One of the only baseball blogs (to my knowledge) in the blogosphere that focuses on the Montreal Expos. Okay, mostly baseball in general, however with Montreal Expos references to be found within!

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Wild pitch on Intentional Base on Balls.

The Angels almost won the game in an interesting fashion. They went on to win in the end.

In the bottom of the tenth inning in a scoreless game that no one could capitalise runners in scoring position, Torii Hunter singled to left. Once pitcher Freddy Dolsi got the ball back, Hunter stole second. This was while Dolsi was standing on the mound. He started going towards second, but no one was covering, so Hunter was in safely. Apparently not the first time he has done this too! With first base open now, they decided to intentionally walk Garret Anderson. A wild pitch on the intentional base on balls allowed Hunter to get to third. This of course is when the catcher stands up, and calls for the pitch intentionally way outside, to catch it, and get the intentional ball. Upon finishing the IBB, once at first, Anderson got to second on the diffensive indifference. Mike Napoli then grounded out to first to end the threat. So it wouldn't have been the very ending, but how it got that way.

The Angels went to to win by loading the bases, and Garret Anderson drew a four pitch walk to win the game in the bottom of the twelfth. They won with only one out having been recorded. Bobby Seay replaced Freddy Dolsi to face Anderson. Dolsi was credited with the loss, as it was Bobby Seay who inherited Dolsi's three runners, and allowed one of them to score.

Gary Sheffield had two at bats, and left the game with oblique spasms. He is now on the 15 day DL with a left oblique strain.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Interleague 2008

Interleague play starts up again today for all teams save for the Cubs and Pirates.

Could this be the year the National League will get more interleague wins than the American League? Time will tell. It hasn't happened since 2003.

The New York Yankees have the best interleague record overall at .589 (113-79). The Florida Marlins are the best in the NL with a .565 record (105-81).

Many interesting games are scheduled. Such as the start of what could be the final Subway Series in the current Yankee Stadium. The Freeway series resumes in Anaheim, as the Angels host the Dodgers. A.J. Pierzynski returns to San Francisco. The Lone Star Series resumes as well, in Arlington, and the A's battle (okay not very creative) in Atlanta, as the Braves host the Athletics.

I always enjoy seeing AL pitchers bat.

It'll be the first time David Purcey for Toronto swings the bat at the MLB level, as he made his MLB debut only April 18.

Jeremy Sowers with Cleveland is 1 for 1 with a single, and a BB. He made his MLB debut June 25, 2006.

Brett Tomko with Kansas City has had plenty of batting experience having played mostly in the NL. Career he is batting .157 in 451 at bats, and drew 19 base on balls. He made his MLB debut May 27, 1997 for the Reds.

Dana Eveland with Oakland has had no hits in his 8 ABs, 4 being strikeouts. His MLB debut was July 16, 2005 for the Brewers.

Andy Sonnanstine with Tampa Bay has had 2 hits, including 1 RBI, in 5 ABs, including 2 strikeouts. He made his MLB debut June 5, 2007 with the the Devil Rays.

It'll also be the first time Nick Blackburn swings at the MLB level with Minnesota. He made his MLB debut September 3, 2007.

Jeremy Bonderman with Detroit could use the some more time at batting practice, as he is only 1 for 25 (.040), with 15 Ks. His only hit came last year, and he came around to score after the base hit. His MLB debut was April 2, 2003.

Finally Gavin Floyd with Chicago (AL) isn't doing much better than Jeremy Bonderman. He is 2 for 42 (.048), with 22 strikeouts. Both hits were base hits with the Phillies (2005 and 2006), and he didn't score a run either time. He made his MLB debut September 3, 2004 with the Phillies.

Plenty more coverage at mlb.com

Friday, May 09, 2008

Brad Wilkerson signed to the Blue Jays

To my surprise upon tuning into the Jays at Indians, I heard Jamie Campbell mention Wilkerson at the end of the 7th, after the Indians scored 6 runs. I headed online to check if he was now an Indian, and did not see him on their lineup. So I went to the Jays lineup, and saw him there.

Brad Wilkerson of course is the former Expo, playing four seasons in Montreal, and one in Washington. He then had a couple years with the Rangers, and most recently a short stint with the Mariners. Signed as a free agent by the Mariners January 31st, and played in 19 games, starting 18 with them. He was DFA (Designated for Assignment) April 30th, the day after going 3 for 3 in Cleveland. Ironically starting with his new team, the Blue Jays, in Cleveland, going 1 for 3 with a K (looking).

Obviously signed by the Jays today, May 9th.

Since Leaving the Expos, not counting the Washington team, he hasn't been quite been his best. Possibly coming back to Canada, that is, a Canadian team, will help. The Blue Jays could definitely use his help. Not to mentions Kevin Mench's help too, as he was acquired from the Rangers for cash considerations.

To make room on the 40 man roster, the Jays DFAed LHP Gustavo Chacin, who had a few good years with the Jays, most notably 2005 and 2006 going 22-13 over those two years. He was with the big club since 2004, and working his way back up after only 5 games in 2007 due to a left elbow injury. INF Sergio Santos was also DFA.

Joe Inglett was optioned to Triple A Syracuse a single day after being recalled from said Triple A club. He made his mark in a game the night he was recalled (May 8), against the Rays in Toronto. He pinch ran for Lyle Overbay, and scored when Aaron Hill singled to CF. His run scored was the tying run, tying the game at 3, after the Jays were down 3-0 going into the bottom of the ninth. The Jays were unable to cash in Alex Rios after his leadoff triple in the bottom of the 10th. Like the monotonous Rance Mulliniks said, you're not going to win all those types of games, but should definitely win most to be a successful ball club. Something the Jays have not been able to do very well so far.

That's about it, so much for being a short post. More posts are brewing in my head, so stay tuned, or not!

Blue Jays pick up pair of outfielders (05/09/2008 8:10 PM ET)
Mariners ask for waivers on Wilkerson (05/08/2008 11:20 PM ET)
Promising prospects get a promotion (04/30/2008 7:49 PM ET)
Mariners batters must hit, or sit (04/29/2008 8:17 PM ET)