Results tagged ‘ angels ’
Wood comes up big in Bucs 4-2 win
Former first-rounder Brandon Wood never lived up to the hype for the Angels, but received fresh start when the Pirates claimed him off waivers on Friday.
Wood may have flied to right in his first at-bat as a Bucco, but came through with a two-run double in the 4th, for the go-ahead run in the 4-2 win agasint the Washington Nationals on Monday night at PNC Park.
The double came after a short rain delay. With Neil Walker on Third base, and Steve Pearce was on first when Wood doubled to right center field. Jose Tabata scored on an error by right fielder Jayson Werth before the delay. Chris Snyder singled for the fourth run of the inning, and give the Pirates a 4-2 lead.
Left-hander Paul Maholm started for the Pirates and after allowing two runs to score on three hits in the 1st, he settled in and was solid. He allowed just one more hit –in the third inning– and put up zeros the rest of his outing.
Maholm was charged with two runs on four hits with two walks and eight strikeouts over seven innings (99 pitches). He picked up his first win on the season.
Righty John Lannan ran into trouble after the rain delay, giving up the four runs in the 4th to the Bucs. He allowed four runs on five hits with two walks and three strikeouts over 5.2 innings.
With the win, the Pirates took the series from the Nats and improved to 10-12 on the season.
The Pirates will open up a three game series against the 2010 World Series Champs, the San Francisco Giants. The Giants will send Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner and Ryan Vogelsong to the mound against the Bucs.
Pregame News and Notes: Nationals @ Pirates 4/25
The Pittsburgh Pirates (9-12) will face the Washington Nationals (10-10) at 7:05 PM at PNC Park for the makeup game that was postponed on Friday.
Left-hander Paul Maholm (0-3, 4.30 ERA) will start for the Bucs against John Lannan (2-1, 3.43 ERA).
Maholm allowed six runs on seven hits over 3.2 innings against the Florida Marlins during his last start. Lannan allowed two runs on seven hits over five innings with two walks, three strikeouts against the Cardinals.
News and Notes:
- Andrew McCutchen’s final out at the plate on Sunday’s 6-3 loss to the Nationals is becoming somewhat of a controversy. If you didn’t see what happened, McCutchen, who was on third base with two outs in the bottom of the 9th, was called out at home plate when he tried to tag up and score. Right fielder Jayson Werth made a perfect throw to get McCutchen at the plate.
Manager Clint Hurdle defended McCutchen’s decision to try to score and recently so did third base coach Nick Lyeva. Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, has more on the story here.
- Infielder Brandon Wood will be making his Pirates debut today, starting at third base. Wood was recently claimed off waiver from the Angels.
Pirates:
Andrew McCutchen CF, Jose Tabata LF, Matt Diaz RF, Neil Walker 2B, Steve Pearce 1B, Brandon Wood 3B, Chris Snyder C, Ronny Cedeno SS, Paul Maholm LHP
Nationals:
Danny Espinosa 2B, Ian Desmond SS, Jayson Werth RF, Andy LaRoche 1B, Michael Morse LF, Wil Ramos C, Jerry Hairston CF, Brian Bixler 3B, John Lannan LHP
Wood claimed from Angels; Rodriguez DFA; Ciriaco recalled
- The Pirates claimed infielder Brandon Wood off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels on Friday. Wood was designated for assignment earlier this week after batting .143 in six games this season.
The 26-year-old was a first round pick (23rd overall) by the Angeles in the 2003 draft. Once a highly touted prospect, Wood was ranked the 3rd best prospect in baseball by Baseball America in 2006, 8th in 2007.
Since making his debut with the Angles in 2007, Wood has a .168 career average in the majors.
Wood hit .146 with 14 RBIs and four homers in 81 games last year. He is out of options and is arbitration eligible for the first time after the 2011 season.
Manager Clint Hurdle appeared on MLB Network radio this afternoon where he discussed Brandon Wood. He told Jim Bowden, that he will play the entire infield: some third base, shortstop, first base and second base.
- In order to make room for Wood on the roster, infielder Josh Rodriguez was designated for assignment. The Pirates selected Rodriguez from the Indians in the rule-5 draft.
Rodriguez collected his first hit during Thursday night’s 9-5 loss to the Florida Marlins in Miami, Fla. It was the lone hit by Rodriguez in 12 at-bats.
If Rodriguez is not claimed off waivers or traded, the Pirates must offer him back for $25,000. The Bucs can also attempt to work out a trade with the Indians to place him in the minor league system.
Manager Clint Hurdle told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “He’s a young man that we would like to keep in our organization. We knew going in that it would be a challenge and a big jump, but we wanted to take the opportunity to try and get the best feel we could for him. I think one of the best things that will come out of this experience for him is that now he’s gotten to see the Major League level.”
- The Pirates also recalled infielder Pedro Ciriaco from Triple-A Indianapolis for the game on Friday. It’s assumed that Ciriaco will be with the Pirates until Wood joins the team.
There is no word as of yet on when Wood’s arrival time will be.
Pirates select three players in Rule 5 draft
The Pirates selected infielder Josh Rodriguez with the first overall pick in the Rule 5 draft on Thursday from the Cleveland Indians.
Rodriquez, who can play shortstop, second base, third base and outfield, has the opportunity to make the Pirates opening day roster for 2011.
It cost the Bucs $50,000 to acquire Rodriguez and must remain on the 25-man roster the entire season or he will be offered back to the Indians.
If the Pirates do not sign an upgrade for shortstop, he could be used as a utility guy.
“It’s an intriguing combination,” Huntington said. “He does a lot of different things well. He just fills a nice need for us right now. We like him as a guy to compete to make our club as a middle-[infield] utility player with upside to potentially become an everyday player.”
Rodriguez batted .293 with 12 homers and 46 RBIs in 86 games with Triple-A Columbus during the 2010 season.
The Pirates did lose right-hander Nathan Adcock by the Kansas City Royals (5th overall).
Adcock was acquired by the Seattle Mariners in the Jack Wilson trade in 2009. He went 11-7 with a 3.38 ERA in 27 games (26 starts) with high Class A in Bradenton, Florida.
“He has an average fastball with the ability to get groundballs, and there is a chance that he’ll stick,” Huntington said. “We knew by not protecting him that there was a pretty good chance of him being selected. We’re disappointed to lose him, but we couldn’t protect them all.”
The Pirates also selected two players in the Triple-A portion of the Rule 5 draft: center fielder Brad Chalk from the Padres’ and Catcher Travis Scott from the Angels.
Chalk spent 2010 with three levels: Class A where he went .191 in 26 games, Double-A where he went 214 in 65 games and Triple-A where he finished the season with a 313 average in 27 games.
“He’s a former high pick that still showed some tools,” Huntington said of Chalk, a second-round choice in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft. “We figured he was worth the acquisition cost.”
Scott was with High A and Double-A for an injury plagued 2010 season where he hit a combined 254 in 37 games.
The Bucs did not select any players in the other levels of the Rule 5 draft.
AFL Update (Mesa Solar Sox)
The Mesa Solar Sox in the Arizona Fall league has played five games so far this season. Since the prospects are such an important part of the Pirates future, I wanted to post on how some of the Pirates’ players have done thus far.
- Pitcher Brian Leach in two games: 2.0 IP, 2H, 0R, 2K (0.00 ERA)
- Pitcher Aaron Pribanic in one game: 2.1 IP, 2H, 1R, 0ER, 3K (0.00 ERA)
- Pitcher Justin Wilson in one game: 2.0 IP, 2H, 1BB, 3K (0.00 ERA) According to Keith Law, Wilson hit 95 on the gun in the first and several 93 and 94′s.
- Catcher Tony Sanchez in three games: 12 AB, 3R, 4H, 1R, 1BB, 4K (.333 AVG, .385 OBP)
- Third Baseman Josh Harrison in three games: 15 AB, 1R, 2H, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 1BB, 5K (.133 AVG)
- Short Stop Jordy Mercer in three games: 14 AB, 2R, 6H, 1 2B, 5 RBI, 2K (.429 AVG, .429 OBP)
- Outfielder Andrew Lambo in five games: 24 AB, 7R, 7H, 1 2B, 1 HR, 5 RBI (.292 AVG, .458 SLG)
The Mesa Solar Sox –which also has players from the Angels, Phillies, Cubs, and Mets organizations– are 4-1 and are tied in first in the AFL East with Scottsdale.
Arizona Fall league started on October 12th and runs through November 18th.
Maholm nominated for the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award
The Man of the Year award first started in 1997, which was re-named in honor of Marvin Miller in 1998.
According Major League Baseball, the award is given to “the player in either league whose on-field performance and contributions to his community inspire others to higher levels of achievement.”
Curtis Granderson recieved the award in 2009, Michael Young in 2008, Torii Hunter in 2007 and Albert Pujols in 2006; to name a few.
The players on each of the 30 clubs nominate their fellow teammates and it’s up to the fans to vote and choose the six finalists.
Paul Maholm has had a huge impact on the Pittsburgh community since he was called-up in 2005. Since losing his mother to cancer, Maholm has worked primarily with Gilda’s club in Pittsburgh.
(Gilda’s club mission statement is: To develop strategies and lead activities that will enable our worldwide group of independent affiliates to become the premier emotional and social support community for people with cancer and their families and friends. To nurture affiliate network growth and serve as a unifying voice and catalyst to ensure program effectiveness, a quality brand image and the highest standard of operation wherever Gilda’s Clubs exist.)
A few of the events he hosted at the Gilda’s club are an anual BBQ with the Bucs dinner, and a super Saturday kids workout.
Maholm recently hosted a “Strike out Cancer” event in June to raise money for the Gilda’s club. Guests enjoyed a buffet, danced to a live band, chatted with some Pirates players as well as the coaches and broadcasters. There was also an auction and raffle that guests could bid on.
Maholm also provides holliday meals and gifts for those less fortunate in Mississippi.
Not only does he do so much for the community he is always supporting his teammates charity events as well.
These are just a few of the many amazing things Paul has done for the Pittsburgh community. And are just a few of the reasons why you should vote for him for the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award.
You can vote for Paul Maholm here.
You can see the full lists of players who were nominated here.
Rob Dibble: To female fans “There’s no talking in baseball!”
I’m sure by now, everyone has heard about what a big idiot Rob Dibble (Washington Nationals’ Analyst) is. If you didn’t hear about what he said about “Female Fans” here is exactly what he said on-air during the Nationals vs Marlins game on August 12th.
Those ladies right behind there, they haven’t stopped talking the whole game,” Rob Dibble said in the sixth inning of Wednesday night’s Nats broadcast. “They have some conversation going on. Right here,” he said, circling the offenders. “There must be a sale tomorrow going on here or something….Their husbands are going man, don’t bring your wife next time.”
“All right Bob, now they’re back there, they’re eating ice cream and talking at the same time,” Dibble noted in the top of the eighth.
“I just got an e-mail that said there’s a lot of women who come to the games — while their husbands are the ones at home — because they love this game,” Carpenter noted, briefly touching base with the 21st century. “Tread carefully, Mr. Dibble.”
“My wife loves to come to the game, but they’re right there, still talking,” Dibble countered.
This. Makes. Me. So. Angry!
After outrage from female fans and females that work in the business, Dibble did “apologize” saying this:
My mother was and continues to be my biggest fan. She has been there since I was eight years old playing Little League in Southington, Connecticut, shouting encouragement from the stands.
I’ll never forget 20 years ago during the NCLS; I thought I was on the top of my game, having played in my first All-Star game earlier that summer. But my mom said to me, “Rob you’ve got a good arsenal, but you still need a strikeout pitch.”
Mom was right, of course, and she remains as insightful a student of the game as I have ever known.
Likewise, my wife not only comes to every Nats game, but also scores every pitch, and genuinely feels it when her team makes an error or loses the game.
My 21-year-old daughter, who against my wishes, wears her Coco Crisp Red Sox Jersey to Yankee Stadium, does it to show pride and respect for her team.
That’s the great thing about baseball. No matter who you are or where you’re from, you can – and should – have a passion for the game and for the celebration of the game by its legions of fans in the stands. Those are the values I learned in Southington, and they are part of who I am today.
The game of baseball transcends race, sex, ethnicity, and economic status. Everyone can be a fan of this game and that’s why it remains our national pastime.
As a former player and a current broadcaster, I love baseball. Encouraging new fans and building upon our audience is essential to the future of the game. That’s why I host a national baseball radio show five days a week.
And it’s why I volunteer my time at various clinics and seminars throughout the year, to help bring baseball into the lives of new fans.
The other night I made an off-handed comment, the meaning of which may have been misconstrued beyond what was said. If any fan of this great game took offense, then he or she should know that this was neither my intention nor my history in the game.
I have had the privilege of knowing a great many fans of all backgrounds who are students of the game. Many of baseball’s most insightful fans, television viewers, and callers to my radio show are women.
And just like my mom in 1990, they know what they’re talking about.
I can’t help but bring this issue up and put my two sense in. Guys just don’t understand the issue woman have in the sports world. I have been a sports gal my whole entire life. Growing up I played softball and soccer year round. I also tried other sports but failed. (Gymnastics, Tennis, Track, Volleyball, etc.)
More importantly, I have LOVED watching Baseball, (my passion) football, hockey, soccer, tennis, golf. You name it, I watch it. Nothing compares to my love and passion for the game of baseball though. The most frustrating thing is that Rob Dibble said what most guys think. I know there are some guys out there that respect women in the industry. But sadly, a lot don’t.
I have a season ticket to the Pirates. I have only missed a handfull of games this season. I go early and watch both teams take batting pratice and warm-up. Out of 162 games, I’m at 150 of them. (That’s not even including road trips to other stadiums) I go to the game by myself. Most of my friends don’t really love baseball the way I do and to be honest I hate more than anything sitting next to someone who is talking and playing on their phone and not paying attention to the game. If I didn’t love this game, why on earth would I spend and arm and a leg for my seat? Why would I make it to at least 150 games a year? Why would I go to games alone if I didn’t understand the game of baseball?
It never fails, every game I get asked at least once what player I’m dating. Okay, maybe I get it a little. I sit a few rows behind the Pirates dugout, I’m alone, I’m a girl. And don’t get me wrong, it’s a compliment to be considered a ”baseball wife” but I’m not! Nor would I ever be! (No offense to the players.) Why can’t I just be a baseball fan, watching the game I love? I’m assumed to be either a wife/girlfriend or a Pro-Ho. (which I would never be either)
Normally, it’s men that ask the question. Then its followed by a few quiz style questions. ”Oh Yeah? Well, then who is the best hitter on the Padres? or, how long has Pedro been a Pirate? or, Who’s pitching against the Pirates tonight?” These are just a few of the questions I have to answer every single game. (Which I do, correctly. Then they feel like an idiot and I walk away.)
Then there are woman at games, that can be just as rude. (Aren’t we suppose to support each other?) Just because I’m an attractive girl doesn’t mean i’m going after your ballplayer or that I go to games just to try to snag one up. I know there are girls out there like that. Call me crazy but I want more out of my life than that.
To the women who are girlfriends, or wives. I hope to not have offended you. Some of the players are really great guys. Some of the ones I have gotten the oppurtunity to talk to and meet were really cool. And yes, I will admit that some of the players are very handsome and look very good in their uniform. But I’m not that kind of gal and I don’t want that kind of life. Some of the wives do great things with charity events and I have nothing but respect for that.
I just get so frustrated because I want to work in the industry. I want to be a part of this great, great game that I love. I hope that one day women like myself won’t be quizzed or assumed to be a girlfriend or a pro-ho.
Metsgrrl sums it up perfectly:
I wonder if Rob Dibble knows how many times women get looked at funny for keeping score. I wonder if Rob Dibble wonders how hard it is for female fans to have to continually defend their love of baseball as being about the game, and not about cute guys in tight uniforms. I wonder if Rob Dibble thought about what any teenage girls who were watching the game… and heard that. He just gave fuel to the fire of every sexist clod out there who thinks that women are dumb and can’t understand baseball and can’t possibly be at the game because they want to be. No one ever looks at a man and thinks “he must be here with his girlfriend”. It is hard enough to have a conversation with a guy at a game who assumes you are there because you are with a guy.
Here are some more comments:
Did you hear that, guys? Don’t bring your wife to baseball games! She might talk through the whole thing, which she probably doesn’t understand anyway, and like, spend all your money and stuff!
Thanks for the warning, Rob. It’s a good thing all the MALE corporate jerkoffs I see at Wrigley yakking on their Blackberries talk about nothing but OBP and the minor league draft, right? Hey, it’s a good thing they don’t let women work outside the home or drive cars or anything-imagine how much they’d have to talk about then.
Ultimately, though, I couldn’t ignore it. The fact is that this is my life. I am a woman who is a baseball fan. No, wait. I’m more than that. I am a woman who is a baseball writer. I’m a woman who is a baseball writer who runs the best and most successful Orioles blog on the internet. I am recognized by both local and out-of-town sports media as a knowledgeable source on the Baltimore Orioles.I am a woman who, if seated behind home plate at a Nationals game, would get circled by Rob Dibble and called out for gossiping about an upcoming sale while the men were trying to watch baseball.
Around the Ballparks 07/28
- The Indians traded Jhonny Peralta to the Tigers for LHP Giovanna Soto.
- The Angels Joel Pineiro will be out six to eight weeks (strained left oblique) He was a late scratch on Wed after sustaining a left oblique strain while warming up in the bullpen.
Noteable players on the DL this season (with abdominal or oblique injuries)
MIL – Yovanni Gallardo (RHP)
TEX – Tommy Hunter (RHP)
SD – Mat Latos (RHP)
TEX – Cliff Lee (LHP)
BAL – Brian Roberts (2B)
SD – Mike Adams (RHP)
SF – Jeremy Affeldt (LHP)
NYM – Rod Barajas (C)
PHI – Shane Victorino (CF)
- Derek Lee rejected a trade to the Angeles yesterday. Lee “agonized” over the decision about whether to accept the trade but he decided his family came first.
“When the trade was presented to me, I felt for me and my family the best thing to do was to stay here,” Lee said after the Cubs’ 8-1 loss to the Astros. “That was a decision we made. Jim and I had a great conversation about it. That was the decision.”
“It just shows the kind of guy he is,” pitcher Randy Wells said. “He’s a great guy, great teammate and a valuable asset. Without a guy like him on your team, you never know where you’re going to be, and not just on the field but in the clubhouse. He’s the guy everybody looks up to and he walks in the room and everybody perks up. As far as where we’re at right now, that’s huge that he stays.”
- The Nationals have placed Stephen Strasburg on the 15-day disabled list for shoulder stiffness.
“They’re taking every precaution with me,” he said. “It’s doing great already. [I'm] making big strides … and when the time comes, I’m going to be ready to go.”
- The Giants have won 17 of their last 21 games and Buster Posey extended his hitting streak to 21 games.
- Giants closer Brian Wilson was fined $1,000 for his orange cleats. They are the flashy (but cool in my opinion) he wore at the All-Star Game. Marlins Manager Rodriques complained about the cleats, calling them “a little too bright, too flashy.” During pregame Brian colored in 50 percent of the cleat black with a sharpie.
“I’m going to keep wearing them, but I’ve changed them to 50 percent black for the guidelines, and you guys can attest to that,” said Wilson, holding up one shoe. “I’ve got pretty good eyes. I can eyeball 50 percent. I don’t think they’re going to be nit-picky about 53 percent not black. I’m making an effort.”
“The fact that he thinks these shoes throw 97-100 with cut might be a little far-fetched,” Wilson said. “I guess we should probably have these checked for performance-enhancing cleats.”
- The Orioles hire Buck Showalter as their manager -MLB
- The Royals traded OF Scott Podsednik to the Dodgers for two minor leaguers, Lucas May (C) and Elisaul Pimentel (RHP)
- The Rangers placed Ian Kinsler on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left groin. The club called up (1B/OF) Mitch Moreland from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
- Ben Sheets in out for the remainder of the season with a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow.
“He’ll be missed both on the field and off the field,” Geren said. “He’s been a great teammate for a lot of the young guys. A lot of them looked up to him for his competitiveness and, off the field, he was just a pleasant guy to be around.”
“The whole year’s been frustrating,” Sheets said. “From where I was before spring, it’s never really taken any jumps you always hear about. To say I felt good for extended periods of time would be false. I felt good here and there — a couple innings here, a couple innings there, but nothing sustained throughout the year.”
- Dan Uggla hit his 143rd Career Home Run, ties Mike Lowell for Marlins franchise leading record. It is his sixth homerun in his last six games.
- Cardinals are 39-10 this season after scoring in the first inning.
- The Chicago White Sox are 17-1 at home since June 9th.
- Roy Halladay pitched his eigth complete game of the season. He gave up 6H, 1ER, 9K, 114 pitches. The Phillies have won seven straight games and 10 straight victories at home.
Doc (Last 5 home Starts) 4-0, 0.43 ERA, 38/4 K/BB, 0.83 WHIP
- The Tigers have lost nine straight road games.
- Joey Votto (last eight games) .471 AVG, .853 SLG, 4HR, 10RBI
Injuries a plenty
It seems like every time I turn the channel to watch a different game, there is a new injury. I’ve already posted about Bay, Strasburg, Haren, Burnett, Coghlan, Hernandez. Well, it seems like I missed a few more (all within the last day or two. It’s crazy!)
- The Phillies placed Shane Victorino on the 15-day DL with a strained left abdominal muscle. He had an MRI exam this morning, which revealed the severity of the injury. Philly fans shouldn’t fret as it is the beginning of the” Domonic Brown Era “. Brown was named the top prospect in baseball by Baseball America. Domonic hit a combined .327 with 20 home runs and 68 RBIs in 93 games this season with Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
- Rockie’s Closer, Huston Street was hit in the lower right abdomen by a line drive during batting practice yesterday. Street was transported by ambulance to the hospital. He spent Tuesday night “at home resting comfortably” and was diagnosed with an abdominal contusion. Street is currently listed as “day to day”.
“I think his body actually kind of went into shock, because he actually said he wasn’t in much pain,” Dugger said. “The thing that was kind of alarming is that he said he had ringing in the ears. We don’t know. Sometimes it’s just a sign of shock. He could have held his breath and gotten this natural response.”
“I saw the whole thing,” said Stewart. “They’re playing catch out there, and I knew the ball was heading their way. I was just hoping it wouldn’t hit anybody.
“I want to say I might have even hit ‘Streeter’ before, like in the leg, in BP. But I can’t say for sure. It’s just a freak thing. You hardly ever see someone get hit in BP. They’re out there playing catch and supposed to be looking over between pitches, so I don’t know what happened there.
- What are the odds of two brothers, from two different teams, getting injured on the exact same day? Well, it happened. Bj and Justin Upton both left their games early due to injuries.
B.J. Upton left in the first inning with a left ankle sprain after running down a ball in center field. He is listed as day-to-day.
Justin Upton left in the fifth inning for precautionary reasons with right hip tightness. He did not require an MRI and is listed as day-to-day.
- Andre Ethier wasn’t injured, but was out of the lineup due to a sour stomach. But that didn’t keep him from playing later in the game. He came up to bat in the seventh with the bases loaded and hit a two-run pinch-hit single.
- Steven Strasburg update: MRI revealed inflammation, but nothing serious, no structual damage.
You know what is even more strange? Mid post, watching MLB Tonight, Angels starter Joel Pineiro was pulled during pre game warmup.
- Joel Pineiro was pulled from his start this afternoon with discomfort on his side. Scott Shields will make his first start since 2003.
I hope I don’t have to keep updating on the injuries. STAY SAFE BOYS!
Around the Ballparks:
- Nationals fans booed when Miguel Batista took the mound in Strasburg’s spot yesterday. His line: 5IP, 3H, 0ER, 6K – 83 pitches
“Imagine you go there to see miss universe and you end up having miss Iowa, you might get those kind of boos.” – Batista on fan reaction to Strasburg being scratched.
- Josh Tomlin dominated in hhis ML Debut VS the Yankees -MLB
It was Tomlin’s first career start and first career win.
Starter to defeat defending Champion in MLB Debut: (last five occurrences)
CLE- Josh Tomlin 2010 VS NYY
BAL- Jake Arrieta 2010 VS NYY
ATL- Kyle Davies 2005 VS BOS
TEX- Brian Sikorski 2000 VS NYY
CLE- Paul Rigdon 2000 VS NYY
- The Brewers were pummeled by the Reds yesterday, 12-4. Gallardo went just 2.2 IP, 10H, 5ER, 3K.
- Ryan Howard (Season Splits)
April/May June/July
Games 50 50
AVG .282 .323
HR 8 15
RBI 33 48 (Most in NL during this span)
Around the Ballparks
Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that Matt Garza from the Tampa Bay Rays threw a No-hitter in last night’s game against the Tigers.
Not only was it his first career no-no, it was also the first No-Hitter in Rays franchise history.
“It’s the first no-hitter I’ve ever had,” Garza said. “It’s great I was the first one to do it [in Rays history]. It’s a young franchise and I have a feeling they’re going to have many more to come. But I can’t put enough emphasis on it how big the win was. We are trying to win the [American League] East, we’re not just trying to win a couple games — we’re trying to win the East and make it known. It was a great way to start the homestand.”
Since 1998, the Rays have been on the other end of four no-hitters. Derek Lowe (2002), Mark Buehrle (2009), Dallas Braden and Edwin Jackson (both in 2010) all had no-no’s, with Buehrle and Braden pitching perfect games; Braden and Jackson no-hit the Rays this season.
“It’s nice to finally be on the other side,” Carl Crawford said. “We’ve been in two of them [this season] and now it’s nice to be on the winning side this time.”
Garza’s no-hitter made the Rays the first Major League team to be no-hit and throw a no-hitter in one season since 1991, when the Orioles, White Sox and Expos did it.
Garza threw 120 pitches, 80 for strikes, struck out six and walked one. He faced 27 batters.
“In the ninth inning, I ran out there and I just told myself, ‘Well, we can go about this two ways — I can try not to get contact and get in trouble, or I can go at these guys,’” Garza said. “And if it happens, it happens, and if it doesn’t, I have a guy who can come in the ninth inning and shut the door for me. But the most important thing tonight was the win.”
- The Last five to face 27 batters in a no-hitter (and not throw a perfect game):
- M. Garza 2010 VS Tigers
- M. Buehrle 2007 VS Rangers
- T. Mulholland 1990 VS Giants
- S. Koufax 1964 VS Phillies
- W. Spahn 1961 VS Giants
Garza before the game, was 0-4 with a 5.85 ERA against the Tigers.
“Other than going to the World Series, this is probably the coolest thing I’ve been involved with,” B.J. Upton said. “He’s pitched well all year. He’s scuffled a little bit the last month, but you know what? Good for him. I’m happy for him. Like I said, that’s probably one of the coolest things I’ve ever been involved with.”
Lost in the crazyness of Garza’s no-no was the fact that Detroit starter Max Scherzer held the Rays hitless through 5.2 innings. The Rays loaded the bases with one out on two walks and a catcher’s interference call. Carlos Pena struck out to bring up Matt Joyce.
Joyce worked the count full before hitting a grand slam off the right field foul pole to give the Rays a 4-0 lead. The last player to break up a no-hit bid (five innings or more) with a grand slam was Philadelphia’s Dickie Thon against the Mets’ Frank Viola on July 23, 1990.
It was the fifth No-hitter already this season. The last time there were at least five in a season was in 1991 (7)
The five No-Hitters this season:
- Garza (TB) July 26 VS DET
- Jackson (ARI) June 25 VS TB
- Halladay (PHI) May 29 VS FLA *was a perfect game
- Braden (OAK) May 9 VS TB * was a perfect game
- Jimenez (COL) April 17 VS ATL
- Most Home Runs per game (by ballpark this season)
TOR- Rogers Centre 2.74
NYY- Yankee Stadium 2.72
MIL- Miller Park 2.59
ARI- Chase Field 2.58
CIN- Great American 2.51
- Lowest team batting average (MLB) this season:
Mariners .235
Astros .239
Pirates .242
Blue Jays .247
Indians .248
- Joe Mauer went five-for-five, HR, and had seven RBI in yesterday’s game against the Royals (They won 19-0). In MLB History, there have only been three catchers with five or more hits and seven or more RBI in a single game.
“It’s a funny game,” Mauer said. “Tonight obviously I felt good and just tried to hold on to that feeling as long as I can. I’ve felt it [this season] but I haven’t really been able to hold on to that feeling for a long time. Tonight was good and hopefully it’s there tomorrow.”
H/RBI OPP
Joe Mauer 2010 5/7 @ KC
Victor Martinez 2004 5/7 @ SEA
Walker Cooper 1949 6/10 @CHC
Also during the the Twins/Royals game:
They tallied season highs in extra-base hits (11) and runs and tied their season high in hits with 20. The 19 runs are the most the Twins have ever scored in a game against Kansas City, and the 18-run margin of victory is also a franchise record against these Royals.
Rookie third baseman Danny Valencia tallied a career-high four hits, going 4-for-4 on the night, and became the first ever player in Twins history to hit a grand slam for his first Major League home run.
“What better way to start it off?” Valencia said with a big smile. “Not just hit a home run, but a grand slam, and off a guy who’s an accomplished big leaguer and won the Cy Young. It was great. It was surreal.”
- Dan Haren made his Angels debut yesterday against the Red Sox. He was pulled in the fifth inning after he was hit in the forearm with a comebacker. He was diagnosed wtih a right arm contusion and will be re-examined today. He went 4.2 IP, 7H, 2ER, 8K -74.2% Strikes
“It’s a little sore but nothing throbbing,” Haren said. “There’s nothing that I’m worried about. Hopefully I’ll get a decent night’s rest and wake up and it won’t be so bad. I’ll get some treatment and I’ll be out there soon.”
“Sometimes these things heal quickly,” Scioscia said. “It doesn’t seem like it got much of the bone and just some soft tissue. But we’ll let Dr. Yocum and the medical staff make that decision to see what the extent might be.”
- The Pirates recalled RHP Steven Jackson and selected the contract of LHP Wil Ledezma from Triple-A Indianapolis this morning. The Club starts a six game trip tonight in Colorado.
-
Cubs Geovany Soto bruised his left foot and left the game in the middle of the sixth inning against the Astros on last night.
-
The Pirates starting Pitcher, Paul Maholm tweeted this picture yesterday. I couldn’t help but post it because its so breathtaking.
@Maholm28: “Relaxing day in the Rockies. Unbelievable scenery”
- Curtis Granderson has been hot in his last six games. He is batting .429 with three HR, four RBI and scored seven runs. The Yankees are 5-1 during that span.
- David Ortiz joins Ted Williams (16), Dwight Evans/Jim Rice (11), Manny Ramirez/Carl Yastrzemski (8) with eight 20 HR Red Sox seasons.
- (via @JeffFletcherAOL) Pablo Sandoval is scheduled to return to the SFGiants in time for Tuesday’s game, but Bochy said he probably won’t start him.
- Felix Hernandez lost his 7th game of the season last night. In the 7 losses, the Mariners have given him only 7 runs of support.
- Matt Wieters had his first career multi-HR game yesterday, but the Orioles still lost to the Blue Jays 9-5.
- Pirates Jeff Locke’s line last night for Double-A Altoona: 6 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 0 BB, 9 K.
- The only two teams to have never thrown a no-hitter in history: the Mets (established in 1962) or the Padres (1969)
- Buster Posey in the month of July: .459/.500/.788, 7 HR, 13 EBH in 85 ABs.
- Monday was Jim Leyland’s 54th career ejection, tying him with Bill Rigney for 13th place on the all-time list.
- Aramis Ramirez in his last 25-games is batting .347 with 10HR, 25RBI and a slugging pct of .723. He has raised his AVG from .165 to .230 during this span.
Kristy Robinson
Recent Comments