The Big Unit hangs ‘em up posted by David

Big news from the Big Unit: 46-year-old Randy Johnson announced his retirement, concluding his career with a record of 303-166, a 3.29 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP.  His five Cy Young Awards – one with the Mariners and four in a row with the Diamondbacks – rank him behind only Roger Clemens, and his 4,875 career strikeouts are second only to Nolan Ryan.  He was a 10-time All-Star, starting the Midsummer Classic four times – twice for each league. Johnson made history in 2004 when he became the oldest player – at 40 – to throw a perfect game.

Johnson was a crucial member of his Diamondbacks team in the 2001 playoffs: after pitching well but losing his only start in the first round, he went 2-0 with 1.12 E.R.A. in the National League Championship Series against the Braves, including a 2-0 complete game shutout against Greg Maddux.  Then in the World Series, Johnson shut down the three-time defending champions from the Bronx with absolute dominance.  He picked up three wins, including a complete game shutout in Game 1 and back-to-back victories in Games 6 and 7, to end the Yankee Dynasty.  He surrendered only nine hits and three walks in 17.1 innings for a remarkable 0.692 WHIP to go along with a 1.04 E.R.A.  For his extraordinary performance, he was named co-MVP of the Series.  A fan attraction everywhere he went, Randy Johnson will surely be missed.

How ‘bout that?

How about Matt Holliday?  Christmas came late for the biggest name on the free agent market this offseason, as Holliday was rewarded for his huge numbers (.353/.419/.604) after his arrival in St. Louis with a very big payday – $120 million over the next seven years.  Though it was painful to watch as it happened, Holliday has been forgiven for his costly error in Game 2 of the NLDS against the Dodgers.  The slugging outfielder hopes to lead his team back to the playoffs in 2010, and with Albert Pujols, Chris Carpenter, and Adam Wainwright working together, expectations will be high once again for the Cardinals.

Another Defensive Outfielder for Oakland posted by Stan Walker

The Oakland As recently got a John Hancock from Former Red Sox brawler Coco Crisp, for a modest 1 -year, 4 and a half million dollar contract. With this latest Billy Beane brain storm the A's should give its fans one of, if not the best defensive out fields in baseball, if thats how it will play out. As the normal with the A's, they leave the winter meetings with questions all over the diamond. But the outfield, with the signing of crisp and deals for others are the most muddled. Crisp could join Rajai Davis and Ryan Sweeney to form that crew.

But what does this move really mean for the A's. Well for starters last season Oakland brass acquired Matt Holiday for stud outfield prospect Carlos Gonzales in a trade with the Colorado Rockies. They then showcased Holiday for all the true playoff contenders, to decide who would acquire the best bat available for the stretch run. That team ended up being the St. Louis Cardinals. Oakland would acquire thirdbase phenom (why is every flash in the pants considered a phenom. Remember Ben Grieve ? former Rookie of the year who was king of hitting into the double play? He has been out of baseball a long time . anyway,) Brett Wallace.

The A's now have essentially flipped prospects with the Toronto Blue jays by obtaining outfield genetic freak prospect, Mike Taylor, for Wallace. Taylor had just become a Blue jay days before this deal ,as he was a part of the squirrelly Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee trade.Being involved in a deal with two Cy Young Award winners, should speak for it self, but here is Taylors 2009 in fast forward. At 6-6 250 Taylor has a unique blend of speed and pop. In 2009 he compiled at double A and triple A a criminal record of 21 steals in 26 attempts. He then killed pitchers by posting a .320 average, 20 homers and 84 RBI's. Not overly gaudy numbers, some might even call them pedestrian until you add in his 48 walks and 33 other extra base hits which shot his OBP up to .977. .850 is great 900 is remarkable, 977 is God -like. Now im not saying that this kid is omni-potent, and I am not saying that this kid is the next in a long line of Oakland Rookie of the years. I am simply pointing out that this guy has scouts around the league calling him major league ready, and will push the kids that have had a chance like Travis buck, Aaron Cunningham, and Tommy Everidge for a spot. If these once heralded prospects don't step up for the millionth time, it could be waivers for these guys. This is also guys like Sweeney , Davis and Scott Hairston's chance to show that they can be reliable and healthy an entire campaign as well. Add in the fact that the Oakland A's also traded for stud OF/IF Jake Fox from the Chicago Cubs, and you can see that the A's don't even know how the roster will end up. Fox is a average outfielder at best but his bat is definitlywhat the team needs. Then there is the Desme factor. Grant Desme just finished Arizona Fall league where he hit ten homers in ten games. So again Athletic nation, I ask you. What does the signing of another outfielder, mean for the A's? Well it isn't to add pop to an already anemic offense. CoCo isn't exactly Matt Holiday ya know. So could it be to get some of his family ties into the stands, to help the ticket sales, that match last years team offense? They also got Antioch, California native Aaron Miles in the Fox deal, who can play any position on the field, so maybe his and crisp family can help fill some seats? Well I think the true reason and history with this ball club states the same, is so the A's can play "Billy Ball" as they always do and trade for more prospects. Sure guys like Crisp, Scott Hairston and Ryan Sweeney wont net Holiday caliber prospects but it will help with their already great farm system by adding more prospects and hopefully put a few more fans in the seats.

Checking In... And Talking Sox Shortstop Situation posted by Charles Bisbee

Oh man, it’s been a bit too long and I’d like to apologize, first and foremost, to my legion of loyal readers. Who still checks in on occasion? Rogers? You still out there? Bark twice if you’re in Milwaukee!  Slim Bob? Herman? Dalton? Petey? Reginald? David Lefort from the Boston Globe? Fat chance of that… bastard…  Am I writing to myself here? Hello?

Anyway, lets talk sports. Or perhaps, I will talk sports with myself. Either way, it should be a good time.

During the past week, the Sox allowed Alex Gonzalez to stroll north of the boarder via free agency and then nabbed the man A-Gon will be replacing in Toronto, Marco Scutaro. As far as shortstop swaps go, this move has been widely praised as a coupe. Not only is Scutaro, seemingly, a superior offensive player but he also comes with a pristine reputation as a team-first, winning player. (On another note, I find it equally amusing and sickening that the Sox will pay more money to Julio Lugo to NOT play for them next season than they will pay Scutaro).

Whatever the case, I am not as high on this move as many other supposed experts are and here is why: I believe Scutaro had an aberration season last year. Look at his career numbers and then tell me that his line from last season (.282, 12, 60) fits the mold. Sure, he was mostly a bit player during his time in Oakland but he still averaged 385 ABs a year. Scutaro’s average line during these four seasons was .261, 7, 40. Bottom line is, Scutaro, I believe is still a role player, albeit an above average one. One decent season should not earn a man a multi-year, generous contract from a championship caliber club.

Cliff Lee: Philly Fave posted by David

Cliff Lee was meant to pitch for the Phillies.  How else do you explain his ridiculous string of starts since joining the team last month?  In five games, Lee has a 5-0 record, a 0.75 WHIP, and a 0.68 E.R.A.  In 40 innings, he has struck out 39 batters and walked just six, surrendered a grand total of zero home runs, and looked like a true ace while averaging eight innings per start.  As if he weren’t contributing enough already, Lee is hitting .313, which, if it were over enough at-bats to qualify, would lead the team.  The southpaw has truly made the most of his time in the City of Brotherly Love.

How ‘bout that?

How about Carlos Pe ña?  Leading the American League in home runs but batting just .222, the Rays’ slugger actually has more homers (37) than singles (35).  If he finishes the season with that dubious achievement, he’d become the third such player to do so, following Barry Bonds (2001) and Mark McGwire (1995, 1998, 1999, 2000).

How about Jim Tracy?  Under his leadership since May 29, the Rockies have gone 54-28 – which translates to a winning percentage of .659 – and have nearly caught the first-place Dodgers, a team Tracy managed for five years during the first half of the decade.  Considering that each of the last three teams Tracy managed (the 2005 Dodgers, 2006 and 2007 Pirates) lost more than 90 games, the Colorado skipper has to be feeling good about his job security right now.

How about the Blue Jays?  After starting the season 27-14 and leading the favored Red Sox, Yankees and Rays in the American League East in mid-May, the Jays have tumbled to their current record of 58-67, an even 20 games back of the Yankees.  There’s no joy in Toronto; the mighty Blue Jays have fallen to their usual fourth place.

Championship: Make It Happen posted by Cameron Clow

The MLB trade deadline came and went without the biggest name on the market being moved. Often times Mid-July festers numerous rumors within the Majors. The largest topic of discussion this year was Toronto ace Roy Halladay. Other notable players moved (most of them left Cleveland), but Halladay stayed.

The world series contenders before the deadline (Dodgers, Red Sox, Yankees, Cardinals, Phillies) made a few moves to further separate them from the teams chasing them, but neither one separated themselves from the pack of championship contenders they merely stayed with the pace at best. The game is played to win championships! So why did none of these teams pay the price for Roy Halladay and put themselves in a prime position to win.

Right Now either of these teams could win it all, but if you add Halladay to any of these rosters that team immediately becomes the favorite. Hey Yankees give up Joba the Hut and Phill Hughes and get a guy that is more than a strong arm. Hey Boston give them Clay and Bowden and whoever else they want. Hey LaRussa give Toronto Colby Rasmus and Adam Wainwright. If any of these deals had happened I would go ahead and give that team a 75% chance to win the World Series. Heck even a team that is chasing these guys could gain Halladay and contend for championship.

I get why a team might not want to unload there farm system for a championship. Expecially the Cardinals, Phillies and Red Sox, who have won a World Series in the last seven years. Hey Dodgers and Yankees; News Flash you haven't won or even been a part of a World Series for quite some time and you're two of the best and historic franchises in American sports history. You should have made this move for the Championship, because that is what it's all about!

Believe in the Sox, but not the Halladay rumors? posted by Tony Rossi

I was filled with all sorts of emotions when I got a text a couple of hours ago saying that the Sox had offered Buchholz, Bowden, and Westmoreland for Roy Halladay.  Now rotoworld.com is saying that’s not the case.  For those of you that don’t know, rotoworld.com gives minute by minute updates on sports rumors and updates.  I was all ready to blog about this trade when I read the latest posting saying that this trade offer never happened.  What I want to know is how a rumor like that got started without having any validity to it…then again we’re in the world of sports, so I guess this happens.  I dunno though, I’m not ruling out any trade ideas yet.

In any case, Gordon Edes of yahoo.com first reported the trade rumors around 2:30 PM today (7/28).  http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AtvS2BliJHl5BYz85vUyDk85nYcB?slug=ys-tradebuzz072809&prov=yhoo&type=lgns.  Although nothing has yet appeared on redsox.com, the story was also posted on Weei.com as well as rotoworld.com.  However, at around 5:00 PM, Dan Roche from WBZ radio on his twitter account that “Source tells me sox have not offered buchholz, bowden and westmoreland for halladay.” http://twitter.com/RochieWBZ/status/2896255726.  Well this sure is getting interesting...

I personally don’t see the need to trade for Halladay when we already have another pitching depth.  I also don’t think it’s worth it to trade prospects for an ace who’s only going to be here for a year and a half.  Unless we sign Halladay to a long contract, this “trade,” whether it exists or not, does not seem to be worth it. 

This Week in Baseball – Notes posted by Tony Rossi

I know, I know.  We’re all grieving over the way our boys have been playing.  I hope everyone’s been keeping the faith though.  Sure, it’s a cold streak.  But they’ll be back.  I know it.

In any case, here are some baseball tidbits from this week to take your mind off the Sox:

-Bartolo Colon will be pitching for the White Sox tonight.  Remember this guy? How could you not.  Who knows, if he pitches well enough we might see him pitch against the Red sox at the end of August.  I’m sure he’ll get a warm welcome from the Fenway Fans – and by warm, I mean not warm at all. 

-Mark Buehrle pitched a perfect game on Wednesday July 23rd.  That part you probably knew already.  But did you know he got a phone call from White Sox fan Barack Obama?? http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090723&conte

-The Kansas City Royals have lost nine straight games.  And I thought that Cleveland would finish their season in last.  Right now both teams are tied, but the real story is who’s on top.  The White Sox and Tigers are both tied for first, while Minnesota is only two and a half games behind. 

-Matt Holliday may be dealt to the St. Louis Cardinals.  According to Bobby Dittmeier from mlb.com, the A’s want Cardinal’s prospect Brett Wallace in return.  Wallace is currently hitting .289 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs in the minors.  A lineup that contains both Holliday and Pujols could be pretty dangerous. 

I really don’t even like this team anymore… posted by Brad VanFossan

But I haven’t wrote in awhile and I’m bored, so I figured why the hell not? Today is that 20% chance the Indians have at winning one out of every five games they play. That means Cliff Lee is on the hill. Tonight he opposes Blue Jays rookie lefthander Brett Cecil. I’m not sure what the Indians record is right now, but I can assure you I’m doing them a service by not mentioning it.

Some things that caught my script “I”:

-I had to catch the first inning in the car and thought it was interesting that Tom Hamilton said one thing that’s certain is Marco Scutaro will have a big series since he is a former Indian farmhand, referencing the big series had by Franklin Gutierrez and Russell Branyan in the Seattle series. I thought it was a nice little jab at the Indians inept front office.

-I haven’t wrote in awhile, but Kelly Shoppach still sucks. And Grady Sizemore still can’t get a hit when there is any pressure on him.

-July must be the month of the siesta in Venezuela as Victor Martinez is only hitting .122 this month.

-I’m still amazed at how much of a gamer the am/pm voiceover guy is, continuing to work with laryngitis.

-Former Indian Brian Tallet is warming up in the Blue Jays bullpen. I’m sure he will come in and get the win later.

-This game only appears to be a pitcher’s duel on the surface. No score in the 7th inning is deceiving as the Indians have left plenty of runners on base and in scoring position.

-I always felt bad for the Blue Jays, being in the A.L. East. They just always seemed to be in a baseball purgatory so to speak. But now that the Indians are in baseball hell, purgatory isn’t looking too bad.

Buchholz Gets First Win posted by Hank Hill

Clay Buchholz Would get his First Start of the Year- and it would be a good one.

 This being the first game since returning from the all-star break the Sox looked to stay in command in the East.  Not knowing if Beckett and Wake would pitch in the all-star game(which they didn't and I personally thought they really should have got Wake in the game)so they made this move. The Sox brought up Clay Buchholz (7-2 in minors this year) for this one start knowing no matter how good he did, he would be sent back to the minors after the game. This did not matter to Clay Buchholz, he came out gunning, he threw 103 pitches, only allowed 4 hits and 1 earned run and had 3 strikeouts--Nasty!!  He went into the 6th and was relieved by Bard who ended the inning and looked great also. Makes you think should we keep Clay up here and sit Smoltz, what does Sox Nation think??? Log in and let me know!!!

Meanwhile the Sox offense looked great from the start, Pedroia got a base hit followed by Youk hitting a bomb in the 1st inning and that was a 2-0 lead and was all the Sox would need.  Pedroia was 1-3 with a walk and got 2 runs, Youk was 1-3 with that homer and 2RBIs and Big Pappi who has been coming around big time was 2-4 with 2RBIs also leading the Sox to a 4-1 lead and leaving it in the hands of the bullpen.
  Okajima would pitch the 8th and gave up 1 hit and shut them down from there and then it was on to Papelbon for the 9th!! He threw 9 pitches and got his 24th save of the year and the Sox the win 4-1, Beautiful!!!  Clay Buchholz would also receive his 1st win of this major league season.

Buchholz is Back posted by Tony Rossi

The Boston Red Sox announced on Sunday that Clay Buchholz will be returning to Boston to start Friday night’s game against the Toronot Blue Jays. 

Buchholz has been waiting a while for this call, and who can blame him?  The twenty five-year old has pitched phenomenal in Pawtucket, posting a 7-2 record with a 2.36 era.  On May 25th, he nearly threw a perfect game, but had it broken up in the 9th with a hit.  He finished the game recording a complete game shut-out.  Who wouldn’t want out of Triple-A with a season like that?    

Then again everyone playing in Triple-A wants out so that they can make it to the big leagues. 

But now it’s Buchholz’s turn, and I wish him the best of luck.  A roster move will be announced within the next day or so which means someone’s going back down to Pawtucket.  I’d suspect it would be Bates, considering Lowell is coming off the DL. 

Keep the Faith! 

Snider, Buck each hit 2 homers as Blue Jays tee off in 13-3 drubbing of Orioles (The Canadian Pr

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From Yahoo! Sports

Snider, Buck each hit 2 homers as Blue Jays tee off in 13-3 drubbing of Orioles (The Canadian Pr

[read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Snider, Buck each hit 2 homers as Blue Jays tee off in 13-3 drubbing of Orioles (The Canadian Pr

[read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Snider, Buck each hit 2 homers as Blue Jays tee off in 13-3 drubbing of Orioles (The Canadian Pr

[read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Snider, Buck each hit 2 homers as Blue Jays tee off in 13-3 drubbing of Orioles (The Canadian Pr

[read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports