Monthly ArchiveJune 2006
Posted on June 30, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
Manager Bob Melvin said a determination could be made today on whether Juan Cruz will be activated from the DL to start Monday, according to the Arizona Republic. Cruz made a rehab start Wednesday but felt tired after 60 pitches. The D’backs would like him to be able to throw at least 85 pitches if he started Monday. The team will likely make a decision after Cruz throws a bullpen session today. Cruz has been out since June 1 with shoulder soreness.
To replace Oliver Perez on their 25-man roster, the Pirates recalled Tom Gorzelanny from Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday, according to the AP. He will start Saturday night against Detroit. Gorzelanny was 6-5 with a 2.35 ERA for Indianapolis. He probably should be kept reserved in NL-only leagues for that outing, but we expect him to have a fair amount of value over the rest of the season.
Matt Wise returned to action on Thursday and allowed two runs in two innings of relief. Wise missed a couple of games with a cut on the middle finger of his right hand.
Armando Benitez (elbow) felt great a day after his Wednesday bullpen session. Benitez will have another bullpen session on Friday and could be used by the Giants this weekend.
Posted on June 30, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
June 30th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 6TH - 62 points - 28.5 out of first Gained 1 points and 0 standings place since yesterday Cover Zero 90.5 / GOK 87 / X 71 / SJ 70 / 10PK 68 / AARR / Pi 59 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 128 .2688 467 468 74 42 4.43 1.408 453 16 3RD 7TH 3RD 5TH 1ST 6TH 6TH 7TH 10TH 10TH --- --- --- --- --- --- --- + 1 --- --- BOX SCORE FOR 06.29 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Ronny Paulino Pit C 4 0 1 0 | 0 0 .304 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 4 1 1 0 | 0 1 .287 Jose Reyes NYM SS 4 0 1 0 | 0 1 .293 Adrian Gonzalez SD 1B 6 1 2 1 | 0 3 .278 Khalil Greene SD SS 6 0 0 0 | 0 2 .223 Adam Dunn Cin OF 5 1 2 2 | 0 1 .228 Jeff DaVanon Ari OF 0 0 0 0 | 1 0 .275 Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 4 0 0 0 | 0 1 .253 Rich Aurilia Cin 2B 2 0 0 0 | 2 1 .269 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 35 3 7 3 | 3 10 .200 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: AGonzalez 1(28), ADunn 2(48) 2B: ADunn 1(13) HR: AGonzalez 1(11), ADunn 1(25) GIDP: PFielder 1(4), AGonzalez 1(13), GJenkins 1(7) CS: JReyes 1(9) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Chad Cordero 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0.00 0.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0.00 0.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Matt Wise Ho(10) 2.0 4 2 2 0 0 0 10 9.00 2.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 2.0 4 2 2 0 0 0 10 9.00 2.00 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on June 29, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
The Contra Costa Times reports that the Giants probably will activate Moises Alou from the disabled list on Monday. He was in the original starting lineup Wednesday until he experienced more tightness in his strained lower back after batting practice, at which point he was placed on the DL, retroactive to June 18.
Recovering from a strained left hip, Mike Lieberthal still isn’t 100 percent, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. It’s beginning to look like the catcher might not be activated from the disabled list until after the All-Star break. “We’re not optimistic he’s going to be back before that,” Phillies assistant general manager Ruben Amaro said.
Padres manager Bruce Bochy said that Dave Roberts “moved around pretty well” in batting practice on Wednesday, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. On the disabled list with a bruised right knee, he could return to action later next week or after the All-Star break.
Armando Benitez said his sore right elbow felt better after throwing a bullpen session on Wednesday, according to the Contra Costa Times. He probably won’t pitch in a game until at least this weekend, though. “I want to be completely healed to try to do my job,” Benitez said. He’s slated to toss another side session on Friday.
Matt Wise hasn’t been available the past three days because he cut the middle finger of his pitching hand on a pair of salad tongs Sunday, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. “That’s right where (the ball) comes off (the finger),” Wise said. He tried to warm up last night but couldn’t get a proper grip on the ball. “I’ll be available (today) no matter what,” Wise said. “I don’t care how it feels. I’ll be ready to go.
Clay Hensley combined with two relievers on a six-hitter as the Padres beat the A’s 8-1 on Wednesday. Hensley gave up five of the hits and the run while working seven innings. Brian Sweeney and Scott Cassidy finished up. The victory was Hensley’s first in five starts this month. At 5-6 with a 4.14 ERA, he remains a decent play in NL-only leagues.
Adrian Gonzalez singled four times in four at-bats and scored a pair of runs in the Padres’ win on Wednesday. Still no RBI. Gonzalez is batting .326 with five homers this month, but that’s only netted him seven runs batted in.
Juan Cruz (shoulder) allowed one run and four hits over 3 1/3 innings in a rehab start for Triple-A Tucson on Wednesday. He struck out four. Cruz could come off the DL to start for the Diamondbacks on Monday.
Doug Davis was scratched from his scheduled start Thursday with a sore lower back. Davis has a history of minor back troubles. He only expects to miss one turn because of the problem. Jeremi Gonzalez will take his place tomorrow against the Cubs.
Carlos Marmol surrendered just one run and three hits in 6 1/3 innings Wednesday against the Brewers. David Bush matched him, so Marmol wasn’t involved in the decision. However, he did show enough to keep his rotation spot through the All-Star break. Marmol isn’t recommended in NL-only leagues.
Posted on June 29, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
June 29th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 6TH - 61 points - 29 out of first Gained 1.5 points and 0 standings place since yesterday Cover Zero 90 / GOK 86 / X 72 / SJ 70 / 10PK 68 / AARR / Pi 58 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 126 .2695 464 465 74 42 4.43 1.410 452 16 3RD 7TH 3RD 5TH 1ST 6TH 6TH 8TH 10TH 10TH --- --- --- --- --- +.5 --- + 1 --- --- BOX SCORE FOR 06.28 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Johnny Estrada Ari C 4 0 2 0 | 0 0 .307 Ronny Paulino Pit C 3 0 2 0 | 1 1 .305 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 3 0 0 0 | 0 1 .288 Jeff Kent LAD 2B 3 0 0 0 | 1 1 .271 Chipper Jones Atl 3B 6 1 3 0 | 0 0 .288 Jose Reyes NYM SS 4 0 0 0 | 0 0 .293 Adrian Gonzalez SD 1B 4 2 4 0 | 0 0 .276 Khalil Greene SD SS 4 0 2 3 | 0 0 .228 Adam Dunn Cin OF 1 1 0 0 | 3 0 .225 Jeff DaVanon Ari OF 4 0 0 0 | 0 2 .275 Joe Borchard Fla OF 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .230 Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 3 1 1 0 | 1 2 .257 Rich Aurilia Cin 2B 4 2 2 2 | 0 1 .272 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 44 7 16 5 | 6 8 .364 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: KGreene 3(40), RAurilia 2(31) 2B: CJones 1(14), KGreene 1(17) HR: RAurilia 1(10) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Clay Hensley W(5-6) 7.0 5 1 1 0 0 3 26 1.29 0.71 Carlos Marmol 6.3 3 1 1 2 0 8 23 1.43 0.79 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 13.3 8 2 2 2 0 11 49 1.35 0.75 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Scott Thorman Atl 3B 0 0 0 0 | 1 0 .120 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 0 0 0 0 | 1 0 .120 --------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Danys Baez 1.0 0 0 0 1 0 1 4 0.00 1.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 1.0 0 0 0 1 0 1 4 0.00 1.00 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on June 28, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
Padres manager Bruce Bochy said Dave Roberts appears likely to return to action within a few days after July 4, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. However, Bochy said if there’s any doubt about the status of Roberts’ bruised right knee, they’ll hold off activating the outfielder until after the All-Star break.
If all goes well with Juan Cruz in his rehab start tonight, he’ll come off the disabled list to start Monday’s game, according to the Arizona Republic. He’s recovering from a sore shoulder. Cruz will rejoin the Diamondbacks’ rotation and start against the Dodgers if he is pain-free following the rehab start. Edgar Gonzalez will be sent to Triple-A when Cruz returns.
The Phillies had hoped to have Mike Lieberthal, who is on the disabled list with a strained left hip, catch Jon Lieber’s rehab start on Tuesday night, but Lieberthal has experienced some discomfort in the hip and didn’t play, according to the AP. It no longer seems likely that he’ll return this week.
Manager Dusty Baker said that Carlos Marmol will get the nod on Wednesday as originally planned after flirting with the idea of having Angel Guzman take his place, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Marmol has given up 11 earned runs in 11 2/3 innings over his last two starts.
Cubs manager Dusty Baker said the team is very encouraged by the side session Kerry Wood threw in Cincinnati on Monday, according to the AP. Wood was diagnosed with a muscle imbalance in his surgically repaired right shoulder and won’t pitch another side session for several days.
Tom Gorzelanny pitched two-hit ball over seven scoreless innings for Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday night. With a 2.35 ERA and a 94/27 K/BB in 99 2/3 innings, Gorzelanny seems ready. Gorzelanny is expected to be called up from the minors to start Saturday’s game against Detroit in place of Oliver Perez, according to the AP. Gorzelanny is 6-5 with a 2.35 ERA at Triple-A Indianapolis. Zach Duke and Kip Wells have been moved up to Thursday and Friday respectively, creating the need for a fifth starter on Saturday. That just happens to be when Gorzelanny is due to pitch. He’ll almost certainly be called up, and he’s worth grabbing in NL-only leagues.
Mark Mulder has been exercising and taking anti-inflammatory medication for his ailing pitching shoulder, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Mulder, who is suffering from shoulder impingement syndrome, will be examined on Saturday to determine how a week off has helped the irritated joint.
Moises Alou missed his eighth straight game on Tuesday with lower back trouble, according to the AP. He was expected to return Tuesday night but experienced stiffness after working out Sunday and was given a cortisone shot during Monday’s off day. He could play Wednesday
Brandon Webb surrendered seven runs in seven innings Tuesday in a no-decision versus the Mariners. Webb was very good after a five-run first, but this is still three straight mediocre outings for him. After ending May with a stretch of 25 straight scoreless innings, Webb finishes June 0-3 with a 5.08 ERA. He was the favorite to start the All-Star Game for the NL a month ago. If he doesn’t pitch better next time out, there’s a chance he could be left off the roster entirely.
Making just his fourth appearance as a No. 2 hitter, Adam Dunn went 2-for-4 with a walk on Tuesday. If Dunn so frustrates the Reds with his strikeouts with RISP, batting him second permanently would be a good idea. However, if Jerry Narron really liked the idea, he would have tried it long before now. Dunn is currently batting .226/.368/.541.
Jose Reyes had his 13-game hitting streak ended when he went 0-for-5 against the Red Sox on Tuesday. We’re still not sure exactly what happened to Reyes that had him rolling around on the ground in pain in the fifth inning tonight. Reyes was hurt on a collision with Jason Varitek at home plate in the top of the fifth. As he went in awkwardly, his left arm got caught in between his body and Varitek’s. He was in a lot of pain initially, but he was able to walk off under his own power and he came back out for the bottom of the fifth inning. He remained in the contest and declined to leave even after the Red Sox took a commanding lead.
Posted on June 28, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
June 28th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 6TH - 59.5 points - 30 out of first Gained .5 points and 0 standings place since yesterday Cover Zero 89.5 / GOK 86.5 / X 73.5 / SJ 72.5 / 10PK 65.5 / AARR / Pi 58.5 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 125 .2682 459 458 74 41 4.49 1.423 441 16 3RD 7TH 3RD 5TH 1ST T-6 6TH 9TH 10TH 10TH --- --- --- --- --- +.5 --- --- --- --- BOX SCORE FOR 06.27 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Johnny Estrada Ari C 4 0 0 0 | 0 0 .303 Ronny Paulino Pit C 2 0 0 0 | 1 0 .299 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 3 0 1 0 | 1 0 .291 Jeff Kent LAD 2B 3 1 1 1 | 0 1 .275 Chipper Jones Atl 3B 4 0 1 1 | 1 1 .283 Jose Reyes NYM SS 5 0 0 0 | 0 1 .297 Adrian Gonzalez SD 1B 4 0 1 0 | 0 2 .265 Khalil Greene SD SS 3 0 1 0 | 1 0 .223 Adam Dunn Cin OF 4 1 2 1 | 1 2 .226 Jeff DaVanon Ari OF 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .282 Joe Borchard Fla OF 1 0 0 0 | 0 1 .231 Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 4 0 0 1 | 0 2 .256 Rich Aurilia Cin 2B 5 1 2 0 | 0 1 .267 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 43 3 9 4 | 5 11 .209 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: JKent 1(40), CJones 1(38), ADunn 1(46), GJenkins 1(45) 2B: CJones 1(13), RAurilia 1(13) HR: JKent 1(9) GIDP: KGreene 1(10) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dan Wheeler 0.7 1 1 0 0 0 0 4 0.00 1.43 Brandon Webb 7.0 9 7 7 2 0 5 32 9.00 1.57 Aaron Cook W(6-7) 7.0 8 3 3 0 0 2 28 3.86 1.14 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 14.7 18 11 10 2 0 7 64 6.12 1.36 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Scott Thorman Atl 3B 1 0 1 0 | 1 0 .120 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 1 0 1 0 | 1 0 1.00 --------------------------------------------------------- DID NOT PLAY: VDiaz, DRoberts, MLieberthal, SDrew, CQuentin
Posted on June 27, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Manager Dusty Baker said that Carlos Marmol will get the nod on Wednesday as originally planned after flirting with the idea of having Angel Guzman take his place, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Marmol has given up 11 earned runs in 11 2/3 innings over his last two starts.
Mark Mulder has been exercising and taking anti-inflammatory medication for his ailing pitching shoulder. Mulder, who is suffering from shoulder impingement syndrome, will be examined on Saturday to determine how a week off has helped the irritated joint
Prince Fielder hit his 15th and 16th homers Monday in the victory over the Cubs. Both were solo shots. Fielder’s last nine homers have come with the bases empty. He’s hitting .242 with one homer in 66 at-bats with RISP this season, something that should be a factor when it comes to determining the NL Rookie of the Year.
While hooked up to a motion-analysis device, Kerry Wood threw a side session in front of Dr. Tim Kremchek on Monday. A small imbalance between the anterior and posterior muscles in his shoulder was found. “Basically, there’s a slight imbalance there and it’s something we need to work on — that we have been working on — and that’s where his soreness is coming from,” trainer Mark O’Neal said. Wood will be shut down for four to five days, and concentrate on correcting the imbalance and then begin to do side work. It sounds like he’ll miss a month if all goes perfectly. Another setback could see him shut down for the season.
Posted on June 27, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
June 27th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: TIED FOR 6TH - 59 points - 33.5 out of first Lost .5 points and 0 standings place since yesterday Cover Zero 90.5 / GOK 86.5 / SJ 73.5 / X 72 / 10PK 65 / AARR / Pi HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 124 .2690 455 455 74 40 4.46 1.424 434 16 3RD 7TH 3RD 5TH 1ST 7TH 6TH 9TH 10TH 10TH +.5 + 1 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- BOX SCORE FOR 06.26 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Prince Fielder Mil 1B 4 2 2 2 | 0 0 .290 Jeff Kent LAD 2B 4 0 1 0 | 0 1 .274 Chipper Jones Atl 3B 4 1 3 2 | 0 1 .283 Joe Borchard Fla OF 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .233 Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 4 1 1 0 | 0 0 .260 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 17 4 7 4 | 0 2 .412 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: PFielder 2(42), CJones 2(37) HR: PFielder 2(16), CJones 1(8) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Danys Baez 1.0 3 2 2 0 0 0 6 18.00 3.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 1.0 3 2 2 0 0 0 6 18.00 3.00 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on June 26, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
There’s a chance that Kerry Wood could begin throwing bullpen sessions as soon as today, according to the Daily Southtown. He remains on the disabled list due to his ailing shoulder and has no timetable for a return. Wood played catch on Saturday and may have a bullpen session on Monday. The Cubs should know soon if Wood is going to continue to attempt a comeback this season or if he will shut it down.
If all goes well for Juan Cruz in his rehab start Wednesday, he appears likely to return to the Didamondbacks’ starting rotation on July 3, sending Edgar Gonzalez back to the minors. He’s recovering from a stiff shoulder.
Moises Alou (back) wanted to play Sunday, but manager Felipe Alou decided to give him an additional day off. Barring a setback on the off day, Alou will play on Tuesday.
An MRI on Armando Benitez’s shoulder revealed a slight sprain. He’ll likely test the injury on Tuesday. It currently looks like he’ll avoid the DL, though that could change if the injury fails to respond Tuesday. Tim Worrell would be the top candidate for saves if Benitez needs additional time off.
Chuck James picked up a win in his first big league start by limiting the Devil Rays to just one run over eight innings of work on Sunday. Today was pretty much James in a nutshell. He struck out eight, walked four, and posted a 2/13 GB/FB ratio. By allowing just three hits, none of which ended up on the wrong side of the outfield fence, James was able to keep the opposition’s runs to a minimum. That his command may not be completely ready combines with his frequent flyball tendencies to limit his short-term potential, but James is worth picking up in NL-only formats anyway. He can be used against the Orioles next time out.
Jose Reyes collected four hits, including a homer, in a 7-4 win over the Blue Jays on Sunday. The other three hits were singles for Reyes, who also went 1-for-2 on the basepaths in the game. Today was his third four-hit game in his last five outings, and Reyes has now raised his season average to .302 thanks to batting an insane .430 this month. That he also has 14 steals and 17 extra-base hits in June means he’s pretty much locked up NL Player of the Month.
Mark Mulder has rotator cuff inflammation and irritation in his left shoulder, an MRI revealed. The Cardinals should consider themselves fortunate if those are his only problems. We wouldn’t surprised if there’s some real damage in there. The plan is for Mulder to be reexamined in a week. If he’s feeling better then, the club will likely aim for a return not long after the break.
Posted on June 26, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
June 26th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 7TH? 7TH! - 57.5 points - 34.5 out of first Lost .5 points and 0 standings place since yesterday Cover Zero 93.5 / GOK 82.5 / SJ 74 / X 70.5 / 10PK 64.5 / Pi 62.5 / AARR HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 121 .2682 451 451 74 40 4.44 1.422 434 16 T-3 8TH 3RD 5TH 1ST 7TH 6TH 9TH 10TH 10TH +.5 --- --- --- --- -.5 --- --- --- -.5 BOX SCORE FOR 06.25 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Ronny Paulino Pit C 4 0 0 0 | 0 1 .303 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 4 0 0 0 | 0 2 .287 Chipper Jones Atl 3B 4 0 1 0 | 0 0 .275 Jose Reyes NYM SS 5 2 4 2 | 0 0 .302 Adrian Gonzalez SD 1B 4 0 0 0 | 0 0 .265 Khalil Greene SD SS 4 1 1 1 | 0 0 .222 Adam Dunn Cin OF 4 1 1 2 | 0 3 .221 Joe Borchard Fla OF 5 0 1 0 | 0 2 .235 Rich Aurilia Cin 2B 4 1 2 0 | 0 1 .263 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 38 5 10 5 | 0 9 .263 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: JReyes 2(36), KGreene 1(37), ADunn 2(45) HR: JReyes 1(8), KGreene 1(10), ADunn 1(24) SB: JReyes 1(34) CS: JReyes 1(8) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dan Wheeler 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0.00 0.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0.00 0.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Jeff DaVanon Ari OF 3 1 1 1 | 1 1 .284 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 3 1 1 1 | 1 1 .333 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: JDaVanon 1(24) SB: JDaVanon 1(7) RESERVE PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Kip Wells L(0-2) 5.0 9 5 5 2 0 0 25 9.00 2.20 Chuck James W(1-0) 8.0 3 1 1 4 0 8 30 1.12 0.88 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 13.0 12 6 6 6 0 8 55 4.15 1.38 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on June 25, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
Cubs manager Dusty Baker said he is “uncertain” about whether Carlos Marmol will get the call for his next scheduled start on Wednesday, according to the Daily Southtown. The rookie gave up 11 runs over 11 2/3 innings during his past two starts. It appears that if Angel Guzman is not needed in long relief in the next couple of days, he’ll start Wednesday’s game, instead of Marmol. Dusty Baker prefers him as a reliever, “For two or three innings, the guy is lights out,” Baker said. Angel Guzman would likely move into the rotation if Marmol is sent to the pen.
As expected, the Braves have recalled Chuck James from Triple-A Richmond, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He’ll make his first major league start on Sunday. James posted a 2.38 ERA in 11 1/3 innings of relief for the Braves earlier this season. Just don’t be surprised if he’s more of an asset in WHIP than in ERA.
Although Giants manager Felipe Alou said that Armando Benitez was unavailable Saturday due to “a little bit of a tender elbow,” Alou added that the Giants had not considered placing the closer on the disabled list, according to the Contra Costa Times. He apparently had diminished velocity when he blew his fourth save of the season on Friday.
Mike Lieberthal said yesterday that he doesn’t expect to return to action before next weekend, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. He’s on the disabled list with a strained left hip
Jeff Kent will get a scheduled day off on Sunday. Kent could be used as a pinch hitter in the game against the Pirates.
Doug Davis gave up six runs — three earned — in three-plus innings Saturday in a loss to the Royals. Five of the six runs scored in the fourth, an inning which started off with a homer and two walks. Davis proceeded to get two grounders, which were botched by Bill Hall and Corey Koskie. The former should have been a double play, and errors were ruled on both. After a two-run double followed, the Brewers decided to replace him with Jeremi Gonzalez. It was the first loss for Davis in five starts.
Moises Alou could be back in the lineup by Tuesday, manager Felipe Alou said Saturday. Alou hasn’t played in a week due to back spasms.
Jose Reyes had four hits for the third time in 11 games Saturday in a loss to the Jays. Reyes has raised his average from .246 to .294 during a 12-game hitting streak. He also stole his 33rd base, extending his major league lead over Corey Patterson (29) and Chone Figgins (26).
Posted on June 25, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
June 25th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 7TH? 7TH! - 58 points - 35.5 out of first Lost 2 points and 0 standings place since yesterday Cover Zero 93.5 / GOK 82.5 / SJ 74 / X 70.5 / 10PK 64.5 / Pi 62.5 / AARR HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 118 .2683 446 446 73 40 4.44 1.424 434 16 4TH 8TH 3RD 5TH 1ST T-6 6TH 9TH 10TH T-9 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- - 1 - 1 --- BOX SCORE FOR 06.24 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Johnny Estrada Ari C 6 0 2 1 | 0 2 .309 Ronny Paulino Pit C 3 0 0 0 | 0 2 .309 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 5 0 1 0 | 0 1 .292 Jeff Kent LAD 2B 4 1 2 2 | 0 0 .274 Chipper Jones Atl 3B 3 0 2 0 | 1 1 .276 Jose Reyes NYM SS 5 2 4 0 | 0 0 .294 Adrian Gonzalez SD 1B 4 0 2 0 | 0 0 .269 Khalil Greene SD SS 3 1 2 0 | 1 0 .222 Adam Dunn Cin OF 4 0 0 0 | 0 1 .221 Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 4 0 0 0 | 0 1 .260 Scott Thorman Atl 3B 4 0 0 0 | 0 0 .083 Rich Aurilia Cin 2B 4 0 0 0 | 0 1 .257 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 49 4 15 3 | 2 9 .306 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: JEstrada 1(41), JKent 2(39) 2B: JEstrada 1(14) 3B: JReyes 1(10) HR: JKent 1(8) SB: JReyes 1(33) CS: CJones 1(1) ERRORS: JReyes 1(7), KGreene 1(6) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Doug Davis L(4-5) 3.0 6 6 3 2 0 3 19 9.00 2.67 Dan Wheeler L(1-5) 1.3 2 1 1 2 2 1 8 6.92 3.08 Chad Cordero L(2-3) 0.7 1 1 1 2 1 0 5 12.86 4.29 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 5.0 9 8 5 6 3 4 32 9.00 3.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Jeff DaVanon Ari OF 6 0 3 0 | 0 1 .290 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 6 0 3 0 | 0 1 .500 --------------------------------------------------------- CS: JDaVanon 1(2)
Posted on June 24, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that an MRI revealed that Mark Mulder has a shoulder impingement, inflammation of the rotator cuff and slight fraying of the labrum. He’s expected to remain sidelined at least through the All-Star break, though he’s not expected to require surgery.
Juan Cruz is slated to toss another bullpen session today after throwing one yesterday, according to the Arizona Republic. Cruz, who is recovering from a sore shoulder, is scheduled to make a rehab start Wednesday and could be activated after that.
Chuck James will get the start for the Braves on Sunday, according to the AP. James has a 2.38 ERA in 11 1/3 IP this season.
Moises Alou could be headed to the DL if his back doesn’t improve soon, according to the AP. Alou, who has a strained joint in his lower back, missed his fifth straight game on Friday. “He has played for a lot of years, and he’s got a lot of war wounds,” said trainer Stan Conte. “We’re pushing him along, because we’re short-handed.
Armando Benitez blew his fourth save and took his first loss after giving up two runs in the ninth Friday against the Giants. Giants fans might not be pleased with Benitez, but he did enter tonight’s game with a 1.56 ERA. Also, his only previous blown save that led to a loss came in his first appearance back from the DL in April and was at least as much Tim Worrell’s fault as Benitez’s. His job should be pretty secure.
Carlos Marmol was touched up for seven runs in just 5 2/3 innings against the Twins tonight. Marmol had looked good in two starts and two relief appearances prior to tonight, but this outing saw him walk more batters than he struck out (4/3). That four of the Twins’ six hits went for extra bases didn’t help matters either, and reliever Will Ohman capped the poor outing by allowing two inherited runners to score with two outs in the sixth. Marmol won’t lose his rotation spot unless Kerry Wood is miraculously healthy, but he’s not worth using against the Brewers next week.
Rich Aurilia tonight is making his first start since hurting his arm on Saturday. Aurilia is DHing and batting cleanup against the Indians.
Posted on June 24, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
June 24th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 7TH? 7TH! - 60 points - 31 out of first Lost 3.5 points and 2 standings place since yesterday Cover Zero 91 / GOK 83.5 / SJ 75 / X 70 / 10PK 65 / Pi 61 / AARR HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 117 .2677 443 442 72 40 4.41 1.412 430 16 4TH 8TH 3RD 5TH 1ST T-6 6TH 8TH 9TH T-9 -.5 - 1 --- --- --- --- --- - 1 --- --- BOX SCORE FOR 06.23 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Johnny Estrada Ari C 4 0 2 0 | 0 0 .308 Ronny Paulino Pit C 3 0 1 0 | 0 0 .315 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 4 1 0 0 | 1 1 .293 Jeff Kent LAD 2B 2 1 1 3 | 2 0 .269 Chipper Jones Atl 3B 4 0 0 0 | 1 1 .270 Jose Reyes NYM SS 4 1 1 0 | 0 0 .286 Adrian Gonzalez SD 1B 4 0 0 0 | 0 1 .266 Khalil Greene SD SS 4 0 0 0 | 0 2 .217 Adam Dunn Cin OF 2 0 0 0 | 2 1 .224 Joe Borchard Fla OF 2 0 0 0 | 0 1 .237 Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 5 1 2 3 | 0 1 .264 Scott Thorman Atl 3B 5 0 0 0 | 0 2 .100 Rich Aurilia Cin 2B 4 0 1 1 | 0 0 .263 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 47 4 8 7 | 6 10 .170 --------------------------------------------------------- DID NOT PLAY: MAlou RBI: JKent 3(37), GJenkins 3(44), RAurilia 1(29) 2B: RPaulino 1(10), GJenkins 1(17) HR: JKent 1(7) GIDP: CJones 1(10) ERRORS: JReyes 1(6) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Armando Benitez L(4-1)BS(4) 1.0 3 2 2 1 1 1 7 18.00 4.00 Carlos Marmol L(1-2) 5.7 6 7 7 4 0 3 27 11.05 1.75 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 6.7 9 9 9 5 1 4 34 12.09 2.09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Jeff DaVanon Ari OF 3 1 0 0 | 2 1 .281 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 3 1 0 0 | 2 1 .000 --------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Matt Wise 1.0 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 0.00 1.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 1.0 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 0.00 1.00 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on June 23, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
From RotoWire:
Mark Mulder is scheduled to undergo an MRI on his shoulder today, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “We’re going to figure something out.” Mulder said. “I can’t keep going out there putting the team in a 5-0, 6-0, 7-0 hole after three innings. We’ve got to see what’s going on.” Mulder was placed on the DL yesterday with what was termed as a shoulder strain. Mulder might be back right after the All-Star break, but it’s anyone’s guess what he’ll contribute over the rest of the year.
Moises Alou missed his fourth straight game with spasms in his lower back on Wednesday, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. He had an MRI taken but the results are not yet known.