Yardbarker: Florida Marlins

Are the Twins Focuse on Winning; Then Where is Francisco Liriano?

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:28:14 -0500

The next Johan Santana had a terrible start to the 2008 season. I should know; I drafted him. When Liriano was sent down to the minors, I had to cut him because my league has no bench. I picked him up over the All-Star break expecting him to be called up, but he is still sitting down in the minors. Why?

ESPN Classic To Air HOF Induction Ceremony Sunday

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:03:45 -0500

If the Marlins and Cubs just isn't doing it for you this Sunday afternoon you can head over to ESPN Classic. ESPN3 will be airing the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in its entirety starting at 1:30pm....

The 2008 Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be televised live Sunday on ESPN Classic from 1:30-4:30 p.m., ET. Rich "Goose" Gossage, Bowie Kuhn, Walter O'Malley, Dick Williams, Barney Dreyfuss and Billy Southworth will be inducted.

Brian Kenny and Tim Kurkjian will cover the ceremonies on ESPN Classic. ESPN2 will present an edited version of the induction ceremonies on Monday at 8 p.m., ET, followed by a roundtable special with Kenny, Gossage and Dick Williams at 9 p.m., ET.

Following the ceremonies, ESPN Classic will re-air two games featuring Gossage:

- 4:30-5:30- the 1978 World Series Game 6. Yankees vs. Dodgers. Gossage pitches the final two innings as the Yankees win the World Series.
- 5:30-6:30- the "Pine Tar" game. 1983 Yankees vs. Royals. George Brett's two-run home run off of Gossage was denied by the umpires, setting off one of baseball's most memorable moments.

I suggest actually watching the edited version on ESPN2 if you're not a fan of either player because the thing seriously drags on at times. Last year's induction of Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken seemed like it was nine hours long....and I'm an O's fan. The Gossage speech should provide plenty of tears though, and I'm a sucker for grown men sobbing.

(Via ESPN PR)

Jose Reyes Is A Classless, Jive, Immature Tool

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:14:02 -0500

Mets' shortstop Jose Reyes came through with a clutch three run home run off reliever Ryan Madson in Wednesday's game against the Phillies. It was a beautiful hit and probably the most important hit of the season for Reyes. Despite a very shaky outing by Phillies' starter Brett Myers, which included four walks in the first inning and the bases loaded twice, the Mets were only able to muster three runs against him. The game was tied at three when Madson relieved Myers to start the sixth inning. Madson gave up consecutive singles to Damion Easley and Brian Schneider. He then struck out the pitcher John Maine, which brought Reyes to the plate. Reyes then drove Madson's first pitch to right for his 11th homer of the season. As Reyes rounded the bases, he had his right index finger stuck up high in the air, waving it around. Upon reaching the Mets' dugout, Reyes did his arm waving, high fiving dance with a teammate. While I do not like the dancing in the dugout, I understand lots of players do it. It was an exciting hit and I don't fault him for celebrating with his team. What really bothers me is the waving of his finger around the bases, taunting the Phillies and their pitcher Ryan Madson. It is completely and unequivocally unacceptable and classless. An arm pump or two is one thing, but to celebrate the entire way around the bases is jive and immature. Not to mention that Reyes in large part contributed to his team's humiliating collapse from the night before. For those that didn't catch the game, in the ninth inning of Tuesday night's game with the bases loaded, Phillies' catcher Carlos Ruiz grounded to Reyes. Instead of flipping to the second baseman to start the double play, or throwing to first to get the sure out, Reyes tried to beat speedy Shane Victorino to second base and got there late. Everyone safe all around. Instead of having two outs and a man on third, there were no outs and the bases loaded. Pinch hitter So Taguchi then proceeded to hit a double, scoring Victorino and Gregg Dobbs, with Ruiz moving up to third. Everyone knows that the number of outs how many guys are on base and who those runners are will dictate how the pitcher approaches his batter. It is certainly not a foregone conclusion that Taguchi hits a double with only Ruiz at third. If Reyes doesn't blow the play then it might have been a completely different game. It takes a lot of balls, nerve, and a complete lack of respect, class, and humility to be showboating just the next day after you screwed up so royally the day before. Just as much to blame are the gutless Phillies. Instead of intentionally walking Reyes the following inning, the Phillies should have put him on notice that that kind of behavior would not be tolerated and beamed him in the ribs, or the back. Instead they allow him to dance and showboat like the immature four year old that he is and respond by not pitching around him. Thursday's starting pitcher Jamie Moyer, while not known as a hard thrower, has been around for almost 22 years and is from the old school. He should put Reyes on notice that that kind of behavior is not going to be tolerated by those players who are the symbol of class and tradition. Jose Reyes is an immature, jive, classless tool and he needs to be taught a lesson. If it's not the Phillies, then maybe it will be the Marlins, who have expressed a grave dislike and disgust with Reyes' behavior. Last year the Marlins were open about the fact that Reyes' cocky and immature behavior was the motivation they needed to keep the Mets out of the playoffs by beating them in the final series of the year. Reyes' behavior is going to eventually come back to bite him and the Mets right where it hurts. If not the Phillies or the Marlins, then it will eventually be some other team. Jose Reyes, look out.

I'm sorry, what? The Marlins like playing in front of no one?

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:30:58 -0500

Let me lead off with a quote from the Miami Herald: Yes, it is a bummer for this pennant contender that folks aren't in the stands. But it also is a blessing the few sets of eyes on them are either looking through a rosy prism or not really paying attention. That is an advantage only the Marlins enjoy. This seems so absolutely foreign to me, I don't even know where I'd begin to break this down. Not every Mets game is a sellout, but it's pretty close. Tickets for the good seats are tough to get, and if you do land them, they'll cost you.

Bring on the Rookies

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:20:11 -0500

This can be good news for fantasy owners if you have a hole in your lineup and are hoping for a stud rookie to go on a tear. Here are a few rookies who have recently been called up and are playing well. These are guys who can really help your fantasy team in the stretch run.

MLB Stock Market - July 23rd Edition

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:19:45 -0500

Screaming Sports' Phil Yoon runs down several baseball Bulls and several baseball Bears in the latest edition of Stock Market. Robinson Cano? Oh yea, he's definitely a bull. Huston Street? Ehhhh ... not so much.

Mat Gamel (Brewers Farm) No. 1 in MLN FAB50 Baseball 2008 Movement, Talent Rankings

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:10:48 -0500

Fifty in-depth feature stories with huge photos and many with video of the hottest top prospects in baseball. Not your usual boring ranking system. Some very unconventional takes, but it has been more right on than the BA list because they take all of the factors of the player's movement, including depth chart, emotional and personal adjustment, etc. into account. A must read!

FOX Fantasy Baseball: Ride out Iannetta's streak

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:51:57 -0500

Mike Jacobs isn't hitting many home runs lately, but he's keeping his batting average at a solid level, notes Mike Harmon. See who else you should pick up on the waiver wire, including Rockies catcher Chris Iannetta, who is available in 81% of Foxsports.com fantasy leagues.

MLB: As Division Races Heat Up...Which Teams Will Fade?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:46:47 -0500

As the start of the second half of the Major League Baseball season is only five days old, several teams have pulled close to their division rivals. But as history tells us, most teams will fade as the season ends...which team will that be? As we start in the American League, two of the three division races are tighter than Joan River's face and damn near as frightening. www.rawsportsblog.com

Phillies-Mets Series Preview

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:30:06 -0500

Tonight starts the biggest series of the year for both the Phillies and the Mets, as they face off in Flushing for a pivotal three game set. They come in to tonight's game tied for first place in the National League East with matching records of 53-46. The Mets are riding a hot streak of 8-2 in their last 10 games, while the Phillies are an uninspiring 5-5 during that span. The winner of this series will solidify themselves atop the NL East by at least two games, if not three. The loser could ultimately find themselves in third place in the division, as the upstart Florida Marlins loom just a game back of first place. Despite being shut out last night by the fourth place Braves, the Marlins are a team that could make a run at any moment. Pitching tonight, and making his Phillies debut, is Joe Blanton (0-0, 0.00 ERA), recently acquired from the Oakland Athletics. He will face off against Mets ace Johan Santana (8-7, 3.10 ERA). Santana's record is not what you expected it would be when he was traded to the Mets from the Minnesota Twins this past off-season, and he has not pitched as well as expected, but that record is in large part due to a lack of run support. Over the past thirty innings, Santana has an ERA of 3.30, 25 strikeouts, and only 12 walks, but only one win. Offense, however, has not been a problem during their recent hot streak. Over the past 10 games, the Mets have scored 52 runs, while only giving up 29. Over the past week, third baseman David Wright has two home runs and six RBIs while batting .385. First baseman Carlos Delgado is hitting at an incredible .615 clip with one home run and five RBIs. It appears the Mets are unstoppable right now. However, if you examine the numbers a little closer, the Mets are actually human after all. Despite having a tremendous month, the Mets' pitching has been roughed up over the past four games. Of the 29 runs given up over the past 10 games, 25 of them were given up over the last four games alone. Mike Pelfrey, who has five wins over his last 40 innings with a 2.27 ERA, gave up five runs in seven innings in his last start. John Maine only went 4.2 innings his last start, giving up five runs with five walks. In Santana's last game he gave up five runs in only four innings, an ERA of 11.25. Despite winning eight of their last 10 games, the Mets are beatable and if the Phils' bats can come alive like we all know they can, then the Phillies should be able to take this series. Outfieler Pat Burrell is batting .417 over his last 12 at bats with two home runs. Chase Utley is batting .455 over his past 11 at bats and Ryan Howard is batting .308 with one home run and three RBIs over the past week. It is going to be the pitching that decides this series. The Phillies success will hinge on the performances of Blanton and Brett Myers, who is returning from a stint in AAA to face the Mets on Wednesday. Both pitchers have struggled this year, but will be the key to the Phillies success if they hope to make the playoffs this season. Any Phillies-Mets series is exciting and definitely worth watching, but this week's series could set the tone for the rest of the season for both teams. Stay tuned…

MLB Busts of the Week - Week 16

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:11:36 -0500

Which fantasy studs dropped the ball last week? And which "sleepers" fell short of their hyped billing? Screaming Sports' Andrew Thibodeau runs down an eight-player list of fantasy bombs.

MLB Start 'Em, Sit 'Em (7/21)

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:06:12 -0500

Screaming Sports' Phil Yoon goes over a week of upcoming matchups and determines who you should sit, who you should start and why. Surprisingly, there are three pretty big names that should be riding the pine this coming week.

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.

The NL East gets all the press

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:38:12 -0500

Two articles today break down the NL East. Jayson Stark gets absolutely blasted by Mets fans in his "That's Debatable" column where he breaks down the National League East. (Spoiler: He picked the Phillies) John Donovan reveals the cons for the teams of the NL East. The Mets is kind of iffy...

That Explains It

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:18:30 -0500

The Fightins posted video last night of Jorge Cantu celebrating his walk-off by tugging on Scott Olsen's balls. We now understand what Dick Stockton meant by the 7-4 bulge.