A new Major League Baseball season will start in just nine days time. And there was no thread here. Mysterious. :)

Of course, the Spring Training is about halfway through...I've been following some of the games this year...including two over the weekend that the Dodgers were involved in, which both ended in ties.

I hope the Dodgers can do well this year. I wonder which other teams might have a shot??

GO METS RED SOX!!!!!



Cat

So, the Mariners-A's game was played in Japan, like... almost a full day ago. And the Mariners, led by fellow countryman Ichiro, won the game in extra innings 3-1.

In other news, the ownership of the L.A. Dodgers team has finally been sold...to a group led by Magic Johnson. This is a relief for Dodger fans, including myself; many people were soooo glad to see them taken off the hands of McCourt (or as some people call him, McCorrupt), although he's not completely out of it yet. There are other transactions and things of that nature needing to be dealt with.

The first N.L. game of the 2012 season was played today: the defending World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals playing in Miami against the Marlins in their new stadium; Cardinals won 4-1.

GO METS RED SOX!!!!!

Cat


The Red Sox Season has already started out erratically.  The after affects of last year are plain.

So, on Opening Day yesterday (Thursday), the Blue Jays and Indians played a 16-inning affair, the longest opening-day game ever according to stats, with the Jays prevailing, 7-4... and the Detroit Tigers achieved a walk-off Opening Day win for the first time in 91 years.

And now, Friday, every team has played at least one game in this 2012 season.

Dodgers got their first loss yesterday, as the Padres averted a four-game home sweep at the hands of pitcher Aaron Harang, who'd spent last year with the Padres.

Yankees and Redsox are both 0-3 to start the season...who'da thunk it?

The Red Sox are running around smacking their heads like Michael Jackson with his hair on fire yelling "TITO! TITO!"

The Red Sox are running around smacking their heads like Michael Jackson with his hair on fire yelling "TITO! TITO!"



;D ;D ;D ;D



Cat

Yankees and Redsox are both 0-3 to start the season...who'da thunk it?

And today, both teams have finally won a game.

Twins and Braves are now the only winless teams, at 0-4.

Dodgers won their home opener, 2-1, on the 50th anniversary of the opening of Dodger Stadium.

There were some special pregame festivities beforehand, including a performance by The Beach Boys, an introduction of the surviving members of the 1962 Dodger team (who played the very first game there), the ceremonial first pitch being tossed by Therese O'Malley-Seidler, the daughter of former owner Walter O'Malley, and an introduction of the current members of the team.

And in the game, Clayton Kershaw went 7 innings but settled for a no-decision as he gave up only one run, which is exactly how much run support he had for his team. Andre Ethier, who turned 30 today, hit a solo homer in the 8th inning to put L.A. up for good, and Javy Guerra closed out the 9th inning.

One hundred years ago the On April 20th, 1912 the Red Sox played the first game played at Fenway Park.  They played the New York Highlanders, who later changed their name to the New York Yankees.  This year on April 20th 2012, on the 100th Anniversary of Fenway Park, the Oldest Major League Stadium still in use, the Red Sox will play their greatest rivals, the New York Yankees.  In 1912 the Sox won, and went on to win the World Series against the New York Giants.  The Sox won the World Series in 1903-1912-1915-1916 and 1918. In 1918 they traded their pitcher, a guy named Ruth, to the Yankees(they changed their name from the Highlanders to the Yankees in 1913). A mistake that would haunt them forever.  They may have lost Ruth, but still we have Fenway.

https://alsd.com/sites/default/files/fenway-park_0.jpg

^ That's right, it's the oldest active ballpark in MLB. Hard to believe it's almost a century old!!

And to think, Dodger Stadium, the third oldest active MLB stadium, is half that old.

So there are no more unbeaten teams, as the Dbacks and Tigers each lost a game yesterday, and no more winless teams, as the Minnesota Twins finally won a game yesterday.

^ That's right, it's the oldest active ballpark in MLB. Hard to believe it's almost a century old!!

And to think, Dodger Stadium, the third oldest active MLB stadium, is half that old.


A couple of times they tried to have it torn down, people went wild, now everyone is glad that it didn't happen.  It took a couple of guys from New York to buy the team, fix the place up, and take the team to the top.  Ironic.

Dodgers are off to their best start in 31 years. They won last night to give themselves a 7-1 record, but not without the bullpen blowing the lead in the 9th inning. Aaron Harang struck out 13 total batters (perfect for Friday the 13th, lol!) (including 9 in a row in the first three innings, one shy of the major league record of 10, set by Tom Seaver in 1970) in 6 innings, and he clearly deserved to win... but the Padres tied up the game in the 9th inning at 8-8, and so in the bottom of the 9th, four Dodger batters were walked; this allowed the winning run to score and we won, 9-8. So it was a walk-off walk! :D

L.A. Dodgers: 9-1 after the first 10 games of the regular season, including a perfect 6-0 homestand.
Clayton Kershaw: recordless after three starts.

Jamie Moyer, at 49, has just become the oldest pitcher to win a game in MLB.

http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2012_04_17_sdnmlb_colmlb_1

Moyer pitched 7 innings for the Colorado Rockies, allowing only two runs (both unearned) and helped his team to a 5-3 victory over the San Diego Padres.

Dodgers won this afternoon in Milwaukee to avert a sweep by the Brewers (something the Dodgers have never suffered, either at Dodger Stadium or in Milwaukee). It was still a one-run decision, just like the previous two games. Aaron Harang finally picks up a victory in a Dodger uniform.

Fenways 100th Anniversary, and I have to say it was pretty good.  All the old players were invited back, and given shirts with their numbers and names.  They walked out on the field to their old positions.  Tito Francona got the biggest cheer, second was Pedro Martinez.  Pumpsie Green, the first black player on the team, showed, along with Dennis Eckersley, Luis Tiant, Bill "Spaceman" Lee, Nomar, Yaz, and a bunch of others.  The two oldest players were Bobby Doerr(94) and Johnny Pesky(92).  Caroline Kennedy was there, during every 7th inning stretch the crowd sings "Sweet Caroline".  One hundred years ago it was her great grandfather the mayor, John "Honey Fitz" Fitzgerald, who threw out the first ball.  This year she, the Mayor and Thomas Fitzgerald threw the ball. It was really, really good.  One Hundred years ago the beat the New York Highlanders, who changed their name the next year to the New York Yankees. This year they lost to the Yankee.

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2012/04/live_updates_th_1.html

^ I saw parts of that game on MLB Network yesterday. The players all wore uniforms dating back to 1912, with no numbers on the back (and that didn't come along until later). In that game, the Yankees won, 6-2, with A-Rod hitting his 631st career home run to pass Ken Griffey Jr. for 5th place on the all-time list.

I was watching the Yankees/Red Sox game, the score was Yankees 1, Red Sox 9, it wasn't looking good for the Yankees.  Then they cut away to the bottom of the ninth to show Phil Humber end his perfect game.  When they came back to the Yankees Sox the score was Yankees 8, Red Sox 9.  Then it got real ugly...Final Score Yankees 15, Red Sox 9.  The last time the Yankees came back from a 9 run deficit was 1984, against the Red Sox.  :D

White Sox right-hander Phil Humber pitched the third perfect game in franchise history, mowing down the Seattle Mariners 4-0 at Safeco Field on Saturday.


http://content.usatoday.com/communities/dailypitch/post/2012/04/phil-humber-pitches-perfect-game-for-white-sox/1#.T5NdZ45Gg7A

http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1065451.1335048485!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_635/image.jpg

I was watching the Yankees/Red Sox game, the score was Yankees 1, Red Sox 9, it wasn't looking good for the Yankees.  Then they cut away to the bottom of the ninth to show Phil Humber end his perfect game.  When they came back to the Yankees Sox the score was Yankees 8, Red Sox 9.  Then it got real ugly...Final Score Yankees 15, Red Sox 9.  The last time the Yankees came back from a 9 run deficit was 1984, against the Red Sox.  :D

I happened to see that on TV this afternoon; it was the Fox Saturday baseball game of the week. It was like, "The Evil Empire Strikes Back", as some might put it. Fifteen unanswered runs...that is pretty bad on the Sox' behalf.



White Sox right-hander Phil Humber pitched the third perfect game in franchise history, mowing down the Seattle Mariners 4-0 at Safeco Field on Saturday.


http://content.usatoday.com/communities/dailypitch/post/2012/04/phil-humber-pitches-perfect-game-for-white-sox/1#.T5NdZ45Gg7A

http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1065451.1335048485!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_635/image.jpg

I happened to see parts of that game too; at one point in the 9th inning it looked like it was gonna be ruined with a 3-ball count, but he ended up striking that guy out. WTG Mr. Humber!! It was also the 21st perfect game in MLB history, and the first since the Phillies' Roy Halladay threw one against the Marlins in May of 2010.

Today was an interesting day in the world of baseball indeed.

Oh...and in Houston, Clayton Kershaw finally won a game (after getting no-decisions in his first three starts), thanks in part to Matt Kemp hitting his league-leading 9th home run (a 2-run blast) and James Loney finally hitting one out early in the game. This is the 12th win for the Dodgers in their first 15 games.

Dodgers squandered a couple of 9th-inning leads against the Atlanta Knaves this week; hopefully they'll do better against the Washington Nationals (who are off to a very good start this year, and have the best record in the N.L. coming into play tomorrow). We'll see. The opening game is likely to feature Strasburg vs. Kershaw.

Mariano Rivera: likely done for the season (and possibly his career) after injuring himself during batting practice and tearing an ACL... but he says he is determined to come back, even in his 40s, to see if he can pitch again. He has recorded the most career saves (608, to date; and 42 during the postseason...all with one team) of any relief pitcher.

Yesterday (Sunday), Albert Pujols finally hit his first home run outside of a Cardinals uniform!! :D

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-500290_162-57428987/albert-pujols-hits-first-hr-for-angels-ends-longest-power-drought-of-career/

Mariano Rivera: likely done for the season (and possibly his career) after injuring himself during batting practice and tearing an ACL... but he says he is determined to come back, even in his 40s, to see if he can pitch again. He has recorded the most career saves (608, to date; and 42 during the postseason...all with one team) of any relief pitcher.

Not only if he one of the best relievers of all time, but one of the best pitchers of all time and one of the best players of all time. I'd rank Rivera up there with the likes of Nolan Ryan, Walter Johnson, Tom Seaver, Cy Young.
Perhaps the only big mistake he ever made was giving up a single to  Luis Gonzalez in the 2001 series, which ended the series as a win for Arizona.
Rivera has over 600 saves, an E.R.A is 2.21, 5 WS championships. Only once in the last 15 years had he recorded less than 30 saves (I'm not including this year)
A true Yankee legend with Ruth, Gehrig, Ford, DiMaggio and Mantle.

Not only if he one of the best relievers of all time, but one of the best pitchers of all time and one of the best players of all time. I'd rank Rivera up there with the likes of Nolan Ryan, Walter Johnson, Tom Seaver, Cy Young.
Perhaps the only big mistake he ever made was giving up a single to  Luis Gonzalez in the 2001 series, which ended the series as a win for Arizona.
Rivera has over 600 saves, an E.R.A is 2.21, 5 WS championships. Only once in the last 15 years had he recorded less than 30 saves (I'm not including this year)
A true Yankee legend with Ruth, Gehrig, Ford, DiMaggio and Mantle.

I agree; he will undoubtedly be remembered with all those guys. I have a feeling Derek Jeter will also be remembered as a legend once he retires, too.

I remember that '01 World Series too. Every batter he faced in that 9th inning of game 7 reached base, although he managed a force out, and that was when Jay Bell bunted along the first base line to nail the lead runner at third base.

The other day, Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers hit four home runs in a game to give him 14 for the season; this leads all of MLB. Yesterday he hit his 15th.
Matt Kemp of the Dodgers still leads the National League with 12; he's still on pace for 60 or so, but I don't really see him getting there, lol.

Meanwhile, Josh Beckett, the Red Sox' golden boy pitcher, was booed off of the field.

...and CJ Wilson, who the Angels acquired from the Rangers during the offseason, pitched in the Ballpark In Arlington for the first time as a visiting pitcher, only to not get very far in the game; with 1 out in the 1st, a rain delay began and he did not retake the mound once the game resumed. He'd already given up a few runs, and his successor - Jerome Williams, who'd been scheduled to start today's game - gave up even more over the next 6+ innings. However, this provided enough run support for the Rangers' starter, Yu Darvish, who'd lost for the first time in his previous start. Oh, and Josh Hamilton is now up to 17 home runs for this year.

Dodgers completed a home sweep of the Colorado Rockies yesterday, for the first time in three years. Although yesterday's game got off to a not-so-good start for the Dodgers, they came back in the 5th inning with six runs to take the lead for good. Matt Kemp was removed from the game after the third inning, due to tightness in his hamstring; this was a wise decision, as his defensive replacement, Tony Gwynn Jr, made an excellent running catch to prevent further damage by the Rockies. Dodgers now have the best record in the National League at 23 wins and 11 losses.

Dodgers still have the best record in MLB, at 26-13 (and the best home record at 17-4). In the American League, the Baltimore Orioles are still leading the East division, with Tampa Bay Rays not far behind, but the Boston Red Sox (who lost to the Phillies yesterday, being shut down in the 9th by their former closer, Jonathan Papelbon) are the only team in that division with a losing record. The National League East division, however, does not have any teams with losing records right now. The Phillies, who are in last place in that division, are two games above the .500 mark.

Yesterday, Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers came within two outs of a no-hitter, but a Pirates batter singled up the middle to break it up, and Verlander settled for a one-hit shutout.
Today, it was a different story as the Pirates won 4-3, with AJ Burnett picking up his second win in a Pirates uniform, and 22-year-old Todd Smyly getting the loss.

Dodgers completed a sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals over the weekend; they won 6-5 on Friday after Lance Berkman had hit a game-tying solo home run in the 9th and a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the ninth ended the game; on Saturday, Clayton Kershaw pitched a complete-game shutout (throwing 117 total pitches) as L.A. won 6-0; on Sunday, the Cardinals capitalized on a fielding error by Chad Billingsley and took a 5-3 lead, but pinch-hitter Scott Van Slyke (son of former big-leaguer Andy Van Slyke, who'd begun his career with the Cardinals before spending time with the Pirates) hit a come-from-behind three-run homer to give L.A. a 6-5 lead, which they kept for good.

Today, Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees got a hit to left field against the Oakland Athletics, giving him 3155 in his career to push him past George Brett for sole possession of 14th on the all-time list. He helped his team complete a three-game sweep of the A's, winning the game 2-0.

Matt Kemp to return to the Dodgers' lineup today, after spending two weeks on the D.L.  I hope his hamstring is not bothering him anymore.

Matt Kemp to return to the Dodgers' lineup today, after spending two weeks on the D.L.  I hope his hamstring is not bothering him anymore.

Not so fast; he scored a run in tonight's game, only to have his leg bother him again as he scooted the bases. And now it looks like the team is starting to struggle again. :\'(

Not so fast; he scored a run in tonight's game, only to have his leg bother him again as he scooted the bases. And now it looks like the team is starting to struggle again. :\'(

And he has gone right back on the D.L., and will probably spend the whole month of June on it.

Even worse, the DUD-gers have suffered something for the first time in 19 years: a four-game sweep on their home field. And it was against the Milwaukee Brewers, a team they'd had success against over the last 10+ years. I think it's rather disgraceful that they got people on base and just could not cash them in. I don't know why their offense has shut down so abruptly. They started out the season so well...and then they STUMBLE! >:( Sure, they did well without Matt Kemp when he was recently on the D.L. (9 wins and 5 losses), but all the other players need to work as a team to win games. And yes, all teams struggle from time to time, but I still think it's unfortunate that my team could not eke out one win against the Brew Crew. This is NOT how a first-place team is supposed to play.

/end rant.

Well, yesterday in New York's Citi Field, Johan Santana of the Mets pitched a no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals; it was the first-ever no-hitter in the 51-year history of the Mets franchise.

http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/sports/2012/06/02/johan-santana-pitches-mets-first-no-hitter/

It was also the first no-hitter for Santana himself, as he never threw one in all his years with the Twins.


Star pitchers Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, Dwight Gooden, and David Cone, who'd been members of the Mets, also threw no-hitters in their careers, but that was after they signed with other teams.

Dodgers finally won a game today, by defeating the Colorado Rockies 6-2. Bobby Abreu hit his first home run as a member of the Dodgers. This also ends the Rockies' 5-game winning streak (they swept the Astros earlier this week).

Well, yesterday in New York's Citi Field, Johan Santana of the Mets pitched a no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals; it was the first-ever no-hitter in the 51-year history of the Mets franchise.

http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/sports/2012/06/02/johan-santana-pitches-mets-first-no-hitter/

It was also the first no-hitter for Santana himself, as he never threw one in all his years with the Twins.


Star pitchers Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, Dwight Gooden, and David Cone, who'd been members of the Mets, also threw no-hitters in their careers, but that was after they signed with other teams.


That's always wicked cool to see  :)

Dodgers finally won a game today, by defeating the Colorado Rockies 6-2. Bobby Abreu hit his first home run as a member of the Dodgers. This also ends the Rockies' 5-game winning streak (they swept the Astros earlier this week).


Winning streaks.  It is a term that bugs me.  I have actually heard them say, multiple times, "2 game winning streak"  In the way back machine a club wasn't on a streak until about game 7. To me any think before that is a skidmark.

That's always wicked cool to see  :)

Sure is. O0

That makes three no-hitters so far this year: Philip Humber of the White Sox threw a perfect game in April in Seattle; Jered Weaver of the Angels no-hit the Twins on May 2nd; and now Johan Santana.

Dodgers, a week after being swept in a four-game series at home against the Brewers, have just completed a four-game sweep in Philadelphia against the Phillies... a task that the Dodgers had never accomplished the entire 55 years they've been the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Dodgers were no-hit on Friday by six Seattle Mariners pitchers (including Kevin Millwood, who went the first six innings but was lifted without any run support), but won yesterday by a score of 8-3; Dee Gordon started the game off with an infield single. So today is the "rubber game" there.

Elsewhere around the majors, the Washington Nationals are looking for a sweep in Fenway Park, and the Yankees are looking for their first home sweep of the Mets in nine years.

Russell Martin hit a walk-off solo homer(his second HR of the game)to lift the Yankees to a 5-4 victory over the Mets and the sweep.

Random observation:  Terry Collins always looks to me like he's got a bug up his @$$--although if I were managing the Mets right now, I probably would too!  ;D

Glad to see the Dodgers take two of three in Seattle. Andre Ethier broke out of a hitless slump by hitting a grand-slam on a 3-and-2 pitch to cap off a 6-run 2nd inning. This gives him a National League-leading 52 RBI's on the season. This concludes a 10-game road trip for the Dodgers in which they won 7 and lost 3.

Oh, and the Angels swept the Colorado Rockies in Denver; plenty of home run balls were hit by both teams.

Breaking news...Matt Cain of the San Francisco Giants has just thrown a perfect game against the Houston Astros. It is the second perfect game this year (Phil Humber of the White Sox tossed one in Seattle in April) and the 22nd in major league history.

I am tired of the Mets, I wish it were possible for them to lose every game they play. They have the gall to appeal
to the league to change a ruling that would give them their second no-hitter in team history. Thing is, they really
don't have a first. Am umpire's missed call gave Santana the no-hitter but the Mets won't acknowledge that. I
know it's part of the game and we have to deal with it. Take the no-hitter humility and don't further embarrass
yourselves by begging for another.

Dodgers finally won an interleague series from the White Sox this weekend, after something bizarre occurred in the 6th inning of the rubber game. On a play that appeared to be a sacrifice fly, Matt Treanor tagged from third base and scooted home to tie the score at 1-1, but White Sox manager Robin Ventura decided to appeal, stating that Treanor had left the base before the ball was caught, therefore calling him out and taking the run off the board. The split-screen replays were controversial, as it was hard to watch the baserunner and the fly ball being caught simultaneously. L.A. manager Don Mattingly argued the play, getting ejected, but he didn't care, as he was still yelling in the umpire's face. Still, the Dodgers got their run back in the 9th inning on a true sac-fly and forced extra innings, winning the game after Tony Gwynn Jr. got to 3rd base and Dee Gordon singled him home.

The Yankees are a runaway train....10 in a row. Now THAT is what I call a winning streak.

The Yankees are a runaway train....10 in a row. Now THAT is what I call a winning streak.

Yep, and tonight they go for 11 in a row...something they haven't done in 27 years (not even during that 1998 campaign when they went 114-48 and only lost two postseason games).

The Yankees are a runaway train....10 in a row. Now THAT is what I call a winning streak.


Yanks & Dodgers have the best winning percentage in baseball. Chicago Cubs have the worst. The more things change, the more things stay the same.
Imagine another Yankees/Dodgers WS. How many have there been? At least 10.

Yep, and tonight they go for 11 in a row...something they haven't done in 27 years (not even during that 1998 campaign when they went 114-48 and only lost two postseason games).


They fell short.... :(

They fell short.... :(

Oh good. I was hoping they'd do that. In fact, I even watched part of the game on MLB Network.





Imagine another Yankees/Dodgers WS. How many have there been? At least 10.

Yeah, there've been several of those, most recently in 1981. They faced each other in the Fall Classic lots of times when the Dodgers were in Brooklyn, and the Dodgers only managed one series win: 1955.

After a slow start, Toronto Blue Jay José Bautista is tied for the Major League Lead in Home Runs.

^ WTG for him!! And speaking of the Toronto Blue Jays, they broke a 1-1 tie in the top of the 9th inning in Miami, scoring half a dozen runs, including a grand slam by Colby Rasmus, to pound the Marlins 7-1. Those Marlins are on a downturn after having a successful month of May.
And here I thought my L.A. Dodger team was in a bad slump lately, after dropping all three games in Oakland last week and losing the opener of a three-game set in Anaheim (in which they jumped out to an early 5-0 lead, but the Angels scored 8 unanswered runs), but they won today, 3-1.

The Jays are perennially stuck in the division of death. When you have New York, Tampa & Boston in the same division as you, Jays will watch the playoffs on TV every year. Thanks for coming out for the regular season, boys.

The Jays are perennially stuck in the division of death. When you have New York, Tampa & Boston in the same division as you, Jays will watch the playoffs on TV every year. Thanks for coming out for the regular season, boys.

I also notice that once again, every team in that division has a winning record entering play today.

Oh... and Kevin Youkoulis has been traded to the other Sox team.

Oh... and Kevin Youkoulis has been traded to the other Sox team.

He and their manager Bobby Valentine didn't quite become best friends.
Your mission my friend is to find someone who gets along with Bobby Valentine.

Now I am really angry at my L.A. Dodger team for failing to score any runs in their first two games at AT&T Park this year. >:( >:( >:(

If you ask me, the team needs some major adjustment.

The POTUS was here and in his address thanked Boston for sending Youkilis to the White Sox, his favorite team.  ;D.  Papi has pretty much had enough, and the fans are crying in their green monster beer.

Now I am really angry at my L.A. Dodger team for failing to score any runs in their first two games at AT&T Park this year. >:( >:( >:(

If you ask me, the team needs some major adjustment.

I still think it is completely disgraceful and unacceptable that they didn't score ANY runs at all in the entire three-game series. >:( >:( >:( As a result, they are no longer in sole possession of 1st place in the NL West division. Many fans were hoping this would NOT happen. I mean, it is one thing to lose three straight games, but it is another to just flat out not score any runs. >:(

I still think it is completely disgraceful and unacceptable that they didn't score ANY runs at all in the entire three-game series. >:( >:( >:( As a result, they are no longer in sole possession of 1st place in the NL West division. Many fans were hoping this would NOT happen. I mean, it is one thing to lose three straight games, but it is another to just flat out not score any runs. >:(


Dodgers are hurting as they as missing Matt Kemp. The  ( Almost ) MVP last year is out and  Abreu & others aren't picking up the slack. What also hurts is Gordon ( your SS) is hitting leadoff and batting .227.

Dodgers are hurting as they as missing Matt Kemp. The  ( Almost ) MVP last year is out and

Andre Ethier reportedly hurt himself as well in yesterday's game, and had to leave in the first inning. But I didn't watch anything after the first inning. The only reason I watched the first inning at all is because my mom wanted to watch the beginning of the game...but then she had to leave the house and go to work. Still, I hope Dre doesn't have to go on the DL...if so, then the team is really up the creek. :(




Abreu & others aren't picking up the slack. What also hurts is Gordon ( your SS) is hitting leadoff and batting .227.

That's right. Bobby Abreu was pretty good when the Dodgers picked him up the first week of May (after the Angels cut him loose). And about Dee Gordon, yeah, he's not doing so well for a "leadoff" hitter; yet Mattingly continues to put him in that role because he's speedy if he gets on base. He's gotta hit his way on base; he can't count on being walked or HBP.

Andre Ethier reportedly hurt himself as well in yesterday's game, and had to leave in the first inning. But I didn't watch anything after the first inning. The only reason I watched the first inning at all is because my mom wanted to watch the beginning of the game...but then she had to leave the house and go to work. Still, I hope Dre doesn't have to go on the DL...if so, then the team is really up the creek. :(


That's right. Bobby Abreu was pretty good when the Dodgers picked him up the first week of May (after the Angels cut him loose). And about Dee Gordon, yeah, he's not doing so well for a "leadoff" hitter; yet Mattingly continues to put him in that role because he's speedy if he gets on base. He's gotta hit his way on base; he can't count on being walked or HBP.

They finally scored in yesterday's game, but only two runs (in the 4th inning). That wasn't enough to beat the Mets. And, coupled with the Giants' victory over the Reds, they have kissed first place goodbye in the NL West. :(

They'd better pick up the pace tonight, although with Aaron Ha-Wrong on the mound for L.A., I ain't holding my breath. Especially with RA Dickey pitching for the Mets. He just might be a Cy Young candidate this year.

^ Unfortunately, my prediction came true. Robert Allen Dickey did not allow the DUD-gers any runs at all. :\'(

Well, after a dismal final week of June, the Dodgers have finally broken through and scored a bunch of runs, to win a game!! They beat the Mets, 8-3, to avert a four-game sweep, and take a lead for the first time in a week (they last led in a game last Sunday against the Angels, only to lose that lead and the game). Tonight I can sleep easier.

We're about half way through our season.

AL
Yanks & Texas have healthy leads in their divisions. Look for them to make the post-season.  Wilcard is up for grabs. The Angels have been coming on strong. Let's not forget Tampa & Boston. I predict Baltimore will eventually fade.

NL

Can Washington keep their division lead? The other 2 divisions aer too close to call as well. Giants & Dodgers fighting it our in the west. Cinci, Pitt & Stl fighting it out on the central. I won't rule out Milwaukee quite yet.

Lots can happen in the next 3 months.

^ Yep... and with the All-Star Game coming up next week, there is a possibility that Matt Kemp might not play (or even take part in the Home Run Derby, which occurs next Monday). There is also one spot left on both the AL and NL rosters; there are five candidates for each spot - in the AL all five candidates are pitchers (3 starters and 2 relievers), and all five NL candidates are position players (including the veteran Chipper Jones of the Braves and the rookie Bryce Harper of the Nat'ls). By Thursday both spots should be filled.

Imagine that: Cliff Lee won his first game of the year yesterday. He's been one of the best pitchers in baseball over the last 5 years.

Imagine that: Cliff Lee won his first game of the year yesterday. He's been one of the best pitchers in baseball over the last 5 years.

Yeah; it's about time. Glad he finally won a game.

Now if Dodger pitcher Nathan Eovaldi can win a game tonight for L.A., then Dodger fans would be happy. Problem is, his team hasn't given him hardly any run support since taking over in the rotation for Ted Silly, who has been transferred to the long-term (60-day) DL due to shoulder issues.

Well... going into the All-Star break, the Dodgers lead the N.L. West division by half a game over the Giants (who got creamed by the NL Central-leading Pirates yesterday, 13-2; Lim Tincecum was up to his antics again) and the Washington Nationals lead the N.L. East division with the best record in the National League. The best record in the American League, however, belongs to the Wankees, who lead the A.L. East division. The A.L. Central and West divisions are currently led by the White Sox and Rangers, respectively.

Yankees & Texas are well positioned for the 2nd half. Huge battle for the wild card in the AL. Eight teams within 2.5 games of each other. Whether you like the idea of the WC or not, at least it's exciting.

I prefer the days where you didn't get to the world series unless you won the pennant ( pre 1969), I didn't mind the 2 division format either from 1969 till about 15 years ago...when winning the division meant something more than it does now.

Yankees & Texas are well positioned for the 2nd half. Huge battle for the wild card in the AL. Eight teams within 2.5 games of each other. Whether you like the idea of the WC or not, at least it's exciting.

I prefer the days where you didn't get to the world series unless you won the pennant ( pre 1969), I didn't mind the 2 division format either from 1969 till about 15 years ago...when winning the division meant something more than it does now.

Well, the divisions split into three in 1994 (18 years ago), but they didn't have a wildcard that year because of the strike, which had wiped out the entire postseason. Had there been no strike, the Montreal Expos would have likely have seen the postseason because they were playing really well that year (they even had the best record in all of MLB at the time of the strike). (But they only reached the postseason once in franchise history: 1981, losing to the Dodgers in the NLCS, which was a best-of-five at the time.) Now they are known as the Washington Nationals, and are doing much better now than they had in years past. I hope they make the playoffs this year.

Had there been no strike, the Montreal Expos would have likely have seen the postseason because they were playing really well that year (they even had the best record in all of MLB at the time of the strike)

They were World Series bound against the Yankees in all likelihood in 1994.  The strike killed any hope of the franchise remaining in MTL. If the Expos had won in 1994, that's 3 years in a row a Canadian team would have won. Imagine that!
Since the strike I think no Canadian team has qualified for the post-season in baseball. I'm fairly certain and may have to double check that.


(But they only reached the postseason once in franchise history: 1981, losing to the Dodgers in the NLCS, which was a best-of-five at the time.)


1981 Yes, I remember that headache. (nightmares revisited)  The Rick Monday HR at the Olympic stadium off Steve Rogers in the 9th inning. It's called Blue Monday in Montreal.  Valenzuela pitched a heck of a game.

They were World Series bound against the Yankees in all likelihood in 1994.  The strike killed any hope of the franchise remaining in MTL. If the Expos had won in 1994, that's 3 years in a row a Canadian team would have won. Imagine that!
Since the strike I think no Canadian team has qualified for the post-season in baseball. I'm fairly certain and may have to double check that.

That's right, the Blue Jays won it in back-to-back seasons (1992-93). They have not made the postseason since then.




1981 Yes, I remember that headache. (nightmares revisited)  The Rick Monday HR at the Olympic stadium off Steve Rogers in the 9th inning. It's called Blue Monday in Montreal.  Valenzuela pitched a heck of a game.

He sure did. That year in the Dodgers franchise, it was all about Fernandomania! I was only a year old at the time, so I don't remember a thing about it myself.

He sure did. That year in the Dodgers franchise, it was all about Fernandomania! I was only a year old at the time, so I don't remember a thing about it myself.

I do. Their fabulous infield ( Garvey, Lopes, Russell, Cey ) was still intact, Guerrero and Baker I think was part of their outfield. Pitching staff was excellent as usual for the Dodgers during that era. Gone were Sutton & John, but Reuss and Welch were there now.
Fernando won rookie of the year & CY Young that year (although I felt Seaver should have won in a close vote. It was neck & neck)

I think one of L.A.s players won rookie of the year often during that period. Sax...Sutcliffe and others.

I think one of L.A.s players won rookie of the year often during that period. Sax...Sutcliffe and others.

Oh yes; in four consecutive years during that time (1979-82), the N.L. Rookie Of The Year award went to Dodger players. Sutcliffe in '79, relief pitcher Steve Howe in 1980 (who struggled with substance abuse over the years and eventually passed away in 2006; not to be confused with the British rock musician who was a member of the bands Yes and Asia), Fernando Valenzuela in 1981, and Steve Sax in 1982.

There was also a five-year span during the 1990's in which the same award went only to Dodger players (1992-96): Eric Karros, Mike Piazza, Raul Mondesi, Hideo Nomo, and Todd Hollandsworth.

Okay, so the All-Star Game will be played tonight (and start in about half an hour). Congratulations to Prince Fielder on winning the Home Run Derby, which was held yesterday.

And so, the National League has won the All-Star Game for the third straight year, which means that whichever team ends up representing the N.L. in the World Series, will have home field advantage. Final score: 8 to zippo. Five of those runs were scored in the first inning, all charged to Justin Verlander. Matt Cain, who threw a perfect game last month for the Giants, pitched the first two innings and only allowed one base hit: a leadoff infield single to Derek Jeter. The A.L. loaded up the bases in the 5th inning against Clayton Kershaw (the lone Dodgers representative), but could not score. Another baserunner got to third, namely Elvis Andrus of the Rangers in the 9th inning, but then Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon got the last guy to fly out to end the game.

Melky Cabrera of the San Francisco Giants was named MVP of the All-Star Game. At first, when the trophy was presented to him, he seemed a little confused, as he was not at all fluent in English (but made his best attempt to say something in response), but later, when MLB Network's Alana Rizzo interviewed him, he had his interpreter with him, and that worked out much better.

Well, MLB regular-season play resumes today. For my beloved L.A. Dodger team, Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp are due back from the DL; hopefully Kemp will not hurt himself again.

Yankees are hot, bes record in baseball.10 games up on the AL east, they swept the Jays ( who lost Bautista and Lawrie to injuries ). Jays in last place 12.5 games back. Jays need pitching. No team can ever have enough pitching ( except possibly the starting staff of the 1971 Orioles.)

^ That's true, they just completed a sweep of the Jays, with yesterday's finale being shortened in the 7th inning (?) due to a rain delay.

I think my L.A. Dodger team could use some better pitching (particularly in the bullpen, although starting pitcher Chad Billingsley going on the D.L. is no huge loss), and maybe a few of the position players could be replaced. Juan Uribe isn't doing much; James Loney seems to be slumping again. :-\\

At least they averted a sweep by the Phillies yesterday, winning in extra innings 5-3, on Matt Kemp's first home run since the end of April.

Yesterday (Saturday), the Cardinals scored 12 runs in their game -- all in the 7th inning -- and the Cubs scored none.

Today, the Cardinals scored 7 runs -- in different innings -- and handed the Cubs another goose-egg.

Tomorrow, the Cardinals will welcome in the Dodgers, who just completed a sweep of the New York Mets (first road sweep of the Mets in ten years). Today's LAD-NYM game went into extra innings, with the Dodgers scoring five unanswered runs in the 12th inning. This, coupled with the Giants' extra-inning loss to the Phillies in Philadelphia, moves the Dodgers to 1 1/2 games of first in the NL West division.

So...this afternoon I just found out that Ichiro (yes, Ichiro Suzuki) has been traded to the Yankees. :o :o :o This came as a complete shocker. Especially considering the fact that he spent the first 11 1/2 years of his Major League career in a Seattle uniform, making a name for himself with the team by playing well both defensively and offensively, as well as being popular among the fans.

Well, he didn't have very far to go, as the Yankees opened up a series in Seattle tonight... so all he needed to do was go to the visitors' clubhouse!

Apparently the Yankees needed some better defense in the outfield, as many of their outfielders had been injured, and some not performing to expectations. Brett Gardner, who had been doing some right-field duties, is done for the year; and Raul Ibanez, who they acquired during the offseason to play left field, is in the prime of his career. So I guess Ichiro was the answer.

The Ichiro trade to the Yanks surprises me.
Just what the Yankees need, another OF. ::)
At least Ichiro has a chance to win a title in NY. Give him a better chance to get to Cooperstown later on.

What the Yankees need is pitching...another starter with a better ERA.

The Ichiro trade to the Yanks surprises me.
Just what the Yankees need, another OF. ::)
At least Ichiro has a chance to win a title in NY. Give him a better chance to get to Cooperstown later on.

Well, some of their outfielders have not been doing too well (except for Curtis Granderson in CF).



What the Yankees need is pitching...another starter with a better ERA.

Tell that to the Dodgers. Kershaw fell apart in the 6th inning in St. Louis tonight... :-\\ However, Billingsley was horrible in most of his starts this year, although he didn't do too bad yesterday, picking up his first win in a looong time. Aaron Harang is nothing to crow about; I don't know why the Dodgers decided to sign him, although he has had some OK starts this year. Chris Capuano is pretty good; he leads the team in wins, altho he, too, has had some not-so-good outings.

Early this morning, it was announced that Hanley Ramirez has been traded from the Marlins to the Dodgers, along with left-handed reliever Randy Choate. This gives lefty Scott Elbert some company in the bullpen. In return, the Dodgers have sent semi-rookie starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi to the Marlins, in addition to some minor-leaguer.

Starting pitcher Zack Greinke is now a member of... the L.A. Angels. A few other contending teams had attempted to acquire him, but he ended up going to the Angels... where he'll join Jered Weaver, CJ Wilson and Dan Haren. Ervin Santana is a bit uncertain, based on his recent performance, but he may still be the "fifth starter" until further notice.

So today the Dodgers got "sweep revenge" on the Giants, not only by sweeping the three-game series, but also handing them two straight shutout losses in San Francisco. The last time the Dodgers blanked the Giants on the road in back-to-back games was in 1957, the final year these two teams were in New York. Moreover, this pulls the Dodgers to 0 games behind the Giants in the NL West division. They are said to be tied for the division lead now, but they do not have identical records. This is because the Dodgers (56-47) have played two more games than the Giants (55-46), so they are a percentage point behind.

With the trade deadline fast approaching today, some teams have made major moves. For example, the Braves got Paul Maholum and Reed Johnson from the Cubs for a minor league pitcher. And it was just announced that the Dodgers got Shane Victorino from the Phillies in exchange for relief pitcher Josh Lindblom. (Why couldn't they have gotten a decent starting pitcher? They don't have very strong starting pitching other than Clayton Kershaw and Stephen Fife, and to some extent, Chris Capuano.) Also, Hunter Pence has gone from the Phillies to the Giants in exchange for Nate Schierholtz (I think?).

Best team in the majors heading into play today: the Washington Nationals. In the AL: Texas Rangers.

Best team in the majors heading into play today: the Washington Nationals. In the AL: Texas Rangers.

One interesting note there is that the Texas Rangers moved from Washington in 1971. (They were the Washington Senators)
I actually remember that franchise.

One interesting note there is that the Texas Rangers moved from Washington in 1971. (They were the Washington Senators)
I actually remember that franchise.

That's true; they were the second "Washington Senators" franchise, after the original one moved to Minnesota and became the Twins.

That's true; they were the second "Washington Senators" franchise, after the original one moved to Minnesota and became the Twins.

I think (any) Washington MLB franchise has won the World Series only once, back in the day when they had Walter Johnson.

I think (any) Washington MLB franchise has won the World Series only once, back in the day when they had Walter Johnson.

Yep...1924.

Dodgers and Giants now tied for the NL West lead at 61-52. Hanley Ramirez, in his first game in Miami as a visiting player, went 3-for-4 with a run scored, beat his former team 5-2... and in San Francisco, Lim Tincecum suffered his dozenth loss as the Colorado Rockies blanked the Gints, 3-zip.

Dodgers and Giants now tied for the NL West lead at 61-52. Hanley Ramirez, in his first game in Miami as a visiting player, went 3-for-4 with a run scored, beat his former team 5-2... and in San Francisco, Lim Tincecum suffered his dozenth loss as the Colorado Rockies blanked the Gints, 3-zip.

If Lincecum pitched anywhere close to his average in the last 5 years, Giants would be 5 or 6 games ahead.  Not a year for star pitchers. Cliff Lee has won 2 games this year, Halliday has 6 (but injured for a part), Lester won 5 games, Santana won 6. Strange year for some picthers who have dominated in the past.

If Lincecum pitched anywhere close to his average in the last 5 years, Giants would be 5 or 6 games ahead.  Not a year for star pitchers. Cliff Lee has won 2 games this year, Halliday has 6 (but injured for a part), Lester won 5 games, Santana won 6. Strange year for some pitchers who have dominated in the past.

Especially since a number of those guys have Cy Young awards to their names. Cliff Lee still has only 2 wins this year (of course, he was sidelined for part of the year, but still), after being handed a loss by the defending World Champion St. Louis Cardinals (who are presently in 3rd place in the NL Central).
As for Johan Santana, he's still struggling; I heard he returned from the DL again today, started against the Braves and was knocked around in the first two innings.

Boston is doing so poorly that it isn't even fun to be a Yankee fan in Boston this year.  It started out fun, but now it would be like kicking a dog that has been run over twice. 

Boston is doing so poorly that it isn't even fun to be a Yankee fan in Boston this year.  It started out fun, but now it would be like kicking a dog that has been run over twice.

It fell apart for them late last year. Clubhouse troubles (that still exist), and they bring in Bobby Valentine?  They got rid of Youkilis...Beckett will be next.

Aww, it's still fun to be a Yankee fan. If they get good pitching, they can go far. They gotta beat Texas to get in the WS I think.

It fell apart for them late last year. Clubhouse troubles (that still exist), and they bring in Bobby Valentine?  They got rid of Youkilis...Beckett will be next.

Aww, it's still fun to be a Yankee fan. If they get good pitching, they can go far. They gotta beat Texas to get in the WS I think.


Usually I have fun ragging my Sox fan friends who can't believe stand the fact that I am a fan of the "evil empire", but now they can't do anything but agree, there isn't any fun in that.  I think they brought in Valentine because they couldn't get anyone else to take the job after the way they treated Tito.  I'm a Yankee fan, but I loved Tito and thought it was a disgrace the way they ran him out of town. 

Baseball fans, not just Sox fans, are in mourning for Johnny Pesky.  He was Mr. Baseball, a Red Sox who got a moment of silence at Yankee Stadium.  All thoughts are he would have been in Cooperstown, but he left to fight in WWII. In 2003, author David Halberstam told the story of Johnny Pesky, Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr and Dom DiMaggio in his book ''The Teammates: A Portrait of a Friendship.'' RIP Johnny.  :\'(


http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/johnny-pesky-boston-red-sox-legend-dies-at-92-081312

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/gettysburgtimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/9f/09f23e49-920e-56f6-a177-5f2f806885d6/50297c34da47b.image.jpg

^ R.I.P. Johnny Pesky. :\'(

Baseball fans, not just Sox fans, are in mourning for Johnny Pesky.  He was Mr. Baseball, a Red Sox who got a moment of silence at Yankee Stadium.  All thoughts are he would have been in Cooperstown, but he left to fight in WWII. In 2003, author David Halberstam told the story of Johnny Pesky, Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr and Dom DiMaggio in his book ''The Teammates: A Portrait of a Friendship.'' RIP Johnny.  :\'(


http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/johnny-pesky-boston-red-sox-legend-dies-at-92-081312

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/gettysburgtimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/9f/09f23e49-920e-56f6-a177-5f2f806885d6/50297c34da47b.image.jpg


At least he got to live and see the Sox win 2 World Series recently (Good thing Manny Ramirez & David Ortiz decided not to use steroids in either of those years or the championships may be tainted  ::))

Dodgers: back in 1st place in the NL West, thanks to another victory over the Pirates (who are sinking in the wildcard race).

Giants: Not only back down to 2nd place in the NL West, but also without the services of outfielder Melky Cabrera for the rest of the regular season. This is because Cabrera has been suspended 50 games for testing positive for a banned substance. The team had 45 games left of the season, entering play today, so he's gonna be out for those games, and the first 5 games of the 2013 season. Not sure if the 50-game suspension applies to the postseason or not, should the Giants get there this year.... cuz I don't think I've heard about a player getting such a suspension late in the season if his team goes into the postseason.

Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners has thrown the third perfect game of 2012. This is the first time that three perfect games have been pitched in the same season.

Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners has thrown the third perfect game of 2012. This is the first time that three perfect games have been pitched in the same season.


Congrats to Hernandez.....Gotta feel good  :)

Meanwhile there is drama in Beantown.  Seems some of the team went over Valentines head to complain about him.  They don't like his style, they don't like him, don't like the direction the team is going(DOWN! NO sheeshE!).  Now they are trying to make nice and want to know who went to the press with the story. These are pretty much the same guys that laid down for Tito Francona.  They are the worst bunch of whining crybabies in any sport and the Sox would do better if they just cleaned house. 

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/2012/08/15/red-sox-concerned-about-breach-confidentiality-their-team-meetings/CCW5aVCP2lRXIOoDZ60inN/story.html

Meanwhile there is drama in Beantown.  Seems some of the team went over Valentines head to complain about him.  They don't like his style, they don't like him, don't like the direction the team is going(DOWN! NO sheeshE!).  Now they are trying to make nice and want to know who went to the press with the story. These are pretty much the same guys that laid down for Tito Francona.  They are the worst bunch of whining crybabies in any sport and the Sox would do better if they just cleaned house. 

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/2012/08/15/red-sox-concerned-about-breach-confidentiality-their-team-meetings/CCW5aVCP2lRXIOoDZ60inN/story.html


Agreed.

Francona let a lot of things go in the clubhouse last year and I think Boston tried to bring in a disciplinarian type manager in hope of change. Valentine is a big pain in the arse and I wouldn't want him managing my team. He has a huge ego and wants things done his way. He's very outspoken, and quite different than Francona.  But he isn’t the big problem.

The spoiled baby Red Sox players who took it for granted to drink beer in the clubhouse, eat the fried chicken and play video games during  actual games, are crying like children when Valentine forbids it now. They weren't dedicated last year (at the end) and this continues this year. They do have more than enough talent to be competing for the division title, in fact many picked the Red Sox to win their division this year.

It’s hard to clean house and easier to fire a manager, but they do have to clean house and get rid of some of the whiners and underachievers, and the discipline should come from upper management all the way down to the players.

Meanwhile in New York, Yankee fans are loving this edition of the Red Sox soap opera...which in the last 100 years has often been transformed into a tragedy.

Dodgers: back in 1st place in the NL West, thanks to another victory over the Pirates (who are sinking in the wildcard race).

Giants: Not only back down to 2nd place in the NL West, but also without the services of outfielder Melky Cabrera for the rest of the regular season. This is because Cabrera has been suspended 50 games for testing positive for a banned substance. The team had 45 games left of the season, entering play today, so he's gonna be out for those games, and the first 5 games of the 2013 season. Not sure if the 50-game suspension applies to the postseason or not, should the Giants get there this year.... cuz I don't think I've heard about a player getting such a suspension late in the season if his team goes into the postseason.

Apparently, a 50-game suspension does include postseason games, according to an article I read in the newspaper this morning about Melky's suspension. But if the Giants don't make the postseason this year, then it's a moot point because then he'd definitely be suspended for the first 5 games of 2013.

Apparently, a 50-game suspension does include postseason games, according to an article I read in the newspaper this morning about Melky's suspension. But if the Giants don't make the postseason this year, then it's a moot point because then he'd definitely be suspended for the first 5 games of 2013.


And he could actually win the batting title too, just read that.

And he could actually win the batting title too, just read that.

I did read it, and I also heard some commentary today on MLB Network regarding that.

Dodgers have just completed a 10-game road trip in the Eastern Time zone, in which they lost only one game in each city. In addition, Don Mattingly, who was suspended two games (and fined an undisclosed amount) for his actions in Thursday's finale in Pittsburgh (in which he strongly argued with the home plate umpire); he served his suspension yesterday and today, with bench coach Trey Hillman acting as manager.

So, yesterday the Pirates and Cardinals played for six hours before the Pirates finally won it in the 19th inning, 6-3.
I wonder if this will have any effect on their playoff hopes??

More trouble for players testing positive for testosterone... this time, 39-year-old starting pitcher Bartolo Cologne Colon gets the 50-game suspension, effective immediately. If the A's should get to the postseason (they could still get one of the two A.L. wildcards), then the suspension could end for Colon during the LCS, depending how deep the A's get.

Giants: Not only back down to 2nd place in the NL West, but also without the services of outfielder Melky Cabrera for the rest of the regular season. This is because Cabrera has been suspended 50 games for testing positive for a banned substance.


More trouble for players testing positive for testosterone... this time, 39-year-old starting pitcher Bartolo Cologne Colon gets the 50-game suspension, effective immediately. If the A's should get to the postseason (they could still get one of the two A.L. wildcards), then the suspension could end for Colon during the LCS, depending how deep the A's get.


Manny Ramirez must have a new job selling 'roids' to Bay Area ball players.  ;)

Red Sox have made a huge trade with the Dodgers, but I'm not sure it's as earth shattering as the are putting it out to be.  The big plus is they unloaded Becket. Nick Punto, Carl Crawford, and Adrian Gonzalez go, too, more to free up money, I think.  In return Boston gets Loney and some guys from the minors. 

http://bostonglobe.com/sports/2012/08/25/blockbuster-deal-would-signify-end-failed-era/SeUJKgMWmn7FA39xKTaBBN/story.html

Red Sox have made a huge trade with the Dodgers, but I'm not sure it's as earth shattering as the are putting it out to be.  The big plus is they unloaded Becket. Nick Punto, Carl Crawford, and Adrian Gonzalez go, too, more to free up money, I think.  In return Boston gets Loney and some guys from the minors. 

http://bostonglobe.com/sports/2012/08/25/blockbuster-deal-would-signify-end-failed-era/SeUJKgMWmn7FA39xKTaBBN/story.html

I heard about that last night prior to the start of last night's game. James Loney has been pretty good for the Dodgers in his 7 seasons in the majors. Another player who would go to Boston is Jerry Sands, an outfielder who has spent most of the season in the minors, but wasn't very productive during his time at the major league level (including last year).

Looks like that deal is official now. A-Gon will start tonight for L.A. at first base and bat 4th.

Dodgers say goodbye to James Loney (who I liked, even though he didn't hit very much this year, but he plays the 1B position very well), prospect Allen Webster, infielder Ivan DeJesus Jr. (who played for part of the season this year at the major league level), and "two players to be named later." The PTBNL will likely be announced at the end of the season, and the likely candidates are pitcher Rubby De La Rosa (who was just activated off the 60 day DL from Tommy John Surgery, but optioned to the minors) and outfielder Jerry Sands (who, like I said in my above post, hasn't been very productive).

Dodgers get a great 1st baseman in Gonzalez. Only 30 years old. Still lots of production left, but a big contract, just like Beckett (age 32). This could turn out very well for L.A. I think Beckett has 3 to 5  good years left but he's been pretty awful this year. Maybe he just didn't want to be in Bahston anymore .

In the last 12 months, Boston got rid of Francona, Youkilis, Beckett & Gonzalez. Cleaning house. Something went wrong last year (at the end) I think Boston will be busy in the off-season trying to get free agents.  Boston needs to get rid of Valentine now.

Yeah, Bobby V. doesn't seem to be doing so well with them. I doubt that he'll still be their skipper come 2013. (But we can never know for sure.)

A-Gon was great in his Dodger debut last night, hitting a three-run home run in his first at-bat... and Nick Punto started off okay, although he was hitting .200 with the Sox. :-\\

Yeah, Bobby V. doesn't seem to be doing so well with them. I doubt that he'll still be their skipper come 2013. (But we can never know for sure.)

A-Gon was great in his Dodger debut last night, hitting a three-run home run in his first at-bat... and Nick Punto started off okay, although he was hitting .200 with the Sox. :-\\

Gonzalez is a good hitter. He and Kemp will make a good 3-4 for the Dodgers in the years to come. 

Ties for the NL is losses in Tim Lincecum, 7 wins, 14 losses....But hey Tim, someone is having a worse year than you:

Jasob Bay: Hitting .152        24 hits in 158 AB's

Ties for the NL is losses in Tim Lincecum, 7 wins, 14 losses....But hey Tim, someone is having a worse year than you:

Jason Bay: Hitting .152        24 hits in 158 AB's

Does he lead the entire Major League in losses, lol?

Joke Blanton might give him some company soon; he hasn't done too well since the Dudgers acquired him. ::)

Does he lead the entire Major League in losses, lol?

Joke Blanton might give him some company soon; he hasn't done too well since the Dudgers acquired him. ::)

Lincecum is tied with Bedard with 14 losses, but Bedard was recently released by his club. No chance of Lincecum being released. I've said this before. If Lincecum pitched up to his potential like he usually has and was 14-7 instead of the opposite, Giants would be way ahead in their division.

Well, I guess I was wrong about Joe "Joke" Blanton. He finally won a game in a Dodger uniform today. He pitched into the 8th inning, with a seemingly large lead, but it almost evaporated in that 8th inning. But thankfully L.A. won 10-8, to avert a sweep and salvage a game of their brief 3-game roadtrip.

First team to 80 wins? The Cincinnati Reds.

And the Houston Astros are on pace to lose about 110 games right now.  The days of Bagwell, Berkman & Biggio are long gone.  :(

First team to 80 wins? The Cincinnati Reds.

Yup! And they have the largest division lead in any of the six divisions. They overtook the Washington Nationals for the best record in all of MLB after Washington lost five in a row. But I'm glad they won yesterday; I would hate to see them falter so suddenly and lose their division lead.



And the Houston Astros are on pace to lose about 110 games right now.  The days of Bagwell, Berkman & Biggio are long gone.  :(

True that. I wonder how they'll do next year when they join the American League.....

Yup! And they have the largest division lead in any of the six divisions. They overtook the Washington Nationals for the best record in all of MLB after Washington lost five in a row. But I'm glad they won yesterday; I would hate to see them falter so suddenly and lose their division lead.



Agreed, I would hate to see Washington falter so suddenly and lose their division lead and miss the post-season.

Agreed, I would hate to see Washington falter so suddenly and lose their division lead and miss the post-season.

That would be horrible.

I keep thinking that if there had not been a strike in 1994, the franchise would have likely gone to the postseason, and possibly winning the division, thereby interrupting a streak of 14 consecutive division titles for the Atlanta Braves (who'd been part of the NL West division from 1969-1993).

That would be horrible.

I keep thinking that if there had not been a strike in 1994, the franchise would have likely gone to the postseason, and possibly winning the division, thereby interrupting a streak of 14 consecutive division titles for the Atlanta Braves (who'd been part of the NL West division from 1969-1993).

And if the Expos would have won in 1994, maybe they might still be in Montreal.

And if the Expos would have won in 1994, maybe they might still be in Montreal.

Yeah, it was ten years later that they spent their final season (if not partially) in Montreal. I remember in 2003 and 2004 they played some of their home games in San Juan, PR.

Yeah, it was ten years later that they spent their final season (if not partially) in Montreal. I remember in 2003 and 2004 they played some of their home games in San Juan, PR.


It became a slow 10 year death in Montreal.

Dodgers: still unable to beat the Arizona Dbacks since early July. >:( They acquired all these good players from other teams (Shane Victorino, Hanley Ramirez, Adrian Gonzalez), but they can't seem to produce much together!

The Dodgers won on Saturday, giving Josh Beckett his first win in a Dodger uniform. They came from behind to win yesterday's game, giving JJ Putz his first blown save since June. Adrian Gonzalez, who'd been slumping since his first home run in Dodger Blue on August 25th, provided the game-winning hit in the 9th inning, scoring Mark Ellis and Shane Victorino.

The Dodgers won on Saturday, giving Josh Beckett his first win in a Dodger uniform. They came from behind to win yesterday's game, giving JJ Putz his first blown save since June. Adrian Gonzalez, who'd been slumping since his first home run in Dodger Blue on August 25th, provided the game-winning hit in the 9th inning, scoring Mark Ellis and Shane Victorino.

They have 30 games to put in together. If they make the playoffs, believe me, no one wants to face them.

And with 30 games remaining, there is no clear cut leader in either league for the Cy Young or MVP awards. No one stands out.

They have 30 games to put in together. If they make the playoffs, believe me, no one wants to face them.

And with 30 games remaining, there is no clear cut leader in either league for the Cy Young or MVP awards. No one stands out.

Actually, 26 games remaining after today. They won again in dramatic fashion today against the Padres, this time tying it up in the 9th inning with a solo homer by Andre Ethier (although it could've been a game-winner if Hanley Ramirez hadn't swung at a 3-2 pitch that was outside the strike zone) and AJ Ellis knocking in the winning run in the 11th.

You're right; the team hasn't had anyone really stand out like they did last year. Clayton Kershaw isn't doing as well as he did last year, but he is probably still their best pitcher... and Matt Kemp isn't up to his 2011 self, especially after being sidelined for two months with a strained hamstring.

There is a really good race going on in the AL east.  Yankees & Orioles tied for 1st, Tampa 1.5 games back.  Nice drama to unfold in the last month. 

There is a really good race going on in the AL east.  Yankees & Orioles tied for 1st, Tampa 1.5 games back.  Nice drama to unfold in the last month.

That's right!! For the first time since May or June (?) (have to check for sure) the Orioles at least have a share of first place. Of course, if the Orioles should move into sole possession of 1st place again, the Yankees would still be in the running for that second A.L. wildcard spot...cuz now they, the Orioles, and the Oakland A's are all tied for the wildcard lead at 76-59 entering play today.

That's right!! For the first time since May or June (?) (have to check for sure) the Orioles at least have a share of first place. Of course, if the Orioles should move into sole possession of 1st place again, the Yankees would still be in the running for that second A.L. wildcard spot...cuz now they, the Orioles, and the Oakland A's are all tied for the wildcard lead at 76-59 entering play today.


I found June 12th as the day the Yankees took over 1st, and I don't remember them giving it up since then.

I found June 12th as the day the Yankees took over 1st, and I don't remember them giving it up since then.

Yeah, that's about right. And last night they regained sole possession of 1st place, with them winning and the Baltimorioles losing... tisk tisk. :-\\

Also, Trevor Cahill of the Arizona Diamondbacks took a no-hitter into the 7th inning against the San Francisco Giants before they broke through and ended up scoring two runs... and ultimately losing, which prevented my L.A. Dudger team from slipping another game in the standings.

Big 4 game series between NYY and Balt starting tonight. Tomorrow some huge 3 game series beign: Tampa plays Texas, LAD play San Fran and LAA play Detroit.  All these teams looking to make the post season.

Big 4 game series between NYY and Balt starting tonight. Tomorrow some huge 3 game series beign: Tampa plays Texas, LAD play San Fran and LAA play Detroit.  All these teams looking to make the post season.

Those should be some interesting serieses. Two of them involve division battles, although LAD-SF seems like no contest for the moment because the Gints have a substantial lead on the Dodgers (who can cut it to 1 1/2 in the best-case scenario for them).

Go O's!!!! (I probably jinxed them now.)

Those should be some interesting serieses. Two of them involve division battles, although LAD-SF seems like no contest for the moment because the Gints have a substantial lead on the Dodgers (who can cut it to 1 1/2 in the best-case scenario for them).

And dangflabit, the Giants did everything that the Dodgers couldn't do last nite...and that was get clutch hits with runners in scoring position. >:(

Breaking news: Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg has been "shut down" for the rest of the season.

They probably want to protect his pitching arm, since he had the Tommy John surgery 2 years ago.

And dangflabit, the Giants did everything that the Dodgers couldn't do last nite...and that was get clutch hits with runners in scoring position. >:(

Dodgers pulled out a win on Saturday, but the "rubber game" was no contest as Mattingly scratched Clayton Kershaw from his originally scheduled start and put in Joke Blanton (I know I inserted a "K" into his first name, but that seems to describe him accurately), who gave up four runs and had no run support of his own. :( Kershaw probably wouldn't have done that! Instead, he is now slated to pitch tomorrow night in Arizona.

What's worse, L.A. is now 5 1/2 games back of the Jints. >:(

Dodgers pulled out a win on Saturday, but the "rubber game" was no contest as Mattingly scratched Clayton Kershaw from his originally scheduled start and put in Joke Blanton (I know I inserted a "K" into his first name, but that seems to describe him accurately), who gave up four runs and had no run support of his own. :( Kershaw probably wouldn't have done that! Instead, he is now slated to pitch tomorrow night in Arizona.

What's worse, L.A. is now 5 1/2 games back of the Jints. >:(


Kerhsaw has an inflamed right hip joint. He is also 1-3 against the Giants this year.  No sense Kershaw making his injury wosrse. Can't blame Blanton, if your team gets 5 hits and doesn't score, not his fault. 5 1/2 gams is a lot. It doesn't look good for them, with 21 games left. But it's not impossible. Even worse though they are 7 games back for the Wild Card.

Kerhsaw has an inflamed right hip joint.

That's what I heard at the start of the telecast last nite.


He is also 1-3 against the Giants this year.  No sense Kershaw making his injury worse.

So; certain pitchers have pitched in worse bodily conditions and still managed to do well. But for Kershaw's sake, I guess it was ok to keep him at his actual turn in the rotation; after all, he pitched last Tuesday and the team had an idle date on Thursday. But this was a crucial game for the team; they could've won to reduce their deficit to 3 1/2 games. No such luck with a weak pitcher like Blanton on the mound.



Can't blame Blanton, if your team gets 5 hits and doesn't score, not his fault. 5 1/2 gams is a lot. It doesn't look good for them, with 21 games left. But it's not impossible. Even worse though they are 7 games back for the Wild Card.

I guess not. But still, Blanton has not been very good for the Dudgers since they acquired him; he only eked out one win (August 29 in Coloradio) and has been good at giving up runs. Overall, the team's pitching hasn't been too strong this year; Kershaw has been their most dependable starter, but even he has faltered a bit. (Every pitcher does that from time to time; it's part of being human.)

But still, the team needs to get their act together and start hitting and scoring. You can't win a game if your team doesn't score any runs.

Also, a 7 game deficit at this point in the season for the wildcard race is not insurmountable; the Cardinals proved it last year and overtook the Knaves on the last day of the regular season. But this year, with an additional wildcard spot, they could do it again this year. Dodgers, OTOH, are closer within their division than in the wildcard... at the moment.

That's what I heard at the start of the telecast last nite.
So; certain pitchers have pitched in worse bodily conditions and still managed to do well. But for Kershaw's sake, I guess it was ok to keep him at his actual turn in the rotation; after all, he pitched last Tuesday and the team had an idle date on Thursday. But this was a crucial game for the team; they could've won to reduce their deficit to 3 1/2 games. No such luck with a weak pitcher like Blanton on the mound.

I guess not. But still, Blanton has not been very good for the Dudgers since they acquired him; he only eked out one win (August 29 in Coloradio) and has been good at giving up runs. Overall, the team's pitching hasn't been too strong this year; Kershaw has been their most dependable starter, but even he has faltered a bit. (Every pitcher does that from time to time; it's part of being human.)

But still, the team needs to get their act together and start hitting and scoring. You can't win a game if your team doesn't score any runs.

Also, a 7 game deficit at this point in the season for the wildcard race is not insurmountable; the Cardinals proved it last year and overtook the Knaves on the last day of the regular season. But this year, with an additional wildcard spot, they could do it again this year. Dodgers, OTOH, are closer within their division than in the wildcard... at the moment.


I’m not willing to risk losing a player for the rest of the season (A good pitcher like Kershaw) for 1 game.  Mattingly made the move. Because L.A. lost, he will be 2nd guessed.    I think L.A. did the right thing there, don’t potentially sacrifice Kershaw’s season for 1 game (unless it’s a playoff game or close to it). With the 2nd wild card available, L.A isn’t far behind STL.


Blanton hasn’t been any good for about 5 years now, but L.A. made the trade for him.  Unfortunately, you can’t put Sandy Koufax (or your ace)  on the mound 162 games a year, each team has a rotation.  Look, even if Koufax was on the mound for L.A., he can’t win if his team doesn’t score. Last nights loss is not Blanton's fault, it's the lack of hitting.

Yeah, I can agree with you there. It's not totally Blanton's fault. It's the hitting's (or lack thereof) fault. I dun'no, from what I was observing in watching parts of the game on the TV, they seemed kinda uninspired. My mom thought the same thing.

However, when the rosters expanded on September 1st, I'm surprised they didn't call up Elian Herrera (who proved to be a great hitter when he was first brought up in May); he could probably have provided a few late-inning heroics (like he did in June against the Phillies), and he's fast on the basepads.
I wonder if they'll bring him up if one of their players currently on the roster has to be placed on the DL.

The pitching could use a little work, too. I still don't see Blanton sticking around in 2013. Too bad Billingsley had to go down.

Yeah, I can agree with you there. It's not totally Blanton's fault. It's the hitting's (or lack thereof) fault. I dun'no, from what I was observing in watching parts of the game on the TV, they seemed kinda uninspired. My mom thought the same thing.

However, when the rosters expanded on September 1st, I'm surprised they didn't call up Elian Herrera (who proved to be a great hitter when he was first brought up in May); he could probably have provided a few late-inning heroics (like he did in June against the Phillies), and he's fast on the basepads.
I wonder if they'll bring him up if one of their players currently on the roster has to be placed on the DL.

The pitching could use a little work, too. I still don't see Blanton sticking around in 2013. Too bad Billingsley had to go down.

If Beckett can return to for, having him with Kershaw & Billingsley make a nice 1-2-3.  Capuano is an OK #4. The Jays wish they had this kind of pitching. 
Blanton hasn't done much since 2007.  L.A. can find a better 5th starter.

If Beckett can return to for, having him with Kershaw & Billingsley make a nice 1-2-3.

Yeah; like I said, Billingsley had to go down because of injury, and now he's done for the year. Prior to the all-star break, he was really doing poorly, but then he was placed on the D.L., and when he came off in mid-July, he was a better pitcher. But in his last start, he had to come out early or something. He could still be a #2 or #3 starter come 2013.



Capuano is an OK #4. The Jays wish they had this kind of pitching. 
Blanton hasn't done much since 2007.  L.A. can find a better 5th starter.

Yeah, Capuano has been so-so this year (overall). Aaron Harang: not so much. You're right about Blanton; last time he changed teams, which was in '08, it was from the A's to the Phillies, who ultimately won the World Series with him on their roster. And he was pretty good then. Finding some better pitching may be one of the key things the Dodgers need to look for in the upcoming offseason.

Yeah; like I said, Billingsley had to go down because of injury, and now he's done for the year. Prior to the all-star break, he was really doing poorly, but then he was placed on the D.L., and when he came off in mid-July, he was a better pitcher. But in his last start, he had to come out early or something. He could still be a #2 or #3 starter come 2013.

Yeah, Capuano has been so-so this year (overall). Aaron Harang: not so much. You're right about Blanton; last time he changed teams, which was in '08, it was from the A's to the Phillies, who ultimately won the World Series with him on their roster. And he was pretty good then. Finding some better pitching may be one of the key things the Dodgers need to look for in the upcoming offseason.

Dodgers have good pitching already and good hitting. They will be a competitive team next year too, quite a bit of talent in pitching and at the plate. Are you happy with their closer or do you rather they go after a better one?

Dodgers have good pitching already and good hitting. They will be a competitive team next year too, quite a bit of talent in pitching and at the plate. Are you happy with their closer or do you rather they go after a better one?

Well... their current closer is supposed to be Kenley Jansen, but he's sidelined now with heart issues, and I think shut down for the rest of the season. I think he does pretty well in that role. But since he's unavailable for the rest of the season, they are using Brandon League (who isn't "lights out" like many closers are expected to be) and Ronald Belisario, who are taking turns in the closer role.

When Blanton pitched, L.A. didn't score. Last night it wasn't Kershaw's fault they lost, again. L.A. didn't score. Kershaw pitched a very good game, 1 run (unearned?) But when your team doesn't score, doesn't matter who is pitching for you. 
With who L.A. has in their batting lineup at 3-4-5-6, they should be able to score. Good thing for you STL keeps losing. And look at who the Dodgers play this weekend, STL. Big series there.

Kershaw deserved some run support; he pitched well into the 7th inning before he gave up a run (which turned out to be the only run of the game). He would have likely won if Jason Kubel had not robbed Luis Cruz of a two-run homer in the 5th (I think it was?) inning.

Congrats to Albert Pujols. After his HR last night, now twelve consecutive seasons with 30 home runs. Only ARod and Barry Bonds have more (13). He also ties another STL great (Stan Musial) at 475 career HRs. 

Baseball stats...I luv 'em.

And to think, his old team, the Cardinals, are now only a game ahead of the Dodgers for the second wildcard spot in the NL. They face off in a four-game series at Dodger Stadium beginning tonight. Btw, I'll be going to the Sunday game.

And to think, his old team, the Cardinals, are now only a game ahead of the Dodgers for the second wildcard spot in the NL. They face off in a four-game series at Dodger Stadium beginning tonight. Btw, I'll be going to the Sunday game.

Have fun, Sunday's game will have a big crowd.

Have fun, Sunday's game will have a big crowd.

Weekend games typically do. Yeah, we just received tickets, after being cordially invited by someone who my dad works with (I think).

Congrats to Derek Jeter in tying the great Willie Mays for tenth in all time hits.
Mays is arguably the best player who ever played the game, if not the most complete player.

Congrats to Derek Jeter in tying the great Willie Mays for tenth in all time hits.
Mays is arguably the best player who ever played the game, if not the most complete player.

I agree that Willie Mays was one of the best players in the game; in 1954, he even made one of the greatest catches.
(That was before my time, but I still know about it, from having seen archive footage on the TV.)

I agree that Willie Mays was one of the best players in the game; in 1954, he even made one of the greatest catches.
(That was before my time, but I still know about it, from having seen archive footage on the TV.)
`

I only saw Willie on TV at the end of his SanFran career and his short stint with the Mets, I never saw him in his prime.

Dodgers finally won last night, 8-5 over the Cardinals. St. Louis took an early 2-0 lead on a pair of home runs, but the Dodgers answered with a run and then the Cardinals capitalized on a Hanley Ramirez throwing error, by hitting a two-run homer to take a 4-1 lead. Dodgers then cut their deficit to 4-3 on a two-run homer by Andre Ethier, but an inning later, Luis Cruz (who has proven to be a great player for the team this year, both defensively and offensively) hit a three-run home run to put L.A. ahead for good.

The Dodgers, by winning last night, reduced the Cardinals' lead in the 2nd NL wildcard spot to only 1 game. The Phillies have come alive in that race as well; they now have a winning record... but the Pirates are reeling; they've lost seven straight.

Dodgers finally won last night, 8-5 over the Cardinals. St. Louis took an early 2-0 lead on a pair of home runs, but the Dodgers answered with a run and then the Cardinals capitalized on a Hanley Ramirez throwing error, by hitting a two-run homer to take a 4-1 lead. Dodgers then cut their deficit to 4-3 on a two-run homer by Andre Ethier, but an inning later, Luis Cruz (who has proven to be a great player for the team this year, both defensively and offensively) hit a three-run home run to put L.A. ahead for good.

The Dodgers, by winning last night, reduced the Cardinals' lead in the 2nd NL wildcard spot to only 1 game. The Phillies have come alive in that race as well; they now have a winning record... but the Pirates are reeling; they've lost seven straight.


Have fun at the game tomorrow, I thought you'd get to see Kershaw pitch against Wainwright, but I just heard Kershaw is scratched. Bad hip.

Have fun at the game tomorrow, I thought you'd get to see Kershaw pitch against Wainwright, but I just heard Kershaw is scratched. Bad hip.

That's right; and I have to say, Stephen Fife didn't do too badly in the 5 innings that he pitched. His only fauxpas was giving up a pair of runs in the 1st inning, but the Dodgers recovered in the 3rd with a two-run homer by Andre Ethier. The game remained tied at 2-all until the 12th inning, when reliever John Ely (who they called up from the minor leagues and added to their extended roster) gave up three runs and recorded only two outs. I don't know why Mattingly didn't put in Josh Wall, who got the final out, instead to start said inning. So we ended up losing 5-2, but I still had fun at the game.

Also, the Pirates won their game yesterday (Saturday), but lost again today; in addition, the Dodgers couldn't capitalize on that loss (since Pittsburgh is still in the wildcard race), or that of the Phillies (who lost to the Lastros, who still managed to stave off their hundredth loss), or even that of the Giants (the Dbacks beat 'em 10-2!). :-\\

Yunel Escobar of the Toronto Blue Jays: Stupid thing to do.  Where was your brain?

http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/yunel-escobar-eye-black-contained-gay-slur-photo-221529843--mlb.html

Yunel Escobar of the Toronto Blue Jays: Stupid thing to do.  Where was your brain?

http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/yunel-escobar-eye-black-contained-gay-slur-photo-221529843--mlb.html


Suspended 3 games. Surprised MLB had the cojones to do so.

Today's LAD-WSH game called on account of inclement weather in D.C. Will be made up as part of a doubleheader tomorrow, when the weather is supposed to be better, according to a weather forecast I saw online.
This game is important to both teams, since both are in playoff contention.

Today's LAD-WSH game called on account of inclement weather in D.C. Will be made up as part of a doubleheader tomorrow, when the weather is supposed to be better, according to a weather forecast I saw online.
This game is important to both teams, since both are in playoff contention.

Wish I had tickets to those games. You don't see doubleheaders as much as you used to in the 80s or 70s. 

Wish I had tickets to those games. You don't see doubleheaders as much as you used to in the 80s or 70s.

Or even before then. It used to be that doubleheaders were written into the schedule as it was being planned. The last time the Dodgers were involved in a scheduled doubleheader was 25 years ago, when Pope John Paul II celebrated the Papal Mass at the Dodger Stadium. Incidentally, this past Sunday, the day I went to the stadium, marked the 25th anniversary of that celebration. (The doubleheader was played the following day.)

Or even before then. It used to be that doubleheaders were written into the schedule as it was being planned. The last time the Dodgers were involved in a scheduled doubleheader was 25 years ago, when Pope John Paul II celebrated the Papal Mass at the Dodger Stadium. Incidentally, this past Sunday, the day I went to the stadium, marked the 25th anniversary of that celebration. (The doubleheader was played the following day.)

I attended **lots** of doubleheaders when they were scheduled in the 1970s and 1980s. When the baseball schedule came out earlier in the year, I'd buy those tickets (to doubleheaders) on purpose. 2 games for the price of 1!

I attended **lots** of doubleheaders when they were scheduled in the 1970s and 1980s. When the baseball schedule came out earlier in the year, I'd buy those tickets (to doubleheaders) on purpose. 2 games for the price of 1!

My dad might've gone to one in the 1960's, when Dodger Stadium was a new ballpark. And even though I wasn't around yet, I know they scheduled plenty of 'em then because my dad has been compiling stats from all the games, which games were played on which dates, etc. Also, boxscores from past games can be researched online.

So, the Dodgers split their doubleheader yesterday, with the Nationals winning the first game 3-1, and the Dodgers winning the second game 7-6. They'd led 6-0 into the 8th inning, but some poor Dodger pitching allowed the Nats to tie it up, thereby denying Josh Beckett (who'd pitched well through the first seven innings before finally allowing three in the 8th) his second Dodgers victory. However, in the top of the 9th, Matt Kemp launched a solo home run to put L.A. back on top, and Brandon League closed out the bottom of the 9th.

Elsewhere, the Pittsburgh Pirates no longer have a winning record; they are now break-even at 74-74 after dropping yet another game to the Brew Crew. The wildcard is slipping away from them, although they are still (theoretically) in the running.

Also, the Redsox are now guaranteed a losing record, for the first time in 15 years. (They lost their 82nd game of the season yesterday.)

Since the Houston Astros have gone 5-5 in their last 10 games (not including today's game which isn't over yet) , it almost eliminates any chance that they get 110 losses this year.  I think the last team that lost 110+ games in a season was Arizona in 2004.  (And Detroit lost 119 games  :o  the year before that. )

^ Well, the Lastros still do have a shot at 110 losses. (They have fewer than 52 wins at the moment.)

I remember those 2003 Detroit Tigers. They did not play well at all. They had a chance to tie the 1962 Mets for the most losses in a season.


On a more upbeat note, it appears that the Washington Nationals have clinched a playoff spot!!! (Yep, for the first time since 1981 (when they were the Montreal Expos), the franchise will play past the end of the regular season.)

On a more upbeat note, it appears that the Washington Nationals have clinched a playoff spot!!! (Yep, for the first time since 1981 (when they were the Montreal Expos), the franchise will play past the end of the regular season.)


I should check the MTL papers online and see if there will be any celebration if Wash gets to the World Series at least.  In the NL,  Cincinnati & Washngton are in, SF looks to be there too unless they totally collapse. Atlanta looks comfortable in 1 wild card spot, the other is up for grabs amongst a few teams (STL, L.A, Mil, Phi, Pitt)

Congrats to Derek Jeter too, he got his 200th of the season the other day. At age 38, I don't think too many players got 200 hits at that age. I know Pete Rose achieved that in 1979, 200 hits at age 38.

I should check the MTL papers online and see if there will be any celebration if Wash gets to the World Series at least.  In the NL,  Cincinnati & Washngton are in, SF looks to be there too unless they totally collapse. Atlanta looks comfortable in 1 wild card spot, the other is up for grabs amongst a few teams (STL, L.A, Mil, Phi, Pitt)

Congrats to Derek Jeter too, he got his 200th of the season the other day. At age 38, I don't think too many players got 200 hits at that age. I know Pete Rose achieved that in 1979, 200 hits at age 38.

I don't think things look too promising for LAD. They were overtaken in the wildcard race by Milwaukee, who came from behind to hand the Pirates a losing record. Unless LAD goes on a surge (i.e., win all but one of their remaining 12 games) and the Jints (who have a much stronger lead on L.A. now) collapse, I don't see any miracles happening. Not even for the second wildcard spot in the NL, which the Cardinals currently occupy.

In the NL Central yesterday, the Cardinals lost in extra innings to the Cubs, and the Reds lost in extra innings to the Dodgers. The next loss for the Cardinals OR the next win for the Reds, would give Cincinnati the NL Central division title.

In the NL West, the Dodgers are on thin ice now; the Giants' magic # for clinching that division is down to two. :o L.A. is still in the running for the second NL wildcard spot, however.

In the NL Central yesterday, the Cardinals lost in extra innings to the Cubs, and the Reds lost in extra innings to the Dodgers. The next loss for the Cardinals OR the next win for the Reds, would give Cincinnati the NL Central division title.

In the NL West, the Dodgers are on thin ice now; the Giants' magic # for clinching that division is down to two. :o L.A. is still in the running for the second NL wildcard spot, however.


The wild card teams have to play an extra round this year, giving the division winners a bye. Wonder how a "bye" will affect all division winners? We shall see.

The wild card teams have to play an extra round this year, giving the division winners a bye. Wonder how a "bye" will affect all division winners? We shall see.

Well, I do know that the wildcard winners will play a one-game "sudden death" on Friday October 5th, hosted in each league by the team with the better record, I presume. So if the wildcard leaders stay the way they are right now, then the AL wildcard punchout would be Oakland at Baltimore, and the NL wildcard punchout would be St. Louis at Atlanta.

Well, I do know that the wildcard winners will play a one-game "sudden death" on Friday October 5th, hosted in each league by the team with the better record, I presume. So if the wildcard leaders stay the way they are right now, then the AL wildcard punchout would be Oakland at Baltimore, and the NL wildcard punchout would be St. Louis at Atlanta.


A fun day to watch baseball. Sudden death.

A fun day to watch baseball. Sudden death.
We shall see.

Meanwhile, two of the division titles have been clinched, both at the Dodgers' expense. Yesterday (Saturday), the Reds goose-egged the Dodgers to capture the NL Central crown, and the Giants capitalized on L.A.'s loss by defeating the Padres, thereby clinching the NL West division.

Also, in the AL West, the Mariners have clinched last place, as the Angels (who are immediately above them in the standings) won their 83rd game. Next year the Astros will be in that division; I wonder how they'll do in competing with the existing four AL West teams.

Also, in the AL West, the Mariners have clinched last place, as the Angels (who are immediately above them in the standings) won their 83rd game. Next year the Astros will be in that division; I wonder how they'll do in competing with the existing four AL West teams.


They can't do worse than this year  :D

Your Dodgers had a huge win yesterday. STL had 9 games left, 6 of those are at Wash & Cincinnati. Tough games for them. Milwaukee & L.A. have an easier schedule, on paper.  I haven't conceded the 2nd wild card to STL yet based on the remaining schedules.

In the AL, the disivion title races are still on, even if Texas had a 4 game lead, they have to play 6 games versus Oakland and 3 vs LAA.  The regular season ends in 9 days and no team is in yet.

Atlanta Braves have clinched another playoff spot; they will likely win one of the NL wildcards (unless they overtake the Washingtons for the NL East title, which I don't want to see happen).
St. Louis Cardinals are currently hanging on to the second wildcard spot; they took care of the Houston Lastros (who are already guaranteed the worst record in MLB in their National League swansong year) and are scheduled to face the two N.L. teams with the best records -- Washington and Cincinnati -- to close out the regular season.
I just don't see the Dodgers getting back in there. :(

Atlanta Braves have clinched another playoff spot; they will likely win one of the NL wildcards (unless they overtake the Washingtons for the NL East title, which I don't want to see happen).
St. Louis Cardinals are currently hanging on to the second wildcard spot; they took care of the Houston Lastros (who are already guaranteed the worst record in MLB in their National League swansong year) and are scheduled to face the two N.L. teams with the best records -- Washington and Cincinnati -- to close out the regular season.



I hope Washington wins the division too, but now that Atlanta is in we get to see Chipper Jones for a few more games.

I hope Washington wins the division too, but now that Atlanta is in we get to see Chipper Jones for a few more games.

Yes, he'll get to play in one final postseason (likely the wildcard match to start with, and if they win that, then the NLDS) to close out his career.

Pirates: out of postseason contention this year with loss to Mets :(

They started out pretty well this year but have faltered since the start of this month...

So...now there are two 20-game winners in the major leagues: Gio Gonzalez and R.A. Dickey. (Dickey just picked up his 20th victory today.)

I don't think any other pitchers have a chance at winning 20 games this year.

So...now there are two 20-game winners in the major leagues: Gio Gonzalez and R.A. Dickey. (Dickey just picked up his 20th victory today.)

I don't think any other pitchers have a chance at winning 20 games this year.


David Price (TB), Jered Wever (LAA) and Cueto (CIN) all have 19 wins.  They still have a chance.

LAA & TB remain alive for the wild card race in the AL.  TB/Bal play each other in their last 3 games. Might mean something. 
LAD still alive in the NL's wild card race. MIL barely alive.

Interesting fact: Chicago Cubs have a chance to lose 100 games this year. Together with Houston, that would make 2 teams losing at least 100 games each ...in the same division. Has that ever happened before?

David Price (TB), Jered Wever (LAA) and Jonny Cueto (CIN) all have 19 wins.  They still have a chance.

Oh...right. I forgot about them. They each have one more start, I think.



LAA & TB remain alive for the wild card race in the AL.  TB/Bal play each other in their last 3 games. Might mean something.

Yep, they just might. Personally I hope the Baltimorioles overtake the Wankees for the division, but NYY has to lose some games in order for that to happen.




LAD still alive in the NL's wild card race. MIL barely alive.

Yep, I think LAD (by winning their final road game of the year) overtook MIL (who lost in the 9th to Cincy) yesterday in that race. Btw, L.A. will not have a losing record this year, as they picked up their 81st win. As for Arizona, they are just about out of the race; their next loss OR the next STL win will eliminate them.




Interesting fact: Chicago Cubs have a chance to lose 100 games this year. Together with Houston, that would make 2 teams losing at least 100 games each ...in the same division. Has that ever happened before?

Two teams in the same division finishing with triple-digit losses? Not sure if it's occurred before, altho I'm guessing it probably has.

Two teams in the same division finishing with triple-digit losses? Not sure if it's occurred before, altho I'm guessing it probably has.


Found one!  2002 AL Central. KC & DET each lost at least 100 games that year.

Found one!  2002 AL Central. KC & DET each lost at least 100 games that year.

I thought so. The following year, DET lost 119 games, and KC had a winning record, their last one to date.

It also occured in 1961, 1962, 1964, 1965. Back then of course, no divisions, just 2 leagues.

I find this website very helpful.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/MLB/1969-standings.shtml

It also occured in 1961, 1962, 1964, 1965. Back then of course, no divisions, just 2 leagues.

I find this website very helpful.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/MLB/1969-standings.shtml

Oh yes, I regularly check out the baseball-reference.com site, as well as baseball-almanac.com.

There's also retrosheet.org, a site where you can find box scores from past years. My dad discovered that site almost a decade ago to find out information for the Dodger games, particularly from their early years in L.A.

Oh yes, I regularly check out the baseball-reference.com site, as well as baseball-almanac.com.

There's also retrosheet.org, a site where you can find box scores from past years. My dad discovered that site almost a decade ago to find out information for the Dodger games, particularly from their early years in L.A.

Yes, I know those sites as well, very helpful.

Yesterday, Homer Bailey of the Cincinnati Reds pitched the 7th no-hitter of this year, a 1-0 victory over the Pirates, who got handed their 81st loss, which guarantees them a 20th straight non-winning season. :-\\

We might see someting we don't see often. Someone winning the Triple Crown.  Miguel Cabrera.

And when you achieve that, you usually win MVP. (unless your name is Ted Williams)

We might see someting we don't see often. Someone winning the Triple Crown.  Miguel Cabrera.


Yep, he's been leading the league in those categories (except for home runs; he trailed Josh Hamilton of the Rangers before hitting one to tie him in that department yesterday). I hope he gets it.

We know:

In the AL:  NY, Bal, Det, Tex & Oak are in.

In the NL: Wsh, Atl, Cin, SF are in.  Atl will host the wild card game. 
Stl is almost in, LAD still hanging on.

In the AL, other than Detroit winning their division, we don't know the other division winners yet, or the wild cards.

It's also strange that the team that has given up the least runs in baseball (Tampa) is out. Kudos for giving up the least runs in MLB when you also have to face the DH.

Glad to see Washington capture the division title. 8)

Now if my team can win their final two games and the Cards can lose their remaining two, then we would play a tiebreaker on Thursday in L.A. and hopefully win that one.

In the NL:  Dodgers are out, Cards are in.  STL will play in Atlanta for the WC.

In the AL:  Oakland Vs Texas tonight. The winner of that game gets the division, the loser of that game might have to go on the road for the WC game.    If this were in the old days it would be more dramatic: One game. Winner gets the division title (or pennant). Loser goes home, with nothing. 

Yankees win tonight against Boston, the division is theirs.  (Boston was leading 3-1 in the bottom on the 9th yesterday and lost to NYY. Just throw another Yankee arrow into the RedSox hearts. That's arrow # 638 since Babe Ruth got traded from Boston to New York. ;D)

In the NL:  Dodgers are out, Cards are in.  STL will play in Atlanta for the WC.

Yeah, I was bummed by that. If Mark Ellis had just settled for a double (rather than try to stretch it to a triple and get nailed at 3rd base), they would have at least tied up the game and gotten Chris Crapuano off the hook, since Shane Victorino, who was up next, got a triple (which would have scored Ellis from 2nd had he stayed put there), before the other Ellis (AJ) hit a two-run homer in a later inning. And the game would've been tied up at 4-4 when the 9th inning concluded, and who knows which team would've broken the tie in extra innings.



In the AL:  Oakland Vs Texas tonight. The winner of that game gets the division, the loser of that game might have to go on the road for the WC game.    If this were in the old days it would be more dramatic: One game. Winner gets the division title (or pennant). Loser goes home, with nothing.

Yep, I'd not seen that coming, since the Rangers had been monopolizing the AL West division lead for most of the season. Especially since the A's had been doing not-so-well early on. But they've improved (sorta like the Cardinals last year), and are squaring off against the team they caught, with the winner taking the division (like you said) and the loser getting one of the wildcard spots.




Yankees win tonight against Boston, the division is theirs.  (Boston was leading 3-1 in the bottom on the 9th yesterday and lost to NYY. Just throw another Yankee arrow into the RedSox hearts. That's arrow # 638 since Babe Ruth got traded from Boston to New York. ;D)

But if they lose AND the Baltimorioles win, then those two teams are tied atop the division, and a tiebreaker would be played tomorrow (in Baltimore?), with the winner taking the division and the loser taking a wildcard spot, and playing either OAK or TEX for the AL wildcard battle on Friday (place to be determined). But if the Yankees win OR the Orioles lose, then the Orioles get a wildcard and would play Oakland or Texas for the wildcard championship.

Could be another exciting Closing Day in MLB, like last year's was.

Oakland A's: AL West division winners. (Who'da thunk it?)

Oakland A's: AL West division winners. (Who'da thunk it?)

Not many.
You either picked Texas or LAA at the start of the season.

Yankees win the AL east, another division title. Baltimore & Texas will play for the WC in the AL.

Congratulations to Miguel Cabrera on winning the AL triple crown (Most HR's, Most RBI's, Highest Batting Average)

No one has accomplished this since Carl Yastrzemski did it in 1967.

O0

Not many.
You either picked Texas or LAA at the start of the season.

Many people were probably predicting Texas to win it again, especially since they'd monopolized the division lead for a good part of the season (since like the second week or something). Angels made a run for it as well, but fell short of the wildcard as well.

Last year, St Louis won the World Series by defeating Texas 4 games to 3. 

Today, in the wild card games, they both might be eliminated.
If STL wins today, it's Goodbye Mr. Chips Chipper Jones.

If Texas does lose today, major disappointment for them.

^ that's right! Last year's World Series teams are in the postseason again this year...both as wildcards. And yes, they could both be out of it by the end of today.

In the AL, I don't personally care who wins, as I'm fine with either team. In the NL, I'll root for STL because I don't want the Bravos and their tomohawk chant moving on.

^ that's right! Last year's World Series teams are in the postseason again this year...both as wildcards. And yes, they could both be out of it by the end of today.

In the AL, I don't personally care who wins, as I'm fine with either team. In the NL, I'll root for STL because I don't want the Bravos and their tomohawk chant moving on.


Goodbye Mr. Chipper.  STL wins 6-3.

Goodbye Mr. Chipper.  STL wins 6-3.

I saw parts of the game...including that controversial "infield fly" that was apparently called in the 8th inning but the ball was not caught. This prompted an 18-minute delay while Atlanta fans tossed bottles and stuff onto the field, angry at the umpires for failing to make the right calls. Still, no additional runs came across.


Oh, and the...
Orioles
won the AL wildcard match.

I saw parts of the game...including that controversial "infield fly" that was apparently called in the 8th inning but the ball was not caught. This prompted an 18-minute delay while Atlanta fans tossed bottles and stuff onto the field, angry at the umpires for failing to make the right calls. Still, no additional runs came across.


Oh, and the...
Orioles
won the AL wildcard match.


If one reads the MLB rule book, the umpire made the right call for infield fly. Let's face if, the STL shortshop should have had it. He backed up and the ball landed less than  2 feet away from the point he backed up to, and was able to move about 4 or 5 feet forward before the ball hit the ground.  It was a simple catch for him.

As for Texas, they just fell apart the last 10 to 15 games.

If one reads the MLB rule book, the umpire made the right call for infield fly. Let's face if, the STL shortshop should have had it. He backed up and the ball landed less than  2 feet away from the point he backed up to, and was able to move about 4 or 5 feet forward before the ball hit the ground.  It was a simple catch for him.


I must disagree here. Even though the shortstop could have caught the ball with ease the distance he had to
travel from his position should have played a factor. It's a judgement call by the umpire but I think he made the
wrong call. The rule states that an infield fly is called when the ball can be caught with ordinary effort. the distance
made it a little more than ordinary and I think it was the left fielders ball to begin with. Plus the fact that the infield
fly rule was enacted to prevent teams from getting extra outs from letting the ball drop. There was no way in hell
they were going to get a double play by letting it drop, they would have been hard pressed to get one. all that equals
a bad call.

I must disagree here. Even though the shortstop could have caught the ball with ease the distance he had to
travel from his position should have played a factor. It's a judgement call by the umpire but I think he made the
wrong call. The rule states that an infield fly is called when the ball can be caught with ordinary effort. the distance
made it a little more than ordinary and I think it was the left fielders ball to begin with. Plus the fact that the infield
fly rule was enacted to prevent teams from getting extra outs from letting the ball drop. There was no way in hell
they were going to get a double play by letting it drop, they would have been hard pressed to get one. all that equals
a bad call.


I guess we disagree, lots of people in baseball will disagree with one of us today.  ;D

To me it was the right call. A gutsy call. The shortstop drifted back, the ball was his to catch. I used to coach little league ( but years ago) and if that call would have been made against my team I would not have argued it. Having said that, if there would have been "no call" for infield fly, I'd be OK with it too. It was a judgement call. I have read the rule several times in my life (including 2 or 3 times just today).

"On the infield fly rule the umpire is to rule whether the ball could ordinarily have been handled by an infielder — not by some arbitrary limitation such as the grass, or the base lines. The umpire must rule also that a ball is an infield fly, even if handled by an outfielder, if, in the umpire’s judgment, the ball could have been as easily handled by an infielder. The infield fly is in no sense to be considered an appeal play. The umpire’s judgment must govern, and the decision should be made immediately."

IMO, it falls within that rule as it was an ordinary effort that any shortstop could make. He drifted back. By the time the ball landed ( if he had not been called off) he would have been stationary under the ball. No need to dive for it.
Well, I guess we disagree on the word "ordinary". The rule even states "even if handled by an outfielder". That's a long run for an outfielder.

" The umpire’s judgment must govern, and the decision should be made immediately."


I too have read the rule many times, especially since yesterday, and this is the one sentence in the rule that
seems to justify the call.

People seem to forget or ignore the reason the rule was was put into play in the first place. What advantage
would there have been by letting the ball drop? They may have got a force at third or second but not both so
there was no need to call infield fly. I think the umpire who called it misjudged the ball but because he needed
to call it immediately the call becomes justified....not right but justified.

The Umpire's Judgement.

One of the great things about baseball is all the possibilities resulting from every play. On this specific play, the umpire had so many things to consider in 1 or 2 seconds before making the call.

When the ball was hit, where would it go? How high would it go? How far and what direction is the ball going to?  Could anyone get to the ball? Would the player dive for it or make a routine/semi routine catch? And (for the infield fly) where there runners on base? If the player catching the ball would drop it, was it within the realm of possibility that he could throw out a runner and 3rd and forced out the guy on 2nd. based on where the umpire thought the ball might land? Should he call “infield fly” based of all that information.

999 times out of 1000, the ball is caught, no resulting discussion This time it wasn’t. Right judgement based on all this info? Some say no, some say yes. It can be debated for a long time.

So anyways, the ALDS featuring the Athletics & Tigers got started yesterday, with Justin Verlander throwing 121 pitches over 7 innings and getting the win, as the Tigers downed the A's, 3-1. And the NLDS featuring the Reds & Giants got started, with the Reds giving Matt Cain a bad time, and even though Jonny Cueto had to come out in the 1st inning after tweaking something in his body (later reported as "back spasms"), the Reds won 5-2 (after Aroldis Crapman entered the 9th inning with a 5-1 lead, threw a couple of wild pitches, and allowed a run; he eventually struck out Buster Posey to end it).

The have, mercifully, fired Bobby Valentine, the Red Sox manager, after having the worst Red Sox season since 1965.  They shouldn't stop there, there a quite a few players that will have to have the door hit them in the @ss if they are going to go back to being a team again.

The have, mercifully, fired Bobby Valentine, the Red Sox manager, after having the worst Red Sox season since 1965.  They shouldn't stop there, there a quite a few players that will have to have the door hit them in the @ss if they are going to go back to being a team again.


They should have fired him seconds after the opening day pitch in April. Now that Youk, Beckett are gone, is there still a cancer on that club? I can't say. Good luck to their next manager.

They should have fired him seconds after the opening day pitch in April. Now that Youk, Beckett are gone, is there still a cancer on that club? I can't say. Good luck to their next manager.

Not sure if Beckett is even gonna stay with my team, the L.A. Dudgers in '13. He was mediocre after the team acquired him. On that subject, the trade he was involved in has finally been completed, with Jerry Sands and Rubby De La Rosa going to Boston. I, too, wonder who's gonna manage them next.

The Colorado Rockies are also going to need a new manager come 2013, as Jim Tracy has just announced his resignation from the post. He'd begun managing the Rockies in May of 2009, inheriting a club with a dismal record and turning them around to reach the NL wildcard spot that year... but now, three years later, all of his hard work has caught up with him.

They should have fired him seconds after the opening day pitch in April. Now that Youk, Beckett are gone, is there still a cancer on that club? I can't say. Good luck to their next manager.


The clubhouse is toxic.  At one point during the season some of the players bypassed Valentine and went whining to the owners that they didn't like Valentine, without telling Valentine and hoping he wouldn't find out.  They were pretty much the same ones who laid down on Tito during the season.  As much as the fans were disappointed from the start that Valentine replaced Tito, they are sick and tired of the players who are pouting, whining, over paid little pissers who need to be thrown back to where ever it was they came from.  Don't know who would want to manage this team after this.

The clubhouse is toxic.  At one point during the season some of the players bypassed Valentine and went whining to the owners that they didn't like Valentine, without telling Valentine and hoping he wouldn't find out.  They were pretty much the same ones who laid down on Tito during the season.  As much as the fans were disappointed from the start that Valentine replaced Tito, they are sick and tired of the players who are pouting, whining, over paid little pissers who need to be thrown back to where ever it was they came from.  Don't know who would want to manage this team after this.


Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan might need a job after November 6th.  Mitt's used to hanging around spoiled millionaires.  ;)
Mitt might bring the sox back up to a 47% winning percentage.

And now each LDS has at least one game in the books. Each "Bay Area" team is on the brink of elimination now, with the A's-Tigers series headed to Oakland for Game Three tomorrow and DET up 2-0, and the Giants-Reds series headed to Cincinnati for Game Three tomorrow, with CIN up 2-0.

Washington took the opener in St. Louis yesterday, and the Wankees took the opener in Baltimore, with the score tied at 2-2 until the Wankees exploded for five runs in the ninth inning. I hope the Orioles can come back today.

Cardinals wake up and smell the coffee as they beat up on the Nationals by a score of 12-4; Orioles even up their series with the Wankees by beating them 3-2 and denying Andy Pettitte his 20th career postseason win. So each of those LDSes are tied up at 1 game apiece.

Well, both "Bay Area" teams were facing elimination today, by means of a sweep, and both teams averted the sweep.

First of all, the Giants-Reds series shifted to Cincinnati, where the score remained tied 1-1 until the 10th inning. But enter Jonathan Broxton, and the Giants take advantage of his awful pitching to break the tie and win the game 2-1 in the 10th.

A's didn't go down easily either, in Oakland. They got some good hits in the game and ended up blanking the Tigers 2-0.

So all four LDSes will require a Game Four, and all four will have a game tomorrow.

So all four LDSes will require a Game Four, and all four will have a game tomorrow.


Yes, 4 games today. And two teams can advance today. Exciting day. Lincecum still hasn't started for SF. I mean...the guy does have 2 Cy Young's and playoff experience (1 WS)

Yes, 4 games today. And two teams can advance today. Exciting day. Lincecum still hasn't started for SF. I mean...the guy does have 2 Cy Young's and playoff experience (1 WS)

That's true...but this year he hasn't done so well. And I think he pitched in relief in one of the games in SF (I think Game Two?). I don't know if Bochy would start him today (or tomorrow, if Game Five turns out to be necessary); it probably wouldn't help the team too well (i.e., work to their advantage).

That's true...but this year he hasn't done so well. And I think he pitched in relief in one of the games in SF (I think Game Two?). I don't know if Bochy would start him today (or tomorrow, if Game Five turns out to be necessary); it probably wouldn't help the team too well (i.e., work to their advantage).


Zito is scheduled to pitch for SF today, and Cain tomorrow (if there is a game 5)
I'll try and watch a few of the games, parts of it.

Zito is scheduled to pitch for SF today, and Cain tomorrow (if there is a game 5)
I'll try and watch a few of the games, parts of it.

Yeah, Zito and Cain are good choices on the Giants' behalf. I started watching said game earlier, but couldn't stay glued to it because we had a delivery scheduled for this afternoon (which I'll discuss in another thread). Also, the Cardinals have taken the lead in the Nationals' series (I think).

Also, the Cardinals have taken the lead in the Nationals' series (I think).


Yes they have. In a way,  ST Louis is trying to avenge what happened to them in 1981.  :)

Let me explain. 1981 was a strike season. The brilliant minds of MLB divided the season into "split seasons". So in the NL east, PHI won the first half, MTL won the 2nd half, MTL (now the Wash franchise) beat PHI in a playoff to win the east. Problem was, that STL actually had the best cumulative record in the east, but we’re sorta screwed I guess!

Oddly enough, same thing happened in the NL west. Houston won the 2nd half season, after L.A. won the 1st half. Cincinnati was screwed because they had the best cumulative record in the division. In fact, Cincinnati had the best record in baseball in 1981, but didn’t make the playoffs.  It's a good answer to a trivia question "Which team had the best record in baseball one year but didn't qualify for the post-season"

Would be nice if they met (Cin & STL, two teams screwed in 1981 ) to see who gets to the WS.

Well, the Reds got screwd today. The Giants rallied from a 2-games-to-none deficit and came all the way back to win the series (all 3 wins in Cincy) and advance to the NLCS. I was hoping that wouldn't happen, but after what Jonathan Broxton did in Game Three, the Reds went downhill.

Well, the Reds got screwd today. The Giants rallied from a 2-games-to-none deficit and came all the way back to win the series (all 3 wins in Cincy) and advance to the NLCS. I was hoping that wouldn't happen, but after what Jonathan Broxton did in Game Three, the Reds went downhill.


Yes, Giants had 1 good inning, scored all 6 runs, came back from being down 2 games to 0. Good for them!
Justin Verlander. Great game. 11K's.  Detroit is off to the next round.

Baltimore/NYY and StL/Wash are going down to a fifth game today.
Hard to pick a winner. I'll go with NYY and STL, if anything just based on playoff experience.

Well, I'll be rooting for Baltimore against the Wankees (I never cheer for NYY under any circumstances), and Washington over STL. But if the NYY should advance, then I'll cheer for the Tigers in the ALCS; likewise, if the Cardinals should defeat the Nationals, then I will cheer for them in the NLCS.

Also, this is the first time ever in LDS history in which all four of them have gone the distance (that is, to a fifth and deciding game).

Well, I'll be rooting for Baltimore against the Wankees (I never cheer for NYY under any circumstances), and Washington over STL. But if the NYY should advance, then I'll cheer for the Tigers in the ALCS; likewise, if the Cardinals should defeat the Nationals, then I will cheer for them in the NLCS.

Also, this is the first time ever in LDS history in which all four of them have gone the distance (that is, to a fifth and deciding game).


I'm cheering for STL and Baltimore.    (The St Louis connection. Baltimore Orioles used to the the hapless St Louis Browns)

Yankees win. Sabathia pitched well.
Arod was benched. Heard he was pissed off and tried to take a swing at the wall and missed...three times...struck out. :D

Detroit Vs NYY. Looking forward to it.

^ Yep, he did. I root for Tigers in that one.

Also, Nat'ls season is over. Drew Storen just could not get that final out in the 9th with his team up 2 runs. Instead, he gives up four runs to STL batters and hands them the date with San Fran. Well, Washington pitching was kinda crappy in tonight's game; maybe it's all for the better that they didn't advance.

So now I am hoping for a 2006 rematch in the WS.

If the WS should come down to a 1962 rematch, then I'll root for San Fran.

^ Yep, he did. I root for Tigers in that one.

Also, Nat'ls season is over. Drew Storen just could not get that final out in the 9th with his team up 2 runs. Instead, he gives up four runs to STL batters and hands them the date with San Fran. Well, Washington pitching was kinda crappy in tonight's game; maybe it's all for the better that they didn't advance.

So now I am hoping for a 2006 rematch in the WS.

If the WS should come down to a 1962 rematch, then I'll root for San Fran.


Guessing STL and NYY would win yesterday makes me wanna make more predictions  :D  I'll predict a SF/NYY world series.

Guessing STL and NYY would win yesterday makes me wanna make more predictions  :D  I'll predict a SF/NYY world series.

A rematch of the series from 50 years ago. If that happens, I will root for SF (something that I don't normally do because I'm a Dodger fan).

A rematch of the series from 50 years ago. If that happens, I will root for SF (something that I don't normally do because I'm a Dodger fan).


Regarding rematches, I know NYY has played both STL & the Giants in the World Series before, and Detroit/St Louis have hooked up a few times.  I'd have to look up and see whether Detroit & the Giants have hooked up in the fall classic before, but I don't think so.

Regarding rematches, I know NYY has played both STL & the Giants in the World Series before, and Detroit/St Louis have hooked up a few times.  I'd have to look up and see whether Detroit & the Giants have hooked up in the fall classic before, but I don't think so.

Probably not. Unless the Giants met Detroit when they were in NY. (Edit: No, they did not.)

I know that the E.E. has faced the Cardinals a few times, most recently in 1964 when the series went the distance and the Cardinals won the decider. (If that happens again this year, I will of course root for STL.)

Tigers have taken Game One of the ALCS, but not without coughing up a 4-0 lead in the 9th inning and Raul Ibanez coming through again to tie things up. However, in the 12th inning, Tigers regained the lead, and Derek Jeter hurt himself really bad in trying to make a play. Jeter is now "out for the rest of the postseason", as Yankes manager Joe Girardi said in a press conference after the game.
(Final score was DET 6, NYY 4.)

When NYY lost Rivera earlier this year, few gave them a chanced for the post-season. Now Jeter is out. It will be tough, but Yankees have enough talent.

When NYY lost Rivera earlier this year, few gave them a chanced for the post-season. Now Jeter is out. It will be tough, but Yankees have enough talent.

That's true; every team finds a way to excel without a key player around. The Giants did that when Melky Cabrera got handed a 50-game suspension in mid-August. Since then, they captured the NL West division title, rebounded from a 2-games-to-none deficit in the NLDS and are now preparing to face the Cardinals in the NLCS, which starts tonight in SF.

Two ALCS games in the books. Tigers win both of them. Detroit starting pitching: no runs allowed to NYY batting.

Detroit starting pitching: no runs allowed to NYY batting.


And their ace (Verlander) goes in game 3. Things look good for Detroit right now. Still have to win 4 games though.

And their ace (Verlander) goes in game 3. Things look good for Detroit right now. Still have to win 4 games though.

That's true, and the Yanks' Game 4 starter is scheduled to be their ace, Sabathia. He was good in the two ALDS games in which he pitched.

That's true, and the Yanks' Game 4 starter is scheduled to be their ace, Sabathia. He was good in the two ALDS games in which he pitched.


The Yankees hitting will come around. Right now they all have ARod playoff syndrome.
After losing the decade's best player, Albert Pujols, I didn't think STL would make it this far again in 2012. They are looking good!

The Yankees hitting will come around. Right now they all have ARod playoff syndrome.

Yeah, that's one way to put it. I still hope they lose, though.




After STL losing the decade's best player, Albert Pujols, I didn't think STL would make it this far again in 2012. They are looking good!

Pujols didn't get to the postseason with his new team, the Angels, this year...although he did make some important contributions. And the Angels were in playoff contention until near the end of the season.

NLCS is now tied at 1 game apiece. Giants clearly had more power this time. (And what's more, they finally won a postseason game on their home turf.)
In the first inning, Matt Holliday tried to break up a double play, and he succeeded in doing so, but not without crashing into SF second-baseman Marco Scutaro's legs and pushing him with his arms, which I thought was kinda mean. (But I'm still rooting for the Cardinals to reach the World Series, and if it's a 1964 WS rematch (i.e., if NYY somehow gets in), THEN I'll root for 'em to win that.)

So, the Tigers won Game Three of the ALCS last nite behind Justin Verlander's mostly-dominant pitching through 8+ innings, to put the Yankees on the brink of elimination...via a sweep. The Yankees have not been swept in a postseason series since the 1980 ALCS (when it was a best-of-five) at the hands of the KC Royals; and they have not been swept in a best-of-seven series the 1976 World Series, courtesy of the Cincinnati Reds (aka the "Big Red Machine", which won back-to-back titles in 1975-76).

http://th03.deviantart.net/fs71/200H/i/2010/083/0/2/Heavy_rain_by_StamatisGR.jpg

Rain
Rain
Rainshowers...

Game 4 NYY Vs Det is postponed. Another rain delay in STL but they managed to complete the game, STL winning 3-1.

That's right; I was just watching it; I'm glad they were able to complete Game Three of the NLCS (after a 3 1/2 hour rain delay). After the game, I heard that Lim Tincecum was gonna be starting Game Four tomorrow (weather permitting).

That's right; I was just watching it; I'm glad they were able to complete Game Three of the NLCS (after a 3 1/2 hour rain delay). After the game, I heard that Lim Tincecum was gonna be starting Game Four tomorrow (weather permitting).


They need to give Lincecum a chance. They are down in the series.

2 games today! Loving it.

They need to give Lincecum a chance. They are down in the series.

2 games today! Loving it.

Right; I do remember Bochy stating that he would use Lincecum as a starter if he pitched well in relief in either of the first two games. Barry Zito would've been his other option; I think he's now slated to pitch game five.

Girardi is sitting out A-rod and Curtis Granderson for game 4. Gutsy move.

Yankees: season over.

Yankees don't get swept very often. Other than Ichiro, they didn't hit.
Arod's last game as a NYY?

STL up 3 games to 1 now. If SF can just win game 5, the next 2 after that are at home for them.

Yankees don't get swept very often. Other than Ichiro, they didn't hit.
Arod's last game as a NYY?


Yeah, there's been rumors about him moving to the Marlins next year, and they would pick up the five years left on his contract.

And in yesterday's game, their bats didn't wake up until the sixth inning, when Eduardo Nunez led off with a triple (and eventually scored the Yanks' only run), but other than that, they were silenced.

Yeah, there's been rumors about him moving to the Marlins next year, and they would pick up the five years left on his contract.



Arod is 37, his best years are obviously behind him. If they can get rid of him, good for them.
I would not want him on my team, not at age 37.

Game Six of the NLCS will be necessary.

This is because the Cardinals could not score off Barry Zito, who was clearly in control tonight, going 7 2/3 innings without giving up a run. Not even in the 2nd, with 1B open and nobody out. STL starter Lance Lynn, once again, could not get out of the 4th inning, where he allowed 4 runs, all unearned, thanks to a poor throwing error (he threw to 2B, where nobody was covering, and the ball bounced off the bag and into center field; if only he'd thrown to first, he might've avoided the whole mess).

...and now the deciding Game Seven of the NLCS will be played tonight.

Game Six was dominated by pitching from SF starter Ryan Vogelsong; STL had some crummy defense. In fact, the Cardinals managed only one run after being no-hit through the first several innings. Their starter, Chris Carpenter, pitched poorly (like he did in Game Two, also played at AT&T Park and started on the home end by Vogelsong) and gave up five runs, most of which were unearned.

...and now the deciding Game Seven of the NLCS will be played tonight.

Game Six was dominated by pitching from SF starter Ryan Vogelsong; STL had some crummy defense. In fact, the Cardinals managed only one run after being no-hit through the first several innings. Their starter, Chris Carpenter, pitched poorly (like he did in Game Two, also played at AT&T Park and started on the home end by Vogelsong) and gave up five runs, most of which were unearned.

In a game 7, anything can happen. I'll give advantage to the home team, and they have momentum too.

In a game 7, anything can happen. I'll give advantage to the home team, and they have momentum too.

And if they do win, then they'll stay put while the Tigers travel to S.F. for the opening game of the World Series. (It would be the Giants' and Tigers' first time facing e.o. in the World Series.) The Cardinals' season will be over.

But if the Cardinals manage to eke out a win (in a rematch of Game Three starters, Matt Cain and Kyle Loshe), then they'll be going back to STL to start the World Series there, to meet the Tigers. Either way, Leyland has declared that Justin Verlander would start Game 1 of the WS.

I'm cheering for STL tonight, if anything else just to cheer for a rematch of the 1968 series, which I think if the first one I remember watching

In a game 7, anything can happen. I'll give advantage to the home team, and they have momentum too.


It’s 7-0 for San Fran now. If STL comes back in this game to win this one, it then becomes one of those best 20 games on that list we discussed!

9-0....A lot of heartache in St Louis today...San Fran on the other hand 

It’s 7-0 for San Fran now. If STL comes back in this game to win this one, it then becomes one of those best 20 games on that list we discussed!

If that "20 Greatest Games" miniseries had been done this past offseason, then last year's World Series Game Six (Rangers at Cardinals, which STL came back to win, down to their last strike, twice!) would have undoubtedly been a nominee...and it might've made the top 5. Maybe they'll do an "updated" version of the countdown in about 2015 or so.

9-0....A lot of heartache in St Louis today...San Fran on the other hand 

Oh yes; the Cardinals' defense was going way downhill, and Kyle Loshe couldn't even record an out in the 3rd inning. It was just terrible.

Marco Scutaro was named NLCS MVP; I figured he would be, since he got lots of good hits and made some great defensive plays as well. He also caught the final out of the game...which was hit by Matt Holliday. They were involved in a Game Two collision in which Holliday had tried to break up a double play but slammed into Scutaro in the process.

So, this means that the Giants and Tigers will meet in the World Series for the first time ever. I'll be rooting for the Tigers.

Yes...Scutaro...Lucky, that trade from the Sox  ;)

Yes...Scutaro...Lucky, that trade from the Sox  ;)


Scutaro's played for everyone. I think he's almost ebough to have played for the Brooklyn Dodgers too  :D

Detroit & The "Giants" franchises have been around forever, but it's the first time they meet in the Series.  Giants have home field advantage but Detroit looked awfully good beating the Yanks.

Scutaro's played for everyone. I think he's almost ebough to have played for the Brooklyn Dodgers too  :D

LOL ;) In truth, he never was with the Dodgers franchise, but Octavio Dotel has been with several different teams (including LAD for a couple months in 2010).



Detroit & The "Giants" franchises have been around forever, but it's the first time they meet in the Series.  Giants have home field advantage but Detroit looked awfully good beating the Yanks.

That's true; but they have faced each other in interleague play a few times (2003 and 2008 in SF; 2005 and 2011 in DET); I'll have to check to see how they performed head-to-head in those years.

Scutaros played for everyone. I think he's almost ebough(<-- ?) to have played for the Brooklyn Dodgers too  .

Hey Nally,
You don't have to be PICKY EVERY SINGLE TIME, in PBG & this "ebough(<-- ?) "
That is very annoying.

I was gonna write "old enough" Anyone could figure that out instead of saying "ebough(<-- ?)"
Got it?
Thanks.

Thanks, however I was actually confused by the wording at first. I fixed my post. My apologies.

I wonder if Scutaro in truth will come to the Dodgers someday. Might not be a bad idea if they could use a decent second-baseman.

I fixed my post. My apologies.


Thanks. :)

Game 1 of the 2012 World Series is tonight.

Apparently, Tim Lincecum not part of the Giants starting rotation. Not surprised.
Zito Vs Verlander tonight.

Clearly, Verlander was not his usual self tonight. The MLB commentators had predicted him to be in control, and for the Tigers to take Game One... but that didn't happen. Oh, and Pablo Sandoval went deep three times, knocking in 4 of the Giants' 8 total runs, to win 8-3. Barry Zito: unbeaten since early August (as is the Giants as a team in his starts since then).

Clearly, Verlander was not his usual self tonight. The MLB commentators had predicted him to be in control, and for the Tigers to take Game One...

And that is why the game isn't played on paper, but on the field...where anything can happen.

Sandoval hits 3 HR's in 1 game, but only 12 all season. Reminds me of 1972 Gene Tenace's stats of 4 HR's in the 1972 World Series, but only 5 in the regular season. 

And that is why the game isn't played on paper, but on the field...where anything can happen.

Precisely.



Sandoval hits 3 HR's in 1 game, but only 12 all season. Reminds me of 1972 Gene Tenace's stats of 4 HR's in the 1972 World Series, but only 5 in the regular season.

And he joins a trio of other players who've hit 3 home runs in a single World Series game: Babe Ruth, who did it twice in the 1920's for the Yankees, Reggie Jackson in 1977, and Albert Pujols for the Cardinals last year.

So, tonight's game was a pitcher's duel, until the 7th inning, when the Gints broke the scoreless tie. They went on to win, 2-0, behind some overall great pitching by Madison Bumgarner (who was winless this postseason and had given up 10 runs in the NLDS and NLCS combined). Tigers had a chance to score in the second inning, but Prince Fielder was tagged out at the plate on a double by Delmon Young.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2373/2121845147_f5a25a397d.jpg

The shoe is on the other foot now.

Yankees hitters could not hit Detroit pitching, in general.
Now Tigers hitters can't hit SF pitching.
What goes around comes around
I think the Tigers should now bench Arod for the rest of the series.  :D

^ LOL! :D

In reality, who should Leyland bench, if he were to try that strategy? Cabrera? Delmon Young?

^ LOL! :D

In reality, who should Leyland bench, if he were to try that strategy? Cabrera? Delmon Young?


None of the above.  Go with the guys who brought you to the dance. 
Next 3 games are at home for Detroit. Maybe their luck will change.

9th inning now, Detroit only has 5 hits and no runs yet.  Lincecum has done well in relief.

Detroit is now down 3 games to 0. Big hole for them.

Detroit was shut out twice in 162 games ( during the regular season), now twice this series.  :o

SF is 1 game away from 2 titles in 3 years.
Not bad. Not bad at all.

Yep...it appears that the Tigers have forgotten how to provide clutch-hitting; they had at least one opportunity to score in the game, but came up empty. When Miguel Cabrera popped up with two outs and the bases loaded, that was just awful on the team's behalf. :-\\ No wonder the scoring has been so one-sided in the series.

Yep...it appears that the Tigers have forgotten how to provide clutch-hitting; they had at least one opportunity to score in the game, but came up empty. When Miguel Cabrera popped up with two outs and the bases loaded, that was just awful on the team's behalf. :-\\ No wonder the scoring has been so one-sided in the series.


Credit Giants pitching for all of the above.

Credit Giants pitching for all of the above.

I was going to; in fact, their pitching seems to be quite strong in this series. And that's not just the starting pitching; the bullpen is great too, even with Lim Tincecum in it. He seems to be doing better there than as a starter.

If the series ends tonight, could Pablo Sandoval walk away with an MVP award?

If the series ends tonight, could Pablo Sandoval walk away with an MVP award?

That's a  given. 100% sure of that.

http://cnsnews.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/medium/d65da38e97f54e3cb4e1909725518343.jpg

Congratulations to the San Francisco Giants

Winner of the 2012 World Series

:)

That's a  given. 100% sure of that.

Looks like I predicted well. I had a feeling he'd win it, hands down. Plus, the rest of his team provided some great pitching and hitting.

Tigers did manage to take a lead, albeit briefly, on a Miguel Cabrera home run. But Buster Posey answered with a two-run homer of his own, and Delmon Young tied it back up with a solo homer... but the game remained tied until the 10th inning, when Phil Coke (who'd been great at shutting down the opposition this postseason) gave up the winning run...and Sergio Romo struck out Mr. Triple Crown (looking) to end it.

Congratulations to the San Francisco Giants

Winner of the 2012 World Series

:)




Yep. They played very well. I didn't really root for them, per se, but they are a California team...and, I went to AT&T Park earlier this year, when I was on my cruise and we were in port at San Francisco... and little did I know that half a year later, the team would be World Series champs!

The Giants move into a tie for 4th in the list of most World Series championships.


Here are the top 5.


1. Yankees    (27 titles)
2. Cardinals  (11)
3. Athletics (9)
4. Giants (7)
4. Red Sox (7)

...and the Dodgers (as a franchise) need one more title to tie for 4th place. They won only one title in Brooklyn (1955), and five in L.A. (1959, 1963, 1965, 1981, 1988), for a total of 6.

...and the Dodgers (as a franchise) need one more title to tie for 4th place. They won only one title in Brooklyn (1955), and five in L.A. (1959, 1963, 1965, 1981, 1988), for a total of 6.


Yup, the Giants franchise was tied for 5th with L.A. ( at 6 wins ) until they won yesterday. The Giants were a powerhouse and had great teams before WW2, with arguably the greatest manager ever (John McGraw).

The Gold Glove awards were announced yesterday, with three members of the Baltimore Orioles among the winners.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/31/2012-gold-glove-winners_n_2050001.html

American League

Pitcher: Jeremy Hellickson (TB) and Jake Peavy (CHW)
Catcher: Matt Wieters (BAL)
1B: Mark Teixeira (NYY)
2B: Robinson Cano (NYY)
SS: J.J. Hardy (BAL)
3B: Adrian Beltre (TEX)
LF: Alex Gordon (KC)
CF: Adam Jones (BAL)
RF: Josh Reddick (OAK)


National League

Pitcher: Mark Buehrle (MIA)
Catcher: Yadier Molina (STL)
1B: Adam LaRoche (WSH)
2B: Darwin Barney (CHC)
SS: Jimmy Rollins (PHI)
3B: Chase Headley (SD)
LF: Carlos Gonzalez (COL)
CF: Andrew McCutchen (PIT)
RF: Jason Heyward (ATL)

Mark Teixeira committed more errors in the 2012 playoffs (2) than the 2012 regular season (1).

Mike Trout was snubbed.

Mike Trout was snubbed.

I know...and that guy was amazing! He could still be a candidate for AL Rookie of the Year, though. Those awards will probably be handed out sometime in the second week of November, if memory serves me correctly.

Apparently, Mike Redmond has been hired to replace Ozzie Guillen as the Miami Marlins manager...

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/mike-redmond-hired-next-marlins-manager-161608102--mlb.html

Jays still looking for their new manager and it seems everytime the media reports a candidate is close to signing with Toronto, they sign with another team instead.  ;D

Baseball reachable milestones for 2013

-Alex Rodriguez  is 99 hits away from 3000, he’s also 13 HR’s short of tying Willie Mays for 4th all-time, and 50 RBI’s away from 2000. (at 2000 RBI’s, he’d be 3rd all time behind Hank Aaron & Babe Ruth.)  :o    He's also 1 injection needle away from 50 in his career  :D

-Albert Pujols is 25 HR’s away from 500.
-Torii Hunter, Jason Giambi & Aramis Ramirez are less than 50 hits away from 2000.
-Andy Pettite is 5 wins away from 250 in his career.
-Roy Halladay has won 199 games, 1 away from 200. Tim Hudson is 3 short of 200 wins, Sabathia is 9 away.

San Francisco Giants!!!!!! I've watched this team lose twice in the WS back in 1989 and 2002. Finally relieved they won for the first time back in 2010 and this year was icing on the cake. I hope my 49ers can win their 6th Superbowl this year. If the GS Warriors can make the playoffs, I'd be one happy NorCal fan.

Rockies have announced Walt Weiss to be their new manager for the 2013 season. Weiss played a 14-year career (1987-2000), starting with the Oakland A's, and then in 1993 was one of the first members of the Florida (now Miami) Marlins in their inaugural season, then spent the next four years with the Rockies. (Little did he know that 15 years after he left the Rockies as a player, he'd be hired to manage them.) This will be his first managerial job.

So yesterday the Rookie Of The Year awards were handed out... to...

Mike Trout in the American League
and
Bryce Harper in the National League.

I had a feeling those guys were leading candidates early on. Especially Trout; that guy is amazing, both defensively and offensively.

So yesterday the Rookie Of The Year awards were handed out... to...

Mike Trout in the American League
and
Bryce Harper in the National League.

I had a feeling those guys were leading candidates early on. Especially Trout; that guy is amazing, both defensively and offensively.


It was a no brainer, so will AL MVP.

I'm more interested to see how close the CY Young voting will be.

NL and AL Manager Of The Year: Davey Johnson and Bob Melvin, respectively.

According to multiple reports, the Toronto Blue Jays have made a blockbuster trade to acquire shortstop Jose Reyes, starting pitchers Mark Buehrle and Josh Johnson, as well as catcher John Buck and outfielder Emilio Bonifacio from the Miami Marlins.

Toronto sports media already have the Jays challenging for the AL east title next year.  ::) 

According to multiple reports, the Toronto Blue Jays have made a blockbuster trade to acquire shortstop Jose Reyes, starting pitchers Mark Buehrle and Josh Johnson, as well as catcher John Buck and outfielder Emilio Bonifacio from the Miami Marlins.

Toronto sports media already have the Jays challenging for the AL east title next year.  ::)

Just think...they could have a chance at seeing the postseason for the first time in 20 years, if they do go on a run.

Now the question remains as to who's gonna manage them in 2013, now that John Farrell has taken over the managerial seat for the Red Sox.

Just think...they could have a chance at seeing the postseason for the first time in 20 years, if they do go on a run.

Now the question remains as to who's gonna manage them in 2013, now that John Farrell has taken over the managerial seat for the Red Sox.


They might have more candidates knocking at the door now that they have better players...

This just in...Farrell reads morning paper...sees the trade...says to himself "Damn, why did I leave, I would have stayed in Toronto if I knew". 2 minutes later, he phones Red Sox and quits....
Tomorrow: "Welcome back John Farrell as Blue Jay Manager"

:D

The Cy Young awards go to David Price and R.A. Dickey.
They made the right choice in the AL (with Price over Weaver & Verlander) but I was thinking Gonzalez might get it in the NL.  Stats are similar (Gonzalez has 1 more win, better Inning pitched to hits ratio, Dickey has a slightly better ERA and slightly more K's), but Gonzalez had to pitch the whole year under the pressure of a pennant race, while Dickey's Mets were eliminated long ago. Just my opinion they got the wrong guy here.

I had a feeling Dickey might get it, since he was great during the season... and he was unhittable for the most part. Last night on MLB Network they showed some footage from this year of him striking out various batters. They also showed various pitching performances from the two runners-up, Clayton Kershaw (last year's winner) and Gio Gonzalez.

World Series opponents Miguel Cabrera and Buster Posey take home MVP awards.

I thought the vote in either league would be a little closer (Trout a closer 2nd, Braun a closer 2nd)

Meh, it's done.

Torii Hunter: no longer an Angel. He has reportedly signed a deal with the Tigers.

Melky Cabrera: on his way to Toronto, after sitting out the final two months of this year for a drug suspension.

Melky Cabrera: on his way to Toronto, after sitting out the final two months of this year for a drug suspension.


Jays getting some decent players in the last few weeks. Now if they could get Verlander, Pujols, Votto, Detroit's Cabrera, Kershaw..they'd be pretty good.

Some of those guys are under contract...but it doesn't mean they can't be traded to other teams. (But if they have a no-trade clause, then... actually, some have the choice to waive it. I d'know.)

Just think...they could have a chance at seeing the postseason for the first time in 20 years, if they do go on a run.

Now the question remains as to who's gonna manage them in 2013, now that John Farrell has taken over the managerial seat for the Red Sox.

And earlier this week it was announced that John Gibbons would take over as manager for the team. He managed the Jays before, during part of the 2000's decade; they won 305 games under him and lost 305 games under him during that span (August 2004-June 2008).

FTR, this is not the first time that a former Blue Jays manager has returned to that post; Cito Gaston managed the team for two stints, the second of which began when Gibbons stepped down in June of '08.

My family is very happy the Giants won yet again.

And earlier this week it was announced that John Gibbons would take over as manager for the team. He managed the Jays before, during part of the 2000's decade; they won 305 games under him and lost 305 games under him during that span (August 2004-June 2008).

FTR, this is not the first time that a former Blue Jays manager has returned to that post; Cito Gaston managed the team for two stints, the second of which began when Gibbons stepped down in June of '08.


The Toronto media really thinks the Jays will challenge for first place. I think they are blowing it out of proportion though. This is the same Toronto mdeia who thinks the Toronto Maple Leafs should have won 30 of the last 40 Stanley Cups (NHL hockey) and everytime they don't win it's because the Hockey referees are against them and they always get bad bounces when the other teams don't.

Sadly, the Vancouver Canucks (NHL) took that same mantra with them over the last 3 or 4 years.

My family is very happy the Giants won yet again.

That's nice. Are they from/near the Bay Area?

REDS SIGN RP BROXTON TO THREE-YEAR, $21M DEAL

Seriously. 7 mil a year for this guy? He has 1 good year, 2009.
Reds better hope Chapman comes back.

REDS SIGN RP BROXTON TO THREE-YEAR, $21M DEAL

Seriously. 7 mil a year for this guy? He has 1 good year, 2009.
Reds better hope Chapman comes back.

Actually...I'm not sure if he had any good years, personally. But I guess you could say that 2009 was probably his best as a member of my team, the LAD. Each time he took the mound after that, I could not sit still and count on him to close out the game.

The Reds can keep him.

Actually...I'm not sure if he had any good years, personally. But I guess you could say that 2009 was probably his best as a member of my team, the LAD. Each time he took the mound after that, I could not sit still and count on him to close out the game.

The Reds can keep him.


If he can get 7 million, his agent must have drugged Reds management.

Looks like Shane Victorino's gonna go back to the East Coast for 2013... specifically, to Boston. But he will return to Dodger Stadium when the Sox play an interleague series there in August. (That is, if he doesn't get traded to another team mid-season.)

Touched by 125 Million dollars, Josh Hamilton is now an Angel.

Touched by 125 Million dollars, Josh Hamilton is now an Angel.

I just heard about that. He'll be reunited with CJ Wilson.

Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox star traded to the White Sox upsetting Red Sox nation no end, will now be a Yankee joining the ranks of players who went from the Sox to the Evil Empire,  Sparky Lyle, Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, Babe Ruth to name a few.

Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey might be headed to Toronto. Apparently a deal is close.  (whatever that means)

Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey might be headed to Toronto. Apparently a deal is close.  (whatever that means)

I heard about that too. I guess the Jays are negotiating a deal with the Mets that'll trade him for some player currently on the Jays' roster. :-\\

Well, it's official that the Jays have gotten Dickey.

I think this makes him the 4th pitcher to end his tenure with one team by winning the Cy Young. That is, the fourth pitcher to win the Cy Young and then be sent to another team.

Edit: Yup. The other three pitchers who fit this category, all did so in the 90's.
Roger Clemens (1998-99), Pedro Martinez (1997-98) and David Cone (1994-95).

Kendrys Morales is going to play for the Seattle Mariners in 2013, and AJ Pierzynski is heading for Texas...

Apparently, this is Hideki Matsui's final season in the majors, as he is calling it a career.

Apparently, this is Hideki Matsui's final season in the majors, as he is calling it a career.


He won a WS with them in 2009.  Was really good at the start of his career in North America.

He won a WS with them in 2009.  Was really good at the start of his career in North America.

Yes he was. In fact, I posted a full paragraph about him and his career in LSTE. As I watched that '09 series, I had a feeling he'd be a leading candidate for the MVP award, due to his clutch hitting... although in the Philly games, he was limited to pinch-hitting, as the NL parks don't use the DH. I do recall that his legs and/or knees were bothering him around that time, which is why he was limited to hitting and not fielding.

Speaking of Japanese-born players, I found out that Takashi Saito, now 42, will continue to play at the professional level, but he's going back home to Japan and rejoining their leagues. Saito was the Dodgers' closer from 2006 until mid-2008; he was lights-out for the most part, unlike the man who succeeded him in that role (Jon Broxton).

Yes he was. In fact, I posted a full paragraph about him and his career in LSTE. As I watched that '09 series, I had a feeling he'd be a leading candidate for the MVP award, due to his clutch hitting... although in the Philly games, he was limited to pinch-hitting, as the NL parks don't use the DH. I do recall that his legs and/or knees were bothering him around that time, which is why he was limited to hitting and not fielding.

Speaking of Japanese-born players, I found out that Takashi Saito, now 42, will continue to play at the professional level, but he's going back home to Japan and rejoining their leagues. Saito was the Dodgers' closer from 2006 until mid-2008; he was lights-out for the most part, unlike the man who succeeded him in that role (Jon Broxton).


I saw what you wrote in the LSTE. I still think it's weird that a DH wins MVP, because they aren't a full time player. But that's baseball. I don't like the fact the leagues have been playing with a different set of rules for about 40 years (DH came to the AL almost 40 years ago).
I hope one day soon they play by the same rules.

I saw what you wrote in the LSTE. I still think it's weird that a DH wins MVP, because they aren't a full time player. But that's baseball. I don't like the fact the leagues have been playing with a different set of rules for about 40 years (DH came to the AL almost 40 years ago).
I hope one day soon they play by the same rules.

That's right; time flies. And of course, interleague games are played according to the home league's rule; if it's in an NL stadium, pitchers bat and there's no DH (which is how the Angels will begin the 2013 season, when they play in Cincinnati), and if it's in an AL stadium, both sides must use a DH.
The All-Star Game, however, uses the DH all the time now (since 2011), regardless of which league hosts the game. This is probably in part due to the fact that pitchers are limited to a small number of innings and they want to use all of them.

That's right; time flies. And of course, interleague games are played according to the home league's rule; if it's in an NL stadium, pitchers bat and there's no DH (which is how the Angels will begin the 2013 season, when they play in Cincinnati), and if it's in an AL stadium, both sides must use a DH.
The All-Star Game, however, uses the DH all the time now (since 2011), regardless of which league hosts the game. This is probably in part due to the fact that pitchers are limited to a small number of innings and they want to use all of them.


It would not be my choice but I think one day both leagues will play under the same rules and the NL will adopt the DH, just to generate more runs and please the fans.