Yardbarker: Scott Kazmir

Fantasy Baseball Players of the Day - 7/21/08

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:06:08 -0500

Monday, July 21st Miguel Cabrera went 5 for 6 with 2 Runs, 2 Doubles, and 6 RBI. Matt Joyce went 4 for 6 with 3 Runs, a Triple, a HR, and 5 RBI. James Loney went 3 for 6 with 2 Runs, a Triple, and 5 RBI. Troy Tulowitzki went 5 for 5. J.J. Hardy and Jason Bay each had 4 Hits. Curtis Granderson went 3 for 5 with 4 Runs. Carlos Guillen went 3 for 4 with 5 Runs, 2 RBI, and 2 Walks. Freddy Sanchez went 3 for 6 with 2 Runs, a HR, and 4 RBI. Bill Hall, Jason Kendall, Alexi Casilla, Denard Span, Jose Molina, Edgar Gonzalez, Nate McLouth, Xavier Nady, Kazuo Matsui, Russell Martin (3 Runs), Jeff Kent (3 Runs), Matt Holliday (3 RBI), Brad Hawpe (3 RBI), Ian Stewart, Manny Ramirez, and Howie Kendrick each had 3 Hits. Richie Weeks, A-Rod, Kevin Kouzmanoff, Josh Hamilton, and Gary Sheffield each had 3 RBI. Scott Kazmir gave up 2 Hits in 7 scoreless Innings with 9 Ks to improve to 8-5 with a 2.80 ERA. Jorge Campillo gave up 2 Hits in 7 scoreless Inningswith 6 Ks to improve to 5-4 with a 2.83 ERA. Randy Johnson also gave up 2 Hits in 7 scoreless Innings to improve to 7-7. Rich Harden gave up 1 Run on 1 Hits in 7 Innings with 10 Ks, but took the Loss. Jon Lester struck out 6 in 7-1/3 scoreless Innings to improve to 8-3 with a 3.20 ERA. Scott Feldman gave up 1 Run on 4 Hits in 6 Innings to improve to 4-3. Javier Vazquez gave up 3 Runs on 4 Hits in 7 Innings with 10 Ks, but took the Loss. Zach Miner gave up 3 Hits in 6 scoreless Innings to improve to 4-3 with a 3.73 ERA.

Fantasy Dish: A Dish Served Best Cold

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:02:26 -0500

Alright, I already know what you're thinking. You're in 2nd to last place in your league, about 20 games out of the last playoff spot and you are just waiting for the season to end. Fortunately for you, I am here to help you overcome your deficit in the last 6 weeks of the season and perhaps steal a fantasy baseball championship away from one of your friends. At this point in the season, the focus on acquiring players via trade and free agency should be on a week to week basis, especially in head to head formatted leagues. Certain categories should be focused on to help you chip away at your deficit until you get within striking distance. For example, if you are weak in the areas of Earned Run Average and Walks and Hits per Innings Pitched, focus on Wins, Losses, and Strikeouts. A way to do this is to find starting pitchers who are starting twice this week, especially against weaker opponents. Scott Kazmir owners are in a very good mood this week because he will face off against the Oakland Athletics and Kansas City Royals. Other guys that are worth taking a flyer on are pitchers such as Toronto Blue Jays SP Jesse Litsch (@ BAL, vs. SEA), Texas Rangers SP Eric Hurley (@ CHW, @ OAK), Washington Nationals SP Jason Bergmann (@ SF, @ LAD), and Florida Marlins stud Chris Volstad (vs. ATL, @ CHC). Volstad is a guy that if not picked up in your league, you should be scouring the waiver wire as we speak. In his major league debut, he was one out shy of a complete game, and only giving up 1 run on 5 hits against the Dodgers. Volstad also struck out 6 and walked 1. If he is picked up, I would offer a veteran starter such as a Jered Weaver for him because his ceiling is so high. At this point, it is worth taking such a risk to try and get your team back in the playoff hunt. On the other side of the ball, hitters should be picked up and dropped faster then Kevin Federline's pitch for a reality show. This is another area in which picking up particular categories per week will help you make up necessary ground. It is important not to hold onto these players for too long and ride their hot streaks for more time than you should. Willie Harris, a 2B, 3B and an OF, is a good pick up at this point. In the last week he is the number 1 ranked player on Yahoo! Sports. He is worth a pick up if he is available but he shouldn't be held onto for much longer. Austin Kearns is a player who may be worth keeping for the rest of the season. In the last week he is .429 with a HR and 6 runs scored. Kearns has always been a producer in the 2nd half of the season and has been tearing the cover off the ball, even when making outs. In 2 out of his last 3 seasons, Kearns has seen positive changes in most of his statistics and with the way he's hitting lately, he should be in for another solid run. Finally, another key component of making a large comeback is by keeping your eye on what closers get injured or lose their jobs late in the season. With the trade deadline coming around in Major League Baseball, it is likely closer roles will be changing based on potential trades that can be made. For instance, Colorado Rockies reliever Brad Fuentes has been the talk of the deadline. This can open up a job for someone like Taylor Buchholz or the incumbent closer from last year, Manny Corpas. Chicago Cubs closer Kerry Wood may be making a trip the Disabled List (No Way!!!!!) for blister problems. (On a side not here, doesn't Wood look like Leo Dicaprio from "The Departed."When he takes the mound, I can't help but hear the announcer say, "Now coming in to pitch, William Costigan Jr.") This will open up from save chances for youngster Carlos Marmol, who even though he has been struggling lately, is worth being started as an everyday closer. Keep a close watch on more injuries to closers or even their backups to see where you can steal some saves. It is easy to just give up on your season and say "Let's get'em next year," but where's the fun in that? The whole point of fantasy baseball is to rub your conquests in your friends' faces. There is nothing better than getting into an argument with your friend over something non-fantasy related, and when you find yourself stuck in a corner without a point, just bringing up some fantasy sports history. My only advice is too persevere and read whatever tips I may offer in the upcoming weeks.

Under my microscope: Delgado picks it up

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 03:05:42 -0500

Trade rumors are swirling around Brian Fuentes, but he's pitching impressively in the meantime, says Mike Harmon. Also, fantasy news on the Mets and latest injury updates on Takashi Saito, Chris Carpenter, Bobby Jenks and David Ortiz. How will Scott Kazmir's and Dan Uggla's performance in the All-Star game affect them?

Mid Season Report

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:54:07 -0500

The first half of the 2008 Major League Baseball season has been full of surprises, from the Tigers to the Rays to the Padres to the Braves. Most surprising of all, at least to the Phillies faithful, is that at the All Star break the Phillies were in first place atop the National League East. The Phillies are currently a half a game ahead of the Mets and one a half games up on the Marlins. Lets go through the majors and recap the season so far. AL East Perhaps the biggest story in the majors this year is the surprising play of the Tampa Bay Rays, who at the break were just half a game behind the first place Red Sox, and that's with a seven game losing streak. The Rays have been bolstered by one of the most talented young lineups in the majors in years, as well as some timely defense and a great, young rotation led by ace Scott Kazmir. They are definitely the Cinderella, the darlings of the 2008 season, much to the chagrin to their division rivals the Red Sox. Boston fans are upset that some of the media focus and the limelight has been diverted from their beloved Sox. The reigning champs continue to be one of the best teams in baseball, despite losing pitcher Curt Schilling for the year (and perhaps for good) and a decline in production from slugger David Ortiz (including a stint on the disabled list). It looks like this could be the first time in years that the New York Yankees won't make the playoffs. They currently sit six games back of Boston and it just looks like there is too much talent in Tampa and Boston for the Yanks to make up enough ground. That being said, I am loathe to ever count the Yankees out of anything. Red Sox win division. If it wasn't for the Rays, the debacle in the AL Central would be the biggest story of the season. The Tigers, whom I picked to win the World Series, are a disappointing .500 on the season. Even more surprising, the Indians are in last place, 12 games under .500. The Chicago White Sox are sitting pretty atop the Central at 14 games over .500, led by 10 game winner, and former Phillie, Gavin Floyd. Erratic closer Bobby Jenks, despite being on the DL, has 18 saves with a 1.95 ERA. On offense, the White Sox have a tandem of heavy hitting outfielders in Jermaine Dye and Carlos Quentin. I have to admit, I'm not overly impressed by the White Sox. In large part, I think they have overachieved so far this season. I think they will come back to earth, which will leave an opening for the Minnesota Twins to step in and take the division. The Twins, led by first baseman Justin Morneau, DH Jason Kubel, and catcher Joe Mauer, are right on the tail of the White Sox, just a game and a half back, and with star pitcher Francisco Liriano waiting in the wings of AAA, the Twins are poised to move into the post Santana era. Twins win the division. AL West Until the Texas Rangers find someone who can pitch (Vicente Padilla currently leads the team in wins with 10), the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are the prohibitive favorites to win the division for years to come. The Rangers can hit, led by the top individual story of the year Josh Hamilton, Ian Kinsler and Milton Bradley, but their pitching is a joke. They boast a rotation of Kevin Millwood, Padilla, Jamey Wright and Kason Gabbard. Until they can get at least one pitcher, they could have all the offense in the world, they still won't be able to compete with Los Angeles. The Angels' pitching rotation, which boasts John Lackey, Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders and Jered Weaver, not to mention closer Francisco Rodriguez who is on pace to shatter the single season saves record, is arguably the best in the majors. Their offense, while not being the power heavy lineup that Texas or Boston has, plays small ball like no other team in the majors. The obvious offensive leader is Vladimir Guerrero, accompanied by Torii Hunter. But the offense works so well because of intelligent baseball guy like Chone Figgins, Howie Kendrick, and Garret Anderson. The Oakland Athletics have basically traded themselves out of contention and the Seattle Mariners have the worst record in baseball. Needless to say, Angels win the division. I think the Rays win the AL Wild card this year. They are too talented to fall behind the likes of the White Sox or Rangers. In the end however, the Red Sox have too much experience and skill to be taken down. They beat the Angels to go on to the World Series. NL West Many commentators are calling this the NL Worst, and it's hard to argue with that. After starting out red hot, division leading Arizona is now one game below .500. That's right. The division leader has a losing record. Need I say more? The reigning NL Champion Colorado Rockies are fourth in the division with a record of 39-57, topped only by the San Diego Padres, an incomprehensible 37-58. The Dodgers are one game back of the Diamondbacks, trailed by the San Francisco Giants in third place. This division is a crapshoot at this point, but the Diamondbacks' pitching, led by Brandon Webb and Dan Haren is just too good and the offense is not going to continue to struggle in the mighty fashion it has over the past month or so. With up and coming stars like Mark Reynolds, Conor Jackson and Chris Young, the Diamondbacks are going to eventually right their ship. Arizona wins the division. NL Central This is the best division in baseball. The Cubs are tied with the Angels for the best record in baseball. Four and a half games behind them are the Cardinals, with the Brewers just a half game behind them. All three of these teams are going to be better in the second half. The Cubs traded for Rich Harden last week, and the Brewers added reigning AL Cy Young Award winner CC Sabathia. The Cardinals are getting ready for the return of Adam Wainwright and former Cy Young Chris Carpenter. Both pitchers are aces on almost any other team in the majors. The Cubs and Brewers already have bona fide aces on their teams in Carlos Zambrano and Ben Sheets, respectively. This is, without a doubt, the toughest division in baseball in some time. I think the Cubs are ultimately the most complete team in the league, and certainly the division. Now let me just say, here and now, there is no way Ryan Dempster continues to pitch this well. He just isn't this good. He will come back down to earth. But even with The Dumpster coming back to reality, the Cubs are bolstered by some serviceable pitching in Ted Lilly and Jason Marquis, in addition to Zambrano and Harden. On offense, the Cubs' lineup reads like it's very own All Star roster, led by Derek Lee, Alfonso Soriano, Aramis Ramirez, and Geovany Soto. Cubs win the division. NL East The Phillies came into today with a half game lead over the Mets. The Marlins sit just one game behind the Mets. It is a division up for grabs to say the least. The Marlins boast a talented, young roster rivaled by only Tampa Bay and Arizona. Led by Hanley Ramirez, Mike Jacobs, Dan Uggla and Josh Willingham, they have an offense that puts the in a position to win every night. That being said, their pitching is thin, with Ricky Nolasco leading the team with 10 wins and a 3.70 ERA. The Braves are most likely looking to scrap this year and go into rebuilding mood, if only temporarily. First baseman Mark Teixeira is a free agent at the end of this year and chances are that the Braves are going to move him before the trade deadline. Their pitching is pretty banged up, and old. John Smoltz, Tom Glavine and Mike Hampton are all currently on the disabled list. Not to mention that they are six and a half games out of first place. The Mets pose the biggest threat to the Phillies' playoff hopes. Winners of nine straight coming into the break, the Mets are batting .320 as a team during that time. They also only gave up a total of 19 runs over the same span. They are hot, no doubt, led by Carlos Delgado, Carlos Beltran, and Fernando Tatis. But therein lies the problem for the Mets. They have been winning in large part as a result of the contributions of usual bench players like Tatis, Endy Chavez, and Damion Easley. The Mets' pitching is also suspect after you get past Johan Santana and John Maine, neither of whom have been stellar this season. After having a impressive season last year, Oliver Perez is 6-5 with a 4.44 ERA. His record is somewhat deceiving, as he has been wildly inconsistent this year. Pedro Martinez continues to battle being really old. Originally set to return this week, his next start is being skipped. I just don't think the Mets have the talent to overcome a Phils team with a much more potent offense and what could end up being a more stable pitching rotation. The Phillies acquired Joe Blanton from the Athletics Thursday, and while Blanton has not had much of a year so far this season (5-12, 4.96 ERA), he has show some real talent and a change of location could be all he needs to break out. More importantly, the addition of Blanton means that Adam Eaton is out of the starting rotation. Brett Myers is progressing nicely in AAA and is set to return to face the Mets on July 23rd. JA Happ threw a no hitter today in his minor league start and it is only a matter of time before he is brought up to the major leagues for good. The biggest cause for concern for the Mets is that the Phils' struggles have in large part been due to a lack of offense. This coming from one of the most offensively talented teams in the league. Jimmy Rollins, Chasey Utley and Geoff Jenkins are eventually going to turn things around. Ryan Howard continues to lead the league in home runs and RBIs. Pat Burrell is going to eclipse his usual 30 home runs and 100 RBIs. And that's without the possible addition of another bat, like Matt Holliday or Jason Bay. I say this with the caveat that I generally have no faith in the Phillies in ever winning anything, and at the risk of tempting fate, I pick the Phillies to win the division. I pick the Brewers to win the NL Wild Card this year. I'm going to be very cliche and pick the Cubs to win the NL Pennant over the Brewers. I think unless the Phillies add a serious starting pitcher, ala Erik Bedard, they are not going to be able to compete with the Brewers in the playoffs. That will bring us to the ESPN's ultimate dream, a Red Sox Cubs World Series. Bristol could fawn all over the lovable losers from Chicago and Boston. Seriously though, just thinking about it makes me want to throw up. Boston wins, again. (Just threw up again) Should be a very exciting second half. Continue to check out Hot Stove Philly as we bring you all the latest scores, trades, rumors, and general sports drama.

MLB 2008 All Star Game Recap

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:34:36 -0500

Instead of recapping what happened last night (The AL won, they now have home field advantage in the World Series, again. End of recap.), I am going to take this opportunity to rant about the absurdness of the game. Well, maybe I'll do a little recapping. First of all, it actually was not a bad game, as all star games go. It wasn't an obscene slugfest with no defense (Dan Uggla aside) and shotty pitching. There were actually some really exciting defensive plays, like Nate McLouth's game saving throw to the plate, and catcher Russell Martin's superb catch and tag on the same play. Not to mention the delightful meltdown of closer Billy Wagner in the eighth inning, giving up the tying home run to Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew, the All Star MVP. In classic Wagner fashion, with the game on the line, he choked. The greatest thing that Ed Wade ever did for the Phillies was bring Wagner to Philly, allowing Brad Lidge to become the new closer in Houston, then allowing the idiot Texan (Virginian) go irritate the Mets, and then trading Lidge to the Phillies for mediocre trash. Yea yea, Mets fan, I know what you're saying. Wagner may have blown the save, but my boy Lidge lost the game. Yes, you are correct. Lidge did load the bases in the 15th inning and did give up the winning pop fly to Rangers' shortstop Michael Young. But here is the ever important difference: Wagner had a normal warm up time and was perfectly healthy and strong when he went out there and blew the save. Lidge, on the other hand, had been warming up for five innings and threw over 100 pitches before he went out on the mound. Lidge doesn't throw 100 pitches over the course of three games, let alone warming up for one. He was worn out by the time he came into the game, not that that was of any concern to our brilliant commissioner Alan "Bud" Selig. According MLB.com, "This game was going to be played to its conclusion," Commissioner Bud Selig said about the 79th All-Star Game. "I hope you understand that. I know everybody understood that. There was no doubt about it. All's well that ends well. It was a terrific evening and I feel pretty good right now. But we were going to keep playing, and both managers knew that." When asked what if Lidge had to pitch two innings, or Rays' ace Scott Kazmir (who had thrown over 100 pitches on Sunday and was not supposed to pitch last night) had to pitch beyond what he was strong enough for, Selig responded, "You know what? Then they would have had to use the last pitchers as long as they needed," Selig said. "But it turned out we didn't have to do it. And we can talk about those scenarios forever." What an arrogant, self righteous….this is a family site and I am not going to say what I really think of Mr. Selig. I didn't have great feelings towards him before, but now I have absolutely no respect for him. He didn't care if Lidge or Kazmir overthrew and wore out their arms over a stupid exhibition game. The commissioner refused to be humiliated and mocked again like he was in 2002 when the All Star Game ended in a tie. Selig's inability to take criticism is what led to the abomination that is the current All Star Game system. Selig's arrogance is what has led to the degradation of the World Series, the championship of America's pastime. Commissioner Selig, you have made a mockery of baseball and you deserve to be fired.

Now That Was An All-Star Game!

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:00:22 -0500

There came a point in last night's All-Star game when I forgot that I was actually watching an All-Star game. No, it wasn't after Dan Uggla's third error; it was when the game actually began to look like a real game.

All Star Game Lives Up to Hype

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:08:30 -0500

The game lasted 15 innings, but the result was the same. The AL came out on top for the 10th time in 11 tries, and the game was well worth watching as compelling theater.

Disaster averted, time to make contingency plan for All-Star Game

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:28:34 -0500

The 15-inning All-Star Game nearly gave us a nightmare scenario -- no more pitchers. Ken Rosenthal has a plan to avoid a repeat

Quick Thoughts on the All-Star Game

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:47:02 -0500

Here are my ideas to make the game fun and safe for all. * Like the NFL, move the All-Star Game to the off-season, two weeks after the World Series. This ensures that everyone has had proper rest. The Kazmir situation never comes up in this case.

Top 7 :: Worst Trades of the Decade

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 08:10:27 -0500

With two huge deals in the National League Central this past week, the trade deadline has gotten some much earlier hype than it usually does. Both the Sabathia and the Harden trades have a possibility to become horrible for any of the teams involved?the Brewers miss the playoffs, Sabathia walks after the season, and Matt LaPorta dominates for years; Harden snaps his arm in half this Sunday. But the thing about most every trade that is made is that you really don't know how good or bad that they will turn out for, in many cases, years afterwards. Since the decade is already winding down, it is now possible to look back at the worst trades that have been made since 2000 in baseball.

7. Paul DePodesta's debacle, 2004
As a new GM and wanting to mix it up even though his team was in first, DePodesta traded Paul LoDuca, Guillermo Mota, and Juan Encarnacion to the Marlins for Hee Seop Choi and Brad Penny. The Dodgers ended up making the playoffs anyways, but this trade makes it just for its gratuitous nature and the fact that it severely pissed off the fans that loved LoDuca.

6. Cardinals/Angels, 2000
This has been covered before just because it's underrated how lucky this season was, but Kent Bottenfield won 18 games for the Cards in 1999?and no one can still explain how. The next spring, the Cards took advantage of that and an itchy Angel team to turn Bottenfield and Adam Kennedy into Jim Edmonds, who they promptly signed to a long-term deal and watched him become the greatest center fielder in club history.

5. Cubs/Pirates, 2003
Needing some extra pop for their 2003 run, the Cubs got it for many more years, getting Aramis Ramirez from the Pirates, who inexplicably still had two years left on his contract after the season. The Cubs also gained Kenny Lofton who helped immensely in their stretch run. They gave up Jose Hernandez, who left the Pirates after the year, Matt Bruback, who never has played in the majors, and a guy named Bobby, who was a part-timer for two years and hasn't played since.

4. Cardinals/A's, late 2004
In what could end up being a learning experience for the Cubs (Billy Beane calls offering a pitcher!? Don't answer the phone!), the Cardinals, needing another top starter, trade future top starter Danny Haren, good setup guy Kiko Calero, and prospect Daric Barton to the A's for Mark Mulder. To call it a disappointing trade for the Cards is quite the understatement. He played no part in the World Series that they won and may have thrown his last pitch this past Wednesday. Haren was one of the best starters in the majors just two years later, and Barton has hit the majors (though hasn't been very effective yet).

3. Mets/Devil Rays, 2004
Take your pick?Victor Zambrano or Scott Kazmir. This is similar to the Cards/A's deal, except Cards fans at least got a World Series since then and don't have to watch Kazmir consistently throw some of the nastiest pitches of the decade while playing for Tampa Bay.

2. Cubs/Marlins, late 2003
Hee Seop Choi hit .218 with 8 homers for the Cubs in 2003. The Marlins felt that was enough for them to accept him for rising star Derrek Lee, who had just played a huge part in upsetting the Cubs in the NLCS and winning the World Series. The next season, Choi made it just over half the season in Miami before being traded again, and Lee was enjoying another solid season that led into one of the best seasons anyone has had this decade.

1. Giants/Twins
Giants receive: A.J. Pierzynski
Twins receive: Boof Bonser, Francisco Liriano, and Joe Nathan

Brian Sabean must have been on crack.

The Top 7 List is written by Jason Major. He's pretty sure Boof Bonser has the best name in baseball. Email him at jason@joesportsfan.com

Have Yankees turned a corner?

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:18:49 -0500

Bobby Abreu's 10th-inning double sent the Yankees to a 2-1 win over the first-place Rays on Wednesday to cap a two-game series sweep. It's hard to call a game before the All-Star break a must-win, but at this time of year this is as close as it gets. It's critical for the Yanks to stay within striking distance of the upstart Rays, who would be well served to build as big a lead as possible in the East, running away and hiding from the more experienced teams that are chasing them. Teams made up of young players, and young pitchers in particular, often hit a wall come the Dog Days of August and into September. Only time will tell if that happens to the Rays, but it won't matter for the Yankees if they're staring at a double-digit deficit. That's why the Bronx Bombers couldn't have picked a better time to string together a couple of the best performances of the season. And after Wednesday's win, they're only 6 ½ games back; obviously much better than trailing by 10 ½ games. But this isn't only about the East. Other than the BoSox, no team in the wild-card chase is more talented than N.Y. The overachieving A's (and that hurts to say, because I'm an Oakland fan) have thrown in the towel with the Rich Harden trade, and other than a great bullpen and the M&M boys, the Twins don't have a whole lot that scares you. And of the teams behind New York (Tigers, Rangers, Orioles, Blue Jays), only Detroit has the ability to make a legit postseason push. Personally, I think the Red Sox and Yankees will both eventually overtake the Rays, with Boston comfortably winning the division and either New York or Detroit grabbing the wild card. I probably wouldn't have said that a week ago, but maybe the Yankees have turned a corner heading into the All-Star break. If they have, you can thank the pitching for that. Mike Mussina has been a rock most of the season, and outside of last week's start against Boston, Andy Pettitte has been terrific in five of his last six outings – none more impressive than his win against Tampa Bay ace Scott Kazmir on Tuesday. Joba Chamberlain has been solid since coming into the rotation, and even Sidney Ponson has a sub-4.00 ERA after allowing one run in six innings on Wednesday – though I hardly think you can rely on him down the stretch. As for the bullpen, Kyle Farnsworth hasn't allowed a run in his last seven appearances and Jose Veras has allowed just one earned run in his last 16 outings. The Yankees may need to find another starter if they're going to keep their playoff streak alive, but Wednesday's sweep was a big step in the right direction.

Fantasy Baseball Players of the Day - 7/8/08

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:34:39 -0500

Tuesday, July 8th Miguel Cabrera went 4 for 4 with 2 Runs, 2 HRs, and 3 RBI. Carlos Beltran went 3 for 4 with a HR and 4 RBI. Jim Thome went 4 for 5 with 3 Runs, 2 Doubles, and a Walk. Esteban German went 4 for 6 with 3 Runs, a Double, an RBI, and a SB. Alexei Ramirez and Mike Aviles also had 4 Hits. Chase Headley went 3 for 5 with 4 RBI. Scott Hairston went 3 for 5 with 2 Runs, 2 Doubles, an HR, and 3 RBI. Brian McCann hit a pair of solo shots. Kevin Youkilis, Adam LaRoche, Richie Weeks (3 Runs), and Mark Kotsay each had 3 Hits. Marcus Thames, Alex Rios, Ryan Braun, Geovany Soto, Yunel Escobar, and Nate McLouth each had 3 RBI. Kelly Johnson scored 3 Runs. Justin Duchscherer pitched a Complete Game two-hit Shutout to improve to 10-5 with a 1.78 ERA. He's got to be the early AL Cy Young favorite. Andy Pettitte gave up 4 Hits with 5 Ks in 8 scoreless Innings to improve to 10-6 with a 3.93 ERA. Justin Verlander gave up 2 Runs on 2 Hits with 7 Ks to improve to 6-9. Nick Blackburn gave up 2 Runs in a 6-2/3 Inning no-decision. Scott Kazmir gave up 2 Runs in 5 Innings with 9 Ks, but took a Loss. Joel Pineiro tossed 6-1/3 scoreless Innings to improve to 3-4. Cole Hamels gave up 2 Runs on 3 Hits with 8 Ks, but took the Loss. Brandon Webb delivered a Devil's line with 6 scoreless Innings, 6 Hits, and 6 Ks to improve to 13-4 with a 3.27 ERA. Mike Pelfrey threw 7 scoreless Innings allowing 3 Hits with 5 Ks to improve to 7-6 with a 3.93 ERA. C.C. Sabathia gave up 2 Earned Runs in 6 Innings to win his Milwaukee debut. Matt Harrison dominated his Big Leauge debut going 7 Innings and allowing 2 Runs on 5 Hits. Ryan Dempster gave up 1 Run on 2 Hits in 7 Innings with 5 Ks to improve to 10-3 with a 3.13 ERA. Carlos "Hi Ho" Silva gave up 2 Runs in a Complete Game loss. Randy Wolf gave up 1 Run on 5 Hits in 7 Innings with 7 Ks to improve to 6-8. Jair Jurrjens gave up 1 Run on 5 Hits with 6 Ks in 6 Innings to improve to 9-4 with a 3.00 ERA.

Who has the most All0stars

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 21:15:30 -0500

There has been debate about who should vote for the All-star teams but in the end, the teams usually end up equally, even if the AL team always wins. This year's voting has been filled with late overtakings including the young wiz kid Ryan Braun overtaking Ken Griffey Jr. This year there are two teams tied for most All-stars at seven, one team having a great season and the other having a somewhat disappointing season currently in second place.

Who has the most All0stars

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 21:15:30 -0500

2008 American League All-Star Roster: Flubs and Snubs

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 16:00:19 -0500

The 2008 MLB All-Star rosters were announced today. The All-Star Game will be played on July 15, 2008 at Yankee Stadium, with the league winner securing home field advantage in the World Series. We'll take a look at these rosters, and pick them apart - Who doesn't deserve to go? Who got the snub? Because we know most of our readers likely suffer from ADD, we'll do this in two parts. This article will address the American League roster, and later we'll address the National League roster. So here's how the AL roster looks.......