Jered Weaver: 6-0

Jered Weaver recorded his 6th consecutive win last night for the Angels. Weaver threw nine shutout innings with 7 hits, 1 walk, and struck out 10. He nows leads the majors in wins (6), strikeouts (49), and ERA (0.99). Boo-yah! The Angels are 13-10, and Jered Weaver has 6 of them? But with a record of 6-0, Jered Weaver is among 3 others who have started the season 6-0, the last being Brandon Webb in 2008 with the Diamondbacks, and Randy Johnson has gone 6-0 twice. This win came as a surprise to me because Weaver is 1-11 against the A's and is known to struggle against them. Plus this was Weavers second complete game in his last two starts, and Weaver now has six in his entire career. Not to mention Weaver has an ERA of 0.99, which he owes much of his 6 wins to, because the Angels average just under 4 runs per game. With this kind of start, what record will Weaver have at the end of the 2011 season? Where will Weaver finish in the AL Cy Young voting? Where will his team finish in the AL West? I would imagine that the Angels can finish near the top, if not at the top of the AL West due to the lack of teams and competition. The only other real threat in the AL West are the Texas Rangers. Regardless of what the team does, I find it to be an amazing feat to do, to start of perfect through 6 strong starts. Weaver not only leads in wins but has the pitching Triple Crown in wins, k's, and ERA, something very hard to maintain with so many aces in the majors. I wish Jered Weaver luck in the rest of the 2011 season and hope that he can continue and go to 7-0.

MLB Takes Control of the Dodgers

This Picture is a New Favorite

I know this story is about 2 days late, but I wanted to make sure that I got all the details that I would like to write about it. The whole idea of Major League Baseball having to take control over the Dodgers because of a messy divorce seems like a good idea, because the once prosperous club has been on the decline since Jamie McCourt filed for divorce in October 2009. In all honesty, I'm not sure what could come from this, there have been many rumors of relocation, or new ownership. No one is quite sure what is going to happen in this situation, but as of right now, the Dodgers are 10-10, making them third in the NL West. There is a reason that they are able to be in this position now, and that is that they had to borrow approximately $30 million in the off season to be able to make their payroll. This situation is very similar to what the Mets are going through, but they borrowed $25 million from MLB. Mets owner Fred Wilpon has something that the McCourt's do not, and that is a close personal friendship with Bud Selig. The only good thing that really can come from this whole ordeal is that the Dodgers ball club is not affected by this in any way. I really don't think that anyone would want the LA Dodgers to change location, because they have become an important part to the community. Yes the fans show up in the 3rd inning and leave in the 7th, but that is one of the key things that the Dodgers are all about. And don't forget, if they Dodgers leave Dodger Stadium, the announcers will not be able to talk about the large amounts of foul territory that are/were in Dodger Stadium. What will they talk about!?!? I wish the LA Dodgers luck in this very difficult situation and hope for the best for the organization.

The Official Message from Bud Selig is as follows:

“Pursuant to my authority as Commissioner, I informed Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt today that I will appoint a representative to oversee all aspects of the business and the day-to-day operations of the Club.  I have taken this action because of my deep concerns regarding the finances and operations of the Dodgers and to protect the best interests of the Club, its great fans and all of Major League Baseball. My office will continue its thorough investigation into the operations and finances of the Dodgers and related entities during the period of Mr. McCourt's ownership.  I will announce the name of my representative in the next several days.   

“The Dodgers have been one of the most prestigious franchises in all of sports, and we owe it to their legion of loyal fans to ensure that this club is being operated properly now and will be guided appropriately in the future.”

Phils Lose in Extra Innings

First and foremost, I find it to be very funny/interesting that MLB.com has game wrap ups for both teams in the game that was played. One article always has an uplifting and happy tone, while the other seems to be somewhat sad and ready for the next game. This is exactly what the Brewers/Phillies recaps are like, the Brewers have the victorious tone of how they overcame and won, while the Phillies recap expresses their disappointment of losing. But that's exactly how the fans, and the players feel about last night's game. The Phillies had scattered a total of 9 singles throughout the game, which leaves fans asking, "Where are the homeruns from 2008?" Charlie Manuel doesn't know, nor do the players. The 9th inning for the Phils was very exciting, tying the game to force the game into extra innings, or "Free Baseball" as the announcers like to call it. But after pretty standard 10th and 11th innings, the 12th inning can be wrapped up in one sentence, written by Todd Zolecki. "Five batters, one single, one wild pitch, one hit batter, one intentional walk and two sacrifice flies later, the Brewers had a three-run lead." That's exactly what happened. Excuses were made about Kendrick's poor performance, like he hasn't pitched in 10 days. I'm sorry Kyle, but pitching is your job. I understand that you can walk a batter, but on four pitches? Or what about the awful throw to first? You're telling me that 10 days off causes you to wildly throw to first? Fundamentals are fundamentals, regardless of how many days you've had off. It seems as though losing the first game of every series is what the Phillies are doing, but as long as they win the next two, that's fine by me. I will be at the game tonight watching Roy Halladay and former Phillie Randy Wolf pitch. Be sure to look for me along the first base line. Lastly, I wish the Phillies luck in the rest of the series against the Brewers.

CC Sabathia, Winless in 4 Starts

The Yankees "workhorse" CC Sabathia is winless in four starts. The biggest question is why? CC, a Cy Young winner, stats are as follows: 0-1, 4 games started, 25 innings pitched, 25 hits, 8 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 23 SO, and an ERA of 2.52. Pretty good numbers overall, not not necessarily for the Yanks #1 starter. So what has gotten into CC? I really think that he is pulled at the right time, and the Yankees score at the wrong time. Look at Opening Day, CC pitched 6 strong innings, giving up 3 runs, but the game was tied when he was lifted from the mound. The Yankees then scored in the 7th, giving Joba Chamberlain the win. Sabathia's next start against the Twins was once again a let down. CC pitched 7 shut-out innings, only allowing 2 hits and 1 walk. The Yankees were winning 4 nothing at the bottom of the 7th, but Rafael Soriano gave up 4 runs in the top of the 8th, giving CC a no-decision. Last Sunday, Sabathia received his first loss of the season, after giving up 1 run in 5 2/3 innings. Sabathia was in a pitching duel with Josh Beckett, but was out-pitched. Last night, Sabathia was pulled after 6 1/3 innings, giving up 4 runs, 8 hits, 2 walks, and 6 strikeouts in his weakest outing. I honestly think that CC has bad timing as well as an offense that likes to produce in the later innings. CC has proved himself time after time and in four starts has only given up 7 runs, which is pretty impressive. Other than R2C2 +J, CC Sabathia is my favorite pitcher, not to mention he's an amazing left-handed pitcher. I wish CC luck in getting his first win, eating more Captain Crunch, and another Cy Young.

"Werth" Getting Rid Of

When I think of Jayson Werth, I think of the outfielder who shared games in right field with Geoff Jenkins in 2007. Then I think of the 2008 Jayson Werth and what he meant to the Phillies World Series win. Then I think of 2009 when he once again helped the Phillies reach the post season. In 2010, after he yelled at my girlfriend and his horrendous hermit picture. In the 2010 off season, Werth proceeded to talk trash on the Phillies, which a recap can be found here. So far in the 2011 season, Werth has not produced for the Nationals as much as they thought he would. And you're thinking, "Taylor, he has reached base safely in all 10 games, and hit a double and a homerun against the Phillies yesterday." Don't you think I already know that? I saw all of the headlines: "Werth Signing," "Jayson proves his Werth as Nats win," "Werth Haunts former team as Nats win." Ok, we get it, Jayson Werth's last name can be used in phrases that are puns and play on words. Werth had a double and a homerun in last nights game and all stories asked the question of whether or not the Phillies should have signed him. No they shouldn't have. Last night's game was Werth's first game with more than one hit, and yes, it just so happened to be against the Phillies. Let's look at Werth's stats for the year: .238 BA, 8 BB, 1 SB, 2 RBI, 2 HR, 4 2B. The only Phillie to have a batting average lower than Werth is Raul Ibanez with a .233, Werth's replacement Ben Francisco is batting .279. Sorry Jayson, Cliff Lee is "Werth" more than you are. I do not hate Jayson Werth for leaving Philadelphia, a friend told me that "Baseball is his job, and he took the best offer he got, just like you would take the best offer you would get." My only beef is with the media and that they made such a huge deal just because he had two extra base hits against his former team. NEWS FLASH: He will be doing that for the next 7 years, get used to it. Good luck Jayson Werth, keep up the good work.

Sliding Head First

Base runners have specific instructions on how and when to slide. Most follow the rule of: if returning to the base on a pick-off attempt, slide head first. And when stealing or other base running efforts, slide feet first. Unfortunately, Josh Hamilton goes by his own rules. Or in this case, the suggestion by third base coach Dave Anderson. Hamilton is actually blaming Anderson because of his injury for sending him in the first place. But Anderson advises no head first slides, especially at home, because of the catchers equipment. So who here is to blame? The injury prone Josh Hamilton for risking the head first slide, or Anderson for sending him in the first place. If you ask Jim Leyland or Ron Washington (Tigers/Rangers' managers), Anderson made the right call to send Hamilton home, because there was no one covering home. In 12 Major League Baseball games yesterday, there were a total of 4 head first slides, and only one resulted in injury. Buster Olney has been posting nonstop on Twitter about players who slide headfirst and those who don't. Pete Rose was a player who was notorious for sliding head first at any base, but Hall of Famers like Roberto Clemente, Jackie Robinson, and Ty Cobb were not known for sliding head first. Whatever your style is on the base paths, make sure you are safe (both in the context of injuries and on base). My feelings on the matter are, slide feet first, especially if you are injury prone *Josh Hamilton*. But there are exceptions to every rule and the play at the plate can change everything. I hope Josh Hamilton has a quick and easy recovery, mainly because I need him back on my fantasy team. I also wish him luck in the rest of the 2011 season.

Monday Night Baseball: Rays vs. Red Sox 4/11

There a few things that I have noticed while watching the Rays, Red Sox game on ESPN. One of them being that there are very few teams represented on ESPN's Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday Night Baseball. Many of their games feature either the Yankees, Red Sox, Rays, Phillies, Rangers, Tigers, and a few others, depending on the matchup. Another thing I noticed in this game specifically is that Manny Ramirez's name has been mentioned almost every half inning, whether it be about his performances in Boston, short performance with the Rays, time with Johnny Damon, and whether or not he will be voted in the the Hall of Fame. But going by the commentators, he will not be in the Hall of Fame, and I for one am glad that I heard it ten times. Lastly, what will happen to the Rays and the Red Sox at the end of the series, or even the end of the season. Granted, the game is not yet over, but the Rays are winning 16-4 in the top of the 9th, so the Red Sox chances of winning are slim. So if the Rays do end up winning, both teams will be 2-8, and at a tie for last in the AL East. Lucky them. As of right now, the Rays have 19 hits, 9 of them extra base hits. I for one am having trouble understanding how a team scores 20 runs in 9 games, but then proceeds to score 12 in one game, with virtually the same lineup. Maybe it's the fact the that Red Sox's pitching staff has an ERA of over 7.30. I'm not quite sure if it's the Rays' bats finally coming alive or the Red Sox continuing their struggles. I honestly thought the Red Sox were back on track after last night's win over the Yankees, but I guess I was wrong. Lastly, Sam Fuld had a chance for the cycle, but in the top of the 9th extended his single into a double giving him 2 doubles, a triple, and a homerun. Good luck to the Red Sox in their 9th inning rally to win, otherwise, good luck to both teams on rising from the bottom of the AL East.