Monthly ArchiveAugust 2006
Posted on August 31, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
From Rotoworld:
Dave Roberts had four hits and stole two bases to pace the Padres to a 4-1 victory over Arizona on Wednesday. Roberts scored one, drove in two and added his 16th double. With an 8-for-14 series, Roberts is really giving the D’Backs fits. He has 36 RBI and has reached 40 steals for the third time in his career. Roberts is enjoying a real renaissance this season, probably the best of his career.
Shane Victorino continued his hot hitting Wednesday with a three-hit night. He has hit in five straight games, four of which have been multi-hit efforts. Victorino, who also scored a run, is batting .337 for the month to help solidify steady playing time.
Chuck James was solid for seven innings Wednesday as he won his third straight decision. He gave up six hits, two runs and two walks while striking out five. James, now 7-3, has only given up as many as four runs in a start once this month.
Stephen Drew is back at shortstop on Wednesday after missing two games with a sore right hand. He’s batting eighth against the Padres.
Matt Wise had to cut his Wednesday bullpen session short after feeling jolts of pain in his elbow. “It was getting me on every pitch,” said Wise. “It was like I was hitting my funny bone on every pitch. It wasn’t just a tingling in my finger like before. I threw about 25 pitches and I felt it on every one.” Wise is likely done for the season.
Although he was put back in the second spot in the order, Adam Dunn went 0-for-4 on Wednesday, leaving him with a .188 average in August. Dunn has done his best work as a No. 2 hitter this year (.352/.444/.639 in 108 AB), but manager Jerry Narron took him out of the spot a couple of weeks ago. That he’s back there now is likely a move designed to get his bat going again.
Mark Mulder is considering undergoing season-ending arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder. An MRI Wednesday reportedly revealed no tear, but Mulder has fraying around the labrum that apparently is preventing him from using the proper arm angle when throwing. He’ll get a second opinion before deciding on surgery. If he elects to keep pitching, he’s unlikely to help the Cardinals or fantasy teams.
And now, some closure: Mets acquired catcher Mike Nickeas from the Rangers for outfielder Victor Diaz. This gives the Rangers someone to battle Nelson Cruz for what could be an open outfield spot next year. A left-handed hitter might have been more ideal, but it’s still a very good trade for the Rangers. Diaz has been a major disappointment in 2006, but he’s only 24 and he has 25-homer power. He should turn into a pretty useful player as at least a part-time DH and right fielder. Nickeas, a 2004 fifth-round pick, was hitting .266/.386/.362 in 177 at-bats between Single-A Bakersfield and Double-A Frisco. He’s had injury issues, most notably a broken hand in 2005 that has sapped his power, but he’s a fine defender and could develop into a solid No. 2 catcher.
Posted on August 31, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
August 31 - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 4TH - 74 points - 17 out of first Gained 1 points and 0 standings place since yesterday GOK! 91 / Cover Zero 83.5 / X 78 / AARR / SJ 70.5 / 10PK 60.5 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 221 .2816 834 811 127 75 4.36 1.426 831 45 2ND 4TH 2ND 5TH 2ND 4TH 4TH 10TH 7TH 6TH --- --- --- --- --- --- + 1 ---- --- --- BOX SCORE FOR 08.30 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Johnny Estrada Ari C 4 0 1 0 | 0 0 .304 Ronny Paulino Pit C 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .315 Chipper Jones Atl 3B 3 0 0 1 | 1 1 .323 Jose Reyes NYM SS 5 0 1 0 | 0 1 .298 Mike Jacobs Fla 1B 4 0 2 2 | 1 1 .273 Stephen Drew Ari SS 3 1 1 0 | 0 0 .320 Adam Dunn Cin OF 4 0 0 0 | 0 1 .247 Moises Alou SF OF 4 0 1 0 | 0 0 .289 Dave Roberts SD OF 5 1 4 2 | 0 1 .312 Shane Victorino Phi OF 4 1 3 0 | 1 0 .287 Jason Bay Pit OF 6 0 3 0 | 0 2 .291 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 43 3 16 5 | 3 7 .372 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: CJones 1(76), MJacobs 2(68), DRoberts 2(36) 2B: MAlou 1(16), DRoberts 1(16) GIDP: JEstrada 1(14) SB: DRoberts 2(40), JBay 1(9) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dan Wheeler 1.0 1 0 0 1 0 1 5 0.00 2.00 Chuck James W(7-3) 7.0 6 2 2 2 0 5 30 2.57 1.14 Aaron Harang L(13-10) 6.0 10 4 4 2 0 7 29 6.00 2.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 14.0 17 6 6 5 0 13 64 3.86 1.57 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 0 0 0 0 | 1 0 .249 Ryan Spilborghs Col OF 4 0 1 0 | 0 1 .271 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 4 0 1 0 | 1 1 .250 --------------------------------------------------------- ERRORS: RSpilborghs 1(1) RESERVE PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Armando Benitez 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 1 4 0.00 1.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 1 4 0.00 1.00 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on August 30, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
Padres manager Bruce Bochy said odds are better than 50 percent that Khalil Greene will be activated from the disabled list when eligible on Sunday. He received a cortisone shot in his strained left middle finger on Tuesday. He’ll try to swing a bat in two or three days. Even if he is activated from the DL the Padres are unlikely to give him many at-bats until the finger is 100 percent healthy.
Stephen Drew missed his second straight game Tuesday due to inflammation in his right hand. However, manager Bob Melvin said there is a chance that the shortstop will take part in tonight’s game. “I think he’s a little puzzled that it’s bothering him to this level,” Melvin said. “Usually stuff like that, even if you’re playing, unless you reaggravate it, it usually gets a little better and it just hasn’t for him. Drew could return to the lineup on Wednesday.
Roy Oswalt held the Brewers to four hits over seven innings, but did not record a decision. Pitching on his 29th birthday, he was cruising heading into seventh, having surrendered just one hit and retiring 14 straight. But Oswalt was touched for three straight doubles and wound up surrendering three runs and a walk against seven strikeouts for the start. He had to throw 111 pitches while seeing his ERA inch up to 3.25. In other Oswalt news, the Astros signed him to a $73 million, five-year contract extension on Tuesday, according to the AP. Oswalt had one more year of arbtration remaining after making $11 million this year. His new deal, which has a no-trade clause and an option for a sixth year, will pay Oswalt $13 million in each of the first two years and $14 million in 2009. He will get $15 million in 2010 and $16 million in 2011. The contract includes a $2 million buyout for 2012. Oswalt could opt out of that year and take a smaller payment. It’s a fair price given his talent, though committing to any pitcher for such a length of time is a big risk. Oswalt’s strikeout rate has steadily dipped, his batting-average against has increased and he has had oblique issues. A decline over the next few years is a real possibility.
Matt Wise hopes to throw off a mound tonight for the first time since going on the DL with nerve irritation in his right elbow, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. “It’s still there a little but it’s progressing,” Wise said. Wise is expected to come off the DL after rosters expand.
Mark Mulder indicated that he’s still having trouble with his shoulder and he’ll be examined by Cardinals team doctor George Paletta on Wednesday. “There’s still something going on,” he said. “I’m obviously not right out there. It’s not pain, it’s just not right.” National League hitters have found him just right all year long. Unless Mulder can find an arm slot that will give him more velocity or movement, he’s not going to help the Cardinals. Anthony Reyes should be up to take his rotation spot next week. Mulder lasted only 1 2/3 innings Tuesday night, matching the shortest outing of his career. He gave up five runs on six hits in his second start since returning from a shoulder injury that sidelined him for more than two months. In his last two starts, Mulder has allowed 14 runs on 15 hits and seven walks in 4 2/3 innings.
Moises Alou returned to the lineup on Tuesday after missing seven starts with tightness in his left hamstring. He went 1-for-4.
Jeff Kent finished 4-for-7 with a home run Tuesday against the Reds. Kent has an extra-base hit in five straight games, homering twice in that span. He’s batting .304 with four homers and 18 RBI in 20 games since returning from a strained oblique.
Chipper Jones scored three, drove in three and homered for the third straight game on Tuesday. Jones is up to .325 with 75 RBI for the year now. He added his sixth steal, and looks to be over his oblique strain, making him a solid play for the remainder of the season.
Tim Lincecum allowed one run in 5 1/3 shutout innings and struck out 11 for Single-A San Jose on Sunday. Lincecum now has a 49/9 K/BB ratio in 26 2/3 innings as a pro. Previously, he had fanned 10 while allowing two runs in 4 2/3 innings Tuesday. He remains a candidate to join he Giants in September, probably as a reliever.
Posted on August 30, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
August 30th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 4TH - 73 points - 18 out of first Lost 1 points and 0 standings place since yesterday GOK! 91 / Cover Zero 82.5 / X 80.5 / AARR / SJ 69 / 10PK 60.5 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 221 .2809 829 808 124 74 4.37 1.424 818 45 2ND 4TH 2ND 5TH 2ND 4TH 5TH 10TH 7TH 6TH --- --- --- - 1 --- --- --- ---- --- --- BOX SCORE FOR 08.29 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Johnny Estrada Ari C 4 0 0 1 | 0 1 .305 Ronny Paulino Pit C 3 0 0 0 | 1 2 .316 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 4 0 0 0 | 0 1 .272 Jeff Kent LAD 2B 7 1 4 2 | 0 1 .276 Chipper Jones Atl 3B 5 3 2 3 | 0 1 .325 Jose Reyes NYM SS 5 2 2 2 | 0 1 .299 Adam Dunn Cin OF 6 0 4 0 | 0 0 .249 Moises Alou SF OF 4 0 1 0 | 0 0 .290 Dave Roberts SD OF 5 1 1 0 | 0 0 .306 Shane Victorino Phi OF 5 2 2 1 | 1 1 .280 Carlos Quentin Ari OF 2 0 0 0 | 0 2 .233 Jason Bay Pit OF 4 0 0 0 | 1 0 .288 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 54 9 16 9 | 3 10 .296 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: JEstrada 1(65), JKent 2(62), CJones 3(75), JReyes 2(68), SVictorino 1(37) 2B: JReyes 1(25), ADunn 1(21) 3B: DRoberts 1(11) HR: JKent 1(13), CJones 1(22), JReyes 1(16) GIDP: JKent 1(9) SB: CJones 1(6) ERRORS: MAlou 1(3) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Roy Oswalt 7.0 4 3 3 1 0 7 27 3.86 0.71 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 7.0 4 3 3 1 0 7 27 3.86 0.71 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Ryan Spilborghs Col OF 1 1 0 0 | 1 0 .272 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 1 1 0 0 | 1 0 .000 --------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mark Mulder L(6-7) 1.7 6 5 5 3 0 1 14 26.47 5.29 Juan Cruz 2.0 2 3 3 2 0 3 10 13.50 2.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 3.7 8 8 8 5 0 4 24 19.46 3.51 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on August 29, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
From Rotoworld:
Khalil Greene (sprained finger) cancelled his batting practice session on Monday due to soreness in his finger. Greene will visit a hand specialist on Tuesday to have his finger reevaluated. He has been out for two weeks due to the injury which often takes around 6-8 weeks to recover from.
Matt Wise (elbow) will throw off a mound on Tuesday for the first time since going on the disabled list. Wise, who has been out since Aug. 14, says his arm is feeling much better. He will likely be activated from the disabled list when rosters expand on Sept. 1.
Jeff DaVanon learned on Monday he will need surgery on his ankle and will miss the remainder of the season. DaVanon will need three to five months to heal from the surgery to repair a split tendon. He will likely be 100 percent for spring training. No word if he plans on exercising his $1.25 million option for next year, but we doubt he will get more money elsewhere.
Brandon Webb worked 7 1/3 innings and allowed three runs Monday to defeat the Padres for his 14th win of the year. Webb might not be out of the woods just yet, but his first quality start since July 20 can’t be taken as a bad sign. Discouraging was his four walks versus three strikeouts, leaving him with an 11/13 K/BB ratio in his last three starts. However, he did get 17 groundball outs, which is a good sign. Webb will get the Nationals next time out, making another solid outing likely.
Stephen Drew, still nursing a sore right hand, was held out of Monday’s starting lineup. Craig Counsell replaced him at shortstop against the Padres.
John Maine surrendered two runs in 6 1/3 innings Monday in a defeat of the Phillies. Pat Burrell’s 335th career homer versus the Mets accounted for both runs. Maine bounced back well from a rough outing against the Cardinals in which he allowed seven runs. He hasn’t been flawless of late, but the Mets have still won his last seven starts.
Posted on August 29, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
August 29th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 4TH - 74 points - 16 out of first Gained 1 points and 0 standings place since yesterday GOK! 90 / Cover Zero 82.5 / X 81.5 / AARR / SJ 67 / 10PK 59.5 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 218 .2807 820 799 123 74 4.37 1.429 811 45 2ND 4TH 2ND 4TH 2ND 4TH 5TH 10TH 7TH 6TH --- --- --- + 1 --- --- --- ---- --- --- BOX SCORE FOR 08.28 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Johnny Estrada Ari C 4 1 1 1 | 0 0 .308 Ronny Paulino Pit C 4 1 3 2 | 1 1 .318 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 4 0 0 0 | 0 1 .274 Jeff Kent LAD 2B 3 2 2 1 | 1 0 .269 Jose Reyes NYM SS 5 2 2 0 | 0 0 .298 Mike Jacobs Fla 1B 4 0 0 0 | 0 1 .270 Adam Dunn Cin OF 0 0 0 0 | 1 0 .244 Dave Roberts SD OF 4 1 3 0 | 0 0 .307 Shane Victorino Phi OF 4 0 1 0 | 0 1 .278 Carlos Quentin Ari OF 4 0 1 0 | 0 0 .238 Jason Bay Pit OF 2 1 1 3 | 3 1 .291 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 38 8 14 7 | 6 5 .368 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: JEstrada 1(64), RPaulino 2(43), JKent 1(60), JBay 3(93) 2B: JKent 1(20) 3B: JReyes 1(16), DRoberts 1(10), CQuentin 1(2) HR: JEstrada 1(11), JBay 1(29) GIDP: PFielder 1(15), JKent 1(8), MJacobs 1(14), DRoberts 1(4) CS: JKent 1(2) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Brandon Webb W(14-5) 7.3 6 3 3 4 0 3 29 3.70 1.37 John Maine W(4-3) 6.3 5 2 2 2 0 2 26 2.86 1.11 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 13.6 11 5 5 6 0 5 55 3.31 1.25 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 4 0 1 0 | 0 1 .249 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 4 0 1 0 | 0 1 .250 ---------------------------------------------------------
Posted on August 28, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
Chris Iannetta collected an RBI single against the Padres in his major league debut on Sunday. Iannetta chased starter Jake Peavy from the game with his RBI single to center in the fifth. He went hitless in three other at-bats. Iannetta would be well worth using in NL-only formats if he received even semi-regular playing time, but that doesn’t seem likely right now. However, it is a situation that’s worth monitoring closely. He hit .336 in 307 at-bats between Double- and Triple-A this season.
Jon Hooker, a close friend and former college teammate of Brandon Webb, was among those killed in Sunday’s commuter plane crash in Kentucky. Webb, Hooker and Oakland’s Joe Blanton pitched together at University of Kentucky. Webb remains scheduled to make his scheduled start, but he’ll be doing so with a heavy heart, as well as an iffy elbow. He’s expected to head to Kentucky on a bereavement leave after the game.
Moises Alou, who left last Sunday’s game with a calf injury, returned to action as a pinch-hitter today and struck out in his lone plate appearance. Alou could return to the starting lineup on Tuesday, so leave him active for the week’s games.
Jeff DaVanon will head to Los Angeles on Monday to get a second opinion on his sprained left ankle. DaVanon might need surgery to help the ankle heal. Even if he doesn’t need surgery he is doubtful to have much if any fantasy value the remainder of this season.
Chad Cordero returned to action on Sunday and allowed a run in an inning of relief. Andruw Jones hit a homer off Cordero, who still appeared to be hobbled on the mound aftre missing time with an ingrown toenail. He was used today even though the Nationals were down by six runs.
Mike Jacobs delivered a pinch-hit, walk-off double off Brewers reliever Brian Shouse in the bottom of the ninth inning on Sunday. The Marlins were ahead 3-2 to start the ninth, but closer Joe Borowski blew his fourth save of the season when David Bell hit a solo blast. With two outs in the ninth, Jeremy Hermida walked and then scored on a line drive double to left from Jacobs. The Marlins entered the day just four games back of the Reds for the NL wild card, so a Reds loss tonight would leave them just three back.
Sunday’s game between the Phillies and Mets was postponed due to rain and will be made up on Monday. Both teams were due to the have Monday off. Jamie Moyer and John Maine, today’s scheduled starters, figure to go tomorrow.
Matt Wise played catch prior to Saturday’s game and said his elbow felt the best it has felt since he went on the disabled list. Wise is eligible to be activated from the DL on Tuesday, but he isn’t likely to be ready. He will test the elbow by throwing off a mound on Sunday or Monday.
Posted on August 28, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
August 28th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 4TH - 73 points - 16 out of first Gained 0 points and 0 standings place since yesterday GOK! 89 / Cover Zero 84 / X 82.5 / AARR / SJ 66.5 / 10PK 60.5 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 216 .2801 813 791 123 72 4.39 1.431 806 45 2ND 4TH 2ND 5TH 2ND 4TH 5TH 10TH 7TH 6TH --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---- --- --- BOX SCORE FOR 08.27 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Prince Fielder Mil 1B 5 0 0 0 | 0 2 .277 Jeff Kent LAD 2B 5 0 1 1 | 0 2 .266 Chipper Jones Atl 3B 4 1 1 2 | 0 1 .324 Mike Jacobs Fla 1B 1 0 1 1 | 0 0 .273 Stephen Drew Ari SS 4 0 1 0 | 0 0 .319 Adam Dunn Cin OF 3 0 0 0 | 1 1 .244 Moises Alou SF OF 1 0 0 0 | 0 1 .290 Dave Roberts SD OF 4 0 1 0 | 0 0 .303 Carlos Quentin Ari OF 3 1 1 0 | 1 0 .237 Jason Bay Pit OF 4 0 0 0 | 0 0 .290 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 34 2 6 4 | 2 7 .176 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: JKent 1(59), CJones 2(72), MJacobs 1(66) 2B: JKent 1(19), MJacobs 1(35), CQuentin 1(7) HR: CJones 1(21) GIDP: DRoberts 1(3), JBay 1(12) ERRORS: CJones 1(17) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Chad Cordero 1.0 1 1 1 0 0 1 4 9.00 1.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 1.0 1 1 1 0 0 1 4 9.00 1.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 0 0 0 0 | 1 0 .249 Chris Iannetta Col C 4 0 1 1 | 0 1 .250 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 4 0 1 1 | 1 1 .250 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: CIannetta 1(1)
Posted on August 27, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
Reds manager Jerry Narron said he might hold Adam Dunn out of Tuesday’s game to rest up, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Dunn is 1-for-19 in his career against scheduled starter Brad Penny. “I told Dunner about a week ago he had one day off the rest of the year, and it’s going to be against Brad Penny,” Narron said.
After missing Saturday’s game, Armando Benitez said that he would “be ready to go” on Sunday, according to the Contra Costa Times. He was unavailable due to mild irritation in his throwing elbow, as well as a head cold. Benitez might have overdone it a bit in his dominant inning against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday. He’s considered day-to-day. Mike Stanton got the save in his place today.
Chad Cordero (ingrown toenail) claims he feels 100 percent better after having half of the toenail removed. Cordero, who was unavailable to pitch on Friday, was available on Saturday if the Nationals would have needed him.
Jeff Kent homered off Luis Vizcaino in the top of the ninth to break a tie and lead the Dodgers to a 4-3 win over the Diamondbacks on Saturday. Takashi Saito protected the lead in the bottom of the ninth for his 15th save. The Dodgers maintained their one-game lead over the Padres the NL West with the victory. The Diamondbacks are now four games back.
Clay Hensley worked seven innings and allowed just one run Saturday in a win over the Rockies. Hensley missed his previous start with a buttocks strain, though he did throw four scoreless innings of relief on Sunday. He has a 1.82 ERA in 29 2/3 innings this month.
Moises Alou isn’t expected back from his calf injury before Tuesday. “I feel better but not great,” he said. “I feel about the same as when I got hurt. I’m at the point where I feel I can play but I want to get to the point where I can play the rest of the year.” With that goal in mind, Alou is expected to announce Sunday that he won’t rejoin the starting lineup until the final day of the season.
Brad Lidge struck out all three batters he faced for a save in a 7-4 game Saturday against the Pirates. It looks like Lidge already has his job back, which is going to come as a major disappointment to those who rushed out to grab Dan Wheeler. The Astros won’t show much patience if he struggles again, but that he’s allowed just one hit, walked none and struck out eight over his last four innings is encouraging.
Doug Davis turned in his shortest start in two months when he gave up seven runs in 3 2/3 innings against the Marlins on Saturday. Davis had lasted at least five innings in 10 straight starts, though he didn’t have a great ERA in the process. He hasn’t been able to put together a lengthy run of quality starts at any point in 2006, mostly because his command has ranged from average to bad.
Chipper Jones went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer and two walks Saturday against the Nationals. The homer moved him past Chili Davis and into third place in homers by a switch-hitter at 351. Only Mickey Mantle (536) and Eddie Murray (504) have more.
Posted on August 27, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
August 27th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 4TH - 73 points - 16 out of first Gained 0 points and 0 standings place since yesterday GOK! 89 / Cover Zero 83 / X 82.5 / AARR / SJ 66 / 10PK 59.5 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 215 .2808 809 789 123 72 4.38 1.431 805 45 2ND 4TH 2ND 5TH 2ND 4TH 5TH 10TH 7TH 6TH --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---- --- --- BOX SCORE FOR 08.26 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Johnny Estrada Ari C 4 1 2 0 | 0 0 .309 Ronny Paulino Pit C 4 2 2 0 | 0 1 .314 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 1 0 0 0 | 0 1 .280 Jeff Kent LAD 2B 4 1 1 1 | 0 0 .267 Chipper Jones Atl 3B 3 2 2 2 | 2 0 .325 Jose Reyes NYM SS 5 2 2 0 | 0 0 .297 Mike Jacobs Fla 1B 3 1 1 1 | 1 1 .271 Stephen Drew Ari SS 1 1 1 0 | 0 0 .321 Adam Dunn Cin OF 4 0 0 0 | 0 1 .245 Dave Roberts SD OF 3 2 0 0 | 2 0 .303 Shane Victorino Phi OF 3 1 2 1 | 1 0 .279 Jason Bay Pit OF 4 0 0 0 | 0 2 .293 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 39 13 13 5 | 6 6 .333 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: JKent 1(58), CJones 2(70), MJacobs 1(65), SVictorino 1(36) 2B: JEstrada 1(25), JReyes 1(24) HR: JKent 1(12), CJones 1(20), MJacobs 1(17) GIDP: JEstrada 1(13) SB: DRoberts 1(38) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Doug Davis L(9-8) 3.7 8 7 7 2 0 3 20 17.03 2.70 Clay Hensley W(8-10) 7.0 7 1 1 2 0 5 28 1.29 1.29 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 10.7 15 8 8 4 0 8 48 6.73 1.78 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 2 0 0 0 | 0 1 .249 Ryan Spilborghs Col OF 4 0 0 0 | 0 0 .274 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 6 0 0 0 | 0 1 .000 --------------------------------------------------------- GIDP: RSpilborghs 1(6)
Posted on August 26, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
The D’Backs optioned Alberto Callaspo to Triple-A Tucson Friday. There was little point to calling up Callaspo in the first place if this was how he was going to be used. He made just two starts for the Diamondbacks, the last coming on Aug. 12. He was 4-for-15 with a double.
Stephen Drew will still be the starting shortstop even with Craig Counsell’s return from the DL, but manager Bob Mevin said Drew will get a few more days off so Counsell can play, according to the AP. Drew is currently hitting .314 with three homers and 17 RBI on the year.
Jeff DaVanon will get a second opinion on his sprained left ankle after it failed to improve as expected, according to the AP. DaVanon has been on the DL since Aug. 6. DaVanon isn’t going to return before rosters expand, and with Chris Young up for good, he might not have much of a role once he does come back.
Moises Alou specified that the pain in his leg was not so much in his hamstring, but more behind his knee between his calf and his hamstring, according to the Giants website. Alou, who hasn’t played since Sunday, hopes to be back in the lineup by Saturday.
Mark Mulder (shoulder) threw a side session Friday and reported no problems. He’s scheduled to start Tuesday against the Marlins, but is incredibly risky after giving up nine runs against the Mets Wednesday. Also, from Baseball Prospectus: If the Cardinals were hoping that Mark Mulder was going to provide a spark with his return, well, the only spark might have been one over the flammable pile that the Cards’ second half has become. Drilled. Hammered. Whatever word you want to use for getting soundly beaten applies to Mulder’s first start since late June. He gave up nine runs in three innings against an admittedly solid Mets attack. He had no command, a near-complete lack of control, and nothing resembling an out pitch. In fact, in the limited video I saw of Mulder, he looked like the same pitcher that went on the DL two months ago. That’s a very bad sign.
Rockies purchased the contract of catcher Chris Iannetta from Triple-A Colorado Springs. We’re not sure what the hurry was. Yorvit Torrealba continues to play very well and should enter 2007 as the Rockies’ starting catcher. Iannetta is the future behind the plate for the club, but he doesn’t deserve to start over Torrealba right now, even if he was hitting .336/.433/.567 in 307 at-bats between Double- and Triple-A this year. Two-catcher NL-only leaguers could pick him up and see what happens.
Jose Reyes jammed a finger stealing a base in the fifth inning of Friday’s game, but he was able to remain in against the Phillies. Reyes probably won’t miss a game with the injury, but if he does get a day off this weekend, this will be the reason.
Chad Cordero was held out of a save opportunity Friday against the Braves, allowing Saul Rivera to pick up his first career save. Rivera gave up two runs and three hits before finally finishing the ninth. Cordero, who had worked just once in five days, was unavailable because of an ingrown toenail. This qualifies as good news. Cordero shouldn’t need much time off to deal with this. Saul Rivera closed in his place on Friday.
Mike Jacobs drove in three runs with a pair of doubles to help the Marlins beat the Brewers 6-5 on Friday night. He entered the game with a .156 average this month. Jacobs sore right ankle may take him out of the lineup against certain left-handers, but he’s expected to finish out the season and let his stress reaction/fracture heal over the winter.
Posted on August 26, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
August 26th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 4TH - 73 points - 16.5 out of first Lost .5 points and 0 standings place since yesterday GOK! 89.5 / Cover Zero 83 / X 80.5 / AARR / SJ 65 / 10PK 59.5 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 212 .2804 804 776 122 71 4.36 1.428 797 45 2ND 4TH 2ND 5TH 2ND 4TH 5TH 10TH 7TH 6TH --- --- --- --- -.5 --- --- ---- --- --- BOX SCORE FOR 08.25 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Johnny Estrada Ari C 1 0 0 0 | 1 0 .307 Ronny Paulino Pit C 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .311 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 3 1 0 0 | 2 1 .280 Jeff Kent LAD 2B 6 0 2 0 | 0 1 .267 Chipper Jones Atl 3B 4 0 1 0 | 1 2 .322 Jose Reyes NYM SS 5 1 1 0 | 0 2 .296 Mike Jacobs Fla 1B 3 0 2 3 | 0 1 .271 Stephen Drew Ari SS 7 0 3 1 | 0 2 .317 Adam Dunn Cin OF 3 0 0 0 | 0 2 .247 Shane Victorino Phi OF 5 1 2 0 | 0 0 .274 Carlos Quentin Ari OF 6 1 1 1 | 0 1 .234 Jason Bay Pit OF 4 0 0 0 | 0 3 .295 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 48 4 12 5 | 4 15 .250 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: MJacobs 3(64), SDrew 1(17), CQuentin 1(19) 2B: JKent 1(18), MJacobs 2(34), CQuentin 1(6) 3B: SVictorino 1(5) SB: JReyes 1(54) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dan Wheeler Ho(21) 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 1 4 0.00 1.00 Chuck James 5.0 4 2 2 5 0 6 23 3.60 1.80 Aaron Harang L(13-9) 7.0 9 2 2 2 1 1 31 2.57 1.57 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 13.0 14 4 4 7 1 8 58 2.77 1.62 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .251 Ryan Spilborghs Col OF 3 1 2 3 | 1 0 .283 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 4 1 2 3 | 1 0 .500 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: RSpilborghs 3(17) SB: RSpilborghs 1(3) RESERVE PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Juan Cruz 0.7 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0.00 0.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 0.7 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0.00 0.00 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on August 25, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
Moises Alou took BP Thursday and was slated to do some running on the treadmill to test out his sore left calf, according to the AP. Alou missed his fourth straight game Thursday with the injury. He hopes to come back on Friday or Saturday.
Jason Bay collected three hits and an RBI as the Pirates defeated the Astros 5-3 on Thursday. Bay also added a stolen base, with the RBI being his 90th on the season. Every Pirate starter except Jose Bautista reached base at least once, with Chris Duffy adding two runs scored and a steal of his own. The win leaves the Pirates two games worse than the Devil Rays as both clubs chase the Royals for the league’s worst record.
Geoff Jenkins reached three times and scored three times Thursday in his second straight start in right field. Manager Ned Yost said he wanted his right-handed hitters available off the bench in the series against the Rockies, so Laynce Nix and Gabe Gross were in the lineup for all three games and Jenkins started twice. If Jenkins keeps seeing more action, it would be bad news for Corey Hart and Brady Clark.
Posted on August 25, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
August 25th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 4TH - 73.5 points - 15.5 out of first Gained .5 points and 0 standings place since yesterday GOK! 89 / X 83 / COVER ZERO 82 / AARR / SJ 65.5 / 10PK 59.5 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 212 .2806 799 772 121 71 4.38 1.426 789 45 2ND 4TH 2ND 5TH T-1 4TH 5TH 10TH 7TH 6TH --- --- --- --- +.5 --- --- ---- --- --- BOX SCORE FOR 08.24 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Ronny Paulino Pit C 4 0 2 1 | 0 1 .312 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 5 1 1 3 | 0 1 .282 Jose Reyes NYM SS 5 1 3 1 | 0 0 .297 Adam Dunn Cin OF 3 0 1 0 | 2 1 .249 Shane Victorino Phi OF 2 0 0 0 | 1 1 .272 Jason Bay Pit OF 4 1 3 1 | 0 0 .298 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 23 3 10 6 | 3 4 .435 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: RPaulino 1(41), PFielder 3(66), JReyes 1(66), JBay 1(90) 2B: JBay 1(25) HR: PFielder 1(23) GIDP: RPaulino 1(16) SB: JReyes 1(53), JBay 1(8) RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 2 3 1 0 | 1 0 .251 Ryan Spilborghs Col OF 4 0 1 0 | 0 2 .274 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 6 3 2 0 | 1 2 .333 --------------------------------------------------------- SB: RSpilborghs 1(2)
Posted on August 24, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
From Rotoworld:
Jason Bay homered and doubled to key the Pirates’ 5-4 win over Atlanta Wednesday. The Canadian slugger drove in a pair of runs, giving him 89 on the season, while lifting his BA to .294. Bay is now batting a robust .322 since the All-Star break.
Chipper Jones hit his 19th home run of the season Wednesday night. That’s 350 career jacks for Chipper, pulling him into a tie with Chili Davis for the third-highest total by a switch hitter. Now just Mickey Mantle, 536, and Eddie Murray with 504, stand ahead of Jones among switch-hitting home run hitters.
Jose Reyes was 3-for-4 with a three-run homer to help the Mets hang on and beat the Cards 10-8 on Wednesday. Breaking out of an 0-for-12 slump. Reyes scored two runs, drew a walk, and stole two more bases to help pad his MLB-leading swipe total. Reyes now has 15 homers, 65 RBI, a .294 BA and 52 steals.
Mark Mulder was pounded for nine runs in three-plus innings by the Mets tonight in his return from a sore shoulder. The Cardinals might as well have given the game away when they had Mulder replace Anthony Reyes even though he struggled mightily in his final rehab start. Fortunately, they’re an NL team, so they can afford to give games away. Mulder threw only 40 of his 78 pitches for strikes and fanned just one batter. He might bounce back from this, but he can’t be used in even the deepest formats right now.
Armando Benitez pitched a perfect ninth with a one-run lead against the Diamondbacks to earn a save on Wednesday. Benitez was frustrated to be pulled from last night’s game and he let it show today. With perhaps his best fastball of the season, he got a tapper back to the mound and a fly to center before striking out Luis Gonzalez to end the game. If he keeps throwing like he did today, he won’t blow more than one or two more saves over the rest of the year.
Roy Oswalt yielded two runs in six innings and struck out seven Wednesday to beat the Reds in his return from a bruised right wrist. The Astros were down 2-1 when Oswalt through his last pitch, but the club came up with six runs in the top of the seventh and won 7-3. Oswalt improved to 16-1 against Cincinnati in his career, with the lone loss coming earlier this season. Oswalt hadn’t pitched since taking a liner off his wrist in his start on Aug. 14.