Despite his 94-pitch, 14-strikeout effort in his major debut Tuesday, Nationals rookie righthander Stephen Strasburg will be rested often after the All-Star break and will remain on an innings limit this season, according to The Washington Post.
"There will be a point where we just shut him down for a while or really minimize his innings," manager Jim Riggleman told the newspaper. "We want him to pitch in September, so some of that shutdown may be before September."
Strasburg has pitched 55 1/3 innings between the majors and minors this season, and the team plans to shut him down once he reaches 160 innings.
Riggleman admitted that innings limit still would be in play if the team were in playoff contention late in the season.
"That would be very hard," Riggleman told The Washington Post. "I hope we have to make that decision. That would be tough, but we want to make sure this young man is pitching for years to come."
Strasburg’s next start will be Sunday at Cleveland.
Sporting News staff reports
Despite his 94-pitch, 14-strikeout effort in his major debut Tuesday, Nationals rookie righthander Stephen Strasburg will be rested often after the All-Star break and will remain on an innings limit this season, according to The Washington Post.
"There will be a point where we just shut him down for a while or really minimize his innings," manager Jim Riggleman told the newspaper. "We want him to pitch in September, so some of that shutdown may be before September."
Strasburg has pitched 55 1/3 innings between the majors and minors this season, and the team plans to shut him down once he reaches 160 innings.
Riggleman admitted that innings limit still would be in play if the team were in playoff contention late in the season.
"That would be very hard," Riggleman told The Washington Post. "I hope we have to make that decision. That would be tough, but we want to make sure this young man is pitching for years to come."
Strasburg’s next start will be Sunday at Cleveland.
The Stephen Strasburg phenomenon continues to grow. The rookie right-hander will appear on CBS’s "Late Show With David Letterman" to deliver the show’s Top Ten list, MLB.com and The Washington Post report.
Strasburg dazzled the baseball world in his major league debut Tuesday, striking out 14 Pirates in seven innings. He is scheduled to make his next start Sunday in Cleveland against the Indians.
Sporting News staff reports
The Stephen Strasburg phenomenon continues to grow. The rookie right-hander will appear on CBS’s "Late Show With David Letterman" to deliver the show’s Top Ten list, The Washington Post report.
Strasburg dazzled the baseball world in his major league debut Tuesday, striking out 14 Pirates in seven innings. He is scheduled to make his next start Sunday in Cleveland against the Indians.
Sporting News Audio is a weekly series of conversations with Sporting News experts during the MLB season. In this installment, Chris Bahr talks about Stephen Strasburg’s dominant debut, and where the Washington Nationals are expected to go from here.
Sporting News
Sporting News Audio is a weekly series of conversations with Sporting News experts during the MLB season. In this installment, Chris Bahr talks about Stephen Strasburg’s dominant debut, and where the Washington Nationals are expected to go from here.
The Mariners expect the Yankees to make a run at lefthander Cliff Lee as the July 31 nonwaiver trading deadline approaches, according to a report in the New York Post.
Seattle acquired Lee, who will be a free agent after this season, from the Phillies this past offseason. However, Seattle is expected to deal him because it has been unable to climb back into contention in the AL West.
The New York Post reports Seattle already is scouting New York’s minor league system in anticipation of trade talks. The Mariners are said to be interested in one of the Yankees’ catcher prospects and shortstop prospect Eduardo Nunez.
Despite the Lee chatter, the New York Post noted the Yankees’ most pressing need is another bat. The team has been scouting Astros first baseman Lance Berkman, whose contract includes a team option for 2011 and a no-trade clause. Berkman would be an option at DH with Nick Johnson (wrist) out for an extended period. Another option at DH: White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko, who also will be a free agent after the season and who has a limited no-trade clause.
Sporting News staff reports
The Mariners expect the Yankees to make a run at lefthander Cliff Lee as the July 31 nonwaiver trading deadline approaches, according to a report in the New York Post.
Seattle acquired Lee, who will be a free agent after this season, from the Phillies this past offseason. However, Seattle is expected to deal him because it has been unable to climb back into contention in the AL West.
The New York Post reports Seattle already is scouting New York’s minor league system in anticipation of trade talks. The Mariners are said to be interested in one of the Yankees’ catcher prospects and shortstop prospect Eduardo Nunez.
Despite the Lee chatter, the New York Post noted the Yankees’ most pressing need is another bat. The team has been scouting Astros first baseman Lance Berkman, whose contract includes a team option for 2011 and a no-trade clause. Berkman would be an option at DH with Nick Johnson (wrist) out for an extended period. Another option at DH: White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko, who also will be a free agent after the season and who has a limited no-trade clause.
Bobby Valentine and Eric Wedge are among the early candidates to be the Baltimore Orioles’ new full-time manager, the Baltimore Sun reports.
Valentine may interview with team president Andy MacPhail as early as Thursday. No date has been set for a meeting between Wedge and MacPhail.
Both men refused to comment when contacted by the Sun.
Valentine, 60, is now an analyst for ESPN. He guided the New York Mets to the National League championship in 2000, before losing to the Yankees in the World Series. He won a Japan Series championship with the Chiba Lotte Marines in 2005.
Wedge, 42, nearly led the Cleveland Indians to the American League title in 2007, only to see his team blow a 3-1 lead in the ALCS to the Boston Red Sox.
The Sun reports interim manager Samuel is also being considered, along with former O’s catcher and current broadcaster Rick Dempsey; as well as veteran managers such as former Birds skipper Davey Johnson; Buck Showalter; Phil Garner; Bob Melvin, and Clint Hurdle.
MacPhail fired Dave Trembley on Thursday and replaced him on an interim basis with Samuel.
Brad Lincoln, the Pirates’ top pitching prospect, is "definitely a candidate" to make his major league debut in this week’s three-game series at Washington, but it apparently won’t come in a head-to-head rookie showdown with the Nationals’ Stephen Strasburg.
Strasburg is scheduled to work Tuesday against Pittsburgh’s Jeff Karstens. Lincoln, who is 6-2 with a 3.16 ERA and 55 strikeouts at Triple-A Indianapolis, could start on Wednesday.
A Lincoln-Strasburg matchup might have generated extra interest, which already is off the charts with Strasburg. But Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said management’s preference was to have the veteran Karstens matched against the touted prospect.
"It would be awesome," Lincoln told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, referring to his big league debut. "I’ve worked really hard to get to this point, and I’d be thrilled if they brought me up. I’ll be ready."
Sporting News staff reports
Brad Lincoln, the Pirates’ top pitching prospect, is "definitely a candidate" to make his major league debut in this week’s three-game series at Washington, but it apparently won’t come in a head-to-head rookie showdown with the Nationals’ Stephen Strasburg.
Strasburg is scheduled to work Tuesday against Pittsburgh’s Jeff Karstens. Lincoln, who is 6-2 with a 3.16 ERA and 55 strikeouts at Triple-A Indianapolis, could start on Wednesday.
A Lincoln-Strasburg matchup might have generated extra interest, which already is off the charts with Strasburg. But Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said management’s preference was to have the veteran Karstens matched against the touted prospect.
"It would be awesome," Lincoln told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, referring to his big league debut. "I’ve worked really hard to get to this point, and I’d be thrilled if they brought me up. I’ll be ready."
Sporting News Audio is a weekly series of conversations with Sporting News experts during the MLB season. In this installment, Ryan Fagan talks about Armando Galarraga’s near-perfect game and Ken Griffey, Jr.’s retirement.
Sporting News
Sporting News Audio is a weekly series of conversations with Sporting News experts during the MLB season. In this installment, Ryan Fagan talks about Armando Galarraga’s near-perfect game and Ken Griffey, Jr.’s retirement.
Orioles manager Dave Trembley could be managing his final game for Baltimore today at Yankee Stadium. The Baltimore Sun reports the team is expected to fire Trembley before the start of this weekend’s series against the Red Sox.
The Orioles are a disappointing 15-38 this season and began the day 20 1/2 games behind the first-place Rays in the AL East — and with the worst record in the majors.
Trembley took over for Sam Perlozzo in mid-June of 2007 and led the team to a 40-53 record before having the interim tag removed after the season. Since then, however, he is 147-229 (.391 winning percentage).
The Orioles begin a nine-game homestand Friday. Record-low attendance at Camden Yards has been a problem this season, due in part to the team’s 9-14 home record.
Sporting News staff reports
Orioles manager Dave Trembley could be managing his final game for Baltimore today at Yankee Stadium. The Baltimore Sun reports the team is expected to fire Trembley before the start of this weekend’s series against the Red Sox.
The Orioles are a disappointing 15-38 this season and began the day 20 1/2 games behind the first-place Rays in the AL East — and with the worst record in the majors.
Trembley took over for Sam Perlozzo in mid-June of 2007 and led the team to a 40-53 record before having the interim tag removed after the season. Since then, however, he is 147-229 (.391 winning percentage).
The Orioles begin a nine-game homestand Friday. Record-low attendance at Camden Yards has been a problem this season, due in part to the team’s 9-14 home record.
Thirteen All-Star Game appearances, 10 Gold Gloves, 630 home runs … and zero steroid accusations.
If ever there was a candidate to be baseball’s first unanimous Hall of Fame pick, admirers say, it’s Ken Griffey.
With the 40-year-old Seattle icon announcing his retirement Wednesday, Sporting News surveyed 35 pitchers who gave up at least one Griffey long ball.
Ken Griffey Jr. spent his prime years in an M’s uniform.
Who has the sweetest swing you ever saw?
Griffey 15
Will Clark 8
Tony Gwynn 1 1/2
John Olerud 1 1/2
George Brett 1 1/4 Also receiving votes: Albert Belle, Lance Berkman, Wade Boggs, Barry Bonds, Rod Carew, Edgar Martinez, Don Mattingly, Joe Mauer, Rafael Palmeiro, Kirby Puckett, Manny Ramirez, Alex Rodriguez, Chase Utley, Robin Ventura, Larry Walker, Ted Williams.
THEY SAID IT Pat Hentgen: "Griffey is the only American League player of my era that I made sure I was out on the field to watch when he took batting practice." Erik Hanson: "A tie between Griffey and Ben Hogan." Bob Tewksbury: "Will Clark’s was pretty good, too." Michael Wuertz: "Watching Griffey while growing up, that is who you wanted to be — hat on backwards, white tape job on the bat and the waggle."
Which current player reminds you of Griffey in some way?
Torii Hunter 12 1/2
No one 11
Derek Jeter 3
Adam Jones 2
Albert Pujols 2 Also receiving votes: Jacoby Ellsbury, Josh Hamilton, Ryan Howard, Matt Kemp.
THEY SAID IT Scott Bailes: "No current player really has the flair that Junior played with." Heath Murray: "Torii Hunter always has that smile on his face and has fun. Josh Hamilton’s natural talent may be somewhat comparable." Scott Kamieniecki: "Both Griffey and Derek Jeter play Gold Glove defense, run the bases, hit for average, hit in the clutch, always seem to be in the right place at the right time, have a passion for the game and have fun playing."
The home run(s) he hit off me came mostly on …
Fastballs 22
Sinkers 4
Changeups 4 Also receiving votes: Curveballs, sliders, splitters.
THEY SAID IT Jim Mecir: "A hanging screwball. It almost decapitated a fan in the right field bleachers." Erik Hanson: "Both on fastballs. In some strange way, it almost seems like an honor now." Mike Butcher: "I don’t usually watch home runs but the bomb he hit off my 3-2 fastball was majestic, even in a dome."
To have any shot against Griffey in his prime, you had to … Mix your pitches 12 Fastball in 7 1/2 Get ahead in count 4 1/2 Pray 4
Also receiving votes: Fastball away, get help from umps, get him to expand zone, keep him off-balance, pitch around him. THEY SAID IT Pete Harnisch:"Be an astronaut with a jetpack on so you could catch that thing." Jeff Nelson:"Get a call from the umpire. He got all the close calls." Mike Buddie:"Never duplicate locations or pitches. He was phenomenal at making mid-at-bat adjustments."
Any question he’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer? No question 35 Yes 0
THEY SAID IT Joe Magrane: "Without injuries, I feel he would be the home run champ." Mike DeJean: "His defense combined with his incredible swing may never be seen again in the game." Mike Buddie: "I wish today’s younger players could have seen him when he was 20." Erik Hanson: "I have a question for those that don’t vote for him on the first ballot: How do you sleep at night?" Jason Jennings:"Amidst all the steroids drama, never once has anyone hinted that Griffey used. That makes you appreciate him even more." Mark Guthrie:"All things considered, he’s the most dominant player of his era."
This story first appeared in the Dec. 21, 2009 edition of Sporting News magazine. If you are not receiving the magazine, subscribe today, or pick up a copy, available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.
Jeff D'Alessio, Sporting News
Thirteen All-Star Game appearances, 10 Gold Gloves, 630 home runs … and zero steroid accusations.
If ever there was a candidate to be baseball’s first unanimous Hall of Fame pick, admirers say, it’s Ken Griffey.
With the 40-year-old Seattle icon announcing his retirement Wednesday, Sporting News surveyed 35 pitchers who gave up at least one Griffey long ball.
Ken Griffey Jr. spent his prime years in an M’s uniform.
Who has the sweetest swing you ever saw?
Griffey 15
Will Clark 8
Tony Gwynn 1 1/2
John Olerud 1 1/2
George Brett 1 1/4 Also receiving votes: Albert Belle, Lance Berkman, Wade Boggs, Barry Bonds, Rod Carew, Edgar Martinez, Don Mattingly, Joe Mauer, Rafael Palmeiro, Kirby Puckett, Manny Ramirez, Alex Rodriguez, Chase Utley, Robin Ventura, Larry Walker, Ted Williams.
THEY SAID IT Pat Hentgen: "Griffey is the only American League player of my era that I made sure I was out on the field to watch when he took batting practice." Erik Hanson: "A tie between Griffey and Ben Hogan." Bob Tewksbury: "Will Clark’s was pretty good, too." Michael Wuertz: "Watching Griffey while growing up, that is who you wanted to be — hat on backwards, white tape job on the bat and the waggle."
Which current player reminds you of Griffey in some way?
Torii Hunter 12 1/2
No one 11
Derek Jeter 3
Adam Jones 2
Albert Pujols 2 Also receiving votes: Jacoby Ellsbury, Josh Hamilton, Ryan Howard, Matt Kemp.
THEY SAID IT Scott Bailes: "No current player really has the flair that Junior played with." Heath Murray: "Torii Hunter always has that smile on his face and has fun. Josh Hamilton’s natural talent may be somewhat comparable." Scott Kamieniecki: "Both Griffey and Derek Jeter play Gold Glove defense, run the bases, hit for average, hit in the clutch, always seem to be in the right place at the right time, have a passion for the game and have fun playing."
The home run(s) he hit off me came mostly on …
Fastballs 22
Sinkers 4
Changeups 4 Also receiving votes: Curveballs, sliders, splitters.
THEY SAID IT Jim Mecir: "A hanging screwball. It almost decapitated a fan in the right field bleachers." Erik Hanson: "Both on fastballs. In some strange way, it almost seems like an honor now." Mike Butcher: "I don’t usually watch home runs but the bomb he hit off my 3-2 fastball was majestic, even in a dome."
To have any shot against Griffey in his prime, you had to … Mix your pitches 12 Fastball in 7 1/2 Get ahead in count 4 1/2 Pray 4
Also receiving votes: Fastball away, get help from umps, get him to expand zone, keep him off-balance, pitch around him. THEY SAID IT Pete Harnisch:"Be an astronaut with a jetpack on so you could catch that thing." Jeff Nelson:"Get a call from the umpire. He got all the close calls." Mike Buddie:"Never duplicate locations or pitches. He was phenomenal at making mid-at-bat adjustments."
Any question he’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer? No question 35 Yes 0
THEY SAID IT Joe Magrane: "Without injuries, I feel he would be the home run champ." Mike DeJean: "His defense combined with his incredible swing may never be seen again in the game." Mike Buddie: "I wish today’s younger players could have seen him when he was 20." Erik Hanson: "I have a question for those that don’t vote for him on the first ballot: How do you sleep at night?" Jason Jennings:"Amidst all the steroids drama, never once has anyone hinted that Griffey used. That makes you appreciate him even more." Mark Guthrie:"All things considered, he’s the most dominant player of his era."
This story first appeared in the Dec. 21, 2009 edition of Sporting News magazine. If you are not receiving the magazine, subscribe today, or pick up a copy, available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.
The Cubs and Angels might be discussing a deal that would send first baseman Derrek Lee to Los Angeles, according to the Chicago Tribune.
The Angels have a need at first base after the potentially season-ending ankle injury suffered by Kendry Morales this past weekend.
The struggling Lee, who is hitting .323 with six homers and 23 RBIs this season, is in the final season of his contract.
The Angels also are rumored to have interest in Cubs outfielder/infielder Xavier Nady. In addition, the Chicago Tribune recently reported White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko also could be among the Angels’ targets. And the Los Angeles Times listed Diamondbacks first baseman Adam LaRoche, Astros first baseman Lance Berkman, Orioles infielder Ty Wigginton, Indians first baseman Russell Branyan and Nationals first baseman Adam Dunn as possible replacements for Morales.
Sporting News staff reports
The Cubs and Angels might be discussing a deal that would send first baseman Derrek Lee to Los Angeles, according to the Chicago Tribune.
The Angels have a need at first base after the potentially season-ending ankle injury suffered by Kendry Morales this past weekend.
The struggling Lee, who is hitting .323 with six homers and 23 RBIs this season, is in the final season of his contract.
The Angels also are rumored to have interest in Cubs outfielder/infielder Xavier Nady. In addition, the Chicago Tribune recently reported White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko also could be among the Angels’ targets. And the Los Angeles Times listed Diamondbacks first baseman Adam LaRoche, Astros first baseman Lance Berkman, Orioles infielder Ty Wigginton, Indians first baseman Russell Branyan and Nationals first baseman Adam Dunn as possible replacements for Morales.
