Monthly Archives: July 2009

Breaking news: ESPN America will continue to broadcast in UK

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Many British fans of North American sports have been waiting with some trepidation for Monday 3 August to come around.  That date marks the launch of the new ESPN channel.  The initial reports had stated that it would replace ESPN America, the one place on British TV where you can currently watch MLB.  Those fears were increased by the fact that ESPN will take over the previous channel number, 417 on Sky, occupied by ESPN America.

Thankfully it has just been confirmed that ESPN America will continue to be broadcast in the UK.  It will be available as a subscription package alongside the new ESPN and ESPN-HD channels.  Although it won’t be ideal for some people (having to pay for the other channels that they may not want), it’s a much better outcome than was expected. 

Full subscription details are available at the ESPN America website.

The only downside to the breaking news is that it means my article on the launch of the new ESPN channel (and what it would mean for fans of North America sports), due to be published first thing tomorrow morning, is now completely wrong!  I’ll put together some new thoughts on the news and publish them sometime tomorrow.

You Are the Scorer: Number 39

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YouAreScorer

Scenario: With a runner on first an no outs, the batter hits a line drive to right field that just bounces in front of the fielder. The player on base had moved towards second but had not run hard in case the catch was made, forcing a return to first base. When the ball drops safe the runner dashes for second, but a bullet throw beats the player to the bag. Unfortunately for the fielding team, the shortstop muffs the throw, and both players are safe.

As the official scorer you charge the shortstop with an error (and award the right fielder an assist), but do you credit the batter with a hit?

A – Yes.
B – No.

Highlight the text below to reveal the answer:

Answer: B – No.

Rule 10.05(b)(1) states:
[The official scorer shall not credit a base hit when a] runner is forced out by a batted ball, or would have been forced out except for a fielding error.

British Baseball: Around the leagues

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British Baseball Federation logo

It doesn’t seem long ago since I was previewing the 2009 British baseball season, but we’re now close to the end of the regular season schedule.  The first stage of the postseason takes place in a little over four weeks’ time on Sunday 23 August and a number of teams have already qualified. 

However, there is still much to play for over the next few weeks.  Continue reading →

Typos benefit from Buehrle’s perfecto

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BgbFantasyThe MLB trading deadline may be this Friday, but the managers in the BaseballGB fantasy league have until Sunday to make any deals.
 
Which teams will be shopping and will any big deals be made?
 
 
R
HR
RBI
SB
AVG
OPS
W
SV
K
HLD
ERA
WHIP
Score
Braughing’s Bangers 27 7 27 3 .280 .869 4 2 38 0 5.63 1.64 2
SWAT 44 8 30 5 .339 .990 3 2 34 3 3.98 1.05 9
 
It was a tough week for the Bangers, who put up some pretty decent numbers but found themselves on the wrong end of a 9-2 score with SWAT. Huge weeks from Stephen Drew and Jayson Werth and three homers from Nick Markakis made the difference for SWAT. Troy Tulowitzki was the pick of the Bangers’ hitters, while Fernando Rodney picked up a win and a pair of saves.
 
 
R
HR
RBI
SB
AVG
OPS
W
SV
K
HLD
ERA
WHIP
Score
stevenston angels 32 8 26 5 .301 .824 3 1 39 0 4.27 1.36 5
Syracuse Nationals 33 10 38 4 .283 .833 4 2 33 0 4.42 1.40 6
 
The ‘Cuse picked up a narrow 6-5 win over the Angels, with a number of categories which easily could have gone the other way. Aaron Hill’s four-homer week and big RBI numbers from Carlos Lee helped the ‘Cuse to the win, while Rich Harden was the pitching star. Ryan Zimmerman and Rick Ankiel were the pick of the Angels.
 
 
R
HR
RBI
SB
AVG
OPS
W
SV
K
HLD
ERA
WHIP
Score
Josh & Jonny Whos 29 7 34 7 .264 .731 1 1 27 2 4.36 1.42 1
The Wright Stuff 34 11 36 9 .318 .942 3 6 40 0 4.31 1.42 10
 
The Stuff picked up a big win at the expense of the Whos, sweeping the offensive categories in the process thanks to the new Card, Matt Holliday, and a pair of Pirates – Doumit and Jones. Figgins and Yunel Escobar were the Who’s top hitters, with Matt Thornton’s pair of holds giving the Whos their only win this week.
 
 
R
HR
RBI
SB
AVG
OPS
W
SV
K
HLD
ERA
WHIP
Score
Orpington Isotopes 39 13 47 2 .348 1.034 3 1 43 2 4.84 1.43 8
Bonestalkers 30 5 24 5 .301 .804 2 2 41 0 4.38 1.31 4
 
My Isotopes hit their way to an 8-4 win over Bonestalkers. DeRosa’s four-homer week led the hitters, with Manny, Loney, Utley and Dunn having big RBI weeks. The pitching categories were close, with Scherzer having a big week for Bonestalkers.
 
 
R
HR
RBI
SB
AVG
OPS
W
SV
K
HLD
ERA
WHIP
Score
The Cheddar Chasers 41 14 41 4 .305 .945 2 4 27 0 5.25 1.28 12
Tribal Warfare 20 8 32 3 .295 .849 1 0 16 1 1.76 1.43 0
 
The Chasers slugged their way to a 12-0 sweep over Tribal Warfare, who did not meet the 20-inning minimum requirement, gifting the pitching categories to the opposition. Morneau and Braun had big weeks for the Chasers, who also picked up a trio of saves from Rivera.
 
 
R
HR
RBI
SB
AVG
OPS
W
SV
K
HLD
ERA
WHIP
Score
Rio Crande Typos 41 14 34 11 .271 .879 3 1 36 2 1.61 0.74 9
the gas 21 2 19 2 .195 .546 3 3 31 2 3.07 1.18 1
 
What a week for the Typos, who benefitted from Mark Buehrle’s perfect game on the way to a 9-1 win over the Gas. Joe’s hitters played their part too, taking all six offensive categories thanks to Ethier, Votto and McCann. Halladay and Lee also played their part with good weeks. Peralta provided much of the Gas’ offense, while Gregg had three saves.
 
 
R
HR
RBI
SB
AVG
OPS
W
SV
K
HLD
ERA
WHIP
Score
Borders Bats 42 8 37 7 .322 .875 3 3 30 2 6.04 1.77 7
RussDev Giants 40 11 33 4 .316 .911 3 2 22 0 1.50 0.96 4
 
The Bats got the better of the Giants with a 7-4 win. Justin Upton, Ludwick and Theriot were the pick of the hitters, although it wasn’t a good week for their ERA as a number of starters had rough weeks. The Giants had power spread throughout the lineup, and the skeleton pitching staff took ERA and WHIP.
 
The results leave SWAT at the top, now followed by the Wright Stuff. The ‘Cuse slip to third, followed by my Isotopes. The Chasers and Bats round out the top six.
Bonestalkers and the Giants and Angels still have a shot at the top six, although the Typos, Whos and Bangers may have to get busy on the trade front to boost their hopes. The Gas and Warfare look well out of contention.
 
This week’s matchups include the Stuff taking on the ‘Cuse, which could have a big impact on next week’s standings.

Early MLB games this week: young starters and Halladay (possibly)

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There are ten early MLB games to enjoy this week, split over Wednesday and Thursday.   They provide plenty of opportunities to watch some exciting young starting pitchers, from Luke Hochevar to Yovani Gallardo and we also might have the chance to watch Roy Halladay pitching for the Blue Jays.  Of course, that depends on whether he’s still with the club by Wednesday.

All times are listed in British Summer Time.  Continue reading →

MLB early games this evening – 26 July

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There are fourteen early games to enjoy this evening, with the late game at 01.05 being the White Sox against the Tigers. Detroit will be looking for the four-game sweep with Rick Porcello on the mound against Clayton Richard.

18.05. A’s @ Yankees – Dallas Braden (7-8), Sergio Mitre (1-0)
18.07. Rays @ Blue Jays – Jeff Niemann (9-4), Brett Cecil (3-1)
18.35. Orioles @ Red Sox – David Hernandez (2-2), John Smoltz (1-3)
18.35. Padres @ Nationals – Chad Gaudin (4-9), John Lannan (7-7)
18.35. Cardinals @ Phillies – Todd Wellemeyer (7-8), Joe Blanton (6-4)
19.05. Braves @ Brewers – Derek Lowe (9-7), Braden Looper (9-4)
19.05. Mets @ Astros – Livan Hernandez (6-5), Brian Moehler (7-5)
19.10. Rangers @ Royals – Kevin Millwood (9-7), Sidney Ponson (1-6)
19.20. Reds @ Cubs – Micah Owings (6-10), Rich Harden (6-6)
20.10. Giants @ Rockies – Ryan Sadowski (2-2), Aaron Cook (9-3)
20.35. Twins @ Angels – Anthony Swarzak (2-3), Ervin Santana (3-5)
21.10. Indians @ Mariners – Cliff Lee (6-9), TBD
21.10. Marlins @ Dodgers – Chris Volstad (7-9), Jason Schmidt (1-0)
21.10. Pirates @ D-Backs – Virgil Vasquez (1-4), Max Scherzer (5-6)

All times are in BST.   Continue reading →

Weekly Hit Ground Ball: Perfection

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History was made by Mark Buehrle on Thursday.  The White Sox ace pitched only the 18th perfect game in Major League history, mowing down twenty-seven Tampa Bay Rays hitters in order. 

Everyone who witnessed it will have their own story, most of which will begin with a slice of good fortune that made it possible. The 28,000 present at U.S. Cellular Field in particular will always be thankful that they decided to go to the ballpark on that day.  For baseball fans in the UK, we were lucky that the game was being played during the daytime in Chicago, allowing us to follow it live during the British evening.

So long as you knew what was going on.  Continue reading →

MLB early games this evening – 25 July

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I’ve decided to extend my ‘early games’ preview service to the weekend, subject to other commitments getting in the way.  For newcomers, the idea is to help UK-based baseball fans by previewing games that are scheduled to start before midnight UK time.  As such, all times are listed in British Summer Time (BST).

18.05. Reds @ Cubs – Johnny Cueto (8-6), Kevin Hart (1-1)
18.05. A’s @ Yankees – Gio Gonzalez (1-2), Andy Pettitte (8-5)
18.07. Rays @ Blue Jays – David Price (3-4), Brian Tallet (5-6)
21.05. White Sox @ Tigers – Gavin Floyd (8-6), Edwin Jackson
21.05. Cardinals @ Phillies – Kyle Lohse (4-6), Rodrigo Lopez (2-0)
21.10. Indians @ Mariners – Jeremy Sowers (2-7), Erik Bedard (5-2)
21.10. Twins @ Angels – Nick Blackburn (8-4), Matt Palmer (7-1).  Continue reading →

You Are the Scorer: Number 38

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YouAreScorer

Scenario: With a runner on second and two outs, the batter hits a blooper to right field, but the outfielder, who is playing shallow, fails to take what is a very easy chance. The runner on second had set off on contact and was rounding third when the ball was dropped. The runner carries on running hard for home. The fielder retrieves the ball quickly and makes a near-perfect throw to the catcher, and the runner is tagged out while sliding into the plate.

Does the out exempt the right fielder from an error?

A – Yes.
B – No.

Highlight the text below to reveal the answer:

Answer: B – No.

Rule 10.12(d)(4) states:
[The official scorer shall not charge an error against] any fielder when, after fumbling a ground ball or dropping a batted ball that is in flight or a thrown ball, the fielder recovers the ball in time to force out a runner at any base.

Since the out is made on a runner not forced to advance, this exemption does not apply so the batter reaches base on an error.

Matt’s Web Pick(s): Following the trade talk

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After a relatively slow start, the trade talk is really starting to pick up now that we are little more than a week away from the non-waiver trade deadline of 31 July.  With so many rumours flying around, it’s difficult to keep up with the latest gossip on who may be going where and for whom.  Some baseball fans are quite happy to let the ‘noise’ pass them by.  If every dead-cert rumour came true then the number of actual deals would increase ten-fold and even well-placed sources can turn out to be off the mark.

However, taken with a pinch of salt these rumours are a lot of fun and there are several websites that add to the enjoyment.  Continue reading →