Jake Peavy, who was traded from the ChicagoWhite Sox to Boston earlier this week, made his Red Sox debut earlier tonight. He pitched against a familiar opponent that he faced primarily in his Padres days, the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Overall, Peavy did well going seven plus innings allowing just two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out seven. In fact, Peavy might've had three earned counted against him if not for Jonny Gomes' arm in left field throwing out Cliff Pennington at the plate in the 8th. Because of that, the Sox kept a slim one run lead keeping Peavy in line for the W.
Boston would add two more runs in the bottom of the 8th with a two-run shot by Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Sox would win by a final of 5-2 with Peavy (9-4) getting credited with the win.
Certainly the kind of start the Sox expect from Peavy. Pity the Rays beat the Giants to still keep a half game behind in the AL East. But if Peavy can keep pitching like this for the rest of the season, then Boston might just be able to stay in front of Tampa Bay long enough.
Showing posts with label Baseball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Baseball. Show all posts
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Monday, July 22, 2013
Ryan Braun, Ryan Gone
Baseball finally nails Ryan Braun.
Major League Baseball has suspended Brewer Ryan Braun without pay for the remainder of the 2013 season (65 games) and any possible postseason games this year. Braun will not contend with the suspension and accept his punishment.
Braun is one of several players being investigated for their connections to the Biogenesis of America. Braun also had beaten a positive drug test on appeal in 2012 which would've cost him a 50 game suspension.
The Truth is Now on baseball's side.
While doling out suspensions for any player that violates baseball's drug policy is significant news, getting Braun suspended, finally, was huge for baseball. Braun humiliated them last year with that beaten drug test and getting him suspended now removes that blemish left by Braun.
Of course Braun could've tried to fight this suspension but due to the fact that he didn't and took this deal says that the evidence collected against him was just too much to fight successfully. Braun probably saw that he was going to lose this case and instead of fighting it and have the suspension applied predominantly next season, he decided to accept his fate this year seeing how the Brewers aren't likely going to make the postseason anyway currently being last in the NL Central. This way he'll be available for all of 2014.
Now what about the rest of the players being investigated for their involvement with Biogenesis. This suspension tells me that more are on the way and that they could happen this year. It's important to note, however, that Braun is not fighting this suspension. Other players might fight just to stay on their team that could be contending for the a playoff spot.
I'm still not completely sold that teams need to trade for players to possibly replace those being investigated in this scandal. If the players involved exhaust the appeals process, it still might go into the off season to sort out. However, I would not be surprised now if teams start making those kind of moves.
Major League Baseball has suspended Brewer Ryan Braun without pay for the remainder of the 2013 season (65 games) and any possible postseason games this year. Braun will not contend with the suspension and accept his punishment.
Braun is one of several players being investigated for their connections to the Biogenesis of America. Braun also had beaten a positive drug test on appeal in 2012 which would've cost him a 50 game suspension.
The Truth is Now on baseball's side.
While doling out suspensions for any player that violates baseball's drug policy is significant news, getting Braun suspended, finally, was huge for baseball. Braun humiliated them last year with that beaten drug test and getting him suspended now removes that blemish left by Braun.
Of course Braun could've tried to fight this suspension but due to the fact that he didn't and took this deal says that the evidence collected against him was just too much to fight successfully. Braun probably saw that he was going to lose this case and instead of fighting it and have the suspension applied predominantly next season, he decided to accept his fate this year seeing how the Brewers aren't likely going to make the postseason anyway currently being last in the NL Central. This way he'll be available for all of 2014.
Now what about the rest of the players being investigated for their involvement with Biogenesis. This suspension tells me that more are on the way and that they could happen this year. It's important to note, however, that Braun is not fighting this suspension. Other players might fight just to stay on their team that could be contending for the a playoff spot.
I'm still not completely sold that teams need to trade for players to possibly replace those being investigated in this scandal. If the players involved exhaust the appeals process, it still might go into the off season to sort out. However, I would not be surprised now if teams start making those kind of moves.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Pagan Hits a Walk Off Inside-the-Park Home; Giants Win 6-5
It was a long day for the San Francisco Giants but they somehow survived it.
The Giants had to fight back from a 4-run deficit against the Colorado Rockies. They did this with 3 runs in the 6th inning and then a 4th run in the 7th. However, the 7th inning should've been more than a tie for the Giants.
With one out and runners on 2nd and 3rd, Brandon Crawford hit a ground ball to the 2nd baseman DJ LeMahieu. Brandon Belt sees the grounder and heads for home plate causing LeMahieu to throw home. Belt gets under Yorvit Torrealba's tag just in time. However, home plate umpire Alfonso Marquez called him out despite the fact that Belt's foot hit home plate just before the tag was applied.
Next batter Joaquin Arias pinch hits for the pitcher's spot and flies out to end the inning with the game still tied at 4-4.
The bottom of the 8th comes around with another officiating mistake. With Marco Scutaro on 1st and 1 out, Pablo Sandoval hits a single to left center and, perhaps feeling a bit greedy, Scutaro heads for 3rd base. The throw to 3rd is on time but Scutaro manages to avoid the tag and slide into 3rd safely... except for the fact that home plate umpire Marquez came over and called Scutaro out on a tag that clearly didn't happen.
Giants Manager Bruce Bochy goes out to argue about now the 2nd blown call by Marquez and is thrown out of the ball game. Buster Posey then pops out to 2nd to end the inning.
The game heads into extras where Troy Tulowitzki hit a home run to lead off the 10th inning to make it 5-4 for the Rockies. Now the bottom of the 10th comes with Rafael Betancourt coming in to close it out for Colorado.
However, Betancourt walks Brandon Crawford to start the inning and then Guillermo Quiroz pinch hits to just bunt Crawford over to 2nd. Angel Pagan then comes up clutch with a big hit that hits the bottom of the wall in right center. Crawford scores easily and Pagan, chugging along with 3rd base coach Tim Flannery waiving him in, manages to slide head first into home just before the tag.
No way to mess up that play at the plate, Marquez.
Giants win 6-5 in 10 innings on a walk off inside-the-park home run by Angel Pagan. They had to overcome the Rockies and sloppy officiating but the Giants win in one of the spectacular finishes you will see all season.
P.S. Seriously, baseball, you got to something about the umps. Better officiating and instant replay are needed more than ever. The right team somehow won today but that doesn't always happen, does it.
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| Angel Pagan just after his Walk Off Inside the Park Home Run vs. the Rockies. 5-25-13 (Photo by Ezra Shaw of Getty Images) |
With one out and runners on 2nd and 3rd, Brandon Crawford hit a ground ball to the 2nd baseman DJ LeMahieu. Brandon Belt sees the grounder and heads for home plate causing LeMahieu to throw home. Belt gets under Yorvit Torrealba's tag just in time. However, home plate umpire Alfonso Marquez called him out despite the fact that Belt's foot hit home plate just before the tag was applied.
Next batter Joaquin Arias pinch hits for the pitcher's spot and flies out to end the inning with the game still tied at 4-4.
The bottom of the 8th comes around with another officiating mistake. With Marco Scutaro on 1st and 1 out, Pablo Sandoval hits a single to left center and, perhaps feeling a bit greedy, Scutaro heads for 3rd base. The throw to 3rd is on time but Scutaro manages to avoid the tag and slide into 3rd safely... except for the fact that home plate umpire Marquez came over and called Scutaro out on a tag that clearly didn't happen.
Giants Manager Bruce Bochy goes out to argue about now the 2nd blown call by Marquez and is thrown out of the ball game. Buster Posey then pops out to 2nd to end the inning.
The game heads into extras where Troy Tulowitzki hit a home run to lead off the 10th inning to make it 5-4 for the Rockies. Now the bottom of the 10th comes with Rafael Betancourt coming in to close it out for Colorado.
However, Betancourt walks Brandon Crawford to start the inning and then Guillermo Quiroz pinch hits to just bunt Crawford over to 2nd. Angel Pagan then comes up clutch with a big hit that hits the bottom of the wall in right center. Crawford scores easily and Pagan, chugging along with 3rd base coach Tim Flannery waiving him in, manages to slide head first into home just before the tag.
No way to mess up that play at the plate, Marquez.
Giants win 6-5 in 10 innings on a walk off inside-the-park home run by Angel Pagan. They had to overcome the Rockies and sloppy officiating but the Giants win in one of the spectacular finishes you will see all season.
P.S. Seriously, baseball, you got to something about the umps. Better officiating and instant replay are needed more than ever. The right team somehow won today but that doesn't always happen, does it.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Armstrong to Go on Oprah
It's a little late for Oprah relevance, Lance.
After rumors that Lance Arnstrong might come forward and admit to the world what France has been screaming about for years, there is now news that Lance will have a tell-all interview with Oprah regarding his alleged PED use. The interview might have happened already but it will be shown on Oprah's network OWN at 9 PM eastern on January 17th.
A potential huge story in the making if Lance admits his drug use during the interview. Potential reasons for admitting drug use now? Everything has gone downhill for Lance. He has been ban from cycling, former teammates are turning on him, "Livestrong" has been replaced with "Chuckstrong" (the cancer charity fights are real bloodbaths). Admission could help bring some of those things back as sports fans can be forgiving people. Baseball players who have admitted their PED use and apologized really don't get hassled for it anymore.
It will certainly be a highly watched interview that might be a turning point in Lance's career and life.
P.S. Maybe we could title this "The Admission."
After rumors that Lance Arnstrong might come forward and admit to the world what France has been screaming about for years, there is now news that Lance will have a tell-all interview with Oprah regarding his alleged PED use. The interview might have happened already but it will be shown on Oprah's network OWN at 9 PM eastern on January 17th.
A potential huge story in the making if Lance admits his drug use during the interview. Potential reasons for admitting drug use now? Everything has gone downhill for Lance. He has been ban from cycling, former teammates are turning on him, "Livestrong" has been replaced with "Chuckstrong" (the cancer charity fights are real bloodbaths). Admission could help bring some of those things back as sports fans can be forgiving people. Baseball players who have admitted their PED use and apologized really don't get hassled for it anymore.
It will certainly be a highly watched interview that might be a turning point in Lance's career and life.
P.S. Maybe we could title this "The Admission."
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Hamilton Ascended to the LA Angels
I guess Albert Pujols and Mike Trout aren't enough for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
A huge deal hitting the baseball world as Josh Hamilton has agreed to become an Angel. The contract is 5 years worth $125 million and one AA chip from Hamilton. In 2012 Josh batted .285 with 43 Home Runs and 128 RBI's although it was that average that dipped as the season continued.
A big signing certainly as the spending of the LA teams continues to go through the roof. For a second off season in a row, the Angels sign a big time slugger to their team. Certainly the first one worked out so well.
The move to get Hamilton, however, doesn't necessarily make them a World Series contender. Batting is great for the regular season (except last year for the Angels) but it was pitching where they need the most improvement. They were ranked 8th in the AL with a 4.02 ERA last year in pitching while they 3rd in runs in the AL. The offense is already there, even with Torii Hunter leaving the team. Keeping Zach Greinke would've been a bigger deal for the Angels.
Sure, LAA got Tommy Hanson from the Braves who had a bad year in 2012 and he might work out but there is no way that I am making them a World Series favorite based on their hitting alone. History is not on their side.
P.S. As for the Rangers, irrelevance might be their fate in 2013.
A huge deal hitting the baseball world as Josh Hamilton has agreed to become an Angel. The contract is 5 years worth $125 million and one AA chip from Hamilton. In 2012 Josh batted .285 with 43 Home Runs and 128 RBI's although it was that average that dipped as the season continued.
A big signing certainly as the spending of the LA teams continues to go through the roof. For a second off season in a row, the Angels sign a big time slugger to their team. Certainly the first one worked out so well.
The move to get Hamilton, however, doesn't necessarily make them a World Series contender. Batting is great for the regular season (except last year for the Angels) but it was pitching where they need the most improvement. They were ranked 8th in the AL with a 4.02 ERA last year in pitching while they 3rd in runs in the AL. The offense is already there, even with Torii Hunter leaving the team. Keeping Zach Greinke would've been a bigger deal for the Angels.
Sure, LAA got Tommy Hanson from the Braves who had a bad year in 2012 and he might work out but there is no way that I am making them a World Series favorite based on their hitting alone. History is not on their side.
P.S. As for the Rangers, irrelevance might be their fate in 2013.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
'Fear The Beard' No More?
The 2010 World Series that gave the city of San Francisco it's first World title in Baseball came to an end with Brian Wilson on the mound striking out Nelson Cruz of the Rangers to end it all. Wilson was known for the beard that he grew on his face and his unique personality in the clubhouse and for the camera.
Wilson was there for the 2012 World Series but only as a supporter. He appeared only two times for the Giants in 2012 due to an elbow injury that led to him having Tommy John Surgery effectively ending his season. He watched Sergio Romo (who grew quite a beard himself) close out the 2012 World Series by striking out Miguel Cabrera of the Tigers... and, inadvertently, possibly closing out Wilson's time in San Francisco.
The Giants declined to tender a one year contract for Brian Wilson making him a free agent. The SF Chronicle reports that the Giants would like to sign Wilson to a lower base salary with incentives attached due to his elbow trouble. The report suggests, through it sources, that Wilson is mad at the organization for their stance and essentially plans to go play ball elsewhere. It seems that the Beard is on the market.
It's a shame that the Giants and Wilson had to drift apart like this. Both, however, seem to be looking out for their best interests. The Giants believe that Wilson's stock has dropped due to his injuries and the fact they won the World Series without him and Wilson has done enough to likely get a better offer elsewhere. It seems only logical that this split would occur.
Wherever Brian Wilson ends up, I wish him a fruitful career. #ThankTheBeard.
Wilson was there for the 2012 World Series but only as a supporter. He appeared only two times for the Giants in 2012 due to an elbow injury that led to him having Tommy John Surgery effectively ending his season. He watched Sergio Romo (who grew quite a beard himself) close out the 2012 World Series by striking out Miguel Cabrera of the Tigers... and, inadvertently, possibly closing out Wilson's time in San Francisco.
The Giants declined to tender a one year contract for Brian Wilson making him a free agent. The SF Chronicle reports that the Giants would like to sign Wilson to a lower base salary with incentives attached due to his elbow trouble. The report suggests, through it sources, that Wilson is mad at the organization for their stance and essentially plans to go play ball elsewhere. It seems that the Beard is on the market.
It's a shame that the Giants and Wilson had to drift apart like this. Both, however, seem to be looking out for their best interests. The Giants believe that Wilson's stock has dropped due to his injuries and the fact they won the World Series without him and Wilson has done enough to likely get a better offer elsewhere. It seems only logical that this split would occur.
Wherever Brian Wilson ends up, I wish him a fruitful career. #ThankTheBeard.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Who Else but Miguel and MVPosey
The MVPs were named today in baseball and both by seemingly comfortable margins.
The NL MVP went to Giants Catcher Buster Posey who received 27 of 32 possible first place votes and took in a 422 total points. Ryan Braun came in 2nd with 285 points. This caps off a tremendous season for Buster who batted .336 (NL best) with a OBP of .408 (NL best) and a OPS of .957 (2nd in NL). He also had 24 home runs, 103 RBIs, and another World Series ring. Not bad for a comeback season.
As for the AL MVP, it turned out to be a one sided win as well. Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers won the award receiving 22 of 28 first place votes and getting 362 total points. The closest contender was Mike Trout of the Angels who got 281 points. Miguel, of course, was the first Triple Crown winner in 45 years batting .330 with 44 home runs and 139 RBIs.
The right players seemed to have gotten the award. True, Mike Trout had an MVP quality season and was dragging the Angels along but failing to make the playoffs and going against a guy winning the Triple Crown does hamper the candidacy quite a bit.
Congrats to both Posey and Cabrera for winning the MVP awards. The right guys were picked.
The NL MVP went to Giants Catcher Buster Posey who received 27 of 32 possible first place votes and took in a 422 total points. Ryan Braun came in 2nd with 285 points. This caps off a tremendous season for Buster who batted .336 (NL best) with a OBP of .408 (NL best) and a OPS of .957 (2nd in NL). He also had 24 home runs, 103 RBIs, and another World Series ring. Not bad for a comeback season.
As for the AL MVP, it turned out to be a one sided win as well. Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers won the award receiving 22 of 28 first place votes and getting 362 total points. The closest contender was Mike Trout of the Angels who got 281 points. Miguel, of course, was the first Triple Crown winner in 45 years batting .330 with 44 home runs and 139 RBIs.
The right players seemed to have gotten the award. True, Mike Trout had an MVP quality season and was dragging the Angels along but failing to make the playoffs and going against a guy winning the Triple Crown does hamper the candidacy quite a bit.
Congrats to both Posey and Cabrera for winning the MVP awards. The right guys were picked.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
I Triple Crown Thee King Miguel Cabrera
DAMN IT!!! I bet the horse racing Triple Crown would come back around first.
Occasionally there will be talk about one of the most prestigious of titles in sports. No, it's not the personal glasses wiper for Jerry Jones (but don't tell his son-in-law that). It's the Triple Crown of Baseball. There hasn't been a Triple Crown winner in a long time and everyone started to think that we would never see one again.
Then Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers got on a roll and started to tear things up. In the pursuit of a postseason appearance, Cabrera started to carry the Tigers on his back. The Tigers managed to do well enough to get by the White Sox and take the AL Central. In the midst of the postseason pursuit, Cabrera started to pull ahead in the Triple Crown stats. He even passed Josh Hamilton in Homers just a couple of days ago.
The final day of the regular season came and went with Miguel Cabrera playing in the game vs. the Royals. He would only have two AB's before coming out in the 3rd inning and went 0-2. Mike Trout needed to have a perfect day to pass Cabrera and couldn't get it done. He went 2-3 which left .004 behind Miguel in batting average. The home runs were the only thing left and Curtis Granderson of the Yankees hit two homers falling one short of Cabrera before he was pulled from the game in favor of a pinch hitter. That was all she wrote.
Miguel Cabrera batting a .330 Avg. with 44 Home Runs and 139 RBI's wins the American League Triple Crown. He becomes the first player since Carl Yastrzemski in 1967 to do it.
One of the grandest feats in the spots world has finally come around again. Miguel Cab... sorry. KING Miguel Cabrera becomes the 15th player to win the Triple Crown and the first Latin American player to win it. Cabrera joins names like Mickey Mantle, Lou Gehrig, and Ted Williams along for the ride to immortality. This achievement should be revered not just for the batting stats and what's implicated but the rarity of the accomplishment when comparing it to achievements like No-Hitters and even Perfect Games.
The season ends with King Miguel on top of the baseball world and looking to continue his good performance into the playoffs. Whatever happens, he's already done something to be remembered for.
Occasionally there will be talk about one of the most prestigious of titles in sports. No, it's not the personal glasses wiper for Jerry Jones (but don't tell his son-in-law that). It's the Triple Crown of Baseball. There hasn't been a Triple Crown winner in a long time and everyone started to think that we would never see one again.
Then Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers got on a roll and started to tear things up. In the pursuit of a postseason appearance, Cabrera started to carry the Tigers on his back. The Tigers managed to do well enough to get by the White Sox and take the AL Central. In the midst of the postseason pursuit, Cabrera started to pull ahead in the Triple Crown stats. He even passed Josh Hamilton in Homers just a couple of days ago.
The final day of the regular season came and went with Miguel Cabrera playing in the game vs. the Royals. He would only have two AB's before coming out in the 3rd inning and went 0-2. Mike Trout needed to have a perfect day to pass Cabrera and couldn't get it done. He went 2-3 which left .004 behind Miguel in batting average. The home runs were the only thing left and Curtis Granderson of the Yankees hit two homers falling one short of Cabrera before he was pulled from the game in favor of a pinch hitter. That was all she wrote.
Miguel Cabrera batting a .330 Avg. with 44 Home Runs and 139 RBI's wins the American League Triple Crown. He becomes the first player since Carl Yastrzemski in 1967 to do it.
One of the grandest feats in the spots world has finally come around again. Miguel Cab... sorry. KING Miguel Cabrera becomes the 15th player to win the Triple Crown and the first Latin American player to win it. Cabrera joins names like Mickey Mantle, Lou Gehrig, and Ted Williams along for the ride to immortality. This achievement should be revered not just for the batting stats and what's implicated but the rarity of the accomplishment when comparing it to achievements like No-Hitters and even Perfect Games.
The season ends with King Miguel on top of the baseball world and looking to continue his good performance into the playoffs. Whatever happens, he's already done something to be remembered for.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
First Half Reflections of the MLB 2011 Season
Today was the last games in baseball before the All Star Break. This is the unofficial halfway point of the 2011 MLB season. So how are we doing? In the AL, the Red Sox are a game in front of the Yankees for control of the AL East but this might be due to the fact that the Yanks have played two games less than Boston. The Tigers have a half game lead over the Indians in the Central, and the Rangers have a one game lead over the Angels in the West. In the NL, the East has the biggest divisional gap right now with the Phillies having a 3.5 game lead over the Braves. The Cardinals and Brewers are neck and neck while the Pirates are a game behind them in the Central. Finally, the defending champs, themselves, the Giants have a 3 game lead over the D'Backs in the West.
As for early award contenders, Jair Jurrjens has become the dark horse Cy Young Winner that has taken over that race in the NL. He has the most NL wins with 12 and the best ERA in the league with 1.87. A little more split for pitcher of the year in the AL while CC Sabathia has more wins with 13 but Jared Weaver has a better ERA with 1.86. Last time I checked, that mattered more. As for MVP candidates, Jose Bautista and Adrian Gonzalez seem to be the main contenders as of now in the AL. The NL looks to me to be a bit more split between Prince Fielder, Lance Berkman, and Jose Reyes. Matt Kemp is also a good candidate to consider but is part of the Dodgers who are having a miserable year both on and off the field.
So what seems to be the trends going into the second half of the year? Despite the bad start, the Red Sox are contending with the Yanks for the AL East and the runner up will like be the Wild Card winner. The Cubs and the Twins have made me look like an idiot so far though the Twins could make a comeback. The Pirates have finally made themselves relevant again. And despite being one of the worst offensive teams in baseball and having quite a few injuries, the Giants are in front of the NL West race.
A nice first half with the division races still close and up for grabs.
As for early award contenders, Jair Jurrjens has become the dark horse Cy Young Winner that has taken over that race in the NL. He has the most NL wins with 12 and the best ERA in the league with 1.87. A little more split for pitcher of the year in the AL while CC Sabathia has more wins with 13 but Jared Weaver has a better ERA with 1.86. Last time I checked, that mattered more. As for MVP candidates, Jose Bautista and Adrian Gonzalez seem to be the main contenders as of now in the AL. The NL looks to me to be a bit more split between Prince Fielder, Lance Berkman, and Jose Reyes. Matt Kemp is also a good candidate to consider but is part of the Dodgers who are having a miserable year both on and off the field.
So what seems to be the trends going into the second half of the year? Despite the bad start, the Red Sox are contending with the Yanks for the AL East and the runner up will like be the Wild Card winner. The Cubs and the Twins have made me look like an idiot so far though the Twins could make a comeback. The Pirates have finally made themselves relevant again. And despite being one of the worst offensive teams in baseball and having quite a few injuries, the Giants are in front of the NL West race.
A nice first half with the division races still close and up for grabs.
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