Yes, the Blue Jays hit 8 HRs on Saturday in their 17-11 beer league softball game.....I mean baseball game. Just called up catcher J.P. Arencibia hit 2 HRs in his major league debut. All told he had 4 hits, 3 RBIs and 3 runs scored. In AAA this season, he hit 31 HRs. One has to wonder why it took the Blue Jays so long to call him up.
Rays starter James Shields bore the brunt of the Blue Jays home run attack, as he gave up an astonishing 6 HR in 4innings. Six of the nine hits he gave up left the ballpark I can't remember a starting pitcher giving up that many HRs in one game.
Rays reliever Chad Qualls is back to his old NL form as the gave up 3 runs on 2 hits and 2 walks, including a HR to Lyle Overbay.
Reds outfielder Drew Stubbs started for the first time in 6 games and responded by going 3-4 with a HR, 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. He is in danger of losing a spot on the Reds 25 man roster once Chris Dickerson is called up.
Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez was hit in his left shin by a line drive in batting practice on Saturday afternoon. He is on day-to-day with a contusion. Astros fans have to wonder if the line drive was Berkman's hardest hit ball this season.
CC Sabathia won his 14th game of the season on Saturday, to go along with his 3.14 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. He has given up 2 or less runs in 7 of his last 10 starts.
Sabathia was probably drafted in the first 3-4 rounds of mixed league drafts this season, but Twins starter was probably drafted much later, yet he won his 14th game of the season on Saturday. Pavano has a 3.28 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. Not bad for a late round starting pitcher.
Johan Santana out-dueled Phillies starter Cole Hamels on Saturday, going 7.1 shutout innings and striking out 6, but Hamels was not to be outdone, ad he gave up one run in 7 innings while striking out 11 Mets. Hamels is striking out better than a batter per inning and is quite valuable in 5 x 5 leagues.
Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez hit a walk off 3 run HR off of Rockies closer Huston Street on Saturday. The HR was his 10th of the season and now has 29 RBIs in 163 at bats. One scout recently stated that Alvarez could be a 35 HR hitter as soon as 2011. He has 3 HRs and 8 RBIs in his last 4 games.
Brewers reliever Trevor Hoffmann was brought in to save a 5-2 lead in the 9 inning on Saturday and converted his first save in quite awhie. I am curious of manager Ken Macha will allow Hoffmann to get to 600 saves this season. He needs 3 more to get to 600, and it makes sense for the Brewers to give him the chance since they are out of wildcard contention.
Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook gave up 3 runs in 7 innings on Saturday while striking out 9 Marlins. Where did the K's come from?
Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla hit his 25th HR of the season on Saturday, and now has 67 RBI. He is hitting .280-.369-.514 for the season with an improved 102-57 K/BB ratio. He is well on his way to another 30-90 season. He and Adam Dunn are two of the more consistent 30 HR hitters.
After officially being named the Diamondbacks closer, Aaron Heilman blew his 5th save of the season on Saturday, but earned the win. Heilman gave up 2 runs on 2 hits, both HRs to Jerry Hairston and Adrian Gonzalez in the 9th inning. I am curious if Samuel Demel gets the next shot to close in Arizona should Heilman blow a few more saves.