The Return of the Big Red.......

[robskicks]

I can't believe how you don't get tired of this man... great job!

[Lual]

Game 4: Cincinnati Reds (49-32) @ Arizona Diamondbacks (38-45)

DBacks Earn Split

Above: Dominguez loses again, Right: Javy fights for a double, and potentially his Reds career!

The DBacks claimed a series split with a 4-1 win over the Reds, who mis-fired both on the mound and at the plate.

Juan Dominguez is fast becoming an easy target for the opposition as he went for 9H and 4ER through 3IP, before turning the taps off to hold the DBacks there till the 6th.

This however proved to much for the Reds offence, as they could only muster 4 hits through the game, and had just a Pena RBI to show for their supposed efforts.

The split still leaves the Reds just a game clear of the Cubs, and now puts pressure on Zambrano, Harang and Claussen to deliver in St. Louis in the next series for the Reds.

Reds Talk:

Concerned Reds Fan': "I really think the Reds made an error shipping Milton out to Baltimore. He might not be the greatest starter, but Davies and Dominguez are 2 set losses from 5, with form like that we can kiss the NL Central goodbye"

J. Lopez: "Im a Free Agent come the off-season, so i have to perform to either earn an extension with the Reds, or put myself at the top of the Free Agent market for 2007"

Reds Notables:

Hitting:

Pena - 1RBI

J.Lopez - 2/3, 1 Double

Pitching:

Dominguez - 6I 9H 4R 4ER 0BB 1K 0HR 5.61ERA L(5-6)

Farnsworth - 2I 0H 0R 0ER 0BB 0K 0HR 2.57ERA

Box:


	  R   H   E


CIN   1   4   0


ARI   4   9   0

[Lual]

still got that first place spot whuuuu but them pesky Cubbies are still around i think they are jelous you got Zambrano off them

Cheers Mate - it is a concern that the Cubs just dont give up, plus with 3 games in St. Louis next, i could easily let them back in as well...

@Robkicks - Ive shocked myself in a way, as its now 1 season and a half of games played.... :coffee: - but MVP is great, the mods make it awesome and this dynasty is alot of fun to play and write about - cheers for checking in :wtg:

[Lual]

Cincinnati Reds - 50% (and a bit) Report:

At The Plate:

1B - Sean Casey - .296Avg 18HR 44RBI

Sean came into this season off the back of a disappointing 2005, and knew that a similar effort would leave him testing free agency with his deal running out this year. However he has managed to turn things around, and become both a solid AB with alot of production, as well as continuing his stellar defensive displays at 1st. Expect alot more from him in the 2nd half, and for the Reds to scramble a deal together to tie him up for a few more years. (

1B - John Olerud -

John has rarely appeared for the Reds since his acquisition, and is unlikely to feature more than a pinch hitter, or to give Casey a day off. The Reds are thought to be working out a deal to release Olerud come the off-season, as the veteran still has a 3 year deal totalling $2.4million owed to him. (U)

2B - Ryan Freel - .337Avg 2HR 29RBI 17SB

Mr Freel continues to be Mr Consistent for the Reds and is always good for a hit in every AB. Alongside this he continues to be a threat on the basepaths, and should offer the Reds a huge option for the run in. (

2B - Bobby Hill - .281Avg 4HR 17RBI

As a backup to Ryan, Bobby has shown he can step in at short notice and perform for the Reds. Recently Bobby has been in a slump, but should turn things around given more ABs in the 2nd half. ©

3B - Aubrey Huff - .333Avg 2HR 8RBI

Huff has proven to be a sound trade, and should prove his value in the 2nd half of the year. He has started well, but now needs to live upto his high expectations. ©

3B - Edwin Encarnacion - .225Avg 2HR 21RBI

Edwin has failed to deliver to what the Reds expect, and the move to bring Huff into the team has seen him sulk on the bench in recent games. Edwin has alot of work to put in to become a regular on this team, but with time on his side, he shouldnt become to concerned, and will look to prove himself when called upon. (D)

SS - Felipe Lopez - .267Avg 3HR 28RBI 19SB

Lopez is maturing into a valuable asset in this teams armoury. His offensive numbers need to improve, but his baserunning and defensive ability give the Reds alot more stability in such a powerful lineup. Felipe will definately improve, and given the right circumstances he could become a real clutch player in the stretch. ©

C - Javy Lopez - .323Avg 2HR 6RBI

Javy came to the team to give the Reds more 'Pop' for the run in. He has done this and more, and gives the Reds an experienced head for the pressure that is a playoff race. There are still doubts over his long term future in Cincinnati, but as long as he performs in the 2nd half, those concerns will take care of themselves. ©

C - Jose Molina - .311Avg 1HR 11RBI

Jose is a solid backup and is reliable when called upon. Theres nothing spectacular about him on the field, but he gives his all when needed and will keep the locker room on its toes for the rest of the year. ©

LF - Adam Dunn - .286Avg 22HR 50RBI

AD has continued his awesome power hitting performances, and is well on target for another 40HR year for the Reds. Theres no downside to this player, and apart from the occasional slump, Adam Dunn is a quality player in this lineup. (B+)

CF - Ken Griffey Jr. - .268Avg 11HR 46RBI

Jr. is having a below average year, but in recent weeks has pulled things back together to get into double digits for homers. Anything less than 30 homers will be a disappointment for Griffey, so his experience will be vital in his efforts to get the 'Ol Griffey' back. ©

CF - Nook Logan - .295Avg 0HR 2RBI 10SB

Nook is Mr Pinch, and performs to that tag very well. He gets the odd run out to allow Griffey a day off, but apart from that Logan has proven to be a stable member of the locker room. He will get his chance one day... ©

RF - Willy Mo Pena - .274Avg 30HR 76RBI

Wow......er.....WOW....Mr Mo, Big Willy, what a 1st half and what a treat we have in the weeks and months to come. Mo' has clattered every pitcher he has faced, and is leading 2 categories of the Triple Crown race, once he gets his average sorted, Mo' will be a complete player. 30 dingers and 76 Ribbies, Pena could well end up with monster numbers, a real star. (A+)

[Yogi]

Lual I've been following your Reds dynasty for a few months, and thought I would let you know how much I've enjoyed following it. Nice to see someone doing a realistic dynasty with a club like the Reds without going 120-60. Very enjoyable.

[Lual]

Lual I've been following your Reds dynasty for a few months, and thought I would let you know how much I've enjoyed following it. Nice to see someone doing a realistic dynasty with a club like the Reds without going 120-60. Very enjoyable.

Thanks Mate - I always appreciate nice comments, and from a Reds fan too :wtg:

I think the fact that i went through a tough losing 2005, followed by a little rebuilding and a tense 2006, has made it more enjoyable to play too.

[Lual]

Cincinnati Reds (50% and a bit) Continued:

On the Mound:

SP - Carlos Zambrano - 14-2(W/L) 2.52ERA 69K

Carlos Zambrano has been the 'Signing' of the MLB and has catipulated the Reds from obscurity to contenders in just half a season. He is well on course for over 20 wins, and if justice is served, will come away with the NL Cy Young award. Without him spearheading the rotation, the Reds would be figthing with the Pirates at the foot of the division. (A+)

SP - Brandon Claussen - 8-5(W/L) 4.44ERA 38K

Brandon has built on his 2005 season slowly and has turned in a fair few decent outings for the Reds. He needs to work alot more on his control and stamina, but the Reds will be pleased that he has put together a winning record so far. (C+)

SP - Aaron Harang - 10-2(W/L) 3.79ERA 50K

Harang is fast becoming a revelation in the MLB. He has further enhanced his reputation from 2005 by putting up a double digit winning record in the 1st half of an incredible year. He has been a staple in the heart of the Reds rotation, and has managed to keep things together in some tough spots. (A)

SP - Juan Dominguez - 5-6(W/L) 5.61ERA 36K

Juan is the number 5 starter and has a record to fit. He is not the most complete pitcher, but he gives the Reds a solid start, and can perform above his ability on occasions. In reality the Reds need alot more from Juan, but its a big ask of an average pitcher. ©

RP - Antonio Alfonseca - 1-0(W/L) 1.05ERA 15K 20Sv

Another huge upgrade in the off-season for the Reds, as Alfonseca has proved to be a lights out closer, putting up 20 saves with a honest 1.05ERA. He has done the business when called upon, and can pretty much guarentee the Reds the win when on the mound. (A)

RP - Yhency Brazoban - 1-1(W/L) 2.08ERA 15K 1Sv

Yhency has been a consistent pitcher in the Reds 'pen, and will continue to improve with age and experience. He is being moulded into the next clsoer for the Reds, and should he put up similar numbers in the 2nd half of the season, the Reds will be delighted. (

RP - John Parrish - 3-1(W/L) 2.45ERA 17K

Mr Long Relief, has been a clutch pitcher for the Reds, especially in games where the 4/5 starters are pitching for the Reds. He has proven he can hold a few innings together to allow the Reds offence to turn things around, and will be key in the stretch. (

RP - Tim Spooneybarger - 1-1(W/L) 4.45ERA 9K

Tim has been an average pitcher for the Reds, and gives them an inning or two when needed. Hes not proven to be a real threat from the bullpen, but is a useful arm to have. ©

Kyle Davies, Steve Kline & Kyle Farnsworth still sit in the early stages of their Reds career. All 3 need to prove themselves for the remainder of the season or the Reds could face a crisis down the line.

[Lual]

Upcoming Series: 3 Games @ St. Louis Cardinals

Game 1: Cincinnati Reds (49-33) @ St. Louis Cardinals (46-36)

550 for Griffey

Above: Griffeys solo shot in the 10th wins it for the Reds, and brings up his 550th career homer, Right: Pena continues to hurt everyone he faces with a 3 run blast!

Busch Stadium was packed for the clash of 2 big time teams, as the Reds faced off against the Cardinals to start a massive series in St. Louis.

The game lived up to its billing with the Reds coming from a 3-0 defecit, to tie it on the back of a Pena 3 run shot, before Griffey won the game in the 10th with a solo effort of his own.

Zambrano looked shaky on the mound as he gave up 11H and 3ER, as the Cardinals rode the back of their fans to shoot ahead. He then stepped it up a gear to hold the Cards 'charge, and allowed for the Reds offence to do their own damage to force the Extra Innings.

This win has given the Reds the ideal start to the series, and now puts the onus on the Cardinals to win the next 2 games.

Reds Talk:

Miley: "We are all pleased for Jr to make that mark, as he has had a battle this year to prove himself. Furthermore, he has proved he can still come up in the clutch, and we need that in this series and in the stretch"

Griffey: "Yeah its great to finally get to 550, and its come in a game that is huge to this club. Lets not forget that we are here to make the playoffs, personal goals come second to that"

Reds Notables:

Hitting:

Freel - 2/5

F.Lopez - 2/5

Pena - 2/5, 1HR, 3RBI

Dunn - 2/5

Griffey - 2/4, 1HR, 1RBI

Pitching:

Zambrano - 8I 11H 3R 3ER 0BB 6K 0HR 2.57ERA

Kline - 1I 1H 0R 0ER 0BB 0K 0HR 1.88ERA W(5-1)

Alfonseca - 1I 0H 0R 0ER 0BB 0K 0HR 1.10ERA (Save 21)

Box:


	  R   H   E


CIN   4  12   0


STL   3  12   0

[Lual]

Game 2: Cincinnati Reds (50-33) @ St. Louis Cardinals (46-37)

Brazo'Down

Above: Javy and Griffey look on as the Cardinals comeback big in the 8th, Right: Miley goes for the Umpire after a bad call at the plate!

The Cardinals left it late to beat the Reds in tonights affair, as they ploughed 3 runs off Brazoban in the 8th inning, to wrap up a 6-3 win.

Cincinnati had looked on course to take 2 straight from the Cards, as Pena and Dunn both went yard to force a 3-1 lead through 6 innings. Claussen then had a rough 7th to allow the Cards to tie it, before Brazoban's fateful 8th, which saw 3H 3ER and 2HR from the Cardinals offence.

The series now heads into a huge rubber matchup, as another win for the Cardinals will eat into the Reds slender advantage atop the NL Central.

Reds Talk:

Miley: "Yhency is a great pitcher and we still have alot of confidence in him. Those things happen sometimes out there, the Cardinals can just turn it on like a tap, we just got to make sure things like that dont happen to often"

Braozban: "Not pleased with that performance at all. Everyone knows the Cards have a power team, but i just left too many balls in the wrong spots. Location is the key, if you dont hit it, they hit you.."

Reds Notables:

Hitting:

F.Lopez - 2/4

Pena - 2/4, 1HR, 2RBI

Dunn - 2/4, 1HR, 1RBI

Pitching:

Claussen - 7I 8H 3R 3ER 0BB 2K 0HR 4.40ERA

Brazoban - 1I 3H 3R 3ER 0BB 1K 2HR 2.87ERA L(1-2)

Box:


	  R   H   E


CIN   3   9   2


STL   6  11   0

[Lual]

Game 3: Cincinnati Reds (50-34) @ St. Louis Cardinals (47-37)

Reds Not So Comfy

Above: Huff cant grab the ball at 3rd, as the Cardinals get the bases loaded, Right: Scenes of 2005, as defeat hits the Reds morale!

The Cardinals clinched the series in a low scoring pitchers duel, which saw Cardinals Starter, Chris Carpenter pitch a complete game shutout of the Reds.

The only runs where scored in the 5th inning, when Aubrey Huff bobbled a ball at 3rd to allow the Cards to load the bases, allowing Eckstein to drive in 2 runs.

There was little resistance put up by the Reds, as their 5 hits barely threatened home plate, leaving them with egg on their face in this 2-0 shutout loss.

Division wise, we now see the Cubs just 0.5 games back of the Reds, whilst the Cardinals now sit just 2 back. This leaves the Reds 'Ohio Series' against the Indians in a delicate position just before the All-Star Break.

Reds Talk:

Miley: "Tough loss for us tonight, this really puts us on the backfoot with both the Cubs and Cards now harrasing us for the division

Harang: "I kept it as tight as possible, but sometimes you dont get the support you need. We still have alot to work on, but im sure this team can get back on track

Reds Notables:

Hitting:

Pena - 2/4

Pitching:

Harang - 8I 8H 2R 2ER 0BB 4K 0HR 3.69ERA L(10-3)

Box:


	  R   H   E


CIN   0   5   0


STL   2   8   0

[mroctober430]

Wow, you've done an amazing job with this dynasty! I'd probably quit after my first season.

[Yogi]

Great Reading Lual. Really enjoying this. Mo is a beast, and only getting better.

[Lual]

Great Reading lual. Really enjoying this. Mo is a beast, and only getting better.

Cheers for sticking with it Yogi & Mr October :wtg: - its been a bit slow, but im catching up with my reports....

[Lual]

MLB Trade Crazy'

Above: Ortiz is traded out to Colorado, giving Helton a chance to shine on the big stage in Boston!

With the Trade Deadline approaching, the MLB is starting to see teams make a bunch of moves to improve their rosters before the Trade Deadline.

The biggest move so far, saw Boston send Big Papi' David Ortiz to Colorado, in exchange for their Power Hitting 1st baseman Todd Helton. The move has shocked alot of people in the industry, but rumours surfacing from Boston suggest that Ortiz refused to extend his deal in the summer, leaving the Red Sox on the lookout for a replacement.

This deal gives Helton a chance to shine in a big team, in reverse, 'Big Papi' should crush the ball at Coors Field, and could even turn the fortunes of the Rockies around.

Other recent moves have seen RF Gary Sheffield go back to Atlanta, as the Yankees accepted SP A. Van Hekken and LF Kelly Johnson for their unhappy veteran.

Another deal completed saw 6 players change teams, as the Dodgers picked up 2B Mark Lorretta, 1B Lyle Overbay and Krinkel from Milwaukee, sending 1B Hee Seop Choi, SP Joe Kennedy and SP Scott Elbert to the Brewers in return.

Only time will tell if any of these deals will change these teams fortunes, and with time left before the deadline day expect to see further deals and shocks in the MLB.

[Lual]

Upcoming Series: 3 Games Home vs Cleveland Indians

Game 1: Cleveland Indians (43-42) @ Cincinnati Reds (50-35)

Davies Pitches A Gem

Above: Huff cranks a 2 run dinger, and then makes a sharp grab to force the final out!

The Battle of Ohio' reignited with the Reds shutting out the Indians 3-0, with Young Starter Kyle Davies holding the Tribe to just 4 hits in 7IP.

Aubrey then sparked the Reds offence into life with a 2 run shot in the 5th, which was followed up by Casey driving home another run, to put the Reds into control.

Closer Alfonseca made no mistake in finishing off the job, with another 1-2-3 9th inning, to claim his 22nd save of the year, improving his ERA to 0.98 along the way.

On a side-note, Reds fans will be shocked to hear that 1B Sean Casey was involved in trade talks before the game. It has been confirmed that Milwaukee had offered the Reds a 6 man deal, which would see Casey as the centerpiece of the trade.

The Reds rejected the deal without negotiation, as the Brewers offered C Jason Phillips, C Damien Miller & 2B Junior Spivey, for the Reds RP Kyle Farnsworth, 1B Sean Casey & 1B John Olerud. Caseys future is still a subject of alot of discussion, as he is still yet to ink an extension to his deal which runs out this year.

Reds Talk:

Casey: "Its flattering that another team wants to take you on, and with my Reds deal still not sorted, it could of been a sensible move. But i love playing in Cincinnati and ill give my all to the end of the season. If the Reds want to re-sign me, then they know where i am"

Davies: "Im glad to finally show my stuff out there in a major league game. Its been a short but tough road so far, so to shutout the Tribe is a nice way to hopefully rekindle a run of form"

Reds Notables:

Hitting:

Freel - 3/4, 1 Double

Huff - 2/3, 1HR, 2RBI

J.Lopez - 2/4, 1 Double

Casey - 2/3, 1RBI

Pitching:

Davies - 7I 4H 0R 0ER 0BB 2K 0HR 5.85ERA W(1-2)

Spooneybarger - 1I 0H 0R 0ER 0BB 0K 0HR 3.93ERA

Alfonseca - 1I 0H 0R 0ER 0BB 0K 0HR 0.98ERA (Save 22)

Box:


	  R   H   E


CLE   0   4   1


CIN   3  10   0

[Lual]

Game 2: Cleveland Indians (43-43) @ Cincinnati Reds (51-35)

Indians Run Riot

Above: Javy's homer is mere consolation, Right: Dominguez bobbles a liner, which summed up his day!

The Tribe crushed a lacklustre Reds lineup, by smacking 10 runs of 15 hits, including 5 homers.

Dominguez put up a feeble effort on the mound, as he gave up 3 homers for 5 runs, in a disastorous start to the game. Javy Lopez hit a solo shot to keep the Reds alive, before RP Steve Kline has a ropey 9th, that saw another 5 runs added to the Tribes talley.

This result still leaves the question marks over the Reds Pitching Crew, with many experts calling for the Reds to lose a bat, for the sake of a big name pitcher to compliment Carlos Zambrano.

Reds Talk:

Miley: "Blowouts are not nice to be on the end of, but with Zambrano pitching tomorrow, we are confident of a series win against Cleveland"

O'Brien (GM): "I will confirm to all Reds fans, that Sean Casey is not going anywhere. We are trying to ink him to a new deal, and hope to announce something shortly, so we can move away from these rumours"

Reds Notables:

Hitting:

Huff - 2/4

J.Lopez - 1/3, 1HR, 1RBI

Pitching:

Dominguez - 5.2I 9H 5R 5ER 0BB 3K 3HR 5.76ERA L(5-7)

Parrish - 2.1I 2H 0R 0ER 0BB 1K 0HR 2.34ERA

Kline - 1I 4H 5R 5ER 0BB 0K 2HR 2.68ERA

Box:


	  R   H   E


CLE  10  15   0


CIN   1   5   0

[Yogi]

Casey has been the man in my francise. Dunn has more power, but Casey delivers.

[terrytitan]

I won the world series in my first year with the Reds.I traded Adam Dunn and Austin Kearns along with some others and aquired Soriano ,Vinny Castillo,Tori Hunter,Lew Ford and henry Blanco.This was my lineup,

2nd Soriano

ss Jimenez

of Griffey

1st Casey

of Hunter

of Pena

3rd Castillo

c Blanco

We swept the Yankees in the series, it was a great season with Casey winning Series MVP

[Lual]

Game 3: Cleveland Indians (44-43) @ Cincinnati Reds (51-36)

Tribe Take Two

Above: Zambrano has a bad day at the mound, but drives in a run for the Reds, Right: Miley has alot of work to do, as the Reds are starting to slip!

Back to back defeats for the Reds, as the Indians took Zambrano apart, tearing him up for 13H 8ER and 4HR on their way to a 9-6 win at the GABP.

Zambrano had no answer to the Indians dominance at the plate, and found himself pulled after 6.1IP leaving 2 eventual scorers on base.

Offensively the Reds tried to put up the comeback numbers, but although Casey, Pena and Griffey all went yard, the Indians had enough in their tank to get through to Wickman who got the save.

Major League Baseball now has a 3 day break for the All Star Game, giving the Reds a chance to re-asses their season, and to cheer on their team-mates who have made the show in Pittsburgh.

Reds Talk:

Miley: "Bad series for us, and its becoming another tough month, going 3-6. This 3 day break will do us good, we can get sharp again, and move on to better things"

Zambrano: "Not the start i was expecting, but the team now has a break, and i can go to Pittsburgh and enjoy the All-Star game"

Reds Notables:

Hitting:

F.Lopez - 2/4

Pena - 1/3, 1HR, 1RBI

Griffey - 1/3, 1HR, 1RBI

Casey - 3/4, 1HR, 2RBI, 1 Double

Zambrano - 1/2, 1RBI

Pitching:

Zambrano - 6.1I 13H 8R 8ER 1BB 2K 4HR 2.95ERA L(14-3)

Farnsworth - 2.2I 3H 1R 1ER 0BB 0K 0HR 2.79ERA

Box:


	  R   H   E


CLE   9  16   1


CIN   6   9   0

[Lual]

:coffee:

Would you believe that was the 250th game i have played with the Reds in this dynasty

Still a fair few to go, im thinking of breaking Cal's record........:tired:

[Lual]

MLB All-Star Game 2006:

Baseballs Playoff race comes to a halt this week, as the MLB celebrates 3 days of fun with its fans, as the best players in the Majors come to Pittsburgh to slug it out for bragging rights (and of course 'Homefield Advantage' in the World Series).

The Cincinnati Reds will have 4 representatives this year in the National League roster, we breakdown whos in below:

National League:

Starting Lineup:

C - Javy Lopez CIN	  .297Avg 57RBI 21HR


1B - Derrek Lee CHC	 .298Avg 59RBI 19HR


2B - Luis Gonzalez COL  .321Avg 49RBI 18HR


3B - Scott Rolen STL	.259Avg 52RBI 19HR


SS - Rafael Furcal ATL  .285Avg 31RBI 8HR


OF - Jose Guillen WAS   .325Avg 76RBI 22HR


OF - Carlos Beltran NYM .291Avg 53RBI 15HR


OF - Bobby Abreu PHI	.313Avg 34RBI 17HR

Starting Pitcher:

SP - Roy Ostwalt HOU	 12-5(W/L) 2,74ERA 91K

Bench:

C - Michael Barrett CHC  .292Avg 39RBI 10HR


3B - David Wright NYM	.315Avg 61RBI 17HR


OF - Brad Wilkerson WAS  .333Avg 54RBI 10HR


OF - Brian Giles SD	  .333Avg 52RBI 19HR


1B - David Ortiz COL	 .302Avg 74RBI 22HR


OF - Willy Mo Pena CIN   .281Avg 82RBI 33HR


2B - Jeff Kent LA		.280Avg 58RBI 15HR

Bullpen:

SP - Tim Hudson ATL		9-5(W/L) 2.45ERA 107K


SP - Kerry Wood CHC		10-3(W/L) 3.42ERA 92K


SP - Carlos Zambrano CIN   14-3(W/L) 2.95ERA 77K


SP - John Smoltz ATL	   11-3(W/L) 2.59ERA 114K


RP - Eric Gagne LA		 0-3(W/L) 4.81ERA 19K 23SV


RP - Braden Looper NYM	 1-2(W/L) 4.13ERA 11K 24SV


RP - Danny Kolb ATL		1-1(W/L) 4.30ERA 15K 25SV


RP - Antonio Alfonseca CIN 1-0(W/L) 0.98ERA 15K 22SV

American League: Starting Lineup:

C - Ivan Rodriguez DET	 .293Avg 46RBI 13HR


1B - Todd Helton BOS	   .382Avg 67RBI 26HR


2B - Alfonso Soriano TEX   .330Avg 77RBI 24HR


3B - Alex Rodriguez NYY	.297Avg 56RBI 16HR


SS - Edgar Renteria BOS	.299Avg 72RBI 10HR


OF - Manny Ramirez BOS	 .343Avg 69RBI 20HR


OF - Shannon Stewart MIN   .316Avg 39RBI 15HR


OF - Vladimir Guerrero ANA .326Avg 73RBI 22HR

Starting Pitcher:

SP - Johan Santana MIN	  9-4(W/L) 2.56ERA 118K

Bench:

C - Jason Varitek BOS	  .319Avg 52RBI 11HR


1B - Justin Morneau MIN	.303Avg 65RBI 19HR


OF - Ichiro SEA			.281Avg 27RBI 4HR 26SB


OF - Johnny Damon BOS	  .300Avg 57RBI 8HR


3B - Hank Blalock TEX	  .327Avg 55RBI 15HR


OF - Carl Crawford TB	  .301Avg 48RBI 8HR 34SB


SS - Bobby Crosby OAK	  .287Avg 54RBI 20HR

Bullpen:

SP - Randy Johnson NYY	   10-2(W/L) 2.59ERA 105K


SP - Rich Harden OAK		 8-5(W/L) 3.07ERA 103K


SP - Matt Clement BOS		10-6(W/L) 3.38ERA 84K


SP - Sidney Ponson BAL	   10-2(W/L) 3.07ERA 67K


RP - Francisco Rodriguez ANA 1-1(W/L) 1.23ERA 29K 28SV


RP - BJ Ryan BAL			 0-0(W/L) 0.83ERA 17K 23SV


RP - Octavio Dotel OAK	   0-2(W/L) 4.58ERA 24K 21SV


RP - Troy Percival DET	   0-4(W/L) 3.38ERA 25K 22SV

[Lual]

Home Run Derby 2006:

(Above: It came down to Manny & Bobby...who won?!)

One of the best spectacles in sport, is the Homerun Derby at the All-Star game. 8 of the games best 'Sluggers' battle to slam as many jacks as they can, to earn the crown of the games best.

This years derby was no different, as 4 representatives from each league came to the plate and showed their stuff.

Round 1 went the way of the National League, as 3 of their players came through, leaving just Manny Ramirez (BOS) as the sole American League Representative.

Round 1 Stats:

Bobby Abreu PHI	   9


Derrek Lee CHC		7


Willy Mo Pena CIN	 7


Manny Ramirez BOS	 7


-------------------------


Todd Helton BOS	   6


Alfonso Soriano TEX   6


Vladimir Guerrero ANA 6


Jose Guillen WAS	  4

Round Two, saw the players step up their game, as the Final awaited. Abreu stamped his mark on the event with a double digit round, earning his place in the Finale. It looked as if MLB HomeRun Leader Willy Mo Pena would make it with Abreu after he hit 10 bombs to ignite the crowd at PNC. However with Manny Ramirez up last, the PNC crowd knew something special was in the air, and Manny didnt disappoint. He went for 17 homers, crushing the competition, and lining up a showdown with Philadelphia's 'Bobby Abreu in the final. Round 2 Stats:

Manny Ramirez BOS 17


Bobby Abreu PHI   12


-------------------------


Willy Mo Pena CIN 10


Derrek Lee CHC	 8

So it came down to 2 men, both respected Sluggers throughout the game... both on fire and committed to putting on 1 more show for the wild fans in Pittsburgh. With the fans watching in amazement, Manny Ramirez stepped up first and slammed an incredible 14 homers, leaving Abreu with a huge task if he was to achieve glory in the 'Derby. Things didnt start to well for Bobby' as he looked to be heading to a defeat with 10 homers going into his last out. Then the incredible, Abreu became a man possessed, and lashed 5 straight balls out of the ground, leaving the fans stunned but delirious. Bobby Abreu had snatched the Derby crown off Manny Ramirez' head, and came away as the 2006 Home Run King. Final Round Stats:

Bobby Abreu PHI   15


Manny Ramirez BOS 14

(Above: Bobby shows off his trophy)

[Lual]

MLB 2006 All-Star Game: @ PNC Park, Pittsburgh

National League Win Thriller!

(Above: Renteria gets things going with a 3 run blast, Right: Stewart makes an impression in the outfield!)

(Above: Vlad appeared to have sealed the win, as his 2 run shot took the scores to 8-7, Right: David Wright had other ideas, as his 3RBI Pinch Hit double won the game for the National League!)

(Above: With the 'Bases Loaded' in the 9th, Gagne forces Ramirez to ground out, with the final out made at home, Right: The American League can only ponder how they lost this game!)

The National League picked up a thrilling win over the American League, as David Wright drove home the winning runs in the 8th, with a 3RBI double off Baltimore Pitcher 'BJ Ryan.

The American League had held onto a slender lead throughout the game, starting with Renteria (BOS) driving a 3 run jack deep to center, to start things off early.

RBI's from Abreu and Furcal kept things tight, before the American League again took the lead, this time via a Vlad Guerrero dinger, as they forced their way into a 8-7 lead.

David Wright then stepped up to clear the bases with 2 outs in the 8th, to setup the last inning excitement, leaving BJ Ryan in shock after securing 2 outs and looking good to come through the hole.

The AL managed to load the bases of LA Closer Eric Gagne, before he forced 2 pop outs, and then a ground out via Manny Ramirez (BOS) to clinch the save on a crazy and showcase night for baseball.

Everyone left PNC Park with lasting memories of a great encounter, featuring great players, which produced a 38 Hit, 18 Run matchup.

This year the NL will gladly accept the 'HomeField Advantage' in the World Series, in what will go down as a great night in All-Star history.

All-Star Game MVP: Vladimir Guerrero ANA

All-Star Talk:

Wright NYM: "What a awesome night, and to be the game winner is something special. Its a real pleasure to play alongside these guys, this is a showcase of the best players in the world, and its an honour to be in their company"

Abreu PHI: "After winning the Home Run Derby, im delighted to be involved in this game, and to come out on top again. The AL is a tough team, and we had to be at our best to beat them"

Gagne LA: "Of course i was nervous, but i dealt with them, and thats why i can be succesful. You never want to load the bases in a Save situation, so i really had to dig myself out of a hole"

Guerrero ANA: "...."

Ryan BAL: "Its one of those nights where anything could happen, unfortunately i left a ball up in the zone, and David slammed it back down my throat to win the game"

Selig (MLB Commissioner): "These past 3 days have been spectacular, and is proof that baseball is America's true pastime. We have now come through all the bad press, and can now build onto the special league we have, and really give the fans something to be proud of"

All-Star Notables:

NL Hitting:

Abreu - 2/5, 1RBI, 1 Double

Furcal - 3/5, 2RBI

Guillen - 2/4

Gonzalez - 2/4

Wright - 1/1, 3RBI, 1 Double

Beltran, Rolen, Pena & Giles - 1RBI

AL Hitting:

Soriano - 2/5, 1RBI, 2 Triple

Stewart - 2/5, 1RBI, 1 Double

Guerrero - 4/5, 2RBI, 1 HR

Helton - 3/5

I.Rodriguez - 3/5

Renteria - 2/4, 3RBI, 1HR, 1 Double

Morneau - 1/1, 1RBI

Pitching:

Looper (W) / Ryan (L) / Gagne (S)

Box:


	  R   H   E


AL	8  20   0


NL   10  18   0

[mooseknucks]

My hat goes off to you Lu'. You've stayed with this dynasty and with every big event, you whet the nations appetite even more. I love it and will follow until year 20. Great job.

[Lual]

My hat goes off to you Lu'. You've stayed with this dynasty and with every big event, you whet the nations appetite even more. I love it and will follow until year 20. Great job.

cheers mate - i try my best, and am glad i can entertain those who read

its a bit slow atm - but im still chugging along :lol: