 Around the League
A few quick notes on today's earlier games:
 Rockies 4, Phillies 2 - Cole Hamels spotted the Rockies 3 runs early before he settled down and pitched like the ace he is. Unfortunately, the Phils never did recover. The Rockies pen deserves a lion's share of the credit. Starter Jeff Francis was outstanding through the first six, but he turned the ball over to his pen with a precarious 1-run lead, and they held a potent Phils ' lineup right there. The key to the game was the Rockies' handling of Utley and Howard. The three and four hitters finished the day 0-8 with 7 Ks. For Phillies coverage, check out Fightin' Phils Fans.
Sox 4, Angels 0 - Josh Beckett threw a shut out in the opener of this series, and to be honest with you, I just couldn't take the incessant praise of all things Boston from the horrible announcers past the sixth inning. Did you know Terry Francona's bowel movements cure cancer? Key stat, Garrett Anderson, 0 for 4, with 3 runners left on base. The Angels need production out of him, otherwise Vlad is never going to see a pitch to hit. Anyway, if you must read more about this horrible team and their horrible city, check out Blue Thoughts. D-Backs 1, Cubs 1 (In progress, top 6th) - This game is turning into the best game of the day. The only run scored on a solo shot by Stephen Drew. Webb and Zambrano are both dealing. The Cubs have squandered two situations where small ball would've pushed a run across. They just tied the game up. This is definitely the most enjoyable game of the day, and I think it might have something to do with the announcers. I actually think Ron Darling is a good color guy. Check out Cobra Brigade for extensive Cubs coverage.
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I guess I'm of the opinion that a guy who pitches a complete game shutout in the opener of a playoff series is worth a little praise, especially when he only allows four hits, none for extra bases, and walks no one (and when some people were betting on the opposing pitcher outperforming him). Maybe that's just me. He's the only one that was getting "incessant" praise, and the Angels might have gotten some of their own if they had actually done anything during the game.
I'm fine with them saying Beckett was throwing a great game, he was. What I didn't need was the constant talk about how great Theo Epstein is, and handsome too, and what a great job they've done with the commercialization of Fenway, and how Lucchino is just a great guy, and how J.D. Drew really isn't that bad, it's just tough to move to Boston, and how age doesn't mean anything if you're Curt Schilling.
There were plenty more pats on the back, I've just blocked them from my memory. It was incessant and it was sickening.
Beckett did throw a great game and deserves his accolades. Although I think he's a jerk, if he was a Phillie, I'd probably love the guy.
But how anyone can justify J.D. Drew as being worth his salary is beyond me. You have got to be kidding.
As for Hamels, he was probably a little sore from his last start on Friday. Last month, he suffered an elbow strain that kept him out of the lineup. Hamels has been injury prone throughout his career so he needs to be eased back into the lineup.
In Hamel's first game back from injury, Manuel took him out of the game in the 5th with a 2-1 lead on only 55 pitches when he showed no signs of distress. Naturally the bullpen blew it and the Phils lost the game. His next start was last Friday, and he was left in to bat for himself in the 7th and then to pitch in the 8th with a 6 -0 lead....! He threw 117 pitches, more than double what he had been allowed to throw in his first game. Why you'd risk your franchise pitcher batting with a 6 run lead late in the game is beyond me, especially knowing you needed him for the playoffs.