Derek Jeter reached the 3000 hit mark yesterday. Before I address that I have to deal with the Yankee issue. My normal policy with the Yankees is if you can't say anything nice just ignore them. My disdain for the Evil Empire stretches back to when they were battling the Kansas City Royals for the American League crown in the late 70's and has carried forward to this day. Yet what Jeter did transcends the Yankees and is part of general baseball history.
I'll admit that Jeter is one of baseball's great players. Several words describe him. Leader. Winner. Champion. MVP. Future Hall of Famer. He does play the game the way it should be played and is great on both offense and defense.
Jeter reached the 3000 hit plateau which is something only 27 players before him had done in the entire history of the game. No other Yankee had even accomplished that feat it their storied past. He was one of 15 players that managed to amass 3000 hits with one team. He joins Wade Boggs as the only players to reach their 3000th hit with a home run. Add the fact that Jeter went 5 for 5 on the day to make it even more special.
I say kudos to Mr Derek Jeter!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Saturday, July 9, 2011
NL All Star Game bench 2011
Earlier I covered the American League bench players for the All Star game Tuesday. Now it is the National League's turn. The National League bench will consist of Jay Bruce, Carlos Beltran, Starlin Castro, Andre Ethier, Matt Holliday, Chipper Jones, Yadier Molina, Hunter Pence, Brandon Phillips, Gaby Sanchez, Troy Tulowitzki, Shane Victorino, Joey Votto and Justin Upton. Jones and Victorino have been declared unavailable to play due to injury. Ethier is Victorino's replacement but no word on a replacement for Jones yet.
Jay Bruce of the Cincinnati Reds is hitting .261 with 20 home runs, 56 RBI, 50 runs and 6 steals. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Reds with the 12th pick in the first round in 2005.
Carlos Beltran of the New York Mets is hitting .288 with 13 home runs, 58 RBI, 51 runs and 3 steals. This is his sixth All Star selection. He was drafted by the Royals in the second round in 1995.
Starlin Castro of the Chicago Cubs is hitting .304 with two home runs, 38 RBI, 48 runs and 10 steals. This is his first All Star selection. He signed with the Cubs as an amateur free agent in 2006.
Andre Ethier of the Los Angeles Dodgers is hitting .311 with seven home runs, 42 RBI, 43 runs and zero steals. This is his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Athletics in the second round in 2003.
Matt Holliday of the St Louis Cardinals is hitting .322 with 14 home runs, 48 RBI, 44 runs and zero steals. This is his fifth All Star selection. He was drafted by the Rockies in the seventh round in 1998.
Chipper Jones of the Atlanta Braves is hitting .259 with eight home runs, 46 RBI, 35 runs and one steal. This is he seventh All Star selection. He was drafted by the Braves with the first pick in the first round in 1990.
Yadier Molina of the St Louis Cardinals is hitting .279 with five home runs, 31 RBI, 27 runs and one steal. This is his third All Star selection. He was drafted by the Cardinals in the fourth round in 2000.
Hunter Pence of the Houston Astros is hitting .325 with 10 home runs, 59 RBI, 42 runs and 5 steals. This is his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Astros in the second round in 2004.
Brandon Phillips of the Cincinnati Reds is hitting .295 with eight home runs, 48 RBI, 56 runs and 5 steals. This is his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Expos in the second round in 1999.
Gaby Sanchez of the Florida Marlins is hitting .293 with 13 home runs, 48 RBI, 45 runs and one steal. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Marlins in the fourth round in 2005.
Troy Tulowitzki of the Colorado Rockies is hitting .271 with 17 home runs, 57 RBI, 44 runs and 6 steals. This is his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Rockies with the seventh pick in the first round in 2005.
Shane Victorino of the Philadelphia Phillies is hitting .303 with nine home runs, 34 RBI, 53 runs and 13 steals. This is his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Dodgers in the sixth round in 1999.
Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds is hitting .321 with 13 home runs, 53 RBI, 59 runs and 6 steals. This is his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Reds in the second round in 2002.
Justin Upton of the Arizona Diamondbacks is hitting .294 with 15 home runs, 46 RBI, 54 runs and 14 steals. This is his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Diamondbacks with the first pick in the first round in 2005.
Jay Bruce of the Cincinnati Reds is hitting .261 with 20 home runs, 56 RBI, 50 runs and 6 steals. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Reds with the 12th pick in the first round in 2005.
Carlos Beltran of the New York Mets is hitting .288 with 13 home runs, 58 RBI, 51 runs and 3 steals. This is his sixth All Star selection. He was drafted by the Royals in the second round in 1995.
Starlin Castro of the Chicago Cubs is hitting .304 with two home runs, 38 RBI, 48 runs and 10 steals. This is his first All Star selection. He signed with the Cubs as an amateur free agent in 2006.
Andre Ethier of the Los Angeles Dodgers is hitting .311 with seven home runs, 42 RBI, 43 runs and zero steals. This is his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Athletics in the second round in 2003.
Matt Holliday of the St Louis Cardinals is hitting .322 with 14 home runs, 48 RBI, 44 runs and zero steals. This is his fifth All Star selection. He was drafted by the Rockies in the seventh round in 1998.
Chipper Jones of the Atlanta Braves is hitting .259 with eight home runs, 46 RBI, 35 runs and one steal. This is he seventh All Star selection. He was drafted by the Braves with the first pick in the first round in 1990.
Yadier Molina of the St Louis Cardinals is hitting .279 with five home runs, 31 RBI, 27 runs and one steal. This is his third All Star selection. He was drafted by the Cardinals in the fourth round in 2000.
Hunter Pence of the Houston Astros is hitting .325 with 10 home runs, 59 RBI, 42 runs and 5 steals. This is his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Astros in the second round in 2004.
Brandon Phillips of the Cincinnati Reds is hitting .295 with eight home runs, 48 RBI, 56 runs and 5 steals. This is his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Expos in the second round in 1999.
Gaby Sanchez of the Florida Marlins is hitting .293 with 13 home runs, 48 RBI, 45 runs and one steal. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Marlins in the fourth round in 2005.
Troy Tulowitzki of the Colorado Rockies is hitting .271 with 17 home runs, 57 RBI, 44 runs and 6 steals. This is his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Rockies with the seventh pick in the first round in 2005.
Shane Victorino of the Philadelphia Phillies is hitting .303 with nine home runs, 34 RBI, 53 runs and 13 steals. This is his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Dodgers in the sixth round in 1999.
Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds is hitting .321 with 13 home runs, 53 RBI, 59 runs and 6 steals. This is his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Reds in the second round in 2002.
Justin Upton of the Arizona Diamondbacks is hitting .294 with 15 home runs, 46 RBI, 54 runs and 14 steals. This is his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Diamondbacks with the first pick in the first round in 2005.
AL All Star Game bench 2011
The MLB All Star game is Tuesday and so far I've covered the starters voted by the fans and the pitchers. Now I'm going to go over the bench players for the American League team. The American League bench will consist of Adrian Beltre, Asdrubal Cabrera, Miguel Cabrera, Michael Cuddyer, Jacoby Ellsbury, Matt Joyce, Howie Kendrick, Paul Konerko, Russell Martin, Jhonny Peralta, Carlos Quintin, Matt Wieters, Kevin Youkilis, and Michael Young. Actually Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez pulled out of the All Star game so Peralta and Youkilis took their places on the roster. Beltre will now start for Rodriguez and Asdrubal Cabrera will now start for Jeter.
Adrian Beltre of the Texas Rangers is hitting .273 with 17 home runs, 68 RBI, 54 runs and zero steals. This is his second All Star selection. He signed with the Dodgers as an amateur free agent in 1994.
Asdrubal Cabrera of the Cleveland Indians is hitting .294 with 14 home runs, 51 RBI, 55 runs and 12 steals. This is his first All Star selection. He signed with the Mariners as an amateur free agent in 2002.
Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers is hitting .316 with 18 home runs, 65 RBI, 63 runs and one steal. This is his sixth All Star selection. He signed with the Marlins as an amateur free agent in 1999.
Michael Cuddyer of the Minnesota Twins is hitting .298 with 13 home runs, 42 RBI, 41 runs and 7 steals. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Twins with the ninth pick of the first round in 1997.
Jacoby Ellsbury of the Boston Red Sox is hitting .309 with 11 home runs, 48 RBI, 62 runs and 28 steals. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted bu the Red Sox with the 23rd pick of the first round in 2005.
Matt Joyce of the Tampa Bay Rays is hitting .287 with 11 home runs, 40 RBI, 44 runs and 4 steals. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Tigers in the 12th round in 2005.
Howie Kendrick of the Los Angeles Angels is hitting .306 with eight home runs, 29 RBI, 42 runs and 9 steals. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Angels in the 10th round in 2002.
Paul Konerko of the Chicago White Sox is hitting .319 with 22 home runs, 65 RBI, 42 runs and one steal. This is his fifth All Star selection. He was drafted by the Dodgers with the 13th pick of the first round in 1994.
Russell Martin of the New York Yankees is hitting .220 with 10 home runs, 35 RBI, 26 runs and 7 steals. This is his third All Star selection. He was drafted by the Dodgers in the 17th round in 2002.
Jhonny Peralta of the Detroit Tigers is hitting .313 with 14 home runs, 50 RBI, 40 runs and zero steals. This is his first All Star selection. He signed with the Indians as an amateur free agent in 1999.
Carlos Quentin of the Chicago White Sox is hitting .254 with 17 home runs, 50 RBI, 37 runs and one steal. This is his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Diamondbacks with the 29th pick of the first round in 2003.
Matt Wieters of the Baltimore Orioles is hitting .268 with eight home runs, 34 RBI, 30 runs and one steal. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Orioles with the fifth pick of the first round in 2007.
Kevin Youkilis of the Boston Red Sox is hitting .275 with 12 home runs, 59 RBI, 50 runs and one steal. This is his third All Star selection. He was drafted by the Red Sox in the eighth round in 2001.
Micheal Young of the Texas Rangers is hitting .327 with eight home runs, 59 RBI, 42 runs and 4 steals. This is his seventh All Star selection. He was drafted by the Blue Jays in the fifth round in 1997.
Adrian Beltre of the Texas Rangers is hitting .273 with 17 home runs, 68 RBI, 54 runs and zero steals. This is his second All Star selection. He signed with the Dodgers as an amateur free agent in 1994.
Asdrubal Cabrera of the Cleveland Indians is hitting .294 with 14 home runs, 51 RBI, 55 runs and 12 steals. This is his first All Star selection. He signed with the Mariners as an amateur free agent in 2002.
Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers is hitting .316 with 18 home runs, 65 RBI, 63 runs and one steal. This is his sixth All Star selection. He signed with the Marlins as an amateur free agent in 1999.
Michael Cuddyer of the Minnesota Twins is hitting .298 with 13 home runs, 42 RBI, 41 runs and 7 steals. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Twins with the ninth pick of the first round in 1997.
Jacoby Ellsbury of the Boston Red Sox is hitting .309 with 11 home runs, 48 RBI, 62 runs and 28 steals. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted bu the Red Sox with the 23rd pick of the first round in 2005.
Matt Joyce of the Tampa Bay Rays is hitting .287 with 11 home runs, 40 RBI, 44 runs and 4 steals. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Tigers in the 12th round in 2005.
Howie Kendrick of the Los Angeles Angels is hitting .306 with eight home runs, 29 RBI, 42 runs and 9 steals. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Angels in the 10th round in 2002.
Paul Konerko of the Chicago White Sox is hitting .319 with 22 home runs, 65 RBI, 42 runs and one steal. This is his fifth All Star selection. He was drafted by the Dodgers with the 13th pick of the first round in 1994.
Russell Martin of the New York Yankees is hitting .220 with 10 home runs, 35 RBI, 26 runs and 7 steals. This is his third All Star selection. He was drafted by the Dodgers in the 17th round in 2002.
Jhonny Peralta of the Detroit Tigers is hitting .313 with 14 home runs, 50 RBI, 40 runs and zero steals. This is his first All Star selection. He signed with the Indians as an amateur free agent in 1999.
Carlos Quentin of the Chicago White Sox is hitting .254 with 17 home runs, 50 RBI, 37 runs and one steal. This is his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Diamondbacks with the 29th pick of the first round in 2003.
Matt Wieters of the Baltimore Orioles is hitting .268 with eight home runs, 34 RBI, 30 runs and one steal. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Orioles with the fifth pick of the first round in 2007.
Kevin Youkilis of the Boston Red Sox is hitting .275 with 12 home runs, 59 RBI, 50 runs and one steal. This is his third All Star selection. He was drafted by the Red Sox in the eighth round in 2001.
Micheal Young of the Texas Rangers is hitting .327 with eight home runs, 59 RBI, 42 runs and 4 steals. This is his seventh All Star selection. He was drafted by the Blue Jays in the fifth round in 1997.
Friday, July 8, 2011
NL All Star Game Pitchers 2011
Earlier I covered the American League pitchers for next week's MLB All Star game. Now it is the National League's turn. The pitchers selected for the Nationals League team are Heath Bell, Matt Cain, Tyler Clippard, Cole Hamels, Roy Halladay, Joel Hanrahan, Jair Jurrjens, Clayton Kershaw, Cliff Lee, Tim Lincecum, Jonny Venters, Ryan Vogelsong and Brian Wilson. The Giants and Phillies dominate the staff with four and three respectively.
Heath Bell of the San Diego Padres is 2-3 with a 2.43 ERA, 27 strikeouts, 26 saves and 1.19 WHIP in 37 innings. This is his third All Star selection. He signed with the Mets as an amateur free agent in 1998.
Matt Cain of the San Francisco Giants is 7-5 with a 3.22 ERA, 101 strikeouts and 1.09 WHIP in 120.1 innings. This is his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Giants with the 25th pick of the first round in 2002.
Tyler Clippard of the Washington Nationals is 1-0 with a 1.86 ERA, 61 strikeouts and 0.83 WHIP in 48.1 innings. This is his first All Star selection, He was drafted by the Yankees in the ninth round in 2003.
Cole Hamels of the Philadelphia Phillies is 10-4 with a 2.40 ERA, 115 strikeouts and 0.95 WHIP in 124 innings. This is his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Phillies with the 17th pick in the first round in 2002.
Roy Halladay of the Philadelphia Phillies is 11-3 with a 2.44 ERA, 131 strikeouts and 1.03 WHIP in 136.1 innings. This is his eighth All Star selection. He was drafted by the Blue Jays with the 17th pick of the first round in 1995.
Joel Hanrahan of the Pittsburgh Pirates is 0-1 with a 1.37 ERA, 33 strikeouts, 25 saves and 0.94 WHIP in 39.1 innings. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Dodgers in the second round in 2000.
Jair Jurrjens of the Atlanta Braves is 12-3 with a 1.87 ERA, 65 strikeouts and 1.07 WHIP in 110.2 innings. This is his first All Star selection, He signed with the Tigers as an amateur free agent in 2003.
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers is 9-4 with a 3.03 ERA, 147 strikeouts and 1.05 WHIP in 130.2 innings. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Dodgers with the seventh pick in the first round in 2006.
Cliff Lee of the Philadelphia Phillies is 9-6 with a 2.92 ERA, 128 strikeouts and 1.08 WHIP in 129.1 innings. This is his third All Star selection. He was drafted by the Expos in the fourth round in 2000.
Tim Lincecum of the San Francisco Giants is 6-7 with a 3.14 ERA, 126 strikeouts and 1.19 WHIP in 117.1 innings. This is his fourth All Star selection, He was drafted by the Giants with the 10th pick in the first round in 2006.
Jonny Venters of the Atlanta Braves is 4-1 with a 1.52 ERA, 57 strikeouts, 3 saves and 0.96 WHIP in 53.1 innings. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Braves in the 30th round in 2003.
Ryan Vogelson of the San Francisco Giants is 6-1 with a 2.13 ERA, 68 strikeouts, and 1.15 WHIP in 84.1 innings. This is his first All Star selection, He was drafted by the Giants in teh fifth round in 1998.
Brian Wilson of the San Francisco Giants is 6-1 with a 2.81 ERA, 40 strikeouts, 25 saves, and 1.39 WHIP in 41.2 innings, This is his third All Star selection. He was drafted by the Giants in the 24th round in 2003.
Heath Bell of the San Diego Padres is 2-3 with a 2.43 ERA, 27 strikeouts, 26 saves and 1.19 WHIP in 37 innings. This is his third All Star selection. He signed with the Mets as an amateur free agent in 1998.
Matt Cain of the San Francisco Giants is 7-5 with a 3.22 ERA, 101 strikeouts and 1.09 WHIP in 120.1 innings. This is his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Giants with the 25th pick of the first round in 2002.
Tyler Clippard of the Washington Nationals is 1-0 with a 1.86 ERA, 61 strikeouts and 0.83 WHIP in 48.1 innings. This is his first All Star selection, He was drafted by the Yankees in the ninth round in 2003.
Cole Hamels of the Philadelphia Phillies is 10-4 with a 2.40 ERA, 115 strikeouts and 0.95 WHIP in 124 innings. This is his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Phillies with the 17th pick in the first round in 2002.
Roy Halladay of the Philadelphia Phillies is 11-3 with a 2.44 ERA, 131 strikeouts and 1.03 WHIP in 136.1 innings. This is his eighth All Star selection. He was drafted by the Blue Jays with the 17th pick of the first round in 1995.
Joel Hanrahan of the Pittsburgh Pirates is 0-1 with a 1.37 ERA, 33 strikeouts, 25 saves and 0.94 WHIP in 39.1 innings. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Dodgers in the second round in 2000.
Jair Jurrjens of the Atlanta Braves is 12-3 with a 1.87 ERA, 65 strikeouts and 1.07 WHIP in 110.2 innings. This is his first All Star selection, He signed with the Tigers as an amateur free agent in 2003.
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers is 9-4 with a 3.03 ERA, 147 strikeouts and 1.05 WHIP in 130.2 innings. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Dodgers with the seventh pick in the first round in 2006.
Cliff Lee of the Philadelphia Phillies is 9-6 with a 2.92 ERA, 128 strikeouts and 1.08 WHIP in 129.1 innings. This is his third All Star selection. He was drafted by the Expos in the fourth round in 2000.
Tim Lincecum of the San Francisco Giants is 6-7 with a 3.14 ERA, 126 strikeouts and 1.19 WHIP in 117.1 innings. This is his fourth All Star selection, He was drafted by the Giants with the 10th pick in the first round in 2006.
Jonny Venters of the Atlanta Braves is 4-1 with a 1.52 ERA, 57 strikeouts, 3 saves and 0.96 WHIP in 53.1 innings. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Braves in the 30th round in 2003.
Ryan Vogelson of the San Francisco Giants is 6-1 with a 2.13 ERA, 68 strikeouts, and 1.15 WHIP in 84.1 innings. This is his first All Star selection, He was drafted by the Giants in teh fifth round in 1998.
Brian Wilson of the San Francisco Giants is 6-1 with a 2.81 ERA, 40 strikeouts, 25 saves, and 1.39 WHIP in 41.2 innings, This is his third All Star selection. He was drafted by the Giants in the 24th round in 2003.
AL All Star Game Pitchers 2011
Yesterday I went over the American League starters voted by the fans for the All Star game next Tuesday. Today I will cover the pitchers. The pitchers selected for the American League team are Josh Beckett, Aaron Crow, Gio Gonzalez, Felix Hernandez, Brandon League, Chris Perez, David Price, Mariano Rivera, James Shields, Jose Valverde, Justin Verlander, Jordan Walden, Jered Weaver, and C.J. Wilson. Rivera will not play due to injury and Walden was chosen to replace him.
Josh Beckett of the Boston Red Sox is 7-3 with a 2.12 ERA, 91 strikeouts and 0.91 WHIP in 106 innings. This is his third All Star selection. He was drafted by the Marlins with the second pick of the first round in 1999.
Aaron Crow of the Kansas City Royals is 2-2 with a 2.13 ERA, 43 strikeouts and 1.18 WHIP in 42.1 innings. This is his first All Star selection, He was drafted by the Royals with the 12th pick of the first round in 2009.
Gio Gonzalez of the Oakland Athletics is 8-5 with a 2.31 ERA, 106 strikeouts and 1.23 WHIP in 109 innings. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the White Sox with the 38th pick of the first round in 2004.
Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners is 8-7 with a 3.22 ERA, 134 strikeouts and 1.15 WHIP in 137 innings. This is his second All Star selection. He signed with the Mariners as an amateur free agent in 2002.
Brandon League of the Seattle Mariners is 1-4 with a 3.44 ERA, 25 strikeouts, 23 saves and 1.09 WHIP in 36.2 innings. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Blue Jays in the second round in 2001.
Chris Perez of the Cleveland Indians is 2-3 with a 2.23 ERA, 21 strikeouts, 21 saves and 1.14 WHIP in 32.1 innings. This is his first All Star selection, He was drafted by the Cardinals with the 42nd pick of the first round in 2006.
David Price of the Tampa Bay Rays is 8-7 with a 3.56 ERA, 122 strikeouts and 1.05 WHIP in 124 innings. This is his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Rays with the first pick of the first round in 2007.
Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees is 1-1 with a 1.91 ERA, 28 strikeouts, 21 saves and 1.03 WHIP in 33 innings. This is his 12th All Star selection. He was signed by the Yankees as an amateur free agent in 1990.
James Shields of the Tampa Bay Rays is 8-6 with a 2.47 ERA, 132 strikeouts and 1.00 WHIP in 134.2 innings. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Rays in the 16th round in 2000.
Jose Valverde of the Detroit Tigers is 2-3 with a 2.84 ERA, 37 strikeouts, 22 saves and 1.34 WHIP in 38 innings. This is his third All Star selection. He signed with the Diamondbacks as an amateur free agent in 1997.
Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers is 11-4 with a 2.26 ERA, 138 strikeouts and 0.88 WHIP in 143.1 innings. This is his fourth All Star selection. He was drafted by the Tigers with the second pick of the first round in 2004.
Jordan Walden of the Los Angeles Angels is 1-2 with a 2.95 ERA, 39 strikeouts, 19 saves and 1.23 WHIP in 36.2 innings. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Angels in the 12th round in 2006.
Jered Weaver of the Los Angeles Angels is 11-4 with a 1.86 ERA, 120 strikeouts and 0.91 WHIP in 140.1 innings. This is his second All Star selection, He was drafted by the Angels with the 12th pick of the first round in 2004.
C.J. Wilson of the Texas Rangers is 8-3 with a 3.10 ERA, 109 strikeouts and 1.21 WHIP in 125 innings. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Rangers in the fifth round in 2001.
Josh Beckett of the Boston Red Sox is 7-3 with a 2.12 ERA, 91 strikeouts and 0.91 WHIP in 106 innings. This is his third All Star selection. He was drafted by the Marlins with the second pick of the first round in 1999.
Aaron Crow of the Kansas City Royals is 2-2 with a 2.13 ERA, 43 strikeouts and 1.18 WHIP in 42.1 innings. This is his first All Star selection, He was drafted by the Royals with the 12th pick of the first round in 2009.
Gio Gonzalez of the Oakland Athletics is 8-5 with a 2.31 ERA, 106 strikeouts and 1.23 WHIP in 109 innings. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the White Sox with the 38th pick of the first round in 2004.
Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners is 8-7 with a 3.22 ERA, 134 strikeouts and 1.15 WHIP in 137 innings. This is his second All Star selection. He signed with the Mariners as an amateur free agent in 2002.
Brandon League of the Seattle Mariners is 1-4 with a 3.44 ERA, 25 strikeouts, 23 saves and 1.09 WHIP in 36.2 innings. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Blue Jays in the second round in 2001.
Chris Perez of the Cleveland Indians is 2-3 with a 2.23 ERA, 21 strikeouts, 21 saves and 1.14 WHIP in 32.1 innings. This is his first All Star selection, He was drafted by the Cardinals with the 42nd pick of the first round in 2006.
David Price of the Tampa Bay Rays is 8-7 with a 3.56 ERA, 122 strikeouts and 1.05 WHIP in 124 innings. This is his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Rays with the first pick of the first round in 2007.
Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees is 1-1 with a 1.91 ERA, 28 strikeouts, 21 saves and 1.03 WHIP in 33 innings. This is his 12th All Star selection. He was signed by the Yankees as an amateur free agent in 1990.
James Shields of the Tampa Bay Rays is 8-6 with a 2.47 ERA, 132 strikeouts and 1.00 WHIP in 134.2 innings. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Rays in the 16th round in 2000.
Jose Valverde of the Detroit Tigers is 2-3 with a 2.84 ERA, 37 strikeouts, 22 saves and 1.34 WHIP in 38 innings. This is his third All Star selection. He signed with the Diamondbacks as an amateur free agent in 1997.
Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers is 11-4 with a 2.26 ERA, 138 strikeouts and 0.88 WHIP in 143.1 innings. This is his fourth All Star selection. He was drafted by the Tigers with the second pick of the first round in 2004.
Jordan Walden of the Los Angeles Angels is 1-2 with a 2.95 ERA, 39 strikeouts, 19 saves and 1.23 WHIP in 36.2 innings. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Angels in the 12th round in 2006.
Jered Weaver of the Los Angeles Angels is 11-4 with a 1.86 ERA, 120 strikeouts and 0.91 WHIP in 140.1 innings. This is his second All Star selection, He was drafted by the Angels with the 12th pick of the first round in 2004.
C.J. Wilson of the Texas Rangers is 8-3 with a 3.10 ERA, 109 strikeouts and 1.21 WHIP in 125 innings. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Rangers in the fifth round in 2001.
Tragedy in Texas
My heart goes out to Shannon Stone and his family after his tragic accident yesterday during the Rangers game against the visiting Oakland A's. I feel for Stone who had been a firefighter for 18 years which makes him an every day hero. I feel for his six-year-old son who was at the game and had to witness the accident. I feel for Josh Hamilton who tossed the ball that Stone reached for before his fall. I feel for all touched by this and hope that time quickly heals all hearts and minds.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
NL All Star Game starters 2011
Earlier I went over the American League starters for the All Star game next week. Now it's the National League's turn. On the National League team Brian McCann was voted in at catcher, Prince Fielder at first base, Rickie Weeks at second base, Placido Polanco at third base, Jose Reyes at shortstop, and Ryan Braun, Lance Berkman and Matt Kemp in the outfield. Half represent the Central with four while three were from the East and one from the West.
Brian McCann of the Atlanta Braves is hitting .314 with 14 home runs, 48 RBI, 34 runs and 2 steals. This is his sixth All Star selection. He was drafted by the Braves in the second round in 2002.
Prince Fielder of the Milwaukee Brewers is hitting .304 with 22 home runs, 71 RBI, 53 runs and zero steals. This is his third All Star selection. He was drafted by the Brewers with the seventh pick of the first round in 2002.
Rickie Weeks of the Milwaukee Brewers is hitting .273 with 34 RBI, 61 runs and 7 steals. This is his first All Star selection, He was drafted by the Brewers with the second pick of the first round in 2003.
Placido Polanco of the Philadelphia Phillies is hitting .274 with four home runs, 39 RBI, 34 runs and 3 steals. This is his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Cardinals in the 19th round in 1994.
Jose Reyes of the New York Mets is hitting .354 with three home runs, 32 RBI, 65 runs and 30 steals. This is his fourth All Star selection. He signed with the Mets as an amateur free agent in 1999.
Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers is hitting .320 with 16 home runs, 62 RBI, 57 runs and 19 steals. This is his fourth All Star selection. He was drafted by the Brewers with the fifth pick of the first round in 2005.
Lance Berkman of the St Louis Cardinals is hitting .292 with 23 home runs, 62 RBI, 52 runs and zero steals. This is his sixth All Star selection. He was drafted by the Astros with the 16th pick of the first round in 1997.
Matt Kemp of the Los Angeles Dodgers is hitting .324 with 22 home runs, 64 RBI, 54 runs and 25 steals. This is his first All Star selection, He was drafted by the Dodgers in the sixth round in 2003.
Brian McCann of the Atlanta Braves is hitting .314 with 14 home runs, 48 RBI, 34 runs and 2 steals. This is his sixth All Star selection. He was drafted by the Braves in the second round in 2002.
Prince Fielder of the Milwaukee Brewers is hitting .304 with 22 home runs, 71 RBI, 53 runs and zero steals. This is his third All Star selection. He was drafted by the Brewers with the seventh pick of the first round in 2002.
Rickie Weeks of the Milwaukee Brewers is hitting .273 with 34 RBI, 61 runs and 7 steals. This is his first All Star selection, He was drafted by the Brewers with the second pick of the first round in 2003.
Placido Polanco of the Philadelphia Phillies is hitting .274 with four home runs, 39 RBI, 34 runs and 3 steals. This is his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Cardinals in the 19th round in 1994.
Jose Reyes of the New York Mets is hitting .354 with three home runs, 32 RBI, 65 runs and 30 steals. This is his fourth All Star selection. He signed with the Mets as an amateur free agent in 1999.
Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers is hitting .320 with 16 home runs, 62 RBI, 57 runs and 19 steals. This is his fourth All Star selection. He was drafted by the Brewers with the fifth pick of the first round in 2005.
Lance Berkman of the St Louis Cardinals is hitting .292 with 23 home runs, 62 RBI, 52 runs and zero steals. This is his sixth All Star selection. He was drafted by the Astros with the 16th pick of the first round in 1997.
Matt Kemp of the Los Angeles Dodgers is hitting .324 with 22 home runs, 64 RBI, 54 runs and 25 steals. This is his first All Star selection, He was drafted by the Dodgers in the sixth round in 2003.
AL All Star Game starters 2011
The season has passed the halfway mark and the MLB All Star game is next Tuesday. On the American League team Alex Avila was voted in at catcher, Adrian Gonzalez at first base, Robinson Cano at second base, Alex Rodriguez at third base, Derek Jeter at shortstop, Jose Bautista, Curtis Granderson and Josh Hamilton in the outfield, and David Ortiz at DH. The East is heavily represented with seven while the Central and West have one each.
Alex Avila of the Detroit Tigers is hitting .291 with 10 home runs, 46 RBI, 29 runs and 3 steals. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Tigers in the 5th round of the 2008 draft.
Adrian Gonzalez of the Boston Red Sox is hitting .348 with 16 home runs, 75 RBI, 59 runs and one steal. This is his fourth All Star selection. He was drafted by Marlins with the first pick of the first round in 2000.
Robinson Cano of the New York Yankees is hitting .295 with 14 home runs, 55 RBI, 55 runs and 6 steals. This is his third All Star selection. He signed with the Yankees as an amateur free agent in 2001.
Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees is hitting .299 with 13 home runs, 52 RBI, 53 runs and 4 steals. This is his 14th All Star selection. He was drafted by the Mariners with the first pick of the first round in 1993.
Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees is hitting .258 with two home runs, 22 RBI, 40 runs and 7 steals. This is his 12th All Star selection. He was drafted by the Yankees with the 6th pick of the first round in 1992.
Jose Bautista of the Toronto Blue Jays is hitting .335 with 28 home runs, 60 RBI, 68 runs and 5 steals. This is his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Pirates in the 20th round in 2000.
Curtis Granderson of the New York Yankees is hitting .274 with 25 home runs, 62 RBI, 77 runs and 15 steals. This his his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Tigers in the third round in 2002.
Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers is hitting .294 with 10 home runs, 42 RBI, 32 runs, and 4 steals. This is his fourth All Star selection, He was drafted by the Rays with the first pick of the first round in 1999.
David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox is hitting .299 with 17 home runs, 49 RBI, 50 runs and one steal. This is his sixth All Star Selection. He signed with the Mariners as an amateur free agent in 1992.
Alex Avila of the Detroit Tigers is hitting .291 with 10 home runs, 46 RBI, 29 runs and 3 steals. This is his first All Star selection. He was drafted by the Tigers in the 5th round of the 2008 draft.
Adrian Gonzalez of the Boston Red Sox is hitting .348 with 16 home runs, 75 RBI, 59 runs and one steal. This is his fourth All Star selection. He was drafted by Marlins with the first pick of the first round in 2000.
Robinson Cano of the New York Yankees is hitting .295 with 14 home runs, 55 RBI, 55 runs and 6 steals. This is his third All Star selection. He signed with the Yankees as an amateur free agent in 2001.
Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees is hitting .299 with 13 home runs, 52 RBI, 53 runs and 4 steals. This is his 14th All Star selection. He was drafted by the Mariners with the first pick of the first round in 1993.
Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees is hitting .258 with two home runs, 22 RBI, 40 runs and 7 steals. This is his 12th All Star selection. He was drafted by the Yankees with the 6th pick of the first round in 1992.
Jose Bautista of the Toronto Blue Jays is hitting .335 with 28 home runs, 60 RBI, 68 runs and 5 steals. This is his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Pirates in the 20th round in 2000.
Curtis Granderson of the New York Yankees is hitting .274 with 25 home runs, 62 RBI, 77 runs and 15 steals. This his his second All Star selection. He was drafted by the Tigers in the third round in 2002.
Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers is hitting .294 with 10 home runs, 42 RBI, 32 runs, and 4 steals. This is his fourth All Star selection, He was drafted by the Rays with the first pick of the first round in 1999.
David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox is hitting .299 with 17 home runs, 49 RBI, 50 runs and one steal. This is his sixth All Star Selection. He signed with the Mariners as an amateur free agent in 1992.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Two Major One Minor 070611
This week I'm covering two horses that were hobbled and a young colt. The two major leaguers are Phil Hughes and Jake Westbrook with the minor leaguer being Mike Montgomery. All three pitchers had been first round draft picks and have promising careers still ahead.
Phil Hughes made his official return from the Disable List tonight after struggling through a mysterious injury to start the season. I'll admit that I had Hughes on my roster and under contract and paid to buy out his contract when the prognosis looked dire. Then within a week they reversed course and decided rest and rehab could work instead of season ending surgery. Hughes had been one of my prized prospect pickups when I grabbed the Yankee righthander in our 2007 draft and the following year I signed him through the 2012 season. He showed glimpses of greatness in 2009 dominating in the bullpen and getting some spot starts as he went 8-3 with a 3.03 ERA and 96 strikeouts against 28 walks in 86 innings. 2010 was his coming out party as he went 18-8 for the Yankees. After working through the ailment with a stint in extended spring training and three starts in the minors his first step back tonight against the Indians was promising. Although he took the loss he managed to get through five innings only giving up two runs as he gave up six hits with two walks while striking out two. His next start will be after the All-Star game so that gives him extra time to work on honing his control.
I had under gone a similar situation with Jake Westbrook in 2008. He had been the ace of my first year staff in 2006 going 15-10 so I signed him to a multi-year contract. Then he started 2008 with two stints on the DL before finally ending his season with Tommy John surgery and I bought out his contract. Since the surgery Westbrook has bounced back strong and his move to the Cardinals gave the righty an additional boost. It was a good sign that he was able to eat up 202.2 innings in 2010. So far this season he is doing fine with a 7-4 record but tonight he was hit hard by the Reds giving up seven runs on eight hits including three home runs before exiting after 4.1 innings. Westbrook has never been a big strikeout guy but does eat a lot of innings and is off to a good start this season with 97.2 so far.
Mike Montgomery is a hard throwing lefty and is one of the Kansas City Royals uber-prospects. He was on the fast track in 2010 as he burned through three levels of the minors going 7-5 with a 2.61 ERA and 88 strikeouts against 31 walks in 93 innings. Yet this season he is having some control issues as his walks have jumped this season to 49 in 85.1 innings so far. That lack of control has also made him more hittable as he has already given up two more hits than last season and nine home runs compared to four all last season. Part of the adjustment is due to the better completion in Triple A as he only reached Double A in 2010. It is likely that Montgomery will be spending the majority of this season with the Omaha Storm Chasers with possibly a September call up.
Phil Hughes made his official return from the Disable List tonight after struggling through a mysterious injury to start the season. I'll admit that I had Hughes on my roster and under contract and paid to buy out his contract when the prognosis looked dire. Then within a week they reversed course and decided rest and rehab could work instead of season ending surgery. Hughes had been one of my prized prospect pickups when I grabbed the Yankee righthander in our 2007 draft and the following year I signed him through the 2012 season. He showed glimpses of greatness in 2009 dominating in the bullpen and getting some spot starts as he went 8-3 with a 3.03 ERA and 96 strikeouts against 28 walks in 86 innings. 2010 was his coming out party as he went 18-8 for the Yankees. After working through the ailment with a stint in extended spring training and three starts in the minors his first step back tonight against the Indians was promising. Although he took the loss he managed to get through five innings only giving up two runs as he gave up six hits with two walks while striking out two. His next start will be after the All-Star game so that gives him extra time to work on honing his control.
I had under gone a similar situation with Jake Westbrook in 2008. He had been the ace of my first year staff in 2006 going 15-10 so I signed him to a multi-year contract. Then he started 2008 with two stints on the DL before finally ending his season with Tommy John surgery and I bought out his contract. Since the surgery Westbrook has bounced back strong and his move to the Cardinals gave the righty an additional boost. It was a good sign that he was able to eat up 202.2 innings in 2010. So far this season he is doing fine with a 7-4 record but tonight he was hit hard by the Reds giving up seven runs on eight hits including three home runs before exiting after 4.1 innings. Westbrook has never been a big strikeout guy but does eat a lot of innings and is off to a good start this season with 97.2 so far.
Mike Montgomery is a hard throwing lefty and is one of the Kansas City Royals uber-prospects. He was on the fast track in 2010 as he burned through three levels of the minors going 7-5 with a 2.61 ERA and 88 strikeouts against 31 walks in 93 innings. Yet this season he is having some control issues as his walks have jumped this season to 49 in 85.1 innings so far. That lack of control has also made him more hittable as he has already given up two more hits than last season and nine home runs compared to four all last season. Part of the adjustment is due to the better completion in Triple A as he only reached Double A in 2010. It is likely that Montgomery will be spending the majority of this season with the Omaha Storm Chasers with possibly a September call up.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Old Dogs Teaching Young Pups
Two of the coaching elite returned to the game in the last week as Jack McKeon and Davey Johnson took the reigns of the Marlins and Nationals. Both are World Series winning managers with over one thousand wins apiece. Now both are trading in the early bird special for a chance to mold some of the games most talented youth.
McKeon managed the Kansas City Royals 1973-1975, the Oakland A's 1977-1978, the San Diego Padres 1988-1990, and the Cincinnati Reds 1997-2000 and was fired from each. Then he had his first tour with the Marlins starting in 2003 when he led them to the World Series and ending in 2005 when he retired. McKeon is 80 and is now giving direction to young talent such as Hanley Ramirez, Gaby Sanchez, Logan Morrison and Mike Stanton. I don't think it is coincidence that since McKeon took over speedster Emilio Bonifacio has been given the green light and has four stolen bases in the last five games.
Johnson managed the New York Mets 1984-1990 winning the World Series in 1986, the Cincinnati Reds 1993-1993, the Baltimore Orioles 1996-1997, and the Los Angeles Dodgers 1999-2000. His cerebral nature caused clashes with ownership and he endured firings from the Mets, Reds and Dodgers plus he resigned from the Orioles after winning American League Manager of the Year .He inherits a team on the rise with young talent on the team with Drew Storen, Wilson Ramos, Ian Desmond, Danny Espinosa and Ryan Zimmerman. They are also blessed with two of the three previous number one picks with Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper in the wings to give the future a boost. Johnson was experienced in bringing the most out of young talent with his World Series team that boasted Dwight Gooden, Ron Darling, and Darryl Strawberry.
It will be interesting to see how long these two icons choose to stay and develop their respective teams before heading off to retirement. Each has the talent to build around and each franchise could have a bright future if these field generals are allowed to lead. I feel that McKeon is a short term solution for this season while Johnson could be on the ground floor of something special with the Nationals.
McKeon managed the Kansas City Royals 1973-1975, the Oakland A's 1977-1978, the San Diego Padres 1988-1990, and the Cincinnati Reds 1997-2000 and was fired from each. Then he had his first tour with the Marlins starting in 2003 when he led them to the World Series and ending in 2005 when he retired. McKeon is 80 and is now giving direction to young talent such as Hanley Ramirez, Gaby Sanchez, Logan Morrison and Mike Stanton. I don't think it is coincidence that since McKeon took over speedster Emilio Bonifacio has been given the green light and has four stolen bases in the last five games.
Johnson managed the New York Mets 1984-1990 winning the World Series in 1986, the Cincinnati Reds 1993-1993, the Baltimore Orioles 1996-1997, and the Los Angeles Dodgers 1999-2000. His cerebral nature caused clashes with ownership and he endured firings from the Mets, Reds and Dodgers plus he resigned from the Orioles after winning American League Manager of the Year .He inherits a team on the rise with young talent on the team with Drew Storen, Wilson Ramos, Ian Desmond, Danny Espinosa and Ryan Zimmerman. They are also blessed with two of the three previous number one picks with Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper in the wings to give the future a boost. Johnson was experienced in bringing the most out of young talent with his World Series team that boasted Dwight Gooden, Ron Darling, and Darryl Strawberry.
It will be interesting to see how long these two icons choose to stay and develop their respective teams before heading off to retirement. Each has the talent to build around and each franchise could have a bright future if these field generals are allowed to lead. I feel that McKeon is a short term solution for this season while Johnson could be on the ground floor of something special with the Nationals.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)