Sporting News staff reports
Fox Sports will not discipline MLB analyst Tim McCarver for comments he made during the network’s telecast of Saturday’s Rays-Yankees game.
McCarver likened the Yankees’ understating the accomplishments of former manager Joe Torre with World War II-era totalitarian regimes removing images of certain generals.
Fox spokesman Dan Bell said in a statement that McCarver regrets making the comment.
"We’ve discussed the situation with Tim, and relayed in no uncertain terms that his choice of analogies was inappropriate, which he completely agrees with and regrets using," network spokesman Dan Bell said Monday in a statement. "Given his contrition and flawless 25-year track record, we’re comfortable no further action is necessary."
Sporting News staff reports
Fox Sports will not discipline MLB analyst Tim McCarver for comments he made during the network’s telecast of Saturday’s Rays-Yankees game.
McCarver likened the Yankees’ understating the accomplishments of former manager Joe Torre with World War II-era totalitarian regimes removing images of certain generals.
Fox spokesman Dan Bell said in a statement that McCarver regrets making the comment.
"We’ve discussed the situation with Tim, and relayed in no uncertain terms that his choice of analogies was inappropriate, which he completely agrees with and regrets using," network spokesman Dan Bell said Monday in a statement. "Given his contrition and flawless 25-year track record, we’re comfortable no further action is necessary."
Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer in American men, behind only skin cancer. But it is treatable — only one out of 35 men who get it dies from it. Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith, a spokesman for the Depend Campaign to End Prostate Cancer, talked with Sporting News’ Matt Crossman about that campaign and baseball topics.
Ozzie Smith was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002.
SN: Tell me about the campaign.
Smith: I’m encouraging all men 50 and older — 40 and older if you’re African American and those with a family history of the disease — to get involved talking to their doctor about their prostate health. With early detection, prostate cancer is not only treatable, it’s beatable. One out of every six men in the country will at some point in time have to deal with prostate cancer. The key to eradicating this is early detection.
So many men, men that I know, especially in the baseball family, have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Because of early detection, they’ve been able to cure it. The good news is when it’s detected early, the survival rate is very high. More than 90 percent of the prostate cancer cases are discovered when the cancer is either local or regional. Nearly 100 percent of men are still living five years after being diagnosed.
SN: Where are we in terms of persuading men that it isn’t that embarrassing to get it checked?
Smith: It’s always been an issue with men because we’re all so personal and we don’t want to get involved. That’s why we’re calling on women to talk to their loved ones and get into that first conversation about how important it is to get that prostate checked. The earlier you detect it, the better chance you have of living a great, normal, long life.
SN: Now some baseball questions. The shortstop position, in your era, was flashy gloves, and if you could hit, great. Then we went through the A-Rod, Cal Ripken era where the guys were bombers. Has it flipped back?
Smith: It’s not completely back yet, but it’s certainly in that direction. Offense has always been such a big part of the game, but we overdid it. I think we’ve done a pretty good job at this point at putting into place deterrents to keep guys from using performance-enhancing drugs. I think we’re back to baseball the way we grew up knowing it, fundamentals being put at the forefront.
SN: Is there a defensive player out there about whom you think, That guy’s changing the game because he’s so good defensively?
Smith: I don’t know if I can say if there’s anybody who’s changing the game. I didn’t set out to do that, either. I just wanted to be as consistent as I could possibly be, making the routine plays every day. Great plays, they take care of themselves. So, no, I can’t say there’s one guy. I do think we are getting back to the prototypical shortstop. For a long period of time, it was (try to) find that guy who was 6-4, 6-5 who had range and had power and could hit 25, 30 home runs a year and drive in 100. I think those guys are very hard to come by.
SN: Who’s your pick for the World Series?
Smith: It’s real hard right now. Once we get (into) the second part of the season, that’s when all things kind of filter out. The pretenders kind of go away.
Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer in American men, behind only skin cancer. But it is treatable — only one out of 35 men who get it dies from it. Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith, a spokesman for the Depend Campaign to End Prostate Cancer, talked with Sporting News’ Matt Crossman about that campaign and baseball topics.
Ozzie Smith was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002.
SN: Tell me about the campaign.
Smith: I’m encouraging all men 50 and older — 40 and older if you’re African American and those with a family history of the disease — to get involved talking to their doctor about their prostate health. With early detection, prostate cancer is not only treatable, it’s beatable. One out of every six men in the country will at some point in time have to deal with prostate cancer. The key to eradicating this is early detection.
So many men, men that I know, especially in the baseball family, have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Because of early detection, they’ve been able to cure it. The good news is when it’s detected early, the survival rate is very high. More than 90 percent of the prostate cancer cases are discovered when the cancer is either local or regional. Nearly 100 percent of men are still living five years after being diagnosed.
SN: Where are we in terms of persuading men that it isn’t that embarrassing to get it checked?
Smith: It’s always been an issue with men because we’re all so personal and we don’t want to get involved. That’s why we’re calling on women to talk to their loved ones and get into that first conversation about how important it is to get that prostate checked. The earlier you detect it, the better chance you have of living a great, normal, long life.
SN: Now some baseball questions. The shortstop position, in your era, was flashy gloves, and if you could hit, great. Then we went through the A-Rod, Cal Ripken era where the guys were bombers. Has it flipped back?
Smith: It’s not completely back yet, but it’s certainly in that direction. Offense has always been such a big part of the game, but we overdid it. I think we’ve done a pretty good job at this point at putting into place deterrents to keep guys from using performance-enhancing drugs. I think we’re back to baseball the way we grew up knowing it, fundamentals being put at the forefront.
SN: Is there a defensive player out there about whom you think, That guy’s changing the game because he’s so good defensively?
Smith: I don’t know if I can say if there’s anybody who’s changing the game. I didn’t set out to do that, either. I just wanted to be as consistent as I could possibly be, making the routine plays every day. Great plays, they take care of themselves. So, no, I can’t say there’s one guy. I do think we are getting back to the prototypical shortstop. For a long period of time, it was (try to) find that guy who was 6-4, 6-5 who had range and had power and could hit 25, 30 home runs a year and drive in 100. I think those guys are very hard to come by.
SN: Who’s your pick for the World Series?
Smith: It’s real hard right now. Once we get (into) the second part of the season, that’s when all things kind of filter out. The pretenders kind of go away.
NFL: Talk about Freakonomics. Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco displays some financial savvy both in his financial planning (he has a slush fund set aside to pay for fines) and in his outside-the-box thinking regarding Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis. Ochocinco volunteered to use said slush fund to entice Revis not to hold out, tweeting: "@revis24 dude, im stupid excited for the season, don’t hold out, you can have some of my fine fund money i set aside, let’s have fun!" Revis replied in kind on Twitter: "@OGOchoCinco well how much u willing to give me. As a matter of fact give me all the money u makin from ur reality show."
NBA: Mike Krzyzewski is recruiting Jason Kidd to be a mentor to the Team USA squad that is in Las Vegas this week preparing for the World Championships in Turkey. Kidd has an impressive 56-0 record with Team USA and two Olympic gold medals from 2000 and 2008.
• Well, at least the Knicks and Bulls can look forward to gift baskets from Dwyane Wade.
MLB: You know that Pepsi Refresh Project ad that plays constantly during MLB games where Evan Longoria pitches a community service idea of having a senior prom for senior citizens? Well, the Rays are taking the idea to heart, holding said prom for said seniors at their Aug. 18 home game.
NFL: Talk about Freakonomics. Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco displays some financial savvy both in his financial planning (he has a slush fund set aside to pay for fines) and in his outside-the-box thinking regarding Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis. Ochocinco volunteered to use said slush fund to entice Revis not to hold out, tweeting: "@revis24 dude, im stupid excited for the season, don’t hold out, you can have some of my fine fund money i set aside, let’s have fun!" Revis replied in kind on Twitter: "@OGOchoCinco well how much u willing to give me. As a matter of fact give me all the money u makin from ur reality show."
NBA: Mike Krzyzewski is recruiting Jason Kidd to be a mentor to the Team USA squad that is in Las Vegas this week preparing for the World Championships in Turkey. Kidd has an impressive 56-0 record with Team USA and two Olympic gold medals from 2000 and 2008.
• Well, at least the Knicks and Bulls can look forward to gift baskets from Dwyane Wade.
MLB: You know that Pepsi Refresh Project ad that plays constantly during MLB games where Evan Longoria pitches a community service idea of having a senior prom for senior citizens? Well, the Rays are taking the idea to heart, holding said prom for said seniors at their Aug. 18 home game.
Sporting News staff reports
SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Padres have extended manager Bud Black’s contract for three years through the 2013 season, with club options for the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
Black has had the surprising Padres in first place in the NL West since April 20. They have an NL-best 54-37 record and a four-game lead over the Colorado Rockies.
Black was hired after Bruce Bochy left following the 2006 season. He has a record of 281-297, including 89-74 in 2007, his first season.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Sporting News staff reports
SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Padres have extended manager Bud Black’s contract for three years through the 2013 season, with club options for the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
Black has had the surprising Padres in first place in the NL West since April 20. They have an NL-best 54-37 record and a four-game lead over the Colorado Rockies.
Black was hired after Bruce Bochy left following the 2006 season. He has a record of 281-297, including 89-74 in 2007, his first season.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
What to expect in the major leagues today:
See you in October?
The Phillies and Cardinals, two perennial playoff teams, are fighting for their postseason lives. With plenty on the line, they will start a four-game series in St. Louis tonight. Philadelphia leads the season series 3-1, having held the Cardinals to fewer than three runs in three of those games. Jayson Werth, who has gone deep twice, was one of six Phillies to homer against St. Louis pitching in a four-game set at Citizens Bank Park in May. But the slugger to watch is Ryan Howard, a St. Louis native who is a career .381 hitter with seven homers and 29 RBIs in 17 games at Busch Stadium (and a .367-14-44 hitter in 34 games against the Cardinals overall).
Wild West
One of baseball’s great rivalries will be renewed tonight when the Dodgers host the Giants. With both teams in pursuit of the first-place Padres in the four-team NL West race, this is a vital series for the Los Angeles and San Francisco. It has been a one-sided affair this season, however, with LA winning five of the six games between the teams, including a three-game sweep at AT&T Park last month. Dodgers outfielders Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier have combined for four homers, 11 RBIs and a .382 average (13-for-34) against San Francisco pitching this season. Meanwhile, Juan Uribe and Eugenio Velez have combined to drive in 10 of the Giants’ 24 runs against LA.
Postseason push
The Rangers haven’t reached the postseason since 1999, and the Tigers have been there just once (a World Series loss in 2006) since 1987. Both teams are in good position to end those droughts as they kick off a three-game series in Detroit tonight. This series will feature a couple of Triple Crown and MVP contenders in Texas’ Josh Hamilton and Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera.
What to expect in the major leagues today:
See you in October?
The Phillies and Cardinals, two perennial playoff teams, are fighting for their postseason lives. With plenty on the line, they will start a four-game series in St. Louis tonight. Philadelphia leads the season series 3-1, having held the Cardinals to fewer than three runs in three of those games. Jayson Werth, who has gone deep twice, was one of six Phillies to homer against St. Louis pitching in a four-game set at Citizens Bank Park in May. But the slugger to watch is Ryan Howard, a St. Louis native who is a career .381 hitter with seven homers and 29 RBIs in 17 games at Busch Stadium (and a .367-14-44 hitter in 34 games against the Cardinals overall).
Wild West
One of baseball’s great rivalries will be renewed tonight when the Dodgers host the Giants. With both teams in pursuit of the first-place Padres in the four-team NL West race, this is a vital series for the Los Angeles and San Francisco. It has been a one-sided affair this season, however, with LA winning five of the six games between the teams, including a three-game sweep at AT&T Park last month. Dodgers outfielders Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier have combined for four homers, 11 RBIs and a .382 average (13-for-34) against San Francisco pitching this season. Meanwhile, Juan Uribe and Eugenio Velez have combined to drive in 10 of the Giants’ 24 runs against LA.
Postseason push
The Rangers haven’t reached the postseason since 1999, and the Tigers have been there just once (a World Series loss in 2006) since 1987. Both teams are in good position to end those droughts as they kick off a three-game series in Detroit tonight. This series will feature a couple of Triple Crown and MVP contenders in Texas’ Josh Hamilton and Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera.
Sporting News staff reports
Yankees legend Yogi Berra was hospitalized Saturday night to stop persistent bleeding caused by a fall at his New Jersey house, the New York Daily News reports.
A source tell the newspaper that Berra, 85, is in good condition after undergoing a procedure that was termed successful. He is expected to be released from the hospital Sunday night.
Berra suffered cuts to his nose when he fell from his his front porch Friday night. The bleeding intensified Saturday, the News reports, leading to Berra’s admission to the hospital. Berra is taking the blood thinner Coumadin.
Berra was unable to attend Old Timers Day at Yankee Stadium on Saturday. The News’ source said Berra will travel to Cooperstown, N.Y., for next weekend’s Hall of Fame ceremonies.
Sporting News staff reports
Yankees legend Yogi Berra was hospitalized Saturday night to stop persistent bleeding caused by a fall at his New Jersey house, the New York Daily News reports.
A source tell the newspaper that Berra, 85, is in good condition after undergoing a procedure that was termed successful. He is expected to be released from the hospital Sunday night.
Berra suffered cuts to his nose when he fell from his his front porch Friday night. The bleeding intensified Saturday, the News reports, leading to Berra’s admission to the hospital. Berra is taking the blood thinner Coumadin.
Berra was unable to attend Old Timers Day at Yankee Stadium on Saturday. The News’ source said Berra will travel to Cooperstown, N.Y., for next weekend’s Hall of Fame ceremonies.
Sporting News staff reports
Yankees manager Girardi has put Joba Chamberlain on notice: Shape up or his primary setup role will be taken by fast-improving right-hander David Robertson.
Chamberlain has posted an 8.71 ERA since mid-May. In his last outing before the All-Star break, the big right-hander allowed four runs to Seattle. Robertson, meanwhile, has posted a 2.52 ERA over his past 23 appearances after a slow start.
"I’m not saying on a daily basis I am going to change our eighth-inning guy, but you have to earn your roles here," Girardi told the New York Daily News. "And we evaluate on a daily basis."
Sporting News staff reports
Yankees manager Girardi has put Joba Chamberlain on notice: Shape up or his primary setup role will be taken by fast-improving right-hander David Robertson.
Chamberlain has posted an 8.71 ERA since mid-May. In his last outing before the All-Star break, the big right-hander allowed four runs to Seattle. Robertson, meanwhile, has posted a 2.52 ERA over his past 23 appearances after a slow start.
"I’m not saying on a daily basis I am going to change our eighth-inning guy, but you have to earn your roles here," Girardi told the New York Daily News. "And we evaluate on a daily basis."
This is the first in a series of reports ranking each position in the NFL.
When an NFL scout evaluates a running back, the player’s size, power, speed, durability and versatility all play a role in the overall assessment. Sporting News enlisted an NFL team’s director of pro personnel to rank and analyze the top 20 backs based on those criteria:
Adrian Peterson’s combination of speed and power gives him the top spot.
1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings. He has a slight edge on Chris Johnson because he’s a more physical pure power runner—and also has breakaway speed. He’s working to solve issues with ball security.
2. Chris Johnson, Titans. In addition to tremendous speed, he has great body control. Although he is slightly lighter and shorter than ideal, he runs like he’s bigger.
3. Steven Jackson, Rams. A big man (6-2, 231) who has amazing versatility and deceptive speed to go with sudden bursts of power.
4. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins. If it weren’t for durability issues, he might be the complete NFL back. Like Jackson, he has a big body (6-0, 230) and is a good receiver. Brown has shown he can throw the ball, too.
5. Michael Turner, Falcons. He’s a combination of track star and powerful zone runner.
6. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers. He runs with good power and speed thanks to strong legs. He’s a home run threat on every down.
7. Frank Gore, 49ers. With his compact frame, he’s in the same category as Williams. He has outstanding vision to go with speed and ability to break tackles.
8. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars. Another smaller back who has powerful legs that make him tough to bring down. He excels on screens and draws.
9. Brandon Jacobs, Giants. A big, bruising back coming off a struggle in 2009. He takes a lot of hits with his upright style but delivers them, too.
10. Felix Jones, Cowboys. He fits well in Dallas’ scheme and his great speed is obvious, but he can also be a good power back with deceptive strength.
11. Marshawn Lynch, Bills. Looking at him purely on the field, he is very skilled and powerful. He must show he can avoid the injury bug, however, to maintain success in Buffalo or elsewhere.
12. Marion Barber, Cowboys. He always runs with a head of steam at 100 miles per hour. He knows he’s big and strong and takes it out on you.
Ray Rice is proving to be a strong runner despite his small stature.
13. Cedric Benson, Bengals. He had a bad start to his career but turned the corner last year. Now, like Lynch, he just needs to get out of his own way.
14. Reggie Bush, Saints. A little change of pace here—his elusiveness stands out as both a runner and receiver. He’s a great asset on screens and draws.
15. Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers. He fits the mold of a big, strong, fast back and may be ready for a breakout year with better help from his line.
16. Ray Rice, Ravens. They asked him do a lot last season, and he held up. That will be key going forward, because with his size (5-8, 205) they need to keep him from getting him too nicked up as a feature back.
17. Shonn Greene, Jets. You could have called him a dark horse to find the light in Year 2, but then you remember how great he was during the playoffs.
18. Matt Forte, Bears. He had a big rookie year before the workload caught up to him a bit in Year 2. His powerful body and versatility still stand out. Having Chester Taylor to relieve him should help.
19. Beanie Wells, Cardinals. He’s a big back, but he also has the burst to rack up big yards per carry. Getting double-digit touches consistently this season will help him.
20. Jonathan Stewart, Panthers. They don’t miss a beat when he replaces Williams; he would be a featured star on most teams.
Six more to watch
Six talented backs who didn’t quite make the cut:
Joseph Addai, Colts. It’s hard to get a read on him in the Colts’offense. He may lose significant touches to Donald Brown.
Jamaal Charles, Chiefs. The little back surprised many with a big second half of the season. The Chiefs made a good move to bring in Thomas Jones, who will help keep Charles fresh and healthy.
Ryan Grant, Packers. He can be explosive, but his success may have more to do with his cutback running, which is ideal for his team’s scheme.
LeSean McCoy, Eagles. He has the versatile skills to be a younger Brian Westbrook; he just needs to prove it.
Knowshon Moreno, Broncos. Moreno was nicked up a lot as a rookie, so it will take another year to determine just how good he is.
Steve Slaton, Texas. He has underrated toughness for a smaller back.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
This is the first in a series of reports ranking each position in the NFL.
When an NFL scout evaluates a running back, the player’s size, power, speed, durability and versatility all play a role in the overall assessment. Sporting News enlisted an NFL team’s director of pro personnel to rank and analyze the top 20 backs based on those criteria:
Adrian Peterson’s combination of speed and power gives him the top spot.
1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings. He has a slight edge on Chris Johnson because he’s a more physical pure power runner—and also has breakaway speed. He’s working to solve issues with ball security.
2. Chris Johnson, Titans. In addition to tremendous speed, he has great body control. Although he is slightly lighter and shorter than ideal, he runs like he’s bigger.
3. Steven Jackson, Rams. A big man (6-2, 231) who has amazing versatility and deceptive speed to go with sudden bursts of power.
4. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins. If it weren’t for durability issues, he might be the complete NFL back. Like Jackson, he has a big body (6-0, 230) and is a good receiver. Brown has shown he can throw the ball, too.
5. Michael Turner, Falcons. He’s a combination of track star and powerful zone runner.
6. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers. He runs with good power and speed thanks to strong legs. He’s a home run threat on every down.
7. Frank Gore, 49ers. With his compact frame, he’s in the same category as Williams. He has outstanding vision to go with speed and ability to break tackles.
8. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars. Another smaller back who has powerful legs that make him tough to bring down. He excels on screens and draws.
9. Brandon Jacobs, Giants. A big, bruising back coming off a struggle in 2009. He takes a lot of hits with his upright style but delivers them, too.
10. Felix Jones, Cowboys. He fits well in Dallas’ scheme and his great speed is obvious, but he can also be a good power back with deceptive strength.
11. Marshawn Lynch, Bills. Looking at him purely on the field, he is very skilled and powerful. He must show he can avoid the injury bug, however, to maintain success in Buffalo or elsewhere.
12. Marion Barber, Cowboys. He always runs with a head of steam at 100 miles per hour. He knows he’s big and strong and takes it out on you.
Ray Rice is proving to be a strong runner despite his small stature.
13. Cedric Benson, Bengals. He had a bad start to his career but turned the corner last year. Now, like Lynch, he just needs to get out of his own way.
14. Reggie Bush, Saints. A little change of pace here—his elusiveness stands out as both a runner and receiver. He’s a great asset on screens and draws.
15. Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers. He fits the mold of a big, strong, fast back and may be ready for a breakout year with better help from his line.
16. Ray Rice, Ravens. They asked him do a lot last season, and he held up. That will be key going forward, because with his size (5-8, 205) they need to keep him from getting him too nicked up as a feature back.
17. Shonn Greene, Jets. You could have called him a dark horse to find the light in Year 2, but then you remember how great he was during the playoffs.
18. Matt Forte, Bears. He had a big rookie year before the workload caught up to him a bit in Year 2. His powerful body and versatility still stand out. Having Chester Taylor to relieve him should help.
19. Beanie Wells, Cardinals. He’s a big back, but he also has the burst to rack up big yards per carry. Getting double-digit touches consistently this season will help him.
20. Jonathan Stewart, Panthers. They don’t miss a beat when he replaces Williams; he would be a featured star on most teams.
Six more to watch
Six talented backs who didn’t quite make the cut:
Joseph Addai, Colts. It’s hard to get a read on him in the Colts’offense. He may lose significant touches to Donald Brown.
Jamaal Charles, Chiefs. The little back surprised many with a big second half of the season. The Chiefs made a good move to bring in Thomas Jones, who will help keep Charles fresh and healthy.
Ryan Grant, Packers. He can be explosive, but his success may have more to do with his cutback running, which is ideal for his team’s scheme.
LeSean McCoy, Eagles. He has the versatile skills to be a younger Brian Westbrook; he just needs to prove it.
Knowshon Moreno, Broncos. Moreno was nicked up a lot as a rookie, so it will take another year to determine just how good he is.
Steve Slaton, Texas. He has underrated toughness for a smaller back.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
Four things to look forward to this week:
Stephen Strasburg could have his most difficult test so far in Cincinnati on Wednesday.
1. Ubaldo Jimenez vs. Anibal Sanchez, Monday night. Any time Jimenez pitches, a no-hitter could happen. As Rockies manager Jim Tracy, says, "He’s going to do it again and he’s going to do it more than once." This outing in South Florida has a little more no-hitter history working for it: Both Jimenez and Sanchez have pitched no-hitters that were caught by Miguel Olivo and had Jeff Kellogg as the home-plate umpire. And guess what? Word is, Kellogg will be behind the plate Monday night.
2. Stephen Strasburg vs. the Reds, Wednesday night. Nothing like bringing the game’s hottest name to one of the NL’s hottest spots. Cincinnati sizzled all weekend, and we’re not talking only about the weather. The Reds celebrated the 20-year reunion of their 1990 World Championship team with huge — and loud — crowds. Judging by the way the crowd was yelling in the eighth inning of a tight game on Friday night, Cincinnati is ready for a winner. Strasburg should be in for his toughest test to date: The Reds have the NL’s highest-scoring offense.
3. Angels at Rangers, Thursday-Sunday. By this time next week, the Rangers could be very well on their way to unseating the Angels. Texas has a 3.5-game lead over LA and a much better lineup. The Rangers already have traded for Cliff Lee and Bengie Molina, meaning some club is going to have to make some shrewd moves to beat out Texas for the unofficial title of "biggest winner at the trade deadline." And guess who starts for the home team on Thursday? Lee, who still will be looking for his first win as a Ranger. The Angels have managed to stay in second mainly because of their 10-3 domination of last-place Seattle.
4. A big trade. It’s that time of year, right? How about Prince Fielder to the Rays? Doesn’t make sense. How about to the White Sox? Kenny Williams went for it last year by acquiring Alex Rios and Jake Peavy, and the White Sox GM is not the type to shy away because of Peavy’s season-ending injury. With Paul Konerko a free agent after the season, Williams could find some money to keep Fielder around for at least another year.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Four things to look forward to this week:
Stephen Strasburg could have his most difficult test so far in Cincinnati on Wednesday.
1. Ubaldo Jimenez vs. Anibal Sanchez, Monday night. Any time Jimenez pitches, a no-hitter could happen. As Rockies manager Jim Tracy, says, "He’s going to do it again and he’s going to do it more than once." This outing in South Florida has a little more no-hitter history working for it: Both Jimenez and Sanchez have pitched no-hitters that were caught by Miguel Olivo and had Jeff Kellogg as the home-plate umpire. And guess what? Word is, Kellogg will be behind the plate Monday night.
2. Stephen Strasburg vs. the Reds, Wednesday night. Nothing like bringing the game’s hottest name to one of the NL’s hottest spots. Cincinnati sizzled all weekend, and we’re not talking only about the weather. The Reds celebrated the 20-year reunion of their 1990 World Championship team with huge — and loud — crowds. Judging by the way the crowd was yelling in the eighth inning of a tight game on Friday night, Cincinnati is ready for a winner. Strasburg should be in for his toughest test to date: The Reds have the NL’s highest-scoring offense.
3. Angels at Rangers, Thursday-Sunday. By this time next week, the Rangers could be very well on their way to unseating the Angels. Texas has a 3.5-game lead over LA and a much better lineup. The Rangers already have traded for Cliff Lee and Bengie Molina, meaning some club is going to have to make some shrewd moves to beat out Texas for the unofficial title of "biggest winner at the trade deadline." And guess who starts for the home team on Thursday? Lee, who still will be looking for his first win as a Ranger. The Angels have managed to stay in second mainly because of their 10-3 domination of last-place Seattle.
4. A big trade. It’s that time of year, right? How about Prince Fielder to the Rays? Doesn’t make sense. How about to the White Sox? Kenny Williams went for it last year by acquiring Alex Rios and Jake Peavy, and the White Sox GM is not the type to shy away because of Peavy’s season-ending injury. With Paul Konerko a free agent after the season, Williams could find some money to keep Fielder around for at least another year.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Chris Bahr, Sporting News
What to expect in the major leagues today:
Not ready for prime time
For the second consecutive week, the Cubs will play in the Sunday night game. And for the second consecutive week, they could struggle to score. Last week, Vicente Padilla and Hong-Chih Kuo combined to blank Chicago in a 7-0 Dodgers win. Tonight at Wrigley Field, the Phillies’ Roy Halladay will aim for win No. 11.
Arizona turns to Edwin Jackson to salvage a game against the Padres.
As dominant as Halladay has been (perfect game, MLB-best seven complete games), the Cubs could expose a potential weakness. In his past two road starts, Halladay is 0-2 with a 6.43 ERA. However, those losses came at the hands of the Yankees and Reds, both of whom have much more potent offenses than Chicago.
Suddenly hittable
Part of the reason the surprising Padres lead the NL West is the way they have feasted on the last-place Diamondbacks. However, much of the damage was done back in April. Prior to this weekend’s three-game series at Petco Park, the division rivals hadn’t met since the season’s first month.
Sponsored link: Padres tickets available
This afternoon, Arizona’s Edwin Jackson again will try to find his no-hitter form from late June. In two starts since that historic night, Jackson has allowed 13 hits (in 10 innings) and posted an 8.10 ERA.
Adrian Gonzalez is the only San Diego player to homer against Jackson in his career, though that homer is Gonzalez’s lone hit in six at-bats against him.
Ogling Oswalt
The finale of the Astros-Pirates series this afternoon isn’t exactly dripping with intrigue, given the fact that the two teams have long since faded from contention. And it is quite possible that there will be more scouts in the seats than fans. That is because Roy Oswalt will be on the mound for Houston. With Cliff Lee off the market, Oswalt is the best available arm as the nonwaiver trading deadline nears.
Chris Bahr is Sporting News’ baseball editor. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
Chris Bahr, Sporting News
What to expect in the major leagues today:
Not ready for prime time
For the second consecutive week, the Cubs will play in the Sunday night game. And for the second consecutive week, they could struggle to score. Last week, Vicente Padilla and Hong-Chih Kuo combined to blank Chicago in a 7-0 Dodgers win. Tonight at Wrigley Field, the Phillies’ Roy Halladay will aim for win No. 11.
Arizona turns to Edwin Jackson to salvage a game against the Padres.
As dominant as Halladay has been (perfect game, MLB-best seven complete games), the Cubs could expose a potential weakness. In his past two road starts, Halladay is 0-2 with a 6.43 ERA. However, those losses came at the hands of the Yankees and Reds, both of whom have much more potent offenses than Chicago.
Suddenly hittable
Part of the reason the surprising Padres lead the NL West is the way they have feasted on the last-place Diamondbacks. However, much of the damage was done back in April. Prior to this weekend’s three-game series at Petco Park, the division rivals hadn’t met since the season’s first month.
Sponsored link: Padres tickets available
This afternoon, Arizona’s Edwin Jackson again will try to find his no-hitter form from late June. In two starts since that historic night, Jackson has allowed 13 hits (in 10 innings) and posted an 8.10 ERA.
Adrian Gonzalez is the only San Diego player to homer against Jackson in his career, though that homer is Gonzalez’s lone hit in six at-bats against him.
Ogling Oswalt
The finale of the Astros-Pirates series this afternoon isn’t exactly dripping with intrigue, given the fact that the two teams have long since faded from contention. And it is quite possible that there will be more scouts in the seats than fans. That is because Roy Oswalt will be on the mound for Houston. With Cliff Lee off the market, Oswalt is the best available arm as the nonwaiver trading deadline nears.
Chris Bahr is Sporting News’ baseball editor. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
