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The NL Central's defending champions are on the verge of getting knocked out.
Ryan Ludwick and Brandon Phillips each hit a two-run homer Saturday night, powering Cincinnati to a 6-2 victory over the fading Milwaukee Brewers.
Ludwick homered as part of a four-run first inning off Yovani Gallardo (8-7). Phillips homered in the eighth off Jose Veras, dropping Milwaukee a season-high 9½ games out.
Milwaukee came to town needing a solid series to stay in contention. Instead, the Brewers have gotten all but pushed out of it.
"It's kind of the big blow, especially to the situation we're in," Gallardo said. "I think every game coming in here was a must-win. Unfortunately, we've lost the first two."
Read More: MLB: Brewers fall to Reds | Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune | wisconsinrapidstribune-com
Ryan Ludwick and Brandon Phillips each hit a two-run homer Saturday night, powering Cincinnati to a 6-2 victory over the fading Milwaukee Brewers.
Ludwick homered as part of a four-run first inning off Yovani Gallardo (8-7). Phillips homered in the eighth off Jose Veras, dropping Milwaukee a season-high 9½ games out.
Milwaukee came to town needing a solid series to stay in contention. Instead, the Brewers have gotten all but pushed out of it.
"It's kind of the big blow, especially to the situation we're in," Gallardo said. "I think every game coming in here was a must-win. Unfortunately, we've lost the first two."
Read More: MLB: Brewers fall to Reds | Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune | wisconsinrapidstribune-com
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The Milwaukee Brewers arrived in Cincinnati within 7 1/2 games of the first-place Reds. They left in a shambles, behind Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and St. Louis in the NL Central.
"We're a distant fourth now and we should be," Ryan Braun said. "All three of those teams have played better than us. They just have. They ability's there, but we haven't executed or put it together to this date. We pitch great and we don't score runs. There are other days we score a lot of runs and don't pitch. I guess plenty of times we just found a way to lose. It's challenging."
Wilson Valdez drove in the tying run and scored the go-ahead run to back the gritty pitching of Johnny Cueto as the Reds beat the Brewers 2-1 on Sunday and wrapped up one of the best homestands in franchise history by going 8-2.
Read More: www-wisconsinrapidstribune-com/viewart/20120723/WRT02/207230363/MLB-Milwaukee-Brewers-swept-by-Cincinnati?odyssey=nav|head
"We're a distant fourth now and we should be," Ryan Braun said. "All three of those teams have played better than us. They just have. They ability's there, but we haven't executed or put it together to this date. We pitch great and we don't score runs. There are other days we score a lot of runs and don't pitch. I guess plenty of times we just found a way to lose. It's challenging."
Wilson Valdez drove in the tying run and scored the go-ahead run to back the gritty pitching of Johnny Cueto as the Reds beat the Brewers 2-1 on Sunday and wrapped up one of the best homestands in franchise history by going 8-2.
Read More: www-wisconsinrapidstribune-com/viewart/20120723/WRT02/207230363/MLB-Milwaukee-Brewers-swept-by-Cincinnati?odyssey=nav|head
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Sinking in the AL Central standings, the Cleveland Indians will be looking for a victory on Monday night as they close out their four-game home series against the Baltimore Orioles.
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The Indians have hit the skids at the same time as the Detroit Tigers have been hot, pushing the Tribe down the AL Central standings and hurting their playoff chances. On the MLB futures at Bovada heading into Sunday the Indians were back at 25/1 to win the AL Pennant, and at 60/1 to win the World Series.
The Orioles have been staying alive in the tightly-packed AL Wild Card chase, and they're at 22/1 to win the AL Pennant this year and at 50/1 to win the World Series in the fall.
Baltimore hands the ball to Tommy Hunter for Monday night's series finale, and he's coming off a strong outing against the Twins in which he allowed just one run on six hits over 7 1-3 innings of work in a victory; Hunter is 4-4 on the season with a 5.71 ERA. The right-hander, however, gave up five runs on eight hits in only 1 2-3 innings of work when he last faced Cleveland back on June 30.
Justin Masterson gets the start for the Indians on Monday, and he's 6-8 on the season with a 4.29 ERA after allowing four runs on seven hits in 4 1-3 innings of work against the Rays in his most recent start.
Masterson beat the Orioles on July 1, giving up two runs (one earned) on five hits over seven innings in that contest, while striking out seven batters and walking none.
First pitch for Monday night is set for 7:05 p.m. ET, and after finishing up with the Indians the Orioles will head home to begin a three-game series against the Rays on Tuesday night. The Indians will get a visit from the division rival Tigers starting on Tuesday.
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The Indians have hit the skids at the same time as the Detroit Tigers have been hot, pushing the Tribe down the AL Central standings and hurting their playoff chances. On the MLB futures at Bovada heading into Sunday the Indians were back at 25/1 to win the AL Pennant, and at 60/1 to win the World Series.
The Orioles have been staying alive in the tightly-packed AL Wild Card chase, and they're at 22/1 to win the AL Pennant this year and at 50/1 to win the World Series in the fall.
Baltimore hands the ball to Tommy Hunter for Monday night's series finale, and he's coming off a strong outing against the Twins in which he allowed just one run on six hits over 7 1-3 innings of work in a victory; Hunter is 4-4 on the season with a 5.71 ERA. The right-hander, however, gave up five runs on eight hits in only 1 2-3 innings of work when he last faced Cleveland back on June 30.
Justin Masterson gets the start for the Indians on Monday, and he's 6-8 on the season with a 4.29 ERA after allowing four runs on seven hits in 4 1-3 innings of work against the Rays in his most recent start.
Masterson beat the Orioles on July 1, giving up two runs (one earned) on five hits over seven innings in that contest, while striking out seven batters and walking none.
First pitch for Monday night is set for 7:05 p.m. ET, and after finishing up with the Indians the Orioles will head home to begin a three-game series against the Rays on Tuesday night. The Indians will get a visit from the division rival Tigers starting on Tuesday.
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MLB Network analyst Dan Plesac said the Tigers made a "terrific deal" to obtain Omar Infante and Anibal Sanchez.
It also could be a terrific deal for Sanchez, especially on the free-agent market this off-season.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for Anibal Sanchez to show how he's capable of pitching," Plesac said via telephone Tuesday. "It's a chance for him to answer a lot of questions and to show how he can pitch in a high-pressure situation. His value can only go up. This trade is a win-win for both the Tigers and Sanchez."
Read More: MLB Network analyst: Tigers, Anibal Sanchez should both benefit from trade | Detroit Tigers | Detroit Free Press | freep-com
It also could be a terrific deal for Sanchez, especially on the free-agent market this off-season.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for Anibal Sanchez to show how he's capable of pitching," Plesac said via telephone Tuesday. "It's a chance for him to answer a lot of questions and to show how he can pitch in a high-pressure situation. His value can only go up. This trade is a win-win for both the Tigers and Sanchez."
Read More: MLB Network analyst: Tigers, Anibal Sanchez should both benefit from trade | Detroit Tigers | Detroit Free Press | freep-com
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The Boston Red Sox will hand the ball to Josh Beckett on Wednesday night as they try to close out their three-game series against the Rangers with a victory down in Texas.
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Beckett has managed to pick up just one victory over his last seven trips to the mound, and he's coming off a loss to the Blue Jays in Toronto in which he allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits in six innings pitched. That has Beckett at 5-8 with a 4.53 ERA.
The right-hander faced the Rangers on April 18 at home, taking the loss after giving up three runs on seven hits in seven innings of work in that contest. In his career Beckett has made nine starts against the Rangers, going 3-3 with a 4.88 ERA in those games.
The Rangers have Derek Holland as their probable pitcher for Wednesday night, and he'll be looking to make up for his poor performance against the rival Angels last time out – the left-hander allowed six runs on nine hits in 6 2-3 innings pitched as his team lost 6-1.
Holland has made four starts against Boston in his career, going 3-1 in those games with a 2.84 ERA. That includes the win back on April 18, when he surrendered just two runs on four hits over seven innings of work at Fenway Park. On the year he's 6-5 with a 4.84 ERA.
Texas enters Wednesday's series finale in first place in the AL West standings and battling with the Yankees for the top overall mark in the American League. The Red Sox are still in contention for a Wild Card, but they have plenty of teams to climb over in the standings.
First pitch for Wednesday night is set for 8:05 p.m. ET, with the Red Sox then getting a day off on Thursday before beginning a three-game series in New York on Friday night. The Rangers will remain at home for a series against the White Sox starting on Friday night.
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Beckett has managed to pick up just one victory over his last seven trips to the mound, and he's coming off a loss to the Blue Jays in Toronto in which he allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits in six innings pitched. That has Beckett at 5-8 with a 4.53 ERA.
The right-hander faced the Rangers on April 18 at home, taking the loss after giving up three runs on seven hits in seven innings of work in that contest. In his career Beckett has made nine starts against the Rangers, going 3-3 with a 4.88 ERA in those games.
The Rangers have Derek Holland as their probable pitcher for Wednesday night, and he'll be looking to make up for his poor performance against the rival Angels last time out – the left-hander allowed six runs on nine hits in 6 2-3 innings pitched as his team lost 6-1.
Holland has made four starts against Boston in his career, going 3-1 in those games with a 2.84 ERA. That includes the win back on April 18, when he surrendered just two runs on four hits over seven innings of work at Fenway Park. On the year he's 6-5 with a 4.84 ERA.
Texas enters Wednesday's series finale in first place in the AL West standings and battling with the Yankees for the top overall mark in the American League. The Red Sox are still in contention for a Wild Card, but they have plenty of teams to climb over in the standings.
First pitch for Wednesday night is set for 8:05 p.m. ET, with the Red Sox then getting a day off on Thursday before beginning a three-game series in New York on Friday night. The Rangers will remain at home for a series against the White Sox starting on Friday night.
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Carrying the biggest division lead in the National League the Washington Nationals will begin a road series in Milwaukee on Thursday night as they take on the Brewers, who are -120 favorites for the opener on Bovada.
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The Nationals have shown no sign of faltering heading into the fifth month of the season, as they have one of the top winning percentages in baseball to go along with their comfortable lead in the NL East – plus a division-leading run differential.
That has Washington looking good to secure the franchise's first playoff berth since relocating from Montreal, and having five starting pitchers boasting ERAs under 4.00 on the season has certainly helped their cause.
On Thursday the Nats' projected starter is right-hander Edwin Jackson, who has arguably been the weak link in the rotation with a 5-6 record and a 3.73 ERA. Jackson was tagged with a hard-luck loss in his most recent trip to the mound against the Braves, allowing just one run on five hits over seven innings of work while fanning nine batters. Jackson has pitched the Nationals to just four wins over his 10 most recent outings.
The Brewers are expected to counter with Yovani Gallardo on Thursday night, and he's 8-7 with a 3.72 ERA for a Milwaukee club that has fallen out of contention in the NL Central.
The right-hander had his personal two-game winning streak snapped last time out when he gave up four runs on nine hits over 5 2-3 innings in a loss to the Reds in Cincinnati; Gallardo had allowed just two runs over his previous three outings (19 2-3 innings).
Thursday will be the first meeting of the season between the Nationals and Brewers, with Milwaukee 7-3 over their last 10 games against Washington. The OVER/UNDER went 7-3 for totals bettors on the MLB lines at Bovada in those contests.
First pitch for Thursday night's game is set for 8:10 p.m. ET, with the series continuing on Friday and Saturday and coming to an end with a matinee at 2:10 p.m. ET on Sunday.
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The Nationals have shown no sign of faltering heading into the fifth month of the season, as they have one of the top winning percentages in baseball to go along with their comfortable lead in the NL East – plus a division-leading run differential.
That has Washington looking good to secure the franchise's first playoff berth since relocating from Montreal, and having five starting pitchers boasting ERAs under 4.00 on the season has certainly helped their cause.
On Thursday the Nats' projected starter is right-hander Edwin Jackson, who has arguably been the weak link in the rotation with a 5-6 record and a 3.73 ERA. Jackson was tagged with a hard-luck loss in his most recent trip to the mound against the Braves, allowing just one run on five hits over seven innings of work while fanning nine batters. Jackson has pitched the Nationals to just four wins over his 10 most recent outings.
The Brewers are expected to counter with Yovani Gallardo on Thursday night, and he's 8-7 with a 3.72 ERA for a Milwaukee club that has fallen out of contention in the NL Central.
The right-hander had his personal two-game winning streak snapped last time out when he gave up four runs on nine hits over 5 2-3 innings in a loss to the Reds in Cincinnati; Gallardo had allowed just two runs over his previous three outings (19 2-3 innings).
Thursday will be the first meeting of the season between the Nationals and Brewers, with Milwaukee 7-3 over their last 10 games against Washington. The OVER/UNDER went 7-3 for totals bettors on the MLB lines at Bovada in those contests.
First pitch for Thursday night's game is set for 8:10 p.m. ET, with the series continuing on Friday and Saturday and coming to an end with a matinee at 2:10 p.m. ET on Sunday.
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The owner said it. The team president said it. The president of baseball operations said it. The manager said it.
At every turn leading up to this promise-filled season, fans were reminded this was Hanley Ramirez's team. Every free agent signed and every player acquired via trade was brought to Miami to complement Ramirez. Every block positioned to support him.
Ramirez is gone, so whose team is it now?
"This is Jeffrey Loria's team," said manager Ozzie Guillen, in advance of this weekend's three-game set against the Padres. "I think it has an opportunity to be a couple guys' team."
Guillen identified a veteran and an up-and-comer in Jose Reyes and Logan Morrison. This may be Reyes' first true opportunity to be the guy. He certainly was a protagonist as a member of the New York Mets, but it was David Wright's show. Reyes no longer has to defer to anyone in the Marlins' clubhouse.
"We expect (Reyes) to be the leader," Guillen said. "We expect him to be the guy. I expect him to be the guy. He did it before, and he should do it again."
Read More: MLB: With Ramirez gone, Marlins on lookout for new team leader
At every turn leading up to this promise-filled season, fans were reminded this was Hanley Ramirez's team. Every free agent signed and every player acquired via trade was brought to Miami to complement Ramirez. Every block positioned to support him.
Ramirez is gone, so whose team is it now?
"This is Jeffrey Loria's team," said manager Ozzie Guillen, in advance of this weekend's three-game set against the Padres. "I think it has an opportunity to be a couple guys' team."
Guillen identified a veteran and an up-and-comer in Jose Reyes and Logan Morrison. This may be Reyes' first true opportunity to be the guy. He certainly was a protagonist as a member of the New York Mets, but it was David Wright's show. Reyes no longer has to defer to anyone in the Marlins' clubhouse.
"We expect (Reyes) to be the leader," Guillen said. "We expect him to be the guy. I expect him to be the guy. He did it before, and he should do it again."
Read More: MLB: With Ramirez gone, Marlins on lookout for new team leader
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Engaged in a dogfight in the AL West standings, the Los Angeles Angels will be looking to pay off on the MLB lines at Bovada this weekend as they play host to another contending American League club – the Tampa Bay Rays. L.A. is a -170 favorite on Bovada for the opener.
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A few weeks ago the Angels were only concerned about catching the Texas Rangers in the AL West, but with the Oakland Athletics coming on strong there's now a three-way battle shaping up for that division title.
Los Angeles won its series against the Royals earlier in the week, taking two of three games from Kansas City before getting a day off on Thursday. That has them heading into Friday's opener at 54-45 on the season, and they're 5-5 in their past 10 games.
And Friday sees the Angels sending Dan Haren to the mound, with the righthander coming off a solid win over the Rangers in which he allowed just two runs on three hits over his six innings of work. That made Haren 6-4 over his last 10 trips to the mound. In his career against the Rays Haren is 6-3 over 11 starts with a 2.69 ERA, striking out 74 batters while walking just nine over those 77 innings of work.
The Rays have Alex Cobb scheduled to start on Friday, although he had to leave his last start against the Mariners after getting hit on the knee with a line drive. The right-hander, who is reportedly fine, will be making his first career appearance against the Angels.
As for the Angels' medical report, first baseman Albert Pujols missed Wednesday's game with a sore elbow, but x-rays came back negative and he's day-to-day heading into the weekend. Pujols is hitting .277 with 18 home runs and 61 RBIs so far this season.
Friday's game has a scheduled first pitch of 10:05 p.m. ET, and the series continues through to its matinee finale on Sunday. The Rays swept a three-game set from the Angels in Tampa Bay when the teams met for the first time this season back in April.
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A few weeks ago the Angels were only concerned about catching the Texas Rangers in the AL West, but with the Oakland Athletics coming on strong there's now a three-way battle shaping up for that division title.
Los Angeles won its series against the Royals earlier in the week, taking two of three games from Kansas City before getting a day off on Thursday. That has them heading into Friday's opener at 54-45 on the season, and they're 5-5 in their past 10 games.
And Friday sees the Angels sending Dan Haren to the mound, with the righthander coming off a solid win over the Rangers in which he allowed just two runs on three hits over his six innings of work. That made Haren 6-4 over his last 10 trips to the mound. In his career against the Rays Haren is 6-3 over 11 starts with a 2.69 ERA, striking out 74 batters while walking just nine over those 77 innings of work.
The Rays have Alex Cobb scheduled to start on Friday, although he had to leave his last start against the Mariners after getting hit on the knee with a line drive. The right-hander, who is reportedly fine, will be making his first career appearance against the Angels.
As for the Angels' medical report, first baseman Albert Pujols missed Wednesday's game with a sore elbow, but x-rays came back negative and he's day-to-day heading into the weekend. Pujols is hitting .277 with 18 home runs and 61 RBIs so far this season.
Friday's game has a scheduled first pitch of 10:05 p.m. ET, and the series continues through to its matinee finale on Sunday. The Rays swept a three-game set from the Angels in Tampa Bay when the teams met for the first time this season back in April.
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A show of power from his teammates helped Johnny Cueto get through a rough start.
Cueto shook off his early struggles to pitch effectively for six innings, Ryan Ludwick hit two of the Reds' five home runs, and Cincinnati won its season-high ninth straight by beating the Colorado Rockies 9-7 Saturday night.
Scott Rolen, Drew Stubbs and rookie Todd Frazier also homered for the NL Central leading Reds, who have gone 13-2 since the All-Star break and hit a high-water mark for the season at 20 games above .500 (60-40). The winning streak is the longest for the Reds since a 10-game run in 1999.
"It was not an easy night, but I really liked the way they worked today and I love what happened" Cueto said of his offensive support. "They came in and did really well."
Consider it payback for what is shaping up as a standout season for Cueto.
Read More: MLB Recap - Cincinnati Reds at Colorado Rockies - Jul 28, 2012 - CBSSports-com
Cueto shook off his early struggles to pitch effectively for six innings, Ryan Ludwick hit two of the Reds' five home runs, and Cincinnati won its season-high ninth straight by beating the Colorado Rockies 9-7 Saturday night.
Scott Rolen, Drew Stubbs and rookie Todd Frazier also homered for the NL Central leading Reds, who have gone 13-2 since the All-Star break and hit a high-water mark for the season at 20 games above .500 (60-40). The winning streak is the longest for the Reds since a 10-game run in 1999.
"It was not an easy night, but I really liked the way they worked today and I love what happened" Cueto said of his offensive support. "They came in and did really well."
Consider it payback for what is shaping up as a standout season for Cueto.
Read More: MLB Recap - Cincinnati Reds at Colorado Rockies - Jul 28, 2012 - CBSSports-com
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1. Yankees (1): CC Sabathia looks as strong as ever. The Yankees traded for Ichiro Suzuki on Monday to man left field.
2. Rangers (2): Josh Hamilton hit .156 in the first eight games after the All-Star break, creating some concern. But the Rangers went 4-4 in that stretch and still look like a playoff lock.
3. Reds (6): Dusty Baker's uncertain future doesn't seem to be bothering his team, which has made a slow rise toward the top after a slow start. Johnny Cueto and Mat Latos are a strong 1-2 pitching combination.
4. Tigers (4): Playing as well as anyone right now, as the White Sox can attest.
5. Braves (8): Assuming Ryan Dempster doesn't block the deal, they just added one of this year's top starters. That's a major move worthy of a trip up the rankings.
6. Pirates (7): Strong start to the second half has kept the demons at bay. A Justin Upton trade would be huge, but talk out of Arizona is he won't get moved until the offseason.
7. Nationals (3): If they're going to sit Stephen Strasburg in September and maybe even October, they need to add pitching before the trade deadline.
8. Angels (4): Lost a little standing when they dropped three of four to the Tigers last week.
9. Giants (13): When you've got the starting rotation they do, you're never far away from a long run. Don't count out a strong second half from Tim Lincecum.
10. White Sox (5): Losing six of seven in Detroit and Boston makes this a big homestand. It would help if they could stop juggling pitchers on almost a daily basis.
11. Rays (10): Will the small crowds tie the hands of GM Andrew Friedman at the deadline?
12. Cardinals (9): Mike Matheny must hope that GM John Mozeliak can do for him what he did for Tony La Russa a year ago. The Cardinals need pitching, as they did at this time last year.
13. A's (19): Impressive job by manager Bob Melvin. His lineup is paper thin behind Yoenis Cespedes and Josh Reddick.
14. Red Sox (18): Very upwardly mobile team with Jacoby Ellsbury, Carl Crawford and Dustin Pedroia back from DL stays. When David Ortiz is healthy, the lineup will be downright scary.
15. Dodgers (11): With new ownership watching, GM Ned Colletti is looking to make a good trade or two at the deadline. He wanted Dempster but has shifted his focus to Matt Garza, despite the Cubs' high asking price.
16. Orioles (14): Dan Duquette is cagey. He's almost certain to make multiple deals in trying to upgrade his roster and quiet the skeptics.
Read More: Phil Rogers' MLB power rankings - Chicago Tribune
2. Rangers (2): Josh Hamilton hit .156 in the first eight games after the All-Star break, creating some concern. But the Rangers went 4-4 in that stretch and still look like a playoff lock.
3. Reds (6): Dusty Baker's uncertain future doesn't seem to be bothering his team, which has made a slow rise toward the top after a slow start. Johnny Cueto and Mat Latos are a strong 1-2 pitching combination.
4. Tigers (4): Playing as well as anyone right now, as the White Sox can attest.
5. Braves (8): Assuming Ryan Dempster doesn't block the deal, they just added one of this year's top starters. That's a major move worthy of a trip up the rankings.
6. Pirates (7): Strong start to the second half has kept the demons at bay. A Justin Upton trade would be huge, but talk out of Arizona is he won't get moved until the offseason.
7. Nationals (3): If they're going to sit Stephen Strasburg in September and maybe even October, they need to add pitching before the trade deadline.
8. Angels (4): Lost a little standing when they dropped three of four to the Tigers last week.
9. Giants (13): When you've got the starting rotation they do, you're never far away from a long run. Don't count out a strong second half from Tim Lincecum.
10. White Sox (5): Losing six of seven in Detroit and Boston makes this a big homestand. It would help if they could stop juggling pitchers on almost a daily basis.
11. Rays (10): Will the small crowds tie the hands of GM Andrew Friedman at the deadline?
12. Cardinals (9): Mike Matheny must hope that GM John Mozeliak can do for him what he did for Tony La Russa a year ago. The Cardinals need pitching, as they did at this time last year.
13. A's (19): Impressive job by manager Bob Melvin. His lineup is paper thin behind Yoenis Cespedes and Josh Reddick.
14. Red Sox (18): Very upwardly mobile team with Jacoby Ellsbury, Carl Crawford and Dustin Pedroia back from DL stays. When David Ortiz is healthy, the lineup will be downright scary.
15. Dodgers (11): With new ownership watching, GM Ned Colletti is looking to make a good trade or two at the deadline. He wanted Dempster but has shifted his focus to Matt Garza, despite the Cubs' high asking price.
16. Orioles (14): Dan Duquette is cagey. He's almost certain to make multiple deals in trying to upgrade his roster and quiet the skeptics.
Read More: Phil Rogers' MLB power rankings - Chicago Tribune
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The Detroit Tigers have reportedly lost out on outfielder Reed Johnson, as he appears to be on his way to the Atlanta Braves. The Tigers made an offer to Chicago for Johnson on Monday, via ESPN's Bruce Levine, but it was not enough.
Johnson will go to Atlanta along with pitcher Paul Maholm in exchange for Arodys Vizcaino and pitcher Jaye Chapman, via Fox's Ken Rosenthal.
It's unclear what exactly the Tigers offered the Cubs for Johnson, but he would have filled their need for a right-handed bat rather nicely. They were previously linked to Scott Hairston and Carlos Quentin.
Before being traded, Johnson started the Cubs game against Pittsburgh before being pulled in the fifth inning.
Now it's up to Detroit to find another target.
Read More: MLB Trade Rumors: Detroit Made Offer For Reed Johnson Before He Was Sent To Atlanta - SB Nation Detroit
Johnson will go to Atlanta along with pitcher Paul Maholm in exchange for Arodys Vizcaino and pitcher Jaye Chapman, via Fox's Ken Rosenthal.
It's unclear what exactly the Tigers offered the Cubs for Johnson, but he would have filled their need for a right-handed bat rather nicely. They were previously linked to Scott Hairston and Carlos Quentin.
Before being traded, Johnson started the Cubs game against Pittsburgh before being pulled in the fifth inning.
Now it's up to Detroit to find another target.
Read More: MLB Trade Rumors: Detroit Made Offer For Reed Johnson Before He Was Sent To Atlanta - SB Nation Detroit
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Cliff Lee gave Stephen Strasburg a masterclass in pitching as the veteran left-hander upstaged his young opponent to lift the Philadelphia Phillies to an 8-0 shutout victory over the Washington Nationals on Tuesday (Wednesday, PHL time).
Despite being a former Cy Young winner, Lee has endured a difficult season while the 24-year-old Strasburg has continued his rise to prominence.
However, the 33-year-old Lee (2-6) turned the tables in the opener of the three-game series in Washington, forcing seven strikeouts over seven scoreless innings for one of his best outings of 2012.
"We beat a good pitcher," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel told reporters. "I thought we played very good. We did come out with some life and everything. I mean, we got 13 hits."
Kevin Frandsen hit a two-run home run in the second and Jimmy Rollins added a two-run, inside-the-park homer two innings later to make it a short day of work for Strasburg, who exited after the fourth.
Read More: MLB: Inspired Lee helps Phillies stun Nationals | GMA News Online | The Go-To Site for Filipinos Everywhere
Despite being a former Cy Young winner, Lee has endured a difficult season while the 24-year-old Strasburg has continued his rise to prominence.
However, the 33-year-old Lee (2-6) turned the tables in the opener of the three-game series in Washington, forcing seven strikeouts over seven scoreless innings for one of his best outings of 2012.
"We beat a good pitcher," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel told reporters. "I thought we played very good. We did come out with some life and everything. I mean, we got 13 hits."
Kevin Frandsen hit a two-run home run in the second and Jimmy Rollins added a two-run, inside-the-park homer two innings later to make it a short day of work for Strasburg, who exited after the fourth.
Read More: MLB: Inspired Lee helps Phillies stun Nationals | GMA News Online | The Go-To Site for Filipinos Everywhere
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Josh Lindblom remained upbeat on Wednesday despite an 11th-hour trade that sent him from a playoff-contending club to the struggling, last-place Philadelphia Phillies.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, a game behind front-running San Francisco in the National League West, dealt the right-handed reliever to the Phillies at the trade deadline Tuesday.
"There are a lot of new faces. It's the first day of school. I'm excited," he told reporters in the Phillies clubhouse before his new team faced the Washington Nationals in the second game of a three-game set.
Despite heading to a struggling team with a 46-57 record, Lindblom refused to give up on thoughts of a miracle stretch drive, recalling last year's magical run by the eventual World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals.
Read More: MLB: Newcomers to last-place Phillies remain optimistic | GMA News Online | The Go-To Site for Filipinos Everywhere
The Los Angeles Dodgers, a game behind front-running San Francisco in the National League West, dealt the right-handed reliever to the Phillies at the trade deadline Tuesday.
"There are a lot of new faces. It's the first day of school. I'm excited," he told reporters in the Phillies clubhouse before his new team faced the Washington Nationals in the second game of a three-game set.
Despite heading to a struggling team with a 46-57 record, Lindblom refused to give up on thoughts of a miracle stretch drive, recalling last year's magical run by the eventual World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals.
Read More: MLB: Newcomers to last-place Phillies remain optimistic | GMA News Online | The Go-To Site for Filipinos Everywhere
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Josh Hamilton got back on track and helped the Texas Rangers' offense stay on a roll on Thursday night.
Hamilton drove in four runs and the Rangers bailed out Ryan Dempster in his Texas debut in a 15-9 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. Hamilton hit .177 in July, but had his second four-RBI game of the season. He has 10 RBIs in his past nine games.
"Basically I've said stop thinking about it, stop listening to everybody — everybody's got something to say," Hamilton said. "Just go out there and play. React. Try to slow the game down again. It worked. There's nothing wrong with my swing, it's just about trusting myself, not being too aggressive and trying to slow the game down again."
The Rangers broke an 8-8 tie after six innings when they scored four runs in the seventh, including Hamilton's two-run double, and added three in the eighth.
Dempster allowed eight runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings. The Rangers acquired Dempster from the Cubs minutes before Tuesday's non-waiver trade deadline.
Roy Oswalt (4-2) threw two scoreless innings in relief for the win.
Read More: Hamilton, Rangers outlast Angels | mlb, capsules - MLB Capsules - AL - Brownsville Herald
Hamilton drove in four runs and the Rangers bailed out Ryan Dempster in his Texas debut in a 15-9 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. Hamilton hit .177 in July, but had his second four-RBI game of the season. He has 10 RBIs in his past nine games.
"Basically I've said stop thinking about it, stop listening to everybody — everybody's got something to say," Hamilton said. "Just go out there and play. React. Try to slow the game down again. It worked. There's nothing wrong with my swing, it's just about trusting myself, not being too aggressive and trying to slow the game down again."
The Rangers broke an 8-8 tie after six innings when they scored four runs in the seventh, including Hamilton's two-run double, and added three in the eighth.
Dempster allowed eight runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings. The Rangers acquired Dempster from the Cubs minutes before Tuesday's non-waiver trade deadline.
Roy Oswalt (4-2) threw two scoreless innings in relief for the win.
Read More: Hamilton, Rangers outlast Angels | mlb, capsules - MLB Capsules - AL - Brownsville Herald
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New York Yankees fans got a Facebook surprise Thursday when a rogue page administrator left the team's account sullied by a message claiming that team captain Derek Jeter was undergoing a sex change.
"We regret to inform our fans that Derek Jeter will miss the rest of the season with sexual reassignment surgery," the post said. "He promises to come back stronger than ever in 2013 as Minni Mantlez."
According to Deadspin, which first reported the hacks, the message was removed shortly after being uploaded at 3:30 p.m.
Read More: MLB Facebook Pages Defaced by 'Rogue Administrator' | News & Opinion | PCMag-com
"We regret to inform our fans that Derek Jeter will miss the rest of the season with sexual reassignment surgery," the post said. "He promises to come back stronger than ever in 2013 as Minni Mantlez."
According to Deadspin, which first reported the hacks, the message was removed shortly after being uploaded at 3:30 p.m.
Read More: MLB Facebook Pages Defaced by 'Rogue Administrator' | News & Opinion | PCMag-com
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Atlanta • The Facebook pages of several Major League Baseball teams were hacked Thursday afternoon. In some cases, existing content was replaced with status updates ranging from mildly amusing to downright vulgar.
MLB Advanced Media released the following statement: "For a brief moment today, a few MLB Club Facebook accounts were hacked and inappropriate material was briefly on display from those Clubs’ pages on Facebook. MLB Advanced Media oversees these Facebook pages on behalf of the Clubs and regrets this occurrence. We are working with Facebook, Major League Baseball Security and, where appropriate, legal authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding this situation."Teams affected included the Miami Marlins, San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox, San Diego Padres, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Angels, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs.
Read More: MLB: Teams? Facebook pages hacked | The Salt Lake Tribune
MLB Advanced Media released the following statement: "For a brief moment today, a few MLB Club Facebook accounts were hacked and inappropriate material was briefly on display from those Clubs’ pages on Facebook. MLB Advanced Media oversees these Facebook pages on behalf of the Clubs and regrets this occurrence. We are working with Facebook, Major League Baseball Security and, where appropriate, legal authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding this situation."Teams affected included the Miami Marlins, San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox, San Diego Padres, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Angels, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs.
Read More: MLB: Teams? Facebook pages hacked | The Salt Lake Tribune
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AJ Burnett continued his winning run against the Cincinnati Reds this season as the Pittsburgh Pirates downed the in-form National League Central division pacesetters 6-2. Burnett, who now has a 3-0 record against Cincinnati this campaign, allowed two runs and three hits in eight 2/3 innings to help the Pirates to victory over a Reds side who had won 15 of their previous 16 games.
The Pirates are now within four 1/2 games of the Reds, with the St Louis Cardinals also taking advantage of the leaders' defeat with a 3-0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers.
Kyle Lohse threw six shutout innings, allowing four hits and fanning six as the Cardinals made it three wins on the trot.
The San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers also recorded third straight wins to move further clear of third-placed Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL West division.
Read More: MLB: Burnett continues unbeaten run against Reds - The National
The Pirates are now within four 1/2 games of the Reds, with the St Louis Cardinals also taking advantage of the leaders' defeat with a 3-0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers.
Kyle Lohse threw six shutout innings, allowing four hits and fanning six as the Cardinals made it three wins on the trot.
The San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers also recorded third straight wins to move further clear of third-placed Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL West division.
Read More: MLB: Burnett continues unbeaten run against Reds - The National
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Major League Baseball has denied the Los Angeles Angels' protest of their extra-inning loss at the Chicago White Sox last week, although it still hasn't convinced manager Mike Scioscia the call was correct.
On the play Friday night, Chicago's Paul Konerko grounded to third with the bases loaded and no outs in the first inning. After getting an out at home, catcher Chris Iannetta fired wide to first, pulling Albert Pujols off the bag.
Scioscia argued that Konerko was not within the baseline for the last 45 feet, as is required. The umpires upheld the safe call and Scioscia played the game under protest. A.J. Pierzynski hit a three-run homer with two outs for a 4-1 lead.
The White Sox wound up winning 8-6 in 10 innings.
Read more: MLB denies Los Angeles Angels' protest of loss to White Sox - MLB - SI-com
On the play Friday night, Chicago's Paul Konerko grounded to third with the bases loaded and no outs in the first inning. After getting an out at home, catcher Chris Iannetta fired wide to first, pulling Albert Pujols off the bag.
Scioscia argued that Konerko was not within the baseline for the last 45 feet, as is required. The umpires upheld the safe call and Scioscia played the game under protest. A.J. Pierzynski hit a three-run homer with two outs for a 4-1 lead.
The White Sox wound up winning 8-6 in 10 innings.
Read more: MLB denies Los Angeles Angels' protest of loss to White Sox - MLB - SI-com
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Ryan Dempster pitched into the seventh inning to get his first win in a Texas uniform, and Ian Kinsler drove in two runs in the Rangers' 6-3 triumph over the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday night.
Traded by the Chicago Cubs at the July 31 deadline, Dempster (1-0) took a no-decision in his Texas debut, a 15-9 Rangers win on Thursday versus the Angels.
Tuesday's game was much different for the veteran right-hander from Gibsons. B.C., who gave up six hits and three unearned runs, coming on a homer by Will Middlebrooks. Dempster struck out six over 6 2/3 innings.
Nelson Cruz and Elvis Andrus had insurance RBI hits over the final two innings for the AL West leaders, who evened this three-game series.
Jon Lester (5-10) was charged with six hits and four runs over 6 2/3 innings. The lefty fell to 0-5 over his last seven starts. Lester also has double-digit losses in a season for the first time in his major league career. He's 2-8 at Fenway Park this year.
Final Score: Baltimore 8, Seattle 7
Read more: MLB: AL roundup- Ryan Dempster gets first win with Rangers
Traded by the Chicago Cubs at the July 31 deadline, Dempster (1-0) took a no-decision in his Texas debut, a 15-9 Rangers win on Thursday versus the Angels.
Tuesday's game was much different for the veteran right-hander from Gibsons. B.C., who gave up six hits and three unearned runs, coming on a homer by Will Middlebrooks. Dempster struck out six over 6 2/3 innings.
Nelson Cruz and Elvis Andrus had insurance RBI hits over the final two innings for the AL West leaders, who evened this three-game series.
Jon Lester (5-10) was charged with six hits and four runs over 6 2/3 innings. The lefty fell to 0-5 over his last seven starts. Lester also has double-digit losses in a season for the first time in his major league career. He's 2-8 at Fenway Park this year.
Final Score: Baltimore 8, Seattle 7
Read more: MLB: AL roundup- Ryan Dempster gets first win with Rangers
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Both Los Angeles and New York have seen their playoff chances take a hit over the past couple of weeks as they've hit the skids; the Dodgers are now struggling to keep pace with the San Francisco Giants in the NL West, while the Mets are back in third in the NL East.
That has the Dodgers at 15/2 on the odds to win the NL pennant this season, and at 18/1 to claim the World Series. The Mets sit at 18/1 on the NL pennant futures at Bovada, and they're 45/1 long shots to win the World Series.
The Mets and Dodgers met in a series in Los Angeles back in late June, with New York taking three of those four road games to pay off on the MLB betting lines at Bovada. That has Los Angeles just 3-7 over its past 10 games against New York, with the OVER/UNDER going 3-7 for totals bettors in those contests.
Johan Santana picked up one of those wins for the Mets back in June, holding the Dodgers scoreless on three hits over his eight innings of work. The left-hander is 6-6 on the season with a 3.59 ERA, and he's scheduled to start for the Mets in the opener on Friday night.
The Dodgers counter with Aaron Harang on Friday, and he was knocked around for five runs (four earned) on seven hits in 5 2-3 innings of work in his start against the Mets earlier in the season. The right-hander sits at 6-5 in 2012 with a 3.53 ERA.
Friday's game at Citi Field has a first pitch of 7:10 p.m. ET, with Saturday's contest getting underway at 1:10 p.m. ET. The Mets and Dodgers will close out their series on Sunday with another 1:10pm ET matchup.