Around the MLB: 1 September 2010

Nationals and Marlins fight UFC style:  This might have been the best fight I've ever seen in an MLB game.  One night after Nyjer Morgan thinks he is tight shit for unnecessarily plowing over Marlins catcher Brett Hayes, he charges the mound against Chris Volstad.  For a number of reasons, Volstad intentionally threw at Nyjer Morgan.  The pitch went about two feet behind him.  Morgan thought for one second and then charged the mound.  Watch the fight here:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/wrap.jsp?ymd=20100901&content_id=14181712&vkey=wrapup2005&fext=.jsp&team=home&gid=2010_09_01_wasmlb_flomlb_1

The best part is when Gaby Sanchez comes over from first base and just close-lines Morgan.  PWNEDDDD!

Aroldis Chapman picks up first win: One night after his MLB debut, Chapman came in at the beginning of the 7th inning on the Sept. 1st.  Last night we saw Chapman throw multiple 104 MPH fastballs and scavenge a win out of the game.  So far this season, Chapman has faced 6 batters and retired all 6 in order, with 3 strikeouts.  Not bad.

Lincecum vs Jimenez: Just what you would expect: An epic pitchers duel at AT&T Park last night, as Lincecum just got the better of Jimenez.  Although Ubaldo pitched 8 innings of 2 run baseball, not to mention 10 strikeouts, good ol' Tim 1-uped the man.  Lincecum went 8 innings giving up only 1 run, while striking out 9.  It is also worth noting in this game that Carlos Gonzalez hit his 30th homer of the year and Brian Wilson picked up his 38th save of the year.  

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2010_09_01_colmlb_sfnmlb_1&mode=wrap

Walk it out Valencia: Last night Max Scherzer pitched 9 innings, giving up 1 run.  He didnt get the win.  Francisco Liriano pitched 7 innings, giving up 0 runs.  He didn't get the win either.  If it weren't for Jhonny Peralta's RBI single in the eighth inning, Liriano would have won the game.  In extras, Jon Rauch shut the Tigers down, and in the bottom of the frame Michael Cuddyer got on base, stole second, and was knocked in by Danny Valencia. 

Down goes Gorzo!: After taking a line shot directly off the pitching arm last night, Cubs pitcher Tom Gorzelanny immediately left the game.  The liner came off the bat of Jose Tabata, who has been smoking the ball lately.  Fortunately, the MRI showed no fracture, but he will be getting a CT Scan on the tip of his finger today.  

Pirates 3, Cubs 5: I knew we lost this game when John McDonald gave up a run-scoring double in the second inning.  McDonald struggled with his pitch placement tonight, allowing the Cubs' hitters to pound the ball at times.  It was depressing to see McDonald struggle like this with the potential that he has.  It's gotta be a blow to his confidence, but hopefully he will bounce back on his next start.  Overall he didn't pitch too bad though, 5 innings 3 runs 8 hits 2 walks and 6 strikeouts.  On a postive note for the Bucs, Neil Walker continues to shine with the bat.  Walker went 3-5 with a HR and a double.  For the Cubbies, Thomas Diamond got his first win of the season and Carlos Marmol picked up his 28th save.  

AL Division and Wilcard Races:  The AL East is exciting as always, except this time it is between the Rays and the Yankees.  In my opinion, the BoSox just don't have it this year.  They are 8 games behind the division lead and 7 games back of the wildcard.  But anything could happen.  As Joe Morgan would say "It's too early to tell."  The AL Central is also  exciting as just 4 games separate the Twins and the White Sox.  As always, the White Sox will look toward their pitching to carry them into the postseason.  Also, Paul Konerko has had one hell of a season and he will need to continue to drive in runs for them to have a chance.  The AL West is pretty much locked up already.  I know, it's pretty boring in that division.  Texas is 9.5 ahead of Oakland who are still under 50.  Texas will no doubt move onto the playoffs, sorry Billy Beane, maybe next year.