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.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)