MLB World Series Preview

In Short

6:55 PM ET	W/L	Units	Home	Away	O/U	RL W/L	RL Units
San Francisco	101-73	21.58	54-34	47-39	80-86-8	87-87	-0.46
Texas	97-78	0.15	53-33	44-45	81-85-9	80-95	-19.52

Logans.com Betting Trends

	SF	TEX
Moneyline	37%	63%
Runline	19%	81%
Total (O/U)	58%	42%

San Francisco	329-1046	23.93%
Texas	1046-329	76.07%

Team Expert picks for this game | In Depth
Picks for San Francisco	3
Picks for Texas	5
Picks for the Over	6
Picks for the Under	2

Game Discussion

Join in on the latest game chat from the Covers community.
Official Game Thread	MLB Handicapping Forum
ProSportsDaily.com: Giants Team Forum	ProSportsDaily.com: Rangers Team Forum

Recent Trends | In Depth

San Francisco:	SF are 8-2 in their last 10 games as an underdog. SF are 10-3 in Sanchezs last 13 road starts.
Texas:	Over is 6-1-1 in TEX last 8 on grass. Over is 6-1-1 in TEX last 8 overall. Over is 6-1-1 in TEX last 8 playoff games.
Head to Head:	SF are 13-3 in the last 16 meetings.

Covers Recommended

Starters

Overall	W-L	Tm W-L	IP	H	WHIP	ERA	AF	AA	OU
Jonathan Sanchez (L) Colby Lewis (R)	13-10 14-13	23-13 16-19	208.2 219.2	152 185	1.22 1.19	3.06 3.52	4.9 4.2	3.2 4.0	17-17 11-21
Last 3	W-L	Tm W-L	IP	H	WHIP	ERA	AF	AA	OU
Jonathan Sanchez (L) Colby Lewis (R)	0-1 2-0	2-1 2-1	15.1 18.2	10 11	1.04 1.18	2.93 1.45	2.3 5.3	3.3 3.0	0-2 1-1

Game Results

Recent Meetings
Date	Home/Away	M/L	O/U	Home Starter	IP	Away Starter	IP
10/28/10	SF 9 - TEX 0	SF -115	O 7	Matt Cain	7.2	C.J. Wilson	6.0
10/27/10	SF 11 - TEX 7	SF 116	O 5.5	Tim Lincecum	5.2	Cliff Lee	4.2
2009 Season
06/21/09	SF 3 - TEX 2	SF 131	U 8	Barry Zito	7.0	Kevin Millwood	7.0
06/20/09	SF 2 - TEX 1 x	SF -138	U 8	Matt Cain	8.0	Derek Holland	7.0
06/19/09	SF 6 - TEX 4	SF -101	O 8	Randy Johnson	5.2	Scott Feldman	6.0
2006 Season
06/29/06	SF 2 - TEX 1	SF -160	U 8	Jason Schmidt	7.0	John Koronka	6.0
06/28/06	SF 5 - TEX 1	SF -115	U 9	Noah Lowry	7.2	John Rheinecker	4.0
06/27/06	SF 5 - TEX 3	SF 128	U 8.5	Matt Morris	8.0	Kevin Millwood	6.0
2001 Season
07/17/01	TEX 2 - SF 10	SF -110	O 11	Kenny Rogers	5.0	Kirk Rueter	6.2
07/16/01	TEX 2 - SF 0	TEX -105	U 12	Rob Bell	8.2	Ryan Jensen	4.1
07/15/01	TEX 6 - SF 7	SF -105	O 11.5	Darren Oliver	5.1	Livan Hernandez	7.0
2000 Season
07/18/00	SF 5 - TEX 3	SF -110	U 10.5	Russ Ortiz	6.1	Rick Helling	7.1
07/17/00	SF 10 - TEX 8	SF -145	O 10.5	Livan Hernandez	7.0	Ryan Glynn	5.2
07/16/00	SF 6 - TEX 4	SF -150	U 10.5	Shawn Estes	6.1	Esteban Loaiza	5.0
1999 Season
07/20/99	TEX 6 - SF 3	TEX -165	U 11.5	Rick Helling	6.2	Shawn Estes	5.2
07/19/99	TEX 14 - SF 7	TEX -110	O 12	Ryan Glynn	4.1	C. Brock	1.1
07/18/99	TEX 5 - SF 4	TEX -120	U 12	M. Morgan	6.1	M. Gardner	6.0

SF's Last 10 | Season				OPS	AVG	Starter	IP	Opp Starter	IP
10/28/10	TEX 9-0	W -115	O 7	.837	.250	Matt Cain	7.2	C.J. Wilson	6.0
10/27/10	TEX 11-7	W 116	O 5.5	1.020	.368	Tim Lincecum	5.2	Cliff Lee	4.2
10/23/10	@ PHI 3-2	W 149	U 7	.886	.351	Jonathan Sanchez	2.0	Roy Oswalt	6.0
10/21/10	PHI 2-4	L 108	O 5.5	.515	.206	Tim Lincecum	7.0	Roy Halladay	6.0
10/20/10	PHI 6-5	W 101	O 7.5	.819	.314	Madison Bumgarner	4.2	Joe Blanton	4.2
10/19/10	PHI 3-0	W 113	U 6.5	.421	.179	Matt Cain	7.0	Cole Hamels	6.0
10/17/10	@ PHI 1-6	L 149	P 7	.454	.129	Jonathan Sanchez	6.0	Roy Oswalt	8.0
10/16/10	@ PHI 4-3	W 153	O 5.5	.734	.250	Tim Lincecum	7.0	Roy Halladay	7.0
10/11/10	@ ATL 3-2	W 123	U 7	.485	.167	Madison Bumgarner	6.0	Derek Lowe	6.1
10/10/10	@ ATL 3-2	W 122	U 7	.595	.222	Jonathan Sanchez	7.1	Tim Hudson	7.0

TEX's Last 10 | Season				OPS	AVG	Starter	IP	Opp Starter	IP
10/28/10	@ SF 0-9	L 108	O 7	.379	.133	C.J. Wilson	6.0	Matt Cain	7.2
10/27/10	@ SF 7-11	L -123	O 5.5	.774	.306	Cliff Lee	4.2	Tim Lincecum	5.2
10/22/10	NYY 6-1	W 101	U 9	.818	.233	Colby Lewis	8.0	Philip Hughes	4.2
10/20/10	@ NYY 2-7	L 162	O 8	.811	.351	C.J. Wilson	5.0	CC Sabathia	6.0
10/19/10	@ NYY 10-3	W 148	O 9.5	1.145	.351	Tommy Hunter	3.1	A.J. Burnett	6.0
10/18/10	@ NYY 8-0	W -110	O 7.5	.729	.289	Cliff Lee	8.0	Andy Pettitte	7.0
10/16/10	NYY 7-2	W 109	P 9	1.128	.364	Colby Lewis	5.2	Philip Hughes	4.0
10/15/10	NYY 5-6	L 125	O 8.5	.686	.219	C.J. Wilson	7.0	CC Sabathia	4.0
10/12/10	@ TB 5-1	W 113	U 6.5	.730	.297	Cliff Lee	9.0	David Price	6.0
10/10/10	TB 2-5	L -107	U 9	.680	.235	Tommy Hunter	4.0	Wade Davis	5.0

Bullpens | In Depth

	Total				Available
	IP	WHIP	ERA		IP	WHIP	ERA
SF	411.1	1.19	2.65		411.1	1.19	2.65
Last 3	17.2	0.96	3.57		17.2	0.96	3.57
	IP	WHIP	ERA		IP	WHIP	ERA
TEX	287.2	1.09	2.63		287.2	1.09	2.63
Last 3	16.0	1.75	6.75		16.0	1.75	6.75

Umpire | Profile | vs. Team/Pitchers

	W/L	O/U	Runs	Str. %	HR	Pit.
Bill Miller	23-12	13-21	8.37	64.3	2.0	281.4

Injuries

San Francisco Giants | In-Depth
				W/L*	O/U*
Fielders		Status/Updated		Current	Current
No injuries to report.
Pitcher		Status/Updated
Tim Lincecum	SP	day-to-day - Hamstring - 10/29/10	notesLincecum said he felt fine after taking a comebacker off his left shin and another on the back of his left hamstring during Game 1 of the World Series against the Rangers. He remains probable for his next start.

Texas Rangers | In Depth
				W/L*	O/U*
Fielders		Status/Updated		Current	Current

MLB Season Against The Spread Stats

The Major League Baseball season is coming to a close and we always find it interesting to keep up with in depth stats looking at the ATS percentages throughout the season, as well as Over/Under betting percentages. So here are the statistics for the season through late September and heading into October for all MLB teams. Of course if you want to check out our live MLB odds and MLB Picks we are offering them up to the final game in the world series.


2010 Pro Baseball Team Report Sorted by Team
Team #G W L Win % Units Ov-Un-P Over % Under % RF RA Diff
ARIZONA 156 64 92 0.410 -21.7 87-65-4 57.2% 42.8% 4.5 5.2 -0.7
ATLANTA 156 87 69 0.558 -1.2 72-75-9 49.0% 51.0% 4.6 3.8 +0.7
BALTIMORE 155 61 94 0.394 -5.9 62-86-7 41.9% 58.1% 3.8 5.0 -1.1
BOSTON 155 86 69 0.555 -1.3 75-72-8 51.0% 49.0% 5.1 4.6 +0.5
CHI WHITE SOX 155 83 72 0.535 +7.1 79-70-6 53.0% 47.0% 4.6 4.4 +0.3
CHICAGO CUBS 155 70 85 0.452 -21.4 67-77-11 46.5% 53.5% 4.3 4.9 -0.6
CINCINNATI 156 87 69 0.558 +13.1 74-68-14 52.1% 47.9% 4.9 4.3 +0.6
CLEVELAND 156 65 91 0.417 -7.6 69-81-6 46.0% 54.0% 4.0 4.7 -0.7
COLORADO 155 83 72 0.535 -3.3 74-78-3 48.7% 51.3% 4.9 4.4 +0.5
DETROIT 155 80 75 0.516 +2.2 77-68-10 53.1% 46.9% 4.7 4.6 +0.1
FLORIDA 155 77 78 0.497 -0.1 79-70-6 53.0% 47.0% 4.5 4.5 +0.0
HOUSTON 156 74 82 0.474 +12.6 66-83-7 44.3% 55.7% 3.8 4.5 -0.7
KANSAS CITY 155 63 92 0.406 -11.5 80-70-5 53.3% 46.7% 4.1 5.3 -1.2
LA ANGELS 155 75 80 0.484 -12.3 66-80-9 45.2% 54.8% 4.2 4.4 -0.2
LA DODGERS 156 75 81 0.481 -17.9 73-78-5 48.3% 51.7% 4.1 4.3 -0.2
MILWAUKEE 155 73 82 0.471 -9.2 78-70-7 52.7% 47.3% 4.6 5.0 -0.4
MINNESOTA 155 92 63 0.594 +17.4 72-74-9 49.3% 50.7% 4.9 4.0 +0.9
NY METS 155 76 79 0.490 -4.0 66-83-6 44.3% 55.7% 4.1 4.0 +0.1
NY YANKEES 156 93 63 0.596 -3.4 79-70-7 53.0% 47.0% 5.3 4.2 +1.1
OAKLAND 155 77 78 0.497 -2.2 64-81-10 44.1% 55.9% 4.1 3.9 +0.1
PHILADELPHIA 156 93 63 0.596 +6.1 71-82-3 46.4% 53.6% 4.7 4.0 +0.7
PITTSBURGH 155 55 100 0.355 -20.3 71-74-10 49.0% 51.0% 3.6 5.4 -1.8
SAN DIEGO 155 87 68 0.561 +20.4 68-77-10 46.9% 53.1% 4.2 3.6 +0.5
SAN FRANCISCO 156 88 68 0.564 +12.0 73-76-7 49.0% 51.0% 4.3 3.6 +0.7
SEATTLE 155 59 96 0.381 -35.4 61-83-11 42.4% 57.6% 3.2 4.3 -1.1
ST LOUIS 155 80 75 0.516 -26.3 69-79-7 46.6% 53.4% 4.6 4.0 +0.5
TAMPA BAY 155 93 62 0.600 +4.6 73-75-7 49.3% 50.7% 5.1 4.1 +1.0
TEXAS 155 87 68 0.561 -0.8 71-78-6 47.7% 52.3% 4.9 4.2 +0.7
TORONTO 155 80 75 0.516 +9.8 78-68-9 53.4% 46.6% 4.6 4.5 +0.1
WASHINGTON 156 67 89 0.429 -7.8 70-81-5 46.4% 53.6% 4.1 4.6 -0.4

Florida Marlins at Washington Nationals

Florida Marlins at Washington Nationals
Tuesday, 7:05 pm Eastern

Stephen Strasburg makes his return to the Washington Nationals rotation on Tuesday as the Nationals host the Florida Marlins. Strasburg had been on the disabled list but he had no problems in his bullpen sessions and he will be favored against the Marlins on Tuesday. Strasburg will be on a pitch count so the bullpen will be a factor in this contest.

SBG Global current line: Nationals - 182, Total 7 Under - 125.

Strasburg is reported to be on a 90 pitch limit for Tuesday’s game. That probably means he won’t go more than six innings. Strasburg has been very good this season with a 2.32 ERA and a 5-2 record. He shut out the Marlins in six innings last month and struck out seven. He is 3-0 in his last three starts with a 2.04 ERA.

Anibal Sanchez gets the start for Florida on Tuesday. He is 8-7 with a 3.50 ERA this baseball betting season. He had his routine messed up in his last start due to rain and he gave up four runs on seven hits against the Phillies. His previous start was a one-hit shutout of the Giants. Sanchez is 1-1 in his last three starts with a 2.79 ERA. He has pitched very well in his career against the Nationals going 3-0 with a 2.97 ERA.

Florida has not played well recently and the stats are that out. The Marlins are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. the National League East. The Marlins are 1-5 in their last 6 overall. The Marlins are 1-5 in their last 6 games vs. a right-handed starter. The Marlins are 2-5 in Sanchez’s last 7 starts. The Marlins are 35-17 in the last 52 meetings between the two baseball betting teams.

The Nationals are 5-1 in their last 6 home games vs. a right-handed starter. The Nationals are 4-0 in Strasburg’s last 4 starts.

The Over is 4-0 in the Marlins last 4 overall. The Over is 10-1 in the Marlins last 11 games vs. a right-handed starter. The Over is 4-1 in Sanchez’s last 5 starts overall. The Under is 22-7-2 in Sanchez’s last 31 road starts. The Over is 3-1-1 in the Nationals last 5 overall. The Over is 10-4 in the Nationals last 14 home games. The Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings between the two teams but the Over is 35-14-3 in the last 52 meetings in Washington.

MLB Recent Transactions

Major League Baseball Transactions
For The Last 7 Days

* Date
* Team

Date Player Transaction
08/05/2010 [Toronto] John Buck, C Placed on the 15-day disabled list
08/05/2010 [Toronto] J.P. Arencibia, C Called up from Las Vegas (PCL)
08/05/2010 [Florida] Brett Hayes, C Activated from the 15-day disabled list
08/05/2010 [Florida] Brad Davis, C Optioned to New Orleans (PCL)
08/05/2010 [San Diego] Quintin Berry, CF Outrighted to San Antonio (TEX)
08/05/2010 [Kansas City] Jose Guillen, DH Designated for assignment
08/05/2010 [Kansas City] Philip Humber, SP Recalled from Omaha (PCL)
08/05/2010 [Philadelphia] Cody Ransom, 3B Designated for assignment
08/05/2010 [Atlanta] Cristhian Martinez, RP Recalled from Gwinnett (IL)
08/05/2010 [Boston] Argenis Reyes, 2B Traded to Cleveland
08/05/2010 [Cleveland] Argenis Reyes, 2B Acquired from Boston
08/05/2010 [Boston] Juan Apodaca, C Traded to Cleveland
08/05/2010 [Cleveland] Juan Apodaca, C Acquired from Boston
08/05/2010 [San Francisco] Denny Bautista, RP Designated for assignment
08/05/2010 [Baltimore] David Hernandez, SP Placed on the 15-day disabled list
08/05/2010 [Florida] Chad Tracy, 3B Signed
08/05/2010 [Florida] Bryan Petersen, LF Optioned to New Orleans (PCL)
08/05/2010 [Baltimore] Armando Gabino, SP Recalled from Norfolk (INT)
08/05/2010 [San Francisco] Todd Wellemeyer, SP Activated from the 15-day disabled list
08/05/2010 [Colorado] Aaron Cook, SP Placed on 15-day disabled list
08/05/2010 [Colorado] Jhoulys Chacin, SP Recalled from Colorado Springs (PCL)
08/04/2010 [Chicago WSox] Carlos Torres, SP Optioned to Charlotte (INT)
08/04/2010 [St. Louis] Jason Motte, RP Placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to August 3
08/04/2010 [St. Louis] Fernando Salas, RP Recalled from Memphis (PCL)
08/04/2010 [Detroit] Danny Worth, SS Placed on the 15-day disabled list
08/04/2010 [Detroit] Brandon Inge, 3B Activated from the 15-day disabled list
08/04/2010 [Pittsburgh] Chris Resop, RP Claimed off waivers from Atlanta
08/04/2010 [Arizona] Tony Abreu, SS Optioned to Reno (PCL)
08/04/2010 [Arizona] Rafael Rodriguez, RP Recalled from Reno (PCL)
08/04/2010 [Boston] Daniel Nava, LF Optioned to Pawtucket (INT)
08/04/2010 [Boston] Jacoby Ellsbury, CF Activated off the 15-day disabled list
08/04/2010 [Chicago WSox] Chris Sale, RP Called up from Charlotte (INT)
08/04/2010 [Los Angeles] Reed Johnson, RF Activated from the 15-day disabled list
08/04/2010 [Los Angeles] Russell Martin, C Placed on the 15-day disabled list
08/04/2010 [Los Angeles] Xavier Paul, LF Optioned to Albuquerque (PCL)
08/04/2010 [Los Angeles] A.J. Ellis, C Recalled from Albuquerque (PCL)
08/04/2010 [Los Angeles] Juan Castro, SS Assigned to Albuquerque (PCL)
08/04/2010 [Seattle] Mike Sweeney, 1B Traded to Philadelphia
08/04/2010 [Philadelphia] Mike Sweeney, 1B Acquired from Seattle
08/04/2010 [Pittsburgh] Chan Ho Park, RP Claimed off waivers from the New York Yankees
08/04/2010 [Pittsburgh] Steven Jackson, RP Designated for assignment
08/04/2010 [Pittsburgh] Steve Pearce, 1B Transferred to the 60-day disabled list
08/04/2010 [St. Louis] Mike Folli, 2B Traded to Tampa Bay
08/04/2010 [Tampa Bay] Mike Folli, 2B Acquired from St. Louis
08/04/2010 [Florida] Jorge Sosa, RP Outrighted to New Orleans (PCL)
08/04/2010 [LA Angels] Anthony Ortega, RP Optioned to Arkansas (TEX)
08/04/2010 [Cleveland] Jensen Lewis, RP Fined by (MLB)
08/04/2010 [Boston] Josh Beckett, SP Fined by (MLB)
08/04/2010 [Boston] Mike Cameron, CF Fined by (MLB)
08/04/2010 [Boston] Jacoby Ellsbury, CF Fined by (MLB)
08/04/2010 [Boston] Dustin Pedroia, 2B Fined by (MLB)
08/04/2010 [Boston] Kevin Youkilis, 1B Fined by (MLB)
08/03/2010 [Chicago Cubs] Mitch Atkins, RP Recalled from Iowa (PCL)
08/03/2010 [Chicago Cubs] Brian Schlitter, RP Optioned to Iowa (PCL)
08/03/2010 [Colorado] Todd Helton, 1B Activated from the 15-day disabled list
08/03/2010 [Colorado] Jonathan Herrera, 2B Optioned to Colorado Springs (PCL)
08/03/2010 [Florida] Jorge Sosa, RP Designated for assignment
08/03/2010 [Houston] Geoff Blum, 1B Activated from the 15-day disabled list
08/03/2010 [Houston] Anderson Hernandez, 2B Designated for assignment
08/03/2010 [LA Angels] Robert Cassevah, RP Optioned to Salt Lake (PCL)
08/03/2010 [Los Angeles] Jeff Weaver, RP Placed on the 15-day disabled list
08/03/2010 [Los Angeles] Ramon Troncoso, RP Recalled from Albuquerque (PCL)
08/03/2010 [Los Angeles] Jack Taschner, RP Filed for free agency
08/03/2010 [Oakland] Adam Heether, 3B Designated for assignment
08/03/2010 [Philadelphia] Ryan Howard, 1B Placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to August 2
08/03/2010 [Philadelphia] John Mayberry, RF Recalled from Lehigh Valley (INT)
08/03/2010 [St. Louis] Nick Stavinoha, RF Optioned to Memphis (PCL)
08/03/2010 [St. Louis] Allen Craig, LF Recalled from Memphis (PCL)
08/03/2010 [Arizona] Juan Gutierrez, RP Placed on the 15-day disabled list
08/03/2010 [Arizona] Ryan Church, CF Activated
08/03/2010 [San Francisco] Ramon Ramirez, RP Activated
08/03/2010 [Colorado] Matt Daley, RP Transferred to the 60-day disabled list
08/03/2010 [Tampa Bay] Jeremy Hellickson, SP Optioned to Durham (INT)
08/03/2010 [Tampa Bay] Dan Johnson, 1B Called up from Durham (INT)
08/03/2010 [Los Angeles] Reed Johnson, RF Sent to minors for rehabilitation
08/03/2010 [Chicago WSox] Carlos Torres, SP Called up from Charlotte (IL)
08/03/2010 [Florida] Sean West, SP Recalled from New Orleans (PCL)
08/03/2010 [Chicago WSox] Erick Threets, RP Placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 31
08/03/2010 [LA Angels] Peter Bourjos, CF Recalled from Salt Lake (PCL)
08/03/2010 [Seattle] Rob Johnson, C Optioned to Tacoma (PCL)
08/03/2010 [Oakland] Jeff Larish, DH Claimed off waivers from Detroit and optioned to Sacramento (PCL)
08/03/2010 [Seattle] Adam Moore, C Recalled from Tacoma (PCL)
08/03/2010 [Cincinnati] Juan Francisco, 3B Recalled from Louisville (INT)
08/03/2010 [Cincinnati] Orlando Cabrera, SS Placed on the 15-day disabled list
08/03/2010 [Detroit] Brandon Inge, 3B Sent to minors for rehabilitation
08/03/2010 [Washington] Adam Dunn, 1B Placed on waivers
08/03/2010 [Cleveland] Jensen Lewis, RP Optioned to Columbus (INT)
08/03/2010 [Cleveland] David Huff, SP Recalled from Columbus (INT)
08/03/2010 [Cleveland] Travis Hafner, DH Placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 29
08/03/2010 [Cleveland] Lou Marson, C Recalled from Columbus (IL)
08/03/2010 [Colorado] Wes Hodges, 3B Claimed off waivers from Cleveland and optioned to Colorado Springs (PCL)
08/03/2010 [Boston] Mike Lowell, 1B Activated from the 15-day disabled list
08/03/2010 [Boston] Kevin Youkilis, 1B Placed on the 15-day disabled list
08/03/2010 [Cleveland] Carlos Santana, C Placed on the 15-day disabled list
08/02/2010 [Milwaukee] Corey Hart, RF Signed to a three-year contract extension
08/02/2010 [Pittsburgh] Jason Jaramillo, C Optioned to Indianapolis (INT)
08/02/2010 [Tampa Bay] Andy Sonnanstine, RP Placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 23
08/02/2010 [Philadelphia] Ryne White, 1B Signed as free agent
08/02/2010 [Kansas City] Jeff Howell, C Traded to Minnesota
08/02/2010 [Minnesota] Jeff Howell, C Acquired from Kansas City
08/02/2010 [Cincinnati] Carlos Fisher, RP Optioned to Louisville (INT)
08/02/2010 [Cincinnati] Russ Springer, RP Called up from Louisville (INT)
08/02/2010 [Tampa Bay] Jeremy Hellickson, SP Called up from Durham (INT)
08/02/2010 [Houston] Jeff Fulchino, RP Activated from the 15-day disabled list
08/02/2010 [Houston] Fernando Abad, RP Optioned to Round Rock (PCL)
08/02/2010 [Washington] Atahualpa Severino, RP Optioned to Syracuse (INT)
08/02/2010 [Washington] Justin Maxwell, CF Recalled from Syracuse (INT)
08/02/2010 [Atlanta] Martin Prado, 2B Placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 31
08/02/2010 [Atlanta] Diory Hernandez, 2B Recalled from Gwinnett (INT)
08/02/2010 [Boston] Mike Cameron, CF Placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 31
08/02/2010 [Boston] Daniel Nava, LF Recalled from Pawtucket (INT)
08/02/2010 [Chicago Cubs] Carlos Silva, SP Placed on the 15-day disabled list
08/02/2010 [Chicago Cubs] Thomas Diamond, RP Called up from Iowa (PCL)
08/02/2010 [Chicago Cubs] Casey Coleman, SP Called up from Iowa (PCL)
08/02/2010 [Pittsburgh] James McDonald, SP Activated
08/02/2010 [St. Louis] Nate Robertson, SP Agreed to terms and assigned to Memphis (PCL)
08/02/2010 [Washington] Tyler Walker, RP Transferred to the 60-day disabled list
08/02/2010 [Pittsburgh] Brandon Jones, LF Traded to Detroit
08/02/2010 [Detroit] Brandon Jones, LF Acquired from Pittsburgh
08/02/2010 [San Francisco] Ryan Rohlinger, 3B Optioned to Fresno (PCL)
08/02/2010 [Baltimore] Jim Johnson, RP Sent to minors for rehabilitation
08/02/2010 [LA Angels] Scott Kazmir, SP Sent to the minors for rehabilitation
08/02/2010 [Colorado] Eric Young Jr., CF Optioned to Colorado Springs (PCL)
08/02/2010 [San Diego] Mike Koplove, RP Assigned to Portland (PCL)
08/02/2010 [Texas] Derek Holland, SP Optioned to Oklahoma City (PCL)
08/02/2010 [Pittsburgh] Jose Ascanio, RP Sent to minors for rehabilitation
08/02/2010 [Pittsburgh] Ryan Doumit, C Sent to minors for rehabilitation
08/01/2010 [Florida] Alex Sanabia, SP Optioned to New Orleans (PCL)
08/01/2010 [Houston] Brett Myers, SP Signed to a two-year contract extension
08/01/2010 [St. Louis] David Freese, 3B Sent to minors for rehabilitation
08/01/2010 [Cleveland] Jeanmar Gomez, RP Recalled from Columbus (IL)
08/01/2010 [Pittsburgh] Justin Thomas, RP Recalled from Indianapolis (IL)
08/01/2010 [St. Louis] Tyler Greene, SS Placed on the 15-day disabled list
08/01/2010 [Washington] Jordan Zimmermann, SP Optioned to Syracuse (INT)
08/01/2010 [Washington] John Lannan, SP Recalled from Harrisburg (EAS)
08/01/2010 [Arizona] Cole Gillespie, LF Optioned to Reno (PCL)
08/01/2010 [Kansas City] Robinson Tejeda, RP Placed on 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 30
08/01/2010 [Kansas City] Kila Ka`aihue, 1B Recalled from Omaha (PCL)
08/01/2010 [San Diego] Oscar Salazar, 2B Placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 30
08/01/2010 [Los Angeles] Bobby Livingston, SP Assigned to Albuquerque (PCL)
08/01/2010 [Los Angeles] Travis Schlichting, SP Optioned to Albuquerque (PCL)
08/01/2010 [Baltimore] Troy Patton, RP Recalled from Norfolk (IL)
08/01/2010 [San Diego] Mike Koplove, RP Signed as free agent
07/31/2010 [Baltimore] Rick VandenHurk, RP Acquired from Florida and optioned to Norfolk (INT)
07/31/2010 [Florida] Rick VandenHurk, RP Traded to Baltimore
07/31/2010 [Florida] Will Ohman, RP Acquired from Baltimore
07/31/2010 [Baltimore] Will Ohman, RP Traded to Florida
07/31/2010 [Texas] Rich Harden, SP Activated from the 15-day disabled list
07/31/2010 [Texas] Joaquin Arias, 2B Placed on the 15-day disabled list
07/31/2010 [Texas] Doug Mathis, RP Optioned to Oklahoma City (PCL)
07/31/2010 [Seattle] Milton Bradley, DH Placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 27
07/31/2010 [Seattle] Justin Smoak, 1B Optioned to Tacoma (PCL)
07/31/2010 [Seattle] Sean White, RP Recalled from Tacoma (PCL)
07/31/2010 [Seattle] Matt Tuiasosopo, 3B Recalled from Tacoma (PCL)
07/31/2010 [NY Yankees] Alfredo Aceves, RP Transferred to the 60-day disabled list
07/31/2010 [NY Yankees] Chan Ho Park, RP Designated for assignment
07/31/2010 [NY Yankees] Colin Curtis, RF Optioned to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (IL)
07/31/2010 [NY Yankees] Juan Miranda, 1B Optioned to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (IL)
07/31/2010 [NY Yankees] Austin Kearns, RF Acquired from Cleveland
07/31/2010 [Cleveland] Austin Kearns, RF Traded to the New York Yankees
07/31/2010 [NY Yankees] Kerry Wood, RP Acquired from Cleveland
07/31/2010 [Cleveland] Kerry Wood, RP Traded to the New York Yankees
07/31/2010 [NY Yankees] Lance Berkman, 1B Acquired from Houston
07/31/2010 [Houston] Lance Berkman, 1B Traded to the New York Yankees
07/31/2010 [Houston] Mark Melancon, RP Acquired from the New York Yankees
07/31/2010 [NY Yankees] Mark Melancon, RP Traded to Houston
07/31/2010 [Houston] Jimmy Paredes, 2B Acquired from the New York Yankees
07/31/2010 [NY Yankees] Jimmy Paredes, 2B Traded to Houston
07/31/2010 [Cleveland] Jordan Brown, LF Recalled from Columbus (IL)
07/31/2010 [St. Louis] Jake Westbrook, SP Acquired from Cleveland
07/31/2010 [Cleveland] Jake Westbrook, SP Traded to St. Louis
07/31/2010 [San Diego] Ryan Ludwick, RF Acquired from St. Louis
07/31/2010 [St. Louis] Ryan Ludwick, RF Traded to San Diego
07/31/2010 [Pittsburgh] Joe Martinez, RP Acquired from San Francisco and optioned to Indianapolis (INT)
07/31/2010 [San Francisco] Joe Martinez, SP Traded to Pittsburgh
07/31/2010 [Pittsburgh] John Bowker, RF Acquired from San Francisco and optioned to Indianapolis (INT)
07/31/2010 [San Francisco] John Bowker, RF Traded to Pittsburgh
07/31/2010 [Pittsburgh] Pedro Ciriaco, SS Acquired from Arizona and optioned to Indianapolis (INT)
07/31/2010 [Arizona] Pedro Ciriaco, SS Traded to Pittsburgh
07/31/2010 [Arizona] Bobby Crosby, SS Acquired from Pittsburgh
07/31/2010 [Pittsburgh] Bobby Crosby, 1B Traded to Arizona
07/31/2010 [Arizona] D.J. Carrasco, RP Acquired from Pittsburgh
07/31/2010 [Pittsburgh] D.J. Carrasco, RP Traded to Arizona
07/31/2010 [Arizona] Ryan Church, CF Acquired from Pittsburgh
07/31/2010 [Pittsburgh] Ryan Church, CF Traded to Arizona
07/31/2010 [Pittsburgh] Chris Snyder, C Acquired from Arizona
07/31/2010 [Arizona] Chris Snyder, C Traded to Pittsburgh
07/31/2010 [Los Angeles] Octavio Dotel, RP Acquired from Pittsburgh
07/31/2010 [Pittsburgh] Octavio Dotel, RP Traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers
07/31/2010 [Pittsburgh] James McDonald, SP Acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers
07/31/2010 [Los Angeles] James McDonald, SP Traded to Pittsburgh
07/31/2010 [San Francisco] Javier Lopez, RP Acquired from Pittsburgh
07/31/2010 [Pittsburgh] Javier Lopez, RP Traded to San Francisco
07/31/2010 [Pittsburgh] Daniel McCutchen, SP Recalled from Indianapolis (IL)
07/31/2010 [Pittsburgh] Jeff Clement, C Recalled from Indianapolis (INT)
07/31/2010 [Pittsburgh] Argenis Diaz, SS Recalled from Indianapolis (INT)
07/31/2010 [Boston] Jeremy Hermida, LF Designated for assignment
07/31/2010 [Boston] Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C Acquired from Texas and optioned to Pawtucket (INT)
07/31/2010 [Texas] Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C Traded to Boston
07/31/2010 [Boston] Dustin Richardson, SP Recalled from Pawtucket (IL)
07/31/2010 [San Francisco] Ramon Ramirez, RP Acquired from Boston
07/31/2010 [Boston] Ramon Ramirez, RP Traded to San Francisco
07/31/2010 [Boston] Ryan Kalish, RF Called up from Pawtucket (INT)
07/31/2010 [Atlanta] Rick Ankiel, CF Acquired from Kansas City
07/31/2010 [Kansas City] Rick Ankiel, CF Traded to Atlanta
07/31/2010 [Atlanta] Kyle Farnsworth, RP Acquired from Kansas City
07/31/2010 [Kansas City] Kyle Farnsworth, RP Traded to Atlanta
07/31/2010 [Atlanta] Brent Clevlen, LF Designated for assignment
07/31/2010 [Atlanta] Wilkin Ramirez, LF Acquired from Detroit
07/31/2010 [Detroit] Wilkin Ramirez, LF Traded to Atlanta
07/31/2010 [Kansas City] Gregor Blanco, CF Acquired from Atlanta
07/31/2010 [Atlanta] Gregor Blanco, CF Traded to Kansas City
07/31/2010 [Kansas City] Jesse Chavez, RP Acquired from Atlanta
07/31/2010 [Atlanta] Jesse Chavez, RP Traded to Kansas City
07/31/2010 [Tampa Bay] Grant Balfour, RP Placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive July 29
07/31/2010 [Tampa Bay] Chad Qualls, RP Acquired from Arizona
07/31/2010 [Arizona] Chad Qualls, RP Traded to Tampa Bay
07/31/2010 [Los Angeles] Ted Lilly, SP Acquired from the Chicago Cubs
07/31/2010 [Chicago Cubs] Ted Lilly, SP Traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers
07/31/2010 [Los Angeles] Ryan Theriot, 2B Acquired from the Chicago Cubs
07/31/2010 [Chicago Cubs] Ryan Theriot, 2B Traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers
07/31/2010 [Chicago Cubs] Blake DeWitt, 2B Acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers
07/31/2010 [Los Angeles] Blake DeWitt, 2B Traded to the Chicago Cubs
07/31/2010 [Houston] Felipe Paulino, RP Transferred to the 60-day disabled list
07/31/2010 [Houston] Brett Wallace, 3B Called up from Round Rock (PCL)
07/31/2010 [St. Louis] Nick Stavinoha, RF Activated from the 15-day disabled list
07/31/2010 [Washington] Yuneski Maya, SP Signed as free agent
07/31/2010 [Arizona] John Hester, C Recalled from Reno (PCL)
07/31/2010 [Oakland] Ben Sheets, SP Transferred to the 60-day disabled list
07/31/2010 [Oakland] Cedrick Bowers, RP Optioned to Sacramento (PCL)
07/31/2010 [Oakland] Boof Bonser, RP Called up from Sacramento (PCL)
07/31/2010 [San Diego] Quintin Berry, CF Designated for assignment
07/31/2010 [Chicago WSox] Lucas Harrell, SP Optioned to Charlotte (INT)

MLB Wildcard Race

American League Wild Card Standings
W L PCT GB Home Away DIV Streak
Tampa Bay 64 39 .621 --- 31-21 33-18 26-14 Lost 1
Boston 59 45 .567 5 1/2 31-21 28-24 20-21 Won 1
Minnesota 58 46 .558 6 1/2 32-20 26-26 27-15 Won 7
Toronto 54 50 .519 10 1/2 27-21 27-29 20-16 Lost 1
Detroit 52 51 .505 12 35-17 17-34 16-21 Lost 1
Oakland 52 51 .505 12 30-22 22-29 16-15 Won 1
LA Angels 53 53 .500 12 1/2 28-25 25-28 21-16 Lost 1
Kansas City 44 60 .423 20 1/2 22-29 22-31 16-22 Won 2
Cleveland 43 61 .413 21 1/2 23-27 20-34 20-18 Won 1
Seattle 39 66 .371 26 24-28 15-38 8-24 Lost 6
Baltimore 32 72 .308 32 1/2 18-33 14-39 10-35 Lost 2

National League Wild Card Standings
W L PCT GB Home Away DIV Streak
San Francisco 60 45 .571 --- 32-20 28-25 17-21 Won 2
Cincinnati 58 47 .552 2 32-23 26-24 29-17 Won 1
Philadelphia 56 48 .538 3 1/2 34-18 22-30 15-19 Lost 2
Colorado 54 50 .519 5 1/2 34-18 20-32 21-16 Won 3
Los Angeles 54 50 .519 5 1/2 32-21 22-29 25-12 Lost 4
Florida 53 51 .510 6 1/2 28-26 25-25 21-18 Won 3
NY Mets 53 51 .510 6 1/2 33-18 20-33 19-20 Won 1
Milwaukee 48 57 .457 12 24-28 24-29 21-26 Lost 4
Chicago Cubs 46 58 .442 13 1/2 26-27 20-31 19-30 Lost 4
Washington 46 58 .442 13 1/2 29-22 17-36 20-18 Won 3
Houston 44 59 .427 15 25-29 19-30 27-20 Won 4
Arizona 38 66 .365 21 1/2 24-29 14-37 10-29 Lost 1
Pittsburgh 36 67 .350 23 23-26 13-41 21-30 Lost 3

With a couple months left to go in the season the race is already heating up but time will tell who makes it into the post-season and who does not. For winning MLB Picks and Baseball odds check out the rest of Coopers Pick.

George Steinbrenner has a heart attack

We are looking into this but it appears that the famed New York Yankees owner has had a heart attack and passed away. More news coming as we look into this tragedy.

National League Injuries

NL Injuries

Arizona Diamondbacks
Fielders Pos. Date Details Status Injury
No significant injuries
Pitcher Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Kris Benson SP 04/29/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out strained right shoulder
Leo Rosales RP 04/29/2010 is on the 60-day disabled list Out right foot surgery
Brandon Webb SP 03/26/2010 is on the 60-day disabled list Out right shoulder surgery

Atlanta Braves
Fielders Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Brent Clevlen OF 05/24/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out sprained right big toe
Troy Glaus 1B 07/06/2010 played Tuesday against Philadelphia Probable sore left knee
Jason Heyward RF 06/27/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out bone bruise in left thumb
Nate McLouth CF 06/10/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out concussion-like symptoms
Pitcher Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Chris Resop RP 06/16/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out strained left oblique

Chicago Cubs
Fielders Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Derrek Lee 1B 07/06/2010 played Tuesday against Arizona Probable sore back
Pitcher Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Esmailin Caridad RP 05/19/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out strained right elbow
John Grabow RP 06/29/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out sprained left knee
Angel Guzman RP 03/26/2010 is on the 60-day disabled list and will miss the entire season Out right shoulder surgery
Carlos Zambrano SP 06/29/2010 is on the restricted list Out disciplinary/personal

Cincinnati Reds
Fielders Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Chris Dickerson CF 04/30/2010 is on the 60-day disabled list Out right hand/wrist surgery
Ryan Hanigan C 05/29/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out broken left thumb
Ramon Hernandez C 07/06/2010 missed Tuesday's game against New York Out sore left knee
Pitcher Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Homer Bailey SP 05/24/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out right shoulder inflammation
Aaron Harang SP 07/01/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out lower back spasms
Mike Lincoln RP 06/01/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out strained right lat muscle
Edinson Volquez SP 02/22/2010 is on the 60-day disabled list and is out indefinitely Out right elbow surgery

Colorado Rockies
Fielders Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Brad Hawpe RF 07/06/2010 is doubtful for Tuesday's game against St. Louis Doubtful bruised right rib cage
Todd Helton 1B 07/06/2010 is doubtful for Tuesday's game against St. Louis Doubtful sore lower back
Ian Stewart 3B 07/06/2010 played Tuesday against St. Louis Probable bruised left elbow
Troy Tulowitzki SS 06/18/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list and is expected to miss at least six weeks Out broken left wrist
Eric Young Jr. OF 05/13/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list and is out indefinitely Out stress fracture in right tibia
Pitcher Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Taylor Buchholz RP 03/26/2010 is on the 60-day disabled list Out right elbow surgery
Matt Daley RP 06/11/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out right shoulder inflammation
Jorge De La Rosa SP 04/26/2010 is expected to be activated from the 15-day disabled list for Friday's game against San Diego Out torn flexor tendon in left middle finger

Florida Marlins
Fielders Pos. Date Details Status Injury
John Baker C 05/13/2010 is on the 60-day disabled list and is out indefinitely Out strained right forearm/elbow
Pitcher Pos. Date Details Status Injury
No significant injuries

Houston Astros
Fielders Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Geoff Blum IF 07/02/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out to undergo arthroscopic right elbow surgery
Tommy Manzella SS 06/23/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list and is expected to miss six weeks Out broken left index finger
Pitcher Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Alberto Arias RP 03/26/2010 is on the 60-day disabled list and will miss the entire season Out right shoulder surgery
Jeff Fulchino RP 06/29/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out right elbow tendinitis
Felipe Paulino SP 06/21/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out right shoulder tendinitis

Los Angeles Dodgers
Fielders Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Brad Ausmus C 04/09/2010 is on the 60-day disabled list Out back surgery
Manny Ramirez LF 06/30/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out strained right hamstring
Pitcher Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Carlos Monasterios SP 06/19/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out blister on right index finger

Milwaukee Brewers
Fielders Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Jody Gerut CF 05/23/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out bruised left heel
Gregg Zaun C 05/21/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list and will miss the remainder of the season Out right shoulder surgery
Pitcher Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Doug Davis SP 07/06/2010 was activated from the 15-day disabled list Probable heart/tissue inflammation
Marco Estrada RP 06/01/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out right shoulder fatigue
Yovani Gallardo SP 07/05/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out strained left oblique
LaTroy Hawkins RP 05/07/2010 is on the 60-day disabled list Out right shoulder fatigue

New York Mets
Fielders Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Carlos Beltran CF 03/26/2010 is on the 60-day disabled list Out arthroscopic right knee surgery
Luis Castillo 2B 06/02/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out bruised right heel/bone bruise in left foot
Jose Reyes SS 07/06/2010 played Tuesday against Cincinnati Probable sore right oblique/lower back
Fernando Tatis IF 07/05/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out sprained right shoulder
Pitcher Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Kelvim Escobar RP 03/26/2010 is on the 60-day disabled list and will miss the entire season Out right shoulder surgery
Sean Green RP 04/08/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list and is out indefinitely Out stress fracture in right rib cage
John Maine SP 05/21/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out right rotator cuff tendinitis
Oliver Perez RP 06/01/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out right knee tendinitis

Philadelphia Phillies
Fielders Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Placido Polanco 3B 06/26/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out left elbow inflammation/bone spur
Carlos Ruiz C 06/19/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out concussion
Brian Schneider C 07/06/2010 missed Tuesday's game against Atlanta Out sprained left thumb
Chase Utley 2B 06/29/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list and is expected to miss at least two months Out right thumb surgery
Pitcher Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Antonio Bastardo RP 06/16/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out ulnar neuritis in left elbow
Chad Durbin RP 06/24/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out strained right hamstring
Ryan Madson RP 04/29/2010 is on the 60-day disabled list Out right big toe surgery

Pittsburgh Pirates
Fielders Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Steve Pearce 1B 05/25/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list and is out indefinitely Out sprained right ankle/left knee tendinitis
Pitcher Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Jose Ascanio RP 03/26/2010 is on the 60-day disabled list Out right shoulder surgery
Zach Duke SP 06/17/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out strained left elbow
Chris Jakubauskas SP 04/25/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out concussion/head contusion

San Diego Padres
Fielders Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Matt Antonelli 2B 04/30/2010 is on the 60-day disabled list Out broken left hand
Kyle Blanks LF 05/18/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out strained right elbow
David Eckstein 2B 07/06/2010 played Tuesday against Washington Probable strained right calf
Will Venable RF 07/02/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out strained lower back
Pitcher Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Chris Young SP 04/07/2010 is on the 60-day disabled list Out strained right shoulder

San Francisco Giants
Fielders Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Mark DeRosa LF 05/09/2010 is on the 60-day disabled list and will miss the remainder of the season Out to undergo left wrist surgery
Juan Uribe IF 07/06/2010 is doubtful for Tuesday's game against Milwaukee Doubtful sprained left ring finger
Pitcher Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Todd Wellemeyer SP 06/11/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out strained right quadriceps

St. Louis Cardinals
Fielders Pos. Date Details Status Injury
David Freese 3B 06/28/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out bone bruise in right ankle
Ryan Ludwick RF 06/26/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out strained right calf
Pitcher Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Kyle Lohse SP 05/23/2010 is on the 60-day disabled list Out right forearm surgery
Brad Penny SP 05/22/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out strained right lat muscle/upper back

Washington Nationals
Fielders Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Roger Bernadina RF 07/06/2010 played Tuesday against San Diego Probable tightness in lower back
Jesus Flores C 03/26/2010 is on the 60-day disabled list Out right shoulder surgery
Pitcher Pos. Date Details Status Injury
Jason Marquis SP 04/19/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list and is out indefinitely Out right elbow surgery
Garrett Mock SP 04/11/2010 is on the 60-day disabled list Out arthroscopic neck surgery
Scott Olsen SP 05/22/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out left shoulder inflammation
Tyler Walker RP 06/20/2010 is on the 15-day disabled list Out right shoulder inflammation
Chien-Ming Wang SP 03/26/2010 is on the 60-day disabled list Out right shoulder surgery
Jordan Zimmermann SP 02/19/2010 is on the 60-day disabled list Out right elbow surgery

Armando Galarraga's Perfect Game

There will have to be an asterik from now on next to Armando Galarraga's name as he was finishing out a perfect game in the 9th inning with 2 outs leading his team the Detroit Tigers up 3-0 against the Cleveland Indians.

Every fan left in the stadium was on their feet cheering and than the unthinkable happened, no not a base hit but rather a ground ball to the first base and a throw to the pitcher who caught the ball with maybe only the slightest bobble in the world and the umpire remarked SAFE :(

The crowd was angry and Armando obviously just had his night ruined by this call and said after the game that he feels worse for veteran umpire Jim Joyce's call which he admitted after watching the tape that it was a bad call and the runner was out.

So now the question begs what will happen with the replay in Major League Baseball and when will the commission come to a decision on how to handle this miscall?

This blog has moved

This blog is now located at http://mlb.baseballblog.cooperspick.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://mlb.baseballblog.cooperspick.com/feeds/posts/default.

March Sadness: Is televised poker dead?

The nationally televised 2003 World Series of Poker victory by everyman Chris Moneymaker inspired a boom in poker that produced impressive results: everyone from Don Cheadle to George Constanza was lining up to register for exponentially growing tournament fields.

Seven years later, the honeymoon is over. The dwindling fields at nearly every major poker circuit are evidence that dead money dreamers are no longer willing to take blind shots at being the next Mikey McDermott. Rich flounders once willing to plop down 10K for a casual afternoon of degeneracy suddenly find themselves pinching pennies at the Circus Circus buffet line. The donkeys are officially dead.

On the surface, the 2010 Heads Up Poker championship provides the perfect remedy: the opportunity to market poker's brightest stars in a 64-player free for all on national television. What better event to revive the dormant mainstream interest in poker than watching Cheadle's gutshot take down an irate Phil Hellmuth's pocket aces?

The problem is no one's watching. Ratings for the star-studded event (by poker standards) have dropped over 54% since it's inaugural 2006 season. Both the WPT and High Stakes Poker (a favorite in the poker community) were dropped by their respective networks for the second straight season. The quick hook NBC gave poorly produced Face the Ace after just two episodes is further proof that poker's biggest names aren't appealing to audiences outside of die-hard poker fans.

The 2010 heads up championship provided its usual array of bracket busting upsets: Annette Obrestad took down Hellmuth in the first round, Monkeymaker toppled Patrick Antonius and Leo Wolpert to fight his way into the sweet sixteen. How about Jerry Yang deposing of Mike Matusow, Jennifer Harman, and Barry Greenstein? Such earth shattering upsets have to help spike the ratings when the event airs in mid-April, right?

Expect the heads up championship to be dealt in last regardless. Here's why:

1. The spoiler effect: Joe public already knows who won. While the diehards will watch anyways, the casual fans televised poker needs lose interest because they already know the outcome. This is a problem poker producers have been trying to solve by shortening the gap between the actual event and airdates but the necessity of editing holecam footage make delays unavoidable. Imagine the dip in NFL ratings if fans already had access to final boxscores or the difference in box office returns for a movie if the audience already knew the final twist when deciding to watch the film?

2. The underdog factor just isn't the same. In the poker world, Jerry Yang beating Barry Greenstein in a best of three heads up match is the equivalent of your local community college beating UNC in the first round of the NCAA tourney. The rub here is that David beating Goliath in a couple hands of tournament poker doesn't generate buzz because upsets are more the norm than exception in poker. Post Moneymaker, we've seen an abundance of questionable poker talents win bracelet after bracelet and the public has grown immune to their rags to riches stories. When a recognizable pro manages to navigate a minefield of amateurs and win it's great for poker but when an anonymous logger from West Virginia wins it's no longer newsworthy. Guess which happens more often?

3. Poker remains taboo. The UIGEA continues to wreak havoc on the bread and butter of the game, online poker. A 2009 episode where the US government unexpectedly seized $34 million in online player's funds certainly stunted the online growth poker desperately relies on. Poker-related programming is blacked out in certain areas (Utah, of course) of the country due to local gaming laws. The bottom line is that for every Hellmuth Milwaukee's Best advertisement you see on TV there are five networks who turned down sponsorship in fear of reprisal from anti-poker conservatives. Last week's brazen armed robbery of the $1.1 million cash prize during a televised European Poker Tour event doesn't help either.

While it's obvious poker will never take over primetime TV, it still has a few rebuys left. Producers for the World Series of Poker show a willingness to tweak their presentation with innovative ideas such as creating the marketing friendly November Nine concept or switching the final table of the 50K H.O.R.S.E event into an viewer friendly format of no-limit hold 'em shootout.

While adjustments such as these dilute the purity of poker, the game is entering an era where everyone needs to make concessions to keep poker on TV. Producers and tournament directors need to lower expectations of monolithic televised events bringing in American Idol worthy numbers and create a more realistic and sustainable model that can keep networks happy. If they continue to push gimmicky shows featuring an overweight plumber going heads up with Phil Ivey, poker fans can expect to be playing an excruciatingly long game of 52-card pick up in the future. Well at least we have baseball handicapping now!

Rangers Sign 14 players

Well I guess everything really is bigger in Texas. Including spring training signing. Only thing is it happened in Arizona. So the Arlington, Texas baseball team now has 14 new players for 2010.

The players that they signed were SS Elvis Andrus, infielder Joaquin Arias, OF Nelson Cruz, 1st baseman Chris Davis, pitchers Matt Harrison, Eric Hurley, Warner Madrigal, Guillermo Moscoso, Darren O'Day, Alexi Ogando and Pedro Strop and catchers Max Ramirez, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden.

Andrus played his rookie campaign in 2009 and batted .267 with six homers and 40 RBI in 145 games.

Outfielder Nelson Cruz has played 5 seasons as of last year and has a career-high 128 games batted .260 with 33 home runs and 76 RBI.

Davis took over the starting role at first base last season for Texas and over 113 games batted .238 with 21 homers and 59 RBI.

Harrison started 11 games and went 4-5 with a 6.11 earned run average in 2009.

Saltalamacchia played in 84 games last year, his 3rd in MLB, and had a batting average of .233 with nine homers and 34 RBI, while Teagarden played 60 games and had a .217 average with 6 home runs & 24 runs batted in for his 2nd season in the majors.

Around the Horn iPhone Application

Our good friends over at Around the Horn have just made the iPhone world that much greater of a place in the world. They have just released their brand new iPhone application.

So if you have an iphone application please feel free to check it out and you can see their website as well below:

Ecogra Release

While we wait for Baseball to start up again we are going to keep you in the loop in whats going on in our world thanks to our friends over at the APCW.

Frank Thomas Retires (finally)

The all time Chicago White sox great who had one of the greatest eyes in the game known as the Big Hurt calls it quits. Sox to retire uniform number

Two-time American League MVP Frank Thomas, one of the most feared hitters of his generation, has announced his retirement after playing 19 seasons in the majors.

Thomas made the announcement Thursday at a function in Chicago and the White Sox, the team for which he spent the majority of his career, said Friday they would honor him with a special day next August and retire his uniform number.

"I am officially retired. It's time. It's in my heart and it's time to move on," Thomas told Chicago's Comcast SportsNet Thursday night. "I'm proud to say I'm ready to retire. I enjoyed a wonderful career and have nothing left to prove. It's a young man's game now."

A five-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger Award winner, Thomas spent 16 seasons with the Chicago White Sox (1990-2005) before finishing up in Toronto and Oakland. He hit a combined eight homers with 30 RBI in 71 games in 2008 and failed to land a team last season.

The burly 6-foot-5 Thomas, who played first base when he wasn't penciled in as a designated hitter, compiled a lifetime .301 batting average with 521 home runs and 1,704 RBI.

He won back-to-back AL MVP honors in 1993 and '94 with Chicago, which will officially retire his No. 35 on August 29. In those award-winning seasons, he cranked out a combined 79 homers with 229 RBI and hit a career-high .353 in 1994. His last year with the White Sox ended with a World Series championship, the first for the franchise since 1917.

"Everyone who enjoyed watching Frank Thomas perform during his outstanding career with the White Sox quickly realized we were watching one of the greatest offensive players of all-time, a player destined to re-write our club's record books," said Jerry Reinsdorf, chairman of the White Sox. "When your career comes to an end and your body of work is compared to Hall of Famers like Mel Ott, Babe Ruth and Ted Williams, you truly rank among baseball royalty. I believe it is only a matter of time until Frank receives the game's greatest honor in Cooperstown and he unquestionably deserves the honor of being recognized among the elite White Sox players in this franchise's history by having his No. 35 retired."

Thomas, now 41, wound up with 2,468 hits and 1,667 walks and a robust .419 on- base percentage, good for 21st all-time.

He'll become eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.

This post was made possible by our fellow friends at ZonQ Sports

Offseason baseball trading Action

Dodgers avoid arbitration with Billingsley and Kemp

Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Dodgers have avoided arbitration with two of their young stars, as they signed right-hander Chad Billingsley to a one-year deal and outfielder Matt Kemp to two-year pact.

Financial details were not known.

Billingsley, whose offseason a year ago was marred by a broken tibia suffered from a fall on the ice, posted a 9-4 mark with a 3.38 earned run average over the first half of last season, earning him a spot on the National League All- Star team. However, he struggled after the break, going 3-7 with a 5.20 ERA and was winless in his final seven starts of the year.

The 25-year-old hurler, who was a first round pick of the Dodgers in 2003, is 47-30 lifetime with a 3.55 ERA in 129 games, 100 of which have been starts.

Kemp, meanwhile, becomes the first arbitration-eligible Dodger to receive a multi-year contract since 2005. He is coming off his best full year as a pro, as he posted career bests with 26 home runs and 101 RBI, while hitting .297.

For his career, the 25-year-old Kemp is a .299 hitter with a 61 home runs and 242 RBI in 464 games.