http://www.yardbarker.com/rss/player/486 Recent articles about Jonathan Papelbon en-us <a href="http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/images/2008/08/05/6NGJavz9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 480px; height: 270px;" src="http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/images/2008/08/05/6NGJavz9.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Here Are Your rosters for the 2009 MLB All Star Game, being played on July 12th.<br /><strong>AMERICAN LEAGUE</strong><br />Starters<br />Pos Player B/T <br /> <br />C Joe Mauer, MIN L/R <br /> <br />1B Mark Teixeira, NYY S/R <br /> <br />2B Dustin Pedroia, BOS R/R <br /> <br />SS Derek Jeter, NYY R/R <br /> <br />3B Evan Longoria, TB R/R <br /> <br />OF Jason Bay, BOS R/R <br /> <br />OF Ichiro Suzuki, SEA L/R <br /> <br />OF Josh Hamilton, TEX L/L <br /><br />Pitchers<br />Pos Player B/T <br /> <br />P Andrew Bailey, OAK R/R <br /> <br />P Josh Beckett, BOS R/R <br /> <br />P Mark Buehrle, CWS L/L <br /> <br />P Brian Fuentes, LAA L/L <br /> <br />P Zack Greinke, KC R/R <br /> <br />P Roy Halladay, TOR R/R <br /> <br />P Felix Hernandez, SEA R/R <br /> <br />P Edwin Jackson, DET R/R <br /> <br />P Joe Nathan, MIN R/R <br /> <br />P Jonathan Papelbon, BOS R/R <br /> <br />P Mariano Rivera, NYY R/R <br /> <br />P Justin Verlander, DET R/R <br /> <br />P Tim Wakefield, BOS R/R <br /><br />Reserves<br />Pos Player B/T <br /> <br />C Victor Martinez, CLE S/R <br /> <br />1B Justin Morneau, MIN L/R <br /> <br />1B Kevin Youkilis, BOS R/R <br /> <br />2B Aaron Hill, TOR R/R <br /> <br />SS Jason Bartlett, TB R/R <br /> <br />3B Michael Young, TEX R/R <br /> <br />OF Carl Crawford, TB L/L <br /> <br />OF Curtis Granderson, DET L/R <br /> <br />OF Torii Hunter, LAA R/R <br /> <br />OF Adam Jones, BAL R/R <br /> <br />OF Ben Zobrist, TB S/R <br /><strong>NATIONAL LEAGUE</strong><br />Starters<br />Pos Player B/T <br /> <br />C Yadier Molina, STL R/R <br /> <br />1B Albert Pujols, STL R/R <br /> <br />2B Chase Utley, PHI L/R <br /> <br />SS Hanley Ramirez, FLA R/R <br /> <br />3B David Wright, NYM R/R <br /> <br />OF Carlos Beltran, NYM S/R <br /> <br />OF Ryan Braun, MIL R/R <br /> <br />OF Raul Ibanez, PHI L/R <br /><br />Pitchers<br />Pos Player B/T <br /> <br />P Heath Bell, SD R/R <br /> <br />P Chad Billingsley, LAD R/R <br /> <br />P Jonathan Broxton, LAD R/R <br /> <br />P Matt Cain, SF R/R <br /> <br />P Francisco Cordero, CIN R/R <br /> <br />P Ryan Franklin, STL R/R <br /> <br />P Dan Haren, ARI R/R <br /> <br />P Josh Johnson, FLA L/R <br /> <br />P Ted Lilly, CHC L/L <br /> <br />P Tim Lincecum, SF L/R <br /> <br />P Jason Marquis, COL L/R <br /> <br />P Francisco Rodriguez, NYM R/R <br /> <br />P Johan Santana, NYM L/L <br /><br />Reserves<br />Pos Player B/T <br /> <br />C Brian McCann, ATL L/R <br /> <br />1B Prince Fielder, MIL L/R <br /> <br />1B Adrian Gonzalez, SD L/L <br /> <br />1B Ryan Howard, PHI L/L <br /> <br />2B Orlando Hudson, LAD S/R <br /> <br />2B Freddy Sanchez, PIT R/R <br /> <br />SS Miguel Tejada, HOU R/R <br /> <br />3B Ryan Zimmerman, WSH R/R <br /> <br />OF Brad Hawpe, COL L/L <br /> <br />OF Hunter Pence, HOU R/R <br /> <br />OF Justin Upton, ARI R/R<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2166569573442975517-6502539579061103091?l=joeyashcraftsblog.blogspot.com'/></div> Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:41:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/772506 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/772506 Earlier today, Major League Baseball announced the rosters for the 80th All-Star Game being held in St. Louis at the new Busch Stadium. The starters were determined solely by the fan vote once again, unfortunately. Note my displeasure when I previously wrote about who I was voting for. Nevertheless, we wanted to do what we hadn't seen anywhere else and break down the selections team-by-team, so that you could easily see who was selected from your favorite team (in alphabetical order with starters are in bold): American League * Baltimore Orioles: Adam Jones (OF) * Boston Red Sox: Jason Bay (OF), Josh Beckett (P), Jonathan Papelbon (P), Dustin Pedroia (2B), Tim Wakefield (P), Kevin Youkilis (1B) * Chicago White Sox: Mark Beuhrle (P) ...more... Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:17:29 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/772453 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/772453 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_36ztTKV44pY/SlDwEgp69JI/AAAAAAAAAXc/3b0FxYbOp8E/s1600-h/tim_wakefield.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_36ztTKV44pY/SlDwEgp69JI/AAAAAAAAAXc/3b0FxYbOp8E/s400/tim_wakefield.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355043917219427474" /></a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>A dream has finally come true for Boston Red Sox veteran pitcher Tim Wakefield. After posting arguments about why <a href="http://batter-upwithbruno.blogspot.com/2009/06/wakefield-is-all-star-in-bostons-eyes.html">Wakefield should</a> and <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/211330-alright-sox-fans-heres-another-view-tim-wakefield-is-no-all-star">shouldn't be selected as an All-Star</a>, the managers have spoken and selected him for the American League roster in St. Louis.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Here 's the Red Sox breakdown:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Fans' vote</span></div><div>Jason Bay LF</div><div>Dustin Pedroia 2B</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Players' vote</span></div><div>Jonathan Papelbon Closer</div>Josh Beckett SP<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Managers' vote</span></div><div>Tim Wakefield SP</div><div>Kevin Youkilis 1B (Mark Teixeira will start at first base)</div><div><br /></div><div>This is Wakefield's first All-Star game in his 17-year career (15 with the Red Sox). He received a tremendous standing ovation at Fenway this afternoon when his name was called along with his five other teammates. </div><div><br /></div><div>Congrats to <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wakefti01.shtml?redir">Tim Wakefield</a> for being named to the American League All-Star team!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Like what you see? Follow Batter-up with Bruno on Twitter http://twitter.com/batterupbruno<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2910000555438181416-5450170009164604528?l=batter-upwithbruno.blogspot.com'/></div> Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:02:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/772469 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/772469 <div class="photo-tpl photo-tpl-big_time"> <a href="/photos/game-79-an-extra-special-loss-to-ms"><img alt="Seattle Mariners' Jose Lopez (4) is congratulated by hitting coach Alan Cockrell after hitting a home run during the eighth inning of the baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston, Friday, July 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)" class="ap_photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/53738/136856_mariners_red_sox_baseball.jpg" /></a> <div class="photo-meta"> <p class="by clearfix"> <span><a href="/photos/game-79-an-extra-special-loss-to-ms">More photos »</a></span> by Mary Schwalm - AP </p> <p class="cap"> <strong>about 2 hours ago:</strong> Seattle Mariners' Jose Lopez (4) is congratulated by hitting coach Alan Cockrell after hitting a home run during the eighth inning of the baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston, Friday, July 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm) </p> </div> <p class="more-link"><a href="/photos/game-79-an-extra-special-loss-to-ms">Browse more photos »</a></p> </div> <p><!-- BEGIN WIDGET --></p> <hr class="widget_boundry_marker" /> <div class="pane sports_data_widget events clearfix"> <table class="box-score"> <thead> <tr> <th class="td-left"> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/events/32292">Final - 7.3.2009 </a> </th> <th> 1 </th> <th> 2 </th> <th> 3 </th> <th> 4 </th> <th> 5 </th> <th> 6 </th> <th> 7 </th> <th> 8 </th> <th> 9 </th> <th> 10 </th> <th> 11 </th> <th>R</th> <th>H</th> <th>E</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td class="td-name"><span class="win"> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/teams/SEA">Seattle Mariners</a> </span></td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td>3</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>2</td> <td class="highlight">7</td> <td class="highlight">13</td> <td class="highlight">0</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-name"><span class="loss"> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/teams/BOS">Boston Red Sox</a> </span></td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td class="highlight">6</td> <td class="highlight">11</td> <td class="highlight">0</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/events/32292">Complete Coverage ></a></span></p> </div> <hr class="widget_boundry_marker" /> <!-- END WIDGET --> <p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/events/32292">Mariners vs Red Sox coverage</a></p> <p>These extra-inning losses are really getting tiring.</p> <p>Sox lost another late, 7-6 against the M's in 11 innings on Friday. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/players/297/Tim_Wakefield" class="sbn-auto-link">Tim Wakefield</a> went eight innings, but allowed five runs and earned the no decision. The Sox scored two runs in the eighth to be able to push the game into extra innings, but couldn't get the runners across in the 11th to win the game.</p> <p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/players/176/J_D_Drew" class="sbn-auto-link">J.D. Drew</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/players/31324/George_Kottaras" class="sbn-auto-link">George Kottaras</a> had home runs in the loss. Drew, Kottaras, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/players/25/Mark_Kotsay" class="sbn-auto-link">Mark Kotsay</a> and Nick Green each had two hits on the game.</p> <p>While <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/players/302/Manny_Delcarmen" class="sbn-auto-link">Manny Delcarmen</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/players/298/Jonathan_Papelbon" class="sbn-auto-link">Jonathan Papelbon</a> pitched well in the loss, Ramon Ramirez gets the L. He gave up two runs, two hits and two walks in the 11th to give the M's the lead. Ramirez has been great this year, but he had to blow up a little at some point.</p> <p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/players/923/Brad_Penny" class="sbn-auto-link">Brad Penny</a> will take on Garrett Olson in game two on Saturday.</p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/uyxZY0iqMj9lXd_W0aa5M3fEDV0/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/uyxZY0iqMj9lXd_W0aa5M3fEDV0/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/uyxZY0iqMj9lXd_W0aa5M3fEDV0/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/uyxZY0iqMj9lXd_W0aa5M3fEDV0/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p> Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:45:13 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/769119 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/769119 <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>On this date 42 years ago, Brian Cashman was born. Cashman has been the General Manager of the Yankees since 1998 and is signed through 2011. With four weeks until the trade deadline, Cashman will certainly be active in the trade market. Let's take a look at what is being written in the Blogosphere...</p><ul>
 <li><a href="http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/the-guttridge-wang-trade-model/">The Guttridge-Wang Trade Model</a> attempts to quantify all aspects of a trade.</li>
 <li><a href="http://mlbnotebook.com/2009/07/money-speaks-in-this-trade-market.html">MLB Notebook</a> looks at how teams that are willing to spend will control this year's trade market.</li>
 <li><a href="http://www.metsgeek.com/articles/2009/07/01/buy-low-trade-possibilities/">Mets Geek</a> evaluates some buy-low trade targets for the Mets.</li>
 <li><a href="http://sullybaseball.blogspot.com/2009/06/mets-arent-winning-it-this-year-so-dont.html">Sully Baseball</a> recommends that the Mets not make any trades.</li>
 <li><a href="http://mvn.com/aroundthemajors/2009/07/productive-day-for-bucs.html">Around the Majors</a> takes a closer look at the two deals the Pirates pulled off this week.</li>
 <li><a href="http://www.thebaseballopinion.com/?p=995">The Basball Opinion</a> dissects the Pirates moves and what it could mean for the team's future.</li>
 <li><a href="http://www.rockinthered.com/2009/06/cards-get-derosa-perez-gone.html">Rockin' the Red</a> takes a look at what the <strong>Mark DeRosa</strong> trade means for the Cardinals.</li>
 <li><a href="http://www.statisticianmagician.com/?p=306">Statistician Magician</a> makes a case for trading <strong>Jonathan Papelbon</strong>.</li>
 <li><a href="http://riveraveblues.com/2009/06/revisiting-an-almost-trade-of-mariano-rivera-13917/">River Ave. Blues</a> looks back at the deal that almost sent <strong>Mariano Rivera</strong> out of the Bronx.</li>
 </ul>
 
 <p><em>Cork Gaines writes for <a href="http://RaysIndex.com">RaysIndex.com</a>. If you have a suggestion for this feature, Cork can be reached <a href="mailto:cork@raysindex.com">here</a>, and followed on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/RaysIndex">here</a>.</em></p></div> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~at/BqnsqLcE-ZyfR6aphd-RfkNf2fc/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~at/BqnsqLcE-ZyfR6aphd-RfkNf2fc/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~at/BqnsqLcE-ZyfR6aphd-RfkNf2fc/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~at/BqnsqLcE-ZyfR6aphd-RfkNf2fc/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MlbTradeRumors?a=joFwXGNiKLw:CxB85ynz8Bc:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/MlbTradeRumors?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> </div> Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:47:44 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/767957 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/767957 <p>Since the American League is once again wholly superior (seriously, one could make the argument that any of the top four teams in the East could win four out of the other five divisions, the West being the exception with the Dodgers) and the league I know better than the back of my hand, here's my best shot at devising what should be true the 2009 AL All-Star Game Roster complete with nine starting position players, six starting pitchers, six closers and 13 reserves:</p> <p><strong>C- Joe Mauer (.392/.467/.667, 14 HR, 44 RBI)</strong><br /> Not much debate here. While Victor Martinez has had a nice year, Mauer is the first legitimate threat to breaking the .400 mark since Tony Gwynn. </p> <p><strong>1B- Kevin Youkilis (.314/.439/.593, 14 HR, 47 RBI)</strong>While all three will land on the team, the starting gig for first base in the AL is the tightest race for any position. One could make a case for Mark Teixeira, Justin Morneau or Kevin Youkilis. Even with bias aside, I'll give the slight edge to Youkilis- his OBP and SLG trump both players and his HR/RBI total would have been higher had he not missed a few weeks with injury.</p> <p><strong>2B- Aaron Hill (.301/.341/.504, 19 HR, 56 RBI)</strong><br /> The competition here between Ian Kinsler, Dustin Pedroia and Aaron Hill was a difficult one to figure out. While Pedroia has both beat by 30+ points in OBP and holds the defensive edge, Kinsler and Hill both have 19 HR and a high SLG. I'll go with Hill in the end- he's above-average defensively (unlike Kinsler), hits for power and has been one of the main reasons the Blue Jays finished the first half in the thick of the race.</p> <p><strong>SS- Jason Bartlett (.362/.401/.560, 7 HR, 36 RBI)</strong><br /> It's been an incredible year for Bartlett, a former offensive afterthought who would have a legit shot at a batting title had Joe Mauer never been born. He's due for a second half slide, but rewarding Bartlett with a starting nod is deserved. Unfortunately, Derek Jeter has that locked up as long as he's in pinstripes. Bartlett is also a plus defender.</p> <p><strong>3B- Evan Longoria (.297/.377/.558, 16 HR, 63 RBI)</strong><br /> While the Chosen One has been bothered by a troubling hamstring that has slowed his otherworldly start, Longoria is still the easy choice here. He's the main reason the Rays lead all of baseball in runs and those numbers should spike once he plays Boston more.</p> <p><strong>OF- Ichiro Suzuki (.370/.403/.500, 6 HR, 20 RBI)</strong><br /> Just when you think Ichiro might be slowing down, he pulls out a .370 with 114 hits in the first three months of the season. Ichiro is also fourth in OBP and fifth in SB in the league, playing tremendous defense along the way.</p> <p><strong>OF- Torii Hunter (.304/.382/.570, 17 HR, 59 RBI)</strong><br /> Normally players begin to hit the wall during their age-33 seasons. For Hunter, he's experiencing a career year. Always a solid offensive player and overrated defender, Hunter is putting up the totals to match the $18 million the Angels are paying him this season, a sentence I never thought I would be writing two years ago.</p> <p><strong>OF- Jason Bay (.262/.370/.535, 19 HR, 69 RBI)</strong><br /> His numbers have taken a precipitous dive as of late, but Bay still deserves a starting job with 19 HR, 69 RBI and a bat that carried the first-place Red Sox through April and May. With a career .892 OPS and .280 AVG, Bay is performing right along with his career totals, while he's due to set high marks in power numbers and to receive a shiny new contract.</p> <p><strong>C- Victor Martinez (.313/.393/.523, 14 HR, 57 RBI)</strong><br /> Martinez' career renaissance has been one of the few bright spots this season for the last-place Tribe.</p> <p><strong>C- Mike Napoli (.292/.373/.508, 10 HR, 29 RBI)</strong><br /> Got any better ideas for the third catcher? The Angels have finally granted Napoli 200+ AB in a half, and he's responded with an .884 OPS.</p> <p><strong>1B- Justin Morneau (.309/.389/.574, 19 HR, 64 RBI)</strong><br /> Morneau and Mauer have turned into the most feared power/average combo is all of baseball. This quiet Canadian is on his way to another MVP-caliber campaign.</p> <p><strong>1B- Mark Teixeira (.274/.381/.559, 20 HR, 60 RBI)</strong><br /> Mr. Leigh Teixeira rode an incredibly hot mid-first half streak to garnering an All-Star appearance. He can also flash the leather, a trait Teixeira shares with the other one-baggers on this squad.</p> <p><strong>2B- Ian Kinsler (.263/.339/.513, 19 HR, 51 RBI)</strong><br /> Kinsler deserves the final second base nod ahead of Pedroia and his .757 OPS. The OBP is lacking, but Kinsler has responded with an explosive power bat. </p> <p><strong>SS- Derek Jeter (.307/.381/.447, 9 HR, 32 RBI)</strong><br /> Captain Intangibles doesn't deserve to start over Bartlett. Still, he's put up a damn good offensive year for the Yankees right in line with his career numbers while most expected more of a decline in 2009.</p> <p><strong>3B- Michael Young (.315/.367/.498, 10 HR, 30 RBI)</strong><br /> Changing positions hasn't affected Michael Young. Those numbers are par for his career course.</p> <p><strong>3B- Brandon Inge (.275/.367/.521, 18 HR, 52 RBI)</strong><br /> He's always possessed sneaky power, but Brandon Inge projected to hit 38 HR? Really?</p> <p><strong>OF- Adam Jones (.300/.355/.502, 12 HR, 44 RBI)</strong><br /> He's a plus defender. His bat has exploded like most scouts expected. Every Mariners fan just groaned.</p> <p><strong>OF- Jermaine Dye (.291/.360/.558, 18 HR, 48 RBI)</strong><br /> Yet another quality season for Dye in Chicago. He ranks third in the AL in SLG and OPS.</p> <p><strong>OF- Johnny Damon (.288/.364/.533, 15 HR, 47 RBI)</strong><br /> Yankee Stadium's inviting right-field porch has been kind to Judas, who has knocked a fair share of clutch homers for the Yanks in the first half and deserves a spot on the team.</p> <p><strong>OF- Ben Zobrist (.297/.419/.632, 16 HR, 46 RBI)</strong><br /> Long considered a career pine-rider, Zobrist has put up a .632 SLG and 16 HR out of nowhere for the Rays. His position flexibility makes him super valuable to Joe Maddon.</p> <p><strong>OF- Nelson Cruz (.264/.331/.532, 19 HR, 47 RBI)</strong><br /> Cruz benefits from the extension of the All-Star roster from 32 to 33 players. Leading all AL OF in HR (tied with Bay) doesn't hurt either.</p> <p><strong>SP- Zack Greinke (1.95 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 18 BB/104 K, .235 BAA)</strong><br /> Greinke is my choice as AL starter. He raced off to a record-breaking start, but has since cooled down to the tune of an ERA under two and 10 wins for the disappointing Royals. His ERA was 0.84 on May 30 and should be one of the top pitchers in the game for years to come.</p> <p><strong>SP- Roy Halladay (2.56 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 14 BB/95 K, .246 BAA)</strong><br /> Doc is another obvious choice for Joe Maddon. The consummate professional is once again leading the Jays staff in every statistical category and is fourth in the AL in ERA.</p> <p><strong>SP- Edwin Jackson (2.49 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 29 BB/84 K, .214 BAA)</strong><br /> Can you think of the Rays staff last season had Jackson experienced this breakout season in 2008? The change of scenery has done the 25-year old wonders, putting up a shiny ERA and impressive BAA for the first-place Tigers.</p> <p><strong>SP- Dallas Braden (3.13 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 28 BB/67 K, .257 BAA)</strong><br /> Someone from Oakland has to go, folks. He's limited LHB to a .184 AVG and .472 OPS, so he could be somewhat of a lefty specialist for Maddon (I know that sounds stupid). Braden has not surrendered more than three runs in a start since May 16.</p> <p><strong>SP- Felix Hernandez (2.54 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 32 BB/107 K, .233 BAA)</strong><br /> Felix has finally put it all together for the M's. His 2.54 ERA is easily a career high, while his strikeout rate is still phenomenal.</p> <p><strong>SP- Kevin Millwood (2.80 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 39 BB/74 K, .242 BAA)</strong><br /> Who the hell expected this from Kevin Millwood in Texas? The 34-year old posted a 5.04 ERA a season ago and now he's a top-flight AL starter. Remember he's done this before: in 2005, he sandwiched a 2.86 ERA around many mediocre seasons.</p> <p><strong>SP- Jered Weaver (3.10 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 33 BB/86 K, .223 BAA)</strong><br /> Stepping in as the Angels ace for the banged-up Lackey, Santana and Escobar has been Jered Weaver. He posted a 2.09 ERA in early June before experiencing a rough patch as of late.</p> <p><strong>RP- Mariano Rivera (2.76 ERA, 20/21 SV, 0.95 WHIP, 3 BB/40 K)</strong><br /> This one is a shocker. Only one blown save for Rivera this year thanks to Jason Bay.</p> <p><strong>RP- Jonathan Papelbon (1.80 ERA, 20/22 SV, 1.34 WHIP, 17 BB/34 K)</strong><br /> While he hasn't been lights out (check the peripherals), he's still an All-Star with 20 saves and a low ERA.</p> <p><strong>RP- Joe Nathan (1.44 ERA, 21/23 SV, 0.77 WHIP, 6 BB/39 K)</strong><br /> He's the best closer in baseball yet again.</p> <p><strong>RP- David Aardsma (1.45 ERA, 16/17 SV, 1.18 WHIP, 22 BB/47 K)</strong><br /> He's always had the stuff. This year, Aardsma is finally putting it to use and has taken over the Mariners closer job permanently. I still wouldn't fully trust him, but he's certainly deserving of a spot on the team. He could be this year's biggest snub.</p> <p><strong>RP- Bobby Jenks (3.14 ERA, 19/21 SV, 1.05 WHIP, 6 BB/28 K)</strong><br /> The strikeouts are back to normal levels for Jenks and he's having a nice year as White Sox closer.</p> <p><strong>RP- Brian Fuentes (3.49 ERA, 23/26 SV, 1.24 WHIP, 9 BB/30 K)</strong><br /> After a disappointing April and May, Fuentes didn't allow a run in June and leads the AL in saves.</p> <p>Apologies to: Miguel Cabrera, Russell Branyan, Carlos Pena, Robinson Cano, Carl Crawford, Juan Rivera, Mark Buehrle, Josh Beckett, Justin Verlander, Nick Blackburn, Matt Garza, Andrew Bailey.</p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/firebrandal?a=swMjaYbipfs:MotidYEcHko:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/firebrandal?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/firebrandal?a=swMjaYbipfs:MotidYEcHko:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/firebrandal?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/firebrandal?a=swMjaYbipfs:MotidYEcHko:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/firebrandal?i=swMjaYbipfs:MotidYEcHko:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/firebrandal?a=swMjaYbipfs:MotidYEcHko:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/firebrandal?i=swMjaYbipfs:MotidYEcHko:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/firebrandal?a=swMjaYbipfs:MotidYEcHko:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/firebrandal?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/firebrandal?a=swMjaYbipfs:MotidYEcHko:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/firebrandal?i=swMjaYbipfs:MotidYEcHko:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/firebrandal/~4/swMjaYbipfs" height="1" width="1"/> Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:07:15 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/767667 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/767667 <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" ><tr><td valign="top" style="font: inherit;"><DIV><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">The Seattle Mariners and the Boston Red Sox will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at <?xml:namespace prefix = st2 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st2:place><st2:PlaceName>Fenway</st2:PlaceName> <st2:PlaceType>Park</st2:PlaceType></st2:place>. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">The Mariners will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander <st2:PersonName><?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas:contacts" /><st1:GivenName>Felix</st1:GivenName> <st1:Sn>Hernandez</st1:Sn></st2:PersonName> in this game. <st1:Sn>Hernandez</st1:Sn> has a 8-3 record and a 2.54 ERA this season. <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">It'll be <st2:PersonName><st1:GivenName>Tim</st1:GivenName> <st1:Sn>Wakefield</st1:Sn></st2:PersonName> toeing the rubber for the Red Sox in this contest. Righthander Wakefield is 10-3 with a 4.18 ERA so far this season. <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Oddsmakers currently have the Red Sox listed as 130-moneyline favorites versus the Mariners, while the game's total has not yet been posted. <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">The Mariners banged out 12 hits and scored an 8-4 victory over the Yankees to aovid a three-game sweep on Thursday, as +260 underdogs. That game's 12 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (9.5). <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><st2:PersonName><st1:GivenName>Ichiro</st1:GivenName> <st1:Sn>Suzuki</st1:Sn></st2:PersonName> went 2-for-4 at the plate with two RBIs and two runs scored, while <st2:PersonName><st1:GivenName>Russell</st1:GivenName> <st1:Sn>Branyan</st1:Sn></st2:PersonName> went deep for a two-run dinger. <st2:PersonName><st1:GivenName>Miguel</st1:GivenName> <st1:Sn>Batista</st1:Sn></st2:PersonName> tossed two scoreless innings to earn the win. <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><st2:PersonName><st1:GivenName>Julio</st1:GivenName> <st1:Sn>Lugo</st1:Sn></st2:PersonName> hit a game-winning single in the top of the 11<SUP>th</SUP> inning on Wednesday, as the Red Sox defeated the Orioles 6-5. The Red Sox won that game as -155 favorites, and the 11 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (9). <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><st2:PersonName><st1:GivenName>Kevin</st1:GivenName> <st1:Sn>Youkilis</st1:Sn></st2:PersonName> belted a two-run homer, and <st2:PersonName><st1:GivenName>Rocco</st1:GivenName> <st1:Sn>Baldelli</st1:Sn></st2:PersonName> drove in two runs for the Red Sox. <st2:PersonName><st1:GivenName>Ramon</st1:GivenName> <st1:Sn>Ramirez</st1:Sn></st2:PersonName> improved to 5-2 with the win in relief, and <st2:PersonName><st1:GivenName>Jonathan</st1:GivenName> <st1:Sn>Papelbon</st1:Sn></st2:PersonName> earned his 20<SUP>th</SUP> save. <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Team records:<BR><st1:Sn><st2:City><st2:place>Seattle</st2:place></st2:City></st1:Sn>: 40-38 SU<BR>Boston: 48-30 SU<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Seattle most recently:<BR>When playing on Friday are 5-5<BR>Before playing Boston are 3-7<BR>After playing NY Yankees are 3-7<BR>After a win are 5-5<BR><BR>Boston most recently:<BR>When playing on Friday are 9-1<BR>Before playing Seattle are 5-5<BR>After playing Baltimore are 9-1<BR>After a win are 5-5<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">A few trends to consider:<BR>The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Seattle's last 12 games when playing Boston<BR>Seattle is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games <BR>Seattle is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Boston<BR>Seattle is 5-17 SU in its last 22 games when playing on the road against Boston<BR>The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games at home<BR>Boston is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home<BR>Boston is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games when playing at home against Seattle<BR>Boston is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Seattle<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Next up:<BR><st2:City><st2:place>Boston</st2:place></st2:City> home to <st1:Sn><st2:City><st2:place>Seattle</st2:place></st2:City></st1:Sn>, Saturday, July 4<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></DIV> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><o:p><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"> </FONT></o:p></DIV></td></tr></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.offshoreinsiders.com/"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>OffshoreInsiders.com</b></a><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23320891-3273255480627478655?l=www.lines-maker.com'/></div> Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:30:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/767581 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/767581 <div class="photo-tpl photo-tpl-right_portrait"> <a href="/photos/how-valuable-is-daniel-bard"><img alt="Boston Red Sox's relief pitcher Daniel Bard works during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Thursday, June 25, 2009, in Washington. Nationals won 9-3. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)" class="ap_photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/53417/135613_red_sox_nationals_baseball.jpg" /></a> <div class="photo-meta"> <p class="by clearfix"> <span><a href="/photos/how-valuable-is-daniel-bard">More photos »</a></span> by Manuel Balce Ceneta - AP </p> <p class="cap"> <strong>7 days ago:</strong> Boston Red Sox's relief pitcher Daniel Bard works during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Thursday, June 25, 2009, in Washington. Nationals won 9-3. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) </p> </div> <p class="more-link"><a href="/photos/how-valuable-is-daniel-bard">Browse more photos »</a></p> </div> <p>The legend of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/players/69494/Daniel_Bard" class="sbn-auto-link">Daniel Bard</a> is already growing -- and fast.</p> <p>You all know him. He's the kid with the 100 mile-per-hour heater. He's got that filthy slider. And you might remember when he made that guy named <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/players/189/Ryan_Howard" class="sbn-auto-link">Ryan Howard</a> look foolish in an at-bat in mid-June.</p> <p>So he's good, we get that. But really, how valuable is that million dollar arm?</p> The Boston Herald <a href="http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/baseball/red_sox/view.bg?articleid=1182821&format=&page=2&listingType=sox#articleFull">wrote a piece today</a> on how Hall of Famer Jim Palmer made point of meeting with Bard. Palmer obviously sees something special, as most of us do, in Bard. How can you not be at least a little excited for what Bard can/is/could bring to the table? <p>But this is where his value comes in: is Bard vital to the success of the future <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/teams/BOS" class="sbn-auto-link">Red Sox</a> bullpen? Or, perhaps, could the Red Sox trade Bard -- if they need to -- and bring back a return that may be better than just a reliever?</p> <p>What people say is that a reliever is not as valuable as a starter. So where does Bard slot in with other prospects like <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/players/4417/Clay_Buchholz" class="sbn-auto-link">Clay Buchholz</a> or <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/players/33394/Michael_Bowden" class="sbn-auto-link">Michael Bowden</a>? Those are the top-tier Sox prospects, though. That doesn't even mention pitchers like Casey Kelly (shortstop?), Junich Tazawa, Nick Hagadone or Stolmy Pimentel.</p> <p>Considering the talent, does anyone think the Sox should -- if they needed to, of course -- trade Bard at some point? General managers always want to trade players when their value is at their highest and right now, that value is pretty high for our 24-year-old fireballer from North Carolina. The Sox could get a pretty good return for a very talented reliever, but is it worth the trade?</p> <p>What we must consider with any prospect is the future. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/players/298/Jonathan_Papelbon" class="sbn-auto-link">Jonathan Papelbon</a> has said recently that, essentially, he'll go to the highest bidder, whether that be the Red Sox or not. And as good as Papelbon has been with the Red Sox, Theo & Co. will only give him as much as he is worth. We've seen that with free agents of the past and that trend will always continue while Theo is at the helm.</p> <p>Many have said if Papelbon does go, Bard could be the Red Sox's closer of the future. I'm not a fan of dubbing him that right now, because he is still a young guy, but it's definitely a possibility considering his ability out on the mound.</p> <p>I'd imagine that if the Sox were to trade Bard they'd want something back that could help them for long-term, not a rent-a-player (wreck?). Every team wants to say that, but sometimes it's not very doable or black and white as that sounds.</p> <p>Bard's future is very uncertain, but the only thing we do know is this: he's got some good stuff. Whether it be with the Red Sox (hopefully, in my opinion) or some other team, he's going to be a really fun pitcher to watch for many more years to come.</p> <fieldset class="poll-box"> <legend>Poll</legend> <h5 class="poll-title">How valuable is Daniel Bard?</h5> <div id="poll_container_44897_1024807837"> <form action="/polls/vote/44897?container_id=poll_container_44897_1024807837" method="post" onsubmit="new Ajax.Request('/polls/vote/44897?container_id=poll_container_44897_1024807837', {asynchronous:true, evalScripts:true, parameters:Form.serialize(this)}); return false;"> <ul class="poll-list clearfix"> <li class="clearfix"><span class="radio"><input id="poll_option_212213" name="poll_option" type="radio" value="212213" /></span> <label for="poll_option_212213"><span class="option">He's as valuable as prospects like Buchholz or Bowden</span></label></li> <li class="clearfix"><span class="radio"><input id="poll_option_212214" name="poll_option" type="radio" value="212214" /></span> <label for="poll_option_212214"><span class="option">He's pretty valuable, but he is still a reliever</span></label></li> <li class="clearfix"><span class="radio"><input id="poll_option_212215" name="poll_option" type="radio" value="212215" /></span> <label for="poll_option_212215"><span class="option">His value is low -- he's just a reliever with a questionable minor league history</span></label></li> </ul> <p class="poll-vote-submit"><input class="button" name="commit" type="submit" value="Vote!" />   1 votes | <a href="#" onclick="new Ajax.Request('/polls/results/44897?container_id=poll_container_44897_1024807837', {asynchronous:true, evalScripts:true}); return false;">Results</a></p> </form> </div> </fieldset> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/NUF3wPYvQpJJVfve873SjhkVjjQ/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/NUF3wPYvQpJJVfve873SjhkVjjQ/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/NUF3wPYvQpJJVfve873SjhkVjjQ/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/NUF3wPYvQpJJVfve873SjhkVjjQ/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p> Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:25:59 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/767409 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/767409 <p>Have you ever tried to fill out an All-Star roster? The way it’s supposed to be, with one All-Star from every team? This is my first try.</p> <p>Good gravy. It sucks. You know what, A’s and Cubs? You screw <i>everything</i> up. Go away.</p> <p>My feeble attempt, after spending more than an hour staring at stats and rosters:</p> <blockquote> <p><b>NL</b></p> <p>Brian McCann <br />Yadier Molina<br /><br />Albert Pujols<br />Adrian Gonzalez<br />Joey Votto<br />Prince Fielder<br /><br />Chase Utley<br />Freddy Sanchez<br />Orlando Hudson<br /><br />Hanley Ramirez<br />Miguel Tejada<br /><br />David Wright<br />Ryan Zimmerman<br />Pablo Sandoval<br /><br />Raul Ibanez<br />Hunter Pence<br />Ryan Braun<br />Brad Hawpe<br />Justin Upton<br />Carlos Beltran<br /><br />Tim Lincecum<br />Matt Cain<br />Dan Haren<br />Yovani Gallardo<br />Josh Johnson<br />Chad Billingsley<br />Javier Vazquez<br />Ted Lilly<br />Jonny Cueto<br />Joel Pineiro<br /><br />Heath Bell<br />Jonathan Broxton<br />Francisco Rodriguez</p> </blockquote> <blockquote><b>AL</b>: <p>Victor Martinez <br />Joe Mauer<br />Mike Napoli<br /><br />Kevin Youkilis<br />Miguel Cabrera<br />Mark Teixeira<br />Russell Branyan<br /><br />Ben Zobrist<br />Ian Kinsler<br /><br />Derek Jeter<br />Jason Bartlett<br /><br />Evan Longoria<br />Scott Rolen<br /><br />Torii Hunter<br />Ichiro! <br />Nick Markakis<br />Carl Crawford<br />Jason Bay<br />Johnny Damon<br />Jermaine Dye<br /><br />Zach Grienke<br />Roy Halladay<br />Justin Verlander<br />Felix Hernandez<br />Cliff Lee<br />Dallas Braden<br />Josh Beckett<br />Jered Weaver<br />Kevin Slowey<br /><br />Bobby Jenks<br />Jonathan Papelbon<br />Joe Nathan<br />Mariano Rivera</p> </blockquote> <p>Don’t like it? Your pet player didn’t make it? I missed someone so obvious it hurts? <i>I don’t care</i>. This was beyond a waste of my time. This player can’t make the team because that team needs a representative. This player has to make the team because he leads the league in home runs, but that would mean there are a zillion players at one position. This catcher needs to make it because you can’t have just one catcher.</p> <p>Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!</p> <p>I’m assuming the managers for each team will feel the same way. And they won’t care about the criticism either, as they’ll have spent seventeen hours doing the same damned thing I was just doing.</p> <p>Ahem.</p> <p>Your All-Star picks, if you would. Note that the rosters are up to 33 players now, which is 20 position players and 13 pitchers.</p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/GnII5tNZFeHPoSt7XkB5sgP70E8/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/GnII5tNZFeHPoSt7XkB5sgP70E8/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/GnII5tNZFeHPoSt7XkB5sgP70E8/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/GnII5tNZFeHPoSt7XkB5sgP70E8/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p> Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:04:23 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/765451 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/765451 <p>Boston's bullpen had something to prove.</p> <p>Down 5-3 headed into the top of the ninth, Kevin Youkilis hit a two-run homer and Rocco Baldelli notched a pinch hit game-tying two-run single.</p> <p>Julio Lugo drove in the go-ahead run in the 11th inning on an RBI single and the Red Sox pen did the rest.</p> <p>The bullpen pitched four scoreless innings retiring all 12 batters in a row. </p> <p>Daniel Bard pitched two innings with four strikeouts and Ramon Ramirez pitched the 10th inning. Jonathan Papelbon closed the door in the ninth for his 20th save of the season.</p> <p>Including starter Josh Beckett and the bullpen, Boston's pitching retired 24 straight batters to earn the comeback win.</p> <p><strong>Star of the Game - The team</strong></p> <p>That was a well fought, hard earned team victory. Yes, I could do the three star system here but I think for the Red Sox to bounce back like that after the previous loss to Baltimore says something about this team.</p> <p><strong>Next Game - Day off</strong></p> <p>Boston returns to Fenway to take on Ken Griffey Jr. and the Mariners</p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/firebrandal?a=dYqT82s-39k:JhAMZ2lkXhk:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/firebrandal?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/firebrandal?a=dYqT82s-39k:JhAMZ2lkXhk:63t7Ie-LG7Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/firebrandal?d=63t7Ie-LG7Y" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/firebrandal?a=dYqT82s-39k:JhAMZ2lkXhk:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/firebrandal?i=dYqT82s-39k:JhAMZ2lkXhk:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/firebrandal?a=dYqT82s-39k:JhAMZ2lkXhk:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/firebrandal?i=dYqT82s-39k:JhAMZ2lkXhk:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/firebrandal?a=dYqT82s-39k:JhAMZ2lkXhk:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/firebrandal?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/firebrandal?a=dYqT82s-39k:JhAMZ2lkXhk:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/firebrandal?i=dYqT82s-39k:JhAMZ2lkXhk:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/firebrandal/~4/dYqT82s-39k" height="1" width="1"/> Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:38:08 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/764198 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/764198 <div class="photo-tpl photo-tpl-big_time"> <a href="/photos/game-78-july-is-the-new-june"><img alt="Boston Red Sox's Julio Lugo swings for a single to drive in the winning run against the Baltimore Orioles during the 11th inning of a baseball game on Wednesday, July 1, 2009, in Baltimore. The Red Sox won 6-5. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)" class="ap_photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/52820/136530_red_sox_orioles_baseball.jpg" /></a> <div class="photo-meta"> <p class="by clearfix"> <span><a href="/photos/game-78-july-is-the-new-june">More photos »</a></span> by Nick Wass - AP </p> <p class="cap"> <strong>about 16 hours ago:</strong> Boston Red Sox's Julio Lugo swings for a single to drive in the winning run against the Baltimore Orioles during the 11th inning of a baseball game on Wednesday, July 1, 2009, in Baltimore. The Red Sox won 6-5. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) </p> </div> <p class="more-link"><a href="/photos/game-78-july-is-the-new-june">Browse more photos »</a></p> </div> <p>Good news, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/teams/BOS" class="sbn-auto-link">Red Sox</a> Nation: the Red Sox are undefeated! In July!</p> <p>The Red Sox pulled off a comeback by beating the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/teams/BAL" class="sbn-auto-link">Orioles</a> 6-5 in 11 innings on Wednesday.</p> <p>The Sox scored four runs in the ninth and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/players/172/Julio_Lugo" class="sbn-auto-link">Julio Lugo</a> -- yes, <i>that</i> Julio Lugo -- knocked in the game-winning run in the 11th. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/players/176/J_D_Drew" class="sbn-auto-link">J.D. Drew</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/players/173/Dustin_Pedroia" class="sbn-auto-link">Dustin Pedroia</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/players/290/Jacoby_Ellsbury" class="sbn-auto-link">Jacoby Ellsbury</a> had two hits each. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/players/175/Kevin_Youkilis" class="sbn-auto-link">Kevin Youkilis</a> had a home run and two RBIs. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/players/361/Jason_Bay" class="sbn-auto-link">Jason Bay</a> struggled, though, striking out five times on the day. Ouch.</p> <p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/players/294/Josh_Beckett" class="sbn-auto-link">Josh Beckett</a> didn't fare too well. He gave up five runs against the O's in seven innings of work. It wasn't his best start of the year, but that O's offense doesn't suck too bad, so we'll give him a break there. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/players/69494/Daniel_Bard" class="sbn-auto-link">Daniel Bard</a> pitched two perfect innings with four strikeouts while Ramon Ramirez earned the win.</p> <p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/players/298/Jonathan_Papelbon" class="sbn-auto-link">Jonathan Papelbon</a> got the save, his 20th of the season, but also his 133th career Sox save -- the most by any Sox closer in history. He passed "The Steamer" Bob Stanley who, I must say, lives in New Hampshire. Just sayin'...</p> <p>Can we not have games like this anymore? That'd be appreciated. Let's just win and not worry about all these things called "dramatics." They get old if they're not happening in October...</p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/s9dyfhTdwWFMYtn0TWRiveViuKA/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/s9dyfhTdwWFMYtn0TWRiveViuKA/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/s9dyfhTdwWFMYtn0TWRiveViuKA/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/s9dyfhTdwWFMYtn0TWRiveViuKA/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p> Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:34:23 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/763777 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/763777 George Kottaras congratulates Jonathan Papelbon on save #133. (AP Photo) This recent trip to Fenway South seemed so promising at its onset, however it was beginning to look more like a disappointment as yesterday afternoon crept into the early evening.... Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:25:37 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/763747 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/763747 BALTIMORE | For a second straight game, Jonathan Papelbon unexpectedly found himself in position to become Boston's career saves leader. Less than 24 hours earlier, Papelbon was victimized by the greatest comeback in Baltimore Orioles history. On Wednesday, after the Red Sox staged an improbable rally of their own, Papelbon got his coveted save. Boston used a four-run ninth inning to pull even, Julio Lugo singled in the tiebreaking run in the 11th and Papelbon emphatically closed a 6-5 victory over the Orioles. Papelbon got three outs for his 20th save this season and 133rd with the Red Sox, breaking ... <p> <a href="/mailfriend/79/387330/405a7db417/">Email</a> <a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=20&title=Papelbon closes out O's, sets mark&url=http://washingtontimes.com//news/2009/jul/02/papelbon-closes-out-os-sets-mark/"> <img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/sm-share-en.gif" width="83" height="16" alt="Bookmark and Share" style="border:0"/> </a </p> Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:45:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/763432 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/763432 <span style="font-weight:bold;">My AL All-Star Team</span><br /><br />Here are the players who I see as the most deserving to be playing in St. Louis in the summer classic. The back-ups are in parenthesis.<br /><br />C - Joe Mauer - Twins (Victor Martinez - Indians)<br />1st - Justin Morneau - Twins (Kevin Youkilis - Red Sox)<br />2nd - Ian Kinsler - Rangers (Aaron Hill - Blue Jays)<br />SS - Jason Bartlett - Rays (Derek Jeter - Yankees)<br />3rd - Evan Longoria - Rays (Chone Figgins - Angels)<br />OF - Carl Crawford - Rays (Ichiro Suzuki - Mariners)<br />OF - Torii Hunter - Angels (Adam Lind - Blue Jays)<br />OF - Jason Bay - Red Sox (Jermaine Dye - White Sox)<br /><br />Here are the 10 pitchers who I see as most deserving to be on the team:<br /><br />1. Zach Greinke - Royals<br />2. Roy Halladay - Blue Jays<br />3. Justin Verlander - Tigers<br />4. Felix Hernandez - Mariners<br />5. Josh Beckett - Red Sox<br />6. Joe Nathan - Twins<br />7. Mariano Rivera - Yankees<br />8. Jonathan Papelbon - Red Sox<br />9. Kevin Millwood - Rangers<br />10. Edwin Jackson - Tigers<br /><br />That leaves 6 spots on the 32-man roster and I still need representatives from the Orioles and A's. Here's how I would fill out the final 6 spots:<br /><br />1. Adam Jones - Orioles (he's the most deserving Oriole - although an argument could be made for Nick Markakis, George Sherrill, Luke Scott or rookie Brad Bergesen)<br />2. Andrew Bailey - A's (you could pick starter Dallas Braden as the A's representative and I wouldn't argue - it would stink if Matt Holliday gets chosen strictly because of his name)<br />3. Tim Wakefield - Red Sox (sentimental choice)<br />4. Miguel Cabrera - Tigers <br />5. Ben Zobrist - Rays<br />6. Russell Branyan - Mariners<br /><br />That's my team. Every organization is represented. A little heavy in 1st basemen but what can you do (besides use Youkilis at 3rd)?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6606956-8335159762165293969?l=large-regular.blogspot.com'/></div> Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:20:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/763416 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/763416 No, Not Rivera. Jonathan Papelbon becomes Boston's All-Time Saves leader.Click the title to read more.Click here to learn about THT's download subscriptions. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:02:33 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/763960 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/763960