Baseball Notes - June 1st, 2006

As predicted, the Webb-Martinez pitching matchup delivered in a major way. The two hurlers combined to yield only 9 hits and a walk, while striking out 13 over 15 combined innings. No runs were allowed, in fact, there weren't too many opportunities for either team to score any runs.

Baserunning blunders (Shawn Green getting caught too far away from second base in extra innings) and an incredible throw from RF by rookie Lastings Milledge (who did make an error in his 2nd MLB game), negated many opportunities the Diamondbacks had to score.

Webb has been remarkable in his ability to get out of the rare jams he finds himself. Last night was the 3rd consecutive start in which Webb kept the opponent scoreless, and in 2006, that's an extraordinary accomplishment. His scoreless innings streak now stands at 25.

Martinez may not bring the heat as he once did, but he's an excellent pitcher, and when matched up against another ace, he always brings his "A" game. 106 pitches over 8 innings is an example of how he's compensated for the loss of a few mph's off his fastball with veteran savvy and, at times, the will to not be defeated.

Escobar Off The Market

When looking at which starting pitchers might be available at this year's trade deadline, Kelvim Escobar of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim had started to creep into the conversation. The Angels are not having a good season (they desperately need a bat to protect Vlad Guerrero), and Escobar was set to hit free agency after the season.

Not anymore. The Angels locked up Escobar with a 3-year deal, and while the terms were not disclosed at this time, it figures to be bigger than the 3-year/$18.75M deal he signed in '03.

Nevin to the Rescue

Even with the injuries to Kerry Wood and Mark Prior, the Cubs season was over as soon as Derrek Lee injured his wrist. After trying (and failing) to get by with the likes of Todd Walker playing 1B, the Cubs needed to add some power in the middle of the lineup, so they've dealt utility man Jerry Hairston to Texas for 1B Phil Nevin.

Nevin's best years have been while playing 1B in the NL with the Padres. Perhaps a move back into the senior circuit, and playing 1B, will rejuvenate Nevin's bat.

This also means that Texas will be using rookie Jason Botts a lot more now that Nevin is out of town. Just a little head's up to you fantasy leaguers.

Today's Marquee Matchup

Yesterday was "Get-Away Day" for many teams, so more than half the league is off today. There is one intriguing matchup tonight, which will be shown on ESPN, and that's the final game of the Yankees-Tigers series.

Even though the Yankees keep piling up the injuries (Jeter is day-to-day with a wrist injury, Damon is nicked up and Sheffield went back to NY for tests), they could sweep the Tigers with a win tonight.

The Tigers bats have gone silent against Yankee pitching while the Yankee bats have seemingly exploded (Yankees have scored 21 runs against the Tigers 7 in the 3 games this week) in a pitcher-friendly ballpark.

To stop the skid, the Tigers turn to rookie, and Mac's pick for AL Rookie of the Year, Justin Verlander. Chien-Ming Wang is on the mound for the Yankees, and both pitchers have been very stingy lately. My guess is that Verlander shuts down the depleted Yankees lineup, and the Tigers stop their skid with a 6-2 win.