Independent MLB News

Guerrero needs two more RBI

2007-04-10T07:39:00.000-07:00

Vladimir Guerrero needs two more RBI to join Troy Glaus as the only players in franchise history with three consecutive seasons of 100 or more RBI.

Guerrero needs two more RBI

Notes: Dream comes true for Gonzalez

2007-04-08T21:20:00.001-07:00

Mike Gonzalez, acquired in the January trade that sent Adam LaRoche to Pittsburgh, spoke glowingly about the chance to play for a potential pennant winner and expressed that it's always been a dream for him to play for the Braves.

Notes: Dream comes true for Gonzalez

Padres nix major deal

2007-04-08T21:20:00.000-07:00

The Padres have at least temporarily tabled a trade offer from Philadelphia that would have brought outfielder Aaron Rowand to the Padres for relief pitcher Scott Linebrink. -- San Diego Union-Tribune

Padres nix major deal

Notes: Molina out for title triple crown

2007-04-08T07:27:00.001-07:00

Should the Carolina Giants capture the Caribbean Series title, it would mark a triple crown of sorts for Yadier Molina. Molina was behind the plate in the fall when the Cardinals claimed the World Series title. And his Winter League Carolina club won the Puerto Rican trophy.

Notes: Molina out for title triple crown

Bauer passes away at 84

2007-04-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

Hank Bauer, a key component of seven New York Yankees World Series championship teams, died Friday after a long battle with cancer. He was 84.

Bauer passes away at 84

LaRoche, Grabow avoid arbitration, agree with Pirates

2007-04-05T07:14:00.002-07:00

First baseman Adam LaRoche avoided a salary arbitration hearing with his new club, agreeing Friday to a $3.2 million, one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

LaRoche, Grabow avoid arbitration, agree with Pirates

Giants write letter to fans about Bonds

2007-04-05T07:14:00.001-07:00

Giants owner Peter Magowan sent a letter to about 27,000 season-ticket holders this week explaining why the club decided to re-sign free agent slugger Barry Bonds for another season.

Giants write letter to fans about Bonds

White Sox give Erstad $1M, one-year deal

2007-04-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

Outfielder Darin Erstad and the Chicago White Sox agreed Thursday on a $1 million, one-year contract that includes a club option for 2008.

White Sox give Erstad $1M, one-year deal

Mets' Delgado accepts Clemente Award

2006-10-28T21:21:00.000-07:00

When Carlos Delgado was growing up in Puerto Rico, he learned all about the legacy of Roberto Clemente and idolized the late Hall of Fame outfielder.

Mets' Delgado accepts Clemente Award

Rainout makes Cards' rotation clearer

2006-10-27T22:44:00.001-07:00

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa wanted to wait and see how Game 4 of the World Series played out before naming his starter for Game 5. Following Wednesday night's rainout, he's still waiting. But the pitching picture, unlike the weather, is starting to clear up.

Rainout makes Cards' rotation clearer

Rogers draws Tigers even in Game 2

2006-10-27T22:44:00.000-07:00

That odd-looking spot on Kenny Rogers on Sunday night? It was a zero. He's had it on his pitching line all postseason, and it's looking more unusual each time out.

Rogers draws Tigers even in Game 2

Farrell to replace Wallace as Red Sox pitching coach

2006-10-26T19:11:00.001-07:00

The Boston Red Sox hired John Farrell as their pitching coach Monday after the staff finished with the fifth worst ERA in the majors last season.

Farrell to replace Wallace as Red Sox pitching coach

Rivera moved back a day

2006-10-26T19:11:00.000-07:00

New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera will take an extra day of rest before testing his ailing pitching arm.
Rivera has been sidelined since Aug. 31 with a muscle strain near his right elbow. He threw Sunday at Camden Yards and was slated to throw again Tuesday, but that session was pushed back to Wednesday, manager Joe Torre said Monday.
Rivera has yet to throw off the mound in his effort to return to the New York bullpen.
The 36-year-old Rivera is 5-5 with 33 saves in 36 chances and a 1.

Rivera moved back a day

Nats official: Soriano rejects $70M offer

2006-10-26T07:21:00.000-07:00

Alfonso Soriano has rejected a $70 million, five-year contract offer from the
Washington Nationals, diminishing any chance the perennial All-Star will stay
with the club.

Nats official: Soriano rejects $70M offer

Johan Santana shuts down ChiSox

2006-10-25T07:56:00.000-07:00

Johan Santana held the White Sox offense to one run in seven innings Sunday in Minnesota's 7-3 victory over the White Sox on Sunday, cutting Chicago's lead to one game in the AL wild-card race. The Venezuelan lefty wasn't his usual overpowering self on Sunday as he pitched with a blister and split nail on the middle finger of his left hand. He allowed six hits and struck out five, but got better as the game went on. After allowing at least one runner to reach in each of the first five innings, he retired the last nine hitters he faced to help the Twins take two of three in the weekend series.

Johan Santana shuts down ChiSox

Negro Leagues baseball great O'Neil dies

2006-10-24T08:42:00.001-07:00

Buck O'Neil, the goodwill ambassador for the Negro Leagues who fell one vote shy of the Hall of Fame, died Friday night. He was 94.

Negro Leagues baseball great O'Neil dies

Dodd: We don't need Hall to celebrate O'Neil

2006-10-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

Buck O'Neil became a star because of a documentary filmed decades after his playing days were over. And now he has passed away without being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Shed no tears, though -- his legend will live on, Dennis Dodd says.

Dodd: We don't need Hall to celebrate O'Neil

Cardinals Short Hops: Game 1

2006-10-23T07:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks to outstanding pitching by Cardinals righty Anthony Reyes, the coronation of the Tigers is not such a foregone conclusion now, is it?

Cardinals Short Hops: Game 1

Bucco Blog :: Cardinals or Tigers?

2006-10-22T18:39:00.000-07:00

How many times this year did we hear a baseball analyst proclaim the NLCD was the weakest division in baseball? Almost weekly, after the break, huh? Yeah, right. Funny how pitching and defense continue to dominate post-season play. And even...

Bucco Blog :: Cardinals or Tigers?

Pedro lasts only three innings in return

2006-10-22T07:41:00.001-07:00

New York Mets starter Pedro Martinez lasted only three innings in his return from the disabled list Friday night.
Martinez, who had been on the disabled list with a strained right calf since Aug. 14, appeared distraught in the dugout and was consoled by manager Willie Randolph and pitching coach Rick Peterson. Before the game, Randolph said Martinez would be held to 60-80 pitches.

Pedro lasts only three innings in return

Santana gets 18th win as Twins top Tigers

2006-10-22T07:41:00.000-07:00

When Johan Santana starts at home, the Minnesota Twins are just about a sure thing. His latest gem has them breathing down Detroit's neck in the AL Central.
Santana struck out 11 and allowed only two hits in Minnesota's 12-1 victory over the Tigers on Sunday, pitching into the seventh inning and pulling the Twins within two games of first-place Detroit.
The Twins haven't lost a Santana home start since Aug. 6, 2005, going 22-0 in that span. Santana (18-5) is 15-0 with a 1.

Santana gets 18th win as Twins top Tigers

What has made the AL dominant?

2006-10-21T21:40:00.000-07:00

With the American League's run of 10 World Series in the last 14 years, including sweeps in the last two, plus a dominating record in recent All-Star Games and in Interleague Play this season, it seems like the Tigers should be heavily favored over the NL team they face. But why?

What has made the AL dominant?

Fish Chunks :: "Why South Florida Doesn't Love It's MARLINS?"

2006-10-20T07:05:00.001-07:00

Beach Blog Bimbo lets fly with opinions....
"management's inability to go out and trade for some pitching support in preparation for the stretch run - showing that their cheap azzes gave up on the season before it was even over....
"Here lies one of the major issues with fans in South Florida! We are New Yorkers aplenty or from Chicago or Boston. So those of us who really love baseball, root for other teams and ...

Fish Chunks :: "Why South Florida Doesn't Love It's MARLINS?"

Baseball Musings :: Playoffs Today

2006-10-20T07:05:00.000-07:00

This is one of those days I'm almost willing to chuck out sabermetric analysis and go for the great story lines of this game. It starts with the pitching matchup. Jeff Suppan is a twelve year veteran with one good...

Baseball Musings :: Playoffs Today

Weekend Buzz: Abreu trade pressures other contenders

2006-10-19T07:33:00.000-07:00

In the second blockbuster trade before the deadline, the Yankees do what they do best and write a fat check for a big-name player. Scott Miller says the deal will force the hand of other GMs like Theo Epstein to add depth.

Weekend Buzz: Abreu trade pressures other contenders

Reds, Blue Jays complete Schoeneweis deal

2006-10-17T19:53:00.000-07:00

The Reds sent infielder Trevor Lawhorn to the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday,
completing their August trade for left-hander Scott Schoeneweis.

Reds, Blue Jays complete Schoeneweis deal

Delgado's big night all for naught

2006-10-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

When Carlos Delgado was asked about his place in club history, he professed to be ignorant of the fact that he tied a Mets postseason record by hitting two home runs in a Game 2, 9-6, loss to the Cardinals.

Delgado's big night all for naught

Giants pick up ground on Dodgers

2006-10-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

Pedro Feliz and Omar Vizquel each hit two-run doubles to rally San Francisco from a four-run deficit, Randy Winn homered and the Giants gained ground in the division and wild-card races with a 10-6 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night.
The Giants won for the seventh time in nine games to pull within three games of the first-place Dodgers in the NL West and move 1 1/2 games behind the NL wild card-leading San Diego.

Giants pick up ground on Dodgers

Surviving Grady: A Red Sox Fan Commiseration Blog :: Uncle Buck

2006-10-15T18:14:00.001-07:00

.
While baseball commissioner Bud Selig ponders over the fate of the wild card team in the playoffs, the nation said goodbye to a true baseball legend and one of the real good guys, Buck O'Neil. From Sportsline.com...
Don Motle...

Surviving Grady: A Red Sox Fan Commiseration Blog :: Uncle Buck

Selig speaks in Detroit

2006-10-15T18:14:00.000-07:00

While Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig pointed to the success of the Tigers as part of the success of the Wild Card system, he left open the possibility of making it tougher for the Wild Card to advance.

Selig speaks in Detroit

A Large Regular ::

2006-10-15T07:14:00.000-07:00

Tom Glavine
With his stellar performance last night combined with his 6 innings of shutout pitching in the NLDS series - Tom Glavine has lowered his post-season ERA from 3.47 to 3.27. That's quite an accomplishment seeing how his 220 plus innings of post season pitching is just under his average for a full 162-game season.
I think Glavine is a lock for the Hall of Fame. N...

A Large Regular ::

D-backs promote Stottlemyre Jr.

2006-10-14T12:41:00.000-07:00

The Diamondbacks have promoted Mel Stottlemyre Jr. to the position of pitching coordinator. In his new role, he will oversee the organization's Minor League pitching coaches and serve as a roving instructor during the Minor League season.

D-backs promote Stottlemyre Jr.

Angels tighten AL West race with win

2006-10-13T17:44:00.002-07:00

Chone Figgins singled home the winning run in the 11th inning, giving the Los Angeles Angels a 4-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night and tightening up the AL West race.
The Angels won for the eighth time in 10 games and trimmed Oakland's lead in the division to 4 1/2 games. The Athletics lost 7-5 at Minnesota, leaving the defending World Series champion White Sox four games behind AL Central-leading Detroit and 2 1/2 behind the Twins in the wild-card race.

Angels tighten AL West race with win

Baker won't return to manage Cubs in '07

2006-10-13T17:44:00.001-07:00

Dusty Baker is out as the Chicago Cubs' manager following a last-place finish and a failure to take the team to the World Series in his four years.

Baker won't return to manage Cubs in '07

Cuban official: WBC no sub for Olympics

2006-10-13T17:44:00.000-07:00

The World Baseball Classic was an important step in the sport's international development but is no consolation for the elimination of the sport from the Olympics, the president of Cuba's Olympic Committee said.

Cuban official: WBC no sub for Olympics

Phillies drop in wild-card race

2006-10-12T22:30:00.001-07:00

Chuck James pitched seven shutout innings, Andruw Jones hit his 34th homer, and the Atlanta Braves beat Philadelphia 4-1 to drop the Phillies into a second-place tie for the NL wild card Thursday night.
San Diego, which won 4-2 at Cincinnati, is 2 1/2 games ahead of the Phillies and San Francisco Giants, who beat Colorado 5-0.
Jamie Moyer (2-2) gave up Jones' solo shot in the sixth and a three-run homer to rookie third baseman Martin Prado in the fifth.

Phillies drop in wild-card race

Slumping White Sox pounded by Indians

2006-10-12T22:30:00.000-07:00

Cliff Lee gave up one run in six strong innings and Grady Sizemore and Victor Martinez homered off Mark Buehrle to lead the Cleveland Indians over the slumping Chicago White Sox 9-1 Thursday night.
The White Sox have lost six of eight and remained one-half game behind Minnesota for the AL wild card. Chicago dropped 5 1/2 games behind Detroit in the AL Central.

Slumping White Sox pounded by Indians

Braves believe destiny is in more than wild card

2006-10-12T08:58:00.003-07:00

The Atlanta Braves have marched to the playoffs each of the last 14 Octobers as division winner. No backdoor wild-card berth for them. It's the red carpet for America's Team. Manager Bobby Cox was in a state of relaxation Monday afternoon, watching CNN in his office at Citizens Bank Park, when I mentioned what an empty feeling it would be should the Braves have to settle for the National League wild card this year.

Braves believe destiny is in more than wild card

Checking that inconsistent National League

2006-10-12T08:58:00.002-07:00

Just when it appears the Phillies are ready to make a bold move in the NL wild-card scramble, the Mets raise their big bats and say not so fast with a victory on Thursday. Even though they've been struggling, New York is a superior team, with a 13-game lead to prove it. Mets manager Willie Randolph sounds like most managers in the NL, where a quick look at the standings raises the question: Will some team any team play like a true playoff contender?

Checking that inconsistent National League

Disappointed, Yankees clear out

2006-10-12T08:58:00.001-07:00

The flight from Detroit was a quiet and subdued one for the Yankees as they took their last trip this season. All most could do was wonder how -- despite the best record in the American League -- the Bronx Bombers could find themselves on the short end of a short Divisional Series with the Wild Card Detroit Tigers.

Disappointed, Yankees clear out

Second half begins with a game -- of 20 questions

2006-10-12T08:58:00.000-07:00

The Tigers will win nearly 100 games. Either the Red Sox or the Yankees won't be in the playoffs. The Marlins will put up a fight for the NL wild card. These stories and more will be part of baseball's second half, Scott Miller says.

Second half begins with a game -- of 20 questions

Brewers roll past Braves

2006-10-11T07:48:00.000-07:00

Bill Hall and Prince Fielder homered to back seven strong innings by injury-plagued Ben Sheets, leading the Milwaukee Brewers to an 8-5 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Saturday night.
Kevin Barry (0-1) made his first major league start for Atlanta, which is struggling to get by with three members of its rotation on the disabled list. The rookie right-hander didn't last long, yanked with one out in the fourth after surrendering seven hits, five runs and three walks.

Brewers roll past Braves

Angels' Figgins hits for cycle in loss

2006-10-10T07:35:00.002-07:00

Chone Figgins hit for the cycle but Michael Young set off a fireworks display by reaching 200 hits for the fourth straight season to help the Texas Rangers beat the Los Angeles Angels 12-6 Saturday night.
Figgins hit a run-scoring triple in the ninth inning to complete the sixth cycle in Angels history and first since Jeff DaVanon did it on Aug. 25, 2004, against Kansas City. Figgins also singled in a run in the second, homered in the fifth and doubled in the seventh.
Gary Matthews Jr.

Angels' Figgins hits for cycle in loss

Record 74.9M fans attend major league games in '06

2006-10-10T07:35:00.001-07:00

Major League Baseball broke its season attendance record Saturday and was on track to finish with the second-highest per-game average in the sport's history.

Record 74.9M fans attend major league games in '06

Valentin blasts to homers in Reds' rout

2006-10-10T07:35:00.000-07:00

Adam Dunn hit his 40th homer and Javier Valentin connected in consecutive at-bats, sending the Cincinnati Reds to a 9-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night.
Kyle Lohse pitched seven strong innings and Ryan Freel hit a leadoff homer for the Reds, who had lost four of five and began the day 4 1/2 games behind NL wild-card leader San Diego.
Dunn became the second player in Reds history to hit at least 40 home runs in three consecutive seasons.

Valentin blasts to homers in Reds' rout

Tigers rout Yankees to reach ALCS

2006-10-09T10:46:00.002-07:00

While Jeremy Bonderman retired the first 15 batters, Craig Monroe's two-run homer propelled Detroit to its largest offensive attack of the ALDS, sending the Tigers to an 8-3 victory on Saturday night and their first postseason series victory since the 1984 World Series.

Tigers rout Yankees to reach ALCS

Playoffs take unpredictable turns

2006-10-09T10:46:00.001-07:00

The Road to the World Series was just crazy on Wednesday, from Torii Hunter's misplay on Mark Kotsay's inside-the-park homer to Paul Lo Duca's remarkable double-tag at home to the late rainout at Yankee Stadium.

Playoffs take unpredictable turns

Rogers excels as Tigers take Game 3

2006-10-09T10:46:00.000-07:00

The Tigers' 6-0 win over the Yankees in Game 3 of the ALDS on Friday night put them to within a win of their first postseason series victory since the 1984 World Series.

Rogers excels as Tigers take Game 3

Baseball Musings :: Unsourced Speculation

2006-10-08T07:11:00.002-07:00

Ken Rosenthal sees the Yankees hitting the panic button if they lose today, but gives no indication why he thinks this: Not that anything is at stake Saturday, but if the Yankees lose, they could fire manager Joe Torre, trade...

Baseball Musings :: Unsourced Speculation

Metscentric :: In Praise Of Rick Peterson

2006-10-08T07:11:00.001-07:00

Much has been said here about the great work Omar Minaya has done in building this Mets team. But one of the few holdovers from previous management, pitching coach Rick Peterson has barely gotten a mention from me. Maybe that's because Peterson is still regarded, rightfully or not, as one of the powers that pushed for the Kazmir-Zambrano trade with his statement that he could fix Zambrano "in ten minutes". Well, that one didn't quite work out, but I t...

Metscentric :: In Praise Of Rick Peterson

Bosox West :: Mannygate

2006-10-08T07:11:00.000-07:00

2006 is over, and good riddance. Regardless of where you choose to point your finger, the story remains the same
There is only one real story in Red Sox Nation right now, and that pertains, again, to the future of Manny Ramirez. Nearly all the offseason speculation could be said to hang on the outcome of a Manny trade, or non-trade. I am personally ambivalent about trading him, because it is very hard to duplicate the product...

Bosox West :: Mannygate

A's look to buck trend against Twins

2006-10-07T21:45:00.000-07:00

The Oakland A's are on the verge, but of what we won't know until Game 3 of their American League Division Series against Minnesota is history.

A's look to buck trend against Twins

Phillies outlast Reds in marathon

2006-10-06T07:36:00.001-07:00

Aaron Rowand knew right after he turned away from an inside pitch with the bases loaded that he had to get a hit.
Rowand's RBI single with one out in the 14th inning lifted the surging Philadelphia Phillies over the Cincinnati Reds 6-5 Friday night.
The Phillies overcame deficits in the eighth and ninth innings to win for the seventh time in 10 games, and gain ground in the NL wild-card standings.

Phillies outlast Reds in marathon

Dodgers sweep, look ahead to Mets

2006-10-06T07:36:00.000-07:00

The Dodgers defeated the Giants on Sunday, 4-3, to complete a series sweep and finish tied for first place in the National League West, but they'll enter the playoffs as the Wild Card team thanks to a losing record vs. the Padres this season.

Dodgers sweep, look ahead to Mets

The Baseball Files :: A-Rod: The "A" stands forAngels

2006-10-04T09:53:00.000-07:00

Alex Rodriguez needs a change of scenery. It will be interesting to see what transpires in October, but regardless, New York has become an uncomfortable home for A-Rod.
MLB Trade Rumors has a great post about what the 2007 Los Angeles Angles of Anaheim might look like, but I was surprised that A-Rod's name didn't come [...]

The Baseball Files :: A-Rod: The "A" stands forAngels

Rowand takes his 17th HBP

2006-10-03T07:40:00.000-07:00

Aaron Rowand was 0-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI in Monday's game against the Mets. He was hit by a pitch for the 17th time this season. That is the second-highest total in team history.

Rowand takes his 17th HBP

Scranton/WB Yankees' new Triple-A club

2006-10-02T07:27:00.000-07:00

The New York Yankees reached an agreement Thursday to make the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons their Triple-A affiliate, after ending their relationship with the Columbus Clippers earlier this year.

Scranton/WB Yankees' new Triple-A club

Jon Heyman: Will the Tigers stage epic collapse?

2006-10-01T08:26:00.001-07:00

The Tigers shocked the baseball world with an amazing start. Now their slump could produce an equally shocking collapse. Jon Heyman examines the factors that will determine Detroit's fate.

Jon Heyman: Will the Tigers stage epic collapse?

Tom Verducci: Yankees are a latter-day Murderers' Row

2006-10-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

The Yankees will field one of the most potent lineups in history this October, but SI.com's Tom Verducci explains why the big bats still may not be enough to win the World Series.

Tom Verducci: Yankees are a latter-day Murderers' Row

Diamondbacks top Rocks

2006-09-30T19:20:00.000-07:00

Livan Hernandez pitched into the seventh and benefited from a five-run fourth inning to earn his first win since being acquired in a trade by Arizona, and the Diamondbacks defeated the Colorado Rockies 9-5 Wednesday night
Hernandez (10-9) went 6 2-3 and gave up five runs and 11 hits in his second start since coming from Washington on Aug. 7. He is 5-0 with four no decisions in his last nine starts and hasn't lost since June 20 at Boston.

Diamondbacks top Rocks

White Sox need sweep to stay in race

2006-09-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

The world champion White Sox are running out of time in their quest to get back to the playoffs, while the struggling Tigers are just trying to cling to their top spot in the AL Central. Their series in Chicago heads up Dayn Perry's look at the next seven days in the majors.

White Sox need sweep to stay in race

Soriano reaches elite status in Nats' win

2006-09-29T05:00:00.002-07:00

Alfonso Soriano entered the elite 40-40 club, and the Washington Nationals defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 8-5 Saturday night.
Soriano became the fourth player in major league history to record 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a single season when he swiped second base in the first inning. Soriano has 40 steals to go along with 45 home runs.
Soriano led off the bottom of the first with a single to left field. On a 2-0 count to the next batter, Felipe Lopez, Soriano raced for second base.

Soriano reaches elite status in Nats' win

Soriano joins 40-40 club

2006-09-29T05:00:00.001-07:00

There's a new member of the 40-40 club: Alfonso Soriano.
Soriano became the fourth player in major league history to record 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a single season when he swiped second Saturday night for Washington in the first inning against Milwaukee.
That gave Soriano 40 steals to go along with 45 home runs.

Soriano joins 40-40 club

Two three-run shots for Baker in rout

2006-09-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

Jeff Baker hit two three-run homers, Garrett Atkins also drove in six runs and Justin Hampson won in his first major league start as the Colorado Rockies beat the San Francisco Giants 20-8 on Monday night.
The Rockies, who had a season-high 19 hits, tied the club record for runs, reaching 20 for the third time, the last on Sept. 20, 2005, against San Diego.

Two three-run shots for Baker in rout

Phillies edge Astros, keep Mets from clinching

2006-09-28T19:53:00.001-07:00

Ryan Howard hit his major league-leading 57th home run - without any dispute - and Mike Lieberthal connected twice as Randy Wolf and the Philadelphia Phillies kept up their push for a wild-card spot by beating Houston 6-4 Sunday.
Jimmy Rollins also homered as Philadelphia prevented the New York Mets from clinching the NL East. The second-place Phillies, however, are aiming at the wild card and began the day 1 1/2 games behind San Diego for that spot.

Phillies edge Astros, keep Mets from clinching

Pirates send Dodgers into wild-card tie

2006-09-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

NL batting leader Freddy Sanchez matched a career high with four hits, Shawn Chacon outpitched Greg Maddux, and the Pittsburgh Pirates played the spoiler's role again Wednesday night, beating the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-4.

Pirates send Dodgers into wild-card tie

Phils fall game back in NL Wild Card

2006-09-27T21:54:00.000-07:00

When the Phils lost, 4-3, to the Nationals on Tuesday night, and fell a game behind the victorious Dodgers in the NL Wild Card, the contingent of fans who made the trek down I-95 shared a collective thought: Not again.

Phils fall game back in NL Wild Card

Early homers set tone for Angels

2006-09-27T08:11:00.000-07:00

Joe Saunders got so nervous when he thought about his Yankee Stadium debut, he couldn't get to sleep.
"I was up until about 6 because I was thinking of all the different scenarios I could put myself into," he said. "Giving up grand slams, pitching perfect games. It was all sorts of stuff going through my head."
Come Friday night, he pretty much put the Yankees to sleep.

Early homers set tone for Angels

Will Chipper one day get Hall of Fame nod?

2006-09-26T19:14:00.001-07:00

While the Atlanta Braves won't be making the postseason for the first time in 15 years and Chipper Jones' year may be over due to injury, Dayn Perry takes a look at the third baseman's career numbers to see if he will someday be considered for the Hall of Fame.

Will Chipper one day get Hall of Fame nod?

Woman accused of stalking given punishment

2006-09-26T19:14:00.000-07:00

A woman accused of stalking Hall of Fame baseball announcer Bob Uecker must stay away from him for four years under a restraining order issued Thursday that bars her from attending any game he broadcasts.
A court commissioner issued the order after Ann Ladd testified that that she would not have further contact with Uecker but still hoped to attend Milwaukee Brewers games.
"I'm a Brewer, a Brewer fan," said Ladd, 45, of Prospect Heights, Ill. She declined to comment after the court proceeding.

Woman accused of stalking given punishment

Morgan in newest class of Sox Hall

2006-09-26T07:33:00.000-07:00

When he looked at the talent compiled by the Red Sox management last winter, former skipper Joe Morgan came to only one conclusion. "I thought they'd win the division," he said.

Morgan in newest class of Sox Hall

Gammons returns to baseball

2006-09-25T07:16:00.001-07:00

Appropriately, ESPN baseball analyst Peter Gammons made his return to the national television stage Wednesday in the park where he began his Hall of Fame writing career in 1969.

Gammons returns to baseball

Sutters going for the save at home

2006-09-25T07:16:00.000-07:00

While many Hall of Famers took their swings on Cooperstown's picturesque Leatherstocking Golf Course on Saturday, Bruce Sutter found a quiet spot on the hotel porch overlooking Lake Otsego, sat alone and reminisced.

Sutters going for the save at home

Sanchez whiffs eight in Florida rout

2006-09-24T07:20:00.000-07:00

With three big swings, Cody Ross upstaged teammate Anibal Sanchez.
Ross tied Florida records with three home runs and seven RBIs, while Sanchez - in his first start since pitching a no-hitter last week - allowed four hits and struck out eight in seven innings as the Marlins beat the New York Mets 16-5 Monday night.

Sanchez whiffs eight in Florida rout

Willis rocks and rolls over Mets

2006-09-23T18:33:00.001-07:00

Dontrelle Willis did it all on Wednesday night in a 6-3 win over the Mets, hitting two home runs, adding an RBI single and pitching into the ninth for his 12th victory.

Willis rocks and rolls over Mets

Pitching gives Angels a sweep of KC

2006-09-23T18:33:00.000-07:00

Starter Kelvim Escobar and relievers Scot Shields and Francisco Rodriguez combined on a five-hit shutout as the Angels defeated the Royals, 3-0, to sweep a two-game series at Kauffman Stadium.

Pitching gives Angels a sweep of KC

Ortiz sets Sox record with Nos. 51, 52

2006-09-23T07:16:00.002-07:00

David Ortiz launched another baseball into the Red Sox history books on Thursday night, ripping home run No. 51 off American League Cy Young Award candidate Johan Santana of the Twins in the bottom of the first inning.

Ortiz sets Sox record with Nos. 51, 52

Big Papi makes history

2006-09-23T07:16:00.001-07:00

With one swing of the bat in the sixth inning Wednesday night, David Ortiz drove his 50th homer to the right-center-field stands at Fenway Park and soared into rarified air in Red Sox history.

Big Papi makes history

Short Hops: Home run trots need to be practiced

2006-09-23T07:16:00.000-07:00

When Cardinals reliever Adam Wainwright hit a homer off the first major-league pitch he saw, he became just the 22nd player in history to accomplish the feat. But Scott Miller says not to blame him if his jog around the bases wasn't big-league quality.

Short Hops: Home run trots need to be practiced

Baseball For Thought :: Shock and Awe: September 18, 2006, Padres vs. Dodgers

2006-09-22T07:03:00.000-07:00

by Doug Silversten
This week's Wild-Card Wednesday is going to be short, because I am in awe and I don't know what to say. Given the circumstances, perhaps the greatest regular season game EVER was played on Monday night, and I feel it is not getting the attention it deserved. After a great regular season game, my father always comments to me, "If that was played in the postseason, they would be

Baseball For Thought :: Shock and Awe: September 18, 2006, Padres vs. Dodgers

Shea Nation :: Glavine Wins # 14, Mets Win #92

2006-09-20T20:41:00.001-07:00

The Mets beat the Marlins tonight, 3-2, behind the pitching of Tom Glavine, getting win number 14, and Billy Wagner, getting save number 39. We'd love to see Wagner with at least 41 saves and Glavine with 15 wins - and both are very close to happening. Moreso, we'd love to see the Mets win 100 - and we only need 8 more! Anderson Hernandez even hit his first homer!
Run-scoring singles by Lastings

Shea Nation :: Glavine Wins # 14, Mets Win #92

Hensley, Hoffman hurl Friars into first

2006-09-20T20:41:00.000-07:00

Rebounding from their stunning loss to the Dodgers, the Padres returned home to PETCO Park and used power and pitching on Tuesday night to put away Arizona, 5-2.

Hensley, Hoffman hurl Friars into first

Weekend Buzz: Every AL West 'contender' has flaw

2006-09-20T07:21:00.002-07:00

The AL West race is bound to stay tight the rest of the way, Scott Miller says in his Weekend Buzz, because all four 'contenders' have an Achilles' heel. The Rangers' is pitching, and if they can get it straightened out, the division might be theirs.

Weekend Buzz: Every AL West 'contender' has flaw

Oswalt exits with injury, but Astros win

2006-09-20T07:21:00.001-07:00

Roy Oswalt left after pitching 6 2/3 innings with a muscle spasm in his neck on Monday night, but managed to pick up his team-leading 14th victory with a
5-3 win over the Reds.

Oswalt exits with injury, but Astros win

Cubs-Sox rivalry extends to the minors

2006-09-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

It's tit for tat, Chicago style, and everyone gets drawn in, especially when the clubs face off against each other, as they do this weekend for interleague play. Both the Cubs and White Sox are touting pitching prospects who are refining their games in the minors.

Cubs-Sox rivalry extends to the minors

A. Soriano joins 40/30 club

2006-09-17T21:49:00.002-07:00

Alfonso Soriano hit his career-high 40th home run on Saturday and became the 10th player in major league history with at least 40 homers and at least 30 steals in a season.

A. Soriano joins 40/30 club

Memories of the '81 team 25 years later

2006-09-17T21:49:00.001-07:00

In honor of the 1981 championship team that beat the Yankees, the Dodgers will hold a pregame ceremony on Saturday to celebrate the 25th anniversary of that World Series club, which was led by Tommy Lasorda and featured such stars like Ron Cey.

Memories of the '81 team 25 years later

Lee hopes to be back in September

2006-09-17T21:49:00.000-07:00

Derrek Lee, who has played in only 34 games because of the wrist problems that started when he collided with Rafael Furcal of the Dodgers on April 19, is hoping to be back with the club sometime in September.

Lee hopes to be back in September

White's two-run shot leads Twins past Rays

2006-09-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

Rondell White hit a go-ahead two-run homer and Boof Bonser allowed one run in 6 1/3 innings to help Minnesota beat Tampa Bay 2-1 on Monday and retake the AL wild-card lead.

White's two-run shot leads Twins past Rays

Padres edge Rockies, gain ground

2006-09-12T21:58:00.001-07:00

Mike Piazza homered, Cla Meredith extended his scoreless streak to 27 1-3 innings and the San Diego Padres beat the Colorado Rockies 5-4 Tuesday night to pull within one game of the NL West lead.
With his 417th career homer, Piazza reached the 20-home run mark for the 12th time in 15 major league seasons.
San Diego closed within one game of division-leading Los Angeles and opened a two-game lead in the wild-card race over Philadelphia, which was rained out. Florida dropped three games back.

Padres edge Rockies, gain ground

Padres prevail, take over wild-card lead

2006-09-12T21:58:00.000-07:00

Mike Piazza and Geoff Blum homered in support of Chris Young, who gave up three hits over seven innings in San Diego's 8-3 victory against Arizona as the Padres take over the NL wild-card lead on Tuesday.

Padres prevail, take over wild-card lead

Verlander shuts down ChiSox

2006-09-12T07:37:00.000-07:00

Justin Verlander gave the Detroit Tigers the very start they needed to slow down the Chicago White Sox.
In the opener of a possibly pivotal four-game series in the AL Central, Verlander gave up one run over seven innings Monday night in a 7-1 victory over the World Series champions.
Detroit had lost nine of its previous 12 games and its division lead - which bulged to 10 games on Aug. 7 - was down to 5 1/2 games.

Verlander shuts down ChiSox

MLB hikes up price of World Series tickets

2006-09-11T08:13:00.001-07:00

The price of regular box seats will be $250, according to notices some teams have started sending to their season ticket holders.

MLB hikes up price of World Series tickets

White Sox score early and often

2006-09-11T08:13:00.000-07:00

Jose Contreras pitched eight strong innings and Jim Thome went 4-for-4 with his 39th homer in a revamped White Sox lineup to carry Chicago to an 8-1 win over the Boston Red Sox Wednesday night.
The win was the second in seven games for the defending World Series champion White Sox, who moved to a half game behind the Twins in the AL wild-card chase. The Red Sox remained six back with Minnesota's 4-2 loss to Tampa Bay.

White Sox score early and often

Twins Territory :: Twins Lead Wild Card

2006-09-10T08:37:00.002-07:00

The Minnesota Twins just took 2 out of 3 games against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and are now in the Wild Card lead. The Twins had a chance yesterday to hold a 1.5 game lead, however after Silva left with sickness, the Twins bullpen uncharacteristically blew the game.
The Twins will now have a very critical 4 game series against the Detroit Tigers as they are 4 games back in the division and the Tigers are in town all weekend. If the...

Twins Territory :: Twins Lead Wild Card

Twins Without Spin :: Trying not to dwell here

2006-09-10T08:37:00.001-07:00

Mr. B has been feeling a bit under the weather but he's determined not to quit two-thirds of the way through this post. But it'll be a short post because there isn't much to say. Twins lose bad, White Sox lose badder. The Twins stay a half-game ahead in the wild card and are 5 1/2 ahead of Boston and California, both of which are likely imagining a final push over the final 3 weeks of the season. Tonight's lesson seemed to be that Scott Baker just isn't ready for a regul...

Twins Without Spin :: Trying not to dwell here

Phillies edge Cubs behind Utley

2006-09-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

Chase Utley homered and accidentally delivered a hard hit on teammate Aaron Rowand, too, and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Chicago Cubs 6-5 Monday night.
Jimmy Rollins also homered, leading Jon Lieber and the Phillies to their third straight win. They moved back to .500 for the first time since June 19 and stayed within 2 1/2 games of Cincinnati in the NL wild-card race.
Rowand hobbled off the field with a sprained left ankle after colliding with Utley in the eighth inning.

Phillies edge Cubs behind Utley

Chi-Sox Blog :: The Buehrle Bile File says, "This Is Not Funny Anymore": Game 140 Recap

2006-09-08T20:42:00.002-07:00

The Sox lose meekly: 9-1.
Mark Buehrle: (pr. n) man from the Mississippi River region of St. Charles, MO; pitcher for the Chicago White Sox, a baseball team and winner of the 2005 World Series
Bile: (n) a bitter, brownish-yellow or greenish-yellow secreted by the liver to aid in digestion; ill temper, irascibility
File: (n) a list, roll; (v) to enter on public record
The Buehrle Bile File

Chi-Sox Blog :: The Buehrle Bile File says, "This Is Not Funny Anymore": Game 140 Recap

xmmlbchat.blogspot.com :: Mets to use online lottery system for post season tickets

2006-09-08T20:42:00.001-07:00

They say you must register by midnight Tuesday at mets.com or losmets.com.
From the NY Times, Sept. 8, 2006
The Mets announced that tickets for potential postseason games at Shea Stadium would be available through an online lottery. Anyone who registers online, at mets.com or losmets.com, is eligible to purchase tickets for the division series, National League Championship Series or World

xmmlbchat.blogspot.com :: Mets to use online lottery system for post season tickets

WBC messed up participating pitchers

2006-09-08T20:42:00.000-07:00

Did the World Baseball Classic take its toll on some of the players? In his latest beyond the box scores, Kevin Hench looks at the effect the WBC had on its pitchers. In short, it's not pretty.

WBC messed up participating pitchers