By Paul Casey Gotham
Anatomy of a big inning
Monday night saw Washington Nationals’ rookie-phenom, Stephen Strasburg, face his biggest test to date: the NL East leading Atlanta Braves. During and after the game commentators and analysts described Strasbgurg’s performance as being less than his usual outstanding level. They used descriptions such us “laboring,” “not having his best stuff,” etc. Nonetheless after six innings, Atlanta looked ready for a bar mitzvah with nothing but bagels pasted on the board. In the seventh, Atlanta hung a crooked number on the big screen at Turner Field. Atlanta did what good teams do. They manufactured runs. Without ANY extra-base hits Atlanta plated five. The Braves scored five on four base hits and the ball left the infield just four times. Of course, the Nats had a hand in the Braves runs – an error on a double play ball (yeah, you can’t assume a double play – somehow that ruled was contrived with the Nats infield in mind) and a missed cut-off. Still, the Braves used two walks, a bunt single, an infield single, two sacrifice flies and a Chipper Jones sashay to help along the booted ball at short to create the five count.
Value of a coach
Speaking of Strasburg – much has been made of (as it should be) of the rookie’s composure and respect for the game. He showed little, if any, dissatisfaction with his teammates’ struggles the other night. After taken out of the game, Strasburg left the dugout only to get a change of shirt and quickly return to the bench. In an era of self-absorbed stars, Strasburg’s attitude is refreshing. ESPN analyst, Rick Sutcliffe made mention of Tony Gwynn’s role in Strasburg’s development. The hall-of-famer and ambassador of the game coached Strasburg at San Diego State. It can’t be overlooked that Gwynn showed Strasburg how to respect the game. Yes, Gwynn only spent a few short years with Strasburg and obviously the kid wasa prepared to listen. Give credit to Gwynn for preaching the message. It is great that Gwynn, who must have enough money to retire and do nothing other work in the press box, has chosen to pass on his wisdom to the next generation.
Speaking of Strasburg
How about these young guns? Strasburg, Jimenez and Kershaw (Who did I miss?). These guys make Grienke, Lincecum and Lester look old. If this keeps up, MLB will have to consider lowering the mound again because we all know “chicks did the long ball.”
MASH
Trying to imagine the post-game interviews for the Red Sox if Colonel Sherman Potter had to explain the recent rash of Boston injuries.
Beckett goes to the DL: “To me, that’s a tiptoe through the tulips.”
On Pedroia’s broken foot: “Scuttlebug is as common as cooties in your skivvies.”
Bucholz hyperextends his knee running out a ground ball: “What in the name of Marco BLESSED Polo!”
Martinez breaks his thumb: “Jumping Jeosephat!”
Varitek breaks his foot: “Never insult seven men when all you have is a six shooter.”
Of all these injuries, Martinez has to have Francona scratching his head. A catcher broke his thumb catching a ball. I know signs can get crossed, but the irony is too much here. As for Pedroia, give him two weeks, and he will be back. In the off-season he walks on shards of glass to avoid blisters during the season. Is there any rumor to the truth that he flosses with machine screws?
Who are these guys?
The team, outside of the A.L. East, with the best record in baseball is…drum roll please: the Texas Rangers. Wow! That rolls off the tongue. It really should come as no surprise that these guys can hit the ball. They added Vladdy Guerrero to a lineup with Josh Hamilton and Michael Young. Now, Ian Kinsler has emerged. But the Rangers are fifth in the A.L. in team pitching. Yeah, the Rangers trail Tampa, Minnesota, Seattle and Oakland. Colby Lewis, C.J. Wilson, Darren O’Day and Neftali Feliz – can these guys pitch at this level in September?
Psst…The Reds are in first
Don’t confuse them for the Big Red Machine, but Cincy is in first and it is July. It’s been a while since those words have been uttered. Add Mike Leake to the list of aforementioned young guns. The Reds have quietly assembled a decent lineup: Orlando Cabrera at short, Scott Rolen at third, Joey Votto at first and Brandon Phillips at second. The reds are in this for the long haul. They win at home (27-19). They win on the road 19-16). And Dusty Baker is getting vindication.
Swooning in June
Tampa went 11-14 in the month of June. This after sprinting to a 34-18 record at the end of May.
All-Star Ballots
Who did you vote for?
Got any MLB splinters? Share them here.
Happy 4th!
Casey —
Add the Reds’ Johnny Cueto to the list of top young pitching arms. The 24 year old is 8-2 with a 3.74 ERA this year.
Remember that this is Strasburg’s first time around the league … major advantage for the new pitcher. Once these teams see him again and again, we should expect his K totals, etc to return back to earth. But the kid is awfully talented … that’s obvious … and as you point out, it all comes with a great attitude.
WhiteSox beat the Rangers in game 1 of their series last night. If the Sox can take 2 of 3 in Arlington, I will have renewed confidence that they will compete for the AL Central division crown for the rest of the season. I already have confidence that the Rangers are for real. I think we’re seeing Nolan Ryan’s influence with Rangers pitching paying dividends. It’s good to see … the Rangers have inexplicably done nothing since their inception … okay … they made the playoffs once or twice when Johnny Oates was at the helm. Now’s the time to think bigger.
Happy 4th to you too. I’m spending it in Houston.
This strasburg thing, why are we acting like we haven’t seen it before?
He threw amazing against some subpar teams. I’m sure there are a number of minor leaguers who can do that.
I tell you what, watching the first inning of the Nationals game against the Mets today was great. Not because Strasburg got beat up, and unloaded 30-something pitches in the first inning, but because Joe Buck was fawning all over him, and you could tell in his mind he was orchestrating the game call of his life. Sorry to disappoint you Joe, but my Mets knocked him around a bit. Sure they lost in the end, but they proved Strasburg is human, and more importantly, shut down Buck. Nothing is more fun than hearing that pompous buffoon try to cover up his over the top gushing.
Wally – good add to the list. I did get to see Cueto pitch once this year. He was less than impressive. I caught his one bad outing. You are right. Going through teams a second time will give Strasburg a healthy dose of truth serum.
Gino – good to see you back on the pine. C’mon brother. Let’s see what you are really thinking.
Bill – In your honor – I watched a few innings of the Mets game yesterday.
Casey —
Mike Pelfrey, 26, of the Mets is 10-2 with a 2.93 ERA. Another relatively “young gun” who’s really getting it done this year.
How is Paul Konerko of the Palehose not on the All-Star team?!?!?!?! 20 HR (T2) and 57 RBI (5th) with a .297 BA !!!! And many of those HRs & RBI were late-inning game winners. He’s the first-half MVP of a team 1 game out of first. And it’s not like he’s an unknown flash in the pan …. he’s got 346 career dingers. I’m STEAMIN’ about this snub! David Ortiz should be sitting on his fat @#&$ instead … he doesn’t even play the field … probably cuz he can’t move.
No Konerko, no Youkilis – what in the Sam hill is going on around here?
Casey,
thanks for the kind words. I just needed a minute to put my thoughts together cause there is so much going on. I was watching soccer for a while, friend got married at age 21 over the weekend, now I feel immature.
Did ya’ll hear that Omar Infante is an all-star? As a braves fan I’m not whining about it, I’m embracing it, but What has been going on since I’ve been watching soccer?
Oh and the people are unhappy with this strasburg thing, just cause he’s not an allstar at this point. I’m not even going to touch this. For me its one of those, do you guys listen to yourself when you talk moments.
No Konerko, no Youkilis? Would you be happier with no Cabrera or Morneau?
The real thing i’m still hung up on is, When did no hitters become common? I’m sorry I know I’m late with it, but I was watching soccer. oh and did anybody know that Josh Johnson has the best ERA in the majors, all I’ve been hearing is Ubaldo Jimenez and Strasburg, now 1 of those hypes is well deserved.
Wally,
You’re right, Ortiz doesn’t play the field, that’s why he’s a dh. you know pitchers in the american league don’t hit, right?
Konerko only hit dh 10 games this year. And yes you’re right he is time tested. But he lacks stardom, and it is however a game for the fans. In his league he just looks like a time tested Carlos Pena. Which btw is a very nice commodity for any team.
Significant oversight – add Joey Votto to the All-star snub list
Well … especially in hindsight after Votto hit another 2 dingers last night, who can argue with that?
Not related to the All-Star snubs, but Carlos Quentin has gotten HOT for the ChiSox, who took 2 of 3 from the Rangers in Arlington and pasted the Angels last night. He’s got 15 HRs and 53 RBI now after a real slow start. How Quentin plays in the second half may be the key wildcard factor on how the WhiteSox end up.
There is hope near the Dan Ryan!