Notables:
-The Rockies deprived us of a walk-off but the Phillies provided us with one with Brian Schneider's shot in the bottom of the 12th.
-Nick Swisher and Joey Votto were named to their respective All-Star squads. Votto was named rightfully so; Swisher (I'm a Yankees fan) I don't agree with.
-John Danks tossed a two-hit shutout against the Angels, holding them to two singles. He struck out seven and walked none en route to his eighth win. Ervin Santana allowed only one run on a sac fly in the first inning. Over eight innings he struck out four and walked three.
-A 15-game winner? Folks we have one in Ubaldo Jimenez, the first one prior to the ASB since 2000. He's the clear-cut frontrunner to win the NL Cy Young at this point (I've got Josh Johnson #2). Dexter Fowler went 2-for-3 with a walk and the announcers explained that he's starting his batting stance with his hands lower, which should be credited for his onslaught this last week. He had his hands starting up and back further which didn't allow him to catch up to the fastball, hence his 32.1|PERCENT| strikeout rate in May. Chris Carpenter (forearm) was tagged for four runs in six innings and in case you haven't noticed, he's now given up 14 runs over his last three starts (16 innings).
-Catchers typically take longer to develop at the big league level than an outfielder. Buster Posey (and Carlos Santana) don't appear to be in this mold. Posey went 2-for-4 to raise his average to .336 on Thursday. Oh, and he hit his sixth home run, the third in the last two days.
-Roy Oswalt threw a complete game shutout, striking out eight and only walking two. Did I mention he allowed only one hit? I know he has a hefty price tag but many teams are going to miss out on the Cliff Lee sweepstakes and Oswalt is the next best pitcher on the trading block. I'd be working the phone lines if you're a team that doesn't think you're one the top-3 teams in line to get Lee. Lance Berkman went 3-for-4 with two home runs, making it four straight games with a dinger. I'd say he's healthy and if I was a contender in need of a bat (San Diego, maybe?) I'd also be inquiring about him.
-Because the seven shutout innings weren't good enough, Mat Latos added two hits including a homer for good measure. He now holds a 10-4 record with a 2.45 ERA. How high does he go in redraft leagues next year, top-20? Do the Padres hold true to their word about holding him to 150 innings with him logging 106.2 already, and the team in a fight for the playoffs?
-I'm beginning to think Carl Crawford is playing possum with this shoulder injury. He hit two home runs tonight and now has hit and scored a run in seven out of eight games in July with three homers total. Of course, playing for a contract likely over $100 million doesn't hurt either. Wade Davis picked up his sixth win this game and could be on the trading block. Or is BJ Upton? Meanwhile we remain teased with Desmond Jennings and Jeremy Hellickson still toiling at Triple-A.
-Clayton Kershaw struck out 12 without issuing a free pass and will carry a 2.96 ERA into the ASB. Teammate Rafael Furcal went 3-for-3 with a home run and a stolen base.
Save Chances:
-Dan Wheeler, converted. Rafael Soriano has been used heavily as of late and Matt Garza wasn't available.
-Alfredo Simon, converted. A close play at first base that saw Vlad Guerrero safe on a tag might have made Simon get four outs, but he was successful.
Other Closer Outings:
Non-Closer Outings:
-Frank Francisco wasn't helped by an Elvis Andrus error but also gave up two earned to lose the game to Baltimore.
Tough Days:
-Alcides Escobar went 0-for-5. That's the good news. The 10 men LOB was the bad news. Maybe a manager shouldn't publicly, verbally flog a young player. That could hurt their confidence.
Injuries/Lineup-ology:
-Matt Wieters got a day off after three straight days of work. Stay patient owners.
-Ryan Madson (toe, stupidity) was activated off the DL. Please don't kick any metals chairs going forward. Please.
-Jose Reyes didn't visit a doctor after he was supposed to according to yesterday's news. "The Mets handle their players injuries like…" (fill it in down in the comments).
-Ryan Braun was held out of the lineup and hasn't been the same since taking a Tommy Hanson fastball off the elbow back in May. Don't be surprised if we find out later that he's hurt.
Stolen Bases:
-Michael Bourn (28), Hunter Pence (10), BJ Upton (25), Ben Francisco (3), Nelson Cruz (9, take this as a good sign owners), Nick Markakis (3), Rafael Furcal (14)
Caught Stealing:
Home Runs:
-Aubrey Huff (17-excellent value for the cost, right owners?), Andres Torres (6), Buster Posey (6), Lance Berkman 2 - (12), Fred Lewis (5), Jose Bautista (23), Adam Lind (11), Lyle Overbay (10), Jose Molina (1), Michael Cuddyer (8), Jerry Hairston Jr. (6), Chase Headley (6), Chris Denorfia (2), Mat Latos (1), Michael Brantley (1), Carl Crawford 2 – (10), Carlos Pena (17), Scott Moore (3), Felix Pie (2), Josh Hamilton (22), Joey Votto (22), Shane Victorino (14), Andy Marte (2), Brian Schneider (3), Brett Hayes (1), Rafael Furcal (6)