensions. The former 1st round pick looks like he's finally made it all the way back as a member of the Cincinnati Reds. He's hitting .538 (14-26) this spring to all but assure himself of a roster spot when the team heads north.
Update - Terry Francona announced today that Julian Tavarez would be his closer if the season started tomorrow. There's no way that's going to happen.
Gagging in Fenway?
White Sox prospect and former QB Clayton Richard must be tip-toeing his way through the clubhouse right now. Yesterday Richard plunked fellow pitcher Bobby Jenks in the throat with an errant pitch. Jenks was shaken up at first, then had to be restrained from going after the rookie. Meanwhile Javier Vazquez continued to celebrate his new contract by getting hammered once again.
It wasn't such a good weekend for ex-White Sox players either. Maglio Ordonez got beaned on Saturday by the Red Sox' Josh Beckett. Ordonez was still feeling some dizziness on Sunday.
The good news for the Cubs' Mark Prior is that he's healthy. The bad news is that he has stunk so badly he may start the season in the minors. At the moment he's got nothing on his fastball.
Josh Hamilton was once the pride and joy of the Devil Rays' farm system. Then came injuries, drugs, and suspensions. The former 1st round pick looks like he's finally made it all the way back as a member of the Cincinnati Reds. He's hitting .538 (14-26) this spring to all but assure himself of a roster spot when the team heads north.
Abreu and Junior Mints: Very Refreshing
It's nice for a change to not have a rightfielder shoooting his mouth off. Gary Sheffield was quick to remind us that "Bobby Abreu is not Gary Sheffield". We think that's a great thing! And the news gets even better. Abreu now appears to be on track to be in the opening day lineup after injuring an oblique muscle this spring. The kinder, gentler corner outfielder has been taking dry swings, hitting the ball off a tee as well as taking soft tosses, as he gets nearer to returning to live BP.Maybe Todd Pratt isn't out of the running for backup catcher afterall. Wil Nieves has been shut down indefinitely with inflammation in his right bicep near the elbow. Raul Chavez helped his chances yesterday, gunning down a would-be Indians base stealer.
Humberto Sanchez has been long tossing as he gets nearer to throwing off a mound.
"Right now they have the hammer. One day I will". Those words came from a young Don Mattingly during contract negotiations. Chien-Ming Wang, who finished 2nd in the '06 Cy Young voting, now knows how Mattingly felt. He had his contract automatically renewed for this season for $490K. How do you think he feels seeing what the MLB unproven Igawa is getting?
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