MLB 2009 and beyond....

[SoxCards09]

Hello everyone, I am new to the game and have been playing for about a month. My friend gave me a copy of OOTP 9 and I love it. I started with the 2008 season with the Phillies beating the Indians in the World Series in 7 games. Right now, I've played a month of 2009. I will probably switch over to OOTP X when I start the 2010 season. I am controlling all the teams for now with the financials off, but am trying to keep the rosters somewhat realistic.

I am planning to expand my league in 2012 with teams in Las Vegas and San Antonio, at that time I will control only the team in Las Vegas.

For some reason, my screenshots aren't showing up! I'll try to fix this and post leaderboards.

Problem solved! Here are my leaderboards with a month played in 2009. The Indians are playing great ball right now, contrary to what they're doing IRL. They picked up Ken Griffey Jr. at the trade deadline in '08 and he's on fire for them right now. They also signed Pat Burrell from the Phillies after the '08 season. Victor Martinez isn't doing so hot, he's barely hitting .200. Every one else in the starting lineup is hitting .300 or close to it. Their starting pitching is great, Byrd and Westbrook are out until mid-June, but they signed Pedro Martinez and he's pitching like the Pedro of old.

In the NL, the Dodgers have the best record at 17-6 and they don't even have Manny, he's on the D-Backs.

[SoxCards09]

I've got a good weekend series coming up between the 1st place Indians and the 1st place A's.

Friday May 1, 2009

Cleveland (17-6) vs. Oakland (15-8)

Starting lineups

Cleveland: Sizemore CF, Burrell LF, Peralta SS, Griffey RF, Hafner DH, Cabrera 2B, Garko 1B, DeRosa 3B, V.Martinez C, P. Martinez SP

Oakland: Gonzalez CF, Kennedy 2B, Giambi 1B, Holliday LF, Cust RF, Chavez 3B, Garciaparra DH, Powell C, Cabrera SS, Anderson SP.

Cleveland's bats continue to terrorize American League pitching. Jhonny Peralta and Ryan Garko connected for 2 home runs each and Asdrubal Cabrera hit a grand slam as the Tribe pounded out 11 runs on 16 hits as they topped the Oakland A's 11-3. Pedro Martinez came within one strike of a shutout, but allowed a 3 run HR to Nomar Garciaparra on a 2-2 pitch in the bottom of the 9th.

Cleveland 11
Oakland 3

W: Pedro Martinez (3-0) L: Brett Anderson (1-2)

HR: CLE-Garko 2 (2), Griffey (6), Cabrera (2), Peralta 2 (8) OAK-Garciaparra (2)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday May 2, 2009

Cleveland (18-6) vs. Oakland (15-9)

Starting lineups

Cleveland: Sizemore CF, Burrell LF, Peralta SS, Griffey RF, Hafner DH, Cabrera 2B, DeRosa 3B, V.Martinez C, Garko 1B, Lee SP.

Oakland: Gonzalez CF, Kennedy 2B, Giambi 1B, Holliday LF, Cust RF, Chavez 3B, Garciaparra DH, Powell C, Crosby SS, De Los Santos SP.

Oakland rookie sensation Fautino De Los Santos continued his dominance as he pitched 7 2/3 innings and struck out 11 as the Oakland A's topped the Cleveland Indians 4-2 today at McAfee Coliseum. Jack Cust broke a scoreless tie in the 6th inning with a 2 run double and added an RBI single in the 8th. Rookie CF Carlos Gonzalez also added a solo HR in the 8th.


Oakland 4
Cleveland 2

W: Fautino De Los Santos (4-1) L: Cliff Lee (3-2) S: Andrew Bailey (6)

HR: CLE- Sizemore (6) OAK-Cust (9), Gonzalez (5)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday May 3 2009

Cleveland (18-7) vs. Oakland (16-9)

Starting lineups

Cleveland: Sizemore CF, Burrell LF, Peralta SS, Martinez C, Cabrera 2B, DeRosa 3B, Carroll DH, Choo RF, Graffanino 1B, Carmona SP.

Oakland: Gonzalez CF, Ellis 2B, Giambi 1B, Holliday LF, Chavez 3B, Cust RF, Garciaparra DH, Powell C, Cabrera SS, Gio Gonzalez SP.

Gio Gonzalez outduelled AL Pitcher of the Month for April Fausto Carmona as the A's took the rubber match of the series 4-1. Carmona allowed 7 walks in 5 innings, while Gonzalez was stellar, allowing only 1 run on 5 hits and striking out 11 in his 7 innings of work.


Oakland 4
Cleveland 1

W: Gio Gonzalez (4-1) L: Fausto Carmona (3-2) S: Andrew Bailey (7)

HR: CLE- NONE OAK-NONE

[SoxCards09]

MLB Sunday Night Baseball 5/10/09 saw the two teams from the A.L. Central that battled it out until the final week of the 2008 season -- Kansas City (14-17) and Cleveland (21-9).

The Royals never stood a chance in this one as Ryan Garko went 4 for 4 and Fausto Carmona rebounded from a poor start a week ago to pick up his fifth victory of the 2009 campaign.

Kansas City Royals 	0 0 0 	0 0 0 0 2 0  	2	8	0
Cleveland Indians 	0 2 1 	0 0 4 	0 3 X 	10	12	0

Kansas City	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	K	LOB	AVG	HR	RBI
C. Crisp CF	4	0	0	0	0	1	3	.235	1	6
A. Callaspo 2B	4	1	2	0	0	0	1	.221	0	2
A. Gordon 3B	3	0	1	2	1	0	2	.348	2	15
J. Guillen DH	4	0	1	0	0	2	2	.264	2	12
M. Teahen RF	4	0	0	0	0	2	2	.345	3	25
M. Olivo C	4	0	1	0	0	2	0	.192	2	14
D. DeJesus LF	4	0	2	0	0	1	1	.316	4	17
M. Jacobs 1B	4	0	0	0	0	1	2	.200	1	7
L. Hernandez SS	2	1	1	0	2	0	1	.327	0	5
Totals	33	2	8	2	3	9	14			

BATTING
Doubles: D. DeJesus (8, 9th Inning off J. Lewis, 0 on, 1 out) A. Gordon (8, 8th Inning off F. Carmona, 2 on, 1 out)
Total Bases: J. Guillen, M. Olivo, L. Hernandez, A. Callaspo 2, D. DeJesus 3, A. Gordon 2
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: L. Hernandez, M. Teahen, A. Gordon
GIDP: A. Gordon
Team LOB: 7

BASERUNNING
CS: C. Crisp (4)

	
Cleveland	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	K	LOB	AVG	HR	RBI
G. Sizemore CF	5	0	1	0	0	0	4	.360	6	18
P. Burrell LF	4	0	1	2	1	0	2	.305	5	16
J. Peralta SS	5	1	3	1	0	0	3	.325	9	31
T. Hafner DH	5	0	0	1	0	2	5	.307	5	21
K. Griffey Jr. RF	3	1	0	0	1	1	2	.369	7	22
A. Cabrera 2B	3	1	0	0	1	1	0	.317	2	20
V. Martinez C	4	2	2	0	0	0	0	.248	4	21
M. DeRosa 3B	3	2	1	2	1	0	3	.290	5	14
R. Garko 1B	4	3	4	4	0	0	0	.279	4	13
Totals	36	10	12	10	4	4	19			

BATTING
Doubles: J. Peralta (7, 3rd Inning off J. Wright, 0 on, 1 out)
Home Runs: M. DeRosa (5, 8th Inning off J. Cruz, 1 on, 0 outs) R. Garko (4, 2nd Inning off J. Wright, 1 on, 2 outs)
Total Bases: P. Burrell, V. Martinez 2, M. DeRosa 4, J. Peralta 4, G. Sizemore, R. Garko 7
2-out RBI: P. Burrell, J. Peralta, R. Garko
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: K. Griffey Jr., T. Hafner
Team LOB: 6

BASERUNNING
SB: J. Peralta (7)

FIELDING
Double Plays: 1 (Cabrera-Peralta-Garko)

Kansas City	IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	HR	PI	PS	ERA
J. Wright L (1-5)	5.1	7	7	7	4	2	1	113	62	8.77
Y. Yabuta 	1.2	1	0	0	0	1	0	25	17	0.00
J. Cruz 	1.0	4	3	3	0	1	1	23	14	4.41

PITCHING
Game Score: J. Wright 24
Batters Faced: J. Wright 27, Y. Yabuta 6, J. Cruz 7
Ground Outs - Fly Outs: J. Wright 9-5, Y. Yabuta 3-1, J. Cruz 1-1
Pitches - Strikes: J. Wright 113-62, Y. Yabuta 25-17, J. Cruz 23-14
Inherited Runners - Scored: Y. Yabuta 2-2
WP: J. Wright

	
Cleveland	IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	HR	PI	PS	ERA
F. Carmona W (5-1)	8.0	7	2	2	3	8	0	118	73	2.64
J. Lewis 	1.0	1	0	0	0	1	0	16	11	3.00

PITCHING
Game Score: F. Carmona 65
Batters Faced: F. Carmona 32, J. Lewis 4
Ground Outs - Fly Outs: F. Carmona 8-6, J. Lewis 1-1
Pitches - Strikes: F. Carmona 118-73, J. Lewis 16-11

GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: R. Garko
Ballpark: Progressive Field
Weather: Partly Cloudy (54 degrees), wind blowing out to left at 14 mph
Start Time: 7:05 pm
Time: 3:02
Attendance: 43043

[SoxCards09]

Well one more month in the books and it's been a great season so far.

The Yankees and Rays are battling for the top spot in the AL East, Chicago and Cleveland have been flip-flopping 1st and 2nd place in the AL Central all month and Oakland, led by rookies Carlos Gonzalez, Gio Gonzalez and Fautino De Los Santos has a comfortable lead on the 2008 AL West Champion Texas Rangers.

In the Senior Circuit, the Phillies stand on top of the NL East, while the Cubs maintain a lead over the Pirates and the Dodgers have a comfortable 8 game lead in the NL West.

I have also decided to expand the league with 2 new teams in 2010 instead of 2012, which is what I originally planned. At this time, I will take over control of the new Las Vegas Aces franchise!

[SoxCards09]

For the American, the roster includes:
CL J. Soria (KCA)
CL J. Papelbon (BOS)
CL T. Percival (TBD)
CL B. Jenks (CWS)
CL J. Nathan (MIN)
SP G. Gonzalez (OAK)
SP C. Lee (CLE)
SP F. De los Santos (OAK)
SP D. Price (TBD)
SP P. Martinez (CLE)
SP F. Carmona (CLE)
SP J. Guthrie (BAL)
SP J. Danks (CWS)
C M. Barrett (TOR)
C J. Saltalamacchia (TEX)
C J. Posada (NYY)
RF V. Guerrero (LAA)
RF I. Suzuki (SEA)
RF K. Griffey Jr. (CLE)
CF C. Gonzalez (OAK)
CF G. Sizemore (CLE)
CF J. Hamilton (TEX)
RF N. Cruz (TEX)
1B D. Ortiz (BOS)
1B J. Morneau (MIN)
2B I. Kinsler (TEX)
2B A. Cabrera (CLE)
2B P. Polanco (DET)
3B J. Fields (CWS)
3B E. Longoria (TBD)
SS D. Jeter (NYY)
SS M. Young (TEX)
3B A. Gordon (KCA)
.

For the National these players have been selected:
CL K. Gregg (CHC)
CL M. Capps (PIT)
CL B. Wilson (SFN)
CL H. Bell (SDN)
CL F. Cordero (CIN)
SP C. Hamels (PHI)
SP C. Carpenter (SLN)
SP M. Cain (SFN)
SP A. Cook (COL)
SP T. Lincecum (SFN)
SP C. Young (SDN)
SP B. Webb (ARI)
SP E. Volquez (CIN)
3B G. Atkins (COL)
C G. Soto (CHC)
1B A. Pujols (SLN)
1B R. Howard (PHI)
1B J. Loney (LAN)
2B C. Utley (PHI)
2B B. Phillips (CIN)
2B K. Johnson (ATL)
SS C. Guzman (WAS)
SS H. Ramirez (FLA)
C R. Martin (LAN)
3B P. Sandoval (SFN)
3B A. Ramirez (CHC)
LF A. Dunn (PHI)
1B L. Berkman (HOU)
LF M. Ramirez (ARI)
LF R. Braun (MIL)
LF C. Lee (HOU)
LF J. Bruce (CIN)
CF R. Ankiel (SLN)

[SoxCards09]

Mid-Season predictions for the 2009 Season

Playoff Teams (pre-season predictions)
AL - Yankees over A's, Indians over Red Sox, Indians over Yankees
NL - Giants over Cubs, Phillies over D-Backs, Phillies over Giants
World Series - Indians over Phillies in 7 games

Playoff Teams (mid season predictions)
AL - Indians over Rangers, A's over Yankees, Indians over A's
NL - Phillies over Cubs, Giants over Cardinals, Phillies over Giants
World Series - Indians over Phillies in 7 games

Comments: The Yankees for the 2nd year in a row have been hit with major injuries, including Mark Teixiera, CC Sabathia, Johnny Damon and Mariano Rivera (out until August) but have still managed to stay on top of the N.L. East. The Devil Rays continue to surprise with good pitching and it's looking like it will be a good race. The Indians and White Sox have flip flopped between 1st and 2nd for the 1st three months of the season, but Cleveland now has a commanding lead that they should have no problem maintaining. At 69-27, the A's have the best record in MLB with a crop of rookie pitchers who have performed exceptionally. It appears the Rangers and the White Sox will be battling for the American League Wild Card. Texas has a stacked lineup from top to bottom, but their starting rotation is average, at best. Rumors are circulating that Texas is actively pursuing free agent Ben Sheets to bolster their rotation.

In the National League, the Phillies own the best record and a commanding lead over the 2nd place Marlins. The Cardinals who acquired Roy Halladay are clinging to a 4 game lead over the Cubs in a division which will probably come down to the last week. The bitter rival Dodgers and Giants have a half game separating them at the break. The Giants are currently working out a deal for Pittsburgh 2B Freddy Sanchez, who recently turned down a contract extension. Like their Bay Area neighbors, the Giants have a great mix of rookies and veterans. Look for this race to stay heated as we move into September.

I predict Cleveland will meet the Phillies again in the World Series. These 2 clubs boast the best rotations in baseball with equally good bullpens. The Indians signed Pat Burrell as a free agent in the off-season and he has put together great numbers and have added Adrian Beltre at 3B via a June 6th trade. It should be another good World Series in 2009, but this time I think the Indians will prevail in another 7 game series.

Predictions for award winners (pre season/mid season)

AL MVP - Grady Sizemore (CLE) / Josh Hamilton (TEX)

AL CY YOUNG - Zach Greinke (KCR) / Cliff Lee (CLE) -- Greinke is on the disabled list until August and Cliff Lee has a legitimate shot at the Triple Crown.

AL R.O.T.Y. - Carlos Gonzalez (OAK) / Carlos Gonzalez (OAK) -- Gonzalez has a true shot at being a 40-40 man, something no rookie has ever done. His teammate pitching duo of Fautio De Los Santos and Gio Gonzalez will probably finish 2-3 in the voting.

NL MVP - Manny Ramirez (ARZ) / Albert Pujols (STL) - Albert only has 22 HR's at the break, but it close to hitting .400.

NL CY YOUNG - Jake Peavy (SAN) / Cole Hamels (PHL) - wow, was I off on this one! Hamels is a shoo in for 20 wins (he has 15 now), leads the league in ERA and is 2nd in strikeouts. A potential Hamels vs. Lee matchup in the World Series greatly excites me!

NL R.O.T.Y. - Pablo Sandoval (SF) / Pablo Sandoval (SF) - the starting 3B for the N.L. All Star team, Sandoval will probably finish with 30-35 HR and over 100 RBI.

[SoxCards09]

July 21, 2009 @ Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL

N.L. 020 100 506 ---- 14 14 0
A.L. 002 400 101 ---- 8 15 0

The National League finally wins won, they blow the thing wide open and score 6 runs off my boy Bobby Jenks in the 9th!

National		AB	R	H	RBI
C. Utley 2B		3	0	2	1
  b-K. Johnson PH, 2B	2	0	0	0
  f-B. Phillips PH, 2B	1	1	1	2
J. Bruce CF		3	1	2	1
   i-R. Ankiel PH, CF	2	1	1	3
R. Howard 1B		2	0	0	0
   a-A. Pujols PH, 1B	0	1	0	0
   h-J. Loney PH, 1B	1	0	0	0
R. Braun LF		2	0	0	0
   d-C. Lee PH, LF	3	0	0	0
A. Dunn RF		3	2	1	0
   g-L. Berkman PH, RF	2	1	1	0
M. Ramirez DH		5	1	1	2
G. Soto C, SS, C	4	1	0	0
H. Ramirez SS		1	1	0	0
   e-C. Guzman PH, SS	2	2	1	0
P. Sandoval 3B		2	1	2	1
   c-G. Atkins PH, 3B	2	0	1	3
   j-A. Ramirez PH, 3B	1	1	1	1
Totals			40	14	13	13


a - A. Pujols pinch hit for R. Howard in the 5th
b - K. Johnson pinch hit for C. Utley in the 5th
c - G. Atkins pinch hit for P. Sandoval in the 5th
d - C. Lee pinch hit for R. Braun in the 5th
e - C. Guzman pinch hit for H. Ramirez in the 5th
f - B. Phillips pinch hit for K. Johnson in the 8th
g - L. Berkman pinch hit for A. Dunn in the 8th
h - J. Loney pinch hit for A. Pujols in the 8th
i - R. Ankiel pinch hit for J. Bruce in the 8th
j - A. Ramirez pinch hit for G. Atkins in the 8th

BATTING
Doubles: A. Dunn (8, 2nd Inning off P. Martinez, 0 on, 0 outs) G. Atkins (20, 7th Inning off J. Papelbon, 3 on, 2 outs) B. Phillips (19, 9th Inning off B. Jenks, 3 on, 1 out)
Home Runs: R. Ankiel (19, 9th Inning off B. Jenks, 2 on, 1 out)
Total Bases: J. Bruce 2, M. Ramirez, C. Utley 2, A. Dunn 2, P. Sandoval 2, G. Atkins 2, C. Guzman, B. Phillips 2, L. Berkman, R. Ankiel 4, A. Ramirez
2-out RBI: J. Bruce, C. Utley, P. Sandoval, G. Atkins
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: J. Bruce, R. Braun, K. Johnson, L. Berkman
Team LOB: 9

FIELDING
Double Plays: 1 (Guzman-Johnson-Pujols)

				
American		AB	R	H	RBI
I. Suzuki RF		3	2	2	0
   a-V. Guerrero PH, RF	0	0	0	0
D. Jeter SS		4	0	2	3
   h-M. Young SS	1	0	0	0
K. Griffey Jr. DH	3	1	2	1
   j-P. Polanco DH	1	0	0	0
J. Hamilton CF		3	0	0	0
   c-G. Sizemore PH, CF	2	0	0	0
J. Fields 3B		2	0	0	0
   d-E. Longoria PH, 3B	2	0	1	0
   g-A. Gordon 3B	1	1	1	0
D. Ortiz 1B		2	0	1	0
   f-J. Saltalma B, C	3	0	1	1
C. Gonzalez LF		2	1	1	0
   b-N. Cruz PH, LF	2	0	1	0

a - V. Guerrero pinch hit for I. Suzuki in the 5th
b - N. Cruz pinch hit for C. Gonzalez in the 5th
c - G. Sizemore pinch hit for J. Hamilton in the 5th
d - E. Longoria pinch hit for J. Fields in the 5th
e - M. Barrett pinch hit for J. Posada in the 5th
f - J. Saltalamacchia pinch hit for D. Ortiz in the 5th
g - A. Gordon substituted for E. Longoria in the 8th
h - M. Young substituted for D. Jeter in the 8th
i - A. Cabrera substituted for I. Kinsler in the 8th
j - P. Polanco substituted for K. Griffey Jr. in the 8th
k - J. Morneau substituted for M. Barrett in the 8th


BATTING
Doubles: D. Jeter (19, 3rd Inning off M. Cain, 2 on, 1 out)
Total Bases: D. Jeter 3, J. Posada, I. Suzuki 2, K. Griffey Jr. 2, C. Gonzalez, D. Ortiz, N. Cruz, E. Longoria, M. Barrett, J. Saltalamacchia, A. Gordon, A. Cabrera
2-out RBI: J. Saltalamacchia, A. Cabrera
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: D. Jeter, J. Fields, J. Hamilton, I. Kinsler
GIDP: N. Cruz
Sac Bunt: V. Guerrero
Sac Fly: K. Griffey Jr.
Team LOB: 10

BASERUNNING
SB: D. Jeter (8), I. Suzuki 2 (27), C. Gonzalez (29), I. Kinsler (6)

National		IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	
C. Carpenter 		2.0	1	0	0	0	3	
M. Cain 		1.0	3	2	2	1	0	
A. Cook 		1.0	4	4	4	0	0	
B. Webb 		1.0	1	0	0	0	0	
C. Young W (10-5)	1.0	1	0	0	0	1
F. Cordero H (1)	1.1	2	1	1	1	3	
M. Capps H (0)		0.2	0	0	0	1	0	
B. Wilson 		1.0	3	1	1	0	0	
				
PITCHING
Game Score: C. Carpenter 53
Batters Faced: C. Carpenter 7, M. Cain 7, A. Cook 8, B. Webb 3, C. Young 4, F. Cordero 7, M. Capps 3, B. Wilson 5
Ground Outs - Fly Outs: C. Carpenter 3-0, M. Cain 1-2, A. Cook 2-1, B. Webb 2-0, C. Young 2-0, F. Cordero 1-0, M. Capps 0-2, B. Wilson 0-2
Pitches - Strikes: C. Carpenter 28-17, M. Cain 22-12, A. Cook 25-17, B. Webb 15-8, C. Young 13-8, F. Cordero 31-19, M. Capps 11-6, B. Wilson 11-7
WP: F. Cordero 2
HB: A. Cook
				
American		IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	
P. Martinez 		2.0	4	2	2	1	3	
G. Gonzalez 		1.0	0	0	0	1	1	
J. Danks 		1.0	3	1	1	1	2	
D. Price H (0)		1.0	0	0	0	0	0	
F. Carmona H (0)	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	
J. Papelbon L		0.2	2	5	5	3	2	
J. Soria 		0.2	0	0	0	0	2	
J. Nathan 		0.2	0	0	0	0	0	
B. Jenks 		0.1	5	6	6	2	1	
T. Percival 		0.2	0	0	0	0	0

PITCHING
Game Score: P. Martinez 38
Batters Faced: P. Martinez 11, G. Gonzalez 4, J. Danks 7, D. Price 3, F. Carmona 3, J. Papelbon 8, J. Soria 2, J. Nathan 2, B. Jenks 8, T. Percival 2
Ground Outs - Fly Outs: P. Martinez 2-1, G. Gonzalez 1-1, J. Danks 0-1, D. Price 2-1, F. Carmona 1-1, J. Papelbon 0-0, J. Soria 0-0, J. Nathan 2-0, B. Jenks 0-0, T. Percival 1-1
Pitches - Strikes: P. Martinez 51-28, G. Gonzalez 14-9, J. Danks 23-13, D. Price 15-10, F. Carmona 8-6, J. Papelbon 36-18, J. Soria 8-6, J. Nathan 9-6, B. Jenks 27-15, T. Percival 7-5
Inherited Runners - Scored: J. Soria 1-0, T. Percival 1-0
HB: J. Papelbon

GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: R. Ankiel
Ballpark: Tropicana Field
Start Time: 7:05 pm
Time: 4:07
Attendance: 41856

[SoxCards09]

Well I decided to sim the rest of the season until the playoffs. I couldn't wait to see the possible Indians vs. Phillies World Series rematch. At the end of the post season, I am going to post a complete 2009 season wrap-up. I will say this, some things happened in my '09 season that I never thought I'd see.

Let the 2009 playoffs begin.

Here are the matchups:

Tampa Bay vs. Oakland
Cleveland vs. Texas (Wild Card)
St. Louis vs. Los Angeles
Philadelphia vs. San Francisco (Wild Card)

I will post day-by-day scores throughout the playoffs going further in depth as the rounds progress. Here we go!

[SoxCards09]

Tuesday October 6, 2009

Texas vs. Cleveland (Series tied 0-0)
Jacobs Field – Cleveland, OH

TEX 000 100 000 --- 1 9 2
CLE 000 130 21* --- 7 11 0

WP – P. Martinez (CLE) LP- Kameron Loe (TEX)
HR – K. Shoppach (CLE), A. Cabrera (CLE), J. Peralta (CLE)

Cleveland leads the series 1-0

*************************

Tampa Bay vs. Oakland (Series tied 0-0)
McAfee Coliseum – Oakland, CA

TBD 014 130 220 --- 13 17 1
OAK 103 200 100 --- 7 11 1

WP – J. Shields (TBD) LP—T. Cahill (OAK)
HR – C. Pena (TBD) 2, M. Holliday (OAK)

Tampa Bay leads the series 1-0

*************************

Los Angeles vs. Philadelphia (Series tied 0-0)
Citizen’s Bank Park – Philadelphia, PA

LAD 000 000 000 --- 0 3 0
PHL 100 100 01* --- 3 9 0

WP – J. Happ (PHL) LP—C. Kershaw (LAD) SV-B. Lidge
HR- None

Philadelphia leads the series 1-0

**************************

St. Louis vs. San Francisco (Series tied 0-0)
Busch Stadium – St. Louis, MO

SFG 000 000 000 --- 0 6 0
STL 010 000 04* --- 5 13 0

WP – K. Lohse (STL) LP—R. Johnson (SFG)
HR –None

St. Louis leads the series 1-0

[SoxCards09]

Wednesday October 7, 2009

Texas vs. Cleveland (Cleveland leads the series 1-0)

Jacobs Field – Cleveland, OH

TEX 000 001 402 --- 7 12 0
CLE 000 000 101 --- 3 7 0

WP – K. Milwood (TEX) LP-C. Lee (CLE)
HR – N. Cruz (TEX) 2

Series tied at 1

*************************

Tampa Bay vs. Oakland (Tampa Bay leads the series 1-0)
McAfee Coliseum – Oakland, CA

TBD 000 001 000 --- 1 5 1
OAK 000 100 43* --- 8 8 1

WP—D.Braden (OAK) LP-D. Price (TBD)
HR- Cust (OAK), Gonzalez (OAK)

Series tied at 1


*************************

Los Angeles vs. Philadelphia (Philadelphia leads the series 1-0)
Citizen’s Bank Park – Philadelphia, PA

LAD 040 020 300 --- 9 12 0
PHL 100 000 000 --- 1 5 0

WP-E. Stults (LAD) LP-B. Myers (PHL)
HR-Loney (LAD), Rollins (PHL)

Series tied at 1

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[B]St. Louis vs. San Francisco (St. Louis leads the series 1-0)[/B]
Busch Stadium – St. Louis, MO

SFG 010 110 010 --- 4 10 0
STL 000 010 020 --- 3 7 0

WP – J. Sanchez (SFG) LP- R. Halladay (STL) SV-B. Wilson (SFG)
HR – B. Molina (SFG), Renteria (SFG), Rowand (SFG)
Series tied at 1

[SoxCards09]

Friday October 9, 2009

Cleveland at Texas (SERIES TIED AT 1)
The Ballpark @ Arlington – Arlington, TX

CLE 020 040 110 --- 8 13 0
TEX 011 020 001 --- 6 12 0

WP-F. Carmona (CLE) LP- B. Sheets (TEX) SV-K. Wood (CLE)
HR – P. Burrell (CLE), A. Beltre (CLE), V. Martinez (CLE), F. Thomas (TEX)

Cleveland leads series 2-1

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Tampa Bay vs. Oakland (SERIES TIED AT 1)
Tropicana Field, Tampa FL

OAK 000 113 020 --- 7 8 0
TBD 003 000 003 --- 6 8 0

WP—F. De Los Santos LP—S. Kazmir SV-A. Bailey
HR -- None

Oakland leads series 2-1


*************************

Los Angeles vs. Philadelphia (Series tied at 1)
Dodger Stadium – Los Angeles, CA

PHL 000 701 001 --- 11 10 2
LAD 200 000 000 --- 2 12 0

WP – R. Madson (PHL) LP-C. Billingsley (LAD)
HR – B. Wilkerson (LAD)

Note---J. Blanton (PHL) left game in 3rd with an injury.

Philadelphia leads series 2-1


**************************

St. Louis vs. San Francisco (Series tied at 1)
AT&T Park – San Francisco, CA

STL 010 111 000 -- 4 7 2
SFG 201 020 00* --- 5 9 1

WP – T. Lincecum (SFG) LP-C. Carpenter (STL) SV-B. Wilson (SFG)
HR – Akiel (STL), Pujlos (STL), Molina (STL), Lewis (SFG)

San Francisco leads series 2-1

[SoxCards09]

Saturday October 10, 2009

Cleveland at Texas (Cleveland leads series 2-1)
The Ballpark @ Arlington – Arlington, TX

CLE 020 011 200 -- 6 12 0
TEX 001 001 100 – 3 8 1

WP-C. Pavano (CLE) LP-V. Padilla (TEX) SV-K.Wood
HR –G. Sizemore (CLE), H. Blalock (TEX)

CLEVELAND WINS SERIES 2 GAMES TO 1 !!!

*************************

Tampa Bay vs. Oakland (Oakland leads series 2-1)
Tropicana Field, Tampa FL

OAK 001 200 000 --- 3 6 1
TBD 100 000 000 --- 1 4 0

WP—G. Gonzalez (OAK) LP- A. Sonnanstine (TBD) SV-Bailey (OAK)
HR – Crawford (TBD), Cust (OAK), Gonzalez (OAK), Giambi (OAK)

OAKLAND WINS SERIES 2 GAMES TO 1 !!!


*************************

Los Angeles vs. Philadelphia (Philadelphia leads series 2 games to 1)
Dodger Stadium – Los Angeles, CA

PHL 000 004 111 --- 7 15 3
LAD 220 001 32* ---10 13 1

WP – C. Wade (LAD), LP – T. Walker (PHL) SV- H. Kuo (LAD)
HR – Dunn (PHL), Rollins (PHL), Loney (LAD) 2, Furcal (LAD), Martin (LAD)


Series tied at 2


**************************

St. Louis vs. San Francisco (San Francisco leads series 2 games to 1)
AT&T Park – San Francisco, CA

STL 100 000 000 --- 1 5 0
SFG 003 010 00* --- 4 5 1

WP – M. Cain (SFO) LP – A. Wainwright (STL) SV—B. Wilson (SFO)
HR-- None

SAN FRANCISCO WINS SERIES 2 GAMES TO 1 !!!

******************************

Game 5 in the Dodgers-Phillies series is Monday night. It'll be two N.L. Rookie of the Year candidates -- J.A. Happ going for the Phils against Clayton Kershaw in a rematch of Game 1. Who will prevail and advance to face the Giants in the N.L.C.S. ??? Stay tuned!

[SoxCards09]

PHILS ADAVANCE TO NLCS ON WERTH'S WALK OFF HIT

PHILADELPHIA, PA --- Jayson Werth hit a walk off single with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to break a scoreless tie as the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-2 to advance to the National League Championship Series where they will face the San Francisco Giants. The Phillies went into the ninth inning trailing 2-1 facing Dodgers closer Hong-Chi Kuo. Chase Utley led off with a single. Ryan Howard reached on a fielder's choice and was replaced by pinch runner Miguel Cairo. Adam Dunn then singled to left field. There appeared to be a play at the plate as Cario tried to score, but the throw by left fielder Alex Gomez missed catcher Russell Martin and went behindthe backstop allowing Cairo to score easily and Dunn to move to second. Kuo was replaced by Jeff Weaver. After a Scott Rolen fly out, Jayson Werth hit a towering shot that ended up over the head of right fielder Andre Either allowing the winning run to score.
J.A. Happ pitched 8 solid innings for the Phillies, allowing only 4 hits and striking out 6. Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw threw 7 2/3 innings, allowing 3 hits and fanning 7.
The Dodgers drew first blood in the first inning following a leadoff double by Juan Pierre, he scored when Orlando Hudson hit a routine fly ball to right field that was dropped by Jayson Werth. The Dodgers added another run in the fourth as Russell Martin scored on a fielder's choice. Ryan Howard got the Phils on the board with a solo home run in the bottom of the inning.

Los Angeles vs. Philadelphia (Series tied at 2)
Citizen’s Bank Park – Philadelphia, PA

LAD 100 100 000 --- 2 4 1
PHL 000 100 002 --- 3 6 1

WP—B. Lidge LP—H. Kuo
HR—R. Howard (PHL)

Philadelphia wins series 3-2 !!

[SoxCards09]

Wednesday October 14, 2009

Cleveland vs. Oakland (SERIES TIED @ 0)
McAfee Coliseum – Oakland, CA

CLE 300 302 100 --- 9 15 0
OAK 042 000 000 --- 6 12 1

WP-J. Sowers LP-S. Gallagher SV-K. Wood
HR- Cabrera (CLE), Burrell (CLE)

Cleveland leads series 1-0

Recap – It was not a good game for starting pitchers as Cleveland starter Pedro Martinez didn’t make it out of the 3rd inning and Oakland starter rookie Trevor Cahill was chased in the 4th. Both pitchers were uncharacteristically wild, Martinez allowed five walks, Cahill four. Pat Burrell broke a 6-6 tie with a 2 run blast in the 6th inning off losing pitcher Sean Gallagher.

*************************

Philadelphia vs. San Francisco (SERIES TIED @ 0)
Citizen’s Bank Park – Philadelphia PA

SFG 012 012 220 – 10 15 0
PHL 002 001 100 -- 4 8 1

WP-R. Johnson LP-J. Moyer
HR- Lewis (SFG), Rowand (SFG), Sandoval (SFG), Rollins (PHL)

San Francisco leads series 1-0

Recap – In a battle of veteran starters, Randy Johnson prevailed, striking out 9 and allowing 6 hits through 5 1/3 innings. The Giants offense exploded for 15 hits against one of the best pitching staffs in baseball. Pablo Sandoval and Edgar Renteria combined for 6 of the 15 hits.

[SoxCards09]

Thursday October 15, 2009

Cleveland vs. Oakland (CLE leads series 1-0)
McAfee Coliseum – Oakland, CA

CLE 100 100 010 --- 3 5 0
OAK 030 000 05* --- 8 10 0

WP-F. De Los Santos LP-C. Lee
HR- Francisco (CLE), Sizemore (CLE), Chavez (OAK), Gonzalez (OAK)

Series tied at 1.

Recap – Oakland rookie SP Fautino De Los Santos continued his dominance striking out 13 in a complete game win over Cleveland. Cliff Lee took the loss, despite onlyallowing 5 hits in 7 innings and fanning 7.

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Philadelphia vs. San Francisco (SFG leads series 1-0)
Citizen’s Bank Park – Philadelphia PA

SFG 100 100 030 --- 5 7 0
PHL 100 102 300 --- 7 10 1

WP-C. Hamels LP-J. Sanchez SV-B. Lidge
HR- P. Sandoval (SFG)

Series tied at 1.

Recap –Cole Hamels’ perfect season remained in tact as he tossed 7 1/3 innings, allowing only 4 hits and striking out 8 as the Phillies even up the N.L.C.S.

[SoxCards09]

Saturday October 17, 2009

Cleveland vs. Oakland (SERIES TIED AT 1)
Progressive Field, Cleveland OH

OAK 331 001 021 – 11 17 0
CLE 000 000 000 -- 0 3 0

WP-G. Gonzalez LP-F. Carmona
HR – M. Holliday (OAK)

Oakland leads series 2-1

Recap – Oakland rookie Gio Gonzalez dominated just as he did through the ’09 regular season – striking out 10 and allowing only 5 hits in a complete game shutout.

*************************

Philadelphia vs. San Francisco (SERIES TIED AT 1)
AT &T Park, San Francisco, CA

PHL 001 010 200 --- 4 5 0
SFG 111 000 000 --- 3 7 1

WP-J. Blanton LP- J. Miller SV-B. Lidge
HR- Renteria (SFG), Howard (PHL), Dunn (PHL)

Philadelphia leads series 2-1

Recap –Ryan Howard hit a towering 2 run home run off Giants reliever Justin Miller in the 7th inning to propel the Phillies to a 4-3 lead and a 2-1 lead in the N.L.C.S.

[SoxCards09]

Sunday October 18, 2009

Cleveland vs. Oakland (OAK up 2 games to 1)
Progressive Field, Cleveland OH

OAK 000 000 000 -- 0 3 0
CLE 000 000 001 -- 1 5 0

WP-C. Pavano LP—D. Braden
HR – K. Griffey

Series tied @ 2.

Recap – Ken Griffey Jr. led off the bottom of the 9th in a scoreless tie. He took the first pitch he saw from Dallas Braden and slammed it into the right field bleachers giving Cleveland a 1-0 lead, tying up the A.L.C.S. at 2 games apiece.

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Philadelphia vs. San Francisco (PHL up 2 games to 1)
AT &T Park, San Francisco, CA

PHL 002 001 100 -- 4 7 2
SFG 011 000 000 --2 5 1

WP-J. Happ LP- M. Cain SV-B. Lidge
HR- Rolen (PHL), Rollins (PHL)

Philadelphia leads series 3-1

Recap –Scott Rolen hit a solo home run off Matt Cain in the 7th inning to break a 2-2 tie as J.A. Happ pitches another strong game, allowing only 3 hits in 7 innings.

[SoxCards09]

Monday October 19, 2009

Cleveland vs. Oakland (TIED @ 2 GAMES)
Progressive Field, Cleveland OH

OAK 000 200 010 -- 3 5 1
CLE 100 000 000 -- 1 5 1

WP-T. Cahill LP-P. Martinez SV-A. Bailey
HR G. Sizemore

Oakland leads series 3-2

Recap – Grady Sizemore hit the first pitch he saw from Trevor Cahill over the center field wall and the Indians did not get another hit until the 7th inning after that. Carlos Gonzalez slugged a 2 run double in the 4th inning giving Oakland all they needed as the series now heads back to Oakland with the A’s in the driver’s seat.

*************************

Philadelphia vs. San Francisco (PHL up 3 games to 1)
AT &T Park, San Francisco, CA

PHL 003 000 000 – 3 7 3
SFG 001 002 100 – 4 10 1

WP-R. Johnson LP- B. Ryan SV-B. Wilson
HR- None

Philadelphia leads series 3-2

Recap –BJ Ryan walked in the go-ahead run in the bottom of the 8th as the Giants triumph over the Phillies 3-2.

***********************

I will admit, I am surprised that the Giants are making a series out of this. I thought the Phillies would handle them with ease. However, Cole Hamels is on the mound on Wednesday night and this should mean an end to the Giants storybook season.

Cleveland's in trouble. They have Cliff Lee on the hill on Wednesday going against a pitcher in Fautio De Los Santos who has been lights out in the post-season. If Cleveland should win on Wednesday, they will have to turn around and face Gio Gonzalez on Thursday. Good luck!

[SoxCards09]

Monday October 19, 2009

Cleveland vs. Oakland (TIED @ 2 GAMES)
Progressive Field, Cleveland OH

OAK 000 200 010 -- 3 5 1
CLE 100 000 000 -- 1 5 1

WP-T. Cahill LP-P. Martinez SV-A. Bailey
HR G. Sizemore

Oakland leads series 3-2

Recap – Grady Sizemore hit the first pitch he saw from Trevor Cahill over the center field wall and the Indians did not get another hit until the 7th inning after that. Carlos Gonzalez slugged a 2 run double in the 4th inning giving Oakland all they needed as the series now heads back to Oakland with the A’s in the driver’s seat.

*************************

Philadelphia vs. San Francisco (PHL up 3 games to 1)
AT &T Park, San Francisco, CA

PHL 003 000 000 – 3 7 3
SFG 001 002 100 – 4 10 1

WP-R. Johnson LP- B. Ryan SV-B. Wilson
HR- None

Philadelphia leads series 3-2

Recap –BJ Ryan walked in the go-ahead run in the bottom of the 8th as the Giants triumph over the Phillies 3-2.

***********************

I will admit, I am surprised that the Giants are making a series out of this. I thought the Phillies would handle them with ease. However, Cole Hamels is on the mound on Wednesday night and this should mean an end to the Giants storybook season.

Cleveland's in trouble. They have Cliff Lee on the hill on Wednesday going against a pitcher in Fautio De Los Santos who has been lights out in the post-season. If Cleveland should win on Wednesday, they will have to turn around and face Gio Gonzalez on Thursday. Good luck!

[SoxCards09]

Wednesday October 21, 2009

Cleveland vs. Oakland (OAK up 3 games to 2)
McAfee Coliseum, Oakland CA

CLE 010 100 020 -- 4 8 0
OAK 000 001 05* -- 6 7 0

WP-M. Wuertz LP- R. Bettencourt
HR K. Griffey

Oakland wins series 4 games to 2.

Recap – Cliff Lee pitched good. Really good – he did not allow a hit until the 5th inning and didn’t allow a run until the 6th. It was Rafael Bettencourt that pitched bad. Really bad. Oakland exploded for 5 runs in the 8th inning that will haunt Cleveland fans forever. The A’s sent 8 men to the plate in the 8th inning and exploded for 5 runs and 5 hits off losing pitcher Rafael Bettencourt. Fautino De Los Santos pitched good for Oakland in 7 2/3 innings. The A’s are now off to the Fall Classic for the first time since 1990.

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Philadelphia vs. San Francisco (PHL up 3 games to 2)
Citizen’s Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

SFG 000 005 000 --- 5 5 0
PHL 100 000 000 --- 1 3 2

WP- J. Sanchez LP-C. Hamels
HR - P. Sandoval (SFG), N. Schierholz (SFG)

Series tied at 3.

Recap –With two swings of the bat, Cole Hamels’ perfect season went by the wayside. Pablo Sandoval hit a three run blast and Nate Schierholz followed with a solo shot as the Giants scored all five runs in the sixth inning forcing a Game 7 tomorrow night @ Citizen’s Bank Park.

***********

Wow. I thought Cleveland was going to pull it off. Up 4-2 in the 8th with Bettencourt coming in, I didn't see that coming at all. Congrats to Oakland for going back to the World Series, the fans have waited a long time to see a winner.

Speaking of not seeing that coming at all, Jonathan Sanchez outdueled Cole Hamels. Cole threw two bad pitches in the 6th inning -- only one of the runs he allowed in the inning was earned. The Giants first two baserunners reached on errors and then Sandoval went deep. Well, Game 7 is tomorrow night in Philly. It'll be Tim Lincecum against Blanton and I'll be honest -- I think the Giants can pull it off... Stay tuned!