Orioles introduce Buck Showalter as new manager

Buck Showalter is pledging to restore the luster to the Baltimore Orioles, a legacy franchise that has fallen on hard times.

"All competitive people like the idea sometimes that people say it can't be done. ... I love the town, the tradition, the people, the feeling," said the 54-year-old Showalter, introduced Monday as the Orioles' new manager. "It's a challenge, it's our challenge."

Showalter built contenders with the New York Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers, but the 32-73 Orioles — the majors' worst team — will be a test for his renowned preparation, attention to detail and ability to work with young players.

"We have currently, in our franchise, a young core of players that are struggling, taking a step backwards. They haven't been exposed to a winning-type environment," Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said. "We ... have been trying to find somebody who has had some experience in creating that winning environment."

Hired last week, Showalter's first game will be Tuesday night at Camden Yards against the Los Angeles Angels.

Showalter inherits a lineup without a slugger, a rotation without a winning anchor, and an owner with deep pockets who hasn't always given his front office free reign to do its jobs.

"I'm not naive," Showalter said.

Showalter, who has a 882-833 career record, takes over a team full of problems and question marks. He succeeds for interim manager Juan Samuel, who was 17-34 after Dave Trembley was fired June 4.

MacPhail said he had targeted early August as a perfect time for a transition of power because it gave a new manager enough of the season to evaluate the roster before moving forward.

The job, MacPhail said, required experience.

"It didn't feel ... we could bring somebody in that had never managed at the major league level before. It was essential, in our view, that we being somebody in that had been there and done that before," MacPhail said.

Baltimore's rich tradition intrigued Showalter, who will be tasked with reversing some of the fundamental breakdowns that have plagued a team spiraling toward its 13th straight losing season.

"I understand some of the weaknesses that I've seen physically on the field. You want to identify why," Showalter said. "The '27 Yankees botched a rundown now and then, OK? It happens, but you want to identify why and not repeat it."

The Orioles are banking on Showalter repeating the successes he's already experienced.

In 1992, Showalter took over a Yankees team that hadn't reached the playoffs and led them to their first postseason birth in 14 seasons. Let go by New York, he joined the Diamondbacks before expansion and helped create them before taking over a manager and winning 100 games, a major league-record 35-game improvement, and an NL West title in 1999.

Arizona cut Showalter loose the season before winning the World Series, and Showalter ended up in Texas, where he oversaw an 18-game improvement in 2004, his second season at the helm. With the Rangers, he won his second AL Manager of the Year award.

"We need an identity as a franchise. We need somebody that can put his stamp on this team, have us play a certain brand of baseball that we're going to have to play to win," MacPhail said. "Again, (Showalter) has a reputation that excels and equals all others in that category."

Showalter said he intends to restore respectability to a moribund franchise that hasn't had a winning season since it last reached the playoffs in 1997.

"I don't think there's a prouder organization in baseball. ... I really, sincerely feel it can happen again, but it's about the product on the field," he said.

Only this time, he intends to see the process through.

"It's kind of like raising your daughter and then letting somebody else walk her down the aisle. ... I hope to get to walk down the aisle here," Showalter said.

MacPhail said Samuel will assume a special assignment role instead of returning to his previous job as third base coach. One of Samuel's first tasks will be to report on the Orioles' presence in the Dominican Republic.

The rest of the coaching staff will remain intact, at least through the remainder of the regular season. Gary Allenson, the Triple-A manager who took over as third base coach when Samuel was promoted to interim manager, will remain on the staff.

Haren Says He'll Start Saturday for Angels

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Newly acquired Angels pitcher Dan Haren expects to make his next start as scheduled despite a bruised forearm.

The three-time All-Star plans to make his second start for Los Angeles on Saturday against the AL West-leading Texas Rangers. The right-hander was acquired Sunday in a trade that sent lefty Joe Saunders and three minor league prospects to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

He was drilled on his pitching arm by a line drive off the bat of Boston's Kevin Youkilis in the fifth inning of his Angels debut on Monday night. X-rays were negative.

"As of now, barring any setbacks, I should be good to go," Haren said Wednesday. "It's obviously still bruised and a little tight, but I don't see it being a problem. I'm staying on top of it and getting treatment before, during and after the games. And I'm doing my best to be out there. My arm feels great. I only threw 62 pitches Monday, so I feel real fresh, so I'll have plenty in the tank on Saturday."

Haren returned to the clubhouse Wednesday morning after spending a day in Arizona to pick up some personal belongings at his home and get in a workout at the team's Tempe training facility.

"I didn't know if there would be any restrictions or anything, so I was a little cautious at first. But I was able to pretty much just let it go," Haren said. "I threw all of my pitches, and by the end, I had no restrictions. So I'm definitely encouraged."

Manager Mike Scioscia shared Haren's optimism. But he had very little choice with a rotation already showing signs of cracks. Scott Kazmir is on the disabled list with shoulder fatigue. Joel Pineiro was a last-minute scratch before Wednesday's matinee against the Red Sox due to an oblique strain while he was warming up, and is expected to miss six to eight weeks.

"We'll look at Dan again the next couple of days and make sure he's still progressing," Scioscia said. "But it looks like he had no problem manipulating the ball and making all his pitches. So he should be good to go on Saturday."

The eight-year veteran has made 190 consecutive starts without missing a turn since 2005.

"It's scary. You don't really even have time to react," he said. "It's just kind of instinct. I kind of moved my arm up into the ball. I've had some close ones, but that was about as hard as I've ever been hit. I've gotten hit below the waist quite a few times, but never above. It got me good. Someone said the bat might have been broken — but it didn't feel like it."

Angels Acquire 3-Time All-Star Dan Haren

The Angels Sunday acquired right-handed pitcher Dan Haren from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for Joe Saunders, minor league pitchers Patrick Corbin & Rafael Rodriguez and a Player to be Named Later.

Haren, 29, comes to the Angels as one of the National League's top pitchers. His 30 combined wins over the last two campaigns trail only consecutive Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum (33). The three-time All-Star (2007-09) has averaged 15 wins per year over his last five seasons. In 2009, he set career-highs in innings pitched (229.1) and strikeouts (223) while walking just 32 batters.

In 2010, the 6'-5", 215-pound right-hander is 7-8 with one complete game and a 4.60 ERA (141 IP - 72 ER) with 141 strikeouts in 21 starts with Arizona. His 141 strikeouts are tied for the National League lead. Haren has walked just 29 batters in 141 IP, T6th fewest per 9 IP in the N.L (1.9). The California native is a veteran of eight seasons in the Majors, compiling a career record of 86-70 with 10 complete games, two shutouts and a 3.71 ERA (1367.2 IP - 564 ER) in 217 games (208 starts).

Saunders, 29, broke into the Majors with the Angels in 2005 after being drafted by the club in the first round of the 2002 draft. In 115 career starts with the Angels, the lefty was 54-32 with four complete games, two shutouts and a 4.29 ERA (692 IP - 330 ER). His 33-14 record from 2008-09 ranked second in the A.L. to Roy Halladay (37-21) in the span. In 2008, he was named to the A.L. All-Star Team. In 2010, the Virginian native has posted a 6-10 record with two complete games, one shutout and a 4.62 ERA (120.2 IP - 62 ER) in 20 starts.

Corbin, 21, was drafted by the Angels in the second round of the 2009 Draft. In 2010, he split time with Cedar Rapids where he went 8-0 while posting a 3.86 ERA (58.1 IP - 25 ER) in nine starts before being called up to Rancho Cucamonga. With the Quakes, he made 11 starts going 5-3 with a 3.88 ERA (60.1 IP - 26 ER). Over his two professional seasons, the left-hander owns a 17-5 record and a 4.20 ERA (165.0 IP - 77 ER) in 33 games (32 starts).

Rodriguez, 25, spent all nine of his professional seasons playing at every level of the Angels organization. In 2010, he spent a majority of the season playing at triple-A Salt Lake with one call-up to the Angels. The Santo Domingo native owns a career 0-1 record with a 5.50 ERA (32.2 IP - 20 ER) in 19 games in the Majors with a 41-49, 4.54 ERA (776.1 IP - 392 ER) during his minor league career.

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On a side note, the Rangers have been said to be in talks in regards to get some guy named Fielder, not Cecil, but some relative...

Texas Rangers (20-17) at Toronto Blue Jays (22-16)

Baseball commissioner Bud Selig is ignoring calls to move next year's All-Star game from Phoenix because of Arizona's new immigration law.

He responded to such demands Thursday by defending baseball's record on minority hiring. Selig was speaking at an owners' meeting and said baseball has "done very well" in this regard.

He cited praise baseball had received from sports sociologist Richard Lapchick and an award the commissioner was given by the Jackie Robinson Foundation.

Selig also said he was concerned the proposed sale of the Texas Rangers has not been completed. (By RONALD BLUM AP Sports Writer)

The Toronto Blue Jays’ offense continues to show no signs of slowing down. With Brandon Morrow taking the mound, it may actually need to produce more, however.

Angels Announce New Play-by-Play Announcer

Provided by PA Sports Written on March 04, 2010

ANAHEIM, Calif.(AP) — The Los Angeles Angels have added former MLB Network and Texas Rangers announcer Victor Rojas (ROH’-hahs) to their broadcast games.

The Angels announced Wednesday that Rojas will join Mark Gubicza in the broadcast booth, calling games on FOX Sports West and KCOP.

The 42-year-old Rojas spent five seasons as a member of the Texas Rangers television and radio broadcast teams prior to joining the MLB Network in December 2008.

Rojas also did radio play-by-play and analysis for the Arizona Diamondbacks during the 2003 season.

Rojas is the son of former major league player and manager Cookie Rojas

7-1-06 Update

It seems forever since I have updated my thoughts on sports. The Rangers are a game and a half back now behind Oakland in the west. Detroit is the best team in baseball with Kenny Rogers leading the way for them (go figure). San Diego leads the NL West with Chris Young leading the way (7-3 record, 2.97 ERA). Again, go figure. So, the rest of the way predictions… well, before I can do that, I guess I have to address who I am going to address prior.

Where they are now:
Detroit: 55-25
1st in the AL Central; Majors
White Sox: 52-27
2nd in the AL Central; 2nd Majors
Oakland: 42-37
1st in the AL West
Rangers: 41-39
2nd in the AL West; 1.5 back behind Oakland
Atlanta: 34-46
4th in the NL East; 13.5 back behind NY Mets
Houston: 38-42
4th in NL Central; 6 back behind Cards and Reds (Tied)
Arizona: 38-42
Last (5th) in NL West; 4.5 back behind San Diego

These are the teams I am going to focus on. I’ll just address Houston right now. They are done. There will be no playoffs for the Astros this year. Yes, they have Roger Clemens and yes, they have all sorts of good players… blah, blah, blah… but, they aren’t going to make it. They would have to do a couple of trades to make it happen, but not with what they have right now. Should Houston make zero changes, they may pull to an over 500 mark by the end of the season. Arizona has a better chance than Houston, division wise. They are fewer games back, despite being in last place. They have the same record as Houston. Arizona really is a great trade away from first place in their division. Really, it may be two trades to make some noise in the playoffs, but in this division, to win it, just one quality trade. That trade would be for either a solid run producer (HR-RBI guy) or another solid starter to work around Brandon Webb. My goodness, if want, you can trade him to the Rangers, just a thought. I mean, we’ll trade you, say Hairston Jr.? Not a fair trade, but I like it. Atlanta… well, golly gee, it seems we just want to write them off. You never know with the Braves. The hitting for them seems to be fine, but the pitching, the backbone of the franchise for the longest time over the recent years, is what is struggling. Do they have a starter (over 10 starts) with a winning record? Actually, they don’t. They do have a pitcher with a 7-1 mark, but he is a relief pitcher and if you’re a Braves fan, that just sends shivers down your spine (or it should). In a prefect world, relief pitchers shouldn’t have records, except for saves. But if they do, I guess it is good to let them have wins. But think about this: 21% of the Braves wins are held by that one relief pitcher and that means a lot of bullpen work and that means a lot of the starters are not doing their jobs. And that is where the shivers come in. So do the Braves rebound? Miracles do happen and the Braves seem to hold the magic wand. I like their chances better for a wildcard than the division (10 games back), but even that is a stretch. I will just say they will push and fizzle and then make some trades in an effort to “rebuild” for next or future seasons. Detroit, they almost seem like a lock for the playoffs, but teams who start like this, they do fizzle as the year goes on. They will make the playoffs, most certainly, either as the division winner, or the wildcard in the AL, but they won’t go to the World Series. Sorry to burst anyone’s bubble out there, but that’s what generally how these things go. If anything, it would be more than likely the ChiSox, they went last year, they have the experience, if they can just pipe down the manager (who gets in trouble for saying racial comments because it offends, but not cussing, because obviously that doesn’t offend people. I find that interesting. Where are the scruples these days?), the White Sox have a brilliant chance of repeating as champions. Oakland has staying power for first place in the west. Seattle was a shock to spark in second, but that was short lived and I don’t see them really challenging too much in and out the rest of the way. However, this is baseball. Stranger things in stranger days. Can the Rangers challenge? Yes. I have been pondering this for a while and I can answer with honesty that they can make a strong challenge on Oakland for the division. Will the Rangers go to the World Series this season should they win the division this year? Not unless there is some big changes in pitching and a big change in Teixeira’s power numbers. Eaton should help when he comes off the DL but how much, we really don’t know. Diamond, Volquez, and Danks (DVD) and still making a good deal of noise in the minors, Diamond is the only one left in AA, the other two are in AAA. Volquez should be back in a Rangers uniform before the season is out, especially if the Rangers fall out of contention. If the Rangers are in contention, but are still struggling with a number five spot, Volquez may still find himself in a Rangers shirt. Rupe is another minor leaguer performing well. The Rangers motto that we as fans continue to hear year after year “next year”, I believe that if the Rangers don’t find themselves in the running at mid-September, that “next year” is a valid case. And we really don’t have to shop outside of what we already have. Millie is signed. We have the DVD guys. Eaton, Padilla, Loe (you have keep Loe, period, for the rest of his carrier. I guess I am stuck in Loe gear.), and the whole infield, Mench, Matthews, De Rosa, Kinsler… I mean there may be a minor adjustment, maybe between Eaton and Padilla, and another starting pitcher… and the bullpen.

Thursday and Friday Picks (but not all of them)

Thursday (9-22-05)

Rangers vs. Angels – Young vs. Santana – Young over his last five outings has an 0.68 ERA (2 runs over 26 1/3 innings). Young just simply needs to avoid Guerrero who has 4 homers in 15 at-bats against Young. Santana has a 15.75 ERA against Texas this year, but that was in Texas. I bring that up because of late; Santana has won his last 3 starts in Anaheim, but lost his last 3 starts on the road. What is it with a good home crowd? He has a 1.13 ERA at home in his last 3 starts, but an 11.77 ERA in his last 3 starts on the road. Ouch, can we play here in our Ballpark? Please? With that in mind, I think this is going to be a tougher game than what is billed on the surface. This one might be decided by the pen, and if that is the case, the Angels would have it. Score: 3-2.

D-Backs vs. Dodgers – Estes vs. Weaver – Estes, over his last 3 starts, hasn’t been all that sharp. He is 1-2 with a 7.80 ERA. Against the bad teams, though he has done well. He lost to the Cardinals by giving up 6 runs in 6 1/3 innings. He beat Detroit on 6/24 and also beat Colorado on 9/9. He has thrown 12 innings against the Dodgers this year and given up 8 runs. The Dodgers are hitting .311 against him (not good). He will need to avoid especially Jeff Kent, who is hitting .368 against him with 2 homers and 9 RBIs in 19 at bats. Weaver is really streaky. Looking at his last 6 games, he has won and lost to two teams (the same teams actually). He is either really good, or really bad. He’s had two starts against the D-Backs and is 1-1 with a 5.11 ERA totaling 12 1/3 innings and giving up a .244 average. Troy Glaus should sit the game out. He has a .069 average against Weaver. Chad Tracy would definitely do well, he has a .417 average against him, but only 1 RBI. It really boils down to how Weaver is going to do. Estes looks to be average, and most likely will give up 3 runs or so in 6 innings. Weaver, if he comes to play, will be unstoppable. If he leaves his pitching arm at home, well it could be ugly. He’s going to pitch a good 6 innings or more. He’s done it 9 out of his last 10 starts. I say that he will be off, though, basing off his consistency of late. He is due for a bad start. Score: Dodgers (surprised?) 8-6.

Friday (9-23-05)

Rangers vs. A’s – Rogers vs. Haren – I think I found what is wrong with Rogers. That would be Katagelophobia, Anthropophobia, and Topophobia. Wow, three phobias. The first is the fear of being ridiculed. The second is the fear of society. And the third is the fear of certain situations. One of them has to be it, right? Well, the Rangers have won the last 4 starts when Rogers pitches. Maybe a good sign? One of them was against the A’s, mind you. Interestingly enough, Rogers has also pitched higher than his current ERA over those starts, and walked away with 2 wins for himself. Haren has absolutely great over his last 10 starts, well with the exception of the 9/7 start and 8/17 start. Outside of those he has an 1.71 ERA. Notably, he has 4 starts this year against the Rangers, he is 2-1 with a 6.75 ERA. Rangers knock him with a .265 average. He only averages 5.2 innings per start this year. Rogers is averaging 6.1 innings. Tex and Sorry both knock him pretty good, but the Rangers seem to lack power on the road… oddly enough, but they both have 2 homers, Tex has 7 RBIs and Sorry has 5 in a combined 21 at bats. Impressive, indeed. So, what to call? Rangers are cold on the road, Rogers is cold period, but winning, mind you, and Haren has no real success against the Rangers hitters, not to mention how the Rangers seem to stink against their division. On a limb (for sure), I am going to go with Rogers and the Rangers. Score: 6-4.

Stars vs. Red Wings – Preseason still… Detroit was the best two years ago. Dallas was very respectable. (Yes, I am trying to research, but my sources are a little limited right now.) It has been about a year since the NHL has played, I don’t know if Detroit is any good. I am sure they are, though. I will go out on a limb and say a 2-2 tie.

Home Plate

Wednesday, 9-21-05 Picks

Wednesday (9-21-05)

Rangers vs. Angels – Loe vs. Lackey – Lackey has done well this year, but is better on the road than at home. Loe also dominates on the road as well, having a 1.99 ERA away. Lackey, however, gave up 6 runs in 7 innings to Detroit! He did shut out the White Sox on 9/11 for 7 innings. The White Sox were cold, so whoopty freaking do. More importantly, this year against Texas, Lackey has a 7.63 ERA, is 1-0 in 3 starts, and has given up 2 homeruns in 15 1/3 innings. Current Ranger hitters bat .289 off him with 6 dingers in 204 at bats. Look for Michael Young to do well, he has a .421 average (16-38) with 2 homers and 9 RBIs. Tex does also, but with a .375 average (9-24). The Angels only have 23 at bats against Loe. As a team they are hitting .304 against him (7-23) but no homeruns. Despite a 9.00 ERA this year against the Angels (3 runs/3 innings), Loe has only 5 starts this year with a 2.32 ERA and a 4-1 record for those 5 starts. I will go with the Rangers on this, I just feel it. Score: 6-2.

Astros vs. Pittsburgh – Oswalt vs. Wells – Wells is 1-6 in his last 9 starts. During that time, one of his no decisions was against Houston. In that game, he threw 7 innings of shutout ball. Unfortunately for him, his 6 losses weren’t nearly as good. His last 3 games, he has a 7.90 ERA and his last, 5 he has an 8.14 ERA. Oswalt has been a lot better than that. 2.95 ERA on the year, 2.53 ERA in his last 3. My big concern is his 6-10 record on the road. He is 11-2 at home. I think he can outdo Wells, and pick up his 18th win tonight. Score: 7-2.

Braves vs. Phillies – Ramirez vs. Myers – Myers in his last start, lost to the Braves. Why not again tonight? Ramirez is very good at home, I expect that again today. Score: 5-4.

Brewers vs. Cubs – Ohka vs. Prior – Numbers show that they are very even. Time to dig… Prior has a better ERA on the season, but is a full run higher on the road. Ohka’s ERA is also higher at home. Prior has a winning record on the road, Ohka has a losing record at home, but an ERA lower than Prior’s road ERA, mind you. Prior, on average, goes two outs longer than Ohka. Both look great on the last 3. This is pretty even, to say the least. I have a hunch it will be the Alcoholics on this. Don’t know why. Score: 4-3.

D-Backs vs. Dodgers – Webb vs. Penny – Webb did great in his last start, and looks to be a sparkle in an otherwise dark sky for the D-Backs. Penny was rocked by the Giants in his last start, but didn’t get a decision. I think the D-Backs will do well tonight against the Dodgers. Score: 6-3.

FC Dallas vs. LA Galaxy – I have actually done some homework on this (surprise, surprise)… Dallas and the Galaxy are very even statistics wise, but Dallas has been very cold of late. This is the U.S. Cup Final, and for Dallas to have snuck their way in is very impressive despite how they have been playing. The Galaxy is very good at home (8-2-3- that’s wins-loses-ties), and Dallas is very poor on the road (5-6-3). Due to how the Galaxy dominates at home, I will go with them. Galaxy wins 3-1.

Home Plate

Thursday and Friday Picks

Today

Rangers vs. Mariners – Loe vs. Harris – I like Loe. I think he is going to be huge and not just in height. Harris has done decent this year; one of his two wins was against the Rangers who hit only .182 against him. Adrian Gonzalez is the only one who did any real damage against him and has the only RBI against him. Gonzalez, by the way, would have over 30 homeruns if he had played the entire season with the Rangers. I think the number would be 37 dingers. Impressive, I must say. Loe does some damage against the M’s too. He has a win against them, 6 strikeouts in 3 1/3 innings (WOW) and holds them to a .167 average. They have only 1 run against him as well. I like the Rangers in this one 3-1.

Braves vs. Phillies – Sosa vs. Myers – Sosa is hot, Myers is average. I go with the hot stuff. Braves over Phillies 4-2.

Astros vs. Marlins – Pettitte vs. Vargas – Pettitte is on fire (2.48 ERA season and 1.40 ERA over his last 3), Vargas is throwing a medicine ball (8.25 ERA in his last 3)… Astros dominate this one 7-2.

Brewers vs. D-Backs – Ohka vs. Estes – Fairly even on this overall, but Estes is a little colder than Ohka. Ohka notably is better on the road in comparison to Estes at home. I will go with the alcoholics and say the D-Backs bullpen will loose to the Brewers starter: 6-4.

Tomorrow

Rangers vs. Mariners – TBA vs. Hernandez – I have done some vast research and I have come up empty for the Rangers starter for 9/16. But I did dig up in one place and they said Rogers for this game. But the same resource also said Rogers for Saturday. Rogers is not Cy Young in that he can throw a doubleheader one day and then pitch again the next. So, when I find out for certain, I can make a better guess on this. I would like the match up of Rogers vs. Hernandez, Hernandez looks good. He has a 2.33 ERA this year and even though Rogers isn’t as hot as he was earlier this year, I think he would still be the best guy for the job. But it is not my call (but it should be).

Braves vs. Mets – Smoltz vs. Trachsel – Smoltz is just better than Trash-el, has better numbers and is very consistent. Probably the most consistent of any pitcher I have seen (and when I say consistent, I mean consistently good – there are plenty who are consistently bad). Braves with a win over the Mets, say 5-2.

Phillies vs. Marlins – Lieber vs. Moehler – Moehler hasn’t started since 8/20. Lieber is very hot right now. Everything points to the female horse and a good win for them. I do, however, think this isn’t going to be a cakewalk for the Phillies. The Big Fish loose to the female horses, going with 7-5.

Astros vs. Brewers – Oswalt vs. Helling – Helling is an alcoholic, hard to swallow. But it is good to see him out there again. Dude is on fire, too. He has a 0.98 ERA over his last 3. Oswalt is a good match up for him. This could hand him his first loss this year. But, I honestly think this will go to the bullpen and some extra time on the diamond. Astros with a walk off run in the 11th, 4-3.

D-Backs vs. Rockies – Nippert vs. Day – Battle of the bottom, is what I call these types of games. Oh, how I can remember the days of the 13 win seasons for the Mavs, battling the lowly Timberwolves (I would call them the Feather Wolves, he he he). I looked over the goods, Nippert looks better than Day, although that isn’t saying too much. But the numbers don’t lie, Day has an ERA of almost 7, and Nippert is in the mid 5’s. Day also has been throwing in low 8’s over his last 3 games. Nippert has only one appearance. I think in this game he will shine. D-Backs 10-6.

Home Plate

Friday and Saturday Picks (9/9 and 9/10)

Friday, Sept. 9th

Rangers vs. A’s – Dominguez vs. Zito – well, logic would naturally say Zito. But Dominguez just gets better and better with each start. In his last start, he went into the eighth inning with a no hitter. Granted, that was KC, but still a no-no is a no-no. He has a 1.69 ERA in his last three starts. Zito has a 3.44 in his last three, including a clobbering against New York. The A’s are cold right now. Zito really does own the Rangers. The Rangers as a team hit .204 in 224 at bats. Of the 46 hits, 12 are extra bases. No long ball tonight, 4 homers against Zito. Hard call to make. Rangers don’t do well against Zito, A’s are cold, Dominguez is hot… A shot in the dark, but I will go with Texas 4-3.

Braves vs. Nats – Ramirez vs. Loaiza – I have always liked Loaiza, when he was with the Rangers and after that. He is a good pitcher, not on a good team, though. He is 10-10 with a 3.62 ERA this year, 3.26 in his last 3. Ramirez is 3.32 in his last 3, and has a 11-8 mark. He doesn’t do well on the road, though (3-7, 5.61 ERA). I am going with the Nats on this 6-4.

Astros vs. Alcoholics – Clemens vs. Davis – Clemens has a 6-2 mark on the road and a 0.52 ERA. Astros 5-1.

Big Fish vs. Female Horse – Burnett vs. Lidle – Both have been throwing grapefruit over their last 3 (6.75 and 6.43 ERA’s respectively). Burnett has had better success this season. Marlins over Phillies 5-2.

D-Backs vs. the Other Alcoholic Team – Estes vs. Kim – Kim is hot, Estes is not. Kim has a 0.92 ERA in his last 3. Estes has an 8.40 over his last 3. Granted, Colorado is not a good team; D-Backs are nothing to brag about, either. Upset, D-Backs over Rockies in a squeaker 5-4.

Saturday, Sept 10th

Rangers vs. A’s – Blanton vs. Loe – Kameron Loe is quickly becoming one of top Rangers players of all time. I just like the guy. 6 foot 8, strong pitcher, great command, and his numbers prove me right. 3.22 ERA for the season, 0.95 ERA over his last three. Blanton stinks on the road. 3-7 mark tells all. Rangers take this one as I get my Tex statue, 4-2.

Braves vs. Nats – Sosa vs. Hernandez – Sosa is undefeated on the road. Braves 5-3.

Astros vs. Alcoholics – Pettitte vs. Ohka – Never heard of Ohka. Pettitte will take this one just on principal (Plus Pettitte has a 0.44 ERA in his last 3). Astros 4-2.

Big Fish vs. Female Horse – Vargas vs. Myers – Big Fish is a really good movie, by the way. Pretty even on the surface, but Myers is by far better upon closer review. Philly 6-3.

D-Backs vs. the Other Alcoholic Team – Vargas vs. Day – These guys should go back to the grapefruit league for real. It’s a beautiful day… good for a song, not for this pitcher. However, he does throw an even 3 at home, and that is what I will have to make my call on. Rockies 7-2.

FC Dallas vs. DC United – Soccer… well, FC Dallas has lost quite a bit of late… I will say they end that streak against DC. Why not, right? Besides, what do I know soccer anyway… FC Dallas 3-1.

Home Plate

Quick Picks (Tuesday)

Quick Picks, to keep it short today:

Astros vs. Phillies - Oswalt vs. Lieber - Oswalt stinks at home. Lieber stinks on the road. Both coming off great outings, though. Oswalt should prevail. Astros 4-2.

D-Backs vs. Pirates - Vazquez vs. Maholm - Don't know anything about Maholm, he's a rookie. I will guess that he might do well, D-Backs aren't a great team. Still, I find myself picking them on this... Experince over newness, I guess. D-Backs 6-4.

Alcoholics vs. Reds - Helling vs. Harang - Rick Helling? He still pitching? And not badly, I might add. I will go with the drunkards, no wait... on second thought, Reds over Brewers 5-3. Hunch is calling me.

Mets vs. Braves - Pedro vs. Smoltz - WHAT A GAME! Two gladiators facing off... how can I choose? Both VERY even, but I will go with who is hot... Pedro. Mets over Braves 2-0. (That's right, a shutout!)

And that is it for today... catcha tomorrow, hopefully, I can dig deaper then. Johnny Out.

Home Plate

Monday, August 29th

Well, what a weekend I had. Rangers Game. Won 6-0. Cowboys Game. Won 21-9. Strange Days are upon us. Sorry for not keeping on top of things. I find it is harder to post on the weekends. But alas, here we are, another day in paradise.

Rangers vs. White Sox - Dominguez vs. Buehrle - Wow, over the last 3 starts, Dominguez has been better. That is a surprise, especially since the Rangers and pitching used in the same words. AND, that Rangers pitchers look better than, well, anyone for that matter, is always shocking for me. Season wise, though, looks typical. Buehrle looks by far better. Some concerns, though, is that he got WHIPPED by Kansas City not too long ago. Boston twice. Add a Minnesota in there, too. He is 3-3 in his last 6 starts and is 14-6 overall. He dominates Rangers hitters with a .181 ave (19 for 105). Rangers need Dominguez to be at a career best. Dominguez is still "fresh," only 3 starts this year and each time out is better than the previous one. White Sox hit .231 against him (3 for 13), but have 5 walks. Logic screams White Sox all the way, and that is what I will call. Sox 5-1.

Washington vs. Braves - Patterson vs. Sosa - Sosa looks great. He has won 5 of his last 6 decisions and has worked in and out of the bullpen. Has a 9-2 mark and a 2.56 ERA to boot. Against the Nats, he has a 2.70 ERA this year and he has a 2.39 ERA this month. Nats hitters are .235 against him and NO DINGERS in 51 at bats. Patterson is 8-4 with a 2.43 ERA this year. He has dumbfounded the Braves this year with a 0.75 ERA and holding them to a batting ave of .077 (AMAZING) - that's 12 innings and only 3 hits, folks. Career, the Braves are 9 for 69, but two of those are trippers and they collected 7 RBIs. They make the hits count. Still, Nats over Braves 3-2.

D-Backs vs. Fathers (Padres) - Ortiz vs. Williams - Mellon Man is pitching for the D-Backs, a 6.95 ERA (How is this guy in the majors? This isn't softball.) However, against San Diego, he is a little better with a 6.00 ERA (HA!) D-Backs lost to the Padres when he pitched 9-5. Play it again? Giles and Loretta will have a good night for the Padres. Young? He is 0-11 against Ortiz. If he bats 1 through 9, D-Backs may have a chance. Heard it here first. So, Williams is 6-10 with a 5.14 ERA. He has a 4.76 ERA against the D-Backs this year - look for a lot of walks from him. He has 7 in 11 1/3 innings against the D-Backs this year. As a matter of fact, in August, he has given up 20 walks in 22 2/3 innings. Control is not a part of his game. Arizona (career) has a .234 against him in 214 at bats, 9 Dingers and 20 RBIs. Padres take this one in a close game, 8-6.

Alcoholics are off as are the minor league female horses. But aren't they always?

Friday, August 26th

Welcome to a wonderful edition of crap shoot. Tomorrow is my father's birthday, and what a wonderful gift I have for him. Tickets to the Ranger Game tonight. Fireworks after the game. Thursday, Sept 1st, I take him to the Cowboys vs. the Jags. Am I a good son, or what? (And my dad would then say "Or what.") But alas, I do try. Great seats, too. My definition of good seats consists more than just being in the stadium. I want to be as close as possible but not spending a fortune. Coupons. Does my wife proud. So, let's check up on what will happen to the Rangers tonight.

Rangers vs. Twins - Loe vs. Lohse - I am looking forward to this game, just to see Kameron Loe. I think he has the stuff to make in the Big Leagues for a good long time. A rookie, pitching out of the bullpen all season, this will be his first start. Some pitchers can switch from bullpen to starter and visa versa fairly easily, while others just can't handle starting at all. This will be interesting. In his last 10 games that he has pitched in, 2 were bad, 1 was undesirable, and the other seven were just great (but only added up to 5 2/3 innings of shutout ball). He isn't as good at home as on the road, 5.82 ERA and hitters rough him up for a .300 ave all at home. His overall ERA is 4.17, though. He did pitch 1 2/3 innings on Tuesday, so no more than 5 innings from him tonight. May be a good thing. Minnesota only has 4 at bats against him (.250 ave) and two Ks. If they touch the ball, they have a good shot. I wouldn't expect Loe to have 12 Ks in this. Just not likely. Lohse has only pitched 2 innings of work against TX, giving up 2 hits and 1 of those was a tripper. He is 8-11 this year, but here's the thing to look at, he has a 2.39 ERA this month., 3.89 ERA on the road, and a 4.09 ERA for the season. However, the Rangers FEAST off this guy, hitting him .330 against him. 3 dingers, 11 RBIs in 97 at bats. Soriano alone is 6-15, Mench is 5-10, and Tex is 4-9. All three each have a homer against him. I am going to go with my gut on this and say Rangers 6-3. Mench will be my MLB pick today.

Braves vs. The Alcoholics (Brewers) - Ramirez vs. Sheets - Did you know the Brewers are 3 games under right now? And people think they are good? What a shame. They couldn't take it in the Awesome League, so they moved over to the Naughty League. I guess they wanted to cheat more. Who knows. Rangers must have been too much for them. Sheets isn't all that bad, though. If he had the Rangers run support, he could be 12-6 at least. (He is 9-9, btw) He has a 3.44 ERA this year and is 6-3 in his last 10 starts. Coming on strong. 4 of his last 5 starts, he has gone 9 innings. WOW! But, he was embarrassed by the Rockies, another alcoholic team (Coors Field? I bet they serve Bud Light there, too). He does have a 4.09 ERA this month, but a 2.57 ERA against the Braves. The Braves are hitting .296 against him this year and that may come up to haunt him if he is not careful. Career, the Braves are hitting .306 against him, and the Jones brothers feast off him. Throw in Giles, you have three hitters with an average over .400 against him. Brian Jordan is hitting .556 against him, as well. Ramirez has a 4.61 ERA this year and a 10-7 record. (By the way, the Braves are OVER .500) Ramirez isn't so good on the road or this month for that matter, which may keep the Brewheads in the game. He has a 5.92 ERA this month (OUCH) and a 5.87 ERA on the road this year. But here is the shining light for this. Brewers are only hitting .154 against him (6-39) plus a whopping 8 walks. He has not pitched against the Brewers this year. Take the Braves in a comebacker 6-5.

Phillies (the minor leaguers) vs. D-Backs - Myers vs. Halsey - Halsey has a 4.39 ERA this year and is 8-10. That is respectable, considering the team he is on, but his last 3 starts have been a monstrosity, to say the least. 17 earned runs in only 14 1/3 innings. He is young, though, his previous 5 starts he one gave up 5 earned runs in 33 1/3 innings. He is still trying to figure out the majors, I guess. He has pitched against the female horses, going 6 innings and giving up 6 runs (9 hits and 2 dingers). A good stat to consider is how he pitches at home. He has a 3.38 ERA in his house. Current Philly hitters have a .333 ave against him (8 for 24), so he may be roughed up a little. Now, to Mr. Myers. 3.48 ERA this year, 2.67 on the road, and a 4.50 against the D-Backs this year. Also, notable is he has a 4.76 this month. He will strike people out. He's got a 11-6 mark this year and holds current D-Back hitters to a .234 ave. D-Backs will go yard against him, they have 6 dingers, but only account for 9 RBIs. No real great offensive numbers against this guy for the D-Backs to really talk about. Gonzalez will probably be the designated K, he has K'd 4 times in 9 at bats. 2 more today? Most likely. So, with everything before me, I think that it really depends mor on Halsey's performance. Can he bounce back and take care of business against a tema he has little success? I think so, I think he is going to make some adjustments and end the Arizona loosing streak. D-Backs in a thriller 4-3.

There will be more later... I have to take care of some things.

Thursday, August 25th

Well, today I can safely predict that the Phillies are NOT going to win. HA! Rangers are in the midst of playing right now, and with 4 errors, I honestly feel they deserve to loose. You HAVE to take care of the ball. YOU HAVE TO! Brewers and Marlins are playing right now, tied 1 a piece in the 7th. Let's look at the only other game that I would be following.

D-Backs vs. Mets - Pedro vs. Vazquez - (I am on a first name basis with Pedro) so, let's see Mets 22-0 over D-Backs... Mets have scored, like a million runs in this series. Do the D-Backs have any answer or should they do the honorable thing and just forfeit to save face? Seriously, though... let's look at some numbers... Pedro has 1.13 ERA against the D-Backs this year w/ 9 Ks in 8 innings. I look for a better performance tonight. Vazquez has given up 15 runs in his last 15 innings. Will he be better tonight? Most likely, but don't hold your breath. He would need a performance like he had in his last start against the Reds where he went 8 innings giving up one run. Vasquez has not been consistent enough. Period. And, I should point out AGAIN that he is going up against Pedro, who has been very consistent this year. Heck, through his career. So, I take the Mets 8-1. Pedro goes another 8 innings with 12 Ks and no runs. I said one run just to be nice, by the way.

Wednesday, August 24th

How about them Rangers!! Well, that's what they will be saying at the end of the season next year... but alas, this year we will settle for winning over the Mariners. Rangers did win last night 6 to 4. Young pitched like a Champ and Moyer... well, he pitched badly to put it nicely. Now, didn't I say Young hates Suzuki? The dude led off with a homer against Young. I said the Cubs over the Braves, but come on guys, score a little and pitch a little better when I call a close game! D-Backs? Should I bring this one up? Mets showed up last night, anyway. I can't even muster up the score... all I can say is OUCH!!! "That's all I have to say about that..." Now, I did say the 'stros would give up two... I just thought they would score, well, something... lost 2-0. Clemens goes all 8 innings and gives up 2 runs. COME ON ASTROS! WHAT'S UP? Now, how do the Phillies suck? Only one homerun in all that? Geez.

Well, onto todays calls...

Braves vs. Cubs - Sosa vs. Prior - Sosa is mostly a "fill-in" pitcher with only 12 starts this year. He has done well with the opportunity given him. He has a 2.63 ERA this year and a 1.96 ERA on the road. Prior has an 11.57 ERA against the Braves this year. Important to note that. In 45 at bats, the Braves are hitting .289 against Prior - 2 trips and 9 RBIs. Braves over Cubs 6-3.

Rangers vs. Mariners - Dominguez vs. Franklin - quoting Bill Murray in Scrooged "Boy, does that suck." And what that means when I quote that, is that this game is not going to be well. These guys have been throwing watermelons. The ball looks so big to the hitters, if they don't swing, they would be a disgrace to baseball. Well, that's what the numbers say. Dominguez has a 5.11 ERA this season, and has given up 12 runs in his last 12 1/3 innings. Franklin pitched against the Rangers on 4/27/05 and gave up 7 runs on 10 hits, including a dinger to Dr. Michael Young. Franklin's current ERA is 5.10, by the way. OH, I LOVE THIS STAT... Mariners have never gotten a hit off Dominguez. Suzuki has a career .000 ave against him. That's 0-1, hehehe. So, I think with all the swill I just threw out there, my son tells me that the Rangers are going to win this one 8-6.

Astros vs. Padres - Astacio vs. CHAN HO PARK - Houston 15-6.

D-Backs vs. Mets - Ortiz vs. Seo - Ortiz has a case of the "Chan Ho ERA"s... A whopping 6.44 ERA on the season. Seo is what they call "HOT" right now... 1.09 ERA... does it get better than that? Look for a slaughter with no prisoners tonight in Arizona. Mets 9-1.

Now, onto the minor leaguers:
Phillies vs. Giants - Lidle vs. Hennessey - I get tired of looking at how the Phillies are better than the Giants - spew - I am going to take an upset, just because I want to... Gaints over Philly (and that is a female horse) 11-8.

Tuesday, August 23rd

Well, HEY! I hit yesterday - Cowboys won. Astros won. Braves won (even though I predicted a Cubs win)... so the world is good. Arizona did loose and Philly lost, as well. So sad that Philly lost... OH WELL, I'LL GET OVER IT, I AM SURE... ha, ha, ha... so, let's look at what is going on today.

Rangers vs. Mariners - Young vs. Moyer - Rangers have a good chance for today... the meat of the lineup does well against Moyer. Sorry has a poor average against Moyer, but when he connects, he makes it count (4 dingers). As a whole, the team has a .251 ave against Moyer and 18 walks, but we strikeout a lot (52 times in 243 at bats). Young hates Suzuki who is the only Mariner to have any real success against Young (.429 ave). Mariners hold a .250 ave against Young. I think this is really a tough call, due to the recent mess the Rangers have been in as of late, but I think this game could be a step in the right direction. Rangers 7-2.

Braves vs. Cubs - Thomson vs. Williams - Key stat for this would be that Thomson gives up the long ball. 6 homers in 99 at bats to the Cubs. Cubs have a .263 ave against Thomson (26 for 99). Barrett and Blanco have 2 dingers each against Thomson. Williams isn't much better, though. Thus far, in 34 at bats for the Braves, they have mustered up 2 dingers themselves. They hit .324 against him (11 for 34), but only 4 runs. Still, I think that Williams may luck out on this, not sure why, my gut, I guess. Cubs over Braves in a close one 5-4.

D-Backs vs. Mets - Vargas vs. Zambrano - Now this may be the best matchup I have seen in a good long time... both pitchers do well against these hitters, a ton of success. A TON OF SUCCESS. They should both pitch late into the game and hand it over to the bullpen. This may even go into extra innings. And if that is the case... Well, let's look at numbers first. Zambrano holds the D-Backs to a .159 ave (7 for 44). Not much for the D-Backs there. Vargas holds the Mets hitters to .077 ave (2 for 26)... Point made? Yeppers. So, the bullpen. Arizona has an ERA of 5.86 out of the pen, and the Mets 3.98 ERA out of the pen. AND, against the D-Back, the Mets have a 2.50 ERA this year. BUT, the D-Backs have a 2.91 ERA against the Mets... Wow, this would be a very tough call... too many stats. But, I am going to go with the Mets... most of the intangibles seem to point in their direction. I am going to say Mets 3-2 in 10 innings.

Astros vs. Padres - Clemens vs. Peavy - Clemens. Nuff Said. He did me wrong last time... won't happen twice in a row. Astros 4-2. (one given up by the Rocket).

Minor Leaguers:
Philly vs. Giants - Padilla vs. Tomko - Padilla has doen well his last 3 games, a 1.35 ERA in 20 innings. Tomko has done well himself, but still not good enough to win. He is 0-3 with a 3.50 ERA. If he was a Ranger, maybe 3-0? I guess we will never know. But alas, everything is actually pointing to a rough start for both pitchers. Giants have a .317 ave against Padilla and 4 dingers and 14 RBI in only 104 at bats. OUCH. Now the Phillies (isn't a Philly a female horse?) have a .298 ave against Tomko, 7 super touches (homers), and a whopping 22 RBI's in only 131 at bats. I would be surprised to say the least if both of these starters make it through 5 innings. Both teams FEAST off these starters. They will be padding the offensive numbers today. Philly 10-7.