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2008 1st Base Rankings
2008-03-05 21:38:00
2008 1st Base RankingsYahoo 1st Base Rankings - Top 30 FOX Sports Rotter's 1st Base Rankings - Top 41FOX Sports Harmon's 1st Base Rankings - Top 20CBS Sportsline First Basemen Rankings - Top 20MLB.com First Basemen Rankings (with projected stats)ESPN First Basemen Rankings
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Allen Iverson Practice Video
2007-12-21 06:09:00
This may be old and over "played", but you have to love it.What are you talkin about AI?
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The Homer Bailey Debut
2007-06-08 16:05:00
Homer Bailey will make his major league debut Friday night against the Cleveland Indians. Bailey is the Reds top pitching prospect and was their No. 1 pick in the June 2004 draft (the seventh pick overall). He was the Reds minor league player of the year last season while at Class A Sarasota and Double-A Chattanooga.In 07, Bailey has been at Triple-A Louisville and is 6-1 in 10 starts with a 2.31 earned run average and 51 strikeouts and 24 walks in 58 innings.Bio: (MLB.com)Given name is David...is called Homer after his great-grandfather...in 2004 graduated from La Grange (TX) High School...in his prep career went 41-4, 0.98 with 536 strikeouts in 298.0 innings...led La Grange to Texas state baseball titles in 2001 and 2004...as a freshman outdueled former Red Ryan Wagner in the championship game...also led La Grange to the state title as a senior, when he was named National High School Player of the Year by USA Today, Baseball America, Louisville Slugger and the National High Sch...
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Schilling...so close in bid for no-no
2007-06-08 03:08:00
Don't shake off your catcher...especially Varitek.The Red Sox 40 year-old starting pitcher Curt Schilling came within one out of his first career no-hitter Thursday, losing his bid when Shannon Stewart lined a clean single to right field in Boston's 1-0 victory over the Oakland Athletics. Schilling retired Mark Kotsay and Jason Kendall on grounders to shortstop for the first two outs of the ninth. Then Stewart stepped up and lined the first pitch through the hole between first and second for Oakland's only hit. Schilling said he shook off catcher Jason Varitek on that pitch, going with a fastball instead of a slider. "We get two outs, and I was sure, and I had a plan, and I shook Tek off," Schilling said. "And I get a big what if for the rest of my life." It's not the first time a Boston pitcher shook off Varitek in the ninth inning only to see a no-hitter get broken up. Pedro Martinez did it in 2000 against Tampa Bay, giving up a single to John Flaherty on a fastball instead o...
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MLB Player Notes
2007-05-02 01:48:00
Tuesday, May 1, 2007 - MLB Player Notes American LeagueRich Harden - SP - Athletics The A's reportedly called the Red Sox to gauge interest in Rich Harden, according to Yahoo! Sports' Tim Brown. After he got hurt? No word on what the conversations entailed, but if they progressed it all, it can be assumed the A's asked about both Wily Mo Pena and top pitching prospect Clay Buchholz. A healthy Harden is about as dominant as any pitcher in baseball, but the A's wouldn't be able to get equal value for him unless he comes back this month and then blows AL hitters away for a month or so. An in-season trade is quite unlikely.Source: Yahoo! Sports Vernon Wells - OF - Blue Jays Vernon Wells, out Monday with the flu, is back in the lineup for Tuesday's game. He's batting second against left-hander C.C. Sabathia. Wells will probably remain in the third spot versus righties, but usual No. 2 hitter Adam Lind has been dropped to seventh tonight. Luis Castillo - 2B - Twins Luis Castil...
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MLB Player Notes
2007-04-30 23:39:00
Monday, April 30, 2007 - MLB Player Notes National LeagueOrlando Hernandez - SP - Mets Mets placed RHP Orlando Hernandez on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 25, with shoulder tightness. The Mets had to know when they were re-signing El Duque that they'd be fortunate to get 150-160 innings per year from him. Going carefully with him now with an eye towards having him close to 100 percent in October is the correct strategy. Chan Ho Park will start in his place tonight.Xavier Nady - OF - Pirates Xavier Nady tested his hamstring prior to Sunday's game by taking batting practice and running the bases. Nady, who struck out while pinch hitting in the game, still has no timetable for a return to the starting lineup.Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Wilson Betemit - 3B - Dodgers Wilson Betemit, who missed Saturday's game due to food poisoning, is expected to return to the starting lineup on Monday. Betemit is hitting just .133 this season. Wilson Valdez will continue to s...
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MLB Player Notes
2007-04-21 19:17:00
Saturday, April 21, 2007 - MLB Player Notes American LeagueBrian N. Anderson - OF - White Sox Brian Anderson will make his third start of the season on Saturday against the Tigers and lefty Nate Robertson. Anderson, who was left on the bench in favor of Rob Mackowiak on Friday, needs to have a big game to impress manager Ozzie Guillen.Source: Chicago Sun-Times Jon Lester - SP - Red Sox Jon Lester (cancer) allowed three runs on six hits, including two home runs, in five innings during a rehab start at Single-A Greensville on Friday night. Lester struck out five in the outing. He will meet with the Red Sox medical staff on Saturday and then make a final rehab start at Triple-A Pawtucket on Wednesday. He is expected to be optioned to Pawtucket after Wednesday's start until the Red Sox need him to join their rotation.Source: Boston Globe Ramon Hernandez - C - Orioles Ramon Hernandez (oblique) was able to take batting practice on Friday, but he will remain on the disabled list unt...
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A-Rod continues hot start
2007-04-21 19:04:00
Alex Rodriguez continued his ridiculously torrid play, smashing another pair (Nos. 11 & 12) of long balls among a three-hit, three-run, four-RBI night on Friday. A-Rod 's blasts tie him with Mike Schmidt as the fastest to reach a dozen. Schmidt also hit 12 in the first 15 games back in 1976. Rodriguez is simply unconscious right now. He has hit in all 15 games this year, and 20 straight dating back to last year. Even his outs are long, as he flied to the warning track in his first at-bat. With 476 career dingers, Rodriguez has moved into the Top 25 of all time, passing Willie Star gell and Stan Musial on Friday. In addition to pacing the majors in long balls, A-Rod also tops baseball with 30 RBI and 65 total bases.It will be interesting to see if he can keep up the pace because he has the talent to do so. We are not talking about Chris Shelton (remember his hot April last year?). Can he reach 70 plus homers this year? Stay tuned.
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MLB Player Notes
2007-04-18 01:35:00
Tuesday, April 17, 2007 - MLB Player Notes American LeagueVictor Martinez - C - Indians Victor Martinez is in the starting lineup Tuesday for the first time in 12 days. Martinez, recovered from a strained left quad, is doing the catching against the Yankees tonight. Jered Weaver - SP - Angels Angels activated RHP Jered Weaver from 15-day disabled list. Weaver will make his season debut against the A's tonight. Scott Podsednik - OF - White Sox White Sox placed outfielder Scott Podsednik on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 16, with a pulled groin muscle. We're guessing this is related to his offseason hernia surgery. Podsednik was off to a nice start at the plate, hitting .303/.378/.455. Still, the White Sox don't lose much by giving more at-bats to Rob Mackowiak and Brian Anderson against right-handers. Pablo Ozuna will likely continue to play against lefties.Rich Harden - SP - Athletics Rich Harden (shoulder) said Monday that he's "pretty sure" he'll make hi...
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MLB Player Notes
2007-04-12 23:24:00
Thursday, April 12, 2007 - MLB Play er Note sNational LeagueJosh Bard - C - Padres Padres placed catcher Josh Bard on the 15-day disabled list with a groin strain. He was injured during Wednesday's game. Rob Bowen will get most of the starts behind the plate while Bard is sidelined, and Khalil Greene and Kevin Kouzmanoff figure to move up in the order. Pete Laforest was recalled to serve as a backup. Taylor Tankersley - RP - Marlins Marlins activated LHP Taylor Tankersley from the 15-day disabled list. Tankersley probably won't be put in save situations right away, but he's as good of a bet as anyone to be the Marlins' most effective reliever this year. He's well worth owning in NL-only leagues at least, he may be a potential candidate for the closer role. Jason Schmidt - SP - Dodgers Jason Schmidt's next start has been moved up to Saturday, with Randy Wolf getting pushed back to Sunday. Manager Grady Little says it's because he wanted to separate Schmidt and Brad Penny i...
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MLB Player Notes
2007-04-12 03:14:00
Wednesday, April 11, 2007 - MLB Play er Note sNational LeagueAdam LaRoche - 1B - Pirates Adam LaRoche didn't play Wednesday because of back stiffness. LaRoche is expected to be available after Thursday's off day. Brad Eldred replaced him at first base today. Jorge Julio - RP - Marlins Manager Fredi Gonzalez wasn't willing to commit to Jorge Julio as closer after another blown save on Tuesday. A big change from Sunday, when Gonzalez made it clear he was still behind Julio. "We'll do what's best for the team, the organization and the individual," Gonzalez said Wednesday. It sounds like Henry Owens might be the new favorite for saves in Florida.Source: Marlins.mlb.com Chris Duncan - OF - Cardinals Pinch-hitter Chris Duncan homered off Salomon Torres in the top of the ninth to break a tie and help the Cardinals beat the Pirates 3-2 on Wednesday. Duncan had started against a couple of lefties, but So Taguchi got the nod over him versus Paul Maholm today. The home run was Duncan...
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MLB Player Notes
2007-04-10 22:33:00
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - MLB Play er Note sNational LeagueNick Johnson - 1B - NationalsNick Johnson (broken leg) will travel with the Nationals so that he can continue to rehab with head trainer Lee Kuntz. Johnson has resumed throwing and running, but hasn't started taking batting practice. He is expected to miss the first two months of the season.Source: Washington Post Andre Ethier - OF - DodgersManager Grady Little said prior to Monday's game that Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp are in a competition to be the starting right fielder. "They have never said one word to me," said Ethier. "But you have competition on every team. I guess the writing is on the wall for me, at least. If I want this spot, I have to not only earn it, but keep it." Kemp is expected to miss a few games after injuring his shoulder on Monday. After Tuesday's game, which Ethier will start, both players will have started four games at the position.Source: Los Angeles Daily News Carlos Quentin - OF - DiamondbacksC...
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MLB Player Notes
2007-04-10 00:59:00
Monday, April 9, 2007 - MLB Play er Note sAmerican LeagueVictor Martinez - C - IndiansIndians manager Eric Wedge said Victor Martinez (quad) was feeling a little better on Monday and could be carried on the active roster for the beginning of Tuesday's series. The one plus for the Indians after four straight postponements is that they've been able to avoid putting Martinez on the DL. He's still likely to miss most of this week, but the Indians could decide not to disabled him if they think he'll be ready in 5-7 days. Daniel Cabrera - SP - OriolesDaniel Cabrera yielded two runs in 7 2/3 innings in a victory over the Tigers on Monday. We're not pleased that Cabrera was left in to throw 122 pitches in a game that was 6-1 after seven innings. Still, it's not a big problem unless it becomes a trend. Cabrera walked none today. The Tigers never attempted a steal after the Twins were 4-for-4 against him and Alberto Castillo six days ago.Chad Durbin - RP - TigersChad Durbin was roughed ...
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MLB Player Notes
2007-04-08 06:33:00
Sunday, April 8, 2007 - MLB Play er Note sAmerican LeagueKevin Youkilis - 1B - Red Sox Kevin Youkilis said he expected to be fine to play Sunday after tweaking an ankle during Saturday's game. Youkilis left Saturday's game in the eighth inning.Source: Boston.com Sammy Sosa - OF - Rangers Sammy Sosa went 2-for-5 with the first home run of his comeback as the Rangers beat the Red Sox 8-4 on Saturday night. 11 to go until No. 600. Sosa's homer was a two-run shot off J.C. Romero in the sixth inning, doubling the Rangers' lead to four runs. Sammy is now 4-for-15 with three RBI and a 5/1 K/BB ratio in four games.John Lackey - SP - Angels John Lackey surrendered one run in seven innings to beat Dan Haren and the A's on Saturday night. Haren, who was outpitched by Felix Hernandez on Opening Day, was a hard-luck loser again in the 2-1 game. Lackey allowed seven hits, walked none and struck out six. He snapped a string of poor Aprils by getting off to a good start last year, and he ...
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Dice-K dazzles in debut
2007-04-06 16:52:00
After striking out three times, Ryan Shealy sounded amazed. "I didn't know he threw that hard," he said. He's got a bunch of plus-pitches," Shealy said. "A lot of guys have a good fastball or have good offspeed stuff, but he seems to have both." Dice -K was more than OK in his major league debut. With millions of early rising viewers keeping track on Japanese television, Daisuke Matsuzaka struck out 10 in seven innings in his major league debut Thursday to lead the Boston Red Sox over the Kansas City Royals 4-1."I can't say that my overall condition was that great today, but I think the role of a starting pitcher is to set up the game and give my teammates the opportunity to win," he said through an interpreter. "I feel like I was able to do that today, so I was satisfied." On a cold, blustery afternoon, Matsuzaka (1-0) allowed six hits, including a sixth-inning homer by David DeJesus, and walked one. DeJesus joked about the famed "gyroball," a pitch Dice-K may or may not thro...
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MLB Player Notes
2007-04-06 15:34:00
Friday, April 6, 2007 - MLB Play er Note sAmerican LeagueBartolo Colon - SP - AngelsBartolo Colon (shoulder) fanned five in four scoreless innings Thursday for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga. He allowed one hit and walked one. Colon is expected to make two or three more starts in the minors before coming off the DL, probably by the end of the month. Once healthy, he'll push Joe Saunders out of the rotation.Chien-Ming Wang - SP - YankeesChien-Ming Wang (hamstring) reported no problems Thursday after throwing 40 pitches from the top of the mound. Wang might throw batting practice in the next few days. He could rejoin the rotation in about two weeks. Mark Buehrle - SP - White SoxMark Buehrle thinks he'll make his next start after leaving Thursday's game with a bruised forearm. Buehrle, who was hit by a comebacker today, is due to pitch Tuesday against the A's.Source: WhiteSox.mlb.com Johnny Damon - OF - YankeesAlthough he said he was feeling better than he was Wednesday, Johnny Damon w...
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Thursday MLB Busts
2007-04-06 15:32:00
Thursday, April 5, 2007 - MLB Bust sAndy Pettitte - SP - Yankees Andy Pettitte surrendered four runs -- two earned -- in four-plus innings Thursday against the Rays. It's not surprising that Pettitte would get off to a slow start after missing the end of the spring with back troubles. He was hurt by his defense tonight, but he wasn't very good anyway. Expect a better showing next time out.Jason Bergmann - SP - Nationals Jason Bergmann gave up four runs and walked six in 3 2/3 innings Thursday in a loss to the Diamondbacks. Bergmann walked three during a three-run first. He was better after that, but the Nationals don't have the firepower to come back very often and they fell a little short tonight. Bergmann is expected to make at least two or three more starts before Jason Simontacchi returns.Adam Eaton - SP - Phillies Adam Eaton was pounded for eight runs -- seven earned -- in 4 2/3 innings Thursday in a loss to the Braves. Including his final two starts of the spring, Eato...
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Thursday MLB Standouts
2007-04-06 13:41:00
Thursday, April 5, 2007 - MLB Stand outsMike Piazza - DH - Athletics Mike Piazza went 3-for-5 with a solo homer off Francisco Rodriguez in the top of the ninth to help the A's beat the Angels 4-3 on Thursday night. One of his other hits was a double. After Piazza's homer, Huston Street pitched a scoreless ninth for the save, with the final out coming when Erick Aybar was caught stealing. The homer was Piazza's first ever at Angel Stadium. Matt Morris - SP - Giants Matt Morris was sharp in his first start of the year, allowing one run and five hits over six innings in a win against the Padres. This after Morris gave up 22 runs -- 14 earned -- and 28 hits in 18 2/3 innings last month. Little can be expected from Morris this year. He lost his best fastball years ago, and his strikeout rate has suffered as a result. The Giants should be content if he bounces back with an ERA around 4.50.Ryan Klesko - 1B - Giants Ryan Klesko went 3-for-4 against the Padres Thursday in his first st...
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Dice-K to make much-anticipated debut
2007-04-05 18:40:00
For months, Daisuke Matsuzaka has been the No. 1 topic surrounding the Boston Red Sox. Every aspect of his arsenal has been dissected. Every bit of his history has been reviewed. Every nuance of his assimilation has been reported. The only thing that hasn't happened -- Matsuzaka pitching in an official game for the Red Sox -- will occur Thursday afternoon when the much-ballyhooed righty from Japan makes his Major League debut against the Royals at Kauffman Stadium. From Japan to New England to Kansas City, they'll be watching. The Red Sox have liked the view so far. "I think it's just a monster hype job that we're going through," said Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell. "I hope he just settles down and pitches. I hope he gets into his own groove and doesn't try to do too much. His stuff is excellent." Dice-K 's legend began in high school, when he threw 250 pitches in a 17-inning complete game in Koshien, the national tournament. He pitched the next day in relief, then threw a...
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MLB Player Notes
2007-04-05 17:56:00
Thursday, April 5, 2007 - MLB Play er Note sAmerican LeagueShea Hillenbrand - DH - Angels Shea Hillenbrand (groin) said Wednesday that he's not sure how long he'll be sidelined. The Los Angeles Times reports that Hillenbrand is not expected to be placed on the disabled list, but Hillenbrand said, "I've never done anything to my groin before, so I have no clue how long I'll be out."Source: Los Angeles Times Octavio Dotel - RP - Royals Royals placed RHP Octavio Dotel on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 30, with a left oblique strain. David Riske is set to act as the Royals' closer until Dotel returns. The Royals hope to have him back as soon as his 15 days are up, but oblique injuries can be very tricky.Francisco Rodriguez - RP - Angels Francisco Rodriguez was photographed with what appeared to be a foreign substance under the bill of his cap following his first save of the season on Monday. K-Rod was seen rubbing his thumb in the area following several pitches....
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Wednesday MLB Busts
2007-04-05 17:52:00
Wednesday, April 4, 2007 - MLB Bust sMiguel Batista - SP - Mariners Miguel Batista was pounded for eight runs in 4 2/3 innings to take the loss to the A's in his Mariners debut Wednesday. In signing Batista, the Mariners paid $25 million for an innings-eating fourth starter. He'll give the club 200 innings this year and win about a dozen games, but he's not going to be of any real use in fantasy leagues.Woody Williams - SP - Astros Woody Williams gave up five runs -- three earned -- in 4 2/3 innings Wednesday in a loss to the Pirates. It's not only their fourth and fifth starters the Astros have to be concerned about. Williams didn't show much this spring, and he started off his regular season by giving up eight hits, walking two, hitting two batters and striking out none. He's not the same kind of option in NL-only leagues that he was as a Petco pitcher.Jaret Wright - SP - Orioles Jaret Wright was pulled from Wednesday's game after giving up six runs -- four earned -- an...
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Wednesday MLB Standouts
2007-04-05 17:09:00
Wednesday, April 4, 2007 - MLB Stand outsMarcus Giles - 2B - Padres Marcus Giles went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer as the Padres topped the Giants 5-3 on Wednesday night. Khalil Greene and Adrian Gonzalez also homered, accounting for all five Padres runs. Chris Young and Matt Cain had pretty much identical outings in the game, but Padres relievers Cla Meredith, Scott Linebrink and Trevor Hoffman combined to pitch 3 1/3 scoreless innings, while Brad Hennessey and Jack Taschner both gave up runs for the Giants. It's a difference between the two teams that figures to be a big factor in the NL West standings this year. Rich Harden - SP - Athletics Rich Harden allowed three hits in seven innings Wednesday in Oakland's 9-0 shutout of Seattle. Harden struck out seven and walked two while throwing 94 pitches. Jay Marshall and Huston Street completed the three-hitter with perfect innings of relief. Harden should remain one of the game's very best pitchers for however long he stays heal...
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MLB Player Notes
2007-04-04 20:18:00
Wednesday, April 4, 2007 - MLB Play er Note sNational LeagueChris Carpenter - SP - Cardinals The Cardinals decided against performing an MRI on Chris Carpenter's elbow. He'll miss his next start with what the team is calling inflammation. Carpenter said his elbow wasn't bothering him during Sunday's game, though he did notice some swelling later that night. "Everybody I've talked to, the doctors and trainers, are not alarmed," he said. "They're trying to make sure I know everything will be OK." Carpenter will be evaluated over the next three days before the Cardinals decide when he'll pitch next. Rafael Furcal - SS - Dodgers Rafael Furcal (ankle) was again limited to playing catch on Tuesday. He won't be ready Saturday as hoped. "He's having a hard time getting from jogging to running," trainer Stan Conte said. "It's a transition, and we expected it. If you push at the wrong time, you can irritate it and cost more days. It was a significant ankle injury, and this is not ...
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Tuesday MLB Busts
2007-04-04 20:01:00
Tuesday, April 3, 2007 - MLB Bust sVicente Padilla - SP - Rangers Vicente Padilla was tagged for six runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings by the Angels on Tuesday. Little more should have been expected the way he finished up the spring. Padilla might be pitching through some pain. He's not going to be worth using in AL-only leagues until he turns it around.Nelson Cruz - OF - Rangers In his first start, Nelson Cruz went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and committed an error in right field on Tuesday. Cruz replaced Brad Wilkerson in the outfield tonight. Sammy Sosa has started both games, going 1-for-7 so far. The three are sharing two spots, and whoever gets hot first could take away quite a bit of playing time from the other two.Jose Valverde - RP - Diamondbacks Jose Valverde blew a one-run lead and took the loss in the 10th Tuesday against the Rockies. Valverde did deserve the blown save, but it easily could have gone the other way. While Troy Tulowitzki's game-tying double with ...
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Tuesday MLB Standouts
2007-04-04 19:38:00
Tuesday, April 3, 2007 - MLB Stand outsVladimir Guerrero - OF - Angels Vladimir Guerrero went 4-for-4 with a homer and a walk as the Angels defeated the Rangers 8-3 on Wednesday night. The top three men in the order -- Gary Matthews Jr., Orlando Cabrera and Guerrero -- combined to go 8-for-12 with three walks in the game. With only Garret Anderson and Shea Hillenbrand hitting behind him, Guerrero should be looking at a lot of intentional walks when he's hot like he is now. He's still capable of an MVP-type season, but he's going to have a hard time putting up monster run and RBI numbers while being surrounded by little more than average regulars.Ian Kinsler - 2B - Rangers Ian Kinsler homered and walked twice as the Rangers' No. 9 hitter on Tuesday night. He also homered in Monday's opener. Kinsler won't keep batting ninth versus righties if he remains hot. He's already expected to bat second versus lefties.Richie Sexson - 1B - Mariners Richie Sexson homered for the second...
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Damon might end up on DL
2007-04-04 19:25:00
Johnny Damon had more than just cramps in his calf Monday and wasn't going to start Wednesday's game as planned. Damon, who was having a bigger problem with the right calf, showed up in the clubhouse Wednesday barely able to walk. There's a chance he might end up on the disabled list, putting Melky Cabrera in center field for a couple of weeks. Source: Newsday

Padres' Peavy shuts down Giants
2007-04-04 04:33:00
Jake Peavy sparkled in six shutout innings and the San Diego Padres beat the San Francisco Giant s 7-0 on Tuesday in the season opener for both clubs, giving rookie skipper Bud Black a win in his debut against predecessor Bruce Bochy. "That's the way you draw it up," Peavy said. "Put some zeros on the board and make it hold up. That's a good day. I feel healthy. That's the biggest thing for me." Peavy gave up 3 hits, walked two and struck out six.Source: AP
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Carpenter to miss start due to elbow inflammation
2007-04-04 04:27:00
Chris Carpenter will miss a turn in the St. Louis Cardinals' pitching rotation due to right elbow inflammation, though the team thinks its ace won't be out long. Carpenter complained of soreness Monday, the day after he struggled in the season opener against the New York Mets. An examination by team physician Dr. George Paletta on Tuesday did not include an MRI, and Carpenter said he thought his elbow already had improved. "I'm not a doctor, but I feel it's a little bit better," Carpenter said. The Cardinals said Carpenter will be evaluated over the next three days. Carpenter allowed five runs in six innings during a 6-1 loss to the Mets on Sunday night. He has been the staff ace the last three seasons after missing most of the 2002 season and all of 2003 following shoulder surgery. Carpenter was an All-Star in each of the last two seasons, going 15-8 last year after winning the NL Cy Young Award with a 21-5 record in 2005. Source: AP
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2007 Opening Day Busts
2007-04-03 21:51:00
2007 MLB Open ing Day Bust sAces get tagged, Lidge blows save, Monroe K's four timesJose Contreras - SP - White Sox Jose Conteras was torched for eight runs -- seven earned -- in one-plus innings by the Indians on Monday. Contreras gave up a leadoff homer to Grady Sizemore to start a five-run first. The second started with a walk, a double and an infield single/error before Contreras was pulled, and the two inherited runners came around to score off Nick Masset. Contreras finished with a 5.09 ERA this spring, but that's not bad for Arizona. He should have value in shallow mixed leagues this season.After facing him on Opening Day, Jhonny Peralta told reporters that Jose Contreras "just wasn't throwing as hard as last year." "He usually throws harder," Peralta said. "Today he was throwing a lot of sliders."Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer Brad Lidge - RP - Astros Brad Lidge blew his first save of the season when he gave up a two-out solo homer to Xavier Nady in the top of the ninth...

2007 Opening Day Standouts
2007-04-03 20:46:00
2007 MLB Open ing Day Stand outsFelix fans 12, Sheets pitches two-hitter, Dunn & Renteria homer twiceFelix Hernandez - SP - Mariners Felix Hernandez struck out 12 in eight scoreless innings to beat the A's on Monday. Yeah, the Mariners were probably right to make him their Opening Day starter. Hernandez allowed three hits and walked two while throwing 111 pitches. The Mariners can't let him go past 110 pitches very often and still should be trying to steal an extra day of rest for him here and there. If they handle him correctly, he could be as valuable as any AL pitcher outside of Johan Santana. If not, there's a good chance he'll wear down in August and September or get hurt even before then. Jason Bay - OF - Pirates Jason Bay hit a two-run homer off Chad Qualls in the top of the 10th Monday to lead the Pirates to a 4-2 win over the Astros. That after Xavier Nady's solo blast off Brad Lidge tied it in the ninth. Bay's homer was the only hit for the Pirates' three-through-...