It was one year ago that the Phillies brought over left hander Cliff Lee to help them win the NL East, the NL Pennant, and get them back to their second World Series run and as we all know the Phillies got rid of Lee who is now with the first place Texas Rangers. Well now the Phillies have a new face in town that general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr liked best and that is Houston Astros right handed pitcher Roy Oswalt. Oswalt agreed to waive his no-trade clause and the Phillies gave up left hander J.A. Happ and two of their young prospects, outfielder Anthony Gose and shortstop Jonathan Villar. However the Phillies did get $11 million dollars along with Oswalt, that will help pay for his $16 million dollar option in 2011.
So Oswalt comes over to a team that is indeed one of the best teams in the National League but the Phillies weren't the option he wanted. Oswalt asked to be traded to the St. Louis Cardinals but the Cards weren't going to give up some of their young prospects to get Oswalt, so there for the Phillies got him. Oswalt’s options weren't really that good after the Cardinals turned him down, it was either stay in Houston with a team that was going nowhere or come to Philadelphia and try to help this team win their 4th straight Division Title, their 3rd straight National League Pennant, and get them to their 3rd straight World Series. Now the good and bad thing about Oswalt is that he has pitched in the postseason in 2004 and 2005 and went to the World Series in 2005 and knows what that feeling is like. The bad part is that over the past few years Oswalt is known to have some back issues but as of this season he has been healthy and we hope he is the man for the job. Now Oswalt’s record is 6-12 with an ERA of 3.42 but remember he played with a team that did not support him with a lot of runs and the way the Phils bats are coming alive this could be the team that fits him best. Oswalt will be in a pretty good pitching rotation with Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, Kyle Kendrick and Joe Blanton. Now if Kendrick and Blanton can really step up their game the Phillies might have the best pitching rotation in the NL considering St. Louis has a great one, two, three punch with Carpenter, Wainwright, and Garcia, then there's the Giants who have a great one, two, three punch with Lincecum, Cain, Zito, and you can even throw Jonathan Sanchez in there as a good 4th starter for the Giants. Now how good will Oswalt be for the Phillies, well I don't know yet but if I had to guess I would have to say it looks pretty good and the Phillies are only 3 games back of the Brave and maybe bringing in another good pitcher might help them get back in first place and get to the postseason as once again division winners.
So the Phillies new pitching rotation now looks like this, Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, Roy Oswalt, Kyle Kendrick, and Joe Blanton. Roy Oswalt will make his Phillies day view tomorrow against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Oswalt will be pitching against Craig Stammen who has an ERA of 5.50, with 2 wins, 4 losses, and 49 strikeouts. The big match comes your way at 7:05 p.m. So the Phillies get their man and make themselves a little bit better with Halladay over to Hamels over to Oswalt to still be "The Team to Beat in the NL East".
For Beyond Baseball,
I'm Seth Lempert Goodnight Everyone.
BEYOND BASEBALL - Where you live, read, and die baseball.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Trade Deadline.
With the trade deadline coming to a close this Saturday there are players still on the market but two very big names are on that list, Roy Oswalt from the Houston Astros and Adam Dunn from the Washington Nationals. After seeing Mariners ace Cliff Lee go to the Rangers and Diamondbacks ace Dan Haren sent to the Angels it clear to say what teams will wrap up these two superstars?
We start Roy Oswalt who this year hasn't had one of his best years with an ERA of 3.42, 6 wins, 12 losses, and 120 strikeouts but is still one the best in the game and with a better ball club he could help a few teams to get to the postseason. The two teams that are looking at Oswalt are the St. Louis Cardinals and the Philadelphia Phillies. Now reports came in saying that the Cardinals look to be the front runners to get Oswalt and other say the Phillies are the main team to score Oswalt, also another rumor said that Oswalt doesn't want to come to Philly and others say a deal with get done by the end of the week. If either is going to get Oswalt they will have to be willing to give up top prospects or a good player in the organization. In the Phillies case rumors said that Jayson Werth could be one of those players sent packing and another rumor has it that they could keep Werth but would have to give up J.A. Happ. The Phillies could definitely use another good pitcher in their rotation after losing Jamie Moyer. But are the Phillies willing to give one of their good key players for a guy they might not be able to hold on too? As for the Cardinals they have a few players they could give up to get Oswalt but there just like the Phillies are they willing to give up players to get Oswalt? That's the biggest question of all. Then again no team could score Oswalt and he could just finish out the year as an Astros as Roy Halladay did a year ago, but you have to say to yourself if we add him he could be a big help for the Cardinals as their neck and neck with the Reds and Phillies, well their only 3 and half game back of to Braves.
Now about Adam Dunn who has been a big help for the Nats line-up this year hitting .278, 23 home runs, and driving in 63 RBI's but is on the list of the trade market. The teams looking to score him are the Texas Rangers, the Detroit Tigers, and the New York Mets. Now the Rangers could use him and really don’t need him at the same time with already having one the most powerful line-up in baseball but getting Dunn could also help them in the postseason and could be a very good DH or first baseman and would be heading to winning team. But after the Rangers just scoring Cliff Lee I’m not sure they want to give up any more young prospects to the Nationals. Then there's the Tigers who have three big injures in losing Carlos Guillen, Brandon Inge, and Magglio Ordonez. With the Tigers in the hunt to try to win the American Central division by bringing in another good power hitter could help them. Only problem is they already have a great first baseman in Miguel Cabrera but they could use Dunn in the DH role and move Johnny Damon who is doing okay for the Tigers. But the question comes in who will they have to give up for Dunn. The Tigers might be the best team to score Dunn. Now the Mets on the other hand they have had their share problems with injures being 6 and half game behind the Braves. Also we don't know if the Mets have the money to hold on to Dunn and give up prospects for him but they might be willing to give up Ike Davis or Jeff Francoeur for Dunn but then again do the Mets really want to give up a young upcoming first baseman for a power hitter they might not be able to hold on too? Then trading a power hitter for a power hitter in Francoeur wouldn't make much sense either. My guess is as good as yours.
So if any of these teams want to make a deal with either one of these players they better make it fast because July 31st is just around the corner.
I'm Seth Lempert for Beyond Baseball.
We start Roy Oswalt who this year hasn't had one of his best years with an ERA of 3.42, 6 wins, 12 losses, and 120 strikeouts but is still one the best in the game and with a better ball club he could help a few teams to get to the postseason. The two teams that are looking at Oswalt are the St. Louis Cardinals and the Philadelphia Phillies. Now reports came in saying that the Cardinals look to be the front runners to get Oswalt and other say the Phillies are the main team to score Oswalt, also another rumor said that Oswalt doesn't want to come to Philly and others say a deal with get done by the end of the week. If either is going to get Oswalt they will have to be willing to give up top prospects or a good player in the organization. In the Phillies case rumors said that Jayson Werth could be one of those players sent packing and another rumor has it that they could keep Werth but would have to give up J.A. Happ. The Phillies could definitely use another good pitcher in their rotation after losing Jamie Moyer. But are the Phillies willing to give one of their good key players for a guy they might not be able to hold on too? As for the Cardinals they have a few players they could give up to get Oswalt but there just like the Phillies are they willing to give up players to get Oswalt? That's the biggest question of all. Then again no team could score Oswalt and he could just finish out the year as an Astros as Roy Halladay did a year ago, but you have to say to yourself if we add him he could be a big help for the Cardinals as their neck and neck with the Reds and Phillies, well their only 3 and half game back of to Braves.
Now about Adam Dunn who has been a big help for the Nats line-up this year hitting .278, 23 home runs, and driving in 63 RBI's but is on the list of the trade market. The teams looking to score him are the Texas Rangers, the Detroit Tigers, and the New York Mets. Now the Rangers could use him and really don’t need him at the same time with already having one the most powerful line-up in baseball but getting Dunn could also help them in the postseason and could be a very good DH or first baseman and would be heading to winning team. But after the Rangers just scoring Cliff Lee I’m not sure they want to give up any more young prospects to the Nationals. Then there's the Tigers who have three big injures in losing Carlos Guillen, Brandon Inge, and Magglio Ordonez. With the Tigers in the hunt to try to win the American Central division by bringing in another good power hitter could help them. Only problem is they already have a great first baseman in Miguel Cabrera but they could use Dunn in the DH role and move Johnny Damon who is doing okay for the Tigers. But the question comes in who will they have to give up for Dunn. The Tigers might be the best team to score Dunn. Now the Mets on the other hand they have had their share problems with injures being 6 and half game behind the Braves. Also we don't know if the Mets have the money to hold on to Dunn and give up prospects for him but they might be willing to give up Ike Davis or Jeff Francoeur for Dunn but then again do the Mets really want to give up a young upcoming first baseman for a power hitter they might not be able to hold on too? Then trading a power hitter for a power hitter in Francoeur wouldn't make much sense either. My guess is as good as yours.
So if any of these teams want to make a deal with either one of these players they better make it fast because July 31st is just around the corner.
I'm Seth Lempert for Beyond Baseball.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
The Year Of The Pitcher.
So is there something to be said that is this the year of the pitcher? Where 5 pitchers have thrown no-hitters or perfect games, well this year a lot of history has been made and the baseball season isn't even over yet. It’s something that a lot of baseball fans haven't seen in two decades where 5 pitchers have thrown No-Hitters or Perfect Games.
First No-Hitter came back on April 17th where Ubaldo Jimenez gave up 6 walks in the game against the Braves but still threw the first no-hitter of the season, his career, and in Rookies history. At that time we said to our self's "Okay it's too early to say it’s The Year of the Pitcher and who knows when another no-hitter or perfect game would happen again". The last perfect game thrown was by White Soxs pitcher Mark Buehrle's back last year against the Tampa Bay Rays. Before that Randy Johnson was the last pitcher to throw a perfect game back in 2004, so a lot people said who knows when will see another perfect game again its one of the hardest things to do in baseball.
Second No-Hitter came back on May 9th on Mother's Day and beyond a no-hitter it was something more than just that. Dallas Braden was a pitcher who people didn't even know who he was besides the part where people knew him as the guy who told A-Rod "Get off My Mound" he is a pitcher that will go in the record books by being the 20th man in baseball history to throw a perfect game. Yes on May 9th he did the unexpected as a pitcher and threw a perfect game and against a team that has been thrown against perfection before the Tampa Bay Rays. It's something that is pretty crazy from a baseball stand point that the previous prefect game was thrown against the Tampa Bay Rays and now the first perfect game of the 2010 season came against the Rays again. Now everyone is wondering when will perfection strike again?
Third No-Hitter came almost 3 weeks later on May 29th, Phillies new ace Roy Halladay who many would have thought this guy has to have a no-hitter or perfect game in his career already. Well on May 29th it will be a day that Phillies fans will never forget as Halladay became 21st pitcher in history to throw a perfect game!! Now to think that 2 perfect games happened in the same month almost 3 weeks apart is something that has never been heard of before. Braden and Halladay would be the first 2 players to ever do that in baseball history. The team he did it against was the Marlins and in a 1-0 ball game. Now everyone must be saying to themselves this is nuts and it’s like the year of the pitcher but it only gets better.
Fourth No-Hitter came almost a month later on June 25th and pitcher Edwin Jackson started this game off as he looked to be the losing pitcher. At one point in this game he had the bases loaded with no outs and somehow got out of the inning with no hits or a run scored. Jackson in 9th inning had 140 pitches thrown with 8 walks, and still no hits. In the end Jackson became the 267 pitcher to throw a no-hitter on 8 walks and 149 pitches thrown, WOW! It's funny to say that he would have thrown a no hitter the way the game started, also another fun fact is the team he did it against was already thrown to perfection twice and it was yet again the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays have seen it all they have been on the other side of seeing 2 perfect games against them and no-hitter thrown against on their own home field. Jackson would also become the second pitcher in Diamondbacks history to throw a no-hitter. The D-Backs last pitcher to do so was Randy Johnson. Now it is clear this has to be "The Year of the Pitcher".
Fifth No-Hitter came a month and a day later on July 26th after Jackson threw his no-hitter and it all happened again on the same field. Would it be the Rays to throw a no-hitter or would they get no-hit again? Well it was a pitching matchup where both pitchers Matt Garza from the Tampa Bay Rays and Max Scherzer from the Detroit Tigers were both throwing no-hitters. In the 6th inning Scherzer would give a grand slam and his no-no would be over. But on the other hand Matt Garza had it working only giving up 1 walk back in the second. He would come in the 9th inning just needing 3 outs from throwing the 5th no-hitter this season, he became the 268 pitcher to do so and became the first pitcher in Rays history to throw a no-hitter. So the like I said before the Rays have been through it all. They have been on the side of having 2 perfect games thrown against them; having a no-hitter thrown against them, and having their pitcher throw a no-hitter. The crazy thing is it happened on the same field a month and a day later after Jackson threw his no-hitter on the same field against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Perfect Game almost thrown.
We start with Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga where is was on the verge of becoming the 22nd pitcher in history to threw a perfect and just after seeing Roy Halladay throw a perfect game Galarraga wanted a piece of the action but would be overruled by umpire Jim Joyce who got voted as one on the best umpires in the game blew the call by a long shot. Jason Donald hit a weak ground ball to first with Galarraga covering first with 2 outs Donald was called safe! When we saw the replay it was clear that he was out by a foot step. Galarraga went 8 2/3 innings with a perfect game and a no-hitter back on June 2nd.
Now we talk about Reds pitcher Travis Wood on July 10th almost threw a perfect game against the Phillies and the pitcher he was pitching against was the man who already threw a perfect game this season and that was Roy Halladay. Wood went into the bottom of the 9th inning with the score still 0-0 and not giving up a hit, a walk or a run would fade as he would give up his first hit in the game to Carlos Ruiz. Wood almost threw the 3rd perfect game this season and could have the 22nd pitcher to do so, but even if he didn't give up a hit in that inning he would still have to pitch in the 10th inning hoping his team would get him a run to get a perfect game or no-hitter.
So the year of the pitcher has some crazy facts, in the first 4 months of baseball there has been a No-Hitter or Perfect Game thrown in each month and 2 of those no-hitters have been perfect games in the same month. Also the last 3 no-hitters thrown have came days apart from each other in each month’s time. Halladay - May 29th, Jackson - June 25th, and now Garza - July 26th. It's also the first time 5 or more pitchers haven thrown no-hitters or perfect game since 1991 where 7 pitchers threw perfect games or no-hitters. But that fact is the game today is so much more different then it was in 1991 where in today's game it so hard to do that because pitch counts come in effect and teams are so much better than they were back in 1991. Today's teams have at least 3 or more superstars on their team and to have 5 pitchers throw no-hitters against today’s team is just something words cannot explain. I mean we could easily have 7 no-hitters on the year and 4 of them being perfect games. Imagine that 4 perfect in 1 year, boy it would be more than the year of the pitcher. The only question is now who will be the next pitcher to throw a no-hitter or a perfect game, only time will tell when perfection or no-hit baseball will happen again.
This is Beyond the 5 Pitchers, This is Beyond Baseball.
First No-Hitter came back on April 17th where Ubaldo Jimenez gave up 6 walks in the game against the Braves but still threw the first no-hitter of the season, his career, and in Rookies history. At that time we said to our self's "Okay it's too early to say it’s The Year of the Pitcher and who knows when another no-hitter or perfect game would happen again". The last perfect game thrown was by White Soxs pitcher Mark Buehrle's back last year against the Tampa Bay Rays. Before that Randy Johnson was the last pitcher to throw a perfect game back in 2004, so a lot people said who knows when will see another perfect game again its one of the hardest things to do in baseball.
Second No-Hitter came back on May 9th on Mother's Day and beyond a no-hitter it was something more than just that. Dallas Braden was a pitcher who people didn't even know who he was besides the part where people knew him as the guy who told A-Rod "Get off My Mound" he is a pitcher that will go in the record books by being the 20th man in baseball history to throw a perfect game. Yes on May 9th he did the unexpected as a pitcher and threw a perfect game and against a team that has been thrown against perfection before the Tampa Bay Rays. It's something that is pretty crazy from a baseball stand point that the previous prefect game was thrown against the Tampa Bay Rays and now the first perfect game of the 2010 season came against the Rays again. Now everyone is wondering when will perfection strike again?
Third No-Hitter came almost 3 weeks later on May 29th, Phillies new ace Roy Halladay who many would have thought this guy has to have a no-hitter or perfect game in his career already. Well on May 29th it will be a day that Phillies fans will never forget as Halladay became 21st pitcher in history to throw a perfect game!! Now to think that 2 perfect games happened in the same month almost 3 weeks apart is something that has never been heard of before. Braden and Halladay would be the first 2 players to ever do that in baseball history. The team he did it against was the Marlins and in a 1-0 ball game. Now everyone must be saying to themselves this is nuts and it’s like the year of the pitcher but it only gets better.
Fourth No-Hitter came almost a month later on June 25th and pitcher Edwin Jackson started this game off as he looked to be the losing pitcher. At one point in this game he had the bases loaded with no outs and somehow got out of the inning with no hits or a run scored. Jackson in 9th inning had 140 pitches thrown with 8 walks, and still no hits. In the end Jackson became the 267 pitcher to throw a no-hitter on 8 walks and 149 pitches thrown, WOW! It's funny to say that he would have thrown a no hitter the way the game started, also another fun fact is the team he did it against was already thrown to perfection twice and it was yet again the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays have seen it all they have been on the other side of seeing 2 perfect games against them and no-hitter thrown against on their own home field. Jackson would also become the second pitcher in Diamondbacks history to throw a no-hitter. The D-Backs last pitcher to do so was Randy Johnson. Now it is clear this has to be "The Year of the Pitcher".
Fifth No-Hitter came a month and a day later on July 26th after Jackson threw his no-hitter and it all happened again on the same field. Would it be the Rays to throw a no-hitter or would they get no-hit again? Well it was a pitching matchup where both pitchers Matt Garza from the Tampa Bay Rays and Max Scherzer from the Detroit Tigers were both throwing no-hitters. In the 6th inning Scherzer would give a grand slam and his no-no would be over. But on the other hand Matt Garza had it working only giving up 1 walk back in the second. He would come in the 9th inning just needing 3 outs from throwing the 5th no-hitter this season, he became the 268 pitcher to do so and became the first pitcher in Rays history to throw a no-hitter. So the like I said before the Rays have been through it all. They have been on the side of having 2 perfect games thrown against them; having a no-hitter thrown against them, and having their pitcher throw a no-hitter. The crazy thing is it happened on the same field a month and a day later after Jackson threw his no-hitter on the same field against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Perfect Game almost thrown.
We start with Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga where is was on the verge of becoming the 22nd pitcher in history to threw a perfect and just after seeing Roy Halladay throw a perfect game Galarraga wanted a piece of the action but would be overruled by umpire Jim Joyce who got voted as one on the best umpires in the game blew the call by a long shot. Jason Donald hit a weak ground ball to first with Galarraga covering first with 2 outs Donald was called safe! When we saw the replay it was clear that he was out by a foot step. Galarraga went 8 2/3 innings with a perfect game and a no-hitter back on June 2nd.
Now we talk about Reds pitcher Travis Wood on July 10th almost threw a perfect game against the Phillies and the pitcher he was pitching against was the man who already threw a perfect game this season and that was Roy Halladay. Wood went into the bottom of the 9th inning with the score still 0-0 and not giving up a hit, a walk or a run would fade as he would give up his first hit in the game to Carlos Ruiz. Wood almost threw the 3rd perfect game this season and could have the 22nd pitcher to do so, but even if he didn't give up a hit in that inning he would still have to pitch in the 10th inning hoping his team would get him a run to get a perfect game or no-hitter.
So the year of the pitcher has some crazy facts, in the first 4 months of baseball there has been a No-Hitter or Perfect Game thrown in each month and 2 of those no-hitters have been perfect games in the same month. Also the last 3 no-hitters thrown have came days apart from each other in each month’s time. Halladay - May 29th, Jackson - June 25th, and now Garza - July 26th. It's also the first time 5 or more pitchers haven thrown no-hitters or perfect game since 1991 where 7 pitchers threw perfect games or no-hitters. But that fact is the game today is so much more different then it was in 1991 where in today's game it so hard to do that because pitch counts come in effect and teams are so much better than they were back in 1991. Today's teams have at least 3 or more superstars on their team and to have 5 pitchers throw no-hitters against today’s team is just something words cannot explain. I mean we could easily have 7 no-hitters on the year and 4 of them being perfect games. Imagine that 4 perfect in 1 year, boy it would be more than the year of the pitcher. The only question is now who will be the next pitcher to throw a no-hitter or a perfect game, only time will tell when perfection or no-hit baseball will happen again.
This is Beyond the 5 Pitchers, This is Beyond Baseball.
Monday, July 12, 2010
First Half Standings.
Earlier this year I made some predictions about what teams would be a maker and breaker to win the 2010 World Series and so far some on my predictions were right and some were wrong and some teams even became surprise teams.
The American League East Best 3 Teams.
1. New York Yankees - First Place (56-32)
2. Tampa Bay Rays - 2 Games Back (54-34)
3. Boston Red Sox - 5 Games Back (51-37)
Now in the American League I did pick the New York Yankees to win their division and to make it back to the World Series, well so far so good. In the start of the year the defending World Champions got off to a slow start and were 2nd place in their division by the Tampa Bay Rays but not anymore as the Yanks have the best record in baseball (56-32) as the Yanks look like they’re in good shape. As for the Tampa Bay Rays at point they were leading the division in the AL East but hit a few bumps along the road but they are right where their suppose to be with their record begging (54-34) only 2 back from the Yankees. The Rays still can turn things around and take over in the AL East but like I said before this year the Rays are going to be your American League Wild Card winner. For the Boston Red Sox who came in this year came into play with the best pitching staff in the American League having Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, and John Lackey well they hit a big big speed bum as 9 of their superstar players are on the DL and it has been a tough year for the Red Sox losing starting pitcher Clay Buchholz, left fielder Jacoby Ellsbury, left fielder and DH Jeremy Hermida, third baseman Mike Lowell, catcher Victor Martinez, second baseman the 2008 AL MVP winner Dustin Pedroia, set-up man in the bull pen Manny Delcarmen, and their number one starting pitcher Josh Beckett. The Red Sox hit a huge hole but still somehow find their way of only begging 5 games back with a record of (51-37) but I still think with all their injuries this season might be over, but hey you never know what can happen.
American League Central 3 Best Teams.
1. Chicago White Sox - First Place (49-38)
2. Detroit Tigers - .5 Game back (48-38)
3. Minnesota Twins - 3.5 Games Back (46-42)
Well the American League Central is probably on the tightest divisions in baseball and no one really saw the Chicago White Sox begging the team leading this division but somehow the White Sox are top with a record of (49-38) but I think when everything is said and done they won't be there in the end. As for the Detroit Tigers well they have always been a team to look out for and are a team that is always there in the end only a half game back behind the White Sox with their record begging (48-38) and with red hot Miguel Carbrera carrying this team anything can happen. For the Minnesota Twins this was the team I picked to win the division and I still think they will in the end. They are only 3.5 half games back of the White Sox and in the second half I think they will take the division but it won't come easy as the White Sox and Tigers won't go down without a fight. The Twins first half record is (46-42).
American League West Best 2 Teams.
1. Texas Rangers - First Place (50-38)
2. Los Angeles Angels 4.5 Games Back (47-44)
Well in the start of this year I said watch out for the Texas Rangers as they might be a surprise team and they have been more than a surprise team as they are leading their division for the first time since 1999 and from a little bit help from Elvis Andrus, Ian Kinsler, Michael Young, Nelson Cruz, Josh Hamilton, Vladimir Guerrero, Tommy Hunter, and C.J. Wilson. As this team has been one of the best teams and have proved it having a record of (50-38). Also the Rangers traded in the division and picked up Mariners ace Cliff Lee in a 6 man deal. Lee who got rocked in his Texas Rangers debut I think will only help this team get better and win the division by a long shot. The Los Angeles Angels who has been the King of the AL West has fell off broad trailing the Rangers by 4.5 games seems like they may not hold that crown anymore. With losing some key players in the offseason they are lucky they still have a shot at winning the division with their record begging (47-44). Now I said the 2 best team in the west but I just wanna throw the Seattle Mariners in this because before the year I said they would take the division in the West but seems this one of the biggest bust yet. They came in the year having 2 of the top best pitchers with Felix Hernandez and Cliff Lee begging their 2 go to go guys and adding Jack Wilson and Chone Figgins who is probably having one of his worst seasons of his career and haven't lived up to the hype. The Mariners are 15 games back of the division and it looks like their season is over begging (35-53).
National League East Best 3 Teams.
1. Atlanta Braves - First Place (52-36)
2. New York Mets - 4 Games Back (48-40
3. Philadelphia Phillies - 4.5 Games Back (47-40)
Well the Atlanta Braves are no surprise that they are the best team in the National League (52-36), but I didn't think they would have been this good. I picked them to be the team to win the NL Wild Card but they have taken their game to a whole different level and to think at one point they lost 9 games in row and now they are the kings of the NL East is saying something. I still think they fall off a little bit in the second half and will win the NL Wild Card, I just think in the end their pitching won't hold up when it comes to crunch time. As for the New York Mets I have no idea how they are even in the thick of things begging on 4 games back of the division it’s a surprise that their even this good, well there really not this good (48-40). I mean their best pitcher on their team isn't Johan Sanatana its Mike Pelfrey who has came out of nowhere and has helped this along with David Wright. Other than that they have nothing and I think they will fall and won't be a problem come September. As for the 3 time Division Champion, the 2 time National League Champion, and the 2008 World Series Champion the Philadelphia Phillies well they are no longer the kings of the NL East as they started off as one of the best team in the NL having the best pitcher in baseball Roy Halladay but then boom just like that they hit a cold spot and fell down to third place in the division (47-40). They lost their leader Jimmy Rollins for the most of the first half of the season, they lost left hander J.A. Happ who is on the DL but is expected back in the end of July. They lost Ryan Madson who just returned from the DL and right when Jimmy Rollins came back they lost 2 of their key player’s third baseman Placido Polanco and second baseman Chase Utley. Now Polanco is expected back after the all-star break but as for Utley well he may not be back intill the beginning or middle of September. They also have bull pen guys Antonio Batardo and Chad Durbin on the DL as well. When I think the dark clouds clear I still think this team will win their division for the 4th straight year and they will make it back to the World Series but it won't be easy because nothing comes easy in this game.
National League Central Best 2 Teams.
Cincinnati Reds - First Place (49-41)
St. Louis Cardinals - 1 Game Back (47-41)
Well in everyones mind no one really saw the Reds begging on top in the National League Central as they are one of the surprise teams in the NL. Everyone thought this would have been a one sided favorite in the St. Louis Cardinals as they have owned their division for the past 2 years and have been to the World Series twice in 6 years. But the Reds have a lot younger ball club as do the Cardinals but right now the Reds are the team to beat (49-41). The Reds have help from Scott Rolen, a possible 2010 MVP Award Winner in Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Jonny Gomes, Laynce Nix, and Drew Stubbs. Their only problem is if their pitching can hold it together for the whole season? Thats something will just have to find out in the second half. The St. Louis Cardinals end the first half of the season 1 game back of the division (47-41) and their pitching has done everything to help them win like Adam Wainwright the second best pitcher in the NL, Chris Carpenter, and Jaime Garcia. It’s been the Cardinals line-up that has been so so this year. If they they want to win their division this year they’re going to have to have everyone start picking it up. I think the Cardinals will win their division but it might come down to 1 game to decide who will take the NL Central crown.
National League West 4 Best Teams.
1. San Diego Padres - First Place (51-37)
2. Colorado Rockies - 2 Games Back(49-39)
3. Los Angeles Dodgers - 2 Games Back (49-39)
4. San Francisco Giants - 4 Games Back(47-41)
Now coming into this year everyone knew the NL West would be a mass but no saw the Padres leading this division as their another surprise team in the NL. This team had put together some pretty good pitching and hitting (51-37) and one of the reasons why they are the second best team in the NL. The team is really led by their pitching with Matt Latos and Jon Garland. Their line-up is very strong with 3 times Gold Glover Adrian Gonzales. But I think in the end the Padres won't have enough pitching to win the division but then again every team in this division doesn't really have strong pitching, so there for anything can happen. Now over to the Rockies who were my pick to win the NL West division who are playing really good baseball (49-39) and only 2 games out of first with one of the best pitchers in the game Ubaldo Jimenez this team looks really. Also having a very strong bull pen is one of the keys of winning a division. Also they have one of the best hitting catchers in the game with Miguel Olivo who for some reason did not make the all-star team but he is the number one catchers in the NL. Then the Rockies have one the best young outfielders in Carlos Gonzalez who last year got on base every at bat in the postseason in the NLDS. So I still think the Rockies win this division and if they can pick up another pitcher they will be good to go. The Los Angeles Dodgers this year I don't know how they are keeping up in the division (49-39) and only 2 games back of San Diego, but I guess when you have a good hitting team it doesn't really always matter about pitching. In the outfield they have Andre Ethier who is a great hitter and is batting over .300 and just an outstanding star. Then in the infield their led by first baseman James Loney who is also batting over .300. But really the best pitcher they have on this team in Clay Kershaw and that's about it for the Dodgers pitching. But somehow they are keeping up in the division. I still think they won’t last long and fall in the second half. Now over to the San Francisco Giants who had one the best pitching staff in baseball with 2 back to back CY Young Award Winner Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Barry Zito, and Jonathan Sanchez. But Giants line-up has once again failed them to be a team to win the division (47-41), but still only 4 games back of San Diego. The Giants line-up is led by Aubrey Huff and rookie star Buster Posey that is it. Pablo Sandoval hasn't really done anything this year and their pitching has been off and on, sometimes it will look good and sometimes it will look really bad. In the end I think the Giants will end up right where they are right now unless their hitting can get it together.
The American League East Best 3 Teams.
1. New York Yankees - First Place (56-32)
2. Tampa Bay Rays - 2 Games Back (54-34)
3. Boston Red Sox - 5 Games Back (51-37)
Now in the American League I did pick the New York Yankees to win their division and to make it back to the World Series, well so far so good. In the start of the year the defending World Champions got off to a slow start and were 2nd place in their division by the Tampa Bay Rays but not anymore as the Yanks have the best record in baseball (56-32) as the Yanks look like they’re in good shape. As for the Tampa Bay Rays at point they were leading the division in the AL East but hit a few bumps along the road but they are right where their suppose to be with their record begging (54-34) only 2 back from the Yankees. The Rays still can turn things around and take over in the AL East but like I said before this year the Rays are going to be your American League Wild Card winner. For the Boston Red Sox who came in this year came into play with the best pitching staff in the American League having Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, and John Lackey well they hit a big big speed bum as 9 of their superstar players are on the DL and it has been a tough year for the Red Sox losing starting pitcher Clay Buchholz, left fielder Jacoby Ellsbury, left fielder and DH Jeremy Hermida, third baseman Mike Lowell, catcher Victor Martinez, second baseman the 2008 AL MVP winner Dustin Pedroia, set-up man in the bull pen Manny Delcarmen, and their number one starting pitcher Josh Beckett. The Red Sox hit a huge hole but still somehow find their way of only begging 5 games back with a record of (51-37) but I still think with all their injuries this season might be over, but hey you never know what can happen.
American League Central 3 Best Teams.
1. Chicago White Sox - First Place (49-38)
2. Detroit Tigers - .5 Game back (48-38)
3. Minnesota Twins - 3.5 Games Back (46-42)
Well the American League Central is probably on the tightest divisions in baseball and no one really saw the Chicago White Sox begging the team leading this division but somehow the White Sox are top with a record of (49-38) but I think when everything is said and done they won't be there in the end. As for the Detroit Tigers well they have always been a team to look out for and are a team that is always there in the end only a half game back behind the White Sox with their record begging (48-38) and with red hot Miguel Carbrera carrying this team anything can happen. For the Minnesota Twins this was the team I picked to win the division and I still think they will in the end. They are only 3.5 half games back of the White Sox and in the second half I think they will take the division but it won't come easy as the White Sox and Tigers won't go down without a fight. The Twins first half record is (46-42).
American League West Best 2 Teams.
1. Texas Rangers - First Place (50-38)
2. Los Angeles Angels 4.5 Games Back (47-44)
Well in the start of this year I said watch out for the Texas Rangers as they might be a surprise team and they have been more than a surprise team as they are leading their division for the first time since 1999 and from a little bit help from Elvis Andrus, Ian Kinsler, Michael Young, Nelson Cruz, Josh Hamilton, Vladimir Guerrero, Tommy Hunter, and C.J. Wilson. As this team has been one of the best teams and have proved it having a record of (50-38). Also the Rangers traded in the division and picked up Mariners ace Cliff Lee in a 6 man deal. Lee who got rocked in his Texas Rangers debut I think will only help this team get better and win the division by a long shot. The Los Angeles Angels who has been the King of the AL West has fell off broad trailing the Rangers by 4.5 games seems like they may not hold that crown anymore. With losing some key players in the offseason they are lucky they still have a shot at winning the division with their record begging (47-44). Now I said the 2 best team in the west but I just wanna throw the Seattle Mariners in this because before the year I said they would take the division in the West but seems this one of the biggest bust yet. They came in the year having 2 of the top best pitchers with Felix Hernandez and Cliff Lee begging their 2 go to go guys and adding Jack Wilson and Chone Figgins who is probably having one of his worst seasons of his career and haven't lived up to the hype. The Mariners are 15 games back of the division and it looks like their season is over begging (35-53).
National League East Best 3 Teams.
1. Atlanta Braves - First Place (52-36)
2. New York Mets - 4 Games Back (48-40
3. Philadelphia Phillies - 4.5 Games Back (47-40)
Well the Atlanta Braves are no surprise that they are the best team in the National League (52-36), but I didn't think they would have been this good. I picked them to be the team to win the NL Wild Card but they have taken their game to a whole different level and to think at one point they lost 9 games in row and now they are the kings of the NL East is saying something. I still think they fall off a little bit in the second half and will win the NL Wild Card, I just think in the end their pitching won't hold up when it comes to crunch time. As for the New York Mets I have no idea how they are even in the thick of things begging on 4 games back of the division it’s a surprise that their even this good, well there really not this good (48-40). I mean their best pitcher on their team isn't Johan Sanatana its Mike Pelfrey who has came out of nowhere and has helped this along with David Wright. Other than that they have nothing and I think they will fall and won't be a problem come September. As for the 3 time Division Champion, the 2 time National League Champion, and the 2008 World Series Champion the Philadelphia Phillies well they are no longer the kings of the NL East as they started off as one of the best team in the NL having the best pitcher in baseball Roy Halladay but then boom just like that they hit a cold spot and fell down to third place in the division (47-40). They lost their leader Jimmy Rollins for the most of the first half of the season, they lost left hander J.A. Happ who is on the DL but is expected back in the end of July. They lost Ryan Madson who just returned from the DL and right when Jimmy Rollins came back they lost 2 of their key player’s third baseman Placido Polanco and second baseman Chase Utley. Now Polanco is expected back after the all-star break but as for Utley well he may not be back intill the beginning or middle of September. They also have bull pen guys Antonio Batardo and Chad Durbin on the DL as well. When I think the dark clouds clear I still think this team will win their division for the 4th straight year and they will make it back to the World Series but it won't be easy because nothing comes easy in this game.
National League Central Best 2 Teams.
Cincinnati Reds - First Place (49-41)
St. Louis Cardinals - 1 Game Back (47-41)
Well in everyones mind no one really saw the Reds begging on top in the National League Central as they are one of the surprise teams in the NL. Everyone thought this would have been a one sided favorite in the St. Louis Cardinals as they have owned their division for the past 2 years and have been to the World Series twice in 6 years. But the Reds have a lot younger ball club as do the Cardinals but right now the Reds are the team to beat (49-41). The Reds have help from Scott Rolen, a possible 2010 MVP Award Winner in Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Jonny Gomes, Laynce Nix, and Drew Stubbs. Their only problem is if their pitching can hold it together for the whole season? Thats something will just have to find out in the second half. The St. Louis Cardinals end the first half of the season 1 game back of the division (47-41) and their pitching has done everything to help them win like Adam Wainwright the second best pitcher in the NL, Chris Carpenter, and Jaime Garcia. It’s been the Cardinals line-up that has been so so this year. If they they want to win their division this year they’re going to have to have everyone start picking it up. I think the Cardinals will win their division but it might come down to 1 game to decide who will take the NL Central crown.
National League West 4 Best Teams.
1. San Diego Padres - First Place (51-37)
2. Colorado Rockies - 2 Games Back(49-39)
3. Los Angeles Dodgers - 2 Games Back (49-39)
4. San Francisco Giants - 4 Games Back(47-41)
Now coming into this year everyone knew the NL West would be a mass but no saw the Padres leading this division as their another surprise team in the NL. This team had put together some pretty good pitching and hitting (51-37) and one of the reasons why they are the second best team in the NL. The team is really led by their pitching with Matt Latos and Jon Garland. Their line-up is very strong with 3 times Gold Glover Adrian Gonzales. But I think in the end the Padres won't have enough pitching to win the division but then again every team in this division doesn't really have strong pitching, so there for anything can happen. Now over to the Rockies who were my pick to win the NL West division who are playing really good baseball (49-39) and only 2 games out of first with one of the best pitchers in the game Ubaldo Jimenez this team looks really. Also having a very strong bull pen is one of the keys of winning a division. Also they have one of the best hitting catchers in the game with Miguel Olivo who for some reason did not make the all-star team but he is the number one catchers in the NL. Then the Rockies have one the best young outfielders in Carlos Gonzalez who last year got on base every at bat in the postseason in the NLDS. So I still think the Rockies win this division and if they can pick up another pitcher they will be good to go. The Los Angeles Dodgers this year I don't know how they are keeping up in the division (49-39) and only 2 games back of San Diego, but I guess when you have a good hitting team it doesn't really always matter about pitching. In the outfield they have Andre Ethier who is a great hitter and is batting over .300 and just an outstanding star. Then in the infield their led by first baseman James Loney who is also batting over .300. But really the best pitcher they have on this team in Clay Kershaw and that's about it for the Dodgers pitching. But somehow they are keeping up in the division. I still think they won’t last long and fall in the second half. Now over to the San Francisco Giants who had one the best pitching staff in baseball with 2 back to back CY Young Award Winner Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Barry Zito, and Jonathan Sanchez. But Giants line-up has once again failed them to be a team to win the division (47-41), but still only 4 games back of San Diego. The Giants line-up is led by Aubrey Huff and rookie star Buster Posey that is it. Pablo Sandoval hasn't really done anything this year and their pitching has been off and on, sometimes it will look good and sometimes it will look really bad. In the end I think the Giants will end up right where they are right now unless their hitting can get it together.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
3 Walk Offs!!
As of lately the Phillies haven't been much to talk about in the National League East as the last time they won a series it was against the Blue Jay in the middle of June and have dropped down to third place in the division behind the New York Mets and first place Atlanta Braves. Here in July right before the All-Star break in back to back to back nights the Phillies have won all 3 games against the first place Reds in walk off fashion.
We start on July 8th, 2010 game one against the Reds and we take you to the bottom of the 12th inning with the game tied 3-3 and catcher Brain Schneider hits a walk off home run to win the game 4-3 for the Phillies and was the hero in the first game of a four game series.
Now over to July 9th, 2010 and this game is probably one of greatest come backs in Phillies history and they do have a lot might I add but this one was a fun one to watch in the end. The score in the bottom of the 9th inning was 7-1 and your thinking as a fan this game is over considering the way this team has been playing not so great. Victorino starts things off with a double and Werth get on, Howard would then hit a single and score Victorino from second now a 7-2 Reds lead. Greg Dobbs the next batter would then hit a 3 run home run to now cut the lead 7-5 Reds. Two batters later Cody Ransom who was brought up from Triple A would hit a 2 run home run to tie the ball game a 7-7! WOW!! Just when you thought they were out they pulled themselves right back in down 6 runs in the 9th inning. But the firework don't go off in till the bottom of the 10th inning where Ibanez would hit a leadoff double to start the inning, then the big guy Ryan Howard would hit a 2 run walk off home run to win the ball game 9-7 for the Fighin' Phils and he would be the walk off hero in this game that looked like another ugly lost for the Phils, instead they make it a ugly lost for the Reds.
Now to game 3 of this 4 game series on July 10th, 2010 was indeed another good one as it was a pitching duel between Reds left hander Travis Wood and Phillies ace right hander Roy Halladay. Both pitchers matched each other pitch for pitch in this game and at one point one pitcher was perfect through 8 innings of work and you probably think it would be Roy Halladay but it was indeed Reds rookie pitcher Travis Wood who shut down the Phils bats going 9 innings giving up 1 hit, no runs, no walks, and having 8 strikeouts. Roy Halladay on the other hand who this year has already thrown a perfect game matched Wood shutting down the Reds bats going 9 innings giving up 5 hits, no runs, 1 walk, and 9 strikeouts. Both pitchers worked well in this ball game but there was only one winner in the end. The fireworks would start in the bottom of the 11th inning with Ruiz on second and Valdez on first and coming to the plate with 1 out would be Jimmy Rollins who would hit an RBI single and win the ball game 1-0 in WALK OFF STYLE and he would be the walk off hero for the third straight night!!
So the Phillies would win game 3 of this 4 game series and will look for their first 4 game sweep over the Reds tomorrow as the Phillies will give the ball to left hander Cole Hamels who has an ERA of 4.05 with 6 wins, 7 losses. Going against him will be the Reds left hander Matt Maloney who has an ERA of 4.76 with no wins and 1 lose on the year. Phillies - Reds tomorrow afternoon at 1:35 p.m.
I'm Seth Lempert for Beyond Baseball,
Goodnight everyone.
We start on July 8th, 2010 game one against the Reds and we take you to the bottom of the 12th inning with the game tied 3-3 and catcher Brain Schneider hits a walk off home run to win the game 4-3 for the Phillies and was the hero in the first game of a four game series.
Now over to July 9th, 2010 and this game is probably one of greatest come backs in Phillies history and they do have a lot might I add but this one was a fun one to watch in the end. The score in the bottom of the 9th inning was 7-1 and your thinking as a fan this game is over considering the way this team has been playing not so great. Victorino starts things off with a double and Werth get on, Howard would then hit a single and score Victorino from second now a 7-2 Reds lead. Greg Dobbs the next batter would then hit a 3 run home run to now cut the lead 7-5 Reds. Two batters later Cody Ransom who was brought up from Triple A would hit a 2 run home run to tie the ball game a 7-7! WOW!! Just when you thought they were out they pulled themselves right back in down 6 runs in the 9th inning. But the firework don't go off in till the bottom of the 10th inning where Ibanez would hit a leadoff double to start the inning, then the big guy Ryan Howard would hit a 2 run walk off home run to win the ball game 9-7 for the Fighin' Phils and he would be the walk off hero in this game that looked like another ugly lost for the Phils, instead they make it a ugly lost for the Reds.
Now to game 3 of this 4 game series on July 10th, 2010 was indeed another good one as it was a pitching duel between Reds left hander Travis Wood and Phillies ace right hander Roy Halladay. Both pitchers matched each other pitch for pitch in this game and at one point one pitcher was perfect through 8 innings of work and you probably think it would be Roy Halladay but it was indeed Reds rookie pitcher Travis Wood who shut down the Phils bats going 9 innings giving up 1 hit, no runs, no walks, and having 8 strikeouts. Roy Halladay on the other hand who this year has already thrown a perfect game matched Wood shutting down the Reds bats going 9 innings giving up 5 hits, no runs, 1 walk, and 9 strikeouts. Both pitchers worked well in this ball game but there was only one winner in the end. The fireworks would start in the bottom of the 11th inning with Ruiz on second and Valdez on first and coming to the plate with 1 out would be Jimmy Rollins who would hit an RBI single and win the ball game 1-0 in WALK OFF STYLE and he would be the walk off hero for the third straight night!!
So the Phillies would win game 3 of this 4 game series and will look for their first 4 game sweep over the Reds tomorrow as the Phillies will give the ball to left hander Cole Hamels who has an ERA of 4.05 with 6 wins, 7 losses. Going against him will be the Reds left hander Matt Maloney who has an ERA of 4.76 with no wins and 1 lose on the year. Phillies - Reds tomorrow afternoon at 1:35 p.m.
I'm Seth Lempert for Beyond Baseball,
Goodnight everyone.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
2010 Top 5 Best Players of the NL and AL of The First Half.
Before we get to the Top 5 best players of the National League and American League let talks about the things that have happened so far this year. A lot of history has been made in 2010. This year has been the year of the "PITCHER" where we have seen 4 no-hitters, 2 of them perfect games. The first no-hitter came on April 17th, from Rockies pitcher Ubalado Jimenez who walked 6 batters on 128 pitches thrown. One month later on mother's day May 9th, A's pitcher, Dallas Braden threw his first complete game, shutout, no-hitter, and perfect game of his career. When people thought of Dallas Braden people thought of the guy who stood up to Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez who ran across Braden's pitching mound. About 2 weeks later on May 29th, Phillies ace Roy Halladay who everyone thought would already have a perfect game in his career threw his first ever perfect game and made history with Dallas Braden to become 2 of the first pitchers in history to throw 2 perfect games in one month. Then 4 days later on June 2nd, Tigers pitcher Armando Galarrage went 8 2/3 innings with a perfect game but on a ground Jason Donald was called safe when he was out by a foot step by umpire Jim Joyce. Galarrage almost made history, well we he really did make history and would have been the 3rd pitcher this year to throw a perfect game and the 21st pitcher to do so. Two weeks later on June 25th, D-Backs pitcher Edwin Jackson threw his first career no-hitter on 8 walks and 149 pitches thrown. Jackson's no-hitter at one point looked like he would have been the losing pitcher where he walked the bases loaded no outs and somehow got out of the jam he put himself in. So where in 2009 they called it the year of the cycle where 8 different players hit for the cycle, we call 2010 the year of the pitcher!
Now to our Top 5 best of the first half. We start things off in the National League.
Our first player on the list is Colorado Rockies pitcher Ubalbo Jimenez who right now is that best pitcher in the game. Not only did he throw 1 of 4 no-hitters this year but he's 1st in wins with 14 and is 4th in ERA with a 2.27. He has become the Ace of this Rockies pitching staff and looks like he could be the NL CY Award Winner if he keeps it up in the second half of the year. Right now he is on pace to win 22-28 and have an ERA of 2.20 - 2.22 on the year.
Second on this list for the NL is Cincinnati Reds First Baseman Joey Votto who is a big reason why the Reds are in 1st place in the National League Central. Votto is 1st in home runs with 21, 5th in batting average batting .313, and 5th in RBI's with 59. Votto has a good shot of winning the NL MVP if he stays healthy. He is also on pace of hitting 35-40 home runs, drive in 115-120 RBI's and at least bat .310 -.317 on the year.
Third on this list in the NL is Los Angeles Dodgers Right Fielder Andre Eithier who is batting .322, 14 home runs, and 50 RBI's. Eithier is 2nd in the league in batting average. He is one of the reasons why the Dodgers are in 2nd place in the National League West and hopes to win the teams 3rd division title over the San Diego Padres.
Eithier is on pace to hit 25 home runs, drive in 90-95 RBI's and bat .320 - .318 on the year.
Forth on this list in the NL is St. Louis Cardinals First Baseman Albert Pujols the former 2008 and 2009 NL MVP this year started off a tad slow but started to pick it up this year and is the one the key reasons why the Cardinals have won their division the past few years and have themselves a World Series Title. Pujols this year is batting .303, 20 home runs, and 61 RBI's. He is 2nd in home runs, and 3rd in RBI's. If some how Pujols can go on a hot streak in the second half of the year he would be in line to win his 3rd straight MVP and his 4th in his career. Right now he's on pace to hit 35-40 home runs, drive in 135-140 RBI's and bat around .315 on the year.
Last on this list in the NL is St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher Adam Wainwright who right now is the second best pitcher in the National League. He is 2nd in wins with 12, 2nd in strikeouts with 123, and 3rd in ERA with a 2.24. To me this guy is the Cardinals ace with a out a doubt. He will be one of the main reasons if the Cardinals win their division again this year. He is on pace to win 20-25 games, have 150-170 strikeouts, and have an ERA of 2.19 - 2.22 and could possible win his first ever CY Young Award.
Now over to our top 5 best in the American League.
First on this list in the AL is Detroit Tigers First Baseman Miguel Carbrera, words cannot explain what is going on right now. This guy right here is the best hitter in baseball. He is leading the League in 1st in average .347, 1st in RBI's with 73 and 2nd in home runs with 21. Carbrera is the reason why the Tigers are in first place and one of the hottest teams in the American League. Miguel Carbrera right now is on pace to win the AL MVP Award and could possible win the first ever Triple Crown of the 21 century if he stays healthy. No player of our time has ever done that and the last player to do so was Carl Yastrzemski back in 1967. If he could do so he would be one the greatest hitters of all time, right now he's on pace to hit 40-45 home runs, drive in 160-165 RBI's and bat .345 - .350 on the year.
Second on this list for the AL is New York Yankees Second Baseman Robinson Cano. Cano this year has made his first all-star game and some would say it’s about time he did. This year he is batting .337, 16 home runs and 55 RBI's. He is one of the Yankees hottest players and is the key reason they are in first place in their division, looking to repeat as World Champions he would be the reason they would do so. Cano is on pace to hit 20-23 home runs, drive in 95-100 RBI's and bat around .330 - .335 on the year.
Third on this list for the AL is Seattle Mariners Pitcher Cliff Lee. Lee would have an outstanding year with both the Indians and Phillies but would be traded in the offseason to the Seattle Mariners. Lee started the year on the DL but when he came back he didn't waste time being the best pitcher in the American League. Lee is 1st in ERA with a 2.34 and 1st in complete game with 5. Lee looks like he might be the starting pitcher in the 2010 All-Star game and with the trade dead-line coming up who knows what team he will finish the year off with. Without that being said Lee is on pace to win 16 games and have an ERA of 2.29 - 2.30.
Forth on this list is Tampa Bay Rays Pitcher David Price who is having the best year of his career right now. Price is 1st in wins with 12 and 2nd in ERA with a 2.42. Price is the main reason they are only 2 games out of first in their division and are leading the American League Wild Card. Price back in 2008 help get the Tampa Bay Rays to their first ever World Series and is trying to do so again and is on pace to win 20-25 games, have about 145 strikeouts, and have an ERA of 2.38 - 2.42 on the year.
Last on this for the AL is Texas Ranger Left Fielder Josh Hamilton who right now is the second best hitter in baseball. He is a key reason why the Texas Rangers are in first place in their division and he is another player on pace of winning the AL MVP Award and could possible win the Triple Crown Award if he can pass Miguel Carbrera and team mate Vladmir Guerrero in RBI's. Hamilton is 2nd in home runs with 21, 3rd in batting average .340, and 4th in RBI's with 63. He will be a big reason the Rangers will win their division for first time since 1999. Hamilton is on pace to hit 35-40 home runs, drive in 138-143 RBI's, and bat around .340 - .345 on the year.
So those are my top 5 best players of the National League and American League of the first half so far. Who's yours?
For Beyond Baseball,
I'm Seth Lempert.
Now to our Top 5 best of the first half. We start things off in the National League.
Our first player on the list is Colorado Rockies pitcher Ubalbo Jimenez who right now is that best pitcher in the game. Not only did he throw 1 of 4 no-hitters this year but he's 1st in wins with 14 and is 4th in ERA with a 2.27. He has become the Ace of this Rockies pitching staff and looks like he could be the NL CY Award Winner if he keeps it up in the second half of the year. Right now he is on pace to win 22-28 and have an ERA of 2.20 - 2.22 on the year.
Second on this list for the NL is Cincinnati Reds First Baseman Joey Votto who is a big reason why the Reds are in 1st place in the National League Central. Votto is 1st in home runs with 21, 5th in batting average batting .313, and 5th in RBI's with 59. Votto has a good shot of winning the NL MVP if he stays healthy. He is also on pace of hitting 35-40 home runs, drive in 115-120 RBI's and at least bat .310 -.317 on the year.
Third on this list in the NL is Los Angeles Dodgers Right Fielder Andre Eithier who is batting .322, 14 home runs, and 50 RBI's. Eithier is 2nd in the league in batting average. He is one of the reasons why the Dodgers are in 2nd place in the National League West and hopes to win the teams 3rd division title over the San Diego Padres.
Eithier is on pace to hit 25 home runs, drive in 90-95 RBI's and bat .320 - .318 on the year.
Forth on this list in the NL is St. Louis Cardinals First Baseman Albert Pujols the former 2008 and 2009 NL MVP this year started off a tad slow but started to pick it up this year and is the one the key reasons why the Cardinals have won their division the past few years and have themselves a World Series Title. Pujols this year is batting .303, 20 home runs, and 61 RBI's. He is 2nd in home runs, and 3rd in RBI's. If some how Pujols can go on a hot streak in the second half of the year he would be in line to win his 3rd straight MVP and his 4th in his career. Right now he's on pace to hit 35-40 home runs, drive in 135-140 RBI's and bat around .315 on the year.
Last on this list in the NL is St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher Adam Wainwright who right now is the second best pitcher in the National League. He is 2nd in wins with 12, 2nd in strikeouts with 123, and 3rd in ERA with a 2.24. To me this guy is the Cardinals ace with a out a doubt. He will be one of the main reasons if the Cardinals win their division again this year. He is on pace to win 20-25 games, have 150-170 strikeouts, and have an ERA of 2.19 - 2.22 and could possible win his first ever CY Young Award.
Now over to our top 5 best in the American League.
First on this list in the AL is Detroit Tigers First Baseman Miguel Carbrera, words cannot explain what is going on right now. This guy right here is the best hitter in baseball. He is leading the League in 1st in average .347, 1st in RBI's with 73 and 2nd in home runs with 21. Carbrera is the reason why the Tigers are in first place and one of the hottest teams in the American League. Miguel Carbrera right now is on pace to win the AL MVP Award and could possible win the first ever Triple Crown of the 21 century if he stays healthy. No player of our time has ever done that and the last player to do so was Carl Yastrzemski back in 1967. If he could do so he would be one the greatest hitters of all time, right now he's on pace to hit 40-45 home runs, drive in 160-165 RBI's and bat .345 - .350 on the year.
Second on this list for the AL is New York Yankees Second Baseman Robinson Cano. Cano this year has made his first all-star game and some would say it’s about time he did. This year he is batting .337, 16 home runs and 55 RBI's. He is one of the Yankees hottest players and is the key reason they are in first place in their division, looking to repeat as World Champions he would be the reason they would do so. Cano is on pace to hit 20-23 home runs, drive in 95-100 RBI's and bat around .330 - .335 on the year.
Third on this list for the AL is Seattle Mariners Pitcher Cliff Lee. Lee would have an outstanding year with both the Indians and Phillies but would be traded in the offseason to the Seattle Mariners. Lee started the year on the DL but when he came back he didn't waste time being the best pitcher in the American League. Lee is 1st in ERA with a 2.34 and 1st in complete game with 5. Lee looks like he might be the starting pitcher in the 2010 All-Star game and with the trade dead-line coming up who knows what team he will finish the year off with. Without that being said Lee is on pace to win 16 games and have an ERA of 2.29 - 2.30.
Forth on this list is Tampa Bay Rays Pitcher David Price who is having the best year of his career right now. Price is 1st in wins with 12 and 2nd in ERA with a 2.42. Price is the main reason they are only 2 games out of first in their division and are leading the American League Wild Card. Price back in 2008 help get the Tampa Bay Rays to their first ever World Series and is trying to do so again and is on pace to win 20-25 games, have about 145 strikeouts, and have an ERA of 2.38 - 2.42 on the year.
Last on this for the AL is Texas Ranger Left Fielder Josh Hamilton who right now is the second best hitter in baseball. He is a key reason why the Texas Rangers are in first place in their division and he is another player on pace of winning the AL MVP Award and could possible win the Triple Crown Award if he can pass Miguel Carbrera and team mate Vladmir Guerrero in RBI's. Hamilton is 2nd in home runs with 21, 3rd in batting average .340, and 4th in RBI's with 63. He will be a big reason the Rangers will win their division for first time since 1999. Hamilton is on pace to hit 35-40 home runs, drive in 138-143 RBI's, and bat around .340 - .345 on the year.
So those are my top 5 best players of the National League and American League of the first half so far. Who's yours?
For Beyond Baseball,
I'm Seth Lempert.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Roy Halladay or Cliff Lee?
It has been an argument that has started since the biggest trade in baseball history back in December of 2009, which pitcher would you rather have on your team as a Philadelphia Phillie Roy Halladay or Cliff Lee?
Roy Halladay as a Phillie in 2010 has put up an ERA 2.42, 9 wins, 7, losses, and 112 strikeouts. Halladay this season started the year off 4-0 in his first 4 starts and looked to be the best pitcher in the National League. Halladay threw 2 complete games and one of those games was a shutout against the Atlanta Braves on April 21st, 2010. Then a month later against the Florida Marlins on May 29th, 2010 Roy Halladay threw his first ever career perfect game and became the first Phillie to do so since Jim Bunning did that back in 1964 and Halladay became the second pitcher this season to throw a perfect game in the same month. After his perfect game the "Doc" lost his next 3 starts and his record went to 8-6 with an ERA of 2.43 which was still one of the best in the NL. On June 25th he picked up his 9th win against his former team the Blue Jays and that was a win he needed badly. Against the Reds Halladay went 8 innings with 10 K's gave up 13 hits, and 4 earns runs the "Doc" blew a 3 run lead in his hands and got the lost and his record was now 9-7. So the first half of the year for Halladay has been a full of ups and downs and in this game its never easy being the best. Halladay should get at least 1 or 2 more starts before the all-star break and will see what the "Doc" can to.
We now take a look at former Phillie Cliff Lee who in the offseason headed over to the Settle Mariners. In the beginning of the 2010 season Lee would start the year on the DL but when Lee came off the DL he went 7 innings giving up on 3 hits and striking out 8 batters against the Texas Rangers. In that game Lee would get a no decision. Lee would then win 4 in row in his next 4 starts and looked to be the "M's" best pitcher on the team. On June 29th against the New York Yankees the team that he was lights out against the 2009 World Series Lee would set an all time new major league record by walking his 5th batter this season in 144 innings pitched, no one has ever done that before. Lee would also throw his 3rd straight complete game in a row and became the first Mariner to do that since Randy Johnson did so back in 1998. Lee will most likely get at least 1 more start on the year and go for complete game number 5 and his 4th straight. Lee so far as a Mariner has an ERA of 2.45, 7 wins, 3 losses, and 78 strikeouts, but with the trade deadline right around the corner who knows if he will still be a Mariner for long as the Yankees, the Dodgers, the Mets, the Rangers and even the Phillies might try to get Lee off their hands.
So there have you people what pitchers would you like to have on your team? I mean the Phillies at one point had both pitchers on the team but traded Lee to get some prospects. The Phillies already had Lee signed for the 2010 season for 9 million dollars but they heard that Lee wanted the test the free agency market and didn't let Halladay fall to another team. But as you can see Lee has been pretty good with a team that is in dead last and as for the Phillies well their no longer kings of the National League East anymore as their 3 games out first against the Atlanta Braves. If you had both pitchers on this team who knows how good the Phillies would be, they would probably be the best team in baseball and I still think when everything is said and done the Phillies will be right there at the end. As for Lee who knows what team he will be with come at the end of July who knows maybe the Phillies will get him back, at Yankee Stadium when Lee was pitching a Phillie scout was there looking at Lee, but only time will tell.
For Beyond Baseball,
I'm Seth Lempert.
Roy Halladay as a Phillie in 2010 has put up an ERA 2.42, 9 wins, 7, losses, and 112 strikeouts. Halladay this season started the year off 4-0 in his first 4 starts and looked to be the best pitcher in the National League. Halladay threw 2 complete games and one of those games was a shutout against the Atlanta Braves on April 21st, 2010. Then a month later against the Florida Marlins on May 29th, 2010 Roy Halladay threw his first ever career perfect game and became the first Phillie to do so since Jim Bunning did that back in 1964 and Halladay became the second pitcher this season to throw a perfect game in the same month. After his perfect game the "Doc" lost his next 3 starts and his record went to 8-6 with an ERA of 2.43 which was still one of the best in the NL. On June 25th he picked up his 9th win against his former team the Blue Jays and that was a win he needed badly. Against the Reds Halladay went 8 innings with 10 K's gave up 13 hits, and 4 earns runs the "Doc" blew a 3 run lead in his hands and got the lost and his record was now 9-7. So the first half of the year for Halladay has been a full of ups and downs and in this game its never easy being the best. Halladay should get at least 1 or 2 more starts before the all-star break and will see what the "Doc" can to.
We now take a look at former Phillie Cliff Lee who in the offseason headed over to the Settle Mariners. In the beginning of the 2010 season Lee would start the year on the DL but when Lee came off the DL he went 7 innings giving up on 3 hits and striking out 8 batters against the Texas Rangers. In that game Lee would get a no decision. Lee would then win 4 in row in his next 4 starts and looked to be the "M's" best pitcher on the team. On June 29th against the New York Yankees the team that he was lights out against the 2009 World Series Lee would set an all time new major league record by walking his 5th batter this season in 144 innings pitched, no one has ever done that before. Lee would also throw his 3rd straight complete game in a row and became the first Mariner to do that since Randy Johnson did so back in 1998. Lee will most likely get at least 1 more start on the year and go for complete game number 5 and his 4th straight. Lee so far as a Mariner has an ERA of 2.45, 7 wins, 3 losses, and 78 strikeouts, but with the trade deadline right around the corner who knows if he will still be a Mariner for long as the Yankees, the Dodgers, the Mets, the Rangers and even the Phillies might try to get Lee off their hands.
So there have you people what pitchers would you like to have on your team? I mean the Phillies at one point had both pitchers on the team but traded Lee to get some prospects. The Phillies already had Lee signed for the 2010 season for 9 million dollars but they heard that Lee wanted the test the free agency market and didn't let Halladay fall to another team. But as you can see Lee has been pretty good with a team that is in dead last and as for the Phillies well their no longer kings of the National League East anymore as their 3 games out first against the Atlanta Braves. If you had both pitchers on this team who knows how good the Phillies would be, they would probably be the best team in baseball and I still think when everything is said and done the Phillies will be right there at the end. As for Lee who knows what team he will be with come at the end of July who knows maybe the Phillies will get him back, at Yankee Stadium when Lee was pitching a Phillie scout was there looking at Lee, but only time will tell.
For Beyond Baseball,
I'm Seth Lempert.
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