“It’s a new league rule,’’ [Marlins manager Fredi] Gonzalez said when asked why Amezaga was replacing [Cameron] Maybin. “On Cinco de Mayo, you’ve got to play all the Mexican and Mexican-America players you have on your team. We may even pitch (Ricky) Nolasco.’’
Speaking of Cameron Maybin, Gonzalez says the Marlins "haven’t even discussed it (sending him down to minors). I think we need to keep playing him. I think we got to run him out there and play him.’’
The Oakland A's have sent Dana Eveland (1-2, 7.40 ERA) to Triple-A Sacramento as Ben Copeland rejoins the team from the 15-day DL.
Boston Red Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis is out against the Yankees tonight with tightness in his left side.
The Detroit Tigers have placed Carlos Guillen on the 15-day DL due to shoulder inflammation.
Tigers CF Curtis Granderson was dropped from leadoff to fifth in the batting order and Magglio Ordonez from third to sixth. On the permanency of the moves, Tigers manager Jim Leyland said "I'm not answering that."
The Arizona Diamondbacks could activate SS Stephen Drew either Tuesday or Wednesday next week after Drew completes his rehab stint.
St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert "I'm not a machine" Pujols was named N.L. Player of the Month by hitting .337 with eight home runs, 28 RBI and 22 runs scored.
Rays ace Scott Kazmir on struggles past two games: "I just wasn't feeling like myself at all; really haven't for a while," he said. "It kind of feels like I'm not using my lower body at all, cutting things off, flying things open, having to use just my arm. That's how the ball is coming out flat and not really hitting my location. If it is, it's kind of a good pitch to hit because the hitters can see it well."
Philadelphia Phillies 2B Chase Utley sat out of Tuesday's game against the Cardinals with a bone bruise in his right foot.
Ken Griffey Jr. will be out the Mariners lineup for "a day or two" with an "inflamed colon." Ouch.
An ex-girlfriend of Roberto Alomar withdrew her $15 million civil lawsuit against Alomar, in which she accused the former All-Star of forcing unprotected sex and that he had AIDS (which he denies). Alomar's attorney says the withdrawal of the case "speaks for itself. It is over."
Washington Nationals reliever Joe Beimel will be activated for tomorrow's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Matt Capps to miss a few games with elbow injury
Per the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Pirates closer Matt Capps has good news and bad news.
The bad news: Capps has an elbow injury and he will miss a few games.
The good news: His elbow is "structurally fine" and he's not expected to miss an extended period of time. Pirates manager John Russell says that Capps "could be pitching again by this weekend."
On the season, Capps has five saves and an ERA of 7.56. After not giving up any runs in his first six appearances, he has allowed seven runs in his last three appearances (2 2/3 innings).Greinke, Santana are April's pitchers of the month
Kansas City Royals ace Zach Grienke was named the A.L. pitcher of the month for April. He was a perfect 5-0 in the month allowing only two earned runs in 36 innings pitched.
Grienke beat out Felix Hernandez (Mariners), Tim Wakefield (Red Sox) and Roy Halladay (Blue Jays).
So far in May, he's picking up where he left off. He's now 6-0 and has lowered his ERA to 0.40 after pitching a complete game shutout last night.
However, he doesn't believe he's the best pitcher in baseball.
Santana went 3-1 in April with an ERA of 1.10. He struck out 44 batters in 32 2/3 innings.
He beat out Chad Billingsley (Dodgers), Dan Haren (Diamondbacks), Heath Bell (Padres) and Ryan Franklin (Cardinals).
Grienke beat out Felix Hernandez (Mariners), Tim Wakefield (Red Sox) and Roy Halladay (Blue Jays).
So far in May, he's picking up where he left off. He's now 6-0 and has lowered his ERA to 0.40 after pitching a complete game shutout last night.
However, he doesn't believe he's the best pitcher in baseball.
“I think Johan (Santana) and Roy Halladay are the two best pitchers,” Greinke said. “Without a doubt. You’ve got to do it for at least three years. That’s my (guideline). When you do it for three years, then you can put your name in stuff like that.”Speaking of Santana, he was named the N.L. pitcher of the month for April.
Santana went 3-1 in April with an ERA of 1.10. He struck out 44 batters in 32 2/3 innings.
He beat out Chad Billingsley (Dodgers), Dan Haren (Diamondbacks), Heath Bell (Padres) and Ryan Franklin (Cardinals).
Monday, May 4, 2009
The Hot Corner, 5/4 (PM) edition
Barry Bonds wishes the Giants had Manny Ramirez. "I wish we got him over here in the Giants organization, because these people would be going crazy."
Brewers team physician William Raasch says the MRI for leftfielder Ryan Braun, who sat for a third straight game tonight, shows "no structural issues, no tearing, no micro-tearing."
Braves catcher Brian McCann will play for the Rome Braves on Wednesday as part of his rehab assignment.
Rays third baseman Evan Longoria won the A.L. Player of the Week. Longoria hit .379 (11-for-29) with two homers and 14 RBIs.
Twins starter Francisco Liriano got his first win of the season against the Tigers tonight. He struck out nine batters in 7 1/3 innings.
Braves pitcher Tom Glavine was "encouraged" by his pain-free pitching session today.
After playing catch today, Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter said: "I'm excited all the time about getting back and feeling better. It didn't feel like I haven't thrown in 2½ weeks. It felt good."
The Phillies have pushed back Cole Hamels next start to Friday against the Braves.
Ryan Howard hit his seventh career grand slam in the fifth inning of Monday's game against the Cardinals. He is now tied with Mike Schmidt for the franchise record.
Yankees reliever Brian Bruney won't return from the DL a week from Thursday, which is when he is eligible to come off the DL.
On a possible Friday return for A-Rod: "Is Friday the day? I can't tell you," [manager Joe] Girardi said in New York. "So much of it just depends on how he feels and when he believes that he's ready to go. I have not really put a date on it, because I want to see how he bounces back on Wednesday or even tomorrow. You know, if he bounces back on Wednesday, it's up to him. When he feels that he's ready, we're probably going to take him back."
Brewers team physician William Raasch says the MRI for leftfielder Ryan Braun, who sat for a third straight game tonight, shows "no structural issues, no tearing, no micro-tearing."
Braves catcher Brian McCann will play for the Rome Braves on Wednesday as part of his rehab assignment.
Rays third baseman Evan Longoria won the A.L. Player of the Week. Longoria hit .379 (11-for-29) with two homers and 14 RBIs.
Twins starter Francisco Liriano got his first win of the season against the Tigers tonight. He struck out nine batters in 7 1/3 innings.
Braves pitcher Tom Glavine was "encouraged" by his pain-free pitching session today.
After playing catch today, Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter said: "I'm excited all the time about getting back and feeling better. It didn't feel like I haven't thrown in 2½ weeks. It felt good."
The Phillies have pushed back Cole Hamels next start to Friday against the Braves.
Ryan Howard hit his seventh career grand slam in the fifth inning of Monday's game against the Cardinals. He is now tied with Mike Schmidt for the franchise record.
Yankees reliever Brian Bruney won't return from the DL a week from Thursday, which is when he is eligible to come off the DL.
On a possible Friday return for A-Rod: "Is Friday the day? I can't tell you," [manager Joe] Girardi said in New York. "So much of it just depends on how he feels and when he believes that he's ready to go. I have not really put a date on it, because I want to see how he bounces back on Wednesday or even tomorrow. You know, if he bounces back on Wednesday, it's up to him. When he feels that he's ready, we're probably going to take him back."
Joba's Momma arrested
The mother of New York Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain faces a felony charge for selling methamphetamine to an undercover officer in Nebraska in February.
She was arrested on Saturday and her bail was set at $5,000. She was charged today with delivery of an exceptionally hazardous drug.
The impact of the economy (and empty$2500 $1250 seats in Yankee Stadium) is being felt more than I would have ever imagined.
She was arrested on Saturday and her bail was set at $5,000. She was charged today with delivery of an exceptionally hazardous drug.
The impact of the economy (and empty
Perez out of, Takahashi into starting rotation
Per ESPN, the New York Mets have moved (previously) starting pitcher Oliver Perez to the bullpen.
Ken Takahashi will replace Perez in the starting lineup.
Perez has pitched horribly (1-2 record with 9.97 ERA) this season. In fact, his most recent start was relief-like (2 1/3 innings against the Phillies).
Ken Takahashi will replace Perez in the starting lineup.
Perez has pitched horribly (1-2 record with 9.97 ERA) this season. In fact, his most recent start was relief-like (2 1/3 innings against the Phillies).
Cubs place Carlos Zambrano on DL
The Chicago Cubs have placed pitcher Carlos Zambrano on the 15-day DL.
Zambrano tweaked his hamstring yesterday while beating a bunt in the fifth inning.
Per the Chicago Sun-Times, GM Jim Hendry expects Zambrano will "probably need two to two-and-a-half weeks" to recover.
The Cubs recalled infielder Bobby Scales from Triple-A, but they will likely call up a starter from the minors to make what would have been Zambrano's start on Friday at Milwaukee.
Per Hendry, one pitcher it won't be is Jeff Samardzija, who has been working relief for the past 11 days.
Zambrano tweaked his hamstring yesterday while beating a bunt in the fifth inning.
Per the Chicago Sun-Times, GM Jim Hendry expects Zambrano will "probably need two to two-and-a-half weeks" to recover.
The Cubs recalled infielder Bobby Scales from Triple-A, but they will likely call up a starter from the minors to make what would have been Zambrano's start on Friday at Milwaukee.
Per Hendry, one pitcher it won't be is Jeff Samardzija, who has been working relief for the past 11 days.
The Hot Corner, 5/4 (A.M) edition
The Miami Dolphins have a new man in charge, Michael Dee, who spent the previous five years as COO of the Boston Red Sox.
Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Tom Gordon strained his hammy while tagging out Rickie Weeks at home plate.
Washington Nationals ex-closer Joel Hanrahan wants his old job back.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are off to a 10-0 start at home, besting the franchise's previous mark set by the 1946 Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field.
Speaking of his strained hamstring, "Of course it will be a [disabled-list stint]," [Milwaukee Brewers reliever Doug] Brocail said. "No doubt."
While Boston Red Sox pitcher John Smoltz won't be ready by June 1st, he'll be back at some point in June.
Detroit Tigers catcher Matt Treanor is expected to miss the rest of the season.
The Twins activated reliever Jesse Crain and sent Jose Morales to Triple-A Rochester even though he was hitting .340.
Padres closer Heath Bell is frustrated by the lack of save opportunities. "I'm not saying I'm the savior or anything. I just want to help out." From April 19th to May 3rd, Bell has appeared in only two games.
Is Colorado Rockies reliever Manny Corpas on way to minors? "I'm trying to do my job; I don't want to go down," [Corpas] said. "I don't know what happened. My confidence is OK, but I don't know what happened."
The Yankees and Red Sox face off for the first time at the new Yankees Stadium. Great seats are still available at half off (only $1250).
The Phillies have activated catcher Carlos Ruiz from the disabled list.
Baltimore Orioles manager Dave Trembley was ejected for arguing a called strike on Aubrey Huff in the fifth inning in Sunday's game.
Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Tom Gordon strained his hammy while tagging out Rickie Weeks at home plate.
Washington Nationals ex-closer Joel Hanrahan wants his old job back.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are off to a 10-0 start at home, besting the franchise's previous mark set by the 1946 Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field.
Speaking of his strained hamstring, "Of course it will be a [disabled-list stint]," [Milwaukee Brewers reliever Doug] Brocail said. "No doubt."
While Boston Red Sox pitcher John Smoltz won't be ready by June 1st, he'll be back at some point in June.
Detroit Tigers catcher Matt Treanor is expected to miss the rest of the season.
The Twins activated reliever Jesse Crain and sent Jose Morales to Triple-A Rochester even though he was hitting .340.
Padres closer Heath Bell is frustrated by the lack of save opportunities. "I'm not saying I'm the savior or anything. I just want to help out." From April 19th to May 3rd, Bell has appeared in only two games.
Is Colorado Rockies reliever Manny Corpas on way to minors? "I'm trying to do my job; I don't want to go down," [Corpas] said. "I don't know what happened. My confidence is OK, but I don't know what happened."
The Yankees and Red Sox face off for the first time at the new Yankees Stadium. Great seats are still available at half off (only $1250).
The Phillies have activated catcher Carlos Ruiz from the disabled list.
Baltimore Orioles manager Dave Trembley was ejected for arguing a called strike on Aubrey Huff in the fifth inning in Sunday's game.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Aramis Ramirez back in Monday's lineup?
Per the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Cubs will have their third baseman back in tomorrow's lineup against the San Francisco Giants.
When Aramis Ramirez returns to the lineup, manager Lou Piniella says he's "going to change the combo a little."
According to the Chicago Tribune, Ramirez will likely bat fifth behind Derrek Lee and in front of Milton Bradley.
Ramirez, who hasn't played since pinch-hitting on May 1st, is leading the Cubs in batting with a .352 average.
When Aramis Ramirez returns to the lineup, manager Lou Piniella says he's "going to change the combo a little."
According to the Chicago Tribune, Ramirez will likely bat fifth behind Derrek Lee and in front of Milton Bradley.
Ramirez, who hasn't played since pinch-hitting on May 1st, is leading the Cubs in batting with a .352 average.
Cubs retire #31 for Jenkins and Maddux
Last month, the Atlanta Braves announced they would retire number 31 in honor of Greg Maddux on July 17th.
Today, the Chicago Cubs retired number 31 in honor of Maddux and Ferguson "Fergie" Jenkins.
Previously, the Cubs have retired four other numbers: 10 (Ron Santo), 14 (Ernie Banks), 23 (Ryne Sandberg) and 26 (Billy Williams).
Major League Baseball retired number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson.
In his career, Jenkins won 284 games, struck out 3,192 batters and had an ERA of 3.34. He won the Cy Young in 1971 when he threw 30 complete games that year.
Maddux finished with 355 wins, struck out 3,371 batters and had an ERA of 3.16 in his career. He won four Cy Young awards consecutively from 1992 to 1995, the first of which was won with the Cubs.
Today, the Chicago Cubs retired number 31 in honor of Maddux and Ferguson "Fergie" Jenkins.
Previously, the Cubs have retired four other numbers: 10 (Ron Santo), 14 (Ernie Banks), 23 (Ryne Sandberg) and 26 (Billy Williams).
Major League Baseball retired number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson.
"It's a tremendous honor," Maddux said, "and it's pretty cool to have it up there with Fergie, too."Both pitchers had two separate stints with the Cubs. Jenkins pitched for the Cubs from 1966-73 and 1982-83. Maddux pitched for the Cubs from 1986-92 and 2004-06."The fun part of doing what we did is putting that uniform on, and you're at home on that field in the ballpark," Jenkins said. "It's your second home."
"I always felt like it was a privilege to wear the uniform," Maddux said. "Almost every day, when I was sitting there putting it on, I would realize it was a privilege and an honor to put on the uniform.
"Because I felt that way, I tried to do it right," Maddux said. "I just tried to do it right every day and didn't worry about what the score was in the ninth inning. As long as I did everything right before the game was over, I felt pretty good about myself."
In his career, Jenkins won 284 games, struck out 3,192 batters and had an ERA of 3.34. He won the Cy Young in 1971 when he threw 30 complete games that year.
Maddux finished with 355 wins, struck out 3,371 batters and had an ERA of 3.16 in his career. He won four Cy Young awards consecutively from 1992 to 1995, the first of which was won with the Cubs.
Carlos Zambrano left today's game with strained hammy
Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano left today's game against the Florida Marlins in the fifth inning with a strained hamstring.
Zambrano allowed two runs and four hits in the five innings he pitched.
He was hurt after beating out a bunt in the bottom of the fifth inning. Rich Harden ran for him and scored on a Derrek Lee grand slam.
Per the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs will evaluate Zambrano over the next two days to determine the severity of the injury. His next scheduled start is Friday against Houston.
Zambrano allowed two runs and four hits in the five innings he pitched.
He was hurt after beating out a bunt in the bottom of the fifth inning. Rich Harden ran for him and scored on a Derrek Lee grand slam.
Per the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs will evaluate Zambrano over the next two days to determine the severity of the injury. His next scheduled start is Friday against Houston.
Six steals for Carl Crawford today
Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek should be ashamed of himself. It's as if he were giving bases away today.
Varitek allowed Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Carl Crawford to steal six bases in today's game.
In total, the Rays set a team record by stealing eight bases on Varitek.
Catcher Michel Hernandez got his first career steal and shortstop Jason Bartlett stole a base as well.
Varitek allowed Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Carl Crawford to steal six bases in today's game.
In total, the Rays set a team record by stealing eight bases on Varitek.
Catcher Michel Hernandez got his first career steal and shortstop Jason Bartlett stole a base as well.
Royals place Tony Pena on DL
The Kansas City Royals have placed SS Tony Pena on the 15-day disabled list today.
Pena, who remained in the game, fractured a bone in his left hand during last night's game against the Minnesota Twins.
The Royals have called up Luis Hernandez from from Triple-A Omaha.
Pena, who remained in the game, fractured a bone in his left hand during last night's game against the Minnesota Twins.
The Royals have called up Luis Hernandez from from Triple-A Omaha.
"He's been hitting pretty good," Royals manager Trey Hillman said before Sunday's game against the Twins. "From my understanding, he's been playing well. He gives us another switch hitter, which never hurts. He's got a little bit of experience."Pena was hitless in his 11 at bats on the season.
Orioles to use closer-by-committee approach (for now)
Per the Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Orioles manager Dave Trembley says that he will choose the O's closer based on the situation on a "day-by-day" basis.
In his first 24 save opportunities since being acquired from Seattle, George Sherrill converted 22 of those opportunities. Since then, he has blown six of his next 19 opportunities including last night's loss in extra innings.
In his first 24 save opportunities since being acquired from Seattle, George Sherrill converted 22 of those opportunities. Since then, he has blown six of his next 19 opportunities including last night's loss in extra innings.
"George will keep you on the tightrope more times than not," Trembley said. "There is not a whole lot of save opportunities for him that come rather easy, but I would admit that the location of some of his pitches haven't been as good as they were last year."Trembley didn't specify which relievers would get save opportunities. Other options include Chris Ray, who was the team's closer in 2006 and 2007, as well as Danys Baez and Jim Johnson.
The Hot Corner, 5/3 edition
Milwaukee Brewers LF Ryan Braun is out of the lineup for a second game in a row with a stiff back.
Baltimore Orioles reliever Dennis Sarfate was placed on the 15-day disabled list and the team recalled Bob McCrory to take his roster spot.
Major League Baseball will investigate the statements made by Alex Rodriguez surrounding his usage of performance-enhancing drugs.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi questioned why the release of Selena Roberts' book on A-Rod was moved up to this Monday.
The Detroit Tigers are concerned about young pitchers Rick Porcello and Ryan Perry.
Colorado's Ryan Spillbrough had two homeruns and two stolen bases in yesterday's win over the Giants.
Phillies' ace Cole Hamels may not be able to pitch against the Cardinals. "He could probably pitch if he just stood on the mound and didn't do anything but pitch, but that's not how it works," said Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr.
Braves outfielder Garrett Anderson, who will be activated the DL on Tuesday, turned down the opportunity of a one-day rehab stint with Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.
Cleveland Indians outfielder Matt LaPorta will make his MLB debut Sunday. "I was sitting in the whirlpool this morning, and the manager came in and told me I was in the lineup," said LaPorta, who was set to make his Major League debut. "I'm pretty pumped up about it."
The Cardinals scratched Kyle Lohse from Sunday's start against the Washington Nationals due to the weather.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsusaka will make a minor league rehab start on Tuesday.
Tony Gwynn, college coach of Stephen Strasburg, says he would select the SDSU ace with the 99-mph fastball with the #1 overall pick if he were making the selection for the Nationals.
With players like Chase Utley, Ian Kinsler, Brandon Phillips, Robinson Cano and others, is this the golden age of second basemen?
Is Oliver Perez heading to the bullpen or the minors?
Baltimore Orioles reliever Dennis Sarfate was placed on the 15-day disabled list and the team recalled Bob McCrory to take his roster spot.
Major League Baseball will investigate the statements made by Alex Rodriguez surrounding his usage of performance-enhancing drugs.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi questioned why the release of Selena Roberts' book on A-Rod was moved up to this Monday.
The Detroit Tigers are concerned about young pitchers Rick Porcello and Ryan Perry.
Colorado's Ryan Spillbrough had two homeruns and two stolen bases in yesterday's win over the Giants.
Phillies' ace Cole Hamels may not be able to pitch against the Cardinals. "He could probably pitch if he just stood on the mound and didn't do anything but pitch, but that's not how it works," said Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr.
Braves outfielder Garrett Anderson, who will be activated the DL on Tuesday, turned down the opportunity of a one-day rehab stint with Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.
Cleveland Indians outfielder Matt LaPorta will make his MLB debut Sunday. "I was sitting in the whirlpool this morning, and the manager came in and told me I was in the lineup," said LaPorta, who was set to make his Major League debut. "I'm pretty pumped up about it."
The Cardinals scratched Kyle Lohse from Sunday's start against the Washington Nationals due to the weather.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsusaka will make a minor league rehab start on Tuesday.
Tony Gwynn, college coach of Stephen Strasburg, says he would select the SDSU ace with the 99-mph fastball with the #1 overall pick if he were making the selection for the Nationals.
With players like Chase Utley, Ian Kinsler, Brandon Phillips, Robinson Cano and others, is this the golden age of second basemen?
Is Oliver Perez heading to the bullpen or the minors?
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