The season is over, so it's time to see who the voters thought were the best in the league.
MVP
3B Alex Rodriguez (CAR)
It was a tight race between Caracas' A-Rod and Columbus' Chase Utley, but in the end, Rodriguez's eye-popping numbers swayed the voters. His 1.048 SLG and 74 steals were an astonishing combination of power and speed. His 150 runs lead the league, as did his 50 HR, while his 125 RBI were second only to teammate Prince Fielder.
Cy Young
RHP Brandon Webb (COL)
Many thought this race would be tighter (with Roy Oswalt's tremendous season), but Webb ran away with this one, getting every first place vote but one. Webb lead the league with 19 victories and a 2.64 ERA, holding opponents to just 169 hits and 30 walks over nearly 200 innings. His 25 QS in 30 games was among the league's best.
Rookie Hitter of the Year
1B Gaby Sanchez (SPR)
This award was a no-brainer, as there were very few rookies starting this season, and Sanchez lead them in nearly everything: hits, doubles, homeruns, total bases, RBI, runs, walks and sac flies.
Rookie Pitcher of the Year
RHP Jon Link (LAB)
The competition was even thinner here, with mostly relievers and mid-season call ups competing for the award. Chris Narveson was the only starter to log a lot of innings, but his season was average at best. The Dire Wolves' Jon Link, however, excelled in his bullpen role, posting a 1.83 ERA over 39 1/3 innings. Just 2 of his 20 inherited runners scored.
Rolaids [tm] Reliever of the Year
RHP Francisco Rodriguez (SPR)
K-Rod was dominant in the Isotopes pen this season. He posted a 1.98 ERA over 81 2/3 innings, holding opponents to a measly .179 avg and .290 SLG. He allowed just 52 hits over those 81 innings, and just 5 HR.
Other award winners:
Goat of the Year: 1B Albert Pujols (NY)
East Division MVP: 2B Chase Utley (COL)
West Division MVP: SS Jimmy Rollins (OKC)
World Division MVP: CF Jacoby Ellsbury (CAR)
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
2010 World Series - Game 6
Back in Oklahoma City for Game 6, where Brisbane looked to win the first SLB Championship, and OKC tried to force a Game 7.
Max Scherzer took the mound, hoping to match his Game 2 success, and faced Game 1 winner, lefty Clayton Kershaw.
Scherzer was wild early, and Brisbane jumped all over him. After walking Carl Crawford, the OKC righty gave up a 2 run bomb to Joey Votto. Another walk to Marlon Byrd resulted in a third run, as Ian Kinsler doubled him home for a 3-0 lead in the top of the 1st. A wild pitch moved Kinsler to third base, and a second wild pitch scored him for a 4-0 lead. Yunel Escobar doubled, and the boo birds were out. Finally, with Jonathan Broxton warming in the pen, Scherzer got Miguel Montero to line out to third.
One would think Kershaw would relax and pitch free and easy with an early lead, but he walked the first two Bison batters. After striking out Ibanez and Iwamura back-to-back, he walked Gonzalez, loading the bases for Ryan Ludwick. Kershaw got Ludwick to strike out swinging, stranding 3, and ending the first with a pitching line of 1 IP, 0 H, 3 BB, 3 K.
Broxton came in for the 2nd inning, hoping to right the ship. He had an easy 1-2-3 frame, and the Bison broke through in the bottom of the inning on Evan Longoria's lead off, 408 foot HR to center. Despite a single by Broxton, the Bison failed to score again in the inning.
Broxton's success didn't last long, as he gave up a monster, opposite field shot to Kinsler, pushing the lead to 6-1.
OKC got a few more back in the bottom of the 4th. Jonathan Broxton doubled with 2 outs (for his 2nd hit of the game (after just 1 hit in 9 AB's during the regular season). Jimmy Rollins then clanged one off the foul pole in left to cut the lead to 6-3. Dexter Fowler followed with a single, but Raul Ibanez K'd for the 2nd time, ending the threat.
The Bison tried their luck sending Broxton out for a 4th inning of work, but the righty was gassed, and gave up a 3 run shot to Ian Kinsler (his 2nd of the game).
But give OKC credit, they kept fighting back. Carlos Gonzalez notched an RBI single in the bottom of the 5th, and Pena knocked one in the the 8th. Rollins hit his 2nd HR of the game to cut the lead to 9-6 after 8 innings.
So on they went to the bottom of the 9th, with Carlos Marmol in to protect a 3 run lead and a series clinching win. Iwamura flied out, and Carlos Gonzalez struck out, but with 2 outs, Ryan Ludwick singled to center. But that would to it, as Evan Longoria grounded to short and the Koalas rushed the field, celebrating a 4 games to 2 World Series victory!
Clayton Kershaw got the win, giving up 4 ER on 8 hits, 4 BB's and 7 K's over 6 IP. Max Scherzer was the loser, giving up 4 ER on 4 H, 1 BB and 1 K in just 1 IP. Marmol gave up a hit and a K in 1 IP for the save.
The World Series MVP went to Ian Kinsler, who batted .409, 2 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 5 R, 3 BB, 5 K for the series.
BOX SCORE
SCORING SUMMARY
TOP 1st
- (2-0) - Joey Votto homered, Carl Crawford scored.
- (3-0) - Ian Kinsler doubled, Marlon Byrd scored.
- (4-0) - Max Scherzer threw a wild pitch, Ian Kinsler scored.
BOT 2nd
- (4-1) - Evan Longoria homered to center.
TOP 3rd
- (6-1) - Ian Kinsler homered, Marlon Byrd scored.
BOT 4th
- (6-3) - Jimmy Rollins homered, Jonathan Broxton scored.
TOP 5th
- (9-3) - Ian Kinsler homered, Marlon Byrd and Joey Votto scored.
BOT 5th
- (9-4) - Carlos Gonzalez singled, Akinori Iwamura scored.
BOT 8th
- (9-5) - Brayan Pena singled, Evan Longoria scored.
- (9-6) - Jimmy Rollins homered to left.
Max Scherzer took the mound, hoping to match his Game 2 success, and faced Game 1 winner, lefty Clayton Kershaw.
Scherzer was wild early, and Brisbane jumped all over him. After walking Carl Crawford, the OKC righty gave up a 2 run bomb to Joey Votto. Another walk to Marlon Byrd resulted in a third run, as Ian Kinsler doubled him home for a 3-0 lead in the top of the 1st. A wild pitch moved Kinsler to third base, and a second wild pitch scored him for a 4-0 lead. Yunel Escobar doubled, and the boo birds were out. Finally, with Jonathan Broxton warming in the pen, Scherzer got Miguel Montero to line out to third.
One would think Kershaw would relax and pitch free and easy with an early lead, but he walked the first two Bison batters. After striking out Ibanez and Iwamura back-to-back, he walked Gonzalez, loading the bases for Ryan Ludwick. Kershaw got Ludwick to strike out swinging, stranding 3, and ending the first with a pitching line of 1 IP, 0 H, 3 BB, 3 K.
Broxton came in for the 2nd inning, hoping to right the ship. He had an easy 1-2-3 frame, and the Bison broke through in the bottom of the inning on Evan Longoria's lead off, 408 foot HR to center. Despite a single by Broxton, the Bison failed to score again in the inning.
Broxton's success didn't last long, as he gave up a monster, opposite field shot to Kinsler, pushing the lead to 6-1.
OKC got a few more back in the bottom of the 4th. Jonathan Broxton doubled with 2 outs (for his 2nd hit of the game (after just 1 hit in 9 AB's during the regular season). Jimmy Rollins then clanged one off the foul pole in left to cut the lead to 6-3. Dexter Fowler followed with a single, but Raul Ibanez K'd for the 2nd time, ending the threat.
The Bison tried their luck sending Broxton out for a 4th inning of work, but the righty was gassed, and gave up a 3 run shot to Ian Kinsler (his 2nd of the game).
But give OKC credit, they kept fighting back. Carlos Gonzalez notched an RBI single in the bottom of the 5th, and Pena knocked one in the the 8th. Rollins hit his 2nd HR of the game to cut the lead to 9-6 after 8 innings.
So on they went to the bottom of the 9th, with Carlos Marmol in to protect a 3 run lead and a series clinching win. Iwamura flied out, and Carlos Gonzalez struck out, but with 2 outs, Ryan Ludwick singled to center. But that would to it, as Evan Longoria grounded to short and the Koalas rushed the field, celebrating a 4 games to 2 World Series victory!
Clayton Kershaw got the win, giving up 4 ER on 8 hits, 4 BB's and 7 K's over 6 IP. Max Scherzer was the loser, giving up 4 ER on 4 H, 1 BB and 1 K in just 1 IP. Marmol gave up a hit and a K in 1 IP for the save.
The World Series MVP went to Ian Kinsler, who batted .409, 2 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 5 R, 3 BB, 5 K for the series.
BOX SCORE
SCORING SUMMARY
TOP 1st
- (2-0) - Joey Votto homered, Carl Crawford scored.
- (3-0) - Ian Kinsler doubled, Marlon Byrd scored.
- (4-0) - Max Scherzer threw a wild pitch, Ian Kinsler scored.
BOT 2nd
- (4-1) - Evan Longoria homered to center.
TOP 3rd
- (6-1) - Ian Kinsler homered, Marlon Byrd scored.
BOT 4th
- (6-3) - Jimmy Rollins homered, Jonathan Broxton scored.
TOP 5th
- (9-3) - Ian Kinsler homered, Marlon Byrd and Joey Votto scored.
BOT 5th
- (9-4) - Carlos Gonzalez singled, Akinori Iwamura scored.
BOT 8th
- (9-5) - Brayan Pena singled, Evan Longoria scored.
- (9-6) - Jimmy Rollins homered to left.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
2010 World Series - Game 5
It was time for the pivotal Game 5 in Brisbane, as both teams looked to take a one-game advantage back to Oklahoma City. Sean Marshall (6-6, 2.96) took the mound for Brisbane to face Game 1 loser Scott Kazmir.
Oklahoma City opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd inning. Rollins doubled, followed by a Dexter Fowler walk. Raul Ibanez singled to drive in Rollins. But with the bases loaded, Sean Marshall induced a ground ball from Longoria to end the inning.
Brisbane answered in the bottom of the frame with a two out, solo HR off the bat of Rafael Furcal.
The Bison reclaimed the lead in the top of the fifth on a solo blast from Iwamura. Again, the Koalas had an answer. Votto lead off the bottom of the fifth with a walk, then moved to second on a Miguel Montero single. Furcal then garnered his second RBI of the game, tying the game at 2-2. Crawford followed with a walk to load the bases with just one out. Ian Kinsler hit a deep fly to left that wasn't quite caught, but the runners had to hold up. Two runs scored, but Kinsler only made it to first, and Crawford held at second. After a wild pitch moved the runners up a base, Nick Markakis hit a fielder's choice ground out to first, which scored Crawford. A Marlon Byrd fly out finally ended the inning, and now Brisbane lead 5-2.
The Bison were retired in order in the top of the 6th, and the Koalas opened their half of the frame by teeing up on Kazmir once again. Escobar and Votto opened with back to back hits, putting runners on the corners with 0 outs. Montero hit into a double play, but Escobar scored the Koalas' sixth run.
The game was put away by Brisbane in the 8th, when pinch-hitter James Loney hit a 2 RBI triple off of OKC reliever Takashi Saito to give the Koalas an 8-2 lead.
That was all she wrote, as Brisbane took a 3-2 series lead. Sean Marshall was the winner, allowing 2 ER on 6 hits and 2 walks over 6 IP. He struck out 9 batters. Scott Kazmir lost once again, giving up 6 runs (5 earned) on 8 hits and 3 walks in 6 IP. He struck out 5.
Game 6 moves back state side, with projected starters being Clayton Kershaw and Max Scherzer.
BOX SCORE
SCORING SUMMARY
TOP 3rd
- (1-0) - Raul Ibanez singled, Jimmy Rollins scored.
BOT 3rd
- (1-1) - Rafael Furcal homered to right.
TOP 5th
- (2-1) - Akinori Iwamura homered to left.
BOT 5th
- (2-2) - Rafael Furcal doubled, Joey Votto scored.
- (2-4) - Ian Kinsler singled, Miguel Montero and Rafael Furcal scored.
- (2-5) - Nick Markakis ground out to first, Carl Crawford scored, Ian Kinsler to third.
BOT 6th
- (2-6) - Miguel Montero grounded into a double play, Yunel Escobar scored.
BOT 8th
- (2-8) - James Loney tripled, Yunel Escobar and Joey Votto scored.
Oklahoma City opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd inning. Rollins doubled, followed by a Dexter Fowler walk. Raul Ibanez singled to drive in Rollins. But with the bases loaded, Sean Marshall induced a ground ball from Longoria to end the inning.
Brisbane answered in the bottom of the frame with a two out, solo HR off the bat of Rafael Furcal.
The Bison reclaimed the lead in the top of the fifth on a solo blast from Iwamura. Again, the Koalas had an answer. Votto lead off the bottom of the fifth with a walk, then moved to second on a Miguel Montero single. Furcal then garnered his second RBI of the game, tying the game at 2-2. Crawford followed with a walk to load the bases with just one out. Ian Kinsler hit a deep fly to left that wasn't quite caught, but the runners had to hold up. Two runs scored, but Kinsler only made it to first, and Crawford held at second. After a wild pitch moved the runners up a base, Nick Markakis hit a fielder's choice ground out to first, which scored Crawford. A Marlon Byrd fly out finally ended the inning, and now Brisbane lead 5-2.
The Bison were retired in order in the top of the 6th, and the Koalas opened their half of the frame by teeing up on Kazmir once again. Escobar and Votto opened with back to back hits, putting runners on the corners with 0 outs. Montero hit into a double play, but Escobar scored the Koalas' sixth run.
The game was put away by Brisbane in the 8th, when pinch-hitter James Loney hit a 2 RBI triple off of OKC reliever Takashi Saito to give the Koalas an 8-2 lead.
That was all she wrote, as Brisbane took a 3-2 series lead. Sean Marshall was the winner, allowing 2 ER on 6 hits and 2 walks over 6 IP. He struck out 9 batters. Scott Kazmir lost once again, giving up 6 runs (5 earned) on 8 hits and 3 walks in 6 IP. He struck out 5.
Game 6 moves back state side, with projected starters being Clayton Kershaw and Max Scherzer.
BOX SCORE
SCORING SUMMARY
TOP 3rd
- (1-0) - Raul Ibanez singled, Jimmy Rollins scored.
BOT 3rd
- (1-1) - Rafael Furcal homered to right.
TOP 5th
- (2-1) - Akinori Iwamura homered to left.
BOT 5th
- (2-2) - Rafael Furcal doubled, Joey Votto scored.
- (2-4) - Ian Kinsler singled, Miguel Montero and Rafael Furcal scored.
- (2-5) - Nick Markakis ground out to first, Carl Crawford scored, Ian Kinsler to third.
BOT 6th
- (2-6) - Miguel Montero grounded into a double play, Yunel Escobar scored.
BOT 8th
- (2-8) - James Loney tripled, Yunel Escobar and Joey Votto scored.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
2010 World Series - Game 4
Up two games to one, Oklahoma City sent young right hander Josh Johnson (9-12, 4.75 ) to face Brisbane's Aaron Cook (15-9, 3.76) for a Game 4 showdown.
After the Bison went down in order in the top of the 1st, The Koalas came out hitting. Carl Crawford hit a ground rule double, and was immediately driven in by Joey Votto. Johnson retired the next two batters to get out of the inning down just a run.
For the next several innings, hits were hard to come by. The two starters traded scoreless frames, allowing just 3 hits combined over the first 4 innings.
Brisbane looked like they would push the lead to two in the bottom of the 5th. With runners on 1st and 2nd, Joey Votto hit a line drive to left. The third base coach stopped the slow footed Miguel Montero at third base, leaving the bases loaded for Nick Markakis, who grounded weakly to 2nd for the final out.
The score remained 1-0 heading into the top of the 8th. Lefty Bobby Seay (3-4, 2.74) relieved Cook, hoping to hold the lead. Two deep flies and a ground out put the Koalas back in the dug out, hoping to add to their lead against veteran Takashi Saito (2-3, 5.58).
Despite walking two batters, Saito got out of the inning unscathed. Brisbane closer Huston Street entered to try to nail down the victory, but he would have to face the top of the Bison order. Rollins and Fowler both lined out hard to third base, so it was up to Raul Ibanez. Ibanez also hit the ball to third, but this time a fielding error by Escobar allowed him to reach safely. But Iwamura struck out swinging, and the Koalas held onto the 1-0 score for a victory.
The series is now tied 2-2, with Game 5 in Brisbane (followed by 6 and 7 in Oklahoma City). Aaron Cook got the victory, dominating the Bison lineup for 7 innings, giving up just 2 hits, no runs, no walks, and 6 strikeouts. Josh Johnson was the hard-luck loser, giving up a single earned run on 5 hits, 3 walks, and 5 K's over 7 innings. Huston Street notched his first save of the World Series with a perfect 9th inning.
Probable starters for Game 5 are Game 1 loser Scott Kazmir vs. Sean Marshall.
BOX SCORE
SCORING SUMMARY
BOT 1st
- (0-1) - Joey Votto singled, Carl Crawford scored.
After the Bison went down in order in the top of the 1st, The Koalas came out hitting. Carl Crawford hit a ground rule double, and was immediately driven in by Joey Votto. Johnson retired the next two batters to get out of the inning down just a run.
For the next several innings, hits were hard to come by. The two starters traded scoreless frames, allowing just 3 hits combined over the first 4 innings.
Brisbane looked like they would push the lead to two in the bottom of the 5th. With runners on 1st and 2nd, Joey Votto hit a line drive to left. The third base coach stopped the slow footed Miguel Montero at third base, leaving the bases loaded for Nick Markakis, who grounded weakly to 2nd for the final out.
The score remained 1-0 heading into the top of the 8th. Lefty Bobby Seay (3-4, 2.74) relieved Cook, hoping to hold the lead. Two deep flies and a ground out put the Koalas back in the dug out, hoping to add to their lead against veteran Takashi Saito (2-3, 5.58).
Despite walking two batters, Saito got out of the inning unscathed. Brisbane closer Huston Street entered to try to nail down the victory, but he would have to face the top of the Bison order. Rollins and Fowler both lined out hard to third base, so it was up to Raul Ibanez. Ibanez also hit the ball to third, but this time a fielding error by Escobar allowed him to reach safely. But Iwamura struck out swinging, and the Koalas held onto the 1-0 score for a victory.
The series is now tied 2-2, with Game 5 in Brisbane (followed by 6 and 7 in Oklahoma City). Aaron Cook got the victory, dominating the Bison lineup for 7 innings, giving up just 2 hits, no runs, no walks, and 6 strikeouts. Josh Johnson was the hard-luck loser, giving up a single earned run on 5 hits, 3 walks, and 5 K's over 7 innings. Huston Street notched his first save of the World Series with a perfect 9th inning.
Probable starters for Game 5 are Game 1 loser Scott Kazmir vs. Sean Marshall.
BOX SCORE
SCORING SUMMARY
BOT 1st
- (0-1) - Joey Votto singled, Carl Crawford scored.
Friday, August 27, 2010
2010 World Series - Game 3
With the series tied 1-1, the teams took the long flight to Brisbane, Australia for Games 3-5. The Koalas send staff ace Chad Billingsley (15-9, 3.45) to the mound to face Bison ace Ted Lilly (13-5, 3.72). Both starters are 1-0 in the playoffs.
Billingsley wiggled out of some early trouble in the top of the first. Rollins lead off with a single and moved to second on a passed ball. After Ibanez walked, Iwamura grounded into a 1-4-3 double play to retire the side.
Brisbane opened in the scoring in the bottom of the first. Rafael Furcal lead off with a walk, then scored all the way from first on a Carl Crawford double to the gap. Lilly held the Koalas at one, stranding Crawford at third.
The Bison took the run right back in the top of the second. Carlos Gonzalez lead off with a walk and stole second before moving to third on a Ryan Ludwick single. Evan Longoria followed with a base hit, scoring CarGo and tying the score at one all. OKC then took the lead on Brayan Pena's single. With nobody out, Ted Lilly came to the plate and immediately poked a single up the middle, giving the Bison a 3-1 lead with nobody out. Billingsley finally got it together, and retired the next three batters on a K and two groundouts.
The next several innings were full of missed opportunities. Both teams got runners on base in every frame, but failed to push anyone across the plate. After five innings, the score remained 3-1.
Oklahoma City broke through for another run in the top of the sixth. Longoria lead off with a double, then moved to third on an infield single off the bat of Pena. Lilly struck out, but Rollins hit a single up the middle to score Longoria. Fowler followed with a 3 run shot that just snuck over the fence in right, pushing the score to 7-1. Billingsley was chased from the game, and Trevor Hoffman came in to retire the side.
Brisbane wasn't going down without a fight. Yunel Escobar opened the bottom of the inning with a single, and Joey Votto parked one 370 feet into right field for a two run homer.
The game was now in the hands of the bullpens, and neither side budged. Oklahoma City won 7-3 and took back home field advantage. The winning pitcher was Ted Lilly, who gave up 3 earned runs over 7 innings, giving up 7 hits, 3 walks, and striking out 11. Billingsley got the loss, giving up 7 earned runs on 11 hits and 3 walks in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out 8.
Game 4 will pit Aaron Cook against Josh Johnson.
BOX SCORE
SCORING SUMMARY
BOT 1st
- (0-1) - Carl Crawford doubled, Rafael Furcal scored.
TOP 2nd
- (1-1) - Evan Longoria singled, Carlos Gonzalez scored, Ryan Ludwick to third and Evan Longoria to second on throw home.
- (2-1) - Brayan Pena singled, Ryan Ludwick scored.
- (3-1) - Ted Lilly singled, Evan Longoria scored.
TOP 6th
- (4-1) - Jimmy Rollins singled, Evan Longoria scored.
- (7-1) - Dexter Fowler homered to right, Brayan Pena and Jimmy Rollins scored.
BOT 6th
- (7-3) - Joey Votto homered, Yunel Escobar scored.
Billingsley wiggled out of some early trouble in the top of the first. Rollins lead off with a single and moved to second on a passed ball. After Ibanez walked, Iwamura grounded into a 1-4-3 double play to retire the side.
Brisbane opened in the scoring in the bottom of the first. Rafael Furcal lead off with a walk, then scored all the way from first on a Carl Crawford double to the gap. Lilly held the Koalas at one, stranding Crawford at third.
The Bison took the run right back in the top of the second. Carlos Gonzalez lead off with a walk and stole second before moving to third on a Ryan Ludwick single. Evan Longoria followed with a base hit, scoring CarGo and tying the score at one all. OKC then took the lead on Brayan Pena's single. With nobody out, Ted Lilly came to the plate and immediately poked a single up the middle, giving the Bison a 3-1 lead with nobody out. Billingsley finally got it together, and retired the next three batters on a K and two groundouts.
The next several innings were full of missed opportunities. Both teams got runners on base in every frame, but failed to push anyone across the plate. After five innings, the score remained 3-1.
Oklahoma City broke through for another run in the top of the sixth. Longoria lead off with a double, then moved to third on an infield single off the bat of Pena. Lilly struck out, but Rollins hit a single up the middle to score Longoria. Fowler followed with a 3 run shot that just snuck over the fence in right, pushing the score to 7-1. Billingsley was chased from the game, and Trevor Hoffman came in to retire the side.
Brisbane wasn't going down without a fight. Yunel Escobar opened the bottom of the inning with a single, and Joey Votto parked one 370 feet into right field for a two run homer.
The game was now in the hands of the bullpens, and neither side budged. Oklahoma City won 7-3 and took back home field advantage. The winning pitcher was Ted Lilly, who gave up 3 earned runs over 7 innings, giving up 7 hits, 3 walks, and striking out 11. Billingsley got the loss, giving up 7 earned runs on 11 hits and 3 walks in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out 8.
Game 4 will pit Aaron Cook against Josh Johnson.
BOX SCORE
SCORING SUMMARY
BOT 1st
- (0-1) - Carl Crawford doubled, Rafael Furcal scored.
TOP 2nd
- (1-1) - Evan Longoria singled, Carlos Gonzalez scored, Ryan Ludwick to third and Evan Longoria to second on throw home.
- (2-1) - Brayan Pena singled, Ryan Ludwick scored.
- (3-1) - Ted Lilly singled, Evan Longoria scored.
TOP 6th
- (4-1) - Jimmy Rollins singled, Evan Longoria scored.
- (7-1) - Dexter Fowler homered to right, Brayan Pena and Jimmy Rollins scored.
BOT 6th
- (7-3) - Joey Votto homered, Yunel Escobar scored.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
2010 World Series - Game 2
The Bison headed into Game 2 hoping to tie the series before the long flight to Australia. Things didn't look good, though, as Max Scherzer (7-13, 6.60) was taking the mound against lefty Aaron Laffey (12-13, 4.04). Scherzer did win his LCS game (4-3 against the Jackals), so perhaps there was a new found confidence that the team wanted to exploit....
Scherzer started off well, polishing off the Koalas 1-2-3 in the top of the 1st. Laffey responded with a scoreless inning of his own.
Brisbane almost broke the scoreless tie in the top of the 3rd. With 2 outs, Rafael Furcal hit a deep fly to right field, and Raul Ibanez's diving attempt came up short. As the ball rolled to the wall, Furcal looked on his way to an inside-the-park home run, but Ibanez recovered quickly and gunned him down at the plate to end the threat.
The Bison were the first to score, as back to back doubles by Fowler and Ibanez gave them a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the 4th. After Ibanez advanced to third on a fielder's choice, he scored on a Carlos Gonzalez sac fly, pushing the lead to two.
OKC added a third run in the 6th. Rollins doubled, moved to third on a fielder's choice, and came in to score on a single by Iwamura. The Koalas, on the other hand, had no answer for Scherzer, who looked as sharp as he has all season.
In the top of the 8th, the Bison went with Bobby Jenks, and he redeemed himself after Game One's drubbing, tossing a scoreless frame to maintain the 3-0 lead.
Closer Brett Anderson came in to pitch the 9th and immediately gave up a run. Joey Votto lead off with a double, and then scored on a Nick Markakis single. Markakis was erased on a caught stealing, but Marlon Byrd doubled, and Ian Kinsler was intentionally walked to put runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out. The strategy worked, as Yunel Escobar grounded into a 4-6-3 double play to end the game and tie the series at 1-1.
Max Scherzer got the win, going 7 innings and giving up no runs, 3 hits, and 2 walks while striking out 5. Aaron Laffey gets the loss, tossing 7 innings and giving up 3 runs, 7 hits, and 3 walks while striking out just 2. Anderson got the save despite giving up a run on 3 hits and an intentional walk.
Games 3-5 will be in Brisbane, Australia. Probable starters are Ted Lilly (OKC) vs. Chad Billingsley (BRI).
BOX SCORE
SCORING SUMMARY
BOT 4th
- (0-1) - Raul Ibanez doubled, Dexter Fowler scored.
- (0-2) - Carlos Gonzalez hit a sac fly to left, Raul Ibanez scored.
BOT 5th
- (0-3) - Akinori Iwamura singled, Jimmy Rollins scored.
TOP 9th
- (1-3) - Nick Markakis singled, Joey Votto scored.
Scherzer started off well, polishing off the Koalas 1-2-3 in the top of the 1st. Laffey responded with a scoreless inning of his own.
Brisbane almost broke the scoreless tie in the top of the 3rd. With 2 outs, Rafael Furcal hit a deep fly to right field, and Raul Ibanez's diving attempt came up short. As the ball rolled to the wall, Furcal looked on his way to an inside-the-park home run, but Ibanez recovered quickly and gunned him down at the plate to end the threat.
The Bison were the first to score, as back to back doubles by Fowler and Ibanez gave them a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the 4th. After Ibanez advanced to third on a fielder's choice, he scored on a Carlos Gonzalez sac fly, pushing the lead to two.
OKC added a third run in the 6th. Rollins doubled, moved to third on a fielder's choice, and came in to score on a single by Iwamura. The Koalas, on the other hand, had no answer for Scherzer, who looked as sharp as he has all season.
In the top of the 8th, the Bison went with Bobby Jenks, and he redeemed himself after Game One's drubbing, tossing a scoreless frame to maintain the 3-0 lead.
Closer Brett Anderson came in to pitch the 9th and immediately gave up a run. Joey Votto lead off with a double, and then scored on a Nick Markakis single. Markakis was erased on a caught stealing, but Marlon Byrd doubled, and Ian Kinsler was intentionally walked to put runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out. The strategy worked, as Yunel Escobar grounded into a 4-6-3 double play to end the game and tie the series at 1-1.
Max Scherzer got the win, going 7 innings and giving up no runs, 3 hits, and 2 walks while striking out 5. Aaron Laffey gets the loss, tossing 7 innings and giving up 3 runs, 7 hits, and 3 walks while striking out just 2. Anderson got the save despite giving up a run on 3 hits and an intentional walk.
Games 3-5 will be in Brisbane, Australia. Probable starters are Ted Lilly (OKC) vs. Chad Billingsley (BRI).
BOX SCORE
SCORING SUMMARY
BOT 4th
- (0-1) - Raul Ibanez doubled, Dexter Fowler scored.
- (0-2) - Carlos Gonzalez hit a sac fly to left, Raul Ibanez scored.
BOT 5th
- (0-3) - Akinori Iwamura singled, Jimmy Rollins scored.
TOP 9th
- (1-3) - Nick Markakis singled, Joey Votto scored.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
2010 World Series - Game 1
Oklahoma City is buzzing as the inaugural SLB World Series began tonight. Brothers Dylan (OKC) and Evan (BRI) Goforth square off in a best of 7 series.
Game 1 saw the host Bison south paw Scott Kazmir (12-12, 4.54) take the mound against fellow lefty Clayton Kershaw (6-10, 3.48). The Koalas are 10-2 in the playoffs, knocking out Kansas and Atlanta on the way to the Series, while Oklahoma City defeated Jersey City 4 games to 2 after a first round bye.
Kazmir was sharp early, striking out the side in the top of the first inning. Kershaw was not, giving up a lead-off home run to Jimmy Rollins on the second pitch of the game. He limited the damage to one, however, retiring the next three batters.
After retiring the first two of the second inning, Kazmir ran into some trouble. He walked Yunel Escobar, then gave up a ringing double to Joey Votto, putting runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs. Instead of walking number eight hitter Miguel Montero, Brisbane chose to pitch to him, and he responded with a two-run single up the middle. Kershaw then struck out to end the rally.
Kershaw retired 8 straight until Rollins hit a double in his second at-bat. Dexter Fowler tied the game at two by driving him in with a single, and was followed by a single to Raul Ibanez, putting runners on the corners with two outs. But Akinori Iwamura struck out swinging, leaving the game 2-2 after 3 innings.
OKC retook the lead in the bottom of the 4th. A Ryan Ludwick single was followed by an Evan Longoria walk. Catcher Brayan Pena then shot a line drive to left center, driving in Ludwick. The damage was limited there, as Kazmir struck out, and, after Rollins was intentionally walked, Fowler flew out to center with the bases loaded.
The Bison tacked on more in the fifth. Carlos Gonzalez hit a 2 out double, and scored on Yunel Escobar's error at 3rd. Later, with runners on the corners, Pena came through again with an RBI single, pushing the lead to 5-2.
Kazmir couldn't hold Bribane down in the top of the 6th. Ian Kinsler hit a one-run single, then stole second base. Nick Markakis walked, and then Marlon Byrd singled to scored Kinsler. Escobar followed with an RBI single of his own, closing the margin to 5-4. After Joey Votto struck out looking, Miguel Montero came through again, this time with an opposite field blast to left that gave Brisbane a 7-5 lead. A tired Kazmir stayed in the game, only to give up a solo shot to pinch hitter Conor Jackson before striking out Rafael Furcal to end the inning.
Trevor Hoffman relieved Kershaw in the bottom of the 6th and quickly retired the side 1-2-3. The Bison countered with Bobby Jenks, who gave up a single to Ian Kinsler, who scored after a passed ball and a single to Markakis. Escobar followed with a run scoring double, pushing the Koala lead to 10-5.
Hoffman pitched a second inning of scoreless ball in the 7th, and Brisbane looked to have the game well in hand. The Koalas continued to pour it on, however, pushing the lead to 11-5 on an RBI single by Crawford in the 8th.
Brisbane's bullpen was too much for OKC, as Clay Zavada struck out the side in the bottom of the 8th. In the mean time, the Koalas added a 12th run in the top of the 9th.
No rally for the Bison, who ended the game on a double play.
The offensive hero for Brisbane was Miguel Montero, who went 2-5 with a HR and 5 RBI. Kershaw earned the win despite giving up 5 ER in 5 IP. The Brisbane pen gave up just one hit while striking out 7 in 4 innings of work. Kazmir got the loss, giving up 8 runs in 6 innings despite striking out 11 Koalas.
Game 2 will be tomorrow, pitting Aaron Laffey against Max Scherzer.
BOX SCORE
SCORING SUMMARY:
BOT 1st
- (0-1) - Jimmy Rollins homered.
TOP 2nd
- (2-1) - Miguel Montero singled, Yunel Escobar and Joey Votto scored.
BOT 3rd
- (2-2) - Dexter Fowler singled, Jimmy Rollins scored.
BOT 4th
- (2-3) - Brayan Pena singled, Ryan Ludwick scored, Evan Longoria to third.
BOT 5th
- (2-4) - Ryan Ludwick safe at first on Yunel Escobar's fielding error, Carlos Gonzalez scored.
- (2-5) - Brayan Pena singled, Ryan Ludwick scored, Evan Longoria to second.
TOP 6th
- (3-5) - Marlon Byrd singled, Ian Kinsler scored, Nick Markakis to third.
- (4-5) - Yunel Escobar singled, Nick Markakis scored, Marlon Byrd to second.
- (7-5) - Miguel Montero homered, Marlon Byrd and Yunel Escobar scored.
- (8-5) - Conor Jackson homered (pinch-hitting for Clayton Kershaw).
TOP 7th
- (9-5) - Nick Markakis singled, Ian Kinsler scored.
- (10-5)- Yunel Escobar doubled, Nick Markakis scored.
TOP 8th
- (11-5)- Carl Crawford singled, James Loney scored.
TOP 9th
- (12-5)- Joey Votto doubled, Yunel Escobar scored, Votto to third on throw.
Game 1 saw the host Bison south paw Scott Kazmir (12-12, 4.54) take the mound against fellow lefty Clayton Kershaw (6-10, 3.48). The Koalas are 10-2 in the playoffs, knocking out Kansas and Atlanta on the way to the Series, while Oklahoma City defeated Jersey City 4 games to 2 after a first round bye.
Kazmir was sharp early, striking out the side in the top of the first inning. Kershaw was not, giving up a lead-off home run to Jimmy Rollins on the second pitch of the game. He limited the damage to one, however, retiring the next three batters.
After retiring the first two of the second inning, Kazmir ran into some trouble. He walked Yunel Escobar, then gave up a ringing double to Joey Votto, putting runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs. Instead of walking number eight hitter Miguel Montero, Brisbane chose to pitch to him, and he responded with a two-run single up the middle. Kershaw then struck out to end the rally.
Kershaw retired 8 straight until Rollins hit a double in his second at-bat. Dexter Fowler tied the game at two by driving him in with a single, and was followed by a single to Raul Ibanez, putting runners on the corners with two outs. But Akinori Iwamura struck out swinging, leaving the game 2-2 after 3 innings.
OKC retook the lead in the bottom of the 4th. A Ryan Ludwick single was followed by an Evan Longoria walk. Catcher Brayan Pena then shot a line drive to left center, driving in Ludwick. The damage was limited there, as Kazmir struck out, and, after Rollins was intentionally walked, Fowler flew out to center with the bases loaded.
The Bison tacked on more in the fifth. Carlos Gonzalez hit a 2 out double, and scored on Yunel Escobar's error at 3rd. Later, with runners on the corners, Pena came through again with an RBI single, pushing the lead to 5-2.
Kazmir couldn't hold Bribane down in the top of the 6th. Ian Kinsler hit a one-run single, then stole second base. Nick Markakis walked, and then Marlon Byrd singled to scored Kinsler. Escobar followed with an RBI single of his own, closing the margin to 5-4. After Joey Votto struck out looking, Miguel Montero came through again, this time with an opposite field blast to left that gave Brisbane a 7-5 lead. A tired Kazmir stayed in the game, only to give up a solo shot to pinch hitter Conor Jackson before striking out Rafael Furcal to end the inning.
Trevor Hoffman relieved Kershaw in the bottom of the 6th and quickly retired the side 1-2-3. The Bison countered with Bobby Jenks, who gave up a single to Ian Kinsler, who scored after a passed ball and a single to Markakis. Escobar followed with a run scoring double, pushing the Koala lead to 10-5.
Hoffman pitched a second inning of scoreless ball in the 7th, and Brisbane looked to have the game well in hand. The Koalas continued to pour it on, however, pushing the lead to 11-5 on an RBI single by Crawford in the 8th.
Brisbane's bullpen was too much for OKC, as Clay Zavada struck out the side in the bottom of the 8th. In the mean time, the Koalas added a 12th run in the top of the 9th.
No rally for the Bison, who ended the game on a double play.
The offensive hero for Brisbane was Miguel Montero, who went 2-5 with a HR and 5 RBI. Kershaw earned the win despite giving up 5 ER in 5 IP. The Brisbane pen gave up just one hit while striking out 7 in 4 innings of work. Kazmir got the loss, giving up 8 runs in 6 innings despite striking out 11 Koalas.
Game 2 will be tomorrow, pitting Aaron Laffey against Max Scherzer.
BOX SCORE
SCORING SUMMARY:
BOT 1st
- (0-1) - Jimmy Rollins homered.
TOP 2nd
- (2-1) - Miguel Montero singled, Yunel Escobar and Joey Votto scored.
BOT 3rd
- (2-2) - Dexter Fowler singled, Jimmy Rollins scored.
BOT 4th
- (2-3) - Brayan Pena singled, Ryan Ludwick scored, Evan Longoria to third.
BOT 5th
- (2-4) - Ryan Ludwick safe at first on Yunel Escobar's fielding error, Carlos Gonzalez scored.
- (2-5) - Brayan Pena singled, Ryan Ludwick scored, Evan Longoria to second.
TOP 6th
- (3-5) - Marlon Byrd singled, Ian Kinsler scored, Nick Markakis to third.
- (4-5) - Yunel Escobar singled, Nick Markakis scored, Marlon Byrd to second.
- (7-5) - Miguel Montero homered, Marlon Byrd and Yunel Escobar scored.
- (8-5) - Conor Jackson homered (pinch-hitting for Clayton Kershaw).
TOP 7th
- (9-5) - Nick Markakis singled, Ian Kinsler scored.
- (10-5)- Yunel Escobar doubled, Nick Markakis scored.
TOP 8th
- (11-5)- Carl Crawford singled, James Loney scored.
TOP 9th
- (12-5)- Joey Votto doubled, Yunel Escobar scored, Votto to third on throw.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Around the League - 09/20/10
Just 2 weeks (4 series) to go in the regular season. Let's see how we're shaping up in the stretch run.
EAST
- Though they aren't officially "in" yet, Atlanta is a lock for the playoffs. Even if Jersey City makes a miraculous run to overtake the Flyers in the final two weeks, Atlanta won the first half. Expect them to not only make the playoffs (comfortably), but to get a first round bye as well.
- Further good news for Atlanta is that they will be getting Hanley Ramirez and Adam Lind back in the next week, just in time for the playoffs. Expect some starters to get some rest in the final two weeks.
- Jersey City is in the driver's seat for a wildcard spot, but has some work to do. They have a 3 game lead on Columbus, but neither team has been all that great in September. The two teams play each other in the final series of the season, which could be a mini-playoff of its own depending on how the standings shake out.
- Columbus has a glimmer of hope, just 3 games back of a wildcard spot. After going 11 games over .500 in the first half, the team has struggled to stay afloat in the second half. Can they finally put a win streak together when it matters most (and after they traded away key parts of the team at the deadline)?
- Miami is looking to play spoiler in the final 2 weeks. The team has had a pretty good 2nd half, and has found some key players to build on for 2011. Nick Blackburn has given up just 6 HR in 117 IP (10-2, 2.30 ERA). Will he get any Cy Young votes?
- It's been a season to forget for New York, but it hasn't been without some positives. The pitching rotation has been very good, and some young hitters have started to play well. Still, the team needs some sluggers next year (or hope that Pujols starts playing like he's supposed to).
WEST
- The Bison have played well in the past few months, and are just 3 games out of a first-round bye. There has been an offensive explosion, as the team is suddenly second in SLB in runs scored. The team has two 100+ RBI guys (Longoria/Gonzalez), while Jimmy Rollins continues to set the table. Is there enough pitching for a playoff run?
- Springfield continues a good second half on their way to a playoff berth. It's a nice turn around for a team that struggled so much in the first half of the season. Choo and Martin have proven to be invaluable additions to a lineup that struggled to score runs. If the pitching performs, this team could surprise come October.
- Kansas should thank it's lucky stars that the playoff format is what it is, because after winning the first half of the season, the team has completely crapped the bed in the second (10 over .500 at the break, 18 under since). So while the Twisters limp into a playoff spot, do they have anything in the tank to do anything in the post season? They have the bats, but the pitching has been just terrible lately.
- La Brea was "this close" to winning the first half of the season, and now are long shots. It's unlikely they can make up 7 games in the final two weeks, but funnier things have happened. Why is the team leader in HR and RBI (Howard) batting 8th?
- Sioux Falls can't wait for October. It's been a terrible inaugural season, and now they're being kicked while they're down; CF BJ Upton suddenly announced his retirement this week. As if it wasn't bad enough that the Tomahawks have half their team on the shelf, now this. 2011 can't come soon enough.
WORLD
- This division got a lot of crap in the first half, what with Brisbane winning it with a .500 record. But the Koalas have been red hot since the All-Star Break, going 15 over .500 and essentially blowing out the rest of the division. The pitching has been phenomenal, and if the team can work around the recent injury to Joel Piniero (out for the season), they can do damage in the playoffs.
- Caracas is one win streak away from sneaking into the playoffs, but can they overcome a season of inconsistencies to do it? The offense is tops in the league (with a trio of 100+ RBI sluggers knocking in MVP candidate Jacoby Ellisbury). It's a tough final 2 weeks for the Bolivares (QBC, SPR, FRE, BRI), but if they can enter that final weekend within shouting distance, they might just shock the world.
- Quebec has made a valiant effort to stay in this thing, and are just 2 1/2 games behind Brisbane for the 2nd half lead. Their next two series are against Caracas and Brisbane, which is pretty much their season; win those two series, and they could make the playoffs. Struggle, and the season is over. Not to be lost in this race is the performance of Roy Oswalt, who should garner a lot of Cy Young votes.
- Fremantle just never got over the hump. Early struggles by the offense put them in a hole and they haven't managed to climb out. It's been fun to see Matt Cain finally pitch (after missing most of the year). He has put up a 2.89 ERA and 4 quality starts (in 6 starts) since returning from the DL.
EAST
- Though they aren't officially "in" yet, Atlanta is a lock for the playoffs. Even if Jersey City makes a miraculous run to overtake the Flyers in the final two weeks, Atlanta won the first half. Expect them to not only make the playoffs (comfortably), but to get a first round bye as well.
- Further good news for Atlanta is that they will be getting Hanley Ramirez and Adam Lind back in the next week, just in time for the playoffs. Expect some starters to get some rest in the final two weeks.
- Jersey City is in the driver's seat for a wildcard spot, but has some work to do. They have a 3 game lead on Columbus, but neither team has been all that great in September. The two teams play each other in the final series of the season, which could be a mini-playoff of its own depending on how the standings shake out.
- Columbus has a glimmer of hope, just 3 games back of a wildcard spot. After going 11 games over .500 in the first half, the team has struggled to stay afloat in the second half. Can they finally put a win streak together when it matters most (and after they traded away key parts of the team at the deadline)?
- Miami is looking to play spoiler in the final 2 weeks. The team has had a pretty good 2nd half, and has found some key players to build on for 2011. Nick Blackburn has given up just 6 HR in 117 IP (10-2, 2.30 ERA). Will he get any Cy Young votes?
- It's been a season to forget for New York, but it hasn't been without some positives. The pitching rotation has been very good, and some young hitters have started to play well. Still, the team needs some sluggers next year (or hope that Pujols starts playing like he's supposed to).
WEST
- The Bison have played well in the past few months, and are just 3 games out of a first-round bye. There has been an offensive explosion, as the team is suddenly second in SLB in runs scored. The team has two 100+ RBI guys (Longoria/Gonzalez), while Jimmy Rollins continues to set the table. Is there enough pitching for a playoff run?
- Springfield continues a good second half on their way to a playoff berth. It's a nice turn around for a team that struggled so much in the first half of the season. Choo and Martin have proven to be invaluable additions to a lineup that struggled to score runs. If the pitching performs, this team could surprise come October.
- Kansas should thank it's lucky stars that the playoff format is what it is, because after winning the first half of the season, the team has completely crapped the bed in the second (10 over .500 at the break, 18 under since). So while the Twisters limp into a playoff spot, do they have anything in the tank to do anything in the post season? They have the bats, but the pitching has been just terrible lately.
- La Brea was "this close" to winning the first half of the season, and now are long shots. It's unlikely they can make up 7 games in the final two weeks, but funnier things have happened. Why is the team leader in HR and RBI (Howard) batting 8th?
- Sioux Falls can't wait for October. It's been a terrible inaugural season, and now they're being kicked while they're down; CF BJ Upton suddenly announced his retirement this week. As if it wasn't bad enough that the Tomahawks have half their team on the shelf, now this. 2011 can't come soon enough.
WORLD
- This division got a lot of crap in the first half, what with Brisbane winning it with a .500 record. But the Koalas have been red hot since the All-Star Break, going 15 over .500 and essentially blowing out the rest of the division. The pitching has been phenomenal, and if the team can work around the recent injury to Joel Piniero (out for the season), they can do damage in the playoffs.
- Caracas is one win streak away from sneaking into the playoffs, but can they overcome a season of inconsistencies to do it? The offense is tops in the league (with a trio of 100+ RBI sluggers knocking in MVP candidate Jacoby Ellisbury). It's a tough final 2 weeks for the Bolivares (QBC, SPR, FRE, BRI), but if they can enter that final weekend within shouting distance, they might just shock the world.
- Quebec has made a valiant effort to stay in this thing, and are just 2 1/2 games behind Brisbane for the 2nd half lead. Their next two series are against Caracas and Brisbane, which is pretty much their season; win those two series, and they could make the playoffs. Struggle, and the season is over. Not to be lost in this race is the performance of Roy Oswalt, who should garner a lot of Cy Young votes.
- Fremantle just never got over the hump. Early struggles by the offense put them in a hole and they haven't managed to climb out. It's been fun to see Matt Cain finally pitch (after missing most of the year). He has put up a 2.89 ERA and 4 quality starts (in 6 starts) since returning from the DL.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Trade Analysis
Let's take a brief look at how those players traded at the deadline have done for their new teams.
MIA receives P Jake Peavy and a 3rd Round Pick (2011)
LAB receives P Dan Haren
Peavy had been stuck in AAA all year, and that looks like a mistake. Peavy is 2-0, 1.20 with 11 K's in his two starts for Miami, who looks to have a solid pitching nucleus going into next year (with Blackburn, Pelfrey, etc.)
Haren, on the other hand, has been terrible. He is 0-2, 7.26 in two starts with the Dire Wolves.
JC receives P Mariano Rivera and $2 million
LAB receives P Johnny Cueto and P Ryan Madson
The Jackals picked up Rivera in an attempt to catch up with Atlanta. He has 2 saves and a clean 0.00 ERA in 3 2/3 innings.
Cueto has yet to pitch for La Bra, but Madson has done well, posting a 1.12 ERA and 7 K's in 8 innings of relief.
NY receives 3B Ryan Zimmerman
MIA receives a 3rd Round Pick (2011)
This was simply a salary dump of a free agent by Miami, who now has four 3rd rounders next year.
Zimmerman is riding the pine, but has 2 doubles and an RBI in 7 AB's
KAN receives 1B Kendry Morales
COL receives CF Nate McLouth and a 3rd Round Pick (2011)
Morales was pegged as Columbus' starting first baseman until the very end of the initial draft, where the team splurged for Carlos Pena. Morales did poorly when Pena was on the DL, but he has flourished in the starting lineup for Kansas. He is hitting a whopping .425 with 8 HR and 13 RBI in just 40 AB's (1.625 OPS, lol).
Columbus took back the expiring contract of Nate McLouth, who has stepped into the starting lineup to replace Shin-Soo Choo. He has done well, hitting .412 with 2 HR and 8 RBI in 51 AB's.
SPR receives C Russell Martin and RF Shin-Soo Choo
COL receives 1B Chris Carter, 1B Justin Morneau and P Antonio Bastardo
Columbus moves more expiring contracts, netting two rookies in Bastardo and this year's 2nd round pick, 1B Chris Carter (a hopeful future replacement for Pena). Morneau was simply thrown in to balance money.
Springfield got some much needed offense as they pursue a playoff berth. Choo is hitting .344 with 1 HR and 6 RBI, while Martin is at .353 with 2 HR and 4 RBI. Nice upgrades for the Isotopes.
CAR receives P Billy Wagner and P Bud Norris
COL receives 3B Mat Gamel
Caracas does well here to upgrade a bad bullpen. Wagner is 2-0, 0.00 ERA in 4 innings of relief. Norris is a decent prospect who could be a 4th or 5th starter.
Columbus gets a good looking 3B prospect in Gamel.
MIA receives P Jake Peavy and a 3rd Round Pick (2011)
LAB receives P Dan Haren
Peavy had been stuck in AAA all year, and that looks like a mistake. Peavy is 2-0, 1.20 with 11 K's in his two starts for Miami, who looks to have a solid pitching nucleus going into next year (with Blackburn, Pelfrey, etc.)
Haren, on the other hand, has been terrible. He is 0-2, 7.26 in two starts with the Dire Wolves.
JC receives P Mariano Rivera and $2 million
LAB receives P Johnny Cueto and P Ryan Madson
The Jackals picked up Rivera in an attempt to catch up with Atlanta. He has 2 saves and a clean 0.00 ERA in 3 2/3 innings.
Cueto has yet to pitch for La Bra, but Madson has done well, posting a 1.12 ERA and 7 K's in 8 innings of relief.
NY receives 3B Ryan Zimmerman
MIA receives a 3rd Round Pick (2011)
This was simply a salary dump of a free agent by Miami, who now has four 3rd rounders next year.
Zimmerman is riding the pine, but has 2 doubles and an RBI in 7 AB's
KAN receives 1B Kendry Morales
COL receives CF Nate McLouth and a 3rd Round Pick (2011)
Morales was pegged as Columbus' starting first baseman until the very end of the initial draft, where the team splurged for Carlos Pena. Morales did poorly when Pena was on the DL, but he has flourished in the starting lineup for Kansas. He is hitting a whopping .425 with 8 HR and 13 RBI in just 40 AB's (1.625 OPS, lol).
Columbus took back the expiring contract of Nate McLouth, who has stepped into the starting lineup to replace Shin-Soo Choo. He has done well, hitting .412 with 2 HR and 8 RBI in 51 AB's.
SPR receives C Russell Martin and RF Shin-Soo Choo
COL receives 1B Chris Carter, 1B Justin Morneau and P Antonio Bastardo
Columbus moves more expiring contracts, netting two rookies in Bastardo and this year's 2nd round pick, 1B Chris Carter (a hopeful future replacement for Pena). Morneau was simply thrown in to balance money.
Springfield got some much needed offense as they pursue a playoff berth. Choo is hitting .344 with 1 HR and 6 RBI, while Martin is at .353 with 2 HR and 4 RBI. Nice upgrades for the Isotopes.
CAR receives P Billy Wagner and P Bud Norris
COL receives 3B Mat Gamel
Caracas does well here to upgrade a bad bullpen. Wagner is 2-0, 0.00 ERA in 4 innings of relief. Norris is a decent prospect who could be a 4th or 5th starter.
Columbus gets a good looking 3B prospect in Gamel.
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