Monthly ArchiveAugust 2006
Posted on August 16, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
X-rays were negative on the right wrist of Roy Oswalt, but manager Phil Garner was uncertain whether Oswalt would make his next scheduled start on Saturday, according to the AP. Oswalt was hit by Ronny Cedeno’s line drive in the seventh inning MOnday night. “He’s very sore and we’re in the ol’ day-to-day,” Garner said. “I don’t know now if he’s going to be able to make his next start. I’m hoping that he will.
The Braves optioned Scott Thorman to Triple-A Richmond prior to Tuesday’s game, according to the AP. He hit .255 with four homers and 11 RBI in 102 at-bats for the Braves. The move was made so Lance Cormier could start Tuesday’s game against Washington. As well as Matt Diaz is suddenly playing, the Braves felt Thorman was more expendable than Tony Pena Jr. Thorman was hitting .255/.290/.461 in 102 at-bats.
Jason Bay is sidelined with a tight left hamstring, according to the Beaver County Times. Bay was only available as a pinch-hitter in Tuesday’s game and isn’t expected back in the starting lineup until Friday. Bay is missing a second staight start with tightness in his left hamstring. Because of the off day Thursday, he’s unlikely to play tomorrow even if he’s feeling better.
Mike Jacobs is hitting .140 (7-for-50) this month after going hitless in four at-bats on Tuesday. Jacobs hit .361 in June and .337 in July, but the decline in his plate disclipline seems to have caught up with him now. By month, he’s posted walk totals of 12, 13, 5 and 2. He’s drawn just one base on balls so far in August. The Marlins are unlikely to bench him against right-handers because of his recent struggles, but he should sit versus lefties until his play picks up.
Armando Benitez protected a one-run lead against the Padres for a second straight night to earn his 15th save on Tuesday. Benitez was shaky on Monday, but he needed just nine pitches to retire the side in order tonight. He’s worked four scoreless innings during August, increasing his margin for error.
Aaron Harang surrendered five runs and eight hits in five innings Tuesday in a loss to the Cardinals. Harang beat the Cardinals the first two times he faced them this season, but he’s struggled while allowed 10 earned runs in 11 innings against them his last two times out. The schedule gets easier with the Pirates and Giants up next, so mixed leaguers can keep him active.
Doug Davis was effective for seven innings as the Brewers won their fifth straight game with him on the mound. He scattered nine hits but gave up just three runs, while striking out six without a walk to earn his fourth straight win and ninth of the year. Milwaukee seems to win when Davis pitches, but this is his first quality since July 14.
Francisco Cordero survived a bases-loaded scare, but managed to close out the Brewers’ win Tuesday. Cordero bailed himself out of the jam by inducing an inning-ending double play. He has now closed the door successfully seven times in seven tries since arriving from Texas and has established himself at the main man in Milwaukee.
Former Roadrunner Tom Gorzelanny threw his fourth straight solid start on Tuesday. He gave up just six hits and two runs — one earned — in seven innings with five strikeouts and no walks but did not factor into the decision. The rookie southpaw has pitched at least six innings and surrendered two runs or less in each of his last four starts dating back to July 23. Over that time, he’s lowered his ERA from an ugly 9.26 to a fine 3.74.
Shane Victorino hit a solo homer and two-run triple to help the Phillies down the Mets 11-4 Tuesday. He also homered and doubled on Monday and looks like an excellent pickup for NL-only leagues on the chance he’s still available.
Jose Reyes accounted for all the Mets’ offense Tuesday, hitting three home runs for the first time in his career. Reyes hit two solo jacks against Phillies starter Randy Wolf and then a two-run blast into the upper deck against reliever Brian Sanches. The switch-hitting Reyes is the eighth Met to homer from both sides of the plate and seventh member in team history to smoke three dingers in one game. His first home run came on Wolf’s first pitch of the game, marking Reyes’ fifth long ball to lead a game off this season, tying the Mets’ single-season record set by Kaz Matsui in 2004.
Posted on August 16, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
August 16th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 4TH - 73.5 points - 12 out of first Gained 0 points and 0 standings place since yesterday GOK! 85.5 / COVER ZERO 82.5 / X 82 / AARR / SJ 65 / 10PK 61.5 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 200 .2804 732 719 113 66 4.43 1.437 734 40 2ND 4TH 3RD 4TH 1ST T-3 6TH 10TH 7TH 6TH --- --- --- --- --- +.5 - 1 ---- --- +.5 BOX SCORE FOR 08.15 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Johnny Estrada Ari C 6 0 1 0 | 1 1 .301 Ronny Paulino Pit C 4 0 2 0 | 0 1 .314 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 5 1 2 0 | 0 2 .283 Jeff Kent LAD 2B 4 0 1 1 | 0 1 .259 Chipper Jones Atl 3B 3 0 0 0 | 0 0 .335 Jose Reyes NYM SS 3 3 3 4 | 1 0 .299 Mike Jacobs Fla 1B 4 0 0 0 | 0 0 .270 Stephen Drew Ari SS 7 1 1 0 | 0 3 .330 Adam Dunn Cin OF 3 0 1 0 | 0 0 .252 Moises Alou SF OF 4 0 0 1 | 0 1 .283 Dave Roberts SD OF 4 0 1 1 | 0 1 .307 Shane Victorino Phi OF 4 1 2 3 | 1 1 .269 Carlos Quentin Ari OF 6 0 0 0 | 1 2 .250 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 57 6 14 10 | 4 13 .246 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: JKent 1(49), JReyes 4(59), MAlou 1(49), DRoberts 1(31), SVictorino 3(30) 3B: SVictorino 1(4) HR: JReyes 3(14), SVictorino 1(6) GIDP: JEstrada 1(12), SVictorino 1(4) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Doug Davis W(9-6) 7.0 9 3 3 0 0 6 27 3.86 1.29 Armando Benitez S(15) 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0.00 0.00 Francisco Cordero S(13) 1.0 2 0 0 1 0 1 5 0.00 3.00 Aaron Harang L(12-8) 5.0 8 5 5 2 0 4 26 9.00 2.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 14.0 19 8 8 3 0 12 61 5.14 1.57 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Khalil Greene SD SS 4 0 1 0 | 0 0 .252 Alberto Callaspo Ari 2B 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .333 Ryan Spilborghs Col OF 8 0 1 0 | 0 2 .286 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 13 0 2 0 | 0 2 .154 --------------------------------------------------------- GIDP: RSpilborghs 1(5) CS: RSpilborghs 1(2) RESERVE PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dan Wheeler Ho(20) 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0.00 0.00 Juan Cruz 1.0 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 0.00 1.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 2.0 0 0 0 1 0 0 7 0.00 0.50 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on August 15, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Transaction Analysis
The Atomic Roadrunners made two trades this week in hopes of advancing in the standings, or at worst case, hanging on to 4th position.
In the first trade, AaRr acquired Jason Bay, Roy Oswalt, and Mike Jacobs. Stanimals received Adrian Gonzalez, Tom Gorzelanny, and Ryan Langerhans. Since the trade was 1B-OF-P for both, we can do a simple comparison.
First basemen first. Adrian Gonzalez has exploded onto the scene, finally showing the talent with the bat (in a pitchers’ park, no less) that made him the No. 1 overall pick by the Marlins in the 2000 draft. Always a whiz with the glove, Gonzalez was shrewdly drafted by the Roadrunners in the 2006 draft as a draft-and-follow, as he was blocked by Klesko, and the Roadrunners had both Prince Fielder and Ryan Zimmerman to promote to the starting positions. Initially Prince Fielder was under discussion by Stanimals, but apparently Gonzalez’s lower salary won out. Jacobs isn’t the bargain that Gonzalez is, but he’s a solid $16 young first basemen, who bats about 20 points lower than Gonzalez, with a little less power thus far (though Jacobs is projected for more than he’s displaying this season). While the players are comparable in age and performance, Gonzalez gets the nod. ADVANTAGE: Stanimals
In the pitching department, Tom Gorzelanny was a 7th-round minor league selection, and had received his call-up with the demotion of the Pirates Oliver Perez. Gorzelanny put in two excellent outings, three decent ones, and also four mediocre ones - basically your average talented pitching prospect - inconsistent. Oswalt, however, is an ace, and has the ace price tag of $32. A likely protection, the Roadrunners look set for 2007 in the starting pitching department, and Oswalt makes a nice combination with Brandon Webb. The goal here was to make a talented and inconsistent young starter - free talent, essentially - with an elite starter that can assist in the long run as well as the short term. ADVANTAGE: Roadrunners
Lastly we have the outfield battle - seven weeks of Jason Bay - he’s a WBRL free agent in the offseason, for the throw-in of Braves 4th outfielder Ryan Langerhans. I was discussing with Derek Levesque last night that the world is full of two types of people - those that think Langerhans is still good and is a “prospect” with a starting job, and the other group has actually looked at the stats and realized that Langerhans is batting under .250 with inconsistent power and is in a three-way platoon with Matt Diaz and Scott Thorman. Levesque is obviously one of the latter group, as he released him in early July. The Roadrunners picked him up on a flyer to see if he could turn it around - more free talent - and basically found a member of the first group to trade him to. For Jason Bay. ADVANTAGE: Roadrunners
Overall - While the Roadrunners lose upper echelon protection Adrian Gonzalez, and Tom Gorzelanny was likely to be protected as well, Jacobs is a solid protection, and Oswalt is another No. 1 starter for now and one more year. More salary, more impact. Let’s hope.
The second trade was with Maxell 10-Pack. AaRr sent pitcher Aaron Cook and super-utility guy Rich Aurilia to the 10-Pack in exchange for Reds starter Aaron Harang and a 2007 7th-round minor league draft pick. While Cook has been solid, he strikes out very few batters, which is fine, except when you’re trying to gain strikeout points. Which is where Harang comes in. Currently a 12-game winner on a wild-card contender, Harang will likely have more impact than Cook.
Losing Aurilia is a challenge, and not because he’s $1. Aurilia is a free agent after the season, but he’s a very versatile player - filling in at 3B, 2B, and 1B during the season, and he’s been stellar. The Roadrunners didn’t really want to give him up, but with the recent promotions of Stephen Drew and Carlos Quentin, perhaps the team can withstand the loss of his bat.
To balance the 2-for-1 Harang deal, the Roadrunners picked up Rockies free agent OF Ryan Spilborghs, who is supposed to receive an extended trial in center field for the remainder of the season. If he shows anything, he could be worth $5 as a starter in Coors next season.
It ought to be an exciting finish!
Posted on August 15, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
Roy Oswalt was listed as day-to-day after taking a liner off his right wrist in the seventh inning of his start on Monday night. Oswalt finished the inning before leaving. He likely would have been done even if not for the injury. “He’s going to be a little sore,” manager Phil Garner said. “But right now, we’re thinking he’s going to be able to make his next start.”
Chipper Jones finished 4-for-5 with three homers and five RBI in the Braves’ 10-4 rout of the Nationals on Monday night. Making up for lost time. Jones has 10 homers and 26 RBI in 18 games since the beginning of July. It was his first career three-homer game and first by a Brave since Andruw Jones hit three on Sept. 25, 2002.
Chuck James surrendered three runs — two earned — in seven innings Monday in a win over the Nationals. James also pitched well last time out, but he had been 0-3 in his last four starts. He’s 5-3 with a 4.45 ERA on the season, and he’s worth using in NL-only leagues against all but the toughest of opponents.
Khalil Greene is in the starting lineup for Monday’s game against the Giants. Greene left Sunday’s game with a left hand contusion.
Jason Bay is out of the starting lineup on Monday night due to tightness in his left hamstring. Bay had not missed a start since Sept. 4, 2004 — a streak of 307 consecutive games. He might make an appearance off the bench tonight to keep his games played streak alive, and he should be in the starting lineup in a day or two.
Stephen Drew, still troubled by a sore hand, missed Monday’s game against the Rockies.It was the second time in three days that he was held out of the lineup. Damion Easley replaced him. Drew is expected to return to the starting lineup on Tuesday.
Armando Benitez picked up his first save since July 22 by pitching a scoreless ninth in a one-run game Monday against the Padres. Benitez did allow a single and a walk before finishing the game with a strikeout of Geoff Blum. He doesn’t have a lot of security in the moment, but he has been effective so far in three innings this month.
Clay Hensley took a loss despite allowing only an unearned run over seven innings against the Giants on Monday. Hensley has lost eight times as a starter, with the Padres totaling 15 runs in those games. Overall, he has a 4.19 ERA in 22 starts and seven relief appearances.
Posted on August 15, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
August 15th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 4TH - 73.5 points - 13.5 out of first Gained 1 points and 0 standings place since yesterday GOK! 87 / COVER ZERO 84 / X 80 / AARR / SJ 67.5 / 10PK 60.5 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 196 .2808 722 713 113 65 4.42 1.435 722 38 2ND 4TH 3RD 4TH 1ST 4TH 5TH 10TH 7TH 7TH --- --- --- --- --- --- + 1 ---- --- --- BOX SCORE FOR 08.14 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Ronny Paulino Pit C 4 0 1 0 | 0 0 .311 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 4 0 1 0 | 0 1 .282 Jeff Kent LAD 2B 3 0 0 0 | 1 1 .260 Jose Reyes NYM SS 4 0 1 0 | 0 1 .294 Adrian Gonzalez SD 1B 4 0 2 0 | 0 0 .302 Khalil Greene SD SS 3 0 0 0 | 1 2 .252 Dave Roberts SD OF 4 0 1 0 | 0 0 .308 Shane Victorino Phi OF 5 2 2 2 | 0 0 .265 Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .253 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 32 2 8 2 | 2 5 .250 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: SVictorino 2(27) 2B: AGonzalez 1(27), SVictorino 1(13) HR: SVictorino 1(5) GIDP: SVictorino 1(3) ERRORS: PFielder 1(8), AGonzalez 1(4) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Clay Hensley L(7-10) 7.0 4 1 0 2 0 2 29 0.00 0.86 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 7.0 4 1 0 2 0 2 29 0.00 0.86 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Carlos Quentin Ari OF 4 0 0 0 | 0 1 .278 Chipper Jones Atl 3B 5 3 4 5 | 0 0 .339 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 9 3 4 5 | 0 1 .444 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: CJones 5(65) HR: CJones 3(18) GIDP: CQuentin 1(3) RESERVE PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Armando Benitez S(14) 1.0 1 0 0 1 0 1 5 0.00 2.00 Chuck James W(5-3) 7.0 8 3 2 2 1 5 30 2.57 1.43 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 8.0 9 3 2 3 1 6 35 2.25 1.50 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on August 14, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
Khalil Greene left Sunday’s game after being hit in the left hand by a pitch Houston’s Brandon Backe in the fifth inning. After exiting the game, Khalil Greene had X-rays taken, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. They came back negative. It’s not clear when he will play again, though it appears unlikely he’ll be in the lineup tonight. He had just returned from a sprained left middle finger on Friday.
As expected, the Braves activated Chipper Jones from the DL Sunday, according to the AP. Jones has been out since July 28 with a strained left oblique muscle injury. Jones takes the roster spot of Willy Aybar, who was placed on the DL with a broken hand. “I feel better,” Jones said Sunday. “I’m not going to say I don’t feel it when I swing and miss. It’s not excruciating.” Jones only took swings from the left side on his rehab assignment, so it remains to be seen how he’ll hold up against left-handed pitching. “That remains a mystery,” he said.
Stephen Drew returned to action on Sunday and went 2-for-4 with a homer against the Marlins. Drew missed Saturday’s game becauseof a sore right hand.
Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin indicated Sunday that he’s ready to play Carlos Quentin regularly in right field. “He wouldn’t be here if we didn’t think he was ready to be a right fielder,” Melvin said. “We felt like he was ready last year. Everything that he’s shown would suggest he’s ready to play.” There’s not going to be many at-bats available for Shawn Green with Quentin playing regularly. He’ll start at first on occasion, but he might not have much fantasy value unless he gets traded. Quentin, on the other hand, should become an asset in mixed leagues.
Jason Bay took Jason Marquis deep Sunday for his first homer at PNC Park since June 18. Bay hadn’t homered in any stadium since July 26. He has 25 homers on the season.
The Cardinals have confirmed that Mark Mulder will make a third rehab start rather than be activated from the disabled list. Mulder didn’t have a great outing on Friday. He touched 90 on the radar gun, but his control remains an issue. He should make one more rehab start this week and return to the Cardinals’ rotation by next Sunday or Monday.
Posted on August 14, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
August 14th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 4TH - 72.5 points - 14.5 out of first Lost .5 points and 0 standings place since yesterday GOK! 87 / COVER ZERO 83.5 / X 80 / AARR / SJ 69 / 10PK 62.5 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 195 .2810 720 711 113 65 4.45 1.439 720 38 2ND 4TH 3RD 4TH 1ST 4TH 6TH 10TH 7TH 7TH --- - 1 --- --- --- --- --- ---- --- --- BOX SCORE FOR 08.13 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Johnny Estrada Ari C 1 0 0 0 | 0 1 .303 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 5 0 0 0 | 0 1 .282 Jeff Kent LAD 2B 4 0 1 0 | 0 0 .263 Rich Aurilia Cin 2B 4 1 1 1 | 0 0 .280 Jose Reyes NYM SS 4 0 0 0 | 0 0 .295 Adrian Gonzalez SD 1B 4 1 2 0 | 1 1 .300 Khalil Greene SD SS 1 1 0 0 | 0 1 .254 Adam Dunn Cin OF 5 1 1 1 | 0 1 .251 Moises Alou SF OF 4 0 0 0 | 0 0 .288 Dave Roberts SD OF 5 1 2 1 | 0 0 .309 Shane Victorino Phi OF 2 1 0 0 | 1 0 .262 Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .254 Stephen Drew Ari SS 4 1 2 1 | 0 0 .344 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 44 7 9 4 | 2 5 .205 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: RAurilia 1(45), ADunn 1(81), DRoberts 1(30), SDrew 1(12) 2B: AGonzalez 1(26), DRoberts 1(15) HR: RAurilia 1(16), ADunn 1(35), SDrew 1(3) GIDP: PFielder 1(14), SVictorino 1(2) SB: DRoberts 1(35) ERRORS: ADunn 1(11) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Juan Cruz 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Carlos Quentin Ari OF 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .300 Chipper Jones Atl 3B 2 1 0 1 | 1 0 .331 Scott Thorman Atl 3B 1 0 1 0 | 0 0 .255 Alberto Callaspo Ari 2B 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .364 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 5 1 1 1 | 1 0 .200 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: CJones 1(60) RESERVE PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Matt Wise L(5-6) 0.7 3 3 0 0 0 1 6 0.00 4.29 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 0.7 3 3 0 0 0 1 6 0.00 4.29 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on August 13, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
As expected, the Braves activated Chipper Jones from the DL Sunday, according to the AP. Jones has been out since July 28 with a strained left oblique muscle injury. Jones takes the roster spot of Willy Aybar, who was placed on the DL with a broken hand. “I feel better,” Jones said Sunday. “I’m not going to say I don’t feel it when I swing and miss. It’s not excruciating.” Jones only took swings from the left side on his rehab assignment, so it remains to be seen how he’ll hold up against left-handed pitching. “That remains a mystery,” he said.
Mark Mulder will need at least one more rehab start before returning to the Cardinals rotation, according to the official team website. Mulder appeared healthy during his last outing, but his armslot was off. “He’s not in condition to pitch. He’s still conditioning,” manager Tony La Russa said. “Bringing him to the big leagues in the middle of a pennant race, it’s not a fair challenge. Mulder didn’t have a great outing on Friday. He touched 90 on the radar gun, but his control remains an issue. He should make one more rehab start this week and return to the Cardinals’ rotation by next Sunday or Monday.Stephen Drew didn’t play Saturday because of a sore right hand. Alberto Callaspo filled in very well in his first career start, finishing 3-for-4. Drew is expected back on Sunday.
About five hours after Brad Penny became the first, Brandon Webb estalished himself as the NL’s second 13-game winner by allowing three runs — two earned — in five innings against the Marlins on Saturday night. Webb, who missed his previous turn with a sore elbow, wasn’t at his best while giving up seven hits and walking two. However, he never did surrender more than one run in an inning, and his offense was able to put together a six-run fourth against Marlins starter Scott Olsen. Brandon Medders, Luis Vizcaino, Brandon Lyon and Jorge Julio each followed with scoreless innings in the 6-3 victory. Webb will make his next start at Coors Field, but he’s fine to keep active in fantasy leagues.
Carlos Quentin had a three-run triple off Scott Olsen to help the Diamondbacks beat the Marlins on Saturday night. Quentin has 17 RBI in 49 at-bats since being called up on July 20. Over the same span, Shawn Green has seven RBI in 70 at-bats. It’s time for the Diamondbacks to give Quentin a chance to play regularly. Green isn’t hopeless, but the last four years say he’s average at best. Quentin already seems to be something more than that.
John Maine had his scoreless streak halted after 26 innings and ended up allowing four runs in 5 1/3 innings Saturday against the Nationals. Dan Johnson hit a long homer in the fourth to end Maine’s streak, and Alfonso Soriano later contributed a two-run shot. Maine was pulled with a 4-3 lead, a man on second and one out in the sixth. Pedro Feliciano allowed the inherited run to score, only to get credited with the win after the Mets scored twice in the top of the seventh. Even though the streak is over, Maine should be fine to keep using in NL-only leagues for now.
Posted on August 13, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
August 13th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 4TH - 73.5 points - 14 out of first Gained .5 points and 0 standings place since yesterday GOK! 87.5 / COVER ZERO 83.5 / X 78 / AARR / SJ 68 / 10PK 61.5 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 192 .2817 716 704 112 65 4.45 1.439 719 38 2ND 3RD 3RD 4TH 1ST 4TH 6TH 10TH 7TH T-6 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---- --- +.5 BOX SCORE FOR 08.12 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Johnny Estrada Ari C 4 0 0 0 | 0 1 .304 Ronny Paulino Pit C 4 0 0 0 | 0 0 .312 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 3 2 2 1 | 2 0 .285 Jose Reyes NYM SS 4 1 1 1 | 1 0 .297 Adrian Gonzalez SD 1B 5 0 1 0 | 0 4 .299 Khalil Greene SD SS 4 0 0 0 | 0 1 .254 Adam Dunn Cin OF 4 1 0 0 | 1 1 .252 Moises Alou SF OF 4 0 2 2 | 0 0 .293 Dave Roberts SD OF 5 2 3 0 | 0 0 .307 Shane Victorino Phi OF 2 0 0 0 | 0 0 .264 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 39 6 9 4 | 4 7 .231 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: PFielder 1(59), JReyes 1(55), MAlou 2(48) 3B: JReyes 1(15) HR: PFielder 1(22) GIDP: JEstrada 1(11) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Brandon Webb W(13-4) 5.0 7 3 2 2 0 4 24 3.60 1.80 John Maine 5.3 4 4 4 1 0 6 21 6.79 0.94 Francisco Cordero S(12) 1.3 1 0 0 3 0 3 8 0.00 3.08 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 11.6 12 7 6 6 0 13 53 4.66 1.55 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Carlos Quentin Ari OF 4 0 1 3 | 0 1 .306 Scott Thorman Atl 3B 4 1 1 0 | 0 0 .248 Ryan Langerhans Atl OF 1 1 1 0 | 0 0 .244 Alberto Callaspo Ari 2B 4 1 3 0 | 0 0 .400 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 13 3 6 3 | 0 1 .462 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: CQuentin 3(17) 2B: RLangerhans 1(12) 3B: CQuentin 1(1) CS: ACallaspo 1(1)
Posted on August 12, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
Khalil Greene was back in the starting lineup for the Padres on Friday night after missing six games with a sprained middle finger. He was inserted into the lineup after taking batting practice and telling manager Bruce Bochy that the finger was fine, but he was 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in the game. Greene ws still bothered by the injury as late as yesterday, so it’s likely he’s not quite 100 percent yet. You may have better options than activating him right away.
Chipper Jones played third base and was 0-for-4 in the first game of his rehab assignment with Double-A Mississippi. Jones is eligible to come off the DL on Sunday. He’s scheduled to play one last minor league rehab game Saturday before rejoining the team. His return will push Willy Aybar into a bench role.
Mark Mulder made his second minor league rehab start on Friday, this time with Triple-A Memphis. Mulder filled out the boxscore with fours, as he allowed four earned runs on four hits and four walks in four innings. He had two (not four!) strikeouts. A decision will be made on Saturday as to whether Mulder will return to the Cardinals next week or make another minor league rehab start.
Brewers manager Ned Yost said Friday that he was benching Geoff Jenkins, probably for the remainder of the season. Yost said that he would begin giving Gabe Gross and Corey Hart more playing time at the expense of Jenkings. “We’ve got six weeks left in the season,” Yost said. “We need to find out where we’re at. Neither one of those guys has had extended playing time this year.” Jenkings is hitting .254 with a pitiful .393 slugging percentage this season. Benching Jenkins against both righties and lefties suggests Yost hasn’t bothered to look at any numbers, because Jenkins is actually one of the team’s best hitters against righties. Yost admitted that the decision was difficult because of Jenkins’ long tenure as a productive player for Milwaukee. We’re entirely in favor of getting Gross and Hart more at-bats, but Jenkins shouldn’t be benched against right-handers. For all of his struggles this year, he still has an 802 OPS versus righties. Kevin Mench is at 724 and is the weaker defensive outfielder. Center fielder Brady Clark is at 692. Jenkins has always been streaky and probably has one more good run in him this season.
Juan Cruz will be moved to the bullpen to make room for Livan Hernandez in the starting rotation. “It’s not tough for me,” Cruz said. “It’s still the same. You have to do your job anyway you go.”
Aaron Cook scattered 10 hits while holding the Cubs to two runs in eight innings in a win on Friday night. Cook, who has been plagued by poor run support all year long, won for just the second time in eight starts. He’s 8-10 with a 3.87 ERA.
Diamondbacks placed outfielder Jeff DaVanon on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Aug. 6, with a sprained left ankle. DaVanon was supposed to be ready to play on Wednesday after hurting his ankle Saturday, but the Diamondbacks decided he was at least a few more days away. This could mean that Carlos Quentin will get a start or two in center field.
Posted on August 12, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
August 12th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 4TH - 73 points - 14.5 out of first Gained 0 points and 0 standings place since yesterday GOK! 87.5 / COVER ZERO 84 / X 77.5 / AARR / SJ 68.5 / 10PK 63 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 191 .2821 712 698 112 64 4.45 1.438 706 37 2ND 3RD 3RD 4TH 1ST 4TH 6TH 10TH 7TH 7TH --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---- --- --- BOX SCORE FOR 08.11 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Johnny Estrada Ari C 4 0 1 0 | 0 1 .308 Ronny Paulino Pit C 4 1 2 2 | 0 0 .316 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 4 0 0 0 | 0 0 .283 Jeff Kent LAD 2B 3 1 1 1 | 1 1 .263 Rich Aurilia Cin 2B 2 0 1 0 | 0 0 .281 Jose Reyes NYM SS 4 0 2 0 | 0 0 .298 Adrian Gonzalez SD 1B 4 0 0 0 | 0 2 .300 Khalil Greene SD SS 3 0 0 0 | 0 2 .257 Adam Dunn Cin OF 6 0 0 0 | 0 3 .254 Moises Alou SF OF 4 0 0 0 | 0 0 .289 Dave Roberts SD OF 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .303 Shane Victorino Phi OF 3 1 1 1 | 0 1 .267 Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 0 0 0 1 | 0 0 .254 Stephen Drew Ari SS 3 0 1 0 | 0 1 .337 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 45 3 9 5 | 1 11 .200 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: RPaulino 2(38), JKent 1(48), SVictorino 1(25), GJenkins 1(58) 2B: JReyes 1(23) HR: JKent 1(11) GIDP: RPaulino 1(14), AGonzalez 1(19) SB: JReyes 1(49) CS: JReyes 1(12) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dan Wheeler Ho(19) 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0.00 0.00 Aaron Cook W(8-10) 8.0 10 2 2 1 0 1 34 2.25 1.38 Chad Cordero S(21) 1.0 0 0 0 1 0 0 5 0.00 1.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 10.0 10 2 2 2 0 2 42 1.80 1.20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Carlos Quentin Ari OF 2 0 0 0 | 1 0 .311 Scott Thorman Atl 3B 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .247 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 3 0 0 0 | 1 0 .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 August 11, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
Khalil Greene wasn’t in the lineup for the sixth straight game on Thursday because of a sprained left middle finger, according to the Padres website. “We are concerned now with Greeney,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “We definitely thought he would be ready to go in the series. He’s not. He’s not responding as well as he was the first day that he hurt it. He made so much progress, that is why there was optimism he’d be ready in New York. We’re going to have him looked at in Houston by a hand specialist.
Doug Davis improved to 3-0 in his last four starts by allowing four runs over seven innings Thursday against the Cubs. His ERA is actually higher than when the streak started, as he hasn’t had technically turned in a quality start in any of the three wins. Since the All-Star break, he has a 5.25 ERA in six starts. He saved today’s outing with strikeouts of Phil Nevin and Jacque Jones while in a bases-loaded jam in the third inning.
Jose Reyes went 2-for-5 with a two-run triple Tuesday in the win over the Padres. He also scored twice. Reyes’ 14 triples and 48 stolen bases lead the majors and his 94 runs scored are second only to Chase Utley, who has 95.
Posted on August 11, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
August 11th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 4TH - 73 points - 14.5 out of first Gained 2 points and 0 standings place since yesterday GOK! 87.5 / COVER ZERO 83.5 / X 77 / AARR / SJ 68 / 10PK 63.5 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 190 .2829 707 695 111 63 4.48 1.441 704 36 2ND 3RD 3RD 4TH 1ST 4TH 6TH 10TH 7TH 7TH --- --- --- + 1 --- --- --- ---- + 1 --- BOX SCORE FOR 08.10 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Ronny Paulino Pit C 4 0 1 1 | 0 1 .314 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 1 3 0 0 | 3 1 .285 Jeff Kent LAD 2B 4 0 0 0 | 0 2 .262 Jose Reyes NYM SS 5 2 2 2 | 0 0 .296 Adrian Gonzalez SD 1B 4 1 1 2 | 0 1 .303 Adam Dunn Cin OF 4 0 2 0 | 0 2 .258 Dave Roberts SD OF 4 0 1 0 | 0 2 .304 Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .254 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 27 6 7 5 | 3 9 .259 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: RPaulino 1(36), JReyes 2(54), AGonzalez 2(60) 3B: JReyes 1(14) HR: AGonzalez 1(20) ERRORS: JKent 1(3) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Doug Davis W(8-6) 7.0 8 4 4 3 0 8 32 5.14 1.57 Dan Wheeler 0.7 2 0 0 0 0 2 4 0.00 2.86 Tom Gorzelanny L(2-3) 6.0 5 2 2 5 0 6 27 3.00 1.67 Francisco Cordero S(11) 1.0 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 0.00 1.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 14.7 15 6 6 9 0 16 67 3.67 1.63 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on August 10, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
Khalil Greene (sprained finger) took batting practice on Wednesday but he thinks it is doubtful he will return to the lineup on Thursday. Greene’s finger is still swollen and he is unable to hold the bat properly. He is very close to returning and might be used as a pinch hitter if he doesn’t start on Thursday.
A gastrointestinal specialist believes that Johnny Estrada may have an ulcer which have bothered him for the past month. Estrada won’t know for sure until the doctor looks into his stomach with a scope, which is expected to happen on Friday. He will continue to take medicine for the condition and should miss occasional games when the issue flares up. Estrada returned to the starting lineup on Wednesday and went 0-for-4 against the Giants. “The only way to tell for sure is for them to stick the scope down there and take a look (with an endoscopy), so I’ll have to have that done,” he said. “I’m not going to do it (today), though. It’s an off day and I’m going to spend it with my family. If it truly is an ulcer, it’s probably stress related, so maybe a day with my family will make it go away.”
Chuck James pitched six innings and allowed one run Wednesday in a no-decision against the Phillies. James struck out six before leaving with a 3-1 lead. Unfortunately, four Braves relievers combined to give up eight runs in the seventh, preventing James from winning for the first time since July 16. James will get Washington and Florida next week, so he’ll have to be active in NL-only leagues. Mixed leaguers could consider picking him up for the week.
Posted on August 10, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
August 10th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 4TH - 71 points - 16.5 out of first Lost 1 points and 0 standings place since yesterday GOK! 87.5 / COVER ZERO 83 / X 77 / AARR / SJ 68 / 10PK 64.5 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 189 .2830 702 689 111 62 4.49 1.438 688 35 2ND 3RD 3RD 5TH 1ST 4TH 6TH 10TH 8TH 7TH --- --- --- --- --- --- --- - 1 --- --- BOX SCORE FOR 08.09 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Johnny Estrada Ari C 4 0 0 0 | 0 0 .309 Ronny Paulino Pit C 3 0 1 0 | 0 1 .315 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 3 2 1 0 | 1 0 .286 Jeff Kent LAD 2B 4 0 1 0 | 0 0 .266 Rich Aurilia Cin 2B 0 0 0 0 | 1 0 .279 Jose Reyes NYM SS 5 1 2 1 | 0 1 .295 Adrian Gonzalez SD 1B 3 0 0 0 | 1 1 .303 Adam Dunn Cin OF 3 1 1 2 | 0 1 .256 Moises Alou SF OF 4 1 1 0 | 0 0 .294 Dave Roberts SD OF 3 0 0 0 | 1 0 .305 Shane Victorino Phi OF 5 1 1 1 | 1 2 .266 Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 4 0 2 2 | 0 1 .255 Stephen Drew Ari SS 4 0 1 1 | 0 1 .337 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 45 6 11 7 | 5 8 .244 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: JReyes 1(52), ADunn 2(80), SVictorino 1(24), GJenkins 2(57), SDrew 1(11) 2B: PFielder 1(25), JReyes 1(22), MAlou 1(12) 3B: SDrew 1(4) HR: ADunn 1(34) GIDP: MAlou 2(14) SB: JReyes 1(48) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Clay Hensley L(7-9) 6.0 9 4 4 4 2 6 30 6.00 2.17 Chad Cordero S(20) 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 2 4 0.00 1.00 Francisco Cordero S(10) 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0.00 0.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 8.0 10 4 4 4 2 9 37 4.50 1.75 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Carlos Quentin Ari OF 3 1 1 0 | 1 0 .326 Scott Thorman Atl 3B 4 0 1 0 | 0 2 .250 Ryan Langerhans Atl OF 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .241 Alberto Callaspo Ari 2B 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .167 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 9 1 2 0 | 1 2 .222 --------------------------------------------------------- 2B: CQuentin 1(5), SThorman 1(9) RESERVE PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Armando Benitez 0.3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0.00 0.00 Chuck James 6.0 5 1 1 0 0 6 24 1.50 0.83 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 6.3 5 1 1 0 0 6 25 1.43 0.79 ----------------------------------------------------------------------