Giants' Posey out for season after surgery (PA SportsTicker)
Posted on | Tuesday, May 31, 2011 | No Comments
By COLIN FLY AP Sports Writer
Tommy Beals Ollie Beard Ed Beavens George Bechtel Frank Beck
Giants involved in a lot of scoreless games: A fan's reaction (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
The San Francisco Giants might not be scoring a whole lot of runs lately, but the team did get a slam from Andres Torres en route to a 7-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on May 30. Plus, Brandon Crawford smacked a grand slam a few days earlier.
Boileryard Clarke Fred Clarke John Clarkson Fritz Clausen Monk Cline
Cain gets no support, Giants fall (AP)
Matt Cain received no support from the Giants' sputtering offense. That still didn't give him much solace after his outing. Cain tied a career high by allowing 11 hits and the San Francisco Giants fell to the Milwaukee Brewers 6-0 on Sunday for their fifth loss in six games, falling into second place in the NL West behind Arizona.
Bob Addy Gus Alberts Myron Allen Art Allison Doug Allison
Dodgers' Kershaw beats Marlins with two-hitter (AP)
Clayton Kershaw had the Florida Marlins guessing all day, and they usually were wrong. Kershaw pitched a two-hitter for his second shutout and complete game in the majors, and the Los Angeles Dodgers routed the Marlins 8-0 on Sunday. "I just pounded the strike zone and made them try to beat me instead of beating myself," Kershaw said.
Joe Battin Tommy Beals Ollie Beard Ed Beavens George Bechtel
Cust triples, helps Mariners beat Orioles (AP)
Doug Fister has seen the Seattle Mariners pull together over the past month. He's just happy to finally contribute. Fister (3-5) picked up his first victory since April 30, a 4-3 decision over the Baltimore Orioles on Monday. Fister went 7 1-3 innings, allowing three runs and seven hits, walked one and struck out a career-high nine in his 49th start.
Oyster Burns Tom Burns Buster Burrell Doc Bushong Charlie Cady
Maholm and four HRs lead Bucs (AP)
EDITORS: The Pirates and Cubs have begun play after a rain delay of 2 hours, 34 minutes. AP Sports
Dick Burns Oyster Burns Tom Burns Buster Burrell Doc Bushong
Domonic Brown a star sub, Phillies beat Mets 6-4 (AP)
It took only two innings for Domonic Brown to play a big part in Philadelphia's latest victory. The highly touted rookie grounded a tiebreaking single under the glove of first baseman Daniel Murphy in the ninth inning, and the Phillies scored three runs off star closer Francisco Rodriguez to beat the sinking New York Mets 6-4 on Friday night.
Wiman Andrus Cap Anson Bob Armstrong Harry Arundel Tug Arundel
Cardinals Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)
The most significant hit of the Cardinals' 7-3 loss to the Giants on Monday was a grand slam hit by Giants' center fielder Andres Torres off right-hander Kyle McClellan in a five-run fourth inning.
But it was what happened before that at-bat, when McClellan walked opposing pitcher Madison Bumgarner, that bothered McClellan (6-2) the most.
"Walking the pitcher there killed me," McClellan said. "I get him out, that changes everything. Just all in all, not a good game."
McClellan was knocked out after four innings, his earliest departure this season, his first as a starter. He was behind in the count to eight of the first 10 hitters and both of his walks came in the Giants' big fourth that made it 7-2.
Frank Bell Steve Bellan Ike Benners Charlie Bennett Cy Bentley
Mets' Reyes takes bereavement leave, likely to miss 3 to 7 days (Yahoo! Sports)
Posted on | Monday, May 30, 2011 | No Comments
The slumping New York Mets suffered even more bad news on Monday when shortstop Jose Reyes was placed on the bereavement list. Reyes left the team to return to his native Dominican Republic to mourn the death of his grandmother.
Bill Conway Dick Conway Jim Conway Duff Cooley William Coon
MLB's best dads who are role models: A fan's perspective (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
Growing up, I watched several baseball players or heard stories about some from my parents. These players performed well in the spotlight. More important, they taught their sons and me about the game and life. Here is my simple list of the top five: Number five, Joe Niekro The...
Harry Davis Jumbo Davis Dory Dean Harry Deane Herman Dehlman
Owings leads Diamondbacks to 6-3 win over Rockies (AP)
The surging Arizona Diamondbacks have suddenly figured it all out. And just like that, the surprising Diamondbacks are closing in on the San Francisco Giants in the NL West. Micah Owings pitched five effective innings for his first win in more than a year and Miguel Montero hit a three-run homer, helping the Diamondbacks beat the slumping Colorado Rockies 6-3 on Thursday night.
Bob Barr Bill Barrett Jimmy Barrett John Barrett Shad Barry
Royals add Paulino to slumping bullpen (Yahoo! Sports)
With the bullpen struggling, the Kansas City Royals went out and found a new arm late Thursday night. Whether he will be an improvement remains to be seen. Right-hander Felipe Paulino, a disappointment in his brief time with the Colorado Rockies, was acquired by the Royals late...
Harry Davis Jumbo Davis Dory Dean Harry Deane Herman Dehlman
Buster Posey's injury is terrible news for Giants: A fan's reaction (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
On May 25, Buster Posey suffered a serious leg injury in a home plate collision with Scott Cousins during a game between the San Francisco Giants and the Florida Marlins. The injury has been deemed a "fractured bone in the lower left leg," which more than likely includes...
Henry Blauvelt Ned Bligh Steve Bloomer Frederick Boardman Tommy Bond
New names at top of Cardinals' stout rotation (AP)
Nearly two months in, the St. Louis Cardinals have one victory from twin aces Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright. Woe is them, right? Nope. The Cardinals lead the NL Central because the rest of the arms have been strong enough to withstand two big hits, Wainwright's elbow reconstruction in February and Carpenter's roughest stretch by far since joining St.
Monte Cross Bill Crowley Candy Cummings Bert Cunningham Nig Cuppy
Cubs Starting Pitching a Disaster in 2011: Cubs Fan (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
Chicago Cubs With the Chicago Cubs starting pitching in shambles, I was eagerly anticipating the return of starter Randy Wells from the disabled list. Instead of making a triumphant return, Wells gave up five earned runs in four innings as the Cubs were crushed by the Pittsburgh...
Nate Berkenstock Bill Bernhard Charlie Berry Tom Berry William Bestick
Aybar, Angels top Twins to take 2 of 3 in series (AP)
Dan Haren didn't have his best stuff. Neither did closer Jordan Walden. The Los Angeles Angels found a way to win anyway, the most promising sign yet that they are inching closer to finding themselves after a sluggish couple of weeks. Erick Aybar had three hits and three RBIs and Haren picked up his first win since April 17 while leading the Angels to a 6-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins on...
Hick Carpenter Chick Carroll Cliff Carroll Pat Carroll Scrappy Carroll
MLB Note - Philadelphia Phillies Lidge, Brad (Yahoo! Sports)
Posted on | Sunday, May 29, 2011 | No Comments
Brad Lidge threw a scoreless inning Saturday in an extended spring training game, his first appearance in a game setting since late March. He has been sidelined due to a right posterior rotator cuff strain. If all goes well, he could be back in the Philadelphia bullpen in mid- or...
Al Barker Sam Barkley Tom Barlow Bill Barnes Ross Barnes
Chipper Jones lifts Braves past Reds, 7-6 in 12th (AP)
Chipper Jones says extra innings "stink" so he was anxious to make sure a game already 4 hours long didn't continue. Jones' single in the 12th inning drove in Jordan Schafer to give the Atlanta Braves a 7-6 win over the weary Cincinnati Reds on Saturday night. "It's always good to come through on your last at-bat," said Jones, who was 0 for 4 with a walk before the...
Charlie Bell Frank Bell Steve Bellan Ike Benners Charlie Bennett
Fan's look: How have the 2010 National League Rookie of the Year candidates fared in 2011? (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
The 2010 National League Rookie of the Year race didn't turn out to be a runaway by Jason Heyward of the Braves. Heyward's stats paled in comparison to that of eventually winner Buster Posey during the second half of the season.
Oyster Burns Tom Burns Buster Burrell Doc Bushong Charlie Cady
Indians activate OF Sizemore from DL (AP)
The Cleveland Indians have activated outfielder Grady Sizemore from the 15-day disabled list. The move was made before Friday night's game at Tampa Bay. Sizemore had been on the DL with a bruised right kneecap he injured making a hard, late slide into second base May 10. Sizemore was the DH for the game with the Rays, something Cleveland manager Manny Acta said will be the case throughout the...
Dan Daub George Davis Harry Davis Jumbo Davis Dory Dean
The Juice: Mariners enjoy a streaky Saturday at Safeco Field (Yahoo! Sports)
Nine innings, nine items to get you going. Ladies and gentleman of the Stew, take a sip of morning Juice. 1. Streaking in Seattle: With their Seattle Mariners winning nine of their past 10 games, some of the fans at … Continue reading →
Charlie Atherton Al Atkinson Ed Atkinson Henry Austin Frank Bahret
Zack Greinke gets all of that one, hits big homer off Jason Marquis (Yahoo! Sports)
Get up ... get up ... get outta here ... Greinke! I'm not sure if Bob Uecker modified his famous home run call for Zack Greinke's go-ahead homer in the fourth inning during Wednesday's 6-4 victory, but it certainly has … Continue reading →
Jack Corcoran Larry Corcoran Mike Corcoran Tommy Corcoran Fred Corey
John Baker’s comeback: Bracing for recovery from elbow surgery (Yahoo! Sports)
After a slow rise through the minors, John Baker joined the Florida Marlins in July 2008. He hit a home run in his second major league game and quickly established himself as the team's starting catcher. His fortunes turned sour … Continue reading →
Myron Allen Art Allison Doug Allison Billy Alvord Jim Andrews
Contact at home plate is part of the game (Yahoo! Sports)
Those clamoring for rule changes in the wake of Buster Posey's injury don't understand the value of a run.
Tom Daly Law Daniels Dan Daub George Davis Harry Davis
Boston's Crawford regains his touch at the plate (Yahoo! Sports)
Posted on | Saturday, May 28, 2011 | No Comments
Don't look now, but Carl Crawford has raised his average to .244, a number that never has seemed so good to the Boston Red Sox left fielder. Crawford has gone 8-for-9 with two doubles, two triples, one home run, five RBI and five runs in Boston's last two games.
Ike Benners Charlie Bennett Cy Bentley Marty Bergen John Bergh
Brewers activate Morgan from DL (Yahoo! Sports)
The Milwaukee Brewers activated outfielder Nyjer Morgan from the 15-day disabled list and optioned catcher Mike Rivera to Triple-A Nashville. Morgan has been sidelined since May 6 with a fractured left middle finger, his second stint on the disabled list this season.
Al Barker Sam Barkley Tom Barlow Bill Barnes Ross Barnes
Giants make roster moves, need more offense to win: A fan's take (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
On May 26, the San Francisco Giants made a few roster movements in the wake of injuries to key players, including Buster Posey, Mike Fontenot, and Darren Ford. Taking their places are Brandon Belt, Chris Stewart, and Brandon Crawford.
Lady Baldwin Art Ball Al Barker Sam Barkley Tom Barlow
Pirates fall to Braves 4-2 in 11 innings (AP)
Instead of leaving PNC Park elated after one of the best days of his career, Pittsburgh's Steve Pearce was disappointed that he didn't come through in the clutch. Pearce homered for the first time in 20 months and went 3 for 5 with two RBIs Wednesday. But he grounded into a double play with the bases loaded and one out in a tie game in the ninth inning and the Atlanta Braves earned a 4-2...
Henry Austin Frank Bahret Jersey Bakely Lady Baldwin Art Ball
Power Rankings: Murky in middle of pack (Yahoo! Sports)
With so many teams hovering around .500, ranking the middle 20 teams is tricky business.
Jumbo Davis Dory Dean Harry Deane Herman Dehlman Ed Delahanty
Herzog: Every night they see my number (AP)
Whitey Herzog says having his jersey number retired by the St. Louis Cardinals is every bit as special as making it to the Hall of Fame. The manager who produced three National League pennants and a World Series title in the 1980s with a go-go style known as "Whiteyball" said Wednesday it was humbling to realize that every game at Busch Stadium, fans will see his No.
Cap Anson Bob Armstrong Harry Arundel Tug Arundel Charlie Atherton
Contact at home plate is part of the game (Yahoo! Sports)
Those clamoring for rule changes in the wake of Buster Posey's injury don't understand the value of a run.
Charles Comiskey Ed Conley Ed Connor John Connor Roger Connor
Blue Jays Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)
Give John McDonald credit. He stood in front of the media and made no excuses.
No, he didn't feel that he was rushed on the play. Yes, he should have made the play.
The third baseman's two-base error on a high throw on a grounder by former Blue Jays outfielder Alex Rios led to two unearned runs in the ninth inning Thursday, allowing the White Sox to break a tie and pull out a 3-1 win.
A lot of other things happened in the inning.
There was Juan Pierre's foul ball on a 3-2 pitch to keep his at-bat alive against Marc Rzepczynski, and then there was his hard grounder to first baseman Juan Rivera. Rzepczynski was late getting to the bag against the swift Pierre. Rivera's throw eluded the pitcher, and the first baseman was charged with an error that allowed an extra...
Pete Browning Fritz Buelow Charlie Buffinton Ernie Burch Jack Burdock
Chicago Cubs get series victory over New York Mets despite ugly weather: Fan's series review (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
Posted on | Friday, May 27, 2011 | No Comments
The Chicago Cubs battled the elements as rain impacted the final two games of their series with the New York Mets. That didn't prevent them from getting a critical series victory after winning two of three games, 11-1, 4-7 and 9-3 .
Fred Andrus Wiman Andrus Cap Anson Bob Armstrong Harry Arundel
Braves look to stay hot against Cincinnati: A fan's outlook (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
The Atlanta Braves have been one of baseball's hottest teams during May. With a 15-8 record this month, they are suddenly back in the race for the National League East lead. The team they will battle this weekend is coming off a series against the NL East-leading Philadelphia...
Hercules Burnett Dick Burns Oyster Burns Tom Burns Buster Burrell
Padres Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)
The Padres admit this looks like a good time to promote first baseman Anthony Rizzo from the minors.
San Diego is opening a six-game road trip. With right fielder Will Venable optioned to Class AAA Tucson, the Padres could move now hot-hitting first baseman Brad Hawpe to his natural position of right field. Rizzo would help shore up the Padres' defense, and with Hawpe and Ryan Ludwick hitting, little offensive pressure would fall on Rizzo.
Rizzo, 21, is hitting .366 with a .446 on-base percentage, a .717 slugging percentage, 14 homers and 56 RBI through 43 games for Tucson. He ranks eighth in the Pacific Coast League in batting, second in homers and first in RBI.
But Padres general manager Jed Hoyer says the time is still not right.
Sam Crawford George Creamer Jim Creighton Art Croft Jack Cronin
Hall's error big in Houston's loss to Los Angeles (AP)
It was the kind of day Bill Hall would rather not experience again. Hall's third-inning error loaded the bases and set up a grand slam by Jerry Sands that led the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 5-4 victory over the Houston Astros on Tuesday night. Hall almost atoned for his miscue with one out in the ninth when he hit a towering shot to deep left field that would have tied the game had it stayed...
Al Atkinson Ed Atkinson Henry Austin Frank Bahret Jersey Bakely
Rays activate Brignac from bereavement list (Yahoo! Sports)
The Tampa Bay Rays activated infielder Reid Brignac from the bereavement list and placed infielder Elliot Johnson on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 24, with a sprained left knee. Brignac left the team Saturday following the death of his grandfather.
John Coleman Dan Collins Jimmy Collins Charles Comiskey Ed Conley
The Juice: Buster Posey injures leg on violent play at plate (Yahoo! Sports)
Nine innings, nine items to get you going. Ladies and gentleman of the Stew, take a sip of morning Juice. 1. Busting up Buster: If you're squeamish, don't watch the ugly replay of Buster Posey injuring his left ankle getting … Continue reading →
Oyster Burns Tom Burns Buster Burrell Doc Bushong Charlie Cady
Fan's look: How have the 2010 National League Rookie of the Year candidates fared in 2011? (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
The 2010 National League Rookie of the Year race didn't turn out to be a runaway by Jason Heyward of the Braves. Heyward's stats paled in comparison to that of eventually winner Buster Posey during the second half of the season.
Billy Barnie Bob Barr Bill Barrett Jimmy Barrett John Barrett
The Juice: Reds bust 6-game losing streak on Bruce’s 3-run double (Yahoo! Sports)
Nine innings, nine items to get you going. Ladies and gentleman of the Stew, take a sip of morning Juice. 1. Hooray for Jay: Anyone else call him "Jay the Bruce" because of "Braveheart"? Just me, eh? Anyway, he came … Continue reading →
Tommy Bond Frank Bonner Amos Booth Eddie Booth George Borchers
Giants Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)
Posted on | Thursday, May 26, 2011 | No Comments
San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a broken leg and torn ligaments in his ankle. The 2010 NL Rookie of the Year could be done for the year, depending on the severity of the break. More will be known about his status after he undergoes an MRI exam Thursday.
Posey suffered the injury during Wednesday night's game against the Florida Marlins when Scott Cousins barreled into him at home plate. Posey was left in writhing in pain on the ground for several minutes before two Giants trainers helped him off the field. He was immediately taken for X-rays, but the results were not revealed by the team.
The team will turn to Eli Whiteside to handle duties behind the plate for the time being.
Henry Austin Frank Bahret Jersey Bakely Lady Baldwin Art Ball
How Phillies ace Roy Halladay compares to Curt Schilling: A fan's take (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
The Philadelphia Phillies have not been overly blessed with an abundance of great arms in their rotation over the years. Currently, Phillies ace Roy Halladay is considered by many to be the best starting pitcher in baseball. In the 1990s, fellow right-hander Curt Schilling led the...
Art Allison Doug Allison Billy Alvord Jim Andrews Fred Andrus
Pujols ends longest HR drought, Cards beat Pads (AP)
EDITORS: The St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres were tied 2-2 after 10 innings. AP Sports
Bill Barnes Ross Barnes Billy Barnie Bob Barr Bill Barrett
Humbled Hunter finds his stroke for Angels (Yahoo! Sports)
Even as his batting average sank, his RBI total stagnated and his home run swing produced none, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Torii Hunter stubbornly refused to admit that he was trying too hard to lift his team single-handedly.
Jimmy Collins Charles Comiskey Ed Conley Ed Connor John Connor
MLB Notebook for Tuesday, May 24, 2011 (Yahoo! Sports)
The New York Mets needed a team meeting on Tuesday to sort out recent critical comments made by principal owner Fred Wilpon. The meeting was called at Wrigley Field to discuss Wilpon's quotes in The New Yorker. The embattled owner expressed regret in signing Carlos Beltran to a...
John Coleman Dan Collins Jimmy Collins Charles Comiskey Ed Conley
Twenty-eight starts later, Jo-Jo Reyes still hasn’t won a game (Yahoo! Sports)
Jo-Jo Reyes is the anti-Jose Bautista. While his teammate puts up MVP-caliber numbers for the Toronto Blue Jays, establishing himself as the best hitter in baseball and showing that last season's 54-homer breakout was no fluke, Reyes ties a major … Continue reading →
Ross Barnes Billy Barnie Bob Barr Bill Barrett Jimmy Barrett
Shields shuts down Marlins in Rays' 4-0 win (AP)
James Shields shook his head in frustration after allowing a walk with two outs in the ninth inning, upset that he might not get to finish a game that he dominated. Allowed to continue by Manager Joe Maddon, Shields completed his gem with style. Shields finished off a three-hitter by striking out Gaby Sanchez to set a new career best with 13 strikeouts, and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Florida...
Bill Clymer Ed Cogswell John Coleman Dan Collins Jimmy Collins
Wednesday's American League Capsules (PA SportsTicker)
Jon Lester coasted to his AL-leading seventh win and the Boston Red Sox bludgeoned Cleveland's Mitch Talbot for seven runs in the first inning on their way to a 14-2 victory Wednesday, the Indians' most-lopsided loss of the season.
Joe Battin Tommy Beals Ollie Beard Ed Beavens George Bechtel
Jones' homer gives Orioles 5-3 win over Royals (AP)
Posted on | Wednesday, May 25, 2011 | No Comments
Adam Jones knew exactly how to handle the trip around the bases after the first walkoff homer of his big league career. Jones capped a ninth-inning uprising with a two-run drive against Joakim Soria, giving the Baltimore Orioles a 5-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night. "First time I ever got one like that," Jones said.
Herman Dehlman Ed Delahanty Gene DeMontreville Jerry Denny Jim Devlin
Marlins scrambling to replace injured Josh Johnson: A fan's take (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
The Florida Marlins rode an amazing outing by Ricky Nolasco to a 5-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants in the City by the Bay on Tuesday, May 24, with Mike Stanton smacking his team-leading 11th home run of the season. However, Josh Johnson's recent injury that saw the...
George Bradley Asa Brainard Ted Breitenstein Jack Brennan Buttons Briggs
Sands' slam leads Dodgers past Astros 5-4 (AP)
With eight players on the disabled list the Los Angeles Dodgers have needed some of their young talent to step up. On Tuesday night the rookies came through. Rookie Jerry Sands hit a grand slam in the third inning and Jay Gibbons also homered as the Los Angeles Dodgers snapped a three-game losing streak with a 5-4 win over the Houston Astros.
Robert Brown Tom Brown Pete Browning Fritz Buelow Charlie Buffinton
Phils, Utley plan to take it slow at the start (Yahoo! Sports)
Monday night at Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies welcomed back the guy Roy Halladay referred to as the Derek Jeter of the National League. Chase Utley, the unofficial captain of the Phillies, was back in the starting lineup for the first time since Game 6 of the NLCS last October...
Frank Bonner Amos Booth Eddie Booth George Borchers Joe Borden
Nationals' LaRoche to get second opinion on shoulder (Yahoo! Sports)
After playing with a torn labrum in his left shoulder for the first six weeks of the season, Washington Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche will get a second opinion on his shoulder in New York on Monday, he said after the Nationals lost 2-1 to the Orioles on Sunday.
Lady Baldwin Art Ball Al Barker Sam Barkley Tom Barlow
Tuesday's National League Capsules (PA SportsTicker)
Jay Bruce hit a tiebreaking, three-run double in the ninth inning and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-3 Tuesday night to snap a six-game losing streak.
Pete Browning Fritz Buelow Charlie Buffinton Ernie Burch Jack Burdock
Stow's family sues Dodgers (Yahoo! Sports)
The Bryan Stow saga went to the next step Tuesday when his family sued the Los Angeles Dodgers. The suit on behalf of Stow, the San Francisco Giants fan who remains in critical condition after being brutally beaten in the Dodger Stadium parking lot following the season opener March...
Tom Cotter Roscoe Coughlin Ed Crane Fred Crane Sam Crane
Create-a-Caption: Manny Acta is a man in the moment (Yahoo! Sports)
Holy smokes, Stewies, has it been way too long since our last Create-a-Caption contest. As an apology, please accept this picture of Cleveland Indians manager Manny Acta taking a break from winning the AL Manager of the Year award to … Continue reading →
Tommy Bond Frank Bonner Amos Booth Eddie Booth George Borchers
Walker drives in 5 as Pirates beat Tigers 10-1 (AP)
Posted on | Tuesday, May 24, 2011 | No Comments
The Pittsburgh Pirates are honoring second baseman Neil Walker on Saturday by giving away a bobblehead doll. He sure did his best to boost the item's popularity. Walker drove in a career-high five runs as the Pirates crushed the Detroit Tigers 10-1 on Friday night. He smacked a two-run double in the sixth off Detroit reliever Brayan Villarreal to help break open a tight game and later added a...
Bert Abbey Dan Abbott Francis Abercrombie John Ake Bob Addy
Guess who’s (also) back? Cruz and Hamilton rejoin the Rangers (Yahoo! Sports)
Chase Utley and the Philadelphia Phillies aren't the only ones getting the band back together in an effort to create some more offense on their teams. Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz are also expected to make their long-awaited returns from … Continue reading →
Jimmy Collins Charles Comiskey Ed Conley Ed Connor John Connor
Red Sox's Matsuzaka hopes to avoid Tommy John surgery (Yahoo! Sports)
Boston Red Sox right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka flew home Monday to seek traditional Japanese treatment options for his injured right elbow. And although the Red Sox are hopeful rest and rehabilitation will help heal Matsuzaka's partially torn ulnar collateral ligament, it's...
Hugh Daily George Daisey Bill Daley Abner Dalrymple Tom Daly
Suspect in Giants fan beating 31-year-old man (The Canadian Press)
LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Los Angeles police have released the name of a suspect in the Dodger Stadium beating of a San Francisco Giants fan two months ago.
The 1998-2001 New York Yankees had hearts of champions: A fan's perspective (Associated Content)
In a span of four seasons from 1998 to 2001, the New York Yankees won four American League pennants and three World Series championships. At the heart of these four seasons was a core group of players and a manager who wouldn't give up until the final out, making this era of...
Bill Barrett Jimmy Barrett John Barrett Shad Barry Charley Bassett
Monday's American League Capsules (PA SportsTicker)
Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz both homered in their return to the Texas Rangers lineup and Alexi Ogando threw a five-hitter for his first career shutout, 4-0 over the Chicago White Sox on Monday night.
Law Daniels Dan Daub George Davis Harry Davis Jumbo Davis
Red Sox on deck for Tribe: A fan's preview (Associated Content)
Coming off a series sweep of the Cincinnati Reds, the Cleveland Indians are ready to take on a greatly improved Boston Red Sox squad at Progressive Field. The Tribe swept the Sox in a three-game series earlier in the season when the team was struggling to come together, however,...
Lave Cross Monte Cross Bill Crowley Candy Cummings Bert Cunningham
Cubs CF Byrd placed on 15-day DL after beaning (AP)
Posted on | Monday, May 23, 2011 | No Comments
Chicago Cubs outfielder Marlon Byrd was released from the hospital and back at Fenway Park after being placed on the 15-day disabled list with multiple facial fractures on Sunday, his left eye blackened and swollen nearly shut but his vision improved one day after being hit in the face with by a fastball.
Lew Carl Hick Carpenter Chick Carroll Cliff Carroll Pat Carroll
Brewers' Braun leaves game early (Yahoo! Sports)
The Milwaukee Brewers couldn't solve the San Diego Padres ' Aaron Harang Thursday night and lost 1-0.
Art Ball Al Barker Sam Barkley Tom Barlow Bill Barnes
Thursday's National League Capsules (PA SportsTicker)
Jason Giambi became the second-oldest player to hit three homers in a game and tied his career high with seven RBIs, leading the Colorado Rockies past the Philadelphia Phillies 7-1 Thursday night.
Dick Burns Oyster Burns Tom Burns Buster Burrell Doc Bushong
A-Rod's 55-foot single leads Yankees over Mets 9-3 (AP)
Alex Rodriguez slid both hands into the pockets of his black jeans and smiled. "I showed them, didn't I?" he said before cracking a smile and laughing. Once again, a team intentionally walked Mark Teixeira to pitch to A-Rod. Once again, A-Rod came up with a big hit, even though this one didn't travel very far.
Red Bittmann George Blackburn Henry Blauvelt Ned Bligh Steve Bloomer
Top National League teams in interleague play: A fan's take (Associated Content)
Interleague play came to Major League baseball in 1997. At the time, I was against it, citing it would take away the mystique of the World Series. I didn't want the leagues playing each other until the grand finale. Over the years, I've warmed to the idea in part because my...
Lave Cross Monte Cross Bill Crowley Candy Cummings Bert Cunningham
Rays down sloppy Blue Jays 6-5 (The Canadian Press)
TORONTO - The Toronto Blue Jays gave the game to the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday, and then almost took it back.
Joe Borden Sumner Bowman Bill Boyd Eddie Boyle Jack Boyle
Plouffe lifts Twins to victory. (AP)
Trevor Plouffe was able to make amends for his mistake. Daric Barton did not. Plouffe hit a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning for his season-high third RBI, helping the Minnesota Twins beat the Oakland Athletics 4-3 on Wednesday night. Pinch-hitter Delmon Young singled to open the inning and advanced to third when Barton tried for the force at second base on Alexi Casilla's bunt but threw the...
Boileryard Clarke Fred Clarke John Clarkson Fritz Clausen Monk Cline
Remembering the 1995 Atlanta Braves: A fan's report (Associated Content)
The 1995 Atlanta Braves are one of the most memorable for me. It was the first and only time I have seen any of my favorite teams win a major championship. Led by amazing starting pitching, timely hitting and a shut-down closer, the Braves beat the Cleveland Indians 1-0 in Game 6 to...
John Curran Wes Curry Ed Cushman Ned Cuthbert Bill Dahlen
Nationals manager Riggleman ejected in 1st inning (AP)
Posted on | Sunday, May 22, 2011 | No Comments
Nationals manager Jim Riggleman has been ejected in the first inning of Washington's game against the Baltimore Orioles for arguing a call with home plate umpire Todd Tichenor. Tichenor ruled that Nationals' leadoff batter Roger Bernadina was out of the batter's box when his bat made contact with the ball on a bunt Sunday.
Bob Clark Boileryard Clarke Fred Clarke John Clarkson Fritz Clausen
Collmeter outduels Jurrjens, D-backs beat Braves (AP)
Josh Collmenter is out to prove his tomahawk-throwing style is no gimmick. The Atlanta Braves, whose fans like to show their support with that "tomahawk chop," succumbed to it without much of a fight on Thursday night. The Arizona right-hander with the unusual straight overhand delivery blanked Atlanta for six innings to run his scoreless streak to 21 and the Arizona Diamondbacks handed...
John Clarkson Fritz Clausen Monk Cline Jim Clinton Bill Clymer
AL East is surprisingly chaotic: A fan's perspective (Associated Content)
The American League East is normally the most predictable division in baseball. But the early twists and turns for the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox have made the AL East much more chaotic than usual so far.
Duff Cooley William Coon Jimmy Cooney Joe Corbett Jack Corcoran
Johnson's grand slam leads D-backs past Twins (AP)
Kelly Johnson's miserable season at the plate evaporated, at least for now, with one big swing Saturday night. Johnson hit a grand slam off Matt Capps in a six-run eighth inning and the Arizona Diamondbacks rallied to beat the Minnesota Twins 9-6 for their fifth straight victory, their longest streak in two seasons.
Marty Bergen John Bergh Nate Berkenstock Bill Bernhard Charlie Berry
Chicago Cubs sweep Florida Marlins, travel to Fenway Park for first time in 93 years: Fan's perspective (Associated Content)
Have the Chicago Cubs awakened? Is this a sign for what awaits the Cubs during the second quarter of the season? The Cubs enjoyed their first sweep of 2011 after defeating the Florida Marlins 7-5 and 5-1 . The Cubs entered the series with the NL's second-worst record.
John Connor Roger Connor Bill Conway Dick Conway Jim Conway
Dodgers can't score runs, continue to lose games: A fan's reaction (Associated Content)
The Los Angeles Dodgers just can't seem to win. Even when things go their way, they find a way to counteract the good mojo. It's just been a very difficult year for Dodgers fans like me, even though the season is less than two months old.
Mike Corcoran Tommy Corcoran Fred Corey Tom Cotter Roscoe Coughlin
Cardinals should shake up interleague schedule: A fan's perspective (Associated Content)
The St. Louis Cardinals have excelled in interleague play in Major League Baseball. They sport an overall record of 109-96, the second best record in the National League. They have an annual series against the Kansas City Royals, which highlights the interleague season for the...
Ned Cuthbert Bill Dahlen Con Daily Hugh Daily George Daisey
Thursday's American League Capsules (PA SportsTicker)
Justin Morneau homered and had three hits and Rene Rivera hit his first home run in nearly five years, and the suddenly resurgent Minnesota Twins beat the Oakland Athletics 11-1 on Thursday.
Hick Carpenter Chick Carroll Cliff Carroll Pat Carroll Scrappy Carroll
Yankees rout Orioles 13-2 for 2-game sweep (AP)
Posted on | Saturday, May 21, 2011 | No Comments
The New York Yankees made it easy for CC Sabathia to cruise to another win over the Baltimore Orioles. After the Yankees took control with a five-run first, Sabathia scattered seven hits over eight shutout innings in a 13-2 victory Thursday night. In Sabathia's earlier outing against Baltimore this year, New York scored 15 runs.
George Borchers Joe Borden Sumner Bowman Bill Boyd Eddie Boyle
Saturday's Major League Baseball Capsules (PA SportsTicker)
Mark Buehrle threw seven strong innings to become the career victories leader in interleague play, Paul Konerko drove in three runs and the Chicago White Sox beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-2 on Saturday.
Ernie Burch Jack Burdock Mike Burke Hercules Burnett Dick Burns
Athletics dish out a beating the Angels will never forget: A fan's reaction (Associated Content)
Talk about a good old fashioned stomping out on the diamond. On May 17, the Oakland Athletics welcomed my hometown Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim into town only to ship them back out with their dignity scattered all over the field.
Tom Burns Buster Burrell Doc Bushong Charlie Cady Will Calihan
Rangers Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)
The big hits just aren't coming for the Rangers.
In a 3-2 loss to Philadelphia on Friday, the Rangers went hitless for seven at-bats with runners in scoring position. It extended their two-game drought to no hits for 11 such at-bats. For the first five games of a seven-game road trip, the Rangers are just 6-for-51 (.118) with runners in scoring position.
How damaging has the lack of a big hit been? Consider that the Rangers are now 2-3 on the road trip and that all three losses have been by one run. A single hit may be the difference in a winning road trip versus a losing one. A couple of hits may be all that is keeping the Rangers from having a long winning streak going.
"It's just one swing, one pitch," manager Ron Washington said.
Oscar Bielaski Charlie Bierman Jud Birchall George Bird Dave Birdsall
Cardinals' Berkman, Holliday questionable for Thursday (Yahoo! Sports)
The status of St. Louis Cardinals sluggers Matt Holliday and Lance Berkman for Thursday's game is up in the air after both players left Wednesday's game with injuries. Holliday was removed Wednesday after two innings with tightness in his left quad and Berkman exited in the...
Tom Cotter Roscoe Coughlin Ed Crane Fred Crane Sam Crane
Where are the 1993 Phillies today? A fan's report (Associated Content)
For one brief season, a group of players grabbed the city of brotherly love by its blue collar. That likable collection of characters spit tobacco, made the mullet cool and beat up the National League. They were the 1993 Philadelphia Phillies.
Law Daniels Dan Daub George Davis Harry Davis Jumbo Davis
Disabled list is DeRosa's second home: A fan's reaction (Associated Content)
Mark, Mark, Mark, what are us San Francisco Giants fans to do with you? You were such a promising and exciting signing. Now that you are an injury magnet, fans cringe every time you go for a ball or swing the bat. Mark DeRosa strained his surgically-repaired left wrist while batting...
Nig Cuppy John Curran Wes Curry Ed Cushman Ned Cuthbert
Byrd helps Cubs beat Marlins 7-5 (AP)
Small ball was a big part of the Chicago Cubs' offense Wednesday night. A couple of home runs helped, too. Pinch-hitter Reed Johnson tied the game with a two-run homer in the sixth, and Marlon Byrd put the Cubs ahead to stay with a leadoff homer in the eighth as they broke a three-game losing streak by beating the Florida Marlins 7-5.
Foghorn Bradley George Bradley Asa Brainard Ted Breitenstein Jack Brennan
Baseball Capsules (AP)
Posted on | Friday, May 20, 2011 | No Comments
Adrian Gonzalez had four of Boston's 19 hits, adding four RBIs on Friday night as the Red Sox welcomed the Chicago Cubs back to Fenway Park for the first time since 1918 by beating them 15-5. Kevin Youkilis had two doubles and a two-run homer, and Jacoby Ellsbury also had three hits for Boston, which won its seventh consecutive game.
Jimmy Collins Charles Comiskey Ed Conley Ed Connor John Connor
Angels drop from first to third on rough road trip: A fan's reaction (Associated Content)
The Los Angeles Angels dropped from first to third in a span of three games after being routed 14-0 by the Oakland A's on May 17 in Oakland's McAfee Coliseum. The fall from grace has been due to a lack of offense on this road trip, but in their last defeat, the Angels...
Art Ball Al Barker Sam Barkley Tom Barlow Bill Barnes
Where are the 1993 Phillies today? A fan's report (Associated Content)
For one brief season, a group of players grabbed the city of brotherly love by its blue collar. That likable collection of characters spit tobacco, made the mullet cool and beat up the National League. They were the 1993 Philadelphia Phillies.
Ed Delahanty Gene DeMontreville Jerry Denny Jim Devlin John Abadie
Thursday's National League Capsules (PA SportsTicker)
Jason Giambi became the second-oldest player to hit three homers in a game and tied his career high with seven RBIs, leading the Colorado Rockies past the Philadelphia Phillies 7-1 Thursday night.
Gene DeMontreville Jerry Denny Jim Devlin John Abadie Bert Abbey
Interleague 2011 schedule for Yankees: A fan's preview (Associated Content)
Interleague play in Major League Baseball began in 1997. The basis of play is similar to that of the World Series: the designated hitter is used when American League teams host the games, but not in National League stadiums. In 2011, interleague play is scheduled to start on Friday,...
Myron Allen Art Allison Doug Allison Billy Alvord Jim Andrews
New contract on horizon for Phillies' Madson? A fan's take (Associated Content)
Philadelphia Phillies reliever Brad Lidge has been on the disabled list all season, with no return date yet in sight. Charlie Manuel had tried using set-up man Ryan Madson in the closer role in past seasons, in similar circumstances, but no consistent results were generated.
Chick Carroll Cliff Carroll Pat Carroll Scrappy Carroll Kid Carsey
Thursday's American League Capsules (PA SportsTicker)
Justin Morneau homered and had three hits and Rene Rivera hit his first home run in nearly five years, and the suddenly resurgent Minnesota Twins beat the Oakland Athletics 11-1 on Thursday.
John Clapp Bob Clark Boileryard Clarke Fred Clarke John Clarkson
MLB notebook: McCourt's ex-wife wants team to be sold (Yahoo! Sports)
The ex-wife of Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt is reportedly prepared to ask a judge to order the immediate sale of the club. Jamie McCourt, the former CEO of the Dodgers, is expected to urge Judge Scott Gordon to order a sale of the franchise before it is seized by the...
Hick Carpenter Chick Carroll Cliff Carroll Pat Carroll Scrappy Carroll
AL Roundup: A look at Wednesday's games (The Canadian Press)
Posted on | Thursday, May 19, 2011 | No Comments
The Toronto Blue Jays didn't just throw away their six-game winning streak. They bobbled it and dropped it, too.
Bob Caruthers Doc Casey Ed Caskin John Cassidy Pete Cassidy
Beckett, Verlander set for big stage in Boston: A fan's outlook (Associated Content)
With interleague play set to start on Friday night, the attention of Boston Red Sox fans may be focused on the Chicago Cubs, as the Cubs haven't played in Boston since the 1918 World Series. And while that series is sure to generate some chatter amongst Red Sox fans, there is...
Tom Barlow Bill Barnes Ross Barnes Billy Barnie Bob Barr
Royals make changes in pitching staff after blowout loss (Yahoo! Sports)
The fallout from the Kansas City Royals' 19-1 shellacking Monday at the hands of the Cleveland Indians continued the next day. Left-handed reliever Everett Teaford was called up from Class AAA Omaha, and he takes the roster spot of right-hander Vin Mazzaro, who bore the brunt...
Ed Caskin John Cassidy Pete Cassidy John Cattanach Elton Chamberlain
AccuScore: Yankees face long odds (Yahoo! Sports)
AccuScore uses past performance statistics to describe how players perform under different environmental,...
Hugh Campbell Mike Campbell Jim Canavan Tom Carey Lew Carl
Interleague play in its current form isn't working: A fan's perspective (Associated Content)
Back when Major League Baseball started interleague play in 1997, it was fun to go to the ballpark and catch a few games between my beloved Minnesota Twins and a National League opponent. However, after almost 15 years, the novelty has worn off.
Jack Brennan Buttons Briggs Fatty Briody Steve Brodie Dan Brouthers
How safe is Dodger Stadium? A fan's perspective (Associated Content)
Starting on Wednesday, May 18, the San Francisco Giants face the Los Angeles Dodgers in a two-game series, the first at Dodger Stadium since the season opener. After the opening day game, Giants fan Brian Stow suffered a severe brain injury in an attack by two Dodger fans in the...
Art Croft Jack Cronin Jack Crooks Lave Cross Monte Cross
NL Roundup: A look at Tuesday's games (The Canadian Press)
The plate of food — an ear of corn resting next to a pile of sweet-smelling barbecue — sat untouched on manager Mike Quade's desk.
Steve Bloomer Frederick Boardman Tommy Bond Frank Bonner Amos Booth
Cardinals Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)
The Cardinals have had six walk-off, game-winning hits posted against them on the road this season, but they finally got their first one at home Tuesday night when right fielder Lance Berkman got a one-out, bases-loaded single, scoring center fielder Jon Jay from third base in the ninth as they beat the Philadelphia Phillies 2-1.
The beat goes on in the revival of the 35-year-old Berkman's career. He has a club-high five game-winning hits and has shot his average back up to .352 with a team-high 35 runs batted in as an addendum. Berkman, who reached base in four of five plate appearances, got his hit right-handed after Philadelphia had switched to left-handed reliever J.C. Romero.
All night, the Cardinals had pecked away at Philadelphia starter Roy Oswalt and a succession...
Joe Borden Sumner Bowman Bill Boyd Eddie Boyle Jack Boyle
Braves grind out sweep over Astros: A fan's reaction (Associated Content)
Posted on | Wednesday, May 18, 2011 | No Comments
Although it was only a two-game series, the Atlanta Braves' sweep of the Houston Astros might be one of the most important series of the year. The Braves have been hot through the month of May and were coming off a series win against their division rival Philadelphia Phillies.
Jack Cronin Jack Crooks Lave Cross Monte Cross Bill Crowley
National League is better than the American League: A fan's take (Associated Content)
Over the last seven years, the American League has dominated the National League with 976 wins compared to just 789. Due to its 187-game advantage since 2004, the AL has now won 154 more games in the history of interleague play.
Jim Andrews Fred Andrus Wiman Andrus Cap Anson Bob Armstrong
Tuesday's National League Capsules (PA SportsTicker)
Brian McCann tied it with a pinch-hit, two-out homer in the ninth inning, then hit a two-run shot in the 11th to lead the Atlanta Braves past the Houston Astros 3-1 on Tuesday.
Art Croft Jack Cronin Jack Crooks Lave Cross Monte Cross
AccuScore: Yankees face long odds (Yahoo! Sports)
AccuScore uses past performance statistics to describe how players perform under different environmental,...
Charlie Atherton Al Atkinson Ed Atkinson Henry Austin Frank Bahret
Pirates bench CF McCutchen for one game (AP)
Pittsburgh Pirates centerfielder Andrew McCutchen will not start Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers as punishment for not running out a dropped third strike on Wednesday. McCutchen struck out leading off the bottom of the eighth with the Pirates trailing 2-0. The ball briefly squirted away from Los Angeles catcher Rod Barajas, but he had plenty of time to throw out McCutchen, who...
John Ake Bob Addy Gus Alberts Myron Allen Art Allison
Thames has to wait to make big-league debut (The Canadian Press)
DETROIT - Eric Thames was ready to start his major league career Tuesday in Detroit.
Bill Barrett Jimmy Barrett John Barrett Shad Barry Charley Bassett
Gomes' HR rallies Reds over Cubs 7-4 (AP)
As his slump stretched into mid-May, Jonny Gomes buzzed his usual Mohawk for a more conservative look, trying to do something different. One swing at the end of a big inning gave him a whole new outlook. Gomes hit his first homer in nearly a month Monday night, completing a seven-run rally that swept the Cincinnati Reds to a 7-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs, ending Carlos Zambrano's long run...
George Blackburn Henry Blauvelt Ned Bligh Steve Bloomer Frederick Boardman
Greinke homers, gets win: A fan's reaction (Associated Content)
He may not have looked like a Cy Young Award winner on Sunday, May 15, but Milwaukee Brewers starter Zack Greinke got his second win of the season and showed he can also swing a mean bat, as he homered to the center field seats at Miller Park.
Mike Burke Hercules Burnett Dick Burns Oyster Burns Tom Burns
Mets Fan Reaction: Tuesday Rainout Best Thing for NY Mets Right Now (Associated Content)
Posted on | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 | No Comments
Rain, rain...you know what? Hang around for awhile. Too much sun is bad for the skin, anyway. The May 17 game between the Florida Marlins and New York Mets was postponed due to never ending rain showers that are expected to continue into the weekend.
Al Barker Sam Barkley Tom Barlow Bill Barnes Ross Barnes
Marcum, Brewers beat Dodgers 2-1 (AP)
Carlos Gomez was at the right place at the right time to rob Juan Uribe of a home run. Even though it happened in the second inning, it gave the Milwaukee Brewers the impetus to win a rare low-scoring game. Shaun Marcum outpitched Jon Garland to win his fifth straight decision and Rickie Weeks singled home the go-ahead run, helping lead the Brewers over the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-1 on Monday night.
Al Barker Sam Barkley Tom Barlow Bill Barnes Ross Barnes