Category: MLB (Page 33 of 448)

Francisco Liriano throws unlikely no-hitter

May 4, 2011 / Anthony Stalter

Entering Tuesday night’s game with the White Sox, Twins’ starter Francisco Liriano held a 9.13 ERA. In his previous start, he lasted just three innings and there were rumors that Kevin Slowey would replace him in the rotation.

So naturally, Liriano no-hit the ChiSox on Tuesday. Granted, it wasn’t a masterpiece as he walked six and struck out just two. But it was the first no-hitter of the 2011 MLB season and Minnesota’s first no-no since Eric Milton accomplished the feat back in 1999. Still, for a guy who came into the game with an 18/18 K/BB ratio and a 1.90 WHIP, Liriano’s performance was rather stunning.

Or was it? Entering the night, he was 5-0 in his last five starts against the White Sox, who were utterly helpless against the lefty on Tuesday. Plus, the Twins claimed a few days ago that the thought they had discovered inconsistency in the Liriano’s delivery. Maybe the adjustments coupled with the opponent created a perfect storm for Liriano to get his groove back.

The talks of being replaced in the rotation will certainly die down now for Liriano. He’s bought himself a couple of more starts, although if he reverts back to the same awful pitcher he was before Tuesday night then the Kevin Slowey rumors will no doubt arise again. Here’s hoping for Liriano and the Twins’ sake, this will light a fire under this struggling club.

External Sports, MLB

Francisco Liriano Francisco Liriano no-hitter Minnesota Twins

Lance Berkman is playing like a man possessed

May 3, 2011 / Anthony Stalter

To suggest that Cardinals outfielder Lance Berkman is rejuvenated since arriving in St. Louis this year would be the understatement of Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 2:30PM ET.

Fresh off winning his second NL player of the week award this season, “Big Puma” went 2-for-3 with a home run and four RBI in the Cardinals’ loss to the Marlins on Monday. That effort raised his batting average to .406 to go along with nine home runs and 27 RBI through his first 96 at bats this season.

Only teammate Matt Holliday (.410) has a better average right now than Berkman, who trails MLB leader Alfonso Soriano (11) by only two home runs. Berkman is also just one RBI away from tying the Phillies’ Ryan Howard, who has driven in 28 runs so far this season.

Berkman isn’t just playing beyond what St. Louis expected – he’s playing like one of the best in the game. It’s rather remarkable when you consider the Yankees declined to exercise their option for him in the offseason after trading two minor leagues (Jimmy Paredes and Mark Melancon) to Houston in order to acquire him from the Astros in July last year. Plus, he’s holding his own in the outfield, a position he hasn’t played since his early days in Houston.

After news broke this spring that Adam Wainwright had to have Tommy John surgery and Holliday suffered an early-season appendectomy, many pundits thought the Cardinals would slowly fade out of contention at some point this year. And while that still might happen, the Cardinals are currently atop the standings in the NL Central thanks to guys like Berkman and Holliday.

External Sports, MLB

Lance Berkman Matt Holliday MLB scores St. Louis Cardinals

“USA-USA” chant breaks out at Phillies game [video]

May 2, 2011 / John Paulsen

Check out the reaction of the fans in Philadelphia when they heard that Osama Bin Laden was killed.

External Sports, MLB, Video

great videos Philadelphia Phillies

Pablo Sandoval to miss 4-6 weeks due to wrist injury

April 30, 2011 / Anthony Stalter

The baseball gods are making up for last year as it pertains to injuries and the San Francisco Giants.

After not suffering one major injury on their way to winning the World Series last season, the Giants will be without their best hitter (at least currently) for the next 4-6 weeks this year as Pablo Sandoval fractured his hamate bone in his right wrist. It’s a major blow for a lineup that has been filthy bad for the past week or so.

Ryan Rohlinger has been called up from Triple-A, although manager Bruce Bochy has already stated that Miguel Tejada and Mike Fontenot will see plenty of time at third base and shortstop, respectively. In other words, Bochy has managed to make an already struggling lineup, much, much worse.

Some people will point out that the Giants won the World Series last year with Sandoval on the bench. But they also had a versatile Juan Uribe (now with the Dodgers) and Sandoval is the only hitter who is doing anything for the Giants currently. Make no mistake: This is a massive blow to the defending champs.

Maybe the Giants will get lucky and either Manny Burriss or Rohlinger will start hitting. If not, it’s going to be a long 4-6 weeks watching Miguel Tejada and Mike Fontenot play every day.