New Jersey's Vladimir Guerrero blasted past Mike Piazza to move into 7th place on the all-time home run list. Guerrero, who started the year with 397 home runs, has 13 dingers on the season for a career total of 410. Last week he jumped by Piazza, who's number one among catchers with 406 home runs.
Vlad the Impaler has his sights set on Ken Griffey, Jr., who is still a free agent who has vowed to hang up the spikes if he doesn't get a call by season's send. If Guerrero stays healthy he could catch Junior -- 6th all-time with 444 home runs -- in 2011. At that point, he'll also be hot on the heels of Sammy Sosa for 5th place with 446 round-trippers.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Mallers get a little breathing room
Bridgewater gave themselves a little bit of a cushion in the Morris Division with an 8-5 win over Las Vegas. Chris Carpenter improved to 9-5 with a solid 7.2 inning effort giving up only 2 runs and striking out 6. Erick Aybar and Ben Molina each had 3 hits and Molina hit 2 homers and drove in 3 runs. Alex Rodriguez hit two home runs and drove in all 5 runs in defeat for the Rats. The Mallers opened up a 2-game lead on Vancouver, who lost 10-5 to Hoboken. Kosuke Fukudome was 5-5 and Miguel Cabrera and Adam Dunn each had 3 RBIs to lead the Cutters offense. The win broke Vancouver's 5-game winning streak.
Jorge Cantu also had a 5-for-5 day for Amityville in their 11-9 win over Arkansas. The Falcons dropped their 8th straight game. The Ant Slayers scored 6 runs in the 1st to take the early lead, but the Falcons clawed their way back and tied the game up in the 5th. A Miguel Tejada double gave the Slayers the lead back and Amityville extended their lead to 9-6. The Falcons kept trying to come back, but fell just short in the end.
And now for a game that featured almost zero offense...Hillsborough's Justin Verlander and New Jersey's Andy Pettitte were locked in a 0-0 game. The Hitmen finally broke through in the 9th, as Casey McGehee hit a walk-off single to give the Hitmen the victory. Verlander lasted 7 innings, giving up 5 hits and striking out 8, but didn't get a decision. Pettitte, who did get the loss, pitched 8.1 innings, giving up 6 hits and striking out 7.
Jorge Cantu also had a 5-for-5 day for Amityville in their 11-9 win over Arkansas. The Falcons dropped their 8th straight game. The Ant Slayers scored 6 runs in the 1st to take the early lead, but the Falcons clawed their way back and tied the game up in the 5th. A Miguel Tejada double gave the Slayers the lead back and Amityville extended their lead to 9-6. The Falcons kept trying to come back, but fell just short in the end.
And now for a game that featured almost zero offense...Hillsborough's Justin Verlander and New Jersey's Andy Pettitte were locked in a 0-0 game. The Hitmen finally broke through in the 9th, as Casey McGehee hit a walk-off single to give the Hitmen the victory. Verlander lasted 7 innings, giving up 5 hits and striking out 8, but didn't get a decision. Pettitte, who did get the loss, pitched 8.1 innings, giving up 6 hits and striking out 7.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Howard, Vazquez take awards
It was a good week for Hillsborough batters this week. Ben Zobrist hit .426 with a .517 OBP and .660 slugging, scoring 11 runs, while teammate Casey McGehee hit 3 homers and scored 10 with a .999 OPS. Sin-Shoo Choo had an even better 1.065 OPS with 5 doubles and 10 runs and 8 RBIs. But the JR Cigars Smokin' Batter of the Week award goes to Ryan Howard, who hit an astounding .441 with a .512 OBP and 1.059 slugging. Howard hit 4 homers and 2 triples (!) and 5 doubles with 11 runs scored and 11 RBIs. Enjoy your complimentary box of Gurkhas, Ryan!
Other non-Hillsborough top hitters: Bridgewater's Brian McCann (.366/.409/.683, 3 HR, 9 RBI) and Derrek Lee (8 HR, 12 RBIs), and Amityville's Brandon Phillips (.397/.426/.569, 3 HR, 14 R, 10 RBIs).
This week's BP Spills Coffee Pitcher of the Week Award was a tough one with lots of deserving candidates. There were a bunch of "comeback" candidates - pitchers who started the season poorly but had good weeks like Arkansas' Jorge de la Rosa (1-0, 1.20, 1.00 WHIP, 16 K) and Cliff Lee (2-1, 1.74, 1.02, CG), Hillsborough's Felix Hernandez (3-0, 2.45, 0.95) and Vancouver's Jake Peavy (2-0, 2.45, 1.09). Then there were the outstanding relievers like Bridgewater's Andrew Bailey (6 SV, 0.25 WHIP in 8 IP, 14 K) and Carolina's Burke Badenhop (2-0, 2.29, 1.12 in 19.2 IP). But the prize this week goes to Newark's Javy Vazquez who was 2-0 with a 1.64 ERA and 1.05 WHIP. Vazquez also struck out 24 batters in 22 IP.
Other contenders: Vegas' Brett Anderson (1-1, 2.25, 0.88), Amityville's Doug Fister (1-1, 1.26 who was released and claimed by Newark), Newark's Brad Bergesen (1-0, 1.06), Blue Ridge's Gavin Floyd (2-0, 1.83, 18K), Vancouver's Mat Latos (1-0, 2.08, 0.92) and Kevin Millwood (1-0, 2.02, 0.82) and Sardine City's John Lackey (1-0, 2.05, 0.95, 18K).
Other non-Hillsborough top hitters: Bridgewater's Brian McCann (.366/.409/.683, 3 HR, 9 RBI) and Derrek Lee (8 HR, 12 RBIs), and Amityville's Brandon Phillips (.397/.426/.569, 3 HR, 14 R, 10 RBIs).
This week's BP Spills Coffee Pitcher of the Week Award was a tough one with lots of deserving candidates. There were a bunch of "comeback" candidates - pitchers who started the season poorly but had good weeks like Arkansas' Jorge de la Rosa (1-0, 1.20, 1.00 WHIP, 16 K) and Cliff Lee (2-1, 1.74, 1.02, CG), Hillsborough's Felix Hernandez (3-0, 2.45, 0.95) and Vancouver's Jake Peavy (2-0, 2.45, 1.09). Then there were the outstanding relievers like Bridgewater's Andrew Bailey (6 SV, 0.25 WHIP in 8 IP, 14 K) and Carolina's Burke Badenhop (2-0, 2.29, 1.12 in 19.2 IP). But the prize this week goes to Newark's Javy Vazquez who was 2-0 with a 1.64 ERA and 1.05 WHIP. Vazquez also struck out 24 batters in 22 IP.
Other contenders: Vegas' Brett Anderson (1-1, 2.25, 0.88), Amityville's Doug Fister (1-1, 1.26 who was released and claimed by Newark), Newark's Brad Bergesen (1-0, 1.06), Blue Ridge's Gavin Floyd (2-0, 1.83, 18K), Vancouver's Mat Latos (1-0, 2.08, 0.92) and Kevin Millwood (1-0, 2.02, 0.82) and Sardine City's John Lackey (1-0, 2.05, 0.95, 18K).
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Kershaw leaves with no-no, but Ni says "no"
Clayton Kershaw had a no-hitter going in the 8th inning when he was pulled out of the game amidst many boos in the stadium. Manager Wally Backman tried to let him go, but Kershaw had walked 5 batters and was showing signs of fatigue. After throwing his 123rd pitch and hitting pinch hitter Carlos Quentin, Backman decided it was enough and handed the ball over to reliever Fu-Te Ni. Two batters later and with the crowd chanting NI, even with old ladies in attendance, the no hitter was broken up. It was the only hit the Mudcats would get. Kershaw struck out 10.
Vancouver has reeled off 5 straight wins after yesterday's 5-4 squeaker against Team Buddah. Kevin Millwood held New Jersey to 3 earned runs on 3 hits in 7.2 innings, while striking out 7. New addition Jason Kubel was 3-4 with a homer and 2 RBIs.
Bridgewater continues their hot streak, taking out Hanover Division leaders Marietta 3-1. Marietta has been suffering from a rash of injuries, including shortstop Derek Jeter, starter Jarrod Washburn, and, in an ironic twist, outfielder Brett Gardner, who's been covering for other injured starters in the outfield.
Vancouver has reeled off 5 straight wins after yesterday's 5-4 squeaker against Team Buddah. Kevin Millwood held New Jersey to 3 earned runs on 3 hits in 7.2 innings, while striking out 7. New addition Jason Kubel was 3-4 with a homer and 2 RBIs.
Bridgewater continues their hot streak, taking out Hanover Division leaders Marietta 3-1. Marietta has been suffering from a rash of injuries, including shortstop Derek Jeter, starter Jarrod Washburn, and, in an ironic twist, outfielder Brett Gardner, who's been covering for other injured starters in the outfield.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday trade roundup
Two deals went through yesterday as Las Vegas and Vancouver both tried to upgrade their lineups for a playoff push.
After faltering and losing 6 straight and losing control of the Morris Division, Vancouver has actually turned things around and won 4 straight. Their anemic offense - ranked 13th in OPS (.723) - needed a punch. The Fist grabbed Jason Kubel from Amityville to help provide that punch. Kubel was only hitting .249/.312/.444 this season for the Ant Slayers, but Vancouver thinks he can help the team score some more runs. The Fist gave up pitcher Chad Billingsley, who has been lingering all year in the minors. Billingsley was 11-11 with a 5.12 ERA and 171 strikeouts last season for Vancouver. Billingsley is still young, however, and Amityville thinks that he will rebound. In addition to the players, the two teams exchanged draft picks - Amityville gets a second rounder, and Vancouver gets a 4th.
The bigger trade involved Las Vegas sending a boatload of draft picks to Hoboken in exchange for outfielder Brad Hawpe, reliever Nick Massett, and starter Edwin Jackson. Jackson may be best remembered for being dumped unceremoniously by Blue Ridge a few months back despite having solid numbers. But the Bombers were vindicated by Jackson's putrid record in Hoboken (2-5, 9.14 ERA in 8 starts). Massett was another player that was struggling (2-0, 5.27 in 40 appearances), but Vegas thinks both players could be assets. Outfielder Hawpe is a solid player who was hitting .274/.351/.510 for Hoboken with 12 homers and 32 RBIs. The Cutters received three picks in the 2011 draft (3rd,6th, and 10th) and 2 in 2012 (5th and 12th).
Not content to just make a trade, Las Vegas decided to clean house and parted with some interesting players. Rich Harden, a player that Vegas paid a lot to acquire several years ago from Vancouver, was jettisoned as owner Eric Wickstrom had grown increasingly frustrated by his lack of production. "It's the end of an error" said Wickstrom. Harden was joined on the way out by veterans Jose Contreras, Jeremy Guthrie, and Gary Sheffield. Another interesting castoff is young first baseman Chris Davis. Davis was a high draft selection in the 2009 draft (#2 overall), but his knack for striking out had put him in the Rat Pack's doghouse (or rathouse?). Also joining Davis on the curb is outfielder Scott Hairston. The purge left room for the Rat Pack to sign retreads Randy Wolf, Juan Pierre, and Gabe Kapler. "They may not sound spectacular" said Wickstrom, "but each one has a key role to play on this squad."
After faltering and losing 6 straight and losing control of the Morris Division, Vancouver has actually turned things around and won 4 straight. Their anemic offense - ranked 13th in OPS (.723) - needed a punch. The Fist grabbed Jason Kubel from Amityville to help provide that punch. Kubel was only hitting .249/.312/.444 this season for the Ant Slayers, but Vancouver thinks he can help the team score some more runs. The Fist gave up pitcher Chad Billingsley, who has been lingering all year in the minors. Billingsley was 11-11 with a 5.12 ERA and 171 strikeouts last season for Vancouver. Billingsley is still young, however, and Amityville thinks that he will rebound. In addition to the players, the two teams exchanged draft picks - Amityville gets a second rounder, and Vancouver gets a 4th.
The bigger trade involved Las Vegas sending a boatload of draft picks to Hoboken in exchange for outfielder Brad Hawpe, reliever Nick Massett, and starter Edwin Jackson. Jackson may be best remembered for being dumped unceremoniously by Blue Ridge a few months back despite having solid numbers. But the Bombers were vindicated by Jackson's putrid record in Hoboken (2-5, 9.14 ERA in 8 starts). Massett was another player that was struggling (2-0, 5.27 in 40 appearances), but Vegas thinks both players could be assets. Outfielder Hawpe is a solid player who was hitting .274/.351/.510 for Hoboken with 12 homers and 32 RBIs. The Cutters received three picks in the 2011 draft (3rd,6th, and 10th) and 2 in 2012 (5th and 12th).
Not content to just make a trade, Las Vegas decided to clean house and parted with some interesting players. Rich Harden, a player that Vegas paid a lot to acquire several years ago from Vancouver, was jettisoned as owner Eric Wickstrom had grown increasingly frustrated by his lack of production. "It's the end of an error" said Wickstrom. Harden was joined on the way out by veterans Jose Contreras, Jeremy Guthrie, and Gary Sheffield. Another interesting castoff is young first baseman Chris Davis. Davis was a high draft selection in the 2009 draft (#2 overall), but his knack for striking out had put him in the Rat Pack's doghouse (or rathouse?). Also joining Davis on the curb is outfielder Scott Hairston. The purge left room for the Rat Pack to sign retreads Randy Wolf, Juan Pierre, and Gabe Kapler. "They may not sound spectacular" said Wickstrom, "but each one has a key role to play on this squad."
Monday, June 28, 2010
Part timer takes hitter prize
Well...we don't usually do this, but... Most of the time we don't give the top player honors to part-timers, but Marietta's Taylor Teagarden had an excellent week (and a half). In only 18 at bats, Teagarden hit .500 with a .526 OBP, 1.444 slugging, 5 homers, 7 RBIs, and 7 runs. But since he's a part-timer, we're only awarding him a 5-pack as this week's JR Cigars Smokin' Batter of the Week.
Other top batters: Philadelphia's Matt Holliday (.444/.512/.861, 5 HR, 10 R, 8 RBI), and Adam Lind (.400/.438/.867, 4 HR, 16 RBI), Las Vegas' Joe Mauer (.404/.473/.787, 4 HR, 10 R, 10 RBI), Carolina's Troy Tulowitzki (.370/.420/.652, 4 HR, 9 R, 16 RBI), Newark's Will Venable (.361/.368/.778, 4 HR, 12 RBI), and Bridgewater's Ryan Zimmerman (.372/.383/.698, 4 HR, 11 RBI).
Meanwhile, selecting the Worst Video Games of All Time Pitcher of the Week was a bit tougher. But we decided to go with Jake Peavy, who was 1-1 with a 1.08 ERA and 0.60 WHIP. Peavy struck out 21 in 16.2 innings and pitched a complete game, 1-hit shutout against Amityville. In his second start, he lost despite giving up only 3 hits and striking out 11.
Other top starters: Blue Ridge's Gavin Floyd (2-0, 1.17, 0.91, 16 K), Sardine City's Josh Johnson (2-0, 1.10, 0.80), Carolina's Yovani Gallardo (2-0, 1.20, 0.87, 15 K), and Newark's Koji Uehara (1-1, 2.45, 0.55) and Brad Bergesen (2-0, 1.69, 1.00).
Other top batters: Philadelphia's Matt Holliday (.444/.512/.861, 5 HR, 10 R, 8 RBI), and Adam Lind (.400/.438/.867, 4 HR, 16 RBI), Las Vegas' Joe Mauer (.404/.473/.787, 4 HR, 10 R, 10 RBI), Carolina's Troy Tulowitzki (.370/.420/.652, 4 HR, 9 R, 16 RBI), Newark's Will Venable (.361/.368/.778, 4 HR, 12 RBI), and Bridgewater's Ryan Zimmerman (.372/.383/.698, 4 HR, 11 RBI).
Meanwhile, selecting the Worst Video Games of All Time Pitcher of the Week was a bit tougher. But we decided to go with Jake Peavy, who was 1-1 with a 1.08 ERA and 0.60 WHIP. Peavy struck out 21 in 16.2 innings and pitched a complete game, 1-hit shutout against Amityville. In his second start, he lost despite giving up only 3 hits and striking out 11.
Other top starters: Blue Ridge's Gavin Floyd (2-0, 1.17, 0.91, 16 K), Sardine City's Josh Johnson (2-0, 1.10, 0.80), Carolina's Yovani Gallardo (2-0, 1.20, 0.87, 15 K), and Newark's Koji Uehara (1-1, 2.45, 0.55) and Brad Bergesen (2-0, 1.69, 1.00).
Friday, June 25, 2010
Morris Division happenings
Bridgewater held their position atop the Morris Division with a 4-0, 4-hit shutout. Starter Erik Bedard was removed after 2 innings after a 3 hour rain delay (Amityville's starter Hiroki Kuroda also was removed) and the Maller bullpen took over. Juan Aceves pitched 4 of the innings, giving up only 1 hit and striking out 4. The Ant Slayers held the Mallers to only 5 hits, but still gave up 4 runs, including 3 in the 9th.
Blue Ridge won their 4th straight to remain tied with the Mallers - a 4-3 edging of New Jersey. The Bombers only got 4 hits in the game and scored all their runs in the first 2 innings. The Buddahs tried to claw their way back, but ended up one run short. For New Jersey it was their 6th straight loss.
Josh Johnson outduelled Jake Peavy in a 2-1 Sardine City win over Vancouver. Johnson pitched 8 innings and gave up only 3 hits and struck out 7. Peavy pitched 7.2 innings, giving up 3 hits as well and struck out 11. Vancouver dropped their 4th straight and fell 2 games out of the division lead.
Yovani Gallardo held the Sugar Bears to just 2 hits in Carolina's 5-1 win yesterday. Gallardo pitched 8 innings and struck out 9.
Blue Ridge won their 4th straight to remain tied with the Mallers - a 4-3 edging of New Jersey. The Bombers only got 4 hits in the game and scored all their runs in the first 2 innings. The Buddahs tried to claw their way back, but ended up one run short. For New Jersey it was their 6th straight loss.
Josh Johnson outduelled Jake Peavy in a 2-1 Sardine City win over Vancouver. Johnson pitched 8 innings and gave up only 3 hits and struck out 7. Peavy pitched 7.2 innings, giving up 3 hits as well and struck out 11. Vancouver dropped their 4th straight and fell 2 games out of the division lead.
Yovani Gallardo held the Sugar Bears to just 2 hits in Carolina's 5-1 win yesterday. Gallardo pitched 8 innings and struck out 9.
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