MLB FanHouse

On Deck: For Those About to Rock

Mullet — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Mets, Phillies, Dodgers, Giants, San Francisco

On Deck is FanHouse's look at the day's most intriguing baseball matchups.

Florida Marlins (44-43) at Colorado Rockies (37-51) - 3:05 PM ET

As if 18-17 wasn't enough, the Rockies and Marlins played a 12-6 game proving once and for all that ~~the humidor is dead~~ Coors Field can still play host to some Nintendo games ... and that the Marlins pitching staff needs to step it up if they're going to hope to remain in contention for the N.L. East. The Marlins turn to Mark Hendrickson, who started out the season pitching like their ace but has been positively awful his last seven starts (37 earned runs in his last 34 innings). Not the guy you would expect to bounce you back from giving up 30 runs in two games. As for the Rockies, hey ... if they have another run in them, they're only six games back in the N.L. West so that division can still be had. Speaking of which ...

Los Angeles Dodgers (42-45) at San Francisco Giants (39-49) - 4:05 PM ET

Nice of the Arizona Diamondbacks to not make their early season party an exclusive one, as they've pretty much let everybody back in the race, including these two teams. A team like the Giants, at ten games below .500, has no business being in a divisional race. Yet they're four games back of the N.L. West lead making this rivalry game between them and the Dodgers even more important, as Frisco has a great chance to move to within three games of the lead with Matt Cain headed for the hill.

New York Mets (41-46) at Philadelphia Phillies (52-34) - 1:35 PM ET

The question, as always with the New York Mets when Oliver Perez's turn comes up in the rotation is this: which Oliver Perez will rear his head? The one that went seven innings giving up only one run in his last start against the Yankees? Or the one who can't get out of the second inning (13 combined runs in two innings against the Giants and Pirates)? New pitching coach Dan Warthen made some adjustments with Perez;s delivery before his last good start ... let's see if Perez can finally put his immense tools to good use for a few starts in a row.

Everyone else:

Nationals at Reds 1:15 ET
Rangers at Orioles 1:35 ET
Astros at Braves 1:35 ET
Royals at Rays 1:40 ET
Athletics at White Sox 2:05 ET
Pirates at Brewers 2:05 ET
Indians at Twins 2:10 ET
Cubs at Cardinals 3:15 ET
Blue Jays at Angels 3:35 ET
Padres at Diamondbacks 4:10 ET
Tigers at Mariners 4:10 ET
Red Sox at Yankees 8:05 ET

On Deck: For Those About to Rock originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 06 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coors Field is Back, Baby!

Mullet — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:40:00 EST

Filed under: Denver, Miami, Marlins, Rockies, NL East, NL West

All this talk about Coors Field not being the offensive haven that it once was between the humidor and better Rockies pitching had to make some long for the days of nutso scores. For one night, and on July 4th of all nights, the old Coors made a grand return to the big stage as the Rockies defeated the Marlins ... ready ... 18-17.

The game featured the largest comeback in Rockies history, as they were once down in the game 13-4. It also included two dingers by Matt Holliday, one of which was a grannie in the seventh to cut the Marlins lead to 17-16. And it also included the latest blown save by Kevin Gregg in the ninth, his second in two nights, and fifth in his last 20 opportunities. Before the game, Fredi Gonzalez had said that Gregg was not in danger of losing his job. Maybe that has changed after tonight. I doubt it though ... heck, everyone was hitting tonight.

Coors Field is Back, Baby! originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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On Deck: Rats Lifting Weights in Chicago

Mullet — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Chicago, Miami, Oakland, Red Sox, White Sox, Athletics, Marlins, Cubs, Cardinals, St. Louis

On Deck is FanHouse's look at the day's most intriguing baseball matchups.

Chicago White Sox (41-32) at Chicago Cubs (46-28) - 1:05 PM ET

Friday was the first time that both Chicago's baseball teams entered a series against each other in first place. The initial game did not disappoint, with Aramis Ramirez smacking two home runs, including the walk off extravaganza in the ninth to win the game for the Cubs. But the Cubs have more surprises for the White Sox. Before the game yesterday, Ozzie Guillen took another shot at Wrigley Field, saying that under the right field bleachers, there are "rats out there are lifting weights" while the assembled media laughed. Little does Guillen know that Lou Piniella is thinking about using a couple of those rats in key pinch hitting situations today. Then ... who will be laughing?

St. Louis Cardinals (43-32) at Boston Red Sox (46-30) - 3:55 PM ET

Daisuke Matsuzaka returns today for the Red Sox ... and not a moment too soon as his return from the disabled list comes one day after Curt Schilling announced he was done for the year, and just days after Bartolo Colon went on the disabled list from trying to swing like Babe Ruth. But it's not like they've missed Dice-K all that much ... the Sox were 14-7 without Matsuzaka on the roster, and Colon was 4-2 this season while helping fill in. Also, the Sox gained two games on Tampa while Dice-K was on the shelf. So as good as Tampa's been playing lately (and having just swept the Cubs I'd say they're doing all right), they're still looking up at Boston even through their injuries. Scary.

Florida Marlins (39-34) at Oakland Athletics (40-33) - 9:05 PM ET

During Friday night's extra inning Oakland win, the A's announcers were raving about the Marlins lineup ... especially middle infielders Hanley Ramirez and Dan Uggla (Uggla hit two dingers including a game tying shot off of Huston Street in the ninth). Here's the dirty little secret about the Marlins: although they lead the league in HR's and are seventh in RBI, they're also near the bottom of the league in batting average and on base percentage. An incredible 48% of their runs have come as a result of home runs. That's an incredible pace to keep up for a team who's hitters also lead baseball in strikeouts. If the home runs run dry, there will be trouble.

Everyone else:

Reds at Yankees 1:05 ET
Indians at Dodgers 3:55 ET
Astros at Rays 6:10 ET
Blue Jays at Pirates 7:05 ET
Orioles at Brewers 7:05 ET
Angels at Phillies 7:05 ET
Rangers at Nationals 7:10 ET
Giants at Royals 7:10 ET
Diamondbacks at Twins 7:10 ET
Mariners at Braves 7:10 ET
Mets at Rockies 8:05 ET
Tigers at Padres 10:10 ET

On Deck: Rats Lifting Weights in Chicago originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 21 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Jacque Jones Era Ends in Miami

Mullet — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 23:30:00 EST

Filed under: Miami, Marlins, NL East, MLB Transactions

Or, if you're scoring at home: The Jacque Jones Era barely started in Miami. After what was seemingly a long courtship, the Fish picked up Jones as a free agent after the Tigers discarded him. But Jones only got four hits in 37 at-bats for the Marlins in 18 games. So the Marlins designated him for assignment on June 11th with the intention of sending him to Albuquerque.

But Jones doesn't like Albuquerque this time of year, and probably doesn't like Albuquerque at any time of any year, because Albuquerque doesn't have a major league baseball franchise. So Jones used his right to decline the minor leagues and become a free agent.

I can't blame him for not wanting to return to the minor leagues, especially if he thinks that another team will be clamoring for his services. But with his .147 average this season, I don't know who that team might be. Maybe J.P. Ricciardi can sign him up to play for the Jays to help an offense that scored a total of zero runs in 12 innings tonight. But Jones would have to like baseball. And since he refused to play baseball in Albuquerque, maybe Ricciardi will see that as a sign that Jones doesn't like baseball enough for his tastes.

The Jacque Jones Era Ends in Miami originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 23:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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On Deck: Still Relevant in Florida

Mullet — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Miami, Oakland, Orioles, Rays, Athletics, Marlins, Pirates, Giants, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Tampa Bay

On Deck is FanHouse's look at the day's most intriguing baseball matchups.

Florida Marlins (36-31) at Tampa Bay Rays (39-28) - 6:10 PM ET

All right, so I'm having a conversation today with a buddy of mine and we're discussing the fact that it's June 14th, and both the Marlins and Rays are still relevant in the conversation of baseball. I'm sure that neither of these teams are content with just being in the hunt in mid-June. But the question is, are either of these teams capable of being in the race all the way through? Could both teams be there at the end? Regardless of what your feeling is on this, it will be fun to see a Florida interleague game with some juice ... even though both the Marlins and the Rays have more intense rivalries out there.

P.S. If I had to choose one team there at the end, my money's on the Rays. But that's if you put a gun to my head.

Oakland Athletics (36-31) at San Francisco Giants (30-38) - 9:05 PM ET

One team was supposed to be too young ... the other: way too old. But while we're on the subject of relevance, the fact that this was supposed to be a rebuilding season for Oakland and they're 36-31 is cool enough. But I'm more impressed by the fact that the Giants aren't nearly as putrid as I thought they were going to be. Even though they're 30-38, there seems to be some hope around the corner for the Giants thanks to, among other things, Tim Lincecum pitching like the prospect he once was, and Aaron Rowand proving that last season wasn't merely a product of playing in a hitters' park. But does he really lead the team with only eight home runs?

Rowand may stay at eight with today's pitching matchup: hard throwers Rich Harden and Matt Cain ~~battle to the death~~ hook up.

Pittsburgh Pirates (33-35) at Baltimore Orioles (33-33) - 7:05 PM ET

Neither of these two teams were supposed to be any good either, but alas, both teams are either at or near .500 this season. That's reason enough to watch ... but I just wanted to go on a rant about how cool it would be to see both these teams wear their colorful jerseys from 1979, when they played each other in the first World Series I ever saw and Willie Stargell won his way into my heart and became my one of my first favorite players. But coincidentally enough, the Orioles actually did wear their throwback duds on Friday night ... and forgot to tell the Pirates about it. So even though the O's advertised that the Bucs would also be wearing the pillbox hats and bright uniforms from '79, they never did. Awkward!

Everyone else:

Phillies at Cardinals 3:55 ET
Cubs at Blue Jays 1:07 ET
Red Sox at Reds 3:55 ET
Dodgers at Tigers 3:55 ET
Twins at Brewers 7:05 ET
Yankees at Astros 7:05 ET
Padres at Indians 7:05 ET
Rockies at White Sox 7:05 ET
Rangers at Mets 7:10 ET
Royals at Diamondbacks 8:05 ET
Braves at Angels 9:05 ET
Nationals at Mariners 10:10 ET

On Deck: Still Relevant in Florida originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 14 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meet Your Newest Cuban Import

Tom Fornelli — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:49:00 EST

Filed under: Miami, Yankees, MLB Gossip, MLB Rumors

Baseball just held it's amateur draft last week, and teams all around the league now have their newest prospects to over-hype before trading them away and watching them become nothing in other cities. It's a wonderful tradition in the sport of baseball, right up there doubleheaders and bench-clearing brawls.

Of course, another one of baseball's oldest most grand traditions is players escaping from Cuba and coming to America in hopes of achieving their dreams of becoming Major League Baseball players. You're newest Cuban import is 19-year old Dayan Viciedo, who just recently came to the United States and is already growing buzz worthy.

Viciedo left Cuba on a boat bound for Mexico on May 20, accompanied by his family. Several days later he crossed the border from Mexico and traveled to Miami to reunite with friends and relatives.

''Most Cuban ball players dream of playing in the major leagues,'' he said. ``This is an aspiration that comes with risks, but I was willing to take them in order to try out. Inside, you have the desire to know if you have a place among the best in the world, if you belong to the elite.''

Born March 10, 1989, in the town of Remedios, in the central Cuba province of Villa Clara, Viciedo is regarded as the best Cuban baseball player in the past eight years after Kendry Morales, who defected in 2004 and now plays in the Los Angeles Angels' system.

''Dayán is going to spark a lot of talk in the majors,'' said his agent, Puerto Rican lawyer Jaime Torres.

``He has arrived with youth, he is very versatile and his conditioning is exceptional. We will soon see him wearing the uniform of a major league team.''

Viciedo was a very versatile player in Cuba, as he's projected to be capable of playing either third base, shortstop, and the outfield. He can even pitch, as he's had his fastball clocked at over 90MPH, but Dayan says his pitching days are behind him.

Word is that the Yankees are already interested, but with all the teams in the league who are looking for a third baseman right now, I doubt they'll be the only team kicking Viciedo's tires. Of course, if the Yankees did sign Viciedo it's doubtful they'd sign him to play third base. They've already got some guy named Alex Rodriguez over there, and word is that guy has a world of potential.

Meet Your Newest Cuban Import originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:49:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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On Deck: Friar Luck

Mullet — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Miami, New York, Yankees, Royals, Marlins, Mets, Reds, Padres, Cincinnati, San Diego

On Deck is FanHouse's look at the day's most intriguing baseball matchups.

New York Mets (30-31) at San Diego Padres (27-37) - 4:05 PM ET

The Padres did something over the last four games that nobody in the majors had ever done before. They won four straight games by the score of 2-1. Even for a team that can't score, that's an amazing stat considering the Padres have lost more of these games than they've won, and more amazing that not one of those games went 25 innings. Scott Hairston has been a big help over the last couple ... making a huge diving catch with the bases loaded on Friday, and hitting the walk-off home run on Saturday.

The Mets meanwhile have to live with the sting of losing three straight to a team that was 13 games under .500 coming into this series. How long before the turk starts knocking on Willie Randolph's door again?

Kansas City Royals (24-38) at New York Yankees (31-31) - 1:05 PM ET

Speaking of things you don't often see, Saturday's Royals/Yankees game featured some oddities ... like Mariano Rivera giving up a bomb on his first pitch ... or Johnny Damon going 6-for-6 including the walk off hit in the Yankees' 12-11 victory. Today, it's Joba Chamberlain's second start as a Yankee. It'll be interesting ... and not in the "this is the most significant event in the history of baseball" kinda way, but in the "if he gets pulled in the third inning how long will it be before he goes back to the bullpen" kinda way.

Cincinnati Reds (30-33) at Florida Marlins (33-28) - 1:10 PM ET

You mean Ken Griffey Jr. still hasn't hit HR number 600? You know, I'm not a conspiracy theorist, and I know that Griff, albeit sparingly, has played since hitting HR number 599. But after all of the hubbub about Barry Bonds and his wanting to hit milestone HR's at home to the point where there were whispers of him taking "time off" to make sure he got some rest before a homestand, I'm wondering that Junior, now that he's close, is even going to play today or tomorrow before they go back to Cincinnati to play the Cardinals.

Everyone else:

Indians at Tigers 1:05 ET
Orioles at Blue Jays 1:07 ET
Phillies at Braves 1:35 ET
Mariners at Red Sox 1:35 ET
Diamondbacks at Pirates 1:35 ET
Giants at Nationals 1:35 ET
Cardinals at Astros 2:05 ET
Twins at White Sox 2:05 ET
Brewers at Rockies 3:05 ET
Angels at Athletics 4:05 ET
Rays at Rangers 5:10 ET
Cubs at Dodgers 8:05 ET

On Deck: Friar Luck originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 08 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meet the NL East Draft Picks

Mullet — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 23:30:00 EST

Filed under: Atlanta, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Braves, Marlins, Mets, Phillies, Nationals

In case you weren't able to watch today's Major League Baseball draft or follow along with Josh Alper and Andrew Johnson at their live blog of the festivities, here's a roundup of the guys who went in the first round to the teams of the National League East.

Florida Marlins (6) Kyle Skipworth, Catcher, Patriot H.S. (CA): When you look at his offensive scouting report, he's got Joe Mauer written all over him with his sweet left-handed power stroke. So it's no surprise that when you read this interview with the 2008 Gatorade National Player of the Year, you find out that he patterned his game after Mauer, the former batting champion. Anything close to Joe Mauer and the Marlins will be extremely happy with this pick.

Washington Nationals (9) Aaron Crow, RHP, University of Missouri, Columbia: There weren't a lot of pitchers taken in the first round, which is a bit surprising. Not surprisingly, the Nats took a big power arm at the nine slot in Crow, a guy with good command and great stuff with three plus pitches at his arsenal. The Nationals did well to grab a starter this good out of college who can possibly make his major league debut this season ... and definitely sooner rather than later.

New York Mets (18) Ike Davis, First Base, Arizona State: With Carlos Delgado on his last legs, and only Mike Carp on the horizon in the Mets' minor league system, the Mets were hoping to take advantage of a deep first base class on draft day. They did just that by drafting Davis (pictured above), the son of former major league reliever Ron Davis. Ike is hitting .394 with 16 HR's so far with the Sun Devils, and he also pitches for them (4-1, 2.53 ERA as a reliever). So will he wind up replacing Delgado or Oliver Perez?

New York Mets (22) David Reese Havens, Shortstop, South Carolina: Havens is an interesting pick, and not just because most call him Reese while MLB.com calls him David. Havens has been primarily a shortstop in college, but with Jose Reyes blocking his path he will assuredly switch positions. Scouting reports say he would have to move to third anyway because of a lack of range, but with David Wright over there, the Mets might want to see what he can do as a catcher, where the Mets are lacking in top level prospects. Scouts like his batting eye, which seemed better in his freshman year at USC than it did as a sophomore, but his summer season in the Cape Cod league where he hit .315 solidified him as a legitimate hitting prospect (though some have noticed that Havens struggles with high velocity pitches.)

Philadelphia Phillies (24) Anthony Hewitt, Shortstop, Salisbury School (CT): They call him "toolsy", and the Phillies should know a thing or two about toolsy shortstops. But just like Havens, scouts foresee a change in position in Hewitt's future as they see him as more like a center fielder. This is a risky pick for Philly and not only because the terms "raw" and "upside" are being thrown around. Hewitt has a "solid verbal" commitment to Vanderbilt. And considering the university has recently boasted 2007 No. 1 draft pick David Price and 2008 No. 2 draft pick Pedro Alvarez, maybe Hewitt will decide a stay at Vandy is best for his long term career prospects.

The Atlanta Braves gave up their first round pick to the Mets for signing Tom Glavine as a free agent. Atlanta's first pick was 40, which they used to select lefty pitcher Brett DeVall from Niceville High School in Florida.

Meet the NL East Draft Picks originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 23:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Matt Treanor Catches With His Groin

Tom Fornelli — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 12:52:00 EST

Filed under: Miami, Marlins, NL East, MLB Video

I remember when I was playing in Little League I absolutely hated wearing my cup. It was uncomfortable, and considering I'd never taken a baseball to the groin while playing, in my mind it was unnecessary. So one day I just didn't wear it.

Then in about the second inning I was playing third base, and there was a hard hit ground ball right at me. I got in position to make the play when the ball hit a rock or something and took a funny hop. Guess where it hit me. Needless to say, I wore my cup every game from then on, as taking a shot directly to the boys was far more uncomfortable than the cup could ever be.

I'm guessing Matt Treanor is happy he wore his cup last night as well, because even though it doesn't keep a curveball directly to the groin from hurting, at least he and Misty May will still be able to have children.

(Courtesy of The Fightins')

Matt Treanor Catches With His Groin originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 01 Jun 2008 12:52:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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On Deck: The First Day of the Rest of Your Life

Mullet — Sat, 31 May 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago, Denver, Miami, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Washington, DC, Marlins, Phillies, Nationals, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Rockies

On Deck is FanHouse's look at the day's most intriguing baseball matchups.

Florida Marlins (30-23) at Philadelphia Phillies (32-24) - 7:05 PM ET

Last night, the Phillies took over first place in the East over the surprising Marlins by giving them the proverbial thumping of 12-3. It's not that the Marlins have been that bad over this recent stretch ... they did sweep the Arizona Diamondbacks at home, after all. But the Phillies have been scorching hot during an 8-2 run which has seen Chase Utley make President George W. Bush look pretty smart.

Utley has 15 RBI's in his last five games, a stretch where Phillies scored 60 runs. That's the kind of steamrolling that an upstart team like the Marlins can really do nothing about. Starting today, with Ricky Nolasco going to the mound to face Cole Hamels, the Fish are going to have to start to figure out how to stay in this race, and not get discouraged over the fact that they're now out of the lead. With Philly, Atlanta, Cincinnati, and Philly again coming up on the schedule, this is a key time for the Marlins.

Colorado Rockies (20-35) at Chicago Cubs (34-21) - 1:05 PM ET

So when I realized that there was an afternoon game on the tube, I flipped on the Rockies and the Cubs, and Colorado was up 9-1. I'm thinking "great, I missed all the action already and now I'm in for three innings of a whole lot of nothing". What I saw instead was the Chicago Cubs officially take their place as the big dogs of the National League. When you come back from eight runs down to win a game, with major contributions from Jim Edmonds, who was not only thought to be done (with ample reason), but was implored upon (begged?) to hit some more by his manager, you know you've got something pretty magical happening. If they keep this up, get ready for a whole summer of Leon Durham, billy goats, and Steve Bartman talk.

Washington Nationals (24-32) at Arizona Diamondbacks (30-25) - 8:10 PM ET

Yeah ... so, what's going on with the Diamondbacks? They were America's hot new team with Starting Rotation 2.0(C), and the hot young stars that all the cool kids wanted to be like. But since May 20th, they're 2-9 which includes sweeps in Florida, and at home against the Giants. They lost another one to the Nationals last night and all of a sudden, this team is in a little bit of a funk. Luckily, the Dodgers are similarly struggling, and the bottom half of the division is still miles away, so the D'Backs have picked a good time to go south. Tonight, they depend on Brandon Webb ... who started out 9-0 but since lost to the Marlins and Braves ... to dig them out of the little mini-hole they've created.

Everyone else:

Tigers at Mariners 3:55 ET
Dodgers at Mets 3:55 ET
Braves at Reds 3:55 ET
Padres at Giants 4:05 ET
White Sox at Rays 6:10 ET
Astros at Brewers 7:05 ET
Red Sox at Orioles 7:05 ET
Yankees at Twins 7:10 ET
Indians at Royals 7:10 ET
Pirates at Cardinals 7:15 ET
Athletics at Rangers 8:05 ET
Blue Jays at Angels 9:05 ET

On Deck: The First Day of the Rest of Your Life originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 31 May 2008 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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On Deck: Love of the Game

Mullet — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Phoenix, White Sox, Angels, Braves, Marlins, Diamondbacks, Giants, San Francisco

On Deck is FanHouse's look at the day's most intriguing baseball matchups.

Arizona Diamondbacks (28-19) at Atlanta Braves (26-21) - 7:35 PM ET

This is a game where you can forget the records. Forget the place in the standings. And for Arizona, you can even forget the fact that they just came from Miami where they were swept by the Florida Marlins. Because tonight, Doug Davis returns to the mound for the Snakes. Davis, you remember, was the guy that found out he had thyroid cancer, yet still made his next two starts for Arizona before going in for surgery (and returned to the dugout mere days after the surgery). If there is a more accurate definition for the term "love of the game" than that, I'd like to see it. You hear all the time about life putting baseball in perspective. Davis grabbed cancer by the throat and used baseball to put life in perspective. I don't know how you don't root for a guy like that.
San Francisco Giants (19-29) at Florida Marlins (27-19) - 7:10 PM ET

Barry Zito's season is a train wreck. He's been a train wreck all season, but now at 0-8, he becomes one of those train wrecks that people aren't going to be able to look away from too much longer. It's an embarrassment for somebody who is being paid the amount of money he's being paid ($14 million this season or ... just under 2/3's the salary of the entire Marlins roster). Even a .500 record for Zito would have the Giants on the fringe of the race for the N.L. West crown. But imagine the growing pressure on Zito if he goes to 0-11 ... 0-12 ... 0-13 ... luckily for Zito, he's not even one-third of the way towards Anthony Young's record of 27 straight decisions that begin with "L".

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (28-21) at Chicago White Sox (26-20) - 8:11 PM ET

Maybe the White Sox hired Carlton Fisk as an ambassador to try to pry Chone Figgins out of Los Angeles ... er, of Anaheim. Hey, why not? Figgins just returned from the disabled list last night, and has posted some good numbers this season with a .306 average and a .423 OBP, so Figgins gets on base often enough not to worry about having to steal first base. It's something the White Sox will have to think about as they take on the Angels in this (drum roll) battle of division leaders. (I just got chills saying that.) The pitching matchup isn't exactly chopped liver either, with the 7-1 Joe Saunders going against Gavin Floyd.

Everyone else:

Cubs at Pirates 7:05 ET
Twins at Tigers 7:05 ET
Mariners at Yankees 7:05 ET
Rangers at Indians 7:05 ET
Royals at Blue Jays 7:07 ET
Orioles at Rays 7:10 ET
Brewers at Nationals 7:35 ET
Phillies at Astros 8:10 ET
Mets at Rockies 9:05 ET
Reds at Padres 10:05 ET
Red Sox at Athletics 10:05 ET
Cardinals at Dodgers 10:40 ET

On Deck: Love of the Game originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 23 May 2008 17:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What More Does Dan Uggla Need to Do?

Matt Watson — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:05:00 EST

Filed under: Miami, Marlins, NL East

After giving Hanley Ramirez a six-year, $70 million extension, the Marlins announced thatre they we done handing out multi-year deals ... which makes you wonder what Dan Uggla has to do to catch their attention. After hitting 27 and 31 home runs his first two years in the league, Uggla is currently on pace for 50 dingers this season, hitting .316 in the process.

Even if he falls off his torrid pace, he's almost certainly a lock to join Alfonso Soriano, Jeff Kent and Roger Hornsby as the only second basemen to hit at least 27 home runs in three or more seasons. Needless to say, that's pretty elite company. So why does Ramirez get all the long-term love while Uggla lives from year to year?

Only the Marlins know for sure, but it seems to me Uggla's pedigree is still being held against him. Originally a lowly 11th-round pick by the D'Backs in 2001, Uggla was blocked in Arizona's organization -- he was older than most of his competition as a 25-year-old in Double-A in 2005, and he was left off the 40-man roster the following winter.

The Marlins rolled the dice and made him a Rule 5 pick in 2006, and even though he's done nothing but produce at an All-Star caliber level ever since, it's like they're still waiting for the other shoe to drop. I don't think it ever will, and if the Marlins don't wise up and lock him up now, they probably won't be able to afford him when he does hit the open market.

What More Does Dan Uggla Need to Do? originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 19 May 2008 15:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marlins Finally Land Jacque Jones

Mullet — Mon, 19 May 2008 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Miami, Marlins, NL East

It took a while ... almost a year for this to happen. First, the Marlins tried to get him in a trade from the Chicago Cubs, but the deal was pulled because of a guy who had nothing to do with the club. Now, after being released by the Tigers, the Marlins had another shot at him and didn't fail this time, signing Jacque Jones to a free agent deal.

The Marlins' fascination with Jones is interesting, since not only did they want him this year when they were good, but they wanted him last year when they were in last place. They're obviously not concerned with the small sample size of his at-bats this season, where his splits in 79 at bats with Detroit read: .165/.244/.253. The numbers the Marlins are most likely looking at are his numbers against righties from '05 to '07, which read like this: .285/.346/.465.

Combine that with the fact that Josh Willingham is battling injuries, Luis Gonzalez is old, and Cody Ross and Alfredo Amezaga are barely hitting their weight, Jones isn't a bad signing for Florida.

Marlins Finally Land Jacque Jones originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 19 May 2008 12:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Long Term Contract Gravy Train is Over for the Florida Marlins

Mullet — Sun, 18 May 2008 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: Los Angeles, Miami, Rays, Angels, Marlins, Dodgers, AL East, NL East, NL West, Tampa Bay, MLB Biz

You can be forgiven if seeing Hanley Ramirez sign his brand new contract on the grounds of their new stadium on the Orange Bowl site on Saturday morning made you think the Fish would think about signing some of their others who have led them to an improbable first place standing so far this season. But don't expect guys like Dan Uggla, Josh Willingham and others to get the Hanley treatment.

Owner Jeffrey Loria said it. President David Samson said it. President of Baseball Operations Larry Beinfest said it. After the formal press conference Saturday announcing Hanley Ramirez's six-year deal, all revealed the baseball personnel staff has not recommended any other players receive multi-year contract offers. (...)

Here's Samson's take on the issue: "Long-term contracts are tough, but Hanley is an elite player and it's a deal that makes sense for him and for us...I would say my toes are wet and that would be about it. Larry hasn't come with any others so I haven't had to say no or talk to Jeffrey and convince him no, but you have to be careful. We can not afford mistakes."

Maybe this thinking will change once the Marlins move into their new stadium and that they can start keeping their revenue. But there's a clear difference between what the Marlins plan is and that of the Rays, who are seemingly locking up everybody. Which one is right? Compare this to what has happened in California, where the Angels and Dodgers are using their large market advantage to discard the notion of locking up young players. Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times delves:

It is good that small-market teams are spending shared revenues rather than pocketing them, better still that teams are betting on the future performance of a 24-year-old rather than paying for the past performance of a 34-year-old.

But the Angels and Dodgers can pay market rate, and they're better off paying year by year, minimizing the risk and saving the biggest bucks for free agents, or soon-to-be free agents.

The Angels signed Gary Matthews Jr. to play center field for $50 million, then signed Torii Hunter to play there one year later, for another $90 million.

The Dodgers signed Juan Pierre to play center field for $44 million, then signed Andruw Jones to play there one year later, for another $36 million. Not the wisest investment, perhaps, but no other team in the National League West can play in that financial league.

Shaikin notes that the Dodgers have approached Russell Martin about locking him up, and Martin and his agent passed ... and that guys like Casey Kotchman of the Angels wouldn't want to leave a potential boatload of money on the table for earlier financial security. But Andruw Jones may not be the best argument for not locking up young players and going after older players instead simply because you have the financial flexibility to do so. The Marlins and Rays are in a different boat than the big market teams, but are taking slightly different roads to work with what they have ... with both teams working on new stadiums to debut around the same time. Which one will work?

The Long Term Contract Gravy Train is Over for the Florida Marlins originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 18 May 2008 16:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Marlins Open Their Wallets, Appear Set to Sign Hanley Ramirez to an Extension

Josh Alper — Sat, 10 May 2008 12:25:00 EST

Filed under: Miami, Marlins, NL East, MLB Rumors

After years of trading away every good player developed through their system, could the Florida Marlins finally be getting some sense? Reports out of Miami indicate that the team will sign Hanley Ramirez to a six-year, $70 million contract in the coming days. The deal would lock Ramirez into a set salary through his arbitration years and the first few years of free agency at a number well below what he could earn on the open market.

While it's a shame the Marlins didn't think to do this with Miguel Cabrera, it's heartening to see the benefit to keeping young MVP candidates in house. Yes, Ramirez isn't much with the glove but so long as he posts offensive numbers in the neighborhood he's been living in the past two seasons, he's worth every penny of that extension. And, with a new stadium set to open in 2011, it's imperative the Marlins show more commitment to building a winner than they have in the past.

If the deal goes as planned, it would be the first time the Marlins signed one of their own players to a multi-year extension since 2005. Of course, each of the players they signed back then, Carlos Delgado and Paul Lo Duca, ended up in different threads one year after John Hancocking the bottom line. Ramirez, at a reasonable price, will still be quite tradable throughout the life of the contract and would command a king's ransom of prospects. There's not believed to be any no-trade clauses included in the deal.

The Marlins Open Their Wallets, Appear Set to Sign Hanley Ramirez to an Extension originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 10 May 2008 12:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I Went To a Movie Set and a Baseball Game Broke Out

Matt Watson — Mon, 05 May 2008 13:10:00 EST

Filed under: Miami, Marlins, NL East, MLB Video, TV and Movies

My colleague Eamonn already told you about how Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson filmed a couple of scenes of the upcoming movie Marley & Me at the Padres/Marlins game over the weekend, but just in case you're one of those seeing-is-believing folks, we now have proof courtesy of Bugs & Cranks. So enjoy. And work on those trust issues.

I Went To a Movie Set and a Baseball Game Broke Out originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 05 May 2008 13:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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On Deck: The Endless Search For 350

Mullet — Sun, 04 May 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, Orioles, Angels, Marlins, Mets, Diamondbacks, Padres, Baltimore, San Diego

On Deck is FanHouse's look at the day's most intriguing baseball matchups.

San Diego Padres (12-19) at Florida Marlins (16-14) - 1:10 PM ET

Greg Maddux has had three tries at career win number 350 ... none have gone well. First, the Diamondbacks dropped six on Maddux in the first inning to put that game out of reach early. Then, Trevor Hoffman blew a 1-0 Maddux lead in the ninth against the Giants at home. Then, it was a 7-4 loss to the Phillies in Philadelphia. Today, it's the hot Florida sun ... and the not so hot Andrew Miller, who came into the season as the centerpiece in the Miguel Cabrera/Dontrelle Willis trade. But he comes into the game with a 9.12 ERA, which is good news for Maddux in his latest quest for 350.

More good news: Maddux is a career 19-13 with six complete games and a 2.88 career ERA against the Marlins. Want good news for Maddux that's more relevant than starts he's made against the Marlins in the 90's? The current Marlins have lost four of their last five games. So is today the day?

New York Mets (15-13) at Arizona Diamondbacks (21-9) - 4:10 PM ET

Two pitchers came to the National League looking for success. Both have seemingly found it. And now, they face each other in what could be the best pitching matchup of the day as Johan Santana (3-2, 3.12) goes against Dan Haren (4-1, 3.13) to decide the series. Sure, Haren has enjoyed a little more team success with his Diamondbacks at 21-9, and the Mets at 15-13, but both pitchers are having seasons so far which have neither the Mets nor the Snakes thinking buyers remorse.

By the way, the Mets Saturday afternoon loss came with a silver lining, as Carlos Delgado hit one to the moon against Brandon Webb for a three run homer, perhaps signaling the end of Delgado's current slump once and for all (no word on whether the Mets fans in Arizona asked for a curtain call).

Baltimore Orioles (16-14) at Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (19-13) - 3:35 PM ET

Some pitchers start the season like a house of fire and everyone notices. Joe Saunders starts the season 5-0, and I wonder how the heck that happened? So let's finally give Joe Saunders some love ... because without him, the Angels would have felt the sting of losing John Lackey to start the season a lot more. And amazingly, he's doing it without the benefit of striking out a lot of hitters (20 in 43 and 1/3's innings). Conventional wisdom says that Saunders will come back down to earth. But for now, Anaheim should enjoy the ride. On the other side, human rain delay Steve Trachsel goes for the Orioles, which means that you should probably get ready for a long day on the couch for this one.

Everyone else:

Royals at Indians 1:05 ET
Mariners at Yankees 1:05 ET
White Sox at Blue Jays 1:07 ET
Pirates at Nationals 1:35 ET
Giants at Phillies 1:35 ET
Rays at Red Sox 1:35 ET
Reds at Braves 1:35 ET
Brewers at Astros 2:05 ET
Tigers at Twins 2:10 ET
Dodgers at Rockies 3:05 ET
Rangers at Athletics 4:05 ET
Cubs at Cardinals 8:05 ET

On Deck: The Endless Search For 350 originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 04 May 2008 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson Chase Dog Through Marlins Infield; Hilarity Ensues

Eamonn Brennan — Sat, 03 May 2008 15:47:00 EST

Filed under: Miami, Marlins, NL East

Marley and Me is a heartwarming, touching book about some dude's dog, and how that dog teaches life lessons through his crazy antics. I don't know, actually; is that the plot? I've never read it. I assume it's on some Mitch Albom-Five-People-You-Meet-In-The-Kennel sentimental ish, but I don't speak from experience.

Anyway, assuming the dog does teach heartwarming lessons, one such lesson was presumably delivered last night at Dolphins Stadium, when Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston -- stars of the book's film adaptation -- ran onto the field unexpectedly:

At the end of the eighth inning, Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson ran into left field chasing a dog. Few players knew it, but the actors were filming a scene for the movie Marley & Me.

"If I knew it was going to happen, I probably would have ran out there a little quicker and jumped in front of Owen Wilson and grabbed the dog. I should have screwed that whole scene up. What were they going to do, kick me off the field?"

OK, Luis, you killjoy. At least Wilson and Aniston didn't wait to run onto the field until just after their depicted team's first World Series win in eighty years, thereby tainting the memory for an entire region of devoted fans. "Oh yeah," says imaginary Luis Gonzalez. "Well at least I didn't star in 'The Break Up.' That movie sucked my balls. Oooh, the woman is overbearing and underappreciated! And the man is immature and apathetic! Hilarity will surely ensue!"

This is why I don't argue with imaginary Luis.

Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson Chase Dog Through Marlins Infield; Hilarity Ensues originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 03 May 2008 15:47:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rookies To Marlins: Don't Tase Me Bros!

Josh Alper — Thu, 01 May 2008 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Miami, Marlins, NL East

Major League teams have never shied away from hazing rookies. Every September we are treated to photos of players dressed like Apollo Creed, the Cowardly Lion and Teletubbies and it's good for a laugh. The Florida Marlins, though, don't go in for the good-natured ribbing of making you dress up in silly outfits. No, they're into a scarier, fraternity hazing kind of approach to welcoming newcomers to the squad as Buster Olney reports.

When a Florida rookie is called up for the first time, they explain to him that it's standard operating procedure to tase the newcomer. They show him the taser, build up the pain aspect of it, and a couple of reliable Florida cops stop by the bullpen to ask when the next tasing is taking place, just to reinforce the fear.

I wonder if they employ Scott Olsen's first-hand knowledge of what it feels like to be tased as a weapon to ensure weak knees among the greenhorns?

While it seems like a bit much and an odd way to build camaraderie, you can't really argue with the tactics employed by the Marlin bullpen right now. The rotation is averaging less than six innings per outing but the bullpen has posted a 3.16 ERA. That helps explain how the Marlins are in first as May begins. As it happens, Olsen has been the team's best starter so maybe they should just go ahead and tase the kids to ensure an even higher level of success.

Rookies To Marlins: Don't Tase Me Bros! originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 01 May 2008 12:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dolphins Draft Dale Murphy's Kid

Sportz Assassin — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 12:41:00 EST

Filed under: Dolphins, AFC East, NFL Draft, Atlanta, Miami, Braves

The Miami Dolphins decided not to draft Howie Long's son with the #1 overall pick. However, they will have a rookie with a famous dad when camp starts.

Miami drafted Shawn Murphy, a guard from Utah State, in the fourth round. Shawn is the son of former Atlanta Braves' outfield Dale Murphy.

Shawn is more of a finesse blocker (yes, that is such a thing) and not the big physical guy. He played tackle at USU but projects as a guard in the NFL. He, like his dad, is a Mormon and took a religious mission to Brazil after high school.

His dad, Dale, is one of those guys that is a tier below Hall Of Fame status. He was a 7-time All Star who won five Gold Gloves, four Silver Slugger Awards and two National League MVPs. In the 1980s (aka the Pre-Steroid Era), no National Leagure hit more home runs, played in more games, had more at bats and led in runs, hits, extra base hits, RBI, runs created, total bases, and plate appearances.

Dale has also written two books (as well as an autobiography) about the off-field issues of being a professional player and being a parent of a youth in athletics. He also started iwontcheat.com which promotes ethics in youth sports and to try to keep cheating and steroids out of sports.

Dolphins Draft Dale Murphy's Kid originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 27 Apr 2008 12:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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