Monthly ArchiveSeptember 2006
Posted on September 23, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
Derek Lowe shut out the Diamondbacks for seven innings to win on Friday night. Joe Beimel and Takashi Saito finished the 2-0 shutout. It was a scoreless game until the bottom of the seventh, when J.D. Drew homered and Marlon Anderson doubled in Russell Martin. All three teams won tonight, so the Dodgers remain one-half game behind the Padres in the NL West and one-half game ahead of the Phillies in the wild card.
Dave Roberts got the night off Friday with a lefty on the mound for the Pirates. Roberts tripled on Thursday to tie Tony Gwynn’s club record of 13 in one season, so he’ll be looking to break that mark this week.
With the Mets clinching the NL East, Jose Reyes is getting some rest. Friday, Reyes sat for the second time in four days and there’s more off days coming for the shortstop. Reyes said he’s not happy sitting, but understands that the team needs its starters healthy for the playoffs. Expect Reyes to miss a couple more games next week.
With his five-inning outing Friday, Doug Davis now has 197 1/3 innings pitched this season. He has one start left and with Dave Bush and Chris Capuano already there, Davis has a chance to give the Brewers three starters with at least 200 innings pitched. The last time Milwaukee achieved that was in 1993 when Cal Eldred, Jaime Navarro and Ricky Bones all topped the mark.
Chipper Jones, out the past two games because of a sore right toe, is having problems with bunions. The bunions are creating chronic foot problems for the 34-year-old. Bunion-removal surgery is not an option because of the possible complications, so it looks like Jones will just have to grin and bear it. But that could also mean plenty more of what we saw this season, when he endured three trips to the DL.
Posted on September 23, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
September 23rd - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 2ND - 84 points - 7 out of first Lost .5 points and 0 standings place since yesterday GOK! 91 / AARR / Cover Zero 77 / X 75 / SJ 74 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 248 .2797 946 915 140 94 4.14 1.368 1022 56 2ND 4TH 2ND 5TH 3RD 1ST 4TH 7TH 4TH 4TH --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- BOX SCORE FOR 09.22 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Johnny Estrada Ari C 4 0 1 0 | 0 0 .305 Ronny Paulino Pit C 3 0 0 0 | 0 1 .313 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 4 1 1 1 | 0 0 .276 Jeff Kent LAD 2B 3 0 0 0 | 1 1 .287 Chad Tracy Ari 3B 3 0 0 0 | 1 0 .277 Jose Reyes NYM SS 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .297 Mike Jacobs Fla 1B 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .260 Willy Aybar Atl SS 4 0 1 0 | 0 0 .266 Moises Alou SF OF 5 0 3 1 | 0 0 .297 Shane Victorino Phi OF 4 0 0 0 | 0 2 .276 Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 3 1 0 0 | 2 2 .267 Jason Bay Pit OF 3 0 0 0 | 0 1 .284 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 38 2 6 2 | 4 7 .158 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: PFielder 1(78), MAlou 1(70) 2B: WAybar 1(16) GIDP: JEstrada 1(16) SB: PFielder 1(7) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Chad Cordero S(28) 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0.00 0.00 Francisco Cordero S(20) 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 0.00 0.00 Derek Lowe W(15-8) 7.0 5 0 0 3 0 3 26 0.00 1.14 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 9.0 5 0 0 3 0 4 33 0.00 0.89 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Adam Dunn Cin OF 2 0 0 0 | 0 0 .237 Carlos Quentin Ari OF 3 0 0 0 | 0 1 .239 Chris Iannetta Col C 4 1 2 0 | 0 1 .281 Jeff Salazar Col OF 2 1 0 0 | 2 1 .233 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 11 2 2 0 | 2 3 .182 --------------------------------------------------------- 2B: CIannetta 1(4) ERRORS: ADunn 1(13) RESERVE PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Doug Davis 5.0 9 7 6 1 0 5 26 10.80 2.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 5.0 9 7 6 1 0 5 26 10.80 2.00 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on September 22, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
Brandon Webb was undone by a three-run second inning Thursday in a loss to the Padres. He gave up a two-run triple to Mike Cameron in the inning, and Cameron came around to score on Geoff Blum’s sac fly. Those were the only runs he allowed in his seven innings. Neither Webb nor Chris Carpenter was able to pull ahead in the Cy Young race tonight. The award should be Webb’s, but it looks like it will come down to the final week. Webb is likely to make two starts to Carpenter’s one, helping his chances.
Moises Alou contributed his 19th and 20th homers of the season in a losing cause Thursday against the Brewers. Both homers came off David Bush. Alou has six homers and 17 RBI in 17 games during September. He also has seven runs scored, which shows what kind of job Pedro Feliz and the rest of the Giants’ bottom-of-the-order hitters are doing.
Dan Wheeler threw a perfect ninth inning with a one-run lead for a save Thursday against the Cardinals. After two groundouts, he fanned Chris Duncan to end it. Wheeler is likely to keep getting the Astros’ save chances the rest of the way.
Since joining the Brewers in a July 28 trade and becoming the closer, Francisco Cordero has a 0.42 ERA, three victories and 13 saves in as many chances. “He’s been ultra sharp,” manager Ned Yost told the AP.
Chipper Jones missed his second straight game Thursday due to a sore toe, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. He’s still considered day-to-day. Jones has chronic problems with both feet, which he has been told are the result of bunions.
John Maine is likely to make the Mets playoff roster as a relief pitcher. If Maine does make the playoff roster Roberto Hernandez will be left off. Maine is scheduled to start Saturday’s game against the Nationals and then he could be moved to the bullpen for the final week of the season.
Roy Oswalt says his neck feels much better and he should be able to start two more games this season. “I’m good,” Oswalt said. “I feel good now.” Oswalt left Monday’s game in the seventh due to the spasms.
Posted on September 22, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
September 22nd - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 2ND - 84 points - 6 out of first Lost .5 points and 0 standings place since yesterday GOK! 90 / AARR / Cover Zero 77 / X 75 / SJ 75 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 248 .2804 944 913 139 93 4.17 1.371 1018 54 2ND 4TH 2ND 5TH 3RD 1ST 4TH 7TH 4TH 4TH --- --- --- --- --- --- --- - 1 --- --- BOX SCORE FOR 09.21 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Ronny Paulino Pit C 4 0 0 0 | 0 1 .315 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 4 0 1 1 | 1 2 .276 Jeff Kent LAD 2B 3 0 1 0 | 1 0 .289 Chad Tracy Ari 3B 3 0 1 0 | 1 0 .279 Jose Reyes NYM SS 4 0 0 0 | 0 2 .297 Mike Jacobs Fla 1B 3 1 2 0 | 1 1 .260 Willy Aybar Atl SS 4 1 2 2 | 1 0 .267 Moises Alou SF OF 4 2 2 3 | 0 1 .292 Dave Roberts SD OF 4 0 1 0 | 0 1 .295 Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 3 1 0 0 | 1 2 .269 Jason Bay Pit OF 2 0 1 0 | 2 0 .286 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 38 5 11 6 | 8 10 .289 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: PFielder 1(77), WAybar 2(28), MAlou 3(69) 2B: CTracy 1(40), WAybar 1(15) 3B: DRoberts 1(13) HR: MAlou 2(20) ERRORS: WAybar 1(9) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Brandon Webb L(16-7) 7.0 5 3 3 1 0 4 27 3.86 0.86 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 7.0 5 3 3 1 0 4 27 3.86 0.86 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Carlos Quentin Ari OF 4 0 0 0 | 0 1 .244 Chris Iannetta Col C 3 0 1 1 | 0 0 .264 Ryan Spilborghs Col OF 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .281 Jeff Salazar Col OF 4 0 0 0 | 0 2 .250 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 12 0 1 1 | 0 3 .083 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: CIannetta 1(8) RESERVE PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dan Wheeler S(7) 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0.00 0.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0.00 0.00 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on September 21, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
From Rotoworld:
Alberto Callaspo went 3-for-5 with a three-run triple Wednesday against the Padres. Callaspo got the start at shortstop against lefty tonight with Stephen Drew still hurt. He’s also probably a better option than Craig Counsell versus righties. His big hit tonight came off right-hander Scott Cassidy.
Dave Roberts went 0-for-3 before being removed for a pinch-hitter in Wednesday’s loss. Roberts is hitting only .197 during September, and though they say “speed doesn’t slump,” he’s just 2-for-4 in his steal attempts. He has more at-bats this year than he’s ever had in his career, so fatigue is likely an issue.
Geoff Jenkins homered to lead off the ninth inning and give Milwaukee a 1-0 win over St. Louis on Wednesday. Jenkins, who lost his starting job last month and may be on his way out of Milwaukee this offseason, is on fire in September. He’s batting almost .500 with six homers and 10 RBI. For the season, Jenkins is batting .271 with 16 homers.
Chipper Jones left Wednesday night’s game with soreness in the second toe on his right foot. Jones, who just returned Tuesday from a strained oblique, had a double and two runs scored before being lifted for pinch-hitter Willy Aybar in the seventh inning. He’s day-to-day. Braves manager Bobby Cox said Chipper Jones could be ready to play on Thursday.
Moises Alou came off the bench to hit a two-run homer and deliver an RBI double Wednesday as the Giants came from behind to beat the Rockies 7-4 on Wednesday. The Giants got all their runs after Aaron Cook left for a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the sixth. Alou homered for both runs in the top of the seventh and then drove in the last run of the five-run eighth inning. The Giants are currently four games back in the wild-card race.
Posted on September 21, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
September 21st - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 2ND - 85 points - 5 out of first Lost .5 points and 0 standings place since yesterday GOK! 90 / AARR / Cover Zero 79 / X 75 / SJ 72 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 246 .2803 938 908 139 93 4.17 1.374 1014 54 2ND 4TH 2ND 5TH 3RD 1ST 4TH 6TH 4TH 4TH --- --- --- --- -.5 --- --- --- --- --- BOX SCORE FOR 09.20 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Johnny Estrada Ari C 5 1 3 1 | 0 0 .306 Ronny Paulino Pit C 4 0 0 0 | 1 2 .318 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 3 0 1 0 | 1 0 .276 Jeff Kent LAD 2B 4 0 0 0 | 1 1 .289 Chad Tracy Ari 3B 1 1 1 1 | 1 0 .278 Jose Reyes NYM SS 5 2 2 0 | 0 0 .299 Mike Jacobs Fla 1B 3 1 0 0 | 2 1 .258 Willy Aybar Atl SS 2 0 1 0 | 0 1 .262 Moises Alou SF OF 2 1 2 3 | 0 0 .289 Dave Roberts SD OF 3 0 0 0 | 0 0 .295 Shane Victorino Phi OF 3 0 1 0 | 0 0 .279 Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 4 1 2 1 | 0 0 .271 Jason Bay Pit OF 4 0 1 1 | 1 1 .285 Chipper Jones Atl 3B 2 2 1 0 | 1 0 .319 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 45 9 15 7 | 8 6 .333 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: JEstrada 1(70), CTracy 1(77), MAlou 3(66), GJenkins 1(68), JBay 1(107) 2B: CTracy 1(39), JReyes 1(29), MAlou 1(21), SVictorino 1(16), CJones 1(26) HR: MAlou 1(18), GJenkins 1(16) ERRORS: PFielder 1(11) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Chad Cordero 1.0 2 1 1 0 0 1 5 9.00 2.00 Francisco Cordero W(10-4) 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0.00 0.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 2.0 2 1 1 0 0 1 8 4.50 1.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Adam Dunn Cin OF 1 1 0 0 | 3 1 .238 Alberto Callaspo Ari 2B 5 0 3 3 | 0 0 .300 Ryan Spilborghs Col OF 1 0 1 0 | 0 0 .283 Jeff Salazar Col OF 0 1 0 0 | 1 0 .292 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 7 2 4 3 | 4 1 .571 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: ACallaspo 3(5) 3B: ACallaspo 1(1) SB: ADunn 1(7) ERRORS: ACallaspo 1(1)
Posted on September 20, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
From Rotoworld:
Hong-Chih Kuo was charged with five runs in 5 1/3 innings Tuesday in a loss to the Pirates. It was just two runs through five innings. In the sixth, Kuo gave up a single and a double after striking out the leadoff man. That was it for him, except for the matter of an intentional walk to load the bases. Elmer Dessens came in and struck out Ronny Paulino for the second out, but he then gave up a grand slam to Jose Bautista. Considering that Kuo fanned eight and issued just one unintentional walk, it can hardly be viewed as that discouraging of a performance. He’s going to remain in the rotation, and he’s worth using in NL-only leagues.
Chuck James walked six in just 4 1/3 innings on Tuesday as he lost for the first time since August 4. James has been the Braves’ best starter for the past few weeks, but Tuesday he gave up five hits and five runs, although he did strike out seven. In dropping to 10-4, James lost for the first time in nine starts and endured his shortest outing since getting hammered by the Mets for seven runs in one inning on July 30.
Shane Victorino has been playing with a sprained wrist since running into Marlins catcher Miguel Olivo on Sept. 9. The sprained wrist has limited Victorino’s ability to swing and is the cause for his 5-for-38 slump. He will be pulled from the lineup as soon as he tells manager Charlie Manuel he is too sore to play.
Braves activated third baseman Chipper Jones from the 15-day disabled list. Jones is in the starting lineup for tonight’s game. Since his strained oblique gives him more trouble from the right side, he might be limited to action against right-handers the rest of the way.
Posted on September 20, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
September 20th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 2ND - 85.5 points - 5.5 out of first Lost 1 points and 0 standings place since yesterday GOK! 91 / AARR / Cover Zero 77 / X 76 / SJ 73 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 244 .2800 931 899 139 92 4.17 1.375 1013 54 2ND 4TH 2ND 5TH T-2 1ST 4TH 6TH 4TH 4TH --- --- --- --- -.5 +.5 --- - 1 --- --- BOX SCORE FOR 09.19 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Ronny Paulino Pit C 3 0 1 2 | 1 1 .321 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 4 0 0 0 | 0 1 .276 Jeff Kent LAD 2B 2 0 2 0 | 1 0 .292 Chad Tracy Ari 3B 4 0 2 1 | 0 0 .277 Jose Reyes NYM SS 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .299 Willy Aybar Atl SS 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .260 Moises Alou SF OF 5 0 0 0 | 0 1 .285 Dave Roberts SD OF 4 1 1 0 | 0 2 .297 Shane Victorino Phi OF 5 0 0 0 | 0 2 .279 Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 3 0 1 0 | 0 0 .269 Jason Bay Pit OF 5 2 2 0 | 0 2 .285 Chipper Jones Atl 3B 3 0 1 0 | 0 0 .318 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 40 3 10 3 | 2 9 .250 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: RPaulino 2(53), CTracy 1(76) 2B: CTracy 1(38), JBay 1(29) GIDP: PFielder 1(17) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Clay Hensley W(10-11) 6.0 7 2 2 3 0 3 27 3.00 1.67 Chuck James L(10-4) 4.3 5 5 5 6 1 7 24 10.47 2.56 Aaron Harang W(14-11) 7.7 8 4 4 0 0 5 29 4.68 1.04 Hong-Chih Kuo L(1-5) 5.3 6 5 5 2 1 8 23 8.49 1.51 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 23.3 26 16 16 11 2 23 103 6.18 1.59 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Adam Dunn Cin OF 4 0 1 1 | 0 2 .239 Carlos Quentin Ari OF 3 0 0 0 | 1 1 .252 Scott Thorman Atl 3B 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .235 Chris Iannetta Col C 4 1 2 0 | 1 1 .260 Alberto Callaspo Ari 2B 1 0 0 0 | 0 1 .240 Jeff Salazar Col OF 3 2 1 0 | 2 2 .292 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 16 3 4 1 | 4 7 .250 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: ADunn 1(92) 2B: CIannetta 1(3) RESERVE PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Jorge Julio 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0.00 0.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0.00 0.00 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on September 19, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
Chipper Jones could be back as soon as Tuesday, the first day he is eligible to return from teh DL, according to the AP. Jones hasn’t played since straining the oblique muscle on his left side on Sept. 3. “I’ll see how he does tonight” in batting practice, Cox said. “He’s not going to be 100 percent, but hopefully he can get as close to there as possible. We want him to come back. It just doesn’t have to be tomorrow. Whenever he’s going to play, he’s not going to be at 100 percent.” Willy Aybar will head to the bench if Chipper returns.
Roy Oswalt left Monday night’s game against in the seventh inning because of a muscle spasm in his neck, according to the AP. Team officials said he is day-to-day. It’s nothing that should cause him to miss additional time. Oswalt allowed two runs in 6 2/3 innings before leaving and was in line for the victory.
Geoff Jenkins went 3-for-4 with a homer Monday to help the Brewers beat the Cardinals 4-3 in 10 innings. Albert Pujols had a three-run homer among his three hits, but he didn’t get any help and the Brewers were able to open the series on a positive note. The streaky Jenkins is batting .486 with five homers this month. He’ll likely start against every right-hander the rest of the way. The Brewers don’t seem to want him any longer, but it’d still be to their benefit if he finishes strong.
Despite giving up a solo homer to Todd Hollandsworth, Dan Wheeler got the save Monday in the Astros’ 5-3 defeat of the Reds. Brad Lidge was bypassed tonight after struggling in his last two appearances. Expect Wheeler to get a couple of more saves prior to season’s end. He’s been Houston’s best reliever all year long.
Posted on September 19, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
September 19th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 2ND - 86.5 points - 3.5 out of first Gained 2 points and 0 standings place since yesterday GOK! 90 / AARR / Cover Zero 78 / X 76 / SJ 72 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 244 .2801 928 896 139 90 4.13 1.371 990 54 2ND 4TH 2ND 5TH 2ND T-1 4TH 5TH 4TH 4TH --- --- --- --- --- + 1 --- + 1 --- --- BOX SCORE FOR 09.18 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Prince Fielder Mil 1B 3 0 0 0 | 1 0 .278 Jeff Kent LAD 2B 5 2 4 2 | 0 0 .288 Jose Reyes NYM SS 4 0 2 0 | 0 1 .299 Mike Jacobs Fla 1B 3 0 1 0 | 0 1 .259 Willy Aybar Atl SS 4 0 1 1 | 0 0 .261 Adam Dunn Cin OF 3 1 2 0 | 1 1 .239 Moises Alou SF OF 2 0 0 0 | 1 0 .289 Dave Roberts SD OF 6 0 0 0 | 0 4 .297 Shane Victorino Phi OF 4 0 0 0 | 1 1 .283 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 34 3 10 3 | 4 8 .294 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: JKent 2(67), WAybar 1(26) 2B: JKent 2(25), ADunn 2(23) HR: JKent 1(14) GIDP: WAybar 1(7) CS: JReyes 1(17) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Francisco Cordero W(9-4) 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 0.00 0.00 Roy Oswalt W(14-8) 6.7 8 2 2 0 0 8 28 2.69 1.19 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 7.7 8 2 2 0 0 10 31 2.34 1.04 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Khalil Greene SD SS 0 0 0 0 | 0 0 .247 Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 4 2 3 1 | 0 0 .268 Chris Iannetta Col C 2 0 0 0 | 3 0 .239 Ryan Spilborghs Col OF 3 4 2 1 | 2 0 .278 Jeff Salazar Col OF 1 1 1 1 | 0 0 .286 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 10 7 6 3 | 5 0 .600 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: GJenkins 1(67), RSpilborghs 1(20), JSalazar 1(6) HR: GJenkins 1(15), RSpilborghs 1(4), JSalazar 1(1) RESERVE PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dan Wheeler S(6) 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- DID NOT PLAY: DDavis, JJulio, HKuo
Posted on September 18, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
Derek Lowe allowed just one run in seven innings of work on Sunday but wasn’t involved in the decision against the Padres. He left with the score tied at 1-1, but the Padres took the lead in the top of the ninth and won the game 2-1. The loss drops the Dodgers out of first place in the NL West, one-half game behind these same Padres. The Dodgers are still in line for a playoff spot by leading the wild card, but they’re only a game up on the Phillies in that race. Lowe hasn’t lost a game since August 9, lowering his ERA from 4.09 to 3.69 during that span. Dodgers manager Grady Little said that Lowe could pitch on short rest in the final series of the season, if necessary, but not before then.
John Maine yielded two runs in six innings of work to take a loss against the Pirates and fail to clinch the Mets’ berth in the postseason. The magic number is still one and the team can clinch the spot if the Phillies lose later today. They’ve had an opportunity to clinch for three straight days, but have lost each time with the Phillies recording a win each day. Maine, who struck out six and walked three today, has yielded exactly two runs in each of his last four outings. He’ll get one more start before moving to the bullpen, and he’s worth using when he faces the Nationals later in the week.
Doug Davis took a loss versus the Nationals on Sunday after allowing two runs in seven innings of work. Davis didn’t walk a batter, gave up just three hits, and struck out seven, but still managed to give up a pair of runs. The left-hander is obviously talented, but he’s been maddeningly inconsistent this year. He hasn’t gone more than four outings without a quality start, but he’s also failed to go four starts without posting a poor one. He’ll get the Giants next time out.
Posted on September 18, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
September 18th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 2ND - 84.5 points - 7 out of first Gained 2 points and 0 standings place since yesterday GOK! 91.5 / AARR / Cover Zero 77 / X 75 / SJ 71 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 243 .2801 925 893 139 88 4.14 1.373 980 54 2ND 4TH 2ND 5TH 2ND T-2 4TH 6TH 4TH 4TH --- --- --- --- --- --- --- + 1 + 1 --- BOX SCORE FOR 09.17 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Prince Fielder Mil 1B 0 1 0 0 | 1 0 .280 Jeff Kent LAD 2B 4 0 1 0 | 0 0 .281 Jose Reyes NYM SS 5 0 0 0 | 0 1 .298 Mike Jacobs Fla 1B 4 0 0 0 | 0 2 .259 Willy Aybar Atl SS 2 1 1 0 | 0 1 .262 Adam Dunn Cin OF 2 0 0 0 | 1 0 .236 Dave Roberts SD OF 4 0 2 0 | 1 1 .301 Shane Victorino Phi OF 4 1 1 0 | 0 0 .286 Jason Bay Pit OF 3 0 1 1 | 0 1 .284 Carlos Quentin Ari OF 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .258 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 29 3 6 1 | 3 6 .207 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: JBay 1(106) 2B: JBay 1(28) GIDP: ADunn 1(8) SB: JBay 1(11) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- John Maine L(5-5) 6.0 6 2 2 3 1 6 27 3.00 1.50 Derek Lowe 7.0 7 1 1 1 0 9 28 1.29 1.14 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 13.0 13 3 3 4 1 15 55 2.08 1.31 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Khalil Greene SD SS 0 1 0 0 | 0 0 .247 Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .264 Scott Thorman Atl 3B 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .237 Alberto Callaspo Ari 2B 3 0 0 0 | 1 1 .250 Ryan Spilborghs Col OF 0 0 0 0 | 0 0 .271 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 5 1 0 0 | 1 1 .000 --------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Doug Davis L(10-11) 7.0 3 2 2 0 0 7 24 2.57 0.43 Dan Wheeler 1.0 1 0 0 1 0 1 5 0.00 2.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 8.0 4 2 2 1 0 8 29 2.25 0.62 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on September 17, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
From Rotoworld:
Prince Fielder had a two-run homer, an RBI single and a walk Saturday against the Nationals. Fielder is back alone in first as the home run leader among rookies. Tonight’s bomb was his 26th of the year.
Jose Valverde blew a save after giving up two runs in the top of the ninth Saturday against the Rockies. Valverde entered with a 1.38 ERA and a 20/2 K/BB ratio since returning from the minors last month. He’s likely to finish out the year as Arizona’s closer even if he blows another save or two. He had converted his only previous two chances since returning to the closer’s role two weeks ago.
Diamondbacks recalled infielder Alberto Callaspo from Triple-A Tucson. The Sidewinders still have the Bricktown Showdown against the IL champs on Tuesday after winning the PCL title last night, but the Diamondbacks didn’t want to wait any longer to add Callaspo. The 23-year-old is getting the start at second base tonight.
Adam Dunn went hitless in a fourth straight game on Saturday, leaving him with a .133 average in September. After he hit just .188 in August. Dunn doesn’t need to hit for average to be a valuable player, but this is taking a little too far. He’s currently at 178 strikeouts, putting his major league record of 195 within reach with 14 games remaining.
Posted on September 17, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
September 17th - Standings and Statistics
Standings: 2ND - 82.5 points - 9 out of first Lost 3 points and 0 standings place since yesterday GOK! 91.5 / AARR / Cover Zero 79.5 / X 75 / SJ 70 HR AVG RBI R SB W ERA WHIP K'S S -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- ----- --- --- 243 .2804 924 890 138 88 4.16 1.373 965 54 2ND 4TH 2ND 5TH 2ND T-2 4TH 7TH 5TH 4TH --- --- --- --- --- - 1 --- - 1 - 1 --- BOX SCORE FOR 09.16 Atomic Roadrunners ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Johnny Estrada Ari C 6 0 2 0 | 2 0 .302 Ronny Paulino Pit C 4 0 1 1 | 0 2 .321 Prince Fielder Mil 1B 4 2 2 3 | 1 0 .280 Jeff Kent LAD 2B 2 0 2 0 | 0 0 .282 Chad Tracy Ari 3B 6 1 2 3 | 1 3 .276 Jose Reyes NYM SS 4 0 1 0 | 1 0 .300 Mike Jacobs Fla 1B 4 0 0 0 | 0 1 .261 Willy Aybar Atl SS 3 0 2 0 | 0 0 .259 Adam Dunn Cin OF 3 0 0 0 | 0 1 .237 Moises Alou SF OF 3 0 0 0 | 1 0 .291 Dave Roberts SD OF 5 1 2 1 | 0 1 .300 Shane Victorino Phi OF 5 0 1 1 | 0 1 .287 Jason Bay Pit OF 4 2 2 1 | 0 2 .284 Carlos Quentin Ari OF 7 1 2 0 | 0 2 .260 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 60 7 19 10 | 6 13 .317 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: RPaulino 1(51), PFielder 3(76), CTracy 3(75), DRoberts 1(42), SVictorino 1(42), JBay 1(105) 2B: RPaulino 1(17) 3B: CQuentin 1(3) HR: PFielder 1(26), CTracy 1(18), JBay 1(34) GIDP: JEstrada 1(15), CQuentin 1(6) SB: JBay 1(10) CS: JReyes 1(16) ERRORS: CTracy 1(25) PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Chad Cordero S(27) 0.3 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0.00 3.33 Jose Valverde BS(4) 1.0 1 2 2 1 0 1 5 18.00 2.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 1.3 2 2 2 1 0 1 7 13.85 2.31 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESERVE HITTING ab r h bi | bb so avg --------------------------------------------------------- Geoff Jenkins Mil OF 5 0 1 0 | 0 0 .264 Chris Iannetta Col C 6 0 2 0 | 1 1 .250 Alberto Callaspo Ari 2B 6 1 2 1 | 1 0 .286 Ryan Spilborghs Col OF 1 0 0 0 | 0 0 .271 Jeff Salazar Col OF 7 0 0 0 | 0 2 .250 --------------------------------------------------------- Totals 25 1 5 1 | 2 3 .200 --------------------------------------------------------- RBI: ACallaspo 1(2) 2B: CIannetta 1(2) GIDP: RSpilborghs 1(7) RESERVE PITCHING ip h r er bb ibb so bf era whip ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dan Wheeler 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0.00 0.00 Jorge Julio W(2-4) 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0.00 0.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 6 0.00 0.00 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on September 16, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
Brandon Webb threw a complete game against the Rockies on Friday, yielding just one run and striking out 10 to pick up the win in a 5-1 game. He gave up six hits and didn’t walk a batter while posting his second straight complete game. The lone run scored when Webb threw wildly to first on a pickoff play, allowing Jamey Carroll to score from third on the play. That he’s been able to log 18 innings in a week after recently battling elbow soreness is an sign that he’s feeling just fine now. He’ll get the Padres at Petco Park next time out.
Khalil Greene took batting practice yesterday, but the torn ligament in his left middle finger didn’t respond well, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. “It didn’t feel much better,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “It’s back to the drawing board. Greene still hasn’t recorded an at-bat since returning from a torn ligament in his finger on September 3, and is unlikely to get many at-bats before the end of the season.
Jason Bay homered and drove in three in a 5-3 win over the Mets on Friday. That gives Bay 33 homers and 104 RBI on the season, barely edging out his 32 homers and 101 RBI from last season. As of today he’s scored 17 less runs, stolen 12 fewer bags, and hit 25 points lower than he did in 2005, so he hasn’t been quite as valuable despite similar power offerings.
Geoff Jenkins homered twice to drive in three runs in a 5-2 win over the Nationals on Friday. It’s probably too late to help anyone who actually drafted him, but Jenkins is doing his best to salvage some value in September. He’s 14-for-27 with four homers during the month, and he’s been seeing more playing time lately as a result. He’s probably worth grabbing again in deeper leagues in which he was dropped.
Francisco Cordero recorded his 13th save in the National League with a scoreless ninth inning against the Nationals on Friday. After starter Tomo Ohka got hurt, Carlos Villanueva entered in the third to pitch six-plus innings of one-run ball. That lone run came after Felipe Lopez tripled and Ryan Zimmerman singled to start the ninth, chasing Villanueva from the game and setting up a save sitaution. Cordero then entered, walking the bases loaded before striking out Austin Kearns to end it. Cordero has given up just one run in 19 2/3 innings since joining the Brewers.
Chad Tracy made his first start of the year at first base on Friday and went 2-for-4 with two runs scored. We don’t see why getting Craig Counsell at-bats is any sort of priority right now, but that’s why the switch was made. Conor Jackson will probably be back in the lineup on Saturday.