Ballet In The Dirt- A Philadelphia Phillies Dynasty

[PhillieFever]

Since moving into Citizens Bank Park in 2004, the Philadelphia Phillies have enjoyed the finest period of sustained success in team history. They've had 6 straight winning seasons, won 3 straight NL Eastern division titles, two straight National League pennants, and one world championship. Entering 2010, the Phillies are primed to make history, vying to become the first National League team to win three straight pennants since the St Louis Cardinals accomplished the feat between the years 1942-44.In this dynasty, we will follow these Phillies, as well as the rest of Major League Baseball as they make their way through The Ballet In The Dirt.

[PhillieFever]

Sunday April 4th, 2010

Posada's Blast Wins It For Yanks

Posada Watches It Go

Fenway Park, Boston- With the spotlight all to themselves, the Yankees and Red Sox opened the season in style, with a well played ballgame here at Fenway Park that was won by the Yankees by the score of 6-4. Jorge Posada led the way for the defending world champions going 2 for 3 with an RBI single in the 1st, and a backbreaking 3 run homer in the 6th which put the Yankees ahead to stay. Starting pitcher CC Sabathia lasted 7 and a third, giving up 4 runs(3 earned) on 8 hits and 3 walks while striking out 7 before giving way to relievers Damaso Marte and then Mariano Rivera, who combined to hold the Red Sox hitless over the final inning and two thirds. Adrian Beltre had 2 hits, including a 2 run double in his Boston debut.

[PhillieFever]

Monday April 5th, 2010

The Doctor Is In

Halladay At Work In Victory Over Nats

Nationals Park, Wash. DC- Phillies ace Roy Halladay made his Philadelphia debut today, and he was nothing short of spectacular, leading the Fightins' to a 4-1 victory over the Washington Nationals. Halladay twirled 8 shutout innings, allowing 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out 8. Offensively, the Phils were led by another newcomer, as Placido Polanco went 3 for 4 with a home run, an RBI, and 2 runs scored. LF Raul Ibanez also played well, collecting 2 hits including a 2 run homer in the 9th which put the game away.

News And Notes

The Seattle Mariners will be without CF Ichiro Suzuki for about a month, after Ichiro sprained his wrist while diving for a ball in today's game against Oakland. The Mariners went on to win the game 2-0.

Astros speedy CF Michael Bourne has been suspended by the league for a total of 4 games for bumping umpire CB Bucknor,

Braves starter Jair Jurrjens pitched a complete game 6 hit shutout and 3B Chipper Jones homered, as the Atlanta Braves easily dispatched the Chicago Cubs 6-0. Highly touted rookie Jason Heyward went 1 for 4 with a 2 run double for Atlanta.

The Arizona Diamondbacks and free agent pitcher Jarrod Washburn have come to terms on a 1 year $1,630,000 contract.

41 year old pitcher Russ Springer has signed a 1 year $1,250,000 contract with the San Diego Padres

The St Louis Cardinals and LF Gary Sheffield have come to terms on a 1 year contract worth a total of $1,260,000. A press conference was scheduled for later today.

MLB Scoreboard

[PhillieFever]

Tuesday April 6th, 2010

Cook Outduels Wolf In Milwaukee

Aaron Cook allowed just 5 hits over 8 innings

Miller Park, Milwaukee- In a hard fought pitcher's duel, the Colorado Rockies slipped past the Milwaukee brewers by the score of 2-1 here at Miller Park. On the hill for Colorado was 31 year old Kentucky native Aaron Cook, who allowed a run on 5 hits over 8 innings pitched to outduel the Brewers Randy Wolf who allowed 2 runs on 6 hits over 8 IP. Trailing by a run in the 7th, the Rockies battled back, getting an RBI sac fly from Cook which was followed by an RBI double by Dexter Fowler that proved to be the game winner.

In Other Games

In a game that saw the team's combine for 11 runs and 31 hits, Curtis Granderson's RBI single in the top of the 11th was the difference, as New York edged the Red Sox 6-5 at Fenway Park.

Adrian Gonzalez was 3 for 3 with a homer and 2 RBI, Everth Cabrera had 2 hits and 2 RBI, and SP Kevin Corria added a 3 run double, as the San Diego Padres pounded the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-1. On the mound, Corria was just as good, allowing a run on 4 hits while striking out 9 over 7 and a third innings pitched for his first win of the season.

Injury News

Red Sox CF Mike Cameron will be out for about 4 weeks with a torn meniscus.

Astros 3B Pedro Feliz strained his back and will be out for 2-3 weeks.

Rockies CF Carlos Gonzalez has a sprained ankle and will be out for about 3 weeks.

Angels 1B Kendry Morales has a broken finger and will be out for about a month.

Blue Jays SP Dustin McGowan was rushed to the hospital today with appendicitis. Following a successful appendectomy, he'll be out for 3-4 weeks.

Transactions

The Tampa Bay Rays have signed veteran free agent Jermaine Dye to a one year deal worth a whopping $4,650,000

MLB Scoreboard

[PhillieFever]

Wednesday April 7th, 2010

Error By Polanco Opens Door For Nats

Polanco Attempts To Recover From Boot

Nationals Park, Washington DC- Leading 1-0 thanks to a Ryan Zimmerman solo homer in the first, the Nationals took a 3-0 lead in the second, when with runners on 2nd and 3rd and nobody out, Phillies 3B Placido Polanco allowed a routine ground ball to go right under his glove and into short left field allowing both runners to score, following that, Phillies starter Cole Hamels got things under control and retired the next three batters in order. The damage was done however, and despite an RBI single and a solo homer from Ryan Howard, the Phils fell to the Nationals 3-2. Starting pitcher Jason Marquis(1-0) pitched well for Washington, going 7 strong while allowing a run on 4 hits before leaving the game for a pinch hitter in the bottom of the inning. Following a scoreless 8th, Nats closer Matt Capps held on in the 9th for the save.

In Other Games

3B Jhonny Peralta was 2 for 4 with a homer, 4 RBI, and 2 runs scored, but is was 1B Matt LaPorta who did the most damage, connecting on 2 home runs, including one in the top of the 11th to lead the Indians to an 8-7 victory over the White Sox here at The Cell. AJ Pierzynski and Carlos Quentin each had homers for Chicago.

Maicer Izturis' solo walk off homer in the bottom of the 9th gave the LA Angels a stunning 1-0 victory over the Minnesota Twins here in Anaheim. SP Ervin Santana hurled 8 shutout innings, allowing 3 hits and 2 walks while fanning 6 to get the win.

Trailing 5-3 in the bottom of the 9th, the New York Mets got a two out pinch hit 3 run homer from Henry Blanco to stun the visiting Marlins, defeating them 6-5.

Tommy Manzell'a 2 run single capped off a 5 run 6th inning for the Astros, who went on to defeat the visiting Giants 5-4.

MLB Scoreboard

[PhillieFever]

Slight change, after looking over the dynasty, I've decided to make it more of an overall leaguewide dynasty, rather than one that more or less focuses on one team. Hope you guys like it!

[Klew1986]

I will follow it either way. Will be fun to see how it plays out. Good luck to your Phillies. Got any plans for them?

[PhillieFever]

Thursday April 8, 2010

At
Nationals Park, Washington D.C.

Welcome To The Big Leagues Kid!

Wash DC- 21 year old pitching sensation Stephen Strasburg made his much ballyhooed MLB debut today, against defending NL champion Philadelphia, and despite some flashes of brilliance, the Phillies pretty much had their way with the young right hander, defeating him by the score of 6-3. Strasburg(0-1) lasted just 6 innings, allowing 4 runs on 8 hits and 3 walks while striking out 7, he also ht a batter. For the Phillies, SS Jimmy Rollins and 3B Placido polanco did the most damage, with Rollins singling twice and knocking in 2 runs, while Polly connected on 3 hits and scored twice.

In Other Games

Dodgers-6 Pirates-3
Matt Kemp's 2 run double in the first set the tone, as the Los Angeles Dodgers picked up their first win of the season, defeating the Pirates by the score of 6-3.

Royals-2 Tigers-0
Willie Bloomquist's RBI single in the 2nd was all that KC would need today, thanks to a strong performance by starting pitcher Kyle Davies who pitched 8 innings of shutout ball, allowing 6 hits and striking out 5 in the 2-0 Royals victory. Joakim Soria picked up the save.

Orioles-14 Rays-5
LF Felix Pie was 3 for 5 with a double, a homer, 3 RBI, and 3 runs scored, Micheal Aubrey and Luke Scott each homered, and Baltimore crushed the Tampa Bay Rays 14-5 at The Trop.

Reds-5 Cardinals-1
Starting pitcher Johnny Cueto overpowered the cardinals today, allowing an unearned run on just 2 hits over 8 innings pitched,as the Cincinnati Reds defeated the St Louis Cardinals by the score of 5-1. LF Jay Bruce provided the offensive fireworks, going 2 for 4 with a home run, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored.

Transaction Report

The Detroit Tigers and SP Jeremy Bonderman have agreed to a 2 year contract extension worth a total of $5,420,000

The Chicago White Sox have signed free agent 3B Matthew Nuzzo, and free agent reliever Kirk Saarloos each to minor league deals.

The KC Royals have signed free agent pitcher Eddie Guardado to a 1 year deal worth $400,000

Injury Report

The Texas Rangers will be without RF Nelson Cruz for up to two weeks due to a hip flexor strain suffered in today's game.

Mets CF Angel Pagan has been diagnosed with a high ankle sprain and will be out for about a month.

Cubs LF Marlon Byrd will be out for about a week with back spasms.

Today's Scoreboard

[PhillieFever]

Originally Posted by Klew1986

I will follow it either way. Will be fun to see how it plays out. Good luck to your Phillies. Got any plans for them?

Right now, the team is pretty solid, so nothing is imminent, but I would like to try and resign Werth, but I don't know if the money is there

[PhillieFever]

Friday April 9th, 2010

AT
Tropicana Field, Tampa Bay, Fl.

Tampa, Fl.- Marcus Thames' solo homer in the top of the 5th snapped a 1-1 tie, and the Yankees went on to defeat the Rays by the score of 3-1. Starting pitcher Andy Pettite was just deadly today, going 8 strong while holding the hard hitting Rays to a run on 4 hits. Mariano Rivera picked up the save. For the Rays, SP David Price pitched well in defeat, allowing 3 runs(2 earned) on 4 hits and 4 walks while fanning 4 in 7 innings pitched.

In Other Games

Athletics-10 Angels-3
C Landon Powell was on fire today, going 4 for 5 with 3 doubles, 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored, as the Athletics pounded the Angels 10-3.

Twins-9 White Sox-5
Deadlocked at 5-5, the Twins exploded for 4 runs in the 9th, getting a two run single from Alexi Casilla followed by a 2 run bomb from Jason Kubel as Minnesota went on to defeat Chicago by the score of 9-5. Kubel had a big day, going 4 for 5 with a double, a homer, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored.

Braves-6 Giants-0
Chipper Jones and Martin Prado both homered, and Derrick Lowe twirled 6 shutout innings, as the Atlanta Braves blanked the Giants by the score of 6-0.

Rockies-5 Padres-2
CF Dexter Fowler was 2 for 4 with a double, 2 stolen bases, an RBI and two runs scored, and 3B Melvin Mora added a two run homer as the Rockies defeated the Padres by the score of 5-2.

Transactions

The Boston Red Sox have announced 3 contract extensions today, 3B Adrian Beltre signed a 1 year $1,560,000 extension, C Jason Varitek signed a 1 year $600,000 extension, and reliever Manny Delcarmen signed a 3 year extension worth a total of $7,650,000

The Chicago White Sox continue to bolster their farm system, signing 2B Argenis Reyes and MR Michael O'Connell to minor league deals.

Injury Report

Cardinals 2B Felipe Lopez will be out for 6 weeks with a strained hamstring.

Athletics 2B Eric Patterson suffered a sprained ankle in today's game and will be out for about 2 weeks.

MLB Scoreboard

[PhillieFever]

Saturday April 10th, 2010

At
Pujols Wins It With Homer In 9th

Milwaukee- Clinging to a 4-3 lead in the top of the 9th, the Cardinals erupted for four runs in the inning, with the capper being an Albert Pujols 3 run homer off of Brewers closer Trevor Hoffman, as St Louis went on to defeat the Brewers by the score of 8-5. Besides the heroics of Pujols, the Cards also got a huge day from RF Ryan Ludwick, who was 2 for 4 with 2 homers, 4 RBI and 2 runs scored. Prince Fielder continued to struggle for Milwaukee, going 0 for 3 and dropping his average to .118.

In Other Games

Phillies-4 Astros-2
Ryan Howard crushed a 3 run first inning homer, Jamie Moyer pitched 6 and a third effective innings, and the Phillies defeated the Houston Astros by the score of 4-2, moving into first place in the NL East with a record of 4-1.

Pirates-4 Diamondbacks-3
Lastings Millidge's RBI sac fly in the top of the 9th snapped a 3-3 tie and propelled the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 4-3 victory over the Diamondbacks here at Chase Field.

Rangers-3 Mariners-2
Runs on an error, a sac fly, and a single by Joaquin Arias were all that the Rangers could muster off of Felix Hernandez, but it proved to be enough thanks to the stellar pitching of SP Brandon McCarthy, who held Seattle to 2 runs(1 earned) on 4 hits over 8 IP in the Rangers 3-2 victory at Safeco Field.

Royals-8 Red Sox-6
In a game in which Zach Greinke and Jon Lester both got pounded, the Kansas City Royals, on the strength of home runs from Brayan Pena, Billy Butler, and two from Will Betemit powered their way past the visiting Red Sox 8-6.

Transactions

The Chicago White Sox signed free agent 2B Michael Hollimon to a minor league contract, he's the 5th player the Sox have signed over the last 3 days.

Injuries

Indians 3B Jhonny Peralta has been diagnosed with a herniated disc in his lower back, he'll be out of action for up to 3 months.

MLB Scoreboard

[PhillieFever]

Sunday April 11, 2010

At
Oriole Park At Camden Yards, Baltimore, Md.

Jones's Homer Propels O's Past Jays 6-5

Baltimore- In a wild see-saw battle, the Baltimore Orioles battled their way past the Toronto Blue Jays by the score of 6-5, thanks to a two run home run by CF Adam Jones, which put the O's ahead to stay. After sprinting out to a 4-1 lead after five, thanks to homers by Felix Pie, Matt Wieters, and Miguel Tejada, the O's saw their lead evaporate with one swing of the bat, when Blue Jays 3B Edwin Encarnacion blasted a grand slam off of Orioles starter Kevin Millwood to make in 5-4 Toronto. In the bottom of the inning however, Baltimore came right back, when following a two out triple by Luke Scott, Adam Jones put the Orioles ahead to stay when he obliterated a Shawn Marcum curveball, depositing it into the second deck in left center field, giving Baltimore a 6-5 lead after 6. From there, the Baltimore bullpen took over, as 4 different pitchers combined to hold the Blue Jays hitless over the final three frames, preserving the Orioles 6-5 victory.

In Other Games

Nationals-7 Mets-5
A bases loaded walk by Adam Dunn followed two batters later by a two out two run single by Mike Morse gave the Nationals a stunning come from behind victory over the New York Mets. New York closer Francisco Rodriguez was charged the the blown save and the loss.

Reds-3 Cubs-2
A two run double by Brandon Phillips followed by an RBI single by Scott Rolen in the bottom of the 1st proved to be the difference, as Cincinnati held off the visiting Cubs, defeating them by the score of 3-2. Aramis Ramirez, and Xavier Nady each homered for Chicago.

Twins-2 White Sox-2
Twins starter Kevin Slowey pitched 8 innings of shutout ball, allowing 3 hits and 1 walk, while striking out 4, as Minnesota shut out the White Sox 2-0.

Angels-7 Athletics-4
Mike Napoli, Hideki Matsui, and Juan Rivera all homered, while starter Joel Pinera twirled 8 solid innings, allowing 4 runs(3 earned) on 6 hits as the Angels defeated the Athletics by the score of 6-4.

MLB Transactions

None

MLB Injury Report

White Sox SS Alexi Ramirez fractured his foot in today's game against the Twins, he'll be out for 2 to 3 weeks.

Indians 2B Anderson Hernandez will be out of the lineup for about a week with an elbow contusion.

MLB Scoreboard

[PhillieFever]

MLB Standings- April 11, 2010

[PhillieFever]

Polanco And Youkilis Nab Player Of The Week Honors

[PhillieFever]

Monday April 12th, 2010

MLB Recap

Nationals-14 Phillies-1
The Washington Nationals jumped all over the Phillies and Cole Hamels this afternoon, pounding them into submission in a 14-1 rout. Leading the way for the Nats was LF Josh Willingham, who was 4 for 4 with 3 homers, 7 RBI and 4 runs scored as Washington improves to 5-2

Cardinals-3 Astros-2 (12 Innings)
Showing once again why he's the best player in the game, Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols won the game today with a clutch bases loaded single in the bottom of the 12th to give the Redbirds a 3-2 victory over the Houston Astros.

Padres-4 Braves-1
Kevin Correia twirled 7 shutout innings, allowing 2 hits and striking out 6 as the Padres won for the third straight time, defeating the Braves by the score of 4-1. Adrian Gonzalez homered twice to pace the San Diego offense.

White Sox-6 Blue Jays-1
Juan Pierre's 2 run triple sparked a 5 run 6th inning, as the Chicago White Sox went on to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 6-1, handing Toronto their 4th straight loss, and 6th in their first 7 games.

Athletics-5 Mariners-1
Starting pitcher Brett Anderson was sharp once again, allowing a run on 6 hits over 7 innings pitched, as Oakland defeated Seattle 5-1. Offensively, 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff had a whale of a ballgame, going 3 for 3 with 2 homers, 3 RBI and 2 runs scored.

MLB Transactions

The Toronto Blue Jays, and relief pitcher Jason Frasor have come to terms on a 3 year contract extension worth a total of $10,800,000

MLB Injury Report

Brewers CF Carlos Gomez has a sore back and will be out for 1-2 weeks.

Mariners CF Franklin Gutierrez suffered a sprained knee in today's game and will be out for 3-4 weeks.

Marlins CF Cameron Maybin will be out for up to 2 weeks with a strained PCL.

Today's MLB Scoreboard

[PhillieFever]

Tuesday April 13th, 2010

Today's Recap

Rockies-6 Mets-3
Rockies RF Brad Hawpe doubled, homered, and knocked in 4, while SP Aaron Cook pitched 8 shutout innings, allowing 6 hits and a walk while striking out 4 as the Colorado Rockies defeated the New York Mets by the score of 6-3.

Diamondbacks-7 Dodgers-1
SP Edwin Jackson pitched 7 strong innings, allowing a run on 8 hits while walking 3 and striking out 7, as the Diamondbacks took advantage of 2 errors, 2 wild pitches, and a passed ball to defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers by the score of 7-1. During the game, Dodgers LF Manny Ramirez picked up his 2,500th career hit on a single in the bottom of the 4th inning.

Orioles-6 Rays-2
Brian Roberts, Nick Markakis, and Michael Aubrey all hit homers, as the orioles won for the 6th straight time, defeating the Rays 6-2. For the Rays, it was their 6th straight setback.

Yankees-2 Angels-1
In a fantastic pitcher's duel, Yankees starter Javier Vasquez defeated the Angels Ervin Santana 2-1 thanks to a two run home run by Curtis Granderson in the bottom of the 7th inning. Vasquez, allowed a run on 6 hits, while walking 1 and striking out 6. Mariano Rivers got the save.

MLB Transactions

None

MLB Injuries

Blue Jays CF Vernon Wells suffered a fractured foot in today's game and will be out for 4-5 weeks.

Oakland MR Jerry Blevins ruptured a funger tendon in the game today, and will be out for 4 months.

Today's Scoreboard

[PhillieFever]

Maybe my goals were a little too lofty LOL, doing a daily with the current MLB was just too much. I'm going to go back to my original plan, and make this mostly a Phillies dynasty.

[PhillieFever]

At
April 12th-15th, 2010
Citizens Bank Park, Phila, Pa.

April 12th- Nationals-14 Phillies-1
In just a disaster of a ballgame, the Phils and Cole Hamels were destroyed in their home opener, losing to Washington by the score of 14-1. Nats LF Josh Willingham led the onslaught, going 4 for 4 with 3 homers, 7 RBI and 4 runs scored, Mike Morse and Willie Harris also played well, with Morse homering and knocking in 2, and Harris collecting 2 hits and knocking in 3.
WP-Jason Marquis(2-0) LP-Cole Hamels(0-2) HR-Was, Josh Willingham 3(3) Mike Morse(1)

April 13th- Off Day

April 14th- Nationals-4 Phillies-2
Following back to back jacks from Chase Utley and Ryan Howard that gave the Phillies a 2-0 lead after one, the offense stalled, leaving the door open for Washington who finally got it together late, scoring twice in the 7th, and once in the 8th and 9th to go on and beat the Phils 4-2. Starting pitchers JA Happ and Stephen Strasburg both pitched well for their respective clubs, but neither were involved in the decision.
WP-Sean Burnett(1-0) LP-Antonio Bastardo(0-1) S-Matt Capps(3) HR-Was, Christian Guzman(1), Josh Willingham(4) Phi, Ryan Howard(5), Chase Utley(1)

April 15th- Phillies-8 Nationals-0
After dropping two straight and falling into a 1st place tie with the Nats, the Phils came roaring back, getting huge days from Chase Utley and Kyle Kendrick on their way to an 8-0 shutout of the visiting Nationals. Utley, was 3 for 4 with a double, a home run, 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored, while Kendrick twirled a complete game 3 hit shutout, walking 0 and striking out 3.
WP-Kyle Kendrick(2-0) LP-Scott Olsen(1-1) HR- Phi, Chase Utley(2), Jayson Werth(1)

MLB News And Notes

Led by the red hot Robinson Cano, the New York Yankees have now won 6 straight games to start the season at 8-1, putting the in first place in the AL East

With sweeps of Milwaukee and Houston, the St Louis Cardinals have also won 6 straight, matching the Yankees with a record of 8-1 and putting them in first in the NL Central

On the other side of the ledger, the Cleveland Indians have lost 7 straight, and own the worst record in the Majors, 1-7.

Phillies utility infielder called a presser on Tuesday, and announced that he will be retiring at season's end. Castro is 37.

Injury Report

The Angels will be without Tori Hunter for about a month due to a sprained ankle.

Athletics LF Rajai Davis has a hip strain, he'll be out for about 5 weeks.

Diamondbacks LF Conor Jackson fractured his hand and will be out for about 6 weeks.

Orioles CF Adam Jones has tendinitis in his shoulder and will be out for about 4 weeks,

Pirates reliever Brenden Donnelly has an oblique strain, and may be out for as much as 8 weeks.

Rockies 3B Melvin Mora will be out of action for 6-7 weeks with a torn thumb ligament

MLB Standings

[PhillieFever]

At
April 16th-18th, 2010
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pa.

April 16th- Phillies-11 Marlins-4
Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, and Raul Ibanez had two hits and 2 RBI each, as starting pitcher Roy Halladay battled his way through 7 tough innings, allowing 2 unearned runs on 5 hits, as the Phillies pounded the visiting Marlins 11-4 in game one of this three game set.
WP-Roy Halladay(3-0) LP-Ricky Nolasco(0-1) HR-Phi, Jimmy Rollins(1)

April 17th- Phillies-13 Marlins-5
Despite another sub par performance from Cole Hamels, who allowed 4 runs on 6 hits in just 4 innings of work, the Phillies once again pounded the Marlins, defeating them by the score of 13-5. RF Jayson Werth put on a Ruthian performance, going 3 for 3 with 3 homers, 2 walks, 6 RBI and 3 runs scored. The Fightins' also got homers from Placido Polanco and Raul Ibanez.
WP-Jose Contreras(1-0) LP-Clay Hensley(0-1) HR- Phi, Jayson Werth 3(4), Placido Polanco(3), Raul Ibanez(3)

April 18th- Phillies-8 Marlins-1
With another impressive offense performance, the Phillies completed the sweep, pounding the Marlins 8-1. Jayson Werth was once again a huge factor, connecting on a grand slam in the 5th which put the game away. On the hill, 47 year old Jamie Moyer continued his dominance of the Marlins, going 6 strong, and allowing a run on 4 hits, before turning the ball over to Chad Durbin, who pitched the final three frames to get the save.
WP-Jamie Moyer(2-0) LP-Anibal Sanchez(0-3) S-Chad Durbin(1) HR-Phi, Jayson Werth(5), Chase Utley(3), Placido Polanco(4)

MLB News And Notes

Pirates SS Ronny Cedeno had himself a game on Friday, the 27 year old Venezuelan pounded Reds pitching, going 5 for 5 with a double, a triple, and 3 singles. The Bucs won the game 6-5.

The Philadelphia Phillies have discovered and signed 20 year old pitcher Juan Lopez from Jayuya Puerto Rico to a minor league contract. He will begin his career in single A Clearwater.

26 year old Pirates 3B Andy LaRoche hit for the cycly on Sunday, leading the Pirates to a 10-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

MLB Injury Report

Rays 3B Evan Longoria will be out for 2 weeks with a bruised knee.

Mariners SS Jack Wilson suffered a ruptured MCL on Saturday, he's done for the season.

Tigers LF Johnny Damon has a sprained finger and will be out for about 2 weeks.

Rays reliever Grant Balfour needs Tommy John surgery and will be out for at least a year.

Rangers reliever Darren O'Day will be out for 3 months with a torn meniscus

Cubs SS Ryan Theriot has a strained hip and will be out for 3 weeks.

Astros catcher Humberto Quintero has a mild hip strain and is out for about 2 weeks.

MLB Standings

[PhillieFever]

Sweeney And Cedeno Garner Player Of The Week Honors