Tuesday's MLB action brought several day games, none better than the Brewers-Reds game. Hall of Fame closer Trevor Hoffman was asked to preserve a 4-2 lead, and 5 batters later, the Brewers had lost their 8th game in a row.
Here are more thoughts after reviewing Tuesday's boxscores:
Hoffman blew his 5th save in 10 chances and should more than likely be replaced as the Brewers closer. He has now given up 7 HRs in 13 innings pitched this season. My money is on Carlos Villaneuva, even though he got shelled last week in two appearances. He appears to be the best choice to close, but there has been no word from manager Ken Macha if a change will be made. After 8 straight losses, i would think a change is a must.
Reds first baseman Joe Votto went 3-5 with his 9th HR and he also knocked in the game winning run with a 9th inning single. Votto is hitting .308-.402-.559 for the season. He is well on his way to a 30 HR season.
Vernon Wells is having a resurgence this season, and he went 2-3 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI, including his 11th HR of the season. He has 32 RBIs and is hitting .316-.375-.627. Toronto is rebuilding, but they are stuck with Wells contract for several more years.
The Dodgers placed outfielder Andre Ethier on the DL today, replacing him with AAA outfielder Xavier Paul. Ethier was leading the NL in all three triple crown categories before hitting the DL. I wasn't sure he could hit 30 HRs again coming into this season. Boy was i wrong.
Tigers starter Rick Porcello is struggling this season, and continued that trend on Tuesday as he gave up 4 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks in 7 innings. Porcello now has an ERA of 5.93. I think it is time to sit him in mixed leagues if you have other options.
With Andre Ethier on the DL, the Dodgers are batting Matt Kemp in the cleanup spot behind Manny Ramirez for the second night in a row. Interesting that Manny is batting ahead of Kemp in the 3rd spot in the lineup. Kemp got thrown out stealing again on Tuesday, but he appeared to be safe. The SBs will come.
I traded for Carlos Lee in my big money NL-only league a few weeks back, thinking I was getting the 30-100 Lee. Well, he hasn't shown up yet. Instead, I get the Lee hitting below .200. He hit his 4th HR of the season on Tuesday. I am hoping he can get hot soon.
Ray's outfielder Ben Zobrist is starting to heat up as he went 2-4 with 2 runs scored on Tuesday and is now hitting .273-.346-.364. The BA has returned, but the power has not. The power should come soon.
Ray's starter David Price held the Indians to one unearned run in 6 innings of work, allowing 4 hits, 3 walks and striking out 5. He is now 6-1 with an ERA under 2.00. He is fast becoming the ace of the Ray's staff.
More thoughts on Drew Storen, Joba Chamberlain and Troy Tulowitzki after the jump:
Lucky for the Nationals that they brought up future closer Drew Storen because the wheels are coming off their two best relievers of late. On Monday night, closer Matt Capps gave up 2 runs in the 8th inning. On Tuesday night, Tyler Clippard gave up the game winning run as he served up a HR to Ryan Ludwick, then proceeded to walk 3 batters before getting out of the inning. Clippard has given up runs in 4 of his last 6 appearances and has 5 blown saves for the season.
Red Sox starter Josh Beckett threw up alot of crooked numbers again before leaving with an apparent injury. With the way he is pitching, the Red Sox should shut him down with "shoulder weakness", or something similar. He didn't make it out of the 5th inning vs the Yankees on Tuesday, giving up 5 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks. His ERA is over 7.00 now. If Theo isn't working the phones, I would be surprised.
The Pirates beat Roy Halladay on Tuesday night. You read that right, Halladay lost 2-1 to the Pirates of all teams. This is why he will have trouble winning 20 games in my opinion.
Last night, Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon blew the save in the 9th. On Tuesday night, it was Joba Chamberlain's turn, as he gave up 4 runs in the 8th after entering the inning with a 5-1 lead. The Yankees may be looking to trade for a DH and a setup man. "Mike Rizzo, this is Brian Cashman. About Matt Capps....."
I was watching some of the Cubs-Rockies game and saw Seth Smith step on Troy Tulowitzki;s right foot on a popup to short left field. Tulo was hobbling around for a few minutes but stayed in the game. Last week, he sat out a few games with a groin strain and now this. I don't see Tulo stealing 20 bags in 2010.
The Cubs announced they are moving Carlos Zambrano back into the rotation within the next week or so. It appears Tom Gorzelanny will end up in the bullpen. Funny how that works. You pitch well and end up in the bullpen.