SB Nation Recent Baseball Posts

Braves have two prospects in Baseball America's top-25, Jay-Hey is number-1

gondeee, Talking Chop — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:55:37 -0000

Yes, folks, help is on the way. In fact, help just got promoted to double-A Mississippi -- just one rung of the minor league ladder away from the majors. Baseball America listed Jason Heyward as their number-1 prospect in their midseason top-25 prospects ranking. Heyward had ranked fifth in the pre-season top-25 list, but he ascended to the number-1 spot as the four guys in front on him -- Matt Wieters, David Price, and Colby Rasmus, are our top pitching prospect Tommy Hanson -- all graduated to the majors.

Also appearing in the top-25 is Atlanta first base prospect Freddie Freeman, who made possibly the biggest leap of any prospect on this list from 87th in the pre-season rankings to 11th in the mid-season rankings.

Both of these prospects, Heyward and Freeman, are only 19 years old, but they are already at double-A, and with the Braves need for more hitters there's no telling how fast the organziation is willing to move these guys. I'd like to put up a caution sign here and note that sometimes moving guys fast pays off (Andruw Jones, Rafael Furcal, Brian McCann), and sometime it doesn't (Jeff Francoeur, Kyle Davies). While there may be a lot of folks clamoring for Jay-Hey to be promoted to the bigs -- especially if he keeps up his great hitting -- I'm for letting him develop properly in the minors before we rush him into a major league starting role.

Atlanta Braves Fan Confidence Poll

gondeee, Talking Chop — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:41:10 -0000

If it's Friday, then it's the Atlanta Braves fan confidence poll. This poll and therefore your confidence level should encompasses several areas of the team. These areas include, but are not limited to, the team’s ownership, current management, talent, minor-league system, and general playing ability on the field. The poll will stay open for 48 hours, and then the results will be posted and graphed against the previous weeks.

Game 85 Recap: Braves 6, Colorado 7

gondeee, Talking Chop — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:37:04 -0000

More photos » by David Zalubowski - AP

That look says it all...

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On a day when Jeff Francoeur has three extra base hits, we still lose! You have to go back to September 21st of last year for the last time Frenchy had extra base hits in a ballgame. Other than that here's what went wrong today:

The Braves blew three leads.
Tommy Hanson couldn't locate his pitches, and his mistakes got hit in the gaps at Coors.
Bobby Cox has to stop using Mike Gonzalez every single game. I don't really blame him for this disaster, he's been abused this year.
Ditto for Peter Moylan
Yunel Escobar had to leave the game with a strained back.
We were just 3-for-16 with runners in scoring position... 3-for-16!

Frustrating losses in games that we likely should have won have been the norm for Atlanta this year. Maybe the second half of the season will change that.

Final - 7.9.2009	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Atlanta Braves	0	2	0	2	0	1	0	0	1	6	11	0
Colorado Rockies	0	2	0	2	0	0	1	2	X	7	10	1
WP: Juan Rincon (1 - 0) SV: Huston Street (22) LP: Mike Gonzalez (3 - 2)

Complete Coverage >

Red Sox, Rockies discuss Atkins for Saito Trade

Matt Buggenhagen, MLB Daily Dish — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:01:49 -0000

More photos » by Ben Margot - AP

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According to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com, the Red Sox and Rockies recently discussed a deal that would send Red Sox reliever Takashi Saito to the Rockies in exchnage for Rockies third baseman Garrett Atkins.

Even though the Rockies have given every indication that they would love to move Atkins, and his $7.05 million contract, it appears they are looking for more than Takashi Saito in return.

The Red Sox were looking to acquire Atkins to protect against the uncertainty of third baseman Mike Lowell, who was recently placed on the disabled list with a strained right hip. Early reports out of Boston were that the team was going to stand pat on making any deals until they had a better understanding of Lowell's inury. An attempt to acquire Atkins from the Rockies could give us indication that Lowell's injury may be more serious than first thought.

Apparently these two teams are continuing to discuss alternative options, and I would expect if Lowell is on the shelf for any extended period of time that the Red Sox might pull the trigger on a guy like Atkins. If this deal doesn't work the Red Sox might want to call their divison rivals the Toronto Blue Jays, and ask about acquring their third baseman Scott Rolen. Word out of Toronto is that they may be willing to deal Rolen in order to rid themselves of his contract. Boston is one of a few teams who has the luxury of adding payroll at the moment, so Rolen might be a nice fit.

If the Atkins to Boston deal doesnt work out look for the Cardinals and Reds to also inquire about Atkins.

Phillies Breakfast Links, July 10, 2009: Pedro Martinez signing imminent?, More Roy Halladay, Return of Raul.

WholeCamels, The Good Phight — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:39:51 -0000

Pedro Martinez says his agent is negotiating with Philadelphia Phillies - ESPN
Righty scheduled to throw second session later today in Dominican Republic, according to Jayson Stark. Link with horrendous autoplay video goodness.

Bob Ford: Phillies don't need Martinez
I think Ford is missing the point: Yes, Pedro Martinez may very well be no better than the likes of Drew Carpenter or Carlos Carrasco. But if the scouting reports are to be believed, there's at least the possibility that Pedro is healthy and can contribute meaningfully.

Roy Halladay offers will be considered, Phillies "favorites"

Right now, the team most aggressively searching for a front-line starting pitcher is the Philadelphia Phillies, who no doubt would covet Halladay for their particular park for his ability to generate ground balls and missed swings -- he has a ground ball/fly ball ratio of 1.30, to go along 98 strikeouts in 116 innings this season. The question about the Phillies -- as it is with most teams these days, when the value of young players has never been higher -- is whether they would be willing to give up what the Jays would require in trade.

Again, autoplay video horrendousness.

Rich Hofmann: Will Phillies gamble on Pedro Martinez?
Seems to think the signing is inevitable, unless the workout today goes horribly, or the physical is jacked up.

Ibanez is near return to Phils
Let's say Jimmy Rollins has returned to his 2006-ish level of production, and we dump Raul Ibanez into that lineup. It could be downright scary.

Savery wins 12th; R-Phils top Akron
Young righthander leads Eastern League in victories despite less-than-awesome outing.

Raul Ibanez helps Lehigh Valley IronPigs move closer to .500 with 6-3 win over Yankees
That leftfielder they have might have a future in this game!

Cheap Tees for Philly Fans | NBC Philadelphia
Stock up on your Pat Burrell and Peter Forsberg gear, this Saturday at the Spectrum!

Phillies CEO recalls the beginning of the BlueClaws
Monty and a brief history of the Lakewood BlueClaws.

The Fightins " Is Shane Victorino appreciative of the fan support?
No Questions Asked

Minor League Notes - 07/09/2009

KLSnow, Brew Crew Ball — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:26:08 -0000

Nashville Sounds (Triple-A) - 49-38
Won 5-3 vs Round Rock Express (HOU) (box / pbp)

Huntsville Stars (Double-A) - 46-41
Won 3-0 at Chattanooga Lookouts (LAD) (box / pbp)

Brevard County Manatees (High-A) - 48-28
Game 1: Won 5-0 (7 innings) vs Clearwater Threshers (PHI) (box / pbp)

Brevard County Manatees (High-A) - 49-28
Game 2: Won 11-0 (7 innings) vs Clearwater Threshers (PHI) (box / pbp)

Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Low-A) - 42-41
Lost 11-2 vs West Michigan Whitecaps (DET) (box / pbp)

Helena Brewers (Rookie) - 9-7
Won 2-0 vs Idaho Falls Chukars (KAN) (box / pbp)

AZL Brewers (Rookie) - 5-10
Lost 6-3 vs AZL Giants (SFG) (box / pbp)

DSL Orioles/Brewers (Rookie) - 15-20
Won 6-5 vs DSL Marlins (FLO) (box / pbp)

Top Prospects:

Batter	Team	Pos	AB	R	H	RBI	W	K	AVG	Notes
Escobar, Alcides	Nashville	SS	3	1	1	0	1	0	.299	SB
Lawrie, Brett	Wisconsin	2B	3	0	1	0	1	0	.264
Lucroy, Jonathan	Huntsville	C	4	0	2	1	0	1	.248	2B
Green, Taylor	Huntsville	3B	4	0	0	0	0	0	.313
Garfield, Cameron	Helena	DH	4	0	2	0	0	0	.357	CS

Pitcher	Team	IP	H	R	ER	W	K	HR	ERA	Dec	Notes
Aguilar, Omar	Brevard (2)	2.0	1	0	0	0	2	0	0.00
Dillard, Tim	Nashville	6.7	11	3	3	3	2	1	3.91	(W, 9-3)	Game Score: 39
Periard, Alexandre	Brevard (2)	5.0	3	0	0	1	0	0	1.00	(W, 1-0)	Game Score: 60

Top Performers:

Batter	Team	Pos	AB	R	H	RBI	W	K	AVG	Notes
Anderson, Drew	Huntsville	LF	4	1	2	2	1	1	.295	2 2B
Justis, Shane	Huntsville	2B	2	2	1	0	2	0	.303	3B, CS
Wilson, Steffan	Brevard (2)	LF	4	2	2	1	0	0	.296	2B
Wilson, Steffan	Brevard (1)	1B	3	1	2	1	0	1	.293	2B
Schafer, Logan	Brevard (2)	DH	4	2	2	1	0	0	.295

Pitcher	Team	IP	H	W	K	ERA	Dec	Notes
Bucci, Nicholas	Helena	7.0	2	0	9	4.71	(W, 3-0)	Game Score: 82
Rivas, Amaury	Brevard (1)	6.0	1	1	6	3.45	(W, 6-5)	Game Score: 75
Jones, Mike	Huntsville	6.0	3	1	4	5.00	(W, 2-3)	Game Score: 69
Seidel, Richard	AZL Brewers	6.0	5	1	4	7.27		Game Score: 65
Almonte, Rigoberto	Wisconsin	2.3	0	1	3	6.00

Follow the jump for full results!

Nashville Sounds (Triple-A) - 49-38
Won 5-3 vs Round Rock Express (HOU) (box / pbp)

Batter	Pos	AB	R	H	RBI	W	K	E	AVG	Notes
Bourgeois, Jason	CF	5	0	1	0	0	1	0	.311	GDP
Escobar, Alcides	SS	3	1	1	0	1	0	0	.299	SB
Iribarren, Hernan	2B	4	1	1	0	0	0	0	.301
Katin, Brendan	RF	3	1	1	1	1	1	0	.272	2B
Koshansky, Joseph	1B	4	0	1	1	0	1	0	.216	2B
Heether, Adam	3B	3	0	0	1	1	0	0	.323
Gillespie, Cole	LF	3	1	1	0	0	1	0	.235
Raburn, John	PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Arlis, Patrick	C	4	0	1	0	0	0	0	.313
Dillard, Tim	P	2	0	1	1	0	1	1	.174
Parejo, Freddy	LF	2	1	2	0	0	0	0	.333

Pitcher	IP	H	R	ER	W	K	HR	ERA	Dec	Notes
Dillard, Tim	6.7	11	3	3	3	2	1	3.91	(W, 9-3)	Game Score: 39
Swindle, Robert	1.3	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.96	(H, 11)
Houston, Ryan	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	0	2.05	(S, 5)

Huntsville Stars (Double-A) - 46-41
Won 3-0 at Chattanooga Lookouts (LAD) (box / pbp)

Batter	Pos	AB	R	H	RBI	W	K	AVG	Notes
Stern, Adam	CF	5	0	0	0	0	1	.286
Justis, Shane	2B	2	2	1	0	2	0	.303	3B, CS
Anderson, Drew	LF	4	1	2	2	1	1	.295	2 2B
Melillo, Kevin	1B	2	0	0	0	2	0	.269
Lucroy, Jonathan	C	4	0	2	1	0	1	.248	2B
Green, Taylor	3B	4	0	0	0	0	0	.313
Caufield, Chuckie	RF	4	0	1	0	0	0	.274	2B
Garciaparra, Michael	SS	4	0	1	0	0	1	.237	2B
Jones, Mike	P	2	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Hopf, Mike	PH	1	0	0	0	0	1	.213
Perez, Yohannis	PH	1	0	0	0	0	1	.271

Pitcher	IP	H	W	K	ERA	Dec	Notes
Jones, Mike	6.0	3	1	4	5.00	(W, 2-3)	Game Score: 69
Sandoval, Juan	2.0	0	0	2	4.01	(H, 3)
Wooten, Robert	1.0	1	0	2	0.00	(S, 3)

Brevard County Manatees (High-A) - 48-28
Game 1: Won 5-0 (7 innings) vs Clearwater Threshers (PHI) (box / pbp)

Batter	Pos	AB	R	H	RBI	W	K	E	AVG	Notes
Schafer, Logan	CF	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	.291
Haydel, Lee	LF	3	1	1	0	0	1	0	.282	SB
Wilson, Steffan	1B	3	1	2	1	0	1	0	.293	2B
Errecart, Christopher	DH	3	1	1	0	0	1	0	.255
Gindl, Caleb	RF	1	1	0	0	2	0	0	.290
Farris, Eric	2B	3	0	0	1	0	0	0	.254	GDP
Wheeler, Zelous	3B	3	1	1	2	0	1	1	.224	SB
Corporan, Carlos	C	2	0	1	1	0	0	0	.286
Brewer, Brent	SS	2	0	0	0	0	1	0	.228

Pitcher	IP	H	R	ER	W	K	HR	ERA	Dec	Notes
Rivas, Amaury	6.0	1	0	0	1	6	0	3.45	(W, 6-5)	Game Score: 75
Willinsky, Mark	1.0	1	0	0	0	1	0	3.09

Brevard County Manatees (High-A) - 49-28
Game 2: Won 11-0 (7 innings) vs Clearwater Threshers (PHI) (box / pbp)

Batter	Pos	AB	R	H	RBI	W	K	E	AVG	Notes
Schafer, Logan	DH	4	2	2	1	0	0	0	.295
Haydel, Lee	CF	2	1	1	1	1	1	0	.283
Wilson, Steffan	LF	4	2	2	1	0	0	0	.296	2B
Errecart, Christopher	1B	3	2	1	1	0	0	0	.256	CS
Gindl, Caleb	RF	3	1	1	1	1	0	0	.291
Miranda, Sergio	2B	3	1	1	1	0	0	0	.277
Wheeler, Zelous	3B	3	0	1	1	0	0	1	.225
Brewer, Brent	SS	2	1	1	2	1	1	0	.230
Alfonso, Derrick	C	3	1	0	0	0	1	0	.167

Pitcher	IP	H	R	ER	W	K	HR	ERA	Dec	Notes
Periard, Alexandre	5.0	3	0	0	1	0	0	1.00	(W, 1-0)	Game Score: 60
Aguilar, Omar	2.0	1	0	0	0	2	0	0.00

Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Low-A) - 42-41
Lost 11-2 vs West Michigan Whitecaps (DET) (box / pbp)

Batter	Pos	AB	R	H	RBI	W	K	E	AVG	Notes
Sanchez, Juan	CF	4	1	1	0	1	1	1	.246	GDP
Fatse, Peter	RF	4	0	1	1	0	2	0	.286	3B
Lawrie, Brett	2B	3	0	1	0	1	0	0	.264
Kemp, Corey	1B	3	0	0	0	1	1	0	.283
Kjeldgaard, Brock	DH	4	0	0	0	0	2	0	.219
Maldonado, Martin	C	1	0	1	0	1	0	0	.125	SB
McCraw, Sean	C	2	0	0	0	0	1	0	.206
Duran, Jose	3B	4	0	0	0	0	2	0	.234
Marseco, Michael	SS	4	1	2	0	0	0	0	.197
McPhearson, Derrick	LF	3	0	1	1	1	2	0	.150	2B

Pitcher	IP	H	R	ER	W	K	ERA	Dec	Notes
Watten, Trey	2.0	9	5	5	1	1	3.98	(L, 4-7)	Game Score: 18
Meadows, Dan	3.0	4	4	3	0	4	3.57
Tyson, Nicholas	1.7	4	2	2	0	2	1.77
Almonte, Rigoberto	2.3	0	0	0	1	3	6.00

Helena Brewers (Rookie) - 9-7
Won 2-0 vs Idaho Falls Chukars (KAN) (box / pbp)

Batter	Pos	AB	R	H	RBI	W	K	AVG	Notes
Prince, Joshua	SS	3	1	1	0	1	0	.313
Brownstein, Mike	CF	4	0	1	0	0	0	.250
Krieger, Scott	RF	4	0	2	1	0	1	.292
Ellington, Chris	LF	4	0	0	0	0	1	.304
Garfield, Cameron	DH	4	0	2	0	0	0	.357	CS
Dykstra, Cutter	2B	3	0	1	0	1	1	.154
Roberts, Michael	C	4	0	0	0	0	0	.211
Paciorek, Joseph	1B	2	1	0	0	1	0	.250	SB
Dhanani, Kyle	3B	3	0	1	0	0	1	.156

Pitcher	IP	H	R	ER	W	K	HR	ERA	Dec	Notes
Bucci, Nicholas	7.0	2	0	0	0	9	0	4.71	(W, 3-0)	Game Score: 82
Fiers, Michael	2.0	0	0	0	1	3	0	0.00	(S, 4)

AZL Brewers (Rookie) - 5-10
Lost 6-3 vs AZL Giants (SFG) (box / pbp)

Batter	Pos	AB	R	H	RBI	W	K	E	AVG	Notes
George, Carlos	SS	4	1	1	0	0	1	0	.313
Lind, Connor	2B	4	1	1	0	0	0	0	.233
Walla, Maxwell	RF	4	1	1	1	0	2	0	.230
Halton, Sean	1B	2	0	0	1	0	1	0	.296
Dedrick, Wayne	3B	4	0	2	0	0	1	0	.306	2B
Cequea, Allixon	DH	4	0	2	0	0	0	0	.333
Romero, Franklin	CF	3	0	2	0	0	1	0	.185	2B
Roberts, Tyler	C	3	0	0	1	1	0	0	.188	GDP
McKelvie, Demetrius	LF	4	0	0	0	0	2	1	.000

Pitcher	IP	H	R	ER	W	K	ERA	Dec	Notes
Seidel, Richard	6.0	5	0	0	1	4	7.27		Game Score: 65
Guerrero, Luis	1.7	7	6	6	0	4	14.46	(L, 1-1)
Costello, Matt	1.3	1	0	0	0	3	1.00

DSL Orioles/Brewers (Rookie) - 15-20
Won 6-5 vs DSL Marlins (FLO) (box / pbp)

Batter	Pos	AB	R	H	RBI	W	K	E	AVG	Notes
Martinez, Andres	SS	4	1	1	2	0	1	0	.195	2B, SB

Pitcher	IP	H	R	ER	W	K	HR	ERA	Dec	Notes
Ramos, Jose	2.3	8	3	3	1	0	0	4.30		Game Score: 28
Linares, Edwin	0.7	0	0	0	0	0	0	2.70	(S, 7)

Fish Wrap - Marlins 14 Diamondbacks 7

craig, FishStripes — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:00:55 -0000

More photos » by Rick Scuteri - AP

about 9 hours ago: Florida Marlins' Brett Carroll, right, is congratulated by John Baker, after hitting a three-run pinch-hit home run in the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks' in the first inning during a baseball game on Thursday, July 9, 2009, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

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Yes, you read that right - the Marlins won.

Here is how we got there:

Andrew Miller decided to revisit his style of old and not have any control of his pitches. Sometimes when this happens he can find one or maybe two pitches he can get over the plate, but last night he couldn't even execute an intentional walk without throwing the ball to the screen. So by the time Miller exited after 2.2 innings of work, the score was 6-0 in favor of the D'backs.

So enter Burke Badenhop, the Hopper was doing his usual shutting down the opposition in hopes of the offense finally waking up and then the scary part of the game happened. The Hopper was struck on the knee by a line drive hit up the middle and he stayed down on the ground for what seemed like an eternity. He finally limped off the field, with help, but fortunately the x-rays showed no broken bones. He is day-to-day.

By the time everything had cleared the Marlins were down 7-0 after five innings. At this point the television sets in the South Florida area were being turned off by the few still watching the game.

Here is what they missed:

In the top of sixth Cantu went yard for a two-run home run. Then Hermida went pool to make the score 7-3. The two long balls chased Petit from the game.

In the seventh Andy Gonzalez led off the inning with a pinch hit triple. Coghlan immediately drove him with a double. Afterwards the Marlins loaded the bases with no outs but did not score another run. The score was now 7-4.

Then came the eighth, same score, the Marlins once again loaded the bases with no one out and Ross Gload grounded into a fielder's choice to bring home Hermida. Score 7-5. With two on and one out Fredi decided that Brett Carroll should pinch hit for Coghlan, in what turnout to be a brilliant move. Carroll tattooed the ball over the left field fence to give the Marlins the lead, 8-7. But this was only the start of the fireworks, a bunch of hits, some errors by the D'backs along the way, and when it was all said and done the Marlins scored 10 runs in one inning for first time in franchise history with the score ending up being 14-7, Marlins.

The bullpen brought the win home from here.

So it was just your usual breakout the whupping sticks and score 14 runs in three innings to win the game.

All in all, it was just another routine Marlins win

Happy 200th victory Fredi!

Graph of the Day: Frank "Home Run" Baker and Production in the Dead Ball Era

Jack Moore, Beyond the Box Score — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:00:19 -0000

The 1910s were certainly a much different era of baseball than the one we're currently experiencing. Nobody accuses anybody of using steroids. .400 seasons are relatively common. The save doesn't exist, and the relief pitcher barely does. Possibly the biggest difference is the lack of the home run. Frank Baker led the major leagues in home runs for four seasons in a row from 1911-1914 with 11, 10, 12, and 9 HRs respectively. These monster power seasons earned him the nickname "Home Run" Baker. Here's how his production levels and home runs line up.

Wins Above Replacement data from www.baseballprojection.com

Home run data from www.baseball-reference.com

Cubs Minor League Wrap -- July 9

Josh77, Bleed Cubbie Blue — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 07:39:52 -0000

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs lost to the Oklahoma City RedHawks, 6-5.

Starter Esmailin Caridad had a rough night, giving up five runs on nine hits in a 6.1 inning stint. Caridad walked two and struck out six.

Greg Reinhard took the loss in relief when he entered a tied game in the ninth and allowed the winning run on a single and a double. He walked one batter intentionally. The only out he recorded was on a sacrifice bunt.

Catcher Steve Clevenger went 3 for 4 with a two-run triple tonight. He also scored once.

First baseman Bobby Scales was 3 for 4 with a double and an RBI.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies were baked by the Montgomery Biscuits, 6-3.

Andrew Cashner was charged with three unearned runs in the fifth inning to take the loss. Cashner went 4.2 innings and gave up three hits and three walks. He only struck out one. However, since the only runs he allowed tonight were unearned (and two scored after he left the game), his ERA in AA dropped to 0.93.

Third baseman Marquez Smith went 2 for 4 with an RBI. First baseman Blake Lalli was 2 for 4.

Daytona Cubs

Had a double-header rained out tonight. They'll try again tomorrow.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs forcibly sedated the Great Lakes Loons, 4-2.

Starter Aaron Shafer improved his record to 6-5 tonight. He allowed two runs, only one of which was earned, in five innings. He allowed four hits. He walked only one and struck out five.

Chris Huseby pitched a perfect ninth inning for his ninth save. He struck out two.

Right fielder Kyler Burke had a big game tonight, going 3 for 3 with two doubles and a walk. Burke had two RBI and scored once.

Catcher Michael Brenly was 2 for 4.

Boise Hawks

On a long bus trip to Canada.

AZL Cubs

Lost to the Athletics, 8-5.

Joel Pineiro pitches old enough to vote for Rutherford Hayes

DanUpBaby, Viva El Birdos — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:00:47 -0000

More photos » by Morry Gash - AP

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Joel Pineiro throws during the seventh inning of a baseball game Thursday, July 9, 2009, in Milwaukee. It was probably a strike.

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What's there to say about Joel Pineiro? His success is consistent with the way he's pitched—the results he's gotten are commensurate with the things he's done—but the things he's doing are unimaginable over the course of an entire season. Strikeouts per nine: 3.75; strikeouts to walks: 4.0. That just doesn't look like something a major league pitcher can do now. I have a list, hot off the Baseball-Reference presses: here are the last ten seasons in which a starting pitcher has struck out fewer than four batters a game and had a K:BB of more than four:

Carlos Silva 2005 (3.39, 7.89)
Bob Tewksbury 1992 (3.52, 4.55)
La Marr Hoyt 1985 (3.55, 4.15)
(I think you should take a breath here, because time travel can be disconcerting the first time you do it.)
Babe Adams 1920 (2.87, 4.67)
Babe Adams 1919 (3.14, 4.00)
Christy Mathewson 1913 (2.74, 4.43)
Addie Joss 1908 (3.60, 4.33)
Deacon Phillippe 1903 (3.83, 4.24)
Jesse Tannehill 1902 (3.90, 4.00)
Cy Young 1901 (3.83, 4.27)

That's right: Pineiro is pitching like not just one but both aces from the first World Series. When you add in the fact that he has, to this point, allowed home runs at a rate that suggests that Busch Stadium has no outfield wall, and just lets out into a pasture, it would be safe to say that his most similar pitcher to this point has been the guy who appears all over the bottom of this list: Pud Galvin, Gentle Jeems himself. Pud Galvin got his start as backup pitcher (they mainly just used the one) for the St. Louis Brown Stockings the year before the National League was founded.

To say that Joel Pineiro has been pitching like he's in the deadball era is unfair to Joel Pineiro. Pineiro is pitching like it takes nine balls to walk a batter, who probably has an even cooler mustache than Joel Pineiro.

Of all the ways to become a first-rank pitcher, this is obviously the rarest and the most difficult to maintain; it is pitching without a margin for error, without any buffer for poor ball-in-play luck. Even Greg Maddux got that half a walk per nine innings tacked back on eventually, and he had the added benefit of being able to strike batters out when absolutely necessary.

I don't believe that this new Joel Pineiro is workable in the long term—it's astonishing that he's even doing it in the medium term. He is a new pitcher, and probably a good one, but even Tewk, the ultimate late control bloomer, could only keep his walk rate this low for a year or too. But if he gets out of the season with his numbers looking something like this I don't envy John Mozeliak at all.

How much better does this offense look with Ryan Ludwick producing in the middle of it? Up to now Albert Pujols has stood on the bases after driving in runs more or less because of societal pressure to conform; to suddenly have that .458 OBP put to good use on occasion is like, uh, trading for a leadoff man without getting rid of anybody, it certainly is. It's like—and I hope La Russa sees this, gets intrigued with the arbitrary name of the concept, and doesn't touch the lineup any more, save for plugging in the prodigal outfielders as necessary—having three leadoff hitters!

Of course, that late inning rally gets stomped out and we feel a lot worse about the offense. This team getting confounded by Manny Parra, whose walks-to-Pineiro's-walks ratio is well over five, is just about the least surprising thing there is, but it was good to see the Cardinals finally taking advantage of second base, perhaps the most obvious and least utilized platoon this side of Strat-o-Matic baseball. Skip Schumaker still can't hit lefties, and getting his glove off the field—which is difficult in a logistical sense, because it's made of solid iron—is additional incentive to pick his spots, namely the ones in which he has an OBP of .379.

Any second baseman, even Joe Thurston, is going to be an improvement on both offense and defense against left-handed pitchers. Which is why it's been so frustrating, even more frustrating than the thirteen pitchers, for me, to see Schumaker start against the following pitchers:

What began as a relatively strict, disciplined platoon situation has fast devolved into a situation that requires La Russa's prototypical pre-game "We're givin' Skip a day off" interview. Skip Schumaker should never start against left-handed pitchers, not on a PCL team and not here in the majors. On days when he does, he is likely the worst hitting and the worst fielding second baseman in the National League.

I Ran In Circles

Jeff, Lookout Landing — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 07:06:24 -0000

More photos » by Kevin P. Casey - AP

about 8 hours ago: Seattle Mariners' Franklin Gutierrez follows through on his three-run home run in the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers during a baseball game in Seattle, on Thursday, July 9, 2009. Seattle defeated Texas 3-1. (AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey)

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I did. I've talked about jumping around and blasting music after big plays and big wins before, and those stories were always true, but tonight...I dunno, I can't recall many other nights like tonight. With one dramatic swing of the bat we went from facing a probable lost season to getting right back in the thick of things, and that instant switch of perspective manifested itself in a thirty second full-body frenzy that left little bits of broken and handprinty evidence littered all around my house. I can't remember the last time I lost it like that, and while it's only one game - a game that tomorrow could very well be erased - it was the sort of game that'll send you to sleep with a smile and power you through a Friday workday. We've played good games before, and the Mariners have sent us all to bed happy, but nothing this season compares to tonight. Gutierrez's home run is going to be running through my head like Boney M ran through Joe Simpson's.

These are the games that justify our fanhood. I don't even want to go to sleep. I just want to watch the replay over and over again until my finger breaks from clicking.

Franklin Gutierrez: you have arrived. Rob Johnson owes you a thank-you card.

Felix's night tonight: 112 pitches, 74 strikes (66%), 16 swinging strikes (14%), and a bunch of balls on the ground. He didn't look his sharpest out of the gate, but he struck out seven of the last 19 batters he faced, including all three in the eighth. All four of his pitches were working. The King has turned into a legitimate stopper before our very eyes. Since that miserable Angels game on May 19th, Felix has gone 8, 6.2, 7, 7, 9, 7.1, 8, 7, and 8 innings in his starts. Lock this man up. Hell, lock him up tonight while he's still riding the high. He's always had the stuff to be one of the best starters in the world. Now he's pitching like it, and it's magnificent to witness.

As of this writing, Franklin Gutierrez stands as the second-most valuable center fielder in baseball. I loved the trade at the time, but at no point did I expect to see him blossom this impressively this fast. The Seattle Mariners would not be close to where they are today were it not for Gutierrez. Got some disposable income? Buy a jersey. He's going to be here for a while.

Parts of Mike Maddux have grayed faster than other parts.

In the bottom of the second, Ryan Langerhans attempted maybe the worst bunt I've ever seen. In the bottom of the third, Ichiro dropped down maybe the best.

Chris Woodward's barehand play on Andruw Jones in the seventh was spectacular, and seeing that he's capable of that sort of thing only makes me upset that he couldn't pull it off in the ninth inning yesterday afternoon. Also, Andruw Jones is slow.

All this talk about Yuniesky Betancourt and a trade with the Pirates is getting me excited. Nothing's done yet, but there's an awful lot of smoke blowing around, and getting back either Jack Wilson or Freddy Sanchez (and possibly more) would really plug a gaping hole. What seemed pointless in the top of the eighth now seems like the sort of thing that could help put this team over the top. Stay tuned.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

44-41, This Night In Moving Images

Jeff, Lookout Landing — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 06:16:42 -0000

Be you warned, for here there be .gifs.

minor lines, 7/9/09

steve S, McCovey Chronicles — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 06:00:21 -0000

Today's highlights from the Giants' farm were concentrated in Connecticut with (a) Brock Bond reaching base in all five plate appearances, (b) Brandon Crawford reaching base four times, and (c) Jesse English throwing a complete game shutout. Highlights from outside Connecticut include (d) Clayton Tanner allowing just 1 ER in 7.0 IP and (e) Ryan Rohlinger having three hits.

AAA: Fresno defeated Sacramento 7-6
(rallying for two runs in the bottom of the 9th inning)

Fresno: 3B Ryan Rohlinger: 3 for 5, 2B
Fresno: DH Joe Borchard: 1 for 4, HR
Fresno: RF Brian Horwitz: 1 for 2, HR, BB, HBP
Sacramento: 1B Daric Barton: 3 for 3, HR, 2B, BB
Sacramento: 2B-3B Jack Hannahan: 3 for 4, 2 2B

Fresno: RHP Matt Kinney: 6.0 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 4 K--3 HR
Fresno: RHP Osiris Matos: 1.0 IP, 1 K
Sacramento: RHP Jerome Williams: 6.0 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 2 K--2 HR, 1 HB
Sacramento: RHP Henry Rodriguez: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 6 K

Rohlinger had three of the Grizzlies' nine hits, including his organization-leading 28th double. He improved his AVG to .288. Borchard and Horwitz both had their 4th HRs, albeit in fairly different playing time. Barton and Hannahan, both of whom the Athletics optioned recently optioned back to the minors, had three hits. Barton's three hits included his 7th HR and 20th double. He had another big game against Fresno but entered the night hitting just .250/.362/.418 through 232 AB.

Kinney gave up three more homers but was better than his last start when he failed to complete the 1st inning. His ERA is over 6.00 but still a bit lower than the ERA of ex-Giant Williams, who made his fourth start among fourteen appearances this year. Matos pitched a perfect 9th inning. The flame-throwing Rodriguez struck out six of the seven batters he faced. In three appearances against Fresno, he has 2 H, 5 BB, and 14 K in 7.0 IP.

AA: Connecticut defeated New Britain 6-0

Connecticut: 2B Brock Bond: 2 for 2, 3 BB, IBB
Connecticut: SS Brandon Crawford: 3 for 4, 2B, BB, SO, PO

Connecticut: LHP Jesse English: 9.0 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
New Britain: RHP Carlos Gutierrez: 1.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K--1 IBB

The Defenders' two middle infielders, batting first and ninth in the lineup, reached base in all but one of ten plate appearances. Crawford is now hitting .264/.307/.363 in 201 AB since his promotion to the upper minors. Bond now has as many walks as strikeouts (37 BB and 37 SO in 264 AB), helping him to a .425 OBP.

Wow, this start seems statistically to come out of no where. English had not pitched into the 7th inning this year and had had an ERA close to 5.00 in his previous eleven starts, but he pitched the complete game shutout--perhaps the best start of his pro career considering the level of competition. The 7 K were a season high too. Gutierrez, the Twins' first round pick a year ago, allowed 3 ER in the 6th inning, making a relief appearance after starting in his six previous appearances in the upper minors.

A+: San Jose defeated High Desert 3-1

San Jose: LF Thomas Neal: 1 for 4, 2B
San Jose: 2B Nick Noonan: 1 for 2, BB, E

San Jose: LHP Clayton Tanner: 7.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K--1 HR, 1 WP
San Jose: LHP Dan Runzler: 1.0 IP, 2 K

Drawing their only walk, Noonan was the only Giant to reach base twice. He also committed his 12th error. Neal's 24th double was one of their other five hits and their only XBH.

Tanner had an outstanding start, matching his longest start of the year with 7.0 IP and having his second highest strikeout total of the year with 8 K. He faced just four batters over the minimum as he improved his ERA to 3.36. Runzler struck out two of the four batters he faced for his 2nd Cal League save.

A-: Augusta at Asheville postponed by rain
(A makeup doubleheader is scheduled for tomorrow.)

ssA: Salem-Keizer defeated Yakima 11-0

Salem-Keizer: 2B Juan Martinez: 2 for 5, 3B, 2B
Salem-Keizer: 3B Joel Weeks: 2 for 4, HR, BB

Salem-Keizer: RHP Jose Valdez: 6.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K--1 HB
Salem-Keizer: RHP Kyle Vazquez: 2.0 IP, 2 K

Among four Volcanoes with two hits each, Weeks had his 2nd HR, and Martinez (40th rounder) had two XBH for the second straight night, raising his SLG above .600 through 53 AB.

Valdez had his second straight quality start, getting his ERA below 4.00. After allowing 7 ER in his first two starts, he has just just 5 H, 3 BB, and 2 ER in his past two starts. Vazquez (15th rounder) had 2.0 perfect IP in his second pro appearance.

R: Giants defeated Brewers 6-3

Scottsdale: LF Leo Ochoa: 2 for 4, BB, SO
Scottsdale: RF Sundrendy Windster: 2 for 4, 3B

Scottsdale: RHP Aaron Davidson: 5.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K--1 HB
Scottsdale: RHP Chris Heston: 3.0 IP, 1 H, 2 K

Ochoa, a late round pick a year ago, reached base three times. His two singles raised his AVG above .400. Windster's 1st triple was the rookie Giants' only XBH. His two hits raised his AVG above .200.

Davidson's fourth pro start was his longest and his best yet, at least statistically. Heston (12th rounder) faced the minimum nine batters in 3.0 IP. He bounced back in his third pro appearance from the 5 ER he allowed in 0.2 IP in his second pro appearance.

DSL: Giants defeated Mets 4-2

Dominican: SS Cesar Soto: 2 for 3, 2B, HBP, CS, E
Dominican: LHP Diego De La Cruz: 6.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K--1 WP

Soto (18.2 y.o.) had just his second pro XBH in 27 games. After six relief appearances, De La Cruz (20.5 y.o.) made his first start of the season with impressive results. A year ago, he had an ERA close to 7.00 while starting eight of ten appearances.

Game 86: Royals oust Sox

Randy Booth, Over the Monster — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:50:14 -0000

More photos » by Charles Krupa - AP

about 12 hours ago: Boston Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury slides but can't make the play on an RBI single by Kansas City Royals' Ryan Freel in the sixth inning of a baseball game in Boston, Thursday, July 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

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Final - 7.9.2009	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Kansas City Royals	0	0	0	3	0	4	0	1	0	8	13	1
Boston Red Sox	3	0	1	0	1	0	0	1	0	6	10	1
WP: Luke Hochevar (5 - 3) SV: Joakim Soria (14) LP: Justin Masterson (3 - 3)

Complete Coverage >

Royals vs Red Sox recap
Royals vs Red Sox boxscore

All Red Sox Nation wanted was a sweep of the Royals, and we can't even get that?

Sox lose game one thanks to a shoddy bullpen. Brad Penny did just fine (5 IP, 3 ER), but the bullpen is where it all went wrong -- for once. Manny Delcarmen (.2 IP) gave up two runs, Justin Masterson (.1 IP) gave up too as well. Ramon Ramirez worked 1.2 innings, but still gave up three hits, a walk and a run. The only good relief pitcher Thursday was Daniel Bard, who went 1.1 innings and struck out three.

Offensively, Dustin Pedroia continues to break out of his slump. He had three hits tonight including a home run. His batting average is back up at an even .300. David Ortiz as well continues to hit. He hit his 11th home run of the season tonight. Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, Jason Bay and Mark Kotsay all had RBIs as well.

Sox continue the series Friday with Jon Lester on the hill. Brian Bannister will oppose.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Jeff, Lookout Landing — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:09:44 -0000

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

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I Ran In Circles

44-41, This Night In Moving Images

minor lines, 7/9/09

Game 86: Royals oust Sox

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO