The 2011 major league season will begin for most teams on April 1, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports. The earlier start will allow the World Series to begin a week earlier and end in October rather than November.
The new setup — a Friday opening rather than a Sunday/Monday start — is in part a response to complaints that World Series teams are forced to play in November. Game 7 in this year’s Series is scheduled for Nov. 4; it’s set for Oct. 28 next year.
"Anything we could do to finish in October," baseball commissioner Bud Selig tells Nightengale, "is what I wanted to do. It shows how serious we are in doing this. I feel very good about it, and am pleased at everybody’s reaction.”
The players appear to be supportive.
"Starting the season mid-week, as we understand it, will allow for a much better postseason schedule than if we had the season begin on a Sunday night," said Michael Weiner, executive director of the players association. "We think that’s a positive step."
Rangers third baseman Michael Young tells Nightengale: "Watching the playoffs last year, you saw guys freezing out there in New York (at Yankee Stadium). That time of year, you expect cold."
Fox Sports president Ed Goren, whose network broadcasts the Series, says it’s not a given that the Fall Classic will be played in better weather. "I think the commissioner is sensitive to getting the postseason over in October. But I’ve been in cities where the weather is awful in mid-October, and beautiful the first of November," Goren tells Nightengale. "So if we’re playing Game 7 of the World Series on Oct. 28, and it’s snowed out, don’t blame baseball."
According to Nightengale, the regular season likely will officially begin March 25 or March 26, when the Giants and Diamondbacks begin a two-game series in Taiwan. That series is expected to be approved by MLB and the players. The season would end Wednesday, Sept. 28, and the division series would begin Friday, Sept. 30, or Saturday, Oct. 1. The World Series would begin Wednesday, Oct. 19.
Sporting News staff reports
The 2011 major league season will begin for most teams on April 1, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports. The earlier start will allow the World Series to begin a week earlier and end in October rather than November.
The new setup — a Friday opening rather than a Sunday/Monday start — is in part a response to complaints that World Series teams are forced to play in November. Game 7 in this year’s Series is scheduled for Nov. 4; it’s set for Oct. 28 next year.
"Anything we could do to finish in October," baseball commissioner Bud Selig tells Nightengale, "is what I wanted to do. It shows how serious we are in doing this. I feel very good about it, and am pleased at everybody’s reaction.”
The players appear to be supportive.
"Starting the season mid-week, as we understand it, will allow for a much better postseason schedule than if we had the season begin on a Sunday night," said Michael Weiner, executive director of the players association. "We think that’s a positive step."
Rangers third baseman Michael Young tells Nightengale: "Watching the playoffs last year, you saw guys freezing out there in New York (at Yankee Stadium). That time of year, you expect cold."
Fox Sports president Ed Goren, whose network broadcasts the Series, says it’s not a given that the Fall Classic will be played in better weather. "I think the commissioner is sensitive to getting the postseason over in October. But I’ve been in cities where the weather is awful in mid-October, and beautiful the first of November," Goren tells Nightengale. "So if we’re playing Game 7 of the World Series on Oct. 28, and it’s snowed out, don’t blame baseball."
According to Nightengale, the regular season likely will officially begin March 25 or March 26, when the Giants and Diamondbacks begin a two-game series in Taiwan. That series is expected to be approved by MLB and the players. The season would end Wednesday, Sept. 28, and the division series would begin Friday, Sept. 30, or Saturday, Oct. 1. The World Series would begin Wednesday, Oct. 19.
The Palm Beach Post’s Joe Capozzi reports Chris Coghlan’s bizarre knee injury won’t change the Marlins’ strategy regarding third baseman Jorge Cantu.
Capozzi reports Coghlan would have moved from left field to third base if Cantu were to be traded before Saturday’s nonwaiver deadline. Now, the idea is to platoon Donnie Murphy and Wes Helms at third in place of Cantu, who was benched Tuesday by interim manager Edwin Rodriguez.
Logan Morrison was called up Tuesday to replace Coghlan on the roster. Morrison will be the Marlins’ everyday left fielder, Capozzi reports via Twitter.
There’s still a possibility Cantu will stay in Florida. Capozzi says the Marlins could keep him if they can’t make a suitable deal.
Sporting News staff reports
The Palm Beach Post’s Joe Capozzi reports Chris Coghlan’s bizarre knee injury won’t change the Marlins’ strategy regarding third baseman Jorge Cantu.
Capozzi reports Coghlan would have moved from left field to third base if Cantu were to be traded before Saturday’s nonwaiver deadline. Now, the idea is to platoon Donnie Murphy and Wes Helms at third in place of Cantu, who was benched Tuesday by interim manager Edwin Rodriguez.
Logan Morrison was called up Tuesday to replace Coghlan on the roster. Morrison will be the Marlins’ everyday left fielder, Capozzi reports via Twitter.
There’s still a possibility Cantu will stay in Florida. Capozzi says the Marlins could keep him if they can’t make a suitable deal.
If the White Sox want to acqire Nationals slugger Adam Dunn in a deadline deal, they’ll have to give up at least two top prospects, ESPNChicago.com’s Bruce Levine reports.
Washington wants right-hander Dan Hudson in any deal, and it is also asking for one of three prospects playing at Triple-A Charlotte: outfielder Jordan Danks (the younger brother of White Sox left-hander John Danks), catcher Tyler Flowers and infielder Brent Morel.
Hudson has been so-so since being recalled from Charlotte just before the All-Star break. He’s 1-1 with a 6.32 ERA in three starts and has worked past the sixth inning just once.
A source tells Levine the White Sox rejected Washington’s proposal of Dunn for Chicago second baseman Gordon Beckham straight up.
Levine also reports five other teams are in pursuit of Dunn, who can become a free agent after the season: the Angels, Tigers, Rangers and two unidentified National League teams.
Sporting News staff reports
If the White Sox want to acqire Nationals slugger Adam Dunn in a deadline deal, they’ll have to give up at least two top prospects, ESPNChicago.com’s Bruce Levine reports.
Washington wants right-hander Dan Hudson in any deal, and it is also asking for one of three prospects playing at Triple-A Charlotte: outfielder Jordan Danks (the younger brother of White Sox left-hander John Danks), catcher Tyler Flowers and infielder Brent Morel.
Hudson has been so-so since being recalled from Charlotte just before the All-Star break. He’s 1-1 with a 6.32 ERA in three starts and has worked past the sixth inning just once.
A source tells Levine the White Sox rejected Washington’s proposal of Dunn for Chicago second baseman Gordon Beckham straight up.
Levine also reports five other teams are in pursuit of Dunn, who can become a free agent after the season: the Angels, Tigers, Rangers and two unidentified National League teams.
The Cubs "have made it clear" to teams that right-hander Carlos Zambrano is available, ESPN’s Buster Olney reports.
Zambrano’s contract and recent performance would seem to be major stumbling blocks in potential trades. The Cubs owe him about $6 million for the rest of this season and $36 million the next two seasons. There also is a $19 million vesting option for 2013. Also, Zambrano has a no-trade clause.
His pitching hasn’t nearly been to that level: He has a 5.66 ERA in 55 2/3 innings this season, and he has spent a good portion of the year in Chicago’s bullpen.
Then there’s the issue of Zambrano’s volatility. He is completing a team suspension for a dugout tirade last month. On Monday, Zambrano apologized for his actions and said he was to blame for the blowup.
Sporting News staff reports
The Cubs "have made it clear" to teams that right-hander Carlos Zambrano is available, ESPN’s Buster Olney reports.
Zambrano’s contract and recent performance would seem to be major stumbling blocks in potential trades. The Cubs owe him about $6 million for the rest of this season and $36 million the next two seasons. There also is a $19 million vesting option for 2013. Also, Zambrano has a no-trade clause.
His pitching hasn’t nearly been to that level: He has a 5.66 ERA in 55 2/3 innings this season, and he has spent a good portion of the year in Chicago’s bullpen.
Then there’s the issue of Zambrano’s volatility. He is completing a team suspension for a dugout tirade last month. On Monday, Zambrano apologized for his actions and said he was to blame for the blowup.
Joba Chamberlain no longer is the Yankees’ primary eighth-inning setup reliever, the New York Post’s Joel Sherman reports, but Chamberlain’s spot on the roster is secure.
An unidentified Yankees official confirmed to Sherman that Chamberlain’s role has changed. "The first thing we felt we had to do was take him out of the eighth inning," the official said. Sherman’s sources also shot down speculation that Chamberlain would be sent to the minors to work out his problems.
David Robertson and Boone Logan preserved the Yankees’ 3-2 lead in the eighth Monday night in Cleveland. Afterward, manager Joe Girardi refused to say that Chamberlain had lost his setup job. Before Tuesday’s game, he told reporters, "We would like for him to pitch at the level he is capable of pitching at."
Chamberlain has a 5.95 ERA in 43 games (all in relief) this season. He is averaging better than a strikeout per inning, however, and Sherman reports the Yankees are pleased with Chamberlain’s attitude and work ethic.
Chamberlain’s struggles have led New York to explore outside replacements as the July 31 nonwaiver trading deadline nears. The club reportedly asked the Royals about closer Joakim Soria, but Kansas City said Soria wasn’t available. Besides, ESPN’s Andrew Marchand reports Soria can reject a trade to the Yankees, along with five other teams.
New York also is believed to be looking at Blue Jays left-hander Scott Downs, Nationals right-hander Matt Capps and Pittsburgh righties Octavio Dotel and Joel Hanrahan.
Last week, the Diamondbacks reportedly asked for Chamberlain as part of trade talks involving right-hander Dan Haren, only to have the Yankees say no.
Sporting News staff reports
Joba Chamberlain no longer is the Yankees’ primary eighth-inning setup reliever, the New York Post’s Joel Sherman reports, but Chamberlain’s spot on the roster is secure.
An unidentified Yankees official confirmed to Sherman that Chamberlain’s role has changed. "The first thing we felt we had to do was take him out of the eighth inning," the official said. Sherman’s sources also shot down speculation that Chamberlain would be sent to the minors to work out his problems.
David Robertson and Boone Logan preserved the Yankees’ 3-2 lead in the eighth Monday night in Cleveland. Afterward, manager Joe Girardi refused to say that Chamberlain had lost his setup job. Before Tuesday’s game, he told reporters, "We would like for him to pitch at the level he is capable of pitching at."
Chamberlain has a 5.95 ERA in 43 games (all in relief) this season. He is averaging better than a strikeout per inning, however, and Sherman reports the Yankees are pleased with Chamberlain’s attitude and work ethic.
Chamberlain’s struggles have led New York to explore outside replacements as the July 31 nonwaiver trading deadline nears. The club reportedly asked the Royals about closer Joakim Soria, but Kansas City said Soria wasn’t available. Besides, ESPN’s Andrew Marchand reports Soria can reject a trade to the Yankees, along with five other teams.
New York also is believed to be looking at Blue Jays left-hander Scott Downs, Nationals right-hander Matt Capps and Pittsburgh righties Octavio Dotel and Joel Hanrahan.
Last week, the Diamondbacks reportedly asked for Chamberlain as part of trade talks involving right-hander Dan Haren, only to have the Yankees say no.
Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt said Monday that "location doesn’t matter" when it comes to a potential new home.
Oswalt repeated to MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart what he has been saying since requesting a trade: He just wants to pitch for a contender, wherever it plays. Houston is buried deep in the NL Central.
There has been speculation Oswalt would prefer to be dealt to a team that is close to his Mississippi home.
The Phillies and Cardinals are considered the top two contenders for Oswalt, and he is willing to waive his no-trade rights to go to either club. Oswalt also has indicated he’d forgo his $16 million option for 2012 in the right deal.
Sporting News staff reports
Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt said Monday that "location doesn’t matter" when it comes to a potential new home.
Oswalt repeated to MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart what he has been saying since requesting a trade: He just wants to pitch for a contender, wherever it plays. Houston is buried deep in the NL Central.
There has been speculation Oswalt would prefer to be dealt to a team that is close to his Mississippi home.
The Phillies and Cardinals are considered the top two contenders for Oswalt, and he is willing to waive his no-trade rights to go to either club. Oswalt also has indicated he’d forgo his $16 million option for 2012 in the right deal.
Gilbert reports the club is looking to move backup catcher Chris Snyder and reliever Chad Qualls, and will consider offers for first baseman Adam LaRoche and right-hander Edwin Jackson.
"If we could get a player back that could help at the major league level immediately as well as help restock the farm system we would listen," Hall said in reference to possibly dealing Jackson.
The report also shoots down rumors that the D-backs, Nationals and White Sox were close to a three-way swap involving Jackson and Washington first baseman Adam Dunn.
Arizona traded Haren to the Angels on Sunday for left-hander Joe Saunders, two minor league pitchers and a player to be named.
Gilbert reports the club is looking to move backup catcher Chris Snyder and reliever Chad Qualls, and will consider offers for first baseman Adam LaRoche and right-hander Edwin Jackson.
"If we could get a player back that could help at the major league level immediately as well as help restock the farm system we would listen," Hall said in reference to possibly dealing Jackson.
The report also shoots down rumors that the D-backs, Nationals and White Sox were close to a three-way swap involving Jackson and Washington first baseman Adam Dunn.
Arizona traded Haren to the Angels on Sunday for left-hander Joe Saunders, two minor league pitchers and a player to be named.
Matt Garza threw the first no-hitter in franchise history and the fifth in the major leagues this season, beating the Detroit Tigers 5-0 Monday night.
"We needed one. I don’t care who it came from. We just needed one for our own confidence," Garza said, mindful that the Rays have been held hitless four times in their 13-season history – three times in the past year. "The guys are just as excited as I am. It’s fun."
The 26-year-old right-hander faced the minimum 27 batters in his 106th career start, allowing only a second-inning walk to Brennan Boesch, for a team that’s often been on the wrong end of pitching gems lately.
Two of the no-hitters tossed against the Rays since July 2009 were perfect games. They didn’t manage a hit Monday off starter Max Scherzer until Matt Joyce’s sixth-inning grand slam.
"It was one of those days where everything lined up," Garza said. "The defense made great plays. I really can’t say enough about them."
Garza (11-5) was the latest to shine in the Year of the Pitcher. The last time there were at least five no-hitters in a season was 1991, when Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan threw one of seven in the big leagues that year, according to STATS LLC.
It’s only the third time in major league history that a team has been involved in three no-hitters during one season. The 1917 St. Louis Browns and Chicago White Sox were involved in three – all against each other.
It’s also the first time in 37 years that two no-hitters have occurred in the same AL ballpark in one season. After going 1,006 games without one at Tropicana Field, two have been tossed in the last 11 games at the hitter-friendly dome.
"The guy obviously made history for Tampa, congratulations to him," Detroit manager Jim Leyland said, adding that Garza dominated the Tigers with "high fastball after high fastball."
Garza, the 2008 AL championship series MVP, rebounded from one of his worst outings this season to win his fourth straight decision and tie a career best for victories. He retired pinch-hitter Ramon Santiago for the final out on an easy fly ball to right fielder Ben Zobrist, who made a terrific running catch in the third to rob Danny Worth.
Little did Ben Zobrist know that this third-inning play would be huge.
"That ninth inning," Garza said, "I kept telling myself, ‘Just finish it, just finish it, just battle, battle. If it’s meant to happen, it’s going to happen."’
Garza’s teammates mobbed him near the mound after a performance that left the New York Mets and San Diego Padres as the only big league teams without a no-hitter. The Rays began play in 1998 – the Padres in 1969 and the Mets in ’62.
The closest Detroit’s injury-depleted lineup came to a hit was Worth’s two-out liner, but Zobrist made a leaping grab above his head as he ran toward the wall.
"I was able to time it just right for my jump. Caught it right in the end of my glove," Zobrist said, smiling. "He pitched so great. It’s his day. I felt honored to be part of a game like that."
Tigers cleanup hitter Miguel Cabrera, who’s batting .347 with 24 homers and 88 RBIs, hit a hard liner to left leading off the eighth. Carl Crawford barely had to move to make the play.
The Tigers were no-hit for the first time since Randy Johnson shut them down at Seattle on June 2, 1990.
After Boesch walked, he was erased on a double play.
Garza said his teammates didn’t leave him off by himself in the dugout during the late innings. He noticed several of them standing in the same spot, however, adhering to superstition.
"I recognized it and didn’t want to look up. I was like, ‘Just keep looking down and stay focused and get ready for the next inning,"’ he said.
No batter, no batter
Through about four months of the season, five pitchers have completed no-hitters. Seven campaigns in the history of Major League Baseball have featured more. Here’s a look at who’s done it so far in 2010:
American League
July 26—Matt Garza, Tampa Bay vs. Detroit, 5-0
May 9—x-Dallas Braden, Oakland vs. Tampa Bay, 4-0
National League
June 26—Edwin Jackson, Arizona at Tampa Bay, 1-0
May 29—x-Roy Halladay, Philadelphia at Florida, 1-0
April 17—Ubaldo Jimenez, Colorado at Atlanta, 4-0
x-perfect game
Garza struck out six in Tampa Bay’s 2,039th game – and on a night when the Rays struggled to generate much offense themselves.
Joyce’s slam on a 3-2 pitch with two outs in the sixth was the first hit off Scherzer (7-8). The next batter, Jason Bartlett, singled for the only other hit of the night until Crawford homered in the eighth.
"I wanted to keep challenging. I didn’t want to walk him in that situation," Scherzer said. "I grooved it, and he hit it."
Garza, who tossed a one-hitter at Florida on June 26, 2008, retired Don Kelly on a routine grounder to second base in the ninth and struck out Gerald Laird before getting Santiago to end it on his 120th pitch before a crowd of 17,009.
In addition to the five no-hitters thrown this season was the perfect game Detroit right-hander Armando Galarraga was denied because of a missed call at first base by umpire Jim Joyce.
Oakland’s Dallas Braden tossed a perfect game against Tampa Bay on May 9, and Philadelphia’s Roy Halladay also was perfect at Florida on May 29.
Arizona right-hander Edwin Jackson threw 149 pitches for a no-hitter against the Rays, his former team, at Tropicana Field on June 26. Colorado ace Ubaldo Jimenez pitched a no-hitter April 17 at Atlanta.
Mark Buehrle threw a perfect game for the Chicago White Sox against Tampa Bay on July 23, 2009.
In his previous start, Garza allowed seven runs and 10 hits in 6 1-3 innings against the Orioles. The Tigers lineup he faced was without Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Guillen and Brandon Inge because of injuries.
"They’re missing some really important people, there’s no doubt about that," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "But they’re all major league players and it’s a no-hitter. They’re not going to make any excuses, I know that."
Leyland was ejected in the third for arguing with second base umpire Marty Foster after B.J. Upton’s stolen base.
NOTES: Scherzer walked four, struck out eight and left after giving up the sixth-inning single to Bartlett. … Tampa Bay began an 11-game homestand spanning 11 days, the club’s longest since August 2005. … Garza was acquired from Minnesota in a trade before the 2008 season.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Rays celebrate with Matt Garza after he no-hits the Tigers.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays finally wound up on the right side of a memorable pitching performance.
Matt Garza threw the first no-hitter in franchise history and the fifth in the major leagues this season, beating the Detroit Tigers 5-0 Monday night.
"We needed one. I don’t care who it came from. We just needed one for our own confidence," Garza said, mindful that the Rays have been held hitless four times in their 13-season history – three times in the past year. "The guys are just as excited as I am. It’s fun."
The 26-year-old right-hander faced the minimum 27 batters in his 106th career start, allowing only a second-inning walk to Brennan Boesch, for a team that’s often been on the wrong end of pitching gems lately.
Two of the no-hitters tossed against the Rays since July 2009 were perfect games. They didn’t manage a hit Monday off starter Max Scherzer until Matt Joyce’s sixth-inning grand slam.
"It was one of those days where everything lined up," Garza said. "The defense made great plays. I really can’t say enough about them."
Garza (11-5) was the latest to shine in the Year of the Pitcher. The last time there were at least five no-hitters in a season was 1991, when Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan threw one of seven in the big leagues that year, according to STATS LLC.
It’s only the third time in major league history that a team has been involved in three no-hitters during one season. The 1917 St. Louis Browns and Chicago White Sox were involved in three – all against each other.
It’s also the first time in 37 years that two no-hitters have occurred in the same AL ballpark in one season. After going 1,006 games without one at Tropicana Field, two have been tossed in the last 11 games at the hitter-friendly dome.
"The guy obviously made history for Tampa, congratulations to him," Detroit manager Jim Leyland said, adding that Garza dominated the Tigers with "high fastball after high fastball."
Garza, the 2008 AL championship series MVP, rebounded from one of his worst outings this season to win his fourth straight decision and tie a career best for victories. He retired pinch-hitter Ramon Santiago for the final out on an easy fly ball to right fielder Ben Zobrist, who made a terrific running catch in the third to rob Danny Worth.
Little did Ben Zobrist know that this third-inning play would be huge.
"That ninth inning," Garza said, "I kept telling myself, ‘Just finish it, just finish it, just battle, battle. If it’s meant to happen, it’s going to happen."’
Garza’s teammates mobbed him near the mound after a performance that left the New York Mets and San Diego Padres as the only big league teams without a no-hitter. The Rays began play in 1998 – the Padres in 1969 and the Mets in ’62.
The closest Detroit’s injury-depleted lineup came to a hit was Worth’s two-out liner, but Zobrist made a leaping grab above his head as he ran toward the wall.
"I was able to time it just right for my jump. Caught it right in the end of my glove," Zobrist said, smiling. "He pitched so great. It’s his day. I felt honored to be part of a game like that."
Tigers cleanup hitter Miguel Cabrera, who’s batting .347 with 24 homers and 88 RBIs, hit a hard liner to left leading off the eighth. Carl Crawford barely had to move to make the play.
The Tigers were no-hit for the first time since Randy Johnson shut them down at Seattle on June 2, 1990.
After Boesch walked, he was erased on a double play.
Garza said his teammates didn’t leave him off by himself in the dugout during the late innings. He noticed several of them standing in the same spot, however, adhering to superstition.
"I recognized it and didn’t want to look up. I was like, ‘Just keep looking down and stay focused and get ready for the next inning,"’ he said.
No batter, no batter
Through about four months of the season, five pitchers have completed no-hitters. Seven campaigns in the history of Major League Baseball have featured more. Here’s a look at who’s done it so far in 2010:
American League
July 26—Matt Garza, Tampa Bay vs. Detroit, 5-0
May 9—x-Dallas Braden, Oakland vs. Tampa Bay, 4-0
National League
June 26—Edwin Jackson, Arizona at Tampa Bay, 1-0
May 29—x-Roy Halladay, Philadelphia at Florida, 1-0
April 17—Ubaldo Jimenez, Colorado at Atlanta, 4-0
x-perfect game
Garza struck out six in Tampa Bay’s 2,039th game – and on a night when the Rays struggled to generate much offense themselves.
Joyce’s slam on a 3-2 pitch with two outs in the sixth was the first hit off Scherzer (7-8). The next batter, Jason Bartlett, singled for the only other hit of the night until Crawford homered in the eighth.
"I wanted to keep challenging. I didn’t want to walk him in that situation," Scherzer said. "I grooved it, and he hit it."
Garza, who tossed a one-hitter at Florida on June 26, 2008, retired Don Kelly on a routine grounder to second base in the ninth and struck out Gerald Laird before getting Santiago to end it on his 120th pitch before a crowd of 17,009.
In addition to the five no-hitters thrown this season was the perfect game Detroit right-hander Armando Galarraga was denied because of a missed call at first base by umpire Jim Joyce.
Oakland’s Dallas Braden tossed a perfect game against Tampa Bay on May 9, and Philadelphia’s Roy Halladay also was perfect at Florida on May 29.
Arizona right-hander Edwin Jackson threw 149 pitches for a no-hitter against the Rays, his former team, at Tropicana Field on June 26. Colorado ace Ubaldo Jimenez pitched a no-hitter April 17 at Atlanta.
Mark Buehrle threw a perfect game for the Chicago White Sox against Tampa Bay on July 23, 2009.
In his previous start, Garza allowed seven runs and 10 hits in 6 1-3 innings against the Orioles. The Tigers lineup he faced was without Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Guillen and Brandon Inge because of injuries.
"They’re missing some really important people, there’s no doubt about that," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "But they’re all major league players and it’s a no-hitter. They’re not going to make any excuses, I know that."
Leyland was ejected in the third for arguing with second base umpire Marty Foster after B.J. Upton’s stolen base.
NOTES: Scherzer walked four, struck out eight and left after giving up the sixth-inning single to Bartlett. … Tampa Bay began an 11-game homestand spanning 11 days, the club’s longest since August 2005. … Garza was acquired from Minnesota in a trade before the 2008 season.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
All linebackers aren’t the same. An inside linebacker is different from an outside linebacker. A linebacker who excels in a 4-3 scheme might be a bad fit in a 3-4 system.
Yet, there are some skills all linebackers need to have, like instincts, recognition, quickness, range and the ability to shed blocks. Durability is important, too. It’s a collision position, you know.
DeMarcus Ware can disrupt a play no matter what the opposing offense is running.
Sporting News solicited the help of one NFL team’s assistant director of player personnel to rank and analyze the top 20 linebackers going into the 2010 season. A look at the scout’s rankings:
1. Ray Lewis, Ravens (3-4 ILB). He has three–down ability because of his leadership, experience, instinct and bottom-line production. Despite his age, he remains an elite player.
2. DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys (3-4 OLB). He has a good combination of size, speed, quickness and strength. His abilities to defend the run and rush the passer make him a dual problem for any offense.
3. Patrick Willis, 49ers (3-4 ILB). Not only is he a good run defender—with instincts, athleticism and ball awareness—but he also can play in space.
4. James Harrison, Steelers (3-4 OLB). Despite his lack of prototypical size, he is a steady producer vs. the run and pass. His natural leverage, instinctive play and use of hands help him overcome his size limitations.
5. LaMarr Woodley, Steelers (3-4 OLB). He can play the run effectively on first and second down and can rush the passer by using strength/power or hands/finesse.
6. Jon Beason, Panthers (4-3 MLB). He brings toughness, effort and competitiveness week in and week out. He might be better as a one-gap defender, stacking and shedding blocks, but he recognizes plays and gets to the ball quickly.
7. Jonathan Vilma, Saints (4-3 MLB). He is instinctive with good read-and-react ability and pursuit. He is better on the move than as a pure downhill run plugger.
8. DeMeco Ryans, Texans (4-3 MLB). He is emerging as a good inside player because of his athletic ability, inline quickness and recognition skills. He can beat opponents with his speed but is equally willing to stack and shed a block.
9. Terrell Suggs, Ravens (3-4 OLB). He is physical enough to play the run but also brings value as a pass rusher. He also can line up as a 4-3 end.
10. Calvin Pace, Jets (3-4 OLB). His productivity with the Jets has been steadier against the run than the pass, but he still has the skills to rush and threaten an offensive tackle.
11. Brian Cushing, Texans (4-3 OLB). His pending four-game suspension notwithstanding, Cushing is a fast riser who is a productive tackler, can drop in coverage and also be an effective blitzer.
12. Jerod Mayo, Patriots (3-4 ILB). He can play the run laterally or downhill and can defeat a block or flow with the traffic when the play is away from him. He is above average in coverage, too.
13. London Fletcher, Redskins (3-4 ILB). A career overachiever who lacks prototypical measurable skills, he compensates with excellent instincts, good inline quickness and recognition skills.
The Miami Dolphins added an elite linebacker in Karlos Dansby this offseason.
14. Karlos Dansby, Dolphins (3-4 ILB). He has the size and athletic ability to play in the box and also get outside to make tackles along the sideline. He also is effective in coverage.
15. Lance Briggs, Bears (4-3 OLB). He might be best on the move rather than plugging and leaning on bigger blockers. He adds value with his coverage ability on third down.
16. Lofa Tatupu, Seahawks (4-3 MLB). He is a good run-and-hit player who understands angles and has good instincts and recognition skills. He might have been higher on this list if he hadn’t missed 11 games last season because of a torn pectoral muscle.
17. Bart Scott, Jets (3-4 ILB). The team’s defensive leader, he brings toughness, accountability and confidence in his understanding of the scheme.
18. Nick Barnett, Packers (3-4 ILB). He is steadily productive against the run and is a solid zone player on pass plays.
19. Brian Urlacher, Bears (4-3 MLB). Although he has started to show signs of decline because of age and injuries, he still is a factor with his size, experience, strength and instincts.
20. Elvis Dumervil, Broncos (3-4 OLB). Like Harrison, he lacks the prototypical size as a 3-4 outside backer but is a good edge rusher. His natural leverage is an asset against the bigger offensive linemen.
Five who didn’t quite make the cut
Chad Greenway, Vikings (4-3 OLB). This under-the-radar performer is a dependable starter and a steady producer.
David Harris, Jets (3-4 ILB). He can play capable coverage between the numbers but lacks extended range and the ability to close when plays are away from him.
Clay Matthews, Packers (3-4 OLB). He can have an impact in every dimension of their scheme. He isn’t going to push opponents back but has good lateral mobility.
Shawne Merriman, Chargers (3-4 OLB). You still can win with him, but you can’t hide his decline in productivity and playing time because of injuries.
Joey Porter, Cardinals (3-4 OLB). He has lost some effectiveness at the point of attack in the running game and lacks the same burst off the edge he used to have. He might be only a short-term solution for Arizona.
All linebackers aren’t the same. An inside linebacker is different from an outside linebacker. A linebacker who excels in a 4-3 scheme might be a bad fit in a 3-4 system.
Yet, there are some skills all linebackers need to have, like instincts, recognition, quickness, range and the ability to shed blocks. Durability is important, too. It’s a collision position, you know.
DeMarcus Ware can disrupt a play no matter what the opposing offense is running.
Sporting News solicited the help of one NFL team’s assistant director of player personnel to rank and analyze the top 20 linebackers going into the 2010 season. A look at the scout’s rankings:
1. Ray Lewis, Ravens (3-4 ILB). He has three–down ability because of his leadership, experience, instinct and bottom-line production. Despite his age, he remains an elite player.
2. DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys (3-4 OLB). He has a good combination of size, speed, quickness and strength. His abilities to defend the run and rush the passer make him a dual problem for any offense.
3. Patrick Willis, 49ers (3-4 ILB). Not only is he a good run defender—with instincts, athleticism and ball awareness—but he also can play in space.
4. James Harrison, Steelers (3-4 OLB). Despite his lack of prototypical size, he is a steady producer vs. the run and pass. His natural leverage, instinctive play and use of hands help him overcome his size limitations.
5. LaMarr Woodley, Steelers (3-4 OLB). He can play the run effectively on first and second down and can rush the passer by using strength/power or hands/finesse.
6. Jon Beason, Panthers (4-3 MLB). He brings toughness, effort and competitiveness week in and week out. He might be better as a one-gap defender, stacking and shedding blocks, but he recognizes plays and gets to the ball quickly.
7. Jonathan Vilma, Saints (4-3 MLB). He is instinctive with good read-and-react ability and pursuit. He is better on the move than as a pure downhill run plugger.
8. DeMeco Ryans, Texans (4-3 MLB). He is emerging as a good inside player because of his athletic ability, inline quickness and recognition skills. He can beat opponents with his speed but is equally willing to stack and shed a block.
9. Terrell Suggs, Ravens (3-4 OLB). He is physical enough to play the run but also brings value as a pass rusher. He also can line up as a 4-3 end.
10. Calvin Pace, Jets (3-4 OLB). His productivity with the Jets has been steadier against the run than the pass, but he still has the skills to rush and threaten an offensive tackle.
11. Brian Cushing, Texans (4-3 OLB). His pending four-game suspension notwithstanding, Cushing is a fast riser who is a productive tackler, can drop in coverage and also be an effective blitzer.
12. Jerod Mayo, Patriots (3-4 ILB). He can play the run laterally or downhill and can defeat a block or flow with the traffic when the play is away from him. He is above average in coverage, too.
13. London Fletcher, Redskins (3-4 ILB). A career overachiever who lacks prototypical measurable skills, he compensates with excellent instincts, good inline quickness and recognition skills.
The Miami Dolphins added an elite linebacker in Karlos Dansby this offseason.
14. Karlos Dansby, Dolphins (3-4 ILB). He has the size and athletic ability to play in the box and also get outside to make tackles along the sideline. He also is effective in coverage.
15. Lance Briggs, Bears (4-3 OLB). He might be best on the move rather than plugging and leaning on bigger blockers. He adds value with his coverage ability on third down.
16. Lofa Tatupu, Seahawks (4-3 MLB). He is a good run-and-hit player who understands angles and has good instincts and recognition skills. He might have been higher on this list if he hadn’t missed 11 games last season because of a torn pectoral muscle.
17. Bart Scott, Jets (3-4 ILB). The team’s defensive leader, he brings toughness, accountability and confidence in his understanding of the scheme.
18. Nick Barnett, Packers (3-4 ILB). He is steadily productive against the run and is a solid zone player on pass plays.
19. Brian Urlacher, Bears (4-3 MLB). Although he has started to show signs of decline because of age and injuries, he still is a factor with his size, experience, strength and instincts.
20. Elvis Dumervil, Broncos (3-4 OLB). Like Harrison, he lacks the prototypical size as a 3-4 outside backer but is a good edge rusher. His natural leverage is an asset against the bigger offensive linemen.
Five who didn’t quite make the cut
Chad Greenway, Vikings (4-3 OLB). This under-the-radar performer is a dependable starter and a steady producer.
David Harris, Jets (3-4 ILB). He can play capable coverage between the numbers but lacks extended range and the ability to close when plays are away from him.
Clay Matthews, Packers (3-4 OLB). He can have an impact in every dimension of their scheme. He isn’t going to push opponents back but has good lateral mobility.
Shawne Merriman, Chargers (3-4 OLB). You still can win with him, but you can’t hide his decline in productivity and playing time because of injuries.
Joey Porter, Cardinals (3-4 OLB). He has lost some effectiveness at the point of attack in the running game and lacks the same burst off the edge he used to have. He might be only a short-term solution for Arizona.
The decision was made during an organizational conference call Monday. On Sunday, general manager Omar Minaya refused to stop speculation that hitting coach Howard Johnson would be let go in an attempt to shake up the slumping club.
New York scored 23 runs in the 11 games and was shut out four times, one less than the club record for a single trip.
The decision was made during an organizational conference call Monday. On Sunday, general manager Omar Minaya refused to stop speculation that hitting coach Howard Johnson would be let go in an attempt to shake up the slumping club.
New York scored 23 runs in the 11 games and was shut out four times, one less than the club record for a single trip.
