Monthly ArchiveJuly 2006
Posted on July 31, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
From Rotoworld:
Chuck James was rocked for seven runs while recording just three outs against the Mets on Sunday in a game the Braves would eventually lose 10-6. Good thing the Braves traded for Danys Baez, who did an excellent job of keeping the deficit at three runs by pitching a scoreless eighth today. The loss means the Braves were swept by the Mets this weekend, the first time that’s happened in a series of three or more games since 1985. Considering that the Braves usually dominate the Mets and that Atlanta is now 16 games out in the NL East, this series could be seen as the definitive moment in which the Braves’ amazing run finally ends.
The red-hot Carlos Quentin was out of the starting lineup again on Sunday, this time sitting with Jeff DaVanon in right and Shawn Green at first base. We understand manager Bob Melvin wanting to play Green and Luis Gonzalez, but if you’re going to open up a spot in the outfield, it absolutely has to go to Quentin right now. Quentin has four homers in 20 at-bats since reaching the majors, and DaVanon isn’t the hitter the rookie is nor has he ever shown success against Astros starter Roger Clemens. Quentin did contribute in the game by getting hit by a pitch, his trademark, and scoring a run, but he could have done more damage with three additional plate appearances.
Jeff Kent (strained oblique) is expected to try and take batting practice this week. Kent is eligible to come off the disabled list on Wednesday, but it looks like he is still at least a week away from returning. Cesar Izturis has been moved to second base in Kent’s absence.
Posted on July 31, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
July 31st - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 4TH - 73.5 points - 14.5 out of first Lost 0 points and 0 standings place since yesterday GOK! 88 / COVER ZERO 83 / X 76 / AARR / 10PK 66 / SJ 66 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 173 .2837 643 651 100 56 4.59 1.450 638 28 2ND 3RD 3RD 3RD 1ST 4TH 6TH 10TH 7TH T-7 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- BOX SCORE FOR 07.30 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Johnny Estrada Ari C 4 0 1 0 | 0 1 .320 Ronny Paulino Pit C 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .310 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 3 1 1 0 | 1 2 .290 Jose Reyes NYM SS 5 2 3 0 | 0 1 .290 Adrian Gonzalez SD 1B 4 0 2 0 | 0 0 .303 Khalil Greene SD SS 4 0 0 0 | 0 2 .261 Adam Dunn Cin OF 4 1 2 0 | 0 2 .263 Moises Alou SF OF 4 0 0 0 | 0 0 .291 Dave Roberts SD OF 3 0 1 1 | 0 0 .293 Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 3 0 0 0 | 1 0 .257 Rich Aurilia Cin 2B 4 1 2 1 | 0 0 .285 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 39 5 12 2 | 2 8 .308 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: DRoberts 1(28), RAurilia 1(41) 2B: AGonzalez 1(24) HR: RAurilia 1(14) GIDP: DRoberts 1(2) SB: JReyes 2(43) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Armando Benitez BS(7) 1.0 1 1 1 0 0 1 4 9.00 1.00 Chuck James L(4-2) 1.0 7 7 7 2 0 0 12 63.00 9.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 2.0 8 8 8 2 0 1 16 36.00 5.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Shane Victorino Phi OF 6 1 2 2 | 0 0 .261 Stephen Drew Ari SS 4 0 0 0 | 0 3 .268 Carlos Quentin Ari OF 0 1 0 0 | 0 0 .350 Jeff DaVanon Ari OF 5 1 1 1 | 0 0 .286 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 15 3 3 3 | 0 3 .200 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: SVictorino 2(19), JDaVanon 1(33) 2B: SVictorino 1(9)
Posted on July 30, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
Mark Mulder will throw a three-inning simulated game Tuesday, his first appearance against hitters since landing on the disabled list June 22 because of a shoulder impingement and inflamed rotator cuff. Mulder is expected to throw 50-60 pitches in the outing. If Mulder does well in the session he could leave for the first of what is expected to be two minor league rehab starts.. Barring any setbacks, Mulder will then head out on a rehab assignment. He is expected to make at least two rehab starts before rejoining the Cardinals.
The Braves placed Chipper Jones on the disabled list Saturday with a strained side muscle, according to ESPN.com. He aggravated the injury during Friday night’s game. It’s going to take some rest,” Braves manager Bobby Cox said. The newly-acquired Willy Aybar will fill in at third base while Chipper is sidelined.
Carlos Quentin started in right field on Saturday, but manager Bob Melvin stated that he isn’t ready to make him a permanent addition to the lineup just yet, according to the AP. “There’s no set thing for him right now,” Melvin said. “He’s not here to be an everyday starter. A lot of his playing time will be based on how he does — and he’s done very well.” Quentin is hitting .350 with four homers and nine RBI in eight games.
Stephen Drew missed Thursday’s game after fouling a ball off his ankle on Wednesday, according to the Diamondbacks website. Drew, who was replaced in the lineup by Damion Easley, was available to pinch-hit. “He could have played if he had to, but it was a day I was looking to get Easley in anyway,” manager Bob Melvin said.
Jeff Kent will miss at least another 10-14 days, according to the AP. Kent has been sidelined since July 18 because of a strained oblique muscle .
Tom Gorzelanny surrendered two runs in seven innings against the Giants on Saturday to earn his first major league victory. A second straight solid outing from Gorzelanny, who should have some job security now. He walked just one and struck out five batters. Also, he got 11 groundball outs. Gorzelanny gets the Cubs next week, so he should be worth activating in NL-only leagues.
Moises Alou, who has been batting third recently, has switched spots with Ray Durham in Saturday’s lineup. Alou is now hitting fifth, which is where he started the year. He had 11 runs scored and eight RBI in 12 games as a No. 3 hitter, but since the team as a whole is struggling, it was determined that a minor shakeup was needed.
Posted on July 30, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
July 30th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 4TH - 73.5 points - 13 out of first Lost 2 points and .5 standings place since yesterday GOK! 86.5 / COVER ZERO 82 / X 78 / AARR / 10PK 66 / SJ 64 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 172 .2835 641 646 98 56 4.53 1.442 637 28 2ND 3RD 3RD 3RD 1ST 4TH 6TH 10TH 7TH T-7 --- - 1 --- --- --- --- --- - 2 + 1 --- BOX SCORE FOR 07.29 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Ronny Paulino Pit C 3 0 2 1 | 0 0 .312 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 3 1 1 1 | 1 0 .290 Jose Reyes NYM SS 5 0 1 0 | 0 0 .286 Adrian Gonzalez SD 1B 4 0 1 0 | 0 1 .301 Khalil Greene SD SS 3 1 2 1 | 1 0 .263 Adam Dunn Cin OF 2 1 0 0 | 2 1 .260 Moises Alou SF OF 4 0 2 0 | 0 1 .298 Dave Roberts SD OF 0 0 0 0 | 0 0 .293 Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 4 0 0 0 | 0 3 .259 Scott Thorman Atl 3B 1 0 1 0 | 0 0 .254 Rich Aurilia Cin 2B 5 0 1 1 | 0 1 .282 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 34 3 11 4 | 4 7 .324 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: RPaulino 1(28), PFielder 1(54), KGreene 1(54), RAurilia 1(40) 2B: AGonzalez 1(23), KGreene 1(26), MAlou 1(10), SThorman 1(6), RAurilia 1(18) HR: PFielder 1(19), KGreene 1(15) GIDP: PFielder 1(11), KGreene 1(14) SB: ADunn 1(5) CS: JReyes 1(11) ERRORS: JReyes 1(10), AGonzalez 1(3) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Doug Davis 5.0 7 3 3 3 0 6 25 5.40 2.00 Juan Cruz L(3-6) 7.0 5 3 3 3 1 8 29 3.86 1.14 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 12.0 12 6 6 6 1 14 54 4.50 1.50 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Shane Victorino Phi OF 4 1 0 0 | 0 0 .259 Stephen Drew Ari SS 3 0 0 0 | 0 1 .288 Carlos Quentin Ari OF 4 0 1 0 | 0 1 .350 Jeff DaVanon Ari OF 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .288 Ryan Langerhans Atl OF 4 1 1 0 | 0 1 .246 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 16 2 2 0 | 0 3 .125 --------------------------------------------------------- GIDP: SVictorino 1(1) RESERVE PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Tom Gorzelanny W(1-2) 7.0 6 2 2 1 0 5 28 2.57 1.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 7.0 6 2 2 1 0 5 28 2.57 1.00 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on July 29, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
From Rotoworld:
Johnny Estrada delivered a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the top of the 11th inning against the Astros tonight in an 8-7 Diamondbacks’ win. The Astros had already used five pitchers by the time the 11th started, so the club brought in Andy Pettitte to make his first relief appearance since 1998. Luis Gonzalez promptly doubled off the left-hander, moved to third on a groundout, and scored on Estrada’s fly out to left. That made a winner out of Tony Pena and allowed the D’Backs to move within one and a half games of division-leading San Diego.
Carlos Quentin homered again on Friday, this time delivering a pinch-hit, two-run shot off Astros reliever Chad Qualls. Quentin had all of nine homers in 318 at-bats in the minors, but he has four in just 16 big league at-bats thus far. He’s a good enough hitter that a hot streak like this can’t be ruled out, but those basing expectations on Quentin’s first week in the majors will be disappointed. Still, if the Diamondbacks trade an outfielder before Monday’s deadline, Quentin could have value in mixed leagues the rest of the way.
Dave Roberts went 2-for-3 with a walk and a pair of stolen bases as the Padres lost to the Rockies 3-1 on Friday. Roberts is batting .293 with 30 steals in 76 games for the Padres. The batting average is a career-best, and he’s got a chance to match his career-high of 45 steals in a season.
Chipper Jones is again day-to-day after aggravating a strained left oblique in Friday’s game, for which he was removed from Friday’s game in the sixth inning. The Braves let Chipper rush his return on Wednesday, though he actually wanted to return on Tuesday. He’ll probably give it another try this weekend, but he could be day-to-day for quite some time.
Jose Reyes went 1-for-4 with a solo homer and a walk as the Mets defeated the Braves 6-4 on Friday. Reyes looked fantastic in June while posting a 1038 OPS, but he’s cooled considerably in July. The homer was his first of the month and the RBI his eighth, both of which would be season-lows if the month ended today. He should bounce back shortly, particularly as he distances himself from an injury to his pinkie finger suffered on July 7.
Jeff Kent is expected to miss at least another 10 days to two weeks with a strained oblique. Kent is eligible to return Wednesday, but he won’t be ready then. The Dodgers are using Willy Aybar and Ramon Martinez at second base.
Moises Alou is making his first start tonight since leaving Saturday’s game with a strained left hamstring. He’s batting third against the Pirates.
Despite surrendering seven walks, Carlos Marmol managed to hold the Cardinals to three runs — two earned — in 5 1/3 innings and win on Friday. Marmol, who left his previous start with a right hand contusion, struck out five. He’s 4-4 with a 4.39 ERA, but that’s come with 40 walks and a 1.54 WHIP in 53 1/3 innings. He can’t be trusted in NL-only leagues.
Posted on July 29, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
July 29th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: TIED FOR 3RD - 75.5 points - 12 out of first Lost 0 points and .5 standings place since yesterday GOK! 87.5 / COVER ZERO 83.5 / AARR / X / SJ 67.5 / 10PK 64 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 170 .2832 637 643 97 56 4.53 1.442 623 28 2ND 2ND 3RD 3RD 1ST 4TH 6TH 8TH 8TH T-7 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- BOX SCORE FOR 07.28 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Johnny Estrada Ari C 5 0 1 1 | 0 0 .321 Ronny Paulino Pit C 3 1 1 0 | 0 1 .308 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 2 0 1 1 | 2 0 .290 Chipper Jones Atl 3B 2 1 1 0 | 1 0 .333 Jose Reyes NYM SS 4 2 1 1 | 1 0 .287 Adrian Gonzalez SD 1B 3 0 1 0 | 1 0 .301 Khalil Greene SD SS 4 0 1 0 | 0 0 .260 Adam Dunn Cin OF 3 1 1 0 | 2 0 .262 Moises Alou SF OF 4 0 0 0 | 0 0 .293 Dave Roberts SD OF 3 1 2 0 | 1 1 .293 Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 3 0 0 0 | 0 0 .262 Scott Thorman Atl 3B 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .243 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 37 6 10 3 | 8 2 .270 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: JEstrada 1(54), PFielder 1(53), JReyes 1(44) 2B: CJones 1(22), ADunn 1(19) HR: JReyes 1(9) GIDP: MAlou 1(9) SB: DRoberts 2(30) ERRORS: AGonzalez 1(2), KGreene 1(8) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dan Wheeler 2.0 2 0 0 0 0 0 7 0.00 1.00 Matt Wise L(5-5) 0.7 2 1 1 1 1 1 5 12.86 4.29 Clay Hensley L(6-8) 6.0 5 2 2 6 0 5 27 3.00 1.83 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 8.7 9 3 3 7 1 6 39 3.10 1.84 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Shane Victorino Phi OF 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .265 Stephen Drew Ari SS 5 1 2 0 | 0 1 .306 Carlos Quentin Ari OF 1 1 1 2 | 0 0 .375 Jeff DaVanon Ari OF 4 2 1 0 | 2 1 .290 Ryan Langerhans Atl OF 3 0 0 0 | 0 0 .246 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 14 4 4 2 | 2 2 .286 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: CQuentin 2(9) 2B: JDaVanon 1(11) HR: CQuentin 1(4) ERRORS: SDrew 1(2) RESERVE PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Carlos Marmol W(4-4) 5.3 3 3 2 7 0 5 25 3.40 1.89 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 5.3 3 3 2 7 0 5 25 3.40 1.89 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on July 28, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
Cardinals pitching coah Dave Duncan said Thursday that, barring any setbacks, Mark Mulder could head out on a rehab assignment as early as August 6, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Mulder felt great after a 122-pitch simulated game on Wednesday. Mulder has been out since June 20 with a shoulder strain.
Stephen Drew missed Thursday’s game after fouling a ball off his ankle on Wednesday, according to the Diamondbacks website. Drew, who was replaced in the lineup by Damion Easley, was available to pinch-hit. “He could have played if he had to, but it was a day I was looking to get Easley in anyway,” manager Bob Melvin said.
Chipper Jones, who sat out Thursday’s game to rest his sore oblique, will play all three games of this weekend’s series against the Mets. Jones ended his 20-game hit streak on Wednesday. During the streak he hit .512 (42-for-82) with 18 extra-base hits (eight home runs) and 24 RBIs.
Adam Dunn reached five times, hit his 31st homer and drove in four runs in the Reds’ 8-4 win over the Astros on Thursday. Ken Griffey Jr. also homered, but the Reds’ best hitter stole the show. Dunn, who recently switched to a lighter bat, has seven hits in two games and is batting .356 during July. Maybe he’s finally on his way to convincing Jerry Narron to simply leave him in the second spot in the order. He hit there tonight.
Posted on July 28, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
July 28th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 3RD - 75.5 points - 11 out of first Lost 1.5 points and 0 standings place since yesterday GOK! 86.5 / COVER ZERO 83.5 / AARR / X 75 / SJ 65.5 / 10PK 65.5 / Pi 55.5 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 169 .2833 634 637 95 56 4.54 1.438 617 27 2ND 2ND 3RD 3RD 1ST 4TH 6TH 8TH 8TH T-7 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- - 2 +.5 BOX SCORE FOR 07.27 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Adrian Gonzalez SD 1B 4 0 0 0 | 0 1 .301 Khalil Greene SD SS 4 2 3 0 | 1 0 .260 Adam Dunn Cin OF 3 3 3 4 | 2 0 .261 Dave Roberts SD OF 6 1 2 0 | 0 1 .289 Scott Thorman Atl 3B 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .246 Rich Aurilia Cin 2B 5 0 1 1 | 0 1 .284 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 23 6 9 5 | 3 3 .391 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: ADunn 4(71), RAurilia 1(39) 2B: KGreene 1(25) HR: ADunn 1(31) GIDP: AGonzalez 1(18), RAurilia 1(8) SB: DRoberts 2(28) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dan Wheeler 0.3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0.00 0.00 Chad Cordero S(17) 1.0 2 2 2 0 0 1 5 18.00 2.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 1.3 2 2 2 0 0 1 6 13.85 1.54 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Shane Victorino Phi OF 1 0 0 0 | 0 1 .267 Stephen Drew Ari SS 1 0 0 0 | 0 1 .295 Jeff DaVanon Ari OF 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .291 Ryan Langerhans Atl OF 1 0 0 0 | 0 1 .249 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 4 0 0 0 | 0 3 .000 ---------------------------------------------------------
Posted on July 27, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
Rich Aurilia missed the cycle by a double and scored three runs Wednesday against the Astros. Aurilia continues to destroy lefties. He’s batting .361 with nine homers in 97 at-bats against them this year. It’s right-handers he shouldn’t be playing against. He’s hitting .239 with four homers in 159 at-bats versus righties after striking out in both at-bats against them tonight.
Adam Dunn went 4-for-4 with two doubles off Andy Pettitte Wednesday in the loss to the Astros. Since manager Jerry Narron continues to insist on dropping Dunn in the lineup against lefties, that all resulted in one RBI and one run scored. Dunn, who hit fifth tonight, is batting .302 with 11 homers, nine doubles and 26 walks in 126 at-bats against lefties this season. Meanwhile, even the Jaws of Life couldn’t pry Ken Griffey Jr., who is practically 0-for-the-month, out of the third spot in the order.
Armando Benitez took his sixth blown save and his second loss after giving up two runs in the ninth Wednesday against the Nationals. Benitez has blown consecutive chances after converting seven straight. Still, the Giants won’t consider pulling him from the closer’s role. He has a 2.63 ERA despite his occasional stumbles, and it’s not like there’s anyone in the bullpen with much of a case for taking over.
Ryan Langerhans went 3-for-3 with a double and was walked intentionally Wednesday against the Marlins. Langerhans was 0-for-17 since the break before collecting two hits yesterday. With five hits in two games, he might be on his way to earning himself more playing time in left field.
Brandon Webb was charged with six runs — four earned — in six innings in Wednesday’s loss to the Phillies. Two errors led to two unearned runs in the first. Webb also gave up a three-run homer to Chase Utley in the second and a solo shot to David Dellucci in the third. He pitched three clean innings after that, but the damage was done.
John Maine extended his scoreless streak to 17 innings with seven shutout frames Wednesday in a no-decision versus the Cubs. Back-to-back outstanding performance from Maine, though it does have to be noted that this and the shutout against the Astros have come against the two worst offenses in baseball. Maine struck out seven today, including the side in his final inning of work. He allowed three hits and walked three. Maine may have himself a permanent rotation spot now, and since he’ll probably face the NL’s third worst offense (Florida) next week, he has to be owned in NL-only leagues.
Mark Mulder threw three simulated innings and a total of 122 pitches, including warmups, on Wednesday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. If Mulder feels good in the aftermath of this session, the next step could be throwing batting practice. Mulder is on the DL with a strained shoulder. The Cardinals hope he will be healthy enough to rejoin the rotation in early August.
Manager Felipe Alou said that Moises Alou will likely only start one game during the series against the Nationals, according to the Giants website. Alou has been hampered a nagging hamstring injury. Alou, who has missed the past two games due to a strained hamstring, isn’t expected to play until Friday at the earliest. Alou was hurt on Saturday, and though he was used as a pinch-hitter the following day, he’s not feeling much better now than when he got hurt. A stint on the DL can’t be ruled out.
Chipper Jones returned to the lineup Wednesday after missing three straight games with a strained side muscle, according to the AP. Jones was 0-for-3 at the plate, ending his 20-game hitting streak.
Posted on July 27, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
July 27th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 3RD - 77 points - 7.5 out of first Gained 2.5 points and 1 standings place since yesterday GOK! 85.5 / COVER ZERO 83.5 / AARR / X 76.5 / SJ 67 / 10PK 65.5 / Pi 54.5 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 168 .2827 629 631 93 56 4.53 1.438 616 27 2ND 2ND 3RD 3RD 1ST 4TH 6TH 8TH 7TH 8TH --- + 1 --- --- +.5 --- --- --- + 1 --- BOX SCORE FOR 07.26 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Johnny Estrada Ari C 4 0 2 2 | 0 0 .323 Ronny Paulino Pit C 4 0 1 0 | 1 0 .307 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 2 0 0 0 | 1 1 .288 Chipper Jones Atl 3B 3 1 0 0 | 1 1 .332 Jose Reyes NYM SS 5 0 1 0 | 0 0 .288 Adrian Gonzalez SD 1B 4 1 2 1 | 1 0 .304 Adam Dunn Cin OF 4 1 4 1 | 0 0 .255 Dave Roberts SD OF 5 2 2 2 | 0 1 .288 Rich Aurilia Cin 2B 5 3 3 1 | 0 2 .285 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 36 8 15 7 | 4 5 .417 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: JEstrada 2(53), AGonzalez 1(53), ADunn 1(67), DRoberts 2(27), RAurilia 1(38) 2B: ADunn 2(18), DRoberts 2(12) 3B: RAurilia 1(1) HR: AGonzalez 1(19), RAurilia 1(13) GIDP: PFielder 1(10), AGonzalez 1(17) SB: JReyes 1(41) CS: PFielder 1(2) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dan Wheeler S(2) 0.3 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0.00 0.00 Armando Benitez L(4-2)BS(6) 0.7 2 2 2 2 0 1 6 25.71 5.71 Brandon Webb L(11-4) 6.0 6 6 4 3 0 4 28 6.00 1.50 Matt Wise 1.7 1 2 2 1 1 2 7 10.59 1.18 John Maine 7.0 3 0 0 3 0 7 26 0.00 0.86 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 15.7 12 10 8 9 1 15 68 4.59 1.34 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Shane Victorino Phi OF 3 0 0 0 | 1 0 .268 Stephen Drew Ari SS 4 0 2 0 | 0 1 .302 Carlos Quentin Ari OF 1 0 0 0 | 0 1 .333 Jeff DaVanon Ari OF 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .292 Ryan Langerhans Atl OF 3 0 3 1 | 1 0 .250 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 12 0 5 1 | 2 2 .417 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: RLangerhans 1(21) 2B: SDrew 1(5), RLangerhans 1(10) GIDP: JDaVanon 1(6) RESERVE PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Aaron Cook L(6-9) 6.7 8 4 4 2 1 4 30 5.37 1.49 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 6.7 8 4 4 2 1 4 30 5.37 1.49 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on July 26, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
Chipper Jones missed his third consecutive game Tuesday and will likely be out again Wednesday because of a strained left oblique, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Jones tested the injury by taking batting practice Tuesday, but it doesn’t seem like he feels good enough to get back in the lineup just yet. Wilson Betemit has been filling in for Jones at third. “Still painful,” Jones said. “I’m tired of this [stuff]. But if I can’t be productive, having Wilson [Betemit] allows me the freedom to stay out until I’m healthy. My concern is not so much swinging as it is fielding and throwing,” Jones said. “That’s where it bugs me.” Still, he asked into Tuesday’s lineup. “I told Bobby {Cox} I was OK, but you know Bobby,” he said. “If you’re OK, then take another day.”
The status of Mark Mulder, who is out with a shoulder strain, is still unknown, according to the AP. “He hasn’t thrown against hitters yet,” manager Tony La Russa said. “Until he has improved on his arm strength and done some work on his mechanics, it seems senseless to discuss anything beyond that.
Manager Felipe Alou said he suspects his son, Moises Alou, will be limited to pinch-hitting duty at least through today because of a nagging hamstring problem, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Alou, who is hitting .300 with 11 homers and 40 RBI on the year, pinch hit Monday and flied out.
Adrian Gonzalez doubled twice and drove in three runs in the Padres’ 7-3 win over the Dodgers on Tuesday. The Padres might want to stop dropping Gonzalez in the order versus southpaws. He was hitting sixth against Mark Hendrickson tonight, but he’s batting .296 with three homers, five doubles and 12 RBI in 81 at-bats against left-handers this season. The win tonight was the Padres’ third in a row, and they have a 1 1/2 game lead over the Diamondbacks in the NL West. The Dodgers have lost seven in a row and are 6 1/2 games back.
Carlos Quentin hit a solo homer in the top of the 11th to help the Diamondbacks beat the Phillies 6-5 on Tuesday night. Quentin also walked and stole a base in the contest. He has three homers in 14 at-bats as a major league after managing just nine in 318 at-bats while at Triple-A Tucson. He should maintain solid numbers if he gets a chance to play regularly, but he’s not quite this good.
Prince Fielder blasted his 18th homer of the season on Tuesday when he took Pirates starter Ian Snell deep in the fifth inning. The homer gives Fielder the Brewers’ rookie record for long balls in a season. The club record of 17 was previously held by Danny Walton in 1970 and Greg Vaughn in 1990. Fielder has also scored 51 runs while totaling 52 RBI and batting .290 for the Brewers, so he’s done about as well as could have been hoped this spring.
Chuck James was the tough-luck loser against the Marlins on Tuesday after yielding just two runs in seven innings of work. James walked just one and struck out six, but a pair of solo homers by Cody Ross allowed the Marlins to win the contest 2-1. The loss snapped a streak of four straight wins for James. The left-hander has been able to keep his base on balls total down since joining the Braves’ rotation, but that he’s given up seven homers in five starts isn’t a good sign when projecting future production. He’s a risky play against the Mets next time out, so only NL-only leaguers should consider him.
Posted on July 26, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
July 26th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 4TH - 74.5 points - 11.5 out of first Gained 2 points and 0 standings place since yesterday GOK! 86 / COVER ZERO 84 / X 76.5 / AARR / SJ 67 / 10PK 66 / Pi 57.5 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 166 .2815 622 623 92 56 4.53 1.439 601 26 2ND 3RD 3RD 3RD T-1 T-3 6TH 8TH 7TH 8TH --- --- --- --- + 1 - 1 --- + 1 + 1 --- BOX SCORE FOR 07.25 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Johnny Estrada Ari C 4 0 2 0 | 0 0 .320 Ronny Paulino Pit C 4 0 1 0 | 0 0 .308 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 3 1 2 1 | 0 0 .290 Jose Reyes NYM SS 4 1 1 0 | 1 1 .289 Adrian Gonzalez SD 1B 5 2 2 3 | 0 2 .302 Khalil Greene SD SS 4 1 0 0 | 0 0 .255 Adam Dunn Cin OF 4 1 1 0 | 0 1 .246 Dave Roberts SD OF 1 0 0 0 | 1 0 .286 Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 3 0 0 0 | 1 0 .264 Scott Thorman Atl 3B 3 0 1 0 | 0 1 .250 Rich Aurilia Cin 2B 4 0 1 0 | 0 0 .279 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 39 6 11 4 | 3 5 .282 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: PFielder 1(52), AGonzalez 3(52) 2B: AGonzalez 2(22) HR: PFielder 1(18) GIDP: PFielder 1(9) SB: ADunn 1(4) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dan Wheeler 0.7 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0.00 0.00 Chad Cordero S(16) 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 0.00 1.00 Chuck James L(4-1) 7.0 7 2 2 1 0 6 28 2.57 1.14 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 8.7 8 2 2 1 0 7 35 2.07 1.03 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Shane Victorino Phi OF 2 0 1 0 | 0 0 .273 Stephen Drew Ari SS 6 0 1 0 | 0 1 .282 Carlos Quentin Ari OF 5 2 1 1 | 1 1 .357 Jeff DaVanon Ari OF 3 0 1 1 | 0 1 .294 Ryan Langerhans Atl OF 3 1 2 0 | 0 1 .240 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 19 3 6 2 | 1 4 .316 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: CQuentin 1(7), JDaVanon 1(32) 2B: SVictorino 1(8), SDrew 1(4), RLangerhans 1(9) 3B: JDaVanon 1(4) HR: CQuentin 1(3) GIDP: CQuentin 1(1) SB: CQuentin 1(1)
Posted on July 25, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
Kerry Wood received another opinion on his right shoulder from a specialist on Monday. Wood is trying to avoid surgery on his shoulder and is seeking several expert opinions. The latest specialist had no new information for the Cubs’ starter. He will seek yet another opinion this week before deciding if he will undergo surgery or attempt to heal the shoulder through rest. He is expected to miss the season even if he doesn’t have surgery.
Despite the bruised right hand, Carlos Marmol is expected to make his next start, according to the AP. Marmol bruised the hand being jammed on a pitch while swinging during his last outing.
Chipper Jones missed another start on Monday because of his sore left oblique, according to the AP. Though the Braves are hoping that Jones will return within the next several days, oblique injuries are often nagging and cause trips to the DL.
Jeff Kent, on the DL since July 18 due to a strained left oblique, isn’t expected to swing a bat for about another week. Kent isn’t eligible to return until Aug. 2. It might be a few days after that before he can come back.
Posted on July 25, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
July 25th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 4TH - 72.5 points - 13.5 out of first Lost 1 points and 0 standings place since yesterday GOK! 86 / COVER ZERO 84.5 / X 76.5 / AARR / SJ 68 / 10PK 64 / Pi 56.5 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 165 .2815 618 617 91 56 4.55 1.443 594 25 2ND 3RD 3RD 3RD 3RD T-2 6TH 9TH 8TH 8TH --- --- --- --- --- + 1 --- - 1 - 1 --- BOX SCORE FOR 07.24 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Ronny Paulino Pit C 4 0 3 2 | 0 0 .309 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 4 1 2 1 | 0 0 .287 Jose Reyes NYM SS 4 1 0 0 | 1 2 .289 Adrian Gonzalez SD 1B 5 0 1 0 | 0 2 .301 Khalil Greene SD SS 5 0 2 0 | 0 1 .258 Dave Roberts SD OF 5 2 1 0 | 1 0 .287 Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 3 0 0 0 | 2 1 .266 Scott Thorman Atl 3B 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .246 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 31 4 9 3 | 4 6 .290 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: RPaulino 2(27), PFielder 1(51) 2B: KGreene 1(24) GIDP: PFielder 1(8) SB: DRoberts 1(26) ERRORS: GJenkins 1(6) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Doug Davis W(6-6) 6.0 10 6 6 2 0 3 30 9.00 2.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 6.0 10 6 6 2 0 3 30 9.00 2.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Mike Lieberthal Phi C 5 1 1 0 | 0 1 .224 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 5 1 1 0 | 0 1 .200 --------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Matt Wise 2.0 1 0 0 0 0 3 6 0.00 0.50 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 2.0 1 0 0 0 0 3 6 0.00 0.50 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on July 24, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
BP Two-fer
Will Carroll details Mark Mulder’s return in Under the Knife:
Mark Mulder is throwing again and that’s a positive. What he’s saying–that he’s dealing with a torn rotator cuff–isn’t. Quotes this week are a bit cryptic, with someone saying that Mulder needs to have his mechanics rebuilt. I think that’s a bit twisted by context and that the someone who said it–either Mulder or pitching coach Dave Duncan–is trying to say that Mulder needs to get back to his normal arm slot rather than adjusting due to the pain and impingement in his pitching shoulder. Rotator cuffs remain a major problem–check this week’s BP Radio for a better explanation from one of baseball’s top docs–and having his hurt makes Mulder’s foray into free agency particularly dicey. Teams that really understand the situations of former aces like Mulder and Kerry Wood will enjoy a big advantage in Orlando at the winter meetings.
And Christina Karhl has the latest transactions:
Arizona Diamondbacks: Setting aside that teal and copper aren’t my colors, is it okay to ask for an early seat on the bandwagon? This is exactly what the D’backs should be doing, and although I like Counsell a lot as a regular, and although I’m not quite as excited about Carlos Quentin’s prospects as some are, I simply love that the Snakes are promoting from within and trying to win now. A recognition that they can move Shawn Green and perhaps even Counsell and still win this division represents a bold, sign-post sort of moment that fans can understand. This might be the sort of exchange that brings Diamondbacks fans to the place that so many A’s fans or Red Sox fans are, recognizing that it isn’t whether or not you add famous people or salary, it’s whether or not you’re improving the team with real talent. GMs like Theo Epstein and Billy Beane enjoy that sort of confidence for good reason, but the next couple of months could buy Josh Byrnes that same freedom of action. Byrnes shouldn’t get all of the credit, of course; a healthy share of it belongs to Scouting Director Mike Rizzo for picking both Stephen Drew and Quentin in the draft, as well as first baseman Conor Jackson.
Drew has done more than enough at the plate to erase any memory of his holdout. As a Sidesnakeling, he’s hit .284/.340/.462. This might seem like something of a trial by fire considering he’s only in his second season as a pro, but Counsell will be a free agent after this season, so beyond this representing a challenge to see if Drew’s ready to help the team right now, it’s also an early audition for making the job his going into 2007. There’s reason for doubt–Drew was hitting just .253/.324/.437 against PCL right-handers, and although he’s considered a competent shortstop, he’s not going to be Ozzie Smith. If he proves reasonably ready, it would give the Snakes a little more freedom of action in sorting through what they might want to trade for, if anything. If Drew seems just semi-ready and gets optioned back once Counsell returns, there’s no harm in that, because then if anything happened to either Counsell or Orlando Hudson, the D’backs would still be able to plug in somebody better than your average utility infielder.
Quentin is a trendy stathead choice for being a massively huge prospect, in no small part because of his on-base skills. He was hitting .289/.424/.489 for Tucson, and he is only a month shy of his 24th birthday, still young for a college player (Stanford). His minor-league career is such that you see “hitter,” so what am I kibbitzing about? I guess it’s just the expectations, which will be ridiculously high for two different groups. For the people who don’t get minor-league park factors, they’ll see Quentin as a ready-now bopper instead of someone who’s had the benefit of playing in bandboxes all the way up to the majors. Lancaster, El Paso and Tucson are three lovely places to be something other than a pitcher, and although the Financial Conglomerate Hot Tub (ballpark included) is another great place to hit, it would be reasonable to expect that facing better pitchers isn’t going to help Quentin at the start. His top comps are Dwight Evans and Jesse Barfield, which seems about right, in that Quentin covers ground well in right, although he lacks either player’s capacity to deal death with his right hand in the form of baserunner kills. I guess if I’m picking a particular nit, it’s my concern that he’ll be more like Barfield and flame out shortly after 30, than Evans, a remarkable athlete despite also having so many of the “old player’s skills” that might have tipped off some about Barfield’s relatively quick decline. Still, if Quentin has a Barfield-like career, that’s pretty sweet, and certainly represents an improvement over what’s left of Green from here on out.