Expanding Westward: The Fresno Outlaws

[JeepGuy63]

Only 4 games back of the leader, Fresno has a pretty good shot at the division. Just can't get swept too often.

[gosensgo101]

I'm liking theis new format.

I can't believe the leader of the AL West is under 500.

Actually, I can, but its kind of crazy.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

Yeah, we might be able to stay in, but I'm expecting LA or Seattle to go on a big run anytime now, or maybe for me to just go on a big losing streak.

In these couple of series I'm simming in PBP now that I'm doing the next update on the pitching has really, really come along. Its shocking really.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

Another 4-2 week in Fresno

In Weaver's first start back from the DL he hurled an eight inning gem

Just when you start to count the team out they bounce back with a great week backed by some strong pitching performances. The team managed to take two of three from the Rays and White Sox, both on the road.

We managed to take two of three from a very strong Rays team.

Game 1: Outlaws 3 - Rays 0

Jeff Weaver threw one of the best games of his career in his first start off the DL. He had Rays hitters befuddled all night, shutting them out over eight innings, allowing seven hits, one walk, and striking out an astounding 12 batters. Offensively we were led by Brooks Conrad going 3-4 with two doubles, a home run, and two RBI's.

Player of the Game: Jeff Weaver 8IP 7H BB 0ER 12K

Game 2: Outlaws 1 - Rays 13

The team followed the stellar pitching performance by Weaver up with the worst one the team has had all season. The starter Kuo last only 4 2/3 innings and allowed seven runs on 128 pitches, and then gave way to the bullpen which pitched the final 3 1/3 innings and allowed six runs as well. The only thing that kept us from getting shut out was an RBI single by Jason Repko in the seventh inning to plate Travis Buck. The Rays starter Chris Mason had the Outlaws guessing all night, going 7 2/3 innings allowing one run, no walks, seven hits, and six K's.

Player of the Game: Chris Mason 7 2/3IP 7H 0BB ER 6K

Game 3: Outlaws 7 - Rays 4

Another strong showing by Kershaw, who went seven innings, allowing four hits, four walks, one run, and struck out four batters, and whom has also lowered his ERA by almost a full run over his past several starts. The offense was lead by Conrad and Buck, who combined to go 5-9 with two walks, two runs, and three RBI's. We put up five in the first and managed to run James Shields from the game after one inning, despite all the runs being unearned.

Player of the Game: Clayton Kershaw 7IP 4H 4BB ER 4K


We took two of three from the White Sox, but it was a hard fought series.

Game 1: Outlaws 3 - White Sox 0

What a game by Sean Marshall! Marshall went the distance, throwing a complete game shutout, while allowing only two hits, no walks, and striking out four, he just keeps outdoing himself lately. Brooks was again our offensive star, supplying all our runs, with a two run homerun in the third and a sac fly in the 5th.

Player of the Game: Sean Marshall CG SHO 2H 4K

Game 2: Outlaws 8 - White Sox 13

Another ugly, ugly game for the pitching staff. Wells last only 3 2/3 innings and gave up seven runs (six earned), before giving way to the bullpen, who then allowed six runs in 4 1/3 innings. Offense was abundant in this game, but their bullpen managed to lock us down to four hits and two runs over the final 6 1/3 innings.

Player of the Game: Jermaine Dye 3-4 3R 3HR 4RBI

Game 3: Outlaws 9 - White Sox 8

Weaver followed up his brilliant performance against the Rays with a terrible one against the White Sox, lasting only 4 2/3 innings and allowing eight runs (seven earned). However, unlike in previous nights, the bullpen managed to lock it down, allowing only two hits in 5 1/3 innings while striking out eight and allowing no runs, including a 2 1/3 inning 6 strikeout performance by Chris Schroder. Buck and Conrad were the main culprits on offense again, combining to go 3-10 with two homers and four RBI's, but even Kevin Cash and John McDonald got in on the act, going for back-to-back home runs in the second and combining to go 4-7 with two homers and 3 RBI's.

Player of the Game: Fresno Bullpen 5 1/3IP 2H 0ER 8K


Team Notes:

• Conrad is hitting so well right now that there could be a lineup shuffle in the near future, with Conrad moving to the three hole and Crawford hitting either 5th or leadoff.
• Sean Marshall and Clayton Kershaw have both lowered their ERA's by about a full run in their past 3-4 starts.
• Brandon League is 3/3 in save opportunities since assuming the closers role

Brandon Crawford Watch:

Brandon Crawford is hitting .400/.464/.520 with 7 RBI's, three steals, a triple, and a double in seven games at A ball.

League Notes:

• N/A

AL West Standings:

1. Seattle Mariners 39-38
2. Los Angeles Angels 40-39
3. Oakland A's 38-40, 1.5 GB
4. Texas Rangers 38-40, 1.5 GB
5. Fresno Outlaws 35-42, 4 GB

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

Outlaws drop two of three to division leading Angels

Wells has struggled to the tune of a 10.13 ERA in his last four starts

What a terrible week in Fresno! Not only did we lose two of three in both our series, but one of those series was to the division leading Angels, with the other being to the Cleveland Indians. This week may have been the straw that broke the camels back.

We lost games one and three to Cleveland and the way we played in both games we would've lost to a little league team.

Game 1: Outlaws 1 - Indians 10

Just about nothing went right in this game. Kuo lasted only 4 2/3 innings before leaving after allowing six runs, while his counterpart Cliff Lee dominated us through eight innings, allowing just one run and striking out seven. Our lone run came in the person of a Mike Sweeney solo jack. The Indians offense absolutely clobbered us, I'll spare you the details and give you the unfortunate boxscore.

CLEVELAND            ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb     avg
B. Francisco (LF)     5  1  0  0  0  1  1  0    .278
A. Cabrera (2B)       6  2  0  0  0  1  2  0    .275
V. Martinez (C)       5  2  1  3  0  0  1  0    .310
G. Sizemore (CF)      5  2  1  2  1  2  2  0    .281
R. Garko (1B)         6  2  0  1  1  3  1  0    .259
C. Blake (3B)         4  1  1  1  0  0  0  0    .230
F. Gutierrez (RF)     5  3  0  1  1  3  1  0    .198
J. Michaels (DH)      2  2  3  1  0  0  0  0    .275
J. Rodriguez (SS)     4  1  1  1  0  0  1  0    .143
TOTALS               42 16  7 10  3 10  9  0

Player of the Game: Cliff Lee 8IP 8H ER 7K

Game 2: Outlaws 8 - Indians 3

Our win in this series comes with a lot of help from Clayton Kershaw's strong performance, going 7 2/3 innings, allowing three runs, five hits, six walks, and eight K's. Travis Buck managed to whack a homer while Norris Hopper went 4-4.

Player of the Game: Clayton Kershaw 7 2/3IP 5H 6BB 3ER 8K

Game 3: Outlaws 1 - Indians 6

Marshall regressed after his last start, a complete game shutout, in this game. Marshall made it through only five innings while allowing six runs. Gload supplied our only RBI. Jeff Stevens was in complete control tonight, lasting eight innings, allowing one run, six hits, no walks, and striking out seven.

Player of the Game: Jeff Stevens 8IP 6H ER 7K


A very, very unfortunate turn of events in this series. The team went into the series against the Angels with high hopes of closing the lead to within two games by winning, or even sweeping the series, but instead they were dealt two losses, along with any playoff aspirations likely squashed as they now sit six games out of first.

Game 1: Outlaws 0 - Angels 4

David Wells didn't pitch awful in this start, six innings and four runs, but Angels starter Joe Saunders was especially dominant, throwing a complete game shutout with seven K's, five hits, and only one walk. Casey Kotchman and Vlad' Guerrero combined to go 7-8 with three runs, a homer, and four RBI's in support of Saunders.

Player of the Game: Joe Saunders CG SHO 5H BB 7K

Game 2: Outlaws 9 - Angels 7

We earned a win here, despite Kuo failing to make it through four innings before giving up six runs. But the bullpen was strong, going 5 1/3 innings, allowing four hits, one run, a walk, and four K's, including a two inning save by Brandon League. The biggest play of the game was a pinch hit Grand Slam by Dallas McPherson that, at the time, tied the game at six a piece. The team went on to score seven in the third to take and keep the league.

Player of the Game: Dallas McPherson 1-1 PH GS

Game 3: Outlaws 4 - Angels 5

Jeff Weaver allowed five runs, one unearned, over seven innings with nine hits, three walks, and three K's, however that one unearned run would come back to haunt us as we lost by only one run. We killed ourselves several times in this game with the Angels scoring two runs on wild pitches from Weaver and another on an error. Crawford went 3-4 with two runs and two steals, but it was for naught.

Player of the Game: Angels bullpen 4IP H BB 0ER 3K


Team Notes:

• The team ERA has gone up about a third of a run over the past couple weeks, while the team batting average has dropped several points as well
• Kershaw is really emerging as an ace, with a 4.12 ERA in his last 10 starts and allowing no more than three runs in any of his last four starts.

Brandon Crawford Watch:



League Notes:

• N/A

AL West Standings:

1. Seattle Mariners 43-40
2. Los Angeles Angels 43-42, 1 GB
3. Oakland A's, 42-42 1.5 GB
4. Texas Rangers 40-45, 4 GB
5. Fresno Outlaws 37-46, 6 GB

I'd like to find a new or revised format to do my monthly updates too, so I may not get to that until tomorrow or later.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

June in Review

June was a rough month for Fresno. They posted an 11-15 record for the month and fell to six games back of the division, not that anyone was really expecting them to stay in it, but still. The play was extremely inconsistent at times, too often the team would go 4-2, then proceed to go 2-4, and back and forth and back and forth all through the month. The next month will go a long way to tell if the Outlaws are in this for the long haul, because they play the A's for six games and the Angels for three again.

The offense was pretty good for the whole month and answered some questions. Brooks Conrad appears to be the real deal and has cemented himself as the starting second basemen, with his .286/.342/.469 line on the season. Norris Hopper is still hitting well above .300, at .323, but he went through a bad slump at the end of the month that he appears to be coming out of with a .282 average in his last 10 games. Travis Buck, however, continues to be the most important hitter in the lineup, hitting .332/.373/.547 since joining the Outlaws, with eight homers, 48 RBI's, and 16 doubles, as goes Buck, so goes the Outlaws. Outside of the top four or five hitters, however, the offense has been very bad, with Cash, Gload, and McDonald all hitting sub-.240, and Repko was until he was benched in favor of Mark Sweeney.



The pitching, on the other hand, was terribly inconsistent. At times during the month it would be dazzlingly good, but at other times it would be absolutely ghastly. In spite of that, it was a great month for Clayton Kershaw and Sean Marshall, who saw their ERA's drop by about a run each from the start of the month to the end of the month. The month also saw the Outlaws possibly find their closer for the remainder of this season, and for several season beyond, in Brandon League. However June did see implosions of Wells, Baek, and Kuo. Overall it was just an inconsistent month for the team.




Division Leaders:

AL East: Boston Red Sox 55-29 (Toronto Blue Jays 49-35, 6 GB)
AL Central: Detroit Tigers 46-37 (Minnesota Twins 44-39, 2 GB)
AL West: Seattle Mariners 43-40 (Los Angeles Angels 43-42, 1 GB)

NL East: Atlanta Braves 51-32 (New York Mets 50-34, 1.5 GB)
NL Central: Cincinnati Reds 47-36 (Milwaukee Brewers 44-39, 3 GB)
NL West: Colorado Rockies 51-33 (Los Angeles Dodgers 45-37, 5 GB)

AL Wild Card: Toronto Blue Jays 49-35 (Minnesota Twins 44-39, 4.5 GB)
NL Wild Card: New York Mets 50-34 (Los Angeles Dodgers 45-37, 4 GB)

AL League Leaders:

Batting Average: Miguel Cabrera (DET) .390 (Travis Buck, 9th, .329)
Home Runs: Jim Thome (CWS) 29
RBI's: Travis Buck (FRE) 72
Steals: Carl Crawford (FRE) 38

Wins: Javier Vazquez (CWS) 12
ERA: Daisuke Matsuzaka (BOS) 2.39
Strikeouts: Erik Bedard (SEA) 124
Saves: Jonathan Papelbon (BOS) 28

NL League Leaders:

Batting Average: Albert Pujols (STL) .345
Home Runs: Adam Dunn (CIN) 25
RBI's: Adam Dunn (CIN) 74
Steals: Jose Reyes (NYM) 32

Wins: Tim Hudson (ATL) 14
ERA: Jake Peavy (SDP) 2.04
Strikeouts: Jake Peavy (SDP) 137
Saves: Matt Capps (PIT) 26

[PotatoOfCouch13]

Bran-don Craw-ford! *clap clap clap clap clap*

Bran-don Craw-ford! *clap clap clap clap clap*

Bran-don Craw-ford! *clap clap clap clap clap*



How are you going to handle his development, Dawg? Are you gonna fast track him or allow him to take his time at the expense of your on-field success?

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

Fresno All-Star Game hopefuls

Outfielder Travis Buck is the most likely of the Fresno players to be named to the All-Star team

The All-Star game is just over a week away and the Outlaws have plenty of players worthy earning the prestigious honor of being named to the All-Star team. For most of the players with a chance it would be their first All-Star appearance, save Carl Crawford, though seemingly not their last.

Because of the fact that Fresno is a small budget, expansion team, who hasn't been particularly good this season, though they have been surprising, they are unlikely to get more than one player into the game. Were it not for the rule requiring at least one player from each team to be on the All-Star team they likely wouldn't have any players make the team, despite the fact that they have several deserving players.

The most likely Outlaws to make the team would seem to be right fielder Travis Buck, center fielder Carl Crawford, and perhaps second basemen Brooks Conrad, designated hitter/outfielder Norris Hopper, and third basemen Willy Aybar. Lets do a little lobbying for each of them, starting with the players most likely to make the team, shall we?

Travis Buck has been the Outlaws best hitter by a pretty wide margin since he came to Fresno from Oakland on May third. Despite only spending about two months with the team he leads the entire team in RBI's with 50 and places in the top three in the league in that category with a total of 74 between Fresno and Oakland. He has also hit .317 since joining the Outlaws with a season batting average of .319 and a season line of .319/.351/.537 between the two teams. He also places third on the team in home runs with 14, 8 with Fresno, and since coming to Fresno has ignited and carried the offense. And not only can he hit, but he can field! He is easily one of the best defensive outfielders in the AL, and has logged five outfield assists and three double plays as an Outlaw! Can't go wrong here.

Next is center fielder, formerly left fielder, Carl Crawford. Crawford leads the majors in steals with 44, and by a pretty wide margin over second place Carlos Gomez with his 33. Hes flirted with .300 all season and has poked up above periodically throughout the season, currently standing at .294. He has also proven that he can hit for power and drive in runs with seven homer, 45 RBI's, 18 doubles, and eight triples, not to mention a .447 slugging percent! The guy is a helluva fielder as well and could very well take home a Gold Glove for his play in the field this season. If you hit it anywhere near him you're bound to find it in his glove before it hits the ground. He'd be a great pick!

Third is DH Norris Hopper. The guy started hitting opening day and hasn't stopped since, even cracking the top 10 in batting average periodically. His currently stands at .322. Couple that with 14 steals and excellent defense and you've got an All-Star on your hands!

Brooks Conrad has been playing above expectations all season, and what better way to reward him than with a spot on the All-Star team. His batting average has floated around .270-.290 all season, along with a .350ish OBP and an .800 OPS. Whats not to love!?

Last is Willy Aybar. Aybar has played great defense at the hot corner all season, as well as keeping his batting average around .280-.300 and hitting a good share of homers with 11. Hes had his batting average in the mid to high .300's all season and has made an excellent two hitter. Come on, you know you want to take him!

Theres everyone's case, vote wisely!

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

Bran-don Craw-ford! *clap clap clap clap clap*

Bran-don Craw-ford! *clap clap clap clap clap*

Bran-don Craw-ford! *clap clap clap clap clap*



How are you going to handle his development, Dawg? Are you gonna fast track him or allow him to take his time at the expense of your on-field success?

I've been keeping a really, really close eye on him. The second he gets a ratings boost this season, if he does, I'm calling him up immediately and starting him at either second or short, since Conrad has hit like **** since I stuck him at #3. Even if he doesn't get a ratings boost he'll likely get called up at some point, particularly if I completely hit a wall and totally fall out of contention. He'll definitely see the majors before the end of the season, hopefully sooner rather than later. Hes kind of struggled since that last update. Right now hes hitting "only" .286/.326/.405, which is what one of my chief concerns was, how his power would develop, and it really hasn't so far. I'm not worried about it though, I'm sure he'll be fine and I can't wait to get him up to the bigs.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

Added a section for All-Time team leaders in the first post.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

Outlaws sweep A's, sit five back in division

Sean Marshall gave the Outlaws two solid starts in his final two starts before the All-Star Break

A deceiving 4-3 week for the Outlaws, prior to the All-Star Break. The team swept their division rival A's in three games at home, but managed to take only one game in a four game set from the hapless Baltimore Orioles.

An excellent three game set against the A's, where the Outlaws pitched very well, culminated in a sweep for the Outlaws.

Game 1: Outlaws 4 - A's 2

Kershaw had another fantastic start over the A's, going 7 2/3 innings, allowing just three hits, three walks, and two runs, while striking out six. They say bad things come in threes, but today in came in fours for Joe Blanton and the A's, as Blanton went four innings, allowed four runs and struck out just four. The offense was spread all around as Crawford, Aybar, Buck, and Gload all collected RBI's.

Player of the Game: Clayton Kershaw 7 2/3IP 3H 3BB 2ER 6K

Game 2: Outlaws 8 - A's 5

The Outlaws backed a solid seven inning, four run, 6 K effort by Sean Marshall with their eight run campaign on this night. Dallas McPherson, Ross Gload, and Gary Bennett all got two RBI's, while John McDonald got one on a solo blast. Carl Crawford and Travis Buck also scored two runs a piece.

Player of the Game: Gary Bennett 3-4 2B 2RBI

Game 3: Outlaws 3 - A's 2

Another gem by our starting pitching. This time the hero was David Wells going seven innings, allowing two runs, and six K's, despite also allowing 11 hits. Gaudin went pitch-for-pitch with Wells, allowing just three runs over 7 1/3 innings, but got the loss. Carl Crawford went 2-4 with two runs and two steals, while Dallas McPherson and Ross Gload each got RBI's.

Player of the Game: David Wells 7IP 2ER 6K


The series against the Orioles was far less successful. We lost three of four to the last place Orioles and put us five back in the division.

Game 1: Outlaws 2 - Orioles 7

Just an ugly overall game for the team. Weaver couldn't even make it through four innings before allowing seven runs, and the offense was stymied most of the night. The bullpen did perform well and prevented them from scoring again over the final 4 1/3 innings of the game, but we couldn't get any offense. Johnny Mac went 3-3 with a run and Dallas McPherson supplied our only two runs with a sixth inning two run blast. Burres of the Orioles was exceptional, going eight innings, allowing six hits, no walks, two runs, and struck out five.

Player of the Game: Brian Burres 8IP 6H 2ER 5K

Game 2: Outlaws 3 - Orioles 4

Kuo pitched a solid six innings to keep us in the ballgame, allowing only three runs, but Jay Witasick let the Orioles untie the game and gave up the game winning run in the seventh. Loewen of the Orioles pitched a great game as well, going seven innings allowing two hits, two walks, and three runs (one earned), while striking out eight. Brian Roberts also fell just a single short of the cycle, going 3-3 with a homer, a triple, and double, three runs, and two RBI's.

Player of the Game: Brian Roberts 3-3 HR 2B 3B 3R 2RBI

Game 3: Outlaws 7 - Orioles 2

Clayton Kershaw saved us from the possibility of a sweep with an eight innings, two run, seven strike out gem. Steve Trachsel didn't fare nearly as well as he lasted only 5 2/3 innings and gave up six runs. Dallas McPherson provided a pinch-hit three run bomb, in addition to Ross Gload contributing two RBI's, despite going hitless.

Player of the Game: Clayton Kershaw 8IP 5H 3BB 2ER 7K

Game 4: Outlaws 0 - Orioles 1

A great ballgame that we unfortunately came out on the short end of. Sean Marshall went eight innings (a complete game), gave up only three hits, two walks, and one run, and struck out four, while Guthrie also went eight innings, allowed two hits, one walk, and no runs. Our only two hits game from Crawford and Aybar.

Player of the Game: Jeremy Guthrie 8IP 2H BB 0ER 4K


Team Notes:

• Clayton Kershaw has been pitching absolutely out of his mind lately. He's 7-2 with a 3.39 ERA and a.200 BAA against in his last 10 starts, and his ERA with the Outlaws stands at a respectable 4.26.

Brandon Crawford Watch:


With the A ball season ending Crawford will be called up to AAA for the rest of the season and if he plays well there will undoubtedly see time in the Bigs before the end of the season.

League Notes:

• The Braves re-signed Jeff Francoeur (3 years @ 5.7M/Y) and Kelly Johnson (2 years @ 5.5M/Y) to new contracts.

AL West Standings:

1. Seattle Mariners 46-43
2. Los Angeles Angels 46-45, 1 GB
3. Oakland A's 44-47, 3 GB
4. Fresno Outlaws 41-49, 5.5 GB
5. Texas Rangers 42-50, 5.5 GB

All-Star Break next!

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

All-Star team's announced, A-Rod leads all fan voting

Yankees third basemen Alex Rodriguez led all fan voting with 1,986,399 votes

The AL and NL All-Star teams have been announced!

American League All-Stars:

C Jorge Posasa (NYY), 1,417,472, 6th All-Star Game
1B Jason Giambi (NYY), 1.474,982, 6th All-Star Game
2B Ian Kinsler (TEX), 1,045,050, 1st All-Star Game
3B Alex Rodriguez (NYY), 1,986,399, 12th All-Star Game
SS Derek Jeter (NYY), 1,399,425, 9th All-Star Game
OF Magglio Ordonez (DET), 1.204,912, 7th All-Star Game
OF Alex Rios (TOR), 1,080,950, 3rd All-Star Game
OF Josh Hamilton (TEX), 1,064,370, 1st All-Star Game
DH Miguel Cabrera (DET), 577,436, 5th All-Star Game

RF Nick Markakis (BAL), 1st All-Star Game
LF Manny Ramirez (BOS), 12th All-Star Game
CF Kenny Lofton (BRO), 7th All-Star Game
DH Jim Thome (CWS), 6th All-Star Game
RF Travis Buck (FRE), 1st All-Star Game
3B Alex Gordon (KCR), 1st All-Star Game
2B Howie Kendrick (LAA), 1st All-Star Game
RF Jermaine Dye (CWS), 3rd All-Star Game
CF Nick Swisher (CWS), 1st All-Star Game
RF Milton Bradley (TEX), 1st All-Star Game
3B Mike Lowell (BOS), 5th All-Star Game
LF Hideki Matsui (NYY), 3rd All-Star Game

SP C.C. Sabathia (CLE), 4th All-Star Game
RP Joe Nathan (MIN), 3rd All-Star Game
RP Dan Meyer (OAK), 1st All-Star Game
SP Felix Hernandez (SEA), 1st All-Star Game
SP James Sheilds (TBR), 1st All-Star Game
SP Daisuke Matsuzaka (BOS), 1st All-Star Game
SP Chien-Ming Wang (NYY), 1st All-Star Game
RP Scott Downs (TOR), 1st All-Star Game
RP J.J. Putz (SEA), 2nd All-Star Game
RP Jonathan Papelbon (BOS), 3rd All-Star Game
RP Joe Borowski (CLE), 1st All-Star Game

The AL squad is dominated by the Yankees, despite the Yankees being 10 games back of the first place Red Sox, who got only three players into the game! First timers include Red Sox ace Daisuke Matsuzaka, Mariners starter Felix Hernandez, Fresno outfielder Travis Buck, amongst several others. Red Sox starter and first time All-Star Daisuke Matsuzaka seems to be the most likely to start the game for the AL, as he currently has a 2.30 ERA, 12 wins (to only two losses), a .218 BAA and K:B ratio of over 4:1.


National League All-Stars:

C Brian McCann (ATL), 1,208,913, 3rd All-Star Game
1B Albert Pujols (STL), 1,352,178, 7th All-Star Game
2B Kelly Johnson (ATL), 917,563, 1st All-Star Game
3B Chipper Jones (ATL), 1,705,539, 6th All-Star Game
SS Jimmy Rollins (PHI), 971,036, 4th All-Star Game
OF Ken Griffey Jr. (CIN), 1,382,376, 14th All-Star Game
OF Ryan Braun (MIL), 1,337,322, 1st All-Star Game
OF Adam Dunn (CIN), 1,236,810, 2nd All-Star Game
DH Todd Helton (COL), 546,640, 6th All-Star Game

SS Stephen Drew (ARI), 1st All-Star Game
SS Hanley Ramirez (FLA), 1st All-Star Game
3B Aramis Ramirez (CHC), 2nd All-Star Game
1B Lance Berkman (HOU), 5th All-Star Game
RF Matt Kemp (LAD), 1st All-Star Game
3B David Wright (NYM), 3rd All-Star Game
1B Adam LaRoche (PIT), 1st All-Star Game
3B Ryan Zimmerman (WAS), 1st All-Star Game
CF Carlos Beltran (NYM), 5th All-Star Game
RF Brad Hawpe (COL), 1st All-Star Game
LF Matt Holliday (COL), 3rd All-Star Game
LF Moises Alou (NYM), 7th All-Star Game

SP Jake Peavy (SDP), 3rd All-Star Game
SP Matt Cain (SFG), 1st All-Star Game
SP John Smoltz (ATL), 9th All-Star Game
SP Johan Santana (NYM), 4th All-Star Game
SP Tim Hudson (ATL), 3rd All-Star Game
SP John Maine (NYM), 1st All-Star Game
SP Derek Lowe (LAD), 3rd All-Star Game
RP Royce Ring (ATL), 1st All-Star Game
RP Jose Valverde (HOU), 2nd All-Star Game
RP Trevor Hoffman (SDP), 7th All-Star Game
RP Matt Capps (PIT), 1st All-Star Game

Chipper Jones led all NL players in votes with his total of 1,705,539. The National League team was dominated by Atlanta Braves this time, getting a total of six players into the game. The pitcher most like to start would likely be Jake Peavy and his league leading 2.45 ERA.

This All-Star game should be a fun one, and don't be surprised if you see the NL finally knock the AL off their perch.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

Adam Dunn puts on a show, wins Home Run derby

Dunn prevailed to win the Derby in "extra innings"

This year's home run derby featured some of the most proficient home run hitters, not only of this era, but of all time. The Derby featured a member of the 600 home run club in Ken Griffey Jr., the 500 club with Jim Thome, and several players with a great chance to reach one or both of those plateaus before its all said and done with Matt Holliday, Ryan Braun, Adam Dunn, and Nick Swisher. Not to mention sluggers like Jason Giambi, Jermaine Dye, and Alex Rios.

FIRST ROUND (10 Outs)

PLAYER                          HOMERS
Ryan Braun (MIL)                     8
Adam Dunn (CIN)                      7
Albert Pujols (STL)                  7
Jason Giambi (NYY)                   6
Matt Holliday (COL)                  5
Nick Swisher (CHW)                   5
Jermaine Dye (CHW)                   4
Ken Griffey (CIN)                    4
Alex Rios (TOR)                      3
Jim Thome (CHW)                      2

Ryan Braun put on a show in the first round of the derby, and looked like a possible favorite going into the second round. However Dunn and Pujols were right on his tail after this first round. The two most prolific home run hitters in the Derby, Jim Thome (536 career home runs) and Ken Griffey Jr. (614 career home runs), were ousted after the first round, while the youngest and most inexperienced participant, Ryan Braun (24 years old, 58 career home runs in a season and a half) led the field. Albert Pujols, Adam Dunn, Ryan Braun, and Jason Giambi would advance to the second round, while Thome, Alex Rios, Ken Griffey Jr., Jermaine Dye, Nick Swisher, and Matt Holliday were eliminated.

SECOND ROUND (5 Outs)

PLAYER                          HOMERS
Albert Pujols (STL)                  4
Adam Dunn (CIN)                      3
Ryan Braun (MIL)                     2
Jason Giambi (NYY)                   1

Braun's big first round didn't translate to this second round, as he hit only two home runs this round and was eliminated, after the first round apparently tired him out. Giambi managed just one home run this round and was also eliminated, while Pujols and Dunn hit four and three respectively to advance to the final round.

FINAL ROUND (5 Outs)

PLAYER                          HOMERS
Albert Pujols (STL)                  3
Adam Dunn (CIN)                      3

What a Derby! Dunn and Pujols tied in what was to be the final round and forced the Derby to "extra innings".

EXTRA INNINGS (3 outs)

PLAYER                          HOMERS
ADAM DUNN                            4
Albert Pujols                        3

     WINNER: Adam Dunn

In the end, Dunn prevailed to win the 2008 Home Run Derby, hitting four home runs in the final round and 17 through the entire tournament. Probably not surprising with Dunn's reputation as a home run hitter with little else.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

AL extends All-Star Game winning streak

Jim Thome earned All-Star Game MVP honors

NL Starting Lineup:

#1 SS Jimmy Rollins (PHI)
#2 2B Kelly Johnson (ATL)
#3 LF Ryan Braun (MIL)
#4 1B Albert Pujols (STL)
#5 3B Chipper Jones (ATL)
#6 RF Adam Dunn (CIN)
#7 C Brian McCann (ATL)
#8 CF Ken Griffey Jr. (CIN)
#9 DH Todd Helton (COL)

SP Jake Peavy (SDP)


AL Starting Lineup:

#1 SS Derek Jeter (NYY)
#2 RF Alex Rios (TOR)
#3 DH Miguel Cabrera (DET)
#4 3B Alex Rodriguez (NYY)
#5 CF Josh Hamilton (TEX)
#6 LF Magglio Ordonez (DET)
#7 1B Jason Giambi (NYY)
#8 C Jorge Posada (NYY)
#9 2B Ian Kinsler (TEX)

SP C.C. Sabathia (CLE)

 National League at  American League
July 9, 2008

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
National League (NL) 0 1 0 1 0 1 2 0 0    5 10  0
American League (AL) 0 1 1 0 0 2 1 3 x    8 11  0

In Yankee Stadium's final All-Star Game, it hosted a great one.

The NL went down in order in the top of the first against AL starter C.C. Sabathia. However the AL did make some noise in the first, putting men on the corners with two outs. But they were stranded there after Josh Hamilton popped up to second to end the inning.

Both teams did some damage in the second, however. Ken Griffey knocked a bases loaded RBI single off Sabathia to plate Chipper Jones. Todd Helton flew out and Jimmy Rollins then flew out and lined out to avert the rest of the threat, for the NL, however. The AL responded by tying the game when Derek Jeter singled home Jason Giambi with two outs, before Alex Rios struck out to end the inning.

Skipping ahead to the sixth, with the AL leading 2-1, the NL managed to plate a run and tie the game. Felix Hernandez came in to pitch, his first career All-Star appearance, and loaded the bases by allowing a Brian McCann single, a walk to Todd Helton, and a pinch-hit walk to Lance Berkman. King Felix then walked Kelly Johnson with the bases loaded to tie the game, but prevented any further damage by gettin Braun to ground to second. The bottom of the inning didn't go the way the National League would have liked though. Magglio Ordonez hit an infield single to lead off the inning, and then stole second on a Jason Giambi strikeout, with Jorge then lining out to left. Theyn came the defining moment of the game. Johan Santana came in to pitch for the National League after Jim Thome was announced as the pinch-hitter for Ian Kinsler; and Thome took him deep to give us a two run lead, after a great lefty-on-lefty, power-on-power match-up.

The NL scored a run in their next half-inning to re-tie the game. But the AL would score four more runs in their next couple innings to take the 8-5 lead and keep it that way.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

                     ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb     avg
J. Rollins (SS)       3  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .308
 T. Hudson (P)        0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
 L. Berkman (P)       0  0  1  0  0  0  0  0    .307
 H. Ramirez (P)       0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .291
 J. Santana (P)       0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
 S. Drew (P)          1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .277
 J. Valverde (P)      0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
 R. Ring (P)          0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
K. Johnson (2B)       3  1  1  0  0  1  0  0    .285
 A. Ramirez (P)       1  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .291
R. Braun (LF)         5  1  0  0  0  0  2  0    .328
A. Pujols (1B)        4  1  0  1  0  0  0  0    .343
C. Jones (3B)         5  2  0  2  1  2  2  0    .321
A. Dunn (RF)          3  1  1  1  0  0  1  0    .280
 M. Kemp (P)          1  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .312
B. McCann (C)         3  2  1  1  0  0  0  0    .295
K. Griffey (CF)       4  1  0  0  0  1  1  0    .315
T. Helton (DH)        3  1  1  0  0  0  0  0    .334
TOTALS               36 10  5  5  1  4  8  0

   2B:  A. Pujols
   HR:  C. Jones
   HBP:  A. Pujols
   GIDP:  C. Jones

                   ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
        J. Peavy  2.1  3  2  1  2  2  4  63   2.45
       T. Hudson  3.1  3  1  0  1  1  2  50   2.95
      J. Santana  2.0  4  2  1  5  5  1  52   2.76
     J. Valverde  0.0  1  2  0  0  0  0  22   2.02
         R. Ring  0.1  0  0  0  0  0  1   3   0.54
          TOTALS  8.0 11  7  2  8  8  8 190

                     ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb     avg
D. Jeter (SS)         5  2  0  1  0  2  3  0    .324
 J. Shields (P)       0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
 F. Hernandez (P)     0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
 S. Downs (P)         0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
 J. Putz (P)          0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
A. Rios (RF)          2  0  1  1  0  0  1  0    .329
 T. Buck (P)          0  0  1  0  0  0  0  0    .319
M. Cabrera (DH)       3  2  2  0  0  2  1  0    .384
A. Rodriguez (3B)     4  1  1  1  1  1  0  0    .306
J. Hamilton (CF)      5  1  0  0  0  0  1  0    .330
M. Ordonez (LF)       3  1  0  1  0  0  1  1    .348
 N. Markakis (P)      1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .283
J. Giambi (1B)        3  2  1  2  0  0  1  0    .286
J. Posada (C)         3  0  1  1  0  0  0  0    .306
I. Kinsler (2B)       2  1  0  0  0  0  0  0    .307
 J. Thome (P)         2  1  0  1  1  2  0  0    .281
TOTALS               33 11  7  8  2  7  8  1

   HR:  A. Rodriguez, J. Thome
   HBP:  A. Rios
   GIDP:  A. Rodriguez, M. Ordonez

                   ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
     C. Sabathia  2.1  3  2  0  1  1  2  62   2.99
      J. Shields  2.2  3  0  0  1  1  1  50   2.56
    F. Hernandez  2.0  3  3  1  3  3  2  54   3.25
        S. Downs  1.0  1  0  0  0  0  1  17   1.57
         J. Putz  1.0  0  0  0  0  0  2  12   1.83
          TOTALS  9.0 10  5  1  5  5  8 195

     WP: S. Downs
     LP: J. Santana
     SV: J. Putz

 National League at  American League
July 9, 2008

TOP OF THE FIRST
C.C. Sabathia takes the mound for the American League.
Jimmy Rollins grounded to third. <--->
Kelly Johnson popped up to the second baseman. <--->
Ryan Braun struck out. <--->
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, and 0 left on base.
In the middle of the first, the game is tied at 0.

BOTTOM OF THE FIRST
Jake Peavy takes the mound for the National League.
Derek Jeter struck out. <--->
Alex Rios was hit by a pitch. <--1>
Miguel Cabrera walked. <-21>
Alex Rodriguez flied out to right. <-21>
Alex Rios tagged up and reached third. <3-1>
Josh Hamilton popped up to second. <3-1>
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, and 2 left on base.
At the end of the first, the game is tied at 0.

TOP OF THE SECOND
Albert Pujols grounded to second. <--->
Chipper Jones singled to right. <--1>
Adam Dunn walked. <-21>
Brian McCann walked. <321>
Ken Griffey singled through the left side, scoring a run. <321>
Todd Helton flied out to center. <321>
Jimmy Rollins lined out to short. <321>
1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, and 3 left on base.
In the middle of the second,  leads 1 to 0.

BOTTOM OF THE SECOND
Magglio Ordonez struck out. <--->
Jason Giambi walked. <--1>
Jorge Posada popped up to the second baseman. <--1>
Ian Kinsler singled back through the middle. <-21>
Derek Jeter singled into the left field corner, scoring a run. <3-1>
Alex Rios struck out. <3-1>
1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, and 2 left on base.
At the end of the second, the game is tied at 1.

TOP OF THE THIRD
Kelly Johnson hit an infield single to the shortstop. <--1>
Ryan Braun struck out. <--1>
James Shields came in to pitch for the American League. <--1>
Albert Pujols was hit by a pitch. <-21>
Chipper Jones grounded to third for a double play (5-4-3). <-2->
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, and 1 left on base.
In the middle of the third, the game is tied at 1.

BOTTOM OF THE THIRD
Miguel Cabrera struck out. <--->
Alex Rodriguez homered over the left field fence. <--->
Tim Hudson came in to pitch for the National League. <--->
Josh Hamilton singled to short left-center. <--1>
Magglio Ordonez grounded to short for a double play (6-4-3). <--->
1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, and 0 left on base.
At the end of the third,  leads 2 to 1.

TOP OF THE FOURTH
Adam Dunn singled to right. <--1>
Brian McCann singled to right, advancing the runner to third. <3-1>
James Shields threw a wild pitch - a run scored. <-2->
Ken Griffey flied out to left. <-2->
Todd Helton grounded to second. <-2->
Jimmy Rollins popped up to second. <-2->
1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, and 1 left on base.
In the middle of the fourth, the game is tied at 2.

BOTTOM OF THE FOURTH
Jason Giambi singled through the left side. <--1>
Jorge Posada flied out to left. <--1>
Ian Kinsler flied out to right field. <--1>
Derek Jeter struck out. <--1>
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, and 1 left on base.
At the end of the fourth, the game is tied at 2.

TOP OF THE FIFTH
Kelly Johnson popped up to the second baseman. <--->
Ryan Braun singled to center field. <--1>
Albert Pujols flied out to center. <--1>
Chipper Jones struck out. <--1>
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, and 1 left on base.
In the middle of the fifth, the game is tied at 2.

BOTTOM OF THE FIFTH
Alex Rios grounded to the shortstop. <--->
Miguel Cabrera walked. <--1>
Alex Rodriguez popped up behind home plate. <--1>
Josh Hamilton flied out to right. <--1>
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, and 1 left on base.
At the end of the fifth, the game is tied at 2.

TOP OF THE SIXTH
Felix Hernandez came in to pitch for the American League. <--->
Adam Dunn grounded to the pitcher. <--->
Brian McCann singled back through the middle. <--1>
Ken Griffey struck out. <--1>
Felix Hernandez threw a wild pitch. <-2->
Todd Helton walked. <-21>
Lance Berkman pinch hit for Jimmy Rollins. <-21>
Lance Berkman walked. <321>
Kelly Johnson walked, scoring a run. <321>
Ryan Braun grounded to second. <321>
1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, and 3 left on base.
In the middle of the sixth,  leads 3 to 2.

BOTTOM OF THE SIXTH
Hanley Ramirez came in to play Shortstop. <--->
Magglio Ordonez hit an infield single to first. <--1>
Jason Giambi struck out. <--1>
Magglio Ordonez stole second. <-2->
Jorge Posada lined out to center field. <-2->
Jim Thome pinch hit for Ian Kinsler. <-2->
Johan Santana came in to pitch for the National League. <-2->
Jim Thome homered into the left field bleachers for two RBIs. <--->
Derek Jeter struck out. <--->
2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, and 0 left on base.
At the end of the sixth,  leads 4 to 3.

TOP OF THE SEVENTH
Nick Markakis came in to play Left Field. <--->
Albert Pujols doubled in the left field gap. <-2->
Chipper Jones homered over the left field fence for two RBIs. <--->
Adam Dunn struck out. <--->
Brian McCann grounded to the third baseman. <--->
Ken Griffey grounded to first. <--->
2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, and 0 left on base.
In the middle of the seventh,  leads 5 to 4.

BOTTOM OF THE SEVENTH
Stephen Drew came in to play Shortstop. <--->
Matt Kemp came in to play Right Field. <--->
Alex Rios walked. <--1>
Miguel Cabrera singled down the left field line, advancing the runner to third. <3-1>
Alex Rodriguez grounded to third for a double play (5-4-3). <--->
Josh Hamilton grounded to second. <--->
1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, and 0 left on base.
At the end of the seventh, the game is tied at 5.

TOP OF THE EIGHTH
Scott Downs came in to pitch for the American League. <--->
Todd Helton singled back through the middle. <--1>
Stephen Drew flied out to right. <--1>
Scott Downs threw a wild pitch. <-2->
Aramis Ramirez pinch hit for Kelly Johnson. <-2->
Aramis Ramirez struck out. <-2->
Ryan Braun lined out to right. <-2->
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, and 1 left on base.
In the middle of the eighth, the game is tied at 5.

BOTTOM OF THE EIGHTH
Nick Markakis flied out to right. <--->
Jason Giambi singled to right. <--1>
Jorge Posada walked. <-21>
Jim Thome flied out to center. <-21>
Derek Jeter singled to left field, scoring a run. <-21>
Jose Valverde came in to pitch for the National League. <-21>
Travis Buck pinch hit for Alex Rios. <-21>
Travis Buck walked. <321>
Miguel Cabrera singled to left field for two RBIs. <3-1>
Alex Rodriguez walked. <321>
Royce Ring came in to pitch for the National League. <321>
Josh Hamilton struck out. <321>
3 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, and 3 left on base.
At the end of the eighth,  leads 8 to 5.

TOP OF THE NINTH
J.J. Putz came in to pitch for the American League. <--->
Albert Pujols grounded to third. <--->
Chipper Jones struck out. <--->
Matt Kemp struck out. <--->

AMERICAN LEAGUE WIN: 8-5