The Game of Baseball: June 2007

Saturday, June 30, 2007

Five For Tie,Six For Record, Bonds Hits 650

San Francisco Giants outfielder Barry Bonds, got closer to making history Friday night as he got career home run number 650, in his team's 4-3 loss to the Arizona Diamond- backs 4-3. Bonds led off the eighth by hitting the dinger off of D-Backs starter Livan Hernandez, which at that point knotted up the game at 3-3. Arizona, catcher Miguel Montero put Arizona ahead in the top of the tenth with a solo shot off San Francisco hurler Brad Hennesey for the eventual game winning run. The Giants have now lost their last three games.
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Posted by Jeff Sack at 12:11 PM | Permalink | Comments

Tribe Fans Lose Their Hearts To Ben Francisco

Quite a MLB start Friday for Cleveland Indians left fielder Ben Francisco. Francisco got his first hit in the Bigs in the fourth, and then won the game with a walkoff home run to defeat the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 2-1. The win puts Cleveland back in first place in the American League Central a half game ahead of rival Detroit. Indians starter Jake Westbrook, had his best start since coming off the disabled list, scattering five hits and one run overs seven frames, striking out seven and allowing only two walks. Cleveland closer Joe Borowski, got his first win of the season , and his first win for the Indians.

Posted by Jeff Sack at 11:52 AM | Permalink | Comments

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Biggio Gets Hit Number 3000

Houston Astros second baseman needed 3 hits Thursday night against the Colorado Rockies to become MLB's 27th player to get 3,000 hits in their career. Biggio who needed 70 hits entering the season to make the mark actually was thrown at second base during the historic hit, trying to stretch a single into a double. The still active member of the "Killer Bees" who is 41 years old got hit number 3000 19 years to the day of getting his first hit off former LA Dodgers starter Orel Hershiser. Biggio ended up with five hits in the game as the Astro's won 8-5.
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Posted by Jeff Sack at 10:37 PM | Permalink | Comments

Big Hurt Joins 500 Club

During most of the 1990's he was one of the most dominating hitters, not only in the American League but all of MLB. On Thursday he reached a mark that at one time he thought injury had taken out of his grasp. Toronto Blue Jays Designated Hitter Frank Thomas hit career home run number 500,as his team lost to the Minnesota Twins 8-5. Thomas who has suffered from ankle problems for years, saw his productivity decrease dramatically due to the injury. Thomas hit the long ball off Twins starter Carlos Silva, becoming the 21st player in MLB history to reach the milestone. Thomas played 12 seasons for the Chicago White Sox before playing one season for Oakland last year. Thomas who says he feels the healthiest he has in years, has now set his sights on number 600.
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Posted by Jeff Sack at 10:21 PM | Permalink | Comments

Nationals May Be Players At Trade Deadline

Old ballplayers, never die they just go to Tampa Bay
(With apologies to General Douglas MacArthur)

A few years ago that statement was true, as Wade Boggs, Fred McGriff, Tino Martinez, and other former MLB luminaries spent part if not all of their final years with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. This season it looked like the Washington Nationals were the team to take on former big name players, who had worn out their welcomes, for what ever reason with their former franchises. But according to reports published on Thursday, the Nats may just be using these former blue chippers to get themselves stockpiled for the future. Three names that have been mentioned prominently in recent days, as contenders start looking for that missing link, are second baseman Ronnie Belliard, first baseman Dimitri Young, and reliever Chad Cordero. Although Cordero is much younger, Belliard and Young are looked at by many teams as players on the downside of their careers, even though Belliard could be the most underrated second baseman in all of MLB, and Young still has some pop left in his bat making for a still dangerous hitter. In related news Chicago White Sox G.M. Ken Williams has said there has been a lot of interest in some of his players including Jermaine Dye and Tadhito Iguchi. The White Sox were a team that seemed to get very old overnight, and skipper Ozzie Guillen may be out at the end of the year if not sooner. In the case of "contenders" the Mets are looking for pitching, Cleveland has stated that they want to solidify their bullpen, and for the first time in what seems like eons the Yankees could be sellers rather than buyers! Stay Tuned!
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Posted by Jeff Sack at 12:44 PM | Permalink | Comments

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Ripken And Gwynn Say Barry Is An All-Star

The MLB Hall Of Fame Inductees of the Class of 2007 say that San Francisco Giants outfielder Barry Bonds should definitely be on the National League All-Star roster next month. Former Baltimore Orioles shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. and former San Diego Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn said in an interview published Tuesday, that despite the controversy that surrounds Bonds he should definitely be representing the Giants in the annual event that will be held in San Francisco next month. Bonds currently leads the Giants with a .292 batting average and has 15 home runs. He is six shy of Hank Aaron's MLB mark of 755 with 749 career home runs.

Posted by Jeff Sack at 12:49 AM | Permalink | Comments

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

C.C. Gets Win Number 11 Tribe Beats A's 5-2

Cleveland ace C.C. Sabathia got his 11th win of the 2007 campaign as he beat his home town team and the Oakland A's 5-2 Monday night at Jacobs Field. For one reason or another Sabathia has not had much success against the team he followed as a child, but he dominated oaklnad thsi time around. Sabathia pitchedc the full nine innings scattering nine hits and two runs, giving up no walks and striking out eight. This is the third time in the month of June that Sabathia has taken his team into the ninth. The victory ties him with Red Sox starter Josh Beckett for most victories in MLB. C.C. is the first Indians southpaw to win 11 games before June 30, since "Sudden" Sam McDowell did in 1970.
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Posted by Jeff Sack at 12:17 AM | Permalink | Comments

Melt Down Cost Lo Duca Two Games

New York Mets catcher Paul Lo Duca was suspended and fined by MLB after going nuclear on MLB umpire Marvin Hudson Saturday during a game between the Mets and Oakland A's. Lo Duca was at-bat in the sixth, when Hudson called a pitch a strike putting Lo Duca in an 0-2 count. Lo Duca looking like a combination of Lou Pinella and Ralph Kramden, had a meltdown that probably made Earl Weaver jealous. Lo Duca was immediately ejected, and then had to be restrained by New York manager Willie Randolph. As Lo Duca left the field and headed to the dugout he proceeded to throw his helmet, his bat, and elbow protector towards first base. He then threw more equipment on the field from the dugout. Lo Duca has appealed the suspension and the fine.
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Posted by Jeff Sack at 12:12 AM | Permalink | Comments

Sunday, June 24, 2007

McGowan Loses No-No But Jays Sweep Rockies

Toronto Blue Jays starter Dustin McGowan lost his bid for a no hitter and baseball immortality in the ninth inning, but won the game as the Jays topped the Colorado Rockies 5-0. The victory gave Toronto a sweep of the the weekend series. McGowan took his no hitter into the top of the ninth when Rockies DH Jeff Baker opened the inning with a single. McGowan allowed only one walk and struck out seven. It would have been the second no hitter in Jays history, Dave Stieb threw the team's only no hitter in 1990.
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Posted by Jeff Sack at 10:49 PM | Permalink | Comments

Beck's Death Shocks Baseball

The lasting image of the late Rod Beck will forever be a warrior on the mound coming into save situations, mullet flying one way, and the ball towards home plate. Beck who was a closer in the Major Leagues for 13 seasons was found dead in his home by Arizona police who were responding to a call from his residence located in a suburb outside of Phoenix. According to published reports, police do not feel foul play was involved, however it may be a few days until the cause of death is determined.

Beck who got most of his glory as the closer for the San Francisco Giants during the nineties, was an intimidating figure on the mound bringing back memories of ST.Louis Cardinals closer Al Hrabosky with his Fu-Manchu mustache. And though he was all about the game on the mound he was extremely genial and a great interview, even though my contact was with him when he pitched for the Boston Red Sox. Dealing with the New England Media, can be a daunting task for any athlete, but Beck was always cordial and friendly. Beck also pitched for the Cubs, and ended his career with the Padres. He was 38, and is survived by his wife and two daughters.
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Posted by Jeff Sack at 5:25 PM | Permalink | Comments

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Royals Reject Bradley

It turns out that even MLB's version of Siberia, does not want Milton Bradley. The Kansas City Royals the club with the worst record in the American League rescinded a trade they had made with Oakland A's on Friday. Saturday the Royals said that the deal that would give them Bradley in exchange for reliever Victor Nunez was off because of health concerns with Bradley. The outfielder told the Royals that he had a sore oblique muscle, that he had suffered during his last game played for Oakland. Bradley who has been on the disabled list three times in the 2007 campaign, was designated for assignment by Oakland. If they do not trade him within eight days he will be released outright. Bradley has the right to refuse a minor league assignment by the Athletics because he has more than three years of Major League service.

Posted by Jeff Sack at 10:42 PM | Permalink | Comments

Cox Gets Tossed Ties McGraw's Mark

Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox tied a record on Saturday, that he would rather have never gotten anywhere near. Cox was ejected during the Braves loss to the Detroit Tigers by a 2-1 margin, for the 141st time in his Major League career. The ejection tied former New York Giants manager Iron John McGraw's record for most ejections in a MLB career. He actually now has 14 more than McGraw did as a manger, McGraw was tossed 14 times as a player. Cox when interviewed a few weeks ago said he was embarrassed by all of the ejections, and it was not a mark that he would celebrate. However, many of his players said that the ejections were a testament to him as a manager who took care of his players.
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Posted by Jeff Sack at 8:01 PM | Permalink | Comments

Friday, June 22, 2007

Devil Rays Decide Dukes A Hazard

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays placed Elijah Dukes on the temporary inactive list Friday, hoping the time off will give the talented but controversial some time to get his act together. The rookie center fielder who is 22 has been known to exhibit a volatile temper throughout his minor league career. This season Dukes found the glare of the television cameras after his estranged wife let it be known that she had put out a restraining order on him after he allegedly threatened her. A statement by Tampa Bay Vice President Andrew Friedman said that the move was to allow the player to get his personal life in order.

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Posted by Jeff Sack at 10:16 PM | Permalink | Comments

Sore Shoulder Sets Schilling on Shelf

The Boston Red Sox announced on Friday that they have placed starter Curt Schilling on the 15 day disabled list retroactive to last Tuesday. Schilling has been suffering from a sore shoulder spent Friday back at Fenway Park according to team manager Terry Francona. The pitcher received stretching treatment and was expected to rejoin the team in San Diego either Friday night or Saturday. The Sox called up David Murphy an outfielder from their Triple A affiliate Pawtucket to fill the roster spot.

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Posted by Jeff Sack at 10:10 PM | Permalink | Comments

A's Trade Bradley To Royals for Reliever

The Oakland Athletics traded disgruntled outfielder Milton Bradley on Friday to MLB's version of Siberia, the Kansas City Royals. In return the Athletics received Royals pitcher Leo Nunez a reliever with a 4.73 ERA. The A's had designated Bradley for assignment on Thursday, after some caustic comments said to a reporter were printed. The Royals, who have the second worst record in the American League will pay the remainder of Bradley's contract. Bradley has courted controversy his entire career being traded by Cleveland, and Los Angeles previously due to anger management issues. He will be playing for a hard nosed "Old School" manager Buddy Bell, it will be interesting to see the results.

Posted by Jeff Sack at 9:43 PM | Permalink | Comments

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Bradley Designated For Assignment

MLB's angry young man has alienated another organization, as the Oakland Athletics designated talented but troubled outfielder Milton Bradley for assignment. The team now has ten days in which they can trade the player or they will grant him his unconditional release. Bradley is one of MLB's leaders in two categories, controversy and trips to the disabled list. This latest episode came about as he was waiting to be reactivated to the 25 man roster after his third time on the D.L. Oakland was trying to determine the health of third baseman Eric Chavez, and so held off activating Bradley longer than he liked. When asked by a reporter, how he was doing on Tuesday Bradley replied that he was healthy and still on the D.L.

Nobody has ever questioned Bradley's talent but his fragility and surliness have caused problems, with the Indians, the Dodgers, and now The A's. As a reporter who covered the Indians during his time playing in Cleveland, I can attest that he is extremely bright and articulate. However this young man has been bitter beyond his years his entire playing career, and he is starting to run out of teams.

Posted by Jeff Sack at 6:09 PM | Permalink | Comments

Girardi Throws Orioles Curve; Won't Take The Job

The Baltimore Orioles are back at square one in their search for a manager after being turned down by Yankees broadcaster Joe Girardi Thursday. Girardi who was reportedly offered the job told the organization he had to pass it up for family considerations. Girardi was the 2006 National League Manager of the Year last season for the Florida Marlins but was fired at the end of the year by Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria. Reportedly a personality conflict led to the firing. Baltimore fired former manager Sam Perlozzo on Monday, after a lackluster start.

Posted by Jeff Sack at 6:05 PM | Permalink | Comments

Giambi Relents Will Meet With Mitchell

New York Yankees designated hitter Jason Giambi, who is currently on the disabled list, agreed on Thursday to a meeting with MLB Chief Steroid Investigator George Mitchell. Earlier this week reports surfaced that MLB Commissioner Bud Selig had demanded Giambi agree to a meeting with the former U.S. Senator by Thursday, or face possible punitive actions. Giambi released a statement on Thursday, saying that he alone was responsible for his actions and never tried to infer anything differently. The Commissioner's office also released a statement saying that they were glad that a meeting had been agreed to and it would be scheduled shortly.

Posted by Jeff Sack at 5:26 PM | Permalink | Comments

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Welcome To The Club Sosa Hits 600

Texas Rangers Designated Hitter Sammy Sosa joined a very exclusive club Wednesday night as he hit career home run number 600 against Chicago Cubs pitcher Jason Marquis. Sosa hit the dinger in the fifth as he faced Marquis with two out and nobody on. He now has 12 home runs this season. He now joins Willie Mays, Babe Ruth, Barry Bonds, and Hank Aaron as the only Major League players to hit 600 or more in their career.

Posted by Jeff Sack at 9:56 PM | Permalink | Comments

Battling Barrett Traded To Padres

The Chicago Cubs Wednesday traded catcher Michael Barrett and cash to the San Diego Padres in exchange for San Diego's backup catcher Rob Bowen, and a low Single A outfielder Kyler Burke. Barrett who may be better known for his fights than his Major League ability was involved in two blowups with teammates in recent weeks. The catcher was slugged by pitcher Carlos Zambrano after a loss to the Atlanta Braves on June 1. He then got into shouting match with Chicago pitcher Rich Hill in the dugout during a game against the Seattle Mariners. Barrett hitting .256 with nine homers and 29 RBI has had some problems with his defense. Barrett was suspended for ten games last year after punching out White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski after he had been run over at home while trying to protect the plate.
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Posted by Jeff Sack at 9:23 PM | Permalink | Comments

Schmidt To Undergo Shoulder Surgery

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Jason Schmidt will undergo shoulder surgery on Wednesday, which will in all likelihood end his 2007 season. Schmidt was the Dodger's big money free agent acquisition during the off season signing a three year pact believed to be worth $47 million. Schmidt has experienced shoulder problems all season long, going on the disabled list back in April after suffering bursitis in the shoulder. The 34 year old veteran returned with a start on June 5, as he threw six scoreless innings against the Padres. But Schmidt was not successful in his last two starts as the shoulder started to bother him again. L.A. General Manager Ned Colletti said the turn of events was discouraging.

Posted by Jeff Sack at 2:13 AM | Permalink | Comments

Girardi Meets With Orioles For Skipper's Job

Former Florida Marlins manager and current New York Yankees broadcaster Joe Girardi reportedly met with Baltimore Oriole's officials on Tuesday to discuss becoming their new manager. The O's fired former manager Sam Perlozzo on Monday, after a disappointing start to the 2007 campaign. ESPN is reporting that Girardi has been offered the job, but neither the team or Girardi will confirm that. The meeting took place Tuesday in Chicago, and after the interview Girardi expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity. Girardi who spent one year with Florida, took the team to a 78-84 record as a rookie manager. Team owner Jeffrey Loria fired him at the end of the season, despite the fact that Girardi was named National League Manager of the Year.

Posted by Jeff Sack at 1:10 AM | Permalink | Comments

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

MLB Continues Giambi Witch Hunt

There is an old saying, no good deed goes unpunished, New York Yankees DH Jason Giambi is walking proof of that.According to published reports MLB Commissioner Bud Selig has given the New York Yankees player until Thursday to set up a meeting with former U.S. Senator George Mitchell, or face disciplinary action. Selig first requested that Giambi meet with Mitchell on June 6, apparently the request is now a directive. Mitchell heads up the team that is investigating steroid use in MLB. Giambi's mess started when he gave an interview to USA Today saying he regretted taking "that stuff", and that Baseball should have issued an apology long ago to the fans. Giambi is currently on the disabled list with a foot injury. The Thursday deadline is to set up a meeting, it does not have to be held by that date.

Giambi to his credit was trying to clear the air, and get MLB past the era, where every power hitter is now looked at with suspicion. as I have stated before on this site, MLB Management and Ownership are as culpable, if not more so than the players. There is no doubt in my mind they knew what was going on, yet as long as there were fannies in the seats they were willing to turn a blind eye. It was not until Congress forced their hand that MLB toughened their steroid policy.

Now instead of taking the opportunity that the Yankees player gave them, they are now trying to paint him as the villain. No statement may have been more telling than when New York owner George Steinbrenner was asked to comment on his player's situation said "He should have kept his mouth shut."

MLB is in danger of having their own McCarthy era, but instead of hunting for Communists, they are trying to track down steroid abusers. In reality, any punishment levied by Selig would be overturned by an arbitrator. The penalty for first time offenders when Giambi was reportedly taking "that stuff" was counseling.
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Posted by Jeff Sack at 2:57 PM | Permalink | Comments

Saturday, June 16, 2007

One on One Interviews w/ Indians

A 1-on-1 interview with Cleveland Indians ace pitcher C.C. Sabathia!

A 1-on-1 interview with Cleveland Indians third basemen/outfielder Casey Blake!

Posted by Jeff Sack at 5:57 PM | Permalink | Comments

Sosa Hits "Granny" For Home Run #599

Texas Rangers' rightfelder Sammy Sosa hit his ninth career grand slam off Cincinnati Reds pitcher Matt Belisle as the Rangers beat the Reds 7-6 Friday night. The long ball put Sosa at 599 career home runs, just one short of some very elite company. Only four other MLB players have reached the mark, Hank Aaron, Barry Bonds, Babe Ruth and Willie Mays.

Sosa had not hit a homer since May22, and had 70 at bats during the stretch. Sosa hit his 500th career home rin 2003, ironically the same season his bat exploded during an at-bat and cork started pouring out as if it were a pinata. Sosa endured more controversy, when he along with other current and former MLB players testified before Congress on the steroid issue. Sosa had his attorney do all his speaking for him at the hearing, as Sosa sat and watched the proceedings without opening his mouth.

Posted by Jeff Sack at 3:05 AM | Permalink | Comments

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Vintage Rocket Bombers Beat Bucs 9-3

Looking to be shaking off some rust in the first few frames, Yankees statrter Roger Clemens made his 2007 MLB debut on Saturday defeating their "long standinging rival" the National League Pittsburgh Pirates 9-3.Clemens threw six iniings for the Yankees, allowing three runs on five and striking out seven, but more importantly he seemed to have gotten stronger as the game progressed. Clemens was originally scheduled in last Monday's contest against the Chicago White Sox , but was scratched due to a groin pull. New York is counting on Clemens heavily, if they want to get into contention for the postseason. Even tough the Yankees have run off five victories in a row, they still sit 10.5 games behind the Boston Red Sox In The American League East.
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Posted by Jeff Sack at 12:57 AM | Permalink | Comments

Thursday, June 07, 2007

No, No-No But Schilling Beats A's 1-0

Boston Red Sox Starter Curt Schilling was one out away, from being the third oldest pitcher in MLB history to throw a no-hitter. But with two out in the ninth Oakland A's left fielder Shannon Stewart hit a single to right to spoil the bid. Schilling then retired Mark Ellis as he defeated the Oakland A's 1-0 Thursday afternoon. It was Schilling's third career one hitter. The victory puts Schilling's record at 6-2 for the year. Nolan Ryan threw no-hitters at ages 43 and 44, and Cy Young threw a No-No at age 41. The Red Sox scored the game's only run on a David Ortiz Homer number 11 of the year.

Posted by Jeff Sack at 7:15 PM | Permalink | Comments

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Selig Asks Giambi To Meet With Mitchell

MLB Commissioner Bud Selig asked New York Yankees DH Jason Giambi to meet with former U.S. Senator George Mitchell who heads up the MLB steroid investigation. It is believed that Giambi is the first MLB player who is currently on an active roster to be asked to speak with Mitchell.

Giambi met with MLB representatives last month to discuss what has turned out to be an infamous interview with USA Today. Giambi said to reporter Bob Nightengale that he regretted taking "that stuff" and said that MLB should have issued a public apology to the fans years ago. The Major League Baseball Players Association said they could not commit at this time to sanctioning any meeting between Giambi and Mitchell.

Posted by Jeff Sack at 9:13 PM | Permalink | Comments

Rocket Scheduled For Saturday MLB Debut

It looks like the moment New York Yankees fans have been salivating for over a month may finally occur this Saturday. The Rocket Roger Clemens is scheduled to make his 2007 MLB debut as the Bronx Bombers take on their "heated rivals" the Pittsburgh Pirates as once again MLB is going through Inter-League play.

Clemens who was originally scheduled to make his first start on Monday against the White Sox, was scratched due to a groin pull he suffered in his start at Triple A. Clemens threw 54 pitches off the mound at the Yankees minor league complex in Tampa. After the session he said he felt fine and was looking forward to the start.

Posted by Jeff Sack at 8:59 PM | Permalink | Comments

Zambrano: You Want Pie With That?

Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano Wednesday concentrated more about what was on the field than in the dugout as he defeated the Milwaukee Brewers by a score of 6-2. Zambrano who got into a brawl with his catcher Michael Barrett during the Saturday loss to the Atlanta Braves striking out nine in his 6.2 innings pitched.He did not allow a run until the sixth when he served up Prince Fielder's 21 homer of the season a two run shot.

Zambrano even got into the act offensively as he got two singles. But the big offensive hero for Chicago was centerfielder Felix Pie who went 3-5 including a three run home run. After the game Zambrano said that he and Barrett had made up before the Milwaukee series.

Posted by Jeff Sack at 7:23 PM | Permalink | Comments

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Pedro Progressing

New York Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez, who has been on the disabled list all season is starting to make some progress in his comeback. Martinez who is recovering from off season rotator cuff surgery, threw off the mound on Tuesday for the first time since the operation. Martinez who threw 31 pitches felt no discomfort in the effort. This step is a major part of the recovery process after having this procedure.Martinez said he was very pleased after the exercise, he plans to throw again Friday.

Posted by Jeff Sack at 9:26 PM | Permalink | Comments

Sunday, June 03, 2007

Pinella Suspended Indefinitely

Chicago Cubs manager Lou Pinella was suspended "indefnitely" by MLB on Sunday after his nuclear meltdown on Saturday caused him to be ejected from the game between the Cubs and the Atlanta Braves. Pinella, who never ceases to amaze or amuse during his tantrums, was run in the eighth inning. He stormed from the dugout after Cubs outfielder Angel Pagan was caught stealing third after the ball bounced away from the Braves catcher.

Pinella immediately started arguing with third base umpire Mark Wegner, kicking dirt, amd throwing his cap as he has done many times in the past with other teams. Wegner says Pinella made contact with him, a fact that Pinella denies. Pinella was immediately tossed from the game, which incidentally the Cubs lost to the Braves 5-3. Pinella will meet Monday with MLB Vice president John McHale Jr. After that meeting MLB will then determine the length of the suspension.

Posted by Jeff Sack at 4:30 PM | Permalink | Comments

Saturday, June 02, 2007

Clemens To Miss Scheduled Monday Start

The New York Yankees announced on Saturday, that Roger Clemens would not make his scheduled 2007 MLB debut, due to a sore groin. Yankees manager Joe Torre informed the media before his team's game against the Boston Red Sox Saturday afternoon. Torre said he suffered the injury during his last start for the Triple A Scranton-Wilkes Barre Yankees last Monday.

Clemens who is still in Houston will now miss the entire four game series against the Chicago White Sox which begins on Monday. Torre said the injury is not believed to be serious, but New York would rather err on the side of caution. Clemens who is 44 years old is someone the Yankees are counting on heavily if they want to regain any footing in the pennant race. After losing the game on Saturday, by a score of 11-6 New York is now 12.5 games behind Boston in the American League East.

Posted by Jeff Sack at 6:30 PM | Permalink | Comments

It Was All My Fault Says Zambrano

Chicago Cubs Pitcher and Light Heavy Weight boxer in training, Carlos Zambrano took full responsibility for the fight that took place between catcher Michael Barrett and himself on Friday. The incident occurred during a loss to the Atlanta Braves. Zambrano on Saturday said that the brawl was ll his fault and he feels bad for that.

Barrett who was hospitalized after being punched out by the Chicago starter,and ended up with a bruise under his eye as well as a busted lip said that Zambrano has no reason to apologize. He said that part of the reason behind the fight was they were as close as brothers. He compared to a sibling rivalry.

Cubs manager Lou Pinella who fined both players an undisclosed amount, but issued no suspensions, is glad to hear about the reconciliation. He said that the most important thing was that there would be no carryover from the incident.

Posted by Jeff Sack at 1:26 PM | Permalink | Comments

Friday, June 01, 2007

Sheffield Threatens To Expose "MLB Conspiracy"

Detroit Tigers Designated Hitter Gary Sheffield has been suspended by MLB for three games for his "aggressive actions" towards home plate umpire Greg Gibson during the Thursday game between the Tigers and the Cleveland Indians. Sheffield appealed the suspension which came down on Friday. He will be allowed to play until he meets later this season in New York with MLB Vice President Bob Watson, who is in charge of player discipline. Sheffield said on Friday that if he is not exonerated, he will reveal a "conspiracy" within the ranks of MLB.

Sheffield was ejected during the fifth inning of the Tiger's loss to the Indians by a score of 11-5. Sheffield argued a called strike with Gibson, and subsequently grounded out, breaking his bat and throwing the handle in the direction of Gibson. The action caused Gibson to eject Sheffield from the contest, and with Watson's ruling it appears that MLB believes Sheffield was throwing the handle at Gibson.

The loss was Detroit's fifth in the last six games. Last year's American League Champs now find themselves 3.5 games behind Cleveland in the American League Central Divison.

Posted by Jeff Sack at 9:22 PM | Permalink | Comments

Cubs Dugout Breaks Out In Brawl

The Chicago Cubs resembled the old "Bronx Zoo" New York Yankees of the late seventies, as a brawl occurred in the dugout during a loss to the Atlanta Braves on Friday. The Cubs who were trailing Atlanta 2-1 going into the top of the fifth, saw the Braves increase their lead to a 7-1 margin during the frame. Cubs catcher Michael Barrett allowed run number five to cross the plate as he had a passed ball, and then compounded the mistake with a throwing error to third allowing the runner to score.

Cubs starter Carlos Zambrano grew visibly upset with Barrett, and as the inning ended pointed to his head as the catcher pointed to the field. Some shoving started between the two as teammates broke up the pair. Chicago manager Lou Pinella and some teammates walked Zambrano back to the clubhouse, told the pitcher to take a shower, and head home. Pinella, went back to the dugout, but Zambrano did not follow Pinella's advice.

Apparently, not feeling the argument was over Barrett left the dugout and headed to the clubhouse to confront Zambrano. Zambrano, apparently thought the same thing and punched the catcher in the mouth busting his lip, and sending him to the hospital. Pinella said both players will be disciplined.

Posted by Jeff Sack at 8:42 PM | Permalink | Comments

Torre To A-Rod: Bush League Move

New York Yankees manager Joe Torre said that Alex Rodriguez should speak softly and carry a big stick. In other words the Yankees skipper did not approve of A-Rod's controversial actions during a game between New York and the Toronto Blue Jays Wednesday night.

The incident occurred during the ninth inning, of a game that New York led Toronto by a score of 7-5. Rodriguez was on first base. Jorge Posada popped up to Blue Jays third baseman Howie Clark, and A-Rod ran hard at contact. He was heading for third as Clark was trying to make the play, and he yelled out. A-Rod said he screamed "Ha" while Clark claimed he yelled "mine."

Disoriented, Clark did not make the catch and Posada got himself a RBI single as Rodriguez sprinted to third and Hideki Matsui scored. Blue Jays shorstop John McDonald, one of the game's nicest guys, was so livid with Rodriguez he had to be restrained by teammates. The final score was New York 10 Toronto 5, and after the game the Blue Jays players, stayed in the dugout and glared at Rodriguez. Torre said that A-Rod was just excited that his team was ahead, and allowed his emotions to get the best of him. He said that he did not approve of the tactics, and after the game let the player know his thoughts. Torre said he does not expect A-Rod to pull that stunt again.

Posted by Jeff Sack at 7:55 PM | Permalink | Comments

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