Batter's Box Interactive Magazine - This Day In Baseball: 22 July 2005

This Day In Baseball: 22 July 2005

You argue with the umpire because there is nothing else you can do about it.
- Leo Durocher

As several readers noted, there were a lot of interesting pitching matchups yesterday. Alas, few of them lived up to their promise. Neither Clement nor Buehrle were involved in the decision in Chicago. Colon wasn't sharp, but got the win when the Angels rallied against the New York bullpen. Johan Santana won, but only went five innings. Jake Peavy got hammered by the Mets. And in that same game...

Kaz Ishii - six shutout innings. In case you're wondering what those words look like in print.

The best pitcher's duel took place in Philadelphia, as Odalis Perez and the Dodgers edged Jon Lieber and the Phillies by a 1-0 score. Neither of these guys had been pitching well lately, so they were both overdue.

Vladimir Guerrero broke off a 4-45 slump in a big way, hitting a seventh inning grand slam off Tom Gordon. The Yankees lost the game 6-5, and lost a game to Boston in the standings. Jason Giambi hit a pair of homers - again - he's now hit 10 HRs in 14 games. All but one have been solo shots.

The Red Sox took the first game of the Sox showdown in Chicago. Curt Schilling blew the save and vultured the win - he looked much sharper in his second inning of work than his first.

Kenny Rogers' appeal will be heard today, finally. I can't imagine his penalty will be reduced. It's possible, but only in the same way that it's possible that Christy Turlington will drop her husband and insist on supporting me in a manner to which I could surely become accustomed. I like my chances better than Kenny's, so his start last night was probably his last action until about the 11th of August, when the Rangers visit Yankee Stadium. And I'm sure the New York fans will give Kenny a big warm welcome back, seeing as how they have such fond memories of him.

Texas ended up losing the game to Oakland. The A's won their 50th game, but didn't gain any ground in the division (the Angels won) or the Wild Card (the Twins won).

Justin Morneau batted eighth for the Twins last night, and Ron Gardenhire talked about sending him to the minors when they add an extra pitcher this weekend. Mr Ryan, Mr Ryan? Every phone line in the office just lit up...

The Braves had another good day, sitting back, enjoying the day off, moving into a first place tie. Even when they don't play, they win. This because the Nationals lost to Houston. Esteban Loaiza pitched well, but Roy Oswalt was better. However, some good news for the Nats: Livan Hernandez was feeling much better today, and plans to finish the season before having his knee surgery. And Nick Johnson may begin a rehab assignment next week.

Kerry Wood had a cortisone shot in his shoulder, and hopes to miss just one start. And I am the Queen of Sheba.

Today's action is all under the lights:

AL
Seattle (Moyer 8-3, 4.47) at Cleveland (Elarton 6-4, 4.75) 7:05
Minnesota (Mays 5-4, 4.03) at Detroit (Maroth 7-10, 4.20) 7:05
Baltimore (Chen 7-5, 3.76) at Tampa Bay (McClung 0-5, 7.05) 7:15
Boston (Wakefield 8-8, 4.12) at Chicago (Garland 14-4, 3.21) 8:05
Oakland (Haren 7-7, 4.09) at Texas (Young 8-5, 3.95) 8:05
Toronto (Walker 3-2, 2.44) at Kansas City (Hernandez 7-9, 4.33) 8:10
New York (Leiter 4-7, 6.25) at Los Angeles (Lackey 7-4, 3.97) 10:05

NL
Hoston (Clemens 7-4, 1.47) at Washington (Drese 7-8, 5.47) 7:05
San Diego (Stauffer 3-5, 4.42) at Philadelphia (Padilla 5-8, 5.61) 7:05
Colorado (Wright 5-10, 5.43) at Pittsburgh (Wells 6-10, 4.82) 7:05
Milwaukee (Ohka 6-4, 3.64) at Cincinnati (Ortiz 5-6, 6.30) 7:10
Los Angeles (Weaver 7-8, 4.26) at New York (Zambrano 4-8, 3.51) 7:10
Chicago (Zambrano 7-4, 3.60) at St.Louis (Carpenter 14-4, 2.34) 8:10
Atlanta (Hudson 7-5, 3.53) at Arizona (Vargas 3-5, 6.44) 9:40
Florida (Willis 13-5, 2.83) at San Francisco (Tomko 6-10, 4.98) 10:15

Posted by Magpie on Friday, July 22 2005 @ 11:00 AM EDT.

This Day In Baseball: 22 July 2005 | 35 comments | Create New Account

The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.

Gerry - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 11:08 AM EDT (#123504) #

Kenny Rogers' appeal will be heard today, finally. I can't imagine his penalty will be reduced.

When players appeal in baseball the penalty is reduced probably about 80% of the time. I would guess it will be knocked down to 16 or 18 games. Along with the long delays it is a crazy part of the discipline process.

Mike Green - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 11:11 AM EDT (#123505) #

Jon Garland faces a tough assignment tonight. He's been getting by with a very low K rate. That doesn't usually work against the Red Sox, as Thomas Boswell pointed out before last year's Series. The new player pages from THT, which I've linked to here, are wonderful, by the way.

Mick Doherty - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 11:30 AM EDT (#123511) #

If Al Leiter can repeat his success with NYY only this time against LAA ... oh, never mind.

Magpie - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 11:35 AM EDT (#123512) #

the penalty is reduced probably about 80% of the time.

I suspect Kenny will be part of the unhappy 20 percent. I think Bud might have cut him slack if he'd stayed home for the All-Star Game, or even if he'd just been able to restrain himself while he was turning himself on the charges. ("You're getting really close, you know that? Do you hear me?")

sweat - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 01:11 PM EDT (#123524) #

I just heard that John MacDonald got traded to the tigers. Anyone know if this is true? And what we got if it is true?

Pepper Moffatt - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 01:15 PM EDT (#123525) #

Where did you hear it? A fan board? Fan 590?

Haven't heard/seen anything about it.

I can't imagine he'd fetch more than a PTBNL.

sweat - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 01:24 PM EDT (#123526) #

I read it on a fan board, someone saw it on the score apparently. It was kind of expected that the Jays would clear some space, and dealing John makes sense. As Aaron Hill can spell Adams when needed.

Dr. Zarco - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 01:27 PM EDT (#123527) #

So Runelvys Hernandez is pitching tonight too? Another guy that is able to pitch when facing certain suspension due to the appeals.

If that MacDonald trade is true, just a quick few thoughts. First, great confidence in Adams that wasn't there earlier in the year. Second, no one will have to go down when Bush gets called up, or more likely, someone (Gaudin) down for Bush, then no one for Koskie. Third, I always thought it be a bit depressing to be traded for a PTBNL. You're so unimportant that your GM just says to the other GM "Eh, just remember me at Christmas time."

sweat - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 01:35 PM EDT (#123530) #

Isn't the player to be named either a guy drafted within the past year, or 1 of a group that JP and the Detroit GM agreed on? It's not like they would have to hammer it down later with no clue on who it is. I am assuming this to be the case, as I dont really know.

Named For Hank - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 01:55 PM EDT (#123531) #

I just watched the damn ticker on The Score for 20 minutes to confirm:

"Blue Jays trade INF John McDonald to Detroit Tigers"

No other details. Waiting for another outlet to confirm.

smcs - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 02:00 PM EDT (#123532) #

Is it even official that MacDonald has been traded or is it just wild speculations?

Named For Hank - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 02:03 PM EDT (#123533) #

I wouldn't say that it's official until a second outlet confirms. Currently, it's just on The Score's ticker with no details other than what I posted above.

smcs - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 02:03 PM EDT (#123534) #

Forget my last comment then... Sorry

Rob - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 02:12 PM EDT (#123535) #

Usually, the FAN 590 would say something about the trade, even if it's a throwaway line. But they're focused on some kid named Crosley...apparently he plays hockey or something? I don't know, I've never heard of him before.

If only the front page of a sports section of a Canadian daily newspaper had informed me as to his existence.

Jordan - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 02:15 PM EDT (#123536) #

Hockey? Isn't that in a lockout or something?

Pepper Moffatt - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 02:20 PM EDT (#123537) #

Speaking of the draft lottery:

It seems that every piece I've read about it assumes that the 1st overall pick is going to go to one of the 4 teams with 3 balls in the lottery: Buffalo, Columbus, Rangers, Pittsburgh.

Those teams account for 12 of the balls in the lottery. However, there are 16 teams each with 1 ball in the lottery, for a total of 16 balls.

If one of those teams gets the first overall pick, watch the talking heads talk about the "major upset" - even though collectively as a group the 1 ball teams are more likely to get the 1st overall pick than the 3 ball teams.

Fun with math. :)

Marc Hulet - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 02:23 PM EDT (#123538) #

Just to add to the trade confusion, catcher Robinzon Diaz was removed from Dunedin's game last night mid-game and was seen shaking hands and hugging teammates. Could he be involved with the McDonald trade? I guess we'll see.

GregH - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 02:25 PM EDT (#123539) #

Just listened to the 20-20 Update on The Fan 590 and although the Jays game this evening was mentioned, there was no mention of any trades.

sweat - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 02:25 PM EDT (#123541) #

For more fun with math, what percentage of the media do you think will call it a major upset if it happens?
Let it be said that I have the inside info, and the Habs will win the Sidney sweepstakes. And no, I will not pinch myself.

Pepper Moffatt - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 02:33 PM EDT (#123544) #

I'm personally of the opinion that the whole thing is rigged and Crosby is going to the Rangers. Kind of like Ewing and the Knicks.

Jordan - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 02:39 PM EDT (#123545) #

Just to add to the trade confusion, catcher Robinzon Diaz was removed from Dunedin's game last night mid-game and was seen shaking hands and hugging teammates.

Maybe the Leafs drafted him.

smcs - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 03:06 PM EDT (#123548) #

I still have yet to see anything involving MacDonald being traded to the Tigers for a PTBNL.
I did see that Todd Worell got traded to the Diamondbacks but that's the latest trade finished

Named For Hank - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 03:21 PM EDT (#123549) #

I never saw anything about a player to be named later, just that one line on the ticker on The Score that I posted above. And it appears that it is no longer on the ticker on The Score, so take that how you want to.

Named For Hank - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 03:22 PM EDT (#123550) #

Hah, and as I'm writing that, Mrs. Hank (who is watching Gary Bettman blather on about something on TV) calls out "McDonald to Tigers for player to be named later". It just went by on the ticker.

James W - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 03:31 PM EDT (#123551) #

Just found this on the Jays' site:

http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20050722&content_id=1140623&vkey=pr_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor

Marc Hulet - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 03:31 PM EDT (#123552) #

Official Announcement from the Jays:

The TORONTO BLUE JAYS have traded infielder JOHN McDONALD to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for a player to be named later.

McDONALD, 30, batted .290 in 37 games for Toronto with three doubles, and 12 runs batted in. The 5'11", 175 lb. infielder started 27 games this season, 25 at shortstop and two at second base.

McDONALD, a right-handed hitter, was acquired by the Blue Jays from the Cleveland Indians on December 2, 2004 in a trade for a player to be named later. The trade was completed on December 13, 2004 when Toronto sent RHP Thomas Mastny to the Indians.

McDONALD, a native of New London, Connecticut, is a career .239 hitter in 322 games with four home runs and 45 RBI while playing for Toronto and Cleveland (1999-2004).

Flex - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 03:36 PM EDT (#123554) #

I imagine this will be seen within the clubhouse as a big vote of confidence for Russ Adams.

Hartley - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 04:16 PM EDT (#123567) #

July 22, 2005
Happy Birthday to two stars of the Blue Jays

Dave Stieb celebrates number 48
Cliff Johnson celebrates number 58

Stieb's number was 37 & Johnson number was 44 and 00

Mick Doherty - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 05:00 PM EDT (#123574) #

I did see that Todd Worell got traded

Well, unless we're looking at the greatest pitching comeback story since Jim Bouton, it was probably his younger brother Tim Worrell. But where brothers are concerned, I'm really just splitting heirs.

Mike Green - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 05:37 PM EDT (#123578) #

But where brothers are concerned, I'm really just splitting heirs

Perfect for quitting time. Is this the start of a Hall of Names piece- "Mel Ott to have stayed at third base...", "Don Drysdale's hair", and so on.

Mark J - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 07:13 PM EDT (#123586) #

I ran some simulations of the NHL draft lottery. Teams with three balls should average picking in position 10.51, two balls position 13.24 and one ball 18.16. Not sure what the error is on this -- I did 1,000,000 random lotteries. According to my simulation, the unluckiest two teams were (conspiracy alert, the finalists from the previous season) Calgary (lost 12.76 places) and Tampa Bay (lost 11.8). Also Edmonton was third-unluckiest.

The luckiest team was Montreal, moving up 13.16 positions, followed by Anaheim, Carolina and Pittsburgh. All this being said, it's obviously Pittsburgh that got the real luck, parlaying a 15-1 shot into the most talked-about player since Mario.

Also in terms of the actual likeliness of the individual outcomes (i.e. the raw probability of a team finishing in a given spot given their number of balls), oddly, the top 5 teams for rarest outcomes were all Canadian (Ottawa, Montreal and Vancouver did very well, and Edmonton and Calgary did very poorly). Calgary's 26th position for 2 balls had about a 2.2% chance of happening (i.e. perfectly normal). There were no freak outcomes, such as, say a three-ball team picking 30th (about 1250-1 against).

None of this is meant to suggest any sort of fix, although, show the actual lottery on live TV, people!

smcs - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 07:26 PM EDT (#123589) #

it wasn't done live to make it more of a spectacle. If they pulled Pittsburgh first, you would have stopped watching, right

Mark J - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 07:36 PM EDT (#123590) #

I would have at least watched until Ottawa got selected.

I'm not convinced that it was done like that to make it more of a spectacle. IIRC, it wasn't even going to be on TV at all until three or four days ago.

StephenT - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 09:45 PM EDT (#123595) #

They could still have drawn the balls in reverse order, ignoring the first 2 balls from a 3-ball team, etc., to maximize the suspense. (I'm not sure what they actually did.)

smcs - Friday, July 22 2005 @ 10:40 PM EDT (#123598) #

They did the actual draw while Gary Bettman, Colin Campbell and Brendan Shanahan were doing the Press Conference. Each team had a representative watching the draw. They were sequestered and made sure they had no cell phones. After completing the draw, Gary Bettman announced the order in reverse. If you are familiar with the NBA Draft Lottery, it was done very simalarily.

This Day In Baseball: 22 July 2005 | 35 comments | Create New Account

The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.