SB Nation - Brandon Medders

(Non-)Tender is the Night

Jim McLennan — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 01:00:18 -0000

10pm Arizona time today marks the non-tender deadline: the last chance for teams to offer contracts to unsigned players on their 40-man roster. If they opt not to do so, players become free agents, and can sign with any club. It looks like the Diamondbacks will offer deals to all their players in this category, such as Conor Jackson, but might there be a chance for the team to pick someone up, released by another club? There are usually some useful pieces that get cut loose, and it can be a chance to pick someone up for a relative song.

Tim Dierkes has put up a list of potential non-tenders at MLBTradeRumors.com. Some of these will certainly be given contracts (his list contains Jackson, and you can take it to the bank that the team will not let him walk away from Arizona), and others we might not want to touch with someone else's ten-foot bargepole. However, after the jump, we'll take a look at some interesting names in the positions the D-backs need help, on on whom we may want to kick the tires if they become available.

Jeremy Accardo. Over the past three seasons, Accardo has an ERA+ of 160 for the Blue Jays, though admittedly, he only threw 37 major-league innings in 2008 and 2009 combined, and spent most of last year in Triple-A [posting an ERA of 3.00 in 27 appearances]. A local boy - born in Mesa - he could be a useful arm to add to the Diamondbacks bullpen.
Garrett Atkins. Purple Row says he has been officially non-tendered by the Rockies. Last year was a disaster for him - OPS+ of just 66 - but his career numbers are still solid. He's only 30, is a career .289 hitter, averaging 20 homers per season, and even adjusting for Coors, has a career OPS+ of 102. Of particular interest to Arizona because he murders LHP, so could be a nice platoon-mate for Allen at first-base.
Taylor Buchholz. While we're pillaging Coors Field, maybe they'll let Buchholz slip through. This may seem unlikely, since he was lights-out in the Rockies bullpen last season, posting an ERA of 2.17 over 63 games. Normally, there'd be little chance of that kind of performance being non-tendered, but the Rockies have to find an awful lof of arbitration money for 2010.
Jack Cust. A former Diamondbacks' top-draft pick, I should stress there's absolutely no chance of us taking on Mr. Hands of Stone. But I just think it would be amusing to have the 2008 and 2009 K leaders from both leagues playing on the Diamondbacks next year...
Ryan Garko. While he flopped badly with the Giants down the stretch, he has produced four straight season of 100+ OPS+. He's another who kills southpaws - Garko's career line vs. LHP is .313/.392/.495, though he's never going to win any Gold Gloves at first. Will probably still be in SF: Grant from McCC reckons, "If the Giants start 2010 with Garko as the starting first baseman, that's just fine."
Kelly Johnson. Like Atkins, a poor 2009 derailed what was looking like a decent career - an OPS+ of 108 prior to last season is excellent for a second-baseman, and he has a good defensive reputation as wel;. Ken Rosenthal reports that the Braves are trying to trade Johnson, but will non-tender him if a deal can not be worked out before the deadline.
John Maine. 28-years old, ERA+ of 106 in his four seasons with the Mets. Should be a no-brainer to keep that guy in the Big Apple, right? Apparently not. New York have been dangling him in trade talks, such as with the Brewers for outfielder Corey Hart. Still, even if that falls through, you'd have to be stupid to let him walk away. However, we are talking about the Mets...
Brandon Medders. A tale of two Brandons, both former D-backs who'll be aged 30 next Opening Day. B. Lyon, career ERA+ of 111, gets a three-year, $15m deal from the Astros. B. Medders, career ERA+ 136, is a possible non-tender candidate from the Giants. Seems fairly certain he will be offered a contract though, and the Giants would be mental not to do so.
Chien-Ming Wang. Perhaps the most intriguing name on the list, this would have seemed unthinkable last year, with career numbers of 54-20 and an ERA+ of 117. However, Wang imploded - his first three starts led to 23 earned runs in just six IP, and he had season-ending shoulder surgery on July 30. Some team will offer the sinkerballer an incentive-laden contract: 50/50 whether its a bargain or a bust.

Giants 3, Brewers 2

KLSnow — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 03:35:26 -0000

W: Brandon Medders (4-1)
L: Todd Coffey (4-4)
S: Brian Wilson (33)

HR: Bengie Molina (17)

MVP: Ryan Braun (+.082)
LVP: Casey McGehee (-.205)

Win Expectancy Graph
SBNation Coverage

Jeff Suppan pitched well, but the Brewers let him down.

Suppan didn't allow a hit until the fifth inning tonight, and left the game having allowed just two hits, two unearned runs and four walks in 5.2 innings of work. The score was tied at 2 into the eighth, when Bengie Molina's solo home run off Todd Coffey gave the Giants the lead for good.

The Brewers managed just six hits in the game but had ten walks, including two each for Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, Felipe Lopez and Jason Kendall. A bunch of long at bats early in the game led to an early departure for Barry Zito, who threw 96 pitches over four innings. The Brewers had at least one runner on in every inning, but only scored in the first.

Post-Game Thread: Giants Concede the Season

Grant — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 05:41:36 -0000

Liveblogging the end of the game....

8:19: Runner on first, no one out, and Aaron Rowand strikes out on three pitches. Do I mail a check for those postseason tickets, or is there a way to use my debit card?

8:28: If Howry blows this -- hey, look, a rookie outfielder is due to hit fourth! -- I'm not even going to blame him. He's pitched well enough this year, and he's been a fine fourth bullpen option. On a normal team with a non-wretched offense, he'd be a quiet, underrated contributor. On this Giants team, though, every late-inning outing in which he appears is an "Oh, dude, we totally haven't scored any runs this game, so you can't give up any, or else we'll lose. You have no margin for error. Good luck."

8:33: Oh, I get it. You didn't start the ninth inning with Wilson because you're saving him for a save situation. Except now you bring him in with runners on because it's suddenly an important inning? Like, it wasn't before? That makes none sense.

8:34: Kuiper: "The Giants would like to get this to the tenth, where they'll have the top of the order up." The top of the order: Velez, Winn, Uribe. It's cheating to make too much of this, as the only reason Uribe is hitting third is because Sandoval left with an injury, but if a team has Velez, Winn, and Uribe as the 6-7-8 hitters, that team's offense sucks. And how. So pardon me if I'm not excited that the Giants have the top of the lineup coming up.

8:40: Wow. I can't believe the Giants didn't score. I mean, they had the top of the order up.

8:48: Wow. I can't believe Velez made an error to put a runner into scoring position with no outs.

8:51: Still on life support, as the legend of Schierholtz's arm saves the game for the moment. Ryan Garko doesn't understand

8:53: MAGIC DOUBLE PLAY KEEPS THE SEASON ALIVE. Good gravy. Runner on second, no outs, a base hit, and...nothing. I would have lost the pink slip to my car if someone had put a twenty against it.

8:58: Molina bloops a single, and Ryan Spilborghs cocks his arm, obviously thinking about a throw to first. Awesome.

9:00: The home plate ump isn't giving the outside corner to either team. Good for him for being consistent.

9:01: Rough night for Schierholtz. Don't worry, though. Whiteside will fix it all. Correction: Brian Wilson's Bunting Magiporium will get the runner into scoring position! Unless he bunts into a double play.

9:03: Dammit. Just dammit. Helluva takeout slide by Lincecum at second, though.

9:06: OK, it's probably amusing to Rockie partisans, but having a burnout in a purple triceratops costume gyrate his hips behind home plate to distract the pitcher is a disgrace. It's an absolute disgrace. For all of the "Curse of the Bambino/Billy Goat" nonsense that surfaces every October, I'm hoping that in 2093, some sportscaster picks up on the Curse of the Inappropriately Ridiculous Mascot as the reason for the 100-year championship drought.

9:08: A 1-2 single from Yorvit Torrealba. Man, how I wish he were our cleanup hitter.

9:13: I have a ton of respect for Wilson, win or lose. Forty pitches, a runner on third with less than two outs, and he's still pumping 99 MPH fastballs by hitters.

9:14: Time for the twelfth inning. SCORE SOME RUNS, YOU DERELICTS. Fur coat and lame reality show notwithstanding, Wilson is almost certainly the most underrated member of this wacky playoff race.

9:16: The top of the twelfth starts with a quick Rowand-two count. How have we missed that nickname in the past two years?

9:23: Joe Beimel! Maybe he can be the karmic refund for Bobby Howry's multiple gifts to opposing teams.

9:25: Maybe not.

9:27: Checking the Fresno box score, I notice that John Bowker and Buster Posey have combined for twice as many walks as the Giants tonight. That's kind of funny. Less funny: Jesus Guzman has as many walks as the Giants.

9:30: Bottom twelve, and it's a 1-1 tie. In Coors Field. If you traveled back in time to 1998 in a flying Delorean, bringing an iPhone and a box score from this game, I know which one would have fascinated me the most. Two combined runs in 12 innings? What manner of sorcery be this?

9:35: If a major league team can't score runs off Adam Eaton, they don't deserve to be a major league team, much less a contending major league team. Mmmm. Belt-high 90-MPH fastballs and hanging breaking balls. Them's tough pitches! If Adrian Gonzalez is going to terrorize us for the next five years, the least Eaton could do is let us win.

9:41: That's the fastest Eli Whiteside will ever run from now until his last breath. Whew.

9:42: Schierholtz swings at a slider at his back foot. The sun sets in the west. A dog howls at the moon.

9:43: It wasn't a total blown call, but I wouldn't have blamed Angel Campos for calling Schierholtz out on the 2-2 changeup. Gameday says it was a ball.

9:47: Freddy Sanchez will rescue us all! Freddy San...aw, crap. He was just a decoy, and Brandon Medders will hit. Sanchez will be healthy in 14 days, so you can see why it's totally insane to put him on the 15-day DL. WHAT IF WE NEEDED HIM IN THAT 15TH GAME? Good gravy, think about that for a second. That would have been a nightmare to have needed him if he were unavailable.

9:49: Adam Eaton allows three baserunners and lowers his WHIP for the season. Medders has the best swing of the night. I wonder if he can play second.

9:59: Brandon Medders. The answer was Brandon Medders. Not Brandon Puffer, and not Brandon Villafuerte. The correct answer for "non-roster invitee who actually pans out" was Brandon Medders. Beautiful outing, and he almost had the game winning hit.

10:01: Second inning for Adam Eaton, Who, again, pitched himself off of the Orioles roster. Rowand-two promptly waves at two breaking balls that BOUNCED IN FUCKING KANSAS. Only three more years, and then we'll get to watch someone else!

10:04: One out triple from Renteria, aided by some funky caroms in the corner. I, for one, am skeptical that the Giants can hit a fly ball.

10:05: Kuiper: "If you are Ishikawa, this is the at-bat of your lifetime." So, so true.

10:07: Velez. A moratorium on Velez-related punchlines for, like, six months if he gets this run home.

10:09: VELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZZZZZZZZZZ!

10:10: VELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

10:10: omgomgomgomgomgomgvelez

10:11: And they get another run. Unbelievable.

10:15: Wait, why are the Giants running out to the field? The Rockies get another freaking chance? Ooof.

10:18: The 1-0 pitch to Fowler in the bottom of the 14th was obviously a strike, but it was called a ball. Next pitch is a make-up call, way outside.

10:19: Ugh. Fowler's hurt. That's no good. I sure wish the Giants had one of those sweet young centerfielders. Fowler, Rasmus, Schafer, Maybin, McCutchen...nope. Rowand!

10:21: Three-run lead? Better be careful with that leadoff hitter. Nibble. Just don't let him hit a grand slam, even if you have to walk him.

10:27: Justin Miller fires in an 87-MPH fastball to start his save chance. Err.

10:33: Tying run on base -- two walks! -- winning run at the plate. Adam Eaton is up. First pitch: Waaaay outside. Second pitch: Waaaaay outside. Holy crap. Throw srikes, Miller.

10:35: Miller walks the pitcher. Tying run at second. Winning run at first. Thanks for the surprisingly productive work this year, Justin, but I'd just as soon never watch you pitch again.

10:39: The season is over.

The season is over.

That's the worst game I've ever seen.

Brewers 7, Giants 6

battlekow — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 02:38:08 -0000

More photos » by Morry Gash - AP

Fielder missed Braun but connected with everything else.

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MVP: Prince Fielder (+.571)
LVP: Trevor Hoffman (-.403)

Win Expectancy graph

This is maybe the fifth different opening paragraph this recap has had. The Brewers didn't make it easy on me, rallying, almost blowing the game, rallying again but falling short, actually blowing the game, and then finally rallying a third time to put the monster to bed.

Down 6-4 in the bottom of the 9th, the Brewers put runners on first and second with one out before Corey Hart put together a great at-bat, spitting on a bunch of nasty 90+ MPH Brian Wilson sliders before rapping out an RBI single. J.J. Hardy followed by banging a fastball back up the middle to tie the game, abetted by an excellent slide at home plate from Mat Gamel. Ryan Braun struck out on four pitches, kindly allowing Prince Fielder to walk 'em off. Fielder's double tallied his fourth two-out RBI of the night; that WPA MVP is well-earned.

The game began, many moons ago, with Seth McClung's first start of the year. Irish Coffey allowed eight baserunners and three runs over four innings, but hey, it could have been worse. Exacerbating the problem, though, was Barry Zito's surprising dominance of the Brewers--just two hits and a walk through five shutout innings for His Flakiness. Chris Smith didn't help when he allowed Pablo Sandoval's second solo homer of the game to lead off the 5th inning.

Finally, though, the Brewers' bats came alive in the 6th inning--or rather, Zito's control came undone, as he walked Corey Hart on four pitches and Ryan Braun on five to bring Prince Fielder to the plate with two outs, and we all know that the big dog's gotta eat. Fielder's three-run bomb knocked Zito out of the game, and Casey McGehee greeted reliever Brandon Medders' first-pitch spinner with a homer of his own to knot the game at four apiece.

Mike Cameron would play a crucial role in the next two innings. Coming off the dramatic 6th, handing the lead right back would have been crushing, but Todd Coffey did exactly that in the 7th--except Cameron had other ideas, robbing Nate Schierholtz of a go-ahead homer with a beautiful catch, the best I can remember. Cam's fortunes turned in the 8th, however, as he grounded into a double play with the bases loaded and one out to kill a Brewers rally and set the stage for Trevor Hoffman.

Flashes of the White Sox series: the Brewers rallied from behind to tie the game and brought in Hoffman in the top of the 9th, only to see him get hit hard and untie it. This time, Bells allowed three straight singles to open the frame and then two sac flies to give the Giants the lead and set the stage for the Brewers' dramatic final rally.

Look at this ridiculousness:

NL West Report: Randy Johnson wins 300, Dodgers Stadium gets its own zip code

Poseidon's Fist — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:09:01 -0000

More photos » by Nick Wass - AP

Randy Johnson holds his prized left arm high after recording his 300th career win

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Due to some comments from last week's KYF, I have decided to commandeer the front page by separating the weekly NL West Report to a separate article so it doesn't get lost in the series previews.

300

The biggest news of the week is undoubtedly Randy Johnson reaching 300 wins. He was slated to go Wednesday night at Washington, but weather pushed his start to Thursday, in the first game of a double header. Fueled by the event, Johnson retired the first 10 Nationals he faced on his way to allowing just 2 hits and an unearned run in 6 innings of work. Jeremy Affeldt, Brandon Medders and Brian Wilson brought the win home for the Big Unit. Win 300 was one of his finest on the season.

Johnson has allowed only two runs in his last three starts, but make no mistake, that golden arm is starting to lose its luster. Randy has allowed seven runs three times this year and still sports an ERA over 5.00. Still, a very enthusiastic salute to RJ. He is easily the most doinant pitcher I have seen growing up and in person.

Jim McClennan at AZ Snakepit shares his thoughts on the next to 300. So does Tracy Ringolsby. They may disagree on who may be next to 300, but both agree it will probably be accomplished.

Padres play long again

San Diego went deep into a ball game again, this time losing to Arizona 9-6 yesterday at Petco. Some weird facts from the game:

Shortstop Josh Wilson gave up the winning 3-run HR to Mark Reynolds in the 18th. It was Wilson's third career appearance as a pitcher despite playing in only 140 big league games. Maybe Arizona had a scouting report on him. After all, he pitched a hitless inning for them earlier this season.
Reynolds had struck out with the go ahead run on second and two outs his previous two ABs before the HR. Special K indeed.
Bud Black had burned his bullpen so much he actually used starter Chad Gaudin before Wilson.
Backup catcher and former Rockie Henry Blanco played third base for the 18th inning.
Arizona actually no hit San Diego for the final nine innings.
The Padres have played five longer games in franchise history, losing all but one.
David Eckstein hit a dramatic 3-run HR with 2 outs in the ninth to send it to extras. Twilight zone...
Eighteen pitchers were used by both clubs.

NL West Report

Arizona (25-32, 4th, W1, 13 GB)

Last Week: 1-2 @ Padres, 2-1 @ Padres.

This Week: Finish off another of the stupid Fri-Mon four game series today at 8:05 MDT. Also, 3 game home series vs Astros, 3 game home series vs Giants

News: Tim Dierkes at MLBTradeRumors interviewed Justin Upton. He hit .373 with 7 HR and 21 RBI in May. He injured his shoulder in yesterday's game and will sit tonight but doesn't figure to land on the DL.

Justin Upton

#10 / Right Field / Arizona Diamondbacks

Height: 6-2

Weight: 205

Bats: R

Throws: R

Born: Aug 25, 1987

Arizona has 7 of the first 64 picks in this year's draft, which starts tomorrow at 4MDT. Their first two picks are at 16 and 17. For comparison the Mets have zero picks in the first 64. All of these high picks have led the FO to increase their draft budget, perhaps spending eight digits.

Reliever Jon Rauch has struggled mightily this season to the tune of a 5.26 ERA. Rauch and AJ Hinch had a closed door meeting regarding his ineffectiveness. The former Nationals' closer was being counted on to stabilize an weakly projected bullpen.

Arizona will honor Randy Johnson for reaching 300 wins.

The always good-for-a-laugh Kenny Mayne interviewed Dan Haren Friday.

Arizona Diamondbacks Injuries

15-Day

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Tom Gordon	hamstring	05/04/2009
Yusmeiro Petit	shoulder	05/09/2009
Conor Jackson	pneumonia	05/12/2009
Chad Tracy	oblique	05/30/2009
Tony Clark	other-excused	05/06/2009
Brandon Webb	shoulder	04/07/2009

60 Day DL / Out for the season

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Scott Schoeneweis	other-excused	05/29/2009
Justin Upton	shoulder	06/08/2009

More on Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco after the jump by noon.

Los Angeles (39-20, 1st, L1)

Last Week: 2-1 vs Diamondbacks, 2-2 @ Phillies

This Week: 2 game series vs Padres, 3 game series @ Rangers. Weird scheduling quirk again. After playing 17 consecutive days, Los Angeles gets two days off in a span of four days.

News: The headline is true. The United States Postal Service has awarded Dodgers Stadium and its associated properties its very own zip code. The area will be officially known as Dodgertown, California and has the zip code 90090.

Los Angeles Dodgers Injuries

15-Day

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Will Ohman	shoulder	05/28/2009
Eric Stults	thumb	05/31/2009
Hong-Chih Kuo	elbow	04/30/2009
Jason Schmidt	shoulder	03/30/2009
Xavier Paul	knee	05/21/2009

60 Day DL / Out for the season

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Doug Mientkiewicz	shoulder	04/17/2009
Claudio Vargas	elbow	04/05/2009

San Diego (26-30, 3rd, L1, 11.5 GB)

Last Week: 0-3 vs Phillies, 1-2 vs Diamondbacks. That's a really disappointing week for a team at home. Perhaps they are coming back to earth for real this time.

This Week: Finish off the series with the Diamondbacks tonight. 2 game series @ Dodgers, 3 game series @ Angels.

News:

San Diego Padres Injuries

Probable

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Jake Peavy	infection	06/08/2009

15-Day

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Shawn Hill	elbow	04/26/2009
Scott Hairston	biceps	06/03/2009

60 Day DL / Out for the season

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Cha Seung Baek	forearm	03/30/2009
Mark Worrell	elbow	03/27/2009
Mike Adams	shoulder	03/27/2009
Everth Cabrera	hand	04/20/2009

San Francisco (25-24, 2nd, W1, 8.5 GB)

Last Week: 2-1 @ Nationals, 2-1@ Marlins. It's always impressive when you win consecutive road series. Except maybe when those teams are a combined 29 games under .500 and 15 games under .500 at home.

This Week: Finish the fourth game of the Marlins series tonight at 5:10 MDT. 3 game series @ Diamondbacks, 3 game series vs Athletics.

News:

San Francisco Giants Injuries

Probable

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Randy Johnson	shoulder	06/08/2009

60 Day DL / Out for the season

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Noah Lowry	ribs	03/27/2009
Joe Martinez	concussion	04/10/2009

With 300th Win, Randy Johnson Now 300-164. Giants Beat Nationals, 5-1. Then 4-1.

Ed Chigliak — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:21:57 -0000

More photos » by Nick Wass - AP

6 months ago: San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Randy Johnson hugs his son Tanner, front, after the Giants beat the Washington Nationals 5-1 for Johnson's 300th career win, in the first game of a baseball doubleheader, Thursday, June 4, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

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First Response: (written between games, the immediate reaction to Randy Johnson's 300th win.)

Randy Johnson had a no-hitter through four, but Elijah Dukes broke that up with a broken bat single to start the fifth, so Johnson had to settle for a simple win, no. 300 of his 22-year MLB career. Johnson throws 6.0 innings, gives up just 2 hits, 2 walks, and an unearned run. The Nationals score one in the 6th to cut the Giants' 2-0 lead in half, and Johnson's 300th "W" is put in serious jeopardy in the 8th when Giants' reliever Brandon Medders gives up a leadoff single and Jeremy Affeldt gives up a two-out walk, forcing closer Brian Wilson to come on early. Wilson walks Ryan Zimmerman, so he has to face Adam Dunn with the bases loaded...Dunn K's looking at a low 96 mph fastball outside that's called strike three...Dunn argues, but the Ump doesn't change his mind...Wilson comes back for the ninth with a 5-1 lead after Joel Hanrahan implodes again. Wilson gives up a two-out single, but strikes out the side. Randy Johnson gets the big W.

The Big Story.

Were you watching? When Randy Johnson won game No. 300, becoming just the 24th pitcher in MLB History to reach that total, and the second player (named Johnson) to do so in a Washington, DC ballpark...(The first? Do you have to ask? Walter Johnson recorded his 300th win in a Senators' triumph over the Detroit Tigers on May 14, 1920 in Griffith Stadium.) Were you watching when DC's Ronnie Belliard beat out a ground ball with two outs in the ninth and the crowd assembled inside Nationals Park booed the call? Did you hear the crowd chanting, "Ran-dy! Ran-dy! Ran-dy!"? Were these all Giants' fans? Fans of baseball history just happy to see a piece of it made? Were they Nationals' fans so desparate to be associated with winning that they decided to get behind Randy Johnson, whose only connection to the DC franchise lies back in Montreal, a team whose history the DC Faithful otherwise want no part of? Were you watching the second game of the doubleheader?

Washington Post writer Chico Harlan noted in a Nationals Journal post last night entitled, "In A Rain Delay", (which was put up shortly after the second game of the Giants/Nationals doubleheader was delayed because a steady rain which had fallen all day, had finally become intolerable), that when the tarp was rolled over the field, and the game was officially in a Delay, he realized:

"...there is virtually nobody in the stadium right now other than press, players, and stadium employees. There are maybe 50 people in the Red Loft area, and about 25 in one upper deck section of the outfield. Other than that, the attendance is... well, maybe seven or eight."

Of course, they never came back to finish it up, the Giants claimed the second game of the double header by a score of 4-1 F/6, but if the teams had returned to the field, it would've been in front of a near-empty house. The DC Faithful aren't turning out for the Nationals, who have lost 18 of 26 games at home, including 11 of the last 14 in Nationals Park, and 8 of the last 10 overall. They didn't even turn out to see baseball history being made. Sure it was a makeup game for a rainout, in yet another persistent storm, and sure it was a 4:30 pm start that was delayed over 30 minutes by rain that many ticket holders probably looked at and found unappealing...but they don't really turn out en masse for the games that take place on time and as scheduled either...

Randy Johnson's 300th...

Giants win, 5-1 final.

Giants win, 4-1 final.

Miss Randy Johnson's 300th? The DC Faithful Were Watching...

Did You Stay Around For The Nightcap? The DC Faithful Did...

For The Completists, Full Double Header Report After The Jump...

Nationals now 14-37.

Nationals now 14-38.

Game 1 of 2.

San Francisco Giants At Washington Nationals. Game 51 or 52 of 162.

(ed. note - "Before I start watching...DC right-hander Jordan Zimmermann strikes out Aaron Rowand and Edgar Renteria, both looking, and gets a ground ball to first out of Randy Winn...")

Bottom of first -

Alberto Gonzalez grounds out to Edgar Renteria at short for the first out of Randy Johnson’s first attempt at win No. 300. Aaron Rowand makes a diving catch to steal a trademark single away from Nick Johnson. Emmanuel Burriss is standing behind second to field Ryan Zimmerman’s grounder, Randy Johnson’s through the first.

Jordan Zimmermann gets Bengie Molina swinging through a two-strike fastball on the outside corner. Fred Lewis singles to left center. Travis Ishikawa gets a grounder through Nick Johnson’s gold glove, allowing Fred Lewis to take third. Ronnie Belliard snaps up a one-hopper from Juan Uribe, throwing to first as Lewis scores, 1-0 Giants. Zimmermann throws too good a fastball for an 0-2 count and gives up an RBI line drive to Emmanuel Burriss for a 2-0 Giants’ lead. Zimmermann gets Randy Johnson swinging to end the top of the second...Adam Dunn starts the AB with Randy Johnson up 3-0, and he ends up swinging through strike three for Johnson’s 1st K. Elijah Dukes grounds a 2-2 slider weakly to short. Austin Kearns K’s swinging through 92 mph heat.

Aaron Rowand gives Ryan Zimmerman an infield practice grounder. Edgar Renteria takes a 3-2 slider for a called strike three. Randy Winn tries to will a grounder foul, but it stays fair for Nick Johnson to record the final out of the Giants’ third...Ronnie Belliard grounds an 0-2 fastball out to short. Wil Nieves rolls the second out to Burriss at short. Jordan Zimmermann grounds back to the mound.

Zimmermann gets the 5th K of the day from Bengie Molina on a 2-2 slider. Fred Lewis grounds to Alberto Gonzalez, who sidearms an arching throw to first. Travis Ishikawa hits one hard, but right at Dunn in left...Alberto Gonzalez grounds out for the tenth straight out to start the game. Nick Johnson works a one-out walk for the first baserunner of the day for DC. Ryan Zimmerman takes 2-2 pitch outside for a short ride to right for Randy Winn. Adam Dunn pops a 1-1 pitch out toward first. Johnson through four...

A 1-2 pitch up high to Juan Uribe is lined out to Zimmerman at third. A 1-2 pitch to Emmanuel Burris goes right back to Zimmermann. Randy Johnson K’s looking to end the Giants’ fifth...Elijah Dukes has hit bat shattered, but he gets enough to send it rolling into center for the first hit of the day. A fastball from Randy Johnson tails and gets away from Bengie Molina with Austin Kearns up, Kearns takes three more and there’s two on for Ronnie Belliard. Belliard hits a grounder that jumps after it rolls over the mound and Emmanuel Burris dives to get it, tosses to second, Renteria to first, a spectacular DP from DC native Emmanuel Burriss.

Jordan Zimmermann gets a groundout to Ryan Zimmerman (no relation) from Aaron Rowand for the first out of the sixth. Renteria rolls the second out to third, Zimmerman does it again. Randy Winn pops out foul of third, Zimmerman does it all...Randy Johnson comes down off his perch to knock the ball down and throw pinch hitter Anderson "Elvis" Hernandez out at first. Alberto Gonzalez gets a free base when Edgar Renteria’s throw to first gets under Ishikawa’s glove. Nick Johnson lines a 2-2 fastball to left center and to the wall for a trademark RBI single NJ™, 2-1 Giants. Ryan Zimmerman grounds out to short. Adam Dunn pops out to Uribe foul of third to end the sixth.

Ron Vill0.00NE gets a pop fly foul of first from Bengie Molina, Nick Johnson has it. Fred Lewis grounds sharply to first, Nick Johnson has it. Travis Ishikawa K’s looking to end the top of the seventh...Brandon Medders takes over for Randy Johnson. Elijah Dukes K’s swinging over a curve. Austin Kearns K’s swinging at a two-strike curve. Ronnie Belliard pops out to second to end the seventh.

A 1-2 pitch to Juan Uribe is popped out to second. Ronnie Belliard throws out Emmanuel Burriss. Brandon Medders goes down looking...Wil Nieves lines a single to center to start the frame. Medders out. Jeremy Affeldt on to face Cristian Guzman, who flies out on the first pitch. Alberto Gonzalez hits a one-hopper to short with Nieves running to avoid the DP. Nick Johnson tries to hit a 3-1 pitch over the moon, but misses. Full count, Nick Johnson uses his Discerning Eye to draw a one-out walk. Ryan Zimmerman will face Brian Wilson. Zimmerman walks with two down, bases loaded for Adam Dunn. Dunn K’s looking at a fastball which is called strike three.

Aaron Rowand singles to start the ninth. Edgar Renteria lines a dead duck to left, second and third, no out. Randy Winn pushes a 1-2 pitch to left, two runs score. 4-1 Giants. Bengie Molina reaches down and lines a fastball to center. Winn to third. Hanrahan’s out, Joe Beimel on to end the inning. Pablo Sandoval lines out to center, and Dukes’ throw is short and it bounces off the mound, 5-1. Andres Torres flies out to Dukes...Elijah Dukes K’s swinging through a 96 mph fastball. Austin Kearns K’s swinging. Ronnie Belliard grounds to second, and barely beats out the throw to first. Wil Nieves goes down swinging, and Randy Johnson gets a W for the 300th time.

Giants win, 5-1 final.

Nationals now 14-37.

Game 2 of 2.

San Francisco Giants At Washington Nationals. Game 51 or 52 of 162.

Ross Detwiler gets a fly ball to center where Willie Harris catches the first out of the night game. Edgar Renteria flies out to Dukes in right. Ross Detwiler gets Giants’ LF Andres Torres swinging to end the top of the first...The Guzzz, Cristian Guzman doubles to start the Nationals’ first. Nick Johnson’s trademark single NJ™ moves Guzman to third, and Ryan Zimmerman’s sac fly scores Guzman for a 1-0 DC lead. Adam Dunn walks to put two on for Elijah Dukes. Dukes grounds out to second, both runners move up. Willie Harris K’s swinging through a fastball up high.

Ross Detwiler gets a ground ball out out of Pablo Sandoval. Rich Aurilia hits a one-out single to center. Eli Whiteside pops out to Nick Johnson foul of first. Nate Schierholtz lines one into Nick Johnson’s glove to end the Giants’ second...Josh Bard flies out to Rowand in short center. Anderson Hernandez slices a liner into the left field corner and comes in standing at second where he does a DY-Wave to the dugout. Ross Detwiler K’s swinging. Cristian Guzman chases strike three as it rises over his head.

Matt Cain hits a one-out single through second. Aaron Rowand lines an 0-2 pitch to center where Willie Harris makes the catch. Elijah Dukes hustles over to the line to catch the third out off of Renteria’s bat...Nick Johnson pops a full count pitch up behind the mound. Ryan Zimmerman works a one-out walk in front of Adam Dunn. Dunn K’s swinging through a two-strike fastball at 95 mph up high. Elijah Dukes pops out to Rich Aurilia to end the third.

Andres Torres hits a ground ball through short for a leadoff single off Detwiler. Pablo Sandoval up, Detwiler picks Torres off first, but he beats Nick Johnson’s throw to second. Sandoval grounds back to the mound, Torres to third. Rich Aurilia grounds out to short. Eli Whiteside lines an RBI single the other way to knock in Torres from third, 1-1 ballgame. Detwiler gets Nate Schierholtz looking to end the Giants’ fourth...Willie Harris' fly ball falls into left center, right between Schierholtz and Rowand, and Harris takes third, sliding in safely in front of the throw. Josh Bard flies unproductively to center. Anderson Hernandez flies out unproductively to left. Cain throws a 92 mph heater by Detwiler, Harris stranded at third.

Emmanuel Burriss lofts a weak fly to right and it lands inside the line, Burriss takes second ahead of Dukes’ throw in. Matt Cain pops out on a bunt attempt. Aaron Rowand lines to center and Burris beats the throw home from Harris in center to Hernandez and home. 2-1 Giants. Edgar Renteria singles to right. Detwiler gets Andres Torres chasing a two-strike curve that drops out of the zone. Pablo Sandoval doubles off the out-of-town scoreboard. Rowand scores. 3-1 Giants. Renteria to third. Rich Aurilia singles to left to score Renteria. 4-1. Eli Whiteside flies out to right to end the inning. 4-1 Giants...Cristian Guzman grounds weakly to second. Nick Johnson K’s chasing a high fastball. Ryan Zimmerman Ryan Zimmerman singles to center with two down. Adam Dunn K’s swinging through a letter-high fastball.

Nate Schierholtz hits a leadoff double to right, sliding in ahead of Dukes’ throw. Detwiler gets Cain swinging with a two-strike bender...Rain Delay...

Giants win, 4-1 final. F/6

Nationals now 14-38.

Know Your Foe: Rockies face '07 Rocktober victims in season's first week

Poseidon's Fist — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:30:08 -0000

More photos » by Rick Scuteri - AP

Brandon Webb will be the first to take on the new-look Rockies line-up.

Browse more photos »

The regular season has arrived, and that means new things from Know Your Foe. I'll still profile what you need to know in the NL West, but this space will now also be used to look forward at who the Rockies will face in the upcoming week.

The Rockies epic Rocktober run in 2007 was truly reminiscent of a classic sports movie. If a writer was charged with the task of writing a sequel, an ideal start to the 2008 script would have been back-to-back series against the very teams the Rockies shockingly swept out of the playoffs on the way to the World Series.

The schedule-makers failed to provide that sequel last year, but the Rockies do open against Arizona and Philadelphia this season.

Arizona (82-80, no playoffs)

Monday-Wednesday : 3-game series at Arizona

After reaching the NLCS in 2007, the Diamondbacks failed to make the playoffs after fading to a disappointing 82-80 finish in 2008. Arizona is anchored by a strong rotation and hopes of success hinge on the growth of their young line-up.

However, if Spring Training is any indication, "success" won't be a word associated with the Diamondbacks this year. Our desert-dwelling division-rivals stumbled to MLB's worst Spring Training record at 11-23.

Probable Pitchers:

The marquee match-up of the series will no doubt be the earthworm genocide that will unfold this afternoon.

Monday, April 6:	Aaron Cook (2-2, 3.25)	vs.	Brandon Webb (1-2, 5.82)
Thursday, April 7:	Ubaldo Jimenez (1-0, 7.32)	vs.	Dan Haren (2-2, 4.40)
Wednesday, April 8:	Franklin Morales (3-3, 4.50)	vs.	Doug Davis (0-1, 6.23)

Lineup:

Nothing has changed in the past week. The Diamondbacks' starting lineup is worth about 4.924 runs. It's a solid lineup with some significant upside. The Rockies have had trouble handling Chad Tracy and Justin Upton in the past. Note that Bob Melvin altering the Opening Day lineup, replacing Mark Reynolds and Justin Upton with Eric Byrnes and Tony Clark just because Aaron Cook scares Melvin so much.

Order	Player	Position	AB	BA	HR	RBI	OBP	SLG	wOBA
1	Felipe Lopez	2B	552	.274	11	56	.349	.400	.335
2	Chris B. Young	CF	527	.260	25	77	.336	.482	.358
3	Stephen Drew	SS	532	.276	16	66	.340	.451	.346
4	Conor Jackson	LF	469	.296	14	75	.384	.465	.375
5	Justin Upton	RF	435	.257	16	60	.349	.444	.348
6	Chad Tracy	1B	445	.276	16	60	.339	.452	.346
7	Mark Reynolds	3B	468	.254	22	81	.333	.462	.347
8	Chris Snyder	C	332	.241	13	51	.344	.419	.340

Chad Tracy (.367/.424/.567), Chris Snyder (.317/.417/.610) and Mark Reynolds (.323/.377/.516) didn't wait until April for their bats to heat up. Chad Qualls was one of the few Diamondbacks hurlers to have a thoroughly impressive spring - Qualls posted a 2.70 ERA through ten spring innings that included eight strikeouts and no walks.

Spring Training couldn't end fast enough for Justin Upton (.197/.333/.328) and Conor Jackson (.200/.280/.246), who had abysmal showings in Spring Training. Brandon Webb had a sub-par spring as well (5.82 ERA, 1.59 WHIP), as did two pivotal bullpen arms, Scott Schoeneweis (11.00, 2.44) and Tony Pena (9.00, 2.44)

Philadelphia (92-70, NL East and World Series champions)

Friday-Sunday : 3-game series at Colorado

Rockies fans don't have to wait long to see the World Series Champs at Coors Field. The Rockies' first home series will be against the Phils...and it will be the last time Philadeplhia will visit in 2009.

It won't be easy for the Phillies to repeat. Since the Yankees repeated in 2000, there have been eight different champions in nine seasons. The Red Sox have won twice but failed to repeat both times. Still, Philly Phans remain morbidly optimistic. Philadelphia returns virtually the same team, although Pat Burrell has been replaced by the underrated Raul Ibanez.

Probable Pitchers:

World Series MVP Cole Hamels missed Sunday's Season Opener due to an inflamed elbow. Hamels was pushed back and will be making his season debut at Coors Field for the Rockies home opener. Brett Myers, who got rocked on Opening Day Sunday, will pitch Saturday. Chan Ho Park beat out J.A. Happ for the #5 spot in the rotation and could pitch Sunday, but Charlie Manuel might go with Jamie Moyer, who will have had five days' rest.

Friday, April 10:	Cole Hamels (0-1, 9.39)	vs.	Jason Marquis (1-3, 10.08)
Saturday, April 11:	Brett Myers (2-2, 3.52)	vs.	Jorge de la Rosa (2-2, 6.86)
Sunday, April 12:	Chan Ho Park (2-0, 2.53)	vs.	Aaron Cook (2-2, 3.25)

Lineup:

The Phillies return their entire World Series-winning offense except for Pat Burrell. Chase Utley, who seems to have recovered from his offseason hip surgery, remains as the only head of the Rollins/Utley/Howard monster not to earn an MVP. The Philly starting line-up is indeed fierce, as it projects to score 5.202 runs/game.

But don't get too scared. That would only rank third in the "barren" NL West behind Los Angeles and Colorado.

Order	Player	Position	AB	BA	HR	RBI	OBP	SLG	wOBA
1	Jimmy Rollins	SS	633	.281	18	67	.342	.452	.356
2	Jayson Werth	RF	364	.264	15	57	.365	.445	.363
3	Chase Utley	2B	571	.296	27	96	.381	.513	.391
4	Ryan Howard	1B	547	.271	46	128	.379	.576	.409
5	Raul Ibanez	LF	557	.287	26	99	.359	.488	.368
6	Shane Victorino	CF	500	.288	13	56	.350	.444	.353
7	Pedro Feliz	3B	517	.257	21	78	.303	.441	.323
8	Carlos Ruiz	C	371	.256	9	48	.338	.396	.328

The bench is quite strong as well, and we'll likely see plenty of Chris Coste, Matt Stairs and Greg Dobbs.

In past years, it has been difficult for the big Ryan Howard to gain momentum at the beginning of the season, but in 2009, there's nobody who has had a better spring. The 2006 NL MVP blasted a ridiculous 10 home runs while posting impressive slash stats (.333/.420/.760). Jayson Werth (.333/.368/.696), Jimmy Rollins (.351/.415/.541) and Carlos Ruiz (.326/.380/.558) hope their Spring fever lasts a bit longer also, and Chan Ho Park (2.53 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 10.5 K9) ran away with the #5 SP slot.

The "Flying Hawaiian" has yet to get off the ground. Shane Victorino (.180/.226/.260) posted pitcher-like numbers in Spring Training. Fellow southpaw starters Jamie Moyer (8.27 ERA, 1.94 WHIP) and Cole Hamels (9.39, 1.17) have also had their struggles.

Other things to know: Prospect J.A. Happ lost the race to be the #5 starter but remains on the roster in the bullpen...Two big names are trying to return from injury. Chase Utley had hip surgery and Cole Hamels is recovering from a sore elbow. Both figure to be healthy enough to start Friday....LHP Cedrick Bowers is now on the Philly roster...Ryan Howard lost 25 pounds from last season. Judging by his Spring Training, it has helped him.

NL West Report after the jump.

NL West Report

Arizona (11-23)

Ryan Roberts won the race for the 25th spot on the roster over James Skelton, Josh Whitesell, and Josh Wilson. Skelton had been favored due to his status as a Rule 5 draft choice from Detroit. He was waived, but Arizona retained Skelton's services by trading pitcher Brooks Brown to Detroit. Or maybe he's going to be a Colorado State linebacker.

Ryan Roberts

#14 / Third Base / Arizona Diamondbacks

Height: 5-11

Weight: 190

Bats: R

Throws: R

Born: Sep 19, 1980

Otherwise, Arizona filled out their roster exactly as predicted last week. However, with Max Scherzer on the DL, Juan Gutierrez snuck into the bullpen.

Tim Dierkes at MLBTradeRumors talked with Arizona GM Josh Byrnes, and asked about his K-happy hitters, to which Byrnes responded:

To some extent, strikeouts are like other outs.

Those are some nice sedona red shades you have there Josh. Strikeouts have been and could continue to be the Diamondbacks' undoing, but as he pointed out later in the quote "If enough walks and homers accompany the strikeouts, the tradeoff can work".

This Week: 3 game home series vs. Rockies, 3 game home series vs. Dodgers

Los Angeles (15-22)

Those sneaky Dodgers. The 25-man roster had to be set by noon Sunday, but Los Angeles still hadn't decided its final spots. They submitted a 24-man roster through a loophole and added Claudio Vargas and Delwyn Young to the roster. However, Young and Vargas will be going on the disabled list, so the Dodgers will be adding three more to the 25-man roster before their opening game at 5:05. Will Ohman and Doug Mientkiewicz are expected to be two, and two relievers will be chosen between Ramon Troncoso, Josh Lindblom, Eric Threets, and Ronald Belisario.

Will Ohman

#0 / Pitcher / Los Angeles Dodgers

Height: 6-2

Weight: 210

Bats: L

Throws: L

Born: Aug 13, 1977

The signing of Will Ohman meant Scott Elbert was not needed in the bullpen. Other changes from the forecast of a fortnight past include James McDonald becoming the fifth starter and Jeff Weaver being sent to AAA.

Ned Colletti shaved off 24% of his team's payroll in the offseason by remains the sexy pick to repeat as NL West Champions. Ramona Shelburne at the LA Daily News evaluates Colletti's offseason.

This Week: 4 game road series @ Padres, 3 game road series @ Diamonbacks

San Diego (10-21-3)

The Friars traded for Edward Mujica from the Indians and Eulogio de la Cruz to fill in the bullpen. Luke Gregorson and Edwin Moreno also won bullpen spots while Mark Worrell and Mike Adams were transferred to the 60-day disabled list. The bullpen was a mess a week ago, but a lot has changed in just a week. Shawn Hill will be the fifth starter, and their #3 starter, Walter Silva, is so obscure he does not have a picture or number in our system yet.

Walter Silva

#0 / Pitcher / San Diego Padres

Height: 6-1

Weight: 190

Bats: R

Throws: R

Born: Jan 04, 1977

I fail to see how this pitching staff can compete with the Rockies', let alone the complete product. Another look at the bullpen plight.

Buster Olney reported that Jake Peavy was a lot closer to being a Cub than people realize. As Peavy said in a Corey Brock article:

"I prepared myself that I was going to be traded. Everyone in their right mind thought I would be somewhere else"

The former first overall pick by the Padres, Matt Bush, was released by Toronto. The details are sadly and absurdly comical.

This Week: 4 game home series vs. Dodgers, 3 game home series vs. Giants

San Francisco (21-19)

The Giants ended up with a different 25-man roster than it appeared two weeks ago as well. Eugenio Velez beat out Kevin Frandsen as a backup middle infielder, and the front office decided Pablo Sandoval would do fine as a back-up catcher, so Steve Holm was optioned in favor of Juan Uribe.

Juan Uribe

#0 / Third Base / San Francisco Giants

Height: 6-0

Weight: 225

Bats: R

Throws: R

Born: Mar 22, 1979

Brandon Medders got the surprise nod over Rule 5 pick Luis Perdomo. Rookie Joe Martinez came out of nowhere to win the long reliever gig. The full-break-down is here.

Jack Taschner was also traded to the Phillies for C Ronny Paulino, who was then flipped to Florida for RHP Hector Correa. The move opened up a spot for Alex Hinshaw to be the primary lefty out of the pen.

This Week: 3 game home series vs. Brewers, 3 game road series @ Padres