BREAKING NEWS
Monday 8/5/2002 Toronto's Delgado wins Player of the Week award The American League Player of the Week award goes to Carlos Delgado, Toronto's starting first baseman. Carlos was on fire, hitting .500 with 7 HR and 11 RBI. Delgado has walked 83 times this year and posts a .451 OBP. While batting .313, 117 for 374, he has driven in 80 runs. He's 9th in the American League in RBIs and 3rd in homeruns! Mike Lieberthal wins his 1st Player of the Week award. National League pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. He hit .444 with 9 RBI and slugged 1.037 in 27 at bats. He got at least one hit each game this week and is on a 9 game hitting streak right now. He now has homered in 3 consecutive games as well!
Thursday 8/1/2002 New York (A)'s Mussina earns Pitcher of the Month award New York (A)'s Mike Mussina had a terrific July, and it earned him the American League Pitcher of the month award. He started 6 games in July, going 5-1 and compiling an ERA of 1.54 in 46.2 innings. Mike fanned 35 hitters. Mike pitched a shutout as well. Mike has a record of 14-2 this season, with an ERA of 3.10. In 162.2 Innings he was able to strike out 132 batters. He has 3 complete games and one shutout. He's 3rd in the American League in ERA and 1st in wins! New York (N)'s pitcher Steve Trachsel is the National League winner of the Pitcher of the Month award in July. He struck out 22 hitters in his 6 starts, putting together a record of 5-1 while pitching 22 innings. His ERA in July was 2.17. Steve pitched a shutout as well. Steve has a record of 8-7 this season, with an ERA of 3.56. In 116.1 Innings he was able to strike out 84 batters. He has 2 complete games and one shutout.
Thursday 8/1/2002 Toronto's Delgado earns Batter of the Month award The Batter of the Month award in the American League goes to Toronto's Carlos Delgado this time, as the first baseman displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. In 97 at bats he hit .381 with 12 HR and 30 RBI. This year Delgado drove in 77 and scored 82 runs while batting .314 with 28 longballs. He's 10th in the American League in RBIs and 4th in homeruns! It's the 1st time that the National League Batter of the Month award goes to Houston's centerfielder Lance Berkman. He hit .415 with 26 RBI and slugged .723 in 94 at bats. While compiling an on base percentage of .457, Lance hit .340 and slugged .636. He has collected 93 runs batted in this year. He's 2nd in the National League in batting and 4th in RBI!
Monday 7/29/2002 Houston's Zaun wins Player of the Week award The American League's best player of the week was Detroit's Kenny Lofton, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. Kenny pounded opposing pitchers, hitting .455 with 4 HR and 10 RBI while slugging 1.045. He now has homered in 3 consecutive games as well! He has hit 6 taters while batting .281 this season. His 55 hits and 17 walks add up to a .350 on-base percentage. It's the 1st time that the National League Player of the Week award goes to Houston's catcher Gregg Zaun. In 20 at bats he hit .500 with 3 HR and 6 RBI.
Sunday 7/28/2002 Ellis Burks knocks lights out with three homeruns CLEVELAND - three dingers in one game is certainly something special, especially for Ellis Burks who did it against Detroit, at age 37! A pitch from Mark Redman in the 1st inning left his bat for a solo homerun, landing 413 feet from home plate in left-center. Number 2 in the 7th inning, a shot estimated at 354 feet, cleared the wall in left field. His 3rd shot, a three-run homerun off Juan Acevedo in the 11th inning, cleared the fence in left-center. His final homerun proved to be the game winner as well! Overall he finished 5 for 6, doubling twice, with FOUR runs scored and driving in 5 runs. Armando Rios was the last player to hit 3 homeruns in a game, doing it 7/15/2002. Cleveland scored 13 runs on 17 hits.
Monday 7/22/2002 Player of the Week honors go to Ramirez and Walker The Player of the Week award in the American League goes to Boston's Manny Ramirez this time, as the leftfielder displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. Ramirez helped his team with an average of .423 and 12 RBI in 26 at bats. He hit in every game this week and extended his hitting streak to 8 games. Ramirez has hit for a .252 average this season. He has 41 extra base hits along with 155 total bases, resulting in a .542 slugging percentage. It's the 1st time that the National League Player of the Week award goes to Colorado's rightfielder Larry Walker. In 29 at bats he hit .517 with 3 HR and 8 RBI. He got at least one hit each game this week and is on a 7 game hitting streak right now. His season features a batting average of .281 (98 hits in 349 AB), 20 doubles, 4 triples and 23 taters. Walker collected 66 RBI and 74 runs as well.
Monday 7/15/2002 Armando Rios homers three times against Houston HOUSTON - Armando Rios powered Pittsburgh to a 6-1 win over Houston. He did it in style by homering three times. A pitch from Wade Miller in the 3rd inning left his bat for a solo homerun, landing 422 feet from home plate in right-center. Number 2 in the 6th inning, a shot estimated at 365 feet, cleared the wall in right field. A 418 feet drive to right-center marked his 3rd bomb, a solo homerun off Wade Miller in the 7th inning. Overall he got 3 hits in 5 AB, scoring three times and collecting 3 RBI.
Monday 7/15/2002 Sosa and Ward win Player of the Week award Sammy Sosa from New York (A) wins his 2nd Player of the Week award for putting up the best numbers this week in the American League. Sosa helped his team with an average of .471 and 7 RBI in 17 at bats. The Player of the Week award in the National League goes to Houston's Daryle Ward this time, as the leftfielder displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. He hit .588 with 6 RBI and slugged .824 in 17 at bats.
Saturday 7/13/2002 St. Louis' Smith severely injured ST. LOUIS - St. Louis' southpaw Bud Smith suffered a severe injury on Saturday and will be out for at least 9 weeks. In the 1st of the game against San Diego he experienced pain in his throwing arm and had to leave the game. After being examined by several specialists the diagnosis is clear: Broken Elbow. Opposing players hit .251 against Bud this season. While posting an ERA of 4.55 he went 5-6 in 19 starts, fanning 70 and walking 29 hitters.
Monday 7/8/2002 Boston's Clark wins Player of the Week award The American League's best player of the week was Boston's Tony Clark, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. He had an on base percentage of .536 and hit .519, while driving in 10 runs. Lance Berkman wins his 1st Player of the Week award. National League pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. Lance was on fire, hitting .560 with 2 HR and 12 RBI. His season features a batting average of .335 (106 hits in 316 AB), 26 doubles, 5 triples and 20 taters. Berkman collected 79 RBI and 64 runs as well. He's 8th in the National League in batting and 4th in RBI!
Saturday 7/6/2002 Boston's Tony Clark slams five hits BOSTON - Tony Clark led Boston to a 17-6 win over Detroit by squeezing five hits out of his bat. In the 2nd inning he belted a double off Mark Redman. Number 2 in the 3rd inning accounted for a two-run double. His 4th hit, a solo homerun off Matt Guerrier in the 6th inning, cleared the fence in left-center. His 5th hit, off Matt Guerrier in the 8th inning, was a two-run homerun and cleared the fence in center field. He collected a single in the 4th. Tony scored 3 runs, and he collected 5 RBI as well! This season has been a good one for him so far, as he has 64 hits in 200 at bats, resulting in a .320 batting average.
Tuesday 7/2/2002 Mark Quinn on fire, hits for cycle SEATTLE - Mark Quinn hits 'em where they ain't. Seattle certainly agrees as Kansas City's rightfielder unloaded four hits and hitting for the cycle. A single in the 1st off James Baldwin accounted for his 1st hit. In the 2nd inning he unloaded a solo homerun off Jeff Nelson. Number 3 in the 7th inning accounted for a double. Hit number 4 followed in the 9th inning, a triple. That drive completed the cycle, causing a smile on his face! Mark did drive in one while scoring 3 runs on his own. He now has a total of 91 hits this season, accounting for a .291 batting average. He's now the 3rd player in league history to hit for the cycle! Jeff Kent was the last player to hit for the cycle, doing it 6/9/2002.
Monday 7/1/2002 Player of the Week honors go to Fullmer and Rolen The American League Player of the Week award goes to Brad Fullmer, Anaheim's starting designated hitter. In 29 at bats he hit .517 with 2 HR and 8 RBI. He got at least one hit each game this week and is on a 7 game hitting streak right now. Brad has gone 86 for 259 (.332) this season, hitting 11 homeruns and driving in 45 runs. He has scored 31 runs on his own. He's 9th in the American League in batting! The National League's best player of the week was Philadelphia's Scott Rolen, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. In 31 at bats he hit .452 with 3 HR and 6 RBI. His season numbers are: .281 AVG, 84 hits, 30 doubles, no triples and 12 longballs, along with 43 RBI and 50 runs scored.
Monday 7/1/2002 Sabathia (CLE) and Penny (FLO) win monthly pitcher award C.C. Sabathia couldn't have pitched much better than he did in June, and the American League thought so as well, naming the left-hander Pitcher of the Month. His record of 4-1 in 6 was among the leagues best this month. In 37.1 innings of work he allowed just 21 hits while striking out 21, compiling an ERA of just 2.17. C.C. also fired a shutout. Opposing players hit .227 against C.C. this season. While posting an ERA of 3.90 he went 8-3 in 17 starts, fanning 72 and walking 49 hitters. C.C. has pitched one shutout and 2 complete games. He's 3rd in the American League in wins! Florida's Brad Penny had a terrific June, and it earned him the National League Pitcher of the month award. He had an ERA of just 1.44 in 43.2 innings of work in which he struck out 27 hitters. His record in June is 4-0. Brad also fired a shutout. This season Penny compiled an ERA of 2.99, going 8-4 in 17 starts. He fanned 87 while giving up 107 hits in 123.1 innings. Brad has pitched one shutout and one complete game.
Monday 7/1/2002 Toronto's Delgado earns Batter of the Month award The Batter of the Month award in the American League goes to Toronto's Carlos Delgado this time, as the first baseman displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. Carlos was on fire, hitting .372 with 8 homeruns and 23 RBI. Delgado has hit 16 longballs this year while batting .289. He adds 14 doubles, along with 56 runs scored. The National League Batter of the Month award goes to Armando Rios, Pittsburgh's starting rightfielder. Armando was on fire, hitting .396 with 9 homeruns and 25 RBI. His season features a batting average of .324 (95 hits in 293 AB), 15 doubles, 3 triples and 17 taters. Rios collected 53 RBI and 48 runs as well.
Sunday 6/30/2002 Oakland's Zito severely injured OAKLAND - Oakland's lefty Barry Zito suffered a severe injury on Sunday and will be out for at least 6-7 weeks. In the 7th of the game against San Francisco he experienced pain in his throwing arm and had to leave the game. Strained Elbow Ligament was the diagnosis after x-rays were taken in a near by hospital. The message shocked team mates and team officials. In 13 starts this year Barry struck out 57 batters in 72.1 innings of work. His ERA is 4.23, his record 5-5. He has one complete game and one shutout.
Sunday 6/30/2002 Philadelphia's Scott Rolen unloads three times BALTIMORE - Hitting homeruns is one of the most difficult things in sports. To hit three of them in one game is almost sensational. Philadelphia's third baseman Scott Rolen accomplished that feat in a 6-1 win over Baltimore. Number 1 in the 1st inning, a shot estimated at 369 feet, cleared the wall in left field. A 411 feet drive to right-center marked his 2nd bomb, a two-run homerun off Jason Johnson in the 3rd inning. His 3rd shot, off Jason Johnson in the 8th inning, was a solo homerun and cleared the fence in left-center. Overall he got 4 hits in 4 AB, hitting a double, with three runs scored with 5 RBI. In 3049 career at bats, he has hit 145 homeruns and collected 536 RBI. Philadelphia scored 6 runs on 8 hits.
Saturday 6/29/2002 Oakland's Hudson severely injured OAKLAND - Oakland's right-hander Tim Hudson suffered a severe injury on Saturday and will be out for at least 6 weeks. In the 2nd of the game against San Francisco he experienced pain in his throwing arm and had to leave the game. After x-rays were taken the diagnosis did not surprise many: Pulled Tricep Muscle. Surgery will be performed next week. In 17 starts this year Tim struck out 89 batters in 109.2 innings of work. His ERA is 3.69, his record 7-4. He has 2 complete games and 2 shutouts.
Thursday 6/27/2002 Greg Maddux (ATL) will miss 6 weeks ATLANTA - When it rains, it pours. Atlanta's ace Greg Maddux will not pitch for at least 6 weeks, handing the team a huge setback. He suffered a serious injury in a game against New York (N) where he left the field in the 5th inning. After being taken to a local hospital, Maddux was examined by specialists. The diagnosis revealed the sad truth, a Ruptured Elbow Ligament. His ERA of 3.72 helped him to a 6-2 record this year. He struck out 55 and walked 17 in 96.2 innings.
Thursday 6/27/2002 Chad Durbin pitches his 1st shutout of the season KANSAS CITY - Kansas City's right-hander Chad Durbin will never forget this day. The 24-year old recorded his first career shutout, a 2-hitter, against Detroit on Thursday. Durbin (6-5) fanned 5 and walked 1, throwing 101 pitches. 'Hey, that's my job! Everytime I take the mound I give the best I can. And my best stuff was too much for them today.' Mark Quinn provided Kansas City with the offense Durbin needed as he got 2 hits in 3 AB, hitting two dingers, scoring twice with 3 RBI. Kansas City scored 4 runs on 8 hits.
Wednesday 6/26/2002 Eric Milton out for 5 weeks MINNESOTA - Minnesota is without its left-hander Eric Milton for at least 5 weeks. He injured himself while throwing a pitch to Tony Graffanino in a game against Chicago (A). His face showed signs of pain immediately after the ball left his hand. After being examined by several specialists the diagnosis is clear: Strained Back Muscle. Opposing players hit .215 against Eric this season. While posting an ERA of 2.99 he went 4-2 in 13 starts, fanning 46 and walking 13 hitters. He has one complete game and one shutout.
Tuesday 6/25/2002 Chicago (N)'s Bernie Williams pounds five hits CHICAGO (N) - 'Wow, five hits in one game is something special, isn't it?' said Chicago (N)'s centerfielder Bernie Williams after the 12-2 win over Cincinnati. Number 3 in the 5th inning, a shot estimated at 382 feet, cleared the wall in left-center. His 4th hit, a two-run homerun off Jared Fernandez in the 6th inning, landed an estimated 372 feet from home plate. He had singles in the 2nd , in the 3rd inning (two RBIs) and in the 8th . Bernie scored 3 runs, and he collected 5 RBI as well! He's having a very good season so far, batting .320.
Monday 6/24/2002 Sosa and Abreu win Player of the Week award It's the 1st time that the American League Player of the Week award goes to New York (A)'s rightfielder Sammy Sosa. Sammy pounded opposing pitchers, hitting .417 with 4 HR and 9 RBI while slugging 1.042. He got at least one hit each game this week and is on a 7 game hitting streak right now. It's the 2nd time that the National League Player of the Week award goes to Philadelphia's rightfielder Bobby Abreu. He had an on base percentage of .542 and hit .550, while driving in 10 runs. He hit in every game this week and extended his hitting streak to 7 games. While compiling an on base percentage of .434, Bobby hit .335 and slugged .623. He has collected 60 runs batted in this year. He's 9th in the National League in batting and 7th in RBI!
Sunday 6/23/2002 Chuck Smith fires 2-hitter against Detroit FLORIDA - It was a great day for Florida's right-hander Chuck Smith. The 32-year old recorded his first career shutout, a 2-hitter, against Detroit on Sunday. 'My catcher called a very good game. I have to give credit to him.' Smith (6-7) struck out 7 and walked 2, throwing 62 of 104 pitches for strikes. Florida's leftfielder Cliff Floyd got 1 hit in 4 AB, homering once, and collecting 2 RBI. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Smith. Florida improved it's record to 36-39, scoring 6 runs on 9 hits.
Saturday 6/22/2002 Nomar Garciaparra (BOS) will miss 5 weeks BOSTON - Boston's Nomar Garciaparra suffered a serious injury Saturday in a game against Los Angeles. Garciaparra fell down while running the bases and couldn't get up without help. He will miss probably 5 weeks. After being taken to a local hospital, Garciaparra was examined by specialists. The diagnosis revealed the sad truth, a Inflamed Hamstring Muscle. His season features a batting average of .326 (104 hits in 319 AB), 35 doubles, one triple and 5 taters. Garciaparra collected 57 RBI and 44 runs as well.
Saturday 6/22/2002 Adam Eaton (SD) will miss 7 weeks SAN DIEGO - San Diego's right-hander Adam Eaton suffered a severe injury on Saturday and will be out for at least 7 weeks. In the 5th of the game against New York (A) he experienced pain in his throwing arm and had to leave the game. After being examined by several specialists the diagnosis is clear: Pulled Rotator Cuff Muscle. His ERA of 4.95 helped him to a 7-9 record this year. He struck out 89 and walked 35 in 107.1 innings.
Friday 6/21/2002 Colorado's Hollandsworth severely injured COLORADO - Colorado's leftfielder Todd Hollandsworth will miss at least 7 weeks after he got hurt seriously while running hard toward second base. He began limping and then fell down, causing a scary moment for his teammates. He had to be carried off the field. After x-rays were taken the diagnosis did not surprise many: Torn Thigh Muscle. Surgery will be performed next week. While compiling an on base percentage of .333, Todd hit .290 and slugged .546. He has collected 55 runs batted in this year.
Monday 6/17/2002 Suzuki (SEA) and Houston (MIL) win P.O.W. award It's the 1st time that the American League Player of the Week award goes to Seattle's rightfielder Ichiro Suzuki. He had an on base percentage of .517 and hit .500, while driving in 6 runs. It's the 2nd time that the National League Player of the Week award goes to Milwaukee's third baseman Tyler Houston. Houston helped his team with an average of .400 and 13 RBI in 25 at bats. He got at least one hit each game this week and is on a 9 game hitting streak right now. His season numbers are: .320 AVG, 82 hits, 9 doubles, no triples and 21 bombs, along with 54 RBI and 37 runs scored. He's 8th in the National League in RBIs and 3rd in homeruns!
Monday 6/10/2002 Atlanta's Cabrera severely injured ATLANTA - Atlanta is without its right-hander Jose Cabrera for at least 7 weeks. He injured himself while throwing a pitch to Bill Haselman in a game against Minnesota. His face showed signs of pain immediately after the ball left his hand. After being examined by several specialists the diagnosis is clear: Herniated Disc Back. Opposing players hit .230 against Jose this season. While posting an ERA of 3.21 he went 2-1 in 0 starts, fanning 22 and walking 14 hitters.
Monday 6/10/2002 Atlanta's Sheffield wins Player of the Week award The Player of the Week award in the American League goes to Boston's Nomar Garciaparra this time, as the shortstop displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. Nomar went 17 for 36 (.472), while hitting 0 HR and collecting 7 RBI. The Player of the Week award in the National League goes to Atlanta's Gary Sheffield this time, as the rightfielder displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. He had an on base percentage of .476 and hit .450, while driving in 12 runs. Sheffield has walked 29 times this year and posts a .447 OBP. While batting .371, 83 for 224, he has driven in 70 runs. He's 2nd in the National League in batting, 1st in homeruns and 1st in RBI!
Sunday 6/9/2002 San Francisco's Jeff Kent gets the cycle NEW YORK (A) - Jeff Kent hits 'em where they ain't. New York (A) certainly agrees as San Francisco's second baseman unloaded four hits and hitting for the cycle. In the 1st inning he belted a double off Orlando Hernandez. A pitch from Orlando Hernandez in the 3rd inning left his bat for a triple. His 3rd hit, off Orlando Hernandez in the 4th inning, was a three-run homerun and cleared the fence in right-center. A single in the 8th off Ted Lilly accounted for his 4th hit. That drive completed the cycle, causing a smile on his face! Jeff scored 2 runs, and he collected 3 RBI as well! He's having a very good season so far, batting .308. 2 players in league history have so far hit for the cycle, including Jeff. On 4/18/2002, Brady Anderson was the last player to hit for the cycle.
Thursday 6/6/2002 Pedro Martinez blanks Detroit with a 1-hitter DETROIT - Boston's right-hander Pedro Martinez is a great pitcher. And he once again showed his stuff, blanking Detroit on just one hit. It's his 1st shutout this season, and the 16th time he has done it in his career. 'My catcher called a very good game. I have to give credit to him.' Martinez (8-3) struck out 9 and issued 1 BB, throwing 60 of 94 pitches for strikes. Chris Singleton helped Martinez at the plate, he went 2 for 5, homering once, with 5 RBI. Boston scored 14 runs on 16 hits.
Tuesday 6/4/2002 Joel Pineiro out for 5 weeks SEATTLE - Seattle is without its right-hander Joel Pineiro for at least 5 weeks. He injured himself while throwing a pitch to Miguel Tejada in a game against Oakland. His face showed signs of pain immediately after the ball left his hand. After being taken to a local hospital, Pineiro was examined by specialists. The diagnosis revealed the sad truth, a Ruptured Bicep Tendon. In 13 starts this year Joel struck out 56 batters in 81.1 innings of work. His ERA is 5.64, his record 3-3.
Monday 6/3/2002 Jarrod Washburn (ANA) will miss 6 weeks ANAHEIM - Anaheim's ace Jarrod Washburn suffered a severe injury on Monday and will be out for at least 6 weeks. In the 1st of the game against Texas he experienced pain in his throwing arm and had to leave the game. Bone Chips Shoulder was the diagnosis after x-rays were taken in a near by hospital. The message shocked team mates and team officials. His ERA of 6.59 helped him to a 4-5 record this year. He struck out 31 and walked 25 in 68.1 innings.
Monday 6/3/2002 Guzman and Norton win Player of the Week award The American League's best player of the week was Texas' Cristian Guzman, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. He hit .517 with 7 RBI and slugged .828 in 29 at bats. He hit in every game this week and extended his hitting streak to 10 games. He now has homered in 3 consecutive games as well! His season numbers are: .286 AVG, 64 hits, 9 doubles, 4 triples and 4 longballs, along with 18 RBI and 43 runs scored. Colorado's third baseman Greg Norton had some reason to celebrate as well, as the league named him the National League Player of the Week. Norton helped his team with an average of .474 and 7 RBI in 19 at bats. He has hit 14 taters while batting .277 this season. His 46 hits and 16 walks add up to a .351 on-base percentage.
Sunday 6/2/2002 Ben Sheets out for 4 weeks MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee is without its ace Ben Sheets for at least 4 weeks. He injured himself while throwing a pitch to Ryan Klesko in a game against San Diego. His face showed signs of pain immediately after the ball left his hand. Milwaukee wasted no time and rushed him to an hospital. Team officials were informed later that Sheets had suffered a Pulled Rotator Cuff Muscle. Ben has a record of 6-2 this season, with an ERA of 2.81. In 73.2 Innings he was able to strike out 39 batters.
Saturday 6/1/2002 Escobar (TOR) and Johnson (ARI) win monthly pitcher award The best month of May in the American League certainly had Toronto's right-hander Kelvim Escobar, earning him the Pitcher of the Month award. He started 6 games in May, going 3-0 and compiling an ERA of 1.31 in 41.1 innings. Kelvim fanned 29 hitters. This season Escobar compiled an ERA of 3.23, going 4-3 in 11 starts. He fanned 52 while giving up 63 hits in 69.2 innings. Randy Johnson pitched like a legend in May, and the National League named him Pitcher of the Month for his extraordinary performance. He went 4-0 in May and finished the month with an ERA of 0.48. He struck out 41 in 37.2 innings. Randy also fired a shutout. His ERA of 1.85 helped him to a 5-0 record this year. He struck out 75 and walked 17 in 63.1 innings. He has one complete game and one shutout.
Saturday 6/1/2002 Red hot Rodriguez and Helton win Batter of the Month award Alex Rodriguez of Minnesota wins his 2nd Batter of the Month award for putting up the best numbers in the American League. Alex pounded opposing pitchers, hitting .381 with 14 and 26 RBI while slugging .867. Rodriguez has hit 23 longballs this year while batting .369. He adds 13 doubles, along with 49 runs scored. He's 2nd in the American League in batting, 1st in homeruns and 3rd in RBI! Todd Helton of Colorado wins his 1st Batter of the Month award for putting up the best numbers in the National League. He had an on base percentage of .492 and hit .366, while driving in 37 runs. Helton has walked 39 times this year and posts a .449 OBP. While batting .335, 63 for 188, he has driven in 57 runs. He's 8th in the National League in batting, 3rd in homeruns and 2nd in RBI!
Wednesday 5/29/2002 Freddy Garcia pitches 2-hit shutout against Tampa Bay TAMPA BAY - Seattle's Freddy Garcia overmatched the opposing hitters all day long. Tampa Bay had no chance, collecting just 2 hits against the right-hander. 'Things like that happen. You take the mound and everything works. My velocity was pretty good today and I guess it showed.' Garcia (5-6) fanned 7 and walked 2, throwing 107 pitches. Seattle's rightfielder Ichiro Suzuki collected 3 hits in 3 trips to the plate, stroking a double. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Garcia. The final score of the game was 4-0.
Monday 5/27/2002 Colorado's Helton wins Player of the Week award The American League Player of the Week award goes to Alex Rodriguez, Minnesota's starting shortstop. In 21 at bats he hit .524 with 3 HR and 7 RBI. It's the 2nd time that the National League Player of the Week award goes to Colorado's first baseman Todd Helton. Todd was on fire, hitting .444 with 4 HR and 8 RBI. His season numbers are: .343 AVG, 58 hits, 17 doubles, no triples and 16 bombs, along with 50 RBI and 37 runs scored. He's 6th in the National League in batting, 3rd in homeruns and 3rd in RBI!
Friday 5/24/2002 Alex Rodriguez found the stroke, smashes three homers ANAHEIM - Alex Rodriguez powered Minnesota to a 10-4 win over Anaheim. He did it in style by homering three times. In the 1st inning he unloaded a three-run homerun off Jarrod Washburn. A pitch from Jarrod Washburn in the 4th inning left his bat for a solo homerun, landing 416 feet from home plate in left field. Number 3 in the 8th inning, a shot estimated at 392 feet, cleared the wall in left field. Alex finished 4 for 5, scoring three runs and collecting 6 RBI.
Wednesday 5/22/2002 Greg Norton drills 5 hits COLORADO - On Wednesday, Colorado's third baseman Greg Norton displayed his sensational ability to handle the bat against San Diego, punishing their pitchers with five hits. Number 2 in the 4th inning, a shot estimated at 423 feet, cleared the wall in left-center. A pitch from Alan Embree in the 6th inning left his bat for a solo homerun, landing 417 feet from home plate in left-center. In the 8th inning he belted a double off Tom Davey. He had singles in the 2nd and in the 4th . Greg scored 2 runs, and he collected 3 RBI as well! He now has a total of 33 hits this season, accounting for a .248 batting average. Colorado scored 12 runs on 14 hits.
Tuesday 5/21/2002 San Francisco has no chance in a 1-hitter by Randy Johnson ARIZONA - Arizona's left-hander Randy Johnson is a great pitcher. And he once again showed his stuff, blanking San Francisco on just one hit. It's his 1st shutout this season, and the 31st time he has done it in his career. 'I was hitting my spots. Now I'll start concentrating on my next start, and hopefully it will work again.' Johnson (4-0) struck out 6 and issued 2 BB, throwing 70 of 114 pitches for strikes. Arizona's centerfielder Steve Finley stroked 1 hit in 3 AB, doubling once. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Johnson. Arizona improved it's record to 26-19, scoring 3 runs on 6 hits.
Monday 5/20/2002 Player of the Week honors go to Burks and Johnson Ellis Burks wins his 1st Player of the Week award. American League pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. Ellis was on fire, hitting .545 with 2 HR and 15 RBI. Ellis managed to drive in at least one run in every game he played this week. It's the 1st time that the National League Player of the Week award goes to Florida's catcher Charles Johnson. In 20 at bats he hit .400 with 4 HR and 11 RBI.
Monday 5/13/2002 Texas' Catalanotto wins Player of the Week award The Player of the Week award in the American League goes to Texas' Frank Catalanotto this time, as the leftfielder displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. He had an on base percentage of .485 and hit .433, while driving in 9 runs. He now has homered in 3 consecutive games as well! Shane Halter from Florida wins his 1st Player of the Week award for putting up the best numbers this week in the National League. Halter helped his team with an average of .462 and 6 RBI in 26 at bats.
Sunday 5/12/2002 John Burkett turns in great performance against Seattle SEATTLE - Age doesn't matter. At least Boston's right-hander John Burkett shares this opinion. The 37 year old pitched a 2-hit shutout against Seattle, recording his 1st shutout of the season. Burkett (5-2) struck out 4 and walked 1, throwing 62 of 102 pitches for strikes. 'I was hitting my spots. Now I'll start concentrating on my next start, and hopefully it will work again.' Boston's rightfielder Trot Nixon stroked 2 hits in 4 AB, homering once, scoring 2 runs and collecting 3 RBI. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Burkett. Boston scored 9 runs on 11 hits.
Tuesday 5/7/2002 Shane Reynolds pitches his 1st shutout of the season PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia's hitters looked uncomfortable, and Houston's Shane Reynolds didn't help them. The right-hander fired his 1st shutout of the season, a 2-hitter. 'My catcher called a very good game. I have to give credit to him.' Reynolds (3-1) fanned 7 and walked 1, throwing 103 pitches. Craig Biggio provided Houston with the offense Reynolds needed as he finished 3 for 4. Houston improved it's record to 15-16, scoring 3 runs on 6 hits.
Monday 5/6/2002 Beltran and Helton win Player of the Week award Kansas City's centerfielder Carlos Beltran had some reason to celebrate, as the league named him the American League Player of the Week. He hit .441 with 10 RBI and slugged .824 in 34 at bats. The National League's best player of the week was Colorado's Todd Helton, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. Helton helped his team with an average of .478 and 14 RBI in 23 at bats.
Sunday 5/5/2002 Alex Rodriguez pounds three dingers MINNESOTA - Alex Rodriguez was in a groove, and the results spoke for themselves. He powered Minnesota to a 14-6 win over Detroit by homering three times. In the 1st inning he unloaded a solo homerun off Jose Lima. Number 2 in the 5th inning, a shot estimated at 378 feet, cleared the wall in left field. His 3rd shot, off Bill Simas in the 6th inning, was a solo homerun and cleared the fence in left field. Alex got 3 hits in 4 AB, scoring three runs and collecting 5 RBI. In 3875 career at bats, he has hit 255 homeruns and collected 760 RBI.
Friday 5/3/2002 Dan Reichert pitches 2-hit shutout against Baltimore BALTIMORE - Dan Reichert had an unexpectedly great performance against Baltimore on Friday, pitching a 2-hitter for his 1st shutout of the season. Reichert (2-3) fanned 4 and walked 1, throwing 88 pitches. 'I'll have to give a lot of credit to my catcher. He put all the right fingers down today.' Kansas City's first baseman Mike Sweeney went 2 for 4, doubling once, and driving in 2 runs. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Reichert. Kansas City improved it's record to 13-15, scoring 6 runs on 12 hits.
Thursday 5/2/2002 Barry Zito quiets New York (A) bats with shutout NEW YORK (A) - Barry Zito had his best stuff going, and New York (A) hitters had nothing to cheer about. Oakland's southpaw pitched a 1-hitter, his 1st shutout of the season. Zito (3-2) struck out 4 and walked 1, throwing 59 of 97 pitches for strikes. 'I had my stuff going. Everything I tried worked. What a day!' Oakland's shortstop Miguel Tejada collected 1 hit in 4 trips to the plate, hitting a homerun. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Zito. Oakland scored 4 runs on 9 hits.
Wednesday 5/1/2002 Pitcher of the Month award winners announced Bill Wallace couldn't have pitched much better than he did in April, and the American League thought so as well, naming the right-hander Pitcher of the Month. He went 2-0 in April and finished the month with an ERA of 0.95. He struck out 13 in 19 innings. Matt Morris couldn't have pitched much better than he did in April, and the National League thought so as well, naming the right-hander Pitcher of the Month. His record of 5-0 in 6 was among the leagues best this month. In 42 innings of work he allowed just 34 hits while striking out 30, compiling an ERA of just 0.86.
Wednesday 5/1/2002 Batter of the Month award winners announced Minnesota's shortstop Alex Rodriguez had some reason to celebrate, as the league named him the American League Batter of the Month. Alex pounded opposing pitchers, hitting .357 with 9 and 22 RBI while slugging .755. Luis Gonzalez of Arizona wins his 1st Batter of the Month award for putting up the best numbers in the National League. Luis pounded opposing pitchers, hitting .451 with 16 and 37 RBI while slugging 1.066.
Tuesday 4/30/2002 Russ Ortiz dominates Philadelphia, gives up just one hit SAN FRANCISCO - Philadelphia's hitters looked uncomfortable, and San Francisco's Russ Ortiz didn't help them. The right-hander fired his 1st shutout of the season, a 1-hitter. With one out in the 7th inning Marlon Anderson singled to break up the no-hitter. 'I was hitting my spots. Now I'll start concentrating on my next start, and hopefully it will work again.' Ortiz (2-1) fanned 9 and walked none, throwing 103 pitches. The hitting star for San Francisco was second baseman Jeff Kent, he finished 2 for 4, hitting a homerun, stroking a double. San Francisco improved it's record to 13-13, scoring 3 runs on 7 hits.
Monday 4/29/2002 Atlanta's Sheffield wins Player of the Week award The American League Player of the Week award goes to Alex Rodriguez, Minnesota's starting shortstop. He hit .500 with 4 RBI and slugged 1.125 in 24 at bats. It's the 1st time that the National League Player of the Week award goes to Atlanta's rightfielder Gary Sheffield. Gary was on fire, hitting .375 with 6 HR and 15 RBI. He now has homered in 3 consecutive games as well! He has hit 14 bombs while batting .356 this season. His 32 hits and 10 walks add up to a .426 on-base percentage. He's 10th in the National League in batting, 1st in homeruns and 1st in RBI!
Sunday 4/28/2002 Montreal's Orlando Cabrera slams five hits MONTREAL - Orlando Cabrera led Montreal to a 14-5 win over St. Louis by squeezing five hits out of his bat. A pitch from Woody Williams in the 1st inning left his bat for a two-run homerun, landing 352 feet from home plate in left field. Number 2 in the 3rd inning accounted for a double. A 405 feet drive to left-center marked his 3rd hit, a solo homerun off Dave Veres in the 4th inning. In the 6th inning he belted a double off Mike Timlin. In the 7th inning he belted a two-run double off Luther Hackman. Orlando scored 4 runs, and he collected 5 RBI as well! He is hitting .300 this season, with 4 HR and 14 RBI.
Monday 4/22/2002 Player of the Week honors go to Burkett and Houston The Player of the Week award in the American League goes to Boston's John Burkett this time, as the pitcher displayed the best pitching perfomance in his league. He was in a zone all week, compiling an ERA of 1.29 while going 2-0. The National League's best player of the week was Milwaukee's Tyler Houston, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. In 18 at bats he hit .444 with 1 HR and 2 RBI.
Saturday 4/20/2002 Chicago (A)'s Ritchie out for 5 weeks CHICAGO (A) - Chicago (A)'s ace Todd Ritchie suffered a severe injury on Saturday and will be out for at least 5 weeks. In the 1st of the game against Detroit he experienced pain in his throwing arm and had to leave the game. Doctors examined him after the game and diagnosed a Strained Elbow Ligament which will require surgery. Opposing players hit .262 against Todd this season. While posting an ERA of 2.82 he went 2-0 in 4 starts, fanning 4 and walking 7 hitters. He's 2nd in the American League in wins!
Friday 4/19/2002 Ken Griffey jr ropes 2000th career hit NEW YORK (A) - New York (A)'s centerfielder Ken Griffey jr had already some highlights in his career, and today he added another one, getting his 2000th career hit. Along with his 2000 hits, Ken collected 464 homeruns and 1348 RBI in 13 seasons. 'I still remember my first hit. But the one today is something special. I'll definitely keep that ball!' His hit in the 8th inning was a single off Bob File.
Thursday 4/18/2002 Brady Anderson stars with cycle against Chicago (A) CHICAGO (A) - Cleveland's rightfielder Brady Anderson accomplished a difficult feat in a game against Chicago (A), hitting for the cycle to improve his career batting average to .258! His 1st hit, off Mark Buehrle in the 2nd inning, was a solo homerun and cleared the fence in right field. His 2nd cleared the based, a three-run double off Mark Buehrle in the 5th inning. A single in the 6th off Bobby Howry accounted for his 3rd hit. Hit number 4 followed in the 7th inning, a RBI triple. That drive completed the cycle, causing a smile on his face! A 388 feet drive to right field marked his 5th hit, a two-run homerun off Lorenzo Barcelo in the 9th inning. Brady did drive in 7 while scoring 4 runs on his own. He's having a very good season so far, batting .414. He's now the 1st player in league history to hit for the cycle!
Wednesday 4/17/2002 Ken Griffey jr has 2000th career hits NEW YORK (A) - New York (A)'s players had every reason to congratulate Ken Griffey jr, who reached a milestone today, collecting his 2000th career hit! His hit in the 3rd inning was a two run homerun off Josh Towers. His best year so far was 1997 where he hit .304 with 56 homeruns and 147 RBI. 'This day is special, I'll probably remember it my whole life. Thank god I'm blessed with the talent to play this game.'
Monday 4/15/2002 Player of the Week honors go to Nevin and Gonzalez It's the 1st time that the American League Player of the Week award goes to Boston's third baseman Phil Nevin. In 24 at bats he hit .417 with 5 HR and 11 RBI. This year Nevin drove in 16 and scored 9 runs while batting .304 with 7 longballs. He's 2nd in the American League in RBIs and 1st in homeruns! Luis Gonzalez from Arizona wins his 1st Player of the Week award for putting up the best numbers this week in the National League. In 29 at bats he hit .655 with 8 HR and 19 RBI. Luis managed to drive in at least one run in every game he played this week.
Thursday 4/11/2002 Jason Bere shuts out New York (N) on 2 hits CHICAGO (N) - Chicago (N)'s right-hander Jason Bere will never forget this day. The 30-year old recorded his first career shutout, a 2-hitter, against New York (N) on Thursday. 'That was one of the best games of my career. I had my stuff working very well today.' Bere (1-0) fanned 7 and walked none, throwing 106 pitches. Chicago (N)'s first baseman Derrek Lee collected 3 hits in 4 trips to the plate, hitting a homerun, with 2 RBI. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Bere. Chicago (N) scored 4 runs on 9 hits.
Monday 4/8/2002 Philadelphia's Abreu wins Player of the Week award The Player of the Week award in the American League goes to Chicago (A)'s Ray Durham this time, as the second baseman displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. In 25 at bats he hit .520 with 2 HR and 7 RBI. Bobby Abreu wins his 1st Player of the Week award. National League pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. He hit .464 with 10 RBI and slugged .964 in 28 at bats.
Saturday 4/6/2002 Terrence Long clubs five hits in a game SEATTLE - 'Wow, five hits in one game is something special, isn't it?' said Oakland's centerfielder Terrence Long after the 5-1 win over Seattle. A 376 feet drive to left field marked his 1st hit, a solo homerun off James Baldwin in the 1st inning. In the 7th inning he unloaded a triple off James Baldwin. He collected singles in the 2nd inning (two RBIs) , in the 5th and in the 9th . Terrence scored 2 runs, and he collected 3 RBI as well! He's having a very good season so far, batting .304.
