MLB FanHouse

Manny Ramirez Exercises His Option to Stay in Los Angeles

Tom Fornelli — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:13:00 EST

Filed under: Dodgers, NL West, MLB Transactions

In what wasn't much of a surprise, Los Angeles Dodgers left-fielder Manny Ramirez has decided to exercise his player option for 2010 and will return to the Dodgers next season. His agent Scott Boras let Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti know about Ramirez's decision on Friday night.

All of which means that Ramirez will make $20 million with the Dodgers rather than becoming a free agent, which is a smart move considering it's highly unlikely Manny would get that much money anywhere else next year. Manny didn't have the greatest season for the Dodgers in 2009, but Colletti is confident he'll bounce back next season.

"There was no doubt he had his struggles this past season," he said. "We still feel that he's a very good hitter and maybe with a winter off and a chance to regroup, he can come back with a better frame of mind and his confidence rebuilt."

Those struggles were no doubt aided by the 50-game suspension Ramirez had to serve midway through the season after violating MLB's drug policy. Before the suspension Ramirez was hitting .348 with six home runs and 20 RBI. After the suspension his average dropped to .269 with 13 homers and 43 RBI.

Since Ramirez will be returning you can expect Colletti will be trying his hardest to move Juan Pierre at the general managers meetings in Chicago on Monday. Pierre has two years and $18.5 million remaining on his contract, and that's a lot of money to pay your fourth outfielder. Especially when there are other holes on the roster that need to be filled.

Manny Ramirez Exercises His Option to Stay in Los Angeles originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:13:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Giants Ace Tim Lincecum Busted for Possession of Marijuana

Pat Lackey — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:03:00 EST

Filed under: Giants, NL West, MLB Police Blotter

Tim Lincecum was cited by the state police in Washington for possession of marijuana this week. The pot was found in his car after he was pulled over for speeding near the Oregon border on Oct. 30. It was a small amount, and the police determined that Lincecum was not intoxicated while driving, so he's been cited for misdemeanor possession. After his hearing on Nov. 23, that will likely be the last we hear of this particular incident.

Andrew Baggarly, the San Jose Mercury writer who wrote the blog entry linked above, guesses that this incident won't be much more than an embarrassment for Lincecum and that it's unlikely to affect his potential arbitration hearing early next year. He's probably right that it'd be wrong for the Giants to accuse their superstar pitcher of being a dirty hippie for having a few grams of pot in his car, but that's a funny mental image I'm stuck with and now I hope you are, too.

Lincecum was probably pretty high on most people's list of MLB players that could potentially get caught with a little bit of pot, but there will probably be some Giants fans disappointed by this news (then again, maybe not, they are mostly from San Francisco) nonetheless. Still, Lincecum wasn't high while he was driving, he wasn't excessively speeding, and if he'd just get a haircut this entire incident probably could have been avoided entirely.

Of course, marijuana is illegal and so that disappointment isn't necessarily unjustified, but he owned up to it and there are really much, much worse ways he could be spending his offseason.

Giants Ace Tim Lincecum Busted for Possession of Marijuana originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Clay Zavada Is Your 'Mustached American of the Year'

Tom Fornelli — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:09:00 EST

Filed under: Diamondbacks, NL West, MLB Awards

While the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies are busy battling for the meaningless title of World Series champion Arizona reliever Clay Zavada was in St. Louis to receive some real hardware. Yes, after much debate throughout the country and campaigns that cost American taxpayers millions of dollars, Zavada was named the "Mustached American of the Year" by the American Mustache Institute on Sunday night.

We shall all now bow to the power of Zavada's Rollie Fingers-esque mustache, and hope that through the will of being too lazy to shave, we too can one day achieve such greatness for ourselves.

"Clay and his menacing mouth garden were a great story throughout the 2009 baseball season, and Quicken and the American Mustache Institute are proud to honor him as the 'Robert Goulet Memorial Mustached American of the Year' award winner," said Chelsea Marti of Quicken(R), who herself is a robust supporter of the Mustached American way of life.

Zavada won the Goulet award after more than 100,000 total online votes were cast. He was joined at 'Stache Bash by fellow finalists Dr. John Yeutter, a Northeastern State University professor and CBS News reporter Bill Geist, who grabbed the microphone after the announcement and bellowed "Kayne West was right." Other finalists included U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Brendan Ryan of the St. Louis Cardinals, USA Today blogger Whitney Matheson, US Airways pilot Sully Sullenberger, and Mayor Dan Snarr of Murray City, Utah. Several cartoon characters including JStache and FOX Television's "Cleveland" received votes, but after much debate, were disqualified because they violated a clause that required the winner to sign an ethics agreement as well as actually exist in real life.

It's hard to disagree with Kanye West. Zavada really did deserve this award over any other members of his "competition." Captain Sullenberger? Please, how hard can it be to land a plane in the Hudson River? It's so wide! Bring that beast down in Times Square without killing anybody, and we can talk.

Let's see Sullenberger strike out 52 batters in only 51 innings. Not even his mustache could help him there.

Clay Zavada Is Your 'Mustached American of the Year' originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:09:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Giants Sign Freddy Sanchez to Extension

Pat Lackey — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:35:00 EST

Filed under: Giants, NL West

The San Francisco Giants announced today that they've come to terms with second baseman Freddy Sanchez on a two-year deal. Terms weren't announced, but with the Giants holding an $8 million option on Sanchez, it's probably safe to assume that the cost for them per year will be less than that. T

That option would've vested for Sanchez on its own if he'd reached 600 plate appearances, but a shoulder and knee injuries limited him to just 25 games in a Giants uniform after he was traded to San Francisco from Pittsburgh. The shoulder's been a nagging problem for Sanchez for some time, but when healthy Sanchez has been one of the best hitting second basemen in the NL over the past few seasons, being named to three of the last four All-Star teams and winning a batting title in 2006.

"We are pleased to have Freddy in a Giants uniform for at least the next two years as we continue to improve our club", said general manager Brian Sabean in a team press release. "We saw a glimpse of him this past season and will look forward to his All-Star caliber play at the top of our lineup and in the middle of our infield. He provides a steady veteran presence and professional approach."

Because of the shoulder problem, that glimpse the Giants got this year was none too impressive. Sanchez hit just .284/.295/.324 in those 25 games in orange and black. In the past two seasons, Sanchez has only put up OPSes of .669 and .742, a substantial drop from .851 in 2006 and .787 in 2007. He's struggled a bit with injuries in each of the last two years, though, so the Giants are taking a bit of a gamble here that he'll be healthy going forwards. If he is, he could be an important addition to a lineup that needs as much help as it can get.

Giants Sign Freddy Sanchez to Extension originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Rockies Near Extension With Jim Tracy

Pat Lackey — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:45:00 EST

Filed under: Rockies, NL West

The Rockies and manager Jim Tracy are nearing a three-year extension, the Denver Post is reporting, though an official announcement on an extension will likely wait until after the World Series. Tracy took over for Clint Hurdle after Hurdle was fired on May 27 and led the Rockies to a 74-42 record and the wild-card berth in the National League playoffs.

When Tracy took over, the Rockies were 18-28 and 14 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West. Under Tracy, they challenged L.A. for the division title. That sprint to the playoffs makes this extension more or less a foregone conclusion. What team in their right mind wouldn't extend the interim manager that had his team playing at a 103-win pace over a large chunk of the season?

For Tracy, the extension completes the career rebirth he's had in Colorado after his firing by the Dodgers in 2005 and his disastrous two-year run in Pittsburgh in 2006 and 2007. Tracy's Rockies won more times in 114 games than his 2005 Dodgers, 2006 Pirates, or 2007 Pirates won in a full seasons. His laid-back style meshed with the Rockies, though, and he deserves the extension and the dropping of the interim tag. His task now? Lead the Rockies to a second straight winning season for only the second time in franchise history.

Rockies Near Extension With Jim Tracy originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Frank McCourt, Wife Jamie Separate

Matt Snyder — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:10:00 EST

Filed under: Dodgers, NL West, MLB Biz

Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and his wife, Jamie, have confirmed to the Associated Press that they have separated a few days after Frank attended the Cardinals-Dodgers game alone. This is intriguing news in terms of how it may effect the inner workings of the Dodgers' front office. Jamie McCourt is the team president and CEO of the Dodgers -- making her the highest ranking female in all of baseball.

If the separation continues and evolves into a divorce, how will all their substantial assets be divided? They've been married since 1979, so the ownership of the Dodgers -- and the job of the team president -- will likely be at stake during proceedings.

Frank McCourt has repeatedly glorified the work done by his spouse throughout the past several years, giving her credit for helping to build a "first-class organization" in Los Angeles.

Is it possible the two could co-exist through divorce hearings in running a Major League Baseball team? If not, someone is going to have to part with the ballclub. There is, however, no further information concerning this situation, just that they have separated and are keeping everything else private.

The Dodgers play the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series Thursday evening.

UPDATE: According to the LA Times, Jamie has no interest in ending her role with the Dodgers, nor does Frank. Both sides appear to be digging their heels in, too. Check out this quote:

"I firmly believe each of them is going to try to keep the team," a high-ranking baseball source said today, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation.

"I think it's going to be pretty ugly."

Not only that, there seems to be some dispute as to whether or not Frank is the sole owner of the Dodgers. Apparently, the couple (at the time) appeared before commissioner Bud Selig to gain approval when buying the Dodgers. Her attorneys believe the ownership is a 50/50 split between Frank and Jamie. Yet, Frank's attorneys are stating that he is listed as the "control person" and is the sole owner of the team.

Don't expect this story to go away for quite a while, as the ownership of one of major league baseball's premier franchises will probably remain unsettled for quite a while.

Frank McCourt, Wife Jamie Separate originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Huston Street and Ryan Howard Illustrate The Closer Fallacy

Pat Lackey — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:41:00 EST

Filed under: Phillies, Rockies, NL Central, NL West, National League Division Series

Let's start by looking at two stat lines. Some of you have probably already guessed where I'm going with this, but bear with me.

Player A: .319/.395/.691, 1 HR/11.56 plate appearances
Player B: .207/.298/.356, 1 HR/37 plate appearances

If you haven't already figured it out, both of those players are Ryan Howard. "Player A" is Howard against righties in 2009 and "Player B" is Howard against lefties in 2009. To simplify, Ryan Howard is Albert Pujols against righties and David Eckstein against lefties. So why does no one question Jim Tracy's decision to leave right-hander Huston Street in the game to face Howard with the Rockies' season on the line?

The answer, of course, is that Street is Colorado's "closer." The Rockies were winning 4-2, so Street had to be on the mound. It was Tracy that made the decision to not bring Joe Beimel (the only remaining lefty in the Rockies' bullpen) in to face Howard, but I'm willing to bet you could count on one hand (or maybe even no hands), the managers in baseball that would've made that move.

Watching the post-game coverage tonight, not one on-air analyst or reporter is questioning Tracy's decision to stick with Street. He probably won't take much heat for the move in the Denver papers tomorrow. That's all because sticking with your "closer" is what's done in baseball.

Now flip the situation around; imagine that Tracy had brought Beimel in to face Howard. Beimel's a decent but not great reliever with a slight platoon split. If he had given up the hit to Howard, everyone would be frothing at the mouth over Tracy's decision without even mentioning Howard's platoon split. In fact, people would probably be questioning the move even if Beimel had gotten Howard out, because that's how out of place the move would've seemed.

Maybe using Beimel against Howard isn't a slam dunk move given the history between the two (Howard is 3-for-10 with a double, a triple, and a homer), but Howard's platoon split is still about as big as it gets and if it's not an easy decision, it's one at least worth thinking about. It's telling that no one has even mentioned the thought of pulling Street for a lefty against Howard. It's not even part of the discussion.

Closers are an ingrained part of baseball, but the Rockies and Red Sox were eliminated by blown saves and the Twins and Cardinals both had their chances to win crippled by them. Why is it so crazy to rethink this model a little bit?

Huston Street and Ryan Howard Illustrate The Closer Fallacy originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

2009 MLB Postseason Schedule

Pat Lackey — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Angels, Cardinals, Dodgers, Phillies, Red Sox, Rockies, Twins, Yankees, AL Central, AL East, AL West, NL Central, NL East, NL West, MLB Playoffs, American League Division Series, National League Division Series

With two series over, Major League Baseball has updated the schedule for the rest of the Division Series.

The Rockies and Phillies will play their Game 4 at 4 PM ET if the Yankees-Twins series is still going on. Should the Yankees finish off a sweep Sunday night, the NL Game would move to 6 PM ET.

Series-by-series times are after the jump (all times Eastern).

Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees:

Game 1- Twins at Yankees, 10/7, 6:07 PM, TBS
Game 2- Twins at Yankees, 10/9, 6:07 PM, TBS
Game 3- Yankees at Twins, 10/11, 7:07 PM, TBS
Game 4- Yankees at Twins, 10/12, 7:37 PM, if necessary, TBS
Game 5- Twins at Yankees, 10/14, 8:07 PM, if necessary, TBS

Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Game 1- Red Sox at Angels, 10/8, 9:37 PM, TBS
Game 2- Red Sox at Angels, 10/9, 9:37 PM, TBS
Game 3- Angels at Red Sox, 10/11, 12:07 PM, TBS

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

Game 1- Cardinals at Dodgers, 10/7, 9:37 PM, TBS
Game 2- Cardinals at Dodgers, 10/8, 6:07 PM, TBS
Game 3- Dodgers at Cardinals, 10/10, 6:07 PM,TBS

Colorado Rockies vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Game 1- Rockies at Phillies, 10/7, 2:37 PM, TBS
Game 2- Rockies at Phillies, 10/8, 2:37 PM, TBS
Game 3- Phillies at Rockies, 10/11, 10:07 PM,TBS
Game 4- Phillies at Rockies, 10/12, 6:07 PM (7:37 PM if AL still going), TBS
Game 5- Rockies at Phillies, 10/13, 8:07 PM, if necessary TBS

AL Championship Series

Game 1-Angels at Yankees or Twins at Angels, 10/16, Fox
Game 2-Angels at Yankees or Twins at Angels, 10/17, Fox
Game 3-Yankees at Angels or Angels at Twins, 10/19, Fox
Game 4-Yankees at Angels or Angels at Twins, 10/20, Fox
Game 5-Yankees at Angels or Angels at Twins, 10/22, if necessary, Fox
Game 6-Angels at Yankees or Twins at Angels, 10/24, if necessary, Fox
Game 7-Angels at Yankees or Twins at Angels, 10/25, if necessary, Fox

NL Championship Series

Game 1-Rockies or Phillies at Dodgers, 10/15, TBS
Game 2-Rockies or Phillies at Dodgers, 10/16, TBS
Game 3-Dodgers at Rockies or Philliies, 10/18, TBS
Game 4-Dodgers at Rockies or Philliies, 10/19, TBS
Game 5-Dodgers at Rockies or Philliies, 10/21, if necessary, TBS
Game 6-Rockies or Phillies at Dodgers, 10/23, if necessary, TBS
Game 7-Rockies or Phillies at Dodgers, 10/24, if necessary, TBS

2009 MLB Postseason Schedule originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Rockies' Jorge De La Rosa Out of Division Series With Groin Injury

Pat Lackey — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:39:00 EST

Filed under: Rockies, NL West, MLB Injuries, National League Division Series

The Rockies announced Tuesday that starter Jorge de la Rosa will miss the NLDS with a sore groin. He suffered the injury on Saturday and manager Jim Tracy said before Colorado's workout day that the training staff informed him that de la Rosa's injury isn't progressing, though his season isn't necessarily over if the Rockies play deeper into October.

"He was scheduled to throw a bullpen today. We're not even going to take that chance. We're not going to have him do that. We're going to continue working with him," Tracy said. "If we're fortunate to advance beyond here, could he end up in the mix and be a guy that could be considered for a League Championship Series if we're fortunate enough to get there? I think that's definitely a viable possibility."

Without De La Rosa, the Rockies will go with Ubaldo Jimenez, Aaron Cook, and either Jason Hammel or Jason Marquis in De La Rosa's spot as their third and fourth starters (if they choose to go four deep). Losing De La Rosa is a big blow; since he dropped to 2-7 on June 16th, he's been dominant. Over his final 20 appearances (19 starts) he went 14-2 with a 3.51 ERA, striking out 117 hitters in 115 1/3 innings against 50 walks. His turnaround was a big part of the Rockies' team turnaround.

Marquis, on the other hand, has struggled since the beginning of September and while Hammel's been fairly solid most of the year, the Rockies will certainly miss their De La Rosa, both because of his dominant second half and because he's left-handed, a big advantage against a lineup featuring Ryan Howard and Chase Utley. In Cook and Jimenez the Rockies probably still have enough starting pitching to at least challenge the defending champions, but they're starting in a big hole now without their southpaw.

Rockies' Jorge De La Rosa Out of Division Series With Groin Injury originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:39:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

National League Division Series: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Pat Lackey — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 04:30:00 EST

Filed under: Cardinals, Dodgers, NL Central, NL West, National League Division Series

At first glance, this series pits Manny Ramirez against Albert Pujols; two of the best right-handed hitters of this generation. But it runs much deeper than that.

Both teams have secondary weapons on offense. Matt Holliday has raked in his short time in St. Louis. Andre Ethier mixed in a career high 31 home runs with his six walk-off hits this year. On the other side of the ball, the Cardinals could have the top two finishers in the NL Cy Young race in Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright, while the Dodgers finished tied with the Giants for the fewest runs allowed in the National League.

These are two good baseball teams. They've both spent most of the season in first place in their respective divisions and the fight between them for home-field advantage in the National League went down to the wire. In a five-game series, almost anything can happen. In a series between two teams this evenly matched, all bets are off.

Latest News

Fletcher: Padilla Proves Plenty in Pitching Dodgers to NLCS
Game 3: Dodgers 5, Cardinals 1 | Box Score
Piliere's Scouting Notebook: Read Latest

Series Schedule

G1	Oct. 7	Dodgers 5, Cardinals 2 \| Box \| Jeff Fletcher	9:30 PM ET
G2	Oct. 8	Dodgers 3, Cardinals 2 \| Box \| Jeff Fletcher	6 PM ET
G3	Oct. 10	Dodgers 5, Cardinals 1 \| Box \| Jeff Fletcher	6 PM ET

No.	Dodgers	Pos	Cardinals	Pos.
Lineup
1	R. Furcal	SS	Schumaker	2B
2	A. Ethier	RF	C. Rasmus	CF
3	M. Ramirez	LF	A. Pujols	1B
4	M. Kemp	CF	M. Holliday	LF
5	J. Loney	1B	R. Ludwick	RF
6	C. Blake	3B	M. DeRosa	3B
7	R. Belliard	2B	Y. Molina	C
8	R. Martin	C	B. Ryan	SS
9	Pitcher	P	Pitcher	P
Rotation
1	R. Wolf	L	C. Carpenter	R
2	C. Kershaw	L	A. Wainwright	R
3	J. Garland	R	J. Pineiro	R
4	C. Billingsley	R	K. Lohse	R
CP	J. Broxton	R	R. Franklin	R
SU	G. Sherrill	L	K. McClellan	R
SU	R. Belisario	R	J. Motte	R
Scout's Eye View
"The Dodgers are paced by their youthful stars, but if you can turn that against them and force youthful mistakes, then you can stop them." Dodgers Scouting Report "Let's not sugarcoat it -- Carpenter and Wainwright are who they are for a reason, and beating them will take a patient, intelligent approach." Cardinals Scouting Report

Why the Dodgers Will Win

The Dodgers had some trouble clinching the National League West. After taking first place on April 19, they immediately opened up a huge lead on the NL West and looked to be running away with the division for the better part of the season, holding a six-game lead just over a week ago. Their subsequent five-game losing streak nearly cost them the division and has cast some doubt on their playoff aspirations.

It shouldn't. In 2006, the Cardinals ended August 71-61 with a five-game lead in the NL Central. They went 12-16 in September, including nine losses in their last 12 games, but bounced back to win the World Series. Their opponent in the Fall Classic that year was the Detroit Tigers, who blew a 10-game lead in the AL Central and ended up with the wild card. In 2005, the Chicago White Sox went from a 13-game lead on Aug. 7 to a 1 1/2 game lead on Sept. 24. They won their division and the World Series.

The point is, it doesn't matter how a team finishes the season. The Dodgers were the best team in the National League this year for a reason. Their lineup, with Ramirez, Matt Kemp, and Andre Ethier in the outfield, is as imposing as any group in the National League. Between their three main starters (Randy Wolf, Chad Billingsley, and Clayton Kershaw) and their top relievers (Jonathan Broxton, Ramon Troncoso, Ronald Belisario, Guillermo Mota, and James McDonald), not one has an ERA below league average.

That's what makes this Dodger team so dangerous -- they don't really have a weakness. Their worst hitters in 2009 were Russell Martin and Rafael Furcal, two players that have shown they can really hit in the past.. They have Jim Thome as a pinch-hitter. They can use Blake DeWitt and Juan Pierre as defensive subs late in the game. While the Cardinals have questions in their rotation after Carpenter and Wainwright and in their bullpen in general, the Dodgers have overwhelming depth, and that's why they'll win this series.

Why the Cardinals Will Win

They'll win because they have the best player in baseball and two of the best starting pitchers. Obviously, those three players alone wouldn't be enough to beat the Dodgers, but they go a long way.

In Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright, the Cardinals will get three -- and maybe even four, depending upon how much rest they need -- starts from two of the top three candidates for the NL Cy Young. Carpenter's redemption season was as sparkling as any the former Cy winner has ever had; he went 17-4 with a 2.24 ERA and 1.01 WHIP. Wainwright went 19-8 with a 2.63 ERA and 212 strikeouts. The Cards' third starter isn't too shabby either, as Joel Pineiro checks in with a 3.44 ERA.

Offensively, Albert Pujols -- easily the best hitter I've ever seen, which isn't even mentioning his sparkling defense and cerebral base-running -- is the anchor. He'll win the NL MVP again this year, and deservedly so. His presence in the lineup makes everyone around him better, like midseason acquisition Matt Holliday, who has been crushing the baseball since arriving in St. Louis. They mix in some power (Ryan Ludwick, Mark DeRosa) with some good on-base guys, and, thus, will definitely be capable of scoring the few runs they need to support Carpenter, Wainwright and Pineiro.

One portion of the team which appeared to be a grave concern early in September was the back-end of the bullpen. Ryan Franklin had been stellar for most of the season, but he hit a major speed bump in the final month. From Sept. 1-12, Franklin appeared in four games. He allowed six earned runs and five walks in just 2 2/3 innings. In fact, going down to Sept. 19, he blew three consecutive save chances. He closed out the season with three straight scoreless outings, though, so he's set to go in October (for the first time in his 10-year career).

The Cardinals are taking this series and the NLCS en route to their 18th World Series trip -- the third under Tony La Russa.

-- Matt Snyder

National League Division Series: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. St. Louis Cardinals originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 04:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

At Last, Dodgers Lock Up NL West Crown

FanHouse Newswire — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 01:22:00 EST

Filed under: Dodgers, NL West, MLB Playoffs

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The Dodgers' magic number for clinching the NL West is down to zero -- finally.

After a season-worst five-game losing streak, they came through with one game left in the regular season and beat the stubborn Colorado Rockies 5-0 on Saturday night with a five-run seventh triggered by run scoring hits from pinch-hitters Ronnie Belliard and by Mark Loretta and six scoreless innings by 21-year-old lefty Clayton Kershaw.

Los Angeles' second straight division title wasn't as easy to secure as it appeared to be last weekend, when it held a six-game lead with seven games remaining.

"It never gets old," said manager Joe Torre, whose will be going to the postseason for a record-tying 14th straight year with his 13th division title, including 10 with the Yankees and one with Atlanta.

"You do it with different people all the time. It's what Roy Campanella said. You have to have some little boy inside you to play this game, and we certainly showed that tonight."

The Rockies, who were 15 1/2 games behind the Dodgers on June 3, entered this three-game series having to sweep to win their first division title in the franchise's 17-year history.

"Teams go through spells and ours kind of came at the end of the season," Loretta said. "We had a week or so where we were having some tough luck and weren't too good. We were looking forward to this night - and maybe looking too far ahead. So to come through and kind of exhale a little bit going into the playoffs, I think we're in good shape."

The Rockies took the opener 4-3 for their fifth straight win and ninth in 12 games, but will have to settle for their second wild-card berth in three years and a matchup with the defending World Series champion Phillies.

And they may have to start the division series without Jorge De La Rosa, who left the game in the fourth inning because of tightness in his right groin.

"When you're in, anything can happen. I think a lot of teams proven that," Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki said. "We proved that in '07 as a wild-card team when we got to the World Series. You just want to get in there. Obviously it would have been nice to win the division and it would be cool to say we won the West. But we're still in."

The Dodgers can now concentrate on next Wednesday's division series opener at Chavez Ravine against the Central Division champion St. Louis Cardinals. It will be a rematch of their 2004 NLDS showdown, when the Cards won and the teams shook hands after the final game. The Dodgers' manager then was Jim Tracy, who now calls the shots for the Rockies.

"We did put a scare into them. But you know, we're one of eight teams that have an opportunity to play for a world championship, and I'm sure there's 22 others that would like to have that opportunity," Tracy said. "I've had the taste of this once before. There's a sense of accomplishment there. Looking back on it, you wonder how much different it might have been had we not climbed out of the hole we had to climb out of."

Casey Blake led off the seventh against Franklin Morales (3-2) with a single and continued to second when center fielder Carlos Gonzalez misplayed it for only his second error of the season.

James Loney sacrificed Blake to third and Belliard, batting for Orlando Hudson, followed with a sharp grounder off the glove of first baseman Todd Helton. After a walk to Russell Martin, Loretta had an RBI double and Juan Pierre had an RBI single. Matt Kemp added a sacrifice fly and Manny Ramirez capped the rally with an RBI single.

Morales was charged with all five runs.

Hong-Chih Kuo (2-0) pitched a perfect seventh for the victory. George Sherrill did likewise in the eighth and Jonathan Broxton got the last three outs.

The Dodgers' closer retired Garrett Atkins on a fly to right fielder Andre Ethier and sent the sellout crowd of 54,531 into a frenzy as Broxton's teammates rushed the mound in celebration of the Dodgers' first back-to-back division titles since 1977-78.

"To clinch the division and clinch home-field advantage, there's nothing like it to be out there on that last out with the crowd behind you. It was just an awesome time out there," Broxton said.

Kershaw left no doubt as to who was in charge this night, striking out his first five batters and retiring his first 11 in a row.

Things got testy in the third inning, when Dodgers bench coach Bob Schaefer was ejected by plate umpire Doug Eddings for griping from the dugout about a called strike with Kershaw at the plate. Once he got back on the mound, Kershaw kept throwing strikes. He had nine strikeouts through the first 3 2/3 innings.

De La Rosa retired his first nine batters before injuring himself on his 40th pitch.

The left-hander was relieved by Jose Contreras with a 2-0 count on Rafael Furcal, who singled and advanced to third on a pair of groundouts. But Ramirez lined out to right field.

Kershaw allowed three hits, struck out 10 and walked three.

Saturday was an ugly anniversary for the Dodgers on several counts. In 1951, Ralph Branca gave up a three-run homer by Bobby Thomson in the bottom of the ninth inning at New York's Polo Grounds as the New York Giants won the NL pennant with a stunning 5-4 win in the deciding game of a three-game playoff.

In 1962, the Dodgers lost the third and deciding game of another three-game playoff with the Giants, who rallied with four runs in the ninth to win 6-4 at Los Angeles and advanced to the World Series.

Notes: Among those in attendance was the oldest living major league player, former Brooklyn Dodger INF Tony Malinosky, who turns 100 years old on Monday. ... Pierre was presented with the team's fourth annual Roy Campanella Award by Campy's daughter, Joni Roan, in a pregame ceremony.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

At Last, Dodgers Lock Up NL West Crown originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 01:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Starting Five: Wild West Weekend on Tap

Andrew Johnson — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cardinals, Dodgers, Marlins, Rays, Rockies, Tigers, Twins, NL West, Starting Five

Starting Five is our wrapup of the previous day's baseball action with a quick nod to what is ahead.

You Oughta Know ...
That the NL West race will come down to the final weekend of the regular season.

The Rockies held on for a 4-3 win over the Dodgers Friday night, cutting Los Angeles' lead in the division to one game behind shortstop Troy Tulowitzki's 32nd home run of the year and 10 strikeouts from Ubaldo Jimenez.

The Dodgers, who lost their fifth straight, have already won the season series, meaning that Colorado will have to win the final two games of the regular season in L.A. to win the division since both teams have already clinched playoff spots.

More Coverage: Scoreboard | Standings | Statistics

Jorge De La Rosa and Jason Marquis, winners of a combined 31 games this year, will start the Rockies' final two games, but 21-year-old Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw, who will face De La Rosa on Saturday, will pose a significant obstacle to Colorado's hopes of stealing away the NL West.

From the Trainer's Room ...
Don't expect to see Cody Ross again this season. The Marlins outfielder, sidelined since last weekend after getting hit on the wrist by a pitch, hasn't played since Saturday because of lingering soreness in the area. It's unlikely Ross will play again this season, but that won't stop him from trying.

"I want to get back out there," Ross said. "I want to finish the season. I don't want to finish on the bench."

Numbers Game ...
CC Sabathia and Adam Wainwright fell short in their respective bids to win 20 games Friday, marking the second time in the last four years that Major League Baseball will not have a 20-game winner. Wainwright was well on his way to a 20th win, carrying a 6-1 lead into the seventh inning, but the Brewers scored six times in that frame (two of the runs were charged to Wainwright) erasing him from the decision.

"This is right there with the most disappointing, toughest regular-season losses that I can remember," manager Tony La Russa said. "It was an important win for us if we can get it with what was at stake. Adam has been so great all year long. I'm really, really disappointed."

The Cardinals rallied to win the game 12-6.

In Their Own Words ...
"Every one of those balls was just scorched. I mean, I don't think I've ever hit five balls hard like that in a row. He hit them all really hard, too." -- Rays utilityman Ben Zobrist on B.J. Upton's cycle -- the first in Tampa Bay franchise history and a feat Upton accomplished in just five innings. The Rays center fielder finished with five hits and six RBI.

Advance Scouting ...
The Twins are within a game of the Tigers in the AL Central, but their biggest hurdle to tying Detroit awaits Saturday against the Royals. Minnesota must face top Cy Young contender Zack Greinke (4:10 PM ET), who is 16-8 with a 2.06 ERA this year, needing to win out and the Tigers to lose on of their remaining games just to force a playoff. Nick Blackburn, starting on three days of rest, will go for the Twins.

Starting Five: Wild West Weekend on Tap originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 06:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

From the Windup: And the 'Winner' Is ...

Matt Snyder — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:45:00 EST

Filed under: AL Central, AL East, AL West, NL Central, NL East, NL West

From the Windup is Matt Snyder's weekly look at some aspect of America's pastime.

Instead of handing our hardware to Joe Girardi, Joe Torre, Albert Pujols, Joe Mauer, Zack Greinke and Chris Carpenter (yes, those would be my votes), I thought we'd mix it up a bit. Plus, being a Cubs fan, I'm plenty filled with negativity at this time of the year -- which, really, is normal. So these are the Bizarro World Awards. The Suck Awards, if you will. The envelopes, please ...

NL LVP (Least Valuable Player): Well, let's see ... you sign a multi-year deal, proclaim your love for your new team and promise health. Instead, you end up getting hurt several times, suspended a few more, alienating your manager, general manager, teammates and fan base and, on top of that, post an OPS 224 points lower than last season. Mix in some bone-headed plays and constant sparring in the media, and you have a recipe for destroying a team that won 97 games last season. This is a no-brainer. Milton Bradley in an absolute landslide. I'm embarrassed I ever tried to defend him.

AL LVP: With apologies to Alex Rios and B.J. Upton, our winner here is another player who switched leagues after signing a free-agent contract. Pat Burrell inked a two-year deal to bolster the lineup of the defending American League champs. They got whatever the opposite of a career year is from Burrell. He sported the lowest OPS of his life, a career-low in home runs and has a shot at a career-low in RBI. Talk about a lack of run production from a supposed run producer. Plus, he had a spat with team captain and most respected Ray, Carl Crawford. You think CC grew tired of Burrell's apparent indifference and lack of hustle? That's conjecture, but it certainly wouldn't surprise me. When you play well, being laid-back is OK. When you suck, it comes off as apathy.

NL Anthony Young (Opposite of Cy Young): Brad Lidge was one of the reasons the Phillies were great last year. This year, he's prevented them from being the bar-none best team in the NL. If Lidge threw this year the way he did last, the Phils would have around 100 wins. Instead, they are headed to the playoffs with a huge question mark at the back end of the bullpen. His 7.34 ERA, eight losses and 11 blown saves sound fake. They aren't; just ask Phillies fans.

AL Anthony Young: Fausto Carmona was supposed to join Cliff Lee to form one of the more menacing 1-2 punches in the league. Instead, the Tribe traded Lee and watched Carmona sandwich three different minor-league stops (including one all the way down in Single-A) between a 5-12 record and 6.32 ERA. In 125 1/3 major league innings, he's walked 70 guys and allowed 16 home runs. And 151 hits.

NL Mismanager of the Year: Lou Piniella went with Kevin Gregg as his closer instead of Carlos Marmol. Then he stuck with him too long. Speaking of which, he kept an albatross (Alfonso Soriano) atop the order for far too long. He continued to run Aaron Heilman out in big spots. His fire from the past few years turned into what appeared to be the equivalent of throwing his hands in the air and saying, "I'm not the one on the field." There's more, but we don't have enough time -- or inclination, frankly -- to cover all his snafus. An awful year for Sweet Lou.

AL Mismanager of the Year: Yes, I realize the Orioles have a huge uphill battle in their division, but they are 20-50 since the All-Star break. They've lost 13 games in a row, including a three-game sweep at the hands of the hapless Indians. Dave Trembley needs to find a way to develop his youth a bit better than this. If they plan on contending with this group, and this is the rate they are developing, 2013 seems more realistic than 2011.

NL Most Disappointing Team: Cubs Pretty simple. You take a 97-win team who entered the season with World Series aspirations and instead end up by losing the division by close to double-digits. Can't get more disappointing than that.

AL Most Disappointing Team: Rays Not to be outdone by the Cubs, last year's World Series loser is going to finish more than 20 games out of first.

NL Executive Failure: Jim Hendry: (noticing a theme?) changed the landscape of the NL's best regular season team based upon a three-game sample (last year's NLDS) against a white-hot Dodgers team. Where he could have made tweaks (leadoff spot in the order, promoting Marmol to closer; to name two), he didn't. Hendry also signed Milton Bradley. I've heard the argument that Piniella made Hendry attempt to balance the batting order. If that's the case, it makes Hendry look even worse. The general manager is the boss. You don't take orders from underlings. Oh, and by the way, the Cubs were second in the National League in OPS against righties in 2008. This year? Fifth. Good thing that batting order got balanced.

AL Executive Failure: I'm gonna go with Mark Shapiro here. It's tough to try and mix and match veterans with still-developing youth. In the past two seasons, Cleveland has traded CC Sabathia, Victor Martinez, Cliff Lee and Mark DeRosa while also signing Kerry Wood and trading for DeRosa. They are playing with Travis Hafner and Grady Sizemore while trying to develop young players like Matt LaPorta. It's possible for the combination plan to work (see the Dodgers' Ethier/Kemp/Loney/Martin/Billingsley mix with Jeff Kent, Derek Lowe et al in 2007 and 2008), but if it doesn't, the team will need to blow it up and start over. That's where the Indians are now. It's hindsight, but Shapiro has to take some heat for this season.

NL Fall-Flat (Opposite of Comeback Player): We're gonna give a group award here to the New York Mets. Can a hamstring pull end your season? A bruised knee keep you out for half the year? It can on the Mets! It's amazing how afflicted nearly an entire team can be for one season. But, hey, they are the "Amazins." It's going to be interesting to see their direction this offseason under embattled executive Omar Minaya.

AL Fall-Flat: Josh Hamilton's team took a huge step forward this season. If he had shown up for the party, they might have made the playoffs for the first time since 1999 under the late Johnny Oates. The anchor of one of the best offenses in baseball in 2008, Hamilton had a .901 OPS with 32 home runs and 130 RBI in 2008. This year, he suffered from injuries in a big way and failed to really help the offense when in the lineup. His OPS (.741) is below average and he's only hit 10 home runs.

From the Windup: And the 'Winner' Is ... originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

MLB Power Rankings: Some Daylight

Matt Snyder — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: AL Central, AL East, AL West, NL Central, NL East, NL West, MLB Power Rankings

Finally, the regular season is almost over. Most baseball seasons -- especially since realignment and the addition of the wild card -- have at least three heated races down the stretch. While the Braves, Rangers and Giants have tried to make things interesting at different points in time, there is really only one race that's been in total doubt for the entire month: the AL Central. As the Twins and Tigers get set to play the only interesting game of the day, we're left sorting out what has been a relatively boring final month. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, though. A week from Wednesday, the playoffs begin.

1. Yankees | Record: 102-56 | Previous Week: 1
New York has 102 wins and counting with four games to play. The Yankees already have more wins in a season than any team since the 2004 Cardinals, who won 105. Though they won't be trying to with home-field advantage sewn up, if the Bronx Bombers win out, they will have the second-highest single-season win total this decade behind the 2001 Mariners. - Andrew Johnson
2. Angels | Record: 93-64 | Previous Week: 3
Yeah, it was quite an emotional scene when all the Angels went out to center field after clinching the division to pay their respects to the Nick Adenhart display on the fence. It probably wasn't so cool that they celebrated in the clubhouse by dumping beer and champagne on his empty jersey, considering that he was killed by a drunk driver. - Jeff Fletcher
3. Dodgers | Record: 93-65 | Previous Week: 4
Matt Kemp is finishing off a great season, perhaps the first Dodger in five years to go .300-25-100 or better, but he's got this strange split. He's hitting .356 batting seventh or eighth, and .242 batting fourth or fifth. - Jeff Fletcher
4. Phillies | Record: 91-66 | Previous Week: 5
Yes, the bullpen is a major question mark heading into the postseason, but all the playoff teams have a few of those when October hit. There is talent in Charlie Manuel's relief corps -- no matter how far astray it has gone this year -- and this Phillies team is one win from equaling last year's World Series champion. That team also had question marks -- Jamie Moyer, he of the 4.99 ERA this year -- was Philly's No. 3 starter. - Andrew Johnson
5. Cardinals | Record: 90-67 | Previous Week: 6
Who really wants to play a team that can toss Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright in a best-of-five series? The two Cy Young candidates can pitch at least three and maybe four games in a short series, which could give the Cardinals a real advantage, even if they draw the NL-best Dodgers in the Division Series. - Pat Lackey
6. Red Sox | Record: 91-66 | Previous Week: 2
For a team tied for the fourth-best record in baseball, Boston is awfully tough to figure out. The Red Sox have lost five straight, and, more troubling, have reason to worry about their top three starters going into the playoffs. Jon Lester is recovering from an ugly line drive off his leg, Josh Beckett missed his start Monday with "mild" back spasms and Clay Buchholz was bombed for five home runs by the Blue Jays on Tuesday. A week ago, that trio looked like it could form the most formidable rotation among the four AL playoff teams. Of course, it still could. - Andrew Johnson
7. Rockies | Record: 89-68 | Previous Week: 7
Catcher Chris Iannetta had a rare big moment on Tuesday night, but most of the second half has been about Yorvit Torrealba being the clutch producer at catcher. Torrealba took over the everyday job Aug. 9 and is hitting .325 since. - Jeff Fletcher
8. Braves | Record: 86-71 | Previous Week: 10
It's hard to use enough superlatives to describe how good the Atlanta rotation has been this year. Three starters -- Javier Vazquez, Jair Jurrjens and Derek Lowe -- have won at least 14 games, and three -- Vazquez, Jurrjens and Tommy Hanson -- have ERAs under 3.00. It could take the Braves to 90 wins, but a loss Tuesday makes it unlikely it will also take them to the postseason. - Andrew Johnson
9. Tigers | Record: 84-73 | Previous Week: 9
Of the few games each day worth watching, the Tigers and Twins provided two of them Tuesday. The Tigers get the nod for now, based upon Justin Verlander stepping up and getting the job done when his team most needed him.
10. Twins | Record: 82-75 | Previous Week: 8
When I was ranking the teams Tuesday night -- before the Tigers-Twins game ended -- I actually put the Tigers and Twins tied, ready to put the winner of the nightcap on top of the other. Still, this could change any day, as these two teams are so equally matched at this point. At least there is one great race left for the last few days of the regular season.
11. Cubs | Record: 82-74 | Previous Week: 15
Despite their 11-17 record in August, the Cubs are still 39-31 since the All-Star break (17-10 in September), an improvement on their 43-43 mark prior. Over a full season, that pace would probably have them in the thick of the NL Central and wild-card races. I'm not saying the Cubs don't need to make some changes this winter, because they do, but the situation probably isn't as dire as it seems. - Pat Lackey
12. Marlins | Record: 84-74 | Previous Week: 14
Cameron Maybin, one of the key chips Florida received in the Miguel Cabrera trade, couldn't take hold of the Marlins' center field job in 2009, but a promising stint as a September callup makes it seem like it will be his next year. Maybin has a .791 OPS in 23 games this month. - Andrew Johnson
13. Giants | Record: 84-73 | Previous Week: 11
Brian Wilson is one of only four relievers to have at least 35 saves each of the past two seasons. The others are Mariano Rivera, Joe Nathan and Jonathan Papelbon. Pretty good company. - Jeff Fletcher
14. Rangers | Record: 85-72 | Previous Week: 12
The Red Sox tried to leave the door open for the up-and-coming Rangers by losing five straight games. Instead, the Rangers let them off the hook by eliminating themselves. Still, the team, front office and fans alike have reason for optimism heading into 2010. There is a good foundation in place for the first time since the Ivan Rodriguez-Juan Gonzalez days.
15. Rays | Record: 81-76 | Previous Week: 16
With one more win, the Rays will clinch their second winning season in a dozen years of existence. Funny enough, given the talent on the 2009 version of this club and the levels the 2008 team reached, this year will still be seen as a bit of a disappointment, especially because Tampa Bay wasn't at least able to push Boston and New York in September. What a difference a year makes ... - Andrew Johnson
16. Mariners | Record: 81-76 | Previous Week: 13
Improving the defense was a point of emphasis last winter, and it seems to have worked. Last year the Mariners ranked 26th in the majors in defensive efficiency, which measures the percentage of balls in play converted outs. This year they are second. - Jeff Fletcher
17. Blue Jays | Record: 74-84 | Previous Week: 20
So Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi says "The division," meaning the AL East "isn't going to change." At face value, he has a point. The economic realities of squaring off head-to-head with the Red Sox and Yankees every year surely makes it difficult for the other three teams to compete. Only the Rays proved it is possible to do so, possible even to take down both teams and win the division outright. Couple their success with Ricciardi's assorted missteps in charge of the Jays and his words suddenly sound more like sour grapes from a man whose days in Toronto are numbered. - Andrew Johnson
18. A's | Record: 75-82 | Previous Week: 17
Despite what seemed like a horrible year, the A's are just one victory from exceeding last year's total (75). That's the good news. The bad news is they will have their fourth consecutive losing season. - Jeff Fletcher
19. Brewers | Record: 77-80 | Previous Week: 18
The Brewers demoted struggling veteran J.J. Hardy to Triple-A for two weeks in August for the morally gray purpose of setting his arbitration clock back a year and increasing his trade value. Since returning, Hardy's hit worse than he did before his demotion, hitting .220/.304/.244 in 11 games. Which is to say that the Brewers better not be planning on using Hardy to restock their rotation. If they're serious about doing that this winter, it's going to have to be through free agency. - Pat Lackey
20. White Sox | Record: 76-81 | Previous Week: 19
A bright spot that can be taken from this disappointing season? Gordon Beckham is a superstar in the making. He's hitting .272 with 14 home runs, 63 RBI, 27 doubles, seven stolen bases and an .816 OPS in 99 games of his rookie campaign. He's also plays solid defense, always hustles and is a positive clubhouse presence. And he just turned 23 two weeks ago.
21. Reds | Record: 75-82 | Previous Week: 21
Since his return from a wrist injury, Jay Bruce has hit .375/.459/.813 and has hit four homers in his last four games. This season looked to be kind of a lost one for Bruce, who had just a .283 OBP before going on the DL in mid-July, but his tear in September coupled with the Reds very good play (they're 17-9 this month) gives Cincy fans something to look forward to in 2010. - Pat Lackey
22. Padres | Record: 73-85 | Previous Week: 22
Bud Black probably deserves some second- or third-place votes on Manager of the Year ballots. Any manager whose team plays over .500 in the second half, after falling hopelessly out of contention, deserves some credit. - Jeff Fletcher
23. Astros | Record: 73-84 | Previous Week: 23
There is one bright spot for the Astros this year: Wandy Rodriguez has finally broken out for a full season after threatening to do so in each of the past three. His 2.97 ERA is matched by 8.6 K/9 and a 2.97 K:BB ratio. It's just too bad that the Astros don't have much of anything besides him, Lance Berkman, Hunter Pence, and Roy Oswalt. Unless they seriously upgrade this roster, 2010 won't look much different than 2009. - Pat Lackey
24. Diamondbacks | Record: 68-89 | Previous Week: 24
It's been a lousy year on just about every level, but manager A.J. Hinch said they have a shot at getting back to contention next year if they can change the attitude. "We can be a competitive team soon, as soon as next year," he said. "We have to rekindle our competitive juices. Just coming back and wiping the slate clean and starting 0-0 isn't going to be enough." - Jeff Fletcher
25. Mets | Record: 67-91 | Previous Week: 25
Jeff Francoeur would like a multi-year deal with New York, and on the surface, it might seem like a good idea. Frenchy has hit .308 since arriving in the Big Apple this July, after all. But he'll turn 26 this January and he doesn't seem to have grown fundamentally as a player. The older he gets, the less hope there is that his raw tools will help him blossom into a superstar, and this Francoeur probably doesn't deserve a big extension, not for a team with first-division aspirations like the Mets. - Andrew Johnson
26. Royals | Record: 64-94 | Previous Week: 26
Zack Greinke (I know we mentioned him last week, but he's really the only thing worth continuing to watch on the 2009 Royals at this point) has one more start: Saturday against the Twins. Considering the Twins could still really need a win, Greinke has a shot to garner his 17th win and cement more Cy Young votes. Plus, if he really deals, he could lower his ERA below 2.00.
27. Indians | Record: 64-92 | Previous Week: 28
They have fired Eric Wedge. He may have been part of the problem, but he wasn't the problem these last few years. We'll see if they come through in the offseason with an actual plan, not just a patchwork roster mixed with still-developing youngsters and aging veterans.
28. Orioles | Record: 60-97 | Previous Week: 27
Baltimore is building toward something in 2010 or 2011, but that doesn't mean it won't be a turbulent offseason in the Charm City. The Orioles may need to find a new manager if Andy MacPhail is non-plussed by the job Dave Trembley did -- a possibility that seems increasingly likely with another September Swoon almost in the books. Oh yes, the O's will need a third baseman, a first baseman and a pitcher or two even if Chris Tillman and Brian Matusz can avoid major growing pains to challenge the big boys in the East. - Andrew Johnson
29. Pirates | Record: 59-97 | Previous Week: 29
They took three of four from the Dodgers over the weekend, but they're still trucking towards the club's second 100-loss season this decade, needing to go 4-2 the rest of the way out to avoid it. That's an awfully tall task with all six games on the road, as the Pirates are a mind-bogglingly bad 19-56 away from PNC Park this season. - Pat Lackey
30. Nationals | Record: 54-103 | Previous Week: 30
Lost amid all the champagne celebrations this week in Anaheim, the Bronx and Boston was Washington's clinch. The Nationals will finish with the worst record, meaning they will be first in line next June to select phenom Bryce Harper. All joking about the Nats' sorry state aside, drafting Stephen Strasburg and Harper in back-to-back seasons could go a long way toward turning this moribund franchise around. - Andrew Johnson

MLB Power Rankings: Some Daylight originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Ned Colletti, Dodgers Discuss Extension

Tom Fornelli — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:10:00 EST

Filed under: Dodgers, NL West, MLB Rumors

While some people around Major League Baseball are losing their jobs for failing to win games, others around the league are being rewarded for their success. The Los Angeles Dodgers are getting ready to make their third appearance in the postseason in the last four years, and it looks like the man who is in charge of putting the team together is about to be rewarded for it.

There's word out of Los Angeles that the team has begun negotiating with general manager Ned Colletti about signing a long-term contract extension with the team. Colletti is currently working under a deal that includes a mutual option for 2010, and now the Dodgers would like that to last a bit longer.

It is uncertain whether the extension will be finalized or announced before the Dodgers complete play this season. The official was granted anonymity because owner Frank McCourt has asked that off-the-field business not take public precedence over the team's quest to reach the World Series for the first time since 1988.

Colletti, who said earlier this month he would "love" to return to the Dodgers next season, declined to comment on the negotiations.

"He's obviously done a very good job," McCourt said. "The team has the best record in the National League. We're on the verge of clinching the division back-to-back [for the first time] in 31 years. I think that speaks for itself."

Obviously the biggest acquisition Coletti has made since taking the Dodgers job was getting Manny Ramirez last season, but he's had other smaller deals that have helped the team out as well. He's responsible for bringing in players like Casey Blake, Greg Maddux, George Sherrill, Jon Garland and Jim Thome over the last two seasons.

Bringing in those veterans to go along with the Dodgers' homegrown talent like Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier has helped mold a team that seems poised to contend for the next few years.

Ned Colletti, Dodgers Discuss Extension originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Clint Barmes' Amazing Catch May Not Have Been a Catch at All

Pat Lackey — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:56:00 EST

Filed under: Rockies, NL West

If you haven't seen it yet, Clint Barmes' catch Sunday afternoon seemed to be one of those things that makes September baseball great. It was a fantastic catch that preserved a slim lead, keeping the Rockies 2 1/2 games up in the NL wild-card race and preventing the Dodgers from clinching the NL West. The play came at such a dramatic juncture that T.J. Simers' column in the Los Angeles Times hinges on it.

The only problem is that Barmes may not have actually caught the ball. On The Denver Post's Rockies blog today, Nick Groke publishes a picture taken by a Post photographer which shows the ball popping out of Barmes' glove as the second baseman falls to the ground and another picture which makes it appear as if the ball is on the ground.

More: Watch Video of Catch | More Rockies Photos

Watching the replay closely, it's almost impossible to tell if Barmes holds on to the ball or if he scoops it off the ground in one motion as he rolls over. I haven't seen a better angle replay, though if one exists I doubt the Rockies or Major League Baseball would be all that eager to let the public see it.

There's certainly a lot riding on that catch. As I mentioned above, a loss would've put the Braves within 1 1/2 games of the Rockies with a week of baseball left and it's not hard to imagine a scenario where Atlanta falls a game shy in the wild-card race this year.

Given the Rockies' recent history of getting favorable late-season calls, the question of whether this play is more evidence that baseball should expand its instant replay review system immediately arises. Without the existence of a definitive replay that shows Barmes dropping the ball on the ground, it's hard to use this instance as evidence.

When I saw the play Sunday night without knowledge of these pictures, I didn't question the catch at all -- no matter how hard I squinted at the replay, I couldn't really figure out what was happening.

Even with an extensive replay review system like the NFL utilizes, the play couldn't be overturned on the field without actual video evidence that Barmes dropped the ball. Without that, there's not anywhere to go with the "If there was replay ..." hypotheticals.

I guess we can just consider this another lucky late-season break for the Rockies.

Clint Barmes' Amazing Catch May Not Have Been a Catch at All originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:56:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Tim Lincecum Open to Long-Term Deal

Josh Alper — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:05:00 EST

Filed under: Giants, NL West

The Giants will have a pretty big decision to make this offseason regarding Tim Lincecum. Do they sign the insanely talented righthander to a long-term contract extension to buy out his arbitration years or do they let him go to arbitration and continue going the one-year contract route to avoid being on the hook for big money if something untoward happens to Lincecum's arm?

You'd imagine they'd opt for the long-term deal, so his answer to a question about a willingness to sign an extension was likely met with some smiles.

Yes," Lincecum said Thursday. "I definitely like San Francisco. I've seen nothing but positive things as far as my personal experiences. It's where I see myself being for awhile."

So the deal's getting done, right? Sadly, it won't be quite that easy for the Giants.

If Lincecum wins a second straight Cy Young come November, the picture will change dramatically. There's never been a pitcher entering arbitration with two awards of that magnitude under his belt which creates the possibility of a massive award that goes far beyond the current record for a pitcher of $6.25 million to Jonathan Papelbon. It also raises the likelihood that that number will continue to go up throughout his arbitration years which, in turn, will send his asking price higher and higher.

Since Zack Greinke has been the best pitcher in the American League this season, his contract is probably a decent jumping off point in discussions of a Lincecum extension. He signed a four-year, $38 million extension before the start of this season, and it's hard to figure that Lincecum would do a deal for a penny less. For one thing, Greinke didn't have a Cy Young (or two) and, for another, Lincecum doesn't have any red flag in his past that approaches Greinke's battle with anxiety disorder.

Most of the above is true even if Lincecum doesn't pick up a second trophy this year, and the results of that voting won't change his status as the cornerstone of the franchise. That has tremendous value and it's no sure thing that the Giants and Lincecum will put the same number on that value.

All of that is going to add up to a hefty salary in 2010, the only question is whether or not Lincecum will be locked up beyond then.

Tim Lincecum Open to Long-Term Deal originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

MLB Power Rankings: AL West Is Best

Matt Snyder — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: AL Central, AL East, AL West, NL Central, NL East, NL West, MLB Power Rankings

Heading into the season, there weren't many who were sure about what team to pick in the AL West. The reason wasn't the same as the arguments about who would take the AL East -- where most believed there were three stellar teams. With the AL West, it was because most believed the four-team division would be a bastion of mediocrity. Yet, here we are. Now that the A's are on fire, the AL West is easily the best top-to-bottom division in the majors.

1. Yankees | Record: 96-56 | Previous Week: 1
Despite the best record in the majors, the Yankees have question marks -- notably in the rotation. Andy Pettitte did OK on Monday after skipping a start to rest his shoulder, but A.J. Burnett and Joba Chamberlain have not been sharp, and neither has started a postseason game. - Ed Price
2. Red Sox | Record: 89-61 | Previous Week: 2
Boston holds out hopes for winning the division, mainly because it visits Yankee Stadium for three games next weekend. If the Red Sox could pull off the comeback in the AL East, it would face the AL Central winner in the first round of the postseason and force the Yankees to play their nemesis, the Angels, without home-field advantage. - Ed Price
3. Angels| Record: 90-61 | Previous Week: 3
For the first time in franchise history, the Angels have had three consecutive 90-win seasons. This will also mark their first time reaching the playoffs three years in a row. The Angels reached the postseason three times in their first 24 years, and now it'll be six of eight. - Jeff Fletcher
4. Dodgers | Record: 91-60 | Previous Week: 4
Jon Garland may turn out to be one of the most underrated midseson acquisitions. Garland, acquired from the Diamondbacks just before the Aug. 31 deadline for postseason eligibility, has gone 3-0 with a 2.33 ERA for a Dodgers team that has had to patch together its rotation. - Jeff Fletcher
5. Phillies | Record: 88-62 | Previous Week: 6
Tuesday's split of a doubleheader in Florida left Philadelphia 46-30 on the road this season, the best such record in the majors. The franchise record is 48 road victories, and the last NL team to play .600 ball away from home was the 2005 Cardinals. - Ed Price
6. Cardinals | Record: 89-63 | Previous Week: 5
The offense hasn't been consistent at all, but the Cards have arguably the two best starting pitchers in the National League. It's going to be awfully tough for any team to beat them in a seven-game playoff series, with Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright getting two starts each.
7. Rockies | Record: 86-65 | Previous Week: 8
Troy Tulowitzki is going to become only the third active shortstop to have more than one 800-OPS season before his 25th birthday. The others are Alex Rodriguez and Hanley Ramirez. - Jeff Fletcher
8. Twins | Record: 78-73 | Previous Week: 15
They're playing great baseball right now, and they control their own destiny, considering they trail the Tigers by 2 1/2 games and have a four-game set in Detroit next week. Thankfully, we have at least one race of intrigue.
9. Tigers | Record: 80-70 | Previous Week: 10
The Twins have made up five games on the Tigers in the past two weeks. At this pace, Detroit will be watching the playoffs from home after leading the division for an overwhelming majority of the season.
10. Braves | Record: 81-70 | Previous Week: 11
The Braves went 10-8 against the Phillies, 4-2 against the Cardinals and 4-3 against the Dodgers. So why isn't Atlanta joining those teams in the playoffs? Because it was just 15-14 against the four last-place teams it played (three NL plus Baltimore). - Ed Price
11. Giants | Record: 81-70 | Previous Week: 7
The pitching-rich Giants have suffered from a poorly-timed starting pitching slump. After pulling within 2 1/2 games of the Rockies, their starters proceeded to have a 11.41 ERA over the next six games, and the Giants lost four of them. - Jeff Fletcher
12. Rangers | Record: 82-68 | Previous Week: 9
They aren't going to make the postseason just yet, but the direction here is extremely positive. Expect the Rangers to again be in the mix in 2010.
13. Mariners | Record: 79-72 | Previous Week: 14
Despite talk of his Cy Young candidacy, Felix Hernandez is probably still underrated for what he's done so early in his career. He's won 55 games and he's not even 24 years old. CC Sabathia (60), Dontrelle Willis (58) and Jeremy Bonderman (56) are the only active pitchers to win more games before their 24th birthday. - Jeff Fletcher
14. Marlins | Record: 81-71 | Previous Week: 13
Hanley Ramirez's .352 average not only leads the National League, but it would be the highest average for an NL shortstop since Arky Vaughan of the 1935 Pirates. In the modern era, only one other NL shortstop has hit .350 -- Honus Wagner, who did it five times in 1901-08. - Ed Price
15. Cubs | Record: 78-72 | Previous Week: 12
Six games over .500 and they are probably the biggest disappointment of the season -- either them or the Rays, though the Rays have to compete with Boston and New York. It's not the 1970s anymore, when this record would have been welcomed. Expectations are a bit different now, and this is just not acceptable. Jim Hendry should be fired for the Milton Bradley signing alone.
16. Rays | Record: 77-74 | Previous Week: 17
Tampa Bay is just the third team to have 180 homers and 180 stolen bases, joining the 1996 Rockies and 1998 Blue Jays. Yet none of those clubs were playoff teams. Reason No. 23,525 that pitching is everything. - Ed Price
17. A's | Record: 72-79 | Previous Week: 21
With the youngest pitching staff in the league, the A's have been better than the league average in ERA, WHIP, hits per nine innings, and walks per nine innings. They also have the league's best bullpen ERA. If only they could hit, this season might have meant more than a good start on 2010. - Jeff Fletcher
18. Brewers | Record: 74-77 | Previous Week: 20
The Crew has plenty of offense. They need to find some way to get better starting pitching before 2010. You can't just outhit opposition all season and expect to be more than a run-of-the-mill team.
19. White Sox | Record: 73-79 | Previous Week: 16
What a disastrous season it has been for Carlos Quentin -- following his uber-breakout 2008 campaign. He's battled injuries and inconsistency, though the two could be related.
20. Blue Jays | Record: 68-83 | Previous Week: 18
Edwin Encarnacion, the third baseman acquired from Cincinnati in exchange for Scott Rolen, hadn't reminded anyone of Rolen before homering twice Tuesday. Still, in 33 games for Toronto, Encarnacion has hit .236 with six homers and 17 RBI. And he has six errors -- one more than Rolen had in his 88 games. - Ed Price
21. Reds | Record: 70-81 | Previous Week: 22
2010 is going to be a big year for Cincy. The Reds have shown signs of emergence with the kids. They've won seven of 10 now. This followed a five-game losing streak, which was preceded by a stretch where they won 12 of 14. If they can stay healthy and play with consistency, good things are on their way.
22. Padres | Record: 69-83 | Previous Week: 23
Kevin Correia has put himself into an interesting spot with his breakout year. Correia is 11-10 with a respectable 4.08 ERA, including 4-1 with a 2.67 ERA since Aug. 7. He's arbitration eligible this winter, meaning he's earned himself a big salary bump. Maybe too big for the Padres, who might opt to sell high on him by trading him. - Jeff Fletcher
23. Astros | Record: 70-81 | Previous Week: 19
What a mess. Nine losses in a row, an aging roster, a fired manager and no real hope on the horizon. They need to blow everything up.
24. Diamondbacks | Record: 66-86 | Previous Week: 24
The Diamondbacks better be damn sure they can contend in 2010 if they plan on keeping Brandon Webb. The injured ace reportedly won't restructure his 2010 option. After the season, the 'Backs can't be sure they'll be able to re-up with him. Thus, they might be wise to pursue a trade.
25. Mets | Record: 65-87 | Previous Week: 25
The last few months have been tryouts for 2010, and the Mets have to be wondering what they have in former No. 1 pick Mike Pelfrey, who makes his 30th start tonight. Pelfrey is 10-11, but more indicative is his 5.10 ERA and 196 hits allowed in 171 1/3 innings. - Ed Price
26. Royals | Record: 63-88 | Previous Week: 26
Last season the Cy Young voters showed they understood the award was for the best pitcher in the league when voting Tim Lincecum the NL winner, despite playing on a sub-par Giants team. This year, they'll realize that Zack Greinke is just as deserving, despite some talking heads acting like he may not win it. His 2.08 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 229 strikeouts, six complete games and three shutouts make him the most dominant pitcher in the majors for 2009. It would be a travesty if he didn't win the award, and the voters know that. You'll see.
27. Orioles | Record: 60-91 | Previous Week: 27
What is it about the second half that crushes Baltimore? This millennium (since 2001, that is), the O's are 248-402 after the All-Star break, easily the worst mark in the majors. This year's mark
is 20-43. - Ed Price
28. Indians | Record: 61-89 | Previous Week: 28
And that's nine losses in a row! You know what the biggest problem is? They can't make up their mind as to whether or not they're rebuilding (trading away high-priced players) or playing for now (signing Kerry Wood, trading for Mark DeRosa before the season). Make a decision, Tribe, otherwise you'll be bad for a very long time.
29. Pirates | Record: 56-93 | Previous Week: 29
On the other hand, the Pirates have fully committed to the rebuilding effort. They'll be down here for the rest of this season and probably for most of next season. Come 2011 and 2012, though, and they'll have a foundation. This is the way you clean up a mess.
30. Nationals | Record: 51-99 | Previous Week: 30
Rookie shortstop Ian Desmond, who has hit .343 in nine games since being called up Sept. 4, didn't get out of Single-A until 2008, his fifth pro season. But at Double-A and Triple-A this year, Desmond, 24, hit .330 with 21 steals and a .401 on-base percentage. - Ed Price

MLB Power Rankings: AL West Is Best originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Webb Reportedly Will Not Restructure Option for Arizona

Pat Lackey — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:33:00 EST

Filed under: Diamondbacks, NL West

One of the big stories of the early offseason in 2009 is going to be Brandon Webb's 2010 option. The Diamondbacks hold a team option on their ailing ace worth $8.5 million and they're understandably a little hesitant to pay such a steep price for a pitcher coming off of a shoulder injury, even if that pitcher is Brandon Webb.

In that vein, the Arizona Republic reported Tuesday that the D'backs are planning on approaching Webb about restructuring his contract. Of course, in the same story it was reported that Webb has absolutely no interest in any sort of contract restructuring of his deal. That means the D'backs have until shortly after the World Series to figure out what they're going to do with their ace.

Because Webb finished in the top five in Cy Young voting in 2006, 2007, and 2008, the buyout on the option is a hefty $2 million. The Diamondbacks haven't indicated what they want to do, but it's hard to imagine them paying Webb $2 million to stay away unless the questions about his shoulder (he did have surgery on it, but it was just a scope and it didn't reveal anything terrible) are more serious than we realize.

Webb's refusal to restructure is probably just a bet on his part that the Diamondbacks will be willing to pay him because of the price of the buyout. Of course, if Arizona refuses he'll start the winter with $2 million in his pocket, which means that he doesn't have to worry about someone matching his option price on the open market. For him, refusing the option just seems to make the most business sense.

Webb Reportedly Will Not Restructure Option for Arizona originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

The Dugout: It's Tribe Time Now Finale

B. Thompson Stroud — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:30:00 EST

Filed under: Dodgers, Indians, NL West, The Dugout

The 1997 Cleveland Indians have finally been reassembled on the 2009 Los Angeles Dodgers, and it is up to venerable Dugout protagonists Jim Thome and Manny Ramirez to lead them through the playoffs and to the promised land, whether they've been there already or not.

If you have not been reading our end of the season special event and want anything you're about to read to make sense, please catch up by reading the first seven parts linked conveniently below. Part "The End" is after the jump.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

The Dugout

	Online Host Welcome to the 2009 Los Angeles Dodgers Chatroom!
	KanyeFeelTheLoveTonight: I'M SOOOOO SORRY TO JIM THOME AND MANNY RAMIREZ. I TALKED TO MARQUIS GRISSOM RIGHT AFTER AND HE SAID THE SAME THING MY MOTHER WOULD'VE SAID!
	KanyeFeelTheLoveTonight: YOU GUYS ARE VERY TALENTED! i LIKE THE PART WHERE YOU TRY TO TYPE JIM AND THEN ACCIDENTALLY HIT ENTER
	KanyeFeelTheLoveTonight: MUCH LOVE AND RESPECT I WILL APOLOGIZE 2 U 2MRW, I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT I AM GREAT AND POP CULTURE BUT SORRY AGAIN, ONE LOVE, PEACE OUT
	Online Host Kanye is exhausted having typed more than 140 characters in a sitting, and has left the chatroom.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: help me jim tommy
	WordUpThome: WHAT'S THE MATTER, LITTLE BUDDY
	MannyTheTorpedoes: i assidenally look at kanyay west head circles an now i know the histary of the ottobots
	WordUpThome: IT LOOKS LIKE A LONELY SATELLITE IS USING A LASER TO DRAW PICTURES OF THINGS IT REMEMBERS INTO HIS HAIR
	MannyTheTorpedoes: his hare scare me who goes outdoorse with a hairgut so dum
	WordUpThome: YEAH REALLY AND WHY IS HE TYPING IN ALL CAPS, THAT IS SO ANNOYING
	KenanAndQuel: if you guys think that is funny, I've got a great video of a cat playing the keyboard that you'd be interested in
	MannyTheTorpedoes: lol doan fall for it it is rigroll
	ProblemGiles2: Can you hurry up and tell us what we're supposed to do? I've got to pee and there aren't any rookies on this team
	CarsonCrusher: hey if you need to go, would you mind peeing in this cup for me, I need it for for no reason
	ProblemGiles2: nah I can't go right now, there are too many people not looking at me
	CriminalJustice: I could beat the piss out of you, if it would help.
	ProblemGiles2: sorry, my vagina isn't small enough, I don't think you could take me
	WordUpThome: COULD I HAVE EVERYONE'S ATTENTIONS PLEASE
	WordUpThome: IT FEELS GREAT TO BE A PART OF A TEAM DESTINED TO BRING A CHAMPIONSHIP CITY LIKE CLEVELAND TO THE SUCCESS-STARVED PEOPLES OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
	SandAndDeliver: Now that he mentioned it, I've got to go to the bathroom, too
	FernandezWarrior: I'm going to go get a drink refill. You know you can get unlimited refills on any drink you want... and it's free?
	MannyTheTorpedoes: plz hold all bladdars until the en of motorvational speech
	WordUpThome: THANKS AGAIN HANDY MANNY
	MannyTheTorpedoes: hanny manny loogs like bob builder had babby with dora the splorer
	WordUpThome: I KNOW SOME OF YOU MAY HAVE HAD DIFFICULTIES ADJUSTING TO THE FAST PASTE LIFE OF L.A.
	MoralOrel: Not really.
	MyThreeDads: no I still have my hat !!!
	WordUpThome: SO I WANT TO ATOMICALLY LEG DROP YOU ULTIMATE WORRIERS WITH A STORY ABOUT MY FIRST DAY IN THE BIGGED CITY
	WordUpThome: I HOPPED OFF THE PLANE AT L.A.X. WITH A DREAM AND MY CARDGIAN. WELCOME TO THE LAND OF FAME EXCESS
	MannyTheTorpedoes: woah
	WordUpThome: JUMPED INTO THE CAB HERE I AM FOR THE FIRST TIME, LOOK TO MY RIGHT AND I SEE THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN. THIS IS ALL SO CRAZY! EVERYBODY SEEMS LIKE THEY ARE SO FAMOUS
	WordUpThome: MY TUMMY WAS HURTING AND I WAS FEELING KIND OF HOMESICK, TOO MUCH PRESSURE AND I WAS NERVOUS
	WordUpThome: THAT'S WHEN THE TAXI MAN TURNED ON THE RADIO AND A JAY Z SONG WAS ON
	BeyondBorders: The "taxi man?" You mean George Harrison?
	TheDreadPirateBip: and since when do you listen to Jay Z?
	MannyTheTorpedoes: aw come on bif jim tommy is down with the jiggor man
	TheDreadPirateBip: which Jay Z song was it?
	WordUpThome: UH HIS NEW ONE
	TheDreadPirateBip: which one
	WordUpThome: THE ONE WHERE HE MENTIONS HIS INCREDIBLE WEALTH AND INFLUENCE THE POINT IS THAT IT MADE ME FEEL AT HOME BY CAUSING MY HANDS AND HIPS TO MOVE LIKE "YEAH"
	MannyTheTorpedoes: now im bag in the go mode bag in the gogos throwin the dimond up reppin the logo rose gold rose flow im ok tho what don kill me makes me stronger than befor so
	GripSoda: if you're just arriving in LA, shouldn't you be repping a West Coast rapper
	WordUpThome: MARQUIS WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE RAP GAME, YOU LIKE THE BIG KUNTRY KING
	MannyTheTorpedoes: does he rap the song "in a big kuntry"
	WordUpThome: NO THAT IS "BIG COUNTRY"
	MannyTheTorpedoes: the song or the mans
	WordUpThome: BOTH WELL SORT OF, YOU SEE-
	BartoloCaribbeanCool: no, seriously jim, you brought us out here, what do you want us to do
	WeathersGettingWorse: Yeah, I'm not getting any better at baseball over here, you might want to hurry up and put me in
	WordUpThome: I'M GOING TO BE STRAIGHTENED WITH YOU
	WordUpThome: I CAN STILL FREEZE A ROPE BETTER THAN GLACIER, BUT I'VE BEEN IN THE BIG LEAGUES SINCE 1991 AND MY BACK IS GIVING OUT, AND I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH TIME I HAVE
	WordUpThome: ON TODAY'S INTER-NETS, WE CELEBRATE THE MOMENTARY MISSTEPS OF SPORTS CELEBRITIES
	MannyTheTorpedoes: joe the maggio beatened his wife marlin monroe but nobody reported it so he got to win liek 1500 champonships
	WordUpThome: NOW-A-DAYS YOU CAN'T EVEN SHAKE THE SHOOT OUT OF TILA NGUYEN WITHOUT BEING CAST FROM THE LIMEDLIGHT
	WordUpThome: IN 1997 WE CAME SO CLOSE TO WINNING IT ALL, AND BY GOSH I DIDN'T THINK IT WAS EVER GOING TO HAPPEN TO ME AGAIN
	WordUpThome: BUT IT MIGHT, AND THIS MIGHT BE IT
	WordUpThome: THIS MIGHT BE ALL I'VE GOT, GUYS
	MannyTheTorpedoes: win won for the jimmer!!! !!!!
	KenanAndQuel: You know what.. he's right! We're all getting older, and whether we've won a ring or not, we've all got something left to prove!
	MoralOrel: I'm with Omar! I might not have the hair of Tim Lincecum, but I've got his gangly bad looks, and I'm sure I could at least do better than Jamie Moyer!
	MoyerBodyGirl: aw hey
	SandAndDeliver: I want to make my family proud!
	TheDreadPirateBip: I want my journey to be over!
	BartoloCaribbeanCool: i want to prove i can bat without looking like a mr. F!
	WordUpThome: THAT'S THE SPIRIT! THE TIME FOR TRIBE IS NOW... SO LET'S GO OUT THERE AND WIN THE WORLD'S SERIES!!!!
	Online Host In a joyous roar, MannyTheTorpedoes, KenanAndQuel, ProblemGiles2, FernandezWarrior, MoralOrel, CarsonCrusher, SandAndDeliver, GripSoda, CriminalJustice, MyThreeDads, BeyondBorders, WeathersGettingWorse, and BartoloCaribbeanCool have left the chatroom. Online Host The Los Angeles Dodgers have been eliminated from the playoffs by the Florida Marlins.
	WordUpThome: FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

Photos link to player info. (Photo Credit: Getty Images) WordUpThome.com

The Dugout: It's Tribe Time Now Finale originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments