Wednesday 7/19/2008: Clayton Kershaw fires 2-hitter against Toronto
BOSTON - Boston's lefty Clayton Kershaw didn't look unexperienced at all. The 20 year old pitched a 2-hit shutout against Toronto, recording his 3rd shutout of the season. Kershaw (13-5) struck out 6 and walked 2, throwing 72 of 119 pitches for strikes. 'That was one of the best games of my career. I had my stuff working very well today.' Jason Bay provided Boston with the offense Kershaw needed as he stroked 2 hits in 4 AB, stroking a double, scoring 2 runs. Boston scored 6 runs on 9 hits.
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Wednesday 7/19/2008: Guillen (KCA) and Theriot (MIL) win P.O.W. award
Jose Guillen wins his 2nd Player of the Week award. American League pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. Guillen helped his team with an average of .412 and 6 RBI in 17 at bats. Ryan Theriot wins his 1st Player of the Week award. National League pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. Ryan was on fire, hitting .625 with 0 HR and 2 RBI. He hit in every game this week and extended his hitting streak to 7 games.
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Tuesday 7/18/2008: C C Sabathia turns in great performance against Cleveland
NEW YORK (A) - C C Sabathia took the mound and never left. And Cleveland hitters couldn't touch him at all. New York (A)'s left-hander gave up just one hit in his 2nd shutout of the season. He now has 7 career shutouts in 284 games started. Sabathia (10-6) fanned 7 and walked 1, throwing 97 pitches. 'Things like that happen. You take the mound and everything works. My velocity was pretty good today and I guess it showed.' Adam Dunn helped Sabathia at the plate, he finished with 2 hits in 4 AB, hitting a homerun, doubling once, and collecting 2 RBI. New York (A) scored 4 runs on 9 hits.
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Wednesday 7/12/2008: Garcia and Gonzalez win Player of the Week award
Baltimore's pitcher Freddy Garcia had some reason to celebrate, as the league named him the American League Player of the Week. Garcia was overpowering all week long, going 2-0 with an ERA of 1.59. Along the way he struck out 11 in 17 innings. He hurled a shutout as well. Opposing players hit .285 against Freddy this season. While posting an ERA of 4.08 he went 7-6 in 16 starts, fanning 68 and walking 28 hitters. Freddy has pitched one shutout and 3 complete games. The National League's best player of the week was Cincinnati's Alex Gonzalez, who wins the award for the 2nd time in his career. He hit .355 with 9 RBI and slugged .903 in 31 at bats.
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Tuesday 7/11/2008: Shairon Martis quiets Philadelphia bats with shutout
PHILADELPHIA - It was a great day for Washington's right-hander Shairon Martis. The 20-year old recorded his first career shutout, a 2-hitter, against Philadelphia on Sunday. 'Wow, what a nice day. I guess I had a good breakfast today.' Martis (7-8) fanned 5 and walked 3, throwing 113 pitches. Nick Johnson helped Martis at the plate, he finished 2 for 2, hitting a homerun, stroking a double, scoring 2 runs and collecting 4 RBI. The final score of the game was 11-0.
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Saturday 7/8/2008: Dan Uggla on fire, hits for cycle
CHICAGO (N) - Dan Uggla hits 'em where they ain't. Chicago (N) certainly agrees as Florida's second baseman unloaded four hits and hitting for the cycle. A single in the 2nd off Gavin Floyd accounted for his 1st hit. His 2nd hit was a triple off Gavin Floyd in the 3rd inning. In the 6th inning he belted a double off Gavin Floyd. Number 4 in the 8th inning, a shot estimated at 393 feet, cleared the wall in right field. That drive completed the cycle, causing a smile on his face! Dan scored 2 runs, and he collected one RBI as well! He now has a total of 81 hits this season, accounting for a .240 batting average. He becomes the 1st player in league history collect at least a single, double, triple and a homerun in a single game.
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Wednesday 7/5/2008: Toronto's Rios wins Player of the Week award
It's the 2nd time that the American League Player of the Week award goes to Toronto's rightfielder Alexis Rios. Alexis was on fire, hitting .611 with 1 HR and 3 RBI. This year Rios drove in 47 and scored 43 runs while batting .283 with 5 homeruns. St. Louis' third baseman Brian Barden had some reason to celebrate as well, as the league named him the National League Player of the Week. In 24 at bats he hit .417 with 3 HR and 11 RBI.
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Saturday 7/1/2008: Minnesota's Perkins earns Pitcher of the Month award
The best month of June in the American League certainly had Minnesota's left-hander Glen Perkins, earning him the Pitcher of the Month award. He went 5-0 in June and finished the month with an ERA of 0.80. He struck out 29 in 45 innings. Glen fired two shutouts! His ERA of 4.66 helped him to a 7-9 record this year. He struck out 62 and walked 26 in 123.2 innings. He has 8 complete games and 2 shutouts. Arizona's Ben Sheets had a terrific June, and it earned him the National League Pitcher of the month award. He had an ERA of just 1.26 in 43 innings of work in which he struck out 26 hitters. His record in June is 3-2. Ben got two complete game shutouts as well! Opposing players hit .218 against Ben this season. While posting an ERA of 2.96 he went 7-5 in 15 starts, fanning 71 and walking 39 hitters. He has 7 complete games and 3 shutouts.
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Saturday 7/1/2008: Batter of the Month award winners announced
Baltimore's shortstop Ty Wigginton had some reason to celebrate, as the league named him the American League Batter of the Month. Ty went 36 for 92 (.391), while hitting 1 HR and collecting 14 RBI. Ty has gone 89 for 280 (.318) this season, hitting 5 homeruns and driving in 42 runs. He has scored 33 runs on his own. He's 2nd in the American League in batting! The Batter of the Month award in the National League goes to New York (N)'s Ryan Church this time, as the rightfielder displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. He had an on base percentage of .396 and hit .367, while driving in 19 runs. His season numbers are: .258 AVG, 71 hits, 22 doubles, 4 triples and 8 bombs, along with 38 RBI and 38 runs scored.
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Wednesday 6/28/2008: Manny Ramirez stars with 500th career homerun
BALTIMORE - Washington's leftfielder Manny Ramirez made baseball history today, collecting his 500th career homerun! Along with his 500 homeruns, Manny collected 2357 hits and 1672 RBI in 15 seasons. Manny has managed to hit 30+ homeruns in a season 10 times, and he topped 40 homeruns 5 times. 'This day is special, I'll probably remember it my whole life. Thank god I'm blessed with the talent to play this game.' In the 1st inning he unloaded his 500th blast off Josh Outman . It's no secret that he will one day be in the Hall of Fame!
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Wednesday 6/28/2008: Ben Sheets turns in great performance against Detroit
DETROIT - Ben Sheets took the mound and never left. And Detroit hitters couldn't touch him at all. Arizona's right-hander gave up just one hit in his 3rd shutout of the season. He now has 3 career shutouts in 15 games started. 'That was one of the best games of my career. I had my stuff working very well today.' Sheets (7-5) struck out 9 and issued 2 BB, throwing 74 of 114 pitches for strikes. The hitting star for Arizona was second baseman Augie Ojeda, he got 2 hits in 4 AB, scoring twice with 2 RBI. Arizona scored 5 runs on 10 hits.
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Wednesday 6/28/2008: Minnesota's Perkins wins Player of the Week award
Glen Perkins of Minnesota wins his 1st Player of the Week award for dominating American League's hitters the entire week. He was in a zone all week, compiling an ERA of 0.50 while going 2-0. He hurled a shutout as well. Alex Gonzalez wins his 1st Player of the Week award. National League pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. Gonzalez helped his team with an average of .542 and 5 RBI in 24 at bats. Gonzalez has hit 5 homeruns this year while batting .285. He adds 31 doubles, along with 55 runs scored.
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Monday 6/26/2008: Adam Russell fires 2-hitter against Minnesota
MINNESOTA - Chicago (A)'s right-hander Adam Russell will never forget this day. The 23-year old recorded his first career shutout, a 2-hitter, against Minnesota on Saturday. 'I was able to keep´em off balance. That certainly helped.' Russell (6-3) showed excellent control, walking nobody and fanning 2. The hitting star for Chicago (A) was leftfielder Jerry Owens, he stroked 2 hits in 4 AB, hitting a double. Chicago (A) scored 2 runs on 7 hits.
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Wednesday 6/21/2008: Player of the Week honors go to Young and Howard
Delmon Young from Minnesota wins his 1st Player of the Week award for putting up the best numbers this week in the American League. He had an on base percentage of .500 and hit .421, while driving in 6 runs. Ryan Howard wins his 2nd Player of the Week award. National League pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. He hit .433 with 5 RBI and slugged .833 in 30 at bats. Howard has hit 11 bombs this year while batting .249. He adds 28 doubles, along with 36 runs scored.
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Sunday 6/18/2008: Luis Atilano blanks Atlanta with a 2-hitter
WASHINGTON - Washington's right-hander Luis Atilano didn't look unexperienced at all. The 22 year old pitched a 2-hit shutout against Atlanta, recording his 2nd shutout of the season. Atilano (5-1) fanned 5 and walked 2, throwing 110 pitches. 'My catcher called a very good game. I have to give credit to him.' The hitting star for Washington was first baseman Nick Swisher, he got 3 hits in 4 AB, stroking two 2B's, scoring 2 runs. The final score of the game was 5-0.
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Saturday 6/17/2008: Cincinnati's Bruce severely injured
CINCINNATI - Cincinnati's rightfielder Jay Bruce will miss at least 4-5 weeks after he got hurt seriously while running hard toward second base. He began limping and then fell down, causing a scary moment for his teammates. He had to be carried off the field. After x-rays were taken the diagnosis did not surprise many: Pulled Calf Muscle. Surgery will be performed next week. Bruce has hit for a .268 average this season. He has 33 extra base hits along with 116 total bases, resulting in a .502 slugging percentage.
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Wednesday 6/14/2008: Ordonez and Ramirez win Player of the Week award
The Player of the Week award in the American League goes to Detroit's Magglio Ordonez this time, as the rightfielder displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. He hit .417 with 10 RBI and slugged .917 in 24 at bats. He hit in every game this week and extended his hitting streak to 7 games. The Player of the Week award in the National League goes to Chicago (N)'s Aramis Ramirez this time, as the third baseman displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. He hit .348 with 9 RBI and slugged .957 in 23 at bats. Ramirez has walked 17 times this year and posts a .298 OBP. While batting .247, 59 for 239, he has driven in 36 runs.
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Tuesday 6/13/2008: Bronson Arroyo dominates Washington, gives up just 2 hits
CINCINNATI - Bronson Arroyo had some fun again. Washington hitters did not. Cincinnati's right-hander gave up just 2 hits in his 3rd shutout of the season. He now has 5 career shutouts in 48 games started. Arroyo (8-2) showed excellent control, walking nobody and fanning 3. 'I had a good grip on the ball today and I was able to put it where I wanted. That kept them out of balance.' Cincinnati's shortstop Alex Gonzalez got 1 hit in 3 AB, hitting a homerun. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Arroyo. The final score of the game was 3-0.
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Tuesday 6/13/2008: Shawn Hill pitches his 2nd shutout of the season
CHICAGO (A) - San Diego's right-hander Shawn Hill is clearly one of the best pitchers in the game. Chicago (A) found out the hard way, getting just 2 hits. Hill 2nd shutout this season was a masterpiece, as he was almost untouchable. He has now hurled 2nd shutouts in his career. Hill (7-3) struck out 2 and walked 1, throwing 63 of 103 pitches for strikes. 'I really like to play baseball, and I love the way I was able to play it today.' Jose Lobaton provided San Diego with the offense Hill needed as he went 2 for 4, homering once, stroking a double, and collecting 2 RBI. San Diego improved its record to 30-38, scoring 8 runs on 15 hits.
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Sunday 6/11/2008: Cliff Lee pitches 1-hit shutout against San Diego
CLEVELAND - Cleveland's left-hander Cliff Lee is clearly one of the best pitchers in the game. San Diego found out the hard way, getting just one hit. Lee 5th shutout this season was a masterpiece, as he was almost untouchable. He has now hurled 5th shutouts in his career. Lee (8-3) struck out 4 and issued 3 BB, throwing 59 of 105 pitches for strikes. 'Winning is the most important thing. And I gave my team all the support it needed!' The hitting star for Cleveland was catcher Kelly Shoppach, he got 1 hit in 3 AB, hitting a double. Cleveland improved its record to 45-21, scoring 1 run on 4 hits.
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Wednesday 6/7/2008: Galarraga (DET) and Soriano (ARI) win P.O.W. award
It's the 1st time that the American League Player of the Week award goes to Detroit's pitcher Armando Galarraga. Armando went 2-0 with an ERA of 0.53, while fanning 8 in 17 innings of work. He hurled a shutout as well. Opposing players hit .267 against Armando this season. While posting an ERA of 3.78 he went 4-5 in 11 starts, fanning 42 and walking 12 hitters. He has 2 complete games and one shutout. The National League's best player of the week was Arizona's Alfonso Soriano, who wins the award for the 2nd time in his career. Alfonso went 11 for 26 (.423), while hitting 2 HR and collecting 7 RBI.
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Tuesday 6/6/2008: Micah Owings pitches 2-hit shutout against Toronto
CINCINNATI - Micah Owings had some fun again. Toronto hitters did not. Cincinnati's right-hander gave up just 2 hits in his 1st shutout of the season. He now has 2 career shutouts in 50 games started. Vernon Wells spoiled the bid for a no-hitter when he singled with no outs in the 5th inning. Owings (5-4) fanned 4 and walked 2, throwing 98 pitches. 'Winning is the most important thing. And I gave my team all the support it needed!' Alex Gonzalez helped Owings at the plate, he got 1 hit in 4 AB, homering once. Cincinnati scored 2 runs on 4 hits.
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Thursday 6/1/2008: Arizona's Scherzer named Pitcher of the Month
Cleveland's pitcher Cliff Lee is the American League winner of the Pitcher of the Month award in May. He started 6 games in May, going 3-1 and compiling an ERA of 1.09 in 49.1 innings. Cliff fanned 25 hitters. Cliff got two complete game shutouts as well! Opposing players hit .175 against Cliff this season. While posting an ERA of 1.41 he went 6-3 in 12 starts, fanning 47 and walking 24 hitters. Cliff has pitched 4 shutouts and 5 complete games. Max Scherzer pitched like a legend in May, and the National League named him Pitcher of the Month for his extraordinary performance. His ERA of just 0.89 helped him to a 4-0 record in May. He worked 40.1 innings, striking out 26 hitters while walking 7. This season Scherzer compiled an ERA of 1.73, going 5-3 in 11 starts. He fanned 56 while giving up 63 hits in 88.2 innings.
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Thursday 6/1/2008: Batter of the Month award winners announced
The American League's best player of the month was Kansas City's David DeJesus, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. David pounded opposing pitchers, hitting .430 with 3 and 29 RBI while slugging .770. DeJesus has walked 15 times this year and posts a .379 OBP. While batting .338, 68 for 201, he has driven in 42 runs. He's 1st in the American League in batting, 4th in homeruns and 3rd in RBI! It's the 3rd time that the National League Batter of the Month award goes to Cincinnati's first baseman Joey Votto. In 113 at bats he hit .372 with 2 HR and 25 RBI. His season numbers are: .318 AVG, 68 hits, 14 doubles, 3 triples and 3 longballs, along with 41 RBI and 29 runs scored. He's 6th in the National League in batting and 2nd in RBI!
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Wednesday 5/31/2008: Player of the Week honors go to Kroeger and Rodriguez
Chicago (A)'s leftfielder Josh Kroeger had some reason to celebrate, as the league named him the American League Player of the Week. Josh went 12 for 28 (.429), while hitting 3 HR and collecting 6 RBI. It's the 1st time that the National League Player of the Week award goes to Houston's catcher Ivan Rodriguez. He had an on base percentage of .417 and hit .417, while driving in 9 runs. His season numbers are: .311 AVG, 52 hits, 18 doubles, 2 triples and 5 homeruns, along with 33 RBI and 20 runs scored. He's 9th in the National League in batting and 7th in RBI!
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Friday 5/26/2008: Kyle Lohse (STL) will miss 4-5 weeks
ST. LOUIS - St. Louis is without its ace Kyle Lohse for at least 4-5 weeks. He injured himself while throwing a pitch to Lance Berkman in a game against Houston. His face showed signs of pain immediately after the ball left his hand. After being examined by several specialists the diagnosis is clear: Strained Bicep Muscle. Opposing players hit .233 against Kyle this season. While posting an ERA of 2.50 he went 5-3 in 11 starts, fanning 48 and walking 27 hitters.
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Thursday 5/25/2008: Zach Greinke shuts out Oakland on 2 hits
OAKLAND - Kansas City's right-hander Zach Greinke didn't look unexperienced at all. The 22 year old pitched a 2-hit shutout against Oakland, recording his 1st shutout of the season. Greinke (7-2) struck out 6 and issued 3 BB, throwing 75 of 133 pitches for strikes. 'Things like that happen. You take the mound and everything works. My velocity was pretty good today and I guess it showed.' The hitting star for Kansas City was third baseman Mark Teahen, he finished 1 for 3, homering once, and driving in 2 runs. The final score of the game was 2-0.
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Thursday 5/25/2008: Boston has no chance in a 2-hitter by Cliff Lee
BOSTON - Cleveland's left-hander Cliff Lee is clearly one of the best pitchers in the game. Boston found out the hard way, getting just 2 hits. Lee 4th shutout this season was a masterpiece, as he was almost untouchable. He has now hurled 4th shutouts in his career. Lee (5-3) struck out 5 and walked 2, throwing 63 of 104 pitches for strikes. 'Giving my team a chance to win is the most important thing for me. I was able to do it today.' Shin-Soo Choo provided Cleveland with the offense Lee needed as he stroked 3 hits in 4 AB, stroking two 2B's, scoring two runs. Cleveland improved its record to 37-14, scoring 4 runs on 7 hits.
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Wednesday 5/24/2008: New York (A)'s Duncan wins Player of the Week award
Shelley Duncan from New York (A) wins his 2nd Player of the Week award for putting up the best numbers this week in the American League. Shelley went 9 for 26 (.346), while hitting 4 HR and collecting 10 RBI. Shelley managed to drive in at least one run in every game he played this week. While compiling an on base percentage of .358, Shelley hit .310 and slugged .538. He has collected 28 runs batted in this year. The National League Player of the Week award goes to Brian Barden, St. Louis' starting third baseman. Barden helped his team with an average of .500 and 9 RBI in 22 at bats. He got at least one hit each game this week and is on a 8 game hitting streak right now.
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Sunday 5/21/2008: Torii Hunter out for 7 weeks
LOS ANGELES (A) - Los Angeles (A)'s centerfielder Torii Hunter will miss at least 7 weeks after he got hurt seriously while running hard toward second base. He began limping and then fell down, causing a scary moment for his teammates. He had to be carried off the field. Doctors examined him after the game and diagnosed a Torn Thigh Muscle which will require surgery. Torii has gone 57 for 177 (.322) this season, hitting 3 homeruns and driving in 31 runs. He has scored 30 runs on his own. He's 7th in the American League in batting!
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Thursday 5/18/2008: Toronto's Carlson out for the season
TORONTO - Toronto's left-hander Jesse Carlson will not pitch again this year, suffering a serious injury in the game against Kansas City on Tuesday. After being taken to a local hospital, Carlson was examined by specialists. The diagnosis revealed the sad truth, a Torn Ligament Elbow. Opposing players hit .278 against Jesse this season. While posting an ERA of 3.48 he went 0-0 in 0 starts, fanning 4 and walking 7 hitters.
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Wednesday 5/17/2008: Pie and Tejada win Player of the Week award
Baltimore's centerfielder Felix Pie had some reason to celebrate, as the league named him the American League Player of the Week. Felix went 11 for 29 (.379), while hitting 2 HR and collecting 6 RBI. Pie has hit 2 homeruns this year while batting .258. He adds 11 doubles, along with 27 runs scored. Houston's shortstop Miguel Tejada had some reason to celebrate as well, as the league named him the National League Player of the Week. Miguel was on fire, hitting .444 with 3 HR and 7 RBI. Miguel has gone 39 for 161 (.242) this season, hitting 5 taters and driving in 24 runs. He has scored 23 runs on his own.
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Monday 5/15/2008: Cliff Lee fires 2-hitter against Seattle
CLEVELAND - Cliff Lee took the mound and never left. And Seattle hitters couldn't touch him at all. Cleveland's lefty gave up just 2 hits in his 3rd shutout of the season. He now has 3 career shutouts in 141 games started. The bid for a no-hitter was broken up when Mike Sweeney singled with two outs in the 5th inning. Lee (4-3) fanned 4 and walked none, throwing 94 pitches. 'I didn't feel that I had good stuff while warming up. But it got better the more I threw the ball. I guess I was lucky.' Cleveland's rightfielder Ben Francisco went 1 for 3, hitting a homerun, and driving in 2 runs. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Lee. Cleveland improved its record to 30-11, scoring 3 runs on 9 hits.
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Thursday 5/11/2008: Jon Lester turns in great performance against Minnesota
MINNESOTA - Jon Lester had some fun again. Minnesota hitters did not. Boston's southpaw gave up just 2 hits in his 1st shutout of the season. He now has 2 career shutouts in 71 games started. Lester (2-4) struck out 2 and walked 1, throwing 64 of 111 pitches for strikes. 'Well, the ball went where I wanted it. I was able to hit the corners with all of my pitches.' Jed Lowrie provided Boston with the offense Lester needed as he got 2 hits in 4 AB, hitting a double. Boston scored 4 runs on 8 hits.
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Wednesday 5/10/2008: Andrew Miller blanks Colorado with a 2-hitter
FLORIDA - It was a great day for Florida's left-hander Andrew Miller. The 21-year old recorded his first career shutout, a 2-hitter, against Colorado on Monday. 'I didn't feel that I had good stuff while warming up. But it got better the more I threw the ball. I guess I was lucky.' Miller (4-1) showed excellent control, walking nobody and fanning 5. The hitting star for Florida was second baseman Dan Uggla, he got 2 hits in 2 AB. Florida scored 1 run on 3 hits.
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Wednesday 5/10/2008: Player of the Week honors go to Cust and Rollins
The Player of the Week award in the American League goes to Oakland's Jack Cust this time, as the rightfielder displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. Jack went 12 for 23 (.522), while hitting 1 HR and collecting 10 RBI. He got at least one hit each game this week and is on a 7 game hitting streak right now. It's the 1st time that the National League Player of the Week award goes to Philadelphia's shortstop Jimmy Rollins. Jimmy went 12 for 25 (.480), while hitting 1 HR and collecting 9 RBI. He got at least one hit each game this week and is on a 10 game hitting streak right now.
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Monday 5/8/2008: Chicago (A)'s Jim Thome gets milestone hit
OAKLAND - Chicago (A)'s Jim Thome showed a smile on his face after he got his 2000th career hit against Oakland on Saturday. He hit a single in the 5th off Dana Eveland for number 2000. In 16 years of big league action so far, Jim has compiled a batting average of .276, along with 510 homeruns and 1401 RBI. 'I still remember my first hit. But the one today is something special. I'll definitely keep that ball!'
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Sunday 5/7/2008: Matt Cain pitches 2-hit shutout against Florida
FLORIDA - San Francisco's right-hander Matt Cain will never forget this day. The 23-year old recorded his first career shutout, a 2-hitter, against Florida on Friday. 'I had a good grip on the ball today and I was able to put it where I wanted. That kept them out of balance.' Cain (4-1) struck out 3 and walked 4, throwing 61 of 109 pitches for strikes. Jimmy Edmonds helped Cain at the plate, he finished with 1 hit in 4 AB, homering once, and driving in 3 runs. San Francisco improved its record to 15-18, scoring 5 runs on 8 hits.
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Wednesday 5/3/2008: Daisuke Matsuzaka dominates Minnesota, gives up just one hit
BOSTON - Great days are rare. But not for Boston's right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka. Minnesota found out the hard way that he is among the leagues top pitchers, getting just one hit. It's his 1st shutout this season, and the 8th time he has done it in his career. 'I was hitting my spots. Now I'll start concentrating on my next start, and hopefully it will work again.' Matsuzaka (4-2) struck out 2 and issued 1 BB, throwing 68 of 116 pitches for strikes. Boston's leftfielder Jason Bay got 2 hits in 4 AB, and collecting 2 RBI. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Matsuzaka. Boston improved its record to 15-16, scoring 6 runs on 8 hits.
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Wednesday 5/3/2008: Chamberlain (NYY) and Wilson (WSH) win P.O.W. award
It's the 1st time that the American League Player of the Week award goes to New York (A)'s pitcher Joba Chamberlain. He was in a zone all week, compiling an ERA of 0.55 while going 2-0. He hurled a shutout as well. This season Chamberlain compiled an ERA of 2.56, going 4-1 in 6 starts. He fanned 32 while giving up 38 hits in 45.2 innings. Joba has pitched one shutout and one complete game. He's 6th in the American League in ERA and 6th in wins! Washington's shortstop Jack Wilson had some reason to celebrate as well, as the league named him the National League Player of the Week. He hit .560 with 14 RBI and slugged 1.200 in 25 at bats. He got at least one hit each game this week and is on a 11 game hitting streak right now. Wilson has walked 5 times this year and posts a .388 OBP. While batting .355, 33 for 93, he has driven in 16 runs. He's 5th in the National League in batting!
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Monday 5/1/2008: Shane Loux quiets Cleveland bats with shutout
CLEVELAND - Los Angeles (A)'s right-hander Shane Loux is clearly one of the best pitchers in the game. Cleveland found out the hard way, getting just 2 hits. Loux 2nd shutout this season was a masterpiece, as he was almost untouchable. He has now hurled 2nd shutouts in his career. Loux (2-2) struck out 2 and issued 1 BB, throwing 64 of 102 pitches for strikes. 'I was able to keep´em off balance. That certainly helped.' Ryan Budde helped Loux at the plate, he got 2 hits in 5 AB, blasting a homerun, scoring twice and driving in 3 runs. Los Angeles (A) scored 7 runs on 13 hits.
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Monday 5/1/2008: New York (A)'s Wang earns Pitcher of the Month award
Winner of this months American League Pitcher of the Month award is New York (A)'s Chien-Ming Wang. He had an ERA of just 2.98 in 51.1 innings of work in which he struck out 29 hitters. His record in April is 6-0. The best month of April in the National League certainly had Cincinnati's southpaw Odalis Perez, earning him the Pitcher of the Month award. He had an ERA of just 1.73 in 52 innings of work in which he struck out 33 hitters. His record in April is 5-0.
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Monday 5/1/2008: Batter of the Month award winners announced
Cleveland's centerfielder Grady Sizemore had some reason to celebrate, as the league named him the American League Batter of the Month. In 121 at bats he hit .380 with 4 HR and 28 RBI. The National League's best player of the month was Cincinnati's Brandon Phillips, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. He had an on base percentage of .423 and hit .375, while driving in 30 runs.
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Friday 4/28/2008: Shairon Martis out for 6 weeks
WASHINGTON - When it rains, it pours. Washington's ace Shairon Martis will not pitch for at least 6 weeks, handing the team a huge setback. He suffered a serious injury in a game against Los Angeles (N) where he left the field in the 9th inning. Doctors examined him after the game and diagnosed a Strained Tricep Muscle which will require surgery. This season Martis compiled an ERA of 4.13, going 1-1 in 3 starts. He fanned 11 while giving up 23 hits in 24 innings.
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Thursday 4/27/2008: Jarrod Washburn shuts out Detroit on 2 hits
SEATTLE - Seattle's southpaw Jarrod Washburn is clearly one of the best pitchers in the game. Detroit found out the hard way, getting just 2 hits. Washburn 1st shutout this season was a masterpiece, as he was almost untouchable. He has now hurled 3rd shutouts in his career. 'They took some ugly cuts at my breaking stuff, so I kept throwing it. Fortunately they were not able to adjust in time.' Washburn (3-2) fanned 4 and walked 2, throwing 121 pitches. The hitting star for Seattle was designated hitter Ken Griffey Jr., he stroked 3 hits in 3 AB, doubling once. The final score of the game was 1-0.
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Wednesday 4/26/2008: San Francisco's Guillen wins Player of the Week award
The American League's best player of the week was New York (A)'s Shelley Duncan, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. He hit .520 with 5 RBI and slugged .840 in 25 at bats. Duncan has hit for a .360 average this season. He has 13 extra base hits along with 48 total bases, resulting in a .558 slugging percentage. He's 6th in the American League in batting! Carlos Guillen wins his 1st Player of the Week award. National League pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. In 26 at bats he hit .500 with 3 HR and 7 RBI. He got at least one hit each game this week and is on a 11 game hitting streak right now.
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Sunday 4/23/2008: Atlanta has no chance in a 2-hitter by Joel Pineiro
ATLANTA - Joel Pineiro had his best stuff going, and Atlanta hitters were chanceless. St. Louis' right-hander fired a 2-hitter, his 1st shutout of the season. 'That was one of the best games of my career. I had my stuff working very well today.' Pineiro (1-3) fanned 4 and walked 1, throwing 115 pitches. Colby Rasmus provided St. Louis with the offense Pineiro needed as he went 3 for 5, doubling once, scoring two runs with 2 RBI. St. Louis scored 5 runs on 11 hits.
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Wednesday 4/19/2008: Cleveland's Sizemore wins Player of the Week award
The American League Player of the Week award goes to Grady Sizemore, Cleveland's starting centerfielder. Sizemore helped his team with an average of .441 and 7 RBI in 34 at bats. He got at least one hit each game this week and is on a 11 game hitting streak right now. The National League's best player of the week was Colorado's Ryan Spilborghs, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. Ryan was on fire, hitting .536 with 1 HR and 7 RBI.
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Sunday 4/16/2008: Dustin McGowan pitches 2-hit shutout against New York (A)
NEW YORK (A) - Great days are rare. But not for Toronto's right-hander Dustin McGowan. New York (A) found out the hard way that he is among the leagues top pitchers, getting just 2 hits. It's his 1st shutout this season, and the 2nd time he has done it in his career. Jorge Posada spoiled the bid for a no-hitter when he singled with two outs in the 8th inning. 'My catcher called a very good game. I have to give credit to him.' McGowan (2-1) struck out 2 and walked none, throwing 57 of 89 pitches for strikes. Kevin Millar provided Toronto with the offense McGowan needed as he collected 2 hits in 4 trips to the plate, stroking two 2B's. Toronto scored 1 run on 4 hits.
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Friday 4/14/2008: Ryan Spilborghs nabs five hits against Arizona
ARIZONA - Ryan Spilborghs punished Arizona's pitching today, collecting five hits in 6 AB. That definitely helped Colorado, they won the game 12 to 5. His 1st hit was a double off Brandon Webb in the 1st inning. His 2nd hit was a RBI double off Esmerling Vasquez in the 3rd inning. His 5th hit, off Scott Schoeneweis in the 9th inning, was a two-run homerun and cleared the fence in center field. He collected singles in the 5th and in the 7th . Ryan scored 3 runs, and he collected 3 RBI as well! He's having a very good season so far, batting .352.
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Friday 4/14/2008: Carlos Delgado stars with 2000th career hit
NEW YORK (N) - Carlos Delgado got a standing ovation from 22084 fans in New York (N), who witnessed his 2000th career hit. His best year so far was 2000 where he hit .344 with 41 homeruns and 137 RBI. 'Baseball is a great game, and adding something to it's history is smething I've always wanted. What a great day!' With one out in the 7th inning, Carlos drilled a single, causing a standing ovation from the crowd.
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Wednesday 4/12/2008: Bronson Arroyo fires 1-hitter against Washington
CINCINNATI - Cincinnati's right-hander Bronson Arroyo is clearly one of the best pitchers in the game. Washington found out the hard way, getting just one hit. Arroyo 2nd shutout this season was a masterpiece, as he was almost untouchable. He has now hurled 4th shutouts in his career. The bid for a no-hitter was broken up when Saul Rivera singled with two outs in the 6th inning. Arroyo (2-0) showed excellent control, walking nobody and fanning 3. 'I felt early that I was on top of my game. Fortunately I was able to keep that feeling the entire game.' Cincinnati's second baseman Brandon Phillips collected 2 hits in 4 trips to the plate, doubling once, scoring 2 runs with 2 RBI. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Arroyo. Cincinnati improved its record to 8-3, scoring 12 runs on 8 hits.
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Wednesday 4/12/2008: Detroit's Larish wins Player of the Week award
Detroit's leftfielder Jeff Larish had some reason to celebrate, as the league named him the American League Player of the Week. Jeff pounded opposing pitchers, hitting .520 with 2 HR and 10 RBI while slugging .880. Jeff managed to drive in at least one run in every game he played this week. Troy Glaus wins his 4th Player of the Week award. National League pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. In 21 at bats he hit .524 with 2 HR and 7 RBI. Glaus has walked 5 times this year and posts a .500 OBP. While batting .424, 14 for 33, he has driven in 9 runs. He's 4th in the National League in batting, 8th in homeruns and 5th in RBI!
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Sunday 4/9/2008: Florida's Cameron Maybin slams five hits
FLORIDA - Cameron Maybin hits 'em where they ain't. Philadelphia certainly agrees as Florida's centerfielder unloaded five hits, adding to his reputation of being one of the best pure hitters in the game. A pitch from Chan Ho Park in the 2nd inning left his bat for a two-run homerun, landing 380 feet from home plate in right field. In the 6th inning he belted a double off Chad Durbin. A pitch from Brad Lidge in the 8th inning left his bat for a double. He collected singles in the 1st and in the 4th inning . Cameron did drive in 2 while scoring 2 runs on his own. He's having a very good season so far, batting .405. Florida improved its record to 6-4, scoring 9 runs on 15 hits.
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Wednesday 4/5/2008: Young (TEX) and Utley (PHI) win P.O.W. award
Michael Young wins his 1st Player of the Week award. American League pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. He hit .647 with 5 RBI and slugged 1.059 in 17 at bats. Chase Utley wins his 1st Player of the Week award. National League pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. Chase went 10 for 18 (.556), while hitting 2 HR and collecting 6 RBI.
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