Yardbarker: Aaron Boone

Changes in the NL East

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:34:36 -0500

With the Winter Meetings for GM's right around the bend (December 8-11 in Vegas), I think it's time we take a look at what every team in the NL East has done to date since the end of the 2008 season.

Philadelphia Phillies:
Adios- Pat Burrell, Rudy Seanez, Tom Gordon, and Guchi Brothers.
Swap Meet- ... Click on the URL for the full rundown of every team in the NL East.

Before They Were Stars

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:23:04 -0500

Before they were big league juicers and heart breakers, Bret and Aaron Boone appeared in the yearbook with their parents and younger brother, Bob (Jr.), whom they now affectionately refer to as the "Cooper Manning" of the family.

As of 12:01am ET, MLB Free Agency Season Arrives. Here's the Complete List

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:09:46 -0500

As of 12:01am ET, clubs may now negotiate with the 171 players that filed for free agency this year. Big revenue making clubs will undoubtedly throw huge sums of cash at the likes of Manny Ramirez, Mark Teixeira, C.C. Sabathia, and Francisco Rodriguez.Clubs with the most players that filed for FA? For the American League, it's Boston with 9. For the National League, it's 11 for the Mets.Here is your complete listing of all those who filed between Thursday, October 30, and Thursday, November 13, pursuant to Article XX B (2) of the Basic Agreement. The last two that filed on Thursday should be familiar: Randy Johnson of the Diamondbacks, and A.J. Burnett of the Blue Jays.AMERICAN LEAGUEBALTIMORE (4) -- Juan Castro, ss; Alex Cintron, ss; Kevin Millar, 1b; Jay Payton, of.BOSTON (9) -- Paul Byrd, rhp; Sean Casey, 1b; Bartolo Colon, rhp; Alex Cora, ss; Mark Kotsay, of; David Ross, c; Curt Schilling, rhp; Mike Timlin, rhp; Jason Varitek, c.CHICAGO (6) -- Orlando Cabrera, ss; Joe Crede, 3b; Ken Griffey Jr., of; Toby Hall, c; Horacio Ramirez, lhp; Juan Uribe, 3b.CLEVELAND (4) -- Brendan Donnelly, rhp; Scott Elarton, rhp; Sal Fasano, c; Juan Rincon, rhp.DETROIT (7) -- Kyle Farnsworth, rhp; Casey Fossum, lhp; Freddy Garcia, rhp; Todd Jones, rhp; Edgar Renteria, ss; Kenny Rogers, lhp; Vance Wilson, c.KANSAS CITY (1) -- Mark Grudzielanek, 2b.LOS ANGELES (6) -- Garret Anderson, of; Jon Garland, rhp; Darren Oliver, lhp; Juan Rivera, of; Francisco Rodriguez, rhp; Mark Teixeira, 1b.MINNESOTA (4) -- Adam Everett, ss; Eddie Guardado, lhp; Nick Punto, ss; Dennys Reyes, lhp.NEW YORK (8) -- Bobby Abreu, of; Jason Giambi, 1b; Chad Moeller, c; Mike Mussina, rhp; Carl Pavano, rhp; Andy Pettitte, lhp; Sidney Ponson, rhp; Ivan Rodriguez, c.OAKLAND (4) -- Emil Brown, of; Alan Embree, lhp; Keith Foulke, rhp; Frank Thomas, dh.SEATTLE (3) -- Willie Bloomquist, of; Miguel Cairo, inf; Raul Ibanez, of.TAMPA BAY (4) -- Rocco Baldelli, dh; Cliff Floyd, dh; Eric Hinske, of; Trever Miller, lhp.TEXAS (4) -- Milton Bradley, dh; Jason Jennings, rhp; Ramon Vazquez, 3b; Jamey Wright, rhp.TORONTO (4) -- A.J. Burnett, rhp; John Parrish, lhp; Brad Wilkerson, of; Gregg Zaun, c.NATIONAL LEAGUEARIZONA (7) -- Tony Clark, 1b; Juan Cruz, rhp; Adam Dunn, of; David Eckstein, ss; Orlando Hudson, 2b; Randy Johnson, lhp; Brandon Lyon, rhp.ATLANTA (8) -- Elmer Dessens, rhp; Tom Glavine, lhp; Mike Hampton, lhp; Jorge Julio, rhp; Greg Norton, of; Will Ohman, lhp; John Smoltz, rhp; Julian Tavarez, rhp.CHICAGO (8) -- Henry Blanco, c; Ryan Dempster, rhp; Jim Edmonds, of; Chad Fox, rhp; Bob Howry, rhp; Jon Lieber, rhp; Daryle Ward, 1b; Kerry Wood, rhp.CINCINNATI (9) -- Jeremy Affeldt, lhp; Paul Bako, c; Josh Fogg, rhp; Jerry Hairston Jr., of; Mike Lincoln, rhp; Kent Mercker, lhp; Corey Patterson, of; Javier Valentin, c; David Weathers, rhp.COLORADO (6) -- Brian Fuentes, lhp; Matt Herges, rhp; Livan Hernandez, rhp; Adam Melhuse, c; Scott Podsednik, of; Glendon Rusch, lhp.FLORIDA (4) -- Luis Gonzalez, of; Mark Hendrickson, lhp; Paul Lo Duca, c; Arthur Rhodes, lhp,HOUSTON (4) -- Brad Ausmus, c; Doug Brocail, rhp; Mark Loretta, 2b; Randy Wolf, lhp.LOS ANGELES (14) -- Joe Beimel, lhp; Gary Bennett, c; Casey Blake, 3b; Rafael Furcal, ss; Nomar Garciaparra, ss; Jason Johnson, rhp; Jeff Kent, 2b; Derek Lowe, rhp; Greg Maddux, rhp; Pablo Ozuna; Chan Ho Park, rhp; Brad Penny, rhp; Manny Ramirez, of; Mark Sweeney, 1b.MILWAUKEE (10) -- Russell Branyan, 3b; Craig Counsell, 3b; Ray Durham, 2b; Eric Gagne, rhp; Gabe Kapler, of; Mike Lamb, 3b; Guillermo Mota, rhp; CC Sabathia, lhp; Ben Sheets, rhp; Brian Shouse, lhp.NEW YORK (11) -- Moises Alou, of; Tony Armas Jr., rhp; Luis Ayala, rhp; Damion Easley, 2b; Orlando Hernandez, rhp; Pedro Martinez, rhp; Ramon Martinez, 2b; Trot Nixon, of; Oliver Perez, lhp; Ricardo Rincon, lhp; Matt Wise, rhp.PHILADELPHIA (4) -- Pat Burrell, of; Tom Gordon, rhp; Jamie Moyer, lhp; Rudy Seanez, rhp.PITTSBURGH (4) -- Chris Gomez, 3b; Jason Michaels, of; Doug Mientkiewicz, 1b; Luis Rivas, ss..ST. LOUIS (8) -- Juan Encarnacion, of; Jason Isringhausen, rhp; Cesar Izturis, ss; Braden Looper, rhp; Felipe Lopez, 2b; Mark Mulder, lhp; Russ Springer, rhp; Ron Villone, lhp.SAN DIEGO (2) -- Trevor Hoffman, rhp; Mark Prior, rhp.SAN FRANCISCO (2) -- Rich Aurilia, 1b; Omar Vizquel, ss.WASHINGTON (2) -- Aaron Boone, 1b; Odalis Perez, lhp. lhpSource: MLBPA Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He is contributor to Baseball Prospectus, and is available as a freelance writer.Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network.Don't forget to register and log in on The Biz of Baseball site to get updates via your in-box, and see information only logged in members can see.

Cheap Alternatives Part Two: First Base

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 01:50:23 -0500

With Jason Giambi's time in pinstripes likely over, the Yankees will be in need of a new first baseman. Although the Yankees would like to go out and throw all of the money that they would like at Mark Teixeira, they are hoping to reduce payroll somewhat and with the biggest need for the Yankees being starting pitching, they are more likely to throw that money at CC Sabathia and co. Here's a look at other first basemen (or possible first basemen) on the free agent market. First Basemen: Casey Blake- Blake has been an above average player year after year. Blake could also play in the outfield, should the Yankees opt to have a platoon including the currently hot Juan Miranda. Joe Crede- Crede is currently a third baseman. Could some extra cash from the Yankees persuade him to make a shift across the infield? Mark Kotsay- Although Kotsay's numbers have dropped since joining the American League, he could possibly platoon with Miranda. Kotsay could also play in the outfield, where is fielding percentage is not atrocious. Eric Hinske- Hinske is an above-average hitter when it comes to power. However, his fielding percentage, like Mark Kotsay, is not great, which is what the Yankees are really after. Hinske is not a starting first baseman, but could platoon at the position, as well as be a utility player. Kevin Millar- Millar somehow managed to hit 20 homeruns desite the fact that he had an average of only .234. His fielding percentage at first base is much better than the other cost-friendly options, but at 37 his numbers would likely start to decline soon, making him yet another DH. Sean Casey- Casey had a strong .322 average in his 69 games in Boston this year. His fielding percentage is not great, but is superior to many other options. He could also platoon at first base. Ramon Vazquez- After having his best year since 2002 with a .290 average, six home runs, and 40 RBIs, Vazquez will likely return to his usual .220 average, two home runs, and 20 RBIs. Although he has a lifetime fielding percentage at first base is 1.000, he has only played three games at the position. Vazquez would not be a good acquisition for the Yankees. Brad Wilkerson- After having many good seasons for Montreal, Washington, and Texas, Wilkerson's numbers seemed to drop off in 2008 after hitting just .220 with four home runs and 28 RBIs. Wilkerson also has a strong .993 lifetime fielding percentage at first base. However, the Yankees are not looking to retain a player based on past performance. Aaron Boone- Despite the fact that Boone gave Yankees' fans one of the greatest moments in postseason history, siging him would completely go against the desired youth movement. Richie Sexson- The Yankees already tried this in the 2008 season. In case you missed it, it did not work one bit.

What about Graffanino....

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 22:49:44 -0500

Today at NY Baseball Digest they posted several interesting names who are minor league free agents, the one that stood out to me was Tony Graffanino.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not thinking of him as a starter but more replacing Easley (who won't be back at 39 y/o) as a role player/bench position. A one year league min. with incentive deal (coming back from an injury)or minor league contract with a invite to spring training.

There were a lot of rumors circulating in 2006 that the Mets were interested in bringing in Graffanino as insurance at 2B. At the time there was no confidence in Kaz, both Ahern and Valentin were unknown commodities, and Aaron Boone was also in camp trying to make a comeback on a minor league deal.

In 2005 for Boston Graffanino hit .309 in 51 games all at 2B but at the end of the season the Sox put him on waivers ( he was the goat of the playoffs making a critical error- even though the series was a sweep) and many thought it was a no brainer for the Mets to pick him up.

Much like this year with Castillo, Kaz was on a big contract and I believe Omar was unwilling to give out too many major league contracts for one position. He ended up signing a major league deal and hit .274 /.345/.406. In 2007 with the Brewers he had the worst offensive year of his career hitting .238 in 86 games before completely destroying his knee.

Out for the second half of 2007 and most of 2008, in mid-June he signed a minor league deal with the Indians to rehab with the Buffalo Bisons ( at the time the Indians AAA Affiliate). Eventually he returned to play in 25 games for the Bisons hitting .315/.384/.416, playing all four infield positions.

Graffanino is a 36 y/o native New Yorker who is primarily a second baseman but has spent significant major league time at all four in-field positions. He is a lifetime .267 /.336 /.396 and in 15 post season games hit .230 / OBP .333 overall, but in two NLCS series he hit .273/.385. It appears by his .315 AAA average last year that he's fully recovered.

If Castillo returns and struggles, Graff could easily be plugged into the position but off the bench who could spell all four positions along with play left field while being a right handed bat off the bench. He would provide veteran leadership, with large market and playoff experience along with being a good clubhouse figure. Not only does he have decent pop in his bat but judging by his MYSpace bio he would be perfect fit for Manuel's offense....

Anthony Joseph Graffanino is my name. I was born on June 6,1972 in Amityville, New York. I am a infielder in Major League Baseball currently playing for the Cleveland indians i am primarily a contact hitter (just 466 strikeouts in 2703 big-league at-bats) i am able to get on base (career .336 OBP) a?" and my speed is above average, with 53 stolen bases in 78 attempts. I excel as a situational hitter, being capable of hitting behind the runner and dropping down a bunt. As a fielder, I have the ability to play every infield position and left field. I have an above-average arm, which helps me in the LF and on the left side of the infield. source Tony Graffanino Myspace

The Breakdown: Contract Riders...

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:51:44 -0500

Now we all know the story of the so called rock 'n' rolla whom has demanded only brown M & M's. And of course that's true. But didja know that ballplayers have their own wacky demands? IT'S TRUE!

Because I typed it in all caps. So shall we look at the facts? Yes. Let's look at the facts.

Catchers
Br... ...

You’re all right, Larusso!

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 20:17:03 -0500

How far we've come: the Red Sox just lost an ALCS Game 7 loss and my reaction was pretty much, "Aw, shoot." When Aaron Boone ended the 2003 Red Sox season, my wife burst into tears and I stormed out of the room. Last night we shrugged our shoulders and watched Mad Men. But man, [...]

Playboy Flashback

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:47:56 -0500

Ten years ago this month, Laura Cover, wife of Washington Nationals'A first baseman Aaron Boone,A was Playboy's Playmate of the Month.

The 35-year-old Boone (Aaron) hit .241 with six homers and 28 RBI this year for the Nationals.A Hardly theA production worthy of consideration for a fantasy team ...

Taking a look at the 2009 Free Agent Market..

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:34:49 -0500

Here is the complete list from MLBTRADERUMORS.COM :

Catchers
Brad Ausmus (40)
Paul Bako (37)
Rod Barajas (33) - $2.5MM club option for '09 with a $0.5MM buyout
Josh Bard (31)
Michael Barrett (32)
Henry Blanco (37) - $3MM mutual option for '09 with a $0.3MM buyout
Johnny Estrada (33)
Toby Hall (33) - $2.25MM club option for '09 with a $0.15MM buyout
Jason LaRue (35)
Paul Lo Duca (37)
Miguel Olivo (30) - $2.7MM mutual option for '09 with a $0.1MM buyout
Ivan Rodriguez (37)
David Ross (32)
Javier Valentin (33)
Jason Varitek (37)
Gregg Zaun (38)
First basemen
Rich Aurilia (37)
Hank Blalock (28) - $6.2MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Sean Casey (34)
Tony Clark (37)
Carlos Delgado (37) - $12MM club option for '09 with a $4MM buyout
Nomar Garciaparra (35)
Jason Giambi (38) - $22MM club option for '09 with a $5MM buyout
Eric Hinske (31)
Doug Mientkiewicz (35)
Kevin Millar (37)
Richie Sexson (34)
Mark Teixeira (29)
Daryle Ward (34)
Second basemen
Willie Bloomquist (31)
Jamey Carroll (35) - $2.5MM club option for '09 with a $0.15MM buyout
Craig Counsell (38)
Ray Durham (37)
Damion Easley (39)
David Eckstein (34)
Mark Ellis (32)
Mark Grudzielanek (39)
Jerry Hairston Jr. (33)
Orlando Hudson (31)
Tadahito Iguchi (34)
Jeff Kent (41)
Felipe Lopez (29)
Mark Loretta (37)
Nick Punto (31)
Shortstops
Willie Bloomquist (31)
Orlando Cabrera (34)
Alex Cintron (30)
Alex Cora (33)
Craig Counsell (38)
David Eckstein (34)
Adam Everett (32)
Rafael Furcal (31)
Nomar Garciaparra (35)
Jerry Hairston Jr. (33)
Cesar Izturis (29)
Felipe Lopez (29)
Edgar Renteria (33)
Juan Uribe (30)
Ramon Vazquez (32)
Omar Vizquel (42) - $5.2MM club option for '09 with a $0.3MM buyout
Third basemen
Rich Aurilia (37)
Casey Blake (35)
Hank Blalock (28) - $6.2MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Willie Bloomquist (31)
Aaron Boone (36)
Russell Branyan (33)
Craig Counsell (38)
Joe Crede (31)
Nomar Garciaparra (35)
Mark Loretta (37)
Fernando Tatis (34)
Ramon Vazquez (32)
Left fielders
Moises Alou (42)
Garret Anderson (37) - $14MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout
Milton Bradley (31)
Emil Brown (34)
Pat Burrell (32)
Carl Crawford (27) - $8.25MM club option for '09 with a $2.5MM buyout
Adam Dunn (29)
Cliff Floyd (36) - $2.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Luis Gonzalez (41)
Jerry Hairston Jr. (33)
Raul Ibanez (37)
Gabe Kapler (33)
Kevin Mench (31)
Jason Michaels (33) - $2.6MM club option for '09
Craig Monroe (32)
Greg Norton (36)
Jay Payton (36)
Wily Mo Pena (27) - $5MM club option or $2MM player option for '09
Manny Ramirez (37)
Juan Rivera (30)
Fernando Tatis (34)
Center fielders
Rocco Baldelli (27)
Willie Bloomquist (31)
Mike Cameron (36) - $10MM club option for '09 with a $750K buyout
Jim Edmonds (39)
Jerry Hairston Jr. (33)
Gabe Kapler (33)
Mark Kotsay (33)
Corey Patterson (29)
Scott Podsednik (33)
Right fielders
Bobby Abreu (35)
Casey Blake (35)
Cliff Floyd (36) - $2.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Brian Giles (38) - $9MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout
Ken Griffey Jr. (39) - $16.5MM club option for '09 with a $4MM buyout
Vladimir Guerrero (33) - $15MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout
Gabe Kapler (33)
Jason Michaels (33) - $2.6MM club option for '09
Fernando Tatis (34)
Brad Wilkerson (32)
DHs
Milton Bradley (31)
Pat Burrell (32)
Adam Dunn (29)
Cliff Floyd (36) - $2.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Jason Giambi (38) - $22MM club option for '09 with $5MM buyout
Vladimir Guerrero (33) - $15MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout
Raul Ibanez (37)
Manny Ramirez (37)
Juan Rivera (30)
Mike Sweeney (35)
Frank Thomas (41)
Jose Vidro (34)
Starting pitchers
Kris Benson (33)
A.J. Burnett (32) - can opt out after '08 season
Paul Byrd (38)
Roger Clemens (46)
Matt Clement (33)
Bartolo Colon (36)
Ryan Dempster (32)
Shawn Estes (36)
Josh Fogg (32)
Freddy Garcia (33)
Jon Garland (29)
Tom Glavine (43)
Mike Hampton (36)
Mark Hendrickson (35)
Livan Hernandez (34)
Orlando Hernandez (43)
Jason Jennings (30)
Randy Johnson (45)
John Lackey (30) - $9MM club option for '09 with a $0.5MM buyout
Jon Lieber (39)
Braden Looper (34)
Rodrigo Lopez (33) - club option for '09
Derek Lowe (36)
Greg Maddux (43)
Pedro Martinez (37)
Sergio Mitre (28)
Jamie Moyer (46)
Mark Mulder (31) - $11MM club option for '09 with a $1.5MM buyout
Mike Mussina (40)
Carl Pavano (33) - $13MM club option for '09 with a $1.95MM buyout
Brad Penny (31) - $8.75MM club option for '09 with a $2MM buyout
Odalis Perez (32)
Oliver Perez (27)
Andy Pettitte (37)
Sidney Ponson (32)
Mark Prior (27)
Kenny Rogers (44)
Glendon Rusch (34)
C.C. Sabathia (28)
Curt Schilling (42)
Ben Sheets (30)
John Smoltz (42)
Tim Wakefield (42) - perpetual $4MM club option
Kip Wells (32)
Randy Wolf (32)
Closers
Brian Fuentes (33)
Eric Gagne (33)
Eddie Guardado (38)
Trevor Hoffman (41)
Jason Isringhausen (36)
Brandon Lyon (29)
Francisco Rodriguez (27)
Salomon Torres (37) - $3.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.3MM buyout
Kerry Wood (32)
Middle relievers
Jeremy Affeldt (30)
Luis Ayala (31)
Joe Beimel (32)
Joe Borowski (38)
Doug Brocail (42)
Shawn Chacon (31)
Juan Cruz (30)
Alan Embree (39) - $3MM club option for '09
Scott Eyre (37)
Kyle Farnsworth (33)
Casey Fossum (31)
Keith Foulke (35)
Tom Gordon (41) - $4.5MM club option for '09 with a $1MM buyout
LaTroy Hawkins (36)
Mark Hendrickson (35)
Matt Herges (39)
Bob Howry (35)
Jon Lieber (39)
Jason Johnson (35)
Damaso Marte (34) - $6MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Trever Miller (36) - $2MM club option for '09 with a $0.4MM buyout
Guillermo Mota (35)
Will Ohman (31)
Darren Oliver (38)
Chan Ho Park (36)
Horacio Ramirez (29)
Al Reyes (38)
Dennys Reyes (32)
Arthur Rhodes (39)
Juan Rincon (30)
Glendon Rusch (34)
Rudy Seanez (40)
Brian Shouse (40)
Russ Springer (40)
Mike Timlin (43)
Ron Villone (39)
David Weathers (39)
Kip Wells (32)
Matt Wise (33)
Jamey Wright (34)

Thanks to Tim Dierkes for Compiling this list...

Yankee Stadium breathes its last breath tonight

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 20:09:36 -0500

Yankee Stadium will host its final game tonight. And sure, Yankee-haters, it's not the same Yankee Stadium that Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Joe DiMaggio played in. It's not the same stadium that saw Don Larsen's perfect game, the only in World Series history. You're right, Derek Jeter doesn't stand in the same batter's box as any of those greats, since they moved the plate up during the last renovations in 1973.

But in the 35 years since, the renovated Stadium has still hosted ten World Series'. Of those, the Yankees have won six, which is more than all but one other team in baseball has won in its history. It's had its memories - like Wade Boggs riding the horse after the 1996 Series win, Reggie Jackson's three home runs in the 1977 Series, three magical WS games in 2001, Aaron Boone's walkoff homer in Game 7 of 2003 ALCS, two perfect games, etc. Even on the other side of the coin, Yankee Stadium was the site where the Red Sox finished off their spectacular come-from-behind run in the 2004 ALCS. And that's not even including concerts and Papal visits.

Even without all the old memories of Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris, this building still has plenty. Think about them today while you're whining about the non-stop Yankee Stadium coverage.

Seven pitchers to get 12 outs!

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:13:04 -0500

Yeah, right. The Mets used seven relief pitchers to get 12 outs for last night's 9-7 victory over the Nationals. The eight total -- including starter Brandon Knight -- tied a franchise record for pitchers used in a nine-inning game. This was only the fifth time in team history that the Mets have been quite that desperate, and as I mentioned in today's story, no, the other four were not earlier this season.

As a result, it was interesting to hear a little chirping from Carlos Beltran, who, after smacking two home runs, couldn't believe that the Mets had to hold on by their fingernails after leads of 7-1 and 8-2. Hey Carlos, join the club. Where you been the last six weeks or so?

A couple of observations from last night:

-- Barring some miraculous turnaround, Aaron Heilman is done getting meaningful outs for the Mets. Manuel practically jogged to the mound in the eighth inning last night after Heilman gave up that leadoff double to Wil Nieves followed by a single to pinch hitter Aaron Boone. The Mets will need to find a taker for him this offeason, wonder about what might have been, and move on.

-- It was a little alarming to see Brian Stokes and Joe Smith struggle last night. These two are supposed to be the most reliable members of the shaky bullpen. If they begin to wobble, get the white flag ready.

-- Is David Wright just getting tired? Wright appeared weary going 0-for-5 last night and made a throwing error in the ninth that looked lazy.Granted, the entire lineup has struggled in this series, but Wright is 1-for-13 with six strikeouts and a double play.

-- Knight said he would put the baseball from his first major-league win next to his bronze medal in the trophy case. "In chronological order," he added.

-- Paging Ryan Church. Since his return on Aug. 25, the Mets rightfielder is batting .224 with a .289 on-base percentage and .342 slugging percentage. He has two homers, nine RBI and 19 strikeouts in 22 games.

-- Damion Easley sounds finished for the regular season.

Source: Newsday

Santana is going to have to pitch a complete game tonight. There is no room for a 5 inning performance tonight. As I mentioned before this pen is tired and overused.......

Braves Say Goodbye to Shea

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:13:45 -0500

So you think Red Sox vs Yankees is good? Or maybe you bore with indignity all the talk of the last Red Sox vs Yankees series in Yankee Stadium? Well perhaps our rivalry doesn’t have Bucky Dent, Aaron Boone, Curses and 3-0 comebacks but I think it’s just as good if not better. And for [...

Pelfrey has to be sharp tonight - Pelfrey vs Nationals

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:33:03 -0500

Big Pelf has to get the Mets on the right track. Mike has not won since 8/25. Is he throwing way too many pitches??

Here is his numbers on the road, vs the Nationals, and in Sept.:

Next Game: Tue, Sep 16 at Washington Nationals
SPLITS	ERA	W	L	Sv	SvO	GP	GS	CG	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	BAA
Road (2008)	5.14	5	3	0	0	12	12	0	68.1	87	39	39	6	28	35	.322
vs. Was (2008)	2.75	1	1	0	0	3	3	0	19.2	16	6	6	1	7	8	.232
Sept. (2008)	5.25	0	1	0	0	2	2	0	12.0	12	8	7	2	4	4	.261

Mike's numbers against the Nationals batters:

OPPOSING HITTER	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
Ryan Zimmerman	20	5	1	0	0	2	1	2	.250	.286	.300	.586
Austin Kearns	16	5	0	0	1	4	1	3	.313	.389	.500	.889
Ronnie Belliard	15	3	1	0	0	0	0	4	.200	.200	.267	.467
Cristian Guzman	10	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.300	.300	.300	.600
Lastings Milledge	7	1	1	0	0	0	2	1	.143	.333	.286	.619
Wily Mo Pena	5	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.200	.333	.200	.533
Dmitri Young	4	1	0	0	0	1	2	1	.250	.500	.250	.750
Willie Harris	4	1	0	0	0	2	0	1	.250	.200	.250	.450
Ryan Langerhans	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.200	.000	.200
Jesus Flores	4	2	1	0	0	1	2	0	.500	.667	.750	1.417
Aaron Boone	3	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.333	.333	.333	.667
Odalis Perez	3	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.333	.333	.333	.667
Wil Nieves	3	2	1	0	0	1	0	0	.667	.667	1.000	1.667
Kory Casto	3	1	0	0	0	2	0	0	.333	.333	.333	.667
Matt Chico	3	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	.333	.333	.333	.667
Joel Hanrahan	3	1	0	1	0	0	0	1	.333	.333	1.000	1.333
Emilio Bonifacio	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
Nick Johnson	2	1	0	0	0	0	1	1	.500	.667	.500	1.167
Jason Bergmann	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	.000	.000	.000	.000
Elijah Dukes	2	2	1	0	1	1	0	0	1.000	1.000	3.000	4.000
Justin Maxwell	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	.000	.333	.000	.333
Pete Orr	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1.000	1.000	1.000	2.000
Roger Bernadina	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	.000	.500	.000	.500
Totals	120	33	6	1	2	15	12	17	.275	.353	.392	.745

Braves Say Goodbye to Shea

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 19:10:19 -0500

Want To Win Some Yankees DVDs??

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 01:49:31 -0500