Sporting News staff reports
Houston television station KRIV reported early Thursday that the Astros have agreed to trade right-hander Roy Oswalt to the Philadelphia Phillies and have asked Oswalt to approve the deal.
KRIV sports director Mark Berman reported the club approached Oswalt about waiving his no-trade clause. Oswalt can veto any trade, but he has said he’d do it to play for a contender. The Phillies are on a seven-game winning streak and trail the Braves by 3 1/2 games in the NL East.
Berman’s report does not include whom the Phillies would be giving up, though many media members have speculated left-hander J.A. Happ would be part of any Oswalt trade. Berman also didn’t say whether other clubs are involved; there have been reports a third team was needed to help the Phillies fit Oswalt under their payroll.
Houston general manager Ed Wade declined to comment when contacted late Wednesday by MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart. Oswalt could not be reached for comment, McTaggart reported.
Earlier Wednesday, Astros’ owner Drayton McLane put the odds of an Oswalt trade at 60-40 in favor.
"I’d say it’s about 60 percent that something could be done and 40 percent that Roy will be here next year," McLane told the Houston Chronicle’s Zachary Levine.
Oswalt, who is scheduled to start Friday, said he wanted to have sufficient time to ponder waiving his no-trade rights.
"I’m hoping I’m not going to get it dropped on me an hour before (Saturday’s 4 p.m. ET) deadline to give me a little bit of time to think about it, but I think it will work out," Oswalt told Levine.
General manager Ed Wade said he wouldn’t rush a deal to accommodate Oswalt.
"We’ll use all the time allotted to us," Wade told Levine. "If there’s the right decision to be made sooner rather than later, we’ll make it, otherwise, we’ll use all the time available to try to make the right decisions."
The Chronicle reported the Cardinals, who were once considered the front-runners to land him, were now long shots. The Phillies have long been working to obtain Oswalt, but it was believed a deal may have hit a snag over money. Oswalt is guaranteed more than $25 million over the length of his contract, and he also has a $16 million option for 2012. There have been conflicting reports about whether Oswalt would insist on his new team picking up the option.
Sporting News staff reports
Houston television station KRIV reported early Thursday that the Astros have agreed to trade right-hander Roy Oswalt to the Philadelphia Phillies and have asked Oswalt to approve the deal.
KRIV sports director Mark Berman reported the club approached Oswalt about waiving his no-trade clause. Oswalt can veto any trade, but he has said he’d do it to play for a contender. The Phillies are on a seven-game winning streak and trail the Braves by 3 1/2 games in the NL East.
Berman’s report does not include whom the Phillies would be giving up, though many media members have speculated left-hander J.A. Happ would be part of any Oswalt trade. Berman also didn’t say whether other clubs are involved; there have been reports a third team was needed to help the Phillies fit Oswalt under their payroll.
Houston general manager Ed Wade declined to comment when contacted late Wednesday by MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart. Oswalt could not be reached for comment, McTaggart reported.
Earlier Wednesday, Astros’ owner Drayton McLane put the odds of an Oswalt trade at 60-40 in favor.
"I’d say it’s about 60 percent that something could be done and 40 percent that Roy will be here next year," McLane told the Houston Chronicle’s Zachary Levine.
Oswalt, who is scheduled to start Friday, said he wanted to have sufficient time to ponder waiving his no-trade rights.
"I’m hoping I’m not going to get it dropped on me an hour before (Saturday’s 4 p.m. ET) deadline to give me a little bit of time to think about it, but I think it will work out," Oswalt told Levine.
General manager Ed Wade said he wouldn’t rush a deal to accommodate Oswalt.
"We’ll use all the time allotted to us," Wade told Levine. "If there’s the right decision to be made sooner rather than later, we’ll make it, otherwise, we’ll use all the time available to try to make the right decisions."
The Chronicle reported the Cardinals, who were once considered the front-runners to land him, were now long shots. The Phillies have long been working to obtain Oswalt, but it was believed a deal may have hit a snag over money. Oswalt is guaranteed more than $25 million over the length of his contract, and he also has a $16 million option for 2012. There have been conflicting reports about whether Oswalt would insist on his new team picking up the option.
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians have traded third baseman Jhonny Peralta to the Detroit Tigers for minor league left-hander Giovanni Soto.
Peralta was in the lineup for Cleveland’s game against the New York Yankees on Wednesday, but was pulled at about 6 p.m. He’s batting .246 with seven homers and 43 RBIs in 91 games.
Peralta will likely fill-in for Brandon Inge, the Tigers’ injured third baseman.
The 28-year-old Peralta is in the final season of a five-year, $13 million contract, which includes an $11 million option for 2001. He’s making $4.6 million this season.
The 19-year-old Soto has spent the entire season at Class-A West Michigan. He is 6-6 with a 2.61 ERA in 16 starts.
Infielder Luis Valbuena has been called up from Triple-A Columbus to take Peralta’s roster spot.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians have traded third baseman Jhonny Peralta to the Detroit Tigers for minor league left-hander Giovanni Soto.
Peralta was in the lineup for Cleveland’s game against the New York Yankees on Wednesday, but was pulled at about 6 p.m. He’s batting .246 with seven homers and 43 RBIs in 91 games.
Peralta will likely fill-in for Brandon Inge, the Tigers’ injured third baseman.
The 28-year-old Peralta is in the final season of a five-year, $13 million contract, which includes an $11 million option for 2001. He’s making $4.6 million this season.
The 19-year-old Soto has spent the entire season at Class-A West Michigan. He is 6-6 with a 2.61 ERA in 16 starts.
Infielder Luis Valbuena has been called up from Triple-A Columbus to take Peralta’s roster spot.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The top four receivers selected in the 2011 draft could be underclassmen, which would sustain a trend from last April’s draft, when the first five wideouts chosen were underclassmen. Look for a hot debate over whether A.J. Green and Julio Jones—both top-level prospects—will be the first wideout drafted.
After breaking down game film all summer, here is our scouts’ rankings for the top junior and senior wide receivers entering the college season:
1. A.J. Green, 6-4/207, Georgia (junior)
Green exploded onto the national scene as a true freshman in 2008 when he became Matthew Stafford’s go-to guy. He has excellent height and top-notch athleticism to go with very good hands and the speed to make big plays. He can get separation on deep routes and should continue to do that in the NFL. He has consistently shown the ability to adjust and make great catches on off-target passes. The only issue is Green’s thin frame and whether he’ll be durable in the NFL. Projection: First-round pick.
2. Julio Jones, 6-4/211, Alabama (junior)
Alabama’s go-to receiver since he showed up on campus, Jones has the size, strength and athleticism to maintain a high level of production in the NFL. He has a thick body and catches passes in traffic without hesitation. He also consistently breaks tackles to gain extra yards. He has very good hands and the ability to pluck the ball away from his body with ease. The one concern is Jones’ lack of rare explosiveness, which could prevent him from getting separation on deep routes in the NFL. Projection: First-round pick.
3. Jonathan Baldwin, 6-5/225, Pittsburgh (junior)
He has surprising athleticism, consistently displays the ability to win jump-ball battles and is fearless catching passes in traffic. With his size, strength and competitiveness, he can gain yards after contact. Few 6-5 receivers have his ability to consistently make big plays—both running after the catch and catching deep passes. After a relatively quiet freshman season, he had a huge sophomore year in which he averaged nearly 20 yards on 57 catches. Projection: First-round pick.
4. Ryan Broyles, 5-11/178, Oklahoma (junior)
Broyles is a super-quick, explosive receiver who has been a big-play star at Oklahoma despite being surrounded by many talented pass catchers. He easily gets separation from defenders, makes tacklers miss and makes big plays when he gets into space. He has very good hands and has displayed the ability to make tough catches. However, his thin frame raises concerns about his ability to be durable in the NFL. Broyles should make an immediate impact as a punt returner. Projection: Late first-round or early second-round pick.
5. Niles Paul, 6-1/215, Nebraska
Paul is a well-built receiver with the size and strength to make plays after the catch. He has no fear and will catch passes in traffic, takes hard hits after the catch and holds onto the ball consistently. He is quick and agile, which really shows up in his ability to make big plays as a return man. Niles is not as well-known as many other receivers because Nebraska doesn’t have a high-powered passing attack. But NFL people have taken notice of his size, strength, athleticism and skill running with the ball. Projection: Second-round pick.
6. Dwayne Harris, 6-0/205, East Carolina
Harris is an explosive player who has made the bulk of his plays from the slot. He has the quickness, agility and burst to get off the ball and into his routes quickly and has the burst out of his cuts to separate from tight coverage. He has consistently shown the ability to get open and make clutch catches in key situations. He has the vision, instincts and running ability to make big plays in space, which shows up even more in his success as a return man. Projection: Second-round pick.
7. Michael Floyd, 6-3/220, Notre Dame (junior)
Floyd is a big, tall receiver whose draft stock could move up significantly depending on his play. When he has been healthy, he has shown the combination of athleticism, size, strength and hands to be a potential first-rounder. However, he has dealt with injuries during both his seasons at Notre Dame, and there are questions about his durability. Floyd has been productive when healthy, though he doesn’t appear to have elite speed—much like former Irish wideout Golden Tate. Projection: Second-round pick.
8. Greg Little, 6-3/215, North Carolina
Little is one of the most interesting prospects because this will be only his second full season at receiver; he formerly was a tailback. He is a big, well-built player who looks more like a tight end than a receiver, but he has the athleticism to make plays outside. He is a sure-handed receiver who has shown the ability to make tough catches with a defender on his back and break tackles to gain yards. However, he is not a quick-twitch athlete, leading to questions about whether he can consistently get separation in the NFL. Projection: Second-round pick.
9. Jerrel Jernigan, 5-9/184, Troy
Though he clearly lacks ideal size, his rare quickness, explosiveness, athleticism and speed give him the ability to consistently make big plays. He has shown the hands to make tough catches, gets upfield in a flash after the catch and has the top-end speed to take plays the distance. He has the tools to get open easily against tight man coverage and consistently makes big plays in key situations. He also has the talent to be an impact returner. Projection: Third-round pick.
10. Stephen Burton, 6-4/220, West Texas A&M
This small-school receiver has the attention of scouts. He is a tall receiver who has the quickness and explosiveness to run away from defenders and make big plays. He is a very raw prospect who needs work on his fundamentals. But if he continues to improve as much as he did in 2009, he has a chance to move up draft boards because of his combination of size, athleticism, speed and open-field running ability. Projection: Third- or fourth-round pick.
Former NFL scout Russ Lande evaluates college players for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room and GM Jr. Scouting LLC.
The top four receivers selected in the 2011 draft could be underclassmen, which would sustain a trend from last April’s draft, when the first five wideouts chosen were underclassmen. Look for a hot debate over whether A.J. Green and Julio Jones—both top-level prospects—will be the first wideout drafted.
After breaking down game film all summer, here is our scouts’ rankings for the top junior and senior wide receivers entering the college season:
1. A.J. Green, 6-4/207, Georgia (junior)
Green exploded onto the national scene as a true freshman in 2008 when he became Matthew Stafford’s go-to guy. He has excellent height and top-notch athleticism to go with very good hands and the speed to make big plays. He can get separation on deep routes and should continue to do that in the NFL. He has consistently shown the ability to adjust and make great catches on off-target passes. The only issue is Green’s thin frame and whether he’ll be durable in the NFL. Projection: First-round pick.
2. Julio Jones, 6-4/211, Alabama (junior)
Alabama’s go-to receiver since he showed up on campus, Jones has the size, strength and athleticism to maintain a high level of production in the NFL. He has a thick body and catches passes in traffic without hesitation. He also consistently breaks tackles to gain extra yards. He has very good hands and the ability to pluck the ball away from his body with ease. The one concern is Jones’ lack of rare explosiveness, which could prevent him from getting separation on deep routes in the NFL. Projection: First-round pick.
3. Jonathan Baldwin, 6-5/225, Pittsburgh (junior)
He has surprising athleticism, consistently displays the ability to win jump-ball battles and is fearless catching passes in traffic. With his size, strength and competitiveness, he can gain yards after contact. Few 6-5 receivers have his ability to consistently make big plays—both running after the catch and catching deep passes. After a relatively quiet freshman season, he had a huge sophomore year in which he averaged nearly 20 yards on 57 catches. Projection: First-round pick.
4. Ryan Broyles, 5-11/178, Oklahoma (junior)
Broyles is a super-quick, explosive receiver who has been a big-play star at Oklahoma despite being surrounded by many talented pass catchers. He easily gets separation from defenders, makes tacklers miss and makes big plays when he gets into space. He has very good hands and has displayed the ability to make tough catches. However, his thin frame raises concerns about his ability to be durable in the NFL. Broyles should make an immediate impact as a punt returner. Projection: Late first-round or early second-round pick.
5. Niles Paul, 6-1/215, Nebraska
Paul is a well-built receiver with the size and strength to make plays after the catch. He has no fear and will catch passes in traffic, takes hard hits after the catch and holds onto the ball consistently. He is quick and agile, which really shows up in his ability to make big plays as a return man. Niles is not as well-known as many other receivers because Nebraska doesn’t have a high-powered passing attack. But NFL people have taken notice of his size, strength, athleticism and skill running with the ball. Projection: Second-round pick.
6. Dwayne Harris, 6-0/205, East Carolina
Harris is an explosive player who has made the bulk of his plays from the slot. He has the quickness, agility and burst to get off the ball and into his routes quickly and has the burst out of his cuts to separate from tight coverage. He has consistently shown the ability to get open and make clutch catches in key situations. He has the vision, instincts and running ability to make big plays in space, which shows up even more in his success as a return man. Projection: Second-round pick.
7. Michael Floyd, 6-3/220, Notre Dame (junior)
Floyd is a big, tall receiver whose draft stock could move up significantly depending on his play. When he has been healthy, he has shown the combination of athleticism, size, strength and hands to be a potential first-rounder. However, he has dealt with injuries during both his seasons at Notre Dame, and there are questions about his durability. Floyd has been productive when healthy, though he doesn’t appear to have elite speed—much like former Irish wideout Golden Tate. Projection: Second-round pick.
8. Greg Little, 6-3/215, North Carolina
Little is one of the most interesting prospects because this will be only his second full season at receiver; he formerly was a tailback. He is a big, well-built player who looks more like a tight end than a receiver, but he has the athleticism to make plays outside. He is a sure-handed receiver who has shown the ability to make tough catches with a defender on his back and break tackles to gain yards. However, he is not a quick-twitch athlete, leading to questions about whether he can consistently get separation in the NFL. Projection: Second-round pick.
9. Jerrel Jernigan, 5-9/184, Troy
Though he clearly lacks ideal size, his rare quickness, explosiveness, athleticism and speed give him the ability to consistently make big plays. He has shown the hands to make tough catches, gets upfield in a flash after the catch and has the top-end speed to take plays the distance. He has the tools to get open easily against tight man coverage and consistently makes big plays in key situations. He also has the talent to be an impact returner. Projection: Third-round pick.
10. Stephen Burton, 6-4/220, West Texas A&M
This small-school receiver has the attention of scouts. He is a tall receiver who has the quickness and explosiveness to run away from defenders and make big plays. He is a very raw prospect who needs work on his fundamentals. But if he continues to improve as much as he did in 2009, he has a chance to move up draft boards because of his combination of size, athleticism, speed and open-field running ability. Projection: Third- or fourth-round pick.
Former NFL scout Russ Lande evaluates college players for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room and GM Jr. Scouting LLC.
New University of Southern California running backs coach Kennedy Pola joined Fox Sports Radio with Petros and Money to talk about leaving the Tennessee Titans after being hired only last February, and the subsequent lawsuit the Titans filed against USC.
To listen to the interview, go to Sports Radio Interviews. Responses have been edited for clarity and brevity.
Kennedy Pola said he had to make a tough decision to leave the Titans for USC.
Did Pola know that the Titans would sue Lane Kiffin and USC?
Pola: I think that is above me. I was just an assistant coach doing my thing. I just finished unpacking my last box, moving in… and it all happened Friday afternoon when I got the phone call. From there, I made the decision that was tough — timing was poor — but sometimes, you have to — what do they say? — crack some eggs to make an omelet.
How would he describe his conversation with Titans coach Jeff Fisher?
Pola: Obviously, he was excited for me about the opportunity to come back and help USC, because, you have got to remember, I am not going back to sweet things. We are on a penalty from the NCAA. As a former player and a USC grad, I want the opportunity to come back there and help build and keep this tradition of USC going, because I am very proud of my university. I am not going to run away from it. I am going to try to come back there and do the best that I can to go through this penalty phase. I believe, with the leadership of our new Athletic Director, Pat Haden, I think we will get the job done.
What is it like to be back at USC?
Pola: It is exciting… I will tell you what, [Jeff Fisher] is an outstanding leader of men. I really enjoyed working with him and for him. I learned a lot.
You said that I have "moved around", but some of those moves were unplanned, it just happened…
I believe in continuous improvement. I have been improving as a coach, as a person, and the opportunity to be an offensive coordinator in one of the premier colleges/universities in the country, and then having Pat Haden there as the leader of the university’s athletic department, I couldn’t pass that up.
What was Pola’s relationship with Lane Kiffin like when they worked together as assistants at UCS, and did they ever think they would be in this position?
Pola: No. He went and took his chance. Lane was there as the tight ends coach and I was the special teams coach in our first year with Coach [Pete] Carroll and we were there through the building blocks of a .500 team in the Vegas Bowl, and then we had a nice run with Coach Carroll and Coach [Norm] Chow, with Coach Kiffin, and [Steve] Sarkisian, and Tim Davis. That was a good group, a very good group.
We all ended up somewhere along and moved on, but to have an opportunity to come back to USC and work for Lane, and then have Coach [Ed] Orgeron there, who was with us the first run, it is just special. It is a special place. USC is a special place and I am just blessed and humbled to get an opportunity to come back and help out.
What can people expect from the running backs group this season?
Pola: I want tough guys, mentally, physically. I want them to understand that it is tough having the burden of being a student-athlete at the University of Southern California. That burden, not just on the field, it is off the field, how they represent themselves, and how they represent this university.
There is nobody bigger than the university now, the University of Southern California. If you do the right things on and off the field it is going to benefit you… It is a special place, and to carry that torch is something that is not a burden — it is a benefit that you can’t even explain. You are going to get smart, you are going to have guys that are explosive, good on and off the field, and that is what I expect from them.
More from SRI
Denver Nuggets coach George Karl talks about possibly returning in October
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Matt Garza talks about throwing a no-hitter
New University of Southern California running backs coach Kennedy Pola joined Fox Sports Radio with Petros and Money to talk about leaving the Tennessee Titans after being hired only last February, and the subsequent lawsuit the Titans filed against USC.
To listen to the interview, go to Sports Radio Interviews. Responses have been edited for clarity and brevity.
Kennedy Pola said he had to make a tough decision to leave the Titans for USC.
Did Pola know that the Titans would sue Lane Kiffin and USC?
Pola: I think that is above me. I was just an assistant coach doing my thing. I just finished unpacking my last box, moving in… and it all happened Friday afternoon when I got the phone call. From there, I made the decision that was tough — timing was poor — but sometimes, you have to — what do they say? — crack some eggs to make an omelet.
How would he describe his conversation with Titans coach Jeff Fisher?
Pola: Obviously, he was excited for me about the opportunity to come back and help USC, because, you have got to remember, I am not going back to sweet things. We are on a penalty from the NCAA. As a former player and a USC grad, I want the opportunity to come back there and help build and keep this tradition of USC going, because I am very proud of my university. I am not going to run away from it. I am going to try to come back there and do the best that I can to go through this penalty phase. I believe, with the leadership of our new Athletic Director, Pat Haden, I think we will get the job done.
What is it like to be back at USC?
Pola: It is exciting… I will tell you what, [Jeff Fisher] is an outstanding leader of men. I really enjoyed working with him and for him. I learned a lot.
You said that I have "moved around", but some of those moves were unplanned, it just happened…
I believe in continuous improvement. I have been improving as a coach, as a person, and the opportunity to be an offensive coordinator in one of the premier colleges/universities in the country, and then having Pat Haden there as the leader of the university’s athletic department, I couldn’t pass that up.
What was Pola’s relationship with Lane Kiffin like when they worked together as assistants at UCS, and did they ever think they would be in this position?
Pola: No. He went and took his chance. Lane was there as the tight ends coach and I was the special teams coach in our first year with Coach [Pete] Carroll and we were there through the building blocks of a .500 team in the Vegas Bowl, and then we had a nice run with Coach Carroll and Coach [Norm] Chow, with Coach Kiffin, and [Steve] Sarkisian, and Tim Davis. That was a good group, a very good group.
We all ended up somewhere along and moved on, but to have an opportunity to come back to USC and work for Lane, and then have Coach [Ed] Orgeron there, who was with us the first run, it is just special. It is a special place. USC is a special place and I am just blessed and humbled to get an opportunity to come back and help out.
What can people expect from the running backs group this season?
Pola: I want tough guys, mentally, physically. I want them to understand that it is tough having the burden of being a student-athlete at the University of Southern California. That burden, not just on the field, it is off the field, how they represent themselves, and how they represent this university.
There is nobody bigger than the university now, the University of Southern California. If you do the right things on and off the field it is going to benefit you… It is a special place, and to carry that torch is something that is not a burden — it is a benefit that you can’t even explain. You are going to get smart, you are going to have guys that are explosive, good on and off the field, and that is what I expect from them.
More from SRI
Denver Nuggets coach George Karl talks about possibly returning in October
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Matt Garza talks about throwing a no-hitter
The American sports fan — or at least the American sports writer — has developed a perpetual need to define things. "This was the greatest game ever!" "Greatest comeback in sports history!" "This is the year of the pitcher!"
That’s the working definition of this year’s baseball season: the Year of the Pitcher. After all, there have been five no-hitters this season, including two perfect games. Remember, that’s not including the should-have-been perfect game by Armando Galarraga. While that surely seems like a lot (more on that in a minute) the number of no-hitters to games played in 2010 is ridiculously low when compared to, say, the number of walk-off wins.
There have been 1,502 games this season in Major League Baseball heading into play on Wednesday. The five no-hitters account for .3 percent of those games, which means we’ve qualified this as the Year of the Pitcher based on less than half of one percent of all the games played this year. Meanwhile, there have been 136 walk-off wins so far, which means that more than nine percent of all games have been decided in the most dramatic fashion. That sure seems like a lot, doesn’t it?
Have a few great pitching performances stolen "the year of" away from the walk-off? To figure that out, we’re going to need a bit of perspective on these numbers.
It’s obviously impossible to compare something as rare as a no-hitter (or perfect game) to something like a walk-off win. The fact is, once a player gets a hit in the game, there is no longer a chance for that event to occur (you can’t un-ring a bell, or un-hit a game, as it were). Unlike the no-hitter, a typical baseball game could have up to 17 lead changes before getting to the ninth inning with the home team needing a rally to win. So, despite the minuscule number of no-hitters this season when compared to the total number of walk-off wins, or total number of games played, the no-hitters can really only be judged against their own historical context. Shall we.
There have been 268 no-hitters (not including shortened games) in history, dating back to 1875. Coming into the season there were just 14 no-hitters since 1999, making the five no-hitters this season stand out even more (note: for the purposes of this historical comparison, it’s difficult to count Galarraga’s perfect game that wasn’t because we do not know how many games in the course of baseball’s long history were also actual no-hitters that the umpire botched a call to ruin. Galarraga clearly threw a perfect game, but it’s hard to use that in year-to-year comparisons).
There have been five or more no-hitters in a season eleven times in the history of the majors, including this season. We have seen more than six no-hitters in a season three times before this year, and while the first (eight) was way back in 1884, the other two came within this generation. There were seven no-hitters in 1990, including two on the same day when Dave Stewart and Fernando Valenzuela each tossed a no-no on June 29th. There was, however, no perfect game that season. The following season there were another seven no-hitters, including one that featured three pitchers and another that featured four pitchers. There was one perfect game (by Dennis Martinez) as well as Nolan Ryan’s seventh and final no-hitter. 1991 makes a pretty good case for the Year of the Pitcher.
Still, of the 20 perfect games in history, two have come this season. And yes, you can add that Galarraga game back in now, making it a theoretical three of 21 perfect games in the same year. Maybe this really is the year of the pitcher.
Here are a few notes to add back that up: Josh Johnson, despite giving up three runs in his latest start, boasts an ERA that currently rivals the all-time greats. Johnson’s 1.72 ERA would be the fourth-lowest since 1968. Having said that, the number did raise more than a tenth of a run last night and it was just a few weeks ago that Ubaldo Jimenez was boasting better numbers than Johnson, before he faltered a bit by giving up four or more runs in five of his last six starts.
Jimenez, for what it’s worth, still boasts a 2.75 ERA and is one of 18 pitchers who currently have an ERA under 3.00. To add another bit of context to this year’s numbers, Chris Carpenter led the NL with a 2.24 ERA last season and there are currently three players under that mark this year, including two on his own team.
As a league, the pitching has been better than in recent years. In fact, the overall ERA heading into games on Wednesday (4.15) is the lowest since 1992 (worth noting the overall ERA was below 4.00 in every year but one from 1980-1992 and not one time since) and the overall WHIP is the best since 1992 as well. Even if it’s not the Year of the Pitcher when you look at the entire history of the game (I’d take 1968, with seven 20-game winners including Denny McLain’s 31 wins and 49 pitchers with an ERA under 3.00 including 21 with a 2.50 or better) but 2010 has been, without much doubt, the Year of the Pitcher of the Last Two Decades or So.
So.can it be both the Year of the Pitcher and the Year of the Walk-off? Sure, it can. But based on the recent history, it’s probably not. While nine-percent of all games seems like a really high number to be decided by the last swing of the bat (or, in some cases, the last ball, hit-batsman or balk) the ratio of games to games won in walk-off fashion is not significantly higher than any of the last five years.
According to baseball-reference.com, there were 211 walk-off wins in 2,430 games in 2009 (8.68 percent). In 2008, there were 228 walk-off wins in 2,428 games (9.39 percent), which is more than the current pace (9.05 percent) through the 1,502 games this season. The numbers in 2007 and 2006 were slightly lower than this year – 215 of 2,431 games (8.84 percent) in 2007 and 214 of 2,429 games (8.81 percent) in 2006 – though not so much that it would make this campaign stand out with "Year of" status. If anything, recent history would have given that moniker to the 2008 season.
Why, then, does it seem like there are so many walk-off wins this year? Perhaps it’s the ridiculous nature of some, from grand slams where the batter thought it was an out to, as mentioned above, a walk-off balk to players getting hurt on their home-plate celebration to, recently, a pie-in-the-face celebration gone horribly wrong.
How about this for an answer to the "Year of" debate: it’s the Year of Really Compelling Baseball. There have been great pitching performances and a ton of thrilling late-inning wins. Add in the fact that five of the six division races are within 3.5 games and this is shaping up to be one heckuva season.if you’re looking for that kind of definition, of course.
The American sports fan — or at least the American sports writer — has developed a perpetual need to define things. "This was the greatest game ever!" "Greatest comeback in sports history!" "This is the year of the pitcher!"
That’s the working definition of this year’s baseball season: the Year of the Pitcher. After all, there have been five no-hitters this season, including two perfect games. Remember, that’s not including the should-have-been perfect game by Armando Galarraga. While that surely seems like a lot (more on that in a minute) the number of no-hitters to games played in 2010 is ridiculously low when compared to, say, the number of walk-off wins.
There have been 1,502 games this season in Major League Baseball heading into play on Wednesday. The five no-hitters account for .3 percent of those games, which means we’ve qualified this as the Year of the Pitcher based on less than half of one percent of all the games played this year. Meanwhile, there have been 136 walk-off wins so far, which means that more than nine percent of all games have been decided in the most dramatic fashion. That sure seems like a lot, doesn’t it?
Have a few great pitching performances stolen "the year of" away from the walk-off? To figure that out, we’re going to need a bit of perspective on these numbers.
It’s obviously impossible to compare something as rare as a no-hitter (or perfect game) to something like a walk-off win. The fact is, once a player gets a hit in the game, there is no longer a chance for that event to occur (you can’t un-ring a bell, or un-hit a game, as it were). Unlike the no-hitter, a typical baseball game could have up to 17 lead changes before getting to the ninth inning with the home team needing a rally to win. So, despite the minuscule number of no-hitters this season when compared to the total number of walk-off wins, or total number of games played, the no-hitters can really only be judged against their own historical context. Shall we.
There have been 268 no-hitters (not including shortened games) in history, dating back to 1875. Coming into the season there were just 14 no-hitters since 1999, making the five no-hitters this season stand out even more (note: for the purposes of this historical comparison, it’s difficult to count Galarraga’s perfect game that wasn’t because we do not know how many games in the course of baseball’s long history were also actual no-hitters that the umpire botched a call to ruin. Galarraga clearly threw a perfect game, but it’s hard to use that in year-to-year comparisons).
There have been five or more no-hitters in a season eleven times in the history of the majors, including this season. We have seen more than six no-hitters in a season three times before this year, and while the first (eight) was way back in 1884, the other two came within this generation. There were seven no-hitters in 1990, including two on the same day when Dave Stewart and Fernando Valenzuela each tossed a no-no on June 29th. There was, however, no perfect game that season. The following season there were another seven no-hitters, including one that featured three pitchers and another that featured four pitchers. There was one perfect game (by Dennis Martinez) as well as Nolan Ryan’s seventh and final no-hitter. 1991 makes a pretty good case for the Year of the Pitcher.
Still, of the 20 perfect games in history, two have come this season. And yes, you can add that Galarraga game back in now, making it a theoretical three of 21 perfect games in the same year. Maybe this really is the year of the pitcher.
Here are a few notes to add back that up: Josh Johnson, despite giving up three runs in his latest start, boasts an ERA that currently rivals the all-time greats. Johnson’s 1.72 ERA would be the fourth-lowest since 1968. Having said that, the number did raise more than a tenth of a run last night and it was just a few weeks ago that Ubaldo Jimenez was boasting better numbers than Johnson, before he faltered a bit by giving up four or more runs in five of his last six starts.
Jimenez, for what it’s worth, still boasts a 2.75 ERA and is one of 18 pitchers who currently have an ERA under 3.00. To add another bit of context to this year’s numbers, Chris Carpenter led the NL with a 2.24 ERA last season and there are currently three players under that mark this year, including two on his own team.
As a league, the pitching has been better than in recent years. In fact, the overall ERA heading into games on Wednesday (4.15) is the lowest since 1992 (worth noting the overall ERA was below 4.00 in every year but one from 1980-1992 and not one time since) and the overall WHIP is the best since 1992 as well. Even if it’s not the Year of the Pitcher when you look at the entire history of the game (I’d take 1968, with seven 20-game winners including Denny McLain’s 31 wins and 49 pitchers with an ERA under 3.00 including 21 with a 2.50 or better) but 2010 has been, without much doubt, the Year of the Pitcher of the Last Two Decades or So.
So.can it be both the Year of the Pitcher and the Year of the Walk-off? Sure, it can. But based on the recent history, it’s probably not. While nine-percent of all games seems like a really high number to be decided by the last swing of the bat (or, in some cases, the last ball, hit-batsman or balk) the ratio of games to games won in walk-off fashion is not significantly higher than any of the last five years.
According to baseball-reference.com, there were 211 walk-off wins in 2,430 games in 2009 (8.68 percent). In 2008, there were 228 walk-off wins in 2,428 games (9.39 percent), which is more than the current pace (9.05 percent) through the 1,502 games this season. The numbers in 2007 and 2006 were slightly lower than this year – 215 of 2,431 games (8.84 percent) in 2007 and 214 of 2,429 games (8.81 percent) in 2006 – though not so much that it would make this campaign stand out with "Year of" status. If anything, recent history would have given that moniker to the 2008 season.
Why, then, does it seem like there are so many walk-off wins this year? Perhaps it’s the ridiculous nature of some, from grand slams where the batter thought it was an out to, as mentioned above, a walk-off balk to players getting hurt on their home-plate celebration to, recently, a pie-in-the-face celebration gone horribly wrong.
How about this for an answer to the "Year of" debate: it’s the Year of Really Compelling Baseball. There have been great pitching performances and a ton of thrilling late-inning wins. Add in the fact that five of the six division races are within 3.5 games and this is shaping up to be one heckuva season.if you’re looking for that kind of definition, of course.
With the removal of the last big-name free agent from the shelf, thanks to Terrell Owens’ signing with Cincinnati, let’s look back at some of the most ill-advised free-agent signings in the uncapped year.
Here are seven moves that probably shouldn’t have happened.
Antonio Bryant to the Bengals
In light of their most recent signing, the Bengals might have overpaid for Antonio Bryant.
In March, the Bengals conducted a two-float receiver parade. First came Antonio Bryant for a visit. As he left, Terrell Owens arrived.
Then, after T.O. was gone, Bryant received a four-year, $28 million deal.
So why did the Bengals sign Owens nearly five months later? The ability to team Bryant with T.O. and Chad Ochocinco should give the Bengals a potent passing attack, but with Bryant potentially the odd man out when the team employs two-receiver sets, it made no sense for the Bengals to pay him so much money so early in free agency.
Already rumblings have emerged Bryant could be cut, but with $7.85 million already in hand, it’s unlikely Cincinnati will dump him before 2011. Instead, the team will have to move forward with football’s version of LeBron, Dwyane, and Bosh, mindful of the fact there are eight other guys on the field with them, not two.
Jake Delhomme to the Browns
One of the problems with football coaches-turned-executives is that they can’t leave behind their desire to win now when making dispassionate decisions aimed at advancing the long-term interests of the club. And that dynamic arguably played out earlier this year in Cleveland, when new team president Mike Holmgren dumped quarterback Derek Anderson, traded quarterback Brady Quinn to Denver for a pack of beef jerky and an old pair of running shoes, and then pounced on a man who lost his fastball during the 2008 playoffs — and never found it again during the 2009 season.
The Browns will pay Jake Delhomme $7 million in 2010, a stunning reward for one of the most dramatic falls from grace any quarterback has experienced. Making the move even more puzzling is that, with the exercise of patience and the application of a poker face, the Browns eventually could have gotten Donovan McNabb for the same deal that the Redskins cobbled together in early April — a second-round pick now, and either a third-round or a fourth-round selection next year.
Some Browns fan may defend the move by explaining McNabb is 33, and he could soon enter a decline. Meanwhile, Delhomme is 35, and he’s already skydiving without a parachute.
Derek Anderson to the Cardinals
In Arizona, the Cardinals needed a quality backup for still-unproven Matt Leinart, who inherited the starting quarterback job after Kurt Warner retired. Ideally, the Cards would have found a guy capable of pushing Leinart as aggressively as Warner had pushed him in 2008, back when Warner eventually leapfrogged him.
Instead, the Cardinals signed Derek Anderson.
Sure, no Kurt Warners were hanging around the local Piggly Wiggly when the Cardinals made their move. But the problem arose several weeks later, when the Rams finally cut Marc Bulger, who would have been a much better candidate to give the Cardinals what they need.
Then again, maybe the Rams would have held onto Bulger until their division rivals in the desert had lined up a backup. Still, the Cardinals should have been ready to upgrade to Bulger, regardless of who they signed in March.
Now, they’re stuck with two guys who even on their best days will be a far cry from Kurt Warner.
Joey Porter to the Cardinals
The Cardinals’ misguided free-agency moves weren’t confined to the offensive side of the ball. Not long after the Dolphins cut the cord on an aging loudmouth linebacker whose production has dipped, Arizona pounced.
Joey Porter is now a Cardinal. Though they didn’t break the bank to get him, the consensus in league circles is that Porter’s best days have faded far into his rear-view mirror. Given the potentially negative impact his propensity to pop off could have on a team in transition, the Cardinals should have passed on Porter.
Brandon Manumaleuna to the Bears
When Mike Martz finally was hired to serve as the Bears’ new offensive coordinator, he needed guys who could run his offense.
Chicago started the process by bringing in 30-year-old Brandon Manumaleuna, a blocking tight end who spent the first five years of his career with Martz in St. Louis.
Signing Manumaleuna is one thing. Making a mad dash to land him on the first day of free agency, and thus grossly overpaying him in the process, is another.
LaDainian Tomlinson to the Jets
Not long ago, LaDainian Tomlinson was the most dominant running back in the NFL. Over the past few years, however, it’s become obvious that a great tailback quickly can become just another guy, via age and a cocktail of injuries.
The problem is fans see the same player and think he’s the same player, and the player remembers his past exploits and believes he can will his way back to the top of the mountain.
But it simply doesn’t happen that way. Tomlinson, cut by the Chargers a year too late, became the subject of a tug-of-war between the Vikings and the Jets.
The Vikings lost, and in so doing they possibly won.
With Tomlinson’s diminished skills comes a me-first attitude that won’t be conducive to developing the right chemistry in the locker room, especially if (when) he realizes he’s there to give Shonn Greene a breather, and not the other way around.
Meanwhile, to get Tomlinson, the Jets cut Thomas Jones, who had a career year in 2009 and provided the kind of leadership that the Jets sorely will need if (when) adversity arises in 2010.
And if (when) that happens, it’ll be easy to find Tomlinson. He’ll be sitting at the end of the bench, helmet on and visor dimmed.
Larry Johnson and Willie Parker to the Redskins
With an aging, battered Clinton Portis leading the way for the Redskins’ running game, new coach Mike Shanahan had a great idea for rebuilding the attack.
He signed two more of them.
The Redskins have added Larry Johnson and Willie Parker to the mix, presumably with the intent of all three making the final 53-man roster.
Meanwhile, the Redskins also pursued Brian Westbrook, yet another old and banged-up tailback.
While the franchise has resisted (for a change) the urge to spend too much money, if this is what being frugal produces it could make more sense to overspend.
Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a regular contributor to Sporting News. Check out PFT for up-to-the minute NFL news.
With the removal of the last big-name free agent from the shelf, thanks to Terrell Owens’ signing with Cincinnati, let’s look back at some of the most ill-advised free-agent signings in the uncapped year.
Here are seven moves that probably shouldn’t have happened.
Antonio Bryant to the Bengals
In light of their most recent signing, the Bengals might have overpaid for Antonio Bryant.
In March, the Bengals conducted a two-float receiver parade. First came Antonio Bryant for a visit. As he left, Terrell Owens arrived.
Then, after T.O. was gone, Bryant received a four-year, $28 million deal.
So why did the Bengals sign Owens nearly five months later? The ability to team Bryant with T.O. and Chad Ochocinco should give the Bengals a potent passing attack, but with Bryant potentially the odd man out when the team employs two-receiver sets, it made no sense for the Bengals to pay him so much money so early in free agency.
Already rumblings have emerged Bryant could be cut, but with $7.85 million already in hand, it’s unlikely Cincinnati will dump him before 2011. Instead, the team will have to move forward with football’s version of LeBron, Dwyane, and Bosh, mindful of the fact there are eight other guys on the field with them, not two.
Jake Delhomme to the Browns
One of the problems with football coaches-turned-executives is that they can’t leave behind their desire to win now when making dispassionate decisions aimed at advancing the long-term interests of the club. And that dynamic arguably played out earlier this year in Cleveland, when new team president Mike Holmgren dumped quarterback Derek Anderson, traded quarterback Brady Quinn to Denver for a pack of beef jerky and an old pair of running shoes, and then pounced on a man who lost his fastball during the 2008 playoffs — and never found it again during the 2009 season.
The Browns will pay Jake Delhomme $7 million in 2010, a stunning reward for one of the most dramatic falls from grace any quarterback has experienced. Making the move even more puzzling is that, with the exercise of patience and the application of a poker face, the Browns eventually could have gotten Donovan McNabb for the same deal that the Redskins cobbled together in early April — a second-round pick now, and either a third-round or a fourth-round selection next year.
Some Browns fan may defend the move by explaining McNabb is 33, and he could soon enter a decline. Meanwhile, Delhomme is 35, and he’s already skydiving without a parachute.
Derek Anderson to the Cardinals
In Arizona, the Cardinals needed a quality backup for still-unproven Matt Leinart, who inherited the starting quarterback job after Kurt Warner retired. Ideally, the Cards would have found a guy capable of pushing Leinart as aggressively as Warner had pushed him in 2008, back when Warner eventually leapfrogged him.
Instead, the Cardinals signed Derek Anderson.
Sure, no Kurt Warners were hanging around the local Piggly Wiggly when the Cardinals made their move. But the problem arose several weeks later, when the Rams finally cut Marc Bulger, who would have been a much better candidate to give the Cardinals what they need.
Then again, maybe the Rams would have held onto Bulger until their division rivals in the desert had lined up a backup. Still, the Cardinals should have been ready to upgrade to Bulger, regardless of who they signed in March.
Now, they’re stuck with two guys who even on their best days will be a far cry from Kurt Warner.
Joey Porter to the Cardinals
The Cardinals’ misguided free-agency moves weren’t confined to the offensive side of the ball. Not long after the Dolphins cut the cord on an aging loudmouth linebacker whose production has dipped, Arizona pounced.
Joey Porter is now a Cardinal. Though they didn’t break the bank to get him, the consensus in league circles is that Porter’s best days have faded far into his rear-view mirror. Given the potentially negative impact his propensity to pop off could have on a team in transition, the Cardinals should have passed on Porter.
Brandon Manumaleuna to the Bears
When Mike Martz finally was hired to serve as the Bears’ new offensive coordinator, he needed guys who could run his offense.
Chicago started the process by bringing in 30-year-old Brandon Manumaleuna, a blocking tight end who spent the first five years of his career with Martz in St. Louis.
Signing Manumaleuna is one thing. Making a mad dash to land him on the first day of free agency, and thus grossly overpaying him in the process, is another.
LaDainian Tomlinson to the Jets
Not long ago, LaDainian Tomlinson was the most dominant running back in the NFL. Over the past few years, however, it’s become obvious that a great tailback quickly can become just another guy, via age and a cocktail of injuries.
The problem is fans see the same player and think he’s the same player, and the player remembers his past exploits and believes he can will his way back to the top of the mountain.
But it simply doesn’t happen that way. Tomlinson, cut by the Chargers a year too late, became the subject of a tug-of-war between the Vikings and the Jets.
The Vikings lost, and in so doing they possibly won.
With Tomlinson’s diminished skills comes a me-first attitude that won’t be conducive to developing the right chemistry in the locker room, especially if (when) he realizes he’s there to give Shonn Greene a breather, and not the other way around.
Meanwhile, to get Tomlinson, the Jets cut Thomas Jones, who had a career year in 2009 and provided the kind of leadership that the Jets sorely will need if (when) adversity arises in 2010.
And if (when) that happens, it’ll be easy to find Tomlinson. He’ll be sitting at the end of the bench, helmet on and visor dimmed.
Larry Johnson and Willie Parker to the Redskins
With an aging, battered Clinton Portis leading the way for the Redskins’ running game, new coach Mike Shanahan had a great idea for rebuilding the attack.
He signed two more of them.
The Redskins have added Larry Johnson and Willie Parker to the mix, presumably with the intent of all three making the final 53-man roster.
Meanwhile, the Redskins also pursued Brian Westbrook, yet another old and banged-up tailback.
While the franchise has resisted (for a change) the urge to spend too much money, if this is what being frugal produces it could make more sense to overspend.
Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a regular contributor to Sporting News. Check out PFT for up-to-the minute NFL news.
Sporting News staff reports
Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle at the old Yankee Stadium in 1961.
The Roger Maris vs. Mickey Mantle home run race of 1961 placed a lot of focus on statistics and the record books. Almost five decades after that historic season, those who compile baseball’s numbers and records have officially recognized changes to other parts of the M&M Boys’ stat lines from that year.
A researcher discovered 15 years ago that Maris had 141 RBIs, not 142, and that Mantle in fact scored 131 runs instead of 132 (the mistakes were made on separate plays).
Usually, that wouldn’t be a big deal; the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) and other historians/researches have spotted errors over the years.
In this case, however, the ’61 flubs had a direct effect on who led the American League in those respective categories. Now that the corrections have officially been made, Maris no longer is considered the RBI leader (he now is tied with Jim Gentile), but he is considered the new runs leader (he and Mantle had been tied).
Maris, the American League MVP that year, is best known for the then-record 61 home runs he hit. That figure is not in dispute.
For more on how the changes were discovered, check out Sean Forman’s blog post at baseball-reference.com. (H/T: AOL FanHouse)
Sporting News staff reports
Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle at the old Yankee Stadium in 1961.
The Roger Maris vs. Mickey Mantle home run race of 1961 placed a lot of focus on statistics and the record books. Almost five decades after that historic season, those who compile baseball’s numbers and records have officially recognized changes to other parts of the M&M Boys’ stat lines from that year.
A researcher discovered 15 years ago that Maris had 141 RBIs, not 142, and that Mantle in fact scored 131 runs instead of 132 (the mistakes were made on separate plays).
Usually, that wouldn’t be a big deal; the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) and other historians/researches have spotted errors over the years.
In this case, however, the ’61 flubs had a direct effect on who led the American League in those respective categories. Now that the corrections have officially been made, Maris no longer is considered the RBI leader (he now is tied with Jim Gentile), but he is considered the new runs leader (he and Mantle had been tied).
Maris, the American League MVP that year, is best known for the then-record 61 home runs he hit. That figure is not in dispute.
For more on how the changes were discovered, check out Sean Forman’s blog post at baseball-reference.com. (H/T: AOL FanHouse)
Sporting News staff reports
Baseball’s injury list Tuesday looked like something from an NFL Sunday, at least in terms of volume. No fewer than eight players were scratched or had to leave early because of injuires.
Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg led the parade when he experienced stiffness in his pitching shoulder while warming up. Washington took no chances and sat him down in favor of Miguel Batista.
The rest of the notable aches and pains:
Rockies closer Huston Street: Bruised the right side of his abdomen when he was hit by a line drive in batting practice Tuesday. He was sent home to rest and is listed as day to day. Street was taken off the field in an ambulance and transported to an emergency room for further examination.
Rays center fielder B.J. Upton: Left in the first inning with a sprained left ankle and may be out of the lineup for a few days. He was hurt while moving in on Will Rhymes’ one-out single.
Diamondbacks right fielder Justin Upton: Left in the fifth with tightness in his right hip. The Arizona Republic reports Upton hopes to miss just a couple of days.
Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino: Left in the seventh with a left oblique strain. He’ll be examined by a team physician on Wednesday. "I don’t think it’s that bad, but I’ll know more after I take the MRI in the morning," Victorino said.
Yankees catcher Jorge Posada: Scratched minutes before gametime because of a sore left knee. A Yankees spokesman said Posada experienced left knee soreness and was replaced by Francisco Cervelli.
Red Sox right fielder J.D. Drew: Scratched with tightness in his left hamstring just a few minutes before the Red Sox faced the Los Angeles Angels.
Mariners third baseman Jose Lopez: Left in the first with a tight left hamstring after running out an inning-ending double play. The club says Lopez is day to day.
In addition to those injuries, the Mets learned that left fielder Jason Bay has a concussion and will miss some time, and the Royals found out right-hander Gil Meche needs shoulder surgery that likely will end his season.
Material from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Sporting News staff reports
Baseball’s injury list Tuesday looked like something from an NFL Sunday, at least in terms of volume. No fewer than eight players were scratched or had to leave early because of injuires.
Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg led the parade when he experienced stiffness in his pitching shoulder while warming up. Washington took no chances and sat him down in favor of Miguel Batista.
The rest of the notable aches and pains:
Rockies closer Huston Street: Bruised the right side of his abdomen when he was hit by a line drive in batting practice Tuesday. He was sent home to rest and is listed as day to day. Street was taken off the field in an ambulance and transported to an emergency room for further examination.
Rays center fielder B.J. Upton: Left in the first inning with a sprained left ankle and may be out of the lineup for a few days. He was hurt while moving in on Will Rhymes’ one-out single.
Diamondbacks right fielder Justin Upton: Left in the fifth with tightness in his right hip. The Arizona Republic reports Upton hopes to miss just a couple of days.
Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino: Left in the seventh with a left oblique strain. He’ll be examined by a team physician on Wednesday. "I don’t think it’s that bad, but I’ll know more after I take the MRI in the morning," Victorino said.
Yankees catcher Jorge Posada: Scratched minutes before gametime because of a sore left knee. A Yankees spokesman said Posada experienced left knee soreness and was replaced by Francisco Cervelli.
Red Sox right fielder J.D. Drew: Scratched with tightness in his left hamstring just a few minutes before the Red Sox faced the Los Angeles Angels.
Mariners third baseman Jose Lopez: Left in the first with a tight left hamstring after running out an inning-ending double play. The club says Lopez is day to day.
In addition to those injuries, the Mets learned that left fielder Jason Bay has a concussion and will miss some time, and the Royals found out right-hander Gil Meche needs shoulder surgery that likely will end his season.
Material from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Sporting News staff reports
Jim Leyland on Tuesday denied spitting on umpire Marty Foster during an argument the night before, going so far as to say Foster lied about the incident.
An angry Jim Leyland points at Marty Foster as umpire Gary Cedestrom tries to keep the two apart. during Monday’s argument
The commissioner’s office is reviewing the incident.
Foster ejected Leyland for arguing Foster’s call on a third-inning stolen base by the Rays’ B.J. Upton. "I had some sunflower seeds in when I was talking," Leyland told reporters prior to the Tigers’ game at Tropicana Field. "Some sprayed on him, and he indicated that I deliberately spit on him, and I’m not going to take that from anybody. I’m not going to do it.
"Did I spray him? Yes. Did I mean to? No. I was talking right close [to him] and what happens a lot of times, happened. I asked him if he was going to write me up. He said, ‘You spit on me.’ I said, ‘You mean to tell me that you’re going to write up that I deliberately spit on you?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ I said, ‘Well that’s a blatant lie.’
"I’m tired of protecting them, worrying about what you should say and what you can’t say. I don’t care that he missed the play. I don’t care that he threw me out. But when you make accusations like that, I’m not going to accept that. That’s a blatant lie. I don’t even spit on the ground."
MLB has not made a decision on whether to suspend Leyland.
Sporting News staff reports
Jim Leyland on Tuesday denied spitting on umpire Marty Foster during an argument the night before, going so far as to say Foster lied about the incident.
An angry Jim Leyland points at Marty Foster as umpire Gary Cedestrom tries to keep the two apart. during Monday’s argument
The commissioner’s office is reviewing the incident.
Foster ejected Leyland for arguing Foster’s call on a third-inning stolen base by the Rays’ B.J. Upton. "I had some sunflower seeds in when I was talking," Leyland told reporters prior to the Tigers’ game at Tropicana Field. "Some sprayed on him, and he indicated that I deliberately spit on him, and I’m not going to take that from anybody. I’m not going to do it.
"Did I spray him? Yes. Did I mean to? No. I was talking right close [to him] and what happens a lot of times, happened. I asked him if he was going to write me up. He said, ‘You spit on me.’ I said, ‘You mean to tell me that you’re going to write up that I deliberately spit on you?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ I said, ‘Well that’s a blatant lie.’
"I’m tired of protecting them, worrying about what you should say and what you can’t say. I don’t care that he missed the play. I don’t care that he threw me out. But when you make accusations like that, I’m not going to accept that. That’s a blatant lie. I don’t even spit on the ground."
MLB has not made a decision on whether to suspend Leyland.
