It's becoming very obvious that the Dodgers need some pitching...starters...relievers. Thanks Frank.
Here are my thoughts after reviewing Friday's boxscores:
Phillies starter Cole Hamels served up four HRs Friday night in Arizona, yet still struck out 7 and walk just 1 batter. Wonder how that slider is working out for Hamels so far?
I didn't hear the interview with Ned Colletti on Maddog radio, but apparently he called out Chad Billingsley in the interview. Hey, you gotta try something with this kid. He has talent, but is not getting the job done. There are only two things that can happen: 1) Billz get sent to AAA ala Ricky Nolasco, and it could be after his next start, or 2) pitching coash Rick Honeycutt is shown the door.
I watched some of the Dodgers game, and Nationals reliever Tyler Clippard was dominant. He struck out 4 in 2 innings of work. He could be a closer somewhere.
How would you like a first baseman that is hitting .310-.329-.380 with a good glove? James Loney is available.
Twins starter Carl Pavano won his 3rd game of the season, holding the Royals to 2 runs in 7 innings, and striking out 5. Pavano threw first pitch strikes to 21 of the 24 batters he faced.
Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester bounced back after several rough outings to shutout the Orioles for 5+ innings on Friday. He gave up 4 hits and 4 walks and struck out 7. Closer Jonathan Papelbon got out of a bases loaded jam in the 9th for his 4th save of the season.
Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez hit his 4th HR of the season-a grand slam. He is hitting .327-.449-.618 on the season. There was a rumor out that the Braves had interest in AGonz. Not surprising.Troy Glaus is not hitting and AAA first baseman Freddie Freeman is only 20 years old.
Braves outfielder Jason Heyward had a rough night Friday night. He went 0-4 and struck out 3 times. He has struck out 22 times in 56 major league at bats. Wow. Quite a K% for a prospect with good plate patience.
How soon before the Braves bench center fielder Nate McLouth? He went 0-5 with 4 strikeouts on Friday night, and is hitting .150-.300-.250 on the season.
Mets rooke first baseman Ike Davis hit his first major league HR on Friday, a mammoth shot to deep right field. If he keeps hitting like this-.389-.450-.611- Daniel Murphy may see more time in AAA this season.
Giants starter Tim Lincecum won his 4th game of the season, holding the Cardinals the 1 run on 6 hits and 3 walks in 7 innings. He struck out 8 and lowered his ERA to 1.00. And I thought about dealing this guy in one of my keeper leagues. What was I thinking?
Indians catcher Lou Marson is hitting .097-.176-.097 on the season. Leads to two questions-1) did the Phillies give up anything for Cliff Lee? and 2) how long before the Indians call up Carlos Santana?
Indians outfielder Matt Laporta is hitting .200-.280-.244. Will he ever show the power he displayed in the minors? I know, its early, but he has only 7 HRs in 223 major league ABs.
Arizona's closer Chad Qualls recorded one out to earn his3rd save of the season on Friday night vs the Phillies. His job is safe for the time being.
White Sox outfielder Andruw Jones hit 2 HRs, one a game winner, in the White Sox 7-6 win over the Mariners on Friday. He now has 6 HRs in 41 ABs and is hitting .293-.408-.756 on the season. Teammate Juan Pierre stole his 8th base of the season.