FanNation

Jeff Moore: Astros Should Trade For Padres' Wolf and Giles

No one expected the Houston Astros to really compete this year (except perhaps their own general manager Ed Wade), but through the middle of May, they have managed to stay right with the hot-starting Chicago Cubs and surprisingly successful St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Central. They have managed to do so behind strong production from the middle of their lineup and solid middle relief, both of which are currently compensating for weak starting pitching and no production from the leadoff spot or the bottom third of the lineup.

Bill Chuck: Happy Birthday Yogi

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LAWRENCE

Today is the birthday of Mr. Lawrence Peter “Yogi” Berra, born May 12, 1925. It is a pleasure to share 83 Yogi-toids with you, one for each year:

1. He said, “I never said most of the things I said.”2. Yogi grew up on Elizabeth Street in St. Louis, in a neighborhood called “The Hill”.3. He picked up his nickname from a friend who said he resembled a Hindu holy man (yogi) they had seen in a movie whenever Berra sat around with arms and legs crossed waiting to bat, or while looking sad after a losing game.

4. One of only four players to be named the Most Valuable Player of the American League three times.

Catal Breen: Shame on Izzy For Giving Up

Izzy or Isn’t He?

Jason Isringhausen is out as the Cards’ closer after blowing his fifth save in 16 tries in Friday night’s game against the Brewers. Published reports have suggested that Isringhausen asked Cards manager, Tony LaRussa, to be removed from the closer role for a “mental break”.

Nationals More Like Washington Generals When Facing Marlins

by Illya Harrell

 

Marlins Come From Behind to Sweep Nats

WASHINGTON – For the second time this season, the first place Florida Marlins (23-14) swept a three-game series versus last place Washington (15-23) in Nationals Stadium.

Southpaw Scott Olsen (4-1) took the rubber for the Marlins against sinker baller Shawn Hill (0-0) on Sunday.

The 24-year-old Olsen came into the game with the fourth best ERA in the NL at 2.22, while holding the opponents batting average to .186 – good for second best behind Ryan Dempster. He didn’t have his best stuff on Mother’s Day.

Eli Greenspan: Diamondbacks' Recipe For Success

There has never been a perfectly run baseball team. However, the Diamondbacks, led by GM Josh Byrnes and Assistant Peter Woodfork, have turned the league’s 2004 laughing stock into a National League favorite in just three years. Here’s a look at how the team ranked 23rd in payroll has become one of baseball’s best teams.

Good Drafting

The 2005 draft yielded top overall prospect Justin Upton along with starting pitchers Micah Owings and Greg Smith (sent to Oakland in the Dan Haren deal). In 2006 they selected starting pitcher Max Scherzer with the 11th overall pick. It wasn’t clear the Diamondbacks would be able to sign Scherzer, but they recognized his talents and overpaid for his services. On Saturday he looked great in his second major league start (no earned runs in six innings against the Cubs), and can be expected to be a member of the rotation for years to come.