Thursday, July 23, 2009

B & G's 7/23/09

Baseballs:

**Mark Buerhle, Chicago White Sox- There is nothing else that he could do more perfect than what he did today. 27 up, 27 down, and yes he does owe Dwayne Wise a steak dinner for making a fantastic catch in the 9Th inning. Wow, he didn't walk anyone in 9 innings, and struck out 6. Mark made history and now has a 3. Mark has a 3.28 ERA.

**Jarrod Washburn, Seattle Mariners- Jarrod did the same thing that Felix Hernandez did the night before, shut down the Tigers offense. Jarrod threw 7 shutout innings, he walked 2 and struck out 3. Washburn now has an incredible 2.71 ERA and won his 8Th game.

**Shin-Soo Choo, Cleveland Indians- Choo hit a key triple, his 3rd of the season and drove in 2 runs to give the Indians a lead for good. Choo is now hitting .286 and 56 RBIs.

**Barry Zito, San Francisco Giants- 7 strong innings for the Giants tonight, he gave his team a much needed quality start, only giving up 1 run (1 earned), he did walk 5 and struck out 6. But the key is Barry gave his team the chance to win. He now has a 4.68 ERA.

**Jayson Werth, Philadelphia Phillies- Jayson had a great night at the plate, he finished up 3-5 with 2 doubles and he drove in a run, his 62Nd RBI. Jayson now is hitting .271.

**Skip Shumaker, St. Louis Cardinals- In a rain shortened game, Skip finished off 2-1 with a walk and 2 doubles. He drove in his 24Th run of the season and now is hitting .307.

**C.C. Sabathia, New York Yankees- C.C. overpowered the team he grew up rooting for and this is big news since in his career, he is awful against the Athletics. 7 solid innings, giving up 3 runs (3 earned), he didn't walk anyone and struck out 4. Sabathia only threw 109 pitches and he probably could have went another inning. He has a 3.67 ERA.

**Mark Reynolds- Mark finished the night 3-4 With a walk, Mark is hitting .276 on the season.

**Chone Figgins, Los Angeles Angels- Chone went 3-6 tonight, he drove in his 34Th run of the season, Chone is hitting .313 on the season.

Goofballs:

**Tamp Bay Rays Offense- Let's face it, Mark deserves every bit of credit for his perfect game, but the Rays deserve every bit of a goofball too. They struck out 6 times, hit the ball hard a few times, but the bottom line was nothing dropped for them.

**Detroit Tigers Offense- The Tigers only squandered 3 hits today, they scored 1 run, but never had much of a threat.

**Jays Defense- 2 errors, 1 by Jose Bautista (2Nd) and Shawn Camp (1st) allowed 3 unearned runs to score.

**Braves Defense- Ryan Church committed an error (2Nd) and reliever Peter Moylan (3rd) each committed errors that allowed the Braves relievers to give up 4 unearned runs in the 8Th inning. When defense costs your club the game, you won't have a chance to win.

**Kevin Correia- Kevin was bad in the 4Th inning, only lasted 3 1/3 innings, he gave up 8 runs (8 earned), walked 3 and struck out 2. Kevin now has a 4.84 ERA.

**Washington Nationals Offense- They had their chances tonight, 1 run on 8 hits. Of course we can also blame Mother Nature for causing the rain delay, but nah, we'll also give a goofball to the Nats.

**Vin Mazzaro, Oakland Athletics- He did have to wait out a 2 hour and 45 minute rain delay, but so did C.C. He lasted 4 1/3 innings, giving up 6 runs (6 earned), he walked 4 and struck out 6. Vin now has a 4.75 ERA and has lost his 7Th straight decision.

**Evan Meek & John Grabow, Pittsburgh Pirates- They both gave up 5 runs (2 by Meek) and (3 by Grabow). Meek struck out 1 and he now has a 2.85 ERA. Grabow has a 3.65 ERA.

**Joe Nathan, Minnesota Twins- Joe blew his 3rd save of the season, giving up 2 runs (2 earned) and he now has a 1.64 ERA.

Bruce Miles Q&A

Today Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald was kind enough to take some time to do a question and answer session with me. You can see the chat by clicking here, or just read the Questions and Answers below:

Cubbiefan07: Bruce, when did you first decided you wanted to be a beat writer?

Bruce Miles: It wasn't until the late 1990s. I had done just about everything in newspapers, including being the backup Cubs and White Sox writer. When the Cubs job came up, I felt I owed it to myself to go for it, given my love for baseball.

Cubbiefan07: Question from a reader; What steps are involved in becoming a beat writer?

Bruce: You've got to spend some time in the business learning how to be a reporter and a writer. I firmly believe in young writers covering high school sports and then moving up. Working in news or on the desk (as I did) also are good.

Cubbiefan07: What is your relationship with the player like?

Bruce: Cordial. I'm 52 years old, which means I'm quite a bit older than most. I like to keep it professional. I don't drink with them or socialize with them. I ask them for interviews, do the interview and thank them. It's worked for me.

Cubbiefan07: How about your relationship with the other Cubs beat writers?

Bruce: It's very good. Paul Sullivan and I go back a long way. He's really a good guy and a Chicago sports fan and historian. Gordon and I get along fine. Carrie Muskat and I have known each other a long time. I get along fine with Carrie, as well. You compete with the others, but there is some collegiality.

Cubbiefan07: Question from a reader; Is there any truth to the rumor that the Cubs are interested in Reds' second baseman Brandon Phillips?

Bruce: I've not heard that they're strong on him. They're exploring all options. One that's been talked about is Freddy Sanchez. I don't see that happening.

Question from Larry: Lou has stated that he wants a left handed power bat, who are the Cubs looking at that fits the bill?

Bruce: I'm not sure Lou and the GM are of the same mind here. Hendry may feel that Lou was blowing off steam the other day, which he tends to do.

Cubbiefan07: The Cubs signed former Blue Jays closer B.J. Ryan. Do you see the lefty being a factor in the Cubs pen before the end of the season?

Bruce: If he throws well in the minor leagues I see that, yes.

Cubbiefan07: Speaking of Blue Jays pitchers, where do you see Roy Halladay landing?

Bruce: Not with the Cubs. Perhaps Philadelphia.

Cubbiefan07: What MLB team do you see getting hot down the stretch:

Bruce: Darkhorses would be Colorado and Houston. I see Boston and New York putting up big records.

Cubbiefan07: Bruce, you’ve been covering the Chicago Cubs since 1998, but this year you are not traveling with the team for the first time. Is it nice to have a break from all that travel, or is it strange for you to sit home and watch the Cubs on TV?

Bruce: It's strange. I'd rather be out there. I don't miss airport delays and extra-inning games on get-away days, though.

Cubbiefan07: Which Cubs team was your favorite to cover? 1998? 2003? 2008? Or was there another team that was a lot of fun?

Bruce: I liked 1998 the best, with Beck, Grace, Glenallen Hill, and others. I liked the 2001 team, with E.Y., Stairs, Coomer, Gutierrez, Kerry Wood, Tapani.

Cubbiefan07: Shift gears a little bit, what team in the big leagues has the best bullpen? Stating lineup? Rotation?

Bruce: I like the Phillies lineup. The Cubs' rotation is right up there. Nobody's bullpen comes to mind spur of the moment.

Question from Larry: Which version of Harden are we most likely to see throughout the second half? He has been very inconstant thus far this season.

Bruce: It depends on his health. If everything is fine, and he was throwing 95-95 his last time out, I don't see any reason he can't pitch well down the stretch.

Cubbiefan07: Bruce, thanks so much for taking the time for us. Many fans enjoy your writing, keep up the great work!

I've missed a few days of countdown to the deadline, but it will return tomorrow!

We hope to have more Q&A's for you soon!

Reds to be buyers?

GM Walt Jocketty who says that "nothing's changed" in the club's philosophy before the deadline;
"We’re still 5 1/2 games out. We’re still looking for ways to improve the club."

Yanks to go After Arms

Bryan Hoch talked Yankees GM Brian Cashman, who acknowledges that "there is a [pitching] depth issue that is real." Well their is always pitching, but the problem is giving up prospects and taking on the contract.

Cub Targets

Dave Van Dyck who talked Cubs GM Jim Hendry, who says that while anything can happen, the Cubs are looking more to "tinker" rather than make a big splash at the deadline. While the Cubs just don't have the pieces to upgrade dramatically. The Cubs have been in the mix for George Sherrill, Joe Beimel, and John Grabow in the reliever market.

Doubtful Indians Deal Major Players

According to Ken Rosenthal; sources say it's "doubtful"that either Cliff Lee or Victor Martinez is trade. The source calls a Lee deal "a longshot" and a Martinez one "more of a longshot."

Cards Still Interested in Holliday

6:18 PM: Ken Rosenthal says that the Cards interest "Mild" for now.

3:41 PM:
The Cards are now "seriously pursuing" Matt Holliday, in-turn would possibly give up Brett Wallace; writes Jon Heyman.

12:55 PM
: Buster Olney reports that the Cards and A's are discussing a possible Wallace for Holliday trade. Olney sources say its 50-50, if a deal does conspire we'll see how the money is sorted between teams.

10:00 AM:According to Susan Slusser; The Cardinals might be ready to part with highly regarded prospect Brett Wallace for Matt Holliday. Holliday makes 13.5 million dollars this year and should be a Type A Free Agent.

Rays Could Move Kazmir

According to Ed Price; Rays are dieing to deal, with Roy Halladay, Victor Martinez and Cliff Lee on their radar. Now, they're apparently willing to dangle Scott Kazmir as part of a deal, and the Angels are said to have "some interest" in acquiring him.

Red Sox want Adrian Gonzales

Sean McAdam reports that Red Sox have been "very aggressive" in their pursuit of Adrian Gonzalez from the Padres, but their offers have been "rebuffed."

You would Imagine that the Red Sox would have to give up at least Lars Anderson or Michael Bowden to get the Padres attention.

Thursday Roy Halladay Rumors

Hallday Rumors:

4:52 PM: The LA Times is reporting the Dodgers know which players the Jays would want for Roy Halladay, or at least interested in. Don't expect Clayton Kershaw in any deal.

4:45 PM: Bill Shaikin talked to Angels owner Arte Moreno who said he has interest in Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee (note: no intention of getting both), while the team has no "financial constraints."

4:39 PM: Buster Olney reports that Phillies young gun Kyle Drabek inst untouchable. But the team would like to hold onto if at all possible.

3:38 PM: Ricciardi told Jordan Bastian that Halladay has given me a list of teams in which he'd approve of.

3:31 PM: Ricciardi told the Canadian press that talks have become "a little bit more heated up." He believes these are the preliminary moves to acquire Halladay.

12:16 PM: The people of St. Louis Dispatch; the Cards don't have the goods to acquire Halladay.

11:34 AM: Ricciardi was on FAN 590 in Toronto and he said he's exploring deals in part because Halladay wants to test the free agent market after his deal expires after next season. He also mentions that some teams are serious and some are delirious.

11:00 AM: J.P. Ricciardi told ESPN Radio that he does not expect to trade Roy Halladay. Her feels his negotiating partners are not serious enough.

10:45 AM: Bob Elliott says Jays could potentially expand a Halladay trade to include Marco Scutaro, Jason Frasor, Scott Downs or Brian Tallet, depending on their trading partner's needs.

One scout tells Elliott that some surprise teams are calling the Jays about Halladay.

9:21 AM: GM J.P. Ricciardi expects to exchange names with interested teams early next week. While one NL GM said the Red Sox need Halladay and they have enough to acquire him; writes Nick Cafardo.

Padres about set to Extend Bud Black

Corey Brock reports that Padres COO Jeff Moorad says manager Bud Black will receive a one-year extension. Black's current deal expires after this season, but he'll soon be under contract to manage the Padres through 2010.

Slim Chance Rays make Blockbuster deal

Ken Rosenthal reports that the Rays are pursuing the biggest stars available, but are unlikely to acquire any of them. Face it the Rays have a very low payroll, and they have limitations especially during these times. One GM believes the Rays are "shooting in the dark" and doubts they will acquire a big name player.

Brian Anderson asks for Trade

3:47 PM: Joe Cowley says Anderson "isn't going anywhere." The club had no success in trying to trade him (recently.)

1:24 PM:
Brian Anderson of the White Sox has asked for a trade; according to Scott Merkin. The outfielder explained to GM Kenny Williams why he believes he'd do better with another organization.
"I need to play every day and be an everyday big-leaguer," Anderson said. "I have more to offer. If it's not with the White Sox, then maybe it really is time for a change."

Blue Jays DFA David Dellucci

The Jays designated outfielder David Dellucci for assignment to make room for Joe Inglett; according to Jordan Bastian. 1 for 25, OUCH!

Bruce Miles Q&A

Stark of Deadline

Jayson Stark article
  • The Phillies are as motivated as ever to acquire Roy Halladay. Their goal is to win the World Series, not make the playoffs.
  • The Phils don't want to trade Kyle Drabek or J.A. Happ, but one GM believes they should include Drabek if one of the two has to go.
  • The Phillies may have to decide which outfielder to include in a deal: Michael Taylor or Dominic Brown. One scout says there's "nothing not to like" about Taylor.
  • Acquiring Cliff Lee would take a "four-for-one, Halladay-esque Package."
  • The Dodgers, Angels, Phillies, Rays and Brewers are scouting Lee.
  • Both the Blue Jays and Indians want top young arms for their aces, but the Indians aren't demanding big-league ready prospects, as long as they get a high-upside group.
  • Expect Lee to be traded close to the deadline, if he's moved at all, because the Halladay saga will need resolution first.
  • The Orioles have two prices for George Sherrill. Teams willing to take on his salary have to give up a premium prospect and another prospect, but if the O's have to pay Sherrill, they want a premium prospect and two other players.
  • Danys Baez's value has plummeted recently.
  • The Braves, unsure of how much Tim Hudson can contribute, are leaning heavily towards keeping Javier Vazquez.
  • Adding a reliever is now the Dodgers' top priority.
  • The Phillies have some interest in Ryan Spilborghs, Scott Hairston and Ryan Raburn.
  • The Reds would like to deal some of their expensive pitchers.
  • July 31st is also the deadline for Japanese teams to acquire foreign players for the rest of their season, so if Scott Boras is going to send Stephen Strasburg overseas, this will have to be the week.
  • The Cubs are looking at left-handed relievers, including Sherrill, John Grabow and Joe Beimel.
****(Disclaimer: all from mlbtraderumors)

Rockies Get Bullpen Help Today?

2:32 PM: Ed Price reports; that Rockies acquired Rafael Betancourt from the Indians. Rockies traded Single A pitcher Connor Graham to the Indians for Betancourt.

1:00 PM: An MLB.com report states that the Rockies will trade for right-handed bullpen help today.

This comes as Colorado Rockies right-handed reliever Manny Corpas says he will have surgery on Friday to remove bone chips from his throwing elbow, according to media reports.

We'll have more information as it comes available!

Rays want Victor Martinez

The Rays are now pursuing Victor Martinez, writes Jon Heyman. This comes hours after the Rays and Indians discussed a Cliff Lee trade to the Rays. Names of prospects is thought not to be mentioned yet.

Cliff Lee Available?

1:07 PM: Ken Rosenthal now hears that the Rays may involve a third team in the deal to provide the Indians with more pitching.

8:28 AM:Jayson Stark reports that the Indians could deal Cliff Lee, but they don't want to0, unless their wowed. In other words, he's semi-available. We heard earlier that Rays and Indians talked about a deal that would send Cliff Lee to the Rays.

Jon Heymen also reported earlier the Indians would rather part Victor Martinez than Lee.

Twins and the Tigers

Jon Paul Morosi reports that the Tigers don't seem likely to acquire Matt Holliday, as the Twins continue their search for infielders.
  • The Twins discussed Orlando Cabrera with that A's.
  • The Tigers didn't want to discuss lefty Casey Crosby.
  • The A's gave the Tigers a list of prospects they wanted for Holliday, but talks didn't develop.
  • The Twins could also pursue Jack Wilson, Freddy Sanchez or Marco Scutaro.
  • Mark Teahen could also be an option for the Twins, but would the Royals trade within the division.

Rays Inquired on Lee

According to Jon Paul Morosi; The rays and Indians discuss a deal that would send Cliff Lee to the Rays for prospects. But no deal was imminent. The Indians would want tons of pitching in return.

The Rays are also interested in Rafael Betancourt, Jason Frasor and Michael Wuertz.

B & G's 7/22/09...Arizona Diamondback Vs Colorado Rockies

Arizona Diamondbacks (40-54) vs Colorado Rockies (51-43)
At Coors Field in Denver, Colorado
Wednesday July 22Nd, 2009

Final Score: Colorado 4, Arizona 3
W- Juan Rincon (3-1)
L- Scott Schoenweis (1-2)
S- Huston Street (21)

Rockies Baseball:

**Todd Helton- Todd went 3-4 and hit his 500Th career Double, but he drove in the key run in the 8Th inning, with his 11Th Home Run of the season to give the Rockies the win. With 2 more RBIs, Todd has 60 RBIs and is now hitting .324.

Rockies Goofball:

**Brad Hawpe- Brad struck out 2 times and he finished up 0-4. Brad is hitting .318.

Diamondbacks Baseball:

**Miguel Montero- Miguel was the offense for the D-Backs, he went 1-4 and hit his 9Th Home Run of the season, a 3 run shot, giving him 27 RBIs. Miguel is hitting .289

Diamondbacks Goofball:

**Scott Schoenweis- Scott gave up the Home Run to Helton and lost the game. Scott has a 6.48 ERA.

B & G's 7/22/09...Florida Marlins Vs San Diego Padres

Florida Marlins (48-47) Vs San Diego Padres (37-57)
At Petco Park in San Diego, California
Wednesday July 22Nd, 2009

Final Score: Florida 5, San Diego 0
W- Ricky Nolasco (7-7)
L- Josh Geer (1-6)

Marlins Baseball:

**Ricky Nolasco- 6 2/3 innings of shutout ball, he walked 3 and struck out 10. Ricky kept the Padres in bay and he now has a 5.42 ERA.

Marlins Goofball:

**None- The Marlins played a solid game today and they were in control the entire time. No errors, no bad at bats. Just a solid game.

Padres Baseball:

**Josh Geer- A quality start for the Padres, just threw 1 mistake pitch. He finished up 6 innings, giving up 2 runs (2 earned), he walked 1 and struck out 4. Josh now has a 5.84 ERA.

Padres Goofball:

**Kevin Kouzmanoff- 4 strikeouts today. Very tough.

B & G's 7/22/09...Chicago Cubs Vs Philadelphia Phillies

Chicago Cubs (47-45) Vs Philadelphia Phillies (57-38)
At Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Wednesday July 22Nd, 2009

Final Score: Chicago 10, Philadelphia 5
W- Carlos Zambrano (7-4)
L- Jamie Moyer (9-7)
S- Kevin Gregg (19)

Cubs Baseball:

**Aramis Ramirez- The veteran 3rd baseman came in and played a key role in the win. He finished up 2-4 with 2 walks, a double, and 2 RBIs. Ramirez is now hitting .304 with 20 RBIs.

Cubs Goofball:

**Cubs Defense- 2 key errors by the Cubs allowed the Phillies to stay in the game. Aramis Ramirez (3rd error) and Ryan Theriot (11Th error) both played a role in the errors.

Phillies Baseball:

**Shane Victorino- Shane went 2-4 with a walk, he scored a run and drove in a run, his 43rd RBI of the season. Shane now is hitting .307.

Phillies Goofball:

**Chad Durbin- Gave up 3 runs (3 earned) in 0 innings, he couldn't get anyone out. Chad also walked 3 men, which is a major problem for any reliever. Durbin has a 4.62 ERA.

B & G's 7/22/09...Baltimore Orioles At New York Yankees

Hey guys, my name is Kevin Gillman. I want to thank Phil and Brandon for inviting me to be a part of their new blog site. What are B & G's you might ask? Simple, it stands for Baseballs & Goofballs. I take a look at every single game played on each day and award 1 Baseball and 1 Goofball for each represented team. Even a losing team can be awarded a baseball, so here we go, taking a look at what happened in today's action. Enjoy and tell me what you think.

Baltimore Orioles (41-52) Vs New York Yankees (56-37)
At Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York
Wednesday July 22Nd, 2009

Final Score: New York 6, Baltimore 4
W- AJ Burnett (9-4)
L- Jason Berken (1-8)
S- Mariano Rivera (28)

New York Yankees Baseball: **Nick Swisher- Nick had a good afternoon at the plate, he went 1-2 with 2 walks and drove in 2 runs, giving him 50 RBIs. But the play of the day was when Nick robbed Ty Wiggington of a potential Home Run and after that catch, AJ Burnett settled down and stopped the Orioles. Nick is now hitting .235 on the season and was adored by the Yankees crowd today.

New York Yankees Goofball: **Brian Bruney- Made it a game when in reality, it wasn't supposed to. He gave up 2 runs (2 earned) in 2/3 of an inning, giving up 2 Home Runs and forcing Mo to come in for a save when he was working 4 of the last 5 days prior to the game. Brian now has a 5.28 ERA.

Baltimore Orioles Baseball: **Adam Jones- Adam had 4 hits, finishing up 4-5 and he hit his 14th Home Run, and a double. Adam has 52 RBIs now and is hitting .307.

Baltimore Orioles Goofball: **Aubrey Huff- I could give it to the starter Jason Berken, but after he gave up 4 runs in the 1st inning, he settled down and only gave up 1 run in his final 5 innings, so in this case, it will go to Aubrey Huff, who finished up 0-5 and struck out 3 times. Aubrey is hitting .254 on the season.