- 25,293
- 13,349
Set-up guys do not make all-star teams. That's a fact. It should not be surprising or disappointing that he didn't get selected. Nobody that isn't a closer ever does.
2016 MLB thread. THE CUBS HAVE BROKEN THE CURSE! Chicago Cubs are your 2016 World Series champions
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by proshares,
- Start date
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- 25,293
- 13,349
Set-up guys do not make all-star teams. That's a fact. It should not be surprising or disappointing that he didn't get selected. Nobody that isn't a closer ever does.
- 8,956
- 39
pedro, it's close
And I can't wait to see where the Pirates and Washington are in a few years....they keep improving.
- 8,956
- 39
pedro, it's close
And I can't wait to see where the Pirates and Washington are in a few years....they keep improving.
- 1,525
- 62
On other teams.
- 1,525
- 62
On other teams.
2011 No Star Team.
Spoiler [+]
Welcome to the No-Stars Team. Rather than focusing on All-Stars, or All-Star snubs, we reward some of the worst first-half performers with special honors.
If you're a .190 hitter or own a 6.00 ERA, you've got a good shot at making the team. But special circumstances help. A player who's having a bad year and getting tons of playing time has a shot at the team. A player who's having a bad year, getting tons of playing time and getting paid superstar dollars is a virtual lock.
Without further ado, here's this year's No-Stars Team:
C Joe Mauer (.244/.298/.291, minus-0.2 WAR, $23 million)
A consensus top-10 MLB player, and possibly the best player on the planet just two years ago, Mauer has seen persistent leg injuries curtail his power and threaten his longterm outlook. He has just one homer since Aug. 19 of last year and isn't roping line drives like he once did either. Still just 28, Mauer has plenty of time to get healthy and return to elite status. But calls for him to switch positions to avoid further injuries aren't reassuring, especially when Mauer has seven and a half years left on a $184 million contract.
1B Aubrey Huff (.244/.299/.379, minus-0.7 WAR, $10 million)
Never overpay for last year's stats. It's a truism that's held true for as long as baseball has been played, yet general managers continue to make this mistake. The Giants acquired Huff on a cheap one-year, $3 million deal, following a season in which he was nearly two full wins worse than a replacement-level player. He then enjoyed a monster season, putting up an .891 OPS and serving as a key player on the Giants' championship team. The lesson should have been that buying low can pay big dividends. Giants GM Brian Sabean apparently thought it meant that giving a wildly erratic, 34-year-old defensive butcher a two-year, $22 million deal, even with a top first-base prospect waiting in the wings. Flags fly forever, but postchampionship glow can lead to bad decisions too.
2B Dan Uggla (.175/.241/.330, minus-0.7 WAR, $9 million)
The Braves have gotten all-world pitching performances from Jair Jurrjens, Craig Kimbrel and Jonny Venters, lead the NL wild card race and have ample minor league depth to bolster the roster as the season wears on. But one can't but wonder what this team would look like if Dan Uggla were hitting like the elite offensive second baseman he'd been during the first five years of his career. He's not terribly far off his 31-homer average from those first five seasons, but his on-base percentage has cratered. His .189 batting average on balls in play will almost surely see some positive regression. But whether it's due to pressing or genuine skills erosion, Uggla's walk rate (11.6 percent in 2010, 7.8 percent this year), isolated slugging (.218 career, .162 this year) and line drive rate (17.8 percent in 2010, 14.1 percent this year) are all way down. Like Mauer, Uggla is just starting a longterm deal (five years, $62 million), so the Braves have to hope signing a 31-year-old second baseman with old player's skills won't end up looking as bad as it does now.
3B Chone Figgins (.185/.230/.246, minus-1.3 WAR, $9 million)
Fun fact, via my FanGraphs and ESPN Insider colleague Dave Cameron: Mariners third basemen have combined for a .464 OPS; Detroit is second-to-last, but nearly 100 points better. Seattle can thank Chone Figgins for that atrocity. A player who looked like a perfect fit for spacious Safeco Field -- lots of walks, gap power, great speed -- Figgins might now be the worst everyday hitter in baseball. His defense has tailed off sharply from peak levels, and his baserunning skill has also started to wane. Figgins might be the former star who's least likely to bounce back in the entire No-Stars lineup. Two and a half more years to go on his four-year, $36 million contract, and that assumes his $9 million option doesn't vest in 2014. Oy.
SS Hanley Ramirez (.227/.318/.351, 0.7 WAR, $11 million)
Derek Jeter has been nearly as bad and makes more money, and several other starting shortstops fall below replacement level. But Ramirez has been the biggest disappointment by far, given his performance levels heading into this season. Though his numbers dipped a bit in 2010, Ramirez still hit .300/.378/.475, huge numbers at a time when shortstop talent was so thin. Back problems have sapped his effectiveness this year, and that's a red flag given that he's had back issues before. As with Mauer, Ramirez could benefit from playing a less strenuous position; the key would be whether he can reignite his offense if he were eventually moved to a corner or to the outfield. A hot start has turned into another lost season for the Marlins, so they'll have plenty of time to monitor Ramirez and figure out how to handle him in the final three years of his contract.
LF Raul Ibanez (.234/.283/.392, minus-1.3 WAR, $11.5 million)
The scary thing about Ibanez's performance (he's last among major league left fielders in WAR) is that these numbers look infinitely better than the ones he posted in April (.465 OPS). But after a monster May in which he swatted 16 extra-base hits, Ibanez hit .211/.258/.311 in June and looks like a player who should be cut -- or at least benched, given the Phillies' World Series aspirations. Despite the Tony Batista-like OBP, Ibanez's biggest problem, as ever, in his defense. He's one of the worst everyday defenders in the majors, so much so that he needs to put up major offensive numbers to become a valuable player. The Phillies are rumored to be shopping for a right-handed bat to bolster their lineup down the stretch. They should be shopping for someone to replace Ibanez, period.
(Vernon Wells warrants an honorable mention here as well, with a minus-0.3 WAR and the Angels on the hook for $18 million of his preposterous $23 million salary this season.)
CF Alex Rios (.218/.269/.319, minus-0.3 WAR, $12 million)
When the White Sox grabbed Rios off waivers from Toronto in August 2009, they did so knowing full well they'd be on the hook for the bulk of his seven-year, $70 million contract. But in Rios, the Pale Hose saw a legitimate five-tool player, someone who at various points in his career had posted monster numbers in various categories: 74 extra-base hits in 2007, 32 steals in 2008 and strong defensive performances throughout. It was only a matter of time, they figured, before Rios put it all together.
That hasn't been the case this year. As with several other players on this list, Rios has been the victim of some bad luck, sporting a paltry .227 batting average on balls in play. But he's also the same guy who never walks, meaning he needs to hit for a high average and show power to yield positive offensive value. He's the third-best baserunner in the majors according to FanGraphs' advanced measures, but that speed hasn't shown up in his stolen base or defensive results, both of which are way down for him this year.
RF Magglio Ordonez (.212/.279/.285, minus-0.7 WAR, $10 million)
Never the most durable player, Ordonez played just 84 games last season. He hit well while on the field(.303/.378/.474), but heading into the season at 37 years old and having just missed half a year, a one-year deal at a low price was the only option that made sense. The Tigers got the one-year deal, but the $10 million contract was a lot for a Detroit team that has carried nine-figure payrolls for the past four years, but has nowhere near the revenue streams that the Yankees, Red Sox and other penthouse-dwelling teams do. With Brennan Boesch, Andy Dirks and other intriguing outfield options around, the deal made even less sense -- and that was before Ordonez stopped hitting entirely.
DH Adam Dunn (.165/.301/.302, minus-1.2 WAR, $12 million)
Has Dunn fallen off a cliff the way potent sluggers like Dale Murphy and Tim Salmon once did, going from consistent terror to Nick Punto levels in the span of a single year? It's tough to know what to think. Dunn's BABIP is down to .256, the second-lowest figure of his career, but not outrageously low given the falling numbers throughout baseball. The two bigger shockers are his startling drop in power (isolated slugging of .141, vs. .265 for his career) and his abominable numbers vs. lefties (1-for-53!). U.S. Cellular Field traditionally plays as a power hitter's park, and warmer summer weather could help. But for now, White Sox GM Kenny Williams' recent gambles -- including the pickups of Dunn and Rios, and trading away budding ace Daniel Hudson -- look spectacularly bad.
SP Barry Zito (3.81 ERA, 4.56 FIP, 0.1 WAR, $18.5 million)
We don't mean to pick on Zito, one of the sharpest, most compelling characters in the game. It's not his fault that Brian Sabean looked past his so-so peripherals, fixated on gaudy win totals and a Cy Young award and threw $126 million at him. But that contract all but guarantees the veteran lefty a regular spot on this list, short of a monster rebound season. Zito was actually a very serviceable back-end starter the past two years, producing two-plus wins above replacement in 2009 and again in 2010. This year, injuries have nullified his chances to meet that fairly modest goal. The good news for the Giants is that Zito's injury opened the door for Ryan Vogelsong to stage one of the most amazing and unlikely comebacks in recent memory. Zito recently returned from the DL, and will get a chance with Jonathan Sanchez on the shelf. If he fails in this go-round, the Giants will face an uncomfortable decision.
RP Joe Nathan (6.52 ERA, 5.22 FIP, minus-0.3 WAR, $11.3 million)
The Twins were cautiously optimistic that their once-elite closer could start to regain his old form after missing all of 2010 following Tommy John surgery. Yielding nine walks and four homers in 19.1 innings is bad enough, but the bigger concern is the overall drop in command, and also velocity. Nathan's has generated a swinging strike percentage of just 6.8 percent (vs. 13.4 percent for his career) and his fastball velocity's down to 91.6 mph from 93.9 career. Getting sub-replacement level performance from their star catcher and star closer isn't what the Twins had in mind when they guaranteed the pair more than $34 million this season.
If you're a .190 hitter or own a 6.00 ERA, you've got a good shot at making the team. But special circumstances help. A player who's having a bad year and getting tons of playing time has a shot at the team. A player who's having a bad year, getting tons of playing time and getting paid superstar dollars is a virtual lock.
Without further ado, here's this year's No-Stars Team:
C Joe Mauer (.244/.298/.291, minus-0.2 WAR, $23 million)
A consensus top-10 MLB player, and possibly the best player on the planet just two years ago, Mauer has seen persistent leg injuries curtail his power and threaten his longterm outlook. He has just one homer since Aug. 19 of last year and isn't roping line drives like he once did either. Still just 28, Mauer has plenty of time to get healthy and return to elite status. But calls for him to switch positions to avoid further injuries aren't reassuring, especially when Mauer has seven and a half years left on a $184 million contract.
1B Aubrey Huff (.244/.299/.379, minus-0.7 WAR, $10 million)
Never overpay for last year's stats. It's a truism that's held true for as long as baseball has been played, yet general managers continue to make this mistake. The Giants acquired Huff on a cheap one-year, $3 million deal, following a season in which he was nearly two full wins worse than a replacement-level player. He then enjoyed a monster season, putting up an .891 OPS and serving as a key player on the Giants' championship team. The lesson should have been that buying low can pay big dividends. Giants GM Brian Sabean apparently thought it meant that giving a wildly erratic, 34-year-old defensive butcher a two-year, $22 million deal, even with a top first-base prospect waiting in the wings. Flags fly forever, but postchampionship glow can lead to bad decisions too.
2B Dan Uggla (.175/.241/.330, minus-0.7 WAR, $9 million)
The Braves have gotten all-world pitching performances from Jair Jurrjens, Craig Kimbrel and Jonny Venters, lead the NL wild card race and have ample minor league depth to bolster the roster as the season wears on. But one can't but wonder what this team would look like if Dan Uggla were hitting like the elite offensive second baseman he'd been during the first five years of his career. He's not terribly far off his 31-homer average from those first five seasons, but his on-base percentage has cratered. His .189 batting average on balls in play will almost surely see some positive regression. But whether it's due to pressing or genuine skills erosion, Uggla's walk rate (11.6 percent in 2010, 7.8 percent this year), isolated slugging (.218 career, .162 this year) and line drive rate (17.8 percent in 2010, 14.1 percent this year) are all way down. Like Mauer, Uggla is just starting a longterm deal (five years, $62 million), so the Braves have to hope signing a 31-year-old second baseman with old player's skills won't end up looking as bad as it does now.
3B Chone Figgins (.185/.230/.246, minus-1.3 WAR, $9 million)
Fun fact, via my FanGraphs and ESPN Insider colleague Dave Cameron: Mariners third basemen have combined for a .464 OPS; Detroit is second-to-last, but nearly 100 points better. Seattle can thank Chone Figgins for that atrocity. A player who looked like a perfect fit for spacious Safeco Field -- lots of walks, gap power, great speed -- Figgins might now be the worst everyday hitter in baseball. His defense has tailed off sharply from peak levels, and his baserunning skill has also started to wane. Figgins might be the former star who's least likely to bounce back in the entire No-Stars lineup. Two and a half more years to go on his four-year, $36 million contract, and that assumes his $9 million option doesn't vest in 2014. Oy.
SS Hanley Ramirez (.227/.318/.351, 0.7 WAR, $11 million)
Derek Jeter has been nearly as bad and makes more money, and several other starting shortstops fall below replacement level. But Ramirez has been the biggest disappointment by far, given his performance levels heading into this season. Though his numbers dipped a bit in 2010, Ramirez still hit .300/.378/.475, huge numbers at a time when shortstop talent was so thin. Back problems have sapped his effectiveness this year, and that's a red flag given that he's had back issues before. As with Mauer, Ramirez could benefit from playing a less strenuous position; the key would be whether he can reignite his offense if he were eventually moved to a corner or to the outfield. A hot start has turned into another lost season for the Marlins, so they'll have plenty of time to monitor Ramirez and figure out how to handle him in the final three years of his contract.
LF Raul Ibanez (.234/.283/.392, minus-1.3 WAR, $11.5 million)
The scary thing about Ibanez's performance (he's last among major league left fielders in WAR) is that these numbers look infinitely better than the ones he posted in April (.465 OPS). But after a monster May in which he swatted 16 extra-base hits, Ibanez hit .211/.258/.311 in June and looks like a player who should be cut -- or at least benched, given the Phillies' World Series aspirations. Despite the Tony Batista-like OBP, Ibanez's biggest problem, as ever, in his defense. He's one of the worst everyday defenders in the majors, so much so that he needs to put up major offensive numbers to become a valuable player. The Phillies are rumored to be shopping for a right-handed bat to bolster their lineup down the stretch. They should be shopping for someone to replace Ibanez, period.
(Vernon Wells warrants an honorable mention here as well, with a minus-0.3 WAR and the Angels on the hook for $18 million of his preposterous $23 million salary this season.)
CF Alex Rios (.218/.269/.319, minus-0.3 WAR, $12 million)
When the White Sox grabbed Rios off waivers from Toronto in August 2009, they did so knowing full well they'd be on the hook for the bulk of his seven-year, $70 million contract. But in Rios, the Pale Hose saw a legitimate five-tool player, someone who at various points in his career had posted monster numbers in various categories: 74 extra-base hits in 2007, 32 steals in 2008 and strong defensive performances throughout. It was only a matter of time, they figured, before Rios put it all together.
That hasn't been the case this year. As with several other players on this list, Rios has been the victim of some bad luck, sporting a paltry .227 batting average on balls in play. But he's also the same guy who never walks, meaning he needs to hit for a high average and show power to yield positive offensive value. He's the third-best baserunner in the majors according to FanGraphs' advanced measures, but that speed hasn't shown up in his stolen base or defensive results, both of which are way down for him this year.
RF Magglio Ordonez (.212/.279/.285, minus-0.7 WAR, $10 million)
Never the most durable player, Ordonez played just 84 games last season. He hit well while on the field(.303/.378/.474), but heading into the season at 37 years old and having just missed half a year, a one-year deal at a low price was the only option that made sense. The Tigers got the one-year deal, but the $10 million contract was a lot for a Detroit team that has carried nine-figure payrolls for the past four years, but has nowhere near the revenue streams that the Yankees, Red Sox and other penthouse-dwelling teams do. With Brennan Boesch, Andy Dirks and other intriguing outfield options around, the deal made even less sense -- and that was before Ordonez stopped hitting entirely.
DH Adam Dunn (.165/.301/.302, minus-1.2 WAR, $12 million)
Has Dunn fallen off a cliff the way potent sluggers like Dale Murphy and Tim Salmon once did, going from consistent terror to Nick Punto levels in the span of a single year? It's tough to know what to think. Dunn's BABIP is down to .256, the second-lowest figure of his career, but not outrageously low given the falling numbers throughout baseball. The two bigger shockers are his startling drop in power (isolated slugging of .141, vs. .265 for his career) and his abominable numbers vs. lefties (1-for-53!). U.S. Cellular Field traditionally plays as a power hitter's park, and warmer summer weather could help. But for now, White Sox GM Kenny Williams' recent gambles -- including the pickups of Dunn and Rios, and trading away budding ace Daniel Hudson -- look spectacularly bad.
SP Barry Zito (3.81 ERA, 4.56 FIP, 0.1 WAR, $18.5 million)
We don't mean to pick on Zito, one of the sharpest, most compelling characters in the game. It's not his fault that Brian Sabean looked past his so-so peripherals, fixated on gaudy win totals and a Cy Young award and threw $126 million at him. But that contract all but guarantees the veteran lefty a regular spot on this list, short of a monster rebound season. Zito was actually a very serviceable back-end starter the past two years, producing two-plus wins above replacement in 2009 and again in 2010. This year, injuries have nullified his chances to meet that fairly modest goal. The good news for the Giants is that Zito's injury opened the door for Ryan Vogelsong to stage one of the most amazing and unlikely comebacks in recent memory. Zito recently returned from the DL, and will get a chance with Jonathan Sanchez on the shelf. If he fails in this go-round, the Giants will face an uncomfortable decision.
RP Joe Nathan (6.52 ERA, 5.22 FIP, minus-0.3 WAR, $11.3 million)
The Twins were cautiously optimistic that their once-elite closer could start to regain his old form after missing all of 2010 following Tommy John surgery. Yielding nine walks and four homers in 19.1 innings is bad enough, but the bigger concern is the overall drop in command, and also velocity. Nathan's has generated a swinging strike percentage of just 6.8 percent (vs. 13.4 percent for his career) and his fastball velocity's down to 91.6 mph from 93.9 career. Getting sub-replacement level performance from their star catcher and star closer isn't what the Twins had in mind when they guaranteed the pair more than $34 million this season.
2011 No Star Team.
Spoiler [+]
Welcome to the No-Stars Team. Rather than focusing on All-Stars, or All-Star snubs, we reward some of the worst first-half performers with special honors.
If you're a .190 hitter or own a 6.00 ERA, you've got a good shot at making the team. But special circumstances help. A player who's having a bad year and getting tons of playing time has a shot at the team. A player who's having a bad year, getting tons of playing time and getting paid superstar dollars is a virtual lock.
Without further ado, here's this year's No-Stars Team:
C Joe Mauer (.244/.298/.291, minus-0.2 WAR, $23 million)
A consensus top-10 MLB player, and possibly the best player on the planet just two years ago, Mauer has seen persistent leg injuries curtail his power and threaten his longterm outlook. He has just one homer since Aug. 19 of last year and isn't roping line drives like he once did either. Still just 28, Mauer has plenty of time to get healthy and return to elite status. But calls for him to switch positions to avoid further injuries aren't reassuring, especially when Mauer has seven and a half years left on a $184 million contract.
1B Aubrey Huff (.244/.299/.379, minus-0.7 WAR, $10 million)
Never overpay for last year's stats. It's a truism that's held true for as long as baseball has been played, yet general managers continue to make this mistake. The Giants acquired Huff on a cheap one-year, $3 million deal, following a season in which he was nearly two full wins worse than a replacement-level player. He then enjoyed a monster season, putting up an .891 OPS and serving as a key player on the Giants' championship team. The lesson should have been that buying low can pay big dividends. Giants GM Brian Sabean apparently thought it meant that giving a wildly erratic, 34-year-old defensive butcher a two-year, $22 million deal, even with a top first-base prospect waiting in the wings. Flags fly forever, but postchampionship glow can lead to bad decisions too.
2B Dan Uggla (.175/.241/.330, minus-0.7 WAR, $9 million)
The Braves have gotten all-world pitching performances from Jair Jurrjens, Craig Kimbrel and Jonny Venters, lead the NL wild card race and have ample minor league depth to bolster the roster as the season wears on. But one can't but wonder what this team would look like if Dan Uggla were hitting like the elite offensive second baseman he'd been during the first five years of his career. He's not terribly far off his 31-homer average from those first five seasons, but his on-base percentage has cratered. His .189 batting average on balls in play will almost surely see some positive regression. But whether it's due to pressing or genuine skills erosion, Uggla's walk rate (11.6 percent in 2010, 7.8 percent this year), isolated slugging (.218 career, .162 this year) and line drive rate (17.8 percent in 2010, 14.1 percent this year) are all way down. Like Mauer, Uggla is just starting a longterm deal (five years, $62 million), so the Braves have to hope signing a 31-year-old second baseman with old player's skills won't end up looking as bad as it does now.
3B Chone Figgins (.185/.230/.246, minus-1.3 WAR, $9 million)
Fun fact, via my FanGraphs and ESPN Insider colleague Dave Cameron: Mariners third basemen have combined for a .464 OPS; Detroit is second-to-last, but nearly 100 points better. Seattle can thank Chone Figgins for that atrocity. A player who looked like a perfect fit for spacious Safeco Field -- lots of walks, gap power, great speed -- Figgins might now be the worst everyday hitter in baseball. His defense has tailed off sharply from peak levels, and his baserunning skill has also started to wane. Figgins might be the former star who's least likely to bounce back in the entire No-Stars lineup. Two and a half more years to go on his four-year, $36 million contract, and that assumes his $9 million option doesn't vest in 2014. Oy.
SS Hanley Ramirez (.227/.318/.351, 0.7 WAR, $11 million)
Derek Jeter has been nearly as bad and makes more money, and several other starting shortstops fall below replacement level. But Ramirez has been the biggest disappointment by far, given his performance levels heading into this season. Though his numbers dipped a bit in 2010, Ramirez still hit .300/.378/.475, huge numbers at a time when shortstop talent was so thin. Back problems have sapped his effectiveness this year, and that's a red flag given that he's had back issues before. As with Mauer, Ramirez could benefit from playing a less strenuous position; the key would be whether he can reignite his offense if he were eventually moved to a corner or to the outfield. A hot start has turned into another lost season for the Marlins, so they'll have plenty of time to monitor Ramirez and figure out how to handle him in the final three years of his contract.
LF Raul Ibanez (.234/.283/.392, minus-1.3 WAR, $11.5 million)
The scary thing about Ibanez's performance (he's last among major league left fielders in WAR) is that these numbers look infinitely better than the ones he posted in April (.465 OPS). But after a monster May in which he swatted 16 extra-base hits, Ibanez hit .211/.258/.311 in June and looks like a player who should be cut -- or at least benched, given the Phillies' World Series aspirations. Despite the Tony Batista-like OBP, Ibanez's biggest problem, as ever, in his defense. He's one of the worst everyday defenders in the majors, so much so that he needs to put up major offensive numbers to become a valuable player. The Phillies are rumored to be shopping for a right-handed bat to bolster their lineup down the stretch. They should be shopping for someone to replace Ibanez, period.
(Vernon Wells warrants an honorable mention here as well, with a minus-0.3 WAR and the Angels on the hook for $18 million of his preposterous $23 million salary this season.)
CF Alex Rios (.218/.269/.319, minus-0.3 WAR, $12 million)
When the White Sox grabbed Rios off waivers from Toronto in August 2009, they did so knowing full well they'd be on the hook for the bulk of his seven-year, $70 million contract. But in Rios, the Pale Hose saw a legitimate five-tool player, someone who at various points in his career had posted monster numbers in various categories: 74 extra-base hits in 2007, 32 steals in 2008 and strong defensive performances throughout. It was only a matter of time, they figured, before Rios put it all together.
That hasn't been the case this year. As with several other players on this list, Rios has been the victim of some bad luck, sporting a paltry .227 batting average on balls in play. But he's also the same guy who never walks, meaning he needs to hit for a high average and show power to yield positive offensive value. He's the third-best baserunner in the majors according to FanGraphs' advanced measures, but that speed hasn't shown up in his stolen base or defensive results, both of which are way down for him this year.
RF Magglio Ordonez (.212/.279/.285, minus-0.7 WAR, $10 million)
Never the most durable player, Ordonez played just 84 games last season. He hit well while on the field(.303/.378/.474), but heading into the season at 37 years old and having just missed half a year, a one-year deal at a low price was the only option that made sense. The Tigers got the one-year deal, but the $10 million contract was a lot for a Detroit team that has carried nine-figure payrolls for the past four years, but has nowhere near the revenue streams that the Yankees, Red Sox and other penthouse-dwelling teams do. With Brennan Boesch, Andy Dirks and other intriguing outfield options around, the deal made even less sense -- and that was before Ordonez stopped hitting entirely.
DH Adam Dunn (.165/.301/.302, minus-1.2 WAR, $12 million)
Has Dunn fallen off a cliff the way potent sluggers like Dale Murphy and Tim Salmon once did, going from consistent terror to Nick Punto levels in the span of a single year? It's tough to know what to think. Dunn's BABIP is down to .256, the second-lowest figure of his career, but not outrageously low given the falling numbers throughout baseball. The two bigger shockers are his startling drop in power (isolated slugging of .141, vs. .265 for his career) and his abominable numbers vs. lefties (1-for-53!). U.S. Cellular Field traditionally plays as a power hitter's park, and warmer summer weather could help. But for now, White Sox GM Kenny Williams' recent gambles -- including the pickups of Dunn and Rios, and trading away budding ace Daniel Hudson -- look spectacularly bad.
SP Barry Zito (3.81 ERA, 4.56 FIP, 0.1 WAR, $18.5 million)
We don't mean to pick on Zito, one of the sharpest, most compelling characters in the game. It's not his fault that Brian Sabean looked past his so-so peripherals, fixated on gaudy win totals and a Cy Young award and threw $126 million at him. But that contract all but guarantees the veteran lefty a regular spot on this list, short of a monster rebound season. Zito was actually a very serviceable back-end starter the past two years, producing two-plus wins above replacement in 2009 and again in 2010. This year, injuries have nullified his chances to meet that fairly modest goal. The good news for the Giants is that Zito's injury opened the door for Ryan Vogelsong to stage one of the most amazing and unlikely comebacks in recent memory. Zito recently returned from the DL, and will get a chance with Jonathan Sanchez on the shelf. If he fails in this go-round, the Giants will face an uncomfortable decision.
RP Joe Nathan (6.52 ERA, 5.22 FIP, minus-0.3 WAR, $11.3 million)
The Twins were cautiously optimistic that their once-elite closer could start to regain his old form after missing all of 2010 following Tommy John surgery. Yielding nine walks and four homers in 19.1 innings is bad enough, but the bigger concern is the overall drop in command, and also velocity. Nathan's has generated a swinging strike percentage of just 6.8 percent (vs. 13.4 percent for his career) and his fastball velocity's down to 91.6 mph from 93.9 career. Getting sub-replacement level performance from their star catcher and star closer isn't what the Twins had in mind when they guaranteed the pair more than $34 million this season.
If you're a .190 hitter or own a 6.00 ERA, you've got a good shot at making the team. But special circumstances help. A player who's having a bad year and getting tons of playing time has a shot at the team. A player who's having a bad year, getting tons of playing time and getting paid superstar dollars is a virtual lock.
Without further ado, here's this year's No-Stars Team:
C Joe Mauer (.244/.298/.291, minus-0.2 WAR, $23 million)
A consensus top-10 MLB player, and possibly the best player on the planet just two years ago, Mauer has seen persistent leg injuries curtail his power and threaten his longterm outlook. He has just one homer since Aug. 19 of last year and isn't roping line drives like he once did either. Still just 28, Mauer has plenty of time to get healthy and return to elite status. But calls for him to switch positions to avoid further injuries aren't reassuring, especially when Mauer has seven and a half years left on a $184 million contract.
1B Aubrey Huff (.244/.299/.379, minus-0.7 WAR, $10 million)
Never overpay for last year's stats. It's a truism that's held true for as long as baseball has been played, yet general managers continue to make this mistake. The Giants acquired Huff on a cheap one-year, $3 million deal, following a season in which he was nearly two full wins worse than a replacement-level player. He then enjoyed a monster season, putting up an .891 OPS and serving as a key player on the Giants' championship team. The lesson should have been that buying low can pay big dividends. Giants GM Brian Sabean apparently thought it meant that giving a wildly erratic, 34-year-old defensive butcher a two-year, $22 million deal, even with a top first-base prospect waiting in the wings. Flags fly forever, but postchampionship glow can lead to bad decisions too.
2B Dan Uggla (.175/.241/.330, minus-0.7 WAR, $9 million)
The Braves have gotten all-world pitching performances from Jair Jurrjens, Craig Kimbrel and Jonny Venters, lead the NL wild card race and have ample minor league depth to bolster the roster as the season wears on. But one can't but wonder what this team would look like if Dan Uggla were hitting like the elite offensive second baseman he'd been during the first five years of his career. He's not terribly far off his 31-homer average from those first five seasons, but his on-base percentage has cratered. His .189 batting average on balls in play will almost surely see some positive regression. But whether it's due to pressing or genuine skills erosion, Uggla's walk rate (11.6 percent in 2010, 7.8 percent this year), isolated slugging (.218 career, .162 this year) and line drive rate (17.8 percent in 2010, 14.1 percent this year) are all way down. Like Mauer, Uggla is just starting a longterm deal (five years, $62 million), so the Braves have to hope signing a 31-year-old second baseman with old player's skills won't end up looking as bad as it does now.
3B Chone Figgins (.185/.230/.246, minus-1.3 WAR, $9 million)
Fun fact, via my FanGraphs and ESPN Insider colleague Dave Cameron: Mariners third basemen have combined for a .464 OPS; Detroit is second-to-last, but nearly 100 points better. Seattle can thank Chone Figgins for that atrocity. A player who looked like a perfect fit for spacious Safeco Field -- lots of walks, gap power, great speed -- Figgins might now be the worst everyday hitter in baseball. His defense has tailed off sharply from peak levels, and his baserunning skill has also started to wane. Figgins might be the former star who's least likely to bounce back in the entire No-Stars lineup. Two and a half more years to go on his four-year, $36 million contract, and that assumes his $9 million option doesn't vest in 2014. Oy.
SS Hanley Ramirez (.227/.318/.351, 0.7 WAR, $11 million)
Derek Jeter has been nearly as bad and makes more money, and several other starting shortstops fall below replacement level. But Ramirez has been the biggest disappointment by far, given his performance levels heading into this season. Though his numbers dipped a bit in 2010, Ramirez still hit .300/.378/.475, huge numbers at a time when shortstop talent was so thin. Back problems have sapped his effectiveness this year, and that's a red flag given that he's had back issues before. As with Mauer, Ramirez could benefit from playing a less strenuous position; the key would be whether he can reignite his offense if he were eventually moved to a corner or to the outfield. A hot start has turned into another lost season for the Marlins, so they'll have plenty of time to monitor Ramirez and figure out how to handle him in the final three years of his contract.
LF Raul Ibanez (.234/.283/.392, minus-1.3 WAR, $11.5 million)
The scary thing about Ibanez's performance (he's last among major league left fielders in WAR) is that these numbers look infinitely better than the ones he posted in April (.465 OPS). But after a monster May in which he swatted 16 extra-base hits, Ibanez hit .211/.258/.311 in June and looks like a player who should be cut -- or at least benched, given the Phillies' World Series aspirations. Despite the Tony Batista-like OBP, Ibanez's biggest problem, as ever, in his defense. He's one of the worst everyday defenders in the majors, so much so that he needs to put up major offensive numbers to become a valuable player. The Phillies are rumored to be shopping for a right-handed bat to bolster their lineup down the stretch. They should be shopping for someone to replace Ibanez, period.
(Vernon Wells warrants an honorable mention here as well, with a minus-0.3 WAR and the Angels on the hook for $18 million of his preposterous $23 million salary this season.)
CF Alex Rios (.218/.269/.319, minus-0.3 WAR, $12 million)
When the White Sox grabbed Rios off waivers from Toronto in August 2009, they did so knowing full well they'd be on the hook for the bulk of his seven-year, $70 million contract. But in Rios, the Pale Hose saw a legitimate five-tool player, someone who at various points in his career had posted monster numbers in various categories: 74 extra-base hits in 2007, 32 steals in 2008 and strong defensive performances throughout. It was only a matter of time, they figured, before Rios put it all together.
That hasn't been the case this year. As with several other players on this list, Rios has been the victim of some bad luck, sporting a paltry .227 batting average on balls in play. But he's also the same guy who never walks, meaning he needs to hit for a high average and show power to yield positive offensive value. He's the third-best baserunner in the majors according to FanGraphs' advanced measures, but that speed hasn't shown up in his stolen base or defensive results, both of which are way down for him this year.
RF Magglio Ordonez (.212/.279/.285, minus-0.7 WAR, $10 million)
Never the most durable player, Ordonez played just 84 games last season. He hit well while on the field(.303/.378/.474), but heading into the season at 37 years old and having just missed half a year, a one-year deal at a low price was the only option that made sense. The Tigers got the one-year deal, but the $10 million contract was a lot for a Detroit team that has carried nine-figure payrolls for the past four years, but has nowhere near the revenue streams that the Yankees, Red Sox and other penthouse-dwelling teams do. With Brennan Boesch, Andy Dirks and other intriguing outfield options around, the deal made even less sense -- and that was before Ordonez stopped hitting entirely.
DH Adam Dunn (.165/.301/.302, minus-1.2 WAR, $12 million)
Has Dunn fallen off a cliff the way potent sluggers like Dale Murphy and Tim Salmon once did, going from consistent terror to Nick Punto levels in the span of a single year? It's tough to know what to think. Dunn's BABIP is down to .256, the second-lowest figure of his career, but not outrageously low given the falling numbers throughout baseball. The two bigger shockers are his startling drop in power (isolated slugging of .141, vs. .265 for his career) and his abominable numbers vs. lefties (1-for-53!). U.S. Cellular Field traditionally plays as a power hitter's park, and warmer summer weather could help. But for now, White Sox GM Kenny Williams' recent gambles -- including the pickups of Dunn and Rios, and trading away budding ace Daniel Hudson -- look spectacularly bad.
SP Barry Zito (3.81 ERA, 4.56 FIP, 0.1 WAR, $18.5 million)
We don't mean to pick on Zito, one of the sharpest, most compelling characters in the game. It's not his fault that Brian Sabean looked past his so-so peripherals, fixated on gaudy win totals and a Cy Young award and threw $126 million at him. But that contract all but guarantees the veteran lefty a regular spot on this list, short of a monster rebound season. Zito was actually a very serviceable back-end starter the past two years, producing two-plus wins above replacement in 2009 and again in 2010. This year, injuries have nullified his chances to meet that fairly modest goal. The good news for the Giants is that Zito's injury opened the door for Ryan Vogelsong to stage one of the most amazing and unlikely comebacks in recent memory. Zito recently returned from the DL, and will get a chance with Jonathan Sanchez on the shelf. If he fails in this go-round, the Giants will face an uncomfortable decision.
RP Joe Nathan (6.52 ERA, 5.22 FIP, minus-0.3 WAR, $11.3 million)
The Twins were cautiously optimistic that their once-elite closer could start to regain his old form after missing all of 2010 following Tommy John surgery. Yielding nine walks and four homers in 19.1 innings is bad enough, but the bigger concern is the overall drop in command, and also velocity. Nathan's has generated a swinging strike percentage of just 6.8 percent (vs. 13.4 percent for his career) and his fastball velocity's down to 91.6 mph from 93.9 career. Getting sub-replacement level performance from their star catcher and star closer isn't what the Twins had in mind when they guaranteed the pair more than $34 million this season.
- 4,857
- 14
good ole charlie is loyal to his players. If they get a RHB it's not going to be anything major
Ibanez is 39 and shouldn't be starting anymore.
This is why i don't like Manuel as a manager. He got lucky that his gut feeling style won a world series
Ibanez is 39 and shouldn't be starting anymore.
This is why i don't like Manuel as a manager. He got lucky that his gut feeling style won a world series
- 4,857
- 14
good ole charlie is loyal to his players. If they get a RHB it's not going to be anything major
Ibanez is 39 and shouldn't be starting anymore.
This is why i don't like Manuel as a manager. He got lucky that his gut feeling style won a world series
Ibanez is 39 and shouldn't be starting anymore.
This is why i don't like Manuel as a manager. He got lucky that his gut feeling style won a world series
- 8,956
- 39
Hanley sucks.
- 8,956
- 39
Hanley sucks.
- 28,100
- 9,232
I am one of the biggest Zito haters on this board, but does he REALLY deserve to be on that list? I mean, I know he has been hurt. But 2-1 with a 3.81 ERA deserves a spot on that list? Come on now.
- 28,100
- 9,232
I am one of the biggest Zito haters on this board, but does he REALLY deserve to be on that list? I mean, I know he has been hurt. But 2-1 with a 3.81 ERA deserves a spot on that list? Come on now.
- 13,656
- 1,083
Video gave me the chills, we can only hope...*sheds tear
Spoiler [+]
Sorry about the low quality, the only one that would embed, #%%% Yuku, since embedding is becoming more of a pain in the *%!. Here's a link to a high quality version: Dodger Video
- 13,656
- 1,083
Video gave me the chills, we can only hope...*sheds tear
Spoiler [+]
Sorry about the low quality, the only one that would embed, #%%% Yuku, since embedding is becoming more of a pain in the *%!. Here's a link to a high quality version: Dodger Video
Detroit's top heavy lineup.
The cost of the 'Jeter Watch'.
Defensive All-Stars.
Rumors.
http://[h3]Foot injury won't sideline Longoria[/h3]
9:32AM ET
[h5]Evan Longoria | Rays [/h5]
Evan Longoria continues to be bothered by a nerve problem in his left foot, but the Rays third baseman has no plans to sit out.
"It's something I'm going to battle through and it's not going to affect playing time," Longoria tells Marc Topkin.
Longoria missed about a month earlier this season with a strained oblique and the foot injury could be a contributing factor to his current 3-for-26 slump. Utilityman Sean Rodriguez would be in line for a start or two if Longoria gets a day off.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Strasburg back by mid-September?[/h3]
9:15AM ET
[h5]Stephen Strasburg | Nationals [/h5]
The idea of Stephen Strasburg pitching for the Washington Nationals in mid-September no longer appears so farfetched.
Strasburg's rehab from Tommy John surgery continues to progress well, and the phenom threw a 30-pitch bullpen session a few days ago. Adam Kilgore writes that since Strasburg's surgery was performed Sept. 3 of last year, it's feasible he'll make a minor league start by mid-August.
A lot of things would have to go right, but that could make it possible for Strasburg to come back in mid-September.
The Nationals are hovering around .500 so a playoff run isn't likely in the offing this season. But the team has generated some buzz in the nation's capital, and a few late-season appearances by Strasburg will only add to the positive vibes.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Tracy: Tulo should avoid DL stint[/h3]
8:54AM ET
[h5]Troy Tulowitzki | Rockies [/h5]
UPDATE: While Tulowitzki did not play Tuesday, manager Jim Tracy does not believe his shortstop will be out long enough to force the Rockies to place him on the 15-day disabled list.
That should mean a few more starts at shortstop for Herrera, who manned the position Tuesday.
--
Jose Reyes is not the only All-Star shortstop dealing with a leg issue.
The Rockies' Troy Tulowitzki left Monday's 4-1 loss to the Braves after four innings when his right quadriceps tightened. Troy Renck tweeted Monday night that Tulo will miss only a few days, but the Rockies will not rush him back, especially since the All-Star break is less than a week away.
Back in 2008. Tulowitzki missed 46 games with a torn tendon in his right quad, so the Rockies would rather be in a short-term bind than lose their shortstop for the long haul. Jonathan Herrera is the likely candidate to start at shortstop in Tulo's absence.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Rough outing for Matusz[/h3]
8:42AM ET
[h5]Brian Matusz | Orioles [/h5]
UPDATE: It looks like Matusz has more work to do before returning to the major leagues. In his first start for Triple A Norfolk since his demotion, Matusz allowed four earned runs on seven hits, including two homers, and two walks over 5 2/3 innings Tuesday at Charlotte.
--
After another rough outing Thursday against St. Louis, Brian Matusz will try to work out his problems in the minor leagues, leaving an opening at the back end of the Baltimore Orioles' rotation.
Matusz (8.77 ERA) allowed a season-high eight earned runs on nine hits in 3 1/3 innings and is headed to Triple-A Norfolk. Manager Buck Showalter did not reveal who will take Matusz's place in the rotation but said the replacement will come from within the roster. Brad Bergesen, Alfredo Simon and Jason Berken could all make spot starts leading up the All-Star break.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Collins reluctant to put Reyes on DL[/h3]
8:08AM ET
[h5]Jose Reyes | Mets [/h5]
UPDATE: Reyes sat out his third straight game Tuesday and manager Terry Collins will huddle with doctors Wednesday and again discuss whether the disabled list is an option. Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com says Collins may resist a DL stint because it would force the shortstop to miss a key series against Philadelphia next weekend at Citi Field. It may be preferable to play a man down through the weekend and have Reyes eligible for that series.
--
Jose Reyes learned a tough lesson in 2009 when he tried to rush back from a hamstring issue and made things worse, ultimately needing offseason surgery. With that in mind, the Mets shortstop did not play Monday night against the Dodgers and could rest a few more days.
According to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com, manager Terry Collins said he communicated to general manager Sandy Alderson that he is willing to play with a 24-man roster for a few days with Reyes unavailable in order to buy time.
Ruben Tejada started at shortstop the last two games and had a pair of hits Monday against the Dodgers.
The hamstring issue apparently hasn't hurt Reyes' free agent value. Joel Sherman reports Monday that GM Sandy Alderson is now leaning strongly toward authorizing a "substantial offer" after the season to try to retain Reyes.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Position player a priority for Theo[/h3]
7:56AM ET
[h5]Boston Red Sox [/h5]
Starting pitching has become a serious issue in Boston after the Blue Jays had their own fireworks display Monday at the expense of John Lackey, pounding the Red Sox righthander for seven runs over four innings on the 4th of July.
Lackey's elbow is a concern and Clay Buchholz has issues with his back. To make matters worse, ace Jon Lester suffered a lower lat muscle strain after four no-hit innings against the Blue Jays Tuesday night and will be re-evaluated Wednesday morning.
Could starting pitching become a trade deadline priority in Boston? GM Theo Epstein says the priority is to land a position player.
"I don't see a ton of pitching help out there unless it's the few guys who can really make an impact, who will take your farm system to get," Epstein tells Peter Gammons. "I think we could benefit from a complementary position player in the right spot."
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Mets are shopping K-Rod[/h3]
7:41AM ET
[h5]Francisco Rodriguez | Mets [/h5]
The New York Mets are enjoying a surprisingly respectable season, and remain on the fringe of the NL wild card race. But that won't prevent GM Sandy Alderson from actively turning to selling mode, and closer Francisco Rodriguez apparently is at the top of the list.
Andy Martino of the NY Daily News reports the Mets are working to sell Rodriguez as well as setup man Jason Isringhausen and lefthanded specialist Tim Byrdak.
Martino says the Mets' actions should not be viewed as a "proverbial white flag," but more of a belief that they could trade a reliever or two and remain competitive. In the meantime, Alderson hopes to build more of a foundation for the future by adding some minor league talent.
Rodriguez's case is made more complex by his 2012 contract option, which vests if he finishes 55 games, as he is on track to do. The consensus is that plenty of relief help may be available as the deadline approaches (Heath Bell, for example), so Alderson may be looking to act quickly.
Rodriguez, who has a limited no-trade clause, has said previously he would be open to a set-up role if he was traded to a contender. The chances of him landing with the Yankees seemed hypothetical a few weeks ago, but the recent triceps injury suffered by Mariano Rivera makes a trade to the Bronx more realistic.
The Rangers are known to be looking for bullpen help, and K-Rod would be a nice complement to Neftali Feliz.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Getting by without Rivera[/h3]
7:12AM ET
[h5]Mariano Rivera | Yankees [/h5]
UPDATE: Rivera was not available for a second straight game Tuesday in Cleveland. As he did Monday night, Rivera said he was "not concerned" about the injury and said that no tests were planned.
--
The Yankees were happy to have Derek Jeter back in the lineup Monday night, even if they were 14-4 in the absence of the All-Star shortstop. A more indispensible Yankee would be closer Mariano Rivera, who was not available for the series opener in Cleveland due to a sore right triceps muscle.
Manager Joe Girardi did not appear to be overly concerned with the injury, but any ailment to a 41-year-old will be treated cautiously.
Girardi said he would have used right-hander David Robertson had there been a save situation Monday. Rivera suffered his fourth blown save of the season Sunday against the Mets. The only non-Rivera save for the Yankees this season belongs to Rafael Soriano, who is currently on the DL.
Rivera's injury will undoubtedly raise speculation that the Yankees will actively pursue bullpen help as the trade deadline nears. Plenty of relief help is expected to available and, as ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney points out, the Yankees could take a more serious look at dealing with the Padres for Heath Bell or Mike Adams.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Fish to get regulars back soon?[/h3]
6:59AM ET
[h5]Florida Marlins [/h5]
While Josh Johnson's return date is unknown, it appears the Florida Marlins will get some of their regular contributors back from the disabled list fairly soon.
Right-hander Clay Hensley pitched in rookie ball Saturday and is slated to go again Friday. Once he returns, Jose Ceda may be the roster casualty. Juan C. Rodriguez tweeted Tuesday afternoon that Hensley will throw 65 pitches Friday and could join the Marlins' rotation upon his return.
Catcher John Baker, reports the Miami Herald, is slated to start throwing again this week to test his injured right elbow. There is no indication of when Baker will return but barring any setbacks it seems he could be back sometime in July. Brett Hayes continues to back up John Buck in Baker's absence.
Centerfielder Chris Coghlan (knee) is expected to start a rehab assignment later this week which could put him on track to return right after the all-star break. DeWayne Wise or Bryan Peterson is likely to be shipped out once Coghlan is ready. Wise or Peterson also could be shipped out Wednesday to make room for Mike Cameron, who was acquired Tuesday.
Spoiler [+]
When one looks at the 2011 Detroit Tigers, one sees a team of stark extremes. Detroit possesses four of the top 25 position players in the AL by wins above replacement (WAR) in Jhonny Peralta, Miguel Cabrera, Alex Avila and Brennan Boesch. They also have the third-best pitcher in the league by WAR, Justin Verlander. Yet the Tigers are only a few games above .500 and in second place in a weak AL Central.
Looking at Detroit's starting lineup, it's striking to see the gulf between the players that are contributing and the players that aren't. With the players mentioned above and Victor Martinez's bat, the Tigers offense should rank higher than fifth in the AL in runs scored. But that is where it stands, thanks to Magglio Ordonez, Ryan Raburn, Ramon Santiago and Brandon Inge, all of whom have an OPS below .600.
Just how impressive is the size of the gulf in the lineup between the performers and the non-performers on a historical level? To examine this, I looked at every team going back to 1901 and took the eight most frequent starters for every team (nine for DH-era American Leaguers). I went with a simple measure of disparity and compared every lineup's top-four and bottom-four hitters to see which lineups in history were the most polarized. To keep things simple, I used OPS.
If the 2011 season were to end today, this season's Tigers would finish with the most polarized lineup in modern baseball history, out of 2,300 or so teams. The 322-point OPS difference between Detroit's best and worst regulars would lap everyone in history, not just 2011.
Looking at the rest of the most polarized lineups in history, perhaps being balanced and consistent from top to bottom isn't as important as it's sometimes made out to be. The rest of the top 20 teams fared pretty well, finishing with a .564 winning percentage on average. While not all the teams were good teams -- most notably the 52-win 1930 Phillies -- four of the others won 100 games, including a couple of the most famous Yankees lineups ever. Balance just isn't that important when you have MVP candidates in the middle of the order -- when people recall the 1961 Yankees, is the fact that the infield was ordinary the first thing that comes to mind?
[h4]Top 10 Most Polarized Lineups[/h4]
[th=""]Year[/th][th=""]Team[/th][th=""]Top 4 OPS[/th][th=""]Bottom 4 OPS[/th][th=""]Difference[/th]
Another question raised is one of efficiency. Do teams' lopsided lineups score runs in a less efficient manner that you'd expect from their total numbers? Using actual runs scored and Bill James' runs created formula, the 100 most polarized lineups outscored expectations by an average of eight runs a year. The 100 least polarized lineups fell short of their runs created by an average of four runs a year.
So, what does this mean for the Tigers? On one level, it makes it easier for the team to improve -- it's easier to upgrade a terrible hitter to an average hitter than upgrade an average hitter to a very good one. If general manager Dave Dombrowski is as active as he should be as we approach the trade deadline, his team's weak spots are incredibly easy to point out. While players such as Avila and Boesch are likely to decline somewhat in the second half, others, such as Ordonez and Max Scherzer, should play better.
The Cleveland Indians are one of the best stories in the league so far this season, but the Tigers are still very likely to have the last laugh. If they don't, and have yet another disappointing second half, more of the team's coaches (pitching coach Rick Knapp is already gone, booted over the holiday) may start to feel their seats getting hot. Because if they miss the playoffs, we know that a top-heavy offense is not what is holding them back.
Looking at Detroit's starting lineup, it's striking to see the gulf between the players that are contributing and the players that aren't. With the players mentioned above and Victor Martinez's bat, the Tigers offense should rank higher than fifth in the AL in runs scored. But that is where it stands, thanks to Magglio Ordonez, Ryan Raburn, Ramon Santiago and Brandon Inge, all of whom have an OPS below .600.
Just how impressive is the size of the gulf in the lineup between the performers and the non-performers on a historical level? To examine this, I looked at every team going back to 1901 and took the eight most frequent starters for every team (nine for DH-era American Leaguers). I went with a simple measure of disparity and compared every lineup's top-four and bottom-four hitters to see which lineups in history were the most polarized. To keep things simple, I used OPS.
If the 2011 season were to end today, this season's Tigers would finish with the most polarized lineup in modern baseball history, out of 2,300 or so teams. The 322-point OPS difference between Detroit's best and worst regulars would lap everyone in history, not just 2011.
Looking at the rest of the most polarized lineups in history, perhaps being balanced and consistent from top to bottom isn't as important as it's sometimes made out to be. The rest of the top 20 teams fared pretty well, finishing with a .564 winning percentage on average. While not all the teams were good teams -- most notably the 52-win 1930 Phillies -- four of the others won 100 games, including a couple of the most famous Yankees lineups ever. Balance just isn't that important when you have MVP candidates in the middle of the order -- when people recall the 1961 Yankees, is the fact that the infield was ordinary the first thing that comes to mind?
[h4]Top 10 Most Polarized Lineups[/h4]
| 2011 | Tigers | .925 | .603 | .322 |
| 1929 | Cubs | 1.044 | .723 | .321 |
| 2001 | Giants | 1.008 | .693 | .315 |
| 2004 | Cardinals | 1.043 | .728 | .315 |
| 1937 | Cardinals | .955 | .644 | .311 |
| 1930 | Phillies | .995 | .685 | .310 |
| 1927 | Yankees | 1.081 | .771 | .310 |
| 1911 | Tigers | .935 | .630 | .305 |
| 1937 | Yankees | 1.018 | .718 | .300 |
| 1996 | Mariners | 1.012 | .720 | .292 |
Another question raised is one of efficiency. Do teams' lopsided lineups score runs in a less efficient manner that you'd expect from their total numbers? Using actual runs scored and Bill James' runs created formula, the 100 most polarized lineups outscored expectations by an average of eight runs a year. The 100 least polarized lineups fell short of their runs created by an average of four runs a year.
So, what does this mean for the Tigers? On one level, it makes it easier for the team to improve -- it's easier to upgrade a terrible hitter to an average hitter than upgrade an average hitter to a very good one. If general manager Dave Dombrowski is as active as he should be as we approach the trade deadline, his team's weak spots are incredibly easy to point out. While players such as Avila and Boesch are likely to decline somewhat in the second half, others, such as Ordonez and Max Scherzer, should play better.
The Cleveland Indians are one of the best stories in the league so far this season, but the Tigers are still very likely to have the last laugh. If they don't, and have yet another disappointing second half, more of the team's coaches (pitching coach Rick Knapp is already gone, booted over the holiday) may start to feel their seats getting hot. Because if they miss the playoffs, we know that a top-heavy offense is not what is holding them back.
The cost of the 'Jeter Watch'.
Spoiler [+]
Right after Derek Jeter got hurt last month, I remember chatting with a fan at Wrigley Field who explained wistfully that she had gambled that the Yankees shortstop would get his 3,000th career hit within the ivy walls that weekend. She had bought a plane ticket and tickets hoping to witness history -- and the roulette table simply didn't turn right for her.
You wonder how many dollars are invested in this way, as players approach milestone moments -- and as fans venture an educated guess on when the big moment will come.
Remember how ticket-buying fans reacted to every bit of news about the date of the possible debut for Stephen Strasburg? The same thing is happening as Jeter draws closer to 3,000 hits -- and he now needs just four more, after collecting No. 2,995 and No. 2,996 on Tuesday night.
Chris Matcovich sent along this analysis from the website TiqIQ.com, which tracks the shifting landscape of ticket prices. As of Tuesday night at 8:30, here's how the data for ticket-buying in Yankee Stadium for the days ahead appeared:
"The Yanks start a four-game series against the Rays on Thursday in the Bronx and secondary ticket prices for the game are starting to skyrocket. Below is the price change (in average ticket price) for the four games in the series:
July 7
--June 29: $103
--July 5: $142
--Get in Price: $51
--Percent change: 39.8
July 8
--June 29: $96
--July 5: $158
--Get in Price: $49
--Percent change: 59.4
July 9
--June 29: $117
--July 5: $194
--Get in Price: $34
--Percent change: 60.7
July 10
--June 29: $112
--July 5: $177
--Get in Price: $27
--Percent change: 51.8
"As you can see right now fans are betting that Jeter will get the historic hit at the stadium on Saturday. Prices will fluctuate greatly with every hit as everyone will be betting on which game he will get the milestone. Every one of these games is above the Yankees average ticket price this season which is $92.37. As he gets closer we predict that prices will continue to rise as there will be a major premium to pay to see Jeter get to 3,000."
By the way: The win for CC Sabathia on Tuesday was the 169th of his career.
⢠The Twins won again Tuesday, their sixth win in the past seven games, and after standing at 17-37 on June 1, they are now just eight games under .500; Minnesota has drawn within seven games of first place, and keep in mind it is not chasing immortal teams. The run differentials for the AL Central, team by team:
Cleveland: +12
Detroit: -7
White Sox: -5
Minnesota: -69
Royals: -52
But this is not to say everything is going smoothly for the Twins -- Scott Baker, who has been throwing well, was pulled with elbow trouble during Tuesday's win, and Ron Gardenhire had to yank closer Matt Capps for the second straight game, La Velle Neal writes.
⢠It was a really good day for the Cardinals: After Albert Pujols was activated from the disabled list, Matt Holliday and others hammered the Reds.
⢠Bruce Bochy fired back at some of his peers for their criticism of his All-Star selections.
[h3]Dings and dents[/h3]
1. And now the Red Sox have to worry about Jon Lester, among others.
2. Justin Morneau is starting another rehab, and within the same notebook, there is word that Denard Span is starting to feel like his old self.
3. Martin Prado is set to start his rehab.
4. Mariano Rivera's elbow is still sore, writes George King.
5. Luke Scott will hope to avoid surgery.
6. The White Sox aren't willing to rush John Danks.
7. Alex Gordon was back for the Royals on Tuesday.
8. Shane Victorino had to head back to Philly for an exam on his injured hand.
9. Bronson Arroyo's latest malady is vertigo.
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. The Pirates' brass are meeting today to discuss their handling of the trade deadline -- and it's all good.
2. The Dodgers are a mess and there's nothing Ned Colletti can do about it, writes Bill Plaschke.
A rival executive on the team's situation with Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier: "Even if they're ever in a position to re-sign those guys, they've now waited so long that they'll have to overpay to keep them, by tens of millions of dollars." Kemp and Ethier are eligible for free agency in the fall of 2012.
3. Travis Snider had an impressive return to the Jays.
4. Victorino's injury means John Mayberry is back for Philly.
5. The Marlins are priming another arm for the rotation.
6. The Mets are shopping K-Rod, as Andy Martino writes.
[h3]Tuesday's games[/h3]
1. You can't stop the Pirates, you can only hope to contain them: Pittsburgh is in second place after another strong outing from Jeff Karstens.
2. Jason Bay and Carlos Beltran powered the Mets to a win.
3. Dan Haren had a dominant outing.
4. Freddie Freeman and the Braves are rolling.
5. The Padres are playing against the Giants with a lot of swagger, writes Henry Schulman.
6. The Yanks won, Jeter got closer to 3,000 hits, and he could now get a night off.
7. A close call hurt the Rays.
8. Replays showed the Jays were right to be upset about the way they lost in Boston.
9. The Orioles got a promising start from Mitch Atkins, but had their guts ripped out against the Rangers.
10. Jake Peavy got beat by the bottom of the Royals' lineup.
11. Tuesday's loss in Washington has people wondering whether the Cubs are eliminated from the playoffs -- on July 6.
12. Carlos Carrasco couldn't duplicate his previous effort against the Yankees.
13. The Royals saw a massive drought end when they beat the Sox.
14. The King was The Man for Seattle, but didn't get a win, as the M's won in extras. And Dustin Ackley continues to shine for Seattle, showing more power than some assumed.
15. The Padres put together a rare rally against Matt Cain and beat the Giants.
16. The A's wasted a rally of their own.
17. The Phillies are glad to know they had Tuesday's kind of outburst in them.
18. Randy Wolf got rocked, and suddenly the Brewers are in third place.
19. After their loss to the Cardinals, Brandon Phillips said the Reds are "playing terrible ball."
You wonder how many dollars are invested in this way, as players approach milestone moments -- and as fans venture an educated guess on when the big moment will come.
Remember how ticket-buying fans reacted to every bit of news about the date of the possible debut for Stephen Strasburg? The same thing is happening as Jeter draws closer to 3,000 hits -- and he now needs just four more, after collecting No. 2,995 and No. 2,996 on Tuesday night.
Chris Matcovich sent along this analysis from the website TiqIQ.com, which tracks the shifting landscape of ticket prices. As of Tuesday night at 8:30, here's how the data for ticket-buying in Yankee Stadium for the days ahead appeared:
"The Yanks start a four-game series against the Rays on Thursday in the Bronx and secondary ticket prices for the game are starting to skyrocket. Below is the price change (in average ticket price) for the four games in the series:
July 7
--June 29: $103
--July 5: $142
--Get in Price: $51
--Percent change: 39.8
July 8
--June 29: $96
--July 5: $158
--Get in Price: $49
--Percent change: 59.4
July 9
--June 29: $117
--July 5: $194
--Get in Price: $34
--Percent change: 60.7
July 10
--June 29: $112
--July 5: $177
--Get in Price: $27
--Percent change: 51.8
"As you can see right now fans are betting that Jeter will get the historic hit at the stadium on Saturday. Prices will fluctuate greatly with every hit as everyone will be betting on which game he will get the milestone. Every one of these games is above the Yankees average ticket price this season which is $92.37. As he gets closer we predict that prices will continue to rise as there will be a major premium to pay to see Jeter get to 3,000."
By the way: The win for CC Sabathia on Tuesday was the 169th of his career.
⢠The Twins won again Tuesday, their sixth win in the past seven games, and after standing at 17-37 on June 1, they are now just eight games under .500; Minnesota has drawn within seven games of first place, and keep in mind it is not chasing immortal teams. The run differentials for the AL Central, team by team:
Cleveland: +12
Detroit: -7
White Sox: -5
Minnesota: -69
Royals: -52
But this is not to say everything is going smoothly for the Twins -- Scott Baker, who has been throwing well, was pulled with elbow trouble during Tuesday's win, and Ron Gardenhire had to yank closer Matt Capps for the second straight game, La Velle Neal writes.
⢠It was a really good day for the Cardinals: After Albert Pujols was activated from the disabled list, Matt Holliday and others hammered the Reds.
⢠Bruce Bochy fired back at some of his peers for their criticism of his All-Star selections.
[h3]Dings and dents[/h3]
1. And now the Red Sox have to worry about Jon Lester, among others.
2. Justin Morneau is starting another rehab, and within the same notebook, there is word that Denard Span is starting to feel like his old self.
3. Martin Prado is set to start his rehab.
4. Mariano Rivera's elbow is still sore, writes George King.
5. Luke Scott will hope to avoid surgery.
6. The White Sox aren't willing to rush John Danks.
7. Alex Gordon was back for the Royals on Tuesday.
8. Shane Victorino had to head back to Philly for an exam on his injured hand.
9. Bronson Arroyo's latest malady is vertigo.
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. The Pirates' brass are meeting today to discuss their handling of the trade deadline -- and it's all good.
2. The Dodgers are a mess and there's nothing Ned Colletti can do about it, writes Bill Plaschke.
A rival executive on the team's situation with Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier: "Even if they're ever in a position to re-sign those guys, they've now waited so long that they'll have to overpay to keep them, by tens of millions of dollars." Kemp and Ethier are eligible for free agency in the fall of 2012.
3. Travis Snider had an impressive return to the Jays.
4. Victorino's injury means John Mayberry is back for Philly.
5. The Marlins are priming another arm for the rotation.
6. The Mets are shopping K-Rod, as Andy Martino writes.
[h3]Tuesday's games[/h3]
1. You can't stop the Pirates, you can only hope to contain them: Pittsburgh is in second place after another strong outing from Jeff Karstens.
2. Jason Bay and Carlos Beltran powered the Mets to a win.
3. Dan Haren had a dominant outing.
4. Freddie Freeman and the Braves are rolling.
5. The Padres are playing against the Giants with a lot of swagger, writes Henry Schulman.
6. The Yanks won, Jeter got closer to 3,000 hits, and he could now get a night off.
7. A close call hurt the Rays.
8. Replays showed the Jays were right to be upset about the way they lost in Boston.
9. The Orioles got a promising start from Mitch Atkins, but had their guts ripped out against the Rangers.
10. Jake Peavy got beat by the bottom of the Royals' lineup.
11. Tuesday's loss in Washington has people wondering whether the Cubs are eliminated from the playoffs -- on July 6.
12. Carlos Carrasco couldn't duplicate his previous effort against the Yankees.
13. The Royals saw a massive drought end when they beat the Sox.
14. The King was The Man for Seattle, but didn't get a win, as the M's won in extras. And Dustin Ackley continues to shine for Seattle, showing more power than some assumed.
15. The Padres put together a rare rally against Matt Cain and beat the Giants.
16. The A's wasted a rally of their own.
17. The Phillies are glad to know they had Tuesday's kind of outburst in them.
18. Randy Wolf got rocked, and suddenly the Brewers are in third place.
19. After their loss to the Cardinals, Brandon Phillips said the Reds are "playing terrible ball."
Defensive All-Stars.
Spoiler [+]
With the season reaching its midpoint, let's take a look at the first-half defensive All-Stars, according to Baseball Info Solutions' defensive runs saved metric. In Volume II of the Fielding Bible, John Dewan outlined the Baseball Info Solutions process for estimating how many runs each fielder saved or cost his team.
Defensive runs saved (or runs saved for short) measures eight different aspects of defensive play, including range on grounders and fly balls, outfielders' skill at preventing runners from taking extra bases and infielders' agility on bunts and double plays. By measuring each play's impact on the offense's run scoring, we can put a number on every fielder's defensive value.
We can also consult Baseball Info Solutions' good fielding plays and defensive misplays (DM) records as another method of evaluating fielders. Good fielding plays (GFP) are Web Gem-like plays tracked by Baseball Info Solutions' legion of video scouts. Defensive misplays are anti-Web Gems, plays where the fielder did something identifiably wrong but was not otherwise scored as an error. The 55 categories of defensive misplays include failing to cover a base, missing the cutoff man and losing the ball in the sun or lights.
Using this information, let's go position by position to determine the midseason defensive All-Star team:
[h3]Pitcher: Mark Buehrle (5 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- James Shields (4 runs saved)
No star -- Edwin Jackson (minus-5 runs saved)
A two-time Fielding Bible Award winner, Buehrle is no surprise here. In addition to fielding his position well, Buehrle absolutely shuts down the running game. Out of the seven baserunners foolish enough to attempt a stolen base against Buehrle this season, only two have made it safely. Right-hander James Shields gets an honorable mention thanks to eight pickoffs and zero stolen bases allowed this season.
[h3]Catcher: Matt Wieters (9 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Lou Marson (5 runs saved)
No star -- Jonathan Lucroy (minus-5 runs saved)
Wieters may not have lived up to lofty expectations as a hitter, but he's been as good as or better than expected behind the dish. Wieters has thrown out 19 baserunners (in 47 stolen base attempts) already this season, most in MLB. Lou Marson has thrown out 14 baserunners in just 29 attempts playing part time for Cleveland. Jonathan Lucroy occupies the other end of the spectrum, gunning down just four of 45 basestealers.
[h3]First base: Todd Helton (1 run saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Adam LaRoche (2 runs saved)
No star -- Ryan Howard (minus-12 runs saved), Miguel Cabrera (minus-10 runs saved)
No first baseman has stood out this year, but Todd Helton has been as consistent as they come, rating above average each of the past five seasons. He's also contributed 26 good fielding plays against just two defensive misplays, a spectacular ratio. Adam LaRoche has been a tremendous upgrade for Washington, though that says more about his predecessor (Adam Dunn) than LaRoche's particular strengths.
[h3]Second base: Ben Zobrist (9 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Dustin Pedroia (5 runs saved), Ian Kinsler (5 runs saved)
No star -- Bill Hall (minus-9 runs saved)
Ben Zobrist played six different positions last year (and played them well), but he has spent the majority of his time at second base in 2011, anchoring the league's best defense. Houston's Bill Hall rated as the league's worst second baseman in the first half, and his lack of production at the plate makes his recent release a no-brainer.
[h3]Third base: Adrian Beltre (6 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Alex Rodriguez (6 runs saved), Jayson Nix (7 runs saved)
No star -- Mark Reynolds (minus-24 runs saved)
Adrian Beltre hasn't hit for a high batting average after signing with Texas, but the two-time Fielding Bible Award winner has been as good as advertised defensively, replacing the shaky Michael Young in the field. Mark Reynolds has somewhat rebounded from a poor offensive start, but he's still bleeding runs in the field, costing the Orioles more than two wins defensively alone.
[h3]Shortstop: Troy Tulowitzki (12 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Alex Gonzalez (12 runs saved), Alcides Escobar (10 runs saved)
No star -- Ryan Theriot (minus-15 runs saved)
Tulowitzki, the defending Fielding Bible Award winner, sits atop a highly competitive field as the league's best defensive player at the toughest position on the diamond. Alex Gonzalez and Alcides Escobar are right on his heels, however. Ryan Theriot has been a slight offensive upgrade over Brendan Ryan at the plate, but the difference in the field (Brendan's plus-9 runs saved versus Theriot's minus-15) gives the overall edge to the Mariners' new shortstop.
[h3]Left field: Brett Gardner (15 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Gerardo Parra (15 runs saved)
No star -- Raul Ibanez (minus-8 runs saved)
Gerardo Parra and last year's Fielding Bible Award winner Brett Gardner have been neck-and-neck all season on the runs saved leaderboard, but we'll give the edge to the Yankees outfielder here due to slightly better good fielding plays numbers (20 GFP against 8 defensive misplays, compared to Parra's 16 and 10, respectively).
[h3]Center field: Peter Bourjos (15 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Carlos Gomez (16 runs saved)
No star -- Adam Jones (minus-7 runs saved)
Bourjos took the league by storm with 15 runs saved after his debut in early August last year, and he's followed it up with another 15 so far this year. Gomez has also been spectacular in center field, though he hasn't hit well enough to keep the starting job. As we did with the left fielders, we checked their good fielding plays and defensive misplays records to break the tie, which goes to the Angels' center fielder (Bourjos' 18 GFP and 7 DM against Gomez's 18 and 13, respectively).
[h3]Right field: Torii Hunter (12 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Mike Stanton (11 runs saved)
No star -- Lance Berkman (minus-6 runs saved)
Another Angel in the outfield. Torii Hunter has adapted well during his first full season in right, leading all right fielders with 12 runs saved. With Bourjos, Hunter and Vernon Wells, the Angels have saved an estimated 26 runs as the league's best defensive outfield. Mike Stanton has followed up an excellent rookie campaign defensively with another very good half-season as the Marlins' right fielder.
Defensive runs saved (or runs saved for short) measures eight different aspects of defensive play, including range on grounders and fly balls, outfielders' skill at preventing runners from taking extra bases and infielders' agility on bunts and double plays. By measuring each play's impact on the offense's run scoring, we can put a number on every fielder's defensive value.
We can also consult Baseball Info Solutions' good fielding plays and defensive misplays (DM) records as another method of evaluating fielders. Good fielding plays (GFP) are Web Gem-like plays tracked by Baseball Info Solutions' legion of video scouts. Defensive misplays are anti-Web Gems, plays where the fielder did something identifiably wrong but was not otherwise scored as an error. The 55 categories of defensive misplays include failing to cover a base, missing the cutoff man and losing the ball in the sun or lights.
Using this information, let's go position by position to determine the midseason defensive All-Star team:
[h3]Pitcher: Mark Buehrle (5 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- James Shields (4 runs saved)
No star -- Edwin Jackson (minus-5 runs saved)
A two-time Fielding Bible Award winner, Buehrle is no surprise here. In addition to fielding his position well, Buehrle absolutely shuts down the running game. Out of the seven baserunners foolish enough to attempt a stolen base against Buehrle this season, only two have made it safely. Right-hander James Shields gets an honorable mention thanks to eight pickoffs and zero stolen bases allowed this season.
[h3]Catcher: Matt Wieters (9 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Lou Marson (5 runs saved)
No star -- Jonathan Lucroy (minus-5 runs saved)
Wieters may not have lived up to lofty expectations as a hitter, but he's been as good as or better than expected behind the dish. Wieters has thrown out 19 baserunners (in 47 stolen base attempts) already this season, most in MLB. Lou Marson has thrown out 14 baserunners in just 29 attempts playing part time for Cleveland. Jonathan Lucroy occupies the other end of the spectrum, gunning down just four of 45 basestealers.
[h3]First base: Todd Helton (1 run saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Adam LaRoche (2 runs saved)
No star -- Ryan Howard (minus-12 runs saved), Miguel Cabrera (minus-10 runs saved)
No first baseman has stood out this year, but Todd Helton has been as consistent as they come, rating above average each of the past five seasons. He's also contributed 26 good fielding plays against just two defensive misplays, a spectacular ratio. Adam LaRoche has been a tremendous upgrade for Washington, though that says more about his predecessor (Adam Dunn) than LaRoche's particular strengths.
[h3]Second base: Ben Zobrist (9 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Dustin Pedroia (5 runs saved), Ian Kinsler (5 runs saved)
No star -- Bill Hall (minus-9 runs saved)
Ben Zobrist played six different positions last year (and played them well), but he has spent the majority of his time at second base in 2011, anchoring the league's best defense. Houston's Bill Hall rated as the league's worst second baseman in the first half, and his lack of production at the plate makes his recent release a no-brainer.
[h3]Third base: Adrian Beltre (6 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Alex Rodriguez (6 runs saved), Jayson Nix (7 runs saved)
No star -- Mark Reynolds (minus-24 runs saved)
Adrian Beltre hasn't hit for a high batting average after signing with Texas, but the two-time Fielding Bible Award winner has been as good as advertised defensively, replacing the shaky Michael Young in the field. Mark Reynolds has somewhat rebounded from a poor offensive start, but he's still bleeding runs in the field, costing the Orioles more than two wins defensively alone.
[h3]Shortstop: Troy Tulowitzki (12 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Alex Gonzalez (12 runs saved), Alcides Escobar (10 runs saved)
No star -- Ryan Theriot (minus-15 runs saved)
Tulowitzki, the defending Fielding Bible Award winner, sits atop a highly competitive field as the league's best defensive player at the toughest position on the diamond. Alex Gonzalez and Alcides Escobar are right on his heels, however. Ryan Theriot has been a slight offensive upgrade over Brendan Ryan at the plate, but the difference in the field (Brendan's plus-9 runs saved versus Theriot's minus-15) gives the overall edge to the Mariners' new shortstop.
[h3]Left field: Brett Gardner (15 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Gerardo Parra (15 runs saved)
No star -- Raul Ibanez (minus-8 runs saved)
Gerardo Parra and last year's Fielding Bible Award winner Brett Gardner have been neck-and-neck all season on the runs saved leaderboard, but we'll give the edge to the Yankees outfielder here due to slightly better good fielding plays numbers (20 GFP against 8 defensive misplays, compared to Parra's 16 and 10, respectively).
[h3]Center field: Peter Bourjos (15 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Carlos Gomez (16 runs saved)
No star -- Adam Jones (minus-7 runs saved)
Bourjos took the league by storm with 15 runs saved after his debut in early August last year, and he's followed it up with another 15 so far this year. Gomez has also been spectacular in center field, though he hasn't hit well enough to keep the starting job. As we did with the left fielders, we checked their good fielding plays and defensive misplays records to break the tie, which goes to the Angels' center fielder (Bourjos' 18 GFP and 7 DM against Gomez's 18 and 13, respectively).
[h3]Right field: Torii Hunter (12 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Mike Stanton (11 runs saved)
No star -- Lance Berkman (minus-6 runs saved)
Another Angel in the outfield. Torii Hunter has adapted well during his first full season in right, leading all right fielders with 12 runs saved. With Bourjos, Hunter and Vernon Wells, the Angels have saved an estimated 26 runs as the league's best defensive outfield. Mike Stanton has followed up an excellent rookie campaign defensively with another very good half-season as the Marlins' right fielder.
Rumors.
Spoiler [+]
http://[h3]Hensley to the rotation?[/h3]
10:43AM ET
[h5]Clay Hensley | Marlins [/h5]
The black hole at the back end of the Florida Marlins' rotation could end up being filled by reliever Clay Hensley.
Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald writes that Hensley won't be returning to the bullpen when he's activated from the disabled list shortly after the All-Star break. The Marlins instead are building up Hensley's arm strength as a precursor to possibly inserting him into the starting rotation.
Hensley made 29 starts for the Padres in 2006 and nine more in 2007.
With ace Josh Johnson sidelined, perhaps for the season, the Fish have tried several options at fifth starter, including Brad Hand, who will get another start Thursday.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Would Ludwick be a fit at Fenway?[/h3]
10:28AM ET
[h5]Ryan Ludwick | Padres [/h5]
We mentioned recently how some improved production by http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5036/ryan-ludwickRyan Ludwick could be his ticket out of San Diego.
After hitting just .211 for the Padres in the second half of 2010, Ludwick is now a legitimate middle-of-the-order threat with 52 RBI. Tim Sullivan of the Union Tribune wrote that Ludwick has revitalized his value and could be the team's most valuable bargaining chip this side of http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6084/heath-bellHeath Bell.
Ludwick, who leads the National League with eight outfield assists, is a free agent after his this season, so the cost would be a prorated portion of a $6.8 million deal. Ludwick's name has been connected to the Reds, Phillies and Mariners.
How about the Red Sox? Boston GM Theo Epstein wants to add a position player and Ludwick would be a nice fit in right field as a complement to J.D. Drew.
Epstein would have no problem dealing with his Padres GM Jed Hoyer, his good friend and former assistant. After all, the two worked out a blockbuster deal for Adrian Gonzalez last winter.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Victorino to DL?[/h3]
10:13AM ET
[h5]Shane Victorino | Phillies [/h5]
The swollen thumb that has kept center fielder Shane Victorino out of the last two games could end up being a cause for concern in Philadelphia.
MLB.com's Todd Zolecki says Victorino left the team Tuesday to fly to Philadelphia for an appointment with a hand specialist. As of now, the Phillies are saying it is a Grade I strain, which is considered a milder injury.
Victorino's replacement in center could be John Mayberry Jr, who was recalled Tuesday from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. But manager Charlie Manuel started Michael Martinez in center field over Mayberry on Tuesday against the Marlins because he preferred the switch-hitting Martinez against Florida right-hander Chris Volstad.
Ben Francisco also has some experience in center field if necessary.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Dodgers stuck in neutral[/h3]
9:51AM ET
[h5]Los Angeles Dodgers [/h5]
With the trade deadline less than a month away, the protracted legal battle between Frank McCourt and Major League Baseball has left the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/lad/los-angeles-dodgersLos Angeles Dodgers in a holding pattern.
Forget any chance of working out long-term deals with core players such as Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp or Clayton Kershaw in the near future. Bill Plaschke of the LA Times writes Wednesday that there is nothing GM Ned Colletti can do as July 31 draws near. "Neither buyers nor sellers, they are squatters," Plaschke writes.
Jon Paul Morosi of FoxSports.com reported last week that a lot of teams have expressed interest in righthander http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28950/hiroki-kurodaHiroki Kuroda. Kuroda, however, has a partial no-trade clause and may be kept since the team already is pitching-thin.
In Wednesday's blog, our Buster Olney writes that the Dodgers' inactivity could be costly:
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
Dark clouds at Chavez Ravine
10:43AM ET
[h5]Clay Hensley | Marlins [/h5]
The black hole at the back end of the Florida Marlins' rotation could end up being filled by reliever Clay Hensley.
Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald writes that Hensley won't be returning to the bullpen when he's activated from the disabled list shortly after the All-Star break. The Marlins instead are building up Hensley's arm strength as a precursor to possibly inserting him into the starting rotation.
Hensley made 29 starts for the Padres in 2006 and nine more in 2007.
With ace Josh Johnson sidelined, perhaps for the season, the Fish have tried several options at fifth starter, including Brad Hand, who will get another start Thursday.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Would Ludwick be a fit at Fenway?[/h3]
10:28AM ET
[h5]Ryan Ludwick | Padres [/h5]
We mentioned recently how some improved production by http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5036/ryan-ludwickRyan Ludwick could be his ticket out of San Diego.
After hitting just .211 for the Padres in the second half of 2010, Ludwick is now a legitimate middle-of-the-order threat with 52 RBI. Tim Sullivan of the Union Tribune wrote that Ludwick has revitalized his value and could be the team's most valuable bargaining chip this side of http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6084/heath-bellHeath Bell.
Ludwick, who leads the National League with eight outfield assists, is a free agent after his this season, so the cost would be a prorated portion of a $6.8 million deal. Ludwick's name has been connected to the Reds, Phillies and Mariners.
How about the Red Sox? Boston GM Theo Epstein wants to add a position player and Ludwick would be a nice fit in right field as a complement to J.D. Drew.
Epstein would have no problem dealing with his Padres GM Jed Hoyer, his good friend and former assistant. After all, the two worked out a blockbuster deal for Adrian Gonzalez last winter.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Victorino to DL?[/h3]
10:13AM ET
[h5]Shane Victorino | Phillies [/h5]
The swollen thumb that has kept center fielder Shane Victorino out of the last two games could end up being a cause for concern in Philadelphia.
MLB.com's Todd Zolecki says Victorino left the team Tuesday to fly to Philadelphia for an appointment with a hand specialist. As of now, the Phillies are saying it is a Grade I strain, which is considered a milder injury.
Victorino's replacement in center could be John Mayberry Jr, who was recalled Tuesday from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. But manager Charlie Manuel started Michael Martinez in center field over Mayberry on Tuesday against the Marlins because he preferred the switch-hitting Martinez against Florida right-hander Chris Volstad.
Ben Francisco also has some experience in center field if necessary.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Dodgers stuck in neutral[/h3]
9:51AM ET
[h5]Los Angeles Dodgers [/h5]
With the trade deadline less than a month away, the protracted legal battle between Frank McCourt and Major League Baseball has left the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/lad/los-angeles-dodgersLos Angeles Dodgers in a holding pattern.
Forget any chance of working out long-term deals with core players such as Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp or Clayton Kershaw in the near future. Bill Plaschke of the LA Times writes Wednesday that there is nothing GM Ned Colletti can do as July 31 draws near. "Neither buyers nor sellers, they are squatters," Plaschke writes.
Jon Paul Morosi of FoxSports.com reported last week that a lot of teams have expressed interest in righthander http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28950/hiroki-kurodaHiroki Kuroda. Kuroda, however, has a partial no-trade clause and may be kept since the team already is pitching-thin.
In Wednesday's blog, our Buster Olney writes that the Dodgers' inactivity could be costly:
- Doug Mittler
Dark clouds at Chavez Ravine
9:32AM ET
[h5]Evan Longoria | Rays [/h5]
Evan Longoria continues to be bothered by a nerve problem in his left foot, but the Rays third baseman has no plans to sit out.
"It's something I'm going to battle through and it's not going to affect playing time," Longoria tells Marc Topkin.
Longoria missed about a month earlier this season with a strained oblique and the foot injury could be a contributing factor to his current 3-for-26 slump. Utilityman Sean Rodriguez would be in line for a start or two if Longoria gets a day off.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Strasburg back by mid-September?[/h3]
9:15AM ET
[h5]Stephen Strasburg | Nationals [/h5]
The idea of Stephen Strasburg pitching for the Washington Nationals in mid-September no longer appears so farfetched.
Strasburg's rehab from Tommy John surgery continues to progress well, and the phenom threw a 30-pitch bullpen session a few days ago. Adam Kilgore writes that since Strasburg's surgery was performed Sept. 3 of last year, it's feasible he'll make a minor league start by mid-August.
A lot of things would have to go right, but that could make it possible for Strasburg to come back in mid-September.
The Nationals are hovering around .500 so a playoff run isn't likely in the offing this season. But the team has generated some buzz in the nation's capital, and a few late-season appearances by Strasburg will only add to the positive vibes.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Tracy: Tulo should avoid DL stint[/h3]
8:54AM ET
[h5]Troy Tulowitzki | Rockies [/h5]
UPDATE: While Tulowitzki did not play Tuesday, manager Jim Tracy does not believe his shortstop will be out long enough to force the Rockies to place him on the 15-day disabled list.
That should mean a few more starts at shortstop for Herrera, who manned the position Tuesday.
--
Jose Reyes is not the only All-Star shortstop dealing with a leg issue.
The Rockies' Troy Tulowitzki left Monday's 4-1 loss to the Braves after four innings when his right quadriceps tightened. Troy Renck tweeted Monday night that Tulo will miss only a few days, but the Rockies will not rush him back, especially since the All-Star break is less than a week away.
Back in 2008. Tulowitzki missed 46 games with a torn tendon in his right quad, so the Rockies would rather be in a short-term bind than lose their shortstop for the long haul. Jonathan Herrera is the likely candidate to start at shortstop in Tulo's absence.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Rough outing for Matusz[/h3]
8:42AM ET
[h5]Brian Matusz | Orioles [/h5]
UPDATE: It looks like Matusz has more work to do before returning to the major leagues. In his first start for Triple A Norfolk since his demotion, Matusz allowed four earned runs on seven hits, including two homers, and two walks over 5 2/3 innings Tuesday at Charlotte.
--
After another rough outing Thursday against St. Louis, Brian Matusz will try to work out his problems in the minor leagues, leaving an opening at the back end of the Baltimore Orioles' rotation.
Matusz (8.77 ERA) allowed a season-high eight earned runs on nine hits in 3 1/3 innings and is headed to Triple-A Norfolk. Manager Buck Showalter did not reveal who will take Matusz's place in the rotation but said the replacement will come from within the roster. Brad Bergesen, Alfredo Simon and Jason Berken could all make spot starts leading up the All-Star break.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Collins reluctant to put Reyes on DL[/h3]
8:08AM ET
[h5]Jose Reyes | Mets [/h5]
UPDATE: Reyes sat out his third straight game Tuesday and manager Terry Collins will huddle with doctors Wednesday and again discuss whether the disabled list is an option. Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com says Collins may resist a DL stint because it would force the shortstop to miss a key series against Philadelphia next weekend at Citi Field. It may be preferable to play a man down through the weekend and have Reyes eligible for that series.
--
Jose Reyes learned a tough lesson in 2009 when he tried to rush back from a hamstring issue and made things worse, ultimately needing offseason surgery. With that in mind, the Mets shortstop did not play Monday night against the Dodgers and could rest a few more days.
According to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com, manager Terry Collins said he communicated to general manager Sandy Alderson that he is willing to play with a 24-man roster for a few days with Reyes unavailable in order to buy time.
Ruben Tejada started at shortstop the last two games and had a pair of hits Monday against the Dodgers.
The hamstring issue apparently hasn't hurt Reyes' free agent value. Joel Sherman reports Monday that GM Sandy Alderson is now leaning strongly toward authorizing a "substantial offer" after the season to try to retain Reyes.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Position player a priority for Theo[/h3]
7:56AM ET
[h5]Boston Red Sox [/h5]
Starting pitching has become a serious issue in Boston after the Blue Jays had their own fireworks display Monday at the expense of John Lackey, pounding the Red Sox righthander for seven runs over four innings on the 4th of July.
Lackey's elbow is a concern and Clay Buchholz has issues with his back. To make matters worse, ace Jon Lester suffered a lower lat muscle strain after four no-hit innings against the Blue Jays Tuesday night and will be re-evaluated Wednesday morning.
Could starting pitching become a trade deadline priority in Boston? GM Theo Epstein says the priority is to land a position player.
"I don't see a ton of pitching help out there unless it's the few guys who can really make an impact, who will take your farm system to get," Epstein tells Peter Gammons. "I think we could benefit from a complementary position player in the right spot."
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Mets are shopping K-Rod[/h3]
7:41AM ET
[h5]Francisco Rodriguez | Mets [/h5]
The New York Mets are enjoying a surprisingly respectable season, and remain on the fringe of the NL wild card race. But that won't prevent GM Sandy Alderson from actively turning to selling mode, and closer Francisco Rodriguez apparently is at the top of the list.
Andy Martino of the NY Daily News reports the Mets are working to sell Rodriguez as well as setup man Jason Isringhausen and lefthanded specialist Tim Byrdak.
Martino says the Mets' actions should not be viewed as a "proverbial white flag," but more of a belief that they could trade a reliever or two and remain competitive. In the meantime, Alderson hopes to build more of a foundation for the future by adding some minor league talent.
Rodriguez's case is made more complex by his 2012 contract option, which vests if he finishes 55 games, as he is on track to do. The consensus is that plenty of relief help may be available as the deadline approaches (Heath Bell, for example), so Alderson may be looking to act quickly.
Rodriguez, who has a limited no-trade clause, has said previously he would be open to a set-up role if he was traded to a contender. The chances of him landing with the Yankees seemed hypothetical a few weeks ago, but the recent triceps injury suffered by Mariano Rivera makes a trade to the Bronx more realistic.
The Rangers are known to be looking for bullpen help, and K-Rod would be a nice complement to Neftali Feliz.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Getting by without Rivera[/h3]
7:12AM ET
[h5]Mariano Rivera | Yankees [/h5]
UPDATE: Rivera was not available for a second straight game Tuesday in Cleveland. As he did Monday night, Rivera said he was "not concerned" about the injury and said that no tests were planned.
--
The Yankees were happy to have Derek Jeter back in the lineup Monday night, even if they were 14-4 in the absence of the All-Star shortstop. A more indispensible Yankee would be closer Mariano Rivera, who was not available for the series opener in Cleveland due to a sore right triceps muscle.
Manager Joe Girardi did not appear to be overly concerned with the injury, but any ailment to a 41-year-old will be treated cautiously.
Girardi said he would have used right-hander David Robertson had there been a save situation Monday. Rivera suffered his fourth blown save of the season Sunday against the Mets. The only non-Rivera save for the Yankees this season belongs to Rafael Soriano, who is currently on the DL.
Rivera's injury will undoubtedly raise speculation that the Yankees will actively pursue bullpen help as the trade deadline nears. Plenty of relief help is expected to available and, as ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney points out, the Yankees could take a more serious look at dealing with the Padres for Heath Bell or Mike Adams.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Fish to get regulars back soon?[/h3]
6:59AM ET
[h5]Florida Marlins [/h5]
While Josh Johnson's return date is unknown, it appears the Florida Marlins will get some of their regular contributors back from the disabled list fairly soon.
Right-hander Clay Hensley pitched in rookie ball Saturday and is slated to go again Friday. Once he returns, Jose Ceda may be the roster casualty. Juan C. Rodriguez tweeted Tuesday afternoon that Hensley will throw 65 pitches Friday and could join the Marlins' rotation upon his return.
Catcher John Baker, reports the Miami Herald, is slated to start throwing again this week to test his injured right elbow. There is no indication of when Baker will return but barring any setbacks it seems he could be back sometime in July. Brett Hayes continues to back up John Buck in Baker's absence.
Centerfielder Chris Coghlan (knee) is expected to start a rehab assignment later this week which could put him on track to return right after the all-star break. DeWayne Wise or Bryan Peterson is likely to be shipped out once Coghlan is ready. Wise or Peterson also could be shipped out Wednesday to make room for Mike Cameron, who was acquired Tuesday.
Detroit's top heavy lineup.
The cost of the 'Jeter Watch'.
Defensive All-Stars.
Rumors.
http://[h3]Foot injury won't sideline Longoria[/h3]
9:32AM ET
[h5]Evan Longoria | Rays [/h5]
Evan Longoria continues to be bothered by a nerve problem in his left foot, but the Rays third baseman has no plans to sit out.
"It's something I'm going to battle through and it's not going to affect playing time," Longoria tells Marc Topkin.
Longoria missed about a month earlier this season with a strained oblique and the foot injury could be a contributing factor to his current 3-for-26 slump. Utilityman Sean Rodriguez would be in line for a start or two if Longoria gets a day off.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Strasburg back by mid-September?[/h3]
9:15AM ET
[h5]Stephen Strasburg | Nationals [/h5]
The idea of Stephen Strasburg pitching for the Washington Nationals in mid-September no longer appears so farfetched.
Strasburg's rehab from Tommy John surgery continues to progress well, and the phenom threw a 30-pitch bullpen session a few days ago. Adam Kilgore writes that since Strasburg's surgery was performed Sept. 3 of last year, it's feasible he'll make a minor league start by mid-August.
A lot of things would have to go right, but that could make it possible for Strasburg to come back in mid-September.
The Nationals are hovering around .500 so a playoff run isn't likely in the offing this season. But the team has generated some buzz in the nation's capital, and a few late-season appearances by Strasburg will only add to the positive vibes.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Tracy: Tulo should avoid DL stint[/h3]
8:54AM ET
[h5]Troy Tulowitzki | Rockies [/h5]
UPDATE: While Tulowitzki did not play Tuesday, manager Jim Tracy does not believe his shortstop will be out long enough to force the Rockies to place him on the 15-day disabled list.
That should mean a few more starts at shortstop for Herrera, who manned the position Tuesday.
--
Jose Reyes is not the only All-Star shortstop dealing with a leg issue.
The Rockies' Troy Tulowitzki left Monday's 4-1 loss to the Braves after four innings when his right quadriceps tightened. Troy Renck tweeted Monday night that Tulo will miss only a few days, but the Rockies will not rush him back, especially since the All-Star break is less than a week away.
Back in 2008. Tulowitzki missed 46 games with a torn tendon in his right quad, so the Rockies would rather be in a short-term bind than lose their shortstop for the long haul. Jonathan Herrera is the likely candidate to start at shortstop in Tulo's absence.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Rough outing for Matusz[/h3]
8:42AM ET
[h5]Brian Matusz | Orioles [/h5]
UPDATE: It looks like Matusz has more work to do before returning to the major leagues. In his first start for Triple A Norfolk since his demotion, Matusz allowed four earned runs on seven hits, including two homers, and two walks over 5 2/3 innings Tuesday at Charlotte.
--
After another rough outing Thursday against St. Louis, Brian Matusz will try to work out his problems in the minor leagues, leaving an opening at the back end of the Baltimore Orioles' rotation.
Matusz (8.77 ERA) allowed a season-high eight earned runs on nine hits in 3 1/3 innings and is headed to Triple-A Norfolk. Manager Buck Showalter did not reveal who will take Matusz's place in the rotation but said the replacement will come from within the roster. Brad Bergesen, Alfredo Simon and Jason Berken could all make spot starts leading up the All-Star break.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Collins reluctant to put Reyes on DL[/h3]
8:08AM ET
[h5]Jose Reyes | Mets [/h5]
UPDATE: Reyes sat out his third straight game Tuesday and manager Terry Collins will huddle with doctors Wednesday and again discuss whether the disabled list is an option. Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com says Collins may resist a DL stint because it would force the shortstop to miss a key series against Philadelphia next weekend at Citi Field. It may be preferable to play a man down through the weekend and have Reyes eligible for that series.
--
Jose Reyes learned a tough lesson in 2009 when he tried to rush back from a hamstring issue and made things worse, ultimately needing offseason surgery. With that in mind, the Mets shortstop did not play Monday night against the Dodgers and could rest a few more days.
According to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com, manager Terry Collins said he communicated to general manager Sandy Alderson that he is willing to play with a 24-man roster for a few days with Reyes unavailable in order to buy time.
Ruben Tejada started at shortstop the last two games and had a pair of hits Monday against the Dodgers.
The hamstring issue apparently hasn't hurt Reyes' free agent value. Joel Sherman reports Monday that GM Sandy Alderson is now leaning strongly toward authorizing a "substantial offer" after the season to try to retain Reyes.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Position player a priority for Theo[/h3]
7:56AM ET
[h5]Boston Red Sox [/h5]
Starting pitching has become a serious issue in Boston after the Blue Jays had their own fireworks display Monday at the expense of John Lackey, pounding the Red Sox righthander for seven runs over four innings on the 4th of July.
Lackey's elbow is a concern and Clay Buchholz has issues with his back. To make matters worse, ace Jon Lester suffered a lower lat muscle strain after four no-hit innings against the Blue Jays Tuesday night and will be re-evaluated Wednesday morning.
Could starting pitching become a trade deadline priority in Boston? GM Theo Epstein says the priority is to land a position player.
"I don't see a ton of pitching help out there unless it's the few guys who can really make an impact, who will take your farm system to get," Epstein tells Peter Gammons. "I think we could benefit from a complementary position player in the right spot."
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Mets are shopping K-Rod[/h3]
7:41AM ET
[h5]Francisco Rodriguez | Mets [/h5]
The New York Mets are enjoying a surprisingly respectable season, and remain on the fringe of the NL wild card race. But that won't prevent GM Sandy Alderson from actively turning to selling mode, and closer Francisco Rodriguez apparently is at the top of the list.
Andy Martino of the NY Daily News reports the Mets are working to sell Rodriguez as well as setup man Jason Isringhausen and lefthanded specialist Tim Byrdak.
Martino says the Mets' actions should not be viewed as a "proverbial white flag," but more of a belief that they could trade a reliever or two and remain competitive. In the meantime, Alderson hopes to build more of a foundation for the future by adding some minor league talent.
Rodriguez's case is made more complex by his 2012 contract option, which vests if he finishes 55 games, as he is on track to do. The consensus is that plenty of relief help may be available as the deadline approaches (Heath Bell, for example), so Alderson may be looking to act quickly.
Rodriguez, who has a limited no-trade clause, has said previously he would be open to a set-up role if he was traded to a contender. The chances of him landing with the Yankees seemed hypothetical a few weeks ago, but the recent triceps injury suffered by Mariano Rivera makes a trade to the Bronx more realistic.
The Rangers are known to be looking for bullpen help, and K-Rod would be a nice complement to Neftali Feliz.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Getting by without Rivera[/h3]
7:12AM ET
[h5]Mariano Rivera | Yankees [/h5]
UPDATE: Rivera was not available for a second straight game Tuesday in Cleveland. As he did Monday night, Rivera said he was "not concerned" about the injury and said that no tests were planned.
--
The Yankees were happy to have Derek Jeter back in the lineup Monday night, even if they were 14-4 in the absence of the All-Star shortstop. A more indispensible Yankee would be closer Mariano Rivera, who was not available for the series opener in Cleveland due to a sore right triceps muscle.
Manager Joe Girardi did not appear to be overly concerned with the injury, but any ailment to a 41-year-old will be treated cautiously.
Girardi said he would have used right-hander David Robertson had there been a save situation Monday. Rivera suffered his fourth blown save of the season Sunday against the Mets. The only non-Rivera save for the Yankees this season belongs to Rafael Soriano, who is currently on the DL.
Rivera's injury will undoubtedly raise speculation that the Yankees will actively pursue bullpen help as the trade deadline nears. Plenty of relief help is expected to available and, as ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney points out, the Yankees could take a more serious look at dealing with the Padres for Heath Bell or Mike Adams.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Fish to get regulars back soon?[/h3]
6:59AM ET
[h5]Florida Marlins [/h5]
While Josh Johnson's return date is unknown, it appears the Florida Marlins will get some of their regular contributors back from the disabled list fairly soon.
Right-hander Clay Hensley pitched in rookie ball Saturday and is slated to go again Friday. Once he returns, Jose Ceda may be the roster casualty. Juan C. Rodriguez tweeted Tuesday afternoon that Hensley will throw 65 pitches Friday and could join the Marlins' rotation upon his return.
Catcher John Baker, reports the Miami Herald, is slated to start throwing again this week to test his injured right elbow. There is no indication of when Baker will return but barring any setbacks it seems he could be back sometime in July. Brett Hayes continues to back up John Buck in Baker's absence.
Centerfielder Chris Coghlan (knee) is expected to start a rehab assignment later this week which could put him on track to return right after the all-star break. DeWayne Wise or Bryan Peterson is likely to be shipped out once Coghlan is ready. Wise or Peterson also could be shipped out Wednesday to make room for Mike Cameron, who was acquired Tuesday.
Spoiler [+]
When one looks at the 2011 Detroit Tigers, one sees a team of stark extremes. Detroit possesses four of the top 25 position players in the AL by wins above replacement (WAR) in Jhonny Peralta, Miguel Cabrera, Alex Avila and Brennan Boesch. They also have the third-best pitcher in the league by WAR, Justin Verlander. Yet the Tigers are only a few games above .500 and in second place in a weak AL Central.
Looking at Detroit's starting lineup, it's striking to see the gulf between the players that are contributing and the players that aren't. With the players mentioned above and Victor Martinez's bat, the Tigers offense should rank higher than fifth in the AL in runs scored. But that is where it stands, thanks to Magglio Ordonez, Ryan Raburn, Ramon Santiago and Brandon Inge, all of whom have an OPS below .600.
Just how impressive is the size of the gulf in the lineup between the performers and the non-performers on a historical level? To examine this, I looked at every team going back to 1901 and took the eight most frequent starters for every team (nine for DH-era American Leaguers). I went with a simple measure of disparity and compared every lineup's top-four and bottom-four hitters to see which lineups in history were the most polarized. To keep things simple, I used OPS.
If the 2011 season were to end today, this season's Tigers would finish with the most polarized lineup in modern baseball history, out of 2,300 or so teams. The 322-point OPS difference between Detroit's best and worst regulars would lap everyone in history, not just 2011.
Looking at the rest of the most polarized lineups in history, perhaps being balanced and consistent from top to bottom isn't as important as it's sometimes made out to be. The rest of the top 20 teams fared pretty well, finishing with a .564 winning percentage on average. While not all the teams were good teams -- most notably the 52-win 1930 Phillies -- four of the others won 100 games, including a couple of the most famous Yankees lineups ever. Balance just isn't that important when you have MVP candidates in the middle of the order -- when people recall the 1961 Yankees, is the fact that the infield was ordinary the first thing that comes to mind?
[h4]Top 10 Most Polarized Lineups[/h4]
[th=""]Year[/th][th=""]Team[/th][th=""]Top 4 OPS[/th][th=""]Bottom 4 OPS[/th][th=""]Difference[/th]
Another question raised is one of efficiency. Do teams' lopsided lineups score runs in a less efficient manner that you'd expect from their total numbers? Using actual runs scored and Bill James' runs created formula, the 100 most polarized lineups outscored expectations by an average of eight runs a year. The 100 least polarized lineups fell short of their runs created by an average of four runs a year.
So, what does this mean for the Tigers? On one level, it makes it easier for the team to improve -- it's easier to upgrade a terrible hitter to an average hitter than upgrade an average hitter to a very good one. If general manager Dave Dombrowski is as active as he should be as we approach the trade deadline, his team's weak spots are incredibly easy to point out. While players such as Avila and Boesch are likely to decline somewhat in the second half, others, such as Ordonez and Max Scherzer, should play better.
The Cleveland Indians are one of the best stories in the league so far this season, but the Tigers are still very likely to have the last laugh. If they don't, and have yet another disappointing second half, more of the team's coaches (pitching coach Rick Knapp is already gone, booted over the holiday) may start to feel their seats getting hot. Because if they miss the playoffs, we know that a top-heavy offense is not what is holding them back.
Looking at Detroit's starting lineup, it's striking to see the gulf between the players that are contributing and the players that aren't. With the players mentioned above and Victor Martinez's bat, the Tigers offense should rank higher than fifth in the AL in runs scored. But that is where it stands, thanks to Magglio Ordonez, Ryan Raburn, Ramon Santiago and Brandon Inge, all of whom have an OPS below .600.
Just how impressive is the size of the gulf in the lineup between the performers and the non-performers on a historical level? To examine this, I looked at every team going back to 1901 and took the eight most frequent starters for every team (nine for DH-era American Leaguers). I went with a simple measure of disparity and compared every lineup's top-four and bottom-four hitters to see which lineups in history were the most polarized. To keep things simple, I used OPS.
If the 2011 season were to end today, this season's Tigers would finish with the most polarized lineup in modern baseball history, out of 2,300 or so teams. The 322-point OPS difference between Detroit's best and worst regulars would lap everyone in history, not just 2011.
Looking at the rest of the most polarized lineups in history, perhaps being balanced and consistent from top to bottom isn't as important as it's sometimes made out to be. The rest of the top 20 teams fared pretty well, finishing with a .564 winning percentage on average. While not all the teams were good teams -- most notably the 52-win 1930 Phillies -- four of the others won 100 games, including a couple of the most famous Yankees lineups ever. Balance just isn't that important when you have MVP candidates in the middle of the order -- when people recall the 1961 Yankees, is the fact that the infield was ordinary the first thing that comes to mind?
[h4]Top 10 Most Polarized Lineups[/h4]
| 2011 | Tigers | .925 | .603 | .322 |
| 1929 | Cubs | 1.044 | .723 | .321 |
| 2001 | Giants | 1.008 | .693 | .315 |
| 2004 | Cardinals | 1.043 | .728 | .315 |
| 1937 | Cardinals | .955 | .644 | .311 |
| 1930 | Phillies | .995 | .685 | .310 |
| 1927 | Yankees | 1.081 | .771 | .310 |
| 1911 | Tigers | .935 | .630 | .305 |
| 1937 | Yankees | 1.018 | .718 | .300 |
| 1996 | Mariners | 1.012 | .720 | .292 |
Another question raised is one of efficiency. Do teams' lopsided lineups score runs in a less efficient manner that you'd expect from their total numbers? Using actual runs scored and Bill James' runs created formula, the 100 most polarized lineups outscored expectations by an average of eight runs a year. The 100 least polarized lineups fell short of their runs created by an average of four runs a year.
So, what does this mean for the Tigers? On one level, it makes it easier for the team to improve -- it's easier to upgrade a terrible hitter to an average hitter than upgrade an average hitter to a very good one. If general manager Dave Dombrowski is as active as he should be as we approach the trade deadline, his team's weak spots are incredibly easy to point out. While players such as Avila and Boesch are likely to decline somewhat in the second half, others, such as Ordonez and Max Scherzer, should play better.
The Cleveland Indians are one of the best stories in the league so far this season, but the Tigers are still very likely to have the last laugh. If they don't, and have yet another disappointing second half, more of the team's coaches (pitching coach Rick Knapp is already gone, booted over the holiday) may start to feel their seats getting hot. Because if they miss the playoffs, we know that a top-heavy offense is not what is holding them back.
The cost of the 'Jeter Watch'.
Spoiler [+]
Right after Derek Jeter got hurt last month, I remember chatting with a fan at Wrigley Field who explained wistfully that she had gambled that the Yankees shortstop would get his 3,000th career hit within the ivy walls that weekend. She had bought a plane ticket and tickets hoping to witness history -- and the roulette table simply didn't turn right for her.
You wonder how many dollars are invested in this way, as players approach milestone moments -- and as fans venture an educated guess on when the big moment will come.
Remember how ticket-buying fans reacted to every bit of news about the date of the possible debut for Stephen Strasburg? The same thing is happening as Jeter draws closer to 3,000 hits -- and he now needs just four more, after collecting No. 2,995 and No. 2,996 on Tuesday night.
Chris Matcovich sent along this analysis from the website TiqIQ.com, which tracks the shifting landscape of ticket prices. As of Tuesday night at 8:30, here's how the data for ticket-buying in Yankee Stadium for the days ahead appeared:
"The Yanks start a four-game series against the Rays on Thursday in the Bronx and secondary ticket prices for the game are starting to skyrocket. Below is the price change (in average ticket price) for the four games in the series:
July 7
--June 29: $103
--July 5: $142
--Get in Price: $51
--Percent change: 39.8
July 8
--June 29: $96
--July 5: $158
--Get in Price: $49
--Percent change: 59.4
July 9
--June 29: $117
--July 5: $194
--Get in Price: $34
--Percent change: 60.7
July 10
--June 29: $112
--July 5: $177
--Get in Price: $27
--Percent change: 51.8
"As you can see right now fans are betting that Jeter will get the historic hit at the stadium on Saturday. Prices will fluctuate greatly with every hit as everyone will be betting on which game he will get the milestone. Every one of these games is above the Yankees average ticket price this season which is $92.37. As he gets closer we predict that prices will continue to rise as there will be a major premium to pay to see Jeter get to 3,000."
By the way: The win for CC Sabathia on Tuesday was the 169th of his career.
⢠The Twins won again Tuesday, their sixth win in the past seven games, and after standing at 17-37 on June 1, they are now just eight games under .500; Minnesota has drawn within seven games of first place, and keep in mind it is not chasing immortal teams. The run differentials for the AL Central, team by team:
Cleveland: +12
Detroit: -7
White Sox: -5
Minnesota: -69
Royals: -52
But this is not to say everything is going smoothly for the Twins -- Scott Baker, who has been throwing well, was pulled with elbow trouble during Tuesday's win, and Ron Gardenhire had to yank closer Matt Capps for the second straight game, La Velle Neal writes.
⢠It was a really good day for the Cardinals: After Albert Pujols was activated from the disabled list, Matt Holliday and others hammered the Reds.
⢠Bruce Bochy fired back at some of his peers for their criticism of his All-Star selections.
[h3]Dings and dents[/h3]
1. And now the Red Sox have to worry about Jon Lester, among others.
2. Justin Morneau is starting another rehab, and within the same notebook, there is word that Denard Span is starting to feel like his old self.
3. Martin Prado is set to start his rehab.
4. Mariano Rivera's elbow is still sore, writes George King.
5. Luke Scott will hope to avoid surgery.
6. The White Sox aren't willing to rush John Danks.
7. Alex Gordon was back for the Royals on Tuesday.
8. Shane Victorino had to head back to Philly for an exam on his injured hand.
9. Bronson Arroyo's latest malady is vertigo.
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. The Pirates' brass are meeting today to discuss their handling of the trade deadline -- and it's all good.
2. The Dodgers are a mess and there's nothing Ned Colletti can do about it, writes Bill Plaschke.
A rival executive on the team's situation with Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier: "Even if they're ever in a position to re-sign those guys, they've now waited so long that they'll have to overpay to keep them, by tens of millions of dollars." Kemp and Ethier are eligible for free agency in the fall of 2012.
3. Travis Snider had an impressive return to the Jays.
4. Victorino's injury means John Mayberry is back for Philly.
5. The Marlins are priming another arm for the rotation.
6. The Mets are shopping K-Rod, as Andy Martino writes.
[h3]Tuesday's games[/h3]
1. You can't stop the Pirates, you can only hope to contain them: Pittsburgh is in second place after another strong outing from Jeff Karstens.
2. Jason Bay and Carlos Beltran powered the Mets to a win.
3. Dan Haren had a dominant outing.
4. Freddie Freeman and the Braves are rolling.
5. The Padres are playing against the Giants with a lot of swagger, writes Henry Schulman.
6. The Yanks won, Jeter got closer to 3,000 hits, and he could now get a night off.
7. A close call hurt the Rays.
8. Replays showed the Jays were right to be upset about the way they lost in Boston.
9. The Orioles got a promising start from Mitch Atkins, but had their guts ripped out against the Rangers.
10. Jake Peavy got beat by the bottom of the Royals' lineup.
11. Tuesday's loss in Washington has people wondering whether the Cubs are eliminated from the playoffs -- on July 6.
12. Carlos Carrasco couldn't duplicate his previous effort against the Yankees.
13. The Royals saw a massive drought end when they beat the Sox.
14. The King was The Man for Seattle, but didn't get a win, as the M's won in extras. And Dustin Ackley continues to shine for Seattle, showing more power than some assumed.
15. The Padres put together a rare rally against Matt Cain and beat the Giants.
16. The A's wasted a rally of their own.
17. The Phillies are glad to know they had Tuesday's kind of outburst in them.
18. Randy Wolf got rocked, and suddenly the Brewers are in third place.
19. After their loss to the Cardinals, Brandon Phillips said the Reds are "playing terrible ball."
You wonder how many dollars are invested in this way, as players approach milestone moments -- and as fans venture an educated guess on when the big moment will come.
Remember how ticket-buying fans reacted to every bit of news about the date of the possible debut for Stephen Strasburg? The same thing is happening as Jeter draws closer to 3,000 hits -- and he now needs just four more, after collecting No. 2,995 and No. 2,996 on Tuesday night.
Chris Matcovich sent along this analysis from the website TiqIQ.com, which tracks the shifting landscape of ticket prices. As of Tuesday night at 8:30, here's how the data for ticket-buying in Yankee Stadium for the days ahead appeared:
"The Yanks start a four-game series against the Rays on Thursday in the Bronx and secondary ticket prices for the game are starting to skyrocket. Below is the price change (in average ticket price) for the four games in the series:
July 7
--June 29: $103
--July 5: $142
--Get in Price: $51
--Percent change: 39.8
July 8
--June 29: $96
--July 5: $158
--Get in Price: $49
--Percent change: 59.4
July 9
--June 29: $117
--July 5: $194
--Get in Price: $34
--Percent change: 60.7
July 10
--June 29: $112
--July 5: $177
--Get in Price: $27
--Percent change: 51.8
"As you can see right now fans are betting that Jeter will get the historic hit at the stadium on Saturday. Prices will fluctuate greatly with every hit as everyone will be betting on which game he will get the milestone. Every one of these games is above the Yankees average ticket price this season which is $92.37. As he gets closer we predict that prices will continue to rise as there will be a major premium to pay to see Jeter get to 3,000."
By the way: The win for CC Sabathia on Tuesday was the 169th of his career.
⢠The Twins won again Tuesday, their sixth win in the past seven games, and after standing at 17-37 on June 1, they are now just eight games under .500; Minnesota has drawn within seven games of first place, and keep in mind it is not chasing immortal teams. The run differentials for the AL Central, team by team:
Cleveland: +12
Detroit: -7
White Sox: -5
Minnesota: -69
Royals: -52
But this is not to say everything is going smoothly for the Twins -- Scott Baker, who has been throwing well, was pulled with elbow trouble during Tuesday's win, and Ron Gardenhire had to yank closer Matt Capps for the second straight game, La Velle Neal writes.
⢠It was a really good day for the Cardinals: After Albert Pujols was activated from the disabled list, Matt Holliday and others hammered the Reds.
⢠Bruce Bochy fired back at some of his peers for their criticism of his All-Star selections.
[h3]Dings and dents[/h3]
1. And now the Red Sox have to worry about Jon Lester, among others.
2. Justin Morneau is starting another rehab, and within the same notebook, there is word that Denard Span is starting to feel like his old self.
3. Martin Prado is set to start his rehab.
4. Mariano Rivera's elbow is still sore, writes George King.
5. Luke Scott will hope to avoid surgery.
6. The White Sox aren't willing to rush John Danks.
7. Alex Gordon was back for the Royals on Tuesday.
8. Shane Victorino had to head back to Philly for an exam on his injured hand.
9. Bronson Arroyo's latest malady is vertigo.
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. The Pirates' brass are meeting today to discuss their handling of the trade deadline -- and it's all good.
2. The Dodgers are a mess and there's nothing Ned Colletti can do about it, writes Bill Plaschke.
A rival executive on the team's situation with Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier: "Even if they're ever in a position to re-sign those guys, they've now waited so long that they'll have to overpay to keep them, by tens of millions of dollars." Kemp and Ethier are eligible for free agency in the fall of 2012.
3. Travis Snider had an impressive return to the Jays.
4. Victorino's injury means John Mayberry is back for Philly.
5. The Marlins are priming another arm for the rotation.
6. The Mets are shopping K-Rod, as Andy Martino writes.
[h3]Tuesday's games[/h3]
1. You can't stop the Pirates, you can only hope to contain them: Pittsburgh is in second place after another strong outing from Jeff Karstens.
2. Jason Bay and Carlos Beltran powered the Mets to a win.
3. Dan Haren had a dominant outing.
4. Freddie Freeman and the Braves are rolling.
5. The Padres are playing against the Giants with a lot of swagger, writes Henry Schulman.
6. The Yanks won, Jeter got closer to 3,000 hits, and he could now get a night off.
7. A close call hurt the Rays.
8. Replays showed the Jays were right to be upset about the way they lost in Boston.
9. The Orioles got a promising start from Mitch Atkins, but had their guts ripped out against the Rangers.
10. Jake Peavy got beat by the bottom of the Royals' lineup.
11. Tuesday's loss in Washington has people wondering whether the Cubs are eliminated from the playoffs -- on July 6.
12. Carlos Carrasco couldn't duplicate his previous effort against the Yankees.
13. The Royals saw a massive drought end when they beat the Sox.
14. The King was The Man for Seattle, but didn't get a win, as the M's won in extras. And Dustin Ackley continues to shine for Seattle, showing more power than some assumed.
15. The Padres put together a rare rally against Matt Cain and beat the Giants.
16. The A's wasted a rally of their own.
17. The Phillies are glad to know they had Tuesday's kind of outburst in them.
18. Randy Wolf got rocked, and suddenly the Brewers are in third place.
19. After their loss to the Cardinals, Brandon Phillips said the Reds are "playing terrible ball."
Defensive All-Stars.
Spoiler [+]
With the season reaching its midpoint, let's take a look at the first-half defensive All-Stars, according to Baseball Info Solutions' defensive runs saved metric. In Volume II of the Fielding Bible, John Dewan outlined the Baseball Info Solutions process for estimating how many runs each fielder saved or cost his team.
Defensive runs saved (or runs saved for short) measures eight different aspects of defensive play, including range on grounders and fly balls, outfielders' skill at preventing runners from taking extra bases and infielders' agility on bunts and double plays. By measuring each play's impact on the offense's run scoring, we can put a number on every fielder's defensive value.
We can also consult Baseball Info Solutions' good fielding plays and defensive misplays (DM) records as another method of evaluating fielders. Good fielding plays (GFP) are Web Gem-like plays tracked by Baseball Info Solutions' legion of video scouts. Defensive misplays are anti-Web Gems, plays where the fielder did something identifiably wrong but was not otherwise scored as an error. The 55 categories of defensive misplays include failing to cover a base, missing the cutoff man and losing the ball in the sun or lights.
Using this information, let's go position by position to determine the midseason defensive All-Star team:
[h3]Pitcher: Mark Buehrle (5 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- James Shields (4 runs saved)
No star -- Edwin Jackson (minus-5 runs saved)
A two-time Fielding Bible Award winner, Buehrle is no surprise here. In addition to fielding his position well, Buehrle absolutely shuts down the running game. Out of the seven baserunners foolish enough to attempt a stolen base against Buehrle this season, only two have made it safely. Right-hander James Shields gets an honorable mention thanks to eight pickoffs and zero stolen bases allowed this season.
[h3]Catcher: Matt Wieters (9 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Lou Marson (5 runs saved)
No star -- Jonathan Lucroy (minus-5 runs saved)
Wieters may not have lived up to lofty expectations as a hitter, but he's been as good as or better than expected behind the dish. Wieters has thrown out 19 baserunners (in 47 stolen base attempts) already this season, most in MLB. Lou Marson has thrown out 14 baserunners in just 29 attempts playing part time for Cleveland. Jonathan Lucroy occupies the other end of the spectrum, gunning down just four of 45 basestealers.
[h3]First base: Todd Helton (1 run saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Adam LaRoche (2 runs saved)
No star -- Ryan Howard (minus-12 runs saved), Miguel Cabrera (minus-10 runs saved)
No first baseman has stood out this year, but Todd Helton has been as consistent as they come, rating above average each of the past five seasons. He's also contributed 26 good fielding plays against just two defensive misplays, a spectacular ratio. Adam LaRoche has been a tremendous upgrade for Washington, though that says more about his predecessor (Adam Dunn) than LaRoche's particular strengths.
[h3]Second base: Ben Zobrist (9 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Dustin Pedroia (5 runs saved), Ian Kinsler (5 runs saved)
No star -- Bill Hall (minus-9 runs saved)
Ben Zobrist played six different positions last year (and played them well), but he has spent the majority of his time at second base in 2011, anchoring the league's best defense. Houston's Bill Hall rated as the league's worst second baseman in the first half, and his lack of production at the plate makes his recent release a no-brainer.
[h3]Third base: Adrian Beltre (6 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Alex Rodriguez (6 runs saved), Jayson Nix (7 runs saved)
No star -- Mark Reynolds (minus-24 runs saved)
Adrian Beltre hasn't hit for a high batting average after signing with Texas, but the two-time Fielding Bible Award winner has been as good as advertised defensively, replacing the shaky Michael Young in the field. Mark Reynolds has somewhat rebounded from a poor offensive start, but he's still bleeding runs in the field, costing the Orioles more than two wins defensively alone.
[h3]Shortstop: Troy Tulowitzki (12 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Alex Gonzalez (12 runs saved), Alcides Escobar (10 runs saved)
No star -- Ryan Theriot (minus-15 runs saved)
Tulowitzki, the defending Fielding Bible Award winner, sits atop a highly competitive field as the league's best defensive player at the toughest position on the diamond. Alex Gonzalez and Alcides Escobar are right on his heels, however. Ryan Theriot has been a slight offensive upgrade over Brendan Ryan at the plate, but the difference in the field (Brendan's plus-9 runs saved versus Theriot's minus-15) gives the overall edge to the Mariners' new shortstop.
[h3]Left field: Brett Gardner (15 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Gerardo Parra (15 runs saved)
No star -- Raul Ibanez (minus-8 runs saved)
Gerardo Parra and last year's Fielding Bible Award winner Brett Gardner have been neck-and-neck all season on the runs saved leaderboard, but we'll give the edge to the Yankees outfielder here due to slightly better good fielding plays numbers (20 GFP against 8 defensive misplays, compared to Parra's 16 and 10, respectively).
[h3]Center field: Peter Bourjos (15 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Carlos Gomez (16 runs saved)
No star -- Adam Jones (minus-7 runs saved)
Bourjos took the league by storm with 15 runs saved after his debut in early August last year, and he's followed it up with another 15 so far this year. Gomez has also been spectacular in center field, though he hasn't hit well enough to keep the starting job. As we did with the left fielders, we checked their good fielding plays and defensive misplays records to break the tie, which goes to the Angels' center fielder (Bourjos' 18 GFP and 7 DM against Gomez's 18 and 13, respectively).
[h3]Right field: Torii Hunter (12 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Mike Stanton (11 runs saved)
No star -- Lance Berkman (minus-6 runs saved)
Another Angel in the outfield. Torii Hunter has adapted well during his first full season in right, leading all right fielders with 12 runs saved. With Bourjos, Hunter and Vernon Wells, the Angels have saved an estimated 26 runs as the league's best defensive outfield. Mike Stanton has followed up an excellent rookie campaign defensively with another very good half-season as the Marlins' right fielder.
Defensive runs saved (or runs saved for short) measures eight different aspects of defensive play, including range on grounders and fly balls, outfielders' skill at preventing runners from taking extra bases and infielders' agility on bunts and double plays. By measuring each play's impact on the offense's run scoring, we can put a number on every fielder's defensive value.
We can also consult Baseball Info Solutions' good fielding plays and defensive misplays (DM) records as another method of evaluating fielders. Good fielding plays (GFP) are Web Gem-like plays tracked by Baseball Info Solutions' legion of video scouts. Defensive misplays are anti-Web Gems, plays where the fielder did something identifiably wrong but was not otherwise scored as an error. The 55 categories of defensive misplays include failing to cover a base, missing the cutoff man and losing the ball in the sun or lights.
Using this information, let's go position by position to determine the midseason defensive All-Star team:
[h3]Pitcher: Mark Buehrle (5 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- James Shields (4 runs saved)
No star -- Edwin Jackson (minus-5 runs saved)
A two-time Fielding Bible Award winner, Buehrle is no surprise here. In addition to fielding his position well, Buehrle absolutely shuts down the running game. Out of the seven baserunners foolish enough to attempt a stolen base against Buehrle this season, only two have made it safely. Right-hander James Shields gets an honorable mention thanks to eight pickoffs and zero stolen bases allowed this season.
[h3]Catcher: Matt Wieters (9 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Lou Marson (5 runs saved)
No star -- Jonathan Lucroy (minus-5 runs saved)
Wieters may not have lived up to lofty expectations as a hitter, but he's been as good as or better than expected behind the dish. Wieters has thrown out 19 baserunners (in 47 stolen base attempts) already this season, most in MLB. Lou Marson has thrown out 14 baserunners in just 29 attempts playing part time for Cleveland. Jonathan Lucroy occupies the other end of the spectrum, gunning down just four of 45 basestealers.
[h3]First base: Todd Helton (1 run saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Adam LaRoche (2 runs saved)
No star -- Ryan Howard (minus-12 runs saved), Miguel Cabrera (minus-10 runs saved)
No first baseman has stood out this year, but Todd Helton has been as consistent as they come, rating above average each of the past five seasons. He's also contributed 26 good fielding plays against just two defensive misplays, a spectacular ratio. Adam LaRoche has been a tremendous upgrade for Washington, though that says more about his predecessor (Adam Dunn) than LaRoche's particular strengths.
[h3]Second base: Ben Zobrist (9 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Dustin Pedroia (5 runs saved), Ian Kinsler (5 runs saved)
No star -- Bill Hall (minus-9 runs saved)
Ben Zobrist played six different positions last year (and played them well), but he has spent the majority of his time at second base in 2011, anchoring the league's best defense. Houston's Bill Hall rated as the league's worst second baseman in the first half, and his lack of production at the plate makes his recent release a no-brainer.
[h3]Third base: Adrian Beltre (6 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Alex Rodriguez (6 runs saved), Jayson Nix (7 runs saved)
No star -- Mark Reynolds (minus-24 runs saved)
Adrian Beltre hasn't hit for a high batting average after signing with Texas, but the two-time Fielding Bible Award winner has been as good as advertised defensively, replacing the shaky Michael Young in the field. Mark Reynolds has somewhat rebounded from a poor offensive start, but he's still bleeding runs in the field, costing the Orioles more than two wins defensively alone.
[h3]Shortstop: Troy Tulowitzki (12 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Alex Gonzalez (12 runs saved), Alcides Escobar (10 runs saved)
No star -- Ryan Theriot (minus-15 runs saved)
Tulowitzki, the defending Fielding Bible Award winner, sits atop a highly competitive field as the league's best defensive player at the toughest position on the diamond. Alex Gonzalez and Alcides Escobar are right on his heels, however. Ryan Theriot has been a slight offensive upgrade over Brendan Ryan at the plate, but the difference in the field (Brendan's plus-9 runs saved versus Theriot's minus-15) gives the overall edge to the Mariners' new shortstop.
[h3]Left field: Brett Gardner (15 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Gerardo Parra (15 runs saved)
No star -- Raul Ibanez (minus-8 runs saved)
Gerardo Parra and last year's Fielding Bible Award winner Brett Gardner have been neck-and-neck all season on the runs saved leaderboard, but we'll give the edge to the Yankees outfielder here due to slightly better good fielding plays numbers (20 GFP against 8 defensive misplays, compared to Parra's 16 and 10, respectively).
[h3]Center field: Peter Bourjos (15 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Carlos Gomez (16 runs saved)
No star -- Adam Jones (minus-7 runs saved)
Bourjos took the league by storm with 15 runs saved after his debut in early August last year, and he's followed it up with another 15 so far this year. Gomez has also been spectacular in center field, though he hasn't hit well enough to keep the starting job. As we did with the left fielders, we checked their good fielding plays and defensive misplays records to break the tie, which goes to the Angels' center fielder (Bourjos' 18 GFP and 7 DM against Gomez's 18 and 13, respectively).
[h3]Right field: Torii Hunter (12 runs saved)[/h3]
Honorable mention -- Mike Stanton (11 runs saved)
No star -- Lance Berkman (minus-6 runs saved)
Another Angel in the outfield. Torii Hunter has adapted well during his first full season in right, leading all right fielders with 12 runs saved. With Bourjos, Hunter and Vernon Wells, the Angels have saved an estimated 26 runs as the league's best defensive outfield. Mike Stanton has followed up an excellent rookie campaign defensively with another very good half-season as the Marlins' right fielder.
Rumors.
Spoiler [+]
http://[h3]Hensley to the rotation?[/h3]
10:43AM ET
[h5]Clay Hensley | Marlins [/h5]
The black hole at the back end of the Florida Marlins' rotation could end up being filled by reliever Clay Hensley.
Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald writes that Hensley won't be returning to the bullpen when he's activated from the disabled list shortly after the All-Star break. The Marlins instead are building up Hensley's arm strength as a precursor to possibly inserting him into the starting rotation.
Hensley made 29 starts for the Padres in 2006 and nine more in 2007.
With ace Josh Johnson sidelined, perhaps for the season, the Fish have tried several options at fifth starter, including Brad Hand, who will get another start Thursday.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Would Ludwick be a fit at Fenway?[/h3]
10:28AM ET
[h5]Ryan Ludwick | Padres [/h5]
We mentioned recently how some improved production by http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5036/ryan-ludwickRyan Ludwick could be his ticket out of San Diego.
After hitting just .211 for the Padres in the second half of 2010, Ludwick is now a legitimate middle-of-the-order threat with 52 RBI. Tim Sullivan of the Union Tribune wrote that Ludwick has revitalized his value and could be the team's most valuable bargaining chip this side of http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6084/heath-bellHeath Bell.
Ludwick, who leads the National League with eight outfield assists, is a free agent after his this season, so the cost would be a prorated portion of a $6.8 million deal. Ludwick's name has been connected to the Reds, Phillies and Mariners.
How about the Red Sox? Boston GM Theo Epstein wants to add a position player and Ludwick would be a nice fit in right field as a complement to J.D. Drew.
Epstein would have no problem dealing with his Padres GM Jed Hoyer, his good friend and former assistant. After all, the two worked out a blockbuster deal for Adrian Gonzalez last winter.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Victorino to DL?[/h3]
10:13AM ET
[h5]Shane Victorino | Phillies [/h5]
The swollen thumb that has kept center fielder Shane Victorino out of the last two games could end up being a cause for concern in Philadelphia.
MLB.com's Todd Zolecki says Victorino left the team Tuesday to fly to Philadelphia for an appointment with a hand specialist. As of now, the Phillies are saying it is a Grade I strain, which is considered a milder injury.
Victorino's replacement in center could be John Mayberry Jr, who was recalled Tuesday from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. But manager Charlie Manuel started Michael Martinez in center field over Mayberry on Tuesday against the Marlins because he preferred the switch-hitting Martinez against Florida right-hander Chris Volstad.
Ben Francisco also has some experience in center field if necessary.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Dodgers stuck in neutral[/h3]
9:51AM ET
[h5]Los Angeles Dodgers [/h5]
With the trade deadline less than a month away, the protracted legal battle between Frank McCourt and Major League Baseball has left the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/lad/los-angeles-dodgersLos Angeles Dodgers in a holding pattern.
Forget any chance of working out long-term deals with core players such as Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp or Clayton Kershaw in the near future. Bill Plaschke of the LA Times writes Wednesday that there is nothing GM Ned Colletti can do as July 31 draws near. "Neither buyers nor sellers, they are squatters," Plaschke writes.
Jon Paul Morosi of FoxSports.com reported last week that a lot of teams have expressed interest in righthander http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28950/hiroki-kurodaHiroki Kuroda. Kuroda, however, has a partial no-trade clause and may be kept since the team already is pitching-thin.
In Wednesday's blog, our Buster Olney writes that the Dodgers' inactivity could be costly:
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
Dark clouds at Chavez Ravine
10:43AM ET
[h5]Clay Hensley | Marlins [/h5]
The black hole at the back end of the Florida Marlins' rotation could end up being filled by reliever Clay Hensley.
Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald writes that Hensley won't be returning to the bullpen when he's activated from the disabled list shortly after the All-Star break. The Marlins instead are building up Hensley's arm strength as a precursor to possibly inserting him into the starting rotation.
Hensley made 29 starts for the Padres in 2006 and nine more in 2007.
With ace Josh Johnson sidelined, perhaps for the season, the Fish have tried several options at fifth starter, including Brad Hand, who will get another start Thursday.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Would Ludwick be a fit at Fenway?[/h3]
10:28AM ET
[h5]Ryan Ludwick | Padres [/h5]
We mentioned recently how some improved production by http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5036/ryan-ludwickRyan Ludwick could be his ticket out of San Diego.
After hitting just .211 for the Padres in the second half of 2010, Ludwick is now a legitimate middle-of-the-order threat with 52 RBI. Tim Sullivan of the Union Tribune wrote that Ludwick has revitalized his value and could be the team's most valuable bargaining chip this side of http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6084/heath-bellHeath Bell.
Ludwick, who leads the National League with eight outfield assists, is a free agent after his this season, so the cost would be a prorated portion of a $6.8 million deal. Ludwick's name has been connected to the Reds, Phillies and Mariners.
How about the Red Sox? Boston GM Theo Epstein wants to add a position player and Ludwick would be a nice fit in right field as a complement to J.D. Drew.
Epstein would have no problem dealing with his Padres GM Jed Hoyer, his good friend and former assistant. After all, the two worked out a blockbuster deal for Adrian Gonzalez last winter.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Victorino to DL?[/h3]
10:13AM ET
[h5]Shane Victorino | Phillies [/h5]
The swollen thumb that has kept center fielder Shane Victorino out of the last two games could end up being a cause for concern in Philadelphia.
MLB.com's Todd Zolecki says Victorino left the team Tuesday to fly to Philadelphia for an appointment with a hand specialist. As of now, the Phillies are saying it is a Grade I strain, which is considered a milder injury.
Victorino's replacement in center could be John Mayberry Jr, who was recalled Tuesday from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. But manager Charlie Manuel started Michael Martinez in center field over Mayberry on Tuesday against the Marlins because he preferred the switch-hitting Martinez against Florida right-hander Chris Volstad.
Ben Francisco also has some experience in center field if necessary.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Dodgers stuck in neutral[/h3]
9:51AM ET
[h5]Los Angeles Dodgers [/h5]
With the trade deadline less than a month away, the protracted legal battle between Frank McCourt and Major League Baseball has left the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/lad/los-angeles-dodgersLos Angeles Dodgers in a holding pattern.
Forget any chance of working out long-term deals with core players such as Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp or Clayton Kershaw in the near future. Bill Plaschke of the LA Times writes Wednesday that there is nothing GM Ned Colletti can do as July 31 draws near. "Neither buyers nor sellers, they are squatters," Plaschke writes.
Jon Paul Morosi of FoxSports.com reported last week that a lot of teams have expressed interest in righthander http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28950/hiroki-kurodaHiroki Kuroda. Kuroda, however, has a partial no-trade clause and may be kept since the team already is pitching-thin.
In Wednesday's blog, our Buster Olney writes that the Dodgers' inactivity could be costly:
- Doug Mittler
Dark clouds at Chavez Ravine
9:32AM ET
[h5]Evan Longoria | Rays [/h5]
Evan Longoria continues to be bothered by a nerve problem in his left foot, but the Rays third baseman has no plans to sit out.
"It's something I'm going to battle through and it's not going to affect playing time," Longoria tells Marc Topkin.
Longoria missed about a month earlier this season with a strained oblique and the foot injury could be a contributing factor to his current 3-for-26 slump. Utilityman Sean Rodriguez would be in line for a start or two if Longoria gets a day off.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Strasburg back by mid-September?[/h3]
9:15AM ET
[h5]Stephen Strasburg | Nationals [/h5]
The idea of Stephen Strasburg pitching for the Washington Nationals in mid-September no longer appears so farfetched.
Strasburg's rehab from Tommy John surgery continues to progress well, and the phenom threw a 30-pitch bullpen session a few days ago. Adam Kilgore writes that since Strasburg's surgery was performed Sept. 3 of last year, it's feasible he'll make a minor league start by mid-August.
A lot of things would have to go right, but that could make it possible for Strasburg to come back in mid-September.
The Nationals are hovering around .500 so a playoff run isn't likely in the offing this season. But the team has generated some buzz in the nation's capital, and a few late-season appearances by Strasburg will only add to the positive vibes.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Tracy: Tulo should avoid DL stint[/h3]
8:54AM ET
[h5]Troy Tulowitzki | Rockies [/h5]
UPDATE: While Tulowitzki did not play Tuesday, manager Jim Tracy does not believe his shortstop will be out long enough to force the Rockies to place him on the 15-day disabled list.
That should mean a few more starts at shortstop for Herrera, who manned the position Tuesday.
--
Jose Reyes is not the only All-Star shortstop dealing with a leg issue.
The Rockies' Troy Tulowitzki left Monday's 4-1 loss to the Braves after four innings when his right quadriceps tightened. Troy Renck tweeted Monday night that Tulo will miss only a few days, but the Rockies will not rush him back, especially since the All-Star break is less than a week away.
Back in 2008. Tulowitzki missed 46 games with a torn tendon in his right quad, so the Rockies would rather be in a short-term bind than lose their shortstop for the long haul. Jonathan Herrera is the likely candidate to start at shortstop in Tulo's absence.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Rough outing for Matusz[/h3]
8:42AM ET
[h5]Brian Matusz | Orioles [/h5]
UPDATE: It looks like Matusz has more work to do before returning to the major leagues. In his first start for Triple A Norfolk since his demotion, Matusz allowed four earned runs on seven hits, including two homers, and two walks over 5 2/3 innings Tuesday at Charlotte.
--
After another rough outing Thursday against St. Louis, Brian Matusz will try to work out his problems in the minor leagues, leaving an opening at the back end of the Baltimore Orioles' rotation.
Matusz (8.77 ERA) allowed a season-high eight earned runs on nine hits in 3 1/3 innings and is headed to Triple-A Norfolk. Manager Buck Showalter did not reveal who will take Matusz's place in the rotation but said the replacement will come from within the roster. Brad Bergesen, Alfredo Simon and Jason Berken could all make spot starts leading up the All-Star break.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Collins reluctant to put Reyes on DL[/h3]
8:08AM ET
[h5]Jose Reyes | Mets [/h5]
UPDATE: Reyes sat out his third straight game Tuesday and manager Terry Collins will huddle with doctors Wednesday and again discuss whether the disabled list is an option. Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com says Collins may resist a DL stint because it would force the shortstop to miss a key series against Philadelphia next weekend at Citi Field. It may be preferable to play a man down through the weekend and have Reyes eligible for that series.
--
Jose Reyes learned a tough lesson in 2009 when he tried to rush back from a hamstring issue and made things worse, ultimately needing offseason surgery. With that in mind, the Mets shortstop did not play Monday night against the Dodgers and could rest a few more days.
According to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com, manager Terry Collins said he communicated to general manager Sandy Alderson that he is willing to play with a 24-man roster for a few days with Reyes unavailable in order to buy time.
Ruben Tejada started at shortstop the last two games and had a pair of hits Monday against the Dodgers.
The hamstring issue apparently hasn't hurt Reyes' free agent value. Joel Sherman reports Monday that GM Sandy Alderson is now leaning strongly toward authorizing a "substantial offer" after the season to try to retain Reyes.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Position player a priority for Theo[/h3]
7:56AM ET
[h5]Boston Red Sox [/h5]
Starting pitching has become a serious issue in Boston after the Blue Jays had their own fireworks display Monday at the expense of John Lackey, pounding the Red Sox righthander for seven runs over four innings on the 4th of July.
Lackey's elbow is a concern and Clay Buchholz has issues with his back. To make matters worse, ace Jon Lester suffered a lower lat muscle strain after four no-hit innings against the Blue Jays Tuesday night and will be re-evaluated Wednesday morning.
Could starting pitching become a trade deadline priority in Boston? GM Theo Epstein says the priority is to land a position player.
"I don't see a ton of pitching help out there unless it's the few guys who can really make an impact, who will take your farm system to get," Epstein tells Peter Gammons. "I think we could benefit from a complementary position player in the right spot."
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Mets are shopping K-Rod[/h3]
7:41AM ET
[h5]Francisco Rodriguez | Mets [/h5]
The New York Mets are enjoying a surprisingly respectable season, and remain on the fringe of the NL wild card race. But that won't prevent GM Sandy Alderson from actively turning to selling mode, and closer Francisco Rodriguez apparently is at the top of the list.
Andy Martino of the NY Daily News reports the Mets are working to sell Rodriguez as well as setup man Jason Isringhausen and lefthanded specialist Tim Byrdak.
Martino says the Mets' actions should not be viewed as a "proverbial white flag," but more of a belief that they could trade a reliever or two and remain competitive. In the meantime, Alderson hopes to build more of a foundation for the future by adding some minor league talent.
Rodriguez's case is made more complex by his 2012 contract option, which vests if he finishes 55 games, as he is on track to do. The consensus is that plenty of relief help may be available as the deadline approaches (Heath Bell, for example), so Alderson may be looking to act quickly.
Rodriguez, who has a limited no-trade clause, has said previously he would be open to a set-up role if he was traded to a contender. The chances of him landing with the Yankees seemed hypothetical a few weeks ago, but the recent triceps injury suffered by Mariano Rivera makes a trade to the Bronx more realistic.
The Rangers are known to be looking for bullpen help, and K-Rod would be a nice complement to Neftali Feliz.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Getting by without Rivera[/h3]
7:12AM ET
[h5]Mariano Rivera | Yankees [/h5]
UPDATE: Rivera was not available for a second straight game Tuesday in Cleveland. As he did Monday night, Rivera said he was "not concerned" about the injury and said that no tests were planned.
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The Yankees were happy to have Derek Jeter back in the lineup Monday night, even if they were 14-4 in the absence of the All-Star shortstop. A more indispensible Yankee would be closer Mariano Rivera, who was not available for the series opener in Cleveland due to a sore right triceps muscle.
Manager Joe Girardi did not appear to be overly concerned with the injury, but any ailment to a 41-year-old will be treated cautiously.
Girardi said he would have used right-hander David Robertson had there been a save situation Monday. Rivera suffered his fourth blown save of the season Sunday against the Mets. The only non-Rivera save for the Yankees this season belongs to Rafael Soriano, who is currently on the DL.
Rivera's injury will undoubtedly raise speculation that the Yankees will actively pursue bullpen help as the trade deadline nears. Plenty of relief help is expected to available and, as ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney points out, the Yankees could take a more serious look at dealing with the Padres for Heath Bell or Mike Adams.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Fish to get regulars back soon?[/h3]
6:59AM ET
[h5]Florida Marlins [/h5]
While Josh Johnson's return date is unknown, it appears the Florida Marlins will get some of their regular contributors back from the disabled list fairly soon.
Right-hander Clay Hensley pitched in rookie ball Saturday and is slated to go again Friday. Once he returns, Jose Ceda may be the roster casualty. Juan C. Rodriguez tweeted Tuesday afternoon that Hensley will throw 65 pitches Friday and could join the Marlins' rotation upon his return.
Catcher John Baker, reports the Miami Herald, is slated to start throwing again this week to test his injured right elbow. There is no indication of when Baker will return but barring any setbacks it seems he could be back sometime in July. Brett Hayes continues to back up John Buck in Baker's absence.
Centerfielder Chris Coghlan (knee) is expected to start a rehab assignment later this week which could put him on track to return right after the all-star break. DeWayne Wise or Bryan Peterson is likely to be shipped out once Coghlan is ready. Wise or Peterson also could be shipped out Wednesday to make room for Mike Cameron, who was acquired Tuesday.
- 58,750
- 30,152
Even if he is healthy, does putting Strasburg out there in September even make sense? I'd take the better be extra safe than sorry approach with this one.
- 58,750
- 30,152
Even if he is healthy, does putting Strasburg out there in September even make sense? I'd take the better be extra safe than sorry approach with this one.
- 25,293
- 13,349
No No No No... Leave that kid alone and bring him back ready and 100% next year.
- 25,293
- 13,349
No No No No... Leave that kid alone and bring him back ready and 100% next year.
- 4,857
- 14
charlie loses another game for the phils.
maybe they will let him go after the phils don't win the world series this year
maybe they will let him go after the phils don't win the world series this year
- 4,857
- 14
charlie loses another game for the phils.
maybe they will let him go after the phils don't win the world series this year
maybe they will let him go after the phils don't win the world series this year
- Status
