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The weather got hot in Atlanta and so did Howard
2008-06-09 17:00:00
The thick blanket of heat that settles over Atlanta  in the summer is a popular topic of conversation with almost anyone who is subject to it. But to Ryan Howard , 95-degree temperatures and near-capacity humidity are welcome relief from the cool Northern temperatures that linger throughout the first couple months of the season. "In hot weather, everything feels looser," Howard said. "Your body feels looser."That rationale makes sense when you look at the way Howard's hitting has risen along with the temperature. It has been a slow climb, for sure. He entered yesterday with just six hits in his last 32 at-bats, numbers that called to mind his immense struggles in the first 2 months of the season. But he snapped out of it with a 3-for-5 performance and had three doubles in a game for the first time in his career. Since his batting average reached a season low of .163 on May 7, Howard has hit .270 with nine home runs and 33 RBI. Now, it sits at a season high of .214."There are sti...
More About: Weather

John Halama (P-CLE)
2008-06-09 16:51:00
The Cleveland Indians signed LHP John Halama to a minor league contract on June 7th.

The pitch count has become a psychological barrier
2008-06-09 16:41:00
Long gone are the days when stalwart relievers like Clem Labine, Jim Konstanty, Hoyt Wilhelm and Lindy McDaniel could start a big game when needed. That was when men were men, and message boards with pitch-count totals did not leer out at the field, displaying annoying advertisements and promotions wrote New York Times columnist George Vecsey. (They are message boards, not scoreboards. Heaven forbid you should be able to follow line scores and know who is pitching in other games around the majors.) The message boards do tell everybody in the ballpark what the pitching coaches and managers track obsessively. Broadcasters cluck with dismay when a pitcher goes over 20 pitches in the first inning, sensing imminent doom. Some batters may take a pitch or swat a foul just to wear down the pitcher, although Girardi thinks that tactic is overrated. More to the point, the pitch count has become a psychological barrier for starters — a visible sign of failure accumulating pitch by pitch:...
More About: Psychological , Count , Pitch , Barrier

After sweep in San Diego, Omar may wield his machette
2008-06-09 16:16:00
That machete Omar Minaya had smuggled to Colorado might get some use if this persists much longer. Two weeks after the Wilpons hauled Willie Randolph into a meeting to explain himself, the Mets again return home two games under .500, and again coming off a trip that included being swept in four games. Only now, the division leader is the Phillies, not the Marlins. And the 7½-game deficit is the New York Mets' largest in the NL East since 2005. The trip was eeily similar to their previous journey away from Shea, where they went 1-6 in Atlanta and Colorado. After a four-game sweep at Turner Field, Minaya joined the team in Denver, and Randolph - in a bit of gallow's humor - joked that the GM had brought along a machette to cut him loose. Randolph wasn't joking Sunday."I don't know what to say," Randolph said. "I'm not usually at a loss for words, but what do you say? We finally score some runs. And Billy, who has been pitching lights out all year, gives it up. We have to f...
More About: San Diego , Diego , Sweep

Brewers Not Interested In Brian Roberts
2008-06-09 15:06:00
According to Ken Rosenthal today: Here's a deal that makes sense: Brian Roberts for Rickie Weeks. The Brewers , who recently had two scouts watching the Orioles, are interested in Roberts, but it remains to be seen whether they are ready to give up on Weeks. Brewers GM Doug Melvin denies the report, stating that his scouts "were watching the Orioles as part of their normal assignments."  The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's Tom Haudricourt has mentioned before that Melvin has always been frank and honest with him, and this is no exception.  Melvin even revealed that the Orioles tried to get the Brewers involved during the spring as competition for the Cubs.

Italy-Netherlands match expected to draw interest
2008-06-09 14:41:00
World champion Italy and 2006 World Cup runner-up France launch their European Championship quests today when they play the Netherlands and Romania, respectively. The Italians and the Dutch, two of the top teams in the 16-nation tournament being jointly staged by Austria and Switzerland, should provide one of the event's early highlights. Both are attack-minded teams and both feature some of soccer's premier players. The Dutch are relying on Ruud Van Nistelrooy to provide the goals — supported by the likes of Robin Van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Dirk Kuyt — and the Real Madrid player said he likes his team's options."In terms of attacking tactics, we are capable of putting some great moves together," Van Nistelrooy said.While realizing the Dutch offensive prowess, the Italians are hoping to take advantage of their perceived defensive shortcomings."The Netherlands are a very strong team with good ball possession and top-level forwards," defender Christian Panucci said...
More About: Match , Interest , Draw

Is Mussia a Hall of Famer?
2008-06-09 14:02:00
Is Mike Mussina (259-148 lifetime) heading to the Hall of Fame? Bert Blyleven, 287-game winner: "He's got Hall of Fame numbers, but I don't think he should get in before Jack Morris or myself. You had guys like Jim Kaat and Tommy John, who won over 280 games who didn't get in. If you compare Jack's numbers and my numbers against him, it's not even close. But playing in a big market and all that . . . in the end, it's up to the writers. People say he didn't win 20; well, it's hard to win 20. You've got to have some luck along the way. But Mike's pitched well for a long time. He's been the ace in Baltimore and at times for the Yankees, and looking at his year this year, he knows how to pitch."Ellis Burks, special assistant to Cleveland general manager Mark Shapiro: "With the way he's pitching, I'm sure he's going to get another contract. That knuckle-curve he had was nasty. Now he's got that pitch that starts in on the outer half of the plate to lefthanded hitters and c...

MLB playing hurry up; length of games improves by 2 minutes
2008-06-09 13:59:00
A detailed and ongoing study conducted by Major League Baseball, results of which were obtained by the Boston Globe, has revealed that since existing speed-up rules were enforced starting May 23, game times have improved overall by two minutes on average. The average time of game as of May 22 was 2:51, but it's 2:49 since May 23. What's interesting is that time of game had increased from 2006 and 2007 from 2:47 to 2:51 at the start of this season. MLB analysts also track the average number of seconds between pitches as a major indicator of pace of games. This stat is formulated by taking the total time of the game (minus commercial breaks) divided by total pitches. It enables the analysts to "look at non-network and network games on a level playing field."In that category, the overall number has risen from 26.4 seconds in 2006, to 26.6 seconds in 2007, to 27.4 seconds in 2008. However, since the enforcement of speed-up rules, 26.8 seconds are lapsing between pitches. In the Nation...
More About: Games , Minutes , Hurry Up

Experieced is gained slowly as Dodgers are finding out
2008-06-09 13:53:00
The talk turned to potential versus performance, to knowing when players labeled young by the calendar or by inexperience are held to the same standard as their elders. "They're just about there," Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti said of the team's core of youngsters. "They're getting to the point where with their experience you should start to see more than less, not less than more."Taking that a step further, the Dodgers should be winning more than less, and they're not. Their 3-1 loss to the Cubs on Sunday left them with a split of their four-game series and without a handle on where they're headed according to Los Angeles Times columnist Helene Elliott. They thought they could build on winning the two middle games but were clueless at the plate in being held to four hits Sunday by Cubs starter Jason Marquis, who began the game with a 5.02 earned-run average, and reliever Carlos Marmol, who yielded the Dodgers' only extra-base hit -- an eighth-inning double by Juan Pier...

Celtics might not have to play another game in Boston
2008-06-09 13:33:00
Is Basketball America ready to Go Green? Just like in the old days? Play ing the blood-and-thunder game that marked their Bill Russell-Larry Bird glory years, the Celtics last night bolted to a 24-point fourth-quarter lead and hung on to beat the Los Angeles Lakers, 108-102, at the New Garden to take a 2-0 series lead in the NBA Finals. In the midst of a championship banner drought that has spanned both Bush Administrations, the Celtics are two wins from a long-awaited 17th NBA title as they resume play at Staples Center in Los Angeles Tuesday night. It's premature to be lighting cigars, but the possibility exists the Celtics have played their final game in Boston this year. The Red Auerbach Celtics won championships in Los Angeles in 1963, '68, and '69 and are slated to play three games (if needed) in California before bringing the series — or the trophy — back to Boston."It's nice to be up, 2-0," said Celtics coach Doc Rivers. "We've done what we should d...
More About: Game

Erik Bedard Speculation
2008-06-09 13:22:00
So far, we haven't read any actual rumors suggesting the Mariners will shop Erik Bedard.  However, it's become a prevalent discussion topic among the team's beat writers.  John McGrath even suggests Phillies GM Pat Gillick should acquire Bedard as his last hurrah.  The Phils do have a history of interest in the lefty. Though they don't get much press, the Phillies have three Top 100 prospects in Carlos Carrasco, Adrian Cardenas, and Joe Savery.  Gillick could certainly pull off a trade, though it's interesting to note that the Phils have used the same five starters all year. Almost half the teams in baseball had interest in Bedard last winter.  That list has narrowed, but there should be healthy competition for his services if the Mariners make him available.  I wonder if Bill Bavasi would get to call the shots this time around. 
More About: Erik Bedard

Buying Low: Nick Swisher And The Chicago White Sox Hitters
2008-06-09 13:16:00
From Steve Gardner's chat at USA Today:Sparks,Nevada: Greetings Steve. From this point forward who is more productive. Konerko, Swisher, or C.Pena? Thanks Steve Gardner: I drafted Konerko and Pena on my AL LABR team and I've since traded both of them, so that shows you where I stand to some degree. Of course, I they still have some value since another owner was willing to trade for them, but I don't see how it can go much lower. Konerko seems to be heating up a little (two hits in each of last three games), but his wrist has been bothering him for a while now. With Pena, we just might have to chalk up last season as a fluke since he's back to his old ways, striking out and hitting a handful of homers. I'd be the most confident in Swisher putting up the best numbers from here on out. He's healthy and young enough that he's not set in his ways. Plus, he gets on base. He's also had at least one run scored in each of the past 7 games. I happen to agree on Swisher. As a matter of...
More About: Buying , Chicago , White , White Sox , Chicago White Sox

Odds and Ends: Bowden, Strasburg, Draft
2008-06-09 12:59:00
Today's link collection. Joel Sherman puts on his GM hat and proposes five trade offers the Yankees should make. Troy E. Renck doesn't believe the Rockies are ready to start trading off veterans. Jon Heyman heard rumblings that Nationals GM Jim Bowden "could be in trouble." Dave Cameron discusses next year's frontrunner for the #1 draft pick, college pitcher Stephen Strasburg.  The pick could be made by Bill Bavasi's replacement. The MLB draft is definitely gaining popularity, but Nick Friedell's suggestions would provide a big boost.
More About: Draft , Odds , Ends

Will Any Team Gamble On Ponson?
2008-06-09 11:37:00
Sidney Ponson won't be missed in Texas, despite a 3.88 ERA in nine starts.  Ponson coupled good control with a 57.3% groundball rate, compensating for a lack of strikeouts and tons of hits.  The Rangers decided after a couple of incidents that it wasn't worth it. Nonetheless, a few Astros players asked Houston Chronicle beat writer Jose de Jesus Ortiz to encourage the team to sign Ponson.  Ponson sounds like a decent-sized (pun intended) clubhouse distraction, but he keeps getting chances.  Barry Bonds must really destroy a clubhouse.  
More About: Team , Gamble

Strategic Spot Starting - Week Edition
2008-06-09 11:26:00
We had some good picks last week and some not so good, but we are still performing better than chance. Looking ahead through Thursday? Monday: Mike Mussina against KC and Jesse Litsch against Seattle are both good matchups. Litsch actually has pretty poor career numbers against the team but I'm writing the 8+ ERA off as small sample size.Tuesday: Greg Maddux against the Dodgers is a solid spot start. He has a sub-3.00 ERA against the team and shut them out earlier this season. Aaron Cook against San Francisco would be better if it weren't at Colorado, and for that reason doesn't warrant the pick up. Tim Redding dominated the Pirates in their last meeting and is a solid option in deeper leagues despite his recent struggles. Millwood, like Cook, looks to have a good matchup but the career numbers against Kansas City suggest otherwise. I would start Eveland against New York, but I'm not sure I'd pick him up to do it.Wednesday: Jimenez also faces SF at home, but he shut them out in...
More About: Spot , Week , Strategic , Edition

Rosenthal's Latest: Roberts, Bonds, Dunn
2008-06-09 10:28:00
Ken Rosenthal has a new column; let's discuss. Rosenthal notes that many contenders will need relief help come July.  We've got a list of available relievers here. The Brewers are interested in second baseman Brian Roberts .  Rosenthal suggests they offer Rickie Weeks for Roberts and another player.  Rosenthal notes that the various rumored springtime Cubs offers are now off the table. Barry Bonds is not a consideration for Boston even if David Ortiz's injury becomes long-term.  Rosenthal believes Adam Dunn could be on the radar under that scenario.

Percival Return Will Cause Roster Crunch
2008-06-09 10:03:00
MLB.com's Bill Chastain writes of an impending Rays roster crunch.  Closer Troy Percival can come off the DL Friday.  Percival's replacement, Grant Balfour, doesn't deserve a demotion.  He's out of options, and the Rays would have to sneak him through waivers to get him back to Triple A.  Balfour did clear waivers in April.  Given his situation and success this year, perhaps we can add Balfour to our Reliever Market list.  The Rays acquired Balfour from the Brewers for Seth McClung last July.  He's endured all kinds of injury problems but seems on track in '08.  DRays Bay suggests keeping Balfour and either cutting Gary Glover or trading Jason Hammel.
More About: Return , Crunch , Roster

Don?t Give Up, Don?t Ever Give Up
2008-06-09 08:55:00
I?ve done my fair share of bragging, so I wanted to go a different route today. On the ?Ask An Expert? feature on RotoWire, I frequently get questions from people stating some sort of variation of ?my team is tanking, this is my roster, should I start preparing for fantasy football?? Well, I could be ...
More About: Give , Give up

The Huge Announcement
2008-06-09 08:18:00
Razzball, in conjunction with North Korea and Tollhouse cookies, brings you the number one place on the web to waste your time. A fantasy baseball forum! That’s right; cock your head a sixteenth of an inch up or just move your left eyeball because the link is right there. Where it says forums? Yes! A ...
More About: June , Announcement , Huge

A View of the Diamond, 6-9-08
2008-06-09 07:39:00
BY ROB SHAW LEAD EXPERT, FANTASYFANATICS.COM ROYALS Jose Guillen is the power bat brought in this off-season to solve the Royals greatest flaw. A slow start by Guillen hurt the Royals, as the team has tumbled 15 games under .500. The good news is that Guillen has swung a hot bat lately. The Royals 32-year old outfielder has 4 homeruns in the last 7 games. That includes 11 RBI and 12 hits that...
More About: View , Diamond , The Diamond

World Famous StatSpeak Roundtable: June 9
2008-06-09 07:30:00
This week on the roundtable, we have a treat for old school readers of StatSpeak. David Gassko, the first writer here at StatSpeak, joins Eric and Pizza in a triumphant return to his old stomping grounds. Since he left StatSpeak, David has been spending his time at the Hardball Times. Come, let us read and ...
More About: World , June , Famous

Not So Chipper News
2008-06-09 07:17:00
As if the injuries to Mike Gonzalez, John Smoltz, Peter Moylan, Mark Kotsay, Rafael Soriano, Mike Hampton, and Tom Glavine did not derail the Braves season enough, they may now be without leading MVP candidate Chipper Jones for some time. The Braves third baseman who currently is hitting an astonishing .420 on the season with 3 homeruns in the past 4 games has a slight tear in his quadriceps. This...
More About: News

Spelling Relief in CAPPS
2008-06-09 07:14:00
After a tough start, Pirates closer Matt Capps has enjoyed a fine season, while floating under the radar. The stopper currently boasts a 2.20 ERA with 14 saves. The most remarkable statistic is the low sum of 3 walks in 28.2 innings pitched. Aside from one ugly appearance in March, Capps has a 1.29 ERA on the season with just 1 walk in the last 28 innings of work. That has to rank him at the top...
More About: Relief , Spelling

Ramon Is Breaking Our Hearts
2008-06-09 07:10:00
Remember the days when Ramon Hernandez ranked as one of the best hitting catchers in the Majors. The Orioles sure do, because they're still paying him a lofty contract. Unfortunately, he has not lived up to his side of the bargain with a .221 average this season. After belting 23 homeruns and 91 RBI just two seasons ago, Hernandez currently has 4 homeruns and 20 RBI in a follow-up to a poor 2007....
More About: Breaking , Hearts

Some Progress For Joba
2008-06-09 07:07:00
Start number two was a step in the right direction for Joba Chamberlain. The reliever-turned-starter tossed 4.1 innings, allowed 5 hits including a homerun, and 2 earned runs. The most impressive statistic for Chamberlain was his 5 strikeouts. He also threw 78 pitches, which puts him in line for close to 100 in his upcoming start. All the indicators are there for Chamberlain to adapt to his new...
More About: Progress

Baek Is Back In The Fantasy World
2008-06-09 07:05:00
If you're looking for a renovation project to impress your fellow fantasy managers, may I point you towards the Padres latest import Cha Seung Baek. The 6'4 right-hander was once a huge prospect for the Seattle Mariners, but his natural talent never translated into success at the Major League level. The Padres were hoping that it would have been Mark Prior who made his way into their rotation by...
More About: World , Fantasy , Back

Glass Chipper, WainWrong
2008-06-09 06:56:00
Chipper Jones says he thinks he injured himself while running out of the batter’s box. For a baseball player, this seems like a pretty innocuous place to injure themselves. How exactly do you get injured coming out of a batter’s box? Swing, turn, run. A layperson (you and I) does not come out of a ...
More About: Glass

Sizzlers and Fizzlers - Week 8
2008-06-09 06:48:00
Sizzlers and Fizzlers - Week 8 By Ben Berkon SIZZLERS Andrew Miller (SP, Florida Marlins): Miller, who with Cameron Maybin, was the headline prospect in the trade that sent Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to the Detroit Tigers. In the beginning of the season, it looked as though Miller was extremely over-matched in the majors, posting a 9.12 ERA, 2.37 WHIP (48 hits!), and 18 K's in 25.6 IP...

Crede Goes Nuts
2008-06-09 06:18:00
Joe Crede is (insert your own hypberole here). Since last Wednesday, he’s had the following games: June 4th, vs KC: 2 for 3, 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 BB, .326 WPA June 6th, vs MIN: 4 for 4, 2 HR, .194 WPA June 7th, vs MIN: 2 for 4, 2 HR, .120 WPA June 8th, vs Min: 2 ...
More About: Nuts

Cubs edge Dodgers to salvage split of 4-game series
2008-06-09 06:11:00
Jason Marquis took a two-hitter into the seventh inning, and the Chicago Cubs extended Brad Penny's winless streak to seven starts with a 3-1 victory Sunday night, salvaging a split of the four-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers .
More About: Series , Game , Edge