Saying his client is "on an island by himself," one of Albert Pujols’ agents hints that Ryan Howard’s contract extension won’t be a large factor in negotiations with the Cardinals on a new deal
"We have to pay attention to any significant multi-year deal, especially one signed by a big first baseman. But the reality is that there are no comparables for Albert. He is on an island by himself," Dan Lozano tells the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Joe Strauss.
Howard last week agreed to an extension that guarantees him $125 million over five years. The pact includes an option that could push it to $138 million over six years. Howard, then, will average between $23 million and $25 million a year. It is believed Pujols could command more than the $27.5 million per year for Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, the game’s highest-paid player.
Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak chooses his words carefully when discussing how Howard’s contract affects the Pujols talks. "People may ask questions about how Ryan Howard affects Albert. It’s completely different," Mozeliak tells the Post-Dispatch. "It will be market driven."
For his part, Pujols says he wants to keep the focus off himself.
"I look at this as his time," Pujols says of Howard. "It’s a great thing for him. It’s not about me. I’m not getting into what it means to me for Ryan Howard to get $25 million. That’s a slap at him. I want to leave that alone."
The Cardinals have a $16 million club option on Pujols for the 2011 season, which it is expected to exercise.
St. Louis likely will also need to monitor negotiations involving Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder, who are in line for large contracts in the near future. The Padres have a club option for 2011 on Gonzalez; Fielder can become a free agent after the ’11 season.
Sporting News staff reports
Saying his client is "on an island by himself," one of Albert Pujols’ agents hints that Ryan Howard’s contract extension won’t be a large factor in negotiations with the Cardinals on a new deal
"We have to pay attention to any significant multi-year deal, especially one signed by a big first baseman. But the reality is that there are no comparables for Albert. He is on an island by himself," Dan Lozano tells the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Joe Strauss.
Howard last week agreed to an extension that guarantees him $125 million over five years. The pact includes an option that could push it to $138 million over six years. Howard, then, will average between $23 million and $25 million a year. It is believed Pujols could command more than the $27.5 million per year for Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, the game’s highest-paid player.
Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak chooses his words carefully when discussing how Howard’s contract affects the Pujols talks. "People may ask questions about how Ryan Howard affects Albert. It’s completely different," Mozeliak tells the Post-Dispatch. "It will be market driven."
For his part, Pujols says he wants to keep the focus off himself.
"I look at this as his time," Pujols says of Howard. "It’s a great thing for him. It’s not about me. I’m not getting into what it means to me for Ryan Howard to get $25 million. That’s a slap at him. I want to leave that alone."
The Cardinals have a $16 million club option on Pujols for the 2011 season, which it is expected to exercise.
St. Louis likely will also need to monitor negotiations involving Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder, who are in line for large contracts in the near future. The Padres have a club option for 2011 on Gonzalez; Fielder can become a free agent after the ’11 season.
Ready for some baseball drama? With Albert Pujols and Ryan Howard in the same park, you could get plenty. But we’re not talking about the hyperbole surrounding Pujols’ next contract with regards to Howard’s five-year, $125 million extension. Pujols says he won’t discuss that.
We’re talking about something much juicier: a week full of series between playoff contenders. Seven of the eight clubs to reach the postseason in 2009 face a fellow playoff team this week. The one who doesn’t? The Twins face the Tigers, the team they beat in a one game play-in to reach the playoffs last year. Have a look:
Cardinals at Phillies
The Cardinals get their first taste of Roy Halladay in a Phillies uniform this week.
These clubs are too savvy to get worked up about a four-game set in May. "This is a good team we’re facing but our goal remains the same: We want to win the series, just like every series," Cardinals right-hander Kyle Lohse says.
Behind a rotation sporting a 2.55 ERA and the slugging of Pujols — who else? — the Cardinals have won seven of their eight series and built a five-game lead in the NL Central. The club also has boosted by better-than-expected contributions from two rookies, lefty starter Jaime Garcia and third baseman David Frese.
Garcia, 23, already has held his own in duels with Johan Santana and Tim Lincecum, and does not figure to be ruffled by the NL champions. "They’ll test him. They have an outstanding offensive team," Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said. "He’ll go out there and try to make his pitches."
The Cardinals come to Philly after winning six of seven on a home stand, including two of three against the Reds. While the Cardinals refuse to get overly amped about a trip to Philadelphia, Reds manager Dusty Baker perked up when he was told about the Cardinals-Phillies series.
"Is (Roy) Halladay going?" Baker quickly asked.
Yes, the Phillies new ace (5-1, 1.47 ERA) will start Thursday’s day finale against Lohse. Halladay has given the Phillies everything they expected and more at a time the club has needed it all. His brilliant beginning has helped cover for what has been an injury-filled first month for the NL champs.
Joe Blanton (oblique) returns to make his first start on Monday and Brad Lidge (knee) came back Friday, the same day the club placed reliever Ryan Madson (toe) on the disabled list. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins (calf) and lefty starter A.J. Happ (forearm), however, remain out and neither is expected back this week.
Tigers at Twins
The Twins last month got off to a strong start at new Target Field with a 6-3 opening home stand that solidified their spot atop the AL Central. Their play wasn’t all that was hotter than expected. April weather in the Twin Cities was the warmest in 85 years, with an average temperature of 54.9. Temperatures are expected to be in the high 40s for night games Monday and Tuesday and warmer for Wednesday’s afternoon game.
The Twins are coming off a 5-4 trip that included losing two of three at Detroit. The Tigers are still rolling behind the AL’s leading offense, which has been lifted by rookie Austin Jackson and newcomer Johnny Damon. Hitting first and second, respectively, they enter the week with identical .420 OBPs. Cleanup hitter Miguel Cabrera has taken advantage by driving in 27 runs in Detroit’s first 26 games.
Twins catcher Joe Mauer missed games in the past week with a stiff back and bruised left heel. He could sit at least one more game after the Twins called up their top catching prospect, Wilson Ramos.
Angels at Red Sox
John Lackey faces his old team Wednesday when the Red Sox host the Angels.
These frequent playoff combatants have not played much like postseason teams so far. Both begin the week under .500 after being swept in weekend series.
The Angels have found replacing starter John Lackey and third baseman Chone Figgins to be difficult as new starter Joel Pineiro (5.76 ERA) and third baseman Brandon Wood (1.89, five runs) have struggled.
The Red Sox have dealt with injuries to Jacoby Ellsbury (chest bruise) and Mike Cameron (kidney stones), the continuing decline of David Ortiz (.159 average), a rough month by ace Josh Beckett (6.31 ERA) and a defense that hasn’t played as well as advertised.
Both clubs need to get right against each other because they have division rivals coming next. The Red Sox will play host to the Yankees and the Angels will travel to Seattle.
Rockies at Dodgers
These teams, who meet this weekend at Dodger Stadium, figured to be on top of the West by now. Instead, they are at the bottom. Three of the Rockies’ five projected starters and closer Huston Street are out. L.A. put Manny Ramirez (calf), starter Vicente Padilla (arm) and reliever Jeff Weaver (back) on the DL on the same day last week.
Ready for some baseball drama? With Albert Pujols and Ryan Howard in the same park, you could get plenty. But we’re not talking about the hyperbole surrounding Pujols’ next contract with regards to Howard’s five-year, $125 million extension. Pujols says he won’t discuss that.
We’re talking about something much juicier: a week full of series between playoff contenders. Seven of the eight clubs to reach the postseason in 2009 face a fellow playoff team this week. The one who doesn’t? The Twins face the Tigers, the team they beat in a one game play-in to reach the playoffs last year. Have a look:
Cardinals at Phillies
The Cardinals get their first taste of Roy Halladay in a Phillies uniform this week.
These clubs are too savvy to get worked up about a four-game set in May. "This is a good team we’re facing but our goal remains the same: We want to win the series, just like every series," Cardinals right-hander Kyle Lohse says.
Behind a rotation sporting a 2.55 ERA and the slugging of Pujols — who else? — the Cardinals have won seven of their eight series and built a five-game lead in the NL Central. The club also has boosted by better-than-expected contributions from two rookies, lefty starter Jaime Garcia and third baseman David Frese.
Garcia, 23, already has held his own in duels with Johan Santana and Tim Lincecum, and does not figure to be ruffled by the NL champions. "They’ll test him. They have an outstanding offensive team," Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said. "He’ll go out there and try to make his pitches."
The Cardinals come to Philly after winning six of seven on a home stand, including two of three against the Reds. While the Cardinals refuse to get overly amped about a trip to Philadelphia, Reds manager Dusty Baker perked up when he was told about the Cardinals-Phillies series.
"Is (Roy) Halladay going?" Baker quickly asked.
Yes, the Phillies new ace (5-1, 1.47 ERA) will start Thursday’s day finale against Lohse. Halladay has given the Phillies everything they expected and more at a time the club has needed it all. His brilliant beginning has helped cover for what has been an injury-filled first month for the NL champs.
Joe Blanton (oblique) returns to make his first start on Monday and Brad Lidge (knee) came back Friday, the same day the club placed reliever Ryan Madson (toe) on the disabled list. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins (calf) and lefty starter A.J. Happ (forearm), however, remain out and neither is expected back this week.
Tigers at Twins
The Twins last month got off to a strong start at new Target Field with a 6-3 opening home stand that solidified their spot atop the AL Central. Their play wasn’t all that was hotter than expected. April weather in the Twin Cities was the warmest in 85 years, with an average temperature of 54.9. Temperatures are expected to be in the high 40s for night games Monday and Tuesday and warmer for Wednesday’s afternoon game.
The Twins are coming off a 5-4 trip that included losing two of three at Detroit. The Tigers are still rolling behind the AL’s leading offense, which has been lifted by rookie Austin Jackson and newcomer Johnny Damon. Hitting first and second, respectively, they enter the week with identical .420 OBPs. Cleanup hitter Miguel Cabrera has taken advantage by driving in 27 runs in Detroit’s first 26 games.
Twins catcher Joe Mauer missed games in the past week with a stiff back and bruised left heel. He could sit at least one more game after the Twins called up their top catching prospect, Wilson Ramos.
Angels at Red Sox
John Lackey faces his old team Wednesday when the Red Sox host the Angels.
These frequent playoff combatants have not played much like postseason teams so far. Both begin the week under .500 after being swept in weekend series.
The Angels have found replacing starter John Lackey and third baseman Chone Figgins to be difficult as new starter Joel Pineiro (5.76 ERA) and third baseman Brandon Wood (1.89, five runs) have struggled.
The Red Sox have dealt with injuries to Jacoby Ellsbury (chest bruise) and Mike Cameron (kidney stones), the continuing decline of David Ortiz (.159 average), a rough month by ace Josh Beckett (6.31 ERA) and a defense that hasn’t played as well as advertised.
Both clubs need to get right against each other because they have division rivals coming next. The Red Sox will play host to the Yankees and the Angels will travel to Seattle.
Rockies at Dodgers
These teams, who meet this weekend at Dodger Stadium, figured to be on top of the West by now. Instead, they are at the bottom. Three of the Rockies’ five projected starters and closer Huston Street are out. L.A. put Manny Ramirez (calf), starter Vicente Padilla (arm) and reliever Jeff Weaver (back) on the DL on the same day last week.
Cincinnati’s Mike Leake looks to continue his strong start against a hot Mets team.
While Aroldis Chapman was attracting the buzz in spring training, fellow rookie Mike Leake was busy making the team. The Reds righthander became the first player since Xavier Nady in 2000 to completely skip the minor leagues. In his first start, Leake allowed the first three Cubs he faced to reach base, but none scored. He has been dodging trouble since with the poise of a veteran. Leake, 22, takes a 2-0 record and 3.25 ERA into Monday’s start against the Mets in Cincinnati. He isn’t overpowering—his fastball reaches 90 mph—and he has allowed 39 base runners in 27 2/3 innings. "His stuff can get him into trouble but he has the ability to pitch his way out of it," a scout said.
Padres take a test at home
Strong pitching and a revamped offense focused on speed have helped the Padres to a strong start. They lead the majors with five shutouts, including back-to-back blankings of the potent Brewers last week. On offense, they lead the NL in steals and Chase Headley is providing a solid bat behind Adrian Gonzalez. But are the Padres a legitimate contender? Monday’s game in San Diego should provide more than a clue. They face Rockies’ ace Ubaldo Jimenez, who is 5-0 with a no-hitter, 0.79 ERA and working on a 23 1/3-inning scoreless streak. The Padres will counter with their four-game winner, Kevin Correia.
Peavy tries again
Someone tell the White Sox’s Jake Peavy he’s not in pitching spacious Petco Park anymore. He’s in the American League now. Peavy, like fellow NL alum Ben Sheets, is not enjoying the success he did before changing leagues. Peavy has been roughed up for 13 runs over his past two starts as his ERA has ballooned to 7.85 even though he says he’s healthy. Peavy will go for his first win Monday at home against the Royals, a club that just won a series against the majors’ hottest team, Tampa Bay.
Cincinnati’s Mike Leake looks to continue his strong start against a hot Mets team.
While Aroldis Chapman was attracting the buzz in spring training, fellow rookie Mike Leake was busy making the team. The Reds righthander became the first player since Xavier Nady in 2000 to completely skip the minor leagues. In his first start, Leake allowed the first three Cubs he faced to reach base, but none scored. He has been dodging trouble since with the poise of a veteran. Leake, 22, takes a 2-0 record and 3.25 ERA into Monday’s start against the Mets in Cincinnati. He isn’t overpowering—his fastball reaches 90 mph—and he has allowed 39 base runners in 27 2/3 innings. "His stuff can get him into trouble but he has the ability to pitch his way out of it," a scout said.
Padres take a test at home
Strong pitching and a revamped offense focused on speed have helped the Padres to a strong start. They lead the majors with five shutouts, including back-to-back blankings of the potent Brewers last week. On offense, they lead the NL in steals and Chase Headley is providing a solid bat behind Adrian Gonzalez. But are the Padres a legitimate contender? Monday’s game in San Diego should provide more than a clue. They face Rockies’ ace Ubaldo Jimenez, who is 5-0 with a no-hitter, 0.79 ERA and working on a 23 1/3-inning scoreless streak. The Padres will counter with their four-game winner, Kevin Correia.
Peavy tries again
Someone tell the White Sox’s Jake Peavy he’s not in pitching spacious Petco Park anymore. He’s in the American League now. Peavy, like fellow NL alum Ben Sheets, is not enjoying the success he did before changing leagues. Peavy has been roughed up for 13 runs over his past two starts as his ERA has ballooned to 7.85 even though he says he’s healthy. Peavy will go for his first win Monday at home against the Royals, a club that just won a series against the majors’ hottest team, Tampa Bay.
MLB.com reports the Nationals will promote pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg to Triple-A Syracuse as early as Sunday after his scheduled start for Double-A Harrisburg.
Strasburg, the first player taken in last year’s draft, is slated to pitch five innings or throw 85 pitches for Harrisburg. He is 3-0 with an 0.52 ERA in four starts for the club. He has 23 strikeouts in 17 1/3 innings.
His first Triple-A start could come Friday in Syracuse against the Braves’ Gwinnett, Ga., affiliate
Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo hinted on Wednesday that a promotion was imminent. "It’s reasonable to assume he is going to be in Syracuse sometime soon," Rizzo told reporters.
Sporting News staff reports
MLB.com reports the Nationals will promote pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg to Triple-A Syracuse as early as Sunday after his scheduled start for Double-A Harrisburg.
Strasburg, the first player taken in last year’s draft, is slated to pitch five innings or throw 85 pitches for Harrisburg. He is 3-0 with an 0.52 ERA in four starts for the club. He has 23 strikeouts in 17 1/3 innings.
His first Triple-A start could come Friday in Syracuse against the Braves’ Gwinnett, Ga., affiliate
Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo hinted on Wednesday that a promotion was imminent. "It’s reasonable to assume he is going to be in Syracuse sometime soon," Rizzo told reporters.
Most general managers understand the importance of the bullpen — and the need to invest in it. But what happens when the best-laid plan is thrown out of whack and a team must survive without its closer?
Closers get too much glory/blame, but, for the most part, a bullpen revolves around the big guy at the end. Losing him creates two potentially season-altering pitfalls. Other teams could learn from how Minnesota dealt with both after losing Joe Nathan for the season.
1. Indecision. A team’s unwillingness to give the ball to one pitcher in the ninth inning and call him the closer can be deadly. The closer-by-committee approach might be the only option for a bad or small-budget team, but a contender needs a stopper to take all the heat. Pick a replacement and stick with him. Twins’ solution: Manager Ron Gardenhire anointed Jon Rauch the closer at the end of spring training, saw immediate dividends and avoided a committee mess.
2. A domino effect. With the closer out of the mix, the other relievers’ roles change. And teams get in trouble when players are asked to do more than they are capable of every night. When a seventh-inning guy must handle the eighth and an eighth-inning guy has to work the ninth, expectations and pressure levels change. Twins’ solution: No reliever’s role was drastically altered—Rauch had previous closer experience—nor was starter Francisco Liriano’s progress halted by a transition to closer (a move that was explored).
Minnesota can’t truly replace Nathan, but because of how the team dealt with losing him, the pitching staff experienced limited turbulence and the team quickly established confidence in Rauch.
Todd Jones, a former major league closer, is a regular contributor to Sporting News.
Most general managers understand the importance of the bullpen — and the need to invest in it. But what happens when the best-laid plan is thrown out of whack and a team must survive without its closer?
Closers get too much glory/blame, but, for the most part, a bullpen revolves around the big guy at the end. Losing him creates two potentially season-altering pitfalls. Other teams could learn from how Minnesota dealt with both after losing Joe Nathan for the season.
1. Indecision. A team’s unwillingness to give the ball to one pitcher in the ninth inning and call him the closer can be deadly. The closer-by-committee approach might be the only option for a bad or small-budget team, but a contender needs a stopper to take all the heat. Pick a replacement and stick with him. Twins’ solution: Manager Ron Gardenhire anointed Jon Rauch the closer at the end of spring training, saw immediate dividends and avoided a committee mess.
2. A domino effect. With the closer out of the mix, the other relievers’ roles change. And teams get in trouble when players are asked to do more than they are capable of every night. When a seventh-inning guy must handle the eighth and an eighth-inning guy has to work the ninth, expectations and pressure levels change. Twins’ solution: No reliever’s role was drastically altered—Rauch had previous closer experience—nor was starter Francisco Liriano’s progress halted by a transition to closer (a move that was explored).
Minnesota can’t truly replace Nathan, but because of how the team dealt with losing him, the pitching staff experienced limited turbulence and the team quickly established confidence in Rauch.
Todd Jones, a former major league closer, is a regular contributor to Sporting News.
Braves closer Billy Wagner plans to join manager Bobby Cox in retirement after this season.
Wagner on Friday told Cox that this will be his last year as a player. The 38-year-old left-hander wants to spend more time on his Virginia farm with his wife and four children. He said he contemplated retiring after last season but reconsidered.
"I still like the competition, that’s why I do it," Wagner tells The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I like going out and winning, that still drives me. But being home with them last year (while recovering from elbow surgery), I enjoyed it. There’s so much more to offer them at this age, and I need to be home."
Wagner, who is sixth on the all-time list with 387 career saves, tells the AJC he will not play even if his $6.5 million option for 2011 vests. The option takes effect if Wagner finishes 50 games this season.
He will make $7 million in 2010.
Sporting News staff reports
Braves closer Billy Wagner plans to join manager Bobby Cox in retirement after this season.
Wagner on Friday told Cox that this will be his last year as a player. The 38-year-old left-hander wants to spend more time on his Virginia farm with his wife and four children. He said he contemplated retiring after last season but reconsidered.
"I still like the competition, that’s why I do it," Wagner tells The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I like going out and winning, that still drives me. But being home with them last year (while recovering from elbow surgery), I enjoyed it. There’s so much more to offer them at this age, and I need to be home."
Wagner, who is sixth on the all-time list with 387 career saves, tells the AJC he will not play even if his $6.5 million option for 2011 vests. The option takes effect if Wagner finishes 50 games this season.
NEW YORK — Given a chance to take part in the 2011 All-Star Game at Arizona, Ozzie Guillen insists he won’t go.
"I wouldn’t do it," the Chicago White Sox manager said Friday. "As a Latin American, it’s natural that I have to support our own."
Guillen joined a growing chorus of opposition to Arizona’s new law that empowers police to determine a person’s immigration status. The state is home to all four major team sports, hosts half the clubs in spring training and holds top events in NASCAR, golf and tennis.
The Major League Baseball players union issued a statement condemning the law. A congressman whose district includes Yankee Stadium wrote a letter to baseball commissioner Bud Selig urging him to pull the All-Star Game from Phoenix. The World Boxing Council took a step to limit fights in Arizona.
"It’s a bad thing," said Baltimore shortstop Cesar Izturis, born in Venezuela. "Now they’re going to go after everybody, not just the people behind the wall. Now they’re going to come out on the street. What if you’re walking on the street with your family and kids? They’re going to go after you."
With more than one-quarter of big leaguers on opening-day rosters were born outside the 50 states, most of them from Hispanic descent.
"These international players are very much a part of our national pastime," MLB union head Michael Weiner said. "Each of them must be ready to prove, at any time, his identity and the legality of his being in Arizona to any state or local official with suspicion of his immigration status."
Weiner said that if the law is not repealed or modified, the union would consider "additional steps."
A day earlier, WBC president Jose Sulaiman said its sanctioning body unanimously agreed it will not authorize Mexican boxers to fight in Arizona.
"Great figures of boxing have fought in Arizona, boxers such as Julio Cesar Chavez, Salvador Sanchez, Konstantin Tszyu, ‘Coloradito’ Lopez and many, many others," said Sulaiman, who is based in Mexico City. "The WBC will not allow that in boxing, athletes are exposed to suffer that degrading act, humiliating and inhumane, as racial discrimination is."
MLB, the NFL and the NBA declined comment on the law.
The BCS national championship game will be played next January in Glendale, Ariz., shortly after the city hosts the Fiesta Bowl.
"The recent Arizona immigration legislation is obviously a matter of great public concern," the Fiesta Bowl said in a statement Friday. "While this matter may ultimately be resolved in a court of law or in the court of public opinion, we are certain that it will not be resolved on the fields of college football."
Rep. Jose Serrano, D-N.Y., sent a letter Thursday night to Selig, asking him to take next year’s All-Star game out of Arizona.
Calling the law "extremist" and "discriminatory," the congressman wrote: The All-Star game is now not just a display of baseball’s best talent, but is also a display of the global reach of the game. It is at odds with the reality of the modern game to hold such a prestigious event in a state that would not welcome those same players if they did not play our national pastime."
Arizona Diamondbacks managing general partner Ken Kendrick said "this whole situation is sad and disappointing."
"We believe the federal government should act swiftly to address the immigration issue once and for all," he said in a statement.
Said Cleveland Indians coach Sandy Alomar Jr., whose team trains in Goodyear, Ariz.: "Certainly I am against profiling any race and having sterotypes, but at the same time my feeling is what does baseball have to do with politics? Let the politicians stay in politics and the baseball players play baseball."
Guillen, from Venezuela, became an American citizen in 2006. He said players should consider boycotting baseball in Arizona, adding, "I plead sportsmen to join on this."
The White Sox hold spring training in suburban Phoenix. Guillen said he hoped MLB would take a strong stance on the immigration law.
"They have to. They have a team in Arizona," he said. "There is a concern for baseball players to go out there, of course, and we’ve got to support those people."
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
NEW YORK — Given a chance to take part in the 2011 All-Star Game at Arizona, Ozzie Guillen insists he won’t go.
"I wouldn’t do it," the Chicago White Sox manager said Friday. "As a Latin American, it’s natural that I have to support our own."
Guillen joined a growing chorus of opposition to Arizona’s new law that empowers police to determine a person’s immigration status. The state is home to all four major team sports, hosts half the clubs in spring training and holds top events in NASCAR, golf and tennis.
The Major League Baseball players union issued a statement condemning the law. A congressman whose district includes Yankee Stadium wrote a letter to baseball commissioner Bud Selig urging him to pull the All-Star Game from Phoenix. The World Boxing Council took a step to limit fights in Arizona.
"It’s a bad thing," said Baltimore shortstop Cesar Izturis, born in Venezuela. "Now they’re going to go after everybody, not just the people behind the wall. Now they’re going to come out on the street. What if you’re walking on the street with your family and kids? They’re going to go after you."
With more than one-quarter of big leaguers on opening-day rosters were born outside the 50 states, most of them from Hispanic descent.
"These international players are very much a part of our national pastime," MLB union head Michael Weiner said. "Each of them must be ready to prove, at any time, his identity and the legality of his being in Arizona to any state or local official with suspicion of his immigration status."
Weiner said that if the law is not repealed or modified, the union would consider "additional steps."
A day earlier, WBC president Jose Sulaiman said its sanctioning body unanimously agreed it will not authorize Mexican boxers to fight in Arizona.
"Great figures of boxing have fought in Arizona, boxers such as Julio Cesar Chavez, Salvador Sanchez, Konstantin Tszyu, ‘Coloradito’ Lopez and many, many others," said Sulaiman, who is based in Mexico City. "The WBC will not allow that in boxing, athletes are exposed to suffer that degrading act, humiliating and inhumane, as racial discrimination is."
MLB, the NFL and the NBA declined comment on the law.
The BCS national championship game will be played next January in Glendale, Ariz., shortly after the city hosts the Fiesta Bowl.
"The recent Arizona immigration legislation is obviously a matter of great public concern," the Fiesta Bowl said in a statement Friday. "While this matter may ultimately be resolved in a court of law or in the court of public opinion, we are certain that it will not be resolved on the fields of college football."
Rep. Jose Serrano, D-N.Y., sent a letter Thursday night to Selig, asking him to take next year’s All-Star game out of Arizona.
Calling the law "extremist" and "discriminatory," the congressman wrote: The All-Star game is now not just a display of baseball’s best talent, but is also a display of the global reach of the game. It is at odds with the reality of the modern game to hold such a prestigious event in a state that would not welcome those same players if they did not play our national pastime."
Arizona Diamondbacks managing general partner Ken Kendrick said "this whole situation is sad and disappointing."
"We believe the federal government should act swiftly to address the immigration issue once and for all," he said in a statement.
Said Cleveland Indians coach Sandy Alomar Jr., whose team trains in Goodyear, Ariz.: "Certainly I am against profiling any race and having sterotypes, but at the same time my feeling is what does baseball have to do with politics? Let the politicians stay in politics and the baseball players play baseball."
Guillen, from Venezuela, became an American citizen in 2006. He said players should consider boycotting baseball in Arizona, adding, "I plead sportsmen to join on this."
The White Sox hold spring training in suburban Phoenix. Guillen said he hoped MLB would take a strong stance on the immigration law.
"They have to. They have a team in Arizona," he said. "There is a concern for baseball players to go out there, of course, and we’ve got to support those people."
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Despite calling it a career last summer, Tom Glavine has stayed busy in baseball. He recently agreed to a multiplatform position with the Braves, with whom he won 244 games over 17 seasons, and he has aligned himself with the new PitchSight product. Ken Riddle, director of business development for L-3 Communications, which developed PitchSight and QuesTec, says this new technology can be used for scouting, evaluation, progress measurement, assessment and even injury rehabilitation. The system, already in use at Boston College, uses cameras to record a pitcher’s measurables. Glavine recently spoke with Sporting News’ Chris Bahr about PitchSight, his new role with the Braves and couple of the Braves’ young arms.
SN: How is PitchSight useful for a pitcher? Glavine: What I like about it is the feedback. It gives you the ability to gather information and use that information almost instantaneously. It measures release point, release angle, location, break, velocity. Those are all things pitchers are interested in and are all directly related to a pitcher’s ability to be consistent and consistently throw good pitches in the strike zone. … You’re in the middle of a bullpen session. If there’s a particular pitch that you threw that you felt really good about, you go to the computer, find the pitch, see where your release angle was, where your release point was, how the pitch correlated to the strike zone.
SN: What could you have used it for most in your career? Glavine: The two pitches I struggled with most were my breaking balls. If I was able to throw a slider or throw a curveball I really liked, and this information was available where I could pinpoint the pitch, see where my arm angle, release point and all those things were, I think it would have been a little bit easier for me to focus on the release point and things like that — things that seemed to escape me a bit when it came to those two particular pitches.
For younger pitchers, the big thing they’re searching for is that consistent arm angle, that consistent release point. If you’re able to put yourself on the system and measure and see exactly where your release points are, it becomes a little bit easier to hone in on one spot.
SN: Ideally, this technology would complement a pitching coach and coaching staff. But could this become more important than the human factor? Glavine: It’s not intended to replace anybody. We’re viewing it as an enhancement to the things that are already available. Even though you’re going to have this information and you can go back and say, "OK, here’s my most consistent release point, here’s my most consistent arm angle …," you still have to hone your mechanics where you can get to that point consistently. That is where a pitching coach becomes extremely important.
SN: How are you enjoying your new role with the Braves, doing a little bit of everything? Glavine: It’s going really well. It’s given me the opportunity to keep my foot in the door in terms of baseball. It’s allowed me to experience a number of different things, which is great for me because I was hesitant to make a commitment to something and find out a year from now that I didn’t like it. The Braves have given me an opportunity to experience a bunch of different things, to see if there’s something I like better than something else — something I can focus on down the road.
SN: What do you see in young Braves starters Jair Jurrjens and Tommy Hanson that reminds you of you, John Smoltz and Greg Maddux? Glavine: Their stuff obviously is the first thing that catches anyone’s attention. They both have really good stuff. Tommy’s a little bit more of a power pitcher, and Jair also can get the ball up there pretty good. Both have really good makeups in terms of being mature and understanding what it is that they’re trying to do and having a game plan. From that standpoint, at this point in their careers, both of those guys are farther along that I was, or John was, at similar stages of our careers in the big leagues.
SN: What’s your best piece of advice for a young pitcher just starting out in the majors? Glavine: Pay attention to the delicate balance that exists in baseball. Enjoy what you’re doing, have fun. Because, let’s face it, it’s a dream job. But at that same time, recognize the fact that you have to work hard to stay there. A lot of guys are chomping at the bit to take your job away. … There’s an opportunity to play the game for a long time and make a lot of money, but if you don’t take advantage of that opportunity, you won’t play the game very long.
SN: What was tougher: leaving the Braves after the 2002 season, or leaving the game for good in the summer of 2009? Glavine: Leaving the first time was tougher. At that time, I was successful. I was pitching well and had some good years ahead of me. I knew there still were things I could accomplish. When I retired, I could have pitched another year or a half a year. But I accomplished the things I wanted to accomplish, and when that happens, it’s a little easier to walk away.
Despite calling it a career last summer, Tom Glavine has stayed busy in baseball. He recently agreed to a multiplatform position with the Braves, with whom he won 244 games over 17 seasons, and he has aligned himself with the new PitchSight product. Ken Riddle, director of business development for L-3 Communications, which developed PitchSight and QuesTec, says this new technology can be used for scouting, evaluation, progress measurement, assessment and even injury rehabilitation. The system, already in use at Boston College, uses cameras to record a pitcher’s measurables. Glavine recently spoke with Sporting News’ Chris Bahr about PitchSight, his new role with the Braves and couple of the Braves’ young arms.
SN: How is PitchSight useful for a pitcher? Glavine: What I like about it is the feedback. It gives you the ability to gather information and use that information almost instantaneously. It measures release point, release angle, location, break, velocity. Those are all things pitchers are interested in and are all directly related to a pitcher’s ability to be consistent and consistently throw good pitches in the strike zone. … You’re in the middle of a bullpen session. If there’s a particular pitch that you threw that you felt really good about, you go to the computer, find the pitch, see where your release angle was, where your release point was, how the pitch correlated to the strike zone.
SN: What could you have used it for most in your career? Glavine: The two pitches I struggled with most were my breaking balls. If I was able to throw a slider or throw a curveball I really liked, and this information was available where I could pinpoint the pitch, see where my arm angle, release point and all those things were, I think it would have been a little bit easier for me to focus on the release point and things like that — things that seemed to escape me a bit when it came to those two particular pitches.
For younger pitchers, the big thing they’re searching for is that consistent arm angle, that consistent release point. If you’re able to put yourself on the system and measure and see exactly where your release points are, it becomes a little bit easier to hone in on one spot.
SN: Ideally, this technology would complement a pitching coach and coaching staff. But could this become more important than the human factor? Glavine: It’s not intended to replace anybody. We’re viewing it as an enhancement to the things that are already available. Even though you’re going to have this information and you can go back and say, "OK, here’s my most consistent release point, here’s my most consistent arm angle …," you still have to hone your mechanics where you can get to that point consistently. That is where a pitching coach becomes extremely important.
SN: How are you enjoying your new role with the Braves, doing a little bit of everything? Glavine: It’s going really well. It’s given me the opportunity to keep my foot in the door in terms of baseball. It’s allowed me to experience a number of different things, which is great for me because I was hesitant to make a commitment to something and find out a year from now that I didn’t like it. The Braves have given me an opportunity to experience a bunch of different things, to see if there’s something I like better than something else — something I can focus on down the road.
SN: What do you see in young Braves starters Jair Jurrjens and Tommy Hanson that reminds you of you, John Smoltz and Greg Maddux? Glavine: Their stuff obviously is the first thing that catches anyone’s attention. They both have really good stuff. Tommy’s a little bit more of a power pitcher, and Jair also can get the ball up there pretty good. Both have really good makeups in terms of being mature and understanding what it is that they’re trying to do and having a game plan. From that standpoint, at this point in their careers, both of those guys are farther along that I was, or John was, at similar stages of our careers in the big leagues.
SN: What’s your best piece of advice for a young pitcher just starting out in the majors? Glavine: Pay attention to the delicate balance that exists in baseball. Enjoy what you’re doing, have fun. Because, let’s face it, it’s a dream job. But at that same time, recognize the fact that you have to work hard to stay there. A lot of guys are chomping at the bit to take your job away. … There’s an opportunity to play the game for a long time and make a lot of money, but if you don’t take advantage of that opportunity, you won’t play the game very long.
SN: What was tougher: leaving the Braves after the 2002 season, or leaving the game for good in the summer of 2009? Glavine: Leaving the first time was tougher. At that time, I was successful. I was pitching well and had some good years ahead of me. I knew there still were things I could accomplish. When I retired, I could have pitched another year or a half a year. But I accomplished the things I wanted to accomplish, and when that happens, it’s a little easier to walk away.
Carl Crawford has owned the Royals the last two years.
What to expect in the major leagues today:
Royals flushed
The Royals begin a season-long 11-game road trip tonight at Tropicana Field. And there would be better places for them to kick off this extended jaunt. Kansas City is 2-10 in Tampa Bay since 2008, and the Rays won nine of the 10 games overall between the teams last season. It was a balanced attack for the Rays, as no player had more than three homers or eight RBIs against the Royals. However, left fielder Carl Crawford did plenty of damage. He stole seven bases, scored 10 runs, hit .400 and had a .478 on-base percentage in those 10 games.
Solving Lilly
In his first start of the 2010 season Saturday, Cubs lefthander Ted Lilly shut out the Brewers over six innings. He will look to build upon that outing tonight against Arizona. One player who won’t be happy to see him on the mound: Diamondbacks third baseman Mark Reynolds. Reynolds, who has set the single-season strikeout record in each of the past two season, is 1-for-8 with six strikeouts in his career against Lilly. However, Reynolds’ strikeouts are down this season, and he ranks among the major league leaders in homers and RBIs.
A’s and Jays
Oakland’s strong start can be attributed to its AL.-best ERA, while Toronto’s recent slide can be blamed on a team ERA that ranks near the bottom of the league. The Blue Jays, however, pack more pop offensively. In the first of a four-game set at Rogers Centre tonight, it will be Oakland’s pitching against Toronto’s hitting as righthander Justin Duchscherer (2-0, 1.82 ERA) against Vernon Wells and Co. Duchscherer, who missed the entire 2009 season, will take a 19-inning scoreless streak into the outing. Meanwhile, Wells will try to improve on a homer total that already matches the one he posted through June last season.
Carl Crawford has owned the Royals the last two years.
What to expect in the major leagues today:
Royals flushed
The Royals begin a season-long 11-game road trip tonight at Tropicana Field. And there would be better places for them to kick off this extended jaunt. Kansas City is 2-10 in Tampa Bay since 2008, and the Rays won nine of the 10 games overall between the teams last season. It was a balanced attack for the Rays, as no player had more than three homers or eight RBIs against the Royals. However, left fielder Carl Crawford did plenty of damage. He stole seven bases, scored 10 runs, hit .400 and had a .478 on-base percentage in those 10 games.
Solving Lilly
In his first start of the 2010 season Saturday, Cubs lefthander Ted Lilly shut out the Brewers over six innings. He will look to build upon that outing tonight against Arizona. One player who won’t be happy to see him on the mound: Diamondbacks third baseman Mark Reynolds. Reynolds, who has set the single-season strikeout record in each of the past two season, is 1-for-8 with six strikeouts in his career against Lilly. However, Reynolds’ strikeouts are down this season, and he ranks among the major league leaders in homers and RBIs.
A’s and Jays
Oakland’s strong start can be attributed to its AL.-best ERA, while Toronto’s recent slide can be blamed on a team ERA that ranks near the bottom of the league. The Blue Jays, however, pack more pop offensively. In the first of a four-game set at Rogers Centre tonight, it will be Oakland’s pitching against Toronto’s hitting as righthander Justin Duchscherer (2-0, 1.82 ERA) against Vernon Wells and Co. Duchscherer, who missed the entire 2009 season, will take a 19-inning scoreless streak into the outing. Meanwhile, Wells will try to improve on a homer total that already matches the one he posted through June last season.
Three-plus weeks into the season, it is surprising that Zack Greinke doesn’t have a win, Albert Pujols has more strikeouts than walks and the Red Sox haven’t figured out they need Jason Varitek to play more. But enough with not-so-pleasant surprises.
The top 10 pleasant surprises (among players):
So far, Livan Hernandez has rewarded the Nats for taking a chance on him.
Livan Hernandez, SP, Nationals
Washington signed Jason Marquis to a two-year, $15 million deal to lead its young rotation. Conversely, Hernandez didn’t have a job when spring training began, and he had to settle for a minor league deal. Marquis lasted 8 1/3 innings (three starts) and posted a 20.52 ERA before going on the disabled list. Hernandez has worked at least seven innings in each of his first four starts and has a 0.87 ERA. Go figure.
After he beat the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Tuesday, Hernandez told reporters he is using the offseason snub as motivation. "I want to show the people that I’m not done," he said. "I do everything they asked me to do. I pitch every five days; I haven’t missed a start for 14 years. No matter what happens, no matter how you feel, I’m always there."
Hernandez averaged an MLB-best 220 innings over the past decade. Listed at 35, he says he wants to pitch "for a long time." Don’t be surprised when he someday is called the righthanded Jamie Moyer.
Kelly Johnson, 2B, Diamondbacks
Major leaguers don’t like to be snubbed. Or, in Johnson’s case, dumped. The Braves preferred Martin Prado at second base, so they non-tendered Johnson, who was snatched by Arizona two weeks later. Good move by the Diamondbacks.
Johnson is showing the Braves what they are missing. Displaying better patience at the plate, he hit seven homers in his first 19 games — he finished with eight in 106 games last year — and raised his OBP nearly 100 points.
Jose Guillen, DH, Royals
Because of serious leg injuries — Guillen told the Kansas City Star that a bout with blood clots left him hospitalized for 20 days this past offseason — he missed 81 games last season while hitting only nine homers. The Royals relegated him to DH duty after signing Rick Ankiel and Scott Podsednik. Guillen wasn’t happy about that. He isn’t saying much about it these days, preferring to let his bat do his talking.
And his bat is saying plenty: seven homers, 18 RBIs and a .349 average. A scout who has known Guillen since his minor league days in Pittsburgh asked me to give him a message: "He should be doing this every year." Replied Guillen: "I could do this every year if I was healthy."
If he keeps this up, don’t be surprised if Guillen is traded to a contender in need of an angry bat.
Vernon Wells, CF, Blue Jays
Wells never will live up to his contract, but don’t hold that against him. It isn’t his fault Toronto overpaid him. At least he is healthy again after offseason wrist surgery.
Wells paid for playing through discomfort last season. He missed only three games but hit .250 with 15 homers, a .311 OBP and a .400 slugging percentage. He hit four homers in the first three games this season and hasn’t cooled much.
C.J. Wilson has impressed since his move to the Rangers’ rotation from the pen.
C.J. Wilson, SP, Rangers
The lefthander has something to prove, too. He wants to show his team it made the right decision by giving him an opportunity to start after he was the team’s most consistent reliever in 2009. The evidence continues to pile up in Wilson’s favor: He has a 1.75 ERA and is the first Ranger to open the season with four consecutive quality starts since 1993.
Andruw Jones, OF/DH, White Sox
After a miserable 2008 with the Dodgers, Jones, 33, continues to find his way back. The White Sox signed him to be a platoon DH and reserve outfielder, but a scout who has watched the club believes Jones, who dropped 25 pounds in the offseason, can be more. "Alex Rios is playing better — he was a dog last year — but I believe Jones will end up hitting more," the scout says. He has so far. In 19 fewer at-bats, Jones has six homers to Rios’ three and a .393-.323 edge in OBP.
Mike Pelfrey, SP, Mets
No Met has rebounded better from a miserable 2009 than Pelfrey — and that includes a bunch of Mets who needed to bounce back. Pelfrey has won all four of his starts, hasn’t allowed a run since the second inning of his 2010 debut and leads the majors with a 0.69 ERA. What’s changed? He is pitching with more confidence, he is throwing a quality split-finger fastball, and he has improved the command of his secondary pitches. No wonder his outlook has done a 180.
"I related last year to having a bad day at work every day," he says. "Nobody wants to go to work and have those days. Now I look forward to getting back out there. It’s tough to sit around for four days (between starts)."
Doug Fister, SP, Mariners
If you predicted that Fister would be the Seattle starter ranked among the AL ERA leaders, you should consider a career change to fortune-telling. This is a staff that figured to be led by Felix Hernandez and Cliff Lee. It will be. Hernandez has been Hernandez, and Lee finally will debut Friday night.
After four starts, however, Fister has been the Mariners’ stingiest starter. The 6-8 righthander sports a 1.67 ERA and has held opponents to a .208 average. "Coming out of spring training without Lee, we talked about someone needing to step up," Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu says. "He’s done that. He’s pitching aggressively and keeping the ball low."
Sergio Santos, RP, White Sox
Don’t worry if you haven’t heard much about Santos. You’re not alone. This time a year ago, Santos was toiling in the minors after making the switch from the infield to the bullpen. The conversion didn’t take long. He made the White Sox out of spring training and has emerged as Ozzie Guillen’s most reliable reliever, featuring a high-90-mph fastball and good changeup. In eight outings (eight innings), he has struck out 10 and has allowed two hits, three walks and zero runs.
Matt Capps, RP, Nationals
A Nationals starter opened this top 10, so it makes sense to close it with the Nationals’ closer. Few were wowed when Washington signed Capps after his unimpressive 2009 (five blown saves and a 5.80 ERA). Everyone should be impressed now. Capps leads the majors with nine saves in nine tries and has allowed only one earned run in 12 1/3 innings.
Three-plus weeks into the season, it is surprising that Zack Greinke doesn’t have a win, Albert Pujols has more strikeouts than walks and the Red Sox haven’t figured out they need Jason Varitek to play more. But enough with not-so-pleasant surprises.
The top 10 pleasant surprises (among players):
So far, Livan Hernandez has rewarded the Nats for taking a chance on him.
Livan Hernandez, SP, Nationals
Washington signed Jason Marquis to a two-year, $15 million deal to lead its young rotation. Conversely, Hernandez didn’t have a job when spring training began, and he had to settle for a minor league deal. Marquis lasted 8 1/3 innings (three starts) and posted a 20.52 ERA before going on the disabled list. Hernandez has worked at least seven innings in each of his first four starts and has a 0.87 ERA. Go figure.
After he beat the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Tuesday, Hernandez told reporters he is using the offseason snub as motivation. "I want to show the people that I’m not done," he said. "I do everything they asked me to do. I pitch every five days; I haven’t missed a start for 14 years. No matter what happens, no matter how you feel, I’m always there."
Hernandez averaged an MLB-best 220 innings over the past decade. Listed at 35, he says he wants to pitch "for a long time." Don’t be surprised when he someday is called the righthanded Jamie Moyer.
Kelly Johnson, 2B, Diamondbacks
Major leaguers don’t like to be snubbed. Or, in Johnson’s case, dumped. The Braves preferred Martin Prado at second base, so they non-tendered Johnson, who was snatched by Arizona two weeks later. Good move by the Diamondbacks.
Johnson is showing the Braves what they are missing. Displaying better patience at the plate, he hit seven homers in his first 19 games — he finished with eight in 106 games last year — and raised his OBP nearly 100 points.
Jose Guillen, DH, Royals
Because of serious leg injuries — Guillen told the Kansas City Star that a bout with blood clots left him hospitalized for 20 days this past offseason — he missed 81 games last season while hitting only nine homers. The Royals relegated him to DH duty after signing Rick Ankiel and Scott Podsednik. Guillen wasn’t happy about that. He isn’t saying much about it these days, preferring to let his bat do his talking.
And his bat is saying plenty: seven homers, 18 RBIs and a .349 average. A scout who has known Guillen since his minor league days in Pittsburgh asked me to give him a message: "He should be doing this every year." Replied Guillen: "I could do this every year if I was healthy."
If he keeps this up, don’t be surprised if Guillen is traded to a contender in need of an angry bat.
Vernon Wells, CF, Blue Jays
Wells never will live up to his contract, but don’t hold that against him. It isn’t his fault Toronto overpaid him. At least he is healthy again after offseason wrist surgery.
Wells paid for playing through discomfort last season. He missed only three games but hit .250 with 15 homers, a .311 OBP and a .400 slugging percentage. He hit four homers in the first three games this season and hasn’t cooled much.
C.J. Wilson has impressed since his move to the Rangers’ rotation from the pen.
C.J. Wilson, SP, Rangers
The lefthander has something to prove, too. He wants to show his team it made the right decision by giving him an opportunity to start after he was the team’s most consistent reliever in 2009. The evidence continues to pile up in Wilson’s favor: He has a 1.75 ERA and is the first Ranger to open the season with four consecutive quality starts since 1993.
Andruw Jones, OF/DH, White Sox
After a miserable 2008 with the Dodgers, Jones, 33, continues to find his way back. The White Sox signed him to be a platoon DH and reserve outfielder, but a scout who has watched the club believes Jones, who dropped 25 pounds in the offseason, can be more. "Alex Rios is playing better — he was a dog last year — but I believe Jones will end up hitting more," the scout says. He has so far. In 19 fewer at-bats, Jones has six homers to Rios’ three and a .393-.323 edge in OBP.
Mike Pelfrey, SP, Mets
No Met has rebounded better from a miserable 2009 than Pelfrey — and that includes a bunch of Mets who needed to bounce back. Pelfrey has won all four of his starts, hasn’t allowed a run since the second inning of his 2010 debut and leads the majors with a 0.69 ERA. What’s changed? He is pitching with more confidence, he is throwing a quality split-finger fastball, and he has improved the command of his secondary pitches. No wonder his outlook has done a 180.
"I related last year to having a bad day at work every day," he says. "Nobody wants to go to work and have those days. Now I look forward to getting back out there. It’s tough to sit around for four days (between starts)."
Doug Fister, SP, Mariners
If you predicted that Fister would be the Seattle starter ranked among the AL ERA leaders, you should consider a career change to fortune-telling. This is a staff that figured to be led by Felix Hernandez and Cliff Lee. It will be. Hernandez has been Hernandez, and Lee finally will debut Friday night.
After four starts, however, Fister has been the Mariners’ stingiest starter. The 6-8 righthander sports a 1.67 ERA and has held opponents to a .208 average. "Coming out of spring training without Lee, we talked about someone needing to step up," Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu says. "He’s done that. He’s pitching aggressively and keeping the ball low."
Sergio Santos, RP, White Sox
Don’t worry if you haven’t heard much about Santos. You’re not alone. This time a year ago, Santos was toiling in the minors after making the switch from the infield to the bullpen. The conversion didn’t take long. He made the White Sox out of spring training and has emerged as Ozzie Guillen’s most reliable reliever, featuring a high-90-mph fastball and good changeup. In eight outings (eight innings), he has struck out 10 and has allowed two hits, three walks and zero runs.
Matt Capps, RP, Nationals
A Nationals starter opened this top 10, so it makes sense to close it with the Nationals’ closer. Few were wowed when Washington signed Capps after his unimpressive 2009 (five blown saves and a 5.80 ERA). Everyone should be impressed now. Capps leads the majors with nine saves in nine tries and has allowed only one earned run in 12 1/3 innings.
