“He’s the only experienced guy in the bullpen. I wasn’t afraid, but players get nervous … anxious, and I was a little worried about it. He’s a big-time, postseason player. He has cold blood.”
–White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen on Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez (Chicago Tribune).
The Rumors
The Phillies want Billy Wagner to stay, but are wanting him at below market value; Wagner, who has been critical of the fans, may not like that…The Twins may expand their payroll next season to over $60 million; no official word has been heard yet, only that the payroll will not go down…The Rangers may be interested in Jim Thome to DH next year; the would want to dump Phil Nevin in the process…The Angels may also look at Thome; if Bengie Molina is resigned, they would use catching prospect Jeff Mathis as trade bait…The Rangers are willing to listen to offers for Hank Blalock, but would have to be overwhelmed to move him…The Mets are looking to bring in a closer and a bat or 2 this off season…The Marlins may not tender Juan Pierre a contract for next season, making him a free agent…The Marlins have also made it known they will not resign Juan Encarnicion and Alex Gonzalez; Jeremy Hermida and Robert Andino will take their spots…The Diamondbacks are looking for a catching upgrade; Paul Loduca (through trade), Ramon Hernandez, and Bengie Molina are potential targets…The Mets are expected to offer Ramon Hernandez a large contract; they have said Mike Piazza may not be done with the team, but he wouldn’t be an everyday player…The D-backs are also looking to trade one of their high priced players, like Troy Glaus…The Brewers, who will be looking for pitching, will most likely pass on Jarrod Washburn, Kevin Millwood, and AJ Burnett since they will command top dollar; they may look for a starter in trade…The Red Sox would have to be over-whelmed to move Manny Ramirez…Eric Gagne, unhappy with how the Dodgers finished the season, tried to get himself traded last week after complaining about the front office.
Manager Hot Seats: Dusty Baker will be offered a 2-year contract extension by the end of spring training…The Florida Marlins are looking at Joe Girardi, Lou Pinella, Grady Little, and Fredi Gonzalez for their next manager…The Pirates are talking to Ken Macha and Jim Tracy about their manager spot; interim manager Pete Mackanin will not be given the position…Billy Hatcher, who has been in the organization for 10 years, would like to be considered for the Devil Ray opening; the other being considered is Ron Washington, right now…Terry Collins, Jerry Royster, Bud Black, Ron Washington, Alan Tramell, Torey Lovullo, and Bobby Valentine are being looked at by the Dodgers to replace Jim Tracy as manager…The Athletics are going to interview current coaches Bob Geren and Ron Washington for their managing opening; more candidates will be brought in after that.
The Week that Was:
Cardinals 3, Padres 0 (Prediction: Cardinals 3, Padres 1)
I was at least close. I thought Game 1 would go to the Padres before I found out Jake Peavy was playing with injured ribs. I don’t know what the Padres were think by having a cortisone shot lined up so Peavy could go in Game 4; why put the future of your pitching staff on the line for a chance to win a game when you obviously won’t win the World Series (let alone make it to the Series). The Card’s hitting wasn’t sharp (outside of Reggie Sanders), but the starting pitching was up to par. The bullpen was obviously missing Al Reyes, but the leads were large enough over come it.
Astros 3, Braves 1 (Prediction: Astros 3, Braves 2)
What a way to win the series; a marathon duel using everything both teams had. I’m sure the Cards were watching and enjoying this; the Astros exhausted their pitching. I’m sure Braves’ fans and management were cringing; giving up a 5 run lead in a must win situation. The Astros starters looked good, except Clemens in his start; he did look better in relief in Game 4. Atlanta, being carried by kids, couldn’t get what they needed out of Tim Hudson and Jorge Sosa.
White Sox 3, Red Sox 0 (Prediction: White Sox 3, Red Sox 2)
I didn’t see it coming, but this was a pretty one-sided series; the White Sox out performed the Red Sox across the board. I thought Boston had decent pitching coming in, but not equivalent to Chicago. Add in the ineffective performances by Matt Clement and the stalled bats, it was over quick. Red Sox fans can now relate to Cardinal fans from last year.
Angels 3, Yankees 2
The Angels pitching came through, which was to be expected. Everyone thought the middle of the Yankees lineup would show up, but instead we got almost nothing. Ervin Santana could have also added something to his ROY candidacy (even though the Post Season shouldn’t be included in that) with his great performance in Game 5 out of the bullpen.
The Week that Will Be:
Houston Astros Vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Game 1 @ St. Louis, 8:05 on Wednesday (12th)
Game 2 @ St. Louis, 8:05 on Thursday (13th)
Game 3 @ Houston, 4:05 on Saturday (15th)
Game 4 @ Houston, 4:05 on Sunday (16th)
Game 5 @ Houston, 8:05 on Monday (17th)*
Game 6 @ St. Louis, 4:05 on Wednesday (19th)*
Game 7 @ St. Louis, 8:05 on Thursday (20th)*
* if necessary
Season Series: Cardinals 11, Astros 5
Projected Starters (Vs Opponent, ERA):
Astros – Pettitte (0-1, 1.35), Oswalt (1-2, 5.21), Clemens (1-2, 2.63), Backe (0-1, 10.32)
Cardinals – Carpenter (4-0, 1.85), Mulder (1-1, 2.48), Morris (1-1, 3.27), Marquis (4-0, 3.22)
This rematch of last year won’t be the same series. While Houston took off the second half of the season, they don’t have the offense they had last year. Without Jeff Kent and Carlos Beltran, I don’t see the Astros having the hitting to match the Cardinals. Their pitching may also be tired; Clemens pitched 3 inning 2 days after his start since the bullpen was empty. Cardinals in 6.
Los Angeles Angels Vs. Chicago White Sox
Game 1 @ Chicago, 8:05 on Tuesday (11th)
Game 2 @ Chicago, 8:05 on Wednesday (12th)
Game 3 @ Los Angeles, 8:05 on Friday (14th)
Game 4 @ Los Angeles, 7:35 on Saturday (15th)
Game 5 @ Los Angeles, 7:35 on Sunday (16th)*
Game 6 @ Chicago, 8:05 on Tuesday (18th)*
Game 7 @ Chicago, 8:05 on Wednesday (19th)*
* if necessary
Season Series: Angels 6, White Sox 4
Projected Starters (Vs Opponent):
Angels – Byrd (1-0, 7.50), Washburn (0-1, 6.11), Lackey (2-0, 2.57), Colon (1-0, 2.08)
White Sox – Contreras (0-1, 3.46), Buehrle (0-0, 3.47), Garland (0-2, 6.92), Garcia (1-0, 3.38)
The White Sox have the edge on pitching, especially since Bartolo Colon is a question mark. Santana, who could fill in if Colon can’t go, was 1-0 with 0.00 ERA against the White Sox in 1 start; he could be the difference maker. The White Sox play a better small ball game, which should work in their favor. White Sox in 6.
The Arizona Fall League
The AFL is off and running. The league is to get extra experience for prospects. Every Major League team selects some players (who have a year or less Major League experience) to complete against other prospects. There is nothing of significance of the games; I just wanted to make people aware of this hidden league. You can listen to games at MiLB.com.
The Teams
Surprise Scorpions (4-0) – Comprised of players from the Astros, Royals, Angels, Phillies, and Cardinals. Notable players: Billy Butler (OF, Royals), Jered Weaver (P, Angels), Kendry Morales (1B, Angels), Brandon Wood (SS, Angels), Howie Kendrick (2B, Angels).
Peoria Javelinas (3-1) – Comprised of players from the Orioles, Rockies, Brewers, Padres, and Mariners. Notable players: Adam Loewen (P, Orioles), Prince Fielder (1B, Brewers), Ian Stewart (3B, Rockies), Nick Markakis (OF, Orioles), Corey Hart (OF, Brewers).
Phoenix Desert Dogs (3-1) – Comprised of players from the Diamondbacks, Braves, Dodgers, Athletics, and Devil Rays. Notable players: Greg Miller (P, Dodgers), Wade Townsend (P, Devil Rays), Daric Barton (1B, Athletics), Steven Drew (SS, Diamondbacks), Kurt Suzuki (C, Athletics).
Mesa Solar Sox (1-3) – Comprised of players from the Cubs, Reds, Indians, Tigers, and Giants. Notable players: Angel Guzman (P, Cubs), Brian Wilson (P, Giants), Ryan Garko (IF, Indians), Eric Patterson (SS, Cubs), Chris Denorfia (OF, Reds).
Grand Canyon Rafters (1-3) – Comprised of players from the Marlins, Twins, Mets, Yankees, and Rangers. Notable players: Eric Duncan (3B, Yankees), Lastings Milledge (OF, Mets), Robert Andino (SS, Marlins), Taylor Tankersley (P, Marlins), Drew Meyers (SS, Rangers).
Peoria Saguaros (0-4) – Comprised of players from the Red Sox, White Sox, Blue Jays, Pirates, and Nationals. Notable players: Bryan Bullington (P, Pirates), Ryan Zimmerman (3B, Nationals), Brad Eldred (1B, Pirates), Guillermo Quiroz (C, Blue Jays), Corwin Malone (P, White Sox).
Links
RotoChamps had some corrupt files, but they are fixing the site and will have it ready for next season.
Dr. Jay gives division series previews too.
Rev Sick talks MMA.
Aaron has his follow up to the Worst 25 Fans feature.
Patrick talks hockey, T.O., and picking up chicks.
Slayer has the top 25 action.
Nick breaks down the football action.
IP Radio is back.
The Forums
E-mail or post questions, trade scenarios, and comments. Thanks.
