Ground ball lands in sean rodriguez' shirt

There were not many games on the docket for Monday as many teams had the day/night off. The big matchup of the night was the battle of two potential playoff teams with the two best left-handed pitchers in the American League facing off. The Texas Rangers visited Tampa Bay throwing Cliff Lee against David Price. Lee was dominant early on as he was economical with his pitches.

Price was also dominant, though it took him over 100 pitches to get through six innings. The Rays scored two runs in the 5th inning and another four in the 8th inning as the Rangers defense fell apart behind Lee (after the Rangers had taken a 4-2 lead). Though no errors were recorded there were misplays on ground balls and a shallow pop up. The Rangers have now lost five of Lee’s eight starts with them, while the Rays have handed Lee three of his six losses. With the victory the Rays moved to a tie in the AL East.

The NY Yankees again struggled against the visiting Detroit Tigers in Johnny Damon’s return to the Bronx. Javier Vazquez allowed a two-run homerun to Ryan Raburn in the 2nd inning and lasted just four innings as he threw over 100 pitches. Tigers starter Max Scherzer was dominant in his six innings as he allowed just two hits. Miguel Cabrera hit a solo homerun in the 9th inning off Joba Chamberlain. In the bottom of the 9th and after walking in a run, Tigers closer Jose Valverde got Derek Jeter to hit into an game-ending double-play with the bases loaded to finish off the Yankees for a 3-1 victory. In the game, the Yankees lost both Alex Rodriguez and Nick Swisher to injuries.

Melky Cabrera congratulated by Bobby Cox

Tommy Hanson of the Atlanta Braves has not won a game since the beginning of July and on a rainy night in Atlanta, he pitched well enough to gain a victory. He allowed one run on five hits through seven innings, but LA Dodgers starter Chad Billingsley was just as solid. The Dodgers took a 3-1 lead in the 8th inning on a two-run error by Brooks Conrad on a ground ball to third base.

However the Dodgers bullpen again failed them, this time being the newly-named closer Hong-Chih Kuo. With runners at second and third, Kuo got Troy Glaus to pop up for the first out. He then walked Conrad to load the bases. With David Ross pinch-hitting for the left-handed hitting Rick Ankiel, Dodgers manager Joe Torre decided to go to Octavio Dotel (instead of Jonathon Broxton) to close out the game. Dotel walked Ross to drive in a run and Melky Cabrera followed with a two-run walk-off single. The Braves increased their lead in the National League East to 2.5 games over idle Philadelphia.

In Houston, two young left-handers matched up as Wandy Rodriguez took on Jon Niese of the NY Mets. The Mets scored first, on a Carlos Beltran 4th inning solo homerun. The Astros would tie the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the 6th inning off Niese. The game would stay tied until the 9th inning when the Mets scored two runs off closer Matt Lindstrom, one coming on a Jeff Francoeur triple. With Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez likely out for the season (and all the ramifications of his thumb injury), the Mets turned to Hisanori Takahashi for the save. He closed out the Astros for the 3-1 victory.

This season, it seems as if the Rays are always involved in a no-hitter or the Toronto Blue Jays’ pitchers are always on no-hitter alert. Last night was no different. Shaun Marcum of the Blue Jays carried a no-hitter into the 7th inning before just activated off the DL Conor Jackson of the Oakland A’s broke up the no-hitter and shutout by hitting a solo homerun. Marcum would allow just that one hit in his complete game effort. Jose Bautista hit his ML leading 37th homerun off A’s losing pitcher Brett Anderson.

Tags:

Alex Rodriguez, Cliff Lee, David Price, Detroit Tigers, Melky Cabrera, Nick Swisher, Ryan Raburn, Texas Rangers

Rain, snow, and the cold wreaked havoc on baseball throughout the country on Tuesday. Two games were postponed but the others still played.

The Seattle Mariners have not played as well as most people expected this season with all of the additions they made this offseason. They sit in last place in the American League West.

Their hitting coach was just recently fired. Now there is word that Ken Griffey Jr. (a fan favorite) was caught sleeping in the clubhouse during a game. This has caused a national firestorm and drama that the Mariners do not need.

A team meeting was called to find out which two players leaked the story (two young players anonymously told a Tacoma reporter that Griffey was asleep in the clubhouse and could not pinch-hit).

Cliff Lee

A few players have now begun to boycott the Tacoma reporter. During post-game interviews, Cliff Lee would not answer questions until that reporter left.

On to the Mariners game. Lee was on the mound in Baltimore taking on the Orioles and Dave Hernandez. The game was scoreless until the fifth inning, when the Mariners scored two runs.

They would score three more in the sixth inning. Lee lasted into the eighth inning and allowed one run on eight hits while striking out just two. Brandon League pitched 1.2 perfect innings in relief of Lee to pick up his first save.

In Pittsburgh, Johnny Cueto followed Bronson Arroyo’s great outing for the Cincinnati Reds. Cueto held the Pirates to just one hit, a single by Ronny Cedeno, in his complete game shutout (it was his first complete game of his career).

Cueto threw just 102 pitches. The Reds however collected 15 hits against the Pirates pitching staff. Rookie Chris Heisey, who was called up recently, collected his first three Major League hits.

He also hit his first career homerun, a two-run shot, off of Jeff Karstens in the eighth inning.

The Washington Nationals held a 6-2 lead heading into the bottom of the eighth inning. Starter Scott Olsen pitched well, as he allowed just two runs on nine hits.

However the Nationals bullpen could not hold off the NY Mets. Maybe it is because the same relievers are used just about every night. Brian Bruney came in and could not record an out so in came Tyler Clippard (or everyday “Tyler”).

Chrichris Carter's RBI single

Clippard could only record one out and the Mets had the lead. The Mets scoring was capped by Chris Carter’s first at-bat as a NY Met (he ripped an RBI double). Clippard blew his fifth save and lost his first game of the 2010 season (he also saw his ERA climb to 1.88 as it was below 1.00).

The Oakland A’s and Texas Rangers have been battling out for the top spot in the AL Westn all season so far. They matched up in Arlington last night and it took extra innings to declare a winner.

The game went back-and-forth with the A’s scoring two runs off of Rangers rookie closer Neftali Feliz in the ninth inning to take a 5-4 lead (after Josh Hamilton had homered in the bottom of the eighth to give the Rangers a 4-3 lead) only to see their closer Andrew Bailey blow a save and allow the tying run to score.

This ended Bailey’s consecutive saves streak at 27. In the top of the 11th inning, Daric Barton hit a solo homerun off of Chris Ray with two outs but the Rangers tied it in the bottom of the inning.

In the 13th inning, Barton ripped a go-ahead RBI single to give the A’s the 7-6 lead that they would not relinquish.

The Atlanta Braves offense again battered Milwaukee Brewers pitching. This time it came even later than the night before. Brewers starter Dave Bush gave up three runs on seven hits in six innings of work.

Braves starter Tim Hudson allowed just one run on six hits though he walked six. The Braves held a 3-1 lead in the seventh when they broke out for three in the seventh, four in the eighth, and one in the ninth.

Every starter for the Braves collected at least one hit as the team collected 16 hits. Rookie right fielder Jason Heyward returned to the lineup after five games off to hit in the three-hole (Chipper Jones sat out again with an injury). Heyward went 2-for-4 with two walks and three runs scored.

In St. Louis, there was a pitcher’s duel between the Cardinals Brad Penny and the Houston Astros Brett Myers.

The Cardinals held a 2-0 lead until the seventh inning. Penny got into trouble in that inning as the Astros scored four unearned runs against him. In the eighth inning, Lance Berkman and Hunter Pence connected on solo homeruns off of Cardinals reliever Jason Motte.

Myers lasted six innings and allowed just the two runs on eight hits in the Astros 6-3 victory. The Cardinals still hold the lead in the National League Central despite the fact that their offense has been sputtering as of late.

Tags:

Andrew Bailey, Chris Carter, Cliff Lee, Dave Hernandez, Jeff Karstens, Johnny Cueto, Josh Hamilton, Ken Griffey, Milwaukee Brewers, Neftali Feliz, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, Tyler Clippard

Brad Lidge

With spring training coming to an end and teams making cuts to finalize their roster, a few teams are dealing with the injury bug. The defending National League champions, the Philadelphia Phillies, were pretty sure that closer Brad Lidge and lefty specialist JC Romero would not be ready for Opening Day. Romero has been said to be further behind Lidge in his recovery. However Lidge has just received a cortisone shot in his surgically repaired right elbow. This sets him back to at least mid-April. Lidge says it is no big deal because his elbow usually hurts in the spring. Anytime a player receives a cortisone shot there is concern and it seems to be worse that he received the shot in March rather than in August or September. It seems the elbow will continue to be a problem for Lidge throughout the season which is not good news for someone who struggled mightily in 2009.

Joe Blanton

The Phillies had just 12 healthy pitchers left in camp this week when veteran left-hander Jamie Moyer was named the fifth starter and Kyle Kendrick was moving to the bullpen. The move seemed to bolster their bullpen with key pitchers out (Lidge & Romero) and two unknowns (David Herndon, a Rule V pick, and left-hander Antonio Bastardo) set to fill key roles. There has also been concern with the way new acquisitions Danys Baez and Jose Contreras have pitched this spring.

Then came another blow. Starter Joe Blanton strained his oblique in a bullpen session on Wednesday, which could keep him out 6 weeks. The logical move would be to have Kendrick slot into Blanton’s spot in the rotation (which the Phillies have announced). Problem is, the bullpen (which is the team’s biggest question mark) has another hole. I think the Phillies will seriously miss Clay Condrey and his ability to pitch early or late in games and could pitch multiple innings. Word is that Drew Carpenter (a starter in Triple-A Lehigh Valley) will take Kendrick’s spot in the bullpen. I would like to see hard-throwing right-hander Scott Mathieson take the open spot in the bullpen. Expect to see the starting pitchers to take on a heavier workload early in the season.

Daniel Murphy

The NY Mets have already been dealt blows with two key offensive and defensive players set to start the season on the DL (shortstop Jose Reyes and centerfielder Carlos Beltran). Now they will be without starting first baseman Daniel Murphy. Murphy hurt his knee and could miss 2-5 weeks. Mike Jacobs, who was fighting just to make the team, is now slated to take over at first base while Murphy is out. The Mets have adamantly stated that they will not promote top prospect Ike Davis. The Mets pitching staff figures to struggle, but early in the season, the Mets lineup figures to struggle to score runs.

The Mets are also hoping to have closer Francisco Rodriguez back for Opening Day. With an emergency back home in Venezuela, K-Rod has left the team and the hope is that he returns when the season starts. Mets fans are hoping he is back when the season starts.

Other teams with major injuries are the Houston Astros, with first baseman Lance Berkman to miss part of April and ace Roy Oswalt who is battling a back injury; the Texas Rangers with second baseman Ian Kinsler to miss part of April and catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia still dealing with a shoulder injury and muscle spasms; the Seattle Mariners and newly acquired Cliff Lee who is dealing with another abdominal injury and a suspension when he returns; the Florida Marlins and outfielder Cody Ross who is a major contributor; and the Detroit Tigers who have lost key relievers Bobby Seay and Zach Miner for some time ad position players Clete Thomas, Carlos Guillen, Gerald Laird, and Ryan Raburn are dealing with injuries that could prove nagging throughout the season.

Tags:

Antonio Bastardo, Bobby Seay, Brad Lidge, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Guillen, Clete Thomas, Cliff Lee, Cody Ross, Daniel Murphy, Danys Baez, David Herndon, Detroit Tigers, Drew Carpenter, Florida Marlins, Gerald Laird, Houston Astros, Ian Kinsler, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, JC Romero, Joe Blanton, Jose Contreras, Jose Reyes, Kyle Kendrick, Lance Berkman, Mike Jacobs, NY Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Roy Oswalt, Ryan Raburn, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, Zach Miner

With full pitcher and catcher workouts set to begin, there has been some discouraging news from some camps.

First came the news that Cliff Lee underwent foot surgery last week. He will miss the first few weeks of spring training and may not be ready for the start of the Seattle Mariners regular season. The Mariners felt that removing the floating bone spur now was better than having Lee pitch through the discomfort all season. Lee is one of the major additions the Mariners made this offseason (along with Chone Figgins, Milton Bradley, and Casey Kotchman) to make them a favorite to overtake the LA Angels in the American League West.

Jair Jurrjens

Then came news that the Atlanta Braves young hurler Jair Jurrjens was having shoulder discomfort and needed an MRI. Jurrjens did not throw during the offseason and felt the discomfort right before he left Curacao and it continued during his first throwing session in Florida. Jurrjens threw 188.1 innings in 2008 and felt fatigue down the stretch as he never threw more than 143.1 innings in a professional season. After taking conditioning tips from John Smoltz, Jurrjens did not show fatigue in 2009 as he threw 215 innings while going 14-10 with a 2.60 ERA. He was also dominant in his last five starts as he comprised a 0.97 ERA in 37 innings. Many have been waiting for the moment that Jurrjens would encounter arm problems as his workload as exploded over the last two season.

However the MRI results were encouraging as it showed just shoulder inflammation. Jurrjens will rest for the rest of the week and begin his throwing program next week. He may be set back a bit in spring training but should compile enough Grapefruit League innings to be ready at the start of the regular season. Good news for the Braves as Jurrjens is expected to carry an even larger burden after the trade of starter Javier Vazquez.

Dice-K

The Boston Red Sox made quite a few moves in the offseason and added workhorse John Lackey to bolster an already strong rotation. However the rotation is only strong if the pitchers are healthy and consistent, which the Red Sox pitchers were not in 2009. News out of Red Sox camp in Fort Myers is that right-handed starter Daisuke Matsuzaka has a sore upper back. The back injury will delay his throwing program at the start of spring training. 2009 was disappointing for Dice-K as he had two stints on the disabled list with weakness in his throwing shoulder. He made just 12 starts in 2009, going 4-6 with a 5.76 ERA. He walked 30 while striking out just 54 and opponents hit .325 against him. The back soreness may have been caused by his intense offseason workout regime that was required due to the injuries he has endured since signing with the Red Sox. The Red Sox believe that there will be plenty of time in spring training to get Dice-K ready for the regular season. The Red Sox need Dice-K is they are going to compete in the American League East and make it back to the World Series.

Tags:

Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Cliff Lee, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jair Jurrjens, Seattle Mariners

Roy Halladay

The Philadelphia Phillies coveted Toronto Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay in 2009, but the price tag was too high. The Blue Jays were rumored to want lefty pitcher JA Happ, top prospect pitcher Kyle Drabek, and an outfielder from Domonic Brown, Michael Taylor, and Anthony Gose. While Drabek, Brown, and Gose were top prospects in the Phillies minor league system, Taylor was having an All-Star season in the minors, and Happ was headed for ROY honors. At the July trading deadline, GM Ruben Amaro did not want to give up the Phillies future. Instead of acquiring Halladay, Amaro pulled the trigger on a deal for the reigning American League CY Young winner Cliff Lee (and outfielder Ben Francisco). In exchange, the Cleveland Indians received four prospects in infielder Jason Donald, catcher Lou Marson, and pitchers Carlos Carrasco and Jason Knapp. Lee’s dominance with the Phillies helped carry them to a second straight World Series.

Kyle Drabek at the Future's Game

However the Phillies still coveted Halladay. In the second blockbuster trade of the offseason, the Phillies acquired Halladay and sent Drabek, Taylor and top catching prospect Travis d’Arnaud to the Blue Jays. Sure the Phillies received some money in this deal (whereas over the summer Toronto was not offering cash) along with a proven winner, but I thought that they were not going to give up the future.  Drabek could have slid into Joe Blanton’s slot in 2011 and d’Arnaud would replace Carlos Ruiz. The move of Taylor was a good one (especially for him) because the Phillies have an abundance of quality outfielders.

In order to try and salvage the farm system, Amaro traded Lee to the Seattle Mariners, acquiring prospects in pitcher Phillippe Aumont, outfielder Tyson Gillies, and pitcher JC Ramirez. The Mariners got a quality arm to team with young ace Felix Hernandez, giving them the top 1-2 combo in the AL. The Phillies received three prospects, none of whom are proven but all have talent. I’m not sure if they compare with what the Phillies gave up.

In the final piece of the deal, the Blue Jays dealt Taylor to the Oakland A’s for coveted corner infield prospect Brett Wallace. Taylor now has a chance to win the starting leftfielder job with the A’s. The Blue Jays received a power hitting corner infielder (which they needed), a catching prospect (which they needed), and one of the top young arms in minor league baseball. If they all produce like they are expected, the Blue Jays will have made out well.

If the Phillies had to have Halladay, they should have made the deal in July of 2009 because they gave up just as much now. Making the deal now, I would have liked to see them keep Lee too. Their rotation is a bit inconsistent so having them both would have solidified it. Amaro said that money was the main reason to trade Lee, but with yet another ticket price hike at Citizens Bank Park, money will be rolling in. Plus they could have traded Blanton (who is set to make almost as much as Lee in 2010) though they wouldn’t have received three prospects like they did for Lee.

With Halladay’s enormous salary, along with the other stars, it is unlikely that the Phillies will re-sign All-Star rightfielder Jayson Werth for 2011, though top prospect Brown could be ready to take over. After the 2011 season, Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson, Jimmy Rollins, and Ryan Howard will become free agents. So the Phillies could be a cast of unknowns and Roy Halladay. If the Phillies do not win a World Series with Halladay, the deal will be deemed a failure, especially if Lee carries the Mariners to the playoffs and Drabek dominates for the Blue Jays (he’ll be my 2011 ROY pick).

Tags:

Brett Wallace, Cliff Lee, JC Ramirez, Kyle Drabek, Michael Taylor, Oakland A's, Philadelphia Phillies, Phillippe Aumont, Roy Halladay, Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays, Travis d'Arnaud, Tyson Gillies

Ryan Madson

Coming off their first World Series title in 20 years, the Philadelphia Phillies entered 2009 with virtually the same team as in 2008 (except for the addition of Raul Ibanez in left field). However getting to the World Series was a lot tougher in 2009. Injuries decimated the bullpen as everyone except setup man Ryan Madson spent time on the DL and Madson was hardly lights out (5-5 with a 3.26 ERA in 79 games and converted 10 of 16 saves). No one expected closer Brad Lidge to be perfect again, but he was hardly automatic in 2009 as he blew 11 saves in 42 opportunities. Lefty JC Romero missed the first 50 games due to a performance-enhancing drug suspension, but returned and injured his elbow. It seemed like every week someone was going on the DL and a new body was being called up from the minors.

Ace Cole Hamels was hardly an ace and was inconsistent all season (10-11 with a 4.32 ERA in 32 starts with 24 homeruns allowed and more hits than innings pitched). A slimmer Brett Myers hurt his hip and missed a portion of the season. Joe Blanton had his typical average first half (6-4 with a 4.44 ERA with 19 homeruns allowed) and good second half (6-4 with a 3.62 ERA and 11 homeruns allowed). Chan Ho Park struggled in the starting role (but thrived as a reliever), opening the door for lefty JA Happ’s outstanding rookie season (12-4 with a 2.93 ERA in 23 starts). The struggles in the rotation led to the acquisition of CY Young winner Cliff Lee from the Cleveland Indians (and outfielder Ben Francisco), though the Phillies were linked to Toronto Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay (but the price seemed to be too high). Lee dominated in his time with the Phillies, even into the playoffs (7-4 with a 3.39 ERA in 12 starts and 10 BB/ 74 K but in the playoffs, Lee was 4-0 with a 1.56 ERA in 5 starts with 2 complete games and 6 BB/ 33 K). They also added free agent veteran Pedro Martinez, who also added a boost to the rotation (5-1 with a 3.63 ERA in 9 starts)

The offense was typical for the Phillies, even with leadoff hitter Jimmy Rollins’ lackluster season. Centerfielder Shane Victorino and rightfielder Jayson Werth had career years. First baseman Ryan Howard sizzled again when the summer heated up (.305 with 23 homeruns and 74 RBIs in the second half).

The 2009 Phillies made it back to the World Series, the first time since the 1995-1996 Atlanta Braves. Unfortunately the offense sputtered and the pitching just could not hold down the NY Yankees. Heading into the offseason, the Phillies had some holes to fill and question marks that needed to be answered. Members of the World Champion team that had major supporting roles were free agents like Matt Stairs, Eric Bruntlett, Myers, and Scott Eyre. Lidge, Romero, Ibanez, and Jamie Moyer had offseason surgery, with Lidge and Romero questionable for spring training and Moyer having complications. With a payroll set to bulge due to arbitration cases for Victorino, Blanton, and catcher Carlos Ruiz, GM Ruben Amaro was hoping to stay within a set amount. Here’s the Phillies wish list:

1. 

   Placido Polanco signing

   A third baseman: Despite his solid season, Pedro Feliz was a free agent and not expected to be re-signed due to his struggles in the playoffs (.167 in 54 at-bats with just 4 RBIs and 11 Ks). Ruben Amaro quickly signed former Phillie Placido Polanco, who was coming off a Gold Glove season with the Detroit Tigers at second base. Polanco hasn’t played third since 2005 but is a hard working veteran who will be excellent batting in the 2 hole (where he is the game’s best) in front of Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth, and Raul Ibanez.

2. A backup catcher: Starter Carlos Ruiz has been a postseason hero for the Phillies the last two years. Late in 2009, the Phillies cut ties with backup Chris Coste (a fan favorite) and added veteran Paul Bako. However with Bako a free agent, the Phillies decided to go after a local free agent. Brian Schneider, who spent the last two years with the NY Mets, signed on to backup Ruiz. Schneider has been known to be a great defensive catcher though he tends to struggle with the bat.
3. Bullpen help: This is a major need as there are quite a few question marks with the health of the arms returning. The biggest hole is to add a left-hander to complement JC Romero and management hoped to re-sign Scott Eyre, but both sides are far apart. The Phillies seem fine with going to young lefties Sergio Escalona and Antonio Bastardo (who was on the postseason roster but was rarely used) in 2010. Rumors have the Phillies signing a mystery reliever with Danys Baez and Mike MacDougal being the leading candidates.
4. Adding another starter: Despite Kyle Kendrick’s resurgence at the end of 2009, the Phillies are looking to add a starter to compete with Kendrick, veteran Jamie Moyer, and Drew Carpenter. However the Phillies made a blockbuster deal to land Roy Halladay (who they coveted in July) but traded away Cliff Lee and top prospect Kyle Drabek. So yes the Phillies added a workhorse in Halladay, but still may need another starter.

Tags:

Brad Lidge, Brian Schneider, Carlos Ruiz, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, JA Happ, Joe Blanton, Pedro Martinez, Philadelphia Phillies, Placido Polanco, Roy Halladay, Ryan Howard, Ryan Madson

King Felix

With a new general manager (Jack Zduriencik) and a new manager (Don Wakamatsu) at the helm of the Seattle Mariners, plus veteran son Ken Griffey Jr. returning, there was hope in Seattle. The Mariners competed and showed glimpses of hope for the possibility of overtaking the LA Angels for the American League West title in 2010. Seattle ranked tied for last in the AL in batting average (.258) and 12^th in homeruns (160). There were middle of the pack in stolen bases (89) and last in the AL in on-base percentage (.314). The pitching staff was first in ERA (3.87) and the only team with an ERA under 4.00 in the AL. However they were near the bottom in strikeouts (1043), in the middle of the pack in homeruns allowed (172), and the staff only had 4 complete games. The Mariners had the most save opportunities (77), but converted 48 of them (64%). Feliz Hernandez led a young pitching staff (marred by veteran injuries) and he finished second in the CY Young award vote. He finished with a record of 19-5 and a 2.49 ERA. Reliever David Aardsma thrived when moving to the closer’s role, converting 38 of 42 saves in 73 games with a 2.52 ERA. With regular playing time, 1B/DH Russell Branyan put up the numbers many thought he was capable of for years (.251, 21 doubles, 31 homeruns, and 76 RBIs). Second baseman Jose Lopez quietly put up solid offensive numbers (.272, 42 doubles, 25 homeruns, and 96 RBIs). The addition of trading deadline shortstop Jack Wilson from the Pittsburgh Pirates only served to solidify the defense. Outfielder Franklin Gutierrez was solid, hitting .282 with 24 doubles 18 homeruns, 70 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases. His partner in the outfield, right fielder Ichiro Suzuki continued his abuse on AL pitching, hitting .352 (225 hits) with a .386 on-base percentage in the leadoff spot. Ichiro won yet another Silver Slugger and Gold Glove award in 2009. With third baseman Adrian Beltre’s contract coming off the books, along with veteran pitcher Erik Bedard’s, the Mariners have some money to spend to upgrade the team for 2010. Here’s the Mariners wish list:

1. 

   Chone Figgins

   A third baseman: Unfortunately for the Mariners management, third baseman Adrian Beltre never produced (or stayed healthy) to deserve his huge contract. With him filing for free agency, the Mariners were in the market. Christmas came early for Mariners fans as GM Jack Zduriencik signed top free agent Chone Figgins to a 4-year deal. Adding Figgins adds a versatile player (he can play everywhere) who can bat second or ninth, complementing Ichiro at the top of the order. Figgins was the Mariners top target so they got their man.

2. A power bat: Tops on the Mariners list is to re-sign slugger Russell Branyan, who had a career year with regular playing time. However if this does not come to fruition, there are other bats on the market. Rumors have the Mariners linked to British Columbia native and Gonzaga University star Jason Bay. Sources have stated that the outfielder would be ecstatic to play for the Mariners, but I’m not sure they are willing to pay out more top-dollar money. Fan favorite Ken Griffey Jr. surprisingly re-signed so maybe he could give the Mariners one last healthy and productive hurrah. Update: The Mariners traded highly paid starting pitcher Carlos Silva (who no longer held a spot in the M’s rotation) to the Chicago Cubs for highly paid and troubled slugger Milton Bradley. The future will be the only way to tell who wins on this deal, but the Mariners do get a power bat if he can stay healthy.
3. 

   Cliff Lee

   Starting pitching to surround King Felix: Behind the young ace in the rotation are Ian Snell (acquired from the Pirates), Ryan Rowland-Smith, Luke French, Jason Vargas, and possibly Brandon Morrow (if the Mariners ever decide if he is better suited as a starter or reliever). Now a free agent, lefty starter Erik Bedard never could stay healthy enough to provide support for King Felix. In one of the biggest blockbuster trades in the history of baseball, the Mariners acquired former CY Young award winner Cliff Lee from the Philadelphia Phillies. Sure they had to give away a few prospects, but Lee will solidify the Mariners rotation and give them one of the best 1-2 punches in baseball. The lefty was outstanding during the playoffs and World Series for the Phillies, his first playoff experience. This is exactly the type of pitcher that the Mariners were looking for when the offseason began.

Tags:

Adrian Beltre, Chone Figgins, Cliff Lee, David Aardsma, Felix Hernandez, Franklin Gutierrez, Ichiro Suzuki, Jack Wilson, Jose Lopez, Ken Griffey Jr, Russell Branyan, Seattle Mariners

With the Major League Baseball season officially ending on Wednesday, the offseason officially began and with that came 118 players filing for free-agency over the first two days. The Chicago White Sox bought out the 2010 option for outfielder Jermaine Dye, making him eligible for free agency. Other big names that have filed include the Atlanta Braves closer combination of Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez, Boston Red Sox reliever Billy Wagner, Colorado Rockies starter Jason Marquis, Detroit Tigers second baseman Placido Polanco, Tigers closer Fernando Rodney, the trio of LA Angels: Chone Figgins, Vladimir Guerrero, and John Lackey, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Holliday, Cardinals utility fielder Mark DeRosa, and Philadelphia Phillies starters Pedro Martinez and Brett Myers. There are many more potential free agents, along with players whose options may be declined and may be declined arbitration.

Cliff Lee

A few players had their options picked up for next season and beyond. The Phillies quickly picked up starter Cliff Lee’s option for next year so as to add their ace back to the pack. The Arizona Diamondbacks also picked up their ace’s option in Brandon Webb. Webb pitched in just one game in 2009 before being shut down for shoulder surgery. More than ten percent of their payroll will go into a pitcher coming off of surgery. It is expected for Webb to be ready for spring training. The Minnesota Twins picked up the 2011 option for outfielder/infielder Michael Cuddyer. Cuddyer led the Twins with a career-high 32 homeruns.

There were also a few players who re-signed with their current team before becoming free agents. The White Sox re-signed outfielder/first baseman Mark Kotsay to a one year deal. The LA Angels signed right fielder Bobby Abreu to a two-year deal. Tim Hudson reached a three-year agreement with the Atlanta Braves to return pending the MRI on his elbow.

Mark Teahen

Along with the announcement of players opting for free agency comes the trades. The White Sox upgraded their offense with the acquisition of Kansas City Royals infielder/outfielder Mark Teahen for second baseman Chris Getz and third baseman Josh Fields. Many Royals fans feel this trade is just to cut salary (and general manager Dayton Moore admitted that the trade was partly financial drive), especially considering Teahen is arbitration eligible this offseason. For the White Sox, the plan is to have Teahen play third base, which is his preference, and to move Rookie of the Year candidate Gordon Beckham to second base. Teahen spent the last few years all over the field for the Royals, at third base, at first base, in the outfield, and was this year’s starting second baseman. “I’m excited, obviously, going to a team that has a chance to win it every year,” Teahen said. “That’s what you play for obviously is to win. I wish I could’ve been part of making a winner in Kansas City, but I’m excited to go to a team that has a shot year-in and year-out of getting in the postseason.” For the Royals, there is no determination of where Getz and Fields will play in 2010. This trade could lead to more trades for the Royals, like Alberto Callaspo.

Carlos Gomez

The Milwaukee Brewers traded former All-Star shortstop JJ Hardy to the Minnesota Twins for outfielder Carlos Gomez. This trade opens the door for the Brewers rookie shortstop Alcides Escobar to start in 2010 and allows the Brewers to let free agent Mike Cameron go. This is Gomez’ second time being traded as he was part of the trade with the NY Mets for Johan Santana.

The Florida Marlins traded outfielder Jeremy Hermida to the Red Sox for minor league pitchers Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez. Hermida was set to receive a pay raise in arbitration this year and the Marlins front office did not feel he lived up to the high expectations that were placed on him when he was one of the top prospects in the game. This could be a back up plan if the Red Sox cannot re-sign free agent Jason Bay. “We’re getting two left-handed pitchers. One of them, Hunter Jones, we think will compete for a bullpen spot in Spring Training,” Marlins president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest said. “Big guy, he has three pitches. It’s an opportunity to add a pitcher we think can compete for a big league job.

Another trade made was the Tampa Bay Rays cutting salary and sending second baseman Aki Iwamura to the Pittsburgh Pirates for reliever Jess Chavez.

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Aki Iwamura, Brandon Webb, Carlos Gomez, Chris Getz, Cliff Lee, Hunter Jones, Jeremy Hermida, Jermaine Dye, Jess Chavez, JJ Hardy, Jose Alvarez, Josh Fields, Mark Teahen, Michael Cuddyer, Tim Hudson

Phillies shake hands following the Game 5 victory

Phillies 8, Yankees 6: Jimmy Rollins’ prediction of the Philadelphia Phillies winning in five games will not come true, but at least the Phillies seem to be back in the series after being down 3 games to 1. As a baseball fan, I have been hoping for a seven-game series since the teams were set. It has the potential to be a battle to the very end.

However, Game 5 did not start out well for the Phillies or their ace starter Cliff Lee. The Yankees scored first in the top of the first, capped by an RBI double from Alex Rodriguez. The Phillies returned the favor in the bottom of the inning, capped by the 3-run homerun by Chase Utley with no one out. In this game, unlike in his Game 2 start, the wild AJ Burnett appeared early and often. In the third inning, Burnett walked both Utley and Ryan Howard, leading to an RBI single back up the middle by Jayson Werth and an RBI single from Raul Ibanez, giving the Phillies a 5-1 lead and ending Burnett’s night. So much for Burnett’s stellar history of pitching on short rest (4-0, with a 2.33 ERA).

Brett Gardner crashes into wall to make the catch

Dave Robertson came in to give the Yankees two shutout innings, followed by Alfredo Aceves. Werth ripped a pitch from Aceves to center into the quirky crevices of Citizens Bank Park. Werth was running as if he hit another HR because he crushed it, but centerfielder Brett Gardner made a great running catch while crashing into the wall. Aceves then gave the Yankees 2 shutout innings before handing the ball over to lefty Phil Coke. Coke however could not keep the Phillies offense off of the scoreboard (specifically the left-handed hitters). Utley homered again on a 3-2 pitch, tying Hall-of-Famer Reggie Jackson for the most homeruns in a single World Series with 5. Ibanez came up with 2 outs and blasted a homerun off a second deck billboard, increasing the Phillies lead to 8-2.

Ryan Madson reacts to saving Game 5

The Yankees finally chased Lee from the game on a 2-run double by A-Rod. Lee wasn’t his dominant self as he struggled with his command (3 walks), yet kept the Yankees from taking control of the game. Heading into the ninth, the Phillies held an 8-5 lead and manager Charlie Manuel handed the ball over to Ryan Madson, rather then closer Brad Lidge, to close out the game. No matter who closes out the games for the Phillies, it is a nail-biting experience for fans. Madson quickly got into trouble as Jorge Posada and pinch-hitter Hideki Matsui ripped him for hits putting runners at first and second with nobody out and the captain Derek Jeter stepped to the plate as the tying run. The moans and groans could again be heard at Citizens Bank Park. Jeter could not get the clutch hit, as he grounded into a double play, though Posada scored to make the game 8-6. After Damon got another hit (he reached base 4 times in the game), Madson bared down and struck out Mark Teixeira to end the game, sending the nervous Philly fans into a state of euphoria. There will be a Game 6 in the Bronx on Wednesday night.

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AJ Burnett, Alfredo Aceves, Brett Gardner, Chase Utley, Cliff Lee, Dave Robertson, Jayson Werth, Phil Coke, Phillies, Raul Ibanez, Ryan Madson, World Series Game 5, Yankees

Another World Series in Philadelphia Phillies means rain in the forecast. Unlike last year, at least the temperatures are warm and not freezing. Game 3 was still set to begin on-time, despite the darkening clouds and rain incoming on the radar. As many of the Phillies players’ stated, the real World Series begins now, meaning the Philly fans are going to be electric, like nothing the Yankees have ever seen. Game 3 pits the Yankees Andy Pettitte against the Phillies Cole Hamels. Pettitte is hoping to increase his all-time postseason wins to 17, which would continue to put him in first place in that category. However, Pettitte isn’t averaging more than seven innings in a postseason start, so that means manager Joe Girardi will need to use more than closer Mariano Rivera out of the bullpen. It will be interesting to see how Pettitte approaches the Phillies lineup with the two switch-hitters at the top (Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino) and the lefties after them (Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Raul Ibanez). I suspect Howard will not see many fastballs. Hamels was last year’s NLCS and World Series MVP, though in 2009, he has not been very consistent. The Phillies need Hamels to pitch like he did in 2008 for them to be successful in Game 3. Hamels will need to keep the Yankees hitters adjusting and off-balance all night to be successful. The key to this game will be Pettitte versus the Phillies running attack and the Phillies Jayson Werth. Werth has one of the best batting averages against left-handed pitching over the last two years.

The Phillies have announced their Game 4 starter as Joe Blanton and the Yankees are leaning towards the three-man rotation, meaning Game 1 starter CC Sabathia would pitch in Game 4. Blanton had been the Phillies most consistent starter throughout the 2009 season. Blanton pitched mostly out of the bullpen so far this postseason, though he made the Game 4 start in the NLCS against the Dodgers. Many of the Yankee hitters are familiar with Blanton from his days with the Oakland A’s. Sabathia was good in his first start of the World Series, but was out-pitched by his former teammate. It will be interesting to see how he adjusts his game plan and how the Phillies hitters adjust to him. A key to Game 4 is how long Blanton goes in the game. It could be a game that is determined by the bullpens. Another key will be Carlos Ruiz. It will be Blanton’s first go-round against the Yankees in the playoffs and he’ll need to rely on Ruiz. Ruiz will also need to be big at the plate to turn the lineup over to the speed and power.

Game 5, and the final World Series game in Philly, has the Phillies sending Game 1 starter Cliff Lee probably up against Yankees Game 2 starter AJ Burnett. Will Burnett be just as dominant as he was in Game 2 or will his wild side re-emerge? The Phillies hitters need to adjust and jump on the fastball early in the count. How will the Yankees hitters react to seeing Lee a second time? A key will be Yankees catcher Jose Molina. He will need to keep Burnett’s emotions in check and to keep everything in the dirt in front of him. Molina will also need to produce at the plate or he may be the first move Girardi makes in terms of pinch-hitting. However, Girardi could go with Jorge Posada as the catcher to get more offense, but it would be sacrificing defense and stability with Burnett.

It will be interesting to see if Girardi gets Hideki Matsui some playing time in the outfield with the 3 games in Philly. He has been one of the Yankees best hitters of late (3-for-6 in the World Series so far) and I find it hard to believe that Girardi would only get him 3 at-bats as a pinch-hitter in the 3 games. We will find out how good of a manager Girardi really is as he’ll have to manage pinch-hitters and game situations, along with double-switches.

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AJ Burnett, Andy Pettitte, Carlos Ruiz, CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Hideki Matsui, Jayson Werth, Joe Blanton, Joe Girardi, Jose Molina, Phillies, World Series, Yankees

Phillies 6, Yankees 1: Everyone expected Game 1 to be a pitcher’s duel and those in attendance and those watching on TV got exactly that. The Phillies loaded the bases in the first inning on 2 walks (Chase Utley extended his postseason on-base streak to 26 games, a Major League Baseball record) and a Ryan Howard double. However CC Sabathia induced Raul Ibanez to ground out to end the inning. Sabathia wasn’t too sharp early on, but after giving up a solo homerun to Utley in the 2nd inning, Sabathia settled in…until giving up another solo blast to Utley in the 6th inning. Both of Utley’s homeruns came with two strikes. Cliff Lee for the Phillies was settled in as soon as he took the mound in the bottom of the first. Through the first four innings, Lee had already accumulated 7 strikeouts. Lee flat out dominated a potent Yankees lineup and he knew it. To go along with his dominant pitching, he also made plays in the field on a few ground balls, by stealing a hit away from Robinson Cano with a behind the back stab, and his carefree catch of a popup. As Lee told the media before his start, he was not nervous because he worked his whole life for that actual moment, even though he would be pitching in the biggest game of his career. Lee reiterated his comments after the game: “It’s been a long time since I’ve been nervous playing this game,” Lee said. “It’s what I’ve been doing my whole life. I put all the work in. You do everything you need to do to prepare, and I try not to leave anything to chance. So what’s the point in being nervous? I’ve already done the work. It’s game time — time to go out there and have fun and execute and let your skills take over.” Lee is a rhythm pitcher: the first one out onto the field and the first one into the dugout when the inning is over, always sprinting. He gets the ball from his catcher Carlos Ruiz and fires a pitch. The Yankees hitters never got him out of his rhythm all night.

After Sabathia left the game after seven innings of work, the Philadelphia Phillies offense went to work against the Yankees bullpen. In the 8th inning, it took the combination of Phil Hughes, Damaso Marte, and Dave Robertson 35 pitches to get through the inning. All after giving up 2 runs and 3 walks. In the 9th inning against the combination of Brian Bruney and Phil Coke, the Phillies scored 2 more runs on 4 hits. The bullpen has been Yankees manager Joe Girardi’s biggest concern in the postseason. The Yankees put together a mini-rally against Lee in the 9th inning around a Jimmy Rollins error, but Lee shut it down by striking out the mighty Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada to end the game. Lee’s final line looked like this: 9 IP, 6 H, O BB, 10 K. It took him just 122 pitches to get through the Yankees order without giving up an earned run. So far this postseason, Lee has 30 strikeouts and just 3 walks. In his last 2 starts, Lee has pitched 17 innings without giving up a walk and has 20 strikeouts. Sabathia has been the second most dominant pitcher (and left-hander) this postseason.

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Brian Bruney, CC Sabathia, Chase Utley, Cliff Lee, Jimmy Rollins, Major League Baseball, NY Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Raul Ibanez, Robinson Cano, Ryan Howard, World Series

The 2009 World Series is truly a matchup of the two best teams in baseball. There is trash-talking, with each city’s media taking things to the extreme and trying to get the players involved. One NY newspaper depicted Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino in a cheerleading skirt and called the Phillies the “Frillies”. Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins predicted the Phillies would win in 5 games. Both teams expect hostile crowds while on the road and Rollins loves to silence opposing teams’ home crowds. Plus he used to being hated in NY.

Both team’s ballparks are susceptible to the homerun as they were ranked in the top two in homeruns in Major League Baseball. Both team’s lineups are the two most-prolific homerun-hitting clubs in MLB. And as Nike stated in a 90’s ad, “chicks dig the long ball”. It’s not surprising that both teams sometimes live and die by the long ball. Both teams looked beatable in their respective league championship series, but both overcame their bullpen obstacles to win and advance. Both teams are led by their RBI machines: Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees and Ryan Howard of the Phillies. A-Rod has stripped the label of “postseason choke artist” and become the Yankees best postseason offensive threat. This will be A-Rod’s first World Series appearance. Howard has continued his usual late season hot streak into the postseason, earning NLCS MVP. Both tied the MLB postseason record for consecutive games with an RBI. It will be interesting to see how the managers elect to pitch to these two sluggers.

Both teams have a few questions marks in their lineups. The Phillies Chase Utley has a 25 straight postseason games of reaching base streak, which ties a ML record. Though he has been on base, he really has not been hitting (.211 against the Dodgers). The Phillies need more than just Victorino, Howard, and catcher Carlos Ruiz to produce. Rollins will need to be the fire-starter and put pressure on the pitchers and Jorge Posada behind the plate for the Phillies to be successful. Mark Teixeira and Nick Swisher of the Yankees have been struggling throughout this postseason and some have talked about benching Swisher. The Yankees are relying on Swisher becoming the clutch hitter he has been all season long and Tex to be the power-hitting, RBI machine he was all season.

Both teams have question marks in the bullpen. Ryan Madson, the setup man for the Phillies has been inconsistent all season and has mostly struggled this postseason. Closer Brad Lidge seems to have found his 2008 self. Chad Durbin has been lights-out coming in to get out of jams and if his sinker is working, double-play balls will be common. Everyone else is either hurting or coming back from an injury (Scott Eyre, Chan Ho Park, and Brett Myers) or inexperienced (Antonio Bastardo, Happ). Yes the Yankees have postseason sensation Mariano Rivera as their closer, but he has been far from dominant in the last year or so. Getting to Mo has been a challenge and manager Joe Girardi has been using him for more than an inning lately. I think that the young bullpen pitchers have struggled lately mainly due to overuse throughout the regular season. Look at box scores and some pitched almost every day (like Phil Coke and his 72 games). Alfredo Aceves ended up with 10 wins, mainly out of the bullpen. Dave Robertson was in the top 5 in the AL in strikeouts per nine innings (12.98) and has been dominant. Phil Hughes has been struggling though he has been the 8th inning setup man for most of the second-half. Since Girardi seems to have lost some confidence in his bullpen, Brian Bruney has been added to the roster and could regain his role of setup man if he dominates.

The pitching staffs are evenly matched. Both have seasoned playoff veterans in Andy Pettitte and Pedro Martinez. Both managers have decisions to make regarding their Game 4 starters.

Game 1: Cliff Lee @ CC Sabathia
This may be the best pitching matchup that the World Series has had in a long time. They are the last two American League CY Young award winners. They were teammates with the Cleveland Indians up until last July. Lee and his Indians opened up new Yankee Stadium this year against Sabathia and his Yankees, winning 10-2. Sabathia has pitched better than ever in this year’s postseason, rather than in year’s past and is earning every penny the Yankees are paying him. Lee has made other teams look silly for not pulling the trigger and adding him to their pitching staff. Lee has been dominant in his first experience in the postseason.

Game 2: Pedro Martinez @ AJ Burnett
Pedro is sure to hear “who’s your daddy?” throughout this game at Yankee Stadium. He was not well-liked in his Red Sox/Mets days when playing at Yankee Stadium, so it should be no different being with the Phillies. Pedro dominated the Dodgers in his lone playoff game this season for the Phillies (though the bullpen blew his win), and manager Charlie Manuel is hoping for Pedro’s continued playoff success. Burnett is known to be wild but can keep the damage to a minimum if he keeps his emotions in check. Burnett got lit up by the Phillies in back in May, but that was a long time ago. Manager Joe Girardi is hoping for an ALCS Game 2 type outing (6.1 IP, 2 R, 2BB, 1 HBP) from Burnett rather than ALCS Game 5 types outing (6+ IP, 8 H, 6 R, 3 BB, 1 HBP).

Game 3: Cole Hamels vs. Andy Pettitte

Pettitte is the seasoned playoff veteran and he continued his playoff dominance against the LA Angels in the ALCS, winning the deciding Game 6. That win was Pettitte’s 16th career postseason victory. Hamels was last year’s NLCS & World Series MVP. He has not been close to the same pitcher so far this year. The Phillies will need the 2009 version of Hamels to regain his 2008 form.

Game 4: Joe Blanton/JA Happ vs. Sabathia/Chad Gaudin/Joba Chamberlain
This is where the debate begins. Happ made his first start of 2009 at new Yankee Stadium back in May and dominated (though Brad Lidge blew the game). Blanton has been the most consistent starter for the Phillies and the backbone of the rotation. Both will be available out of the bullpen for the first two games and whoever pitched the least will probably get the Game 4 nod. Girardi has used the 3 –man rotation throughout this year’s playoffs, though Sabathia has been the only one to pitch on short rest. With only one guaranteed off-day (2 total) and inclement weather looming, can Girardi afford a 3-man rotation? Can all 3 pitch on 3 days rest? Gaudin only made one playoff appearance so far this postseason (1 inning) and Chamberlain has struggled out of the bullpen lately. Neither is stretched out for a long starting stint. Depending on the first three games of the series may dictate how Girardi chooses the Game 4 & 5 starters.

The Phillies won the season series in NY 2-1, though Lidge was not lights-out (2 blown saves and a loss). The Yankees are trying for their 27th World Series title (these reason Girardi wears number 27 on his jersey) and the Phillies are trying for their 2nd consecutive. Both teams have played loose throughout the postseason. On paper, the Yankees would be the choice to win, but the Dodgers on paper looked like the team to be in the World Series. It’s time to throw out all the stats and watch the two teams play ball. It should be exciting.

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AJ Burnett, Alex Rodriguez, Andy Pettitte, Brad Lidge, Brian Bruney, CC Sabathia, Chad Durbin, Chase Utley, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Dave Robertson, JA Happ, Jimmy Rollins, Joba Chamberlain, Joe Blanton, Mark Teixeira, Nick Swisher, NY Yankees, Pedro Martinez, Phil Hughes, Philadelphia Phillies, Ryan Howard, Ryan Madson, Shane Victorino, World Series