by David Reiffer on March 30, 2009
The baseball world lost a gentleman of the game this past week. George Kell, apart from being one half of an exceptional broadcasting team with fellow Hall of Famer, and Tiger, Al Kaline (1975-96), presented himself as the quintessential class act and as a player who, in his time, swung a big stick.
As a third baseman for the Philadelphia Athletics 1943-46), the Detroit Tigers (1947-52), Boston Red Sox (1952-54), Chicago White Sox (1954-56), and the Baltimore Orioles (1956-57), George Kell was a 10-time all star who bested the great Ted Williams in 1949 to win the batting title [click to continue…]
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by George Utter on March 30, 2009
Jordan Bastian, of MLB.com, reports Toronto Blue Jays RP B.J. Ryan allowed one run and two hits while striking out one in one inning against the New York Yankees Monday, March 30. Ryan has posted a spring ERA of 9.00, giving up seven runs and eight hits while walking seven and striking out six in eight outings.
Our Instinct: Cito Gaston said “there are still concerns” about Ryan’s fastball velocity. Ryan’s fast ball is topping out at about 89 miles an hour, which simply won’t get the job done. Scott Downs may take over closing duties, but since Ryan is being paid $10 mm this season, chances are they will give him every chance to figure it out – even if it costs them games in a division they can’t afford to be giving away games.
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by George Utter on March 30, 2009
Jayson Stark, of ESPN.com, reports the Philadelphia Phillies officially ruled out SP Cole Hamels (elbow) Monday, March 30, for the team’s Opening Day start. He will instead pitch in an exhibition game against the Tampa Bay Rays Saturday, April 4. Hamels gave up 10 hits and three runs while striking out five in a minor league game Monday. He was asked to throw more fastballs than normal and was clocked at 85-88 mph. He will attempt to move his pitch count up to 85 pitches Saturday and could still make his first start of the season April 10.
Our Instinct: The good news here is that a recent MRI showed no structural damage. Pitching coach Rich Dubee has made it clear that the 85 pitch limit will be enforced. Sounds like hes taking this one right out of Charlie Manuel’s hands, which we all know is a good thing. Dubee also mentioned that after one more exhibition start, Hamels would probably be ready to go, but that, “Right now, his body is fresh, and his arm is not quick yet.” Things look good for the Philies ace.
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by George Utter on March 30, 2009
The Associated Press reports St. Louis Cardinals RP Jason Motte will likely see the majority of the team’s save opportunities after RP Chris Perez was optioned to the minors Monday, March 30. However, manager Tony La Russa is expected to give other relievers a chance to save games as well.
Our Instinct: No he isn’t. LaRussa loves to screw with the media. He just isn’t ready to come out of the closet and profess his love to Jason Motte. Psssst – if you’ve been waiting for a closer to fall out of the sky into your lap, this is it. Go now.
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