It's Tribe Time | A Cleveland Indians Franchise

[Vinsane]

Game 1: Good Guys.

Carlos Quentin running from second, the White Sox couldn't get running as a team.

Teams|1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|R|H|E
Cleveland |2|0|1|0|3|0|0|0|0|6|12|0
Chicago |0|0|0|2|0|0|0|0|0|2|6|0

AP - Chicago, IL - Can anyone stop Jake Westbrook? The guy has been on fire since his call up and refuses to cool down. Westbrook pitched six solid innings, only giving up 2 runs on 5 hits. He fanned nine batters, and posted a 3.18 ERA. Jake has been unstoppable and everyone is wondering when or if, he will cool down. The Cleveland Indians also were given a chance to pad their lead in the AL Central with the victory today.

"This one was important." Said Victor Martinez. "We've been trailing these guys, finally over took them in the standings. To get a win in Chicago, as the leader and not the second place team, it's very important to our outlook on the season. And weather or not come playoff time if we're in or not."

A lot of talk has been about playoffs even though the season is only half over. "It's a long marathon." said Manager Eric Wedge. "We've been chugging along quite nicely and to have a lead in the second half is key to getting to October. We talked a lot about it at the beginning of the year. Now we're drawing closer and looking better as we do so."

Nothing was more important to the Indians than Nick Johnson's three run homer in the fifth that pulled the Indians four runs in the lead. Chicago wouldn't score from that point thanks to the Westbrook/Chulk Combo. "Yeah, I got a hold of one and let it fly to right field." The 395 foot blast was a beauty to watch as it landed in the Chicago Faithful, who were quick to toss it back on the field.

Lineup:

2B Cabrera 2-5 |
CF Francisco 3-5 |
3B DeRosa 1-3 | 1K
C Martinez 0-5 |
DH Johnson 2-3 |
1B Garko 1-4 |
RF Pena 0-4 | 2K
LF Dellucci 0-3 | 1K
SS Peralta 3-4 | 1K

Batting:

2B: J. Peralta (9), M. DeRosa (30)
3B: B. Francisco (4)
HR: N. Johnson (11)
RBI: V. Martinez (43), N. Johnson 3 (47), M. DeRosa (53), B. Francisco (42)
HBP: D. Dellucci, N. Johnson, M. DeRosa
SF: M. DeRosa

Pitching:

Westbrook (W, 7-1) | 6.0IP | 5H | 2R | 2ER | 9SO | 3.18 ERA |
Chulk (S,1) | 3.0IP | 1H | 2SO | 4.10 ERA |

Lineup:

CF Owens 0-4 | 2K
C Pierzynski 2-4 |
RF Dye 1-4 | 1K
LF Quentin 1-4 | 1K
1B Thome 0-3 | 1K
DH Konerko 1-4 | 1K
SS Fields 0-3 | 3K
3B Betemit 1-3 |
2B Getz 0-3 | 2K

Batting:

2B: J. Dye (16), A. Pierzynski (9)
RBI: P. Konerko (11), C. Quentin (58)
HBP: J. Thome
GIDP: J. Dye

Pitching:

Colon (L, 1-6) | 5.0IP | 9H | 6R | 5ER | 4SO | 4.29 ERA |
Thornton | 4.0IP | 3H | 1SO | 1.56 ERA |

Player of the Game:

N. Johnson

2 for 3 - HR, 3RBI

Next Game:
July 8th, 2009

(52-32)

@

(49-36)​

 

[Vinsane]

Tribe Keep Rolling!

Ben Francisco and Asdrubal Cabrera. Playing, questionable defense.

Teams|1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|R|H|E
Cleveland |1|0|0|0|0|5|1|1|0|8|16|0
Chicago |0|1|0|2|0|0|0|1|0|4|9|0

AP - Chicago, IL - Now the question is, can anybody stop the Cleveland Indians? The White Sox have failed to do so for the second straight time at home. Cleveland has put up big innings against the White Sox and today's five run sixth inning is the biggest reason why the Indians were able to snag the victory, from the jaws of defeat.

Ben Francisco led the club once again, hitting in another game to continue his hit streak. His lead off triple was the start to the big sixth inning, he was also able to come up again and drive in another run with a single shot. The White Sox had been dominating the Indians up until this point. Now it seems the Indians are winning at will, and pulling further ahead of the White Sox in the AL Central standings.

"We continue to play good ball." Said Manager Eric Wedge after the game. "That's all there is too it, beginning of the year we didn't play good ball and we struggled, the past month and a half, nearly two months. We've been playing flawless, I chalk it up to our good defense and the fact our bats are better now than they were at the beginning of the season."

The Indians will look to complete the sweep of the White Sox, for the first time this season. They'll have the best opportunity as Ace Pitcher, Fausto Carmona will take the mound for the Tribe. It will be interesting to see if Chicago can answer back against the Indians or continue their struggles from June, through July.

Lineup:

2B Cabrera 2-5 |
CF Francisco 3-5 |
3B DeRosa 2-5 | 1K
C Martinez 1-5 | 2K
DH Johnson 2-5 | 1K
1B Garko 3-5 | 1K
LF Dellucci 0-5 |
RF Pena 1-4 | 1K
SS Peralta 2-4 | 1K

Batting:

2B: A. Cabrera (10), W. Pena (15)
3B: B. Francisco (5)
RBI: V. Martinez 3 (46), N. Johnson (48), J. Peralta 2 (50), W. Pena (23), B. Francisco (43)

Pitching:

Laffey (W, 7-5) | 7.0IP | 7H | 3R | 3ER | 6SO | 3.58 ERA |
Smith | 2.0IP | 2H | 1R | 1ER | 3SO | 3.15 ERA |

Lineup:

CF Owens 0-4 | 1K
C Pierzynski 1-4 |
RF Dye 1-4 | 1K
LF Quentin 3-4 | 1K
DH Thome 0-4 | 1K
1B Konerko 2-4 |
3B Fields 1-4 | 3K
SS Betemit 1-4 | 1K
2B Getz 0-3 | 1K

Batting:

2B: C. Quentin (17)
HR: C. Quentin (22), A. Pierzynski (9)
RBI: P. Konerko (12), C. Quentin 2 (60), A. Pierzynski (34)
GIDP: W. Betemit

Pitching:

Buehrle (L, 9-7) | 5.2IP | 9H | 6R | 6ER | 4SO | 4.51 ERA |
MacDougal | 2.0IP | 6H | 2R | 2ER | 2SO | 1.56 ERA |
Thornton | 0.2IP | 1SO | 1.54 ERA |
Linebrink | 0.2IP | 1H | 3.27 ERA |

Player of the Game:

B. Francisco

3 for 5 - Triple, RBI

Next Game:
July 9th, 2009

(53-32)

@

(49-37)​

 

[Vinsane]

Bring Out The Brooms!

Jhonny Peralta rounds the bases, after his 11th homer of the season.

Teams|1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|R|H|E
Cleveland |1|0|0|0|2|0|6|0|1|10|19|0
Chicago |0|0|0|0|0|0|0|1|0|1|6|2

AP - Chicago, IL - For the first time this season, the Cleveland Indians have swept the Chicago White Sox, taking game three in convincing fashion. "We put runs up like no other in the seventh. Before that we we're up three-nothing." Said Fausto Carmona. "I was a little bummed about not getting the shut-out that I wanted. I pitched well and picked up another win. Really, that's all I can do as a pitcher."

Carmona did pick up his tenth victory on the season, coupled with one loss, and only one run allowed today, Carmona is the early favorite in many eyes as the AL Cy Young winner as we close in on the All-Star break. Another series to play for the Tribe before they can enjoy the break.

"We've been unbeatable." Commented Ryan Garko. "If we keep this up we could be the best team in baseball. We've got a lot of work ahead of us though, we know that. So we're taking it a day at a time and working towards the All-Star break and then the end of the season. We'll see where we end up."

The Indians travel to take on the Detroit Tigers, in Detroit. After that it will be the All-Star game for a couple of members of the Tribe.

Lineup:

2B Cabrera 1-5 | 1K
CF Francisco 3-5 |
3B DeRosa 3-5 | 1K
C Martinez 3-5 |
1B Johnson 1-5 |
RF Pena 2-5 | 2K
LF Dellucci 0-4 |
SS Peralta 4-5 |
DH Carroll 2-5 | 1K

Batting:

2B: J. Peralta (10), M. DeRosa (31), B. Francisco (25), J. Carroll (9)
HR: J. Peralta (11)
RBI: D. Dellucci (15), V. Martinez 3 (49), N. Johnson 2 (50), J. Peralta 2 (52), B. Francisco (44), J. Carroll (22)
SF: D. Dellucci
GIDP: J. Carroll

Pitching:

Carmona (W, 10-1) | 7.1IP | 6H | 1R | 1ER | 7SO | 3.38 ERA |
Perez | 1.2IP | 1SO | 3.61 ERA |

Lineup:

CF Owens 1-4 |
C Pierzynski 1-4 |
RF Dye 0-4 | 1K
LF Quentin 0-4 | 2K
1B Thome 1-4 | 1K
DH Konerko 1-4 | 3K
3B Fields 0-3 | 1K
SS Betemit 0-3 |
2B Getz 2-3 |

Batting:

2B: J. Thome (11), A. Pierzynski (10), C. Getz 2 (14)
RBI: J. Owens (19)

Pitching:

Danks (L, 8-4) | 5.1IP | 10H | 3R | 1ER | 1SO | 3.91 ERA |
Linebrink | 1.1IP | 6H | 6R | 6ER | 1SO | 4.37 ERA |
Russell | 2.1IP | 3H | 1R | 1ER | 3SO | 2.45 ERA |

Player of the Game:

J. Peralta

4 for 5 - HR, Double

Next Game:
July 10th, 2009

(54-32)

@

(46-39)​

 

[Vinsane]

Series Preview:

(54-32)

@

(46-39)

Cleveland lead the Season Series 4-2.​

Divsion Standings:

AL Central|W|L|PCT|GB
Indians |54|32|.628|--
White Sox|49|38|.563|5.5
Tigers |46|39|.541|7.5
Royals |42|43|.494|11.5
Twins |32|54|.372|22.0

Probable Starters:

Game 1:

C. Lee (7-3, 4.84 ERA)

|

J. Verlander (5-5, 5.17 ERA)

Game 2:

C. Pavano (4-4, 5.48 ERA)

|

A. Galarraga (7-5, 3.50 ERA)

Game 3:

J. Wesbtrook (7-1, 3.18 ERA)

|

J. Bonderman (5-6, 3.49 ERA)

Key Bank's "Keys to Succes"

1.) Good Pitching - The Indians will need solid production from their starters, and their bullpen. Top to bottom they have to deliver in this three game series to steal yet another series victory from the Tigers.

2.) Long Time No See - The Indians haven't seen the Tigers since the second month of the season. They spent a lot of time chasing the Tigers, then the White Sox, this will be the first time the teams meet with the Indians in the lead of the AL Central.

3.) Small Ball - The Indians need to continue to play great small ball and not leave RISP if they can do that they have a good chance at a 2-1 series victory. The Tigers have been hot recently though, so it is a small reason for concern for the Cleveland Indians, if they stay cool though, they should be all right against the Tigers.​

 

[mfbmike]

You're on a hell of a hot streak. Rooting against you here though. lol.

Looks like their pitching staff shouldn't be all that hard to deal with though.

 

[goDawgs1433]

Just because I don't feel like digging through here...what did you give up to get Nick Johnson? He always kills me in my chises.

 

[Vinsane]

Just because I don't feel like digging through here...what did you give up to get Nick Johnson? He always kills me in my chises.

I did a sign and trade, the deal was.

1B Travis Hafner
RF Shin Soo-Choo
SP Pedro Martinez

For:

1B Nick Johnson
LF Josh Willingham
RF Wily Mo Pena

 

[goDawgs1433]

Ah, yeah, I remember that deal, but I had forgotten that Johnson was included in that too.

 

[Vinsane]

And One More!

Peralta waits to bat.

Teams|1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|R|H|E
Cleveland |3|1|0|0|0|0|1|0|0|5|14|0
Detroit |1|1|0|0|0|0|0|0|1|3|8|1

AP - Detroit, MI - The Cleveland Indians just keep on winning. The Tribe extended their winning streak in Detroit as they disposed of the Tigers, 5-3. The difference makers tonight were Jhonny Peralta who blasted a solo shot, and Ben Francisco. Ben keeps on extending his hitting streak with a solo shot of his own tonight. It was Peralta though, that would steal the show as he was a double shy of hitting for the cycle.

Justin Verlander was rocked early and often by the Tribe who pulled out to an early 4-2 lead after the second inning. Things would calm down for both pitchers though, while Cliff Lee worked through seven and Verlander through five. Lee would turn it over to the bullpen in the eighth and with great pitching from Jensen Lewis and Kerry Wood, the tribe would walk away the victors on this night.

"We're really hot right now." said Ben Francisco after the game. "I mean, my bat is hot, Jhonny's bat obviously, is hot. This whole team is hot. We're making very few mistakes on the defensive side of the ball and on offense we're just outscoring everyone. This is good as we start pulling away. I'm excited for the break, I'm excited for the team."

The Cleveland Indians continue to pad their lead in the AL Central, something that is needed as they head deeper into the second half of the season, Eric Wedge talked about the possibilities of managing, yet another, playoff team. "As a manager, how do I feel? I feel great, I see our team out there doing things that I never thought possible, things I never thought I see as a manager, and these guys just keep on chugging along. I'm excited, I wish it were October, but, we've got a little while to go yet."

Pavano will face Galarraga in game two.

Lineup:

2B Cabrera 1-5 |
CF Francisco 1-5 | 1K
3B DeRosa 1-5 | 3K
C Martinez 2-4 |
DH Johnson 2-4 |
RF Pena 1-4 |
LF Dellucci 1-4 | 1K
1B Garko 2-4 |
SS Peralta 3-4 | 1K

Batting:

2B: V. Martinez (20)
3B: J. Peralta (5)
HR: J. Peralta (12), B. Francsico (7)
RBI: A. Cabrera (26), N. Johnson 2 (52), J. Peralta (53), B. Francisco (45)
GIDP: R. Garko

Pitching:

Lee (W, 8-3) | 7.0IP | 6H | 2R | 2ER | 4SO | 4.70 ERA |
Lewis (H, 5) | 1.0IP | 1H | 1SO | 6.38 ERA |
Wood (S, 33) | 1.0IP | 1H | 1R | 1ER | 2.27 ERA |

Lineup:

CF Granderson 0-4 | 1K
2B Polanco 1-3 |
2B Treanor 0-1 |
1B Cabrera 2-4 |
LF Thames 1-4 |
DH Guillen 2-4 | 1K
RF Sheffield 1-4 | 2K
C Laird 0-3 | 1K
3B Inge 0-3 |
SS Everett 1-3 |

Batting:

2B: C. Guillen 2 (26)
3B: M. Cabrera (3), M. Thames (2)
HR: M. Cabrera (27)
RBI: M. Cabrera (67), C. Guillen (39)
GIDP: M. Treanor

Fielding:

E: A. Everett (4)
PB: G. Laird (1)

Pitching:

Verlander (L, 5-6) | 5.0IP | 9H | 4R | 4ER | 3SO | 5.27 ERA |
Rodney | 4.0IP | 5H | 1R | 1ER | 3SO | 3.38 ERA |

Player of the Game:

J. Peralta

3 for 4 - HR, Triple

Next Game:
July 11th, 2009

(55-32)

@

(46-40)​

 

[LC AAU]

DeRosa with a hit, Woody with the save, and you with the win. Nice .

 

[Vinsane]

Pavano Pounded!

Marcus Thames celebrates one, of his two home run shots.

Teams|1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|R|H|E
Cleveland |0|0|0|1|3|0|0|0|0|4|10|0
Detroit |2|0|0|1|4|0|2|0|X|9|13|0

AP - Detroit, MI - The fans in Detroit should be happy, they got a home-run derby days before the actual home run derby. Five homers were hit in this one, two by the Indians, three by the Tigers. Thames, hit two. Carl Pavano who has been in hot water as of late was pounded by the Tigers early and often, Detroit jumped out early with a 2-0 lead. Mark DeRosa cut that in half in the fourth with a solo shot to make it 2-1.

In the bottom of the fourth it would be Jose Guillen who hit a homer to right field. In the first he had a shot go out to center field, right at the 420ft mark. Only to have the ball make it's way no further out of the park, but rather into the glove of the home run stealing Ben Francisco. In the fifth Francisco who has been the hottest hitter in the Major Leagues hit his second homer in as many days with a three run shot to give the Indians the 4-3 lead. Everything was looking good up until that point.

In the bottom of the fifth the Tigers would put a four spot on Carl Pavano, Placido Polanco would hit a three run shot and Marcus Thames would blast his second of the night, this time, a solo shot. And Pavano would go down blowing the lead and turning the ball over to the bullpen. The Indians couldn't get anything going from the fifth on, getting runners in scoring position but not putting them across.

Jake Westbrook, who has been on a roll will try to get the Indians the 2-1 series win before the All-Star break. The Indians also had their longest winning streak of the season snapped at nine, one better than there two previous winning streaks of eight. While the summer months have been here, no one, is hotter than the Tribe.

Lineup:

2B Carroll 1-5 | 1K
CF Francisco 2-4 |
3B DeRosa 1-4 | 2K
C Martinez 1-4 |
DH Johnson 2-4 | 1K
RF Pena 0-4 |
LF Dellucci 0-4 |
1B Garko 1-4 | 1K
SS Peralta 2-4 |

Batting:

2B: N. Johnson 2 (21), B. Francisco (26)
HR: M. DeRosa (6), B. Francisco (8)
RBI: M. DeRosa (54), B. Francisco 3 (48)

Pitching:

Pavano (L, 4-5) | 5.0IP | 9H | 7R | 7ER | 5SO | 5.87 ERA |
Meloan | 3.0IP | 4H | 2R | 2ER | 2SO | 3.79 ERA |

Lineup:

CF Granderson 2-4 | 1K
2B Polanco 2-4 |
1B Cabrera 1-4 |
DH Thames 2-4 | 1K
LF Guillen 3-4 | 1K
RF Sheffield 1-4 | 1K
C Laird 1-4 |
3B Inge 1-4 | 2K
SS Everett 0-4 | 1K

Batting:

2B: M. Cabrera (20), G. Sheffield (8), C. Guillen 2 (28)
HR: P. Polanco (6), C. Guillen (10), M. Thames 2 (29)
RBI: P. Polanco 3 (41), M. Cabrera (68), C. Guillen 2 (41), M. Thames 3 (60)
GIDP: A. Everett

Pitching:

Galarraga (W, 8-5) | 7.0IP | 8H | 4R | 4ER | 3SO | 3.60 ERA |
Seay | 2.0IP | 2H | 2SO | 5.23 ERA |

Player of the Game:

M. Thames

2 for 4 - 2HR, 3RBI

Next Game:
July 12th, 2009

(55-33)

@

(47-40)​

 

[mfbmike]

Look at Thames with the big bat! Nice loss. :shifty:

I'm so pissed my Tigers chise is unplayable because of that stupid patch bs.

 

[Vinsane]

Indians Survive!

Wood answers to the media after the game.

Teams|1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|R|H|E
Cleveland |0|0|5|0|0|0|0|0|1|6|16|1
Detroit |0|0|0|0|1|0|1|0|3|5|14|1

AP - Detroit, MI - The Indians can now breath a sigh of relief. In what was the closes thing to a comeback made all season by an opposing team. The Tribe have lost games late, and have witnessed walk-offs before, not against the Tigers though. The Indians started off hot and heavy in the third scoring five runs and taking a commanding lead. Through seven innings of work Jake Westbrook only allowed two runs, as his hot streak of pitching continued, with yet another, win.

The Indians went into the ninth leading 6-2. After a couple of doubles the Tigers got within striking distance. Manager Eric Wedge pulled the plug on Vinnie Chulk and sent his closer, Kerry Wood, out to finish the job. Wood gave up one run in his two thirds inning of work. Ryan Garko made the play of the day along with Kelly Shoppach. A dribbler that went to first would be an easy out.

Instead, Garko fired the ball home to Kelly Shoppach who turned and was plowed into by Curtis Granderson. Shoppach held onto the ball and Granderson was out. After another hit given up Wood was able to close the door on the Tigers striking out Marcus Thames, the hero from a game before. Wood wiped the sweat from his brow after recording his thirty-fourth save on the year.

Lineup:

2B Cabrera 1-5 |
CF Francisco 2-5 |
3B DeRosa 2-5 |
C Shoppach 3-5 |
DH Johnson 4-5 |
RF Pena 1-4 |
LF Dellucci 2-4 |
1B Garko 0-4 | 1K
SS Peralta 1-4 |

Batting:

2B: A. Cabrera (11), N. Johnson (22), M. DeRosa (32), W. Pena (16), B. Francisco (27)
HR: K. Shoppach (3)
RBI: M. DeRosa (55), W. Pena (24), K. Shoppach 3 (7)

Fielding:

E: J. Peralta (7)

Pitching:

Westbrook (W, 8-1) | 7.0IP | 9H | 2R | 2ER | 3SO | 3.12 ERA |
Chulk (H, 4) | 1.1IP | 2H | 2R | 2ER | 3SO | 4.55 ERA |
Wood (S, 34) | 0.2IP | 3H | 1R | 1ER | 1SO | 2.48 ERA |

Lineup:

CF Granderson 1-5 | 1K
2B Polanco 2-5 |
1B Cabrera 2-5 | 1K
DH Thames 1-5 | 2K
LF Guillen 0-4 |
RF Sheffield 1-4 |
C Laird 2-4 | 2K
3B Inge 3-4 | 1K
SS Everett 2-4 |

Batting:

2B: G. Sheffield (9), G. Laird (11)
3B: C. Granderson (6)
HR: G. Laird (5)
RBI: C. Granderson 2 (40), P. Polanco (42), B. Inge (24), G. Laird (29)
GIDP: G. Sheffield

Fielding:

E: B. Inge (2)

Pitching:

Bonderman (L, 5-7) | 4.1IP | 10H | 5R | 5ER | 3.77 ERA |
Miner | 4.2IP | 6H | 1R | 1SO | 2.97 ERA |

Player of the Game:

K. Shoppach

3 for 5 - HR, 3RBI

Next Game:
July 14th, 2009

 

[mfbmike]

You were definitely hearing footsteps on that one.

 

[Vinsane]

​

Participants for Home-Run Derby Announced!

AP - St. Louis, MO - With the 2009 All-Star break upon us, it's time to enjoy in the fan-fare. While the NBA celebrates with an entire weekend. The MLB takes a couple days out of their mid-summer schedule for a little fan-fare, and of course, baseball. With the coming of the All-Star game, means another game gets to be played. This one, by the home run kings of the MLB. The 2009 Home Run Derby is upon us and today, the participants were announced.

Marcus Thames
.279 Avg 85H 305AB 29HR 60RBI .626SLG

Alex Rodriguez
.286 Avg 92H 322AB 28HR 79RBI .615SLG

Miguel Cabrera
.298 Avg 105H 352AB 27HR 68RBI .602SLG

Vernon Wells
.339 Avg 112H 330AB 25HR 71RBI .676SLG

Albert Pujols
.370 Avg 117H 316AB 24HR 77RBI .712SLG

Dan Uggla
.330 Avg 104H 315AB 23HR 64RBI .594SLG

Manny Ramirez
.325 Avg 109H 335AB 23HR 84RBI .603SLG

Chase Utley
.259 Avg 88H 340AB 23HR 64RBI .503SLG​

 

[Vinsane]

1st Round:

Player|Home Runs|Longest
Marcus Thames |7|404ft
Albert Pujols |16|475ft
Alex Rodriguez|17|446ft
Dan Uggla |10|446ft
Miguel Cabrera |6|420ft
Manny Ramirez |18|442ft
Vernon Wells |6|453ft
Chase Utley |12|426ft

2nd Round

Player|Home Runs|Longest
Albert Pujols |18|456ft
Alex Rodriguez|11|474ft
Manny Ramirez |6|457
Chase Utley |17|433

Final Round:

Player|Home Runs|Longest
Albert Pujols |8|477ft
Chase Utley |11|446ft

Winner:

Name|Longest|Avg Distance|Final Round|Total HR|
Chase Utley |446ft|406ft|11|40

AP - St. Louis, MO - As a writer, I feel cheated covering this HR derby. One, no Cleveland Indians were participating this season, and two? I missed my dream match-up in the finals, imagine the headlines. "Man-Ram versus Poo-Holes". It would of been the most epic home run derby in ages. That or people would think it was a poorly titled gay porn, that's to be expected though.

In the first round, the Tigers involved didn't make more than a purr. They were joined by Toronto representative Vernon Wells as the only members of the home run derby to not reach double digits and thus, were eliminated in the first round. Albert Pujols was able to erupt the crowd into roars and cheers when his 475 foot blast, the longest of the night. Left the stadium. Dan Uggla of Florida was the only National League player to be eliminated as Chase Utley would push two more out of the park than he did. Sorry Dan, maybe next year?

In the second round Pujols got the crowd going again as he hit a round best 18 homers. Alex Rodriguez tried to match Pujols sending a shot of his own out of the park, the crowd of course did not cheer this feat, but booed it. Rodriguez fell short of Pujols mark by a mere foot. Manny Ramirez decided that Manny being Manny didn't apply in the second round and was the only member to not reach double digits only hitting six over the wall. Chase Utley proved though that even Alex Rodriguez runs out of juice (pun intended) When he nearly beat Pujols round total of 18, falling one short but propelling himself into the finals against the St. Louis slugger.

Pujols struggled early, making 7 outs and only having three homers. With three outs left he was able to push five more across the wall before recording his tenth out on what would of been a home run, but the ball sliced on him and went foul. It was Chase Utley's turn to show the St. Louis crowd what he was made of. He totaled Pujols homers with just five outs, he struggled for a minute which had the crowd excited for a possible tie breaker. With only two outs left though Chase Utley destroyed a ball for his longest shot of the night, a 446foot shot to right field. The left hand batter was booed for every homer after that, totaling eleven and earning the right to call himself, "Home Run King".

"It wasn't the first time I've been booed hitting a home run, so I'm OK with that." Commented Utley. "He's a hell of a guy, with a hell of a bat." Said Pujols after the finals. "Tomorrow we'll team up and try to get the National League a home field advantage for the World Series, hopefully I make it to that final, and he doesn't" Said Pujols with a smile. Tomorrow the All-Star game will commence with all the fan-fare the MLB can muster. It will be a special night as the National All-Stars meet the American All-Stars under the lights in St. Louis.

 

[Archer]

Nice writeup , season is moving along nicely.

 

[mfbmike]

wtf, both Tigers knocked out in round 1? :doh:

nice update though.

 

[Vinsane]

Rosters:

Pitchers:

C.C. Sabathia
J. Duchscherer
F. Carmona
J. Shields
R. Hill

Bullpen:

J. Soria
M. Thornton
K. Wood
B. Fuentes
B. Jenks
M. Rivera
J. Papelbon

Lineup:

RF Ichiro
2B D. Pedroia
1B M. Cabrera
3B A. Rodriguez
LF J. Bay
SS D. Jeter
C V. Martinez
CF V. Wells
Pitcher

Bench:

C J. Mauer
C M. Redmond
1B H. Blalock
2B H. Kendrick
3B A. Gordon
SS J. Peralta
3B M. Lowell
1B A. Huff
LF B. Francisco
LF C. Crawford
LF M. Thames
LF C. Quentin

Pitchers:

R. Oswalt
C. Billingsley
J. Marquis
B. Looper
J. Peavy

Bullpen:

H. Street
C. Perez
R. Pinto
M. Gonzalez
J. Valverde
B. Lidge
J. Broxton

Lineup:

SS J. Reyes
3B D. Wright
1B A. Pujols
LF M. Ramirez
RF R. Braun
2B D. Uggla
C B. McCann
CF N. McLouth
Pitcher

Bench:

RF J. Bruce
C B. Molina
C C. Coste
1B D. Lee
2B R. Belliard
3B M. Reynolds
SS M. Tejada
SS J. Rollins
2B C. Utley
CF J. Gerut
CF A. Rowand
CF C. Beltran​

 

[mfbmike]

Nice job getting in with those guys.