I just read through this quickly, but Mills does mention an infield of Berkman, Matsui, Manzella and Feliz. It’s the first time I’ve heard anyone mention Matsui’s name in ages, even though he’s under contract for 5 million American dollars next year. Not sure where this leaves Keppinger and Blum.

Mills evaluating players he has in place

This is reprinted from MLBTradeRumors.com by Tim Dierkes.

Got a bad contract on your hands?  Maybe you can swap it for another team’s problem.  I’ll list the bad contracts, you connect the dots.

• Vernon Wells, Blue Jays - five years, $98.5MM
• Alfonso Soriano, Cubs – five years, $90MM
• Barry Zito, Giants – four years, $83MM
• Alex Rios, White Sox – five years, $59.7MM
• Travis Hafner, Indians – three years, $40.25MM
• Aaron Rowand, Giants – three years, $36MM
• Carlos Guillen, Tigers – two years, $26MM
• Carlos Silva, Mariners – two years, $25MM
• Francisco Cordero, Reds – two years, $25MM
• Oliver Perez, Mets – two years, $24MM
• Gary Matthews Jr., Angels - two years, $23MM
• Milton Bradley, Cubs – two years, $21MM
• Juan Pierre, Dodgers – two years, $18.5MM
• Jeff Suppan, Brewers – one year, $14.5MM
• David Ortiz, Red Sox – one year, $12.5MM
• Jeremy Bonderman, Tigers – one year, $12.5MM
• Jose Guillen, Royals – one year, $12MM
• Eric Chavez, Athletics – one year, $12MM
• Dontrelle Willis, Tigers – one year, $12MM
• Eric Byrnes, Diamondbacks – one year, $11MM
• Fausto Carmona, Indians – two years, $11MM
• Scott Linebrink, White Sox – two years, $10.5MM
• Nate Robertson, Tigers – one year, $10MM
• Edgar Renteria, Giants – one year, $9.5MM
• Pat Burrell, Rays – one year, $9MM
• Kei Igawa, Yankees – two years $8MM
• Jeff Francis, Rockies - one year, $5.75MM
• Kyle Farnsworth, Royals – one year, $5MM
• Willy Taveras, Reds – one year, $4MM
• Aaron Miles, Cubs – one year, $2.7MM
• Honorable mentions: Michael Young (4/64, some deferred), Carlos Lee (3/55.5), Derek Lowe (3/45), Todd Helton (2/40.3), Kyle Lohse (3/32.625), Magglio Ordonez (1/18, possible vesting option), Mike Lowell (1/12), Chris Snyder (2/11.25), Cristian Guzman (1/8), Jamie Moyer (1/7.5), Kaz Matsui (1/5)

Ohlendorf has gotten better since we last saw him. He set the Astros down in order 1,2,3 for the first 3 innings and retired Bourn to start the 4th when Matsui, singled on a push bunt down the first base line, deftly avoiding the tag. Lance flied out, then Ohlendorf made his ONLY bad pitch – he hung a slider to Carlos and the ball ended up right about on the tracks.

Moehler, who gave up 7 H, 2 BB, 1 IBB (to face the pitcher) immediately coughed it up, but managed to hold on until the end of the 6th without giving up any more runs, and he owes the Pirates 3rd base coach a refreshing beverage of his choice for his boneheaded decision to wave runners in, then throw up the stop sign well after Doumit had rounded third and milledge was 3 steps behind him – Doumit was tagged out in a rundown.

Fulchino got 3 quick outs on 9 pitches, then Ohlendorf, who had thrown only 72 pitches, came back out for the 7th. Not sure why, but he was very very tentative with his pitches, first with Lance, who he walked on a 3-2 count, then with Carlos, who also walked, except that the ump, who had a varying strike zone, called Ball 4 a strike. Carlos juuuuust missed a FB down the middle and flew out. Then Miggy Tejada was up and it looked like a sure #28, but he golfed an inside FB at the knees into the Crawford Boxes to drive home the winning runs.

Hawkins came in to pitch the 8th – you can’t have Fulchino pitching the 8th, you know. Hawk looks TIRED – gave up 2 singles, 2 groundouts and a popup and it took him 20 pitches. I hope he isn’t hurt and doing the macho shuffle.

Pence got his little self caught stealing AGAIN. And he decided to run on a brand new pitcher before even checking out his timing. Time to give him the stop sign. Running fast does not make a person a good base stealer…

Rubber game tomorrow with Paul Maholm vs Felipe Paulino, who has thrown 2 pretty good starts with 2 losses to show for it since he was re-inserted into the starting rotation. Hopefully, he can get a little run support this time.

John Smoltz refused a minor league assignment, which leaves the Red Sox with two alternatives – trade the aging legend or release him.  All too rarely does an athlete leave on his own terms – sadly, it’s usually forced upon him/her through injury or failed performance.  Smoltz may get one  more shot, but that’s probably it.  Ken Rosenthal suspects it may be the Dodgers…  [FoxSports]

Pedro Martinez won his start, lasting five innings but getting tons of run support as the Phillies bombarded the Cubs last night.  Glad to see that I’m not the only one warning people to watch this with some level of caution.   I mean, three runs in five innings isn’t really stopper material – and Jamie Moyer would have likely won that start and lasted another innning or two…  [SI]

Milwaukee is trying to overhaul the roster in hopes of a late pennant run.  They put in a waiver claim on Diamondbacks starter Doug Davis, and also shook up things at home by firing pitching coach Bill Castro in favor of former starter Chris Bosio.  Then, the struggling J.J. Hardy was dispatched to AAA Nashville while Bill Hall was designated for assignment – which means he’ll be released and the Brewers will be eating about $11 million in Hall’s contract.  Coming up from AAA Nashville are two prospects, SS Alcides Escobar and OF Jason Bourgeois.  [SI/ESPN]

Alcides Escobar is a burner, a guy who makes contact, gets hits, steals bases and can cover ground in the field.  He’s not a leadoff guy – doesn’t really work the count and doesn’t have much power.  However, he can help – and J.J. Hardy isn’t helping by hitting .229 with 11 homers…  Baseball America ranked Escobar as Milwaukee’s top prospect, and has worked his way up the prospect ladder.  Jason Bourgeois isn’t going to take the world by fire – unless you need steals on your fantasy roster.  Originally an infielder in the Texas chain, he’s worked his way all over the minors for the Rangers, Braves, White Sox, and Seattle.  As best as I can tell, he’s a 27-year-old Willy Taveras – contact, speed, okay batting average and little else.  If he hits .270 and plays okay defense, he’ll be better than Hall, but he isn’t going to make anyone forget Mike Felder…  Unfortunately, he’s not a long term answer.

Boston’s Kevin Youkilis and Detroit’s Rick Porcello were suspended for five games following the bean/brawl.  Having watched it eight to ten times, Porcello doesn’t have a reason to be suspended and is challenging the decision.  Youkilis took the day off and Mike Lowell hit another homer in his place…  [ESPN]

Joba Chamberlain’s innings will be even more closely monitored as he shifts to a seven day rotation.  [ESPN]

Erik Bedard will have exploratory surgery to determine the source of the pain in his shoulder, and address the fraying already there.  What is open to debate is whether or not he’ll be back with the Mariners next year.  Seattle has an option, or could let Bedard become a free agent.  [ESPN]

Another pitcher going under the knife is Washington prospect Jordan Zimmermann, who gets Tommy John surgery and will likely not pitch until 2011.  [ESPN]

It doesn’t get better for the Mets.  Carlos Delgado’s hip recovery was stalled by a strained oblique muscle.  [FoxSports]

Kaz Matsui is one hit away from having 2000 combined hits in Japan and MLB – which would put him in a rather exclusive club among Japanese ballplayers.  He would join the Meikyukai, an elite group of players with 200 hits, 250 saves, or 200 wins – whether in Japan, the US, or both.  Others you may have heard of?  Ichiro Szuki, Hideki Matsui, and Hideo Nomo…  [MLB]

A couple of players got hit yesterday and had to leave games…  Yankee captain Derek Jeter was hit in the right instep by a pitch last night and couldn’t run the bases well, so was pulled in the third inning.  And, Reds starter Homer Bailey was struck by an Albert Pujols liner in the left foot and had to leave in the first inning.  Both are day-to-day.

Hurry Back!  Rich Aurilia (Giants) heads to the DL.  Evan Meek (Pirates) has a strained obligue – gets a DL stint.  Wesley Wright (Astros) has a strained left shoulder – gets a DL stint, too.

Welcome Back!  Other than Pedro, Lance Berkman (Astros) returned from the DL and helped slaughter my Marlins…  Another Astro – LaTroy Hawkins, also came off the DL yesterday.  The Giants returned Nick Hundley from the DL, as well as outfielder Nate Schierholtz…

Afterthoughts…  Colorado had signed Adam Eaton to the minor league deal and yesterday recalled Eaton from AAA.  Do they want to know how high of an ERA Eaton can get?  I mean, what’s the goal here?

Yesterday’s Trivia:  How to get from Tom Gordon to Rube Waddell in six steps?

When Gordon arrived, one of his teammates was the aging Billy Buckner, whose rookie team in 1972 included Hoyt Wilhelm.  Wilhelm played in St. Louis in 1957 with Stan Musial, whose 1941 teammate was future Hall of Famer Eppa Rixey.  Rixey’s career started in Philadelphia many, many moons earlier when he was a teammate of slugger Gavy Cravath.  Cravath’s career came together when he was an outfielder for the Minneapolis Millers from 1910 to 1911, where he was a teammate of Rube Waddell – who had joined the Millers prior to the 1911 season and would win the American Association.

People are fragile things, you should know by now. You’ll speak when you’re spoken to.

Do you hear that? It's the sound of putting one in my leg.

Plax (not that old school mouthwash stuff) suffered a bit of a setback in his legal situation yesterday. A grand jury indicted him on two counts of weapons possession and one of reckless shooting of one’s self in the leg endangerment. This could end badly for Burress who faces a minimum 3.5 years in the slammer if he’s convicted in the next round.

No worries on my end, however. I figure this means I’ll be able to take him in the 17th round of our Fantasy draft. Plax is my ultimate-nobody’s-gonna-see-it-coming sleeper this year. You can take that shit to the bank! The teller might look at you funny, but you must insist that it is valid tender. A safety deposit box may be in order. Ha, safety… you know, the thing that Plax didn’t have set on his glock.

Seriously though, Plax has been on my fantasy league team for three years running. What the hell am I going to do? Who’s going to explode (ha! another gun reference) for the first couple of games only to run his mouth and fail to live up to expectations the rest of the season? I’m counting on your Predator. You’re my keeper. Don’t disappoint me by not disappointing me (that makes sense, right?).

For the record, nobody else who testified in front of the Grand Jury was indicted of any charges, which I think is bullshit. Burress’ nanny should have been implicated for allowing him to wear sweatpants to a club in the least.
[Story from ESPN]

Now on to your Houston sports updates:

ASTROS – Abel finally gets retribution; Cain falls to the Astros. Mike Hampton managed his first win in the last eight starts he’s made. Geoff Blum and Kaz Matsui (off the foul poll!) homered in the 4-3 win over the San Francisco Giants. After starting out on a tear after the ASG the Astros look to recover from a little bump in the road against the Cards and Cubbies.
[AP]

ROCKETS – Obviously trying to comply with TRG’s Monday request of “please make some news already” the Rockets promptly got fined by the league. The Rox, Cavs and T’Wolves all leaked their season schedules before the league deemed it allowable. A fine and caning is set for next Monday. Stern is said to be removing the stick shoved up his ass to use as the weapon of choice for the corporeal punishment.
[AP]

UNIVERSITY of HOUSTON – Man, I love me some national press. Even the bastion of liberal media (I think I’m stealing that from TRG, but it’s mine now. MINE!!) the New York Times is even dedicating some time to the Cougars. I can’t even find much wrong with the assessment, except the “Low Point” of last season. Sure, the Marshall beating was the lowest point of the season, but saying that the losses to Air Force, Colorado State and Rice were understandable (I’m leaving out OK St.) is not understandable. You get my drift? The Air Force game should never have taken place. The Colorado State game should never have been lost. And Rice should never have existed.
[NYTimes]

DYNAMO – Certainly the MLS statistician team is some of the best in sports. Either that, or their investigative journalism is second to none.

[Round table meeting]

“Wow, there were a lot of goals this past weekend.”

“Yeah, there were. How are we going to explain this to the MLS fans that don’t exist?”

“Oh, I know. We can point out that the high-scoring teams had stars return from International duties.”

“That’s a TERRIFIC idea! But, we’re assuming the general public doesn’t watch MLS games.”

“And I would be wrong with that assumption how?…………”

[Fade to black]

[MLSnet.com]

TEXANS - Actually -  SAGE ROSENFELS - After getting shut out of the Brett Favre sweepstakes and Tevaris Jackson already nursing an injury, all eyes are on Sage. The most recent piece comes from Scout.com who says that “even though the Texans and Vikings run a West Coast Offense, Sage is still learning the system because they’re different*.” Well, no shit. The Vikes don’t have the Scramble-Pump-Fake-into-Helicopter play in the book. Actually, with the X-Games on right now, someone should adopt that as a trick name in the freestyle BMX portion.
[Scout.com]
* = Not an actual quote

- Septimus Rex

[Photo from Subway Chatter]

Por: Carlos Maxwell

Siempre he sido fanático de los Mets. Es algo que quiero dejar claro antes que todo. Sucedió cuando yo tenía siete años de edad. Yo estaba viendo un juego entre los Mets y los Dodgers y decidí apoyar al equipo de la gran manzana. Ese día, los Mets perdieron. A pesar de eso, de ahí en adelante le di mi apoyo.

Como es un equipo que me duele, tengo que decir las cosas por las que me siento avergonzado y que suceden y han sucedido en los Mets.

Nolan Ryan con los Mets

Definitivamente tenemos que tocar el tema de Nolan Ryan, aunque cuando se realizó el cambio yo no había nacido. Resulta que el 10 de Diciembre de 1971, los Mets obtuvieron al entonces parador en corto Jim Fregosi a cambio de cuatro jugadores. Entre ellos Nolan Ryan, quien para muchos es el mejor lanzador en la historia de las Grandes Ligas. Ryan, terminó ganando 324 partidos en su carrera, posee el record de más ponches propinados con 5, 714 y tiró 7 partidos sin hits, la mayor cantidad para un lanzador. En toda su historia, los Mets nunca han tirado un “no hitter”. Y lo chistoso del caso es, que tanto Dwight Gooden como David Cone lanzaron sus primeros juegos sin hits después de haber salido de los Mets.

Esto, resulta vergonzoso  tomando en cuenta que el equipo nació en 1962, y que los Marlins por ejemplo, quienes aparecieron en 1993 ya tienen cuatro partidos sin hits. Lo peor del caso, es que el equipo de la Florida ya ha ganado dos Series Mundiales que es la misma cantidad que tienen los Mets.

Los peces, con su nómina muy por debajo a la del conjunto neoyorquino, dejaron a los Metropolitanos fuera de la pelea tras vencerlos en los partidos claves al final de la temporada tanto en el 2007 como en el 2008. Precisamente el año pasado, fue el último del Shea Stadium donde se hizo una gran ceremonia y todo en el último juego que fue ante los Marlins, pero sin embargo perdieron para quedarse fuera de los playoffs. iQué vergüenza!

Ahora, tienen un nuevo estadio (Citi Field), en el cual se gastaron más de 800 millones de dólares y ni siquiera tiene techo retráctil. O sea, te gastaste 800 millones y el juego se te puede suspender por lluvia. Además el parque es enorme y casi no se pueden conectar jonrones. Por cierto, hace poco, hasta tuvieron que mirar la repetición de una jugada por televisión para ver si fue cuadrangular. Sería lógico que en un estadio estrenado en el año 2009, no sucedieran este tipo de cosas.

Los Mets también han tenido fama de realizar cambios y malos y transacciones en las que salen perdiendo. Ya mencioné la de Nolan Ryan y enumeraré otras más.

Por ejemplo, en el 2004 cambiaron a su mejor prospecto, el lanzador Scott Kazmir hacia Tampa Bay. Junto a Kazmir pasó José Díaz a cambio de Víctor Zambrano y Bartolomé Fortunato. En 1989, cambiaron a Lenny Dykstra y a Roger McDowell (dos figures clave del equipo) junto a Tom Edens por Juan Samuel. Aunque Samuel estaba brillando con los Phillies, en Nueva York nunca fue el mismo de siempre. A parte de eso, fue obligado a jugar el jardín central, cuando en realidad él era un segunda base. Dykstra y McDowell eran parte de “la cara de la franquicia”.

Otros cambios y firmas tampoco resultaron. Los mejores ejemplos de casos que no funcionaron son: Roberto Alomar, Carlos Baerga, Mo Vaughn, Tony Fernández, el experimento Kaz Matsui y el envío de José Reyes a segunda y Bobby Bonilla, a quien le tuvieron que pagar 5.9 millones en el 2000 para deshacerse de sus servicios. Esa fue otra de las “metidas de pata” del entonces gerente general Steve Phillips.

Tom Seaver con los Mets

Lo peor del caso, es que cambiaron al gran Tom Seaver hacia Cincinnati en 1977. Lo volvieron a adquirir en el 82, pero se les marchó en el 84 como agente libre. ¿Cómo cambiaron a Tom Seaver? No entiendo. Es increíble.

De este 2009 ni hablar. Ha sido una temporada desastrosa y gran parte ha sido por las lesiones. Pero creo que a los Mets les falta lo que llaman “corazonadas” y/o tacto para hacer transacciones que no necesariamente sean millonarias. Tacto, como el que tuvieron los Red Sox cuando obtuvieron a David Ortíz cuando los Twins lo echaron a un lado. La corazonada que tuvieron los Rays cuando se hicieron de los servicios de Carlos Peña. Los pantalones que tuvieron los Braves al darle la oportunidad a Yunel Escobar. Eso le falta a los Mets.

Este 2009 ha sido el año de las lesiones y los errores costosos. Hasta el programa Sports Center de la cadena ESPN hizo una reseña de los “10 peores errores” de los Mets este año. iQué bochorno! El mejor, digo, el peor de todos fue cuando el 12 de Junio de este año Luis Castillo, dejó caer la pelota que hubiese sido el último out para vencer a los Yankees. Sin embargo, con el error dos corredores de los Yankees anotaron y así ganaron 9 por 8.

En este 2009, Tony Bernazard quien era uno de los asistentes del gerente general, fue cancelado después de que invitara a pelear a un jugador de liga menor. Y el mismo gerente general le tuvo que presentar disculpas a un reportero al que acusó de estar buscando un puesto en el equipo en una rueda de prensa.

Este 2009 ha sido un pésimo año para el equipo al que sigo. Ojalá y mejoren.

Kyle Farnsworth won’t miss time, but needed four stitches to repair cuts caused when he had to break up a fight between his two pet bulldogs, who apparently were arguing over the affection of a child.

John Smoltz’s rehab is nearly complete, and the Red Sox announced that Smoltz will likely start a game on June 25th against the Washington Nationals – which is really just another rehab start against a AAA team.  Smoltz last pitched in June, 2008; he was pitching in relief since he couldn’t deal with the discomfort as a starter for the Braves at the time.

What are the Red Sox going to do?  They have more pitching than they know what to do with, they have a solid offense and even Big Papi seems to be coming out of his slump.  They have one of the great stockpiles of talent – three guys with closer’s stuff in the pen (Papelbon, Soriano, Saito), seven starters (the current rotation plus Smoltz and Clay Buchholz in AAA) – what more do they need?  Can they loan it to Washington???  (Hey, that’s what the Yankees would have done in the 50s and 60s – send extra players to Kansas City until they needed them.)

Johan Santana says that his problems are not tied to a sore knee, as his pitching coach Rick Peterson suggested.  He says he’s dealing with location issues.  Santana admits, though, that he’s nicked up a bit (split fingernail, blisters) – but it’s not the reason for getting bombed by the Yankees.

Speaking of nicked up…  Derek Jeter has a stiff ankle.  Torii Hunter got bruised ribs for crashing into a wall yesterday – he skipped today’s game.

Shoulder pain put Carlos Guillen on the DL; now the Tiger slugger may lose the season to shoulder surgery.

On the mend?  Joe Crede and Michael Cuddyer both played for the Twins today.  Kyle Lohse may be ready for rehab soon.  Roy Halliday played catch without pain; even Brad Lidge says his leg feels better.  Casey Kotchman returns to the Braves from the DL.  Brian Bruney is back with the Yankees after a DL stint, as is Glen Perkins of the Twins.  Kaz Matsui retured to Houston from his DL stint.  And Emmanuel Burriss (Giants) and Will Ohman (Dodgers) get rehab trips.

On the other hand, Houston’s Geoff Blum heads to the DL with a hamstring injury, and Cub lefty Jason Waddell sits 15 days with a non-injury related medical condition. 

Quick Crime Report…  Former MLB outfielder Mel Hall was convicted of sexual assault with a 12-year-old girl – three counts of assault, and two more counts of indecency.  Sentencing continues tomorrow.  Yuck.

David Price earns his first MLB win last night, with 11Ks in just shy of 6 innings work. Matt Wieters tripled for his first MLB hit. Good day for propsects yesterday…

I watched a little of the DET/BAL game yesterday and Joel Zumaya hit 101 on the gun according to pitchfx data from MLB. The TV monitor said 98. I’m glad it’s not me in the batter’s box.

I also watched the STL/SF game and realized that Barry Zito is the new Scott Sanderson, only left handed. He’s 1 – 6 this year, but he was left out there a little too long and he got no help with his batters unable to hit Chris Carpenter. If Zito were on the Cards, he’d probably win 20 games.

Man, I watched a lot of baseball yesterday – and yet was still productive (somewhat). Among the games I flipped by and watched was a DIV II college championship game between Emporia State (KS) and Lynn University (Boca Raton, FL). I didn’t watch much, but still thought it was cool. Andy – Wilson Kilmer and Dave Bingham both came through Emporia State…

Casualties yesterday? Boston outfielder Rocco Baldelli slid to catch a foul ball yesterday, but jammed his left knee into the wall. Baldelli is another guy who can’t catch a break, but is a pretty good ballplayer when healthy.

Cincy’s Joey Votto is now on the DL citing personal reasons. That can’t be good.

Indian Victor Martinez fouled a ball off his left knee and is day-to-day.

The Indians are not confident that Travis Hafner will be back soon. Apparently his shoulder began hurting again during his rehab stint – frustrating to Pronk as well as the Indians management. The Indians owe Hafner more than $50 million through 2012.

Speaking of injured Indians, Grady Sizemore has a sore left elbow, but has been the DH in recent games. If Pronk were to return and Sizemore still couldn’t throw, he’d be a DL candidate.

Speaking of rehab assignments going awry, Oliver Perez has patellar tendonitis and will likely miss more time. His mechanics are apparently more messed up than the economy.

Chad Tracy had his best day this year for Arizona – three hits and a homer, only to injure a leg running out his last hit. He’s on the DL…

Welcome back: Cliff Floyd is back with San Diego. Guess who was sent down? Drew Macias. Matt Joyce, an outfield prospect, is up with Tampa Bay again. This time, it might stick. He’s got power and patience and has gotten better each year. In a half season with Detroit last year, he did okay. He’s NOT Ryan Braun, but he’s pretty good. Brian Schneider returns to the Mets, which combined with the fine play of Omir Santos, is why Ramon Castro became expendable.

Matt Kata returns to Houston in place of the injured Kaz Matsui. You won’t notice the difference either, except that Kata can’t run like Kaz. He’ll be okay, but won’t make any of our rosters… Sergio Romo is back with the Giants.

Hurry back: Travis Buck, Oakland slugger, has a strained oblique.

On the mend: Elijah Dukes gets a rehab stint with Harrisburg.

Finally, Wes Whisler gets the call for the White Sox. He’s not much of a pitcher, but he can hit some. Should be in the NL as a 13th pitcher, pinch hitter type. Micah Owings with less skills…

NOTE: MLB Transaction Wire provided brief notes for posts here.

The first manager to fall is Clint Hurdle, replaced after an 18 – 28 start, which makes you wonder how Manny Acta keeps his job in Washington (13 – 34) or similar slow starts in Oakland (18 – 28) or Houston (19 – 27). Or, how about the teams that are disappointing – like Cleveland (21 – 29).

Interim manager, Jim Tracy, won his first game.

The Yankees won, taking over first place in the AL East, getting contributions from a variety of sources, including Jorge Posada. Andy Pettitte left in the sixth with a sore back – he’s day to day for now. Mariano Rivera got the save, making them the greatest combination win/save duo in history. Cue Tim Kurkjian.

Hanley Ramirez isn’t ready to start, but he did pinch hit for the Marlins last night.

Khalil Greene went on the DL with an anxiety disorder. I have that – seriously – and I didn’t miss 15 days (or more) of work. When you make that kind of money and hit .200 with little to show for it, I guess you can. I’d be feeling anxious in his shoes, too… Returning in his place is outfielder Ryan Ludwick.

The last player to miss time with anxiety was Dontrelle Willis, who was slapped around pretty good last night…

Cincinnati’s Joey Votto left last night’s game with dizziness again. Hopefully this goes away soon. He may land on the DL this time, though.

Nick Punto pulled a groin (hopefully his own) and lands on the DL for Minnesota. Coming back from AAA is Alexi Casilla, who has been a good major leaguer before. Here’s to putting it back together.

Houston’s Kaz Matsui is out with a strained hammy.

White Sox slugger Carlos Quentin has plantar fascitis and will go on the DL. My running partner, Mike Coe, has been fighting that for months. Yuck! Dewayne Wise returns from the DL to take his spot.

In a rare May trade, the Mets sent C Ramon Castro to the White Sox for (sort of) prospect pitcher Lance Broadway. I always liked Castro and thought he should play more, but he’s a career backup. He can hit and hit for power. Broadway is a former #1 pick (2005) who hasn’t really found his groove.

Corky Miller loses his backup status in Chicago.

Dodger Will Ohman returns from the DL, but Texas prospect (and darned good pitcher) Matt Harrison goes to the DL with inflammation in his shoulder. Hurry back!

On the mend? Indian pitcher Joe Smith and Mets infielder Alex Cora, also Texas pitcher Tommy Hunter.

Look for David Dellucci and/or Daniel Cabrera to decline AAA assignments and become free agents.

Fun stuff first – the Houston Astros Michael Bourn batted first and second against the Brewers because Cecil Cooper changed his mind about whether Bourn or Kaz Matsui should bat first or second. The lineup card in the dugout said one thing, the one given to the home plate umpire said something else. So, after Bourn led off with a single, Brewers Manager Ken Macha pointed out the error of the Astros ways, the home plate umpire called Bourn out, and then made Bourn bat again. He made another out.

Scott Schoenweis left Florida to return to his Arizona home yesterday when he learned his wife died unexpectedly in their home. The D-Backs reliever is on the bereavement list, and Arizona players chalked the number 60 on hats and shoes in support.

Boston’s Jacoby Ellsbury has fantastic range. Last night he caught 12 fly balls – about four times more than the normal day, and as many as any AL outfielder ever.

Welcome back: Cards Chris Carpenter, who beat the Cubs in his return from the DL last night. Kevin Youkilis returned last night and helped the Red Sox top the Jays. And, the first homer of the season for Big Papi! Now, he can relax. Might be time to go get him.

Andy was asking about stolen bases… Arizona’s Mark Reynolds (who?) had four last night against the Marlins.

ESPN reported that Jake Peavy might be heading to Chicago – but not the Cubs. The White Sox… Say it ain’t so!!!

Injury Updates:

Elijah Dukes hits the DL with a strained left hamstring. Say hello to outfielder Justin Maxwell, a 4th round draft pick in 2005 who has power and speed and a big hole in his swing. He will work a walk, but mostly because some pitchers fear him. He’s never hung around any one level very long, so it’s hard to get a reading, but he might have an impact. In 2010.

Oakland infielder Mark Ellis’s calf injury was worse than though – now on the 60 day DL, where teammate Eric Chavez and his shoulder and back reside.

Rick Ankiel is close to returning to the Cards. When Carpenter was recalled, the Cards sent outfielder Shane Robinson back to AAA Memphis.

Nate Robertson returns to the Tigers, costing Lucas French his spot on the roster.

Nick Massett goes to Cincy’s DL list with a left oblique strain.

Boston’s John Smoltz begins a rehab stint with Greenville. Cliff Floyd works his in Lake Elsinore for San Diego.

Comings and Goings:

I mentioned rookie Wilkin Ramirez the other day. The new Tiger homered last night.

Unhappy with Garrett Mock, the Nationals sent Mock to AAA and recalled Craig Stammen. No prospect. The Nats also designated Alex Cintron for assignment and recalled occasional prospect Jason Bergmann.

Craig Breslow got off to a slow start with the Twins, was designated for assignment, but got claimed by the A’s. This is the first time Breslow hadn’t pitched well in the majors, but his overall career has been pretty good. We’ll see if he can’t put it back together.

Doug Slaten will cover for Scot Schoenweis in Arizona; Anthony Swarzak gets Breslow’s spot in Minnesota. Swarzak fits the Twins’ mold – control pitcher, might get a few striekouts. He was pitching well in Rochester (AAA), so he earned a look. Swarzak was a second round pick in 2004 right out of Nova High School in Davie, Florida (about 20 minutes south of here).

The Major League Baseball season has been going on for almost two full months now, and so far there have been a few different things going on that we don’t usually see every day, or even every year. Let’s take a look at this year’s strange MLB events from April through May, buttt mostly from the past few days:

1. Hopefully you already read about Lackey’s short pitching outing. For those of you who missed it read it here.

2. As most of you know, the American League uses Designated Hitters to bat and the National League uses pitchers to bat. On Sunday May 17, the Rays hosted the Indians which featured a funny pregame mistake causing the Rays to lose their Designated Hitter spot. Evan Longoria was scheduled to take the day off from the field and solely just be DH. The error caused the Rays to lose their DH spot and Andy Sonnanstine had to bat. Not only did he bat, but he was the third man in the lineup, a spot usually reserved for the power hitter. In the end, Sonnanstine finished off pitching 5.2 innings allowing 7 hits, 5 earned runs, and striking out three. And at the plate, Sonnanstine went 1 for 3, with an RBI. Not bad for a pitcher.

3. Mike Pelfrey of the New York Mets reminded us again of the Balk in baseball. Pelfrey balked three times in the game last Sunday resulting to a 2-0 loss against the San Francisco Giants. For those of you who do not know what a balk is, it is an illegal pitching motion.

4. Not to keep putting down the Mets, but another night full of failures occurred for the injury plagued team, resulting in another loss. Last Monday the Mets committed five errors in an extra inning loss to the LA Dodgers. Ramon Martinez committed two, and Sean Green, Carlos Beltran and Jeremy Reed each committed one. After Beltran’s error in the outfield, Reed made a bad throw to home which blew the game for sure. The Dodgers came in and scored safely to win 3-2 in 11 innings.

5. Kaz Matsui joins Jacoby Ellsbury and Jayson Werth for people who have stolen home this year. He did it Tuesday against the Milwaukee Brewers in Houston. Once Milwaukee got Michael Bourn in a pickle, Matsui took full advantage of the Brewer’s lack of attention to him and sprinted home for a run. The Astros took an early 1-0 lead, but in the end the Brewers finished off with a 4-2 victory. Trevor Hoffman got his 10th save, and the Brewers won their seventh straight game.

Husband is sitting comfortably on the couch, watching Astros Live with Alyson Footer and Patti Smith. Husband would watch every game without moving if he got to watch them announce the entire game, instead of Brownie and JD – unlike a lot of men, he LIKEY females who are knowledgeable about the sport they are discussing. And, to be accurate,what Husband likes the VERY most about the Astros is Alyson Footer, who he thinks is teh HOTTT as well as teh SMARTTT. He isn’t real too impressed with Ms Smith, whose main job is to talk to people in the crowd and ask a few ballplayers some dumb questions at the end of the game, but he sure LUUUUVVVVS Alyson.

I don’t mind. Not only does she know baseball, but she hasn’t blonded herself out and expanded upon her mammaries. Besides, if I objected, I would probably have to throw out my poster and bobbleheads of Bradley Awesomeness.

And speaking of awesomeness, Mr. Wand-erful has now thrown 5 consecutive QS and boasts a 1.69 ERA. Might could I remind folks that 2 of those QS have come on the road. Might could I also mention that 4 out of 5 times he has pitched, he has been featured on BBTN’s “That’s Nasty.” AND might could I remind folks that I am proud to have been a Wandy fangrrrrrl since 2005. I say it LOUD, I say it PROUD.

The Magic Wandy had a shaky 1st inning – walked Willy T on 5 pitches (yeh, Willy T), then gave up a single (reached out and hit a good pitch on the outside corner), then a run on a GIDP on that exact same pitch on the low and outside corner, then a double, then a steal of 3rd, then a GO. 18 pitches, 8 balls. But the curve was already nasty.

He pitched 1,2,3 out efficient innings in the 2nd and 3rd, Votto led off the 4th with a 7 pitch walk, but Wandy quickly got the next 3 outs with 10 pitches. He got 3 outs on 1 pitches in the 5th, too, ending up with a 3 swinging strikes K of Astro Killah Micah Owings. Hehhehheh.

He needed 14 pitches for the 6th – got an out, then a double, then an out, then an advance to 3rd on a WP, then an inning ending grounder.

Out he went for the 7th, got an easy popup, then gave up a single to Ramon Hernandez, then another single off the LF wall to Darnell McDonald (who had already gifted the Astros with 2 UER) and Hernandez, one of the 3 slowest runners in the majors, decided, for some unknown reason, to try to go from first to third (and this is like me trying out to play defensive tackle in the NFL in terms of pure suicide/stupidity) and even Carlos Lee and his soggy arm had him thrown out by 15 feet at the VERY least.

Ramon he need to go on the video for that country song “What was I thinkin? I musta been drinkin.”

So with 2 out and a man on second instead of 1 out, men on first and second, Wandy easily got the last out. And actually, I would bet that at 98 pitches, if the Reds had gotten 3 outs in the top of the 8th, the Wand Man would have been right back out on the mound. 

As it was, the Astros were up 8-1 bottom of the 8th and with Wandy having been pinch hit for, Geary went out, left a meatball over the heart of the plate and Laynce Nix promptly deposited it over the LF wall. He then got 3 quick outs. Wesley Wright went in to mopup the 9th and had a bit of trouble – gave up a leadoff homer to the slumping Brandon Phillips, walked the next hitter, gave up a screaming liner to second, then a long flyout to deep center, then a game ending flyout to the LF wall.

Bad news is that Lance is still having very bad ABs and appears to be looking for the walk. He is having weak grounders and a lot of limp flyouts to opposite field.

Good news is that Ivan Rodriguez hit 2 balls with authority – a homer that went around 410′ to straightaway center (and would have been out at home) and a double high off the LF wall. And, might could I add, he got Willy T out on one of his patented bunt for a hit in front of the moung – threw him out by a half step.

Michael Bourn is still appearing to have been Bourn again – he reached on error, stole a base, then walked and scored, then walked and stole another base. Unfortunately, he ended his night by striking out on a 3-2 count with 2 on. He went to a 3-2 count on 3 of his 5 PA and took 26 pitches in all – over 5 pitches/PA. This is most definitely heading into leadoff man territory and he has improved greatly since last year. He’s lucky that he’s Ed Wade’s pet, or he never would have had the chance. At least with THIS team.

Kaz went 3 fer 5 with 2 RBI, 2 runs scored and 2 stolen bases. AND he made a fine leaping catch and turned an excellent DP.

Carlos only had 1 hit, but it was a double over Willy’s head to deep center and it scored 2 runs – and of course, he threw out the incredibly dumb Ramon Hernandez.

Miggy hit the hardest hit ball I’ve seen him hit all year – went for a double to right center, and he scored a run. And didn’t GIDP.

Pence was ofer, didn’t hit any balls very well.

Geoff Blum went 2 fer 4 and scored a run. He’s hitting .328 overall, but only .183 with RISP and only .143 with RISP, 2 out. Over 70 PA, he’s only driven in 4 runs and he’s GIDP twice.

Tomorrow, it’s Edinson Volquez vs Felipe Paulino, the re-match.

Moehler and Backe are still rehabbing, still needing to throw longer and longer starts, and if Paulino pitches as he did in his first start and not his second, it will be MUY interesting to see what happens when either Moehler or Backe is ready to pitch in the bigs. Also, right now, Valverde has FINALLY been put on the DL so that his leg can heal and Fulchino has been recalled. It might could be that Paulino would take that spot if Valverde is still out when either starter is ready.

Youneverknow…

Chicago Cubs

Production Points Recap

April 8, 2009

Score: Chicago Cubs 11, Houston Astros 6

Record: Cubs 2-1, Astros 1-2

Chicago Cubs Player of the Game: Aramis Ramirez (17 PP)

Game-Winning Hit: Derek Lee (6 PP) hit an RBI-double in the first inning

Game-Deciding Hit: Mike Fontenot (16 PP) hit a three-run homer in the second to put the Cubs ahead 8-0.

Bullpen: Three cubs relievers – David Patton (+2), Carlos Marmol (+1), and Angel Guzman (+2) – yielded just one run over the final four innings. 

Boxscore:

Chicago Cubs

Production Points Recap

April 7, 2009

Score: Houston Astros 3, Chicago Cubs 2

Record: Cubs 1-1, Astros 1-1

Chicago Cubs Player of the Game: Derrek Lee (5 PP)

Houston Astros Player of the Game: Hunter Pence (8 PP)

At the plate: Derrek Lee notched an RBI-single. Alfonso Soriano homered for the second straight game.  

On the mound: Angel Guzman (3 PP) struck out two in facing the minimum number of batters in the seventh.

In the field: Soriano recorded an outfield assist. C Koyie Hill threw out a runner stealing.

Boxscore:

It’s time to look at who are the best fantasy 2nd basemen headed into 2009. I always like to take the top 2B or SS early because finding a top hitting middle infielder is a hard to come by. They are few and far between.

In honor of latest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, I have broken down this years 2B class by swimsuit model. Enjoy

Like this year's cover girl, Bar Refaeli these are the best of the best

1. Ian Kinsler, Rangers -Kinsler was tearing up major league pitching last year until a sports hernia injury ended his season in August. I like Kinsler a lot this year. He is the most complete 2B headed into 2009. He will give you hr, rbi, avg, obp and sb’s. If he can stay healthy for the whole season than a 25 hr/25 sb/90 rbi season is not out of the question.

2. Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox -The reigning AL MVP heads into 2009 as the 2nd best 2B on the board. The reason I have Pedroia 2nd is because I expect a little dip in his power numbers numbers (hr & rbi) from last year. Look for the heart and soul of the Red Sox to have a .320/14/75/.380 type season.

3. Chase Utley, Phillies -Any other year Utley is by far the #1 2B on the board. But because of offseason hip surgery, Utley’s ranking dips a little. The Phillies are optimistic about Utley being ready for Opening Day but you never know how someone is going to come back from hip surgery. April is key for Utley. If he looks healthy in April, then a typical Utley year of .295/28/95 is in order.

4. Brandon Phillips, Reds

not the cover girl, but like Brooklyn Decker these are the next best thing and nobody is complaining

 5. Brian Roberts, Orioles

6. Alexei Ramirez, White Sox – Alfonso Soriano part 2. A tall, lanky 2B who has all the potential in the world? Sounds like Alfonso Soriano part 2 to me. Ramirez had a solid rookie year putting up a .290/21/77 in just 480 ab’s. Now moving over to SS, Ramirez still will qualify at 2B for fantasy purposes which raises his stock even more. The only stat Ramirez hurts you in is obp (.317 last season) but a .300/25/90 with 10+ sb’s is not out of the question for Ramirez

7. Dan Uggla, Marlins – Most fans remember Uggla for his horrific performance in last years All-Star game which is unfortunate. Uggla is a terrific player and one of the most consistent producing 2B in the game. 3 straight years of 25+ hr’s and 85+ rbi proves that. Uggla had career highs in hr (32), rbi (92) and obp (.360) last year so similar numbers should be expected again in 2009.

8. Robinson Cano, Yankees -I don’t think Cano will ever again hit .342 like he did in 2006 but his power numbers and rbi totals should keep Cano a top 10 2B for years to come. 15+ hr’s and 80 rbi is realistic for Cano this year

9. Jose Lopez, Mariners

I would never kick Jessica Hart out of bed and you shouldn't kick these 4 guys out of your fantasy drafts

10. Mark DeRosa, Indians -DeRosa will qualify at 2B, 3B and OF but has the most value at 2B. DeRosa had a career year last year hitting .285 with 21 hr and 87 rbi for the Cubs. Leaving Wrigley will hurt DeRosa’s numbers a bit but 17 hr’s and 75 rbi is realistic for DeRosa in 2009

11. Howie Kendrick, Angels - Can this guy ever stay healthy?? Every year the Angels have depended on him to stay healthy and every year he has let them down. Kendrick has never played in more than 92 games in a season but I think this year Kendrick stays relatively healthy and plays in 130 games. If Kendrick can get to 130 games then .315/10/65 with 15+ steals is doable

11. Kelly Johnson, Braves

 12. Mike Aviles, Royals -Aviles qualifies at SS and at 2B but has more value at the 2B position. The New York native burst on to the scene last year and hit .325 with 10 hr and 51 rbi in just 102 games for the Royals. I like Aviles to hit .300 again but not .325. Look for a .310 avg with 15 hr and 60 rbi from Aviles in 2009

Alison Preston isn't a swimsuit model but she made the issue, these next 5 guys can play on your team too

13. Rickie Weeks, Brewers -One of these years Weeks is going to break out. He has too much talent to be this mediocre for so long. I think he breaks out this year. By breakout, I mean .260/21/55/.375 with 20+ sb’s. It’s not much but it will do for now

14. Placido Polanco, Tigers

15. Orlando Hudson, Dodgers – You know what you are going to get from Hudson, .285 – .290 with 10 – 13 hr and 55-65 rbi. Going from Chase Field to Dodger Stadium might hurt his power #’s but if the Dodgers re-sign Manny then Hudson will benefit in the runs scored category.

16. Freddy Sanchez, Pirates

17. Mark Ellis, A’s

Shanon Lerschhelped round out the Swimsuit Issue andthese 5 guys will still help you round out your fantasy team

18. Kaz Matsui, Astros -Matsui will give you some value in the sb department but that is about it. He has only played in more than 100 games twice in 5 seasons so don’t count on him too much.

19. Felipe Lopez, Diamondbacks -  Want a sleeper for 2009? Take a look at Lopez. He will go into the season as the starting 2B and is playing in a good hitters ballpark. In 2005 he put up a nice .291/23/85 and in 2006 he stole 44 bases while hitting .274. A bounce back season in 2009 might be in order. Keep an eye on Lopez in April, if he gets off to a good start, snag him before someone else does.

20. Aaron Hill, Blue Jays

21. Akinori Iwamura, Rays

22. Clint Barmes, Rockies

Seeing Star Jones in a bathing suit is not pretty and neither is having these guys on your fantasy team

23. Mike Fontenot, Cubs -Fontenot will get you avg and obp but that is about it. A good “baseball player” but not a good “fantasy player”

24. Alexi Casilla, Twins

25. Edgar Gonzalez, Padres

26. Luis Castillo, Mets - Castillo enters the 2nd year of a ridiculous 4 year $25MM contract and boy do Mets fans hate this guy. Castillo only played in 87 games last year and hit a measly .245. At this point if Castillo is still the starting 2B by May (big if) then he might have some value in the runs scored category.

27. Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians

28. Emmanuel Burriss, Giants

29. Edgar Gonzalez, Padres

30. Chris Getz, White Sox – With Alexei Ramirez moving to SS, Getz gets first crack at winning the 2B job

31. Anderson Hernandez, Nationals – Hernandez is officially your worst 2B option headed into 2009. No power, no speed and little potential for scoring runs.

So there you have the 2b rankings headed into 2009. As I mentioned I always like to draft a middle IF early because there are few good ones. Good luck and next up will be fantasy 3B.