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Thursday's Games of the Day

By Jonathan Etkowicz | July 9, 2009 | MLB Notebook

Twelve games are being played on Thursday. I'm trying a new format for Games of the Day. Instead of picking only some of the games, each game will be previewed. Two aces, Tim Lincecum and Felix Hernandez, pitch on Thursday. Roy Halladay may be taking the mound in Tampa Bay as a sort of trade audition. Tommy Hanson will get a test from the Rockies at Coors Field. Paul Konerko looks to continue his hot hitting against the Indians. The Cardinals and Brewers rap up an exciting July series. These games and more can be found below. Toronto at Tampa...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Alfredo Aceves, Andrew Miller, Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Brad Penny, Carl Crawford, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Clayton Richard, Cleveland Indians, Cody Ross, Colorado Rockies, David Price, Felix Hernandez, Florida Marlins, Games of the Day, Houston Astros, John Lannan, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers, Luke Hochevar, Micah Owings, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, MLB, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Nyjer Morgan, Paul Konerko, Philadelphia Phillies, Rafael Furcal, Randy Wolf, Roy Halladay, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Tim Lincecum, Tommy Hanson, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals

Mid-Season Awards: American League

By Tyler Hissey | July 7, 2009 | Around the Majors

It's hard to believe, but the All-Star Game is less than a week away. And since I like to write award columns about as much as Rick Reilly enjoys referencing teeth, I'm thrilled that the mid-season point gives me another chance to take on my favorite topic. First up is the American League, with the Senior Circuit list running later this week.Most Valuable PlayerJoe Mauer, Minnesota Twins:After missing all of April due to injury, Mauer has played at the highest level of his career for the Twins. Always a threat to compete for a batting crown, he has burst out with an incredible power surge in 2009, answering the million dollar question: "How good would Mauer be if he could hit for power?" Through Sunday, he's raking at a clip of .389/.465/.648 and is on pace for a career-high in homers, having belted 14 in his first 256 plate appearances. Although his...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Ben Zobrist, Detroit Tigers, Elvis Andrus, Joe Mauer, Kansas City Royals, Minnesota Twins, MLB, Rick Porcello, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays

MLB Top 10: Yanks Making a Push

By Jaymes Langrehr | July 6, 2009 | MVN Outsider

We're entering the final week before the All-Star break, but most teams have already passed the official midway point of their seasons. So now that we're half way there in crowning the 2009 world champions, who are the hottest teams in baseball entering this week? 1. New York Yankees (48-33)The Yanks continue to inch their way towards division-leading Boston, trailing in the AL East by a single win. It's sure to be one hell of a race down the stretch, even if some meaning is lessened by the fact that both teams are likely assured of reaching the playoffs. For now, I'm sure Yankee fans will take the moral victory of Mark Teixeira beating out Kevin Youkilis for the starting 1B spot on the All-Star team.2. Texas Rangers (45-35)It looks like the AL West is going to have a very competitive division race down the stretch, which is something that...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Florida Marlins, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, MLB, MLB Outsider, MLB Top 10, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers

Big Money and Little Money Both Get Robbed By All-Star Game Voting

By Nuschler | July 6, 2009 | SF Giants Pride

What in the name of Willie Mays has happened to my beloved National League? The Senior Circuit continually plays the second half of the Major League Baseball season with the American League's collective cleat protruding from its rear due to the latter's dominance in the All-Star Game. Even casual fans of the diamond know the Mid-Summer Classic's gone to the league with that ridiculous designated hitter for a while now. Six in a row, 10 of the last 11, and a string of 12 consecutive contests without a loss by the Junior Circuit to be precise. Can you believe it? The NL's gotta look back on that abysmal, embarrassing tie in Milwaukee with fondness. Ugh. And, if you want to know why, it's because our side is usually of a poorer constitution. Say what you want about the antics from New York and Boston, at least their guys can play. ...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: All-Star Game, Bengie Molina, MLB, National League, NL West, Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants

AL All-Stars

By Zach Sanders | July 6, 2009 | MLB Notebook

C - Mauer, Martinez1B - Teixeira, Morneau, Youkilis2B - Pedroia, HillSS - Jeter, Bartlett3B - Longoria, YoungOF - Bay, Ichiro, Hamilton, Crawford, Granderson, Hunter, Jones, ZobristSP - Beckett, Buerhle, Greinke, Halladay, Felix, Jackson, Verlander, WakefieldRP - Bailey, Fuentes, Nathan, Papelbon, Rivera, Verlander, WakefieldFirst player listed is starting (3 in OF), except for pitchers.Left in vote off:Figgins, Inge, Kinsler, Lind, Pena...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: All-Star Game, Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins, MLB, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers

Friday's Games of the Day

By Jonathan Etkowicz | July 3, 2009 | MLB Notebook

The Fourth of July Weekend kicks off with a full schedule of games. The Yankees look to start a new winning streak against the Blue Jays. The Brewers and Cubs continue their seesaw NL Central battle. The Brewers need wins to stay ahead in the division because the Cardinals and Reds are battling for positioning in the division. The Mets and Phillies begin a series that will determine which team is in first in the NL East on Monday. These games, and many more, can be found in Friday's Games of the Day. Toronto at New York Yankees: The Mariners...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: AJ Burnett, Boston Red Sox, Brian Tallet, Carlos Zambrano, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Curtis Granderson, Derek Lee, Detroit Tigers, Felix Hernandez, Franklin Gutierrez, Games of the Day, Gordon Beckham, Hideki Matsui, Homer Bailey, Houston Astros, J.J. Hardy, Jeff Suppan, Joel Pineiro, Jose Lopez, Kansas City Royals, Kevin Slowey, Luke French, Mike Cameron, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, MLB, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Paul Konerko, Philadelphia Phillies, Rodrigo Lopez, Ryan Sadowski, San Francisco Giants, Scott Kazmir, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Tim Wakefield, Toronto Blue Jays, Zack Greinke

Notes at Noon: Aviles, Ayala, Keppinger

By Zach Sanders | July 2, 2009 | MLB Notebook

Royals shortstop Mike Aviles will undergo Tommy John surgery and faces 9-12 months of rehab.The Twins have released Luis Ayala after failing to deal him after designating him for assignment.Jeff Keppinger is ready to play whenever the Astros put him in the lineup.Thoughts:Aviles hadn't been playing well this year, and the Royals need to hope he comes back strong from surgery.For teams looking for cheap bullpen help, look no further. Ayala is super consistent, with FIPs of 4.37, 4.47, and 4.37 the last three years.Just another bench player who wants to get back into the action now that the player...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Houston Astros, Jeff Keppinger, Kansas City Royals, Luis Ayala, Mike Aviles, Minnesota Twins, MLB

Tim Lincecum Channels Greg Maddux--The Rest of Baseball Watches Nervously

By Nuschler | June 30, 2009 | SF Giants Pride

"Oh, the places you'll go...there are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all."--Dr. SeussUh oh.Don't look now, but a bad situation for Major League Baseball just got, potentially, a lot worse. Particularly if you earn your paycheck hitting in the National League. And if you suffer the ultimate indignity, if you have the misfortune of operating in the NL West?My sincerest condolences. Truly.Because Tim Lincecum seems to have found a new toy.I'm not really taking about the sinister slider he's featuring more heavily in his growing repertoire. Although the Freak's newest out pitch was in full effect during Monday night's masterpiece against the St. Louis Cardinals, it must play second fiddle on this night.The real star of the show was a different culprit--Lincecum's stumbled across the Greg Maddux Pitch and he seems to like it. ...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Greg Maddux, MLB, National League, NL West, San Francisco Giants, Tim Lincecum

MLB Top 10: Yanks Making a Push

By Jaymes Langrehr | July 6, 2009 | MVN Outsider

MLB Top 10: Halos Grab AL West Lead

By Jaymes Langrehr | June 29, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Sometimes when I think about this list during the weekend before Mondays roll around, things end up looking a bit differently than I pictured. This was one of those weeks. Over the weekend, multiple winning streaks were snapped, teams unexpectedly played poorly, and my top ten list underwent some major reconstruction. The result? A drastically different list compared to what we would've seen on Friday. 1. Los Angeles Angels (41-32)The Halos have won five straight, including a series win over the red-hot Rockies last week. They followed up the impressive series win by sweeping the woeful Diamondbacks over the weekend, and they now hold a 1.5 game lead in the AL West over Texas. They get the chance to widen the gap this week when they continue their road trip in Texas, in what some are calling the biggest series for the Angels this year.2. Tampa Bay Rays (42-35)Don't look...Read more

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Minnesota Twins, MLB, MLB Outsider, MLB Top 10, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays

MLB Great Debates: Which Playoff Contender Needs a Trade to Stay in the Race?

By Staff Report | June 26, 2009 | MVN Outsider

MLB Outsider's Jaymes Langrehr and Kurt Evans debate the issue: Which contending team most needs to make a deal before the July 31 trade deadline in order to stay in the race? Jaymes Langrehr argues that the Brewers desperately need starting pitching:As we get closer to the trade deadline, a good number of teams are developing clear needs that need to be addressed if they're going to stay in playoff contention. Some teams will be able to cope with their weaknesses and still make the playoffs due to their other strengths. Other clubs will need to make a move if they have any chance at contending in the second half.The Milwaukee Brewers are a prime example. Heading into this season, they knew that their pitching wouldn't be as good as it was down the stretch last season. Given the strength of their offense, however, they figured to be in okay...Read more

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MLB Outsider - Who?

By Kurt Evans | June 22, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Everybody's heard of Alex Rodriguez. We all know who Johan Santana is. Lord knows we've all seen the towering homeruns of Albert Pujols. But as fascinating as those players are -- and it's usually a lot of fun to see somebody turn into a star and have a long, successful career -- there are a number of players in the '09 season who have put up heroic numbers... and yet most of us wouldn't be able to spot them in a crowd or even recognize their name in a discussion. Here's a short list of this year's surprises...The HittersPablo Sandoval - 22-years-old, the Giants rookie is batting .338 and is presently on pace to hit 50 doubles, 5 triples, 20 homeruns, and drive in 82 RBI. I'm sure that Giant fans everywhere know his name and are buying his poster, but outside of San Fran he's probably about as recognizable as...Read more

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, Florida Marlins, Minnesota Twins, MLB, MLB Outsider, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays

Fantasy Baseball: Minnesota Twins P Nick Blackburn

By Brad Berreman | June 11, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Over his last six starts dating back to May 10, Nick Blackburn of the Minnesota Twins has a 3-0 record with a 1.73 ERA. He has gone at least six innings in each of those starts, and has gone at least seven innings in all but one outing over that time. In his last four starts, he has allowed just four earned runs in 27 innings. For the season to this point, Blackburn is 5-2 with a 3.30 ERA in 76.1 innings (12 starts) and he has gone at least five innings in all but one start. His control has been good (2.5 BB/9), but his lack of strikeouts could be cause for alarm (4.0 K/9). His strand rate is a solid and seemingly sustainable 73.4 percent to go along with a very good 46.4 groundball percentage. Blackburn has only allowed six home runs so far this season, but allowing...Read more

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MLB Top 10: No Clear Number One?

By Jaymes Langrehr | June 1, 2009 | MVN Outsider

The past few weeks, it's been pretty easy to pick out baseball's hottest teams -- we've seen ridiculously long win streaks, surges to the top of divisions, and outstanding performances catapult teams to the top of these rankings. This week, however, was a bit more difficult. Heading into Monday, no team had a win streak longer than three games. So who do you turn to in that case? How about baseball's best team to this point?1. Los Angeles Dodgers - 35-17Two things remain constant in LA -- the Dodgers are still hot, and Bill Plaschke is still outraged (OUTRAGED, I SAY!) that Manny Ramirez is allowed to disgrace the city...you have to wonder how he'll react if the Dodgers win the World Series with Manny's help once he returns. Will he demand that they hand the trophy back? They had a solid week, getting Clint Hurdle fired in Colorado after...Read more

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MLB Outsider Mock Draft: Minnesota Twins Select Bobby Borchering

By Staff Report | May 27, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Borchering - Let's Play Two

MLB Outsider is hosting a 2009 MLB mock draft, where bloggers from all over come together in an attempt to project the draft results that will take place June 9. Seth Stohs' Twins Blog Seth Stohs picks for the Minnesota Twins at No. 22. The Twins follow their trend of high school power hitters with 3B Bobby Borchering. Follow the mock draft here.Each of the past two years, the Twins have made a selection in the first round that many "experts" considered a reach. In 2007, it was drafting Ben Revere. Revere flirted with .400 much of the 2008 season in Beloit, and is currently hitting well over .300 in the Florida State League while giving Carlos Gomez a run for the title of Fastest Player in the Twins organization. In 2008, the Twins took Carlos Gutierrez out of the University of Miami, and they were roundly criticized. Gutierrez has...Read more

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MLB Great Debates: The Ballpark Experience

By Staff Report | May 26, 2009 | MVN Outsider

MLB Outsider's Jaymes Langrehr and Kurt Evans debate the issue: Which experience is better, going to a Major League Baseball game or going to a minor-league one?Jaymes Langrehr says MLB's quality is top-notch:Where I grew up, I was about a three-hour drive east away from Milwaukee County Stadium, and a three-hour drive west away from the Metrodome. I was literally stuck in the middle of nowhere when it came to the MLB map, and looking back, I was definitely jealous of the kids who were able to spend their summers buying cheap Brewers tickets and move their way up to field level (because it's not like anyone was sitting in those seats, anyway). Still, the few major-league games that I was able to attend were incredible -- even though the home team almost always got crushed. Even when your team stinks, there's something special about a Major League game that...Read more

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