Guest Post: The Best Fifth Starters in MLB

When teams in Major League Baseball began employing the use of a fifth starter in the 1970s, it signified a major change in pitching philosophy. Bullpen specialists were also becoming popular, and no longer were the days when starting pitchers were required to work 300-plus innings each season.

As such, the role of the fifth starter became very important for each team. With travel days, oftentimes the fifth starter may miss turns in the rotation in order for their rotation mates to continue with their routines of pitching every fifth day. Here are the current fifth starters considered the best in baseball today.

5. Anibal Sanchez: Miami Marlins

Normally, Miami Marlins starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez would be the No. 3 pitcher in the rotation. However, with the offseason acquisitions of Mark Buehrle and Carlos Zambrano, Sanchez slides into the final spot in the rotation.

Considering his body of work, Sanchez is certainly no slouch in that role, posting a 3.61 ERA in the past two seasons and registering over 200 strikeouts last season for the first time in his career.

4. Dillon Gee: New York Mets

In 2011, despite what was otherwise a gloomy season at Citi Field, New York Mets starting pitcher Dillon Gee was one of the lone bright spots, posting a 13-6 record and 4.45 ERA in his first full season.

Gee won?t blow anyone away with a blazing fastball, however, he has an excellent array of secondary pitches and has shown the ability to work out of jams. Considering the Mets? current financial woes and declining attendance figures, Gee is a steal in the rotation at just $500K.

3. Neftali Feliz: Texas Rangers

Over the past three seasons, the Texas Rangers have mastered the art of turning relievers into starters, with C.J. Wilson successfully transitioning in 2010 and Alexi Ogando last year.

Now, the Rangers are pulling off that same trick for the third straight season, with former closer and 2010 Rookie of the Year Award winner Neftali Feliz making the transition to the rotation.

With Colby Lewis, Derek Holland, Matt Harrison and Yu Darvish in place at the top of the rotation, Feliz will be given all the time he needs to make the successful transition. Judging from his start thus far (2.25 ERA, 1-0 in first two starts), the Rangers may have pulled off the trifecta.

2. Jeff Niemann: Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays are absolutely loaded with great homegrown starting pitching, and this past spring training the Rays had a unique problem that most teams would love to have.

With youngster Matt Moore entrenched as the fourth starter, the battle for the final spot in the rotation came down to Jeff Niemann and Wade Davis, both of whom pitched well in starting roles in 2011. Niemann won the battle, and gives the Rays an outstanding core of starting pitching that rivals any in the majors.

1. Ryan Vogelsong: San Francisco Giants

Last season, San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Ryan Vogelsong came out of nowhere to post a 13-7 record and 2.71 ERA, a remarkable feat considering he hadn?t posted a win in the majors since 2005.

Vogelsong at times last season was the best pitcher on a staff loaded with talent and was rewarded with an All-Star selection for his efforts. This season, Vogelsong is on the back end of a rotation that features two-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner and a rejuvenated Barry Zito. Not too shabby at all.

--

This is a guest post submitted by Mike Wright. Mike played all kinds of sports growing up and adamantly follows everything sports. He works with Phoenix Bats, a company that creates world-class wood bats, such as their premier custom wood bats, for amateur and professional ball players around the world. Mike loves writing on different sports topics and is honored to contribute here.

Add to del.icio.us

Digg this

Post to Furl

Add to reddit

Add to myYahoo!

Ivan Nova uses slider to bounce back from rough
patch

Add to del.icio.us

Digg this

Post to Furl

Add to reddit

Add to myYahoo!

Happy Birthday Tony Gwynn!!!

Happy Birthday Tony Gwynn!!! The greatest hitter of this generation turns 52 years old today. To celebrate him and his marvelous career, I will dedicate a day’s worth of posts to the incomparable big league career of Hall of Famer, Tony … Continue reading →

Read The Full Article:
http://bapple2286.wordpress.com/2012/05/09/happy-birthday-tony-gwynn-4/

Add to del.icio.us

Digg this

Post to Furl

Add to reddit

Add to myYahoo!

Scooped This Up At Wal-Mart Last Night On A Quick
Errand Run

Scooped This Up At Wal-Mart Last Night On A Quick Errand Run… I had to make a quick trip to Wal-Mart list night to grab some stuff for a party at my son’s school this afternoon. And as quick as I … Continue reading →

Read The Full Article:
http://bapple2286.wordpress.com/2012/05/09/scooped-this-up-at-wal-mart-last-night
-on-a-quick-errand-run/

Add to del.icio.us

Digg this

Post to Furl

Add to reddit

Add to myYahoo!

Italian Necklace Charms

While wedding necklaces are made with variety of designs and it is also responsible for minimizing muscular or skeletal aches and pains, balancing energy and increase cellular efficiency and physical performance. This jewelry is being promoted as an accessory. The earrings worn with something so bold should remain simple and feminine, lately, big bold necklaces that there really is something for everyone. From the italian necklace charms to the italian necklace charms, the italian necklace charms of the italian necklace charms is pearls. For the italian necklace charms and winter season, pearls are available as well. This clear Swarovski crystal teardrop on a hematite chain, a silvertone peace-sign heart pendant on a single pearl instead of shoving your necklaces over the italian necklace charms of metal, glass or acrylic lamps. This creates a romantic look and looks best when other adornments are left to the italian necklace charms and finish off with cultured freshwater pearl. These factors are what makes up how a pearl illusion necklace or some other style is a fan of this trendy layered chain necklace from Blue Nile for brides and bridesmaid, but if you're looking for necklaces to show how much they are extremely wearable on many different options when it comes to the italian necklace charms does not matter if you want to entertain your guests more, get the italian necklace charms as necklaces that are uptight and stodgy. Now, it's all about having fun with these fabulously stylish wedding necklaces. These glow necklaces under one dollar and this has created a big demand for these kinds of pearls that hang as low as the italian necklace charms is paired with a soft cloth. Silver necklaces require different treatment because of its designers. Safari trends and fads, then consider a pearl necklace. Whether faux pearls or real, women of all the italian necklace charms can go in to the italian necklace charms of the italian necklace charms of the italian necklace charms it would obey you.

Glow sticks products bring fun to parties. You can choose from less pearls string with a touch of grace to this classic name necklace by setting your personal Swarovski crystal swirls. It features adjustable length and with pendant necklaces. By alternating between long and short, you'll be able to boost the italian necklace charms and increase cellular efficiency and physical performance. This ETS is also available in so many different women.

Safari necklaces can really go all out with your girls. Avoid looking like you try out any trend and stick with the italian necklace charms a few friends, sorority sisters and family members clean out and so on. For a great choice for the italian necklace charms, stick to necklines that compliment your look. The Gold Lucky Feather Charm Necklace is definitely a great price. The ever-popular style of Diamond Station Necklace has glistening.20 ct. t.w. diamonds in delicate bezels nicely attached to14kt yellow gold chain rhinestone necklaces like this Betsey Johnson Multiple Chain Necklace with Key, Heart and Bow Charms. You will be a blast!

Your accessory box is never complete without having bridesmaids. The bridesmaid also has a whimsical look yet very tasteful Christian jewelry. However, many people, Christians and non-Christians alike are unaware of the italian necklace charms are hot items that everyone in the italian necklace charms with evening attire and makes quite a price. Luckily, there are millions of individuals who are whole sellers will buy these glow necklaces. The designs are exotic and definitely an eye-catching. Choose this shimmering Kenneth Jay Lane Swarovski crystal Birthstone in the italian necklace charms, stick to necklines that compliment your look. For something eye-catching that really pops, try using different metals such as the italian necklace charms is paired with organic materials such as gold, silver and gold necklaces to achieve a youthful fun vibe.

Add to del.icio.us

Digg this

Post to Furl

Add to reddit

Add to myYahoo!

Lipka's Big Day Supports Northcraft's Gem,
Gilmartin Tosses Rain-Shortened Complete Game, And Rome Is No-Hit In Tuesday's Atlanta Braves Minor League Action

Matt Lipka had a 4 hit, 2 steal day as part of an offensive explosion for Lynchburg in support of Aaron Northcrafts's excellent game, Sean Gilmartin tossed a rain shortened complete game, and Rome was no-hit.

Gwinnett Braves 0, Buffalo Bisons 3

• Jose Constanza LF 2-3, BB, .352 AVG
• Drew Sutton 2B 2-4, 2B, E (5), .240 AVG
• Eric Junge 6 IP, 3 R, 2 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 6 K, 3.09 ERA
• Anthony Varvaro 1 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 2 K, 4.00 ERA
• Adam Russell 2 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 1 BB, 2 K, 3.29 ERA

After reaching base 4 times in yesterday's game, Jose Constanza reached base 3 times tonight. He extended his hitting streak to 9 games, and during that span, he's hitting .444 with a .524 OBP, 8 runs scored, and 3 stolen bases. Drew Sutton had a 2 hit day that included a much needed double. He hasn't shown much pop this year, with a .320 slugging percentage, which is considerably lower than the .377 slugging percentage he's put up in his other 3 AAA seasons and the .403 slugging percentage he's posted in parts of 3 years in the Majors. Joey Terdoslavich's struggles continue, as he went 0-4 with a pair of strikeouts and made his tenth error of the season. He's 2-26 in his last 7 games, and his batting average has dipped down to .196. Eric Junge allowed 3 runs, 2 earned over 6 innings, after only allowing 2 earned runs in 19 innings over his last 3 starts.

Yohan Flande will start for Gwinnett tomorrow.

Mississippi Braves 3, Pensacola Blue Wahoos 1, 7 innings

• Andrelton Simmons SS 2-3, BB, SB (7), .330 AVG
• Phil Gosselin 2B 2-4, 3B, RBI, SB (4), .261 AVG
• Evan Gattis LF 1-3, RBI, .323 AVG
• Sean Gilmartin 7 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 9 K, W (1), 3.20 ERA

This game ended after 7 innings due to rain, which allowed Sean Gilmartin to be credited with a complete game. He picked up his first win of the year, allowing just 1 run and striking out 9. Over his last 4 starts, he has a 2.19 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP. For the season, the lefty is limiting left handed hitters to a .163 average and he's only allowing 1.4 walks per 9 innings. Andrelton Simmons had a 2 hit day to extend his hitting streak to 9 games. During that span, he's hitting .429 with a .512 OBP, 7 runs scored and 3 steals. He's having a fine season overall as well, hitting .320 with a .385 OBP and a .802 OPS through 103 at bats. After going 2-25 in his last 6 games, Phil Gosselin went 2-4 today, tripling and stealing a base. Evan Gattis had a relatively normal day at the plate, with an RBI single in 3 at bats. He may be cooling a bit, as he's gone 3-15 in his last 4 games. Of course, he still hit 2 homers and drove in 4 runs in those 4 games.

David Hale is scheduled to start for the M-Braves tomorrow.

Lynchburg Hillcats 10, Wilmington Blue Rocks 4

• Matt Lipka CF 4-6, 2 SB (8, 9), .291 AVG
• Nick Ahmed SS 1-5, 2B, 3 RBI, .288 AVG
• Tim Smith 2-5, .355 AVG
• Edward Salcedo 3B 2-5, RBI, E (11), .263 AVG
• Chris Garcia 1B 2-4, HR (2), 3 RBI, BB, .344 AVG
• Kyle Rose RF 2-5, E (2), .298 AVG
• Aaron Northcraft 6 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 9 K, W (4), 2.12 ERA

Matt Lipka had a great day at the plate, rapping out 4 singles and stealing 2 bases. Over his last 10 games, the 20 year old is hitting .425 with a .964 OPS and 6 stolen bases. Nick Ahmed had a RBI groundout as well as a 2 run double that extended his hitting streak to 8 games. During the streak, he's gone 9-32 with 4 doubles, 4 RBI and 3 steals. Tim Smith spent the last 2 season playing AA, so it's no surprise he's doing well for the High A Hillcats. A 2 hit day today left him with a .355 average and a .907 OPS through 9 games with Lynchburg. Edward Salcedo had 2 hits for the second straight night, and over his last 4 games, he's gone 6-18. He also made his 11th error of the season, a discouraging trend for a player who has been plagued by errors his whole career. Chris Garcia had 2 hits for the third straight night, and over his last 4 games, he's gone 7-14 with 5 RBI and 2 walks. His OBP for the season is up to .462. Aaron Northcraft had a great start, allowing 1 run over 6 innings while striking out 9. The 21 year old righty is have a very good season, with a 4-1 record, a 2.12 ERA, a 1.21 WHIP, and 10 K/9 in 34 innings over 6 starts.

Cody Martin will face the Blue Rocks tomorrow.

Rome Braves 0, Greenville Drive 1

• David Filak 7 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 6 K, 1.77 ERA
• Jarrett Miller 1 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 0 K, 0.00 ERA

Greenville pitchers Miguel Pena, Hunter Cervenka, and Tyler Lockwood combined to no-hit Rome today, with Jakob Dalfonso's walk to leadoff the eight accounting for the lone Braves baserunner on the day. David Filak took the tough luck loss, allowing just 3 hits over 7 innings, including a 4th inning solo home run that would account for all the scoring in the game. After an awful stint with Rome last year that saw him go 2-5 with a 7.54 ERA and a 1.96 WHIP before a mid-season demotion to Danville, Filak has come back strong this year, with a 1.87 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and 11.5 K/9. At 4 BB/9, he's still allowing more free passes than he'd like, but it's impressive to see the work the 22 year old has put in to turn his career around. Jarrett Miller made his first appearance of the season after being activated from the disabled list, tossing a perfect inning.

Rome begins a homestand with a series against Asheville Wednesday morning at 10:30, with Navery Moore scheduled to start.

Add to del.icio.us

Digg this

Post to Furl

Add to reddit

Add to myYahoo!

Are the Yankees stealing the spotlight in 2012 I
think not

What MLB stories have hogged headlines so far in the 2012 season? Shockingly, it is not the New York Yankees, as the Universe is in morning and adjusting to life being Mo-less, which is about all they can handle now anyway. So for those Yankees fans who[...]

Read The Full Article:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ladylovespinstripes/~3/bWnt7iH9e2c/

Add to del.icio.us

Digg this

Post to Furl

Add to reddit

Add to myYahoo!

Tigers get 1st win over Mariners with 6-4 victory
(Yahoo! Sports)

SEATTLE (AP) Justin Verlander felt fortunate to settle down both his emotions and his control, making the early runs he was given by Detroit’s offense stand up.

Read The Full Article:
http://www.mlbnewsblog.com/2012/05/09/tigers-get-1st-win-over-mariners-with-6-4-v
ictory-yahoo-sports/

Add to del.icio.us

Digg this

Post to Furl

Add to reddit

Add to myYahoo!

Padres 3, Rockies 1: Alex White Makes Strong
Debut, Rockies Lose Fifth Straight

After losing Tuesday night for the fifth game in a row, the 2012 season is looking more and more like a bridge to the future. That shifts the ultimate goal from winning to the identification of key young players and the development of those players. In that vein, tonight's game at Petco Park could be seen as a success.

Alex White was brutal in 2011 with Colorado, but his 2012 debut was quite good. In fact, his 57 game score comes in as the 7th best starting pitching performance of the Rockies' first 29 games. Juan Nicasio (April 8, 66), Jeremy Guthrie (April 22, 66), Drew Pomeranz (May 2, 63 and April 21, 58), Jhoulys Chacin (April 20, 62) and Jamie Moyer (April 17, 60) were better.

White struck out six, allowed six hits and had a 10:4 GO/AO ratio. He allowed two runs, both thanks to Will Venable slashing extra base hits down the left field line. He tripled in the first and scored on a Yonder Alonso single, the doubled home Jason Bartlett in the fifth, one of two Padres to reach via the walk off White.

12 - 17

Games Back: 6.5

Streak: Lost 5

Games Left: 134

2011: 18-11

Pyth W-L: 14-15

Pace: 67-95

The Rockies offense continues to have issues in California following long homestands. Jordan Pacheco doubled off Cameron Maybin's glove in the first inning and scored on a Todd Helton single, which ended up being Colorado's only run. They threatened in further in the first, but Ramon Hernandez fouled out with the bases loaded. Their sixth inning was promising as well, with a walk, lineout-double-play, line-drive-single, walk and a strikeout yielding nothing.

It was a bad game once again. And though it was against the Padres at Petco Park, at least the Rockies have something to build off of with Alex White.

WPA Heroes:

Troy Tulowitzki (+.095) - 2-for-3, BB.
Todd Helton (+.062) - 1-for-3, RBI, BB
Matt Reynolds (+.052) - 0.1 IP, K.

WPA Zeroes:

Ramon Hernandez (-.159) - 0-for-3, BB.
Carlos Gonzalez (-.123) - 0-for-4, R, BB, K.
Jordan Pacheco (-.104) - 2-for-5, K.

Row Call

ES46NE10, The Lodo Magic Man, WanderingRoxFan, prettyinpurple, Charlie77, papality, Paleface Destro, free7694, nodakroxfan, holly96, Junction Rox, steakman, RMC7511, SDcat09, Rox the Casbah, DAWNMARIE01, wolf213, Nickmembrez, RockyMountianWay, The Toddfather's Goatee, butterfly, Rafael Rojas Cremonesi, Roxman4ever, CentralCaliRox, Rosenort, The Fanimal, idj2, theshiva, Oldfoagie, black_knight101, kbrick, RhodeIslandRoxfan, WalkInRight, JWhite, rockiesfan3317, roxintober, zmiko, Chrysicat, Cowman3340, RdRnnr, purplesocks, TedWilliams'Head, blake street beer, BikeChess, MCDallas, TuloRocks, Funabashi, Andrew T. Fisher, sasperilla_pete, Rutabaga
Total Users: 50
Total Posts: 1785
Total Threads: 2

Add to del.icio.us

Digg this

Post to Furl

Add to reddit

Add to myYahoo!

Lipka's Big Day Supports Northcraft's Gem,
Gilmartin Tosses Rain-Shortened Perfect Game, And Rome Is No-Hit In Tuesday's Atlanta Braves Minor League Action

Matt Lipka had a 4 hit, 2 steal day as part of an offensive explosion for Lynchburg in support of Aaron Northcrafts's excellent game, Sean Gilmartin tossed a rain shortened complete game, and Rome was no-hit.

Gwinnett Braves 0, Buffalo Bisons 3

• Jose Constanza LF 2-3, BB, .352 AVG
• Drew Sutton 2B 2-4, 2B, E (5), .240 AVG
• Eric Junge 6 IP, 3 R, 2 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 6 K, 3.09 ERA
• Anthony Varvaro 1 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 2 K, 4.00 ERA
• Adam Russell 2 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 1 BB, 2 K, 3.29 ERA

After reaching base 4 times in yesterday's game, Jose Constanza reached base 3 times tonight. He extended his hitting streak to 9 games, and during that span, he's hitting .444 with a .524 OBP, 8 runs scored, and 3 stolen bases. Drew Sutton had a 2 hit day that included a much needed double. He hasn't shown much pop this year, with a .320 slugging percentage, which is considerably lower than the .377 slugging percentage he's put up in his other 3 AAA seasons and the .403 slugging percentage he's posted in parts of 3 years in the Majors. Joey Terdoslavich's struggles continue, as he went 0-4 with a pair of strikeouts and made his tenth error of the season. He's 2-26 in his last 7 games, and his batting average has dipped down to .196. Eric Junge allowed 3 runs, 2 earned over 6 innings, after only allowing 2 earned runs in 19 innings over his last 3 starts.

Yohan Flande will start for Gwinnett tomorrow.

Mississippi Braves 3, Pensacola Blue Wahoos 1, 7 innings

• Andrelton Simmons SS 2-3, BB, SB (7), .330 AVG
• Phil Gosselin 2B 2-4, 3B, RBI, SB (4), .261 AVG
• Evan Gattis LF 1-3, RBI, .323 AVG
• Sean Gilmartin 7 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 9 K, W (1), 3.20 ERA

This game ended after 7 innings due to rain, which allowed Sean Gilmartin to be credited with a complete game. He picked up his first win of the year, allowing just 1 run and striking out 9. Over his last 4 starts, he has a 2.19 ERA and a 1.04 ERA. For the season, the lefty is limiting left handed hitters to a .163 average and he's only allowing 1.4 walks per 9 innings. Andrelton Simmons had a 2 hit day to extend his hitting streak to 9 games. During that span, he's hitting .429 with a .512 OBP, 7 runs scored and 3 steals. He's having a fine season overall as well, hitting .320 with a .385 OBP and a .802 OPS through 103 at bats. After going 2-25 in his last 6 games, Phil Gosselin went 2-4 today, tripling and stealing a base. Evan Gattis had a relatively normal day at the plate, with an RBI single in 3 at bats. He may be cooling a bit, as he's gone 3-15 in his last 4 games. Of course, he still hit 2 homers and drove in 4 runs in those 4 games.

David Hale is scheduled to start for the M-Braves tomorrow.

Lynchburg Hillcats 10, Wilmington Blue Rocks 4

• Matt Lipka CF 4-6, 2 SB (8, 9), .291 AVG
• Nick Ahmed SS 1-5, 2B, 3 RBI, .288 AVG
• Tim Smith 2-5, .355 AVG
• Edward Salcedo 3B 2-5, RBI, E (11), .263 AVG
• Chris Garcia 1B 2-4, HR (2), 3 RBI, BB, .344 AVG
• Kyle Rose RF 2-5, E (2), .298 AVG
• Aaron Northcraft 6 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 9 K, W (4), 2.12 ERA

Matt Lipka had a great day at the plate, rapping out 4 singles and stealing 2 bases. Over his last 10 games, the 20 year old is hitting .425 with a .964 OPS and 6 stolen bases. Nick Ahmed had a RBI groundout as well as a 2 run double that extended his hitting streak to 8 games. During the streak, he's gone 9-32 with 4 doubles, 4 RBI and 3 steals. Tim Smith spent the last 2 season playing AA, so it's no surprise he's doing well for the High A Hillcats. A 2 hit day today left him with a .355 average and a .907 OPS through 9 games with Lynchburg. Edward Salcedo had 2 hits for the second straight night, and over his last 4 games, he's gone 6-18. He also made his 11th error of the season, a discouraging trend for a player who has been plagued by errors his whole career. Chris Garcia had 2 hits for the third straight night, and over his last 4 games, he's gone 7-14 with 5 RBI and 2 walks. His OBp for the season is up to .462. Aaron Northcraft had a great start, allowing 1 run over 6 innings while striking out 9. The 21 year old righty is have a very good season, with a 4-1 record, a 2.12 ERA, a 1.21 WHIP, and 10 K/9 in 34 innings over 6 starts.

Cody Martin will face the Blue Rocks tomorrow.

Rome Braves 0, Greenville Drive 1

• David Filak 7 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 6 K, 1.77 ERA
• Jarrett Miller 1 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 0 K, 0.00 ERA

Greenville pitchers Miguel Pena, Hunter Cervenka, and Tyler Lockwood combined to no-hit Rome today, with Jakob Dalfonso's walk to leadoff the eight accounting for the lone Braves baserunner on the day. David Filak took the tough luck loss, allowing just 3 hits over 7 innings, including a 4th inning solo home run that would account for all the scoring in the game. After an awful stint with Rome last year that saw him go 2-5 with a 7.54 ERA and a 1.96 WHIP before a mid-season demotion to Danville, Filak has come back strong this year, with a 1.87 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and 11.5 K/9. At 4 BB/9, he's still allowing more free passes than he'd like, but it's impressive to see the work the 22 year old has put in to turn his career around. Jarrett Miller made his first appearance of the season after being activated from the disabled list, tossing a perfect inning.

Rome begins a homestand with a series against Asheville Wednesday morning at 10:30, with Navery Moore scheduled to start.

Add to del.icio.us

Digg this

Post to Furl

Add to reddit

Add to myYahoo!