The Weekly MLB Rundown 04.25.08: Week Four

Posted by A.J. Stevens on 04.25.2008

It's the "All-Miguel" edition of the Rundown this week! Watch what happens as I try to write a column with as few references to the Diamondbacks as possible! Won't you come join us as we talk about all things baseball?

It's been an odd week, sports fans. Thankfully, we have baseball to salve our wounds, serve as an escape, and act as a respite from the daily grind. So what are we waiting for? Let's talk some baseball!

NEWS FROM LAST WEEK - The "All-Miguel" Edition

Will the real Miguel Tejeda please stand up?
Word broke last week that Miguel Tejada is neither 31 nor named "Tejada." While a running joke in baseball is that no one really knows how old the Cuban baseball players are (If El Duque is only 41, I will boil and eat my sneakers), it turns out that some Dominican baseball players have also had their age questioned over the years. While this isn't the first occurrence of players breaking into baseball under an assumed identity -- the D-backs' Tony Pena and the Giants' Merkin Valdez come to mind -- this is the first time a major star has been busted for something like this. What are the consequences? Well, for Tejeda, this comes on the heels of him being named more than once in connection with the ongoing Steroid Scandal of Doom. Couple that with the fact that he may be in the U.S. illegally (under an assumed name and therefore without a legit green card), this can't turn out well for him. Steroids and illegal immigration are two very sensitive issues with Congress these days, so expect a crusading legislator to publicly come down hard on him in the near future.


Miguel Cabrera is still a crappy third baseman (or, Miggy and the Angry Inge)
Everyone was happy that Miguel Cabrera showed up trimmer to Spring Training this year, and expected that to increase his range and defensive prowess at third base. Unfortunately, Cabrera's proved that his lack of range and fielding ability wasn't due to some extra pounds. In addition to stinking up the plate this year, Cabrera's been so cold at the hot corner that manager Jim Leyland has plugged him in at first base, swapping positions with Carlos Guillen. The Tigers have Gary Sheffield, Magglio Ordonez, and Guillen in line ahead of Cabrera to play DH, so Cabrera better show some extra ability at first, or else the Tigers are going to find themselves with a very expensive slug on their hands. Also, talented third baseman/utility player Brandon Inge is rightfully livid at this, as he is rapidly losing playing time to expensive contracts. Hopefully, Inge will be able to hook on with a team that will give him the playing time he deserves.

Frank "Miguel" Thomas released by Blue Jays
After starting off slow, Blue Jays DH and 500-home run club member Frank Thomas found himself with less opportunities to leave the dugout and step in the batter's box. After consulting with management, Frank was liberated of his relationship with the Jays and is now free to seek plate appearances elsewhere. This is a smart move by the Jays, who are looking to contend in the AL East this year, and have enough people to fill the DH spot in his absence. Thomas was upset that the Jays didn't give him a chance to work beyond his traditional slow start. I can see both sides of the story here, but honestly, the AL East needs contenders that are not named "Yankees" or "Red Sox." If the Jays, Orioles, or Rays can make the season more exciting (and by all accounts, so far they are), then more power to them. I think if Thomas was anywhere else in the AL, his slow start would be excused, but he just happened to play in one of the most cutthroat divisions in the majors. Rumor has it that his old team, the A's, is very interested in signing him, and why not? Thomas had a very successful season in Oakland two seasons ago, and if he can come close to his old success, the A's will have scored another bargain: a slugger at the pro-rated league minimum salary. That's right along with Billy Beane's business model, so expect to see the Big Hurt back in green and white very soon. [Ed. note: After this article was written, but before it was posted, Frank Thomas did indeed sign with the A's.]

WALKOFF OF THE WEEK

• Adam Jones, Orioles, vs. White Sox, 4/17/08


• Brian Schneider, Mets, vs. Nationals, 4/17/08 (Hanrahan wild pitch)


• Wes Helms, Marlins, vs. Nationals, 4/19/08


• Junior Griffey, Reds, vs. Brewers, 4/20/08 (Gagne blown save)


• Justin Morneau, Twins, vs. Indians, 4/21/08


• Gabe Kapler, Brewers, vs. Cardinals, 4/22/08 (Gagne blown save)

What a week! We had a game won on a wild pitch, Eric Gagne blowing not one but two saves, and numerous extra-inning games. It's a shame the 22-inning Padres-Rockies marathon didn't end with a walkoff, because that would have made my choice a lot easier. I'm DQ'ing Schneider, because he didn't even get to advance to first base when the winning run scored. I really don't want to turn this column into the Pile On Eric Gagne Power Hour, but... yeah. Two blown saves in three days (and four for ten on the season so far!) is really indicative of some serious lousiness. So, without further ado... Wes Helms wins this week's award, for adding insult to injury to the dismal Nationals' dreadful start. Schadenfreude, anyone? I know I said a few weeks ago that the Nats were going to be fighting the Braves for third place in the NL East, but at this point the only way they're going to finish third in anything is if they start counting three spots down in the standings.

WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEK

LAA - DET: Angels are in first place, and according to many people, the Tigers should be. How will Cabrera fare at first base? Will the return of Granderson jump-start the Tigers' offense?

ATL - NYN: These two teams are jockeying for position in the NL East - how will this showdown turn out?

DET - NYY: Struggling hitting, meet struggling pitching. The Tigers appear to have gotten something started against the Angels; maybe they can keep it up against the Yankees.

MILESTONE WATCH

John Smoltz gets his 3000th strikeout... and the L. Smoltzy's a first-ballot HOFer, and nearing the end of a very long, illustrious career. If he, Glavine, and Maddux all retire at the end of this year, that's going to be one heck of a crowd at Cooperstown in 2013.


Greg Maddux pitches 7 innings because someone had to, takes the L for the team. His second shot at 350 fell flat at the hands of the suddenly-human Trevor Hoffman. We'll have to wait until next week to see him win #350. Hopefully the Fathers will score a lot of runs on his behalf to prevent him from any headaches this time around.

Manny Ramirez hasn't homered in a few days and is sitting on #496. Aside from a quick jaunt down to Tampa Bay, the Sox will be home for about a week, and if Manny hits #500 in Boston, you can expect bedlam and cheering.

James Loney and Nate McLouth were both removed from hit streak watch as both of their streaks, which dated back to Opening Day, were snuffed out last week. These are both good young players who are going to continue to hit the ball as their careers go forward. It's a shame that McLouth plays in Pittsburgh, because he has a chance to help out a contender. Look for a contender to make a move for him around July if he keeps hitting above .300 - a fourth outfielder that can actually hit the ball will be almost as coveted a prize as a pitcher at the trade deadline. I think whoever loses the Junior Griffey sweepstakes will go after McLouth as a suitable (but not nearly as comparable) replacement.

Randy Johnson does not win again. Not for lack of run support, though. I remember a time when a team scoring 4 runs behind RJ would be guaranteed a victory. However, with advanced age and back issues plaguing him, I'm not sure if RJ's going to make it to 300. I thought the start against the Giants would be a lock, and it almost was, but Johnson's last outing was just plain horrible. He'll be starting tonight against the Padres.

Junior Griffey blasted HR #597 Wednesday night, and is rapidly approaching 600. The Reds are starting a 9-game road trip, so expect Dusty Baker to sit Griffey if he hits #599 close to the end of the road trip. Dusty Baker is very respectful of baseball traditions and may want to give Junior the opportunity to join the 600 club at home in Cincy. Regardless of where Griffey hits #600, there will be a large, loud, well-deserved ovation. Griffey's one of the most well-known, well-liked faces in MLB today.

YOU SPOKE, WE LISTENED

From Bryz: "Dream Weaver should have taken the offer the Cards gave him after the 2006 season. Only the Miracle Worker known as Dave Duncan seems to be able to get anything positive out of him."

Two words for you, Bryz: Scott. Boras. Weaver had his moments with the Tigers and the Yankees. Hopefully he'll recapture some of that magic with the Brewers.

CLOSING IT OUT

Thanks again for tuning in this week, baseball fans. Next week we'll take a look at the month that was and see how it plays into this year's predictions. Remember, all the cool kids are leaving comments and talking baseball at [e-mail].

See you next week!