Who's On First?

[philliesphan18]

Jason Giambi - Triple Crown Winner??? That's really wierd. And Howard has a chance to do the same thing in the NL too.

[lz477]

Jason Giambi - Triple Crown Winner??? That's really wierd. And Howard has a chance to do the same thing in the NL too.

Yea, Giambi had a ridiculous June for the Yankees, we'll see if he can keep it up. The silly thing is, Howard is arguably the NL MVP the first half and didn't even make the All-Star team.

[philliesphan18]

Yea, Giambi had a ridiculous June for the Yankees, we'll see if he can keep it up. The silly thing is, Howard is probably the NL MVP the first half and didn't even make the ALl-Star team.

That's really odd Iz! Anyhow, glad to see you're back, I was missing reading this dynasty!

[lz477]

That's really odd Iz! Anyhow, glad to see you're back, I was missing reading this dynasty!

Thanks for the vote of confidence. It's much appreciated. Oh and speaking of not making the All-Star team, Todd Helton also didn't make the NL squad. Weird.

[lz477]

2007 All-Star Game

Starting Lineups

Commerica Park, Detroit Michigan

[TwentySeven]

Jeez. Willy Mo bustin' it out!

Do you have any all-stars?

[lz477]

Jeez. Willy Mo bustin' it out!

Do you have any all-stars?

My closer, Lee Gardner is the only National on the NL team.

[lz477]

All-Star Game

July 12th, Commerica Park, Detroit Michigan

National League Stars Hold On To Defeat Junior Circuit

Left: Chase Utley smacks an RBI double up the middle in the second inning. Right: Alex Rodriguez slides safely into second for his second stolen base of the game.

Left: Frank Thomas admires his seventh inning homerun. Right: Utley's throw from second is easily in time to prevent Brian Roberts from scoring in the ninth.

Chicago Cubs outfielder, Alfonso Soriano led off the game with a double to left off Minneosta Twins ace, Johan Santana to start the game, but the Senior Circuit didn't get on the board until the second, when Pirates outfielder Jason Bay homered to start the inning. Three batters later, Chase Utley's RBI double would score Matt Holliday, who had singled after Bay's homerun. The National League added one more run to go up 3-0 when Rollins knocked in Philly teammate, Utley with a single in the next at bat.

Vladimir Guerrero hit a deep homerun to left in the fourth off Clay Hensley to score the first run for the American League. In the sixth, Chris Duncan, who entered the game for Bay gave the NL stars a 4-1 lead when he homered to left. That was all the runs Santana would allow in his nine innings of work, but that would be enough despite a Frank Thomas homerun in the seventh and an RBI triple by Johnny Damon to score Yankee teammate Alex Rodriguez off Bob Howry, in the same inning.

In the eighth, Brian Roberts led off the inning with a double off the Washington Nationals loan representative, relief pitcher, Lee Gardner. Roberts would then advance to third on a sacrifice by Derek Jeter, but he was then thrown out at the plate, trying to score on a ground ball to Chase Utley off the bat of Guerrero.

The AL stars would go quiet from then on, and Phillies closer Tom Gordon would hold on to the 4-3 lead and end the game and pick up the save. Mets starting pitcher, Pedro Martinez, who pitched a scoreless third, was given credit for the win.

Chase Utley, who was 2-3 at the plate, with two doubles, an RBI and a run scored, and also prevented the AL squad from tying it in the eighth, was awarded the Most Valuable Player of the game.

When asked about his first all-star game, Nationals closer Gardner said, "I had a great time." "It was truly an honor to be a part of the team and it was even more so to get the opportunity to come in the eighth to get the hold," Gardner added. "I'm just glad Chase Utley was on our side this time around, he's killed us during the regular season and it's nice to see someone else be on the other end of a beating from that guy."

Gardner will now take the next couple of days off and meet the rest of the Nationals in Florida on Friday, when Washington will start a three game series with the Marlins to begin the second half.

Boxscore: NL 4 - AL 3

MVP - Chase Utley

[lz477]

July 15th

Game 90: Nationals (46-43) at Marlins (38-51)

Marlins and Nationals Start Second Half Similar To First

Left: Scott McClain's RBI double game Washington the lead in the eighth. Right: The Marlins celebrate at home plate after John Gall's game-winning homerun.

The Washington Nationals and the Florida Marlins each started their season in Washington, where the Marlins swept the Nationals in their first four games. Friday night the two teams met in Florida this time to start the second half and the Marlins took the victory on the back of a game winning homerun by John Gall in the bottom of the ninth inning. A late inning homerun by Gall was also the difference in a game between the two teams back on May 15th in D.C., when Gall's eighth inning blast gave the Marlins a 3-2 lead that they would hold onto to pick up the victory that day as well.

Friday night, the Nationals jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in the second inning, after Matt Erickson knocked an RBI double, then scored after he advanced to third on a ground ball out by Augie Ojeda and Florida first baseman, Mike Jacobs dropped a throw from second baseman Dan Uggla on a routine ground ball off the bat of Masumi Kuwata. That error would come back to haunt the Marlins as George Lombard followed with a two-run homerun just over the right field wall to put Washington up 4-0.

Florida came back in the fourth inning and pulled to within two after Uggla homered, then Miquel Cabrera tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly by Jacobs. Kuwata exited in the sixth after giving up a single to Cabrera, but reliever Jim Crowell then gave up a two-run homer to Jacobs to tie it and redeem the Marlins first baseman after his second inning gaff that allowed Washington to take the 4-0 lead.

In the eighth, Scott McClain his a two out double on a full count pitch to score Andy Tracy, who was running on the pitch, all the way from first base and put the Nationals up 5-4. Cabrera would give Florida that run back in their half of the eighth when he homered to right center to tie it at five a piece. Bryan Corey who came on to pitch in the eighth and gave up Cabrera's game-tying homer, got Alfredo Amezaga to ground out in the ninth, before giving up Gall's walk-off shot in the very next at bat. Corey was charged with the loss and Florida closer Kevin Gregg picked up the win.

"It's always tough to lose a game, but it's even harder to lose one like that," Nationals manager Manny Acta remarked about the outcome of Friday nights contest. "Now that we've started the second half of the season, we're going to re-evaluate a few things and make sure we have the best roster with the right pieces to help us make this push for the playoffs," Acta added. Rumor has it relievers, Chad Paronta and Corey will swap positions in the bullpen, making Paronta the setup man and moving Corey to middle relief duties.

Game two of the three game set will be Saturday night. Chris Michalak (6-3) will make his first start of the second half for the Nationals, while the Marlins will counter with Dontrelle Willis (6-5).

Boxscore: WAS 5 - FLA 6

League News

Devil Rays, (OF) Rocco Baldelli out 10 days with strained lower back.

Tigers trade (SP) Corey Hamman to Yankees for (SP) Steven Jackson.

Rockies trade (RP) LaTroy Hawkins to Mariners for (1B) Ben Broussard.

Royals sign (RP) Matt Ford for 3 years at 500K.

Rockies trade (1B) Randall Simon to Dodgers for (SP) William Juarez.

Angels trade (2B) Tadd Brewer to Yankees for (2B) Mario Holman.

Pirates trade (2B) Shelby Ford to Marlins for (3B) Lee Mitchell.

Phillies trade (SP) Fabio Castro to Rockies for (RP) Ramon Ramirez.

Yankees trade (SP) Humberto Sanchez and (OF) Melky Cabrera to Reds for (RP) Rheal Cormier and (OF) Ryan Freel.

Brewers sign (3B) Joshua Peterson for 3 years at 100K.

Red Sox trade © Jeffrey Mackor, (OF) Cory Keylor and (OF) Prentice Redman to Mets for (1B) Ned Yost IV, (SP) Jose Sanchez and (RP) Greg Martin.

Brewers trade (OF) Lorenzo Cain to Blue Jays for (SP) Bobby Ray.

Brewers trade (OF) Ryan Church and © Johnny Estrada to Blue Jays for (OF) Matt Stairs and (OF) Adam Lind.

Braves sign (RP) Santiago Ramirez for 3 years at 500K.

Astros sign (1B) Greg Creek for 3 years at 100K.

Cubs trade (SS) Skip Adams to Brewers for (OF) Darrell Hoard.

Rockies trade (RP) Dave Veres to Mariners for (2B) Jesus Guzman.

Reds sign (1B) Tommy Everidge for 3 years at 100K.

[lz477]

July 16th

Game 91: Nationals (46-44) at Marlins (39-51)

Nationals Struggles Versus Marlins Continue

Left: Dan Ugglas scores on a single by Osh Willingham in the third. Right: Dontrelle Willis struggled with his control and lasted only 4 2/3 innings, walking 10 and giving up five runs.

Josh Willingham, Miquel Olivo and Jermy Hermedia all were 3-4 at the plate Saturday night, with Willingham and Olivo each scoring two runs apiece and Olivo also knocking in two. But it was Miquel Cabrera's, two hit, two run, three RBI performance that led the Marlins offense to a 10-5 victory over the Nationals.

Florida's starter, Dontrelle Willis struggled over his 4 2/3 innings of work, before leaving in the fifth with what appeared to be a sore shoulder. Willis struggled with his control throughout most of the day, allowing five runs off just three hits, striking out two and walking ten. Ricardo Rodriguez came on to get the final out of the inning in the fifth and pitched a scoreless sixth after Florida took the lead to pick up his second win of the year.

Hermedia got the Marlins on the board first in the second inning when he knocked in Willingham with an RBI double. Alfredo Amezaga followed that with an RBI ground out to score Olivo, who had a double of his own before Hermedia's hit earlier in the inning.

In the third, Florida smacked three consecutive singles just by infielders Augie Ojeda and Scott Seabol and went up 5-0 Willingham knocked in Dan Uggla with an RBI single up the middle and Olivo followed that with a two-run double that left fielder, Chad Mottola apparently thought was going to go over the wall, when it actually hit off the top of it. Nationals manager, Manny Acta immediately removed Mottola from the game and replaced him with Doug Clark, who ending the inning when he threw out Olivo at home trying to score on a single by Hermedia in the next at bat.

"I'm very disappointed in the guy, he knows I'm disappointed in him and he knows I expect better of him," Acta remarked after the game about Mottola. "I spoke with him in the dugout briefly before telling him to hit the clubhouse early," Acta added. "Hopefully, he'll come back tomorrow ready to play."

Washington finally got on the board in the fourth, when Willis walked three straight batters after Chris Coste led the inning off with a single. The Nationals left the bases loaded that inning, but loaded them again in the fifth, and tied the game after Willis gave up a single and seven walks. After Willis excited early, Rodriguez induced a ground ball out by Scott Seabol to end the inning.

Hanley Ramirez' RBI single and Uggla's sac fly in the sixth gave the Marlins back the lead and Cabrera's three-run shot after that secured the victory. Washington loaded the bases with no outs in the ninth, but failed to score as Florida reliever Kevin Gregg struck out the side to end the game. Marty McCleary, who was on the mound for the Marlins five-run sixth was charged with the loss.

Washington will look to stay above .500 when they take on the Marlins for the final game of the series Sunday afternoon. Jason Simontacchi (3-6) still looking for his first win since coming off the DL will make the start for the Nationals, while the Marlins will counter with Josh Johnson (5-7).

Before Saturday's game, the Nationals made several moves throughout the organization. First, Washington traded relief pitchers Levale Speigner and T.J. Nall to the Rangers for relief pitchers Randy Williams and Brandon Puffer. Williams, who is left handed was sent to Triple-A Columbus, while Puffer was send to Double-A Harrisburg. To make room for Williams on the Columbus roster, the team sent reliever Travis Driskell down to Harrisburg. The Nationals also called up lefty reliever John Bale who had been solid out of the Clipper bullpen, going 3-3 with a 2.88 ERA with 39 strikeouts and just 9 walks over 50 innings. Jim Crowell, who had struggled out of Washington's bullpen as of late was sent to Columbus to make room for Bale.

Washington also traded Arnie Munoz to the Astros for infielder Cody Ransom and placed him on the Clippers roster in Columbus and optioned first baseman, Gary Burnham to Harrisburg.

Boxscore: WAS 5 - FLA 10

League News

Blue Jays trade © Brandon Harper, (RP) Matt Farnum and (OF) David Kelton to Tigers for (RP) Ed Campusano, (2B) Adam Haley and © Wally Rosa.

Padres trade (RP) Adrian Barnside and (1B) Michael Johnson to Diamondbacks for © Sandy Madera and (RP) Dedric Merrell.

Marlins trade (SS) Rex Rundgren to Blue Jays for (SS) Manny Mayorson.

Mariners trade © Kenji Johjima to Yankees for © Jorge Posada.

Braves (RP) Rafael Soriano suspended 6 games.

Padres (CF) Mike Cameron out 23 days with major wrist tendonitis.

[spicybanana]

Damn, what is up with these 39-51 Marlins that's troubling you, Iz?

[lz477]

Damn, what is up with these 39-51 Marlins that's troubling you, Iz?

I have no idea. I guess I just don't match up with them well or something. It's kinda frustrating.

[lz477]

July 17th

Game 92: Nationals (46-45) at Marlins (40-51)

Mottola, Nationals Whallop Marlins

Left: Doug Clark was 2-3 at the plate with a homerun and three RBI. Right: Chad Mottola bashes the second of his two homeruns of the day in the eighth to put his team up 8-7.

Apparently, either being removed from the game early and/or the chat Manny Acta had with Chad Mottola Saturday night, motivated Washington's left fielder to go 3-4 at the plate Sunday afternoon, with two homeruns, four runs batted in and three runs scored. Mottola, right fielder Doug Clark and catcher Danny Ardoin teamed up to provided all of the Nationals eight runs scored, going a combined 7 for 10 at the plate.

Clark put Washington up 2-0 in the first inning, when he hit a two run single after Andy Tracy walked and Mottola doubled. Hanley Ramirez answered for the Marlins with a lead-off homerun in their half of the first. Jeremy Hermedia then tied it up 2-2 in the second with his 11th long ball of the year just over the left field wall.

Mottola hit the first of his two homeruns of the day in the third inning, to the deepest part of the field in left center field to give the Nationals back the lead at 4-2. Clark ended the inning by being picked off for the second time in the game and his ninth of the season.

In Florida's half of the fourth, Miquel Olivo hit a deep drive to left, similar to the one he hit Saturday that Mottola, thinking it was going over the fence and didn't play. The Nationals left fielder, unlike yesterday hustled to the wall, only to have the ball bounce off the wall and hit him in the head. Olivo reached second on a standup double, but failed to score as Washington's starter, Jason Simontacchi induced ground ball outs from the next two hitters.

The play drew huge applause and laughter from both the fans in the stands and Mottola's own teammates in the dugout.

"He's got about as much finesse as a chainsaw, but at least he hustled it out and attempted to make a play on it," Acta remarked about the play. "He did exactly what I asked him to do in that situation." "Give it your all and even if you don't make a play in that one situation, be satisfied that you gave 100 percent."

In the fifth, Ramirez smacked his second homerun of the game to near the same spot as his first blast earlier in the game to pull the Marlins within one. Doug Clark got back that run for Washington in the sixth when he homered over the right center field wall. Danny Ardoin followed with his 17th long ball of the year to put the Nationals up 6-3.

Washington's starter, Simontacchi got into trouble in Florida's half of the sixth as he gave up three consecutive singles before getting Jeremy Hermedia to fly out. Light hitting, Alfredo Amezaga then followed with a grand slam homerun to give the Marlins a 7-6 lead.

With the Nationals down by a run in the eighth, Mottola came up with a runner on first and gave his teams dugout something to really smile about, when he hit his second two-run homer of the day, again to deep center, to put the Nationals up 8-7.

John Bale and Chad Paronto would team up to pitch a scoreless eighth inning for the Marlins, despite a deep drive off the bat of Hermedia, that Mottola had to go to the warning track to catch. Lee Gardner came on in the ninth to close out the win and pick up his 27th save of the season. Bryan Corey was the pitcher of record and picked up his fourth victory of the year.

The Nationals will head back home to Washington to begin a three game series, Monday with the Astros who have won 12 of their last 15 games.

Other than being charged with the loss, the Marlins got some more bad news before Sunday's game when it was announced an MRI done on starting pitcher, Dontrelle Willis revealed a torn rotator cuff. Willis left in the fifth inning of Saturday's game after struggling with his control and threw 109 pitches before exiting the game. He will miss the rest of the season with the injury.

Boxscore: WAS 8 - FLA 7

League News

Rangers trade © Miquel Ojeda and (RP) Victor Diaz to Padres for (2B) Brett Dowdy and © Rob Bowen

Phillies trade (RP) Francisco Rosario and (OF) Greg Jacobs to Dodgers for (3B) Blake DeWitt and (2B) Eider Torres.

Diamondbacks, (SP) Randy Johnson out 33 days with fractured left knee.

[JoeRudi26]

I have no idea. I guess I just don't match up with them well or something. It's kinda frustrating.

I have the same problem with them in my dynasty, Iz. They're 67-90 in my dynasty (same as in real life), but I can't seem to stop their offense either.

I'm 1-3 against them so far this season.

[lz477]

I have the same problem with them in my dynasty, Iz. They're 67-90 in my dynasty (same as in real life), but I can't seem to stop their offense either.

I'm 1-3 against them so far this season.

Be glad that you're in a different division and don't have to play them 18 times in a season.

[lz477]

Week 15 Standings and Stats

Player of the Week

Doug Clark

.400 AVG, HR, 3 RBI, 2 Runs, 2 BB

[lz477]

July 18th

Game 93: Astros (50-42) at Nationals (47-45)

Houston Can't Hold Early Lead, Fall To Nationals

Left: Doug Clark makes the catch on a deep fly ball by Brad Ausmus, allowing Mike Lamb to tag up at third and score. Right: Chris Coste slides safely into third with a go ahead RBI triple.

Jason Jennings, who came in as one of baseball's leaders in pitching victories with a record of 12-4, was solid for seven innings, giving up four runs off twelve hits, while striking out three, but a two out triple off the bat of Chris Coste, scored Augie Ojeda from first in the seventh inning and put the Nationals up 3-2, enough to give Washington a victory in the opening game of the three game series with the Astros.

Jennings would come out to pitch in the eighth, but exited after giving up a lead-off double to Chad Mottola. Adam Everett then robbed Doug Clark of a base hit up the middle, preventing Mottola from advancing, but Danny Ardoin would double after that to give Washington it's fourth and final run, charged to Jennings.

All of the National's runs came after Houston jumped out to an 2-0 lead after Brad Ausmus knocked in Mike Lamb with an RBI double in the second, then hit a sacrifice fly in the fourth to score Lamb again. Washington tied it in the sixth when Clark doubled in Coste and Ardoin followed that with his first RBI double in the game to score Clark.

Stephen Randolph, making the start for the Nationals, finished the day with two runs allowed off eight hits over five innings, but reliever Marty McCleary was the pitcher of record, picking up his seventh victory of the year. Lee Gardner pitched a perfect ninth to pick up his 28th save of the year.

The Astros and Nationals will meet up again Tuesday night, when Brian Moehler (2-4) will make the start for Houston against Washington's, Travis Smith (11-4).

Boxscore: HOU 2 - WAS 4

League News

Astros trade (3B) Mark Saccomannoto to Giants for (2B) Derin McMains.

Braves trade (2B) Luis Maza to Cubs for (2B) Mike Fontenot.

Mets trade (SP) Michael O'Connor to Red Sox for (RP) Matt Guerrier.

White Sox sign (1B) Tim Brown for 3 years at 100K.

Yankees sign (RP) David Gill for 3 years ar 500K.

Red Sox sign (RP) Julio Manon for 3 years at 500K.

[lz477]

July 19th

Game 94: Astros (50-43) at Nationals (48-45)

Déjà Vu For 'Stros As Washington Wins 4-2...Again

Left: Chad Mottola rounds the bases after teaming up with Andy Tracy to bash back to back homeruns in the fourth. Right: Though replays appeared to show Chris Coste tag Mark Loretta before he touched the bag, the third base umpire called Houston's second baseman safe, prompting an argument and eventual ejection of Nationals manager, Manny Acta.

Washington starter, Travis Smith gave up two runs off four hits over six innings Tuesday night, enough for the Nationals to defeat the Astros by the same deficit as Monday's game and to give Smith his 12th victory of the year.

Houston drew first blood in the fourth inning, when Lance Berkman smacked his 17th homerun of the year just over the right field wall to give the Astros a 1-0 lead. Andy Tracy then tied it back up when he hit his ninth long ball of the year in Washington's half of the inning, but Chad Mottola gave the Nationals the 2-1 lead when he also homered in the very next at bat.

Berkman would strike again in Houston's half of the sixth inning, when he knocked in Mark Loretta with a sacrifice fly into right field, tying the game 2-2. Loretta had reached base after doubling and advancing to third on a sacrifice bunt by Ryan Zimmerman, that Smith fielded and made a throw to third in attempt to get Loretta sliding into the bag. The third base umpire called Loretta safe, though Washington manager, Manny Acta felt his third baseman, Chris Coste made the tag before the Houston runner reached base. Acta argued the call and was promptly ejected from the game.

Acta's ejection obviously rallied the troops as Washington took back the lead in their half of the inning when Andy Abad lead off the inning with a pinch hit single and came around to score moments later after George Lombard laid down a bunt single and Andy Tracy hit a weak ground ball to third that Ryan Zimmerman fielded and made a bad throw off the bag to second, loading the bases with one out. Mottola then hit a sac fly to score Abad and Doug Clark followed that with an RBI single to score Lombard and put Washington up 4-2 for good.

All of the Nationals runs came off Houston starter, Brian Moehler, who finished with four runs allowed off six hits, one walk and six strikeouts over six innings and was charged with his fifth loss of the year.

Washington will go for the series sweep tomorrow afternoon. Fernando Nieve (3-4) is scheduled to make the start for the Astros against the Nationals Masumi Kuwata (3-5).

Boxscore: HOU 2 - WAS 4

League News

Royals trade (SP) Jason Cromer to Pirates for (SP) Brooks Brown.

Mariners trade (RP) Joe Torres to Tigers for © Joel Roa.

Athletics trade © Jeremy Brown to Padres for (SP) Jeff Heaverlo.

Cardinals trade (OF) Rick Ankiel to Padres for (SS) Juan Ciriaco.

Blue Jays trade (RP) Brian Tallet to Athletics for (1B) Jason Stokes.

Brewers sign (1B) Steven Pearce for 3 years at 100.

[lz477]

July 20th

Game 95: Astros (50-44) at Nationals (49-45)

Nationals Come Up Short In Bid For Series Sweep

Left: Carlos Lee puts the Astros on the board in the first with a two-run homerun. Right: Lance Berkman adds to Houston's lead with a two-run homerun of his own in the third.

Washington couldn't complete a three game sweep of the Astros Wednesday afternoon, falling 4-3 to Houston's club. Carlos Lee put Houston up 2-0 in the first when he homered deep to to left off Nationals starter, Masumi Kuwata. Lance Berkman added a two-run shot of his own in the third inning to put the Astros up 4-0 and give them all the runs they would need to defeat the Nationals.

Kuwata finished the day with four runs allowed off nine hits over six innings and was charged with his sixth loss of the year. Meanwhile, the Astros, Fernando Nieve allowed just two runs off seven hits, walking four and striking out seven over six innings to pick up his fourth victory of the year.

Nieve got himself out of several jams, including loading the bases in Washington's half of the third, but struck out Chad Mottola to get out of the inning. In the fifth, Nieve again rung up Mottola with runners on the corners this time to prevent the Nationals from doing any damage.

The Nationals finally got on the board in the sixth when Scott Seabol hit his first homerun of the year, a two-run shot to cut Houston's lead to 4-2. Chris Coste lead off the seventh with his eighth homerun of the year and his third hit of the day, but that would be all Washington would get as Dan Wheeler and Brad Lidge pitched a scoreless eighth and ninth to hold the lead and give Houston the victory.

The Nationals will welcome the Rockies into down tomorrow to start a four game set Thursday.

Washington made some big organizational moves after Wednesday's game. First, sending first baseman, Andy Abad to Triple-A Columbus and calling up Kevin Barker. Abad had seen limited playing time since coming off the DL and was hitting .264 with two homeruns and 13 RBI's on the season. Since being acquired in a trade last month, Barker was hitting .283 with seven homeruns and 13 RBI's for the Clippers.

The Nationals also optioned infielder, Scott Seabol to Columbus and called up Cody Ransom, who Washington just acquired last week in a trade with Houston. Lastly, the Nationals sent starting pitcher Masumi Kuwata, who picked up Wednesday's loss and hasn't won a start since June 25th, back down to Triple-A and placed Jared Fernandez in his spot of the rotation. Fernandez, who has been a starter in Columbus all season was 6-6 with a 3.61 ERA with 77 strikeouts and 28 walks in 87 1/3 innings this year. Fernandez will make his first start for Washington tomorrow.

Boxscore: HOU 4 - WAS 3

League News

Pirates trade (LF) Tyler Minges to Brewers for (1B) Steven Pearce.

Dodgers trade (2B) Luke Appert to Mariners for (RP) Joseph Woerman.

Brewers trade © Lou Palmisano and (2B) Steve Sollman to Royals for (2B) Wilver Perez and (RP) Jason Shiell.

Astros sign (RP) Chad Bentz for 3 years at 500K.

Indians sign (3B) Brandon Burgess for 3 years at 100K.

Cardinals sign (RP) Travis Minix for 3 years at 500K.

Braves, (SP) Mike Hampton out 7 days with sprained ankle.

[lz477]

July 21st

Game 96: Rockies (43-49) at Nationals (49-46)

Colorado Rocks Nationals

Left: Matt Holliday scoes on a single by Ben Broussard in the seventh inning. Right: Brian Lawrence allowed just six hits and struck out 12 in nine complete innings, Thursday night.

Washington, who came into Thursday's nice contest just one game out of first place in the National League East, dropped their second straight game, falling to Brian Lawrence and the Rockies 5-0.

Lawrence struck out 12 Nationals in his six hit, complete game shutout performance.

"We couldn't do anything against him," said recent call-up Kevin Barker, who struck out three of his four trips to the plate. "He was just blame awesome," said Doug Clark, who was 1-4 against Lawrence, but struck out twice.

The Rockies starting pitcher ruined what was a solid first start by the Nationals, Jared Fernandez, who allowed four runs, three earned off eight hits and struck out five over 6 2/3 innings. All of the runs and five of the hits Fernandez allowed came in the seventh after Todd Helton led off with a single to start the big inning for Colorado. Bryan Corey came on to relieve Fernandez with two outs and fanned Garrett Atkins, his third strikeout of the game, to end the frame.

Kazuo Matsui homered in the eighth off John Bale to put the icing on the cake and complete the scoring for the Rockies.

Game two of the four game set will be tomorrow night. Aaron Cook (7-5) for Colorado and Chris Michalak (6-3) for the Nationals will toe the rubber for their respective teams.

Boxscore: COL 5 - WAS 0

League News

Angles trade (SS) Ray Chang, (RP) Chris Saenz and © Casey Myers to Astros for (CF) Peter Bergeron, (1B) Greg Creek and (RP) Samuel Gervacio.

Padres trade (3B) Brett Bonvechio, (SP) Wade LeBlanc and (OF) Adam Shabala to Indians for (SS) Brian Finegan, © Javi Herrer and (SP) Shawn Nottingham.

Marlins trade (SP) Jacob Marceaux to Rangers for (SP) A.J. Murray.

Yankees trade (2B) Aaron Baldiris to Indians for © Mike Rose.

Blue Jays trade (2B) Argenis Reyes to Astros for (2B) Eric King.

Braves sign © Brandon Yarbrough for 3 years with 100K.

Marlins, (SP) Sergio Mitre out 12 days with minor PCL sprain.

Rockies, (OF) Brad Hawpe out 14 days with sprained wrist.

[lz477]

July 22nd

Game 97: Rockies (44-49) at Nationals (49-47)

Michalak Helps Himself To Shake Rockies

Left: Doug Clark tags up and scores on Chris Michalak's sac fly for the only run of the game. Right: Michalak pitched eight shutout innings to pick up his seventh victory.

Things got off to a shaky start for Washington starter, Chris Michalak as the Rockies first two hitters Garrett Atkins and Jamey Carroll each doubled to start the game, but a strike out and two ground ball outs allowed the southpaw to get out of the inning. It was clear sailing for he and the Nationals from then on as Washington defeated Colorado by a score of 1-0 Friday night.

Washington's lone run came courtesy of their starting pitcher, as Michalak helped his own cause by knocking in Doug Clark with a sacrifice fly in the second inning. On the mound, Michalak finished the day with no runs allowed off five hits over eight innings, with three strikeouts.

Aaron Cook, who was charged with his sixth loss of the year was strong in his start as well, going seven innings and giving up just one run off two hits, striking out eight, but the six walks he allowed hurt.

George Lombard was hitless in the game, but walked and stole both second and third in the fifth inning, prompting an argument after the second stolen base, between Rockies manager, Clint Hurdle and the third base umpire. Hurdle was eventually tossed for arguing the play.

Lee Gardner came on in the ninth to close out the win and picked up his league leading, 30th save of the season.

With the series now split at one game apiece, game three between the Rockies and Nationals will be played Saturday when Jeff Francis (7- and Stephen Randolph (5-4) will be on the mound for their respective teams.

Boxscore: COL 0 - WAS 1

League News

Diamondbacks trade (RP) Matt Elliot, © Phil Avlas and (2B) Donnie Sadler to Rangers for (SS) Casey Benjamin, (SP) Luis Mendoza and (RF) Roger Cedeno.

Red Sox trade (2B) Jason Bourgeis and (SS) J.J. Furmanik to Reds for (RP) Nick Regilio and (2B) Luis Bolivar.

White Sox trade (CF) Darin Erstad to Brewers for (OF) Corey Hart.

Twins sign © Kiel Thibault for 3 years at 100K.

Rangers sign (RF) Brad Corley for 3 years at 100K.

Rockies sign (RP) Joe Horgan for 3 years at 500K.

Blue Jays (SP) Brandon League suspended 6 games.

[philliesphan18]

Wow, that was a close one!

[lz477]

July 23rd

Game 98: Rockies (44-50) at Nationals (50-47)

Rockies Can't Hold Early Lead, Drop Game Three To Nationals

Left: Todd Helton goes deep down the right field line to make a leaping catch on a foul ball hit by Joe Dillon. Right: Jeff Francis fields a bunt from George Lombard, then throws widly to third allowing Augie Ojeda to score.

Colorado left fielder, Matt Holliday put the Rockies up 2-0 when he homered to left field off Nationals starter Stephen Randolph in the first inning, Saturday. Holliday would finish the day 3-4 with two runs and two RBI and finished just a double shy of hitting for the cycle. Unfortunately, for the Rocks, that would not be enough to win the game as the Nationals took a second straight victory.

Cory Sullivan homered in the second inning to give the Rockies a 3-0 lead, but Colorado's starter, Jeff Francis had trouble in the Nationals half of the inning. Francis got the first two outs with no trouble, then walked the next four, plating Washington's first run, before striking out Chris Coste with the bases loaded to end the inning.

Washington took advantage of another miscue by Francis, when he made a throwing error on a bunt single by George Lombard in the fourth. Francis fielded Lombard's bunt then turned and threw over Garrett Atkins' head at third in attempt to get Augie Ojeda who had singled and reached second after Randolph walked. Ojeda would score on the play and Randolph would advance to third, then score on a sacrifice fly by Coste in the next at bat to tie the game. A sac fly by McClain to score Lombard immediately after that would put the Nationals on top 4-3.

Washington added another run when Joe Dillon scored on a single by Augie Ojeda in the fifth inning. In the sixth, Jamey Carroll scored on a single by Kazuo Matsui to shrink the home teams lead to one. The Rockies nearly tied the game in the next at bat, when Ben Broussard was thrown out by Lombard at home, trying to score on a base hit by Sullivan.

Colorado got that tying run in the eighth, when Holliday led off the inning with a triple, then scored on a sac fly by Matsui. Washington came right back to take the lead in their half of the inning when Lombard scored again, this time on a single up the middle by McClain. The run came off Fabio Castro and would be all the runs the Nationals would need for Lee Gardner to hold the lead and pick up his 31st save and secure the Nationals victory in the ninth inning.

With the win, Washington takes a 2-1 lead in the four game series with the Rockies. The final frame will be tomorrow afternoon when Jason Hirsch (2-6) will make the start for Colorado, while the Nationals will counter with Travis Smith (12-4)

Boxscore: COL 5 - WAS 6

League News

Yankees trade (OF) Shawn Garrett to Orioles for (3B) Napoleon Calzado.

Cardinals trade © Danilo Sanchez to Indians for (SP) Scott Lewis.

Devil Rays trade (SS) Eric Riggs and © Raul Casanova to White Sox for (SS) Michael Myers for (2B) Josh Asanovich.

Yankees trade (SP) Jason Jones and (OF) Tim Battle to Padres for (1B) Brian Myrow and (SS) Matt Bush.

Blue Jays trade © Jason Phillips to Twins for (RP) Jason Miller.

Astros sign (LF) Cory Aldridge for 3 years at 200K.

Dodgers sign (RP) Brandon Villafuerte for 3 years at 600K.

Braves, (1B) Scott Thurman suspended 6 games.

[lz477]

July 24th

Game 99: Rockies (44-51) at Nationals (51-47)

Rockies Score Late To Split Series

Left: Todd Helton is unhappy with the home plate umpires' call on a borderline strike three call. Right: Nationals manager, Manny Acta looks dejected after his bullpen blew the lead late in the game.

Colorado split the weekend four game series with the Nationals when they picked up the 3-1 win over Washington, Sunday afternoon. This despite losing their starting pitcher to injury with one out in the sixth inning.

Hirsh exited early after giving up one run to the Nationals. That run came courtesy of Matt Erickson who knocked in Doug Clark in the third inning.

In the sixth, Chad Mottola struck out to begin the inning and McClain followed that by walking. Hirsh then left on a 1-1 count to Joe Dillon with what appeared to be a sore wrist. Ubaldo Jimenez came on to relieve and would eventually get credit for the win as he was on the mound when the Rockies tied them game, then took the lead in the eighth. Both of Colorado's runs game with two outs off Chad Paronto. The first on a RBI double by Jamey Carroll and the lead run when Carroll scored on a double by Todd Helton in the very next at bat.

Washington's starter, Travis Smith exited after allowing five runs over seven shut out innings, while walking one and striking out two.

Washington got runners on the corners with just one out in their half of the eighth, but the inning ended when Chris Heintz hit a hard ground ball to Atkins at third, who tagged out Mottola, lingering off the bag, then threw to second to get Dillon on the force play to end the rally.

Ben Broussard's lead-off homerun in the ninth capped the 3-1 Colorado victory. Brian Fuentes came on in the next half inning to close out the win and pick up his 19th save. Paronto was charged with the loss, giving up three runs off four hits in just 1 1/3 innings.

After the game, the Rockies announced starting pitcher, Hirsch would be out the next two weeks with minor wrist tendonitis.

With the loss, the Nationals are a half game out of first and will head up I- 95 to take on the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park for three games starting Tuesday night.

Boxscore: COL 3 - WAS 1

League News

Yankees trade (RP) Justin Pope and (LF) Noochie Varner to White Sox for (RP) Carlos Vasquez and (3B) Michael Schnurstein.

Twins trade (1B) Jason Hart to White Sox for (LF) Ricardo Nanita.

Marlins trade (RP) Arthur Santos to Pirates for (3B) Russ Johnson.

Diamondbacks trade (SS) Sean Kazmir to Orioles for © Brandon Snyder.

Diamondbacks trade (RP) Jose Valverde to Rangers for (SP) John Koronka.

Devil Rays sign (RP) Jack Cressend for 3 years at 400K.

Rockies sign (RP) Agustin Montero for 3 years at 500K.

[lz477]

Week 16 Standings and Stats

Player of the Week

Travis Smith

1-0, 13 IP, 9 Hits,2 ER, 6 K's for the week.