The Giants' Tim Lincecum threw seven shutout innings and struck out eight. Unfortunately, the bullpen gave him the Cain Treatment and blew the 2-0 lead that was handed to them. This spurred reports in the San Fran papers that Randy Messenger may get a bigger role in the bullpen.
John Lackey's seven K's in eight innings of work was very encouraging following his shoulder scare. He's got to get back on the wins roll in order to remain a serious CY Young candidate.
In the same game, the Royals' John Thomson pitched seven shutout innings and struck out no one. If Royals' GM Dayton Moore can quickly flip Thomson for value, then he will advance his reputation. Packaging Thomson and closer Octavio Dotel would augment it even more.
Julian Tavarez didn't make it out of the 5th inning last night and allowed six runs. I have no doubt the Red Sox know there isn't too much mileage left on that horse. And if the team finds an obvious upgrade, it will have done something positive to cover-up the Julio Lugo mistake.
Alex Rios hit his 17th HR and stole his 7th base of the season. With a .293 AVG, Rios is having the season the Blue Jays are paying Vernon Wells to have.
Cory Hart swiped his 15th bag. With 10 HRs already, I have a sneaking suspicion, Hart is going to have Grady Sizemore-esque stats by season's end. Sizemore was being taken in the late first/early second in later drafts. I can't believe Hart is playing his way to that level.
FBB with Nate Ravitz at 11AM.
MLB with Rob Neyer at noon.
FBB with Matthew Berry at 3PM.
NFL with Pro Football Weekly at 3PM.