Player of the Week
Carlos Pena, Rays
Recommended Stories
The AL’s leader in home runs is just as likely to record a single. With a pair of round-trippers on Tuesday night in Tampa Bay’s 7-3 victory in Toronto, Pena’s homer total sits at an impressive 37. His total number of one-baggers? 35. That shouldn’t deter from his impact on the Rays’ offense. Over the past seven days, he’s gone 8-for-19 with six home runs and 12 RBI. The Tampa first baseman went deep three times in two days against the Texas Rangers, propelling his club to wins. His batting average may be a less-than-mediocre .222, but he has driven in a team-best 91 runs.
He said what?
“We feel them coming. That is a good team. They keep playing. That’s what you want a team to do is keep playing.”
– Dodgers manager Joe Torre after his club lost to the surging Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night.
Story Lines
1. In a world of hurt » Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, J.J. Putz, John Maine … One would probably lose their breath if they had to list off all the New York Mets that have seen time on the disabled list in 2009. One of the preseason favorites to win the National League, the Mets have been absolutely ravished by an amazin’ run of injuries and misfortune in a season that has been more sad than funny … Jose Reyes, David Wright, Oliver Perez, Jonathan Niese … Only one player that was represented on the opening day lineup hasn’t been affected by ailments. So, Daniel Murphy, watch your step. There’s nobody that’s safe from this curse … Angel Pagan, Ryan Church, Gary Sheffield, Johan Santana … Did we miss anybody?
2. Mile High magic » The Rockies’ Wednesday night loss to the Dodgers has been just an aberration in a spectacular string of Colorado uprising and L.A. struggles. Recently, Coors Field has been the site for two straight fantastic finishes. On Monday in the series finale with the Giants, Ryan Spilborghs’ hit a walk-off grand slam in the 14th to cap off a Colorado comeback and lengthen its Wild Card lead. But how about the NL West race? The Rockies’ three-month-long hot streak has closed the gap between them and the Dodgers from 15 games to just three as of Wednesday. On Tuesday, hosting L.A., Troy Tulowitzki delivered the game winning hit, also in extra innings. If 2007 is an indication, there may be no stopping this team.
3. Buying Ryan’s job with Texas » Prior to his arrival in February 2008 as team president, the Rangers could’ve used an arm like Nolan Ryan’s in their putrid pitching staff. And when “The Express” took over the position, he vowed that the team would turn the corner and the pitching would turn around. By the look of it, they’re well on their way. Granted, they’ve struggled to hold down the Yankees offense (then again, who hasn’t?). But with this up-and-coming team hanging in contention for a playoff spot, the Rangers are proving that they’ll be around for the next few years. So Nolan no longer has to start warming up in the bullpen.
Series to Watch
Rockies at Giants (Friday – Sunday)
These two are just one week removed from a great series … great, especially if you’re a supporter of the Rockies. Colorado took three out of four from San Francisco to take a four-game lead in the NL Wild Card standings. Now, the Giants have a chance to return the favor — this time on their home field by the bay. And they’ll have their two best pitchers out there to try and do it. Tim Lincecum will try to shake off a slight funk when he takes the ball on Friday. Matt Cain will take the mound in the Sunday afternoon finale.
