2B Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies: Utley hit his 4th HR to help his team avoid a sweep at the hands of the San Diego Padres. At 366/458/683, there is little question he has made a full recovery from off-season hip surgery. With another SB, he will tie his 2008 highest monthly total. However, he needs three more to tie a monthly career best of five done twice, once in May 2006 and once in May 2005.
RP Edwin Moreno, San Diego Padres: With closer Heath Bell unavailable, the Padres turned to Moreno to close out the potential sweep of the World Series champions. He didn't do to well allowing the first batter to reach base and the next to end the one-run game with a two-run HR.
RP Saul Rivera, Washington Nationals: Given the chance to close out a victory over the first place Marlins, the Nationals turned to Saul Rivera who proceeded to blow the game by allowing four runs. Whether regular closer Joel Hanrahan has lost the job is yet to be determined given his usage the previous two games; however, Rivera's opportunity to stake his claim to the role just wnet up in smoke.
SP Ubaldo Jimenez, Colorado Rockies: 4.1 innings and seven earned runs! How far ago does that first start seem now? After 8 Ks and 3 BBs in his first start, Ubaldo has pitched 8 innings and walked 10. Starbgely, this fits with his road problems from last season. it will be interesting to see how he does in his first home start tenatively scheduled for the 6th or 7th of May against the San Francisco Giants.
SP Ric Porcello, Detroit Tigers: The rookie who was in prep school two years ago won his first major league game with seven innings of one-run ball. He issued no free passes and struck out three Mariners. More impressive were the 11 groundouts versus seven flyouts. I'd take no walks and that GB/Fb ratio every time.
OF Andruw Jones, Texas Rangers: Batting clean-up and DH-ing, Jones went 1-3 with a walk and a double. This doesn't hold a flame to 2B ina Kinlser's HR and 2 SB effort, but I note it only because of last week's deeper look into Jones' remarkable comeback so far. As a matter of fact, I think I'd deal David Wright for Kinsler. Just not sure I'd advise the Kinsler owner to do so.
Los Angeles Angels: On Friday and Saturday, utility infielder Macier Izturis hit third. Yesterday, utility cornerman Robb Quinlan hit 3rd. Can power hitting SS Brandon Wood really be an after thought? Isn't this nearly managerial malfeasance?
Hitting clean-up is Bobby Abreu, who stole his 7th base of the season. Unfortunately, he has just two extra base hits, both doubles. A .404 SLG is what the Yankees' feared would happen. I am sure it is not what the Angels hoped for.