Eli's MLB Rumors - Old: April 2007

Suppan Goes Distance In Emotional Outing

Monday, April 30, 2007

New Brewers pitcher goes to the mound for the first time not only against his former team, but just a day after he lost a close friend and teammate Josh Hancock. The Cardinals take the field for the first time since losing teammate Josh Hancock in an automobile accident and just couldn't connect against Jeff Suppan. Suppan, who is now 4-2 with a 2.55 ERA, pitched his best performance of the year, and not only that, threw his first complete game since 2003. With help from Prince Fielder, who was 2-4 with a double and homerun, and two RBI performances from Johnny Estrada and Kevin Mench, the Brewers were able to improve to 16-9, dropping the Cardinals to 10-14. Now you may think it is early and the this happens every year, where the Brewers or Reds dominate the first month and then their lead quickly diminishes, but you are mistaken. The Brewers revamped their team and have young players who are starting to breakout. While the Cardinals, although having been hit with this terrible loss, are lacking quality pitching. Same with the Astros, who bargained on Woody Williams, who is 0-4 on the year. The Cubs have had great outings from their starters, but their relievers can't seem to hold any leads. But the Brewers have a strong staff, and great hitting, led by Prince Fielder, with help from Geoff Jenkins. Although it is still somewhat early, the Brewers may have sole possession of the lead for the next months to come.

Interview with Devil Rays Pitcher David Price

Vanderbilt pitcher and pitching prospect David Price was nice enough to sit down and answer some questions for MLB Rumors through email. This season, the Vanderbilt Commodores are 39-8, 15-6 SEC. Jim Callis over at Baseball America believes that the consensus around baseball is that Price is the best prospect coming into the draft, but knows the draft has a lot of depth. The Devil Rays have usually gone towards hitting, but Price is too hard to pass up. He has been clocked at hitting 98 on the radar gun, with a slider topping at 88. Not only that, but he has outstanding control. I would like to thank him again for donating his time to answer these questions.

ELI: What is it like pitching in Tennessee, where you grew up?

DAVID: Pitching in Tennessee where I grew up is awesome. That's why I went to Vandy so people that watched me grow up and play baseball would still be able to do that.

ELI: Do you notice scouts during games? Does it bother you?

DAVID: No that's more of something you notice when you are in high school. Now you tune that stuff out and you never even see them. So no it does not bother me.

ELI: Now that the draft is a month away, are you looking forward to potentially going pro?

DAVID: Right now, no. My mind is completely set on Vanderbilt Baseball and until our season is over it will not be on professional baseball.

ELI: Growing up in a state where there is no baseball team, do you have a favorite baseball team?

DAVID: Yes my favorite team was the Braves. I guess because they are good and were the closest team to me.

ELI: If you weren't a pitcher, what position would you be?

DAVID: Somewhere in the outfield.

ELI: Were you always a pitcher, when did you start playing?

DAVID: I started playing when I was 2 and a half. I would play by myself in the back yard. I guess I started pitching around the age of 10 or 11.

ELI: Do you have a favorite player now?

DAVID: D Train [Dontrelle Willis]

ELI: How's Tim Corbin? Do you think he has molded you into the player you are over the past three years?

DAVID: Yes definitely. He is the man. He just has that something special about him that makes you want to give 110% percent every practice and every game.

ELI: You wear number 14? Is that number significant?

DAVID: No, that is just the number they gave me.

ELI: How do upperclassmen treat the younger guys? Do they embrace them and help them? Or do they help them but keep to themselves?

DAVID: Here at Vanderbilt, we don't put players into classes. Everyone here is looked as equals and everyone acts like the same. Upperclassmen help the younger guys out and the younger guys can also help the upperclassmen out.

ELI: What is the chemistry like in the clubhouse?

DAVID: Unreal. This is the best team I have ever played on. Everyone in there has one common goal and that is to win Omaha.

ELI: Is there anywhere you hope to go before the draft?

DAVID: No, not really.

A's Acquire Langerhans

Sunday, April 29, 2007

The Braves traded outfielder Ryan Langerhans to the A's in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. Following the trade, the Braves purchased the contract of Willie Harris from Triple-A. To make room for Langerhans, the A's optioned pitcher Dallas Braden to Triple-A. Langerhans has struggled this season, batting .049 in 19 games, but Billy Beane must see something in him, like he did with Chris Denorfia, or he is just restocking his outfield for next season. Langerhans will backup in right and left field.

Fantasy Stat Leaders

STAT LEADERS

American League		National League

HR
1. A. Rodriguez NYY	52
2. C. Pena TB	40
3. D. Ortiz BOS	31
4. J. Thome CHW	30
5. J. Morneau MIN	30
Complete Leaders

Wins
1. J. Beckett BOS	19
2. C. Sabathia CLE	18
3. C. Wang NYY	18
4. F. Carmona CLE	17
5. J. Lackey ANA	17
Complete Leaders

HR
1. P. Fielder MIL	47
2. A. Dunn CIN	40
3. R. Howard PHI	40
4. M. Holliday COL	35
5. M. Cabrera FLA	32
Complete Leaders

Wins
1. J. Peavy SD	18
2. C. Zambrano CHC	16
3. T. Hudson ATL	16
4. A. Harang CIN	16
5. B. Penny LA	16
Complete Leaders

Cardinals Mourn Loss of Josh Hancock

Early Sunday morning, Cardinals relief pitcher Josh Hancock was killed in an automobile accident. The team was informed early this morning and tonight's game against the Cubs has been postponed. Hancock, 29, has been apart of the Cardinals family since Febuary 2006, helped them win the World Series last year. "The Cardinals ask that all fans join the team in offering their prayers and condolences to Josh Hancock's family on this very sad day for the Cardinals and Major League Baseball." This season, Hancock was 0-1 with a 3.55 ERA. Since 2002, Johnson is 9-7 with 4.20 ERA with the Red Sox, Phillies, Reds, and Cardinals.

Igawa Does Well, Karstens Out

Over at MLB Rumors: Japan's Fab Four, I discuss Kei Igawa's outing and how it will effect the Yankees. Also, Jeff Karstens season ended as fast as it started: He started the season on the DL, got in one below average outing, and after one pitch today, he's back on it. He is expected to be out at least a month, possibly two. Anyways, as a MLB Rumors Insider, the site indicates that the Yankees will discuss which minor leaguer to call up, and if they should move Igawa back to the rotation after his solid outing. Check it out...

Cardinals Haunted By Dispatch Article

Saturday, April 28, 2007

The St. Louis Post Dispatch had an article on the cover of their newspaper earlier this week discussing, more like poking fun at the Cubs and how they haven't been to a World Series in nearly a century. It even went to say that after spending 300 million dollars, the Cubs are still chasing the Cardinals. Later that day, the Cardinals were beat by former Cardinal Jason Marquis and the Cubs 5-3, and after the game, manager Tony LaRussa expressed his apologies to the Cubs, and said he had nothing to do with it. He also refused to answer any questions from Dispatch reporters. And today, Carlos Zambrano, Jacque Jones, and company went on to beat the Cardinals 8-1. Zambrano pitched seven innings, giving up one earned run, and struck out two. Jacque Jones was a homerun away from the cycle, going 3-4 with 4 RBI. On the Cardinals side, Adam Wainwright struggled, going 4.1 innings giving up six earned runs. The Cubs improve to 10-13 and push the Cardinals to 10-13. The Cubs go for the sweep tomorrow on ESPN at 6:55 p.m. CT, Rich Hill for the Cubs and Kip Wells for the Cardinals.

Minor League Report

----  Batters ----

ORG LVL PLAYER                         AB  R  H  BI
ATL AAA Jones, Brandon LF  ..........   5  1  3  0  .375 - E (1)
ATL AAA Lillibridge, Brent SS  ......   5  2  3  0  .444
ATL AA  Holt, J.C. 2B  ..............   5  3  4  1  .800 - 2 2B (2)

BAL SS  Angle, Matt CF  .............   3  1  1  0  .298 - BB

BOS SS  Cabreja, Rafael RF  .........   4  0  2  1  .250 - 2B (11), 2 SB (7)
BOS SS  Tejeda, Oscar SS  ...........   4  1  2  0  .286 - BB

CHC AA  Colvin, Tyler LF  ...........   5  1  1  0  .200 - 2B (1)

CLE AA  Crowe, Trevor CF  ...........   5  1  2  3  .333 - HR (1)
CLE AA  Head, Stephen RF  ...........   4  2  3  0  .500
CLE HiA Rodriguez, Josh SS  .........   4  1  1  1  .125 - HR (1); game-winning solo home run in ninth

COL AA  Miller, Matt LF  ............   3  0  2  1  .429 - 2B (1)
COL HiA Nelson, Chris SS  ...........   4  1  1  1  .125 - HR (1)
COL HiA Young, Eric 2B  .............   4  1  3  3  .500 - HR (1)

DET AA  Larish, Jeff 1B  ............   4  2  2  5  .333 - HR (1)
DET AA  Thomas, Clete CF  ...........   5  2  2  0  .400 - 3B (1)

FLA SS  Dominguez, Matt 3B  .........   5  0  1  2  .206

HOU SS  DeLome, Collin DH  ..........   5  1  2  1  .297 - 3B (5), 2B (17)

LAA AAA Wood, Brandon SS-3B  ........   3  2  1  0  .375 - SB (1), CS (1)

LAD HiA Bell, Josh DH  ..............   5  0  3  1  .400
LAD HiA Hoffmann, Jamie RF  .........   5  2  4  2  .545 - HR (1)

MIL AA  Iribarren, Hernan 2B  .......   4  0  2  0  .500
MIL HiA Gillespie, Cole LF  .........   4  3  2  1  .444 - HR (1)

NYY AA  Jackson, Austin CF  .........   6  0  2  1  .200 - CS (1)
NYY SS  Pruitt, Braedyn 3B  .........   4  1  2  3  .347 - HR (4)
NYY SS  Sublett, Damon 2B  ..........   2  0  2  0  .329 - 2B (19)

OAK AAA Barton, Daric 1B  ...........   6  1  3  2  .545

PHI HiA Marson, Lou C  ..............   4  1  2  1  .333
PHI SS  Brown, Dominic CF  ..........   4  0  2  2  .296 - 2B (11)

PIT SS  Byler, Justin 1B  ...........   4  0  2  1  .313

SD  AA  Venable, Will RF  ...........   5  1  3  0  .375
SD  HiA Blanks, Kyle 1B  ............   2  3  2  3  .500 HR (1)
SD  HiA Cooper, Craig RF  ...........   5  3  3  2  .364

STL AA  Rasmus, Colby CF  ...........   5  1  1  1  .250 - HR (1); walk-off
STL SS  Kozma, Pete SS  .............   4  0  1  1  .154

TB  AAA Longoria, Evan 3B  ..........   5  0  2  1  .333 - 2B (1), E (3)
TB  AAA Ruggiano, Justin RF  ........   3  2  3  2  .750
TB  AA  Brignac, Reid SS  ...........   5  1  2  3  .400 - 2B (1)
TB  SS  McCormick, Mike C  ..........   4  1  2  3  .277 - HR (8), SB (3), BB

TEX LoA Tracy, Chad LF  .............   4  1  2  2  .429

TOR LoA Snider, Travis RF  ..........   4  0  2  2  .500 - 2 2B (2)
TOR SS  Arencibia, JP C  ............   5  1  2  0  .258 - 2B (17)

WAS SS  Burgess, Michael RF  ........   5  2  4  5  .277 - 2 HR (3), 3B (1)

----  Pitchers ----

ORG LVL PITCHER                         IP  H  R  ER  BB  SO  ERA
ARI HiA Torra, Matt  ...............   8.0  5  4   1   1   8  1.13 - W (1-0)

CHC AA  Holliman, Mark  ............   7.0  5  2   2   1   6  2.57 - W (1-0)

CIN HiA Thompson, Daryl  ...........   5.0  4  2   2   3   4  3.60 - L (0-1)

CLE HiA Herrmann, Frank   ..........   7.0  6  0   0   0   5  0.00

DET AAA Tata, Jordan  ..............   5.0  9  6   6   2   6  10.80 - L (0-1)

HOU HiA Trinidad, Polin   ..........   7.0  3  0   0   0   7  0.00

MIL HiA Wright, Brae  ..............   7.2  8  2   2   1   3  2.35 - W (1-0)

MIN LoA Robertson, Tyler   .........   5.2  5  0   0   3  11  0.00

NYM AAA Vargas, Jason  .............   6.0  3  1   1   0   4  1.50 - W (1-0)

NYY AAA Igawa, Kei  ................   5.0  6  2   2   2   4  3.60
NYY AA  Horne, Alan  ...............   7.0  3  2   2   4   6  2.57
NYY AA  Whelan, Kevin  .............   2.0  3  1   1   1   3  4.50 - L (0-1)

OAK AAA Madsen, Michael  ...........   3.0  4  4   0   1   7  0.00

PHI HiA Carpenter, Andrew  .........   6.0  5  2   2   1   2  3.00 - W (1-0)
PHI HiA Savage, Will  ..............   3.0  0  0   0   0   5  0.00 - S (1)

SD  AA  Ramos, Cesar  ..............   6.0  5  1   1   2   8  1.50

TB  AAA Niemann, Jeff  .............   5.0  5  2   2   4   7  3.60 - W (1-0)
TB  AA  Davis, Wade  ...............   4.0  6  5   5   2   6  11.25

TEX AA  Galarraga, Armando  ........   7.0  6  2   2   0   8  2.57
TEX LoA Jones, Beau  ...............   6.0  1  0   0   1   6  0.00 - W (1-0)
TEX LoA Kiker, Kasey   .............   2.0  2  2   2   2   2  9.00

WAS SS  McGeary, Jack  .............   1.2  2  3   2   3   2  13.50 - Rough pro debut

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Torre to be Fired?

George Steinbrenner is breathing down Joe Torre's back as the Yankees lose yet another game, making that seven straight losses. However, this seems to be "George Being George." Steinbrenner has threatened to fire Torre the past two years after playoff eliminations, but has balked at it. However, yesterday, word from Tampa was Steinbrenner was hinting at a change. Torre is in the last year of his contract, and it is possible, that if they lose again, he could be fired before his contract ends this season. Their are two candidates in the Yankees organization that could replace Torre: Hitting Coach Don Mattingly or Announcer Joe Torre. In past years, the blame has always come down on the managers. For example, Dusty Baker got fired after only winning 66 games. While the pitching coach, hitting coach, were left nameless in all articles discussing the faults. During this seven game skid, the Yankees have been outscored 33-54. Shouldn't the blame fall on the Don Mattingly for that? This season, the Yankees team ERA is 5.12, 27th overall. Should the blame fall on Ron Guidry for that? All I know is the Yankees need someone to blame now and right now, it is Joe Torre. But the chances of the Yankees dropping one of the best managers is sports history is highly unlikely. But if they do fire Torre, it could trigger a ripple effect and the Reds might fire Jerry Narron to try and sign Torre? Or the Mariners firing Mike Hargrove to take their chance at him as well?

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Astros Call Up Top Prospect Hunter Pence

Friday, April 27, 2007

The Astros called up top prospect Hunter Pence following Friday night's game. He will assume to role of center field while Chris Burke will move back to the utility role, and moving Stephen Randolph back to the minors. Pence is batting .341 with 3 HR and 19 RBI in 22 games in Triple-A. Last season, he batted .283 with 28 HR and 95 RBI in Double-A. Burke has struggled so far this season, batting .219 with 0 HR and 3 RBI. But he has collect 5 SB.

Chris Denorfia to the A's

The Cincinnati Reds have traded injured Chris Denorfia to the Oakland A's for two players to be named later and cash. The deal has been in the works for months now, but when Denorfia got hurt, it slowed the process. Although he won't be able to play until Spring Training, the A's were still interested in bringing the prospect to Oakland. He will probably have an outfield spot next year with Kielty and Bradley becoming free agents.

Modi'in Miracle Draft Sandy Koufax

Sandy Koufax was taken in the draft for the inaugural season of the Israel Baseball League. "His selection is a tribute to the esteem with which he is held by everyone associated with this league," said former big leaguer Aret Shamsky, who will manage the Miracle. "It's been 41 years between starts for him. If he's rested and ready to take the mound again, we want him on our team." The 45-game season begins in late June. The draft included nine nations and expect at least 100 Israeli citizens to be participating this season. The first pick was Aaron Levin, who played for Cuesta Community College and he was also selected by Modi'in.

Drew's Walkoff Spoils Terrific Outing

Thursday, April 26, 2007

After pitching seven shutout innings, Padres ace Jake Peavy handed the game over to arguably the best eighth and nine inning pitchers, Scott Linebrink and Trevor Hoffman. With help earlier in the game from Termel Sledge, and a RBI double from Kevin Kouzmanoff, the game was all but won, especially against the slumping the Diamondbacks. However, Miguel Montero battled back on Linebrink and hit a homerun, and in the bottom of the ninth, former top prospect Stephen Drew belts a walkoff homerun off the all time saves leader, Trevor Hoffman. The Diamondbacks ended a five game slide, improving to 11-11. The Diamondbacks and Livan Hernandez take on Chris Young and the Padres in the series finale Fox Sports Net at 6:40 MST.

Prior Out For Season

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

It does not surprise many, but Mark Prior had successful arthroscopic surgery and is done for the season. The team expects him to be ready to pitch next spring. For those of us who know Prior however, it is unlikely we will see him until May or June of 2008. "It's not career-ending," Hendry said Wednesday. "[Andrews] felt optimistic that he would be able to pitch next year. A couple hours after surgery, [Andrews] wasn't going to give you a time frame. He didn't think there was anything significant to stop Mark from pursuing his career, and at his age, should not have a problem responding and coming back after probably a strenuous rehab." Prior, 26, has been on the disabled list every year since 2002, and it goes on this year and most likely next year as well.

A-Rod Tells Everyone Again: He's Staying

Although I love seeing Alex Rodriguez having a great year, it has become very annoying hearing every couple of weeks: I'm Staying. "I want to stay in New York, no matter what," said Rodriguez, who can become a free agent following this season and leave $81 million on the table. However, back on March 14th, we heard the same thing from Rodriguez, just in a different place and under different context: "I would love to finish my career here." And back in October, Brian Cashman told reporters that "He wants to stay here..." So, have we had enough yet? Alex Rodriguez is staying in New York, and nothing has changed on the situation, at all. The Yankees organization wants him and it is obvious A-Rod feels the same way. Despite this controversy that frustrates many, Rodriguez is off to a great year, and has belted fourteen homeruns this season. Bonds hopes he can hit one hundred, however playing in New York, you're bound to slump at least once.

Interviews

Interview Count: 64

Major League Ballplayers

Tigers Outfielder Curtis Granderson

Diamondbacks Outfielder J ustin U pton

Diamondbacks Third Baseman Mark Reynolds

Phillies Pitcher Jamie Moyer

Rays Outfielder Cliff Floyd

Reds Outfielder Jay Bruce

Mariners Pitcher Carlos Silva

White Sox Outfielder Nick Swisher

Padres Catcher Michael Barrett

Astros Catcher J.R. Towles

Cubs Shortstop Ryan Theriot

Angels Pitcher Nick Adenhart

Royals Shortstop Tony Pena

Rangers Pitcher C.J. Wilson

Nationals Pitcher Shawn Hill

Royals Pitcher Kyle Davies

Rockies Pitcher Jason Grilli

Rockies Third Baseman Ian Stewart

Dodgers Shortstop Chin-Lung Hu

Triple-A Ballplayers

Angels Pitcher Nick Green

Athletics Pitcher Jerry Blevins

Royals First Baseman Billy Butler

Athletics Outfielder Aaron Cunningham

Orioles Pitcher Rocky Cherry

White Sox Pitcher Jack Egbert

Royals Pitcher Mike Maroth

Twins First Baseman Garrett Jones

Double-A Ballplayers

Blue Jays Outfielder Travis Snider

Orioles Pitcher Chris Tillman

Red Sox Pitcher Michael Bowden

Mets Outfielder Mike Hernandez

Rockies Pitcher Brandon Hynick

Padres First Baseman Kyle Blanks

Class-A Ballplayers

Twins Pitcher Brad Tippett

Twins Pitcher Matthew Williams

Cardinals Shortstop Peter Kozma

Cardinals Catcher Nick Derba

Rays Pitcher David Price

Former Major League Ballplayers

2-Time Mariners All Star Harold Reynolds

Japan Major League Players

Yomuiri Giants Closer Marc Kroon

Baseball Executives

Diamondbacks GM Josh Byrnes (Part II)

Padres GM Kevin Towers

Angels GM Tony Reagins

Nationals GM Jim Bowden

Braves GM Frank Wren

Indians GM Mark Shapiro

Athletics GM Billy Beane

Orioles Executive VP Mike Flanagan

Astros GM Ed Wade (note: informal)

Yankees GM Brian Cashman (note: informal)

Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi (note: informal)

Twins GM Bill Smith (note: informal)

Baseball America Editor Jim Callis

Iowa Cubs President Sam Bernabe

Pacific Coast League President Branch Rickey

Vice President of Player Personnel Oneri Fleita

Diamondbacks Assistant GM Peter Woodfork

Sports Agents

Agent Matt Sosnick

XTS Sports

Journalists

Peter McCarthy

Rick Telander

Tony Jackson

Other

Angels Farm Expert Stephen Smith

Angels Talk Extension with Rodriguez

The Angels and closer Francisco Rodriguez's agent, Paul Kinzer, have started contract discussions, but are saying nothing is serious. "Right now we're just exploring talks and structure, but we're not close on anything," Kinzer said. "We'll see what happens. In the next couple of weeks we'll start getting more serious." The good thing about the deal however is both sides really want to get a deal done. "Hopefully, one of these days I'll get the same opportunity he has to get locked up," Rodriguez said. "This is the place I want to be. ... I would love to stay here for hopefully the rest of my career." There is no deadline on the deal, both sides just hope to get something done soon rather than later. Rodriguez, 25, has collected six saves this season, and has struck out twelve. Career wise, he has saved 113 out of a possible 132, and has a career ERA of 2.33. The Angels are probably looking at a five to six year deal for their closer, but it could be closer to ten.

Johnson Back, But Struggles

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Randy Johnson returned to the mound for the Diamondbacks this season for the first time sine 2004 and got worked. Randy Johnson, six months off of back surgery, pitched five innings, giving up six earned runs, walked four, and struck out seven, as the Diamondbacks are losing to the Padres 10-5. This could be a start for Johnson just getting on track. From what I noticed from the tape, Johnson was throwing strikes that looked like strikes, and balls that look like balls. That will change as he gets more comfortable on the mound, but that usually happens for a new pitcher in his debut back from a injury, especially after a couple rehab assignments.

Injuries Around The League

MLB TEAM INJURY REPORTS

Updated Sunday at 4:52 p.m.
Courtesy of CNN.com Sports

Yankees Crumble

The Yankees lost yet again falling to 8-11. But that is not all, not only did Wang struggle in his debut, giving up four earned runs in six innings, but Derek Jeter got hurt and left the game, and Alex Rodriguez was hit less, ending his 23 game hit streak. The Yankees have Any Pettitte going tomorrow against the Blue Jays, hoping to avoid back to back to back series sweeps. Hopefully they can turn it around at home, hosting five games before going to Texas, two with the Blue Jays, and two with the Red Sox. The Yankees have a day off next Monday, but then go two weeks until their next one. The Yankees hope come Thursday that rookie phenom Phil Hughes can come through in his major league debut and live up to his potential as the veteran pitchers of the Yankees heal up and can come back.

2007 Weekly All-Star Teams

Here is my up to date AL and NL All-Star Team. They are subject to change and will change weekly:

June 12th, 2007

American League

DH Gary Sheffield (Tigers)
C Jorge Posada (Yankees)
1B Kevin Youkilis (Red Sox)
2B Placido Polanco (Tigers)
3B Mike Lowell (Red Sox)
SS Orlando Cabrera (Angels)
OF Ichiro Suzuki (Mariners)
OF Magglio Ordonez (Tigers)
OF Vladimir Guerrero (Angels)

SP Justin Verlander (Tigers)

RP Francisco Rodriguez (Angels)

---------------------------------------------

C Bengie Molina (Giants)
1B Adrian Gonzalez (Padres)
2B Chase Utley (Phillies)
3B David Wright (Mets)
SS Hanley Ramirez (Marlins)
OF Matt Holliday (Rockies)
OF Aaron Rowand (Phillies)
OF Carlos Lee (Astros)

SP Jake Peavy (Padres)

RP Francisco Cordero

June 6th, 2007

American League

DH David Ortiz (Red Sox)
C Jorge Posada (Yankees)
1B Kevin Youkilis (Red Sox)
2B Brian Roberts (Orioles)
3B Alex Rodriguez (Yankees)
SS Orlando Cabrera (Angels)
OF Ichiro Suzuki (Mariners)
OF Magglio Ordonez (Tigers)
OF Gary Sheffield (Tigers)

SP CC Sabathia (Indians)

RP J.J. Putz (Mariners)

--------------------------------

National League

C Bengie Molina (Giants)
1B Adrian Gonzalez (Padres)
2B Dan Uggla (Marlins)
3B David Wright (Mets)
SS Jose Reyes (Mets)
OF Randy Winn (Giants)
OF Matt Holliday (Rockies)
OF Alfonso Soriano (Cubs)

SP Cole Hamels

RP Jose Valverde

May 22th, 2007

American League

DH David Ortiz (Red Sox)
C Jorge Posada (Yankees)
1B Kevin Youkilis (Red Sox)
2B Placido Polanco (Tigers)
3B Mike Lowell (Red Sox)
SS Derek Jeter (Yankees)
OF Magglio Ordonez (Tigers)
OF Torii Hunter (Twins)
OF Ichiro Suzuki (Mariners)

P Daisuke Matsuzaka (Red Sox)

RP Bobby Jenks (White Sox)

National League

C Russell Martin (Dodgers)
1B Todd Helton (Rockies)
2B Brandon Phillips (Reds)
3B Miguel Cabrera (Marlins)
SS Cesar Izturis (Cubs)
OF Carlos Lee (Astros)
OF Ken Griffey Jr. (Reds)
OF Matt Holliday (Rockies)

SP Cole Hamels (Phillies)

RP RP Francisco Cordero (Brewers)

May 15th, 2007

American League

DH David Ortiz (Red Sox)
C Jorge Posada (Yankees)
1B Kevin Youkilis (Red Sox)
2B B.J. Upton (Devil Rays)
3B Mike Lowell (Red Sox)
SS Derek Jeter (Yankees)
OF David DeJesus (Royals)
OF Gary Matthews (Angels)
OF Torii Hunter (Twins)

P Daisuke Matsuzaka (Red Sox)

RP Todd Jones

National League
C Russell Martin (Dodgers)
1B Adrian Gonzalez (Padres)
2B Ryan Theriot (Cubs)
3B Chipper Jones (Braves)
SS Jose Reyes (Mets)
OF Matt Holliday (Rockies)
OF Juan Pierre (Dodgers)
OF Aaron Rowand (Phillies)

P Roy Oswalt (Astros)

RP Francisco Cordero (Brewers)

May 8th, 2007

American League
DH David Ortiz (Red Sox)
C Jorge Posada (Yankees)
1B Justin Morneau (Twins)
2B B.J. Upton (Devil Rays)
3B Alex Rodriguez (Yankees)
SS Derek Jeter (Yankees)
OF Magglio Ordonez
OF Torii Hunter (Twins)
OF Vladimir Guerrero (Angels)

SP CC Sabathia (Indians)

RP Hideki Okajima (Red Sox)

------------------------------------

National League
C Russell Martin (Dodgers)
1B Derrek Lee (Cubs)
2B Kelly Johnson (Braves)
3B Chipper Jones (Braves
SS Jimmy Rollins (Phillies)
OF Barry Bonds (Giants)
OF Josh Hamilton (Reds)
OF Alfonso Soriano (Cubs)

SP Chris Capuano (Brewers)

RP Francisco Cordero (Brewers)

May 1st, 2007

American League
DH David Ortiz (Red Sox)
C Joe Mauer (Twins)
1B Justin Morneau (Twins)
2B Aaron Hill (Blue Jays)
3B Alex Rodriguez (Yankees)
SS Derek Jeter (Yankees)
OF David DeJesus (Royals)
OF Vladimir Guerrero (Angels)
OF Magglio Ordonez (Tigers)

SP Josh Beckett (Red Sox)

RP Hideki Okajima (Red Sox)

---------------------------------------------

National League
C Russell Martin (Dodgers)
1B Derrek Lee (Cubs)
2B Orlando Hudson (Diamondbacks)
3B Miguel Cabrera (Marlins)
SS Jose Reyes (Mets)
OF Carlos Beltran (Mets)
OF Matt Holliday (Rockies)
OF Aaron Rowand (Phillies)

SP John Maine (Mets)

RP Francisco Cordero (Brewers)

April 24th, 2007

American League
DH Travis Hafner (Indians)
C John Buck (Royals)
1B Ty Wigginton (Devil Rays)
2B Ian Kinsler (Rangers)
3B Alex Rodriguez (Rangers)
SS Miguel Tejada (Orioles)
OF Vladimir Guerrero (Angels)
OF Magglio Ordonez (Tigers)
OF Ichiro Suzuki (Mariners)

SP Josh Beckett (Red Sox)

RP Bobby Jenks (White Sox)

---------------------------------------------

National League
C Michael Barrett (Cubs)
1B Prince Fielder (Brewers)
2B Kelly Johnson (Braves)
3B Miguel Cabrera (Marlins)
SS Hanley Ramirez (Marlins)
OF Carlos Beltran (Mets)
OF Matt Holliday (Rockies)
OF Barry Bonds (Giants)

SP Rich Hill (Cubs)

RP Francisco Cordero (Brewers)

Cubs Hurt By Big Hitter, Again

Monday, April 23, 2007

In back to back games, the Cubs have gone to extra innings, and have been hurt by the teams top hitter. In yesterday's finale against the Cardinals, Ryan Dempster came in started off okay, but threw a belt high fastball to Albert Pujols that was taken nearly out of the park. That lost the game and the series for the Cubs. Tonight, the Cubs take the game into extras and fail to end it early, forcing the Cubs to go to new callup and rookie pitcher Rocky Cherry. Cherry is able to start off strong, but then throws a slider of the over the plate to Prince Fielder that just gets out, with the wind blowing in. The Cubs are hoping to add a twelfth pitcher to their staff, and whether they send down Ronny Cedeno, or Felix Pie, has yet to be determined. They will most likely callup Angel Guzman to be the fifth starter while Miller is on the DL. The Cubs drop to 7-12, well into last place, but the good news coming out of the game is Alfonso Soriano is starting to heat up, and so is Felix Pie. The Cubs have been struggling as of late and you can expect a change within the next couple of days. Whether it is Felix Pie or Ronny Cedeno being sent down, something will happen. The pitchers are tired, and they are now relying on Rich Hill to go deep into the game tomorrow to avoid Piniella reaching into the pen. The Cubs have a day off this week, so hopefully they can get some much need rest.

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