Sports of Boston » Mariano Rivera

Sabathia, Yankees Bullpen Strand 16 Red Sox Base Runners

Matt Goisman — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 04:26:44 +0000

All good things must come to an end, including CC Sabathia‘s winless streak against the Red Sox this season and Boston’s explosive offense. Sabathia allowed just two earned runs in six innings Tuesday night at Fenway, and the Red Sox left 16 men on base, losing to the Yankees, 5-2. Boston now leads New York by just a half-game in the AL East.

Sabathia Keeps Runs Just Out of Reach

Sabathia lived on the outside corner Tuesday night. Lefty, righty, it didn’t matter: Sabathia pitched just about every batter away. While this generated a lot of base runners – 11 in six innings – it also meant few opportunities for that one big run-scoring hit. Adrian Gonzalez struggled most with this strategy, striking out swinging against Sabathia three times on breaking balls down and away. Gonzalez finished the game 0-5, the only Red Sox starter without a hit.

Sabathia’s one bad pitch was a fourth-inning hanging breaking ball to Carl Crawford (2-4, walk, RBI, run), who deposited it in the right-field seats to make it 3-1 Yankees on his 10th home run of the season. Sabathia also gave up an RBI double to Marco Scutaro (2-5, RBI) before striking out Gonzalez to leave two men on.

The Red Sox had already squandered a bases-loaded situation in the second, and their next scoring opportunity came in the fifth, when the Red Sox had men on second and third with one out thanks to a Jed Lowrie double – the second of his three hits Tuesday – following a David Ortiz single. Robinson Cano snared a Crawford liner to hold the runners for the second out, unfortunately, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia struck out to end the inning.

The Red Sox loaded the bases off Yankees relievers in the seventh, but Boone Logan made Saltalamacchia look foolish, striking him out swinging on three sliders down and in, and Darnell McDonald then chased an outside fastball to end the inning.

Ortiz (2-4, walk) doubled off Mariano Rivera to lead off the ninth, and Rivera retired the next two Red Sox before hitting Saltalamacchia. Yankees manager Joe Girardi came out to argue Saltalamacchia was hit while swinging and was immediately ejected. Rivera then retired pinch-hitter Josh Reddick on a fly out to earn his 35th save of the season. The Red Sox went 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position Tuesday.

Sabathia earned his 18th win of the season and 10th road win, pitching seven innings of two-run baseball. He gave up 10 hits, hit a batter, walked two but struck out 10.

Lackey Can’t Continue Winning Ways

John Lackey had won his first two starts against the Yankees this season, including beating Sabathia on Aug. 6 at Fenway. This time, however, Lackey couldn’t repeat his success.

Walks proved costly to Lackey Tuesday: a one-out walk to Curtis Granderson in the second turned into the Yankees’ first run when third baseman Eric Chavez singled up the middle with two men on. Another walk to Granderson, this time leading off the fourth, turned into the Yankees’ second run when Cano doubled off the Green Monster. Chavez then singled up the middle to drive in Cano and make it 3-0 Yankees.

Lackey grew progressively less effective as the game went into later innings. Of Lackey’s 12 non-outs (seven hits, four walks and hit batter) in the seven innings he pitched, nine came after the third. Of the three strikeouts Lackey recorded, two came in the first two innings, and the third came with the bases empty and two outs in the top of the seventh. His only 1-2-3 innings were the first and third. After that, the Yankees became increasingly selective with Lackey, fouling off many two-strike pitches until they either hit or walked.

The Yankees extended their lead to 4-2 in the fifth on catcher Francisco Cervelli‘s third career home run, this time into the Green Monster seats. Upon reaching home, Cervelli clapped rather emphatically, perhaps leading to Lackey beaning him to start the seventh. Cervelli barked at Lackey following the pitch, forcing Saltalamacchia to stand in front of him. Both benches emptied but no punches were thrown, although Yankees pitching coach Larry Rothschild was ejected for arguing. Whether intentional or not, the hit batter proved costly, with Cervelli scoring from third on a double play by Derek Jeter.

Lackey took his 10th loss of the season, though his four earned runs (Cervelli’s second run was unearned due to his taking second on a passed ball) still lowered his ERA slightly to 5.94.

Alfredo Aceves pitched a perfect ninth on four pitches.

Reddick Helps Beat Yankees in Walk-Off Thriller; Sox Take Over 1st in AL East

Michael Ryan — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 10:44:23 +0000

Criticize the marathon games that come from baseball’s best rivalry if you will, but boy do the Sox and Yankees deliver some cardiac action.

Sunday was pitted as a mismatch between resurgent ace Josh Beckett and the surprising but weaker Freddy Garcia. What it turned into was a late-inning comeback for the regular season ages as Boston shocked New York 3-2 in 10 innings. In the center of the drama was rookie Josh Reddick, who slapped his first career walk-off hit to left field to boot reliever Phil Hughes and the Yankees out of Boston and into second place. The line drive sent the packed Fenway Park into a frenzy, and also clinched the season series against New York for the first time since 2004.

The game-winning RBI for Reddick was set up by David Ortiz. Papi slapped a ground rule double to right with 1 out to get into scoring position and allow Reddick a chance to win the game.

The 10th inning victory came after a blown save from Mariano Rivera in the 9th. The typically dominant closer allowed Marco Scutaro to lace a double off the Green Monster. After moving to third on a Jacoby Ellsbury bunt, Dustin Pedroia sent him home with a sacrifice fly to left. The run denied Rivera his 30th save of the season and handed the legendary closer his fourth blown save of 2011.

The Scutaro Show

As the no. 9 hitter in the Boston lineup on Sunday, Scutaro certainly showed the national audience how deep the Boston lineup goes. The Red Sox’ shortstop salvaged a 2nd inning rally with a 2-out RBI, and was the table setter for Boston’s 9th inning comeback. Heading into his at-bat against Rivera, Scutaro was just 3 for 15, but one of those hits was a walk-off homer. Although his double couldn’t get over the left field wall Sunday, it was enough to save the Red Sox from a disappointing loss. After his 4 for 4 night, Terry Francona will have some decisions to make with Jed Lowrie reportedly returning on Monday.

Acing The Yanks

Long before Reddick was mobbed in short right field by his teammates, Beckett was continuing his dominance of the Evil Empire. Entering the matchup 3-0 against New York this season, Beckett made just one big mistake in 6 innings on Sunday: a solo home run by Eduardo Nunez in the 5th inning. On his 101st and final pitch of the game, Beckett hurled a knee-buckler to Eric Chavez to dart his way out of a 2 out, 2 on jam.

What Were You Thinking Joe?

During Rivera’s 9th inning blown save, he made just one mistake. The closer left an inside hanger to Scutaro after aiming for the outside corners on every other pitch. That’s why it came as a surprise that manager Joe Giardi ditched Rivera for Hughes in the 10th. Rivera threw just 9 pitches, and New York is staring down an off day on Monday. The controversial move turned out to be a disastrous one.

Just a quick stat breakdown: Rivera’s blown save was the 14th of his career against Boston, which is by far the most he has had against any team. The next closest team is Baltimore. The Orioles have tagged him for 8 blown saves.

Rafael Soriano Signs With the Yankees

John — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 13:46:14 +0000

On Thursday, the New York Yankees agreed on a deal with the top remaining free agent Rafael Soriano. Soriano’s deal will annually pay him $10 million, then $11 million, then $14 million. Soriano can opt out after either of the first two years by taking $1.5 million more.

Previously, the Evil Empire had declared an unwillingness to give up a first round pick to sign anyone. Now, they’re flip-flopping on that and signing within the division. This guarantees that Boston will receive Texas’ first round pick from the Beltre signing.

Soriano will likely set up Mariano Rivera for two years, then take over the closer’s role when Mo’s career is expected to play, “Exit Sandman.” In the meantime, do you think that Mo can get 43 saves in two years to break Trevor Hoffman’s record? Not if Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford have anything to say about it.

Mariano Rivera Almost Signed With the Red Sox?

John — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 14:23:15 +0000

Though Mariano Rivera is going back to the Yankees for what was originally offered to Derek Jeter, it seems he turned down more money and years from Yankees’ arch-rivals Boston Red Sox. Can you imagine what could have happened with Rivera wearing Red?

In 2010, Rivera recorded 33 saves in 38 attempts, a 1.80 ERA and .833 WHIP in 61 games, and gave up just two home runs. In fact, 2002 was Mo’s only closer year with less than 30 saves (28). And he did start 10 games in 1995. Had the Sox been able to land Rivera, they would have had the game’s best closer in tow, and allowed them not to offer Papelbon his best contract after his worst year. Maybe Papelbon would’ve been signed by the Yankees in that wake…

Boston would have had 18 chances in 2011 to punish Papelbon’s 2010 season, which was nausea-inducing by AL East standards. Saving more opportunities would instantly have allowed the Red Sox to win the AL East behind Tampa’s undoubtedly leaving free agents and New York’s shakiness behind their new “closer” and the tension between them and Derek Jeter.

We all kept thinking about Crawford, Werth, Lee, and others, but ripping the cold, black heart out of the Steinbrenner machine? That would have been the best think Boston could have done to derail New York and let them be the perennial Wild Card for a change. But fortunately for New York, Mariano is willing to take the deal, unlike greedy, greedy Jeter.

Papelbon Blows Game, Season for Red Sox Against Yankees

KC Downey — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 04:42:10 +0000

The Red Sox, somehow, some way, still had a heart beat entering Sunday’s game against the Yankees. The Sox were looking for a sweep of their rivals: a win would bring them to within 4.5 games of the Wild Card lead, while a loss would push them 6.5 back and likely out of postseason play.

Fast forward to the ninth inning, with the Red Sox down 2-1 after starter Daisuke Matsuzaka allowed a go-ahead, two-run HR to Alex Rodriguez. Joe Girardi called on Mariano Rivera to put the final nail into the Red Sox 2010 coffin. Perhaps Rivera couldn’t get the job done, or perhaps the Red Sox wanted it more. Either way, the Sox scratched and clawed in the ninth like they were down to their last out in the World Series.

Ryan Kalish singled, and then stole second and third base with one out. Bill Hall singled Kalish home, and the game was tied 2-2. Hall then stole second and third, and scored the go-ahead run when Mike Lowell hit a sac fly to center. The Red Sox had the lead, and the pressure was now on the Yankees to come back, and Jonathan Papelbon to slam the door shut.

Paps recorded the first out when Derek Jeter flied to right field. He then allowed two straight singles, and walked A-Rod with one of the tightest strike zones known to man. Despite that, Paps has to pitch better when the heat is on. With the bases loaded, he allowed a game-tying single to Robinson Cano before recording the final two outs to force extra innings.

It was one of those games you knew the Yankees would win eventually. It didn’t take long, as Hideki Okajima allowed two hits and an intentional walk to load the bases against pinch hitter Marcus Thames. It wasn’t very exciting, but Okie allowed a walk-off walk, and the Yankees were winners, 4-3.

Sox Stud of the Game: Daisuke Matsuzaka

Despite allowing a HR to A-Rod, Dice-K was outstanding against the Yankees. He allowed those two runs on just four hits and a walk in eight innings pitched. He also struck out 7.

Sox Dud of the Game: Jonathan Papelbon

This one stung. He blew his career-high eighth save this season. His ERA is currently a career-worst 4.02.

Game Notes:

W: Boone Logan (2-0)
L: Hideki Okajima (4-4)

Phil Hughes allowed one run in six innings and received the no-decision.
Victor Martinez finished 2-5, including an RBI single in the third inning.

Beckett Injured as Red Sox Come Back Late to Split with Yankees

Chris Buonomo — Wed, 19 May 2010 07:34:41 +0000

Jonathan Papelbon found himself in a familiar situation Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium. Once again, the go-ahead run stood at the plate and a blown save seemed likely, but Papelbon struck out Randy Winn to seal the deal for his tenth save and a 7-6 victory.

Just like the first game of the series, the Red Sox found themselves down big, 5-0 in the fifth inning. CC Sabathia gave up a home run to Kevin Youkilis in the sixth inning and left Joba Chamberlain with a comfortable 5-1 lead. Not for long. J.D. Drew and Youkilis each delivered two-run hits to cut the gap to 5-4. David Ortiz then drove in Youk to tie it up.

It was a whole new ballgame when the dust settled in the eighth inning. Jeremy Hermida drove in two runs off of Mariano Rivera, plating Darnell McDonald and Marco Scutaro in the ninth. The two-run cushion was all Papelbon needed.

It was a great comeback but it came at a cost. Josh Beckett left the game in the fifth with more tightness in his lower back. Manny Delcarmen relieved him, but the Yankees protested the substitution because they were not notified of the injury. We are awaiting the results of Beckett’s injury and the protest.

The victory helped the 2010 Red Sox (20-20) avoid being the first team since 1997 to be under .500 at the 40-game mark.

Sox Studs of the Game: Kevin Youkilis and Jeremy Hermida

Youk delivered 2 runs, 2 hits, 3 RBI, and his 7^th home run of the year. Hermida only had one at-bat, but it was all he needed to win the game.

Sox Dud of the Game: Josh Beckett

After missing his last start, he looked to right his 7.46 era. He didn’t succeed, as it still stands at 7.29. If this injury is serious enough to keep the righty from his next start, look for Tim Wakefield fill in again.

Game Notes

W: Daniel Bard (1-1)
L: Mariano Rivera (0-1)

The Sox bullpen really stopped the bleeding, having to go 4.1 after Beckett’s early exit.
The game was delayed 59 minutes because of rain.
Youk’s average is a team-leading .319, good enough for eleventh in the AL.

Sports Illustrated Cover Jinx? We Hope So, For the Yankees

Binyamin Cooper — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:30:19 +0000

Finally, the Red Sox catch a break.

We hope.

The New York Yankees “Core Four” (Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera), are set to appear on this week’s cover of Sports Illustrated. The SI cover has been known to jinx and bring unfortunate situations to whoever fills it. To some, this idea may seem childish, but to Boston Red Sox fans, people who live off of superstitions, this might be just what they need.

Jeter, Pettitte, Posada, and Rivera have been the core of the Yankees for the past fifteen season and each had a role in the teams’ last five World Championship. If there were ever four people Red Sox Nation wanted to jinx, it was these four.

And what better time for it to happen? Boston has opened the 2010 season struggling their way to a 9-11 record, while the Empire has seen no layoff from last year’s World Series Championship and has jumped out to a 12-6 start. This time though, the Red Sox are not only pursuing the Yankees, as it is the Rays who currently occupy first place in the AL East.

True, we’re only 20 games into the new season and it is not nearly time to start praying for a Red Sox win, but it’s never too early to hope for a Yankees curse.

It may not be the Curse of the Bambino, but it’s a start.

Opening Day 2010 Preview: Red Sox vs. Yankees

Teddy — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 17:13:15 +0000

Well it’s finally here, Opening Day. Major League Baseball is getting it started the perfect way by having the Yankees and Red Sox square off in the first matchup of the season. Two storied franchises are beginning a new chapter in their historic rival.

We’ve previewed the Sox extensively, but now it’s time to see how offseason moves will come to fruition on the field.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Red Sox: Mike Cameron

Boston has added two new infielders to the team with Adrian Beltre and Marco Scutaro, but it is Cameron to keep an eye on. The Red Sox were content on letting highly regarded free agent Jason Bay leave for The Mets, by first grabbing Cameron. He has been consistent the past four seasons, hitting above 20 home runs and 70 RBI annually. Although his bat won’t replace Bay, his glove will.

Cameron is an exceptional fielder, who will allow Jacoby Ellsbury to move to left field, which is a better fit. Last season, Ellsbury and Cameron combined for only six errors, a feat which could be reached again this season. The Red Sox have become a defense-first team, which could be the difference against a power driven Yankees squad. Should Cameron get off to a quick start, both defensively and at the bat, it will be a great sign of things to come for Boston.

Yankees: Nick Johnson

Lost in all of the talk of Yankees offseason moves was the acquisition of Johnson. The infield is the same and the outfield got better with the swap of Curtis Granderson for Johnny Damon, but it’s Johnson who has the biggest shoes to fill. He was brought in to replace Hideki Matsui as the team’s DH. Godzilla had a history of injuries, playing in less the 100 games in 2006 and 2008, but had a decent 2009 campaign. His 28 home runs, 90 RBI, and a .274 average were nice, but playing in 142 games was more impressive. He then capped it off by winning the World Series MVP Award. His plus-.500 average and three-HR performance was only accomplished by two other players in Major League history: Babe Ruth and Lou Gerig.

Now bring in Johnson, a former wearer of pinstripes. He is two years removed from a season ending injury of his own, a ligament tear in his wrist. Last season, with the Nationals and Marlins, Johnson only hit eight home runs, but he walked 99 times (nearly 18 percent of his at bats). He was also second in the NL in on-base percentage. However, the Yankees will need him to be a powerhouse. He has never had an 80-RBI season, or more then 23 home runs. There is a lot of pressure on him, playing in one of the most stacked lineups in the majors.

THE PITCHING BATTLE:

Sunday: Beckett vs Sabathia
Tuesday: Lester vs Burnett
Wednesday: Lackey vs Pettitte

Both squads boast some big time pitchers. The Yankees rotation of Sabathia (19-8), Burnett (13-9), and Pettitte (14-8) are winners all the way through and can completely take over games as needed. Their bullpen will see increased roles for Damason Marte, and with Joba Chamberlain being used as a setup man and occasional closer. The regular go-to guy, Mariano Rivera, is returning after recording his most saves since 2004. Early reports have the Yankees closer having a better season than his last.

With the Red Sox, it’s not often you can bring in the former ace for a playoff team to be your third starter. That’s what they did with John Lackey. Lackey (11-8), will be behind Josh Beckett (17-6) and Jon Lester (15-8). It is Lester to keep a eye on as many baseball experts and predicting him to be a potential Cy Young candidate. The Sox bullpen will see a rotation of Manny Delcarmen, Daniel Bard, Hideki Okajima, Scott Atchinson, Ramon Ramirez, and Scott Schoeneweis. Sadly, there will be no Alan Embree, at least not for now. With Bard being groomed as the closer for the future, the current job still goes to Jonathan Papelbon,who is expected to do even better than last season’s 38 saves.

THE UNTOLD STORY:

The Yankees have a right to be ticked off. They won the World Series last year and have earned the right to open the 2010 season. However, instead of a large celebration in Yankee Stadium with their rivals forced to be there as they receive their 27th rings, they have to play in Boston. They are the first team to be overwhelming favorites to repeat as champions since their 2001 squad. Remember, the Diamondbacks ruined New York’s bid for a four-peat.

The Yankees do not even get a home game until April 13. Yikes. It is easy to see why some Yankee fans believe they are getting, as Rodney Dangerfield would put it, no respect. The Red Sox on the other hand, open in Fenway, before playing in Kansas City and the new Target Field in Minnesota. They then return to Fenway for a ten-game homestand. Despite winning the whole thing last season, it appears the Yankees are getting the short end of the stick right now.

IN THE END:

Last season, the Red Sox seemed to own the Yankees. They won the first eight games against New York and seemed poised to run away with the AL East. However, the Yanks turned things around and won nine of the last ten, splitting the season series 9-9. Everything seemed to indicate that another ALCS would pit the Red Sox against the Yankees again, but John Lackey and the Angles pulled the sweep against Boston, spoiling the guaranteed historic series.

Currently, both teams are vastly improved. These match ups will mean more than anything with the Rays and Orioles improving. The new additions will be thrown into the rivalry immediately and all seem ready for the opportunity.

“You have the whole world watching, kind of like playoffs”, said rivalry newcomer Mike Cameron. “I’m sure the expectations of this team, and the energy that’s in that park everyday, will create a different felling.”

It’s a new season and one that will be fun from the start.

PREDICTION:

Game 1: Sox 7 – Yankees 4
Game 2: Sox 9 – Yankees 2
Game 3: Sox 4 – Yankees 5 (11 innings)

The Best Matchup:

Pedroia vs Cano: Two second basemen with power and speed will steal the show in the first three games.

Fantasy Baseball Wrap-up: Week 25 (9-21 – 9-27)

Pete Rampino — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:00:41 +0000

Championship week is upon us. In our SoB league, it is a two week affair that will have you pulling your hair out and anxiously awaiting to see box scores. Just because you aren’t in the finals, doesn’t mean you can’t watch the drama unfold. Hell, you still have your consolation brackets to compete for. In the end it is all for bragging rights and a phantom championship trophy.

OFFENSE

Joey Votto (1B), Cincinnati Reds

Votto’s 14 hits led the majors and 11 went for extra bases. He hit just one home run, so the rest of the XBH were an amazing 10 doubles. Votto also scored 11 runs and drove in eight RBI.

Ryan Howard (1B), Philadelphia Phillies

Howard is the premiere power hitter in baseball. He continued his reign with two home runs (43) and a league-best 14 RBI. Howard has 21 home runs and 70 RBI since the break.

Rafael Furcal (SS), L.A. Dodgers

Adding some much needed value to the SS position, Furcal belted out a 13/28 (.464) week with a home run, a stolen bases, and seven RBI. Furcal is cruising along nicely in September with a .327 avg and four stolen bases.

Adrian Gonzalez (1B), San Diego Padres

Gonzalez’s two home runs helped him reach the first 40-HR season of his career. Adding to his historic season, he drove in eight RBI and scored nine runs. Just imagine what he could do if he didn’t play in San Diego.

Alex Rodriguez (3B), New York Yankees

A-Rod gave owners some much needed power and speed when he launched three home runs and stole three bases. September is his best month yet where he sports a .349 avg with five home runs and 23 RBI.

PITCHING

Zack Greinke (SP), Kansas City Royals

Oh just give him the Cy Young already! Greinke dominated in his two starts with a 2-0 record, 0.69 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 13 innings. Greinke has been untouchable in September by allowing only two earned runs in five starts.

Mariano Rivera (RP), New York Yankees

Nothing new from Rivera, as he picked up four more saves to give himself 43 on the year. He fanned five batters in 4.0 innings without allowing a run.

Trevor Hoffman (RP), Milwaukee Brewers

Baseball’s all-time saves leader picked up two more for his lifelong total and he even won a game to improve to 2-2. Did anybody expect Hoffman to bounce back with a 1.76 ERA this season?

Carlos Zambrano (SP), Chicago Cubs

The often-injured Zambrano stayed healthy enough to make his one start count by picking up a victory in his first complete game shutout of the season. Zambrano has a 2.81 ERA in his last five starts.

Huston Street (RP), Colorado Rockies

Street helped the surging Rockies maintain their lead in the N.L. Wild Card with a win and a save in 4.2 innings of work. He struck out six batters and didn’t allow a run during his week.

Why Should I Give a Crap About These Guys?

Jay Bruce (LF, CF, RF), Cincinnati Reds

Bruce is back after fracturing his wrist in July. Since his return, he is hitting .357 with two home runs and 11 RBI in 12 games.

Julio Borbon (LF), Texas Rangers

In 39 games he is hitting .319 and batting leadoff for the Rangers gives him an ample amount of runs scored. He is also a cheap source of stolen bases and has 19 this season including eight in September.

Marlon Byrd (LF, CF, RF), Texas Rangers

Another Ranger on the list! Byrd hit three home runs last week and drove in 11 RBI. Byrd is in his final year with the Rangers and is playing his ass off for a new contract. He is on fire this month with five home runs and 23 RBI.

Juan Gutierrez (RP), Arizona Diamondbacks

Hey, it is finals time and you need cheap saves! Gutierrez is the new closer in Arizona and is 7-7 in saves since August 31st.

Kevin Correia (SP, RP), San Diego Padres

Correia has put together a fantastic run lately. Over his past 12 starts, he has a 2.52 ERA and 5-2 record. He has won three of his last five starts with a complete game shutout coming in his last start against Arizona.

Sports of Boston Friends and Family League

After one week of the championship matchup, SoB’s Jeff has a comfortable 14-7–3 lead over SoB’s Mike.
Not a lot of free agent action as SoB’s Mike makes the only additions by picking up Drew Stubbs and Placido Polanco.

Fantasy Baseball Wrap-Up: Week 15 (7-13 – 7-19)

Pete Rampino — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:30:11 +0000

In the fantasy baseball world, the All-Star week can be a blessing or a total nightmare. With the week being cut in half, your team needs to prove that it can perform in a limited amount of time. I myself was fortunate in one league, but failed tremendously in three others. Over at Yahoo! Fantasy, the minimum innings requirement for pitchers is thrown out the window for the week and just one appearance is needed in order for your pitching stats to count. I hate this rule because owners will just throw out one relief pitcher (usually a closer) and pick up one inning of work with no earned runs and two or three strikeouts. Depending on your league settings, this means that they have probably won the majority of the pitching categories. Personally, I think it is bush league to sneak by on a loophole.

One thing I do love about the All-Star week is that we see unexpected players being mentioned in these sections. I remember last season when I highlighted Willie Harris as an offensive juggernaut during the All-Star week. Oh, it’s fun to laugh.

OFFENSE

Nyjer Morgan (LF, CF, RF), Washington Nationals

Morgan, still churning out hits in the nation’s capital, led the majors with nine hits and showed off his speed with four stolen bases. Since the move to Washington, Morgan is hitting .367 with 10 stolen bases in 15 games.

Jim Thome (Util), Chicago White Sox

Thome is trying to salvage a craptacular season by launching two home runs last week and driving in seven RBI. July is his best month yet with a .372 average and .651 slugging percentage. Now if he could only just be eligible at 1B.

Yunel Escobar (SS), Atlanta Braves

Escobar led the league in extra base hits with three doubles and two home runs. He even drove in a league-best eight RBI. Only 59% owned in Yahoo! leagues, Escobar is an underrated option at SS.

Matt Kemp (CF, RF), L.A. Dodgers

Kemp filled out your stat sheet all across the board with a home run, three RBI, a stolen base, and a league-leading five runs scored. Kemp has six multi-hit games in his last 10 contests.

Raul Ibanez (LF), Philadelphia Phillies

We should end things with a familiar face. Ibanez blasted two home runs with five RBI during his five-hit week. Ibanez hasn’t slowed down since coming off the DL and is hitting .368 since his return. His 24 home runs already surpass his total (23) from last season.

PITCHING

John Lackey (SP), L.A. Angels

Starting pitchers made only one start each this week. Lackey picked up the win (5-4) and the complete game…oh wait, no he didn’t. Lackey threw nine shutout innings, but the Angels finally broke the 0-0 tie in the top of the 10th thus denying Lackey his first complete game of the year.

Jamie Moyer (SP), Philadelphia Phillies

How does a man with a 5.58 ERA and 1.41 WHIP end up tossing seven innings of shutout ball? Well, Moyer got to play the Marlins in Florida Where he owns an ERA of 1.37 in eight career starts at Dolphins Stadium.

J.P. Howell (RP), Tampa Bay Rays

Howell saved all three of Tampa Bay’s games and struck out four batters in 3.0 innings of work.

Mariano Rivera (RP), New York Yankees

Rivera also saved three games last week and didn’t surrender a single run. In fact, Rivera hasn’t given up an earned run since June 12 and hasn’t blown a save since April 24.

Rich Harden (SP), Chicago Cubs

Apparently Harden remembered that his contract expires at the end of the season. After remembering such important information, Harden finally put together a great outing with 6.0 IP, 0 ER, and 7 K’s. It was the first time this season that Harden allowed zero runs in a start.

Why Should I Give a Crap About These Guys?

Orlando Cabrera (SS), Oakland A’s

After a disappointing start to the season (.247 avg), O-Cab has been reborn in July by hitting .371 to raise his average to .268. Cabrera has nine multi-hit games in July and just came off of an eight game hitting streak.

Kendry Morales (1B, RF), L.A. Angels

Morales has three home runs and seven RBI in his last six games and is having a great rookie season with 17 HR and 52 RBI. With Vladimir Guerrero and Torii Hunter on the DL and Juan Rivera battling a leg injury, someone has to step up on the Angels’ offense.

Brett Anderson (SP), Oakland A’s

After five straight starts with three earned runs or less, Anderson gets my seal of approval. Within the last month, Anderson has sported a 1.15 ERA in 31.1 innings with a 8.04 K/9.

Joe Blanton (SP), Philadelphia Phillies

Blanton is on pace for his best season yet. As for now, he is sporting a more than respectable 7.93 K/9 and he has seven quality starts in his last 10 games.

Miguel Montero (C), Arizona Diamondbacks

Montero capped off a good week with a four-hit game on Saturday. Montero has three home runs and six RBI in his last six games and is sporting a respectable .286 average. Even though his playing time increase is only due to the injury of Chris Snyder, I think Montero should get more playing time even after Snyder (.224, 5 HR) returns.

Sports of Boston Friends and Family League

The shortened week worked to my advantage as I was victorious by a score of 15-8-1. I am now 23 games ahead of 2nd place.
SoB’s Mike still won’t stop using the “league blast” feature on Yahoo!
Recent pickups include: Joel Pineiro, Josh Willingham, J.A. Happ, Marlon Byrd, and Garrett Jones.