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Monday, April 30 - Full Clutch Hits Archive

The Sporting News : Baseball - Knoblauch's bat gives Lilly first win with Yanks

Knoblauch has, up to now, become a feared leadoff hitter again. I don't think the move to left and his rejuvenation are coincidence. If he plays like this all year, he surely cannot be considered a sub standard bat for a left fielder.
--posted by Gary Santerre at 10:03 AM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

Soriano Walks, Crowd On Its Feet

Pretty sad when you get a standing "O" for taking a walk.
--posted by Gary Santerre at 9:58 AM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

Yankees: O'Neill temper not held in check

O'Neill is just a maniac. I have to admit that when I watch the Yankees, I look forward to an O'Neill tantrum.
--posted by Gary Santerre at 9:56 AM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

Valentin Changes For Short Term

I heard on the radio this morning that Valentin said he can field anything hit right at him but if he has to move to his left OR his right at all that he couldn't get to it.
--posted by Gary Santerre at 9:50 AM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

ChicagoSports Misery, thy name is ... defeat

And I thought we had it bad here in Boston!
--posted by Gary Santerre at 9:46 AM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

It's anyone's second-guess: Jimy's moves leave faithful shaking heads
by Steve Buckley

I have a theory about the Grebeck Incident yesterday. Granted, it may be a little Oliver Stoneish but nonetheless. We all have read about how well Jimy and Duquette get along. Jimy wants to keep Merloni and Duquette decides to keep Grebeck because Framingham Lou still has options. Jimy decides to allow Grebeck, who very well could be the WORST hitter in baseball, to bat with the winning run on second in the bottom of the 9th. Jimy decides to let Duquette's guy show what he is. Jimy could have pinch hit with Offerman and moved Stynes to shortstop if the game continued but if the Duke says Grebeck is a big league hitter, let's see it. Grebeck's feeble groundballs don't draw the wrath of the fans in the 3rd inning but with the game on the line they certainly do.

This is all a theory. Of course, Jimy is cutting off his nose to spite his face but he knows he won't be back here next season regardless so he says "#$%$ it!" and does things with the intention of making Duke look bad. Just a theory.
--posted by Gary Santerre at 8:59 AM EST / Discussion (3 Comments)

Sunday, April 29 - Full Clutch Hits Archive

Breaking Trop lease may be costly - from Tampa Bay Online

The idea that the Devil Rays would try to renegotiate their lease bothers me.
--posted by Jim Furtado at 8:50 AM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

New York Daily News Online Sports Baseball End Zone: Smooth Operator

"He not only has outstanding surgical skill, he has outstanding judgment," Altchek said. "He stops and thinks what's the best thing for this particular patient. Because he deals with real athletes whose results count, he's very results oriented." I wonder how many doctors don't think. It's a scary thought.

--posted by Jim Furtado at 8:28 AM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

Boston Globe Online / Sports / A change of position

John Valentin might be playing shortstop for the Bosox after all.
--posted by Jim Furtado at 7:50 AM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

Saturday, April 28 - Full Clutch Hits Archive

Larkin blames injury for errors

Reds pitchers must be cringing when a groundball goes to the left side. Larkin and Boone have combined for 16 errors already. Maybe they should trade for Craig Grebeck.
--posted by Gary Santerre at 9:46 AM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

ESPN.com - Major League Baseball - Rays could be worth more in contraction

I know one thing: I'd be willing to pay to NOT watch the Devil Rays.
--posted by Gary Santerre at 7:32 AM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

Friday, April 27 - Full Clutch Hits Archive

CNNSI.com - Inside Game - Mike Berardino - Inside Baseball - CNNSI.com's Mike Berardino: Neagle proving critics wrong - Thursday April 26, 2001 04:39 PM

Count me among those who thought the Neagle signing would be a disaster for Colorado. Good for him. I hope he can keep it up.
--posted by Gary Santerre at 2:59 PM EST / Discussion (2 Comments)

Miami Herald: Beckett scorching Single A foes

I have seen the future of pitching and his name is Josh Beckett. OK, I haven't actually seen him pitch but I have read extensively about Mr. Beckett. If he stays healthy, this kid will be a mega star.
--posted by Gary Santerre at 2:55 PM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

Beltre almost ready to see action again

Good news for Dodger fans.
--posted by Gary Santerre at 2:49 PM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

newsday.com - Friday - Mussina Meltdown Pitcher hears the boos in third straight loss

Mussina seen at his stall clicking his heels and repeating "There's no place like Camden" over and over.

Manny, meanwhile, is hitting .417 and leading the League in RBI. Good to be a Sox fan these days.
--posted by Gary Santerre at 2:36 PM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

Garner's tantrum makes for jokes

I hadn't seen a fit like that from a manager since Zimmer threw his chew at an ump.
--posted by Gary Santerre at 2:13 PM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

Crystal's `61*' whiffs
by Jim Baker

For those of you who read the Boston Herald regularly, does Jim Baker like ANYTHING on TV?
--posted by Gary Santerre at 2:11 PM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

Garces now three-dimensional
by Rich Thompson

My kids might get frightened at the sight of a 3-D Guapo. Hell, I might be frightened.
--posted by Gary Santerre at 2:10 PM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

Boston Globe Online / Sports / Lowe didn't let them down

In a strange, perverted way, the loss on Wednesday may have been the best thing to happen for Derek Lowe. He watched another player blow a save and may have realized that these things will happen. He is still new to the closer role and hasn't developed the short memory that is a necessary part of it. He knows this team needs him badly and hopefully he will regain his confidence and his sinker.
--posted by Gary Santerre at 2:06 PM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

Hargrove has guts to bench Ripken

Hargrove has decided that self-presevation is more important than Ripken's feelings and rightly so. Cal has to realize the future does not include him and the long term health of the Oriole franchise is dependant on seeing what the newer players can do.

On the other hand, to castigate Ripken for the Streak is a cheap shot. I don't think Ripken played through a slump in 1987 with the thought of breaking Gehrig's streak in mind. I think he won the MVP in 1991. Why didn't he need a day off that season? I think taking a day off is overrated. The second game of a doubleheader I can see and a day game after a long night game maybe. Otherwise, if you are healthy, you play.
--posted by Gary Santerre at 2:02 PM EST / Discussion (1 Comment)

ESPN.com - Major League Baseball - Stark: It's time to put the draft on TV

I'd love to see this happen. Of course, you couldn't have the entire draft or even past a few rounds. But, the first two or three rounds could make for interesting TV. Especially if MLB allows the trading of draft picks. I'd love to hear that the Red Sox have traded up to get Mark Texeira or Mark Prior. The hype would be great for baseball in general.
--posted by Gary Santerre at 1:28 PM EST / Discussion (5 Comments)

ESPN.com - Report: Yankees close to trading for Pokey Reese

If it goes through, it seems like a rather strange trade from both sides.

The Yankees are probably right to trade Soriano out of the Soriano/Jimenez/Mendez/Almonte gang since Soriano can't really field all that well at 2B or SS and truth be told, can't even hit enough to be a 2B or SS at this point. Problem is, the Yankees didn't really fill a need and one of the best things about trying to trade Soriano is getting something near his perceived value in return *and* clearing 2B.

From the Reds' perspective, Soriano is clearly inferior to Reese defensively and probably not a better hitter at this point. The Reds already have scads of better options than Soriano in the outfield, so he's not going to be much help there. I guess the plan is to stick him in the minors and hope that he uses his physical tools to improve, but I think that's still iffy as he looks like a poor man's Wil Cordero at this point and even his age has been questioned.

--posted by Dan Szymborski at 11:31 AM EST / Discussion (29 Comments)

Beck can't close it for Sox; Hunter bags game in 10th

I know this is old news now but I was unable to make a comment yesterday and since it involves my pal Jimy, I must.

I am not going to smash Jimy this time since I would be guilty of second guessing but I wanted to pass along a conversation I had with my wife during the game. Boston had a 3-2 lead going into the 8th and brought in El Guapo to pitch that inning. He threw a 1-2-3 inning. When the 9th inning began and Beck was standing on the mound, my wife asked me why they didn't keep "the other fat guy" in the game because he did so good. I could only answer that he wasn't the closer and this is how baseball is played today. She said that was "stupid" and if "the fat guy" was not tired that he should still pitch. She then made an unflattering comment about Beck's choice of hairstyle and went to sleep.

--posted by Gary Santerre at 10:46 AM EST / Discussion (4 Comments)

The curse of Poppy Hidalgo

The real reason the White Sox have been losing.
--posted by Jim Furtado at 10:45 AM EST / Discussion (1 Comment)

Daily Herald: Thomas deals with day off; Manuel to keep eye on Wells

I can hear Jerry Manual now, "David put down the donut and step away from the food table."
--posted by Jim Furtado at 10:39 AM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

ESPN.com - Major League Baseball - Waiver games: Padres might tell Rickey to take a walk

Has Rickey's act worn thin again?

Henderson is without a doubt one of the greatest on field talents in MLB history. Why would the lowly Padres want to get rid of him? He is sooooo much a team player, isn't he? There has been some blame assessed to the media about the type of person Rickey is. That is the easy thing to do. I will take a look at the track record. Henderson will soon achieve another record: first ballot Hall of Famer played with the most stopovers. Eleven and counting. That speaks volumes. Is this the media's fault? The old "That's just Rickey being Rickey" attitude gets tired.

The ability to take a walk and be a productive player stat-wise does not preclude that player from being selfish. Steal attempts when your team is down by 5 runs, not advancing runners with ground balls to the right side, pouting because a manager's decision isn't what you like, playing cards during a playoff game because you are not in the lineup, and holding out becuase a contract that you signed is no longer up to snuff all qualifies in the "selfish" category. That is not a knock on his ability in the field.

Rickey has played for many successful teams and did aid in their success. Those teams thanked him by saying sayonara after the season. Those teams did not trip over themselves trying to keep Rickey around for the next season. Since 1993, Toronto, Oakland, San Diego, Anaheim, Oakland, New York Mets, Seattle, and San Diego again have all shown him the door after two seasons of less. It is time to look beyond statistics and ask why.

--posted by Gary Santerre at 10:15 AM EST / Discussion (8 Comments)

Miami Herald: Elimination of Marlins a long shot, experts say

A somewhat thoughtful article about the threatened elimination of the Marlins.
--posted by Jim Furtado at 9:08 AM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

All-Star Balloting Expands

Put this in ink: Ichiro will be the starting right fielder for the AMerican League All Star team.
--posted by Gary Santerre at 9:07 AM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

HoustonChronicle.com: Tech support - Astros pitchers get help from multipurpose video system

How can I get this system installed in my baseball lab?
--posted by Jim Furtado at 8:41 AM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

HoustonChronicle.com: Baseball game a sideshow from atop Union Station

Things get crazy when you mix praline-crusted cheesecake and baseball.
--posted by Jim Furtado at 8:38 AM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

Demotion in motion: Merloni goes south: Infielder on familiar path
by Michael Silverman

The Red Sox demote the player who has done the best job filling in for Nomar Garciaparra. Reason? So, they hold onto Craig Grebeck and Mike Lansing. Hmm. I wonder if Dan Duquette's house has big balls of twine and aluminum foil in the basement. Up next, Manny Ramirez gets optioned when John Valentin comes off the DL.
--posted by Jim Furtado at 8:33 AM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

FOXSports.com: Report: Padres put Henderson on special waivers

Next, Dean Wormer will place him on double secret probation.
--posted by Jim Furtado at 8:15 AM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

Thursday, April 26 - Full Clutch Hits Archive

newsday.com - Thursday - Jacobson: "61*" Hits a Homer Despite Small Flaws

The review for Billy Crystal's new film are starting to roll in. As a matter of fact, some time today we'll have one of our own. Check back later.
--posted by Jim Furtado at 9:56 AM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

Denver Post.com - Players, owners start game of chicken

Are the players and owners smart enough to stop this game before they hurt themselves? The evidence says no.
--posted by Jim Furtado at 9:37 AM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

ChicagoSports Penthouse to outhouse

What's Ed Lynch up to? Click on the link to find out.
--posted by Jim Furtado at 9:28 AM EST / Discussion (2 Comments)

Boston.com / Latest News / Sports / Selig: Marlins might move or be dissolved without a new stadium

Let's see where's that dictionary. There's a word to describe this type of behavior. There it is: extortion. I hope the Florida state legislators are smart enough to tell Selig to get bent.
--posted by Jim Furtado at 9:24 AM EST / Discussion (1 Comment)

Boston Globe: Valentin isn't interested in making a short stop

The move would make sense for the team. It wouldn't make sense to take Shea Hillenbrand out of the lineup.
--posted by Jim Furtado at 9:20 AM EST / Discussion (8 Comments)

SignOn San Diego Baseball -- Umpires still feeling out new strike zone

Which umpires is AKA Spanky?
--posted by Jim Furtado at 9:09 AM EST / Discussion (1 Comment)

ChicagoSports A's lead a parade of underachievers

Which teams should worry? Chisox, Braves, and Mets. Which teams shouldn't worry? A's and Cards.
--posted by Jim Furtado at 9:04 AM EST / Discussion (1 Comment)

Colon's growing girth worries Indians

Maybe my wife has been talking to the Indians team observers.
--posted by Jim Furtado at 9:01 AM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

Wednesday, April 25 - Full Clutch Hits Archive

Henderson ties record; Padres lose

I wonder if Rickey was aware of the Padres losing. After all, team rickey had a good day.
--posted by Gary Santerre at 7:44 AM EST / Discussion (9 Comments)

More skid marks

Not exactly an attractive title.
--posted by Jim Furtado at 7:04 AM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

Will Ichiro become a Roger dodger?

Roger Clemens is a headhunter?
--posted by Jim Furtado at 7:02 AM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

Miami Herald: Lawsuit filed vs. Lloyd's

A glimpse into how teams insure players.
--posted by Jim Furtado at 6:56 AM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

The Seattle Times: Sports: NL notes: Cardinal rookie Pujols an Edgar clone?

The next great phenom?
--posted by Jim Furtado at 6:51 AM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

Weaver's getting 'unglued' feeling

Losing to the Orioles should be unnerving.
--posted by Jim Furtado at 6:38 AM EST / Discussion (1 Comment)

Dodgers Are in Need of GM Who Can Restore Credibility

On the surface the Dodgers look like a pretty good team. What factor is missing? It's certainly not prestige and credibility.
--posted by Jim Furtado at 6:25 AM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

Tuesday, April 24 - Full Clutch Hits Archive

CNNSI.com - International sensation: For many reasons, Ichiro's a lock for All-Star Game

Tom Verducci points out that Ichiro Suzuki is a lock for the All Star team because "the balloting of ballots throughout Japan was planned long before Mariners signed Ichiro last winter." Even without those ballots, Ichiro would be on the team.
--posted by Jim Furtado at 11:11 PM EST / Discussion (No Comments)

InformationWeek > News > Redefining Business > A New Game Plan > April 9, 2001 > Page 1

If you are like me, you hate MLB's new web site structure. Well, according to the people in charge of the new web venture, we should reserve judgement for a little while. I won't hold my breath for them to get things right.
--posted by Jim Furtado at 4:08 PM EST / Discussion (6 Comments)

newsday.com - Tuesday - El Duque Gets OK From Andrews

Reports indicate that Orlando Hernandez's injury to his elbow isn't severe. I'm still skeptical.
--posted by Jim Furtado at 6:42 AM EST / Discussion (No Comments)