Sporting News staff reports
Theo Epstein has seen enough.
The Red Sox’s general manager tells the Boston Herald that there will be a shakeup if the team’s poor play continues.
"We’re still playing bad baseball. Unintelligent, undisciplined, uninspired baseball. It’s got to change. It either changes itself or we have to do something to change it," Epstein said Sunday after Boston was swept by the Orioles in Baltimore.
The Sox responded to the sweep — and Epstein’s rant — by routing the Angels 17-8 Monday night at Fenway Park.
The players’ postgame comments betrayed no outrage toward their boss.
"I don’t have a problem with him saying it," infielder/DH Mike Lowell told reporters. "I think I’d have a problem with him saying it if I thought we were playing good baseball. But I don’t think anyone in here thought we were playing good baseball. Hopefully it will start."
Boston was expected to be an elite team after spending big in the offseason for free agents John Lackey, Adrian Beltre, Marco Scutaro and Mike Cameron, but it has stumbled to a 12-14 start. It trails the first-place Rays by 5 1/2 games in the AL East.
Sporting News staff reports
Theo Epstein has seen enough.
The Red Sox’s general manager tells the Boston Herald that there will be a shakeup if the team’s poor play continues.
"We’re still playing bad baseball. Unintelligent, undisciplined, uninspired baseball. It’s got to change. It either changes itself or we have to do something to change it," Epstein said Sunday after Boston was swept by the Orioles in Baltimore.
The Sox responded to the sweep — and Epstein’s rant — by routing the Angels 17-8 Monday night at Fenway Park.
The players’ postgame comments betrayed no outrage toward their boss.
"I don’t have a problem with him saying it," infielder/DH Mike Lowell told reporters. "I think I’d have a problem with him saying it if I thought we were playing good baseball. But I don’t think anyone in here thought we were playing good baseball. Hopefully it will start."
Boston was expected to be an elite team after spending big in the offseason for free agents John Lackey, Adrian Beltre, Marco Scutaro and Mike Cameron, but it has stumbled to a 12-14 start. It trails the first-place Rays by 5 1/2 games in the AL East.
Sporting News staff reports
Mets right-hander Mike Pelfrey is experiencing tightness in his pitching shoulder but still expects to make his next scheduled start.
MLB.com reports Pelfrey felt uncomfortable before and after Saturday’s start against the Phillies, though Pelfrey insists the tightness did not bother him during the game. Pelfrey was hit hard as his scoreless-innings streak ended at 27; he allowed six runs in the fourth inning.
Pelfrey was examined Monday in New York and rejoined the team in Cincinnati for its series opener against the Reds. He is expected to throw a scheduled bullpen session Tuesday. If that goes well, he’ll start Friday against the Giants.
"It’s nothing crazy," Pelfrey told reporters. "It’s just a little sore, a little tight."
Pelfrey tried to downplay his condition.
"I don’t want to make a big deal out if it, because it’s not," he said. "I’ll be able to make my next start and my next 25 starts after that. It’s not a big deal at all."
In other news, Mets right-hander Kelvim Escobar will have shoulder surgery Wednesday and miss the entire season.
Arm injuries have limited Escobar to one major league appearance since 2007. Still, the Mets signed him to a $1.25 million, one-year contract in the offseason, hoping he could be a late-inning reliever.
Escobar developed a sore shoulder in March, preventing him from pitching, and his condition hasn’t improved.
Sporting News staff reports
Mets right-hander Mike Pelfrey is experiencing tightness in his pitching shoulder but still expects to make his next scheduled start.
MLB.com reports Pelfrey felt uncomfortable before and after Saturday’s start against the Phillies, though Pelfrey insists the tightness did not bother him during the game. Pelfrey was hit hard as his scoreless-innings streak ended at 27; he allowed six runs in the fourth inning.
Pelfrey was examined Monday in New York and rejoined the team in Cincinnati for its series opener against the Reds. He is expected to throw a scheduled bullpen session Tuesday. If that goes well, he’ll start Friday against the Giants.
"It’s nothing crazy," Pelfrey told reporters. "It’s just a little sore, a little tight."
Pelfrey tried to downplay his condition.
"I don’t want to make a big deal out if it, because it’s not," he said. "I’ll be able to make my next start and my next 25 starts after that. It’s not a big deal at all."
In other news, Mets right-hander Kelvim Escobar will have shoulder surgery Wednesday and miss the entire season.
Arm injuries have limited Escobar to one major league appearance since 2007. Still, the Mets signed him to a $1.25 million, one-year contract in the offseason, hoping he could be a late-inning reliever.
Escobar developed a sore shoulder in March, preventing him from pitching, and his condition hasn’t improved.
Sporting News staff reports
Baseball continues to feel the fallout from Arizona’s new immigration law, this time from one of its biggest Mexican American stars.
Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, who holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and Mexico, told FanHouse.com that he would not attend next year’s All-Star Game in Phoenix if the recently signed law is still in effect and that he would like for Major League Baseball to boycott spring training in the state. Gonzalez told the website:
"If they leave it up to the players and the law is still there, I’ll probably not play in the All-Star Game. Because it’s a discriminating law," Gonzalez said.
Sporting News staff reports
Baseball continues to feel the fallout from Arizona’s new immigration law, this time from one of its biggest Mexican American stars.
Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, who holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and Mexico, told FanHouse.com that he would not attend next year’s All-Star Game in Phoenix if the recently signed law is still in effect and that he would like for Major League Baseball to boycott spring training in the state. Gonzalez told the website:
"If they leave it up to the players and the law is still there, I’ll probably not play in the All-Star Game. Because it’s a discriminating law," Gonzalez said.
A glance at the standings last week showed that 28 teams had records no worse than three games under .500. That’s a lot of teams playing decent baseball. That’s good for parity, but not so good for power pollsters who have to, for example, decide where to rank five 11-14 teams.
Pulling names out of a hat would be too easy. Instead, we studied the trends, analyzed the numbers, consulted with our editor and then … flipped a coin. Just kidding about the coin, of course. Onto the poll.
How good is Adam Wainwright and the rest of the Cardinals’ rotation? We may find out this week.
1. Cardinals (5). These next four days will give us a much better idea of just how good is the Cardinals’ rotation, which leads the majors with a 2.55 ERA. The Cardinals face the mighty Phillies in Philly.
2. Rays (1). Losing two of four at home to the Royals was enough to drop them from the top spot. But they’ll be back if they perform on their nine-game journey to the West Coast like they did on their first trip of the season (9-1).
3. Padres (4). We don’t believe they’re this good, either. But after a 5-2 week that included three shutouts of the Brewers, they deserve to be here.
4. Yankees (3). Four regulars — A-Rod, Mark Teixeira, Nick Johnson and Curtis Granderson — have combined for just nine homers yet the Bombers still are 16-8. That is a deep lineup, one that will be without Granderson for at least 15 days (strained groin).
5. Twins (2). This is a deep organization: Joe Mauer is out with a bruised left heel and his replacement, top prospect Wilson Ramos, becomes the first Twin since Kirby Puckett to have a four-hit debut.
6. Giants (8). Who says these guys can’t hit? The Giants scored at least five runs in five of six games last week, enough to give them series wins over the Phillies and Rockies. Yet they still only rank 12th in runs in the NL.
7. Phillies (6). Brad Lidge served a homer to the first batter he faced after coming off the DL, which happened to be the same day his fill-in, Ryan Madson, went on the DL for kicking a chair and breaking a toe. No wonder there is concern about their bullpen.
Johnny Damon has performed for the Tigers.
8. Tigers (11). They knew what they were doing this off-season: Johnny Damon and Austin Jackson both are top five in runs and top 10 in OBP in the AL.
9. Rangers (24). Yes, moving up 15 spots is a big jump but the Rangers did win five of seven, including their first sweep at Safeco Field. Whatever Colby Lewis learned in Japan, it’s working. He’s 3-0 with a 2.76 ERA.
10. Rockies (9). Jim Tracy’s pre-game "talk" on Sunday and a strong start by rookie Jhoulys Chacin (one hit in seven innings) has the Rockies primed for better play. They’ll need it this week with series at San Diego and L.A.
11. Mets (11). That winning streak was nice but it sure ended with a thud. They were outscored 21-5 in dropping two at Philly.
12. Marlins (13). Jorge Cantu is much like his team: Largely unnoticed but pretty darn good. He has a hit in 23 of 24 games and leads the NL with 25 RBIs.
13. Nationals (12). Ho-hum. Another .500 week for last year’s doormats. And Stephen Strasburg is getting closer. Predicted debut: June 4, home, vs. Reds.
14. Cubs (18). They better win now. They’re in a three-series stretch against the NL’s worst-pitching clubs. They won three against the Diamondbacks (5.90 ERA), with Pirates (6.79) and Reds (5.46) next.
15. Angels (15). Mickey Hatcher on struggling youngster Brandon Wood: "I think his computer is overloading." The poll gets that same feeling when trying to figure out the Angels.
16. Red Sox (20). We’re focusing on J.D. Drew’s three-game hitting streak with three homers and Josh Beckett’s bounce-back start, not being swept at Baltimore.
17. Dodgers (16). Winning three of four at home against the Pirates doesn’t make up for being swept at New York.
Veron Wells has been great, but he can’t do it alone for the Blue Jays.
18. Blue Jays (14). Vernon Wells and Alex Gonzalez both rank among early-season surprises with eight homers each. But they need help.
19. A’s (7). Bet they’re glad to return home. Last week’s trip to the East did little for their place in the poll as they dropped five of six. It did even less for the team ERA, which shot to 4.04 from 2.93.
20. Braves (23). They’ll be even better when Bobby Cox moves Jason Heyward up another spot or two in the order.
21. Reds (28). They reeled off a five-game winning streak following Dusty Baker’s closed-door tirade. Asked if it made a difference, Dusty replied, "You can’t take credit for that. That’s a delicate thing. They could fall further in the depths." Translation: Those three games against the Astros were nice.
22. Mariners (17). Their recipe for pitching and defense would have a better chance if they could get just a little offense. Their designated hitters have yet to homer, no small reason why the team has been out-homered, 20-9.
23. Diamondbacks (25). They scored at least five runs in six of seven games last week. Too bad their pitching gave up double figures in four games.
24. Brewers (22). You know things aren’t going their way when they lose two at home to the Pirates and are shut out in three of four games at San Diego.
25. Royals (27). We’re not sure whether to be more impressed by Zack Greinke’s pitching (he didn’t allow a run in 14 innings last week) or his grace when defending his teammates (after not getting a win in either start). Doesn’t it bother you? "Not because it’s me personally," he said. "I feel like we’re playing better than every team we’ve played so far. We hit better and pitch better but we’ll have one bad inning or one situation where we will ruin a good opportunity. We’re playing good but not getting the job done and it’s cost us."
26. White Sox (19). Juan Pierre ranks seventh in runs and eighth in OBP on his own team. No wonder Ozzie Guillen dropped him out of the leadoff spot.
27. Orioles (30). Maybe they’ve hit bottom. After starting 2-14, they’re gone 5-4 in a 12-game stretch against the Red Sox and Yankees, with three at New York starting today.
28. Indians (26). They remain on pace to finish with more wins than the Cavs (67-61), that is, as long as only the Cavs’ regular season is included.
29. Pirates (29). They’ve already tried eight different starters, and only two of them have an ERA under 6.00.
30. Astros (21). The ever-streaky Astros’ six-game skid has them back at the bottom.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Sponsored link: Cardinals tickets available
A glance at the standings last week showed that 28 teams had records no worse than three games under .500. That’s a lot of teams playing decent baseball. That’s good for parity, but not so good for power pollsters who have to, for example, decide where to rank five 11-14 teams.
Pulling names out of a hat would be too easy. Instead, we studied the trends, analyzed the numbers, consulted with our editor and then … flipped a coin. Just kidding about the coin, of course. Onto the poll.
How good is Adam Wainwright and the rest of the Cardinals’ rotation? We may find out this week.
1. Cardinals (5). These next four days will give us a much better idea of just how good is the Cardinals’ rotation, which leads the majors with a 2.55 ERA. The Cardinals face the mighty Phillies in Philly.
2. Rays (1). Losing two of four at home to the Royals was enough to drop them from the top spot. But they’ll be back if they perform on their nine-game journey to the West Coast like they did on their first trip of the season (9-1).
3. Padres (4). We don’t believe they’re this good, either. But after a 5-2 week that included three shutouts of the Brewers, they deserve to be here.
4. Yankees (3). Four regulars — A-Rod, Mark Teixeira, Nick Johnson and Curtis Granderson — have combined for just nine homers yet the Bombers still are 16-8. That is a deep lineup, one that will be without Granderson for at least 15 days (strained groin).
5. Twins (2). This is a deep organization: Joe Mauer is out with a bruised left heel and his replacement, top prospect Wilson Ramos, becomes the first Twin since Kirby Puckett to have a four-hit debut.
6. Giants (8). Who says these guys can’t hit? The Giants scored at least five runs in five of six games last week, enough to give them series wins over the Phillies and Rockies. Yet they still only rank 12th in runs in the NL.
7. Phillies (6). Brad Lidge served a homer to the first batter he faced after coming off the DL, which happened to be the same day his fill-in, Ryan Madson, went on the DL for kicking a chair and breaking a toe. No wonder there is concern about their bullpen.
Johnny Damon has performed for the Tigers.
8. Tigers (11). They knew what they were doing this off-season: Johnny Damon and Austin Jackson both are top five in runs and top 10 in OBP in the AL.
9. Rangers (24). Yes, moving up 15 spots is a big jump but the Rangers did win five of seven, including their first sweep at Safeco Field. Whatever Colby Lewis learned in Japan, it’s working. He’s 3-0 with a 2.76 ERA.
10. Rockies (9). Jim Tracy’s pre-game "talk" on Sunday and a strong start by rookie Jhoulys Chacin (one hit in seven innings) has the Rockies primed for better play. They’ll need it this week with series at San Diego and L.A.
11. Mets (11). That winning streak was nice but it sure ended with a thud. They were outscored 21-5 in dropping two at Philly.
12. Marlins (13). Jorge Cantu is much like his team: Largely unnoticed but pretty darn good. He has a hit in 23 of 24 games and leads the NL with 25 RBIs.
13. Nationals (12). Ho-hum. Another .500 week for last year’s doormats. And Stephen Strasburg is getting closer. Predicted debut: June 4, home, vs. Reds.
14. Cubs (18). They better win now. They’re in a three-series stretch against the NL’s worst-pitching clubs. They won three against the Diamondbacks (5.90 ERA), with Pirates (6.79) and Reds (5.46) next.
15. Angels (15). Mickey Hatcher on struggling youngster Brandon Wood: "I think his computer is overloading." The poll gets that same feeling when trying to figure out the Angels.
16. Red Sox (20). We’re focusing on J.D. Drew’s three-game hitting streak with three homers and Josh Beckett’s bounce-back start, not being swept at Baltimore.
17. Dodgers (16). Winning three of four at home against the Pirates doesn’t make up for being swept at New York.
Veron Wells has been great, but he can’t do it alone for the Blue Jays.
18. Blue Jays (14). Vernon Wells and Alex Gonzalez both rank among early-season surprises with eight homers each. But they need help.
19. A’s (7). Bet they’re glad to return home. Last week’s trip to the East did little for their place in the poll as they dropped five of six. It did even less for the team ERA, which shot to 4.04 from 2.93.
20. Braves (23). They’ll be even better when Bobby Cox moves Jason Heyward up another spot or two in the order.
21. Reds (28). They reeled off a five-game winning streak following Dusty Baker’s closed-door tirade. Asked if it made a difference, Dusty replied, "You can’t take credit for that. That’s a delicate thing. They could fall further in the depths." Translation: Those three games against the Astros were nice.
22. Mariners (17). Their recipe for pitching and defense would have a better chance if they could get just a little offense. Their designated hitters have yet to homer, no small reason why the team has been out-homered, 20-9.
23. Diamondbacks (25). They scored at least five runs in six of seven games last week. Too bad their pitching gave up double figures in four games.
24. Brewers (22). You know things aren’t going their way when they lose two at home to the Pirates and are shut out in three of four games at San Diego.
25. Royals (27). We’re not sure whether to be more impressed by Zack Greinke’s pitching (he didn’t allow a run in 14 innings last week) or his grace when defending his teammates (after not getting a win in either start). Doesn’t it bother you? "Not because it’s me personally," he said. "I feel like we’re playing better than every team we’ve played so far. We hit better and pitch better but we’ll have one bad inning or one situation where we will ruin a good opportunity. We’re playing good but not getting the job done and it’s cost us."
26. White Sox (19). Juan Pierre ranks seventh in runs and eighth in OBP on his own team. No wonder Ozzie Guillen dropped him out of the leadoff spot.
27. Orioles (30). Maybe they’ve hit bottom. After starting 2-14, they’re gone 5-4 in a 12-game stretch against the Red Sox and Yankees, with three at New York starting today.
28. Indians (26). They remain on pace to finish with more wins than the Cavs (67-61), that is, as long as only the Cavs’ regular season is included.
29. Pirates (29). They’ve already tried eight different starters, and only two of them have an ERA under 6.00.
30. Astros (21). The ever-streaky Astros’ six-game skid has them back at the bottom.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Sponsored link: Cardinals tickets available
NBA: Vinny Del Negro appeared before Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf on Sunday to fight for his job, but the Chicago Tribune predicts the coach’s battle will be to no avail. Sources told the newspaper, Del Negro on Sunday pointed to Derrick Rose’s growth into an All-Star player, Joakim Noah’s progression and Taj Gibson’s All-Rookie selection as proof of his and his staff’s ability to develop young players.
MLB: New York Post scribe Mike Vaccaro’s ready to bury the Mets after Johan Santana got lit up by the Phillies: "You can really boil down everything — the weekend, this 11-5 loss, and the next five months of the Mets season — into one simple truth: If this is what Santana is now, and who he is now, then the Mets may well be staring into the abyss. For real. For good."
• Speaking of harsh words for ballclubs, Boston Globe writer Chad Finn sums up the Red Sox’s April: They’ve been a bummer and bore. Getting swept by the Orioles will do that to your attitude.
NFL: The Jets draw this big a crowd for cheerleader tryouts? Impressive.
Horse racing: Anyone know if there’s some sort of jinx attached to predicting a Triple Crown win? You know, like hockey players aren’t even supposed to mention the Stanley Cup until they win one? Calvin Borel is apparently not suspicious – or overly humble. Good New York Times read here on the guy who declared, "I’m going to win the Triple Crown this year."
NBA: Vinny Del Negro appeared before Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf on Sunday to fight for his job, but the Chicago Tribune predicts the coach’s battle will be to no avail. Sources told the newspaper, Del Negro on Sunday pointed to Derrick Rose’s growth into an All-Star player, Joakim Noah’s progression and Taj Gibson’s All-Rookie selection as proof of his and his staff’s ability to develop young players.
MLB: New York Post scribe Mike Vaccaro’s ready to bury the Mets after Johan Santana got lit up by the Phillies: "You can really boil down everything — the weekend, this 11-5 loss, and the next five months of the Mets season — into one simple truth: If this is what Santana is now, and who he is now, then the Mets may well be staring into the abyss. For real. For good."
• Speaking of harsh words for ballclubs, Boston Globe writer Chad Finn sums up the Red Sox’s April: They’ve been a bummer and bore. Getting swept by the Orioles will do that to your attitude.
NFL: The Jets draw this big a crowd for cheerleader tryouts? Impressive.
Horse racing: Anyone know if there’s some sort of jinx attached to predicting a Triple Crown win? You know, like hockey players aren’t even supposed to mention the Stanley Cup until they win one? Calvin Borel is apparently not suspicious – or overly humble. Good New York Times read here on the guy who declared, "I’m going to win the Triple Crown this year."
Sporting News staff reports
Saying his client is "on an island by himself," one of Albert Pujols’ agents hints that Ryan Howard’s contract extension won’t be a large factor in negotiations with the Cardinals on a new deal
"We have to pay attention to any significant multi-year deal, especially one signed by a big first baseman. But the reality is that there are no comparables for Albert. He is on an island by himself," Dan Lozano tells the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Joe Strauss.
Howard last week agreed to an extension that guarantees him $125 million over five years. The pact includes an option that could push it to $138 million over six years. Howard, then, will average between $23 million and $25 million a year. It is believed Pujols could command more than the $27.5 million per year for Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, the game’s highest-paid player.
Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak chooses his words carefully when discussing how Howard’s contract affects the Pujols talks. "People may ask questions about how Ryan Howard affects Albert. It’s completely different," Mozeliak tells the Post-Dispatch. "It will be market driven."
For his part, Pujols says he wants to keep the focus off himself.
"I look at this as his time," Pujols says of Howard. "It’s a great thing for him. It’s not about me. I’m not getting into what it means to me for Ryan Howard to get $25 million. That’s a slap at him. I want to leave that alone."
The Cardinals have a $16 million club option on Pujols for the 2011 season, which it is expected to exercise.
St. Louis likely will also need to monitor negotiations involving Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder, who are in line for large contracts in the near future. The Padres have a club option for 2011 on Gonzalez; Fielder can become a free agent after the ’11 season.
Sporting News staff reports
Saying his client is "on an island by himself," one of Albert Pujols’ agents hints that Ryan Howard’s contract extension won’t be a large factor in negotiations with the Cardinals on a new deal
"We have to pay attention to any significant multi-year deal, especially one signed by a big first baseman. But the reality is that there are no comparables for Albert. He is on an island by himself," Dan Lozano tells the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Joe Strauss.
Howard last week agreed to an extension that guarantees him $125 million over five years. The pact includes an option that could push it to $138 million over six years. Howard, then, will average between $23 million and $25 million a year. It is believed Pujols could command more than the $27.5 million per year for Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, the game’s highest-paid player.
Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak chooses his words carefully when discussing how Howard’s contract affects the Pujols talks. "People may ask questions about how Ryan Howard affects Albert. It’s completely different," Mozeliak tells the Post-Dispatch. "It will be market driven."
For his part, Pujols says he wants to keep the focus off himself.
"I look at this as his time," Pujols says of Howard. "It’s a great thing for him. It’s not about me. I’m not getting into what it means to me for Ryan Howard to get $25 million. That’s a slap at him. I want to leave that alone."
The Cardinals have a $16 million club option on Pujols for the 2011 season, which it is expected to exercise.
St. Louis likely will also need to monitor negotiations involving Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder, who are in line for large contracts in the near future. The Padres have a club option for 2011 on Gonzalez; Fielder can become a free agent after the ’11 season.
Ready for some baseball drama? With Albert Pujols and Ryan Howard in the same park, you could get plenty. But we’re not talking about the hyperbole surrounding Pujols’ next contract with regards to Howard’s five-year, $125 million extension. Pujols says he won’t discuss that.
We’re talking about something much juicier: a week full of series between playoff contenders. Seven of the eight clubs to reach the postseason in 2009 face a fellow playoff team this week. The one who doesn’t? The Twins face the Tigers, the team they beat in a one game play-in to reach the playoffs last year. Have a look:
Cardinals at Phillies
The Cardinals get their first taste of Roy Halladay in a Phillies uniform this week.
These clubs are too savvy to get worked up about a four-game set in May. "This is a good team we’re facing but our goal remains the same: We want to win the series, just like every series," Cardinals right-hander Kyle Lohse says.
Behind a rotation sporting a 2.55 ERA and the slugging of Pujols — who else? — the Cardinals have won seven of their eight series and built a five-game lead in the NL Central. The club also has boosted by better-than-expected contributions from two rookies, lefty starter Jaime Garcia and third baseman David Frese.
Garcia, 23, already has held his own in duels with Johan Santana and Tim Lincecum, and does not figure to be ruffled by the NL champions. "They’ll test him. They have an outstanding offensive team," Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said. "He’ll go out there and try to make his pitches."
The Cardinals come to Philly after winning six of seven on a home stand, including two of three against the Reds. While the Cardinals refuse to get overly amped about a trip to Philadelphia, Reds manager Dusty Baker perked up when he was told about the Cardinals-Phillies series.
"Is (Roy) Halladay going?" Baker quickly asked.
Yes, the Phillies new ace (5-1, 1.47 ERA) will start Thursday’s day finale against Lohse. Halladay has given the Phillies everything they expected and more at a time the club has needed it all. His brilliant beginning has helped cover for what has been an injury-filled first month for the NL champs.
Joe Blanton (oblique) returns to make his first start on Monday and Brad Lidge (knee) came back Friday, the same day the club placed reliever Ryan Madson (toe) on the disabled list. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins (calf) and lefty starter A.J. Happ (forearm), however, remain out and neither is expected back this week.
Tigers at Twins
The Twins last month got off to a strong start at new Target Field with a 6-3 opening home stand that solidified their spot atop the AL Central. Their play wasn’t all that was hotter than expected. April weather in the Twin Cities was the warmest in 85 years, with an average temperature of 54.9. Temperatures are expected to be in the high 40s for night games Monday and Tuesday and warmer for Wednesday’s afternoon game.
The Twins are coming off a 5-4 trip that included losing two of three at Detroit. The Tigers are still rolling behind the AL’s leading offense, which has been lifted by rookie Austin Jackson and newcomer Johnny Damon. Hitting first and second, respectively, they enter the week with identical .420 OBPs. Cleanup hitter Miguel Cabrera has taken advantage by driving in 27 runs in Detroit’s first 26 games.
Twins catcher Joe Mauer missed games in the past week with a stiff back and bruised left heel. He could sit at least one more game after the Twins called up their top catching prospect, Wilson Ramos.
Angels at Red Sox
John Lackey faces his old team Wednesday when the Red Sox host the Angels.
These frequent playoff combatants have not played much like postseason teams so far. Both begin the week under .500 after being swept in weekend series.
The Angels have found replacing starter John Lackey and third baseman Chone Figgins to be difficult as new starter Joel Pineiro (5.76 ERA) and third baseman Brandon Wood (1.89, five runs) have struggled.
The Red Sox have dealt with injuries to Jacoby Ellsbury (chest bruise) and Mike Cameron (kidney stones), the continuing decline of David Ortiz (.159 average), a rough month by ace Josh Beckett (6.31 ERA) and a defense that hasn’t played as well as advertised.
Both clubs need to get right against each other because they have division rivals coming next. The Red Sox will play host to the Yankees and the Angels will travel to Seattle.
Rockies at Dodgers
These teams, who meet this weekend at Dodger Stadium, figured to be on top of the West by now. Instead, they are at the bottom. Three of the Rockies’ five projected starters and closer Huston Street are out. L.A. put Manny Ramirez (calf), starter Vicente Padilla (arm) and reliever Jeff Weaver (back) on the DL on the same day last week.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Ready for some baseball drama? With Albert Pujols and Ryan Howard in the same park, you could get plenty. But we’re not talking about the hyperbole surrounding Pujols’ next contract with regards to Howard’s five-year, $125 million extension. Pujols says he won’t discuss that.
We’re talking about something much juicier: a week full of series between playoff contenders. Seven of the eight clubs to reach the postseason in 2009 face a fellow playoff team this week. The one who doesn’t? The Twins face the Tigers, the team they beat in a one game play-in to reach the playoffs last year. Have a look:
Cardinals at Phillies
The Cardinals get their first taste of Roy Halladay in a Phillies uniform this week.
These clubs are too savvy to get worked up about a four-game set in May. "This is a good team we’re facing but our goal remains the same: We want to win the series, just like every series," Cardinals right-hander Kyle Lohse says.
Behind a rotation sporting a 2.55 ERA and the slugging of Pujols — who else? — the Cardinals have won seven of their eight series and built a five-game lead in the NL Central. The club also has boosted by better-than-expected contributions from two rookies, lefty starter Jaime Garcia and third baseman David Frese.
Garcia, 23, already has held his own in duels with Johan Santana and Tim Lincecum, and does not figure to be ruffled by the NL champions. "They’ll test him. They have an outstanding offensive team," Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said. "He’ll go out there and try to make his pitches."
The Cardinals come to Philly after winning six of seven on a home stand, including two of three against the Reds. While the Cardinals refuse to get overly amped about a trip to Philadelphia, Reds manager Dusty Baker perked up when he was told about the Cardinals-Phillies series.
"Is (Roy) Halladay going?" Baker quickly asked.
Yes, the Phillies new ace (5-1, 1.47 ERA) will start Thursday’s day finale against Lohse. Halladay has given the Phillies everything they expected and more at a time the club has needed it all. His brilliant beginning has helped cover for what has been an injury-filled first month for the NL champs.
Joe Blanton (oblique) returns to make his first start on Monday and Brad Lidge (knee) came back Friday, the same day the club placed reliever Ryan Madson (toe) on the disabled list. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins (calf) and lefty starter A.J. Happ (forearm), however, remain out and neither is expected back this week.
Tigers at Twins
The Twins last month got off to a strong start at new Target Field with a 6-3 opening home stand that solidified their spot atop the AL Central. Their play wasn’t all that was hotter than expected. April weather in the Twin Cities was the warmest in 85 years, with an average temperature of 54.9. Temperatures are expected to be in the high 40s for night games Monday and Tuesday and warmer for Wednesday’s afternoon game.
The Twins are coming off a 5-4 trip that included losing two of three at Detroit. The Tigers are still rolling behind the AL’s leading offense, which has been lifted by rookie Austin Jackson and newcomer Johnny Damon. Hitting first and second, respectively, they enter the week with identical .420 OBPs. Cleanup hitter Miguel Cabrera has taken advantage by driving in 27 runs in Detroit’s first 26 games.
Twins catcher Joe Mauer missed games in the past week with a stiff back and bruised left heel. He could sit at least one more game after the Twins called up their top catching prospect, Wilson Ramos.
Angels at Red Sox
John Lackey faces his old team Wednesday when the Red Sox host the Angels.
These frequent playoff combatants have not played much like postseason teams so far. Both begin the week under .500 after being swept in weekend series.
The Angels have found replacing starter John Lackey and third baseman Chone Figgins to be difficult as new starter Joel Pineiro (5.76 ERA) and third baseman Brandon Wood (1.89, five runs) have struggled.
The Red Sox have dealt with injuries to Jacoby Ellsbury (chest bruise) and Mike Cameron (kidney stones), the continuing decline of David Ortiz (.159 average), a rough month by ace Josh Beckett (6.31 ERA) and a defense that hasn’t played as well as advertised.
Both clubs need to get right against each other because they have division rivals coming next. The Red Sox will play host to the Yankees and the Angels will travel to Seattle.
Rockies at Dodgers
These teams, who meet this weekend at Dodger Stadium, figured to be on top of the West by now. Instead, they are at the bottom. Three of the Rockies’ five projected starters and closer Huston Street are out. L.A. put Manny Ramirez (calf), starter Vicente Padilla (arm) and reliever Jeff Weaver (back) on the DL on the same day last week.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
What to expect in the major leagues today:
Reds’ phenom off to strong start
Cincinnati’s Mike Leake looks to continue his strong start against a hot Mets team.
While Aroldis Chapman was attracting the buzz in spring training, fellow rookie Mike Leake was busy making the team. The Reds righthander became the first player since Xavier Nady in 2000 to completely skip the minor leagues. In his first start, Leake allowed the first three Cubs he faced to reach base, but none scored. He has been dodging trouble since with the poise of a veteran. Leake, 22, takes a 2-0 record and 3.25 ERA into Monday’s start against the Mets in Cincinnati. He isn’t overpowering—his fastball reaches 90 mph—and he has allowed 39 base runners in 27 2/3 innings. "His stuff can get him into trouble but he has the ability to pitch his way out of it," a scout said.
Padres take a test at home
Strong pitching and a revamped offense focused on speed have helped the Padres to a strong start. They lead the majors with five shutouts, including back-to-back blankings of the potent Brewers last week. On offense, they lead the NL in steals and Chase Headley is providing a solid bat behind Adrian Gonzalez. But are the Padres a legitimate contender? Monday’s game in San Diego should provide more than a clue. They face Rockies’ ace Ubaldo Jimenez, who is 5-0 with a no-hitter, 0.79 ERA and working on a 23 1/3-inning scoreless streak. The Padres will counter with their four-game winner, Kevin Correia.
Peavy tries again
Someone tell the White Sox’s Jake Peavy he’s not in pitching spacious Petco Park anymore. He’s in the American League now. Peavy, like fellow NL alum Ben Sheets, is not enjoying the success he did before changing leagues. Peavy has been roughed up for 13 runs over his past two starts as his ERA has ballooned to 7.85 even though he says he’s healthy. Peavy will go for his first win Monday at home against the Royals, a club that just won a series against the majors’ hottest team, Tampa Bay.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
What to expect in the major leagues today:
Reds’ phenom off to strong start
Cincinnati’s Mike Leake looks to continue his strong start against a hot Mets team.
While Aroldis Chapman was attracting the buzz in spring training, fellow rookie Mike Leake was busy making the team. The Reds righthander became the first player since Xavier Nady in 2000 to completely skip the minor leagues. In his first start, Leake allowed the first three Cubs he faced to reach base, but none scored. He has been dodging trouble since with the poise of a veteran. Leake, 22, takes a 2-0 record and 3.25 ERA into Monday’s start against the Mets in Cincinnati. He isn’t overpowering—his fastball reaches 90 mph—and he has allowed 39 base runners in 27 2/3 innings. "His stuff can get him into trouble but he has the ability to pitch his way out of it," a scout said.
Padres take a test at home
Strong pitching and a revamped offense focused on speed have helped the Padres to a strong start. They lead the majors with five shutouts, including back-to-back blankings of the potent Brewers last week. On offense, they lead the NL in steals and Chase Headley is providing a solid bat behind Adrian Gonzalez. But are the Padres a legitimate contender? Monday’s game in San Diego should provide more than a clue. They face Rockies’ ace Ubaldo Jimenez, who is 5-0 with a no-hitter, 0.79 ERA and working on a 23 1/3-inning scoreless streak. The Padres will counter with their four-game winner, Kevin Correia.
Peavy tries again
Someone tell the White Sox’s Jake Peavy he’s not in pitching spacious Petco Park anymore. He’s in the American League now. Peavy, like fellow NL alum Ben Sheets, is not enjoying the success he did before changing leagues. Peavy has been roughed up for 13 runs over his past two starts as his ERA has ballooned to 7.85 even though he says he’s healthy. Peavy will go for his first win Monday at home against the Royals, a club that just won a series against the majors’ hottest team, Tampa Bay.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
MLB.com reports the Nationals will promote pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg to Triple-A Syracuse as early as Sunday after his scheduled start for Double-A Harrisburg.
Strasburg, the first player taken in last year’s draft, is slated to pitch five innings or throw 85 pitches for Harrisburg. He is 3-0 with an 0.52 ERA in four starts for the club. He has 23 strikeouts in 17 1/3 innings.
His first Triple-A start could come Friday in Syracuse against the Braves’ Gwinnett, Ga., affiliate
Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo hinted on Wednesday that a promotion was imminent. "It’s reasonable to assume he is going to be in Syracuse sometime soon," Rizzo told reporters.
Sporting News staff reports
MLB.com reports the Nationals will promote pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg to Triple-A Syracuse as early as Sunday after his scheduled start for Double-A Harrisburg.
Strasburg, the first player taken in last year’s draft, is slated to pitch five innings or throw 85 pitches for Harrisburg. He is 3-0 with an 0.52 ERA in four starts for the club. He has 23 strikeouts in 17 1/3 innings.
His first Triple-A start could come Friday in Syracuse against the Braves’ Gwinnett, Ga., affiliate
Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo hinted on Wednesday that a promotion was imminent. "It’s reasonable to assume he is going to be in Syracuse sometime soon," Rizzo told reporters.
Most general managers understand the importance of the bullpen — and the need to invest in it. But what happens when the best-laid plan is thrown out of whack and a team must survive without its closer?
Closers get too much glory/blame, but, for the most part, a bullpen revolves around the big guy at the end. Losing him creates two potentially season-altering pitfalls. Other teams could learn from how Minnesota dealt with both after losing Joe Nathan for the season.
1. Indecision. A team’s unwillingness to give the ball to one pitcher in the ninth inning and call him the closer can be deadly. The closer-by-committee approach might be the only option for a bad or small-budget team, but a contender needs a stopper to take all the heat. Pick a replacement and stick with him.
Twins’ solution: Manager Ron Gardenhire anointed Jon Rauch the closer at the end of spring training, saw immediate dividends and avoided a committee mess.
2. A domino effect. With the closer out of the mix, the other relievers’ roles change. And teams get in trouble when players are asked to do more than they are capable of every night. When a seventh-inning guy must handle the eighth and an eighth-inning guy has to work the ninth, expectations and pressure levels change.
Twins’ solution: No reliever’s role was drastically altered—Rauch had previous closer experience—nor was starter Francisco Liriano’s progress halted by a transition to closer (a move that was explored).
Minnesota can’t truly replace Nathan, but because of how the team dealt with losing him, the pitching staff experienced limited turbulence and the team quickly established confidence in Rauch.
Todd Jones, a former major league closer, is a regular contributor to Sporting News.
Most general managers understand the importance of the bullpen — and the need to invest in it. But what happens when the best-laid plan is thrown out of whack and a team must survive without its closer?
Closers get too much glory/blame, but, for the most part, a bullpen revolves around the big guy at the end. Losing him creates two potentially season-altering pitfalls. Other teams could learn from how Minnesota dealt with both after losing Joe Nathan for the season.
1. Indecision. A team’s unwillingness to give the ball to one pitcher in the ninth inning and call him the closer can be deadly. The closer-by-committee approach might be the only option for a bad or small-budget team, but a contender needs a stopper to take all the heat. Pick a replacement and stick with him.
Twins’ solution: Manager Ron Gardenhire anointed Jon Rauch the closer at the end of spring training, saw immediate dividends and avoided a committee mess.
2. A domino effect. With the closer out of the mix, the other relievers’ roles change. And teams get in trouble when players are asked to do more than they are capable of every night. When a seventh-inning guy must handle the eighth and an eighth-inning guy has to work the ninth, expectations and pressure levels change.
Twins’ solution: No reliever’s role was drastically altered—Rauch had previous closer experience—nor was starter Francisco Liriano’s progress halted by a transition to closer (a move that was explored).
Minnesota can’t truly replace Nathan, but because of how the team dealt with losing him, the pitching staff experienced limited turbulence and the team quickly established confidence in Rauch.
Todd Jones, a former major league closer, is a regular contributor to Sporting News.
