Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Prognosis: Negative

NEWS

The good news is- Dan Haren's X-Ray was negative and he'll be ready for his next start.  The bad news- it's against the Rangers

Huston Street was hit by a line drive in batting practice and was taken to the emergency room.  He passed out 2 or 3 times and had ringing in his ears.

The Nats are still in talks with the Sox about sending Adam Dunn to Chicago.  One of the players they are interested in return is Jordan Danks (Let it be known that I was Jordan's camp counselor when he was in 7th grade.  Taught him everything he knows.)

The Rangers want Jorge Cantu but they want the Marlins to pay the rest of his salary for the year.  Needless to say, the deal is on hold...

Once again... Roy Oswalt is too expensive

Mike Lowell to the Rangers is no longer likely

Monday, July 26, 2010

Chase Field


I got to go to Chase field to see the D'Backs play the Giants on Saturday.  It was a blowout, but a good time was had.  There is nothing like being at the ballpark.  Especially a big air conditioned one in the middle of July in Phoenix.  One interesting thing... a foul ball knocked Buster Posey's shoulder pad off and it flew all the way back to the backstop...


In other news, the Astros wore their throwbacks on Saturday.  I like them.  You can check for accuraccy here.


The only difference is black cleats as opposed to white.


And Roy wore his stirrups backwards


Even the cups were thrownback!


NEWS
Baylor junior Logan Verrett has been named to the East Team in the Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star game at Fenway Park.

Dan Haren will get his first start for the Angels TONIGHT vs. the BoSox


The Rangers are more likely to take Jorge Cantu of the Marlins than Boston's Lowell.  Rumors are that the Cantu deal is already written up and agreed on.  They may also take a peek at Derrek Lee.

Ronald Belisario has resumed workouts at Dodger Stadium

The Dodgers are excited about Kenley Jansen.  He was the catcher for the Netherlands in last year's WBC and he is now a picher for the Dodgers.  He played his second game on Sunday (his first was Saturday) and picked up the save.  He's got some good stuff and this is only his first year as a pitcher.

The Braves may be looking at Lindstrom

Adam Dunn may be headed to the White Sox- They are looking at Brett Myers as well

The Tigers are also serious about Dunn

Roy Oswalt is just too expensive...

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

NEWS

Baylor had 6 players selected in the draft 6 weeks ago.  Let's check in:

-Willie Kempf was promoted from the GCL Braves to the Danville Braves.
-Gregg Glime is with the GCL Marlins.  He went 3 for 3 with 3 runs and 2 RBI in his most recent game.
-Raynor Campbell is with the Salem-Kaiser Volcanoes- he recently had a 9 game hit streak
-Shawn Tolleson is the closer for the Ogden Raptors.  In 11 appearances he is 1-0 with a 0.75 ERA and 7 saves.  In 12 innings he has struck out 20 and allowed only 2 walks.
-Craig Fritsch is with the Williamsport Crosscutters.  He's got a 0.68 ERA in 13.1 innings.

Manny returned to the Dodger's lineup last night in his glorious return from the DL.  He left in the 1st inning and will have a 2nd MRI today.  Probably headed back to the DL.

Dustin Nippert has a very hard head.  Exhibit A.

There is a push to get the Ranger's auction date pushed back from AUG 4 to allow for more bidders.

John Kruk thinks that the Rangers will end up with Prince Fielder before the deadline

Taylor Scheppers just moved back to the bullpen in Oklahoma City.  Is he about to make a move to Arlington to set up Feliz?

The Dodgers need starting pitching.  They can't afford Oswalt or Haren.  Here are some options- the Pirate's Maholm, Cleveland's Westbrook and Carmona

The boys in blue are also looking ar 3 relievers from Toronto- Downs, Frasor, and Gregg

The Dodgers don't know what to do with George Sherrill now that he has cleared waivers- send him to minors, release to free agency?

Likewise, the Nat's don't know what to do with Adam Dunn.  The White Sox want him bad.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Insult to Injury

NEWS

Today Roy Oswalt was on the mound trying to break the Astros record for career victories. He didn't.  Instead he left the game with a hurt ankle and the Astros lost 9-0 to the ... PIRATES.  Ouch.

Today... was Joe Torre's 70th birthday.  He had company on the bench as James Loney sat out due to a hamstring cramp.  Rub some dirt on it, kid.

In other news- C.J. Wilson struck out 10 at Fenway for a Ranger victory.

In the AL WEST... If Colby Lewis stays strong the Rangers should be in good shape to win the division.  If you didn't know, Colby has been in Japan until this season and has been a great addition to the team.  If the Angels want any chance of catching the Rangers, Scott Kazmir will need to step it up.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Josh Hamilton is Incredible


He just is.  He hit .454 in June and so far he's at .400 in July.

You know who else is Amazing?  Bengie Molina.  The Ranger's new catcher hit for the cycle including a grand slam at Fenway last night.  He did leave the game with tightness in his quadriceps.  

NEWS

Felipe Paulino is not ready to come back for the Stros.  His shoulder pain flared up again after a recent start in AA.

If the Rangers don't get Mike Lowell from Boston, they may turn to Jorge Cantu in Florida.  They also have their eye on Miguel Tejada and Ty Wiggington in Baltimore.  

The Dodgers are looking at Baltimore's Kevin Millwood and Jeremy Guthrie

The Astros will probably start selling soon...  Matt Lindstrom is on the block for relievers.  

Friday, July 16, 2010

TGIF


Love those Angels Logo Stirrups...


I love this.  You know there is gold in some of these pictures.

The Rawlings S100 helmet (the Gazoo) was worn by several players in the All-Star game.  It is required for all minor leaguers... Here's an article about it from the Fresno Bee.

NEWS

The Rangers poured in on the Red Sox last night at Fenway.  Final Score 7-2, but Josh Hamilton left the game with a sore right calf.  It was probably sore from running out his three doubles.  He's not expected to miss any time.

If George Sherrill clears waivers he has said that he will not accept an assignment in the minors- making him a free agent.  The Yankees are taking a look at him.

Garrett Anderson could be the next to go...

Astros could make a good trade with Brett Myers as he doesn't have all the attachments that come with Oswalt and Berkman

After backing out of the deal in December, the Rangers are still interested in Mike Lowell, who is about to come off the DL in Boston.  He would be a good replacement for Smoak


Thursday, July 15, 2010

Whew! The Break is Finally Over

What is your opinion on ball players wearing their pants like pajamas?  Paul Lukas has strong feelings about it.  See his article here.


NEWS

Baylor sophomore pitcher Crayton Bare has been named to the East Division team in the New England Collegiate Baseball League All-Star game.  I had never heard of that until today...

If Frank and Jamie McCourt don't resolve payments in their divorce- the judge will order that the Dodgers be sold

George Sherrill has been placed on waivers

Felipe Paulino will be back in the Astros rotation next week vs. the Cubs

Adam Laroche could be heading to Anaheim to replace Kendry Morales

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

All-Star 2010


Man, I loved the All-Star game last night.  I liked the warm reception that Vlad recieved during player introductions.  I liked the new batting helmets.  I like the star on the back of the mound and the outfield grass. I liked seeing Cliff Lee pitch in a Rangers uniform for the first time.  I liked Jonathan Broxton holding it down in the 9th for the first NL win in 13 years.  Apparently, if you want to be cool in the AL, you have to have white cleats...


This makes me miss Texas...


NEWS

The Texas Rangers will be up for auction on August 4.  I'm pulling for Nolan.

Torii Hunter was working on Carl Crawford this week in Anaheim to become an Angel this winter

Baseball season may start earlier next year... meaning the World Series would be held entirely in October

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

R.I.P. Big Stein


I remember the Steinbrenner character from Seinfeld more than I remember the actual man.  But I like to imagine that they were one in the same.  Either way, baseball lost an icon today.  I just noticed that there is a guy picking his nose in the picture above.  Oops.

Cool Magnets!

Great Astros window sticker

Did you know the Dodgers used to wear satin uniforms?  You can buy on here for around $10,000.

Monday, July 12, 2010

One of my favorite blogs, Uniwatch, is searching for "white whales" in the uniform world.  One of these white whales is the Ranger's powder blue road uniforms and white home pants from the 70's.  They are lovely.  Pics here.  More here.

What do you think of the Ranger's blue dugout jackets with their red hats?

Mike Stanton should have been OUT!- watch where the ball lands

This is going to be really cool...

Paul Lukas wrote a very detailed history of all-star game uniforms HERE

NEWS

The Angels are going to pursue Carl Crawford this winter

The Padres are looking at Lance Berkman to fill out their outfield

Jeff Bagwell was just hired as the Astros new hitting coach... is he being groomed for a bigger job in the future?  I hope so.

There is interest from a lot of teams for Adam Dunn right now, especially after his three home run game vs. the Padres Wednesday.

The Ranger's ownership is a mess... Nolan Ryan and company are filing suit against the team, there are even rumors that Mark Cuban is interested in buying in.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

The Future


Tonight was the MLB Future's game.  The USA whooped the World team 9-1.  The MVP was Angel's prospect Hank Conger (pictured) who hit a three run homer.  Another Angels prospect, Mike Trout, doubled and singled.  Future Ranger's pitcher Taylor Scheppers closed the deal in the 9th- reaching 101 on the speed gun.

NEWS
Dodgers beat the Cubs tonight 7-0 as Vicente Padilla takes the no-no into the fifth.  He pitched a two hitter through 8 innings.

Could the Rangers also get Ben Sheets from the A's?  Crazier things have happened

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Cliff Lee, Texas Ranger




That Sounds good, don't it?  It turns out the Rangers could get Lee without an owner.  I hate to see the Smoak monster go, but this is a good deal.  The Rangers are now the clear favorites in the AL West.

I watched the Angels-A's game last night.  Aybar picked a great time to hit his 3rd home run of the season.

Do you want a custom Jersey?  This guy will make it for you.

NEWS

Here's some guys to keep an eye out for in Sunday's Future's Game:

1. Mike Trout, OF- Angels
2. Jordan Lyles, RHP- Astros
3. Hank Conger, C- Angels
4. Tanner Scheppers, RHP- Rangers
5. Dee Gordon, SS- Dodgers

The Yankees didn't get Lee, who they wanted, will they go to Roy Oswalt instead?

Did you know that when Kendry Morales got injured the Brewers called the Angels to see if they were interested in Prince Fielder?

Brett Myers may be a realistic option for the Dodgers, who need a starting pitcher

Friday, July 9, 2010

Howdy

I love baseball, so I thought I would post some things that I thought were interesting.  This will mostly be a collection of things from other blogs, news from my favorite teams, and personal experiences and stories.

-Check out these cool MLB signs on ebay!








NEWS
-Jake Peavy got hurt and may be out for the season.  This means 2 things for me:  Peavy is on my fantasy team and I'll have to deal with that.  Also, The SOX may go after Roy Oswalt.
-The Mets also might be after Roy Oswalt as it looks like the Yankees are going to get C. Lee
-Manny is probably coming back right after the All-Star break.  Will the Dodgers release Garrett Anderson or send Xavier Paul back down to AAA?
- The Astros are shopping Oswalt and Berkman.  It should be noted that Felipe Paulino is coming back to the bullpen- will they look to trade Matt Lindstrom as well? (also on my fantasy team)
- The Angels may be interested in Derrek Lee
- The Rangers could probably get Cliff Lee if they could decide who their owner is going to be. Come on Nolan, get it together!
- Speaking of Roy Oswalt- he pitched a one-hitter yesterday.  Was that his last game in Houston?  The Stros are on the road for all of his starts until the trade deadline on July 31.  The Dodgers had a scout in attendance yesterday.
- The Dodgers are also looking at Carlos Zambrano