Howard's slam, 6 RBIs, lead Phillies over Mets (AP)
Posted on | Saturday, April 30, 2011 | No Comments
Ryan Howard hit two home runs, including a grand slam, and drove in six runs to back rookie fill-in Vance Worley and lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a 10-3 victory over the New York Mets on Friday. Howard launched a two-run shot into the second deck in right field off starter Mike Pelfrey in the fourth inning to give Philadelphia a 2-0 lead.
Charlie Buffinton Ernie Burch Jack Burdock Mike Burke Hercules Burnett
How to catch a major league foul ball: A fan's experience (Associated Content)
Home games for the St. Louis Cardinals are a treat at Busch Stadium. Whenever my family is treated to a game, we try to sit in the upper levels down the right side of the field so we can get a view of everything. Although not as close to the action as some fans would like, we still...
Jersey Bakely Lady Baldwin Art Ball Al Barker Sam Barkley
Cleveland Indians add another sweep to the books: A fan's reaction (Associated Content)
The Cleveland Indians once again held batting practice on the Kansas City Royals sweeping them in a three-game series at home. The Tribe continues to hold the best record in the American League at 16-8. They are 10-2 at home, have won their last 10 home games, and above all, have a...
Harry Davis Jumbo Davis Dory Dean Harry Deane Herman Dehlman
St. Louis bullpen, errors spoil Berkman's return to Houston: A fan's reaction (Associated Content)
Everything was going great for the St. Louis Cardinals on April 26. They were ahead 3-1 after five innings. Starting pitcher Jaime Garcia struck out six and only walked two . Then the bullpen arrived as did the errors. Relief pitcher Mitchell Boggs had a costly throwing error on a...
Dan Brouthers Lew Brown Jim Brown Robert Brown Tom Brown
Gallardo struggles, Brewers fall to Reds (PA SportsTicker)
By COLIN FLY AP Sports Writer
Robert Brown Tom Brown Pete Browning Fritz Buelow Charlie Buffinton
Hernandez beats Tigers once again, 7-3 (AP)
Felix Hernandez thought he was in trouble warming up Tuesday night. The Seattle Mariners ace was sailing pitches all over the Comerica Park bullpen as he prepared to face the Detroit Tigers. "I don't think I threw a single strike out there," he said. "I mean it. I couldn't throw anything over the plate." Hernandez was facing his favorite victims -- the Tigers.
John Cattanach Elton Chamberlain Frank Chapman Jack Chapman John Clapp
Fan debate: Is Rafael Soriano bound to be the Yankees biggest free agent bust? (Associated Content)
Another night and another bad performance by the New York Yankees Rafael Soriano. On Tuesday, April 26 Soriano came into the game in the eighth inning with a 2-1 lead. By the time the inning was over he had surrendered a two run home run to Paul Konerko and the lead.
Jersey Bakely Lady Baldwin Art Ball Al Barker Sam Barkley
The Cleveland Indians will win the American League Central Division in 2011: Fan makes his case (Associated Content)
Lets be honest, can the lowly Chicago White Sox, pathetic Minnesota Twins, weak Detroit Tigers, and downright sad Kansas City Royals compete with the athletic awesomeness that is the Cleveland Indians? While I am sure many conflicting opinions are out there, let us take a look at...
George Creamer Jim Creighton Art Croft Jack Cronin Jack Crooks
No April fools, Indians an early surprise (PA SportsTicker)
Posted on | Friday, April 29, 2011 | No Comments
By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer
Al Atkinson Ed Atkinson Henry Austin Frank Bahret Jersey Bakely
Thursday's American League Capsules (PA SportsTicker)
Jeff Niemann carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning, Ben Zobrist hit a two-run homer to give him 10 RBIs for the day and the Tampa Bay Rays swept a day-night doubleheader with a 6-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday night.
Con Daily Hugh Daily George Daisey Bill Daley Abner Dalrymple
Power rankings: Where exactly did CarGo go? (Yahoo! Sports)
Rockies' star Carlos Gonzalez is off to a slow start, but he's got plenty of company all over the MLB landscape.
Henry Austin Frank Bahret Jersey Bakely Lady Baldwin Art Ball
Braves, Cardinals set for three-game series: A fan's preview (Associated Content)
The Atlanta Braves are coming off a successful West Coast swing where they went 6-4, including a sweep of the San Francisco Giants. The offense has started to find its stride, while their pitching has remained strong. The team will welcome the St.
Bert Abbey Dan Abbott Francis Abercrombie John Ake Bob Addy
Indians hit 4 solo homers, beat Royals 8-2 (AP)
The surprising Cleveland Indians will get two chances to set the franchise record for wins in April. The way they've been playing at home, it may take only one. Fausto Carmona pitched seven solid innings Thursday night, and the Indians belted four solo homers in an 8-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals -- the 10th straight home win for Cleveland.
Jimmy Cooney Joe Corbett Jack Corcoran Larry Corcoran Mike Corcoran
Baseball Notebook: Yankees' Hughes has setback (Yahoo! Sports)
New York Yankees right-hander Phil Hughes' bullpen session had to be cut short Monday, leaving the future of his recovery from a "dead arm" uncertain. He threw approximately 20 pitches before stopping, saying, "It just felt like nothing coming out.
Frank Chapman Jack Chapman John Clapp Bob Clark Boileryard Clarke
Rays-Twins game postponed because of rain (AP)
The Minnesota Twins went through a seemingly charmed first season in outdoor Target Field last year, with the kind of weather luck that is unheard of in these parts. They may be paying for it in season No. 2. The Twins postponed their game with the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday due to heavy rain in the Twin Cities.
Jack Boyle Bill Bradley Foghorn Bradley George Bradley Asa Brainard
Five best starts by a pitcher in 2011: Bringing the heat (Associated Content)
It is just past the middle of April and already Jered Weaver of the Los Angeles Angels holds a 5-0 record. Three pitchers are currently a perfect 4-0 going as of April 21. A dozen more are a perfect 3-0. Here are the top performers thus far this season: Jered Weaver, Los Angeles...
Jumbo Davis Dory Dean Harry Deane Herman Dehlman Ed Delahanty
Padres reinstate OF Blanks, option him to minors (AP)
Posted on | Thursday, April 28, 2011 | No Comments
The San Diego Padres reinstated outfielder Kyle Blanks from the 15-day disabled list and optioned him to Double-A San Antonio on Tuesday night. Blanks had season-ending Tommy John surgery on his right elbow July 29 after playing in just 33 games last season with San Diego.
Kid Carsey Bob Caruthers Doc Casey Ed Caskin John Cassidy
Cleveland Indians back on top in American League: A fan's view (Associated Content)
With a 14-8, record the Cleveland Indians are back on top in the American League. They are better than the 12-8 New York Yankees and better than the 14-9 Texas Rangers. They are 8-2 at Progressive Field and have won their last eight in a row at home.
Jim Devlin John Abadie Bert Abbey Dan Abbott Francis Abercrombie
Teams seek solutions to declining crowds (Yahoo! Sports)
Fewer fans are attending games for a fourth year in a row, and the reason might be more than a weather-induced blip.
Jim Devlin John Abadie Bert Abbey Dan Abbott Francis Abercrombie
Padres reinstate OF Blanks, option him to minors (AP)
The San Diego Padres reinstated outfielder Kyle Blanks from the 15-day disabled list and optioned him to Double-A San Antonio on Tuesday night. Blanks had season-ending Tommy John surgery on his right elbow July 29 after playing in just 33 games last season with San Diego.
Ed Cushman Ned Cuthbert Bill Dahlen Con Daily Hugh Daily
Chipper reaches another milestone in win: A fan's reaction (Associated Content)
When Chipper Jones hit his third home run of the year on April 26, he tied Mickey Mantle for second all time for RBIs by a switch hitter. Eddie Murray is the all-time leader with 1,917 total RBIs. Jones now sits on 1,509 RBIs and most likely won't reach Murray, but the fact that...
Fred Crane Sam Crane Bill Craver Sam Crawford George Creamer
Pineda, Mariners shut down Oakland in 4-0 win (AP)
Not all rookies get a reigning Cy Young Award winner to copy. That's just what Seattle's Michael Pineda tried to do on Friday night. Pineda noticed a night earlier that Felix Hernandez had success against Oakland working both sides of the plate, so when Pineda took the mound the burly rookie tried to emulate what Hernandez did.
Jim Canavan Tom Carey Lew Carl Hick Carpenter Chick Carroll
McCourt to meet with officials over ownership (Yahoo! Sports)
Dodgers owner Frank McCourt will meet with officials on Wednesday in New York.
Jimmy Collins Charles Comiskey Ed Conley Ed Connor John Connor
Five best starts by a pitcher in 2011: Bringing the heat (Associated Content)
It is just past the middle of April and already Jered Weaver of the Los Angeles Angels holds a 5-0 record. Three pitchers are currently a perfect 4-0 going as of April 21. A dozen more are a perfect 3-0. Here are the top performers thus far this season: Jered Weaver, Los Angeles...
Bill Barnes Ross Barnes Billy Barnie Bob Barr Bill Barrett
Indians snap three-game slide, romp Royals 9-4 (AP)
Posted on | Wednesday, April 27, 2011 | No Comments
Coined by actor-turned-bad-boy Charlie Sheen, the catchphrase on the front of Justin Masterson's black T-shirt said it all. "Duh, Winning." That's how the Cleveland Indians are rolling these days. "It's early, but I like where we're at and I like what we're doing," Masterson said.
Fritz Clausen Monk Cline Jim Clinton Bill Clymer Ed Cogswell
Cubs shortstop Castro didn't just fall off the boat (Yahoo! Sports)
Starlin Castro, 21, learned early on that hitting a ball for a living beat fishing from his dad's Dominican boat.
George Bechtel Frank Beck Jake Beckley Charlie Bell Frank Bell
Back flare-up sends Ruiz off after 1 inning (AP)
Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz left after one at-bat against the Arizona Diamondbacks with lower back tightness. Ruiz started Wednesday against Arizona and flew out to left in the first inning off Joe Saunders to extend his hitless streak to 21 at-bats. He didn't come out for the bottom half of the inning and was replaced by Brian Schneider.
Jimmy Cooney Joe Corbett Jack Corcoran Larry Corcoran Mike Corcoran
Phillies' defense deserves its due: A fan's perspective (Associated Content)
With all of the attention focused on the Philadelphia Phillies' top four starters and questions about their lineup lingering, the team's defense remains a significant factor in any potentially successful season. Let's look at two positions that have been affected this...
Cy Bentley Marty Bergen John Bergh Nate Berkenstock Bill Bernhard
Indians' Carrasco hopes to pitch Saturday despite ailing elbow (Yahoo! Sports)
Cleveland Indians right-hander Carlos Carrasco may avoid a trip to the disabled list. Manager Manny Acta said results of an MRI on Carrasco's right elbow were clean, and Carrasco is scheduled to make his next start Saturday against the Detroit Tigers, pending how he throws and...
Mike Corcoran Tommy Corcoran Fred Corey Tom Cotter Roscoe Coughlin
Phillies' defense deserves its due: A fan's perspective (Associated Content)
With all of the attention focused on the Philadelphia Phillies' top four starters and questions about their lineup lingering, the team's defense remains a significant factor in any potentially successful season. Let's look at two positions that have been affected this...
Bill Boyd Eddie Boyle Jack Boyle Bill Bradley Foghorn Bradley
AccuScore: Red Sox, Rays, Twins make moves (Yahoo! Sports)
AccuScore uses past performance statistics to describe how players perform under different environmental,...
George Creamer Jim Creighton Art Croft Jack Cronin Jack Crooks
Tuesday's National League Capsules (PA SportsTicker)
Josh Thole had three RBIs, including a two-run double that put the Mets ahead run in the sixth inning, and New York ran its winning streak to five games Tuesday night with a 6-4 win over the Washington Nationals.
Charley Bassett Joe Battin Tommy Beals Ollie Beard Ed Beavens
Lind homers twice in Jays' 10-3 win at Texas (The Canadian Press)
Posted on | Tuesday, April 26, 2011 | No Comments
ARLINGTON, Texas - Adam Lind has to love hitting in Texas. And the Toronto Blue Jays like what their cleanup hitter is starting to do behind Jose Bautista.
Tommy Beals Ollie Beard Ed Beavens George Bechtel Frank Beck
First-place Cleveland Indians swept by last-place Minnesota Twins: A fan's reaction (Associated Content)
Could the Minnesota Twins be a more talented team than their 9-12 record states? Are the Cleveland Indians not as good as the 13-8 record they hold? Whatever the answer may be, the Twins swept the Tribe over Easter weekend. One of the few bright spots of the weekend occurred Sunday,...
Doug Allison Billy Alvord Jim Andrews Fred Andrus Wiman Andrus
BC-BBN--Rockies-Marlins,No-HitAdvisory, BBN (AP)
EDITORS: Omar Infante of the Colorado Rockies has singled to lead off the ninth inning for the first hit against Anibal Sanchez of the Florida Marlins. Florida leads 4-1. AP Sports
Nig Cuppy John Curran Wes Curry Ed Cushman Ned Cuthbert
Brewers take two of three from Astros over Easter weekend: Fan reaction (Associated Content)
The Milwaukee Brewers opened their late-April six-game homestand by taking two of three from the Houston Astros from April 22-24. It could have been a sweep except for some base running mistakes and shaky relief pitching in the second game of the series, but overall it was a good...
Will Calihan Nixey Callahan Count Campau Hugh Campbell Mike Campbell
Reds Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)
When you can't change the players, why not change the order?
That's what Reds manager Dusty Baker did before Monday's game. He moved Jay Bruce up to second in the order and Brandon Phillips, who had been second, down to fourth.
The changes worked, as the Reds beat the Brewers 9-5. Cincinnati scored two more runs then it scored in the entire three-game weekend series in St. Louis.
"I think the change to the lineup woke us up," Phillips said. "OK, now, to win games, we got to go out and do our jobs. It was an eye-opener."
Phillips went 3-for-4 with three RBI. Bruce hit a two-run home run and scored two runs.
"I used the same approach I've been having," said Phillips, who was hitting .342 in the No.
Nate Berkenstock Bill Bernhard Charlie Berry Tom Berry William Bestick
Phils' Contreras has exam, MRI set for Tuesday (AP)
Jose Contreras's strained right forearm was examined by team doctor Michael Ciccotti in Philadelphia on Monday and the Phillies' closer is scheduled for an MRI on Tuesday. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said the results of Monday's exam were "more positive" than the first one on the 39-year-old right-hander in San Diego.
Nig Cuppy John Curran Wes Curry Ed Cushman Ned Cuthbert
AccuScore: Red Sox, Rays, Twins make moves (Yahoo! Sports)
AccuScore uses past performance statistics to describe how players perform under different environmental,...
Tom Cotter Roscoe Coughlin Ed Crane Fred Crane Sam Crane
Lee fans 12 but D-backs beat Phillies 4-0 (AP)
Cliff Lee said he felt better on the mound than he has all season. Almost any night, that would mean an automatic Philadelphia win. Not Monday night against new father Ian Kennedy. The Arizona right-hander threw a three-hitter in the first complete game of his career and the Diamondbacks won 4-0 to snap the Phillies' five-game winning streak.
Kid Carsey Bob Caruthers Doc Casey Ed Caskin John Cassidy
Stanton homers in 8th, Marlins beat Rockies 6-3 (AP)
Posted on | Monday, April 25, 2011 | No Comments
Florida Marlins fans booed slumping Hanley Ramirez when he struck out in the eighth inning. Two batters later, they demanded a curtain call from Mike Stanton. The turnaround in mood came quickly Sunday for the Marlins, who blew an eighth-inning lead before Stanton hit a three-run homer to beat the Colorado Rockies 6-3.
Joe Borden Sumner Bowman Bill Boyd Eddie Boyle Jack Boyle
Red Sox pick up good vibrations over West Coast swing (Yahoo! Sports)
When the Boston Red Sox got off to their 2-10 start, the volume of the collective caterwauling was only matched by reminders that a corrective win streak was lying somewhere down the road. Turns out that "somewhere" was just chilling … Continue reading →
Dave Birdsall Red Bittmann George Blackburn Henry Blauvelt Ned Bligh
Pirates call up Wood, option Ciriaco (AP)
The Pirates have activated infielder Brandon Wood on Saturday and optioned infielder Pedro Ciriaco to Triple-A Indianapolis. Wood joined the Pirates for their game against the Washington Nationals, a day after being claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels. Wood was not in the starting lineup but Pirates manager Clint Hurdle says he is expected to see action at all four infield positions.
Bert Abbey Dan Abbott Francis Abercrombie John Ake Bob Addy
Baseball notebook: Twins' Morneau gets shot for neck pain (Yahoo! Sports)
Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau had an injection in his neck to relieve pain in a vertebra, but manager Ron Gardenhire minimized the importance of the decision, saying Morneau has taken similar injections in the past "and it's always been a one-day...
Ed Beavens George Bechtel Frank Beck Jake Beckley Charlie Bell
The Juice: Stanton connects for killer home run against Rockies (Yahoo! Sports)
Nine innings, nine items to get you going. Ladies and gentleman of the Stew, take a sip of morning Juice. 1. Live bait: Oh my goodness, Mike Stanton just killed a baseball. His three-run swat against Matt Belisle in the … Continue reading →
Tom Berry William Bestick Oscar Bielaski Charlie Bierman Jud Birchall
David Wright homers twice, Mets beat Diamondbacks (AP)
David Wright and the New York Mets were sorry to see this homestand end. Wright homered twice and Jason Pridie hit the first home run of his major league career in the Mets' 8-4 win Sunday over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Wright has hit three homers in the past four games, all Mets victories on a successful six-game stay at Citi Field that has reversed a dim start to the season.
William Bestick Oscar Bielaski Charlie Bierman Jud Birchall George Bird
Morneau back after five-game absence (The Canadian Press)
MINNEAPOLIS - Justin Morneau is back in the Minnesota Twins' lineup after missing the previous five games with an illness.
Eddie Boyle Jack Boyle Bill Bradley Foghorn Bradley George Bradley
Rangers Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)
On a strange night in Arlington when nothing was really as it seemed, lefty Derek Holland took a big step forward in his development.
He did it on a night when he blew a five-run lead.
In an 11-6 win over Kansas City, Holland did what Rangers pitchers must do to thrive in Rangers Ballpark. He survived the howling jet stream that occasionally kicks up and makes life miserable for pitchers. While the wind was blowing in from right field at 21-30 mph atop the stadium at game time, it would hit the back facade of the stadium and whip around to blow out toward right and right center.
It tends to make pitchers very tentative because even good pitches that a hitter can lift into the air become potential home runs. On Friday, Holland gave up such a homer, in the fourth...George Borchers Joe Borden Sumner Bowman Bill Boyd Eddie Boyle
Sabathia's bid for first win gets pushed back by rainout (Yahoo! Sports)
Posted on | Sunday, April 24, 2011 | No Comments
Sabathia doesn't often go too many starts without a victory, especially when he pitches well. That's why the start of his 2011 season is a bit puzzling to the New York Yankees and manager Joe Girardi. Sabathia was supposed to start Friday's game against the Baltimore...
Ted Breitenstein Jack Brennan Buttons Briggs Fatty Briody Steve Brodie
Phillies aces somewhat inconsistent so far: A fan's perspective (Associated Content)
The Philadelphia Phillies became World Series favorites in the off-season because of our rotation. Every one of us Phillies fans had a heavy dose of World Series dreams right after we got Cliff Lee back, to add to Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels.
Jerry Denny Jim Devlin John Abadie Bert Abbey Dan Abbott
Phillies biggest draw in baseball by far: A fan's take (Associated Content)
The Philadelphia Phillies have one of the most devoted fan bases in baseball. In fact, Phillies fans like myself are becoming just as passionate in the city as Eagles and Flyers fans, which didn't seem possible years ago. Winning Philadelphia's first title in 25 years,...
Fred Corey Tom Cotter Roscoe Coughlin Ed Crane Fred Crane
Tommy Hanson shuts down Giants as Braves win 4-1 (AP)
The electric atmosphere and full house reminded Tommy Hanson of the last time he took the mound at AT&T Park back in October for the NL division series. He liked the result this time around. He commanded his fastball all night. His slider was clicking, too. Chipper Jones hit a two-run double, Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman each singled in runs during a decisive four-run third inning to back Hanson...
Francis Abercrombie John Ake Bob Addy Gus Alberts Myron Allen
Percentage of black baseball players drops again (AP)
The percentage of black players in the major leagues dropped again on opening day this year even as the sport again received a top overall grade for racial diversity. Baseball's grade for gender hiring declined slightly, according to the annual study released Thursday by Richard Lapchick's Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports at the University of Central Florida.
Fritz Clausen Monk Cline Jim Clinton Bill Clymer Ed Cogswell
Top five MLB closers to take over in-season (Associated Content)
With Ryan Franklin and Joe Nathan's recent implosion as their team's closer, I got to thinking what other players have stepped into the closer role after the season opened and made a big impact. John Smoltz, Atlanta Braves, 2001 The Braves legend had a great run as a...
Sam Crane Bill Craver Sam Crawford George Creamer Jim Creighton
Phillies aces somewhat inconsistent so far: A fan's perspective (Associated Content)
The Philadelphia Phillies became World Series favorites in the off-season because of our rotation. Every one of us Phillies fans had a heavy dose of World Series dreams right after we got Cliff Lee back, to add to Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels.
Henry Blauvelt Ned Bligh Steve Bloomer Frederick Boardman Tommy Bond
Seattle places 1B Justin Smoak on bereavement list (AP)
The Seattle Mariners have placed first baseman Justin Smoak on the bereavement list. Smoak was placed on the list early Tuesday. The team announced later that Smoak's father, Keith, had passed away at age 54. The Mariners also recalled outfielder Carlos Peguero from Triple-A Tacoma. Smoak may not be activated for three days and can remain on the bereavement list for up to seven days.
Tommy Bond Frank Bonner Amos Booth Eddie Booth George Borchers
Baseball notebook: Rangers' closer Neftali Feliz on disabled list (Yahoo! Sports)
Posted on | Saturday, April 23, 2011 | No Comments
The Texas Rangers placed closer Neftali Feliz on the disabled list Saturday with rotator cuff inflammation. Feliz felt soreness in Yankee Stadium last weekend and reported it to the team's training staff. He was given a few days off early in the week but struggled with his...
Ollie Beard Ed Beavens George Bechtel Frank Beck Jake Beckley
Penny no-hit bid ends on call, Tigers beat WSox (AP)
Brad Penny took having a no-hit bid broken up on an infield single in stride and without a hint of disappointment after the Detroit Tigers beat the Chicago White Sox 9-0 Saturday. With one-out in the sixth inning, Brent Morel hit a chopper down the third-base line. Brandon Inge backhanded it behind the bag and made a throw in the dirt that first baseman Miguel Cabrera couldn't field cleanly to...
Art Allison Doug Allison Billy Alvord Jim Andrews Fred Andrus
Blue Jays send struggling LHP Cecil to Triple-A (AP)
The Toronto Blue Jays have sent struggling left-hander Brett Cecil to Triple-A Las Vegas and selected the contract of infielder Chris Woodward. The 24-year-old Cecil was demoted Thursday, a day after a poor start against the New York Yankees. Cecil is 1-2 with a 6.86 ERA in four starts and has had trouble reaching 90 mph with his fastball.
George Bradley Asa Brainard Ted Breitenstein Jack Brennan Buttons Briggs
'PhillieBot' throws out first pitch: Another reason I love being a Philadelphia fan (Associated Content)
April 20, amidst a possible three-game losing skid, the Philadelphia Phillies prepared to take on the Milwaukee Brewers, and the University of Pennsylvania college put together a robot that was claimed to be able to throw a pitch.
Bob Armstrong Harry Arundel Tug Arundel Charlie Atherton Al Atkinson
Best Easter Sunday performances in MLB history: A fan's list (Associated Content)
Easter Sunday is often known as a time where kids can go on an Easter hunt and delight in cream filled eggs. For grown ups who will always feel young at heart, Easter Sunday is also one of the best times to relax and watch baseball games.
Nig Cuppy John Curran Wes Curry Ed Cushman Ned Cuthbert
Phillies aces somewhat inconsistent so far: A fan's perspective (Associated Content)
The Philadelphia Phillies became World Series favorites in the off-season because of our rotation. Every one of us Phillies fans had a heavy dose of World Series dreams right after we got Cliff Lee back, to add to Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels.
John Ake Bob Addy Gus Alberts Myron Allen Art Allison
Rockies get 1-hit in 4-1 loss to Marlins (AP)
In his first three trips to the plate, Dexter Fowler hit the ball just once. Anibal Sanchez had him flummoxed. "It was brutal," Fowler said. "I was swinging at bad pitches. I fouled one ball back." Finally in the ninth inning, Fowler and the Colorado Rockies broke through. Fowler's broken-bat singled ended a no-hit bid by Sanchez, but the right-hander got the final three outs...
Hugh Daily George Daisey Bill Daley Abner Dalrymple Tom Daly
The best ERA for NL starters? It belongs to the Brewers (Yahoo! Sports)
Of all the early bizarro world scenarios we've seen so far ? the first-place Indians, the last-place Red Sox ? perhaps this one is the most unexpected. After Randy Wolf pitched six scoreless innings in�a 9-0 victory over Roy Halladay … Continue reading →
Jimmy Collins Charles Comiskey Ed Conley Ed Connor John Connor
Mets 9, Astros 1 (write-thru) (Yahoo! Sports)
Posted on | Friday, April 22, 2011 | No Comments
Terry Collins picked the wrong game to exit early. The New York Mets manager got ejected Thursday just two batters into one of his team's best games of the season. Chris Capuano threw seven one-run innings, David Wright snapped a career-worst 0-for-20 skid with a homer and a...
Oyster Burns Tom Burns Buster Burrell Doc Bushong Charlie Cady
Placido Polanco playing important role for Phillies: A fan's take (Associated Content)
Page views The name Placido Polanco isn't typed into search engines as often as other Philadelphia Phillies' names are. But, his presence, as much as any, will help his team to pull that playoff keyword right up. Polly Placido Polanco has had two stints in Philadelphia.
Monk Cline Jim Clinton Bill Clymer Ed Cogswell John Coleman
BC-BBN--Nationals-Pirates,RainAdvisory, BBN (AP)
EDITORS: The game between the Washington Nationals and the Pittsburgh Pirates has been postponed by rain. AP Sports
Tom Berry William Bestick Oscar Bielaski Charlie Bierman Jud Birchall
Niemann struggles in Rays' loss (AP)
Jeff Niemann struggled again and the Chicago White Sox took full advantage. Omar Vizquel, A.J. Pierzynski, Carlos Quentin and Paul Konerko each drove in two runs and the White Sox stopped a seven-game losing streak with a 9-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday night. Niemann (0-3) lasted just 4 2-3 innings, giving up six runs and six hits.
Art Ball Al Barker Sam Barkley Tom Barlow Bill Barnes
Leake razzed, gets win; Reds beat Dbacks 7-4 (AP)
The Diamondbacks couldn't beat a pitcher getting razzed in his own ballpark. Mike Leake saw a few caustic signs during his first appearance since his shoplifting arrest, but ignored them and gave the Cincinnati Reds a much-needed boost Thursday, going seven innings for a 7-4 victory over Arizona.
Jack Corcoran Larry Corcoran Mike Corcoran Tommy Corcoran Fred Corey
Time for the Mets to take a (home) stand: Fan's take (Associated Content)
Any team worth a box of baseballs protects its house. So what does that say about the New York Mets, who so far this season are 1-6 at home? The Mets let the Colorado Rockies walk into their building last week and sweep a four-game set, including a twin bill last Thursday.
Buster Burrell Doc Bushong Charlie Cady Will Calihan Nixey Callahan
AccuScore: Angels and Cardinals lift off (Yahoo! Sports)
AccuScore uses past performance statistics to describe how players perform under different environmental,...
Jack Corcoran Larry Corcoran Mike Corcoran Tommy Corcoran Fred Corey
Yankees 6, Blue Jays 2 (1st lede) (Yahoo! Sports)
Bartolo Colon, starting a major-league game for the first time since July 2009, allowed five hits and two runs in 6 2/3 innings and the New York Yankees defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 6-2 Wednesday. Mark Teixeira had three doubles as the Yankees gained a split of the two-game...
Buttons Briggs Fatty Briody Steve Brodie Dan Brouthers Lew Brown
Joey Votto is one tough out: A fan's take (Associated Content)
Posted on | Thursday, April 21, 2011 | No Comments
Aging Cincinnati Reds fans like me have seen several Hall of Famers, and the all-time hits king, take the field in our hometown. We saw the power of Johnny Bench, the singles of Pete Rose, Joe Morgan's impressive combination of the two, and the clutch-hitting of Tony Perez.
Frank Beck Jake Beckley Charlie Bell Frank Bell Steve Bellan
Brewers 9, Phillies 0 (add quotes) (Yahoo! Sports)
Randy Wolf outpitched reigning National League Cy Young award winner Roy Halladay as the Milwaukee Brewers shut out the struggling Philadelphia Phillies 9-0 Tuesday night. Wolf, who spent his first eight major league seasons with the Phillies, looked more than comfortable atop the...
Frank Bonner Amos Booth Eddie Booth George Borchers Joe Borden
Nationals-Cardinals game postponed by rain (AP)
Tornado sirens sounded. Rain mixed with hail was coming down in buckets and lightning kept everyone on their toes. Washington Nationals manager Jim Riggleman did the wise thing while waiting out a lengthy delay before Tuesday night's game against the St. Louis Cardinals was postponed. He avoided the dugout.
Jimmy Barrett John Barrett Shad Barry Charley Bassett Joe Battin
Marlins' Morrison waiting on injury diagnosis (Yahoo! Sports)
Florida Marlins left fielder Logan Morrison had an MRI Wednesday on a hurting left foot but nobody was around...
John Cattanach Elton Chamberlain Frank Chapman Jack Chapman John Clapp
Indians Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)
It's still very early in the season, but to this point the Indians' most improved player has been Justin Masterson. The big right-hander was 6-13 last year, but he is 4-0 this year after pitching six solid innings Wednesday in Cleveland's 7-5 win over Kansas City.
Masterson, who had a 4.70 ERA last year, has a 1.71 ERA this year. One of the keys to his newfound success is his ability to minimize damage and pitch out of jams.
On Wednesday night, Masterson also showed his ability to make in-game corrections when necessary. In the first inning, he gave up two runs on three hits, then settled down, pitching scoreless ball over the next five innings while allowing just three hits.
It has been a turnaround season for Masterson, who is the only player of the three prospects...
Frederick Boardman Tommy Bond Frank Bonner Amos Booth Eddie Booth
Kimbrel and Walden are newest rookie closers (Yahoo! Sports)
The Braves and Angels have joined the trend of young flamethrowers trumping experience in the ninth inning.
Amos Booth Eddie Booth George Borchers Joe Borden Sumner Bowman
Red Sox waste Lackey's start, fall 5-0 to A's (AP)
John Lackey returned to his usual form. Boston still can't find a way to win on the road. The Red Sox wasted a strong showing from Lackey in a 5-0 loss to the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday night, sending them to their worst start away from home in franchise history. "I thought he did tremendous," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said of Lackey.
Tom Carey Lew Carl Hick Carpenter Chick Carroll Cliff Carroll
Jays settle for split after 6-2 loss to Yanks (The Canadian Press)
TORONTO - The look of concern was etched all over Brett Cecil's face after another disappointing effort.
Dan Collins Jimmy Collins Charles Comiskey Ed Conley Ed Connor
Yankees' Eric Chavez trying to stay healthy: A fan's perspective (Associated Content)
Posted on | Wednesday, April 20, 2011 | No Comments
New York Yankees utility man Eric Chavez has made himself right at home in the Bronx. On Sunday, April 17, 2011, Chavez made his third start of the season, against the Texas Rangers. Starting in place of Alex Rodriguez, who was resting a side injury, Chavez was 2-for-4 with an RBI.
Bill Conway Dick Conway Jim Conway Duff Cooley William Coon
Berkman hits slam to spark Cards over D'backs 15-5 (AP)
Lance Berkman is showing he still can swing the bat. Berkman hit a grand slam for his fourth home run in three games and drove in five runs, and the St. Louis Cardinals routed the Arizona Diamondbacks 15-5 on Wednesday night. "You always feel like you can do it," Berkman said, "but obviously it's good to prove it to everyone and also to yourself." Skip Schumaker also homered,...
Frank Bahret Jersey Bakely Lady Baldwin Art Ball Al Barker
Atlanta Braves mixing things up: A fan's reaction (Associated Content)
On April 18, Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez did the unthinkable. He batted right fielder Jason Heyward in the two-hole, despite the fact that every regular starter was on the field. I have been one the biggest believers in this move since before the season started.
Bill Crowley Candy Cummings Bert Cunningham Nig Cuppy John Curran
Anderson outduels Lackey as A's win third straight (AP)
That talented, young pitching rotation the Athletics are banking on to carry them this season is holding down its end of the deal so far. Brett Anderson struck out eight and outdueled usual Oakland nemesis John Lackey for his first victory of the season, and the A's beat Boston 5-0 on Tuesday night to snap the Red Sox's three-game winning streak.
Chick Carroll Cliff Carroll Pat Carroll Scrappy Carroll Kid Carsey
Jason Bay's rehab assignment extended by Mets (AP)
Jason Bay's minor league rehabilitation assignment has been extended by two more games by the New York Mets. The left fielder met Monday at Citi Field with general manager Sandy Alderson, assistant general manager John Ricco, manager Terry Collins and head trainer Ray Ramirez. Bay, on the DL since spring training with a strained left rib cage, began his rehab assignment Saturday and had hoped...
Hick Carpenter Chick Carroll Cliff Carroll Pat Carroll Scrappy Carroll
NL Capsules (The Canadian Press)
LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Matt Kemp hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning, giving the Los Angeles Dodgers a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday that ended their five-game skid.
Jack Burdock Mike Burke Hercules Burnett Dick Burns Oyster Burns
Phillies could endure offensive slumps: A fan's take (Associated Content)
The Philadelphia Phillies used to be best known for offense. In just a few years, however, the Phillies have become a pitching-centric team, to the shock of us longtime Philadelphia fans. When we won the World Series, we worried far more about pitchers than hitters, but the roles...
Bill Bernhard Charlie Berry Tom Berry William Bestick Oscar Bielaski
Marcum throws 7 shutout innings to lift Brewers (AP)
Shaun Marcum outlasted Kevin Correia and gave the Milwaukee Brewers their first good look at the pitcher they traded for in the offseason. Marcum pitched seven shutout innings, Prince Fielder homered for the third time in four games and the Brewers won their sixth in seven games, 6-0 over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday night.
Ernie Burch Jack Burdock Mike Burke Hercules Burnett Dick Burns
A little help here? Rays beat Twins with lineup picked by fans (Yahoo! Sports)
Posted on | Tuesday, April 19, 2011 | No Comments
The small-market Tampa Bay Rays have become renowned within baseball circles for seeking advantages in unlikely places and exploiting them to their benefit. They're really not kidding with that approach, either. On Friday afternoon, manager Joe Maddon allowed those who … Continue reading →
Wes Curry Ed Cushman Ned Cuthbert Bill Dahlen Con Daily
Former Blue Jays 1B Carlos Delgado retires (The Canadian Press)
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Carlos Delgado officially gave up Wednesday on coming back from a hip injury, announcing his retirement from baseball two years after he was sidelined with 473 career home runs.
Tom Carey Lew Carl Hick Carpenter Chick Carroll Cliff Carroll
Defensive lapses hurt Astros (PA SportsTicker)
The Astros got the job done offensively against the San Diego Padres Sunday. Defense was another story.
Bob Clark Boileryard Clarke Fred Clarke John Clarkson Fritz Clausen
The Juice: Kemp stings Cardinals with winning 2-run homer in 9th (Yahoo! Sports)
Nine innings, nine items to get you going. Ladies and gentleman of the Stew, take a sip of morning Juice. 1. Holy reverse Jack Clark/Tom Niedenfuer in 1985 NLCS! OK, that's not really fair. Back in 1985 (as Uncle Rico … Continue reading →
Jim Creighton Art Croft Jack Cronin Jack Crooks Lave Cross
Shoddy defense does in A's as they lose in 10 (PA SportsTicker)
By JANIE McCAULEY AP Baseball Writer
Steve Bloomer Frederick Boardman Tommy Bond Frank Bonner Amos Booth
Jurrjens Returns from DL with Shutout Victory as Braves Sweep Mets (Associated Content)
The Atlanta Braves picked up a couple of much-needed victories on Saturday with a doubleheader sweep of the New York Mets, winning the opener 4-2 before Jair Jurrjens pitched seven solid innings in his return from the disabled list for a 4-0 victory in the nightcap.
William Coon Jimmy Cooney Joe Corbett Jack Corcoran Larry Corcoran
Thole drives in two, Mets beat Braves, 3-2 (AP)
Travel-weary Dillon Gee used borrowed spikes, a borrowed glove and Josh Thole's hitting in a new-look lineup to help the New York Mets end their longest losing streak in seven years. Thole, hitting second for the first time this season, had two run-scoring singles, Gee came up from the minors to earn the win and the Mets beat the Atlanta Braves 3-2 on Sunday to end their seven-game losing...
Ed Connor John Connor Roger Connor Bill Conway Dick Conway
Indians Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)
The Indians lineup got a boost Sunday that paid immediate dividends, not just Sunday but, they hope, for the rest of the season. Center fielder Grady Sizemore was activated off the disabled list, and in his first at-bat of the game he belted a home run in the Indians' 4-2 win over Baltimore.
Sizemore also doubled, as he returned to the lineup for the first time since being on the disabled list since mid-May of last year. Sizemore missed most of last season and the first two weeks of this season while recovering from microfracture surgery on his left knee.
His return makes the Indians' lineup deeper, and more dangerous. Sizemore was a leadoff hitter for most of his career until hitting second last season prior to his injury.
Frederick Boardman Tommy Bond Frank Bonner Amos Booth Eddie Booth
Cleveland Indians charge onward: A fan's perspective (Associated Content)
Posted on | Monday, April 18, 2011 | No Comments
The Cleveland Indians return home Friday, April 15 for a three game series against the Baltimore Orioles before heading back out on the road for a four game series against the Kansas City Royals and three games with the Minnesota Twins.
Cliff Carroll Pat Carroll Scrappy Carroll Kid Carsey Bob Caruthers
A little help here? Rays beat Twins with lineup picked by fans (Yahoo! Sports)
The small-market Tampa Bay Rays have become renowned within baseball circles for seeking advantages in unlikely places and exploiting them to their benefit. They're really not kidding with that approach, either. On Friday afternoon, manager Joe Maddon allowed those who … Continue reading →
Bill Conway Dick Conway Jim Conway Duff Cooley William Coon
Cole Hamels key to Phillies' rotation: A fan's perspective (Associated Content)
The starting rotation of the Philadelphia Phillies has already been declared one of the best ever. Of course, the Phillies and their aces need to actually play a full season first, and win a World Series or two, before they can earn that esteem.
Oyster Burns Tom Burns Buster Burrell Doc Bushong Charlie Cady
Marlins and Phillies rained out (PA SportsTicker)
The Florida Marlins and Philadelphia Phillies game scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Saturday has been postponed by rain.
Hugh Daily George Daisey Bill Daley Abner Dalrymple Tom Daly
Yankees put RHP Hughes on DL with 'dead arm' (PA SportsTicker)
By BEN WALKER AP Baseball Writer
Ed Crane Fred Crane Sam Crane Bill Craver Sam Crawford
Cain, Sandoval lead Giants past Diamondbacks 5-2 (AP)
Matt Cain has picked up right where he left off in a superb postseason. The right-hander had his third strong outing in three appearances this season and Pablo Sandoval hit a three-run homer to lift the San Francisco Giants to their third straight victory, 5-2 over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night.
Ed Connor John Connor Roger Connor Bill Conway Dick Conway
Twins Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)
Right-hander Joe Nathan went to manager Ron Gardenhire and pitching coach Rick Anderson after blowing his second save in as many opportunities on Saturday and told them to make Matt Capps the closer. Gardenhire said he and Anderson had been discussing the same thing, and on Sunday, the team made it official—effective immediately, Capps is the Twins' closer.
Nathan, meanwhile will be moved out of the backend of the bullpen entirely, meaning he will also not set up Capps, Gardenhire said. The Twins will instead look to put Nathan, still regaining strength and form after undergoing Tommy John surgery last March, into lower pressure situations until he's ready to resume his closing duties.
Frederick Boardman Tommy Bond Frank Bonner Amos Booth Eddie Booth
Rested Brewers open road trip with win: A fan's reaction (Associated Content)
As the baseball season progresses in Milwaukee the team and fans need to look no further than an old President George H.W. Bush speech in which he tells Americans to "stay the course" and "a thousand points of light." It's a long season and fans don't...
Sam Barkley Tom Barlow Bill Barnes Ross Barnes Billy Barnie
Cubs Fan: Cubs Fall to the Rockies, Go 4-5 on Road Trip (Associated Content)
Posted on | Sunday, April 17, 2011 | No Comments
Chicago Cubs I am not ashamed to admit that I was not happy when Mike Quade was named the full-time manager of the Chicago Cubs. I became a diehard Cubs fan when WGN came to New Orleans in 1980 and to this day, Ryne Sandberg is my favorite Cub of all-time.
Lew Carl Hick Carpenter Chick Carroll Cliff Carroll Pat Carroll
Pirates have top pick in 2011 MLB draft (Yahoo! Sports)
Major League Baseball released the official order for the 2011 first-year player draft on June 6. The Pittsburgh Pirates have the first overall pick. The Pirates last had the top selection in the 2002 draft and chose right-handed pitcher Bryan Bullington.
Bill Boyd Eddie Boyle Jack Boyle Bill Bradley Foghorn Bradley
BC-BBN--Red-Padres,Extra InningsAdvisory, BBN (AP)
EDITORS: The game between the Cincinnati Reds and San Diego Padres is tied 2-2 after 10 innings. AP Sports
Tommy Beals Ollie Beard Ed Beavens George Bechtel Frank Beck
After three bad starts, should Yanks make a change with Hughes? (Yahoo! Sports)
The good news for Phil Hughes: He�regularly touched above 90 mph on the radar gun on Thursday night. Hughes' lack of velocity had been a concern throughout spring training, though the New York Yankees insisted he threw the same last … Continue reading →
Tom Barlow Bill Barnes Ross Barnes Billy Barnie Bob Barr