Sporting News staff reports
Red Sox rookie outfielder Daniel Nava, who hit the first major-league pitch he saw for a grand slam on Saturday, has a big crush on ESPN sideline reporter/ABC dancing star Erin Andrews. Nava, 27, has been leaving a ticket for Andrews, 32, at the players’ gate for every game the past three seasons in the minor leagues, according to WBZ-TV.
Nava is continuing the tradition now that he’s been called up to the Red Sox, but Andrews has yet to take him up on his offer. Nava said he got the idea from Cowboys QB Tony Romo, who reportedly left countless tickets for pop singer Jessica Simpson before she finally showed up and then started dating him.
Nava’s scheme just might work, too.
Andrews heard about the ticket offer and posted a congratulatory note on her Twitter page Saturday night, after Nava’s grand slam. She wrote: "Pass along my best to Daniel. Congrats on a big day that will go down in Sox history. Hope to meet him soon."
Sporting News staff reports
Red Sox rookie outfielder Daniel Nava, who hit the first major-league pitch he saw for a grand slam on Saturday, has a big crush on ESPN sideline reporter/ABC dancing star Erin Andrews. Nava, 27, has been leaving a ticket for Andrews, 32, at the players’ gate for every game the past three seasons in the minor leagues, according to WBZ-TV.
Nava is continuing the tradition now that he’s been called up to the Red Sox, but Andrews has yet to take him up on his offer. Nava said he got the idea from Cowboys QB Tony Romo, who reportedly left countless tickets for pop singer Jessica Simpson before she finally showed up and then started dating him.
Nava’s scheme just might work, too.
Andrews heard about the ticket offer and posted a congratulatory note on her Twitter page Saturday night, after Nava’s grand slam. She wrote: "Pass along my best to Daniel. Congrats on a big day that will go down in Sox history. Hope to meet him soon."
Sporting News staff reports
Andy MacPhail, the Orioles’ president of baseball operations, says there’s no guarantee his search for a full-time manager will be concluded before this season ends.
MacPhail told the Baltimore Sun his recent interviews of Eric Wedge and Bobby Valentine were conducted to "assess their interest." He pointed out that neither was disruptive because Wedge and Valentine currently are not associated with a team.
"I don’t know how it is going to play out. We don’t know how long it is going to go, too many variables," MacPhail told the paper. "You just made an interim change and then you look at the landscape. I think it depends on your pool of candidates, where you are in the process, how comfortable you are with what your options are."
MacPhail talked to Wedge, the former Indians manager, on Wednesday. Valentine, a former Mets and Rangers manager, was interviewed on Friday.
With Juan Samuel working on an interim basis in place of fired Dave Trembley, MacPhail stressed that no decision is looming and no further interviews are scheduled.
Sporting News staff reports
Andy MacPhail, the Orioles’ president of baseball operations, says there’s no guarantee his search for a full-time manager will be concluded before this season ends.
MacPhail told the Baltimore Sun his recent interviews of Eric Wedge and Bobby Valentine were conducted to "assess their interest." He pointed out that neither was disruptive because Wedge and Valentine currently are not associated with a team.
"I don’t know how it is going to play out. We don’t know how long it is going to go, too many variables," MacPhail told the paper. "You just made an interim change and then you look at the landscape. I think it depends on your pool of candidates, where you are in the process, how comfortable you are with what your options are."
MacPhail talked to Wedge, the former Indians manager, on Wednesday. Valentine, a former Mets and Rangers manager, was interviewed on Friday.
With Juan Samuel working on an interim basis in place of fired Dave Trembley, MacPhail stressed that no decision is looming and no further interviews are scheduled.
Perhaps Jason Bay will find his power facing AL teams. Maybe the interleague interruption will help Matt Holliday recover his home run swing.
They need some sort of lift. So do Chone Figgins and John Lackey. So far the free agents who signed the largest contracts last offseason are not performing up to their multi-year deals.
How they’re faring as the interleague schedule moves into Day 4 of a 17-day run:
Matt Holliday isn’t putting up the kinds of numbers the Cardinals would like.
Matt Holliday, Cardinals
The seven-year, $120 million deal handed out by the Cardinals was questioned around baseball, but don’t mention buyer’s remorse to GM John Mozeliak.
The Cardinals keep saying Holliday is close to breaking out, and his .293 average and .370 OBP are not far below his career numbers of .317 and .386. His run-producing numbers, however, are lacking. Holliday is hitting just .206 with runners in scoring position and ranks 10th in RBIs among NL cleanup hitters. He is on pace for 16 homers and 65 RBIs.
More than once, Holliday has reminded the media in St. Louis that he started slowly last season and still managed 24 homers and 109 RBIs.
Facing the team that traded him to St. Louis could help. The A’s, who visit Busch Stadium this weekend, have an AL-worst 5.25 road ERA.
Chone Figgins, Mariners
If nothing else, the Mariners’ season gone wrong has provided another reason why the media should avoid predictions. Picked to contend, the Mariners have spent most of the season in last place. Figgins has played a big part in the disappointment.
One of the game’s top leadoff hitters in 2009, Figgins was signed to a four-year, $36 million deal to hit behind Ichiro Suzuki and give the Mariners a potent 1-2 punch. But Figgins, with as many strikeouts as hits, is hitting .227/.336 — and those numbers are on the upswing. Figgins hasn’t had his average over .230 in two months, and was dropped to ninth in the order last week.
"We’re not just pointing a finger at him," Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu said last week. "We’re not getting enough run production, and we’re just looking at any way we can. Figgie’s a good player who went through some struggles."
Scouts say Figgins’ failings are easily explainable: Moving him to second base from third just before spring training threw him off, and he hasn’t adjusted. His stats suggest another reason: Figgins, a switch-hitter, is hitting .185 from the left side, more than 100 points below his career .296. His numbers hitting righthanded — .311/.383 — are well above his career averages.
After a rough weekend against the Padres, the majors’ ERA leaders, Figgins and the Mariners finish a long road trip against the Cardinals, who sport the second-best ERA.
John Lackey, Red Sox
With seven wins and three losses, Lackey hasn’t been totally lacking, and he has turned in strong performances in his past two outings. Still, his 4.54 ERA is well above his career 3.85.
What’s the problem? Pitching in the AL East with Fenway Park as your home park is not easy. Lackey’s 5.10 home ERA is more than a run higher than his road ERA. Overall, he is allowing more hits (10.0 per nine innings) and walks (3.9) while striking out fewer (4.9) hitters than he has during any season in his career. And this is just Year 1 of a five-year, $82.5 million contract.
Lackey next starts Thursday against Arizona, which totaled six runs in losing a three-game series at Fenway in 2008.
Jason Bay, Mets
After landing a four-year, $66 million deal with the Mets, few figured Bay would hit 36 homers like he did for the Red Sox last season. His new home, Citi Field, is not kind to power hitters. But nobody would have guessed Bay would have the same number of homers (four) and fewer RBIs (25 to 26) than teammate Angel Pagan.
Like the others here, Bay hasn’t been a total disappointment. His defense has been better than advertised, and he leads the Mets in runs scored, partly because he has missed only one game. His calm, professional approach also has played well with his new team, which has moved into second place behind strong pitching and improved chemistry.
His next series is at Cleveland, where he has hit three homers in six games.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Perhaps Jason Bay will find his power facing AL teams. Maybe the interleague interruption will help Matt Holliday recover his home run swing.
They need some sort of lift. So do Chone Figgins and John Lackey. So far the free agents who signed the largest contracts last offseason are not performing up to their multi-year deals.
How they’re faring as the interleague schedule moves into Day 4 of a 17-day run:
Matt Holliday isn’t putting up the kinds of numbers the Cardinals would like.
Matt Holliday, Cardinals
The seven-year, $120 million deal handed out by the Cardinals was questioned around baseball, but don’t mention buyer’s remorse to GM John Mozeliak.
The Cardinals keep saying Holliday is close to breaking out, and his .293 average and .370 OBP are not far below his career numbers of .317 and .386. His run-producing numbers, however, are lacking. Holliday is hitting just .206 with runners in scoring position and ranks 10th in RBIs among NL cleanup hitters. He is on pace for 16 homers and 65 RBIs.
More than once, Holliday has reminded the media in St. Louis that he started slowly last season and still managed 24 homers and 109 RBIs.
Facing the team that traded him to St. Louis could help. The A’s, who visit Busch Stadium this weekend, have an AL-worst 5.25 road ERA.
Chone Figgins, Mariners
If nothing else, the Mariners’ season gone wrong has provided another reason why the media should avoid predictions. Picked to contend, the Mariners have spent most of the season in last place. Figgins has played a big part in the disappointment.
One of the game’s top leadoff hitters in 2009, Figgins was signed to a four-year, $36 million deal to hit behind Ichiro Suzuki and give the Mariners a potent 1-2 punch. But Figgins, with as many strikeouts as hits, is hitting .227/.336 — and those numbers are on the upswing. Figgins hasn’t had his average over .230 in two months, and was dropped to ninth in the order last week.
"We’re not just pointing a finger at him," Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu said last week. "We’re not getting enough run production, and we’re just looking at any way we can. Figgie’s a good player who went through some struggles."
Scouts say Figgins’ failings are easily explainable: Moving him to second base from third just before spring training threw him off, and he hasn’t adjusted. His stats suggest another reason: Figgins, a switch-hitter, is hitting .185 from the left side, more than 100 points below his career .296. His numbers hitting righthanded — .311/.383 — are well above his career averages.
After a rough weekend against the Padres, the majors’ ERA leaders, Figgins and the Mariners finish a long road trip against the Cardinals, who sport the second-best ERA.
John Lackey, Red Sox
With seven wins and three losses, Lackey hasn’t been totally lacking, and he has turned in strong performances in his past two outings. Still, his 4.54 ERA is well above his career 3.85.
What’s the problem? Pitching in the AL East with Fenway Park as your home park is not easy. Lackey’s 5.10 home ERA is more than a run higher than his road ERA. Overall, he is allowing more hits (10.0 per nine innings) and walks (3.9) while striking out fewer (4.9) hitters than he has during any season in his career. And this is just Year 1 of a five-year, $82.5 million contract.
Lackey next starts Thursday against Arizona, which totaled six runs in losing a three-game series at Fenway in 2008.
Jason Bay, Mets
After landing a four-year, $66 million deal with the Mets, few figured Bay would hit 36 homers like he did for the Red Sox last season. His new home, Citi Field, is not kind to power hitters. But nobody would have guessed Bay would have the same number of homers (four) and fewer RBIs (25 to 26) than teammate Angel Pagan.
Like the others here, Bay hasn’t been a total disappointment. His defense has been better than advertised, and he leads the Mets in runs scored, partly because he has missed only one game. His calm, professional approach also has played well with his new team, which has moved into second place behind strong pitching and improved chemistry.
His next series is at Cleveland, where he has hit three homers in six games.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
Because of injury situations around the majors, the Mike Lowell trade talks are heating up again, according to FoxSports.com. The Twins and Rangers reportedly have spoken to the Red Sox about Lowell, with the Angels also believed to have interest in the infielder.
Lowell has had trouble earning playing time with third baseman Adrian Beltre, first baseman Kevin Youkilis and DH David Ortiz all hitting well lately. Lowell, though, filled in for Youkilis (back spasms) on Friday and replaced him Saturday after he was hit on the elbow by a pitch.
Sporting News staff reports
Because of injury situations around the majors, the Mike Lowell trade talks are heating up again, according to FoxSports.com. The Twins and Rangers reportedly have spoken to the Red Sox about Lowell, with the Angels also believed to have interest in the infielder.
Lowell has had trouble earning playing time with third baseman Adrian Beltre, first baseman Kevin Youkilis and DH David Ortiz all hitting well lately. Lowell, though, filled in for Youkilis (back spasms) on Friday and replaced him Saturday after he was hit on the elbow by a pitch.
Sporting News staff reports
Despite comments from Mets manager Jerry Manuel that outfiielder Carlos Beltran (knee) could be ready to serve as the team’s DH as soon as next weekend at Yankee Stadium, assistant general manager John Ricco told the New York Daily News that Beltran won’t be brought along that quickly.
Manuel’s comments came after hearing that Beltran homered and played center field Friday for the first time in an extended spring training game. Beltran still isn’t running at full speed and isn’t ready for a rehab assignment.
Sporting News staff reports
Despite comments from Mets manager Jerry Manuel that outfiielder Carlos Beltran (knee) could be ready to serve as the team’s DH as soon as next weekend at Yankee Stadium, assistant general manager John Ricco told the New York Daily News that Beltran won’t be brought along that quickly.
Manuel’s comments came after hearing that Beltran homered and played center field Friday for the first time in an extended spring training game. Beltran still isn’t running at full speed and isn’t ready for a rehab assignment.
Sporting News staff reports
Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt told the Houston Chronicle that the Yankees fit the criteria for the type of team he would like to be traded to, if the team decides to move him. Oswalt added that he would like the chance to pitch with former Astros left-hander Andy Pettitte again.
"I think it’d be great," Oswalt told the newspaper. "Me and Andy pitched together for three years and had a great time in Houston. We went to the World Series and missed it by a little bit, but he’s a great teammate, always picks you up. Seems like everywhere he goes he wins."
As for the Dodgers, another rumored suitor for Oswalt, the Los Angeles Times reported Oswalt’s big contract is a stumbling block for the team.
Sporting News staff reports
Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt told the Houston Chronicle that the Yankees fit the criteria for the type of team he would like to be traded to, if the team decides to move him. Oswalt added that he would like the chance to pitch with former Astros left-hander Andy Pettitte again.
"I think it’d be great," Oswalt told the newspaper. "Me and Andy pitched together for three years and had a great time in Houston. We went to the World Series and missed it by a little bit, but he’s a great teammate, always picks you up. Seems like everywhere he goes he wins."
As for the Dodgers, another rumored suitor for Oswalt, the Los Angeles Times reported Oswalt’s big contract is a stumbling block for the team.
Sporting News staff reports
Although the Angels had held out hope that first baseman Kendry Morales (ankle) would be able to return late this season, the Los Angeles Times reported that won’t be the case.
Morales, injured in the now-infamous celebration after a walkoff grand slam on May 29, had surgery Thursday. The damage was extensive enough for doctors to rule out a return for Morales this season.
Morales, whose breakout 2009 season included a .306 average, 34 homers and 108 RBIs, leads the team a .290-11-39 stat line at the time of his injury. The team has withstood his loss thus far, going 9-3 without him.
The team is trying catcher Mike Napoli at first base, but the Los Angeles Times speculated the Angels could explore the trade market, with White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko, Diamondbacks first baseman Adam LaRoche, Astros first baseman Lance Berkman, Orioles infielder Ty Wigginton, Indians first baseman Russell Branyon and Cubs infielder/outfielder Xavier Nady as potential targets.
Sporting News staff reports
Although the Angels had held out hope that first baseman Kendry Morales (ankle) would be able to return late this season, the Los Angeles Times reported that won’t be the case.
Morales, injured in the now-infamous celebration after a walkoff grand slam on May 29, had surgery Thursday. The damage was extensive enough for doctors to rule out a return for Morales this season.
Morales, whose breakout 2009 season included a .306 average, 34 homers and 108 RBIs, leads the team a .290-11-39 stat line at the time of his injury. The team has withstood his loss thus far, going 9-3 without him.
The team is trying catcher Mike Napoli at first base, but the Los Angeles Times speculated the Angels could explore the trade market, with White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko, Diamondbacks first baseman Adam LaRoche, Astros first baseman Lance Berkman, Orioles infielder Ty Wigginton, Indians first baseman Russell Branyon and Cubs infielder/outfielder Xavier Nady as potential targets.
Sporting News staff reports
White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen and general manager Ken Williams "almost came to blows in a heated shouting match" on Tuesday, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
The root of the dispute was the drafting of Guillen’s son, Ozney. Guillen believed the team let his son slip too far in the draft and was vocal about that. However, the newspaper noted that was just the latest incident in the ongoing drama between the manager and general manager during a disappointing season. And when speaking to the White Sox’s website, Williams didn’t deny that a rift has developed.
"We are both very competitive men, strong-willed men," Williams told the team’s website. "I believe in self-assessment, and I think you have to assess all parts of our operation from top to bottom to determine if it’s, in fact, still a productive working relationship.
"Whether or not the maintenance of that relationship is such that we still have the drive to get through some things and still have the drive to get through some differences … I’m still in that assessment mode for myself, in particular.
"That should not lead to the assumption that I mean that (Guillen) is the one (who may benefit from a change of scenery). If I determine that I am the one that is the cog in the machine, then I am the one who will stand in front of Jerry Reinsdorf and tell him so and step aside. … I will not deny that I am growing weary of the soap opera."
Sporting News staff reports
White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen and general manager Ken Williams "almost came to blows in a heated shouting match" on Tuesday, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
The root of the dispute was the drafting of Guillen’s son, Ozney. Guillen believed the team let his son slip too far in the draft and was vocal about that. However, the newspaper noted that was just the latest incident in the ongoing drama between the manager and general manager during a disappointing season. And when speaking to the White Sox’s website, Williams didn’t deny that a rift has developed.
"We are both very competitive men, strong-willed men," Williams told the team’s website. "I believe in self-assessment, and I think you have to assess all parts of our operation from top to bottom to determine if it’s, in fact, still a productive working relationship.
"Whether or not the maintenance of that relationship is such that we still have the drive to get through some things and still have the drive to get through some differences … I’m still in that assessment mode for myself, in particular.
"That should not lead to the assumption that I mean that (Guillen) is the one (who may benefit from a change of scenery). If I determine that I am the one that is the cog in the machine, then I am the one who will stand in front of Jerry Reinsdorf and tell him so and step aside. … I will not deny that I am growing weary of the soap opera."
The second round of interleague play begins this afternoon when the Cubs host the White Sox in a series that certainly lacks some luster compared to previous seasons. Much of the intrigue will center around which veterans each team will try to deal before the July 31 nonwaiver trading deadline.
You can make a case that Cubs-White Sox actually is the least appealing matchup of the weekend. The only other interleague series that pits two sub-.500 teams (Nationals-Indians) will involve rookie phenom Stephen Strasburg.
Despite a couple of clunkers, however, there are some appealing pairings. A look at this weekend’s five interleague matchups between teams at .500 or better:
Ben Francisco figures to see time at DH.
Phillies at Red Sox
Boston won two of three at Philadelphia during the first round of interleague play last month and leads the series 16-5 since 2004. As usual, both teams are in playoff contention this season, though neither would be in the postseason if the regular season ended today.
DH matters: With the DH in play at Fenway Park, Ben Francisco figures to benefit the most. Greg Dobbs, Ross Gload and Wilson Valdez also could get more playing time if the Phillies use the DH to rest Ryan Howard and Chase Utley.
Matchup to watch: Daisuke Matsuzaka vs. the Phillies’ hitters (Saturday). Philadelphia’s offense, which still isn’t up to par, nearly hit rock bottom when Dice-K held them without a hit for 7 2/3 innings on May 22 at Citizens Bank Park.
Interleague intrigue: The Red Sox’s .801 OPS during interleague play is the best in the majors since the interleague play began in 1997.
Braves at Twins
The NL East leaders will make their first visit to Target Field to take on the AL Central leaders. Both teams rank in the top 10 in ERA, but the pitchers will be put to the test with Justin Morneau, Joe Mauer, Troy Glaus and Jason Heyward, among others, ready to take their cuts.
DH matters: Nate McLouth is banged up after his collision with Jason Heyward in the outfield Wednesday, so he could handle the DH duties for Atlanta (if he doesn’t land on the disabled list). Either way, Eric Hinske should get more at-bats than usual. To reduce his wear and tear, Chipper Jones also could DH, with Omar Infante starting at third base.
Matchup to watch: Tim Hudson vs. Jim Thome (tonight). The Twins’ DH is 9-for-16 (.563) with four homers, four walks, nine RBIs and a 2.057 OPS against the Braves’ righthander in his career.
Interleague intrigue: The Twins’ 134 interleague wins are tied with the Yankees’ for the most all-time.
Angels at Dodgers One month ago, the Los Angeles teams were a combined six games under .500 and 8 1/2 games out of first place. The Dodgers will begin the freeway series with a one-game lead in the NL West, while the Angels are 1 1/2 games behind Texas in the AL West. The Angels and Dodgers have split the season series the past two years, but the difference this year could be pitching. The Dodgers’ staff ERA is more than a half-run better than the Angels’.
DH matters: Because of his balky knees, the Angels’ Hideki Matsui can’t play in the outfield on back-to-back days. But any playing time in left field will be an improvement over last season, when Matsui played solely at DH for the Yankees.
Matchup to watch: Jered Weaver vs. the Dodgers’ outfielders (Sunday). The righthander has a 2.94 ERA in six career starts against the Dodgers and a 0.55 ERA in three outings at Dodger Stadium. And he has had noteworthy success against Andre Ethier (2-for-14), Manny Ramirez (2-for-12) and Matt Kemp (2-for-7).
Interleague intrigue: The Dodgers’ .254 interleague batting average is the lowest in the majors.
Barry Zito faces his former team.
A’s at Giants
San Francisco’s anemic offense managed only one run in a three-game at Oakland in May, and both teams rank in the bottom third of the majors in runs scored. Pitching will dominate, and the team can get deliver the key late-inning hit will have the edge.
DH matters: Although he has gone deep only twice this season, Jack Cust led the A’s in homers in each of the previous three seasons. And his 229 RBIs in that span are 51 more than any of his Oakland teammates. Without the DH, Cust is unlikely to play all three games.
Matchup to watch: Barry Zito vs. his former team (Saturday). In four career starts against the A’s, Zito is 0-4 with an 8.85 ERA. That includes a six-run pounding he took at Oakland last month.
Interleague intrigue: The A’s 107 saves during interleague play are the most among major league teams.
Blue Jays at Rockies After a surprisingly strong start, Toronto is showing signs of fading, having lost five of its past eight games (and losing a couple of games in the AL East standings in the process). Colorado, which went 8-2 from May 22 through June 1, also has slumped recently, having lost three of four against last-place Houston this week and six of its past eight games overall.
DH matters: Adam Lind, who hit .305 with 35 homers and 114 RBIs in 2009, is struggling this season (.213-8-31). He most likely will be the odd man out, though he could get at least one start in the outfield at the expense of Fred Lewis.
Matchup to watch: Blue Jays hitters vs. Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez (Saturday). The NL Cy Young award front-runner has allowed only two homers this season. The Blue Jays have hit more homers (98) than any other major league team.
Interleague intrigue: The Rockies’ 5.14 ERA during interleague play is the worst in the majors.
Chris Bahr is a senior editor for Sporting News. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
The second round of interleague play begins this afternoon when the Cubs host the White Sox in a series that certainly lacks some luster compared to previous seasons. Much of the intrigue will center around which veterans each team will try to deal before the July 31 nonwaiver trading deadline.
You can make a case that Cubs-White Sox actually is the least appealing matchup of the weekend. The only other interleague series that pits two sub-.500 teams (Nationals-Indians) will involve rookie phenom Stephen Strasburg.
Despite a couple of clunkers, however, there are some appealing pairings. A look at this weekend’s five interleague matchups between teams at .500 or better:
Ben Francisco figures to see time at DH.
Phillies at Red Sox
Boston won two of three at Philadelphia during the first round of interleague play last month and leads the series 16-5 since 2004. As usual, both teams are in playoff contention this season, though neither would be in the postseason if the regular season ended today.
DH matters: With the DH in play at Fenway Park, Ben Francisco figures to benefit the most. Greg Dobbs, Ross Gload and Wilson Valdez also could get more playing time if the Phillies use the DH to rest Ryan Howard and Chase Utley.
Matchup to watch: Daisuke Matsuzaka vs. the Phillies’ hitters (Saturday). Philadelphia’s offense, which still isn’t up to par, nearly hit rock bottom when Dice-K held them without a hit for 7 2/3 innings on May 22 at Citizens Bank Park.
Interleague intrigue: The Red Sox’s .801 OPS during interleague play is the best in the majors since the interleague play began in 1997.
Braves at Twins
The NL East leaders will make their first visit to Target Field to take on the AL Central leaders. Both teams rank in the top 10 in ERA, but the pitchers will be put to the test with Justin Morneau, Joe Mauer, Troy Glaus and Jason Heyward, among others, ready to take their cuts.
DH matters: Nate McLouth is banged up after his collision with Jason Heyward in the outfield Wednesday, so he could handle the DH duties for Atlanta (if he doesn’t land on the disabled list). Either way, Eric Hinske should get more at-bats than usual. To reduce his wear and tear, Chipper Jones also could DH, with Omar Infante starting at third base.
Matchup to watch: Tim Hudson vs. Jim Thome (tonight). The Twins’ DH is 9-for-16 (.563) with four homers, four walks, nine RBIs and a 2.057 OPS against the Braves’ righthander in his career.
Interleague intrigue: The Twins’ 134 interleague wins are tied with the Yankees’ for the most all-time.
Angels at Dodgers One month ago, the Los Angeles teams were a combined six games under .500 and 8 1/2 games out of first place. The Dodgers will begin the freeway series with a one-game lead in the NL West, while the Angels are 1 1/2 games behind Texas in the AL West. The Angels and Dodgers have split the season series the past two years, but the difference this year could be pitching. The Dodgers’ staff ERA is more than a half-run better than the Angels’.
DH matters: Because of his balky knees, the Angels’ Hideki Matsui can’t play in the outfield on back-to-back days. But any playing time in left field will be an improvement over last season, when Matsui played solely at DH for the Yankees.
Matchup to watch: Jered Weaver vs. the Dodgers’ outfielders (Sunday). The righthander has a 2.94 ERA in six career starts against the Dodgers and a 0.55 ERA in three outings at Dodger Stadium. And he has had noteworthy success against Andre Ethier (2-for-14), Manny Ramirez (2-for-12) and Matt Kemp (2-for-7).
Interleague intrigue: The Dodgers’ .254 interleague batting average is the lowest in the majors.
Barry Zito faces his former team.
A’s at Giants
San Francisco’s anemic offense managed only one run in a three-game at Oakland in May, and both teams rank in the bottom third of the majors in runs scored. Pitching will dominate, and the team can get deliver the key late-inning hit will have the edge.
DH matters: Although he has gone deep only twice this season, Jack Cust led the A’s in homers in each of the previous three seasons. And his 229 RBIs in that span are 51 more than any of his Oakland teammates. Without the DH, Cust is unlikely to play all three games.
Matchup to watch: Barry Zito vs. his former team (Saturday). In four career starts against the A’s, Zito is 0-4 with an 8.85 ERA. That includes a six-run pounding he took at Oakland last month.
Interleague intrigue: The A’s 107 saves during interleague play are the most among major league teams.
Blue Jays at Rockies After a surprisingly strong start, Toronto is showing signs of fading, having lost five of its past eight games (and losing a couple of games in the AL East standings in the process). Colorado, which went 8-2 from May 22 through June 1, also has slumped recently, having lost three of four against last-place Houston this week and six of its past eight games overall.
DH matters: Adam Lind, who hit .305 with 35 homers and 114 RBIs in 2009, is struggling this season (.213-8-31). He most likely will be the odd man out, though he could get at least one start in the outfield at the expense of Fred Lewis.
Matchup to watch: Blue Jays hitters vs. Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez (Saturday). The NL Cy Young award front-runner has allowed only two homers this season. The Blue Jays have hit more homers (98) than any other major league team.
Interleague intrigue: The Rockies’ 5.14 ERA during interleague play is the worst in the majors.
Chris Bahr is a senior editor for Sporting News. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
The St. Louis Cardinals have signed free-agent righthander Jeff Suppan to a pro-rated minimum contract, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Suppan, a righthander starter, was released by the Milwaukee Brewers earlier this week after he went 0-2 with a 7.84 ERA in 15 games (two starts) this season.
Suppan had success as a Cardinal from 2004-06, going 44-26 with a 3.95 ERA in 95 starts before signing with Milwaukee as a free agent. There is a chance he could join the Cardinals rotation next week. He was a starter during the Cardinals’ 2006 World Series championship and their 2004 National League title season.
Earlier Thursday, the Post-Dispatch reported Cardinals GM John Mozeliak had begun to search for rotation help. Other possible targets mentioned included Baltimore Orioles righthander Kevin Millwood and Kansas City Royals righthander Brian Bannister.
With starters Brad Penny (back) and Kyle Lohse (forearm) injured, the Cardinals have plugged inexperienced arms into the rotation.
Sporting News staff reports
The St. Louis Cardinals have signed free-agent righthander Jeff Suppan to a pro-rated minimum contract, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Suppan, a righthander starter, was released by the Milwaukee Brewers earlier this week after he went 0-2 with a 7.84 ERA in 15 games (two starts) this season.
Suppan had success as a Cardinal from 2004-06, going 44-26 with a 3.95 ERA in 95 starts before signing with Milwaukee as a free agent. There is a chance he could join the Cardinals rotation next week. He was a starter during the Cardinals’ 2006 World Series championship and their 2004 National League title season.
Earlier Thursday, the Post-Dispatch reported Cardinals GM John Mozeliak had begun to search for rotation help. Other possible targets mentioned included Baltimore Orioles righthander Kevin Millwood and Kansas City Royals righthander Brian Bannister.
With starters Brad Penny (back) and Kyle Lohse (forearm) injured, the Cardinals have plugged inexperienced arms into the rotation.
