You are browsing the archive for More HB.

Avatar of Derek Felix

by Derek Felix

More HB

August 11, 2008 in More HB

-The Mets suffered a devastating loss to the Pirates 7-5 in a makeup game at Shea which concluded half an hour ago. They led 5-1 on the strength of a David Wright first inning three-run home run along with Robinson Cancel’s first career major league homer off the left field foul pole in the sixth in support of Pedro Martinez, who allowed only a run on three hits while walking four and striking out three on 99 pitches in six innings. But once again, the Met pen was its undoing with the Pirates beginning the comeback with a three spot in the seventh off relievers Joe Smith and Pedro Feliciano. Freddy Sanchez and ex-Yank Doug Mientkiewicz delivered run scoring doubles and catcher Ryan Doumit’s sac fly suddenly made it a one-run ballgame. Jerry Manuel called on Duaner Sanchez to record the final out of the frame getting rookie Andy LaRoche to fly to center with the tying run 90 feet away.

The Amazin’s blew a couple of big chances to increase their lead stranding first and third with one out in the home seventh on a Fernando Tatis pop up and a Damion Easley fielder’s choice. An inning later following a 1-2-3 eighth by Sanchez for an inning and a third scoreless work, Wright couldn’t keep a two out rally going leaving Jose Reyes and impressive rookie Daniel Murphy on base by striking out swinging on a Denny Bautista 3-2 86 MPH pitch flinging his bat in frustration. Perhaps he knew what was to come but another pen ninth inning implosion.

Aaron Heilman got dangerous All-Star leadoff center fielder Nate McLouth swinging on a solid 96 MPH heater that tailed away. But he then went 3-0 on light hitting Luis Rivas before coming back to 3-2 when the Pitt shortstop delivered a single between third and short. Heilman’s trouble was just beginning as he couldn’t put away Mientkiewicz, who already had three big hits. This time, he fought back from two strikes down fouling off three pitches before working a walk on an outside change up to put the tying run in scoring position. Heilman’s next pitch was crushed by Doumit off the right field wall scoring Rivas to tie it while a hustling Endy Chavez got the throw back in to keep runners at the corners. Heilman continued to struggle plunking a hitless LaRoche loading the bases with an out to groans from the Met crowd.

Manuel had seen enough opting for lefty Scott Schoeneweis to face lefty Brandon Moss. He fought back from 3-0 down getting Moss to line a one hopper to a sprawling Easley, who turned and fired a strike home to get the force. The return throw to first was too late keeping them loaded with one more out to get. It’s worth noting that if Easley had realized it, he probably could’ve turned two with Reyes and gotten out of the inning. Instead, Schoeneweis faced rookie right fielder Steve Pearce, who earlier in the game left the bases packed by popping out harmlessly to second on a Pedro first offering. This time, he worked the count to 3-0 forcing Schoeneweis to come in with two strikes setting up another big full count. Pearce won the battle fisting a two-run base hit to center making it a three-run ninth and a 7-5 Pirate lead to boos. Schoeneweis got the final out thanks to a nice Carlos Delgado scoop of a Wright throw.

The damage was done. Interestingly, Manuel got himself ejected when he vehemently argued balls and strikes on what appeared to be a low inside pitch which plate umpire Bill Hohn rang up making it 3-2 on Carlos Beltran. The Met skipper was justified as Hohn didn’t give those pitches to any of his relievers in the top half of the frame squeezing them. Beltran laced a leadoff single to left anyway for proper justice. But Pitt lefty John Grabow buckled down by fanning Delgado on three pitches and then induced Tatis on a 2-0 offering into a game-ending 6-4-3 twin killing notching his second save in place of injured closer Matt Capps.

This was a bitter pill for the Mets to swallow dropping them into a second place tie with the Marlins with both 62-56 trailing the first place Phillies by two and a half.

-The biggest issue for New York’s NL team is that they don’t fare well against teams below .500 kinda like last year. While the Phils are 40-19 versus those foes, the Mets are just a couple over summing up the difference in the division though they’ve taken every series against Philly with five games left and six against the Marlins.

-The NL WC-leading Brewers got homers from Richie Weeks and Corey Hart in a 7-1 win over the Nationals for their sixth straight increasing their lead over the Cardinals to three and a half.

-Meanwhile, the D-Backs added a big bat acquiring slugger Adam Dunn from the Reds in exchange for minor leaguer Dallas Buck and a couple of players to be named later. The 28 year-old Dunn was hitting .233 with a ML-tying 32 dingers and 74 RBI’s. He’ll give Arizona’s offense a power boost. Dunn has 270 career homers and 646 RBI’s finishing also with a preposterous 1,212 K’s in 1,087 games as a Cincinnati Red. He also drew 755 walks. Basically, he’s a home run, walk or strikeout guy who will become a free agent at the season’s conclusion. Will it be enough to get the Diamondbacks the NL West crown over Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers? Only time shall tell.

Add to Yahoo Add to Google Furl this Add to Spurl Save to Del.icio.us Digg IT! Live Bookmarks! Blogmarks

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Comments Off

Avatar of Derek Felix

by Derek Felix

More HB

August 11, 2008 in More HB

-The Yanks were swept by the Angels this weekend falling to 2-5 on their road trip with a tough three coming in the Twin Cities next. It really couldn’t have gone any worse for Joe Girardi’s struggling club, who came apart at the seams Saturday blowing a 3-1 lead and then pouring gasoline on the fire by letting seven more Angels come around to score before even recording an out in a disastrous eighth. So much for a reliable pen without Kyle Farnsworth. Then came Sunday as they fell 4-3 on a Chone Figgins walkoff hit off Mariano Rivera, who just can’t seem to get anyone out in tie games. But if you’re Girardi there after Damaso Marte puts two on, what are you supposed to do there but go with your best in that spot? Aside from that, Alex Rodriguez tried to swipe third in the eighth after doubling but was ruled out by umpire Bill Welke leading to mild protests from the star third baseman and Girardi. Here was A-Rod’s reaction afterwards following his team’s 10th loss in their last 15 keeping them four behind Boston and eight and a half behind Tampa Bay:

“It was 100 percent the right move to make. I mean, on the road, you have to play to win. I had a good jump, the catcher made a perfect throw, I stole the base—and everyone knows that. The umpire had great position on it. He just simply missed it.”

In a tie game, it’s understandable why he tried to take the extra base. Especially against the majors’ best team who then brought in closer Francisco Rodriguez to blow away the Yanks in the ninth K-ing the side. However, in that situation, you gotta make it. I didn’t see it and from the sound of it, it sounds like the wrong call was made which sometimes happens. Mike Napoli made a strong throw and got the benefit of the doubt. Sometimes, that’s the breaks and lately, everything has been going against the Yankees. Perhaps the stars finally aren’t aligned for a 14th consecutive October appearance.

-The Mets did what they needed to this weekend taking two of three from the Marlins to vault into second a half game in front and gain a game on the Phillies, who still lead the NL East by a couple of games. Yeah. They lost yesterday 8-2 as Florida knocked around Mike Pelfrey for the second straight start scoring six of their eight with second baseman Dan Uggla knocking in half on a couple of doubles while Josh Johnson held the Amazin’s in check to two earned over seven frames while improving to 3-0. However, the Mets accomplished what they had to getting the series and finishing 4-2 on the homestand with a makeup game at Shea versus the Pirates this afternoon before headed to D.C. for three against the suddenly resurgent Lastings Milledge and the Nats and then another four in Pittsburgh. The upcoming week against teams they’re clearly better than are an opportunity to gain valuable ground in the division race. We’ll see if Jerry Manuel’s bunch are up to the task.

-By taking the final game, the Marlins remained within striking distance in the pennant race also getting sixth inning solo blasts from veteran left fielder Luis Gonzalez and ex-Met first baseman Mike Jacobs (25th), who each victimized middle reliever Carlos Muniz. They next return home for a tough four-hame series against Albert Pujols and the Cardinals before the NL Central-leading Cubs come in for three next weekend. Talk about a tough stretch which could determine what their role will be the rest of the way.

-Meanwhile, the Phillies got Chase Utley’s 29th homer with six solid innings of three-run ball from savvy vet Jamie Moyer doubling up the Pirates 6-3 pulling two clear of the Mets and staying two and a half up on Florida. They’ll next get a stiff challenge from sizzling new Dodger slugger Manny Ramirez (.459-4-11 in 37 ABs) as Joe Torre’s contending NL West club hosts them for four out West before Philly finishes with three at San Diego.

-I don’t care what NBC analyst Al Trautwig and his partner say when a USA women’s gymnast messes up their routine. Gymnastics is extremely difficult as their routines on parallel bars, balance beam and spring board suggest. It’s not easy. Sure. There’s plenty of Olympic pressure on these girls who are mostly 17 or 18 years of age due to high expectations but sometimes, I get the impression these network nerds forget how special these athletes truly are. It takes a tremendous level of commitment and dedication to even make the big stage in Beijing. I’d like to see one of these experts try to do what they do without breaking something.

-Too bad about Katie Hoff just coming up short for the gold in the 400-meter freestyle. She put in a great race but was just edged out at the last second by Britain’s Rebecca Adlington whose reach was the difference. As heartbreaking a conclusion as that was, Olympic silver ain’t bad.

-So what are the French now saying after that stirring comeback by Michael Phelps and USA teammates in the 4X100 relay?!?!?!?!?! ;-)

-Veteran team captain Jason Lezak’s final half will go down as one of the most memorable and stirring upsets of all-time finishing in 46 flat to overtake the French, who dished out the trash but couldn’t “smash” the Americans in their quest for Olympic gold.

-One final thought on these Olympics. When you see those girl gymnasts huddle together and chat enthusiastically despite finishing the day trailing China in the team competition for gold, that’s what frequently gets lost in all the intense competition. There you had teenagers who were still there enjoying the moment which is what it should be about. Being able to compete in such a special worldwide event is tremendous in itself but fun should always be a part of it. To see them smile and laugh it up was refreshing reminding me of what’s right about sports. Kinda like the basketball players I saw at Berkeley Carroll in Park Slope who always got it. That kind of joy is what it’s all about!

Add to Yahoo Add to Google Furl this Add to Spurl Save to Del.icio.us Digg IT! Live Bookmarks! Blogmarks

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment »

Avatar of Derek Felix

by Derek Felix

More HB

August 9, 2008 in More HB

-The Yanks and Angels are still scoreless headed to the bottom of the fifth in Rally Monkey town. Los Angeles smacked around Ian Kennedy last night in a 10-5 series opening win. Thus far today, spot starter Dan Giese has matched zeroes with ace John Lackey, who just got out of a two out first and third situation by striking out Derek Jeter on three pitches including a nasty slider out he chased out of the zone. Textbook pitching. He started the Yankee shortstop with two perfect outside heaters setting him up for the big K. Jeter entered the AB with a .310 average in money situations where as the team average with runners in scoring position was just .261. Not helped much from Alex Rodriguez, who continues to struggle in those key instances following an MVP year in which he was clutch. You have to wonder if perhaps the added incentive of playing for a new $300 million contract factored into just how locked in the third base slugger was last year as he’s never been a reliable player in the biggest spots no matter how great his statistics are. The Yanks clearly need more from him in tight games if they’re to extend to 14 straight postseason appearances.

-Who ever would’ve believed that Mike Mussina would be the leader of a banged up Yankee rotation working seven shutout innings in winning his 15th the other night on pace for the first 20-win season of his career? In a year where not much has gone right for the Bronx Bombers, Moose has been superb and deserves some AL Cy Young votes.

-Without Oliver Perez, the Mets would be screwed too. He tossed seven scoreless last night for his eighth victory in a 3-0 home shutout of the Marlins. They moved half a game ahead of Florida for second and just a game back of the Phillies, who dropped a 2-0 12 inning decision to the Pirates last night in which former Sock Craig Hansen closed it out for the save.

-The good news for the Amazin’s is that in a year where somehow Mike Pelfrey paces the rotation in wins (10), they find themselves right there in this NL East race. Most encouraging is that David Wright is getting it in gear slugging a walkoff dinger to bail out the Mets pen over San Diego the other day and ripped his 22nd- a two-run shot in last night’s win. The third baseman is up to .288 with 22 homers and ranks third in the Senior Circuit with 89 RBI’s. Even in a year where he’s been very streaky, Wright’s poised to finish strong and have another outstanding season. They’ll need every big swing down the stretch from their biggest star.

-Maybe he heard me. A-Rod went yard for his team-leading 26th in the sixth off Lackey followed by Jason Giambi’s 23rd marking the seventh time this season Yanks have gone back-to-back. They lead the Angels 2-0 and still trail the Red Sox by three games for the wild card.

-Game Update: Mark Teixeira breaks up Giese’s shutout with a mammoth blast to dead center making it his second home run in a week off Yankee pitchers to cut it to 2-1. He also took Edwar Ramirez yard for a go-ahead grand slam in a game the Yanks cameback to win last Sunday.

-I like the Olympics and that opening ceremony in Beijing looked very top notch but maybe it’s just me but these ceremonies just take way too long. Let the games begin already! It’s bad enough we’re some eight hours or so behind with the Pacific even more. Air the events. Gotta say I was amused by that badminton match this morning. Those smaller rackets used to keep that thing are pretty cool. Being that the players can’t let it bounce makes it even more intriguing as there are some good rallies. My friends of course laughed but hey. It’s as Olympic as the sheer grit, intensity and determination of power walking. ;-)

-Off to go cover the first place Staten Island Yankees at the nice ballpark by the Ferry Terminal.

Add to Yahoo Add to Google Furl this Add to Spurl Save to Del.icio.us Digg IT! Live Bookmarks! Blogmarks

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment »

Avatar of Derek Felix

by Derek Felix

More HB

August 6, 2008 in More HB

-The Yanks placed Joba Chamberlain on the 15-day DL. Not surprisingly, they didn’t specify what was wrong with the ailing starter. Is this really what it’s come down to with this team? Where the hierarchy who runs it is so paranoid about what could be a serious injury/setback to one of their future stars that they can’t even come out and inform the media what the injury is. It’s just gotten silly. This regime hates criticism so much and many are already counting the Yankees out of October because if their rising ace is out for an extended period or even done, then it becomes awfully difficult to see them making it 14 straight postseasons. As of right now, it appears veteran righty Dan Giese will fill his spot in the rotation later this week out West.

-Already, the first place Rays had a stirring come from behind 10-7 walkoff home victory over the Indians scoring six in the ninth. Eric Hinske’s run scoring double got the comeback started. Gabe Gross followed with a tying two-run home run off no-name Edward Mujica. Masa Kobayashi fared no better retiring nobody and then serving one up to first base slugger Carlos Pena, who hit his 20th sending Tampa Bay to a thrilling win. A night prior, rookie Evan Longoria was the hero hitting his 22nd highlighting a four-run seventh in an 8-4 win. This team shows no signs of slowing down. They’re awfully resilient and deservedly boast the majors’ second best record (68-45)- one half game better than the Cubs only trailing the Angels (70-43) by two. Who thinks they’re not making it?  Something magical is happening in St. Pete.

-Given their rotation troubles, do you think the Yankees wish they had retained Jeff Karstens and dealt away another pitcher instead in the Xavier Nady deal given how unbelievably he’s pitched thus far with the Pirates, having a perfect game broken up in the eighth by Arizona’s Chris Young. Maybe he just needed to get out of New York.

-I still can’t get over how the Twins can be 11 over tied atop the AL Central with the White Sox while Johan Santana hasn’t won 10 games yet with the Mets a couple of games worse in third place two behind the Phillies.

-Alfonso Soriano stayed hot hitting his club-leading 21st driving in three in an 11-4 rout of the Astros. Utility man Mark DeRosa hit a grand slam knocking in five. Remember when he was a bad signing? Not so anymore. He’s hitting .278 with 12 homers and 63 RBI’s. Not bad production.

-If you were Brett Favre, who would you rather play on? The Jets, who remain very much in flux or the Bucs, who were a playoff team the year before. Seems like an easy enough choice.

Add to Yahoo Add to Google Furl this Add to Spurl Save to Del.icio.us Digg IT! Live Bookmarks! Blogmarks

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment »

Avatar of Derek Felix

by Derek Felix

More HB

August 6, 2008 in More HB

-It was a mixed night for both New York ballclubs. Let’s start with the positive if you can call hanging on for dear life against the lowly Padres that as the Mets did in a 6-5 win to kick off a vital six-game homestand on the right foot. Most of the offense was supplied by resurgent left fielder Fernando Tatis, who slugged two home runs including a huge two out three-run go-ahead shot in the home sixth which put the Mets up 4-2. The Mets tacked on a couple of key insurance tallies including a Nick Evans eighth inning run scoring double which wound up being the difference due to the pen. Though Aaron Heilman wasn’t helped much by his defense as he attempted to close out the game with Billy Wagner on the DL, he still served up a three-run homer to Jody Gerut which suddenly made it a nerve wracking one-run game with still a couple of outs to get. Jerry Manuel opted for Joe Smith to get the second out and then lefty Scott Schoeneweis came on to pop out Brian Giles to deep center on one pitch notching the save.

-Still, it was an important win snapping a four-game skid and allowing the Mets to regain some momentum as they also gained a game on the first place Phillies, who dropped an 8-2 contest to visiting Florida, who pulled within a game and a half while the Amazin’s are two behind. They need to go at least 4-2 on this stand against the Padres and Marlins to feel good about themselves as the stretch drive nears closer.

-There was no such encouraging news for the other New York team as the Yankees again lost in Texas- this time falling 8-6 despite a Richie Sexson eighth inning grand salami which at least made the outcome respectable. Truthfully, the Rangers aren’t a bad team and in fact are just a game and a half worse now than those Yanks in that wild card race. AL MVP candidate Josh Hamilton did some damage hitting his 27th home run off an ineffective Andy Pettite, who lasted only five while permitting five earned. Struggling rookie David Robertson and Brian Bruney provided little relief allowing three more Rangers to come home highlighted by a Chris Davis two-run double in the seventh that was the difference. The rookie knocked in half his team’s output as Texas captured the first two of the four-game set.

-That combined with a damaging walkoff defeat the previous night where Marlon Byrd got the better of Damaso Marte for a winning slam has New York seeing red. Boston won as Jason Bay had four hits and four RBI’s in an 8-2 win over the Royals increasing their WC lead to 3.5 over the Bronx Bombers. Oh btw…with the Twins and White Sox deadlocked in the AL Central both with superior records, the Yanks will also have to jump over them as well with Texas hot on the trail and even Toronto lurking in the background. They better get it in high gear soon or it really will be first October in 14 years without the Pinstripes closing out the House That Ruth Built for good earlier than expected.

-The worse news is that budding young ace Joba Chamberlain left Monday’s game in the fifth with shoulder tightness and already will miss his next turn in the rotation. Following an MRI, he’ll be reevaluated by Dr. James Andrews later today. Yankee brass and supporters better keep their fingers crossed it’s not too serious as they can ill afford to lose the 22 year-old former No.1 draft choice for an extended period. Especially when their staff is so thin after Pettite and rejuvenated vet Mike Mussina. Are you putting a lot of faith in veteran Sidney Ponson and the unheralded Darrell Rasner? Speaking of Ponson, he’ll face his former team tonight trying to give the Yanks a much needed jolt. So, who gets Joba’s next start? Ian Kennedy? He’s pitched well lately in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. You’d think it would make sense to recall the rookie and give him another shot over say Japanese failure Kei Igawa or <gulp> Carl Pavano.

-I’m no genius here but good California buddy Brian Sanborn informed me that ESPN SC showed the replay of Prince Fielder getting into it with teammate Manny Parra over and over again. Why must they always show such replays of something negative when a younger audience just might be watching all their shows? Because if you know the biz as I have come to, it’s all about the most evil word in TV. RATING$. They don’t care just as you watch. When is enough enough? Sad to say but we all know the answer…

-Brett Favre’s back with Green Bay but won’t be for long. The question is if you were them, would you deal the legendary quarterback who’s meant so much to their franchise to the bitter rival Vikings? Tough question to answer. Personally, I think they should call the shots here for the reinstated 38 year-old future Hall of Famer. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen anytime soon. Don’t expect a happy ending made for Hollywood.

-Remember when the Phillies were supposed to miss former center fielder Aaron Rowand, who left for greener pastures in San Fran? Truthfully, he’s not performing badly but given how well the gritty Shane Victorino is swinging the bat these days, they aren’t missing Rowand all too much:

Aaron Rowand

Shane Victorino

-Who would ever believe that Evan Longoria would become the leader of the first place Rays during his rookie season after signing a big extension? What a player!

-Alfonso Soriano missed all those games yet still leads the first place Cubs in homers slugging his 20th on a three hit, four-RBI night in an 11-7 victory over Houston. If he hadn’t gone down, 40 homers and 30 steals probably would have been locks.

-Daily News columnist Mike Lupica had another good piece in yesterday’s paper on long time Yankee catcher Jorge Posada having to be reduced to spectator status the rest of the way after undergoing successful surgery on his torn right labrum and capsule last week. It’s a good read with some very solid quotes from the 37 year-old veteran who’s been a huge part of the team’s success.

-As I noted in another entry, I really enjoyed the festivities of the final Yankee Old-Timer’s Day Saturday but when WCBS play-by-play man John Sterling actually referenced the weather holding off due to a rainy forecast as, “Once again, the sun is shining down on the Yankees,” that even got me. Talk about being overly dramatic.

Gee wiz.

Add to Yahoo Add to Google Furl this Add to Spurl Save to Del.icio.us Digg IT! Live Bookmarks! Blogmarks

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment »

Avatar of Derek Felix

by Derek Felix

More HB

July 29, 2008 in More HB

-The Mets rebounded with a 4-1 win over the Marlins thanks to Carlos Beltran’s two out go-ahead single in the sixth plus some insurance off the big bat of Carlos Delgado, who took Marlins’ lefty Renyel Pinto deep for a two-run blast in the eighth for his club best 23rd of the season. Oliver Perez went six innings allowing only a run on five hits while walking three and fanning five tossing 100 pitches. He wasn’t lights out but did just enough to give his team a chance escaping a first and second one out situation with a 1-6-3 double play. He notched his seventh victory dropping his ERA to 4.02.

New York also got solid relief from Aaron Heilman, who after walking a couple in the seventh settled down to toss two scoreless while fanning four. Billy Wagner retired the side in order whiffing a pair for his 27th save.

-For the Marlins who dropped a couple out of first, Scott Olsen wasn’t bad by any stretch matching Perez for nearly the same amount but couldn’t get that final out in the sixth walking Delgado and then giving up Beltran’s go-ahead base hit. Following a Fernando Tatis single, the lefty was pulled having gone five and two thirds while allowing two earned on six hits walking a pair and striking out five.

You have to wonder why Florida skipper Fredi Gonzalez didn’t stay with reliever Matt Lindstrom after he baffled the Mets for one and a third scoreless with two K’s. Something Howie Rose and Wayne Hagan alluded to on the radio cast when Pinto came in to start the eighth, allowing the Mets to ice the game.

If there’s an aspect the Marlins lost this game, it was stranding runners as they left 16 on compared to New York’s nine. They aren’t the most fundamentally sound club as evidenced by their D the previous night and their continued free swinging approach which saw them K 11 times including All-Star shortstop Hanley Ramirez going for the hat trick. There also was a big at bat where former Met Mike Jacobs pinch hit in the seventh with the tying run just put on via a walk on five pitches by Heilman. Instead of being patient, he swung at the Met setup man’s first offering harmlessly popping out. It might have been wiser to be more patient in such a big spot. But often with younger teams, they’ll be overly aggressive showing inexperience.

That’s an area Florida will have to continue to get better at if they want to seriously contend over the next couple of years.

-The Yanks again were victimized by the opportunistic Orioles who broke open a one-run game by putting up a four spot in the seventh off the combo of Darrell Rasner and recent lefty pickup Damaso Marte in a 7-6 win. With Rasner in trouble, the ex-Pirate came on and subsequently gave up three consecutive hits including a bases clearing double to hitting star Aubrey Huff and a Melvin Mora RBI two-bagger making it 6-1. Till that point, the Yanks had their lone run on Alex Rodriguez’ solo shot for his 22nd off Daniel Cabrera.

With Joe Girardi sending out Mariano Rivera to get some work after a few days off, the closer couldn’t escape Huff, who earlier in his at bat just missed a right field upper deck homer. It would take a couple of more pitches before he straightened out a fastball which got too much of the plate serving it out into the short porch for his 22nd putting the stamp on a four hit, four RBI night. As it turned out, that big swing proved large because the Bronx Bombers rallied for three in the home half versus closer George Sherrill.

Following a Johnny Damon leadoff hit, Derek Jeter walked. Then Bobby Abreu doubled in a run putting the tying run to the plate but A-Rod struck out swinging. A Jason Giambi two-run base hit suddenly made it a one-run game. When pinch runner Justin Christian swiped second, they had two shots to get him in but Sherrill buckled down getting both Robinson Cano and Wilson Betemit swinging to end any chance of a miraculous Yankee comeback.

-The loss prevented the Yanks from gaining a game on the Red Sox, who were no-hit for eight and a third by Angels’ ace John Lackey Fenway before second baseman Dustin Pedroia broke it up. Though he lost his shutout bid on a Kevin Youkilis two-run dinger, Lackey finished the game with a two-hitter walking a couple and K-ing four on 120 pitches with 91 for strikes in improving to 9-2. The 29 year-old Angel ace who tossed his 12th career complete game got a nice hand from the Boston faithful.

-Off the field, Lackey’s team made some big headlines by packaging first baseman Casey Kotchman along with 24 year-old Double-A pitching prospect Stephen Marek to the Braves in exchange for 28 year-old first base slugger Mark Teixeira, making it the second straight year before the deadline the former Texas Ranger star was dealt. In 103 games this season, the former Georgia Tech star was hitting .283 with 20 homers and 78 RBI’s plus a .390 OBP and .512 slugging. In 157 total games as a Brave, Teixeira totaled 37 home runs, 74 extra base hits and 134 RBI’s. In the final year of a contract, he’ll now go West to LA to try to help deliver the Angels’ second world championship in six years. He’s making $12.5 million in the last year and could become a UFA this November.

Said Teixeira of the deal:

“Hopefully, I can just go over there and be one more piece of the puzzle.”

It should make the Halos even tougher to get out. Particularly with a middle of the order which now features Vlad Guerrero, Torii Hunter and Teixeira.

The slugger also added of his new ballclub:

“The Angels have always been one of the best teams in the league. They’ve always had great pitching, great defense and find a way to win games. I want to be the one who hopefully gets them over the top.”

The two-time Gold Glover also paid tribute to his former team where he enjoyed his brief stay:

“The last couple days I knew it was coming, so I prepared for it. It’s a little bittersweet. I really enjoyed my time here. I had a great year here. I love this team. I love this organization. I love this city. It’s tough to leave.”

Class all the way.

-In Milwaukee, Carlos Zambrano helped the Cubs to a second straight win over the Brewers easily outpitching Ben Sheets by going eight strong scoreless scattering five hits walking two and fanning nine as the NL Central leaders prevailed 7-1 extending their lead to three games. Four Cubs had at least two hits and Aramis Ramirez finished with four, two runs scored plus an RBI as Chicago put a hurting on Sheets scoring six times on 11 hits in five and a third to hand him his fourth defeat. Every Cub had at least one hit including Zambrano, whose infield RBI base hit to short highlighted a five-run sixth which broke open a one-run game. Japanese rookie Kosuke Fukudome and veteran utility man Mark DeRosa each drove in a pair giving the Cubs their third straight victory while dealing the Brewers their third loss in a row.

-With the Cards prevailing 8-3 against the DL-plagued Braves who just lost Tim Hudson for the season and placed leading hitter Chipper Jones on the DL, they’re within a game of the wild card behind Milwaukee. Albert Pujols slugged his third long ball in four days scoring three times and catcher Yadier Molina added three hits and two RBI’s.

-The Phillies remained a half game behind the Mets thanks to a stellar effort from Brett Myers, who went seven innings allowing just one unearned on four hits, walking one and striking out a couple for just his fourth win. A much better effort than his prior one against the Amazin’s which was good news for the Phils, who just sent Adam Eaton back to Triple-A to get straightened out. The Phillies got a two-run homer from Chase Utley (26th) which was enough to edge the Nationals 2-1 keeping pace with New York.

-The first place Rays gained a game on Boston going two up and four on the Yanks thanks to a 3-0 complete game shutout by Matt Garza, who outpitched Roy Halladay for win No.9. He got an Eric Hinske inside the park homer and a two-run Evan Longoria two-run eighth inning triple as he five-hit the Jays on 106 pitches walking one and striking out five. In a losing effort, Halladay went eight frames allowing three earned on six hits walking a trio while fanning eight in falling to 12-8. He tossed 118 pitches. What a horse.

-The Twins rallied from 4-0 down scoring five in the fifth and one in the seventh to comeback and beat the White Sox 6-5, pulling within half a game of first. Justin Morneau’s bases clearing double was the big hit but as it turned out teammate Joe Mauer’s run scoring single proved to be the difference due to a Nick Swisher solo homer off closer Joe Nathan in the ninth. Nathan then got the final batter to notch his 29th save.

Add to Yahoo Add to Google Furl this Add to Spurl Save to Del.icio.us Digg IT! Live Bookmarks! Blogmarks

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Comments Off

Avatar of Derek Felix

by Derek Felix

More HB

July 29, 2008 in More HB

-The Yanks have dropped two straight after coming out of the All-Star Break winning their first eight to get back in the AL East race. Last night, Mike Mussina didn’t have it giving up two second inning home runs to Yankee killer Kevin Millar and Ramon Hernandez putting the home club in a four-run hole they wouldn’t climb out of against O’s starter Jeremy Guthrie, who allowed just one run on Xavier Nady’s solo shot in the seventh which broke up a shutout. In five innings, Moose allowed six earned on eight hits walking two and striking out four to fall to 13-7. Rookie David Robertson was even worse getting tattooed for five runs on four hits in just a third of an inning. Rookie Adam Jones took him yard for a grand slam in the sixth putting the game out of reach.

Fortunately for the Yanks, both Tampa Bay (3-1 loss to Jays) and Boston (7-5 loss to Angels) lost meaning they lost no ground in the race remaining two behind the Red Sox for the wild card and three in back of the Rays for the division.

-As radio broadcaster John Sterling pointed out, Mussina was due for a bad outing as he had been lights out for a while. However, the way he and partner Suzyn Waldman made Guthrie sound was like the second coming. You would’ve thought he had 11 or 12 wins and a sub-3.00 ERA the way they gushed over him instead of winning his seventh and lowering his ERA to 3.49. The 29 year-old late bloomer out of Stanford has developed into a good pitcher but come on. They made it sound like it was mission impossible for the Yanks to comeback. Sorry but this wasn’t Roy Halladay.

-The Mets fared no better in their first game down south losing to the Marlins 7-3. The story was John Maine, whose right shoulder stiffened up forcing him to leave with one out in the fifth leading 2-1. A couple of batters following John Baker’s leadoff homer which broke up the shutout, the Mets staff took no chances taking out the 27 year-old righty taking precaution as they don’t want to lose him for any extended period. The Met pen couldn’t hold a 3-2 lead in the eighth allowing five Marlins to come across. After Dan Uggla’s single tied it, Cody Ross put Florida ahead with a base hit to right off Scott Schoeneweis, who replaced Joe Smith after starting the inning. When it looked like he’d escape a bases loaded no out situation down only a run, he uncorked a wild pitch allowing insurance to come in. Pinch hitter Robert Andino, who earlier this year beat the Amazin’s on a walkoff homer delivered a two-run double making the Marlins 7-3 winners to pull them within a game of first while the idle Phillies are just half a game back.

Tonight, the resurgent Oliver Perez goes up against fellow lefty Scott Olsen while Philadelphia begins a three-game series in Washington.

-It’s hard to fathom how white hot Fernando Tatis is with the bat. Last night, the 33 year-old veteran left fielder had two more hits knocking in two of the Mets’ three in defeat. Once a power hitting third baseman for the Cardinals after coming over from Texas near the beginning of his career, Tatis fell apart after being dealt to Montreal and eventually was out of the bigs altogether in 2004, 2005 and even last year. Over the past month, he’s been unbelievable for the Mets sparking them into first with clutch two strike hits which would make Alex Rodriguez jealous. Following a quiet June in which he did essentially zilch hitting .236 with three RBI’s while fanning 16 times in 55 plate appearances, Tatis is hitting a ridiculous .415 (27-for-65) with six homers, 14 extra base hits and 18 RBI’s. How does one explain the meteoric turnaround for a veteran who hardly played four of the past five years? It’s a great comeback story. Given how we can’t take things for granted anymore these days,  you just hope it’s on the up and up.

-C.C. Sabathia threw 124 pitches (77 strikes) in earning a no-decision in second place Milwaukee’s 4-3 loss to the Cubs to start a big four-game set. I just thought you should know.

-Isn’t it something how good buddy John Giagnorio’s favorite Cub Alfonso Soriano comes back and immediately starts contributing in a big way in the last two wins to stay two up on the Brew Crew?

-They might have lost last night to the Pirates but I still say the Rockies if they play their cards right are coming back to take the NL West because the two teams in front of them just aren’t that good. That’s also why Matt Holliday shouldn’t go anywhere the next few days.

-Don’t ya think either the Yanks or Mets would love to have as scrappy and heady a player as Pitt’s Nate McLouth manning their center field a few years from now?!?!?!?!?!?!

-Reported on the Bottom Line: Brett Favre just crossed the street into town to have lunch with his family.

-I just don’t get how they can have another 90210. That Tori Spelling’s Donna character is being brought back doesn’t say much for her career. Though Shannen Doherty’s Brenda character should still be interesting. Is Jennie Garth’s Kelly really coming back too? Got to say she still looks good on these What I Like About You repeats.

-It was interesting listening to discussion on WFAN in New York about Carlos Delgado’s sudden resurgence. Perhaps Staten Island Yankee official scorer Kevin Nasta is onto something about the Met first base slugger not putting out much effort for former manager Willie Randolph. And isn’t it odd how Jose Reyes went from a basket case who would’ve worked for that classic Green Day video to suddenly back to being the most dangerous leadoff hitter in the game with MVP consideration? Players are pampered way too much these days. I could just see Delgado and Reyes getting away with that in the Yankee locker room.

-I was talking with fellow Giant blogger Ryan Kratz just the other day about how little respect Big Blue is being given despite pulling off three of the biggest upsets en route to a third Lombardi Trophy. Here they are without the retired Michael Strahan, who will be missed due to his veteran presence and headache Jeremy Shockey, who won’t be missed in the least as they head into camp. They still got Eli, Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer and the two-headed ground attack of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. Plus second-year players Steve Smith and Kevin Boss. Then there’s the D which still boasts one of the most dangerous pass rushers Osi Umenyiora, riser Justin Tuck and a healthy Mathias Kiwanuka. Who isn’t excited to see how rookies Kenny Phillips and Mario Manningham fit in to help bolster both sides of the ball? Plus Aaron Ross and Corey Webster in the secondary.

Will it be tough for Tom Coughlin’s group to defend their title? Absolutely. But when you see the same so-called experts who had them losing last January to Dallas, then Green Bay and then the big bad Belichick Pats already writing them off behind the Cowboys and Eagles for the division, it’s maddening. What do they have to do to garner respect? Maybe they’ll have to win it all again to silence the doubters.

-I’m no expert but this Renaldo Balkman trade to the Nuggets moving one of your best energizers who can rebound and defend as well as anyone for more guards. Is this really what the new plan is for the Knicks? Just more proof that it doesn’t matter who’s running the Dumb and Dumber Clown Mgt 101 franchise.

Add to Yahoo Add to Google Furl this Add to Spurl Save to Del.icio.us Digg IT! Live Bookmarks! Blogmarks

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Comments Off

Avatar of Derek Felix

by Derek Felix

More HB

July 28, 2008 in More HB

-Rafael Nadal took another step closer to the No.1 ranking by defeating veteran German Nicolas Kiefer 6-3, 6-2 to capture the Rogers Cup in Toronto yesterday for his ATP Tour leading seventh title of the year. It also marked his fifth consecutive tournament win and extended his match win streak to 29 straight. The 22 year-old No.2 ranked Spaniard also captured a fourth straight French Open and first ever Wimbledon becoming the first male tennis player to win both since Bjorn Borg in 1980. He defeated Scot Andy Murray in straight sets to reach the final after Murray had upset No.3 ranked Serb Novak Djokovic in the quarters of an upset marred tournament which saw top ranked Roger Federer, No.4 Russian Nikolay Davydenko, No.5 Spaniard David Ferrer and No.6 American Andy Roddick all bounced in the third round.

Nadal was able to avoid the upset bug to capture his first hard court tournament of the season. Though Kiefer raised his level early in the second set getting a few break points in the fifth game, the resilient Nadal fought them off and held serve before breaking the German’s spirit with two breaks to take the last four games for the championship.

If he continues to get solid results on the hard courts, then Nadal has to be considered a serious U.S. Open contender. He now believes he can win on any surface:

“I win on every surface, no? I win on grass, on hard, on indoor, and on clay, too. So if I am playing my best tennis I can win on every surface, no?”

In his career, Nadal’s now won 30 titles, making him the third youngest player to win that many behind Borg and Jimmy Connors.

He now trails Federer by just 300 points in the rankings boasting an impressive 61-7 record in 2008. So, can he finally overtake the 12-time slam winner who’s held the top spot a record 234 weeks in a row?

“Every player wants to be No. 1, no? I would love to be No. 1, but I am No. 2 right now. I’m very happy for be No. 2. Because with my titles, with my points, in a normal situation I, well, would have been No. 1 before. So I think I have to be happy, very happy anyway if I am No. 1 or No. 2. Because if I am No. 2 it’s because in front of me there is amazing player like Roger (Federer).”

We’ll see how Rafa follows up all his success in Cincinnati this week.
-This Brett Favre Saga has gotten out of control. Now, ESPN’s Bottom Line is giving a daily synopsis of the on-goings filled with quotes from the Green Bay QB as if it matters more to sports fans than the scores which is what it’s supposed to fill us in on. I highly doubt most NFL fans outside the crazies in Milwaukee care about every life detail of Favre’s existence. What’s next? ESPN Bottom Line fills us in on the little details of Favre’s day:
“After talking about how he won’t report to camp, Favre then milked his cows on his farm before having a balanced lunch with a homemade salad filled up of veggies freshly picked and washed it down with some fresh squeezed lemonade.”
Why can I actually see this happening?
-In a fun baseball season filled with pennant chases, it’s easy to overlook the season San Diego first base slugger Adrian Gonzalez is having. Despite playing for a last place team with not much else around him, the 26 year-old former Marlins’ 2000 No.1 pick is hitting .280 with 25 homers, 82 RBI’s and 63 runs scored. He needs just five dingers and 18 RBI’s to match last year’s total. His 25 long balls are tied for fifth in the NL and 82 knocked in are tied for second. Just imagine if he was on a good team with more productive hitters. He’s become one of the more productive hitters in the game since coming over from Texas three years ago. Isn’t it about time he got his due?
-I don’t care what comes out of his mouth. The Red Sox would be crazy to trade Manny Ramirez. Few sluggers are more dangerous in crunch time than the kid from Washington Heights.
Add to Yahoo Add to Google Furl this Add to Spurl Save to Del.icio.us Digg IT! Live Bookmarks! Blogmarks

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment »

Avatar of Derek Felix

by Derek Felix

More HB

July 28, 2008 in More HB

-The Mets got a much needed complete game from Johan Santana, who tossed the club’s first CG of the season in an 9-1 blowout win over the Cardinals taking two of three at Shea before they hit the road for a big three-game series in Florida. The 29 year-old southpaw got plenty of support off the big bats of David Wright (20th HR), Fernando Tatis (2-run shot) and Ramon Castro (solo HR) as the Mets plated five in the sixth to put away a three-run game before Albert Pujols slugged his second dinger in two days in the seventh to break up the shutout. That was the only mistake Santana made as he went the distance on one run, six hits walking one and fanning five to improve to 9-7 lowering his ERA under 3.00. He also tossed a season high 118 pitches for his seventh career complete game.

-The Mets hope it’s a trend as they need their ace more than ever to deliver a big second half to hold off the offensive minded Phillies, who once again dialed up the offense with two five-run outbursts erasing an Atlanta 5-0 lead to win 12-10 and remain a game back. The Phillies got five home runs from different sources with Chris Coste, Shane Victorino (3-run shot), Pat Burrell (26th), Jayson Werth (2-run HR) and Jimmy Rollins (solo) all going yard to keep pace.

-Meanwhile, the Marlins blew 5-0 and 6-5 leads to the Cubs allowing four in the seventh at Wrigley to fall 9-6 for a split of the four-game series. Former Met Mike Jacobs two long balls in the second and third weren’t enough and neither was Dan Uggla’s 25th as Alfonso Soriano (3-run shot) and Derrek Lee (solo HR) combined to slug the Cubs back with the biggest hit coming courtesy of a pinch hit Mike Fontenot bases clearing double. The Marlins enter their series against the Amazin’s in third place trailing by two games.

-The Red Sox finally snapped the Yanks’ eight-game win streak by bombing Sidney Ponson for seven runs in the first four innings in what amounted to a 9-2 home victory avoiding the sweep and pulling within two of first place Tampa, who fell in KC 6-1. Manny Ramirez let his bat do the talking with three hits, two runs scored and two RBI’s and David Ortiz hit his first home run since returning and drove in three as the Sox took a two-game lead over the Yanks in the wild card. Trailing by seven, the Yankees did have one chance to get back in it when they plated two runs off Jon Lester in the fifth and still had the bases packed with nobody out. However, Alex Rodriguez lined out to third, Xavier Nady flied to shallow center and Robinson Cano grounded back to Lester allowing him to escape. For the first time since the break, the hot hitting Cano was held hitless in four at bats. Nady followed an 0-for-3 with another collar making him 0-for-7 thus far. He also stranded five. The Yanks as a team left 16 on base.

Add to Yahoo Add to Google Furl this Add to Spurl Save to Del.icio.us Digg IT! Live Bookmarks! Blogmarks

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Comments Off

Avatar of Derek Felix

by Derek Felix

More HB

July 25, 2008 in More HB

-The Mets are now in first place in the NL East after scoring two runs in the home eighth to beat the Phillies 3-1 at Shea on Kids Day. Carlos Delgado continued his resurgence by knocking in the two go-ahead runs delivering a clutch two out two-run double down the left field line plating both Robinson Cancel and David Wright, who was intentionally passed over to get to the first base slugger. Though Delgado was only 2 for his previous 17 against Phils’ lefty reliever J.C. Romero, that really couldn’t be factored into pitching to the Mets’ hottest hitter in such a crucial situation. Honestly, I think I would’ve walked him also and gone after switch hitting center fielder Carlos Beltran, who doesn’t have the best reputation deliver in big spots and frequently keeps the bat on his shoulder. Not surprisingly, the numbers bare it out:

Beltran 2008 Situational Splits

Particularly with men on base and two outs, the $16 million man is not doing much. Not only would it have been a more calculated move but Beltran hardly has any power from the right side with only two of his 15 home runs and 17 of 70 runs knocked in coming from that side. Sure. He doesn’t face as many lefties but who would you rather have beat you? A sizzling Delgado or a fragile Beltran, who seems to always fail in these situations? It’s a no-brainer.

-The Amazin’s had to also be extremely pleased with Oliver Perez, who has continued to dominate lately. This time, he went seven and two thirds permitting just Jayson Werth’s seventh inning tying dinger on six hits, intentionally walking one and fanning a season best 12 with half that impressive output coming against Chase Utley and Ryan Howard (three apiece). Perez did a good job pitching out of a couple of jams getting Howard swinging to end one threat. He also got some help from winner Aaron Heilman, who came in and got Werth to fly out harmlessly to Beltran leaving the bases loaded in the top half of the eighth.

-The Phils did a poor job with runners on base stranding double the amount the Mets had: Phi-12, NYM-6. Early in the contest, Utley and Howard failed to get a runner in from third both whiffing. Left field slugger Pat Burrell also didn’t get the job done in another frame popping out to shallow left with one out. It’s no wonder manager Charlie Manuel wasn’t pleased with his club’s performance as they have now dropped all four series to the Queens club posting a 4-9 record with a couple of series left:

“Something’s not in tune. We have to pick it up. I don’t know if it’s hungry enough. I haven’t put my finger on it, but we have to get after it more. We don’t now have that extra kick, the kick we used to have.”

-By contrast, Jerry Manuel gave high praise to his resilient club who not only battled back from a seven and a half game deficit but bounced back in a big way taking the next two games responding to Monday’s debacle:

“I’m very proud of the way this team bounced back after that game the other night. We’ve been resilient for a long period of time.”

Under the new skipper, the Mets boast a 21-12 record and have won 13 of 16 to lead the Phillies by a game and the Marlins by two after Florida fell to the Cubs 6-3 at Wrigley.

-One other disturbing note from the Phils was that Jimmy Rollins was scratched by Manuel due to arriving late at the ballpark for the early 12:10 start. That’s inexcusable and not the first time the 2007 NL MVP has been sat down. Replacement Eric Bruntlett had a solid game finishing 3-for-4 with two doubles off Perez. It’s hard to comprehend why J-Roll would be late for such an important game. Perhaps Manuel’s onto something in his assessment about his team not having that extra edge as they did last year.

-Also lost in the defeat for Philadelphia was an outstanding performance from veteran southpaw Jamie Moyer, who allowed just a run on two hits while walking three and striking out six in seven innings of work on 91 pitches. What more could they have asked for from the crafty 45 year-old out of Pennsylvania who continues to defy logic? I realize he’s pretty old but don’t you think the decision to have Romero start the eighth was a mistake? Moyer had baffled the Mets all day. You’re telling me he couldn’t get a couple of more batters? Sure. Romero’s been a reliable late game reliever for Manuel. Just maybe Moyer should have remained in this one time. Always easy to second guess here.

-Condolences go out to Mets’ starter Pedro Martinez, who lost his Dad Pablo Jamie to brain cancer at the age of 79. The three-time Cy Young winner arrived back home in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic yesterday to pay respect to his old man, who he said was “a great support to me from the beginning of my career.”

Martinez was tonight’s scheduled starter versus the Cards but obviously won’t return to the mound for the first time since July 12 with instead Mike Pelfrey going on regular rest.

-The Warriors signed guard Monta Ellis to a six-year $66 million deal. No shock here as the 22 year-old former 2005 second round steal is finally ready to assume a leadership role with Baron Davis gone to the Clippers. After improving leaps and bounds in his second season, Ellis continued his emergence averaging a career high 20.2 PPG along with five boards, 3.9 assists and 2.1 steals. He also shot a very efficient 53.1 percent from the field.

-How is signing former Florida Gator long range bomber Anthony Roberson going to make the Knicks any better?!?!?!?!?!

-Now that he’s lost early in Toronto in three sets to Gilles Simon, should Roger Federer be concerned about his top ranking? If Rafael Nadal figures out the hard courts, look out.

Add to Yahoo Add to Google Furl this Add to Spurl Save to Del.icio.us Digg IT! Live Bookmarks! Blogmarks

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Comments Off