Manny greets Big Papi

The headline series in Interleague Play for the weekend is the LA Dodgers visiting Boston. Former slugger Manny Ramirez returned to Fenway Park on Friday night for the first time since being traded to the Dodgers. No one was sure of how the Red Sox fans would react to one of their greatest sluggers returning since he left Boston on bad terms. Dodgers manager Joe Torre made sure to start him at DH instead of sending him out to his customary left field. It wasn’t until the second inning that Manny came to the plate and for the most part, fans were cheering and giving him a standing ovation.

Making his Major League debut for the Red Sox was starting pitcher Felix Doubront. He showed no signs of nervousness as he got Manny to fly out to center field on one pitch. The Red Sox had scored three runs in the first inning off Dodgers rookie starter Carlos Monasterios, capped by homeruns from David Ortiz and JD Drew. Manny would collect a hit against Doubront in the sixth inning as he allowed two runs in that inning before being relieved. However the Red Sox had just scored seven runs in the bottom of the fifth. The Red Sox bullpen would hold onto the lead, despite scoring a run in the ninth (Manny struck out looking to end the game with two men on base). Doubront won his first Major League start 10-6 as he allowed five runs (three earned) on six hits in five plus innings.

The other storyline Friday night was Stephen Strasburg making his third start (second in Washington) of the season against the Chicago White Sox. The speed at the top of the White Sox order got to him in the first inning. Juan Pierre beat out a ground ball to first base (because Strasburg did not hustle to cover the bag) and Omar Vizquel hit a double to put runners at second and third. Alex Rios would produce an RBI ground out, but Strasburg would strike out Paul Konerko and Carlos Quentin to end the inning. Strasburg would cruise from there as he struck out ten in seven innings of work (he only allowed four hits and did not walk a batter). He set the record for most strikeouts in a pitcher’s first three starts. White Sox starter Gavin Floyd was just as sharp as he only allowed four hits in eight innings and only allowed a single run in the seventh on an Adam Dunn two-out RBI double.

The game would stay tied until the 11^th with rookie Drew Storen in for his second inning of relief. With a runner on third and two outs, Rios hit a ground ball down the third base line that Ryan Zimmerman made a great play on. However the ball sailed just over the head of Dunn at first base and the go-ahead run scored. Storen received his first Major League loss as White Sox closer Bobby Jenks retired the Nationals in order in the bottom of the 11^th on just nine pitches.

Brian Matusz of the Baltimore Orioles returned to San Diego (he pitched for the University of San Diego in 2008) to start against the Padres. He pitched well, allowing just one run on six hits in six innings. Padres starter Wade LeBlanc was just as good as he only allowed a run on seven hits in 6.2 innings. The Orioles scored a run off the Padres Heath Bell in the top of the ninth inning on a Julio Lugo two-out hit that Scott Hairston just missed.

Adrian Gonzalez receives high-fives

In the bottom of the ninth, Orioles closer Dave Hernandez walked the first batter he faced (Chase Headley) on four pitches and then Jerry Hairston and Aaron Cunningham followed with singles to load the bases (Cunningham’s was a bunt base hit that the Orioles could not make a play on). After getting pinch-hitter Nick Hundley to strike out, David Eckstein followed with an RBI single to tie the game at 2-2. Tony Gwynn grounded into a force out and up came Adrian Gonzalez. The Orioles had left-hander Mark Hendrickson ready, but manager Juan Samuel stayed with Hernandez, who allowed an RBI single to Gonzalez on the first pitch for the game winner. It was their 8^th walk-off hit of the season (tops in MLB).

Tags:

Adrian Gonzalez, Alex Rios, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Brian Matusz, Chicago White Sox, Felix Doubront, Gavin Floyd, LA Dodgers, Manny Ramirez, San Diego Padres, Stephen Strasburg, Wade LeBlanc, Washington Nationals

Neil Walker's first homerun

It was a wild night across baseball as teams were scoring late to secure victories. For the second straight night, the Pittsburgh Pirates scored in the eighth inning to beat the visiting Chicago Cubs. With the Cubs ahead 2-1, the Pirates scored two runs off Cubs starter Ted Lilly on a Neil Walker two-run homerun (his first of his Major League career). Pirates closer Octavio Dotel worked a perfect ninth with two strikeouts to preserve the 3-2 victory.

The Toronto Blue Jays hit two more homeruns early in their game against the Tampa Bay Rays and starter Jeff Niemann. Blue Jays starter Brian Tallet pitched well in his first game back off the DL (four hits and no runs in 5.2 innings). However the Rays offense went to work against the Blue Jays bullpen. Casey Janssen and Jason Frasor allowed three runs in the seventh inning to cut the Blue Jays lead to 5-3.

In the ninth inning off Blue Jays closer Kevin Gregg, the Rays use patience and a big hit to finish the comeback. After Gregg walked in a run and the bases still loaded, Sean Rodriguez delivered a bases-clearing double for the 7-5 lead. All-in-all, the Rays got just that one hit in the ninth and scored four runs with the help of five walks. Gregg also was ejected from the game after his last walk.

The Houston Astros needed a good start from Brett Myers to save the bullpen after Roy Oswalt lasted into the third the day before. Myers allowed four runs, but only one was earned in seven innings. He allowed four hits while striking out ten. The Astros led 6-4 when he departed.

The lead did not last as Brandon Lyon allowed a run in the eighth inning and closer Matt Lindstrom blew the save by allowing two runs in the ninth, capped by back-to-back RBI singles from Ian Desmond and Roger Bernadina to give the Nats a 7-6 lead. With the sluggish Astros lineup, you would think the game was over with Washington Nationals closer Matt Capps coming in.

Lance Berkman's walk-off

Well Capps has been struggling and he continued that streak on Tuesday night. Pedro Feliz led off with a hot shot to third that Ryan Zimmerman could not handle for an error. Feliz was sacrificed to second and pinch-hitter Cory Sullivan delivered a double to put runners at second and third. Michael Bourn was intentionally walked, but Jeff Keppinger grounded into a force out (Feliz was thrown out at the plate). Up came Lance Berkman, who delivered a two-run single for the walk-off victory (he drove in five runs in the game).

The Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals are battling it out in St. Louis for first place in the National League Central. Tuesday night was a wild back-and-forth game. Both teams scored three runs in the first inning, capped by Scott Rolen of the Reds’ three-run shot and Colby Rasmus of the Cardinals’ two-run shot.

Rolen would add another homerun in the third inning, right after Joey Votto hit a solo homerun (Votto returned to the lineup to go 4-for-5). The Cardinals came back to score four runs in the sixth inning to take an 8-7 lead, only to see the Reds score two more runs in the top of the seventh. The Reds held on for the 9-8 victory. Jon Jay of the Cardinals hit his first Major League homerun as he went 3-for-5.

The Dodgers celebrate

The Arizona Diamondbacks and LA Dodgers played scoreless baseball into the tenth inning. Diamondbacks starter Dan Haren allowed eight hits in seven innings while striking out seven. Dodgers starter John Ely allowed two hits in seven innings while striking out five. With one out in the bottom of the tenth, the Dodgers Matt Kemp blasted a walk-off solo homerun to give the Dodgers the 1-0 victory.

The Colorado Rockies and SF Giants were also locked into a pitcher’s duel. Speedy outfielder Andres Torres provided the only run for the Giants as he blasted a solo homerun off Rockies starter Jason Hammel in the fourth inning. Torres’ blast bounced into McCovey Cove. Hammel allowed just that run on seven hits in 6.2 innings. Giants starter Barry Zito allowed one run on four hits in seven innings while striking out eight.

The game would stay tied up at 1-1 until the 11th when the Rockies Clint Barmes delivered an RBI double off Santiago Casilla for the game-winner.

Tags:

Brian Tallet, Cincinnati Reds, Ian Desmond, John Ely, Kevin Gregg, LA Dodgers, Lance Berkman, Neil Walker, Pittsburgh Pirates, Roger Bernadina, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays

Ubaldo Jimenez fires no-hitter

In Atlanta, the Braves were treated to history as Colorado Rockies hurler Ubaldo Jimenez pitched a no-hitter, the first in Rockies history. Despite walking six, Jimenez struck out seven and was electric the entire outing. His last pitch of the game was to Brian McCann at 97 mph. Jimenez threw 128 pitches in the 4-0 win and got some great defense, especially from centerfielder Dexter Fowler in the seventh inning.

In St. Louis, the Cardinals and NY Mets battled all afternoon and into the night. For the second straight game, they were locked in a pitcher’s duel. Mets ace Johan Santana matched up with Cardinals rookie Jaime Garcia (who was making his third career start), who did not give up a hit until the sixth inning. The Mets did not collect their second hit until the 12^th inning with the game tied at 0-0. New Met first baseman Alex Cora (who just came into the game and had only played 3 games there in his career) kept the score tied at 0-0 in the 10^th when he jumped into the first row of seats with two outs and the bases loaded to keep Cardinals slugger Matt Holliday from getting a new life. The Cardinals threatened with the bases loaded three times (with the pitcher batting) and had men on base in just about every inning but could not score.

Felipe Lopez pitches in 18th

The Cardinals ran out of pitchers so third baseman Felipe Lopez (who started at shortstop) moved to the mound in the 18^th and sent the Mets down in order (after Mets pitcher Raul Valdes was thrown out at second base after an infield single). Joe Mather, who moved from the outfield to third base, came in to pitch the 19^th. The Mets scored on a sacrifice fly in the 19^th (with the deep fly ball by Jeff Francoeur going to new left fielder Kyle Lohse, who is a starting pitcher for the Cardinals). The Mets saved closer Francisco Rodriguez for a save situation and the Cardinals got to him. Albert Pujols ripped a one out double and went to third base on a ground out by Lohse. K-Rod chose to pitch to Yadier Molina instead of rookie Allen Craig and Molina ripped a game-tying RBI single to tie the game at 1-1. Into the 20^th they went, with Mather again taking the mound. Mather struggled with throwing strikes and the Mets again scored on a sacrifice fly. Though the Cardinals had their chances in the bottom of the 20^th, starter Mike Pelfrey collected the save. The Mets 2-1 win took 6 hours and 53 minutes to complete. If the Mets had lost to the Cardinals (who were using position players to pitch), manager Jerry Manuel may have gotten fired. He will hold onto his job for now.

Tim Lincecum hits

Reigning National League CY Young award winner Tim Lincecum of the SF Giants has so far showed that he is still the best pitcher in the NL. Against the LA Dodgers, Lincecum went six scoreless innings to improve to 3-0 with a 0.90 ERA. He struck out seven and gave up four hits. Lincecum also starred at the plate in the 9-0 victory as he went 3-for-4 with 3 RBIs.

Bullpen problems continue for the Baltimore Orioles as newly named closer Jim Johnson came in with a 3-2 lead in Oakland. The A’s loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth and Ryan Sweeney delivered a walk-off two-run single to improve the A’s record to 9-4. The O’s dropped to 1-11 (the worst team in baseball).

In Cleveland, the Indians Jake Westbrook battled the Chicago White Sox Jake Peavy. With the White Sox ahead 2-1 in the bottom of the eighth, Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera blasted a solo homerun off of Peavy to tie the game and end his night. In came hard-throwing Matt Thornton and Indians right fielder Shin-Soo Choo delivered an RBI double to win it as closer Chris Perez used 15 pitches to get the White Sox 1-2-3 for his third save.

Tags:

Albert Pujols, Alex Cora, Asdrubal Cabrera, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Felipe Lopez, Francisco Rodriguez, Jaime Garcia, Jake Peavy, Jake Westbrook, Jeff Francoeur, Jim Johnson, Joe Mather, Johan Santana, Kyle Lohse, LA Dodgers, Matt Thornton, NY Mets, Oakland A's, Raul Valdes, Ryan Sweeney, SF Giants, Shin-Soo Choo, St. Louis Cardinals, Tim Lincecum, Ubaldo Jimenez, Yadier Molina

The grounds crew in NY

Rain played a major part in games played Friday night. In New York, the Yankees and Texas Rangers completed just six innings when the game was finally called. The Yankees won 5-1 as CC Sabathia dominated in the complete game win. CJ Wilson of the Rangers was hurt by poor defense and infield hits (four of the Yankees seven hits did not leave the infield) in his complete game loss.

The Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays played to a 1-1 tie at Fenway Park, as rained halted the game in the bottom of the ninth inning. Play will resume prior to their start tonight. The Red Sox Josh Beckett and the Rays rookie Wade Davis were involved in a great pitcher’s duel, despite the rain, though the Rays stole four bases off of catcher Jason Varitek (who hit a solo homerun).

In Pittsburgh, rookie Mike Leake of the Cincinnati Reds matched up against the Pirates Zack Duke. Though Leake was not stellar (he walked five and gave up seven hits in seven innings), he limited the damage by allowing just three runs. Duke on the other hand was outstanding. He gave up six hits and one run in seven innings. However the Pirates bullpen gave away the lead by allowing three runs (one of which was Duke’s as he started the eighth inning) in two innings. With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, centerfielder Andrew McCutchen collected a single. He immediately stole second base and scored on left fielder Lastings Milledge’s RBI single to center to send the Pirates home happy.

Felipe Lopez greeted by teammates after grand slam

In St. Louis, the Cardinals were dominated all night by NY Mets starter Oliver Perez (even though Cardinals starter Chris Carpenter was just as dominant by striking out 10 in 6.1 innings). In the seventh, Mets manager Jerry Manuel pulled Perez after he allowed an infield single and a sacrifice bunt. Reliever Fernando Nieve came in and hit pinch-hitter Skip Schumaker and walked pinch-hitter Matt Holliday to load the bases. In came Raul Valdes to face Cardinals infielder Felipe Lopez, who deposited a 2-1 hanging curveball over the left field wall for a grand slam (which gave the Cardinals a 4-1 lead). Though the Cardinals bullpen almost blew the lead, they held on for a 4-3 win.

In Philadelphia, the Florida Marlins Jorge Cantu extended his hitting streak to 11 games but could not collect an RBI. He came up in the ninth inning after the Marlins had already scored four runs off of the Phillies bullpen with two men on base, but closer Ryan Madson induced a ground ball to end the rainy and cold game (8-6). The Marlins were dominated all night by Phillies new ace Roy Halladay, as he allowed two runs on eight hits in eight innings.

In Minnesota, the Twins seemed to have the bases loaded every inning against the KC Royals ace Zach Greinke and the Royals bullpen as they won 10-3. Greinke, last year’s CY Young award winner, did not have his usual command as he walked five in his five innings of work while allowing four runs (though only two were earned). The Twins on the other hand, received solid pitching from Scott Baker, who went seven innings while striking out six.

Andre Ethier greeted by teammates after grand slam

In LA, the Dodgers jumped all over SF Giants starter Todd Wellemeyer in the first two innings as he allowed seven runs, capped by Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier’s back-to-back homeruns in the first inning and  Ethier’s grand slam in the second. There was a scary moment for the Giants in the fifth as Dodgers starter Vicente Padilla hit Aaron Rowand in the face, causing a cheek injury and a concussion. The Giants stormed back against the Dodgers bullpen as they scored five runs in the ninth, but could not overcome the lead (they lost 10-8).

In Toronto, the LA Angels almost wasted a gem thrown by starter Jered Weaver, as the Blue Jays scored four times in the eighth inning to cut the Angels lead to 7-5. However new Angels closer Fernando Rodney came in and quickly shut the door on the Blue Jays, as he threw just 9 pitches to pick up his second save of the season. Weaver went into the eighth inning (he was pulled after allowing a Randy Ruiz solo homerun) and gave up just two runs on five hits while striking out eight (he did not walk a batter).

Tags:

Aaron Rowand, Andre Ethier, Boston Red Sox, CC Sabathia, Chris Carpenter, Cincinnati Reds, CJ Wilson, Felipe Lopez, Fernando Rodney, Florida Marlins, Jason Varitek, Jered Weaver, Jorge Cantu, Josh Beckett, KC Royals, LA Angels, LA Dodgers, Lasting Milledge, Matt Kemp, Mike Leake, Minnesota Twins, NY Mets, NY Yankees, Oliver Perez, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Roy Halladay, Ryan Madson, Scott Baker, SF Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Vicente Padilla, Wade Davis, Zach Greinke, Zack Duke

Throughout baseball, Jackie Robinson was celebrated on Thursday. Fans, players, coaches, and umpires, young and old, regardless of race joined in the annual celebration. Robinson was a pioneer for African-American players and for all athletes who have fought for a dream. All players and coaches wore his retired number 42 and the umpires wore number 42 on their sleeves.

NY Yankees honor Jackie Robinson

The biggest celebration came in NY at Yankee Stadium as Robinson’s wife and daughter were in attendance for the pre-game festivities and his grandson threw out the first pitch. Phil Hughes made his first start of the season for the Yankees and was backed by three homeruns off of LA Angels Scott Kazmir, who was also making his first start.

The LA Dodgers always request to play home on Jackie Robinson day so that they can honor their former player. On Thursday, Tommy Lasorda, Frank Robinson, and Don Newcombe (among others) were on hand for the pre-game festivities. The Dodgers came back for the second straight day against Arizona Diamondbacks closer Chad Qualls, but this time won the game in the bottom of the tenth on Andre Ethier’s walk-off hit (his 10^th walk-off hit of his career).

The Cleveland Indians (in the bottom of the American League Central) received great starting pitching from David Huff, who threw a complete game four-hitter in the Indians 3-2 win over the Texas Rangers. He threw just 104 pitches and his only blemish was the two-run homerun he allowed to Michael Young in the fourth inning. Shin-Soo Choo took Huff off of the hard luck loss by blasting a three-run homerun in the bottom of the eighth inning (the homerun was preceded by two men reaching base on errors).

Phillies NL champions ring

In Philadelphia on Thursday was also the ring ceremony for the 2009 National League Champions. Even though Phillies pitcher JA Happ struggled into the sixth inning (he walked six), they held a 4-1 lead. However the Phillies bullpen, which has been stellar so far this season, gave up six runs in relief of Happ (three runs by Danys Baez and two more by closer Ryan Madson). Washington Nationals Ryan Zimmerman delivered a pinch-hit go-ahead two-run homerun in the eighth inning off of Baez to seal the win for the Nationals. Zimmerman had not played since Saturday due to an injured hamstring.

The Houston Astros finally won a game in the 2010 season. They beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-1 with a three-run eighth inning. The top of the order for the Astros (Michael Bourn and Jeff Keppinger) combined to go 4-for-8 with three runs scored and three RBIs. Astros starter Bud Norris went five innings allowing one unearned run on four hits while striking out nine.

Minnesota Twins honor Jackie Robinson

In Minnesota, Twins starter Francisco Liriano dominated the visiting Boston Red Sox with seven shutout innings. He allowed just four hits and struck out 8. The Twins offense battered Red Sox knuckleballer Tim Wakefield through five innings (he allowed 10 hits and five earned runs).

Ben Sheets, an expensive signee this offseason for the Oakland A’s, won his first game since 2008 as he dominated the now 1-9 visiting Baltimore Orioles. Sheets went six shutout innings and allowed five hits. He walked three and struck out four. The A’s improved to 7-4 on the season.

Tags:

Andre Ethier, Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles, Ben Sheets, Boston Red Sox, Bud Norris, Chad Qualls, Cleveland Indians, Danys Baez, David Huff, Francisco Liriano, Houston Astros, JA Happ, Jackie Robinson, Jeff Keppinger, LA Angels, LA Dodgers, Michael Bourn, Michael Young, Minnesota Twins, NY Yankees, Oakland A's, Phil Hughes, Philadelphia Phillies, Ryan Zimmerman, Scott Kazmir, Shin-Soo Choo, St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, Tim Wakefield, Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals and Philadelphia Phillies played to a football score, 14-7 with the Phillies taking another one from the Nats (the Phillies are 4-1 so far in 2010 against them). The Phillies, despite losing their leadoff hitter Jimmy Rollins to the DL, still have too much firepower and a better bullpen. Chase Utley homered twice (with 4 RBIs) for the Phillies and new leadoff man Shane Victorino hit out of his struggles going 4-for-5 with three runs scored and five RBIs. It was 7-7 in Philadelphia after three innings and the Phillies bullpen (Nelson Figueroa, Chad Durbin, Antonio Bastardo, and David Herndon) combined for six shutout innings while allowing just two hits.

Chris Iannetta's walk-off homerun

There were two more extra inning games on Wednesday. At Coors Field in Denver, the NY Mets scored an unearned run in the ninth inning off of Rockies closer Franklin Morales (his first blown save as a closer) to tie the game and send it into extra innings. However in the bottom of the tenth, Rockies catcher Chris Iannetta (who contributed to the Mets unearned run in the ninth) led off the inning with a walk-off solo homerun off of Mets rookie reliever Jenrry Mejia.

The other was in Los Angeles, as the Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks battled back and forth for nearly five hours with the Dodgers scoring a run in the bottom of the ninth off of Diamondbacks closer Chad Qualls to send the game into extra innings. In the top of the 11^th, the Diamondbacks scored two runs off of Dodgers reliever Ramon Ortiz to win the game 9-7. Diamondbacks outfielder Chris Young delivered an RBI single to left field and infielder Augie Ojeda contributed a sacrifice fly in the 11^th. The Diamondbacks overcame a 19-hit attack from the Dodgers.

One day after almost being no-hit by Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Ricky Romero, the Chicago White Sox jumped all over starter Brandon Morrow, which was capped by two four-run innings (the fifth and sixth). Andruw Jones and Carlos Quentin both homered off of Morrow, with Quentin hitting a grand slam. White Sox starter John Danks was dominant, while allowing just two hits and a run in seven innings.

Astros starter Brett Myers

In St. Louis, the Cardinals and the visiting Houston Astros were battling in a classic pitchers’ duel with the Cardinals Brad Penny facing off against new Astros hurler Brett Myers. After unearned runs scoring in the first inning to give the Cardinals a 2-1 lead, the score remained the same. Both starters went seven innings with Penny allowing just three hits while striking out four and Myers allowing four hits while striking out seven. However the Astros could not capitalize on chances, like with the bases loaded in the eighth. The Astros dropped to 0-8 on the season.

In Florida, Marlins third baseman Jorge Cantu set a Major League record by collecting at least one hit and an RBI in each of the Marlins first eight games. He hit a solo homerun in the fifth inning off of Reds starter Homer Bailey. The Marlins held onto the win 5-3 over the visiting Cincinnati Reds.

In Baltimore, Tampa Bay Rays left-hander David Price dominated the Orioles through seven innings. Price allowed a run (a homerun by Miguel Tejada) on four hits while striking out seven. Orioles starter Brad Bergesen struggled into the fourth inning, allowing eight runs (five earned) on seven hits. Carlos Pena continued his hot-hitting against the O’s as he connected on another three-run homerun in the first inning in helping the Rays improve to 6-3. The O’s dropped to 1-8 on the season and put closer Mike Gonzalez on the DL prior to the game. On the bright side for the O’s, converted reliever Jason Berken threw five innings while allowing just one run (he struck out five).

Tags:

Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles, Brad Bergesen, Brad Penny, Brandon Morrow, Brett Myers, Carlos Pena, Carlos Quentin, Chad Qualls, Chase Utley, Chicago White Sox, Chris Iannetta, Chris Young, Colorado Rockies, Daivd Price, Florida Marlins, Franklin Morales, Houston Astros, Jason Berken, John Danks, Jorge Cantu, LA Dodgers, NY Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Shane Victorino, St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals

Sabathia exists the game after giving up his first hit

On Saturday afternoon, NY Yankees ace CC Sabathia made quick work of the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. He got within four outs of a no-hitter. In the seventh with two outs catcher Kelly Shoppach (and a former teammate of Sabathia’s with Cleveland) ripped a single to left field on the very first pitch to break up the no-hitter. Sabathia threw 111 pitches and was helped out by great defense in the infield by Mark Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez, and Robinson Cano. The Yankees spanked the Rays 10-0.

Gaby Sanchez of the Florida Marlins hit his first big league homerun, a three-run shot, off of LA Dodger Vicente Padilla. In the bottom of the ninth and the Marlins down 6-4 (after the Dodgers came back against the Marlins bullpen to take the lead), pinch-hitter Ronny Paulino delivered a two-run double off of Dodgers reliever George Sherrill to tie the game. Hanley Ramirez was intentionally walked to load the bases to face Jorge Cantu. Cantu launched a fly ball to centerfield for a sacrifice fly to score Chris Coghlin for the game winner (the Marlins won 7-6).

Zach Duke of the Pittsburgh Pirates seems to have rediscovered his dominance of a few years back. Against the Arizona Diamondbacks he got 14 ground ball outs to go with his two strikeouts in his seven solid innings of work. Duke allowed just four hits and two runs, which scored on Mark Reynolds’ two-run homerun in the seventh inning. The Pirates bullpen held on for the 6-3 win.

Matsui tips hat to the fans after gw hit

New LA Angels ace Jered Weaver dominated in his second start against the hot-hitting Oakland A’s. Weaver went six innings allowing one run on four hits while striking out seven (to just one walk). However the A’s were happy to see Weaver exit the game as they scored single runs in the seventh and eighth innings to tie the game at 3-3. In the bottom of the ninth, the A’s elected to intentionally walk Torii Hunter after Bobby Abreu doubled. That brought up Hideki Matsui, who ripped a 2-0 fastball down the right field line to win the game 4-3, which broke the Angels four game losing streak.

The Colorado Rockies and the San Diego Padres battled into the 14^th inning with Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez coming through with an RBI double for the game winner. The Rockies could not muster any offense against the Padres bullpen and had just two hits after the sixth inning. Tim Stauffer of the Padres went three shutout innings out of the pen while allowing just one hit while striking out three.

The Philadelphia Phillies continue to put runs on the board and rack up hits. They have 10 or more hits in each of their first five games (they are 4-1). Last night, veteran left-hander Jamie Moyer was cruising along until a five run third inning gave the Houston Astros the lead (their first lead of the year). The Astros, who were the only team in baseball without a homerun, hit two on Saturday night in that third inning (both Jason Michaels and Hunter Pence homered). Unfortunately for the Astros, their bullpen could not hold the lead. Brandon Lyon, who was signed to bolster the pen, gave up four hits and three runs in the seventh inning to take the loss (two of the runs came on a Ryan Howard homerun). In the ninth, Astros closer Matt Lindstrom gave up a two-run homerun to Shane Victorino. Despite the Astros hitting homeruns and scoring a run in the ninth against Phillies closer Ryan Madson, they lost 9-6 and have lost all five games to open the season at home at Minute Maid Park.

In San Francisco, the Atlanta Braves halted the Giants four game winning streak with a 7-2 win. Braves starter Derek Lowe did not have his best stuff but gutted it out. He walked seven but gave up just one run and four hits. Offensively the Braves were led by rookie Jason Heyward, who snapped an 0-for-11 skid to go 3-for-3 with two walks, two RBIs, and two runs scored, and the league’s leading hitter in second baseman Martin Prado (he is batting .600) as he went 2-for-4.

Tags:

Adrian Gonzalez, Arizona Diamonbacks, Atlanta Braves, Bobby Abreu, Brandon Lyon, CC Sabathia, Chris Coghlin, Colorado Rockies, Derek Lowe, Florida Marlins, Gaby Sanchez, Hideki Matsui, Houston Astros, Jamie Moyer, Jason Heyward, Jered Weaver, Jorge Cantu, Kelly Shoppach, LA Angels, LA Dodgers, Martin Prado, Matt Lindstrom, NY Yankees, Oakland A's, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Ronny Paulino, Ryan Howard, San Diego Padres, SF Giants, Shane Victorino, Tampa Bay Rays, Tim Stauffer, Torii Hunter, Zach Duke

Opening Day for Major League Baseball had beautiful weather across the entire country. This was something completely different than in years past when players, umpires, and fans were constantly watching the Weather Channel to see if rain or snow will impact the game and how cold it will be at game time. Outside of the night game in Oakland, it was warm all over. With the warm weather brought high scoring games and lots of balls leaving the ballpark for homeruns.

Albert Pujols

The reigning National League MVP Albert Pujols started where he left off from last year. In the St. Louis Cardinals 11-6 win over host Cincinnati, Pujols collected four hits (two singles and two homeruns).

The reigning NL Champs continued their dominance over the Washington Nationals and continue to score runs in bunches. The Philadelphia Phillies scored five runs in the fourth, two runs in the sixth, and four runs in the seventh. The opener for the Nationals drew more Phillies fans than Nats fans. The Nationals were dominated by newly acquired ace Roy Halladay. Though he struggled in the first inning (allowing a run on two hits), he settled in to pitch six more shutout innings while allowing just four more hits. Halladay also struck out nine. The Phillies dominated, winning 11-1.

The LA Dodgers traveled to PNC Park in Pittsburgh, where the Pirates probably had their biggest crowd of the entire season. The Pirates hitters rudely greeted Dodgers pitching. Garrett Jones, coming into his sophomore season, clubbed two homeruns (one of which touched down in the river beyond the ballpark) off of Dodgers ace Vicente Padilla. The Pirates won 11-5.

There were two grand slams hit on Opening Day. One was hit by the Phillies Placido Polanco and the other was hit by Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina.

The NY Mets, who were not expected to have a strong offense without Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, and Daniel Murphy, poured on runs against Florida Marlins ace Josh Johnson and the rest of the Marlins bullpen. The Mets won the game 7-1, led by a two-run homerun from David Wright and great pitching from ace Johan Santana.

Jason Heyward

There was a welcome to the big leagues moment for the top rookie heading into the 2010 season. The Atlanta Braves Jason Heyward hit a mammoth three-run homerun in his first Major League at-bat. He hit a low breaking ball into the right field seats. When a rookie hits his first homerun, the players usually greet him with the silent treatment and completely ignore that player when he returns to the dugout. Not with Heyward. The Braves were going as nuts as the packed house of fans. Who was the first Brave to greet him with open arms outside the dugout? Chipper Jones. The fans even greeted Heyward with a curtain call. Not bad for your first game. He also contributed an RBI single to give him four RBIs in the Braves 16-5 thrashing of the Chicago Cubs. Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano lasted just 1.1 innings while allowing 8 runs.

The other welcome to the big leagues moment came for Detroit Tigers centerfielder Austin Jackson. He saw 19 of the Royals Zack Greinke’s 96 pitches. He came alive once Greinke left to drive in a run off reliever Robinson Tejeda and scored the go-ahead run in the Tigers 8-4 win. Jackson also threw a runner out at the plate. So in his first Major League game, he totaled his first hit, RBI, run scored, and assist.

Despite some high scoring games, there was some really good pitching. Shaun Marcum of the Toronto Blue Jays made the Opening Day start, his first start since 2008. Marcum went into the seventh inning without giving up a hit or walk to the powerful Texas Rangers lineup. With one out in the seventh, he walked Josh Hamilton and Vladimir Guerrero collected the first hit (a single to right field). Nelson Cruz then followed with a three-run homerun to tie the score. The Blue Jays did come back to take the lead, but newly named closer Jason Frasor gave up a game-tying RBI double to Cruz and a walk-off RBI single to Jarrod Saltalamacchia, giving the Rangers a 5-4 win.

Chicago White Sox ace Mark Buehrle pitched another outstanding game for the White Sox, as he blanked the Cleveland Indians 6-0.  Buehrle went seven innings while allowing just three hits. Plus he made the best defensive play of the day, and possibly one of the best of the season: a between the legs scoop throw to first to get Indians catcher Lou Marson out (after he kicked saved it from going up the middle for a hit).

Dan Haren

Dan Haren of the Arizona Diamondbacks dominated against the San Diego Padres, going seven innings while allowing just one run on three hits and he struck out four (he threw just 92 pitches and 63 were for strikes). On offense, third baseman Mark Reynolds clubbed a two-run homerun and shortstop Stephen Drew hit a two-run inside-the-park homerun.

The reigning American League CY Young award winner also pitched well but ended the game with the same results as in 2009. An error behind the KC Royals Zack Greinke led to the Detroit Tigers first run, though Greinke left the game after six innings with a 4-2 lead. Greinke outpitched fellow ace Justin Verlander. However after the seventh inning (and three Royals relievers later) the Tigers led 8-4 as they batted around in the seventh.

The reigning NL CY Young award winner was back at it on Opening Day. Tim Lincecum of the SF Giants dominated the Houston Astros. In his seven innings of work, he was only in trouble in the sixth inning when the Astros put two men on (though they did not score). Lincecum threw 98 pitches in his shutout innings while striking out seven and he did not walk a batter.

Tags:

Albert Pujols, Atlanta Braves, Austin Jackson, Carlos Zambrano, Chicago Cubs, Dan Haren, David Wright, Detroit Tigers, Garrett Jones, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Jason Heyward, Johan Santana, KC Royals, LA Dodgers, Mark Buehrle, Mark Reynolds, NY Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Placido Polanco, Roy Halladay, SF Giants, Shaun Marcum, St. Louis Cardinals, Stephen Drew, Texas Rangers, Tim Lincecum, Vicente Padilla, Vladimir Guerrero, Washington Nationals, Yadier Molina, Zack Greinke

The National League West had been thought of as the weakest division in the game. However in 2009, the West garnered the division champion (LA Dodgers) and the wild card winner (Colorado Rockies). All of the teams in the division rely on young talent to win. The Dodgers have a young core of outfielders Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier, catcher Russell Martin, and first baseman James Loney. They also rely on hurlers Clayton Kershaw and Chad Billingsley and closer Jonathon Broxton. The SF Giants have two-time CY Young award winner Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, and Jonathon Sanchez in the rotation and MVP-candidate Pablo Sandoval in the middle of the lineup. The Rockies core is all young with shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, catcher Chris Iannetta, outfielders Carlos Gonzalez, Dexter Fowler, and Brad Hawpe, and pitchers Jeff Francis, Ubaldo Jimenez, and Franklin Morales. The Arizona Diamondbacks have a young lineup with Stephen Drew, Conor Jackson, Mark Reynolds, Justin Upton, Miguel Montero, and Chris Young. The San Diego Padres, who are rebuilding, have young pitching with guys like Mat Latos, Chris Young, and Chris Richard. What young star will breakout in 2010 and help his team win? Here’s a few:

Blake DeWitt

Blake DeWitt, LA Dodgers (2B): For the second straight year, the Dodgers signed a veteran second baseman. Last year it was Orlando Hudson and this year is Jamey Carroll (though he is more of a utility man). So the 24 year old DeWitt has not earned a spot on the team, even though it looked like he inherited a starting job.

“I’m going to work hard, improve as much as possible and get to Spring Training ready to win a job and help this team win…I realize some things you can control and some things you can’t,” DeWitt said. He continued on to say, “There’s always somebody ready to fight for a job. He’s [Carroll] a good player and I look forward to playing with him and learning a lot from him…Nothing is given to you in this game. You’ve got to go out and earn it.” That is a good attitude to have as a young player.

Last year DeWitt was shuttled back and forth between Triple-A Albuquerque and LA after hitting .264 in his rookie year. GM Ned Colletti believes DeWitt needs to play everyday which is one of the reasons why DeWitt has become a utility player (he can play third, second, and shortstop).

2010 is a big year for DeWitt to see if he can win the second base job. If he can, he could provide another impact bat in the young Dodgers’ order.

Ian Stewart

Ian Stewart, Colorado Rockies (3B): Stewart hit 25 homeruns and drove in 70 in 2009. However in 147 games, he hit just .228. With the Rockies not re-signing Garrett Atkins, the soon-to-be 25 year old will need to make improvements offensively for the Rockies to be successful.

When the Rockies selected Stewart in the first round of the 2003 draft out of high school in California, they envisioned the power that Stewart has showed. However his career Major League average is just .238. The glaring issue for him is the strikeouts, as he struck out 138 times in 2009. He also must regain his stroke against left-handed pitching. In 2008 he hit .370 in 54 at-bats against lefties but it dropped to .178 in 101 at-bats in 2009.

No one talked about Stewart’s defense coming up through the minors, but he has been steady at third base. His .969 fielding percentage (seven errors) in 2009 was the third highest in Rockies history. His defense has become a source of pride for him.

If Stewart hits for a higher average, he will be a complete player. He is an important cog in the Rockies lineup and they need a breakout year from him.

Tags:

Blake DeWitt, Colorado Rockies, Ian Stewart, LA Dodgers, NL West

There are quite a few pitchers who have signed minor league contracts with invitations to spring training that could make an impact on their teams’ 2010 season. Pitcher Shawn Estes has not been seen from in the big leagues since 2008 when he was pitching for the San Diego Padres. However with his new training program (Xtreme Training) that consists of weights, jogging, aerobics, boxing, pushups and situps conducted in 100-degree heat, Estes is in the best shape of his life and could surprise a lot of people. He just needs to get innings in spring training and make the most of it. Estes will make $600,000 with a possible $400,000 more in performance incentives if he makes the Washington Nationals 40-man roster. He pitched with the LA Dodgers in Triple-A Albuquerque in 2009 (3-4 with a 3.07 ERA in 13 starts) but semi-retired in June because he was not ready to play mentally. Estes’ best year came in 1997, his All-Star season, when he went 19-5 with a 3.18 ERA with the SF Giants.

Jeff Weaver returns to the Dodgers

Jeff Weaver re-signed with the Dodgers on an $800,000 minor league contract. Last year he was a pleasant surprise as a swingman for the Dodgers. Weaver went 6-4 with a 3.65 ERA in 28 appearances (7 starts). He struck out 64 in 79 innings, though he did walk 33 batters. In 2009, coming off of right should surgery that kept him from pitching in 2008, Weaver signed the same type of deal but did not make the team out of spring training. However, the Dodgers fifth starter’s spot is up for grabs along with the long man in the bullpen, so Weaver will have every opportunity to win a spot in LA.

Veteran left-handed reliever Ron Villone just re-signed with the Washington Nationals. In 2009, he appeared in 63 games going 5-6 with a 4.25 ERA. Villone has a shot because the Nationals bullpen is filled with unproven arms. Villone had a 2.63 ERA against left-handed hitters in 24 innings while allowing just 2 homeruns. As one of manager Jim Riggleman’s favorite players, it really was no surprise that Villone was brought back. Villone leads by example, wants the ball everyday despite his age (39), and he watched the game from the dugout after his outings instead of heading to the clubhouse like most pitchers.

The Florida Marlins just signed the top free agent relief pitcher left on the market Thursday. Mike MacDougal signed a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. He will make $650,000 if he makes the teams and can ask for his release if he does not make the Marlins big league roster. For the Marlins to compete in the National League East, they need depth in the bullpen and an option if Leo Nunez struggles as the closer. MacDougal is that option.

Eric Gagne returns to the Dodgers

Reliever Eric Gagne is returning to the team in which he had the most success, the LA Dodgers. He won the NL CY Young in 2003 and converted 84 straight saves (an all-time record). He often single-handedly kept Dodgers fans in their seats because Dodgers fans are known to arrive late for games and leave early before they are over. However they stayed to watch “Game Over” Gagne, who entered the field to the Guns N’ Roses song “Welcome to the Jungle.” Elbow surgery in 2005 spiraled his career downward but his inclusion in the same Xtreme Training that Estes has participated in has him in great shape. Gagne will make $500,000 if he makes the club and another $500,000 in performance incentives, though he was an out clause if he does not make the team. Though the Dodgers bullpen is stocked with back-of-the-bullpen arms like Jonathon Broxton, George Sherrill, Hong-Chih Kuo, and Ronald Belisario, Gagne made it known that he wanted to return to LA.

Tags:

Eric Gagne, Florida Marlins, Jeff Weaver, LA Dodgers, Mike MacDougal, Ron Villone, Shawn Estes, Washington Nationals

Bengie Molina

First the Carlos Beltran drama. Now the two free agents the NY Mets coveted signed with other teams. First was catcher Bengie Molina. The Mets were rumored to have offered Molina a multi-year contract. However he signed for just one year for a lot less money with the SF Giants, the team he spent the past three years with. The move is great for the Giants as he can continue to guide the young, dominant pitching staff and groom rookie catcher Buster Posey (instead of throwing him into the fire by having him as the starting catcher when he is not ready). Molina hit .265 in 132 games with 20 homeruns and 80 RBIs in 2009. Now the Mets will have to go with the combination of Omir Santos and veteran Henry Blanco until prospect Josh Thole (who performed well in his 2009 September call-up) is ready.

Joel Pineiro

Second was right-handed starter Joel Pineiro. Pineiro thrived under the tutelage of St. Louis Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan. He was looking for a long-term deal similar to the one Randy Wolf received from the Milwaukee Brewers (three years and close to $30 million).  Unfortunately for the Mets, Pineiro received a two-year, $16 million contract offer from the LA Angels that he could not turn down. If Pineiro can continue to pitch like he did in St. Louis, the Angels will have one of the best rotations in the game with Jered Weaver, Joe Saunders, Scott Kazmir, Ervin Santana, and Pineiro. The Mets still have major holes in their rotation due to injuries to ace Johan Santana, John Maine, Fernando Nieve, and Jonathon Niese, and inconsistency in Mike Pelfrey and Oliver Perez.

With Pineiro’s signing brought another free agent pitcher to sign a deal. This was Vicente Padilla, who decided to re-sign with the LA Dodgers for one year. Despite shooting himself in the leg in November, he is expected to be healthy at the start of spring training. Padilla, after being released in 2009 by the Texas Rangers, pitched very well for the Dodgers and their push through the playoffs (4-0 with a 3.20 ERA in the regular season plus 1-1 with a 3.63 ERA in 3 postseason starts).

Free agent left-handed starter Doug Davis decided to return to the Milwaukee Brewers, signing a one year deal with an option for 2011. This deal is great for the Brewers as they are getting a pitcher who provides durability. Davis has made at least 33 starts and pitched in 190 innings in five of the past six seasons (the only season being 2008 when he battled thyroid cancer). Adding Davis leaves the Brewers with seven starting pitchers heading into spring training, with one probably moving to the bullpen. Those with spots include ace Yovani Gallardo, Wolf, and Davis, with Manny Parra, Dave Bush, Jeff Suppan, and Chris Narveson battling for the final two spots.

Free agent right-handed reliever Octavio Dotel signed a one year deal with an option for 2011 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, who continue to stabilize their bullpen this offseason. Pirates GM Neal Huntington announced that there now is no competition for the closer’s job as it is not Dotel’s to lose. Dotel noted that the opportunity to step back into a closer’s role was the main determinant in his decision to join the Pirates as Pittsburgh was the only team able to guarantee him that opportunity.

Tags:

Bengie Molina, Doug Davis, Joel Pineiro, LA Angels, LA Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, NY Mets, Octavio Dotel, Pittsburgh Pirates, Vicente Padilla

Matt Kemp

The LA Dodgers faced adversity early in the season with Manny Ramirez’ 50-game performance-enhancing drug suspension. Despite missing their star player, the Dodgers surged into the National League West lead with the help of veteran outfielder Juan Pierre, his young outfield counterparts, Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier, and young first baseman James Loney.

The other obstacle the Dodgers faced in 2009 was the surging Colorado Rockies and SF Giants in the second half. Though they held them off, they almost blew a huge lead. The Dodgers were carried in the first half by All-Star Chad Billingsley (9-4 with a 3.38 ERA) though he struggled in the second half (3-7 with a 5.20 ERA). Young ace Clayton Kershaw (1-3 with a 2.27 ERA) and veteran Randy Wolf (7-4 with a 2.98 ERA) took off in the second half and management added Vicente Padilla to bolster the rotation (4-0 with a 3.20 ERA in 7 starts). The Dodgers pitching staff had the NL’s best ERA (3.41).

The offense was led by the most clutch hitter in the game in Ethier, who had 4 homeruns and 20 RBIs in the late innings of games that were close (and .472 in the late innings of close games at home). Centerfielder Kemp added his first Gold Glove to his first Silver Slugger, providing great defense and offense. Pierre played great when Manny was out and continued his solid play off the bench (.308 overall). A healthy Rafael Furcal started the offense (.269) and second baseman Orlando Hudson followed suit (.283 with 35 doubles). The acquisition of offense-minded Ronnie Belliard (.351 with the Dodgers) forced the O-Dog to the bench and now both are free agents. The offense pushed runs across as they led the NL in batting average, even with a down season from catcher Russell Martin (.250).

Jonathan Broxton

The bullpen, led by closer Jonathan Broxton, was bolstered with the acquisition of lefty George Sherrill (1-0 with a 0.65 ERA in 30 games with the Dodgers). The bullpen only converted 44 of 70 save opportunities. The bullpen was the most solid with lefty Hong Chih Kuo (2-0 with a 3.00 ERA in 35 games and 32 Ks), Ramon Troncoso (5-4 with a 2.72 ERA in 73 games), and Ronald Belisario (4-3 with a 2.04 ERA in 69 games and 64 Ks).

However the young Dodgers could again not get past the Philadelphia Phillies. Maybe manager Joe Torre can think back to his early years with the NY Yankees to conjure up a way to get his Dodgers to the World Series. Management is staying quiet this offseason due to the many young Dodgers who are set for arbitration. Torre will have close to the same team as in 2009, minus veteran starters Wolf, Padilla, and Jon Garland; and the O-Dog. Once thought to be the worst division in baseball, the NL West has suddenly become highly competitive. The Arizona Diamondbacks have great young talent mixed with three top tiered pitchers (Brandon Webb, Dan Haren, and Edwin Jackson). The San Diego Padres played great late last year. The Rockies and Giants should again push the Dodgers at the top of the West. For the Dodgers to compete for a playoff spot, they have holes to fill. Here’s their wish list:

1. A second baseman: The combination of Orlando Hudson and Ronnie Belliard played well in 2009. However both are free agents. Many thought in-house candidate Blake DeWitt would be given a shot at the job. He will now have to beat out free agent signee Jamey Carroll, who became a hot commodity this offseason after his 2009 season with Cleveland (.276 in 93 games with a .355 OBP).
2. Pitching: The starting rotation consists of lefty Clayton Kershaw, righties Chad Billingsley and Hiroki Kuroda. Right now, the final two spots will be filled by James McDonald, Eric Stults, Charlie Haeger, or Rule V pick Carlos Monasterios. Monasterios, who has not pitched more than one game above Single-A, is pitching well in Venezuelan winter ball (7-4 with a 4.35 ERA in 12 starts), thus catapulting himself into contention for a rotation spot. The Dodgers could use another starting pitcher. The Dodgers bullpen is a mix of unknown pitchers. Management has been trying to trade lefty George Sherrill (because he is arbitration eligible), but as of right now, he is still a Dodger. Closer Jonathan Broxton has been good (he just cannot get past the Phillies), though he did blow six saves in 2009. The unsung heroes of the bullpen in 2009 were Hong Chih Kuo, Ramon Troncoso, and Ronald Belisario and they will need to be just as heroic in 2010 with the uncertainties in the rotation.
3. 

   Juan Pierre

   Trade Juan Pierre: As good as he was in 2009, management wanted to shed salary and to place Pierre in a good situation. Well, they did, but the goal was to get starting pitching in return. The Chicago White Sox got the speedy outfielder to fill their leadoff spot, while the Dodgers received two minor leaguers. The deal did not fill a hole for the Dodgers.

Tags:

Andre Ethier, Chad Billingsley, Clayton Kershaw, George Sherrill, Hong Chih Kuo, James Loney, Jonathan Broxton, Juan Pierre, LA Dodgers, Matt Kemp, Orlando Hudson, Rafael Furcal, Ramon Troncoso, Randy Wolf, Ronald Belisario, Ronnie Belliard, Vicente Padilla