Wednesday 11/3/2004: San Diego's Pena named Cy Young Award
Pedro Martinez will never forget this year. His dominating season convinced the American League to name Cleveland's right-hander the Cy Young Award winner of 2004. His ERA of 1.97 helped him to a 30-2 record this year. He struck out 295 and walked 26 in 274.1 innings. Pedro has pitched 4 shutouts and 11 complete games. He's 1st in the American League in ERA and 1st in wins! Martinez wins the award for the 9th time in his 11-year career. All the hard work finally paid off for San Diego's Juan Pena as well. The right-hander was named the Cy Young Award winner in the National League today. Opposing players hit .173 against Juan this season. While posting an ERA of 2.47 he went 14-5 in 35 starts, fanning 269 and walking 75 hitters. He has 5 complete games and 3 shutouts.
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Wednesday 11/3/2004: Williams (TEX) and Sexson (PHI) win MVP
Texas' centerfielder Bernie Williams will never forget this day. A great season convinced the voters that he is the worthy American League MVP winner. Williams has hit 42 taters this year while batting .312. He adds 34 doubles, along with 115 runs scored. He's 7th in the American League in batting, 2nd in homeruns and 1st in RBI! Williams wins the award for the 5th time in his 12-year career. The National League MVP goes to Richie Sexson this year. He had an extraordinary season as well! While compiling an on base percentage of .423, Richie hit .315 and slugged .681. He has collected 138 runs batted in this year. He's 3rd in the National League in RBIs and 1st in homeruns!
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Wednesday 11/3/2004: Rookie Of The Year winners announced
Adam Laroche will never forget his first full season. The American League was convinced that Minnesota's first baseman, 24 years old, should be the Rookie Of The Year winner of 2004. His season features a batting average of .259 (143 hits in 552 AB), 48 doubles, 2 triples and 29 bombs. Laroche collected 122 RBI and 92 runs as well. Colorado's pitcher Jeremy Bonderman has worked hard to reach the big leagues. His work paid off today as the National League named him the Rookie Of The Year winner! Opposing players hit .261 against Jeremy this season. While posting an ERA of 3.90 he went 14-8 in 32 starts, fanning 126 and walking 77 hitters. He has one complete game and one shutout.
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Thursday 10/21/2004: Doug Davis (TEX) will miss 7 weeks
TEXAS - When it rains, it pours. Texas' ace Doug Davis will not pitch for at least 7 weeks, handing the team a huge setback. He suffered a serious injury in a game against Tampa Bay where he left the field in the 4th inning. Ruptured Elbow Ligament was the diagnosis after x-rays were taken in a nearby hospital. The message shocked teammates and team officials. Opposing players hit .257 against Doug this season. While posting an ERA of 3.54 he went 18-8 in 33 starts, fanning 146 and walking 64 hitters. Doug has pitched 2 shutouts and 4 complete games. He's 9th in the American League in ERA and 4th in wins!
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Tuesday 10/12/2004: Manny Ramirez (COL) will miss 5 weeks
COLORADO - Montreal's John Riedling drilled Colorado's rightfielder Manny Ramirez in the 7th inning. He was slow getting up and had to leave the game. Manny Ramirez will miss at least 5 weeks. Ramirez was rushed to an hospital near the ballpark, where doctors took x-rays. Those revealed the serious injury, Fractured Hand. Ramirez has hit for a .315 average this season. He has 80 extra base hits along with 337 total bases, resulting in a .609 slugging percentage. He's 2nd in the National League in RBIs and 7th in homeruns!
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Saturday 10/9/2004: Pedro Martinez (CLE) will miss 5 weeks
CLEVELAND - Cleveland's ace Pedro Martinez suffered a severe injury on Saturday and will be out for at least 5 weeks. In the 4th of the game against Tampa Bay he experienced pain in his throwing arm and had to leave the game. Cleveland wasted no time and rushed him to an hospital. Team officials were informed later that Martinez had suffered a Strained Tricep Muscle. This season Martinez compiled an ERA of 1.97, going 30-2 in 34 starts. He fanned 295 while giving up 186 hits in 274.1 innings. Pedro has pitched 4 shutouts and 11 complete games. He's 1st in the American League in ERA and 1st in wins!
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Friday 10/8/2004: Andy Pettitte dominates Colorado, gives up just 2 hits
MONTREAL - Colorado's bats were sleeping, and Montreal's Andy Pettitte gave them no chance to wake up. He gave up just 2 hits in recording his 2nd shutout of the season. Pettitte (16-7) was overpowering, fanning 12 while walking 1, throwing 117 pitches. 'My catcher called a very good game. I have to give credit to him.' Adam Dunn helped Pettitte at the plate, he got 2 hits in 3 AB, hitting a homerun, scoring two runs with 2 RBI. Montreal scored 5 runs on 9 hits.
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Monday 10/4/2004: Toronto's Green wins Player of the Week award
The American League Player of the Week award goes to Shawn Green, Toronto's starting leftfielder. He had an on base percentage of .452 and hit .414, while driving in 10 runs. This year Green drove in 132 and scored 108 runs while batting .284 with 46 longballs. He's 2nd in the American League in RBIs and 1st in homeruns! Philadelphia's leftfielder J.d. Drew had some reason to celebrate as well, as the league named him the National League Player of the Week. J.d. went 12 for 20 (.600), while hitting 5 HR and collecting 13 RBI. J.d. has gone 144 for 523 (.275) this season, hitting 34 longballs and driving in 105 runs. He has scored 123 runs on his own.
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Saturday 10/2/2004: Eric Hinske out for 9 weeks
CHICAGO (N) - Chicago (N)'s third baseman Eric Hinske will miss about 9 weeks after he hurt himself badly in the 6th inning of the game between Chicago (N) and Los Angeles. He fielded a ball off the bat of Justin Baughman, threw a bullet to first and immediately signaled that he's not OK. Strained Tricep Muscle was the diagnosis after x-rays were taken in a nearby hospital. The message shocked teammates and team officials. His season features a batting average of .264 (111 hits in 420 AB), 31 doubles, 4 triples and 19 bombs. Hinske collected 93 RBI and 68 runs as well.
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Saturday 10/2/2004: Derek Lowe blanks Anaheim with a 2-hitter
ANAHEIM - It was a great day for Toronto's right-hander Derek Lowe. The 31-year old recorded his first career shutout, a 2-hitter, against Anaheim on Saturday. 'My catcher called a very good game. I have to give credit to him.' Lowe (17-6) fanned 3 and walked 1, throwing 104 pitches. The hitting star for Toronto was first baseman Paul Konerko, he went 4 for 5, going deep twice, doubling once, with three runs scored and driving in 5 runs. Toronto improved its record to 83-77, scoring 13 runs on 14 hits.
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Friday 10/1/2004: Pitcher of the Month award winners announced
Chicago (A)'s Shannon Withem had a terrific September, and it earned him the American League Pitcher of the month award. He went 0-0 in September and finished the month with an ERA of 0.77. He struck out 11 in 11.2 innings. This season Withem compiled an ERA of 5.59, going 0-12 in 32 starts. He fanned 55 while giving up 114 hits in 95 innings. San Diego's Juan Pena had a terrific September, and it earned him the National League Pitcher of the month award. His ERA of just 2.08 helped him to a 4-1 record in September. He worked 47.2 innings, striking out 53 hitters while walking 12. Juan pitched a shutout as well. In 34 starts this year Juan struck out 260 batters in 251 innings of work. His ERA is 2.44, his record 14-5. He has 5 complete games and 3 shutouts.
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Friday 10/1/2004: Red hot Rolen and Hidalgo win Batter of the Month award
The American League Batter of the Month award goes to Scott Rolen, Toronto's starting third baseman. In 92 at bats he hit .359 with 9 HR and 27 RBI. While compiling an on base percentage of .423, Scott hit .301 and slugged .570. He has collected 92 runs batted in this year. Richard Hidalgo of Montreal wins his 1st Batter of the Month award for putting up the best numbers in the National League. Richard pounded opposing pitchers, hitting .367 with 9 and 33 RBI while slugging .725. His season features a batting average of .303 (188 hits in 621 AB), 54 doubles, one triple and 34 taters. Hidalgo collected 139 RBI and 110 runs as well.
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Thursday 9/30/2004: Kyle Lohse pitches 2-hit shutout against Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES - Kyle Lohse had his best stuff going, and Los Angeles hitters had nothing to cheer about. New York (N)'s right-hander pitched a 2-hitter, his 2nd shutout of the season. 'Pitching a great game is always a good thing. And it doesn't get much better than today.' Lohse (10-11) struck out 6 and walked 1, throwing 66 of 111 pitches for strikes. Mike Lowell provided New York (N) with the offense Lohse needed as he went 3 for 4, homering once, and collecting 4 RBI. New York (N) scored 5 runs on 9 hits.
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Thursday 9/30/2004: Kevin Correia blanks Anaheim with a 2-hitter
ANAHEIM - Kevin Correia had an unexpectedly great performance against Anaheim on Thursday, pitching a 2-hitter for his 1st shutout of the season. Correia (1-4) struck out 8 and walked 2, throwing 71 of 115 pitches for strikes. 'I hit the corners with all of my pitches. That helped a lot!' Detroit's first baseman Pedro Feliz got 3 hits in 4 AB, scoring two runs. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Correia. Detroit scored 5 runs on 9 hits.
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Wednesday 9/29/2004: Jeffrey Hammonds out for 5 weeks
SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco's rightfielder Jeffrey Hammonds hurt himself in the 5th inning while diving for a batted ball. He got up slowly and had to leave the game. Jeffrey Hammonds will miss at least 5 weeks. Hammonds was rushed to an hospital near the ballpark, where doctors took x-rays. Those revealed the serious injury, Broken Finger. Hammonds has walked 77 times this year and posts a .378 OBP. While batting .283, 143 for 506, he has driven in 89 runs.
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Wednesday 9/29/2004: John Mcdonald punishes Kansas City with four hits, cycle
KANSAS CITY - John Mcdonald led Boston to a 9-8 win over Kansas City by squeezing four hits out of his bat. That's not the best part, though. He hit for the cycle as well! His 1st hit, a solo homerun off Jake Peavy in the 3rd inning, cleared the fence in right field. The game was tied, 1-1, after the blast. A single in the 4th off Jake Peavy accounted for his 2nd hit. His 3rd hit was a triple off Rafael Betancourt in the 8th inning. In the 9th inning he belted a double off Keith Glauber. That drive completed the cycle, causing a smile on his face! John scored 2 runs, and he collected one RBI as well! His 4 hit performance increases his batting average to .250. He becomes the 83rd player in league history collect at least a single, double, triple and a homerun in a single game. On 6/17/2004, Doug Glanville was the last player to hit for the cycle.
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Monday 9/27/2004: Player of the Week honors go to Hafner and Giles
Texas' first baseman Travis Hafner had some reason to celebrate, as the league named him the American League Player of the Week. Travis was on fire, hitting .417 with 4 HR and 10 RBI. His season features a batting average of .279 (150 hits in 538 AB), 40 doubles, 2 triples and 38 taters. Hafner collected 120 RBI and 113 runs as well. He's 3rd in the American League in RBIs and 5th in homeruns! The Player of the Week award in the National League goes to New York (N)'s Brian Giles this time, as the leftfielder displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. Brian went 9 for 23 (.391), while hitting 6 HR and collecting 11 RBI. Brian managed to drive in at least one run in every game he played this week.
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Sunday 9/26/2004: Aaron Sele blanks Texas with a 1-hitter
TEXAS - Great days are rare. But not for Kansas City's right-hander Aaron Sele. Texas found out the hard way that he is among the leagues top pitchers, getting just one hit. It's his 1st shutout this season, and the 6th time he has done it in his career. Sele (10-4) fanned 7 and walked 4, throwing 109 pitches. 'They took some ugly cuts at my breaking stuff, so I kept throwing it. Fortunately they were not able to adjust in time.' Kansas City's first baseman Tino Martinez finished 2 for 4, blasting a homerun, and driving in 2 runs. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Sele. Kansas City scored 4 runs on 7 hits.
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Saturday 9/25/2004: Lance Berkman collects five hits against New York (N)
ATLANTA - Lance Berkman punished New York (N)'s pitching today, collecting five hits in 6 AB. That definitely helped Atlanta, they won the game 19 to 2. Number 2 in the 3rd inning, a shot estimated at 347 feet, cleared the wall in right field. His 3rd hit, off Kyle Lohse in the 6th inning, was a three-run homerun and cleared the fence in right-center. His 4th hit was a double off Kirk Bullinger in the 8th inning. He collected singles in the 1st inning and in the 8th inning (one RBI). Lance did drive in 5 while scoring 4 runs on his own. He's having a very good season so far, batting .329.
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Friday 9/24/2004: Jeff Kent has 2000th career hits
DETROIT - Seattle's players had every reason to congratulate Jeff Kent, who reached a milestone today, collecting his 2000th career hit! Along with his 2000 hits, Jeff collected 250 homeruns and 1172 RBI in 12 seasons. 'I'm out of words. I'll probably realize it tomorrow, but for now I'm done.' His hit in the 4th inning was a double off Kelvim Escobar.
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Monday 9/20/2004: Montreal's Jones wins Player of the Week award
Luis a. Gonzalez wins his 1st Player of the Week award. American League pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. In 23 at bats he hit .522 with 3 HR and 8 RBI. He now has homered in 3 consecutive games as well! The National League Player of the Week award goes to Chipper Jones, Montreal's starting third baseman. Chipper pounded opposing pitchers, hitting .517 with 0 HR and 7 RBI while slugging .724.
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Sunday 9/19/2004: Francisco Cordova out for 5 weeks
BALTIMORE - Baltimore is without its ace Francisco Cordova for at least 5 weeks. He injured himself while throwing a pitch to Bret Boone in a game against Tampa Bay. His face showed signs of pain immediately after the ball left his hand. Cordova was rushed to an hospital near the ballpark, where doctors took x-rays. Those revealed the serious injury, Ruptured Bicep Tendon. Opposing players hit .277 against Francisco this season. While posting an ERA of 4.21 he went 7-19 in 32 starts, fanning 115 and walking 82 hitters.
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Wednesday 9/15/2004: John Patterson pitches his 1st shutout of the season
TEXAS - It was a great day for Texas' right-hander John Patterson. The 26-year old recorded his first career shutout, a 2-hitter, against Boston on Wednesday. 'Winning is the most important thing. And I gave my team all the support it needed!' Patterson (2-2) was overpowering, fanning 10 while walking 2, throwing 110 pitches. Joe Crede provided Texas with the offense Patterson needed as he collected 2 hits in 4 trips to the plate, homering once, doubling once, scoring twice with 2 RBI. Texas scored 6 runs on 9 hits.
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Tuesday 9/14/2004: Tony Mcknight fires 2-hitter against Arizona
MONTREAL - Tony Mcknight had an unexpectedly great performance against Arizona on Tuesday, pitching a 2-hitter for his 1st shutout of the season. Mcknight (9-6) fanned 1 and walked 3, throwing 107 pitches. 'My catcher called a very good game. I have to give credit to him.' Adam Dunn helped Mcknight at the plate, he got 2 hits in 3 AB, hitting a homerun, scoring three runs and collecting 3 RBI. The final score of the game was 8-0.
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Monday 9/13/2004: Johan Santana pitches his 1st shutout of the season
DETROIT - Tampa Bay's southpaw Johan Santana is a great pitcher. And he once again showed his stuff, blanking Detroit on just one hit. It's his 1st shutout this season, and the 7th time he has done it in his career. Santana (18-8) fanned 9 and walked 2, throwing 101 pitches. 'I'll have to give a lot of credit to my catcher. He put all the right fingers down today.' Dave Hansen provided Tampa Bay with the offense Santana needed as he finished with 2 hits in 5 AB, blasting a homerun. Tampa Bay scored 2 runs on 6 hits.
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Monday 9/13/2004: Player of the Week honors go to Mcmillon and Hidalgo
Billy Mcmillon from Detroit wins his 2nd Player of the Week award for putting up the best numbers this week in the American League. In 22 at bats he hit .455 with 2 HR and 9 RBI. The National League Player of the Week award goes to Richard Hidalgo, Montreal's starting centerfielder. He hit .500 with 10 RBI and slugged 1.000 in 26 at bats. He has hit 30 taters while batting .307 this season. His 172 hits and 50 walks add up to a .368 on-base percentage.
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Wednesday 9/8/2004: Juan Pena fires 1-hitter against Florida
FLORIDA - Juan Pena had some fun again. Florida hitters did not. San Diego's right-hander gave up just one hit in his 3rd shutout of the season. He now has 10 career shutouts in 202 games started. 'Winning is the most important thing. And I gave my team all the support it needed!' Pena (12-4) fanned 8 and walked 1, throwing 92 pitches. The hitting star for San Diego was centerfielder Brady Clark, he got 1 hit in 4 AB, blasting a homerun, and collecting 2 RBI. The final score of the game was 6-0.
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Wednesday 9/8/2004: Cleveland's Ivan Rodriguez laces 2000th career hit
KANSAS CITY - Ivan Rodriguez got a standing ovation from 13653 fans in Kansas City, who witnessed his 2000th career hit. Along with his 2000 hits, Ivan collected 234 homeruns and 1130 RBI in 13 seasons. 'I guess I'll celebrate a bit today. But the most important thing is winning, and my whole career I gave everything I could to help my team.' His hit in the 1st inning was a double off Aaron Sele.
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Tuesday 9/7/2004: Kansas City's Tino Martinez gets milestone hit
KANSAS CITY - Kansas City's first baseman Tino Martinez joined some elite company today, collecting his 2000th career hit! He hit a single in the 7th off Scott Macrae for number 2000. Along with his 2000 hits, Tino collected 342 homeruns and 1254 RBI in 12 seasons. 'I still remember my first hit. But the one today is something special. I'll definitely keep that ball!'
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Monday 9/6/2004: Rob Ryan socks six hits for Los Angeles
CHICAGO (N) - Rob Ryan hits 'em where they ain't. Chicago (N) certainly agrees as Los Angeles' rightfielder unloaded six hits, adding to his reputation of being one of the best pure hitters in the game. His 1st hit was a RBI double off Ben Sheets in the 1st inning. Number 4 in the 6th inning accounted for a three-run double. He collected singles in the 3rd inning , in the 5th , in the 7th inning and in the 9th . Rob scored 2 runs, and he collected 4 RBI as well! He's having a very good season so far, batting .390. Los Angeles improved its record to 73-64, scoring 14 runs on 18 hits.
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Monday 9/6/2004: Player of the Week honors go to Rolen and Walker
The Player of the Week award in the American League goes to Toronto's Scott Rolen this time, as the third baseman displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. He hit .563 with 10 RBI and slugged 1.563 in 16 at bats. He got at least one hit each game this week and is on a 8 game hitting streak right now. Scott has gone 125 for 419 (.298) this season, hitting 26 homeruns and driving in 75 runs. He has scored 83 runs on his own. Todd Walker wins his 3rd Player of the Week award. National League pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. Todd was on fire, hitting .522 with 4 HR and 16 RBI. While compiling an on base percentage of .373, Todd hit .279 and slugged .495. He has collected 72 runs batted in this year.
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Friday 9/3/2004: Carl Everett drills 5 hits
ARIZONA - Carl Everett is among the best pure hitters in the game, but his 5 hit performance seemed to surprise even himself. A pitch from John Frascatore in the 1st inning left his bat for a solo homerun, landing 402 feet from home plate in left-center. His 2nd hit, a two-run homerun off John Frascatore in the 3rd inning, landed an estimated 420 feet from home plate. He collected singles in the 5th , in the 6th inning (one RBI) and in the 8th . Carl scored 2 runs, and he collected 4 RBI as well! This season has been a good one for him so far, as he has 151 hits in 479 at bats, resulting in a .315 batting average. Arizona scored 7 runs on 12 hits.
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Wednesday 9/1/2004: Doug Davis pitches 2-hit shutout against Anaheim
ANAHEIM - Anaheim's bats were sleeping, and Texas' Doug Davis gave them no chance to wake up. He gave up just 2 hits in recording his 2nd shutout of the season. Davis (14-7) struck out 2 and issued 1 BB, throwing 51 of 86 pitches for strikes. 'They took some ugly cuts at my breaking stuff, so I kept throwing it. Fortunately they were not able to adjust in time.' The hitting star for Texas was shortstop Alex Rodriguez, he got 2 hits in 5 AB, blasting a homerun, and driving in 2 runs. Texas scored 4 runs on 10 hits.
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Wednesday 9/1/2004: San Diego's Morris named Pitcher of the Month
Carlos Zambrano pitched like a legend in August, and the American League named him Pitcher of the Month for his extraordinary performance. He had an ERA of just 1.17 in 38.1 innings of work in which he struck out 30 hitters. His record in August is 5-0. This season Zambrano compiled an ERA of 3.92, going 8-6 in 17 starts. He fanned 102 while giving up 108 hits in 133.1 innings. Winner of this months National League Pitcher of the Month award is San Diego's Matt Morris. He struck out 27 hitters in his 5 starts, putting together a record of 3-1 while pitching 27 innings. His ERA in August was 1.63. Matt also fired a shutout. Matt has a record of 10-12 this season, with an ERA of 3.09. In 192 Innings he was able to strike out 116 batters. Matt has pitched one shutout and 5 complete games.
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Wednesday 9/1/2004: Toronto's Green earns Batter of the Month award
Shawn Green of Toronto wins his 3rd Batter of the Month award for putting up the best numbers in the American League. In 105 at bats he hit .324 with 9 HR and 28 RBI. Shawn has gone 129 for 473 (.273) this season, hitting 36 longballs and driving in 103 runs. He has scored 81 runs on his own. He's 2nd in the American League in RBIs and 1st in homeruns! Philadelphia's first baseman Richie Sexson had some reason to celebrate as well, as the league named him the National League Batter of the Month. Richie went 34 for 94 (.362), while hitting 12 HR and collecting 29 RBI. Sexson has hit 43 bombs this year while batting .331. He adds 29 doubles, along with 95 runs scored. He's 4th in the National League in batting, 1st in homeruns and 2nd in RBI!
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Monday 8/30/2004: Williams and Jennings win Player of the Week award
It's the 7th time that the American League Player of the Week award goes to Texas' centerfielder Bernie Williams. Bernie pounded opposing pitchers, hitting .364 with 5 HR and 16 RBI while slugging 1.091. San Francisco's pitcher Jason Jennings had some reason to celebrate as well, as the league named him the National League Player of the Week. He was in a zone all week, compiling an ERA of 1.20 while going 2-0. He hurled a shutout as well.
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Sunday 8/29/2004: Mark Prior dominates Tampa Bay, gives up just 2 hits
TAMPA BAY - Kansas City's right-hander Mark Prior will never forget this day. The 23-year old recorded his first career shutout, a 2-hitter, against Tampa Bay on Sunday. 'I was hitting my spots. Now I'll start concentrating on my next start, and hopefully it will work again.' Prior (17-8) was overpowering, fanning 10 while walking none, throwing 99 pitches. The hitting star for Kansas City was catcher Todd Hundley, he stroked 1 hit in 4 AB, stroking a double, and collecting 2 RBI. Kansas City scored 3 runs on 7 hits.
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Thursday 8/26/2004: Steve Green out for 6 weeks
DETROIT - When it rains, it pours. Detroit's ace Steve Green will not pitch for at least 6 weeks, handing the team a huge setback. He suffered a serious injury in a game against Seattle where he left the field in the 6th inning. After x-rays were taken the diagnosis did not surprise many: Pulled Bicep Muscle. Surgery will be performed next week. His ERA of 4.14 helped him to a 10-5 record this year. He struck out 105 and walked 75 in 158.2 innings.
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Monday 8/23/2004: Wigginton and Young win Player of the Week award
Chicago (A)'s third baseman Ty Wigginton had some reason to celebrate, as the league named him the American League Player of the Week. Wigginton helped his team with an average of .480 and 8 RBI in 25 at bats. He got at least one hit each game this week and is on a 8 game hitting streak right now. The National League Player of the Week award goes to Mike Young, New York (N)'s starting second baseman. Mike pounded opposing pitchers, hitting .545 with 2 HR and 4 RBI while slugging .848. Young has walked 41 times this year and posts a .369 OBP. While batting .319, 159 for 499, he has driven in 52 runs.
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Sunday 8/22/2004: Oakland's Torii Hunter unloads three times
OAKLAND - Torii Hunter was in a groove, and the results spoke for themselves. He powered Oakland to a 9-4 win over Baltimore by homering three times. A pitch from Mark Redman in the 2nd inning left his bat for a solo homerun, landing 360 feet from home plate in left field. Number 2 in the 5th inning, a shot estimated at 443 feet, cleared the wall in center field. His 3rd blast, a solo homerun off Bruce Chen in the 7th inning, landed an estimated 388 feet from home plate. Torii finished with 3 hits in 3 AB, scoring FOUR times and collecting 3 RBI. In 2362 career at bats, he has hit 77 homeruns and collected 299 RBI. Hank Blalock was the last player to hit 3 homeruns in a game, doing it 7/8/2004.
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Monday 8/16/2004: Player of the Week honors go to Ibanez and Sexson
It's the 3rd time that the American League Player of the Week award goes to Cleveland's leftfielder Raul Ibanez. In 27 at bats he hit .481 with 3 HR and 8 RBI. He hit in every game this week and extended his hitting streak to 8 games. This year Ibanez drove in 59 and scored 69 runs while batting .292 with 14 bombs. The Player of the Week award in the National League goes to Philadelphia's Richie Sexson this time, as the first baseman displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. He had an on base percentage of .621 and hit .583, while driving in 13 runs. Richie is hitting .336 this year, with 126 hits in 375 at bats. He has driven in 108 runs, slugging .744. He's 4th in the National League in batting, 1st in homeruns and 1st in RBI!
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Saturday 8/14/2004: Chicago (A)'s Kendall severely injured
CHICAGO (A) - Chicago (A)'s season has taken a hit after one of their best players, catcher Jason Kendall, injured himself while rounding a base. He is likely to miss 7 weeks. Kendall was rushed to an hospital near the ballpark, where doctors took x-rays. Those revealed the serious injury, Broken Foot. His season numbers are: .286 AVG, 103 hits, 26 doubles, 4 triples and 6 taters, along with 49 RBI and 56 runs scored.
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Friday 8/13/2004: Cleveland's Raul Ibanez has great day with five hits
TEXAS - Raul Ibanez saw the ball really well, leading Cleveland to a 28-1 win over Texas. His five hits thrilled his teammates and coaches, and Raul seemed happy as well after the game. A 423 foot drive to center field marked his 3rd hit, a solo homerun off Kris Benson in the 4th inning. In the 8th inning he unloaded a two-run homerun off Mike Saipe. He collected singles in the 1st inning (one RBI) , in the 3rd inning and in the 7th inning . Raul did drive in 4 while scoring 4 runs on his own. He is hitting .292 this season, with 14 HR and 59 RBI.
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Tuesday 8/10/2004: Brandon Lyon blanks Montreal with a 2-hitter
HOUSTON - Brandon Lyon had some fun again. Montreal hitters did not. Houston's right-hander gave up just 2 hits in his 3rd shutout of the season. He now has 4 career shutouts in 115 games started. Lyon (11-5) struck out 5 and issued 1 BB, throwing 60 of 95 pitches for strikes. 'They took some ugly cuts at my breaking stuff, so I kept throwing it. Fortunately they were not able to adjust in time.' Eduardo Perez provided Houston with the offense Lyon needed as he got 2 hits in 4 AB, hitting a homerun, and driving in 2 runs. Houston scored 5 runs on 11 hits.
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Monday 8/9/2004: San Francisco's Wilkerson wins Player of the Week award
The American League Player of the Week award goes to Kevin Mench, Toronto's starting leftfielder. Kevin pounded opposing pitchers, hitting .474 with 2 HR and 10 RBI while slugging .947. His season numbers are: .267 AVG, 59 hits, 13 doubles, no triples and 11 longballs, along with 42 RBI and 33 runs scored. The National League Player of the Week award goes to Brad Wilkerson, San Francisco's starting first baseman. He hit .435 with 16 RBI and slugged .913 in 23 at bats. Wilkerson has hit for a .263 average this season. He has 58 extra base hits along with 218 total bases, resulting in a .546 slugging percentage. He's 2nd in the National League in RBIs and 8th in homeruns!
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Monday 8/2/2004: Detroit's Mcmillon wins Player of the Week award
Billy Mcmillon from Detroit wins his 1st Player of the Week award for putting up the best numbers this week in the American League. He hit .563 with 11 RBI and slugged 1.188 in 16 at bats. Frank Thomas wins his 7th Player of the Week award. National League pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. He hit .407 with 9 RBI and slugged 1.074 in 27 at bats. He got at least one hit each game this week and is on a 7 game hitting streak right now. He now has homered in 3 consecutive games as well!
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Sunday 8/1/2004: Martinez and Rhodes receive Pitcher of the Month award
Pedro Martinez couldn't have pitched much better than he did in July, and the American League thought so as well, naming the right-hander Pitcher of the Month. His record of 4-0 in 4 was among the leagues best this month. In 33 innings of work he allowed just 17 hits while striking out 29, compiling an ERA of just 1.36. Pedro pitched a shutout as well. In 21 starts this year Pedro struck out 191 batters in 178.1 innings of work. His ERA is 1.46, his record 20-0. He has 8 complete games and 4 shutouts. He's 1st in the American League in ERA and 1st in wins! Arthur Rhodes couldn't have pitched much better than he did in July, and the National League thought so as well, naming the left-hander Pitcher of the Month. His ERA of just 1.59 helped him to a 4-0 record in July. He worked 39.2 innings, striking out 39 hitters while walking 9. Arthur has a record of 10-7 this season, with an ERA of 3.15. In 140 Innings he was able to strike out 122 batters.
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Sunday 8/1/2004: Red hot Brogna and Jones win Batter of the Month award
The American League's best player of the month was New York (A)'s Rico Brogna, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. Brogna helped his team with an average of .313 and 27 RBI in 96 at bats. While compiling an on base percentage of .326, Rico hit .285 and slugged .488. He has collected 69 runs batted in this year. The National League Batter of the Month award goes to Andruw Jones, Houston's starting centerfielder. He hit .349 with 22 RBI and slugged .779 in 86 at bats. While compiling an on base percentage of .440, Andruw hit .308 and slugged .635. He has collected 77 runs batted in this year.
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Tuesday 7/27/2004: John Riedling blanks Chicago (N) with a 2-hitter
MONTREAL - It was a great day for Montreal's right-hander John Riedling. The 28-year old recorded his first career shutout, a 2-hitter, against Chicago (N) on Tuesday. The bid for a no-hitter was broken up when Midre Cummings singled with two outs in the 5th inning. Riedling (8-4) struck out 5 and walked none, throwing 63 of 105 pitches for strikes. 'Giving my team a chance to win is the most important thing for me. I was able to do it today.' Todd Helton provided Montreal with the offense Riedling needed as he finished with 2 hits in 4 AB, hitting a homerun, hitting a double, with 2 RBI. The final score of the game was 6-0.
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Monday 7/26/2004: Houston's Lyon wins Player of the Week award
The American League's best player of the week was Cleveland's Raul Ibanez, who wins the award for the 2nd time in his career. Raul pounded opposing pitchers, hitting .565 with 1 HR and 10 RBI while slugging 1.000. Ibanez has hit for a .283 average this season. He has 30 extra base hits along with 131 total bases, resulting in a .441 slugging percentage. The National League Player of the Week award goes to Brandon Lyon, one of Houston's best starting pitchers. Brandon went 2-0 with an ERA of 0.00, while fanning 11 in 16 innings of work. He hurled a shutout as well.
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Saturday 7/24/2004: Colorado's Dye out for the season
COLORADO - Colorado's rightfielder Jermaine Dye suffered a season ending injury when he hurt himself diving for a ball. He collapsed in pain and was helped off the field. Dye was rushed to an hospital near the ballpark, where doctors took x-rays. Those revealed the serious injury, Broken Hip. While compiling an on base percentage of .367, Jermaine hit .288 and slugged .553. He has collected 71 runs batted in this year.
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Wednesday 7/21/2004: Pedro Martinez fires 1-hitter against Kansas City
KANSAS CITY - Pedro Martinez took the mound and never left. And Kansas City hitters couldn't touch him at all. Cleveland's right-hander gave up just one hit in his 4th shutout of the season. He now has 54 career shutouts in 362 games started. 'Things like that happen. You take the mound and everything works. My velocity was pretty good today and I guess it showed.' Martinez (19-0) fanned 9 and walked none, throwing 94 pitches. Cleveland's catcher Ivan Rodriguez collected 3 hits in 6 trips to the plate, homering twice, scoring three times and driving in 5 runs. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Martinez. The final score of the game was 15-0.
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Tuesday 7/20/2004: Brandon Lyon pitches his 2nd shutout of the season
CHICAGO (N) - Houston's right-hander Brandon Lyon is clearly one of the best pitchers in the game. Chicago (N) found out the hard way, getting just 2 hits. Lyon 2nd shutout this season was a masterpiece, as he was almost untouchable. He has now hurled 3rd shutouts in his career. Lyon (8-5) fanned 8 and walked none, throwing 93 pitches. 'My catcher called a very good game. I have to give credit to him.' The hitting star for Houston was second baseman Jose Hernandez, he finished 3 for 5, homering once, hitting a double, scoring three runs and collecting 5 RBI. Houston scored 10 runs on 12 hits.
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Monday 7/19/2004: Season ending injury strikes Baltimore's Chavez
BALTIMORE - Baltimore's third baseman Eric Chavez will miss the rest of the season. He injured himself running the bases in the game between Baltimore and Anaheim. The injury didn't seem to be serious the moment it happened. But suddenly Chavez collapsed in pain and had to be carried off the field. After x-rays were taken the diagnosis did not surprise many: Torn Abdominal Muscle. Surgery will be performed next week. This year Chavez drove in 49 and scored 55 runs while batting .254 with 15 longballs.
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Monday 7/19/2004: Texas' Ford wins Player of the Week award
The Player of the Week award in the American League goes to Texas' Lew Ford this time, as the centerfielder displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. Lew pounded opposing pitchers, hitting .706 with 2 HR and 9 RBI while slugging 1.176. Ford has walked 12 times this year and posts a .322 OBP. While batting .272, 50 for 184, he has driven in 29 runs. The National League's best player of the week was Milwaukee's Chase Utley, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. He had an on base percentage of .458 and hit .435, while driving in 11 runs. Utley has walked 8 times this year and posts a .435 OBP. While batting .376, 44 for 117, he has driven in 28 runs.
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Friday 7/16/2004: Pat Mahomes turns in great performance against New York (N)
CINCINNATI - All you need to win is a dominating pitching performance. And Cincinnati's Pat Mahomes did so today, in a 2-hit shutout against New York (N). 'I was able to keep´em off balance. That certainly helped.' Mahomes (4-6) struck out 7 and walked 1, throwing 59 of 97 pitches for strikes. Melvin Mora helped Mahomes at the plate, he got 2 hits in 4 AB, homering twice, scoring two runs with 2 RBI. Cincinnati improved its record to 44-45, scoring 7 runs on 12 hits.
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Thursday 7/8/2004: Los Angeles' Hank Blalock unloads three times
LOS ANGELES - Hank Blalock was in a groove, and the results spoke for themselves. He powered Los Angeles to a 16-12 win over San Francisco by homering three times. His 1st shot, off Mike Johnson in the 2nd inning, was a two-run homerun and cleared the fence in left-center. His 2nd shot, a solo homerun off John Ennis in the 4th inning, cleared the fence in left field. Number 3 in the 7th inning, a shot estimated at 356 feet, cleared the wall in right field. Overall he went 5 for 5, stroking two 2B's, scoring three times and driving in 8 runs.
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Monday 7/5/2004: Young and Wilkerson win Player of the Week award
The Player of the Week award in the American League goes to Detroit's Dmitri Young this time, as the first baseman displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. Dmitri was on fire, hitting .500 with 5 HR and 9 RBI. Dmitri managed to drive in at least one run in every game he played this week. He has hit 19 longballs while batting .270 this season. His 82 hits and 28 walks add up to a .341 on-base percentage. He's 7th in the American League in RBIs and 5th in homeruns! It's the 1st time that the National League Player of the Week award goes to San Francisco's first baseman Brad Wilkerson. He hit .526 with 8 RBI and slugged 1.316 in 19 at bats.
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Thursday 7/1/2004: Martinez (CLE) and Marquis (HOU) win monthly pitcher award
Pedro Martinez couldn't have pitched much better than he did in June, and the American League thought so as well, naming the right-hander Pitcher of the Month. He started 6 games in June, going 6-0 and compiling an ERA of 1.43 in 50.1 innings. Pedro fanned 58 hitters. Pedro also fired a shutout. His ERA of 1.49 helped him to a 16-0 record this year. He struck out 162 and walked 14 in 145.1 innings. Pedro has pitched 3 shutouts and 7 complete games. He's 1st in the American League in ERA and 1st in wins! Jason Marquis pitched like a legend in June, and the National League named him Pitcher of the Month for his extraordinary performance. He started 6 games in June, going 4-1 and compiling an ERA of 1.40 in 38.2 innings. Jason fanned 24 hitters. Jason pitched a shutout as well. This season Marquis compiled an ERA of 2.33, going 9-2 in 17 starts. He fanned 67 while giving up 95 hits in 116 innings. Jason has pitched one shutout and one complete game. He's 2nd in the National League in ERA and 4th in wins!
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Thursday 7/1/2004: Atlanta's Berkman named Batter of the Month
The American League Batter of the Month award goes to Dmitri Young, Detroit's starting first baseman. In 86 at bats he hit .349 with 13 HR and 32 RBI. He has hit 18 taters while batting .265 this season. His 79 hits and 28 walks add up to a .338 on-base percentage. He's 8th in the American League in RBIs and 6th in homeruns! The National League's best player of the month was Atlanta's Lance Berkman, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. He hit .394 with 36 RBI and slugged .859 in 99 at bats. He has hit 28 taters while batting .327 this season. His 90 hits and 47 walks add up to a .431 on-base percentage. He's 10th in the National League in batting, 1st in homeruns and 1st in RBI!
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Tuesday 6/29/2004: Darren Dreifort quiets Philadelphia bats with shutout
SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco's right-hander Darren Dreifort will never forget this day. The 32-year old recorded his first career shutout, a 2-hitter, against Philadelphia on Tuesday. 'Things like that happen. You take the mound and everything works. My velocity was pretty good today and I guess it showed.' Dreifort (8-5) fanned 9 and walked 3, throwing 108 pitches. San Francisco's leftfielder Jeffrey Hammonds got 2 hits in 3 AB, with three runs scored and driving in 2 runs. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Dreifort. San Francisco improved its record to 50-28, scoring 10 runs on 7 hits.
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Monday 6/28/2004: Beckett and Pettitte win Player of the Week award
Josh Beckett of Detroit wins his 1st Player of the Week award for dominating American League's hitters the entire week. Beckett was overpowering all week long, going 2-0 with an ERA of 1.69. Along the way he struck out 11 in 16 innings. He hurled a shutout as well. Milwaukee's pitcher Andy Pettitte had some reason to celebrate as well, as the league named him the National League Player of the Week. He was in a zone all week, compiling an ERA of 1.72 while going 2-0. He hurled a shutout as well. Opposing players hit .213 against Andy this season. While posting an ERA of 3.32 he went 9-6 in 19 starts, fanning 92 and walking 52 hitters. He has one complete game and one shutout. He's 4th in the National League in wins!
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Friday 6/25/2004: Frank Thomas stars with 2000th career hit
ARIZONA - Arizona's first baseman Frank Thomas was in good mood after the game against New York (N), and he had every reason as he made some history while collecting his 2000th career hit. With no outs in the 3rd inning, Frank drilled a single, causing a standing ovation from the crowd. In 13 years of big league action so far, Frank has compiled a batting average of .304, along with 329 homeruns and 1147 RBI. 'You dream about that as a kid, but when you reach such a milestone it's hard to believe. Fantastic.'
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Wednesday 6/23/2004: David Bush fires NO-NO against St. Louis
PITTSBURGH - Great things can happen when you throw strikes. And David Bush did so today, in a no-hit shutout against St. Louis. Bush (5-3) struck out 7 and issued 1 BB, throwing 65 of 104 pitches for strikes. 'Well, the ball went where I wanted it. I was able to hit the corners with all of my pitches. I'm so happy that it was enough to pitch such a great game.' The hitting star for Pittsburgh was catcher Doug Mirabelli, he went 2 for 3. Pittsburgh improved its record to 49-24, scoring 1 run on 5 hits.
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Tuesday 6/22/2004: Andy Pettitte NO-HITS Philadelphia
MILWAUKEE - Philadelphia's bats were sleeping, and Milwaukee's Andy Pettitte gave them no chance at all to wake up. He was untouchable in firing a no-hitter in his 18th game started this season. Pettitte (8-6) was overpowering, fanning 10 while walking 3, throwing 108 pitches. 'They took some ugly cuts at my breaking stuff, so I kept throwing it. Fortunately they were not able to adjust in time.' Milwaukee's catcher Dave Ross went 1 for 4, homering once. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Pettitte. Milwaukee improved its record to 31-41, scoring 2 runs on 9 hits.
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Monday 6/21/2004: New York (A)'s Aurilia wins Player of the Week award
Rich Aurilia wins his 1st Player of the Week award. American League pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. He hit .591 with 10 RBI and slugged 1.045 in 22 at bats. San Diego's leftfielder Jason Giambi had some reason to celebrate as well, as the league named him the National League Player of the Week. Jason pounded opposing pitchers, hitting .520 with 5 HR and 8 RBI while slugging 1.280. His season features a batting average of .315 (68 hits in 216 AB), 16 doubles, one triple and 11 longballs. Giambi collected 31 RBI and 59 runs as well.
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Saturday 6/19/2004: Jay Powell (CWS) will miss 9 weeks
CHICAGO (A) - Chicago (A) is without its right-hander Jay Powell for at least 9 weeks. He injured himself while throwing a pitch to Dmitri Young in a game against Detroit. His face showed signs of pain immediately after the ball left his hand. After being taken to a local hospital, Powell was examined by specialists. The diagnosis revealed the sad truth, a Ruptured Tricep Tendon. This season Powell compiled an ERA of 3.07, going 6-3 in 0 starts. He fanned 51 while giving up 61 hits in 70.1 innings.
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Friday 6/18/2004: Barry Zito out for 5-6 weeks
ST. LOUIS - When it rains, it pours. St. Louis' southpaw Barry Zito will not pitch for at least 5-6 weeks, handing the team a huge setback. He suffered a serious injury in a game against Philadelphia where he left the field in the 4th inning. Doctors examined him after the game and diagnosed a Herniated Disc Back which will require surgery. His ERA of 2.64 helped him to a 6-3 record this year. He struck out 61 and walked 30 in 85.1 innings.
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Friday 6/18/2004: Ben Sheets (CHC) will miss 8 weeks
CHICAGO (N) - Chicago (N)'s ace Ben Sheets suffered a severe injury on Friday and will be out for at least 8 weeks. In the 7th of the game against Colorado he experienced pain in his throwing arm and had to leave the game. After being taken to a local hospital, Sheets was examined by specialists. The diagnosis revealed the sad truth, a Torn Tricep Muscle. This season Sheets compiled an ERA of 2.97, going 7-2 in 17 starts. He fanned 86 while giving up 94 hits in 118 innings. He's 6th in the National League in ERA and 5th in wins!
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Thursday 6/17/2004: Pat Burrell clubs three rockets
COLORADO - Pat Burrell powered Colorado to a 9-0 win over Chicago (N). He did it in style by homering three times. A pitch from Tony Saunders in the 2nd inning left his bat for a two-run homerun, landing 407 feet from home plate in center field. His 2nd shot, off Tony Saunders in the 3rd inning, was a solo homerun and cleared the fence in left field. A 366 foot drive to right field marked his 3rd bomb, a three-run homerun off Jason Kershner in the 5th inning. Overall he got 3 hits in 4 AB, scoring three runs and driving in 6 runs. Cliff Floyd was the last player to hit 3 homeruns in a game, doing it 6/2/2004.
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Thursday 6/17/2004: Doug Glanville ropes four hits, completes cycle
MONTREAL - Doug Glanville led Cincinnati to a 12-7 win over Montreal by squeezing four hits out of his bat. That's not the best part, though. He hit for the cycle as well! A pitch from John Lackey in the 1st inning left his bat for a double. A single in the 2nd off Rigo Beltran accounted for his 2nd hit. A 378 foot drive to left field marked his 3rd hit, a solo homerun off Ricardo Rodriguez in the 4th inning. Hit number 4 followed in the 6th inning, a RBI triple. That drive completed the cycle, causing a smile on his face! Doug did drive in 2 while scoring 4 runs on his own. This season has been a good one for him so far, as he has 82 hits in 255 at bats, resulting in a .322 batting average. He's now the 82nd player in league history to hit for the cycle! Carlos Beltran was the last player to hit for the cycle, doing it 4/29/2004.
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Monday 6/14/2004: Texas' Guerrero wins Player of the Week award
Texas' rightfielder Vladimir Guerrero had some reason to celebrate, as the league named him the American League Player of the Week. Vladimir was on fire, hitting .542 with 3 HR and 11 RBI. The Player of the Week award in the National League goes to Milwaukee's Chad Allen this time, as the leftfielder displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. Chad was on fire, hitting .500 with 2 HR and 11 RBI. His season numbers are: .277 AVG, 66 hits, 15 doubles, 3 triples and 5 bombs, along with 28 RBI and 34 runs scored.
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Sunday 6/13/2004: Pedro Martinez pitches his 3rd shutout of the season
CLEVELAND - Pedro Martinez had some fun again. Baltimore hitters did not. Cleveland's right-hander gave up just 2 hits in his 3rd shutout of the season. He now has 53 career shutouts in 356 games started. Martinez (13-0) struck out an astounding 13 and walked 1, throwing 73 of 114 pitches for strikes. 'They took some ugly cuts at my breaking stuff, so I kept throwing it. Fortunately they were not able to adjust in time.' Cleveland's catcher Ivan Rodriguez collected 3 hits in 4 trips to the plate, homering once, hitting a double, with three runs scored. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Martinez. The final score of the game was 4-0.
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Monday 6/7/2004: 's Thames wins Player of the Week award
Marcus Thames wins his 0th Player of the Week award. American League pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. He had an on base percentage of .500 and hit .481, while driving in 6 runs. The National League Player of the Week award goes to Brian Giles, New York (N)'s starting leftfielder. He hit .520 with 10 RBI and slugged 1.000 in 25 at bats. Brian is hitting .312 this year, with 62 hits in 199 at bats. He has driven in 44 runs, slugging .558.
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Wednesday 6/2/2004: San Francisco's White severely injured, out for season
SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco's leftfielder Rondell White will miss the rest of the season. He injured himself running the bases in the game between San Francisco and Arizona. The injury didn't seem to be serious the moment it happened. But suddenly White collapsed in pain and had to be carried off the field. San Francisco wasted no time and rushed him to an hospital. Team officials were informed later that White had suffered a Torn Abdominal Muscle. Rondell has gone 95 for 206 (.461) this season, hitting 11 longballs and driving in 53 runs. He has scored 49 runs on his own. He's 1st in the National League in batting and 2nd in RBI!
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Wednesday 6/2/2004: Pittsburgh's Cliff Floyd unloads three times
CHICAGO (N) - Cliff Floyd powered Pittsburgh to a 10-0 win over Chicago (N). He did it in style by homering three times. Number 1 in the 1st inning, a shot estimated at 398 feet, cleared the wall in right field. His 2nd shot, a two-run homerun off Braden Looper in the 5th inning, cleared the fence in left field. A 408 foot drive to left-center marked his 3rd bomb, a two-run homerun off Ryan Dempster in the 7th inning. Cliff got 4 hits in 5 AB, scoring three times with 7 RBI. So far this season he is batting .262 with 8 homers and 41 RBI.
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Tuesday 6/1/2004: Bernie Williams stars with 2000th career hit
DETROIT - Texas' centerfielder Bernie Williams joined some elite company today, collecting his 2000th career hit! Along with his 2000 hits, Bernie collected 467 homeruns and 1452 RBI in 12 seasons. 'This day is special, I'll probably remember it my whole life. Thank god I'm blessed with the talent to play this game.' His hit in the 1st inning was a double off Glendon Rusch.
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Tuesday 6/1/2004: Martinez (CLE) and Rosado (STL) win monthly pitcher award
Pedro Martinez couldn't have pitched much better than he did in May, and the American League thought so as well, naming the right-hander Pitcher of the Month. His ERA of just 1.64 helped him to a 4-0 record in May. He worked 44 innings, striking out 51 hitters while walking 5. In 11 starts this year Pedro struck out 104 batters in 95 innings of work. His ERA is 1.52, his record 10-0. Pedro has pitched 2 shutouts and 5 complete games. He's 1st in the American League in ERA and 1st in wins! St. Louis' Jose Rosado had a terrific May, and it earned him the National League Pitcher of the month award. He went 3-0 in May and finished the month with an ERA of 1.74. He struck out 17 in 31 innings. Opposing players hit .214 against Jose this season. While posting an ERA of 3.26 he went 4-2 in 9 starts, fanning 38 and walking 11 hitters.
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Tuesday 6/1/2004: Batter of the Month award winners announced
The Batter of the Month award in the American League goes to Oakland's Carlos Beltran this time, as the centerfielder displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. Beltran helped his team with an average of .404 and 39 RBI in 99 at bats. Beltran has hit for a .345 average this season. He has 31 extra base hits along with 130 total bases, resulting in a .670 slugging percentage. He's 3rd in the American League in batting, 3rd in homeruns and 1st in RBI! It's the 1st time that the National League Batter of the Month award goes to Philadelphia's first baseman Richie Sexson. In 90 at bats he hit .344 with 10 HR and 31 RBI. Sexson has walked 21 times this year and posts a .390 OBP. While batting .313, 55 for 176, he has driven in 49 runs. He's 2nd in the National League in RBIs and 2nd in homeruns!
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Monday 5/31/2004: Ricky Pickett NO-HITS Tampa Bay
TAMPA BAY - Ricky Pickett had his best stuff going, and Tampa Bay hitters were chanceless. Baltimore's lefty fired a NO-NO, his 0th shutout of the season. Brad Fullmer spoiled the bid for a perfect game when he walked with no outs in the 6th inning. 'They took some ugly cuts at my breaking stuff, so I kept throwing it. Fortunately they were not able to adjust in time.' Pickett (1-2) was overpowering, fanning 11 while walking 6, throwing 117 pitches. Baltimore's leftfielder Marcus Thames finished 2 for 4, blasting a homerun, scoring 2 runs. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Pickett. Baltimore improved its record to 20-32, scoring 3 runs on 8 hits.
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Monday 5/31/2004: Oakland's Beltran wins Player of the Week award
The American League's best player of the week was Oakland's Carlos Beltran, who wins the award for the 4th time in his career. Beltran helped his team with an average of .391 and 13 RBI in 23 at bats. Beltran has walked 19 times this year and posts a .392 OBP. While batting .332, 63 for 190, he has driven in 49 runs. He's 5th in the American League in batting, 3rd in homeruns and 2nd in RBI! The National League's best player of the week was Pittsburgh's Bobby Higginson, who wins the award for the 6th time in his career. In 25 at bats he hit .480 with 3 HR and 10 RBI.
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Tuesday 5/25/2004: Richard Hidalgo parks three against Los Angeles
MONTREAL - Richard Hidalgo was in a groove, and the results spoke for themselves. He powered Montreal to a 12-2 win over Los Angeles by homering three times. His 1st shot, off Pedro Astacio in the 1st inning, was a solo homerun and cleared the fence in left-center. A 437 foot drive to left field marked his 2nd bomb, a solo homerun off Jeff Farnsworth in the 8th inning. In the 8th inning he unloaded a two-run homerun off James Baldwin. Richard got 4 hits in 5 AB, scoring three runs and collecting 4 RBI. Rudy Pemberton was the last player to hit 3 homeruns in a game, doing it 9/23/2003.
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Monday 5/24/2004: Oakland's Drese wins Player of the Week award
Oakland's pitcher Ryan Drese had some reason to celebrate, as the league named him the American League Player of the Week. He was in a zone all week, compiling an ERA of 1.59 while going 2-0. He hurled a shutout as well. In 10 starts this year Ryan struck out 31 batters in 71.1 innings of work. His ERA is 2.40, his record 5-3. He has 4 complete games and 2 shutouts. He's 4th in the American League in ERA and 6th in wins! The National League's best player of the week was New York (N)'s Nick Johnson, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. Nick pounded opposing pitchers, hitting .588 with 2 HR and 7 RBI while slugging 1.353.
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Wednesday 5/19/2004: St. Louis' Rosado out for 9 weeks
ST. LOUIS - St. Louis is without its left-hander Jose Rosado for at least 9 weeks. He injured himself while throwing a pitch to Matt Diaz in a game against Chicago (N). His face showed signs of pain immediately after the ball left his hand. St. Louis wasted no time and rushed him to an hospital. Team officials were informed later that Rosado had suffered a Torn Bicep Muscle. In 9 starts this year Jose struck out 38 batters in 60.2 innings of work. His ERA is 2.97, his record 3-2.
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Tuesday 5/18/2004: Boston's Adams out for the season
BOSTON - Boston's ace Terry Adams will not pitch again this year, suffering a serious injury in the game against Tampa Bay on Tuesday. After x-rays were taken the diagnosis did not surprise many: Bone Chips Shoulder. Surgery will be performed next week. In 9 starts this year Terry struck out 23 batters in 45.1 innings of work. His ERA is 4.76, his record 2-4.
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Monday 5/17/2004: Montreal's Bell wins Player of the Week award
Randy Winn wins his 3rd Player of the Week award. American League pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. Randy went 14 for 28 (.500), while hitting 1 HR and collecting 12 RBI. While compiling an on base percentage of .450, Randy hit .353 and slugged .574. He has collected 25 runs batted in this year. He's 5th in the American League in batting! Derek Bell wins his 3rd Player of the Week award. National League pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. He hit .500 with 16 RBI and slugged .900 in 30 at bats. He hit in every game this week and extended his hitting streak to 9 games. Derek is hitting .378 this year, with 54 hits in 143 at bats. He has driven in 29 runs, slugging .594. He's 3rd in the National League in batting!
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Sunday 5/16/2004: New York (N)'s Jose Cruz jr. mashes five hits
ARIZONA - New York (N)'s rightfielder Jose Cruz jr. once again displayed his tremendous ability to make contact with that little white ball. He tore up Arizona's pitching staff with a 5 hit performance on Sunday. A pitch from Curt Schilling in the 1st inning left his bat for a solo homerun, landing 427 feet from home plate in right field. Number 4 in the 14th inning, a shot estimated at 420 feet, cleared the wall in right-center. He had singles in the 4th , in the 6th and in the 14th inning (two RBIs). Jose scored 5 runs, and he collected 4 RBI as well! He now has a total of 32 hits this season, accounting for a .218 batting average. New York (N) improved its record to 23-17, scoring 20 runs on 21 hits.
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Saturday 5/15/2004: Texas' Delgado out for 8 weeks
TEXAS - Texas' season has taken a hit after one of their best players, second baseman Wilson Delgado, injured himself while rounding a base. He is likely to miss 8 weeks. Doctors examined him after the game and diagnosed a Pulled Anterior Cruciate Ligament which will require surgery. His season features a batting average of .354 (45 hits in 127 AB), 7 doubles, no triples and 2 taters. Delgado collected 17 RBI and 21 runs as well. He's 3rd in the American League in batting!
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Monday 5/10/2004: Atlanta's Johnson wins Player of the Week award
Roberto Mejia wins his 2nd Player of the Week award. American League pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. In 25 at bats he hit .480 with 3 HR and 7 RBI. He hit in every game this week and extended his hitting streak to 7 games. Mark Johnson from Atlanta wins his 3rd Player of the Week award for putting up the best numbers this week in the National League. Mark was on fire, hitting .565 with 2 HR and 13 RBI. Mark managed to drive in at least one run in every game he played this week. Mark has gone 40 for 108 (.370) this season, hitting 7 bombs and driving in 27 runs. He has scored 23 runs on his own. He's 5th in the National League in batting!
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Sunday 5/9/2004: Adam Kennedy nabs six hits against Cincinnati
CINCINNATI - Adam Kennedy led Montreal to a 13-2 win over Cincinnati by squeezing six hits out of his bat. Number 3 in the 5th inning accounted for a RBI double. He had singles in the 2nd inning , in the 3rd (one RBI) , in the 6th (one RBI) , in the 8th inning and in the 9th inning . Adam did drive in 3 while scoring one run on his own. He is hitting .206 this season, with 0 HR and 5 RBI.
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Monday 5/3/2004: Player of the Week honors go to Lee and Cintron
Oakland's first baseman Travis Lee had some reason to celebrate, as the league named him the American League Player of the Week. He had an on base percentage of .571 and hit .500, while driving in 15 runs. The National League's best player of the week was Chicago (N)'s Alex Cintron, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. He had an on base percentage of .524 and hit .500, while driving in 6 runs. He now has homered in 3 consecutive games as well!
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Sunday 5/2/2004: Carl Everett nabs five hits against Chicago (N)
CHICAGO (N) - 'Wow, five hits in one game is something special, isn't it?' said Arizona's centerfielder Carl Everett after the 13-8 win over Chicago (N). In the 1st inning he belted a RBI double off Vladimir Nunez. A pitch from Vladimir Nunez in the 3rd inning left his bat for a double. His 3rd hit, a two-run homerun off Vladimir Nunez in the 5th inning, landed an estimated 391 feet from home plate. He had singles in the 7th and in the 8th . Carl scored 3 runs, and he collected 3 RBI as well! This season has been a good one for him so far, as he has 39 hits in 105 at bats, resulting in a .371 batting average.
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Saturday 5/1/2004: Martinez and Yan receive Pitcher of the Month award
The best month of April in the American League certainly had Cleveland's right-hander Pedro Martinez, earning him the Pitcher of the Month award. He struck out 53 hitters in his 6 starts, putting together a record of 6-0 while pitching 53 innings. His ERA in April was 1.41. Pedro got two complete game shutouts as well! Los Angeles' pitcher Esteban Yan is the National League winner of the Pitcher of the Month award in April. He struck out 22 hitters in his 4 starts, putting together a record of 3-1 while pitching 22 innings. His ERA in April was 1.75.
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Saturday 5/1/2004: Red hot Lee and White win Batter of the Month award
The American League Batter of the Month award goes to Travis Lee, Oakland's starting first baseman. He had an on base percentage of .510 and hit .392, while driving in 32 runs. It's the 2nd time that the National League Batter of the Month award goes to San Francisco's leftfielder Rondell White. White helped his team with an average of .465 and 35 RBI in 99 at bats.
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Thursday 4/29/2004: Carlos Beltran ropes four hits, completes cycle
OAKLAND - Carlos Beltran hits 'em where they ain't. Boston certainly agrees as Oakland's centerfielder unloaded four hits and hitting for the cycle. His 1st hit, off Javier Vazquez in the 3rd inning, was a two-run homerun and cleared the fence in right field. A single in the 5th off Jeff Bronkey accounted for his 2nd hit. In the 6th inning he belted a RBI double off Jeff Bronkey. Hit number 4 followed in the 8th inning, a two-run triple. That drive completed the cycle, causing a smile on his face! Carlos did drive in 5 while scoring 5 runs on his own. He is hitting .297 this season, with 2 HR and 16 RBI. 81 players in league history have so far hit for the cycle, including Carlos. On 6/10/2003, Troy O'leary was the last player to hit for the cycle.
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Thursday 4/29/2004: Aaron Harang shuts out Detroit on one hit
TAMPA BAY - It was a great day for Tampa Bay's right-hander Aaron Harang. The 25-year old recorded his first career shutout, a 1-hitter, against Detroit on Thursday. Harang (2-1) struck out 7 and issued 2 BB, throwing 64 of 103 pitches for strikes. 'I had a good grip on the ball today and I was able to put it where I wanted. That kept them out of balance.' Roosevelt Brown provided Tampa Bay with the offense Harang needed as he got 1 hit in 2 AB, hitting a double, with 2 RBI. Tampa Bay scored 2 runs on 3 hits.
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Monday 4/26/2004: Player of the Week honors go to Rivera and White
It's the 1st time that the American League Player of the Week award goes to Cleveland's rightfielder Juan Rivera. Juan went 9 for 19 (.474), while hitting 4 HR and collecting 12 RBI. It's the 3rd time that the National League Player of the Week award goes to San Francisco's leftfielder Rondell White. Rondell was on fire, hitting .692 with 2 HR and 15 RBI.
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Sunday 4/25/2004: New York (A)'s Calero out for 4-5 weeks
NEW YORK (A) - New York (A) is without its right-hander Kiko Calero for at least 4-5 weeks. He injured himself while throwing a pitch to Carlos Pena in a game against Boston. His face showed signs of pain immediately after the ball left his hand. After x-rays were taken the diagnosis did not surprise many: Bone Chips Shoulder. Surgery will be performed next week. In 5 starts this year Kiko struck out 38 batters in 31 innings of work. His ERA is 2.03, his record 2-0.
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Saturday 4/24/2004: Jim Edmonds clubs five hits in a game
ST. LOUIS - 'You know, in batting practice I didn't really feel that comfortable about my stroke today, but baseball is more than hitting. Then, when you're not trying to force a hit, you slug them in droves,' says Jim Edmonds after his 5 hit game, which St. Louis won 10-9 against Arizona. A pitch from Nate Teut in the 1st inning left his bat for a RBI double. In the 2nd inning he belted a two-run double off Nate Teut. Hit number 3 followed in the 6th inning, a triple. In the 13th inning he belted a RBI double off Rod Beck. His final hit proved to be the game winner as well! He collected a single in the 10th. Jim scored 2 runs, and he collected 4 RBI as well! His 5 hit performance increases his batting average to .239.
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Thursday 4/22/2004: Juan Pena pitches 2-hit shutout against Arizona
ARIZONA - San Diego's right-hander Juan Pena is clearly one of the best pitchers in the game. Arizona found out the hard way, getting just 2 hits. Pena 1st shutout this season was a masterpiece, as he was almost untouchable. He has now hurled 8th shutouts in his career. 'Well, the ball went where I wanted it. I was able to hit the corners with all of my pitches.' Pena (2-0) fanned 8 and walked none, throwing 105 pitches. Sean Casey helped Pena at the plate, he went 3 for 5, with 2 RBI. The final score of the game was 9-0.
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Monday 4/19/2004: Season ending injury strikes Houston's Tarasco
HOUSTON - Houston's shortstop Tony Tarasco suffered a season ending injury when he was struck by a pitch from New York (N)'s Mike Holtz. He collapsed in pain and was helped off the field. Doctors examined him after the game and diagnosed a Broken Wrist which will require surgery. Tarasco has walked 7 times this year and posts a .377 OBP. While batting .283, 15 for 53, he has driven in 8 runs.
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Monday 4/19/2004: Player of the Week honors go to Lee and Anderson
It's the 4th time that the American League Player of the Week award goes to Oakland's first baseman Travis Lee. In 20 at bats he hit .500 with 4 HR and 13 RBI. Lee has walked 14 times this year and posts a .552 OBP. While batting .419, 18 for 43, he has driven in 17 runs. He's 3rd in the American League in batting, 1st in homeruns and 2nd in RBI! The National League's best player of the week was Pittsburgh's Garret Anderson, who wins the award for the 3rd time in his career. He had an on base percentage of .485 and hit .452, while driving in 19 runs. Garret has gone 20 for 52 (.385) this season, hitting 6 taters and driving in 20 runs. He has scored 14 runs on his own. He's 1st in the National League in RBIs and 1st in homeruns!
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Saturday 4/17/2004: Brandon Lyon dominates New York (N), gives up just one hit
NEW YORK (N) - Brandon Lyon took the mound and never left. And New York (N) hitters couldn't touch him at all. Houston's right-hander gave up just one hit in his 1st shutout of the season. He now has 2 career shutouts in 94 games started. 'Hey, that's my job! Everytime I take the mound I give the best I can. And my best stuff was too much for them today.' Lyon (2-0) struck out 8 and walked 1, throwing 65 of 103 pitches for strikes. The hitting star for Houston was leftfielder Tony Tarasco, he collected 2 hits in 4 trips to the plate, homering once, scoring two runs and driving in 2 runs. The final score of the game was 9-0.
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Wednesday 4/14/2004: Mariano Rivera turns in great performance against Chicago (N)
CHICAGO (N) - Great days are rare. But not for Pittsburgh's right-hander Mariano Rivera. Chicago (N) found out the hard way that he is among the leagues top pitchers, getting just one hit. It's his 1st shutout this season, and the 4th time he has done it in his career. Rivera (2-0) was overpowering, fanning 10 while walking none, throwing 87 pitches. 'Things like that happen. You take the mound and everything works. My velocity was pretty good today and I guess it showed.' Pittsburgh's rightfielder Garret Anderson got 4 hits in 6 AB, hitting two dingers, doubling once, scoring three runs with 5 RBI. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Rivera. Pittsburgh scored 20 runs on 20 hits.
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Wednesday 4/14/2004: Mike Sirotka blanks Baltimore with a 2-hitter
TORONTO - All you need to win is a dominating pitching performance. And Toronto's Mike Sirotka did so today, in a 2-hit shutout against Baltimore. 'I'll have to give a lot of credit to my catcher. He put all the right fingers down today.' Sirotka (1-0) showed excellent control, walking nobody and fanning 8. Gregg Zaun helped Sirotka at the plate, he finished with 2 hits in 3 AB, homering once. Toronto improved its record to 4-5, scoring 6 runs on 8 hits.
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Monday 4/12/2004: Player of the Week honors go to Konerko and Thomas
Toronto's first baseman Paul Konerko had some reason to celebrate, as the league named him the American League Player of the Week. Konerko helped his team with an average of .455 and 6 RBI in 22 at bats. The Player of the Week award in the National League goes to Arizona's Frank Thomas this time, as the first baseman displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. He hit .538 with 8 RBI and slugged .615 in 26 at bats.
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Saturday 4/10/2004: Andy Pettitte (MIL) will miss 5 weeks
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee's ace Andy Pettitte suffered a severe injury on Saturday and will be out for at least 5 weeks. In the 1st of the game against San Diego he experienced pain in his throwing arm and had to leave the game. Pulled Bicep Muscle was the diagnosis after x-rays were taken in a nearby hospital. The message shocked teammates and team officials.
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