Philly leaves for D.C. after taking a firm hold on their series with the Bushslappers. The Endzone Animals left no doubt after shutting down the Slapper bats 4-1 on Saturday then 7-2 on Sunday. Brandon Webb pitched 8 innings and allowed only one run on 5 hits, then Matt Cain won the battle of the rhyming starters (vs. John Maine) by pitching 7 innings of 4-hit ball, allowing only 2 runs and 3 walks. Maine tried in vain to best Cain, but was slain to no gain...or something like that. The series picks up again on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Vegas took a firm stand in week one against their arch-nemesis Hillsborough with a 9-0 pounding of the Hitmen. A.J. Burnett pitched 7 innings of 2-hit, shutout ball, striking out 11. Meanwhile, Matt Holliday led the team with 3 RBIs and Carlos Pena hit a double and a homer. Game two is later today.
Showing posts with label webb. Show all posts
Showing posts with label webb. Show all posts
Monday, September 22, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Players of the Week
Since we forgot to give out the awards last week, we'll include last week in our considerations.
Hitter of the Week
Our top two candidates for the Mitchell Award had a monster week...er weeks. Newark's Chipper Jones was huge, leading the league in average (.500), on base percentage(.615), and slugging (1.067) (and of course OPS) while also hitting 3 homers and 6 doubles, scoring 12 runs and driving in 11. Meanwhile, Vancouver's David Ortiz tried to keep pace with a 1.180 OPS week (.462 on base, .718 slugging), with 4 homers and 12 RBI.
Meanwhile, D.C. had a huge offensive week, hitting .320 as a team with a .828 team OPS. Matt Kemp (.460, 13 runs, 1.081 OPS) and Jeff Kent (.412, 1.027 OPS, 9 RBI) were big parts of that surge, but the main cog, and this week's JR Cigars Smokin' Batter of the Week is Brian McCann. McCann hit .571 over the past two weeks with a 1.523 OPS and 13 RBIs.
Other considerations... Hoboken's Miguel Cabrera hit 6 home runs for the Cutters and drove in 15...Marietta's Josh Hamilton crushed the opposition with a 1.489 OPS, 5 HRs, and 14 RBIs...Philly's Jorge Posada had a solid week (.404, 4 HR, 11 RBI) and Tampa's Pat Burrell did his best to keep the Plunkers' playoff hopes alive (1.435 OPS, 4 HR, 9 RBI).
Pitcher of the Week
D.C. almost made it a sweep of the awards this week as both Shawn Marcum (1-0, 1.15, shutout) and Derrek Lowe (3-0, 1.21, shutout, 1.16 WHIP) had great weeks, not to mention a superb performance by closer Jonathan Papelbon (5-5 saves, 0.00 ERA in 5 games). But this week's Springfield Punx Pitcher of the Week Award goes to Philadelphia's Brandon Webb. Webb was also 3-0, but with a slightly better 1.14 ERA and slightly lower 1.14 WHIP. Webb also amassed 19 strikeouts in 23.2 innings of work.
Marietta's Mariano Rivera logged a lot of playing time over the past two weeks, but the old man still got it done. Rivera appeared in 12 games with an 0.71 ERA, picking up a win and a save, while striking out 11 in 12.2 innings.
Other pitchers of note...Speaking of old men, Arkansas' Roger Clemens still has a little bit of gas left in him (2-0, 2.02 ERA, 0.97 WHIP)...Looks like some time in the minors has done Philly's Yovani Gallardo some good (2-0, 3.09, 13K in 11.2 IP)...Hillsborough's Dan Haren (2-0, 1.72, 12 K, 0.77 WHIP) has helped keep the Hitmen on pace with D.C.
Hitter of the Week
Our top two candidates for the Mitchell Award had a monster week...er weeks. Newark's Chipper Jones was huge, leading the league in average (.500), on base percentage(.615), and slugging (1.067) (and of course OPS) while also hitting 3 homers and 6 doubles, scoring 12 runs and driving in 11. Meanwhile, Vancouver's David Ortiz tried to keep pace with a 1.180 OPS week (.462 on base, .718 slugging), with 4 homers and 12 RBI.
Meanwhile, D.C. had a huge offensive week, hitting .320 as a team with a .828 team OPS. Matt Kemp (.460, 13 runs, 1.081 OPS) and Jeff Kent (.412, 1.027 OPS, 9 RBI) were big parts of that surge, but the main cog, and this week's JR Cigars Smokin' Batter of the Week is Brian McCann. McCann hit .571 over the past two weeks with a 1.523 OPS and 13 RBIs.
Other considerations... Hoboken's Miguel Cabrera hit 6 home runs for the Cutters and drove in 15...Marietta's Josh Hamilton crushed the opposition with a 1.489 OPS, 5 HRs, and 14 RBIs...Philly's Jorge Posada had a solid week (.404, 4 HR, 11 RBI) and Tampa's Pat Burrell did his best to keep the Plunkers' playoff hopes alive (1.435 OPS, 4 HR, 9 RBI).
Pitcher of the Week
D.C. almost made it a sweep of the awards this week as both Shawn Marcum (1-0, 1.15, shutout) and Derrek Lowe (3-0, 1.21, shutout, 1.16 WHIP) had great weeks, not to mention a superb performance by closer Jonathan Papelbon (5-5 saves, 0.00 ERA in 5 games). But this week's Springfield Punx Pitcher of the Week Award goes to Philadelphia's Brandon Webb. Webb was also 3-0, but with a slightly better 1.14 ERA and slightly lower 1.14 WHIP. Webb also amassed 19 strikeouts in 23.2 innings of work.Marietta's Mariano Rivera logged a lot of playing time over the past two weeks, but the old man still got it done. Rivera appeared in 12 games with an 0.71 ERA, picking up a win and a save, while striking out 11 in 12.2 innings.
Other pitchers of note...Speaking of old men, Arkansas' Roger Clemens still has a little bit of gas left in him (2-0, 2.02 ERA, 0.97 WHIP)...Looks like some time in the minors has done Philly's Yovani Gallardo some good (2-0, 3.09, 13K in 11.2 IP)...Hillsborough's Dan Haren (2-0, 1.72, 12 K, 0.77 WHIP) has helped keep the Hitmen on pace with D.C.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
D.C. breaks hex, Webb stymies Sugar Bears
D.C. finally broke the streak yesterday with a 5-3 victory over Sardine City. They had to look to outside the organization for the win, as Justin Germano picked up the win in relief of the Shawn/Sean combo. Matt Kemp had a homer and 3 RBIs to lead the Slapper offense.
Philadelphia asserted some dominance over the Sugar Bears yesterday, blanking the defending champs 6-0. Brandon Webb held the potent lineup to only three hits in a complete game, the first time the Sugar Bears have been shut out all year (hmmm were they shut out last year?)...
Team Buddah was shut out for the fifth time this year, this time by Aaron Harang and the Blue Ridge Bombers. Harang pitched 7.2 innings of 3-hit ball and struck out 7.
Tuesday Blog Bits
Jim Thome's home run in Vegas' 11-7 win yesterday moved him into a second-place tie with Sammy Sosa at 436 for his career. Thome only needs 200 or so more to tie Barry Bonds for first place (642)!...Manny Ramirez collected his 2000th career hit last week and hasn't played since. His teammate Chipper Jones also collected his 2000th last week, but he's not in the manager's doghouse...Mariano Rivera's next appearance will be his 800th...Vancouver's Greg Maddux is two strikeouts shy of 2000, which would make him the sixth player to reach the mark.
Philadelphia asserted some dominance over the Sugar Bears yesterday, blanking the defending champs 6-0. Brandon Webb held the potent lineup to only three hits in a complete game, the first time the Sugar Bears have been shut out all year (hmmm were they shut out last year?)...
Team Buddah was shut out for the fifth time this year, this time by Aaron Harang and the Blue Ridge Bombers. Harang pitched 7.2 innings of 3-hit ball and struck out 7.
Tuesday Blog Bits
Jim Thome's home run in Vegas' 11-7 win yesterday moved him into a second-place tie with Sammy Sosa at 436 for his career. Thome only needs 200 or so more to tie Barry Bonds for first place (642)!...Manny Ramirez collected his 2000th career hit last week and hasn't played since. His teammate Chipper Jones also collected his 2000th last week, but he's not in the manager's doghouse...Mariano Rivera's next appearance will be his 800th...Vancouver's Greg Maddux is two strikeouts shy of 2000, which would make him the sixth player to reach the mark.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Webb sparks Animals
There's an interesting discussion going on at the DMBL Message Board about stadiums. Things are going to change a little bit next year regarding how often you can change your team stadiums. Take a look and offer your input before it's too late!
Philadelphia won a key game yesterday against Marietta to make the series 2-1. Brandon Webb pitched a complete game gem yesterday, shutting out the Mighty Men in a tight 1-0 game. Webb and Marietta's A.J. Burnett were duelling it out for much of the game. Through six innings, Burnett held the Animals to two hits and Webb held the Mighty Men to three. But Burnett had thrown 112 pitches and was lifted in the seventh inning for Trevor Hoffman. Scott Rolen led off the inning with a single and A.J. Pierzynski followed with an RBI double, giving the Animals a 1-0 lead. And that's all that would score for the rest of the game. In the bottom of the ninth, Brian Giles reached first on an infield single with two outs. Giles stole second but was left stranded. Game four is tonight and Honolulu hosts Newark for their game three.
Philadelphia won a key game yesterday against Marietta to make the series 2-1. Brandon Webb pitched a complete game gem yesterday, shutting out the Mighty Men in a tight 1-0 game. Webb and Marietta's A.J. Burnett were duelling it out for much of the game. Through six innings, Burnett held the Animals to two hits and Webb held the Mighty Men to three. But Burnett had thrown 112 pitches and was lifted in the seventh inning for Trevor Hoffman. Scott Rolen led off the inning with a single and A.J. Pierzynski followed with an RBI double, giving the Animals a 1-0 lead. And that's all that would score for the rest of the game. In the bottom of the ninth, Brian Giles reached first on an infield single with two outs. Giles stole second but was left stranded. Game four is tonight and Honolulu hosts Newark for their game three.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Wednesday doubleheader recap
Roy Oswalt pitched a gem against South Boston yesterday as the Sharks routed the Gang 10-0. Oswalt pitched a complete game shutout, surrendering only five hits and no walks while striking out six. Oswalt has pitched well in five of his last six starts since coming back from his injury last month. The one low note was a 10-2 loss to Marietta.
Albert Pujols drove in six runs and hit his 39th home run in Philly's 11-3 shellacking of Las Vegas. Brandon Webb won after missing his last start due to injury to improve to 11-7. Reed Johnson also contributed 3 RBIs. The Rat Pack used eight pitchers in the game, including rarely utilized Casey Janssen, who pitched the last three innings. It was Vegas' ninth straight loss.
The Mudcats beat the Animals in the late game yesterday, but lost David Eckstein to injury. Eckstein has been on the disabled list twice already this year as a member of the Endzone Animals and now will give the Mudcats a chance to pay him to sit at home and play his Nintendo Wii.
Newark won twice yesterday becoming the first team to 90 wins on the season. In game one against Hillsborough, Jim Edmonds hit two homers and drove in six runs for the Sugar Bears. Randy Johnson won his 197th career victory. Ryan Howard hit his 50th homer of the season for Hillsborough. Edmonds hit another homer in the second game as John Smoltz started his 300th career game. His seven strikeouts left him four shy of 2000 for his career.
Jose Contreras shut down Vancouver for a 5-0 shutout, though Contreras couldn't make it through the full nine. Contreras lasted eight innings, holding Vancouver to four hits and two walks. Mike Wuertz finished the ninth to preserve the shutout.
Look for a new Trade Talk article later tonight.
Albert Pujols drove in six runs and hit his 39th home run in Philly's 11-3 shellacking of Las Vegas. Brandon Webb won after missing his last start due to injury to improve to 11-7. Reed Johnson also contributed 3 RBIs. The Rat Pack used eight pitchers in the game, including rarely utilized Casey Janssen, who pitched the last three innings. It was Vegas' ninth straight loss.
The Mudcats beat the Animals in the late game yesterday, but lost David Eckstein to injury. Eckstein has been on the disabled list twice already this year as a member of the Endzone Animals and now will give the Mudcats a chance to pay him to sit at home and play his Nintendo Wii.
Newark won twice yesterday becoming the first team to 90 wins on the season. In game one against Hillsborough, Jim Edmonds hit two homers and drove in six runs for the Sugar Bears. Randy Johnson won his 197th career victory. Ryan Howard hit his 50th homer of the season for Hillsborough. Edmonds hit another homer in the second game as John Smoltz started his 300th career game. His seven strikeouts left him four shy of 2000 for his career.
Jose Contreras shut down Vancouver for a 5-0 shutout, though Contreras couldn't make it through the full nine. Contreras lasted eight innings, holding Vancouver to four hits and two walks. Mike Wuertz finished the ninth to preserve the shutout.
Look for a new Trade Talk article later tonight.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Hoboken rolls along
Hoboken continued their roll, smashing Marietta 14-6. Mighty Men starter Gil Meche was mercilessly pounded for 11 runs in five innings, earning the starter a spot on the bench. "He's lucky we didn't go to Paul Byrd" said owner David Landsman after the game. Meche's ERA ballooned to 6.96. Hoboken's Vicente Padilla improved to 10-3 on the season, despite giving up five runs. Josh Bard and Ian Kinsler each had four RBIs and a homer in the game. Hoboken has now won six straight and is only 1/2 a game behind Marietta, who lost four in a row.
David Ortiz continues to mash the ball, hitting two homers in a 5-4 loss to Carolina yesterday. Ortiz now has 32 homers on the year. Chris Carpenter rebounded well after his 11-run performance last week - pitching seven shut out innings, but the Vancouver pen blew it with a 5-run eighth inning which included a bases-loaded walk.
Carlos Beltran's 5 RBI led D.C. to a 12-4 rout of the Falcons. John Maine pitched six shutout innings despite surrendering six walks and five hits.
New Jersey's Tom Gorzelanny held the Rat Pack to only three hits and two runs over eight innings. The rookie has had some trouble with run support this year, but managed to get his fourth win of the season. Gorzelanny is only 4-8 despite a decent 4.17 ERA this year.
Newark barely survived their game against Sardine City yesterday. After a close 4-4 tie led the game to extra innings, the Straphangers played "small-ball" in the top of the 10th and manufactured the go-ahead run. Usually reliable B.J. Ryan was brought in to close the game in the bottom of the inning, but it wasn't meant to be. Nick Johnson scored to tie it on a Nick Swisher single and then later Manny Ramirez singled in Mark DeRosa to win it for the Sugar Bears.
Brandon Webb and Aaron Harang both pitched complete games in yesterday's South Boston-Philadelphia game, but it was Harang who came out on top. Harang limited the Animals to only one run on three hits, while striking out 10.
David Ortiz continues to mash the ball, hitting two homers in a 5-4 loss to Carolina yesterday. Ortiz now has 32 homers on the year. Chris Carpenter rebounded well after his 11-run performance last week - pitching seven shut out innings, but the Vancouver pen blew it with a 5-run eighth inning which included a bases-loaded walk.
Carlos Beltran's 5 RBI led D.C. to a 12-4 rout of the Falcons. John Maine pitched six shutout innings despite surrendering six walks and five hits.
New Jersey's Tom Gorzelanny held the Rat Pack to only three hits and two runs over eight innings. The rookie has had some trouble with run support this year, but managed to get his fourth win of the season. Gorzelanny is only 4-8 despite a decent 4.17 ERA this year.
Newark barely survived their game against Sardine City yesterday. After a close 4-4 tie led the game to extra innings, the Straphangers played "small-ball" in the top of the 10th and manufactured the go-ahead run. Usually reliable B.J. Ryan was brought in to close the game in the bottom of the inning, but it wasn't meant to be. Nick Johnson scored to tie it on a Nick Swisher single and then later Manny Ramirez singled in Mark DeRosa to win it for the Sugar Bears.
Brandon Webb and Aaron Harang both pitched complete games in yesterday's South Boston-Philadelphia game, but it was Harang who came out on top. Harang limited the Animals to only one run on three hits, while striking out 10.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Thomas, Soriano set marks
Brandon Webb pitched a complete game against the Falcons, surrendering two runs on seven hits and striking out five. Webb improves to 9-5 on the season. The Endzone Animals were trailing 2-1 after five, but they scored nine runs between the sixth and eighth innings to seal a 10-2 victory.
Frank Thomas led D.C. to an 8-5 victory over South Boston yesteday. Thomas was 3-5 with 4 RBIs and two homers on the night. His two homers moved him past Larry Walker into a 10th place tie on the all-time home run list and tied for sixth on the all-time RBI list. Alfonso Soriano quietly extended his hitting streak to a season-high 24 games, moving ahead of Matt Diaz who had the previous longest streak.
The Cutters won on a night when starter Vicente Padilla was a bit wild. Padilla pitched seven innings and allowed four runs, while walking three and striking out one. That doesn't sound too bad, until you see that Padilla also hit three batters in the game. Two of the hit batters came in the second inning when Padilla hit Kaz Matsui and Chone Figgins consecutively to load the bases. Luckily the next batter flew out to end the inning. "I just can't stand those Rat bastards" said Padilla in a post-game interview. "They deserved to get hit six times!" Closer Jason Isringhausen recorded his seventh save of the season and the 150th of his career (the fifth DMBLer to achieve the feat).
Frank Thomas led D.C. to an 8-5 victory over South Boston yesteday. Thomas was 3-5 with 4 RBIs and two homers on the night. His two homers moved him past Larry Walker into a 10th place tie on the all-time home run list and tied for sixth on the all-time RBI list. Alfonso Soriano quietly extended his hitting streak to a season-high 24 games, moving ahead of Matt Diaz who had the previous longest streak.
The Cutters won on a night when starter Vicente Padilla was a bit wild. Padilla pitched seven innings and allowed four runs, while walking three and striking out one. That doesn't sound too bad, until you see that Padilla also hit three batters in the game. Two of the hit batters came in the second inning when Padilla hit Kaz Matsui and Chone Figgins consecutively to load the bases. Luckily the next batter flew out to end the inning. "I just can't stand those Rat bastards" said Padilla in a post-game interview. "They deserved to get hit six times!" Closer Jason Isringhausen recorded his seventh save of the season and the 150th of his career (the fifth DMBLer to achieve the feat).
Friday, April 6, 2007
Pedro goes for 200
As mentioned in yesterday's entry, Arkansas' Pedro Martinez will try for his 200th career victory Saturday against South Boston. He'll be facing Dontrelle Willis. Martinez will be only the second in DMBL history to achieve 200, Greg Maddux being the first.
Philly's Brandon Webb pitched a gem against Vancouver last night. Webb limited the Iron Fist to one run on four hits over 8.1 innings. Philly is now a half a game out of first with Arkansas idle yesterday.
Marietta's Francisco Liriano is continuing where he left off in spring. Liriano is now 3-0 on the season and held the potent Sugar Bears offense to only three hits in seven innings at Newark. Liriano has a 1.71 ERA on the year.
Philly cut Marco Scutaro, who had been taking David Eckstein's place in the lineup. The Animals decided to go with Khalil Greene who had recently been signed. Journeyman infielder Todd Walker was signed to provide some help at second base.
Philly's Brandon Webb pitched a gem against Vancouver last night. Webb limited the Iron Fist to one run on four hits over 8.1 innings. Philly is now a half a game out of first with Arkansas idle yesterday.
Marietta's Francisco Liriano is continuing where he left off in spring. Liriano is now 3-0 on the season and held the potent Sugar Bears offense to only three hits in seven innings at Newark. Liriano has a 1.71 ERA on the year.
Philly cut Marco Scutaro, who had been taking David Eckstein's place in the lineup. The Animals decided to go with Khalil Greene who had recently been signed. Journeyman infielder Todd Walker was signed to provide some help at second base.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Spring Training Wrapup: Pitchers
Arkansas claimed two players off the wire: rookie catcher Dioner Navarro, recently with Vancouver, and outfielder Xavier Nady, who was with D.C. Carolina shockingly released Endy Chavez, who was having a very strong spring (and made our list of top spring training performers yesterday).
Anyway, onto our top pitchers this spring.
Francisco Liriano, Marietta. Marietta gave up a lot to acquire the youngster, but Liriano proved that he was worth it (so far). Liriano was 4-1 with a 1.70 ERA. More importantly, Liriano only allowed 7.7 runners per 9 innings, and struck out 45 batters and allowed only 10 walks in 47.2 innings (4.5 K:BB).
Jeremy Sowers, Marietta. Liriano's teammate and another rookie pitcher slated to start the season in Marietta's rotation was 5-0 in spring training, with a 2.95 ERA. Sowers was not quite as dominant as Liriano though. Sowers only managed 9 Ks in 39.2 innings! Sowers' 1.18 WHIP is good, but will it last against real lineups?
Anibal Sanchez, D.C. This is starting to look like the rookie report. Hopefully Phil Plantier won't get jealous. Sanchez was 4-0 in the spring with a 1.73 ERA. Sanchez only allowed 8.9 R/9, but, like Sowers, he is a bit strikeout-averse. Sanchez only struck out 11 in his 36.1 innings of work, but he did only surrender one home run.
Ruddy Lugo, Newark. Another rookie, but this one's a reliever. Lugo was the second most used pitcher in Newark's pen (after Brandon Lyon). Lugo pitched 26 innings, but only allowed 20 baserunners while compiling a 1.04 ERA. It is not known who Newark will choose as their closer - Newark only had one save combined, with a mere 4 save opportunities (and half of those have been released when they cut ties with George Sherrill) - but Lugo may end up in the mix or at least be a valuable setup pitcher.
Brandon Webb, Philadelphia. Our first non-rookie! Webb has put together an impressive spring - 3-2, 1.15 ERA. Webb has compiled an impressive 0.97 WHIP and opponents have managed a meager .487 OPS against him.
Ervin Santana, Arkansas. The "other" Santana, Ervin was 2-0 with a 1.55 ERA in spring. He only allowed 17 hits in 29 innings of work, but he will need to get his walks down (15) if he wants to sustain any success in the regular season. Santana has most likely earned himself a spot as the fourth or fifth starter in the Falcons' rotation.
Felix Hernandez, Hillsborough. "King Felix" had a solid rookie campaign last year and seems to be building his way to another solid year this season. Hernandez put together a 4-1, 2.10 spring with 20 Ks in 30 innings. Pitching coach Brien Taylor expects Hernandez's strikeouts to increase during the season. "I've figured out a flaw in his mechanics" Taylor said. "I've instructed him to use a new delivery similar to the one that brought me success in my career."
Jeff Francis, Honolulu. Francis had very limited action last season, but looks poised to be a contributor this year. Francis was 4-1 with a 2.45 ERA this spring for the Sharks, but his peripheral numbers suggested a warning. Francis' K:BB ration was horrid: 8 Ks vs 13 BBs (0.6) and his 1.20 WHIP seemed to be a bit high for the ERA that he showed. Expect Francis' production to level out a little, but he should still be a valuable member of the Shark rotation.
Bob Wickman, New Jersey. The old dog still has some tricks up his sleeve. Wickman tied with Honolulu's Geoff Geary for the league lead in saves with 6. Wickman compiled an impressive 1.72 ERA in 15.2 innings of work. His 1.15 WHIP was solid, but Wickman did blow 2 saves in the spring. Will New Jersey have enough save chances for Wickman to make a run at the Eck?
Boof Bonser, Hoboken. We started with a rookie and we'll end with one. Bonser has been impressive for the Cutters this season - 3-0, 2.82. Bonser's more impressive stats are his 28 Ks, 7 BBs and 32 hits in 39.1 IP; a 1.02 WHIP, .586 OPS allowed, and a complete game shutout against Newark.
Well those are the top players this year. Tomorrow will be the final entry before opening day.
Anyway, onto our top pitchers this spring.
Francisco Liriano, Marietta. Marietta gave up a lot to acquire the youngster, but Liriano proved that he was worth it (so far). Liriano was 4-1 with a 1.70 ERA. More importantly, Liriano only allowed 7.7 runners per 9 innings, and struck out 45 batters and allowed only 10 walks in 47.2 innings (4.5 K:BB).
Jeremy Sowers, Marietta. Liriano's teammate and another rookie pitcher slated to start the season in Marietta's rotation was 5-0 in spring training, with a 2.95 ERA. Sowers was not quite as dominant as Liriano though. Sowers only managed 9 Ks in 39.2 innings! Sowers' 1.18 WHIP is good, but will it last against real lineups?
Anibal Sanchez, D.C. This is starting to look like the rookie report. Hopefully Phil Plantier won't get jealous. Sanchez was 4-0 in the spring with a 1.73 ERA. Sanchez only allowed 8.9 R/9, but, like Sowers, he is a bit strikeout-averse. Sanchez only struck out 11 in his 36.1 innings of work, but he did only surrender one home run.
Ruddy Lugo, Newark. Another rookie, but this one's a reliever. Lugo was the second most used pitcher in Newark's pen (after Brandon Lyon). Lugo pitched 26 innings, but only allowed 20 baserunners while compiling a 1.04 ERA. It is not known who Newark will choose as their closer - Newark only had one save combined, with a mere 4 save opportunities (and half of those have been released when they cut ties with George Sherrill) - but Lugo may end up in the mix or at least be a valuable setup pitcher.
Brandon Webb, Philadelphia. Our first non-rookie! Webb has put together an impressive spring - 3-2, 1.15 ERA. Webb has compiled an impressive 0.97 WHIP and opponents have managed a meager .487 OPS against him.
Ervin Santana, Arkansas. The "other" Santana, Ervin was 2-0 with a 1.55 ERA in spring. He only allowed 17 hits in 29 innings of work, but he will need to get his walks down (15) if he wants to sustain any success in the regular season. Santana has most likely earned himself a spot as the fourth or fifth starter in the Falcons' rotation.
Felix Hernandez, Hillsborough. "King Felix" had a solid rookie campaign last year and seems to be building his way to another solid year this season. Hernandez put together a 4-1, 2.10 spring with 20 Ks in 30 innings. Pitching coach Brien Taylor expects Hernandez's strikeouts to increase during the season. "I've figured out a flaw in his mechanics" Taylor said. "I've instructed him to use a new delivery similar to the one that brought me success in my career."
Jeff Francis, Honolulu. Francis had very limited action last season, but looks poised to be a contributor this year. Francis was 4-1 with a 2.45 ERA this spring for the Sharks, but his peripheral numbers suggested a warning. Francis' K:BB ration was horrid: 8 Ks vs 13 BBs (0.6) and his 1.20 WHIP seemed to be a bit high for the ERA that he showed. Expect Francis' production to level out a little, but he should still be a valuable member of the Shark rotation.
Bob Wickman, New Jersey. The old dog still has some tricks up his sleeve. Wickman tied with Honolulu's Geoff Geary for the league lead in saves with 6. Wickman compiled an impressive 1.72 ERA in 15.2 innings of work. His 1.15 WHIP was solid, but Wickman did blow 2 saves in the spring. Will New Jersey have enough save chances for Wickman to make a run at the Eck?
Boof Bonser, Hoboken. We started with a rookie and we'll end with one. Bonser has been impressive for the Cutters this season - 3-0, 2.82. Bonser's more impressive stats are his 28 Ks, 7 BBs and 32 hits in 39.1 IP; a 1.02 WHIP, .586 OPS allowed, and a complete game shutout against Newark.
Well those are the top players this year. Tomorrow will be the final entry before opening day.
Friday, March 9, 2007
First round of cuts
As the preseason winds down, several teams have started to make their cuts. Marietta let go of Gavin Floyd. Arkansas released several extra pitchers and two outfielders that they picked up only three days ago. Vancouver cut ties with Marcus Giles, a former Listach award winner. Only a few teams are at the 30-player limit, so expect more cuts in the next week.
Falcon catcher Chris Coste has gotten off to a hot start. Coste had a 4-5 day against Vegas yesterday and is now batting .386 on the preseason.
Speaking of the Arkansas-Vegas game, Falcon starter Ervin Santana pitched 10 solid innings, but ZERO strikeouts!! It's strange that a pitcher would go what amounts to a whole game without even one punchout, but it happened again. This time it was John Lackey against Arkansas. Nine innings, one run, but again, no strikeouts! It took Hoboken's Boof Bonser to show Lackey and Santana how it's done. Against Newark, Bonser pitched a complete game 2-hit shutout, with 11 Ks.
Only a few days after his last flirtation, Carolina's Rocco Baldelli again was one homer shy of the cycle! Baldelli was 3-4 with 3 RBIs against South Boston.
Some more pitching gems: DC's rookie hurler Anibel Sanchez pitched a complete game shutout, surrendering only 3 hits against Hillsborough. Philly's Brandon Webb pitched a 4-hit shutout of Vancouver.
New Jersey's Jack Wilson drove in 5 RBIs against fellow rookie team, Sardine City.
Falcon catcher Chris Coste has gotten off to a hot start. Coste had a 4-5 day against Vegas yesterday and is now batting .386 on the preseason.
Speaking of the Arkansas-Vegas game, Falcon starter Ervin Santana pitched 10 solid innings, but ZERO strikeouts!! It's strange that a pitcher would go what amounts to a whole game without even one punchout, but it happened again. This time it was John Lackey against Arkansas. Nine innings, one run, but again, no strikeouts! It took Hoboken's Boof Bonser to show Lackey and Santana how it's done. Against Newark, Bonser pitched a complete game 2-hit shutout, with 11 Ks.
Only a few days after his last flirtation, Carolina's Rocco Baldelli again was one homer shy of the cycle! Baldelli was 3-4 with 3 RBIs against South Boston.
Some more pitching gems: DC's rookie hurler Anibel Sanchez pitched a complete game shutout, surrendering only 3 hits against Hillsborough. Philly's Brandon Webb pitched a 4-hit shutout of Vancouver.
New Jersey's Jack Wilson drove in 5 RBIs against fellow rookie team, Sardine City.
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