Only In Baseball

Last night, the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim while getting no hits. Even though Angels pitchers Jered Weaver and Jose Arrendondo combined on a no-hitter for eight innings, it was not ruled a no-hitter because the two pitchers combined to throw only 8 innings. The Dodgers scored their only run in the fifth inning en route to a 1-0 victory at Dodger Stadium. Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp reached on an error, and then stole second. When the throw of Angels catcher Jeff Mathis sailed into center field, Kemp went on to third. Dodgers third basemen Blake DeWitt then hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Kemp, the only run of the game. Had the Dodgers not scored that run, the game would have been tied going into the bottom of the 9th and the Angels would have had a shot at combining on a no-hitter.

Only in baseball could something as wacky as this happen. First of all, the Angels did not allow a hit and lost. The Dodgers got no hits during the game and somehow won. Second of all, even though the Angels did not allow any hits during the course of the game, they did not an official no-hitter. The rule states that a no-hitter is "when a pitcher(s) allows no hits during the entire course of a game, which consists of at least nine innings." Since the Dodgers were the home team and were winning at the end of the top of the 9th inning, the bottom half of the 9th was not played and the Angels were denied a chance at their franchise's ninth-ever no-hitter. It was just the third time since 1961 that a team threw a no-hitter for 8 innings, yet could not try for an official no-hitter because they lost the game.

Usually it is walks that bring in runs for a team that is eventually no-hit. For instance, in Chicago White Sox pitcher Joe Cowley's no-hitter in 1986, he gave up one run on eight walks. However, last night, Angels starter Jered Weaver's run was unearned, as it was scored because of an error. The Angels could not even score a run to make up for their mishap, and Weaver ended up with the loss. Imagine how unlucky Weaver must feel. He did not allow a hit or an earned run for the 6 innings he pitched, and yet he somehow became the losing pitcher.

Only in baseball could something that odd happen. The way the game is played allows for some crazy and just outright wierd things to happen. For instance, Carlos Delgado, the first basemen for the New York Mets, a National League team, set the record for most RBIs in a single game by a DH with 9 against the New York Yankees on Friday. A record broken like that could only happen in baseball, which is one of the reasons why the sport is so great. Only in baseball can something so amazing and different happen in every single game, which makes going to the ballpark a treat because no one can ever predict an outcome. It is why baseball is America's pastime and why baseball is the best sport on the planet.

Mauer Overtakes 'Tek

In baseball, a players worth can only numerically be calculated on offense. Especially in terms of rating catchers, it is the intangables that cannot be numerically calculated, yet it is also the intangibles that make or break a catcher. A catcher's value cannot be measured numerically. There is no number that rates how well a catcher calls a game. There is no number that shows a catcher's leadership. Also, there is not a number that shows how well a catcher handles his pitchers. The only numbers that measure a catcher's worth deal with their hitting statistics, how many errors they make, and what percent of potential basestealers that they throw out. These statistics do not even come close to measuring what matters most in terms of valueing a catcher. Yet these seem these numbers seem to be the only thing that matters when evaluating players at times.

The 2008 season has been no different. Earlier this week, Minnesota Twins catcher overtook Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek as the leading vote-getting catcher in the American League. Sure, Mauer is dominating Varitek in almost every offensive category. Mauer owns Varitek in batting average (.325 to .231), RBIs (29 to 25), OBP (.411 to .306), SLG (.430 to .392), and runs (46 to 17). If the catcher's position was based only on hitting, Mauer would easily be the choice of best catcher since Mike Piazza.

However, the catcher is arguably the most important defensive player on the field. He calls pitches, handles pitchers, calls defenses, and is the leader of the defense. These are the intangibles of a catcher. Varitek does every single one of them 100 times better than Mauer does. Boston's pitching statistics are better than those in every single category, including ERA (3.86 to 4.31), BAA (.245 to .287), OPSA (.703 to .780), saves (25 to 22), WHIP (1.34 to 1.41), and quality starts (43 to 41). These are two teams that have relatively equal pitching talent. It is a matter of the catcher being able to call a game and handle the pitcher to maximize that talent. Varitek has done just that. Boston is 48-32, good enough for the second best record in the AL. Mauer has done a terrible job of it. Minnesota's record is 41-36, tied for the sixth best in the AL. In the 14-team AL, Minnesota ranks 9th in ERA, dead last in BAA, 13th in OPSA, 10th in WHIP, and 7th in quality starts. Boston 6th in ERA, 4th in BAA, 5th in OPSA, 4th in saves, 6th in WHIP, and 4th in quality starts.

Jason Varitek is also much, much more important to the Red Sox than Mauer is to the Twins. When Mauer missed 29 games from mid-May to early June and 13 games in late August to early September in 2007, the Twins were 17-25, a winning percentage of .400. With Mauer in the lineup nearly everday, the 2007 Twins were 62-58. a winning percentage of .517. While there was a notable difference with the 2007 Twins when Mauer was out of the lineup, the 2006 Red Sox suffered even more when they lost Jason Varitek for 32 games in August. Before he was injured, Boston was tied with the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East. By the time Varitek came back on September 4th, Boston was 9 games behind New York. Before his injury, Boston was 63-42, a winning percentage of .600. While Varitek was out, Boston was 11-22, a winning percentage of .333. Varitek's presence is clearly much more important for Boston than that of Mauer's for Minnesota, as the Red Sox completely collapsed without their captain in 2006. The 2007 Twins were still able to play decent baseball without Mauer.

Another way of proving how much better Varitek is at handling pitchers is by how many no-hitters or perfect games he has caught compared to Mauer. Mauer has caught zero. Varitek has caught 4, 2 in the past two years, including one by a rookie making just his second career start. Varitek was able to lead Clay Buchholz when he was just making his second career start into a no-hitter. Varitek calmed him down and got him focused on the game, while a normal 22-year might have collapsed under the pressure. Varitek helped Buchholz handle the immense pressure at the end of a game when a no-hitter is still alive. Mauer has still yet to lead a Twins pitcher even close to throwing a no-hitter.

Even though Joe Mauer is a much better offensive player than Varitek is, Varitek's experience, value, and presence is much more vital to the Red Sox than those of Mauer's to the Twins. While Mauer struggles to handle a pitching staff, Varitek is a master of it. He should be guiding the American League at Yankee Stadium in the 2008 MLB All-Star Game. Joe Mauer, on the other hand, should be watching and learning from a master on the bench. He has a lot to learn and there is no one better at handling pitchers, calling a game, and being a leader in all of baseball than Jason Varitek. After looking at offensive numbers, fans should think about the value Jason Varitek has to the Red Sox before clicking Joe Mauer's name on the AL ballot this summer.

K-Rod Is Butter On A Roll

By picking up his 30th save of the season Sunday night, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim closer Francisco Rodriguez widened the gap between first and second place in saves in all of baseball. Baltimore's George Sherrill is second in the majors with 25 saves. The fact that Rodriguez is mowing down hitters is not surprising since he has at least 40 saves a season for the past three years. However, K-Rod could set a new Major League record for saves in a single season as he is on pace for 64 saves. If Rodriguez can reach that mark, it would shatter Bobby Thigpen's mark of 57 saves in 1990.

Rodriguez has been downright filthy this season. He has converted 30 out of 32 saves, and has recorded a save in 65% of the Angels wins so far this season. Opponents are hitting just .178 off of him (1.18 WHIP), and although Rodrigues is not close to striking out the number of hitters he normally does (career K/9 of 11.52), he is still averaging a respectable 7.94 K/9. K-Rod's ERA has summed up his dominance so far, as it is a tiny 2.12. Without him, it is safe to say the Angels would be nowhere close to having the best record in the American League at 46-30.

If the Angels can keep winning, Rodriguez could end up being baseball's new single season saves leader. As of now, he is more than halfway there. Winning could also mean more good consequences for the Angels. By having K-Rod lurking in the ninth inning could help the Angels finally reach their goal of reaching the World Series. For now K-Rod will just do what he does best and shut down opposing teams in the ninth inning. His ninth inning magic could make it a special year for the Angels.

The End In Sight?

Yesterday, Curt Schilling announced he will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. This likely means that Schilling's career is also finished. The fact that Schilling will likely never throw another pitch is something that even Schilling admitted, saying "My season is over, and there’s a pretty decent chance I’ve thrown my last pitch forever." Schilling has enjoyed a fantastic career, yet he is still not considered to be a sure-fire Hall of Famer. However, everywhere he has gone, Schilling has left an impact. Schilling will finish with three World Series rings, 216 victories, 146 losses, and a career ERA of 3.46. He could possibly be the best big-game pitcher in baseball history.

Schilling first started to be known as one of baseball's best pitchers in Philadelphia, where he spent eight and a half seasons before being traded to Arizona. With the Diamondbacks, Schilling's career soared to new heights. In 2001, his first full season with Arizona, Schilling finished 22-6 with a 2.98 ERA. Yet that was not even the biggest impact Schilling left on baseball that year. In the playoffs, Schilling logged 48.1 innings in 6 starts, 3 of which were complete games. Schilling struck out 56 hitters, had a 1.12 ERA, and most importantly, won 4 games. In the World Series, Schilling was absolutely unbelievable against the heavily-favored New York Yankees. In game 1, Schilling went 7 innings, allowing just 1 run on 3 hits while striking out 8. Schilling earned his first victory. In game 4, Schilling turned in an almost identicle performance, once again going 7 innings, allowing 3 hits and 1 run, but this time, Schilling struck out 9 Yankees. However, the Arizona bullpen blew the lead and Schilling ended up with a no-decision. The next start Schilling would make would decide the World Series.

In game 7 in the Valley of the Sun, Schilling took the hill on just 3 days rest. Once again, Schilling was dominant, going 6.2 innings, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits while striking out 9. While Schilling did not earn the victory, he kept Arizona in the game and on a miraculous walk-off single by Luis Gonzalez, the Arizona Diamondbacks won their first-ever World Series title. Schilling was named co-MVP of the World Series along with teammate Randy Johnson. It was the first time Schilling showed how clutch he could be, something he would prove once again in 2004.

The next season, Schilling had another dominating year, going 23-7 with a 3.23 ERA. The next season, Schilling pitched well again with a 2.95 ERA. However, the Diamondbacks could not give Schilling any run support, as he finished just 8-9. In the 2003 offseason, Schilling was traded to the Boston Red Sox, where Schilling has made one of the biggest impacts in franchise history.

In 2004, Schilling led the Sox back to the postseason, going 21-6 with a 3.26 ERA. Yet despite his amazing regular season, Schilling saved his best for the postseason. In the American League Division Series against the Anaheim Angels, Schilling started game 1, giving Boston the first win of their 3-game sweep of the Angels. Schilling earned the victory, going 6.2 innings while striking out 4 and allowing just 2 earned runs. However, during the game, Schilling tweaked his ankle while fielding a bunt. At first, the Red Sox were not concerned with the injury. However, after Boston advanced to battle the New York Yankees in the 2004 ALCS, Schilling's ankle became a major concern.

Schilling started game 1 of the ALCS, but struggled. The ankle was clearly a problem for Schilling, as he lasted just 3 innings. Schilling gave up 6 runs on 6 hits while striking out just 1. After the game, the Red Sox and Schilling learned that Schilling had suffered a dislocated tendon in his right ankle. While Red Sox manager Terry Francona figured the Sox would have to move on without Schilling, Schilling did everything in his power to get back on the mound for game 6. First, the Red Sox medical staff gave Schilling a high-top cleat. However, this did not work, as Schilling could not throw without going through a lot of pain. The Sox medical staff then did last-hope medical procedure where they sutured the tendon to the bone in Schilling's ankle. This procedure ended up allowing Schilling to pitch in game 6.

On the mound in game 6, Curt Schilling turned in possibly the most gutsy, unbelievable, and heroic performance in sports of all-time. With blood seeping through his right sock, Schilling miraculously gave the Red Sox 7 innings, with his only mistake being a Bernie Williams home run in the seventh inning. Schilling earned the victory, and gave Boston the oppurtunity to go to game 7, which they eventually won. Without his performance, the Red Sox would never have come back from their 3-0 hole to defeat the Yankees in the ALCS and eventually win their first World Series in 86 years.

Once again, Schilling defied Francona and the Sox medical staff and made a start in game 2 of the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Once again, the tendon had to be re-sutured before the game, but once again, Schilling was marvelous. Schilling did not give up an earned run in his 6 innings of work, earning the victory as the Sox took a 2-0 series lead. By putting his career on the line twice, Schilling not only won over many for his gutsy performances, he also gave New England a World Series title for the first time in generations.

The next season, Schilling entered as the Sox ace, but after his first three starts, was placed on the DL. Schilling's ankle had obviously not healed from offseason surgery and his performance showed that. Through 3 starts, Schilling was 1-2 with a 7.13 ERA. When he returned in the middle of July, Schilling took over as the Red Sox closer. Though he performed decent in his role (9 saves), Schilling wanted to become a starter once again. He finally went back to starting on August 25th against Kansas City. However, Schilling struggled as a starter, going 2-3, although he pitched much better than he had in the beginning of the year as a starter, or as a closer in the middle of the year. Schilling finished the season 8-8 with 9 saves, and a 5.69 ERA. It was the worst season of his career. The playoff heroics that Schilling had gave the Red Sox in 2004 had severly taxed his body in 2005.

In 2006, Schilling looked to prove he was not finished. He started the entire season, and put together a very nice campaign, going 15-7 with a 3.97 ERA. It is probably the last time that Schilling will ever put up double digit wins in a season.

In 2007, presumably Schilling's last season in the big leagues, Schilling had another excellent season at the age of 40. While he only finished 9-8, he had a stellar ERA of 3.87. In the playoffs, Schilling once again proved he was a big pitcher, shutting out the Angels in 7 innings to send the Red Sox to the ALCS. However, similar to that of 2004, Schilling struggled in his first ALCS start, this time against the Cleveland Indians, allowing 5 runs in 4.2 innings. However, he bounced back in game 7 by pitching 7 innings while allowing just 2 runs. With another clutch start, the Red Sox overcame a 3-1 series deficit in order to challenge the Colorado Rockies in the World Series.

Schilling made just one World Series start, likely the last this big game pitcher will ever make. Although he was not dominant in his game 2 start, he was very effective. Through 5.1 innings, Schilling struck out 4, walked 2, and allowed just 2 runs on 4 hits. Schilling earned the last victory of his career, and gave the Red Sox a 2-0 series edge in their eventual sweep of the Rockies. For one last time, Curt Schilling had led a team to a World Series victory.

For someone that isn't assured of a Hall of Fame plaque, Schilling has a very impressive resume. In order to become a member of the Hall of Fame, a player must basically be a legend. Schilling was a legend, and proved that when the games mattered most. In 2001, Schilling was instrumental in helping the Diamondbacks win the World Series. In 2004, Schilling's incredible "bloody sock" game helped the Red Sox make history. In 2007, Schilling's pitching and veteran leadership helped Boston win its second title in 4 years. During his time in the majors, there was no one more clutch and no one a manager would rather give the ball to when a season was on the line. In fact, Schilling's career playoff record was 11-2 with a miniscule 2.23 ERA.

Schilling has also been spectacular in the regular season. He has won over 20 games in a season three times in his career, has recorded at least 200 strikeouts in a season five times in his career, and has even reached over 300 strikeout in a season three times. Schilling also has 216 victories and a 3.46 ERA. With those numbers and his amazing playoff performances, Schilling deserves to join the legends that came before him in Cooperstown at the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Curt Schilling was truly one of the greatest pitchers of this era.

It's Time To Give Utley Some Due

Going into the season, many expected the home run race to be between the likes of Alex Rodriquez, Miguel Cabrera, David Ortiz, or Ryan Howard. Yet it is Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley who leads the Major Leagues in home runs. Utley added to his lead last night with his 22nd home run of the season in the Phillies 20-2 rout of the St. Louis Cardinals. Utley, who has never hit more than 32 homers in a season, may finally start to be associated with some of the marquee hitters in the game. It is about time for that. His 162 game average is a .302 batting average, a.377 on-base percentage, a .537 slugging percentage, 30 home runs, and 113 RBIs. That is fantastic for any player, yet alone a second baseman.

It is possible that Utley's name does not come up in conversations about some of the best hitters in the game because he plays in Philadelphia. Utley is often overshadowed by 2006 NL MVP Ryan Howard and 2007 NL MVP Jimmy Rollins. This season though, Utley has carried the Phillies into first place in the NL East. Howard has struggled thus far, with a .212 BA and a .313 OBP. Rollins has missed 24 games because of injury. Even without the added protection in the lineup, Utley is having his best season ever. Chase is hitting .317, with 22 home runs ,61 RBIs. Utley also owns a .404 on-base clip and a .653 slugging percentage. Utley is second in the NL in RBIs, third in runs scored (54), and fourth in batting average, on-base plus slugging percentage (1.057) and slugging percentage, respectively. If Chipper Jones ever cools down, Utley may become the third straight Phillie to win the MVP award.

Fans are finally starting to give Utley his due. The 29-year leads the National League in All-Star voting by about 170,000 votes. However, Chase and the rest of the Phillies are looking to make some noise in the postseason, after giving Philadelphia its first baseball postseason game and NL East title last year for the first time since 1993. The Phillies want to win a championship, something that no professional team has done in Philadelphia since the 1980 Phillies.

The 1980 Phillies were led by Mike Schmidt, who happened to lead the majors in home runs with 48 that season. The 2008 Phillies also have the majors home run leader in Utley, who is on pace for 52 home runs. Should Utley continue his monster season, the Phillies could be vying for a shot at the World Series title when October comes. For now though, the Phillies are taking things slow, hoping to win their second straight NL East crown. As the Marlins fade, the Mets hover near .500, and the Braves struggle, this is Philadelphia's division to lose. Thanks to Chase Utley, Philly fans are finally starting to believe it's their year. It could very well be.

Milestone Month Continues: Junior Swats Number 600

June has been a month filled with milestones being broken. Players have reached the 400 and 500 home run clubs, respectively. Manny Ramirez was the first player to reach a milestone in June, belting his 500th career home run against the Baltimore Orioles on June 1st. Chipper Jones then joined in on the fun, swatting his 400th home run against the Florida Marlins on June 5th. Ken Griffey Jr. yesterday continued the trend of having a milestone broken every four days by hitting his 600th career home run yesterday. Like Manny and Chipper, Griffey wasted little time with a first inning home run. Griffey sent a 3-1 Mark Hendrickson curveball into the right field stands at Dolphin Stadium in Miami. With his homer, Griffey became just the sixth player in MLB history to reach 600 home runs. With his shot, Griffey may have cemented himself as one of the Top 10 greatest players of all-time as well.

Despite his immense accomplishment, many wonder what would have been. Griffey was the youngest player to hit 300, 350, 400, and 450 home runs, respectively. He was named to the All-Century team as just a 29 year old and was named Player of the Decade for the 1990s. By the time he was 31, Griffey already had 438 home runs, averaging 41 home runs every year for which he had played a full seaosn in. Had Griffey continued at his pace, he would likely have either broken Hank Aaron's all-time home run record of 755 either this season or the next. However, injuries derailed Griffey's hunt at Aaron and instead of hitting number 756 yesterday, Griffey had to settle for number 600. After his 40 homer campaign in his first season with the Cincinnati Reds in 2000, Griffey played just 111, 70, 53, 83, 128, and 109 games a season, respectively. Had Griffey been healthy for those years, he could have easily ended up being baseball's new Home Run King.

Griffey's years with Cincinnati have been filled with disappointment, a wonder of what should have been. However, even at age 38, Griffey is not finished yet. While he likely has no chance of catching Aaron, Griffey does have a shot at becoming just the third player (Barry Bonds doesn't count) in MLB history to reach 700 homers. He also has yet to win a World Series, and a trade to a contending team in July could help him get that.

Even as Griffey is entering the twilight of his career, he is still considered to be one of the greatest players of all-time. When it's-all-said-and-done for the future Hall of Famer, he may be considered the greatest of all-time. Through all 19 seasons in the big leagues, there has been no greater pleasure for a fan than to watch Ken Griffey, Jr. From all the towering home runs to some of the most spectacular catches throughout his years in Major League Baseball, Ken Griffey, Jr. has entertained us in a way that few people can in every generation. As Milestone Month continues, one of the all-time greats has just reached one of his.

400 Is Chipper's Magic Number

On June 5th, Chipper Jones became the second MLB player this month to reach a milestone. By hitting a 6th inning home run against the Florida Marlins, Jones rounded the bases for the 400th time, rising to number 43 on the all-time home run list. However, his 400th home run may not end up being Chipper's biggest accomplishment. The 36 year old Jones is vying to become the first player since Ted Williams to eclipse the .400 batting average mark. As of June 8th, Jones is on pace to shatter Williams' mark, as he hitting .421. While Jones has had a productive career, no one has expected him to put together this kind of season, especially at age 36. In fact, Jones has never hit better than .337 over an entire season, giving reason to doubt whether he can sustain an over .400 clip.

Chipper, however, seems undaunted by his shot at history. Although his average continues to rise, Jones is doing much more than drop in dinky singles. He ranks 7th in the National League in home runs with 15 and has driven in 41 runs. Jones has also gotten on base at an astounding rate. Chipper's on-base percentage is .504, ranking in first in baseball in that category. Having an OBP of over .500 is unreal, yet Chipper continues to sustain that mark as we head into mid-June. Chipper also scores plenty of runs, as he is 8th in the NL with 44, and has been a vital leader on a young, and talented, but often inconsistent team.

While his track record suggests the Chipper's average will eventually fall below .400 sometime this season, Chipper Jones looks like a much different and better hitter at the plate this season. He is absolutely locked in, and it is almost as if no pitcher can get him out right now. Chipper has morphed back into his 1999 MVP winning form, and has punished pitchers for throwing to him. And although he has already cemented his Hall of Fame status, Jones could cement himself as a first ballot Hall of Famer if he can keep up his current pace. Certainly that will motivate Jones as the dog days of August crawl towards him and the pressure continues to mount during his quest. However, if Jones can handle the pressure, he is at a point where he could turn in one of the greatest offensive seasons of all-time. Now that he has got his 400 home run milestone out of the way, Jones will solely be able to focus on .400, the magic number that could turn his season from great to legendary.

The End?

Yesterday, Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz announced he would have season-ending shoulder surgery. While Smoltz claims he desires to play at least one more season, the possibility of his return remains unlikely. The chance of a 41 year old being able to return from major shoulder surgery is highly unlikely. With that being said, we may have seen the last of the terrific career of John Smoltz.

As the only pitcher in Major League Baseball history with over 200 wins and 150 saves, Smoltz is ticketed for Cooperstown. However, not only did Smoltz achieve great personal success as the 1996 Cy Young Award winner and the 2002 Rolaids Relief Man of the Year, he was an essential part of the Braves string of 14 consectutive National League East division championships and the Braves 1995 World Series title. Without Smoltz, the Braves would not have come close to winning 14 consecutive division titles, and they certainly would never have even advanced to the World Series, let alone win it.

Smoltz, though, never let all of his success get in the way to be a great teammate. Throughout his 19 years as a Brave, Smoltz exemplified being a classy and modest teammate. Despite often being overlooked by fans, teammates, and opposing teams because he pitched behind Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine, Smoltz never once complained. In 2001, when the Braves desperately needed someone to step in and be a relief pitcher, Smoltz was more than willing to fill the vacancy. Even though people doubted him in his new role, Smoltz quickly became one of the best closers in all of baseball, racking up 55 saves in 2002, 45 in 2004 and 44 in 2005. The next year, Smoltz went back to starting, placing his career on the line to try to help the Braves continue their streak of 14 straight division titles.

Although the Braves have not won another division title since 2005, Smoltz has still done everything in his power to put the Braves back on top of the NL East, right where they belong. After the 2006 season and a third place finish, the first year since 1990 that the Braves did not make a playoff appearance, Smoltz had the oppurtunity to bolt Atlanta as a free agent, yet he chose to stay even as Atlanta moved in a rebuilding direction. This season, Smoltz's tutelage is finally paying dividends. By being the leader in the clubhouse and the teammate that everyone looks up to, Smoltz has helped Atlanta's younger players make a successful transition to the Major Leagues. Smoltz has been a major role model to young Braves like Jair Jurrjens, Brian McCann, and Jeff Francoeur, all of whom represent the next generation for the Braves. Today, Atlanta sits just 3.5 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies for first place in the NL East.

If the Braves can stay in the thick of the race come September, the Braves will sorely miss Smoltz's leadership and experience, which are things that could cost the Braves a trip to the playoffs. September and October baseball games used to always promise John Smoltz pitching for the Atlanta Braves. Now, we may never see that again. Smoltz's days being a role model to his teammates, a leader in the clubhouse, and a classy man are most likely finished. While yesterday was not officially the end of Smoltz's big league career, it was certainly a strong signal showing the future Hall of Famer his last stop before Cooperstown during his storied 19 year career. One of the greatest pitchers and teammates of this era may have walked off the mound for the final time.

Is This The Year?

For the first time since 1908, Wrigley Field is home to a team with the best record in baseball as late in the season as June 3rd. 1908 is a significant year for the Chicago Cubs, as it was the last time they won the World Series. 100 long, strange years have gone by since the Cubs were Major League Baseball's last team standing. The Cubs haven't just lost, they have left their fans heartbroken and shocked with many late season and playoff collapses, the most recent of which happened in the 2003 NLCS. Yet it seems this year's Cubs are different, unaffected by The Curse of the Billy Goat that has haunted this franchise since the 1945 World Series. Cubs fans are now singing a new tune as the pack the Friendly Confines, a tune that preaches their new motto "It's Gonna Happen." On the field, the Cubs have backed them up. Riding an 8-game win streak and a 37-21 record, the Cubs have been Major League Baseball's best team.

One of the reasons for their success is that Chicago outslugs its opponents. The Cubs are ranked first in the National League in batting average (.288), runs (331), on-base percentage (.367), on-base plus slugging percentage (.819), and second in slugging percentage (.452). They have gotten consistent production from all positions on the field. Now that Alfonso Soriano (.280 BA, 13 HR, 36 RBI, .323 OBP) is finally earning his $14 million salary at the plate this season, the Cubs offense is becoming almost unstoppable. Derrick Lee (.293 BA, 13 HR, 37 RBI, .349 OBP) and Aramis Ramirez (.315 BA, 9 HR, 39 RBI, .429 OBP) have both done a tremendous job driving in runs for the Cubbies. However, unlike in years past, these Cubs have even more options besides their Big 3. Ryan Theriot (.325 BA, 1 HR, 14 RBI, .407 OBP) has done a great job getting on base in front of Lee and Ramirez. Meanwhile, Japanese-import Kosuke Fukudome (.305 BA, 3 HR, 22 RBI, .409 OBP), Mark Derosa (.297 BA, 5 HR, 29 RBI, .384 OBP), and Geovany Soto (.296 BA, 9 HR, 38 RBI, .388 OBP) have provided unbelievable production from the bottom half of the lineup. It has incredibly frustrating for opposing pitchers to pitch through this Cubs lineup, because there are so many weapons that can leave a major impact.

The Cubs pitching has also been extremely productive this year. Led by ace Carlos Zambrano (8-1, 2.51 ERA) in the starting rotation, the Cubs are currently third in the NL in ERA (3.65), WHIP (1.29), and batting average against (.288). The Cubs rotation has also turned in 28 quality starts, good enough for 6th place in the National League. While their rotation lacks depth behind Big Z and number 2 starter Ryan Dempster (7-2, 2.75 ERA), the Cubs have reason to believe that their third and fourth starters, Ted Lilly (5-4, 5.54) and Jason Marquis (2-3, 4.98)respectively, will turn their seasons around. However, they will still need either Sean Gallagher (3-1, 4.55) or Rich Hill (1-0, 4.12) to step up or they will have to trade for another starter once the Trade Deadline rolls around. As of now, the Cubs starting pitching is much too thin for them to believe "It's Gonna Happen."

Despite their dearth of starting pitching, the Cubs greatest strength may possibly be their bullpen. Bobby Howry (1-2, 4.45), Michael Wurtz (1-1, 2.96), and Jon Lieber (2-3, 3.41) have all been solid in their roles leading up to the 8th inning. Once the 8th rolls around and the Cubs have the lead, opposing teams might as well kiss the game goodbye. Carlos Marmol (1-1, 2.43) has arguably been baseball's most dominating set-up man this season and Kerry Wood (2-1, 2.87, 15 saves) has been a revelation as the closer, where he is tied for second in the National League in saves. This strength is something that will pay huge dividends as the Cubs attempt to claim their first World Series birth since 1945 and their first championship since 1908.

The 2008 Chicago Cubs have the lineup and the bullpen to finally bring a World Series to the Friendly Confines. However, in order to be playing deep into October, they must improve their starting pitching, which has been disappointing so far this year besides Zambrano and Dempster. Despite their lack of depth in the rotation, there is a reason the Cubs own baseball's best record. This team looks extremely poised and focused, and they are finally believing in themselves. If Chicago can get their starting pitching together, the motto in Chicago may change from "It's Gonna Happen" to "It Happened!" because this is an extremely dangerous team with the talent to finally claim that elusive World Series Championship.

Bruce Almighty Takes The Spotlight Again

Despite the fact Cincinnati Reds teammate Ken Griffey Jr. is just one home run away from 600 for his career, it is rookie Jay Bruce that has stolen the spotlight away from his teammates incredible milestone. Taking nothing away from Griffey and his inevitable run at history, but Bruce has been absolutely unbelievable during his first week as a big leaguer. The outfielder is hitting .577 with three home runs and seven RBIs, not to mention an 1.038 SLG, a .667 OBP, and two stolen bases. Bruce has even proven to be clutch. His first Major League home run was a walk-off bomb in the 10th inning to beat the Atlanta Braves.

Last night, as Griffey sat just one home run shy of 600 for the first game, it was Bruce knocking a 3rd inning home run as Junior watched on deck. In the 7th, Bruce went opposite way to knock in a run to finish his day 2 for 3 with a home run, 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored, and a walk. It was just another day at the ballpark for Bruce.

For a 21-year old Texas kid, Bruce sure isn't afraid of the spotlight. He has handled every different kind of pressure, from being the top prospect in baseball to being called the "savior" of the Reds before his Major League debut to his extra winning walk-off shot and finally to his spotlight stealing of Griffey yesterday. So far, the Reds gamble has paid off tremendously in their decision to call-up Bruce. While no one can expect Bruce to continue at this pace for an entire season, he continued his "Bruce Almighty" heroics in the first game of a four game series against the Philadelphia Phillies. In his first career road game, Bruce adding two more hits, including yet another home run, two runs scored, and an RBI. "Bruce Almighty" is making those days seem routine, and yet he has just been in the Major Leagues for one week. The start to his career has been unprecendented and just unbelievable. This just looks to be the beginning of great things to come for Jay Bruce.

It's Just Manny Being Manny: Ramirez Hits No. 500

On the final night of May, Boston Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez cemented his place in Major League Baseball history, sending an 0-1 pitch from Baltimore Orioles pitcher Chad Bradford into the right-center field bleachers at Camden Yards. Fittingly, the man who wears number 24 became the 24th player to reach the 500 homer plateau. While many people overlook Manny because of his "Manny Being Manny" moments, Ramirez could be the best hitter of this era and is one of the greatest hitters of all-time.

Ramirez was the 12th youngest player in MLB history to reach 500 homers (he was 36 years old and 1 day), indicating he is nowhere near finished tearing up MLB pitching. When his career is all said and done, Manny will quite likely end up with over 620 home runs, which would place him 4th on the all-time home run list (Barry Bonds doesn't count). In fact, the future Hall of Famer entered elite company on Saturday night. With his blast, Manny became just the seventh player in Major League history with a .300 average, 500 homers, 1500 RBIs, 1000 walks, and 475 doubles putting him in an exclusive club with Ted Williams, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Mel Ott, and Frank Thomas. Manny's current career numbers suggest he may join an even more elite club. With 99 more homers and 358 more RBIs, Manny will join the 600 homer and 2000 RBI club, a club that's only members are Aaron and Ruth.

The numbers do not lie. Manny is a once in a generation everything- hitter, personality, and player. Although his career is not quite over, we should appreciate one of the greatest hitters ever to live. Manny can teach us all something. He can teach us how to hit a baseball, how to have the sweetest swing in baseball, how to prepare for at-bats, and how to have fun. Five years after he hangs up his cleats, Manny will be enshrined in the National Baseball Hall Of Fame. For now, Manny will just be well, Manny and continue to mash pitching and lead the Red Sox in defending their World Series Championship.