<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>The Scores Report - The National Sports Blog &#187; Melvin Mora</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.scoresreport.com/tag/melvin-mora/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.scoresreport.com</link>
	<description>The National Sports Blog</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:57:19 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2</generator>
		<item>
		<title>Ten infuriating MLB players to watch</title>
		<link>http://www.scoresreport.com/2009/07/06/ten-infuriating-mlb-players-to-watch/</link>
		<comments>http://www.scoresreport.com/2009/07/06/ten-infuriating-mlb-players-to-watch/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:28:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anthony Stalter</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[External MLB]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[External Sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLB]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Albert Pujols]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Alfonso Soriano]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Anthony Stalter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bob Howry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chris Duncan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Edgar Renteria]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Johnny Damon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Julio Lugo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kosuke Fukodome]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Magglio Orondez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Melvin Mora]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Milton Bradley]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Most Frustrating MLB Players]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Most infuriating MLB Players to watch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nick Green]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Russell Martin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Scott Kazmir]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.scoresreport.com/?p=20989</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Whether it’s that reliever that always seems to blow tight games in late innings, that batter that leaves runners on the bases, or that starter that walks seven batters an inning, every team has at least one player that as a fan, you’d rather set your eyelids on fire than watch trot onto the field [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://search.espn.go.com/alfonso-soriano/photo/8" target="_blank"><img height="265" width="477" src="http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2009/0625/chicago_a_soriano_576.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>Whether it’s that reliever that always seems to blow tight games in late innings, that batter that leaves runners on the bases, or that starter that walks seven batters an inning, every team has at least one player that as a fan, you’d rather set your eyelids on fire than watch trot onto the field for just one more inning.</p>
<p>I’ve compiled a list of 10 infuriating, punch-a-hole-through-your-wall MLB players to watch. Granted, this list is by no means all-inclusive (and I implore you the reader to list the guys that drive you nuts in the comments section). But these are the 10 that seem to make my blood boil on a consistent basis, whether they’re playing for my favorite team or not.</p>
<p><span id="more-20989"></span></p>
<p><strong>Julio Lugo, OF, Red Sox</strong><br />
I would lose the respect of all Boston fans if I didn’t have Lugo’s name on this list. It’s not only that Lugo can’t field and flails at pitches like a schoolgirl trying to swat away a bee on the playground, but also that he’s being paid $9 million a year to look so bad. He has zero range defensively and he also has a knack for turning double plays at a snail’s pace. Granted, he’s been delegated a backup behind Nick Green at short, but just the mere idea that Lugo is still on the roster must make BoSox fans want to toss their last meal. Whenever the BoSox do decide to get rid of him, Boston fans might try to make that day an official holiday.</p>
<p><strong>The Cubs’ outfield collection of Alfonso Soriano, Milton Bradley and Kosuke Fukudome</strong><br />
Nothing says overpaid and overrated like the Cubs’ outfield. Whether you love brutal defense, swing-at-everything offense, or just plain stupidity, the Cubs’ outfield collection of Soriano, Bradley and Fukudome have it all. Soriano can’t judge fly balls and even when he does, he’s always prone to making an error with his unnecessary hop, skip and a jump catch. Bradley has turned out to be <a href="http://www.scoresreport.com/2009/06/30/time-for-the-cubs-to-stop-playing-board-games/">one of the worst offseason signings</a> of the year while failing to produce at the dish, fighting with manager Lou Piniella and forgetting how many outs there are in an inning. Fukudome is fine defensively, but his mini-tornado batting approach is almost laughable to watch sometimes. Whenever the trio is in the outfield at the same time, you’d swear you’re at the circus instead of the “Friendly Confines.”</p>
<p><a href="http://search.espn.go.com/chris-duncan/photo/8" target="_blank"><img height="265" width="477" src="http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2009/0416/mlb_a_duncan1_576.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Chris Duncan, OF, Cardinals</strong><br />
Despite currently owning the best record in the NL Central, the Cardinals actually have a couple of players that fans wouldn’t mind taking on a tour of the Arch, only to leave them at the top with no way down. Reliever Dennys Reyes is one of those players, Joe Thurston is another, but Duncan takes the cake. Not only is he brutal both offensively and defensively, but he also continues to bat in front of superstar Albert Pujols and not produce. Pitchers give him hittable pitches on a nightly basis knowing that Pujols is behind him, yet the best Duncan can do is produce a sub-.250 batting average and a paltry five home runs. Couple that with his brutal defense and it’s amazing that he still has a starting job. (Although he can thank a rash of injuries for that.)</p>
<p><strong>Edgar Renteria, SS, Giants</strong><br />
At least twice this year I read that Renteria was a solid offseason signing for the Giants by two different media outlets. If by solid they meant that the Giants once again overpaid for a free agent, then yes, Renteria was a solid signing. Watching him trying to go to his left on a ball hit up the middle is like watching an insect trying to scramble to get out of water after you flushed it down your toilet. Unless the ball is hit right at him, he can’t move and God help the first baseman when he tries to rush a throw. He’s still okay with the bat at times, but Bruce Bochy refused to move him out of the two-hole for most of the first half despite Renteria’s willingness to suck. At No. 6 or No. 7 in the lineup, he’s serviceable. At No. 2, he’s maddening.</p>
<p><strong>Melvin Mora, 3B, Orioles</strong><br />
Whether it’s at the dish, in the field or on the base paths, Mora seemingly makes a bone-headed play at least once a game. He’s 37 years old, his production is almost non-existent and he doesn’t have much of a future in Baltimore past next year. Yet he continues to take up space in the middle of the O’s lineup because manager Dave Trembley refuses to play youngsters over the vets. It’s bad enough that Baltimore fans have to succumb to watching their team lose on a regular basis. But to also make them watch old, crusty vets lose is just downright cruel.</p>
<p><a href="http://search.espn.go.com/results?searchString=johnny%20damon&#038;start=0&#038;dims=8" target="_blank"><img height="265" width="477" src="http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2008/0819/mlb_a_damon_412.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Johnny Damon, OF, Yankees</strong><br />
Don’t get it twisted – Damon is a fine offensive player. I have no idea how he can still hit over 12 home runs almost every year despite his age, but he does and he’s been a very good offensive player for the Bombers. But his chicken wing has always been an issue and Yankee fans must cringe every time a ball his hit into left field. He used to be able to make up for his little league arm with his speed, but he’s definitely lost a step over the years and he has trouble making adjustments on balls hit over his head. The Yankees will take his offensive production, but they’d probably be better off with a scarecrow set up in left field.</p>
<p><strong>Scott Kazmir, SP, Rays</strong><br />
Granted, Kazmir is starting to slowly turn things around since coming off the DL a couple weeks ago. But he’s got to be one of the most frustrating supposed-aces in baseball and what’s maddening is that he has outstanding stuff. But he can’t stay healthy and he’s way too inconsistent to be counted on as a top-of-the-rotation pitcher. If he were a No. 3 or No. 4 starter being paid No. 3 or No. 4 money, fans could deal with his ups and downs. But he’s Tampa’s highest paid pitcher (fourth highest player behind Carl Crawford, Carlos Pena and the equally-frustrating Pat Burrell) and his ERA is almost 7.00 this season.</p>
<p><strong>Magglio Ordonez, OF, Tigers</strong><br />
This is obviously in correlation to this year, because Maggs has been outstanding for the Tigers since he was acquired from Chicago in 2005. He’s supposed to be a significant bat in Detroit’s lineup, yet he’s batting just .266 with four home runs and 28 RBI. Worse yet, he’s still collecting a massive paycheck (he’s the currently the Tigers’ highest paid player) and he’s frightening to watch in the outfield. Maybe he’ll bounce back and I’ll have to eat my words but until then, he has to be driving Detroit fans nuts right now, even with the Tigers in first place.</p>
<p><a href="http://search.espn.go.com/results?searchString=russell%20martin&#038;start=15&#038;dims=8" target="_blank"><img height="265" width="477" src="http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2008/1004/mlb_u_martin_725.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Russell Martin, C, Dodgers</strong><br />
What the frack happened to this kid? Once one of the most promising catchers in all of baseball, Martin is hitting just. 248 this season with one dinger. At 26, he still has a ton of potential and maybe with Manny Ramirez back in the Dodgers’ lineup he’ll turn it around in the second half. But once a promising player with a decent amount of pop, Martin now he hits like Chone Figgins without the high average.</p>
<p><strong>Bob Howry, RP, Giants</strong><br />
I went to a Giants-Cardinals game in St. Louis recently and wound up making small talk with a Red Bird’s fan next to me. The game eventually went into the tenth tied 1-1 and San Fran had two relievers warming up in the pen: Brian Wilson and Bob Howry. I turned to my new Cardinals friend and said, “If Bruce Bochy puts Wilson in we’re looking at more baseball. If he puts the black angel of death in, you’ll be sucking down a cold one enjoying a Cards’ victory in no time.” Lo and behold, Bochy put Howry in and against his first batter, he gave up a walk off to St. Louis centerfielder Colby Rasmus. Granted, Pablo Sandoval dropped a pop up in foul territory during the at bat and the umpire squeezed him on a pitch that would have struck Rasmus out, but nobody is better at blowing late inning games than Howry. Cub fans, you know what I’m talking about.</p>
<p>Those are my ten…which players infuriate you the most?</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.scoresreport.com/2009/07/06/ten-infuriating-mlb-players-to-watch/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>6</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>2009 MLB Preview: #28 Baltimore Orioles</title>
		<link>http://www.scoresreport.com/2009/03/17/2009-mlb-preview-28-baltimore-orioles/</link>
		<comments>http://www.scoresreport.com/2009/03/17/2009-mlb-preview-28-baltimore-orioles/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2009 01:26:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anthony Stalter</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[External MLB]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[External Sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLB]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2009 Baltimore Orioles Outlook]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2009 MLB Preview]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2009 MLB Team Previews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aubrey Huff]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Baltimore Orioles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Baltimore Orioles best prospect]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brian Roberts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Felix Pie]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gregg Zaun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jeremy Guthrie]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Koji Uehara]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Luke Scott]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mark Hendrickson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Matt Garza]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Matt Wieters]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Melvin Mora]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLB Preview 2009]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nick Markakis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ryan Freel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Scott Kazmir]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ty Wiggington]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.scoresreport.com/?p=15353</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Click Here to see Previews of all 30 MLB Teams Offseason Movement: One of the busier teams this offseason, the Orioles acquired OF Felix Pie and LHP Rich Hill from the Cubs, while also adding free agents Ty Wigginton, Mark Hendrickson, Cesar Izturis, Gregg Zaun, Ryan Freel, John Parrish, David Pauley, Chris Gomez, Chad Moeller [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://media.bonnint.net/apimage/FLJF10303291131.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="318" width="477" src="http://media.bonnint.net/apimage/FLJF10303291131.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.scoresreport.com/tag/mlb-preview-2009/">Click Here to see Previews of all 30 MLB Teams</a></p>
<p><strong>Offseason Movement:</strong> One of the busier teams this offseason, the Orioles acquired OF Felix Pie and LHP Rich Hill from the Cubs, while also adding free agents Ty Wigginton, Mark Hendrickson, Cesar Izturis, Gregg Zaun, Ryan Freel, John Parrish, David Pauley, Chris Gomez, Chad Moeller and Japanese pitcher Koji Uehara.</p>
<p><strong>Top Prospect:</strong> <em>Matt Wieters, C</em><br />
Wieters isn’t only the best prospect in Baltimore – he’s the best prospect in baseball. He can flat out rake and once he gets some experience under his belt, he could be a .300 hitter who produces 12-15 home runs a year. Unfortunately, Baltimore fans that were hoping to see him play early this season will have to wait. Wieters is expected to start the first two months in the International League, but could be called up before the All-Star Break with the O’s not expected to be in contention. Some have compared Wieters to Joe Mauer and Mike Piazza.</p>
<p><span id="more-15353"></span></p>
<p><strong>The Big Question:</strong> <em>Can the starting pitching come through?</em><br />
Jeremy Guthrie will assume the role of ace again this season after posting 10 wins and a 3.63 ERA. After Guthrie is a relative unknown in Koji Uehara, who went 12-0 last year in Japan. Mark Hendrickson adds a veteran arm to the rotation, but he won’t dazzle anyone and Rich Hill had issues with his control last season in Chicago. Throw in David Pauley and this is one of the worst starting rotations in all of baseball.</p>
<p><strong>Outlook:</strong> The Orioles have a nice collection of position players starting with Nick Markakis, who is one of the best young outfielders in the game. The club also hung onto 2B Brian Roberts despite offseason trade rumors, so at least they’ll have a quality bat at the leadoff position while Aubrey Huff, Melvin Mora and Luke Scott add to a promising lineup. If newly acquired Felix Pie and former top prospect Adam Jones ever develop, the O’s would have one of the better young lineups in all of baseball. But the starting pitching is horrible and the O’s play in one of the toughest divisions in the league. The Rays came out of nowhere last year, but at least they had a true ace in Scott Kazmir and a nice developing youngster in Matt Garza. Baltimore’s lineup shows some potential, but the pitching staff will doom this club once again this year.</p>
<p><strong>Projection:</strong> 5th AL East.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.scoresreport.com/2009/03/17/2009-mlb-preview-28-baltimore-orioles/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

