SB Nation - Rich Aurilia

Diamondbacks 3, Giants 7 - Lincecum Overmatches Diamondbacks For Giants Sweep

snakecharmer — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 03:33:44 -0000

Miguel Montero tells Andres Torres, "Hey kid, my home run went into the cove, so scat!"

Record: 68-91. Pace: 69-93. Change on last season: -11

"If this series was a sick pet, it would have been euthanized already." Thus spoke piratedan7 in the Gameday Thread this afternoon, and it's hard to argue with that assessment - the Fox Sports Arizona decision not to televise this must've felt more like an act of charitable relief than any kind of punishment. Since I was probably one of the few SnakePitters who could see the game - since I was, well, at the game - I emailed Jim and offered to recap this one. (Thanks for starting it!) Of course, I think I offered in the 3rd or 4th inning, when the score was still somewhat decent!

Dan Haren finished the season on a down note, as he was tagged with five runs for his third consecutive start. Meanwhile Tim Lincecum took a one-hitter into the eighth inning, and only a late flurry by Arizona against the Giants bullpen made the score semi-respectable. However, they couldn't prevent the sweep and the Diamondbacks head to Chicago needing to take two of there three to reach the 70-win plateau.

Discussion of poor defense, few base runners, and missed opportunities to follow. Or, business as usual for your 2009 Diamondbacks. (Now with photos from the game.)

The last marquee matchup of the season did not live up to its billing. Well, not by Diamondbacks starter Dan Haren. Haren kept the Giants scoreless through the first three innings, but was quite rattled in the 4th. Two singles and a throwing error by Justin Upton led to the first run of the inning. Pablo Sandoval should have had just a double to right, but the 'JUpzooka' canon arm in right field threw over the head of Mark Reynolds at 3rd base and the ball went into the dugout, allowing Andres Torres to score. Bengie Molina then doubled to score Sandoval, and Rich Aurilia's ground ball to second was too slow to turn the double play, scoring Molina for run number 3 of the inning.

In between some of these scores, there was the minor issue of both our pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre and manager A.J. Hinch getting ejected for arguing balls and strikes. Haren was incredibly frustrated with the strike zone all day (he had previously 'discussed' it with home plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt in his own at-bat) and had just about had it during Aurilia's at-bat. He gestured in the direction of the Giants' dugout - seemingly saying "That was a strike for them" - and Stottlemyre came out to help calm Haren down. Stottlemyre argued enough about the zone to get tossed, and Hinch followed suit a few minutes later.

The infielders come in to settle down Haren

Stottlemyer was ejected

So was Hinch

Haren stayed in the game and pitched 6 full innings, but he gave up two more runs in the next two innings. Andres Torres's home run to right looked like it was high off the foul pole (fair pole!), and some small ball drove in the fifth run for the Giants (Randy Winn) in the 6th inning. Honestly, Haren wasn't that bad, he just also wasn't that good. There were a lot of breaks that went the Giants' way. Ground balls were just out of the reach of diving infielders, fly balls fell in just in front of the outfielders, and line drives were just barely fair. Haren's line for the day: 6 IP, 5 R, 4 ER, 9 H, 1 BB, 7 Ks. I know Haren's very disappointed in how he ended his season, and he seems like he's a little closer to solving his second-half-slump issues. It's always fun to see Haren pitch.

Meanwhile, Tim Lincecum was dealing today. Yes, he seemed to get the benefit of a few calls, but I couldn't really tell much about the strikezone from my seats. He kept the hitters off-balance all afternoon, allowing only 1 hit (to Chad Tracy) through his first 7 innings. Lincecum had broken up his perfect game on his own in the 5th, hitting Chris Young in the head with a breaking ball that didn't break (Young was checked out and stayed in the game) and walking Miguel Montero. But Mark Reynolds struck out (twice on the day - 215 for the year now) and the Diamondbacks wouldn't get another base runner until the 8th.

Tim Lincecum started the 8th inning, but it was clear he was gassed. He allowed a single to Gerardo Parra, then his 100th pitch was Ball 4 to Chad Tracy. Augie Ojeda singled off of reliever Bob Howry to load the bases with no outs - what could possibly go wrong?? Well, Eric Byrnes pinch hit for Leo Rosales, so what do you think happened?? If you guessed "Popped out to catcher," you would be 100% correct. (But it wasn't very hard to guess, so it's not like you get props for that one.)

Eric Byrnes, up with the bases loaded

He pops out to catcher, per usual

I was a little worried when Dan Runzler came in, because this kid is a flamethrower, but Stephen Drew smacked a single to left and Justin Upton followed with one up the middle to score the 3 original base runners.

The three runs would have made the score a respectable 5 to 3 except San Francisco had scored 2 more runs in the 7th off of Leo Rosales. The Diamondbacks went down pretty quietly against Randy Johnson in the 9th, and just like that, the game was over, and the Giants won 7 to 3. The Giants took the season series 13-5 over the Diamondbacks, and won 7 of those here at AT&T Park, 5 of which I was present for. I think they like to torture me.

Master of his Domain: Nobody had anything positive over 1%
God-Emperor of Suck: Dan Haren (pitching) -16.5%, Augie Ojeda -5.5%

No TV made for a very quiet gameday thread (which stayed relatively on-topic until somebody brought up football). Jim lead the way with 47 comments, 'Skins in second with 41. All present were: piratedan7, Jim McLennan, Azreous, txzona, victor frankenstein, SaveUsY2J, older fart, Wailord, DbacksSkins, jazzbo13, katers, Sprankton, and kishi.

More photos from today's game on flickr

Keep an eye out for some extra special photos later on!

The Giants and Minor League Evaluation

Grant — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:57:18 -0000

Not much time for a ton of writing today, so I'll just ask your help for possible posts down the road. I'm trying to make a list of examples of the Giants ignoring minor league performance in their hitter evaluation process in the Brian Sabean era.

Rich Aurilia -- Fine numbers for a AAA shortstop, blocked by Jose Vizcaino because he was the "get one free" part of the Jeff Kent trade.
Todd Linden -- Stellar numbers in AAA, never given a chance (note: this is a list of examples for better or for worse. It was almost assuredly a good thing that Linden didn't get a chance as a starter.)
Dan Ortmeier -- Very little power, contact, or on-base skills in the minors, fluked his way into a .497 slugging percentage in 157 major league at-bats, taken seriously as a candidate for a starting 1B job in the majors
Kevin Frandsen -- Career .317/.380/.452 hitter in the minors, blocked by vets and rooks alike. Also a career .241/.306/.342 hitter in the majors in over 450 at-bats, so this might be more of a Linden situation rather than a crime against player evaluation.
Nate Schierholtz -- Career .308/.355/.516 hitter in the minors, blocked by vets and rooks alike. Also a career .287/.318/.408 hitter in the majors in over 450 at-bats, so...hey, that reads familiar.
Brian Bocock -- A year after hitting .220 in A-ball, he was the Opening Day shortstop. Seriously.
Emmanuel Burriss -- Two years after hitting .165 in A-ball, he was the Opening Day second baseman. Seriously.
John Bowker -- Hit .342/.451/.596 with a reworked approach in AAA. The player standing in the way of a starting job in the majors hasn't hit a home run since April.
Buster Posey -- Isn't likely to have an on-base percentage below .300, which makes him a special offensive catcher in this organization's history. Needs to prove his worth to get a single start; won't get a single start until he proves his worth.
Eugenio Velez -- Nothing in his minor league career, other than a fine age-24 season in low-A, suggests he'll be more than a fine bench player. Because he had a ridiculously hot 80 at-bats when he was called up, though, he's a starting outfielder. And he's done just fine, mind you. But he also starts against left-handers, against whom he's hit .241/.288/.353 over his minor league career and .212/.287/.260 in his major league career.

No thesis, really. I'm just trying to figure out why the Giants completely ignore minor league statistics when they evaluate hitters. Actually, I guess I'm trying to figure out if they ignore minor league stats, and if that's even helped the team on a few occassions. Please help me fill in any gaps or omissions. Also let me know if I'm cherry-picking and/or making too much out of nothing. Also, feel free to ignore baseball entirely and talk about lunch, as that's what you're going to do anyways.

Hot Corner Futures

the red baron — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:56:33 -0000

by Morry Gash - AP

They call him Lego. And he will destroy all you hold dear. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

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So apparently this Matt Holliday guy is pretty decent at playing the baseball, huh?

On the list of least expected wins of this year, I would have to put that one right up near the top. For eight full innings, it felt like the Cards were just going to let the game slip away from them, victims again of poor at-bats and bases left full of runners. Oh well, the collective mind of Cardinal fandom said to itself, you can't win them all, I suppose. Hell, the Cubs haven't actually gained a full game on the Cards since late July; that's a pretty good run. Just one of those days when the team didn't quite get it done.

But Matt Holliday was having none of it. Hey there, collective consciousness, he said, that's loser talk! Why, I'm going to hit this Hall of Fame changeup over that center field wall just to prove to you how wrong you are!

And so he did. And there was much rejoicing.

Oh, and I would like to send my thanks to Tony La Russa for sticking to what I like to call the Grand United David Weathers Theory of Baseball. On second thought, I need a better name for it than that. GUDWTB just doesn't really stick in your mind, does it? Someone help me out with a better name.

I'll be honest with you; there really isn't a whole lot else I can say about last night's game. Smoltz looked very, very shaky in the early going but then seemed to get himself back on track; with his ability to get the strikeout, I think he's going to be a very, very useful weapon for the Cards come playoff time, most likely late in the game. I do think we need to change Blake Hawksworth's nickname to the Lucky Charm. Just saying.

Given the fact today's contest is a day game, I'm going to be brief this morning. Or at least try.

The longer the season goes on, the more convinced I become the Cardinals are probably going to resign Matt Holliday. He's been so good, and such an ideal fit, I just can't see the Cards letting him walk. Never mind the PR disaster; the fans will follow as long as the team wins. But more importantly, I think the organisation is still committed to keeping Tony La Russa on board as the manager, and having Holliday in a Redbird uniform for the near future could go a long way toward helping make Tony's decision whether or not to return in 2010 and beyond much easier. Plus, Scott Boras or no, Holliday seems to be honestly enjoying his time here in St. Louis, enough I think he'll accept a fair deal with relatively little fuss. He isn't going to be giving the Cards a discount, by any means, but I also don't think he's going to hold out and try to get Mark Texeira money. (I was getting ready to make a comment about how good our pie is here in flyover country, but then played it back in my head and decided that maybe wasn't the exact best phrasing I could come up with.)

No, to me, the more interesting free agent situation of the offseason for the Cardinals is going to be that of their current third baseman, Mark DeRosa. DeRosa is in a rather unusual position going into the offseason, and it will be very interesting indeed to see if he'll get anything approaching the sort of contract most of us assumed he would be due.

The problem, of course, is DeRosa has problems. Specifically, he has a wrist problem and a status problem. The wrist problem revolves around a tendon sheath and will require surgery in the offseason to repair it. The status problem revolves around the letter A.

As a likely Type A free agent this year, DeRosa will cost any team interested in signing him either their first or second-round draft pick in the 2010 draft. In the past, a player with numbers good enough to qualify as a Type A would generally be the sort of player a team would be perfectly willing to part with a draft pick for, but the math of baseball has changed. Teams are valuing their draft picks much, much more highly than in the past, as we saw this past winter. Players like Juan Cruz and Orlando Hudson found themselves on the market much, much later than anticipated, largely due to the Type A status and accompanying draft cost they were carrying around with them. Of course, Dayton Moore then proved not all teams have quite made it on the bandwagon yet; personally, I'm kind of hoping Moore continues making ~~stupid~~ brilliant moves like that and decided to stick it to his team's cross-state rival by trading them Alex Gordon for a bucket of KFC.

If the only issue for DeRosa were his arbitration status, he would likely be just fine. There would be at least one team out there willing to give up an early draft pick for the offensive upgrade he would immediately give them. Unfortunately for Monsieur du fait de Monter, his wrist issues and rather advanced age make him a bit of a risky bet anyway; add in the loss of a valuable draft pick, and I don't think too very many teams are going to be beating down his door, contract in hand.

Keeping all that in mind, I thought I might look at a few of the more likely candidates to fill the Cardinals' impending opening at the hot corner; give us all a bit better idea of just what's out there.

Mark DeRosa

Pros: Power bat, solid on-base skills. (though those have suffered since coming to St. Louis. Consternant!) Is, by all accounts, a good clubhouse guy. (Valuations may vary.) Gives outstanding interviews. Quite handsome. (Seriously, we've all seen his wife -- and no, I'm not posting pictures -- and I have to say, he might be the good-looking one in that marriage. Just saying.) Cool name. Will likely come on a short-term contract, due to factors outlined above.

Cons: See above. (Wrist, age, etc.)

Troy Glaus

Pros: Has hit for power in the past, decent on-base skills. Solid defender. A source of significant entertainment even when striking out. Scratch that, especially when striking out. Will likely come on a short-term deal, probably one-year.

Cons: Has missed almost the entire season after having left shoulder surgery, so health is a serious concern going forward. (And let's face it, we've seen what happens to St. Louis third basemen after they have shoulder surgery.) Well on the wrong side of 30, so decline is a concern.

David Freese

Pros: Very good glove. Young. Has a great story as a native St. Louisan. (Again, valuation may vary.) Has shown good power at the minor league level. Walk rates consistently near 10% at most levels. Making league minimum.

Cons: Unproven. May have lingering concerns about health after having ankle surgery. Was less than forthcoming about the injury with the organisation early on. Has few weaknesses as a player, but also has no real outstanding tools.

Brett Wallace

Pros: Remarkable plate discipline, plus power to all fields. Should hit early and often. Has good hands. Will be very inexpensive, making league minimum as a rookie. Great nickname already, though he apparently doesn't really like being called the Walrus.

Cons: Not actually an option. (Sniff)

Allen Craig

Pros: Hits and hits and hits and hits. Has never posted an OPS below .868 at any full-season minor league stop. Hits for both average and power, with a .921 OPS this year in Memphis. Will make league minimum.

Cons: Struggles in the field, often attempting to catch the ball with an oven mitt. Occasionally tries to get traded in mid-inning to avoid playing defense. Once invited Tony La Russa to a party at Michael Vick's house. Wants to pee in your pool. (Note: none of this is true, but I can't think of any other reasons why Craig is so universally ignored in the organisation.)

Joe Mather

Pros: Best nickname ever. Tremendous power, plus athleticism. Versatile; can play third, first, and any outfield position. Inexpensive, making league minimum.

Cons: Is a below-average defender at third. Missed almost all season with wrist issues; it will remain a concern until he proves it is not. Probably going to steal your girlfriend. Better fit in the outfield or as a supersub than an everyday third baseman. (Then again, so is DeRosa, so...)

Adrian Beltre

Pros: Best defensive third baseman on the market; barely a step down from Scott Rolen or Ryan Zimmermann. Younger than you think. Numbers have been depressed in Seattle; may be undervalued. Could come on short-term deal to try and reestablish himself. Enjoys free balling. Possibly a good bet to capture a bit of contract-year lightning in a bottle.

Cons: Health is a concern, as Beltre had season-ending shoulder surgery in July. Doesn't really like the walks so much (career .325 OBP). Scott Boras client. Competitiveness has been questioned at times. May have left his free balling days behind.

Chone Figgins

Pros: Fun to watch. Seriously. Hits for high average and has become a very good on-base player. Versatile, though truly awful in the outfield. Solid-average defender at third, maybe a little better than that. Walk rates have increased steadily.

Cons: Has little (read: no) power. Aging curve is not kind to speed players over 30. Will likely require long-term contract, and at high dollars. Is a fan favorite in Anaheim (as well as a manager favorite), and seems a fair bet to resign with the Angels. Violates rules of scrappiness by being black.

Joe Crede

Pros: Very good defender. Local product (Jeff City), nice story. Strong arm, good hands, plus range.

Cons: Has never been much of a hitter, and is in further decline. Chronic back problems have necessitated multiple surgeries. No longer has much power, and has never had much in the way of plate discipline. Over 30 with serious physical issues.

Melvin Mora

Pros: Would come cheaply on a short-term deal.

Cons: Is fairly awful. And old. And kind of a jackass. And awful.

And that, folks, is just about it. Technically, there are a few others, guys like Craig Counsell and Rich Aurilia and Nomaaaaaahhhhh, but I just can't really see the Cardinals looking at any of those guys too seriously. I suppose Pedro Feliz might be an option, but I'm not feeling it.

So given the options, what would be your choice? Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing Beltre if he came on a one-year deal, and I like Chone Figgins a lot. As far as Figgins goes, though, with the Cards needing to find budget space for Hurricane Holliday as well as the impending Albert mega deal, I doubt he's much of an option. Also, as I said above, I just get the feeling he stays in Anaheim. A guy I would very much be interested in is the player Figgins is blocking, Brandon Wood. Wood has destroyed the minors for several years now, but has struggled to make the transition to the big leagues. I think the Angels' handling of Wood has had a hand in his struggles, as he's never been given much of a chance to prove himself, instead filling in at short or third here and there with inconsistent playing time. He may be a bust, but I think it would certainly be worth finding out.

As for the in-house options, I know there is some sentiment to bring back Glaus, but I would vote no. Maybe if DeRosa does in fact go elsewhere Glaus would be worth it on a one-year low guaranteed deal, but shoulders just scare me. I think DeRosa is a better bet to be productive coming off his postseason surgery than Glaus coming off his long year of rehab. Just my opinion, though.

In the end, DeRosa probably represents the best option, especially if offered arbitration and signed for only a single year. Otherwise, I'm comfortable letting David Freese have first crack at the position in spring training, then look for possible solutions as the season goes on if he struggles. Well, technically, I would probably give Allen Craig first crack at it, but that apparently isn't in the organisation's plans. It is kind of nice to see the Cards giving Craig the chance to break Crash Davis' minor league home run record, though; that's the sort of thing we'll all remember forever. What? What the hell is fiction?

Above all, though, please god no more Joe Thurston. This is one case where I absolutely don't care what the numbers say. I can't take another season of watching him play third base for this team.

What say you, mob? (I would say angry mob, but who can be angry after watching the Douche Crew crash and burn?)

The Baron's Playlist for the 9th of September, 2009

"Poke" - Frightened Rabbit

"Holes" - Mercury Rev

"Blake's View" - M. Ward

"Robot Ponies" - Laura Barrett

"He's Simple, He's Dumb, He's the Pilot" - Grandaddy

Thursday's Frosty Mug

KLSnow — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:58:38 -0000

More photos » by Jim Prisching - AP

Alcides Escobar talks with Willie Randolph during the first inning Wednesday.

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Some things to read while searching for a signature sign-off.

So, yesterday morning I skipped out early for an appointment, got back home, ate some breakfast, mowed the lawn, then sat down at my coffee table to check the comments on the Mug and discovered what might have been the biggest news day of the season, as the Brewers demoted J.J. Hardy to AAA, promoted Alcides Escobar, fired Billy Castro, designated Bill Hall for assignment and called up Jason Bourgeois. Adam McCalvy has reactions from the clubhouse, and here are several more reactions from around the web:

J.J. Hardy has until Friday to join the Sounds, and says he's looking forward to a few days off.
Brewed Sports was not pleased with that response.
Brewer Paradise Lost is one of many who suspects this move might have been made to prevent Hardy from becoming a free agent following the 2010 season. Hardy would have to remain in the minors past September 1 for the demotion to count against his service time, and it seems unlikely the Brewers will leave him there once rosters expand.
R.J. Anderson of FanGraphs isn't sure the Escobar-for-Hardy swap helps the Brewers this season, or helps Hardy's trade value down the road.
Meanwhile, Cash Kruth caught up with Bill Hall, who seemed upbeat about his situation and expects to be on a team again soon. With that said, this is the same guy who still thought he was the best third baseman in baseball a few weeks ago.
Ken Rosenthal is reporting that at least one NL team is interested in trading for Hall.
Cincinnati Reds Blog sees the Hall situation as "a big opportunity for the Reds to pick up a talented player."
Billy Castro, who had been with the Brewers as a coach for nearly 18 years, left with no regrets. He may not get another chance to be a pitching coach, but it sounds like he'll always have a spot in the Brewer organization, if he wants it.
A Girl's View of the Brewers wonders if these moves will be enough to get the Brewers back on track.
Big League Stew accused the Brewers of waving the white flag on the 2009 season.
PocketDoppler says the Brewers are pushing the panic button.
Aaron Gleeman of Circling the Bases says the move likely came too late for the Brewers' playoff hopes.
Keep Turning Up the Heat says "these are some dark times in the Brewers organization," and doesn't agree with the decision to call up Escobar or fire Castro.
Quevedo at the Buffet doesn't get the timing or the logic behind the moves.
The Bucky Channel wonders why Alcides Escobar was only used sparingly and Jason Bourgeois wasn't used at all last night.

Meanwhile, the Brewers did actually play a game last night, and lost their second straight to the Padres, dropping their playoff chances to 2.9%, the first time all season they've fallen below 3%.

Things could get worse today, as they play a day game against the Padres, who are sending Cesar Carrillo to the mound to make his major league debut today. The Brewers are 0-4 this season in games where the opposing pitcher is making his debut. And, of course, they haven't been good in day games either, or in games played in June, July or August.

Doug Melvin may not be done dealing. The Brewers claimed Doug Davis off waivers from the D-Backs (h/t FanShot), giving the two teams 48 hours to work out a deal to bring him back to Milwaukee. Davis says it would be fun to return to Milwaukee, but Tom H. says it's unlikely to happen.

A bunch of news got lost in the shuffle with everything else that happened yesterday. Here are the important notes that got buried in today's game preview:

Both Dave Bush and Jeff Suppan are expected back before September 1.
Jesus Colome was available to pitch last night despite his bruised pinky finger.
Nick Green cleared waivers after being DFA'd and will remain in Huntsville.

One other minor league note to pass along today: Matt Hagen of The Hardball Times nominated Jeremy Jeffress for most disappointing minor leaguer in 2009.

On power rankings:

The Brewers jumped from 23rd to 20th in WhatifSports' rankings.
MLB FanHouse has the Brewers holding steady at 19.

Around baseball:

Angels: Released reliever Justin Speier.
Cardinals: Placed Todd Wellemeyer on the DL with elbow inflammation.
D-Backs: Placed Scott Schoeneweis on the DL with depression and released Tom Gordon.
Giants: Placed Rich Aurilia on the DL with ankle tendinitis.
Indians: Claimed R.J. Swindle off waivers from the Rays.
Mariners: Erik Bedard is expected to undergo shoulder surgery and miss the remainder of the season.
Marlins: Signed Esteban Yan to a minor league deal.
Pirates: Placed reliever Evan Meek on the DL with an oblique strain and claimed reliever John Meloan off waivers from the Rays.
Reds: Placed Scott Rolen on the DL with a concussion.
Royals: Acquired pitcher John Bannister from the Rangers.
Twins: Placed Glen Perkins on the DL with shoulder trouble and released Mark Grudzielanek.

By shuffling the deck in the bullpen a little bit this offseason the Brewers created some new problems, but at least they're done with this one: Reflections of Blue has had it with Guillermo Mota, who posted a 0.26 ERA over one 35.1 inning stretch and a 10.32 ERA since.

Here's something to ponder for all of you who want to make the case that J.J. Hardy should be moved to second or third base, Rickie Weeks should be moved to center field and Mat Gamel should play first base or right field: Will Carroll says a player playing out of position has a 30 percent greater chance of getting injured, based on unfamiliarity with the position.

Brian Anderson wants your help to raise money for the I Back Jack Foundation. Follow the link for more info on how you can help Jack Bartosz, a young man fighting neuroblastoma.

Speaking of causes that could use your money, UW-La Crosse, alma mater of former Brewers Jerry Augustine and Vinny Rottino, has raised enough money to keep the program alive for one more season, but is still on the chopping block.

On this day in 1987, Paul Molitor homered in the ninth to extend his hitting streak to 28 games, but the Brewers still lost to the Orioles, 5-4.

Happy birthday today to Corey Patterson, who turns 30, and former Milwaukee Brave Tony Cloninger, who turns 69.

Drink up.

Wednesday's Frosty Mug

KLSnow — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:23:56 -0000

More photos » by Gene J. Puskar - AP

Felipe Lopez suddenly realizes he's about to make an out on the basepaths for the second straight day.

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Some things to read while staying ahead of profanity.

So, yesterday started with notes on grudges and postulations on the mysterious identity of Dave Kerwin, but ended with a relatively quiet and drama-free 2-0 victory. Hopefully both teams got some rest tonight, because they'll need it before today's 11:30 start.

With the win last night, Braden Looper improved to 7-2 in 16 starts following a Brewer loss. The Brewers are 11-5 in those starts (Thanks TheJay). He pitched seven shutout innings (on just 94 pitches) last night, ending a streak of nine consecutive starts where he had lasted six innings or less. On the other end of the spectrum, B-Ref says Roy Halladay (13) and Dan Haren (9) have each had streaks this season of nine starts or more where they've pitched seven innings or more.

Speaking of Halladay, any effort to acquire him will have to accelerate soon. Halladay has a scheduled start on July 29, and the Jays are saying that won't trade him after that date. Other notes on potentially available pitchers:

Dayn Perry thinks the Brewers should clean out the farm and make a strong push to acquire Halladay or Cliff Lee.
The Brewers could be one of several teams asking the Pirates about Ian Snell, but the Pirates aren't willing to give him away or deal him in a swap of bad contracts. That's a shame, because I think Bill Hall would look great in a Pirates uniform.
Justin Duchscherer showed up in Rumorville yesterday, but Jorge Says No! wonders why the A's would consider trading him at this point. Duchscherer has missed all of 2009, and will be a free agent after the season.

We'll probably find out in an hour or so if Felipe Lopez will be able to play today. Lopez left last night's game early with tightness in his hamstring, but the move was called "precautionary." Lopez has 13 hits in his last eight games, so the Brewers may have acquired him at the right time.

The Brewers may also be catching the Pirates at the right time. There's some drama in the Pirates clubhouse right now involving Freddy Sanchez and Jack Wilson, who were recently thrown lowball "take it or leave it" extension offers from the team, then had the offers taken off the table when they took too long to respond. FanGraphs has the details on the offers, which included voiding an $8 million vesting option for Sanchez for next season, but only paying him $10 million over two seasons instead.

Today will be day two of Dale Sveum's three game suspension. Tom H. called the suspension a joke, and his concerns about the quality of umpiring are valid. Baseball is the only major sport where umpires are allowed to be confrontational about it after blowing calls. With that said, if you watched the game last night you probably heard Brian Anderson and Bill Schroeder mention that Dale Sveum accidentally spit sunflower seeds on an umpire in the post-game confrontation, and that's almost certainly grounds for the suspension he received.

Are the Brewers too good at holding a grudge? Pat Lackey of MLB FanHouse had this to say following Monday's incident:

Actually, I'm pretty sure it's not over because the Brewers take ridiculous offense to just about everything. Last year, Prince Fielder tried to pick a fight with Matt Capps over a similar incident and earlier this year, Braun took offense to a pitch from Ryan Dempster that was thrown up and in.

It sort of sounds like, just maybe, the Brewers take offense to just about everything that happens on the field that they don't like.

Here's breaking news: The Brewers don't like getting hit by pitches, especially near the head. And the fact that they don't like it makes them bad people. Obviously. Just ask Dave Kerwin.

Mat Gamel is back in Nashville, where he'll get the opportunity to play everyday and be ready, should the Brewers have to call on him again this season. Matthew Pouliot of Circling the Bases says Gamel's brief run in the big leagues was a success, and points to his .267/.341/.493 line as a third baseman as evidence.

Eric Arnett had a pretty nice outing last night for Helena, throwing three innings with no runs, no hits and two walks. (Noted in Minor League Notes.) Project Prospect has a nice quick scouting report on Arnett. We haven't been hearing as much, though, from Arnett himself: his Twitter account has been quiet since July 3, and one has to wonder if the Brewers told him to stop.

Around baseball:

Cubs: Milton Bradley appeared in his 75th game last night, vesting an option that will pay him $10 million in 2011.
Giants: Placed Rich Aurilia on the DL with an infected big toe.
Mariners: Designated Josh Wilson for assignment.
Red Sox: Placed Tim Wakefield on the DL with a back strain.
Yankees: Designated Brett Tomko for assignment.

I mention Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star every so often, because he's one of my favorite beat writers. Today, he demonstrates why again, as he attempts to use PitchFx to identify what's wrong with Juan Cruz. Most beat writers might not have made the effort.

They don't get mentioned as often as they should, but host families frequently play a huge role in the life of young minor leaguers who wouldn't be able to afford to live on their own on small minor league paychecks. The San Jose Mercury News has a nice profile today of one host family. (h/t Andrew Baggarly, who also has some extra quotes.)

If you're still looking for more baseball content to tide you over until today's Game Thread opens at 10:30, Amazin' Avenue has a look at the best stuff from some of the other sites around SBNation.

Of course, today is also a Woot-off Day.

Drink up.

Post-Game Recap: Giants Avoid the Sweep!

Grant — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:00:12 -0000

More photos » by Ross D. Franklin - AP

This picture saved me from typing 1,000 additional words in this post.

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It was an ugly, ugly game, and the Giants didn't deserve to win. With that out of the way, I'm a little curious about Bochy's strategy in the ninth -- specifically, pinch-hitting Edgar Renteria for Kevin Frandsen. It's not like Frandsen is an offensive force, and it's not as if he were more likely to get a hit than Renteria. But while I don't pretend to know exactly what Bochy was thinking, I'm sure it was a stupid thought.

"Well, Rent's been hot over the series, and Franny's been a little cold since coming up..."

"Well, Franny's never seen Qualls before, and Edgar's had success against him in .2 at-bats -- I think he's .1 for .2 -- so, it wasn't a hard decision."

"Well, Kevin's a young player,and Renteria has been pretty clutch for us all year..."

Again, it probably didn't cost the Giants the game, but I'm sure the rationale was just dippy. When you sit a rightie for a rightie, or a lefty for a lefty, you're insinuating that either a) the guy you sat is pretty bad, or b) the guy you're sending up is pretty good.

Even better decision: Scanning the bench for a pinch-hitter to send up against a hard-throwing right-handed pitcher, and coughing up Rich Aurilia. Not Andres Torres, but Aurilia. Aurilia is just as awful against right-handers as Burriss, so that kind of negated the whole idea in the first place.

Hindsight is 20/20? Oh, absolutely. If Aurilia hit a homer or Renteria hit a single, you'd be reading something totally different right now. But it isn't so upsetting that the moves didn't work out, it's that the ideas behind them were laden with veteranophilia and knee-jerk strategy.

Pro tip: Rich Aurilia should not hit against right-handed pitching if it can be avoided.

Pro tip: Edgar Renteria is not a completely useless player, but he isn't a player who should be put in high leverage situations unless he's hitting for the pitcher.

Eh. The road trip was a success overall, so this is probably overly negative. I'd really like the last three hours back, though. Also, watching Jonathan Sanchez pitch right now is a real chore.

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.

Ryan Zimmerman Hits In 30 Straight, Joe Beimel Fails Closer Audition, Giants 9 Nationals 7.

Ed Chigliak — Wed, 13 May 2009 06:03:09 -0000

More photos » by Marcio Jose Sanchez - AP

7 months ago: Washington Nationals' Ryan Zimmerman drops his bat as he hits a single off San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Matt Cain in the fourth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Tuesday, May 12, 2009.(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

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HEADLINES:

Joe Beimel Fails Closer Audition.

7-6 Nationals. Bottom of the ninth. The San Francisco Giants send pinch hitter Juan Uribe up against Washington Nationals' lefty Joe Beimel. Beimel starts Uribe with an 84 mph change, then slows another down even more, Uribe flies out to center. ONE!! Two sinking fastballs low on the outside edge to Rick Aurilia, and the second pinch hitter goes down, groundout to Cristian Guzman at short. TWO!! San Francisco second baseman Emmanuel Burriss gets two straight change ups, and lines the second to center. Beimel checks the runner at first, and sails the throw, Nick Johnson comes up empty, Burriss takes second. Three straight balls from Beimel to Edgar Renteria, and Rent's taking, 3-1, and ball four, high and outside. Pablo Sandoval gets a 2-2 change inside and up and Sandoval unloads, deeep to left and GONE, Giants win on the walk off. 9-7 final.

THE KIDS CALL IT THE STREAK!!

93 mph 1-1 fastball from Matt Cain and Ryan Zimmerman goes back up the middle for a two-out single in the first and 30-straight games with at least one hit. In the top of the fourth, Zimmerman singles off Cain again. Ryan Zimmerman goes hitless the rest of the way, ends the day 2 for 5, hitting .364 with 12 doubles, 8 HR's, 26 RBI's and a .408 OBP.

Wednesday Matchup:

Zimmerman vs Barry Zito - 2 for 8, .250 AVG, 1 3B, 1 BB, 1 K.

Comeback Comes Up Empty.

DC righty Jordan Zimmermann went 6.0 innings last night, allowing 7 hits, 5 ER and 2 walks with 8 K's collected. A HBP, a two-out walk and a two-out, two-RBI double by Randy Winn in the first gave the Giants an early 2-0 lead. Two scoreless frames for Zimmermann followed, and in the fourth, Washington got on the board with a sac fly RBI to cut the Giants' lead in half. San Francisco responded with a 3-run 4th in which Zimmermann allowed a walk and four singles. 5-1 Giants.

Nick Johnson hit a 3-run HR in the 7th to make it 5-4 DC, and Washington took the lead in the top of the eighth when Ronnie Belliard knocked in Willie Harris with a single, and Nick Johnson brought two home with a two-out, two-run single of his own. 7-5 Washington. The Giants strike back with Bengie Molina's solo HR in the eighth off Kip Wells, and then the 3-run HR by Pablo Sandoval that wins it...

Giants win, 9-7 Final.

Missed Last Night's Game, We Didn't. See What The DC Faithful Saw In Last Night's GameThread.

For The Completists, Full Game Report After Jump...

Nationals now 10-21-1.

Washington Nationals at San Francisco Giants. Game 30 or 31 of 162.

Matt Cain throws a two-strike fastball inside on Cristian Guzman and it breaks back in for strike three. Nick Johnson pops straight up, Giants’ catcher Bengie Molina jumps up discards the mask and makes the catch. Ryan Zimmerman lines a single to center in his first AB, has now hit in 30 straight games. Adam Dunn flies to left where Randy Winn catches it in front of the track...Emmanuel Burriss K’s chasing a breaking ball into the dirt and Wil Nieves throws to first to complete the out. Edgar Renteria takes a fastball in the elbow and takes his base. Pablo Sandoval up, Renteria steals second. Sandoval grounds out weakly to short, Renteria takes third. Bengie Molina walks for the first time in 2009. Randy Winn doubles to center, Renteria scores, Molina comes around, 2-0 Giants, Winn caught off second on the cut throw, 2-0 Giants after one.

Austin Kearns flies to right for Nate Schierholtz. Matt Cain drops a bender off the outside edge to get Willie Harris chasing. Anderson Hernandez aims one at Pablo Sandoval at third...Aaron Rowand grounds out to Cristian Guzman at short. Travis Ishikawa lines a line drive on one hop into Dunn’s gut in left. Jordan Zimmerman throws a 95 mph two-strike fastball right in over the outside edge, Jordan Schierholtz K’s looking. Cain gets a slider, that isn’t fair, Zimmermann gets another K.

Wil Nieves sneaks a liner to right in under a diving Nate Schierholtz. Jordan Zimmermann bunts back to Matt Cain, who takes the lead runner at third. Cristian Guzman grounds into a corce at second. Nick Johnson swings through a mid-90’s two-strike fastball up high...Emmanuel Burris spins a pop fly to Zimmerman at third. Edgar Renteria hits a soft line drive to second. Pablo Sandoval reaches down a sends a liner to right for a two-out single. Bengie Molina can’t catch up to Zimmermann’s heater.

Ryan Zimmerman sends a screamer to center for another single. Adam Dunn doubles off the fence in right center, when Nate Schierholtz comes up empty. Two-strike fastball to get Austin Kearns swinging. Willie Harris gets it done, fly ball to right, Zim tags and scores, 2-1 ballgame. Anderson Hernandez grounds to short, Renteria nails him...Randy Winn singles over second, Kearns collects it. Aaron Rowand battles to stay alive and grounds out to Guzma...Guzman misses it, 2 on for Travis Ishikawa who goes with Zimmermann’s pitch and lines an RBI single to center, Winn scores, 3-1 Giants. Broken bat groundout from Schierholtz brings up the pitcher. ZImmerman gets Cain swinging. Emmanuel Burriss takes a two-out walk. Edgar Renteria drops a bloop single over second, two runs score, Ishikawa avoids Nieves and scores, 5-1 Giants. Pablo Sandoval grounds out to short to end the inning.

Wil Nieves slaps a curve through Burriss at second. Jordan Zimmermann gets the sac bunt down this time. Cristian Guzman flies out to center. Nick Johnson uses his Discerning Eye to draw a two-out walk. Ryan Zimmerman pops straight up...Bengie Molina K’s swinging, and looks dejected. Randy Winn lines one right to Willie Harris, Aaron Rowand chops a grounder out to second, Zimmermann through a quick frame...

Adam Dunn grounds into the dramatic shift. Austin Kearns sees the fastball coming, and he rips it up the middle. Willie Harris grounds to Burriss at second. Anderson Hernandez chops one to Renteria, who first to first...Travis Ishikawa chases a 2-2 curve and comes up empty. Schierholtz flies out to Guzman off a shattered bat. Jordan Zimmermann drops a cruel curve under Matt Cain’s bat.

Wil Nieves pops up behind the second base bag. Alex Cintron waits on a 3-1 curve and drives it up the middle for his first hit of the year! Cristian Guzman singles off the right field wall, Cintron to third. Low outside fastball to Nick Johnson and he takes it to deeeep left center and GONE!! 3-run HR for “Two-Spot” Johnson, 5-4 Giants. Adam Dunn pops out to left...Julian Tavarez gets a fly ball out to left from Emmanuel Burriss. Edgar Renteria lines right at Adam Dunn in left. Pablo Sandoval demolishes one to center that falls between Austin Kearns and Willie Harris, Sandoval trips, and falls on in face at short, ouch, tagged out.

Bob Howry vs Austin Kearns. 3-2 fastball right through Kearns’ swing. Willie Harris works the count full and walks. Josh Willingham flies to left, two down. Wil Nieves gets down 0-2, and ends up singling through short to keep the inning alive. Ronnie Belliard to pinch hit. Belliard shatters his bat on a single to center, Willie Harris flies around to score, 5-5 game. Jeremy Affeldt gives up a swinging bunt single to Cristian Guzman. Nick Johnson grounds to second, the first baseman, Ishikawa dives, and comes up empty, two runs score, 7-5 DC...Kip Wells vs Bengie Molina to start the Giants’ eighth. Wells hangs a slider, Molina hits out to left and GONE, HR, 7-6 Nationals. Randy Winn taps one back to Wells. Aaron Rowand pops a 1-0 pitch out to center where Willie Harris makes the catch. Travis Ishikawa pops out to Adam Dunn in left to end the eighth.

Adam Dunn hits a broken bat grounder to second. Austin Kearns K’s swinging. Willie Harris lines to Rowand...Here we go...

Joe Beimel vs Juan Uribe. Uribe flies out!! Rich Aurilia grounds to Guzman at short. Emmanuel Burriss hits a two-out single. Edgar Renteria up. Beimel starts 3-0 to Renteria, and walks him on a 3-1 pitch outside. Beimel vs Pablo Sandoval. Beimel hangs a 2-2 pitch and Sandoval sends it OUT!!!!!!. Walk-off winner. Giants win, 9-7 final.

Nationals now 10-21-1.

KKKKKKKKKKKKKershaw Doesn't Win, But Dodgers Do

Eric Stephen — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 05:59:54 -0000

More photos » by Mark J. Terrill - AP

Don Newcombe, sadly, did not pitch the 8th inning tonight.

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"The kid was spectacular tonight."

-Joe Torre on Clayton Kershaw's performance

Clayton Kershaw has arrived! Kershaw was brilliant tonight, giving us the best start of his young career:

IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	Pit	Str	Gm Scr
7	1	1	1	1	13	105	63	84

A home run to Bengie Molina and a walk to Rich Aurilia were the only blemishes for the 21-year old Kershaw on this night. Kershaw left with a 2-1 lead, and the for the second time in as many starts, the bullpen didn't hold his lead.

In the 8th inning, the normally realiable Hong-Chih Kuo hit Pablo Sandoval and allowed a single to Rich Aurilia, and was pulled in favor of Ronald Belisario. Belisario hung an 0-2 slider to Aaron Rowand, who pulled it for a go-ahead three-run homer. Even with their struggles tonight, and in both of Kershaw's starts, the bullpen has still been solid this season, allowing batters to hit a mere .220/.227/.370.

The Dodgers rallied for two runs to tie it in the 8th inning, and after a dominant Jonathan Broxton performance in the top of the 9th, rallied to win in the bottom of the 9th. The game ended when Brian Wilson walked James Loney with the bases loaded.

Loney had an odd night, driving in three runs despite having no hits (he had two bases-loaded walks and a sacrifice fly). Loney is only the third Los Angeles Dodger to have three RBI with no hits, joining Norm Larker in 1960 and Milton Bradley in 2004.

Kershaw sadly wasn't rewarded with a win, but he and Chad Billingsley are the first Dodgers to strike out ten or more batters in back-to-back games since Kevin Brown and Chan Ho Park in September 2000. They are the first Dodger duo 25 and under to do so since Stan Williams and Sandy Koufax in September 1961.

When told he was the youngest Dodger to strikeout 13 or more since Sandy Koufax in 1955, Kershaw said, "That's pretty good company right there."

The Dodgers have now won four straight, and have pulled into a first-place tie with San Diego in the NL West. Eric Stults will face Barry Zito Thursday night. Stults has a lot to follow, as each of the last four Dodger starters -- including Stults himself Saturday -- have allowed only one run.

Box Score

NL West Outlook: 1st Basemen

Brendan Scolari — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 08:28:58 -0000

WIth the catchers done, now we can take a look at the first baseman of the NL West. A relatively light hitting group, only the Padres go into '09 with a healthy slugger. If Helton can stay healthy the Rockes are set here too, but the rest of the NL West is lagging behind.

I'll be ranking the teams based on their total projected 2009 WAR (wins above replacement) for each position. I'll be using the spreadsheet provided here by Beyond the Box Score. Marcels projections will be used to project playing time. If correct playing time is not being accounted for in the projections, I will adjust the plate appearances to equal projected playing time . I will calculate wOBA by averaging the wOBAs projected by Marcels, CHONE and ZiPS. For fielding I will use the projections provided here.

5. San Francisco Giants

					Per 700 PAs
Hitter	PA	OBP	SLG	wOBA	Hit	BR	Pos	Fld	WAR	FA $	WAR
Ishikawa	406	.322	.434	.330	-0.30	0.00	-1.25	0.00	0.45	$1.6	0.3
Aurilia	304	.319	.395	.315	-1.22	0.00	-1.25	0.20	-0.27	-$0.1	-0.1

The Giants have no one really deserving of the first base job for 2009. 25 year-old Travis Ishikawa will be given the job for now but his numbers in the minors until 2008 were mediocre. He only reached an .800 OPS once in his first six years. But then last year in 64 games in AA he put up an .844 OPS. He was then promoted to AAA where in 48 games he put up a staggering 1.107 OPS. He was given a cup of coffee and put up a .769 OPS in 95 AB's in the majors. Did he really breakout in 2008 or was that just a fluke? We'll find out this year. The backup will either be the unexciting Rich Aurilia or the similiarly bad but at least young John Bowker. Eventually Pablo Sandoval will probably have to move to first as he's not very good at third or at catcher. Angel Villalona, an 18 year-old with tremendous raw power but little athleticism, could be the next Miguel Cabrera or the next Joel Guzman but he's a long ways away from the majors.

4. Arizona Diamondbacks

					Per 700 PAs
Hitter	PA	OBP	SLG	wOBA	Hit	BR	Pos	Fld	WAR	FA $	WAR
Tracy	372	.334	.435	.336	0.06	0.00	-1.25	-0.20	0.61	$1.9	0.3
Clark	304	.324	.416	.327	-0.49	0.00	-1.25	-0.10	0.16	$0.7	0.1

With Conor Jackson's move to left, Chad Tracy is the D-Backs' starter at first. He should easily beat his projected playing time as long as he stays healthy. His extra at bats would come at the cost of Tony Clark, who hasn't had 300 plate appearances since 2005. Tony Clark shouldn't really be on this team, Josh Whitesell should make the team ahead of Clark. Whitesell was the D-Backs Minor League Player of the Year in 2008 and also happens to be a really cool dude (Okay, so I know the guy. It's okay to root for one D-Back right?). If he plays in place of Clark eventually, the D-Backs could expect at least similiar production with upside. In fact, Whitesell projects to have a .348 OBP and .434 SLG with a .345 wOBA, better than either Tracy or Clark.

3. Los Angeles Dodgers

					Per 700 PAs
Hitter	PA	OBP	SLG	wOBA	Hit	BR	Pos	Fld	WAR	FA $	WAR
Loney	563	.353	.458	.353	1.10	0.00	-1.25	0.10	1.95	$7.4	1.6
Mientkiewicz	157	.324	.395	.334	-0.06	-0.10	-1.25	0.70	1.29	$1.7	0.3

The Dodgers sit in the middle of the pack with James Loney at first base. While Loney is a decent hitter, he needs to hit for more power (or a lot higher OBP) if he's ever going to become a really valuable player. Luckily for us, this seems feasible. If Loney breaks out this year, the Dodger offense could go from dangerous to downright deadly. If he stays at his 2008 level, the Dodgers will have to start thinking about replacing him as he starts to get more expensive through arbitration. Prospect Andrew Lambo could be the guy if that is the case. Doug Mien.... ah hell, Eye Chart is not technically on the team yet, but with Torre's recent comments I'd be very surprised if he's not wearing Dodger blue on April 6th. He brings a good glove and some welcomed better-than-Mark Sweeney hitting.

2. Colorado Rockies

					Per 700 PAs
Hitter	PA	OBP	SLG	wOBA	Hit	BR	Pos	Fld	WAR	FA $	WAR
Helton	449	.403	.446	.376	2.50	-0.25	-1.25	0.80	3.80	$11.4	2.4

Todd Helton has typically been a rock at first base, playing at least 144 games every season since 1998, his first full season in the majors. But that changed in 2008 when he was limited to 81 games because of back injuries. Now his health is in question because of the tendency for back injuries to linger, especially to players already in their mid 30's. Whether Helton can remain healthy for a full season again remains to be seen, although his health is less of a factor than it would be for other teams because of Colorado's depth at first base. How can they have depth at first base when only one player is listed you ask? Because starters Garrett Atkins and Brad Hawpe can both play at first as well as Jeff Baker. If Helton were to get hurt, Atkins (who played 61 games at first last year) could slide across the diamond and Ian Stewart would play third. Because of this the Rockies have less PA's projected at first than the other teams, but they will make up for it with extra PA's at third base. Joe Koshansky, the one guy who could be considered an actual first baseman, was recently claimed off of waivers by the Rangers.

1. San Diego Padres

					Per 700 PAs
Hitter	PA	OBP	SLG	wOBA	Hit	BR	Pos	Fld	WAR	FA $	WAR
Gonzalez	622	.358	.500	.370	2.13	-0.10	-1.25	0.20	2.98	$12.3	2.6

Like the Rockies, the Padres don't really have a backup first baseman. Adrian Gonzalez has a surprisingly low WAR for someone who's considered one of the best first baseman in the NL. But he could easily beat this projection simply by getting more plate appearances; he's reached 700 plate appearances each of the last two years. For now and until at least 2012, Gonzalez will continue to provide great production for a cheap price. He's only scheduled to make $13.25 million over the next three years. Kyle Blanks, the Padres top prospect according to John Sickels, is a huge slugger (literally, he's 6'6'' and 270 lb.), but may have to be trade bait if he can't learn to play LF as long as Gonzalez stays with the Pads.