Bartolo Colons numbers dont look great, but hes going to have interest as a free agent even after going 6-8 with a 6.41 ERA in only 18 starts for the Angels. Colon was horrible for much of the season as he figured out how to pitch with less power. He had 74 strikeouts in 98 innings, and thats a ratio fairly indicative of what youre going to get. His last outing, in which he gave up three runs and eight hits in eight innings, was attended by scouts from several clubs seeking to get a last look at Colon before free-agency. The general consensus is that most clubs believe he can still pitch in the big leagues, at best as a No. 3 starter if he maintains consistency, but more than likely a No. 4 starter. Hes likely a No. 4 on a good team and a No. 3 on a bad team. Hes still going to have people wanting him, one AL scout said. He doesnt look like hell ever be the guy he used to be, but if he maintains things, he can be a No. 3 starter for someone. Youll find takers for that no matter how bad hes looked at times.

Pittsburgh shortstop Jack Wilson got his 1,000th career hit Sep. 17 at San Diego, part of a strong September in which he is poised to record his best season since he collected 201 hits in 2004. Wilson, who lost playing time in the second half when the Pirates acquired shortstop and Jim Tracy favorite Cesar Izturis, hit .475 in September (29-for-61). The former Thousand Oaks High and Oxnard College product responded to the trade by hitting. He hit .219 in July. With new baseball powers in charge in Pittsburgh, theres a good chance that the Pirates would like to move Wilson if they can find a taker for the remainder of his 3-year, $20.2 million contract that includes an $8.4 million club option in 2010.

The collapse of the New York Mets should shine a light directly on how GM Omar Minaya built this team for failure. There were bad trades, bad drafts and no farm system to fall back on. The signs were here long before September when the Mets were swept in Los Angeles in June. Then, they looked like a team with great players, but not a great team. They played uneven baseball. Their pitching was inconsistent. In hindsight, the Mets showed you everything you needed to know in L.A. in June. This is an old, over-priced team that believed in the safe bet of older players with heavy contracts, and theyll pay the price for this regardless of their fate in 2007. They played unbalanced baseball with no pitching depth. If heads are going to roll, Minayas should be first, because smiling for the press isnt the same as judging talent.

Seventh Inning Stretch
By John Klima
Published in the LA Daily News, September 23, 2007 Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said he sees similarities between the 2007 Angels and the 2002 World Series champion Angels. Theyre looking an awfully lot like they did in 2002, Maddon said. They have a swarming offense and the biggest difference right now for them is Garret [Anderson]. I think if Garret had not come back the way he is, it might have been a different situation. Anderson began play Wednesday with 62 RBIs after the All-Star break, tied with Detroits Magglio Ordonez for most in the Major Leagues. From what Im seeing, its all about [Anderson] right now, Maddon said. The young guys have done a nice job, but the veterans have stepped up.

Tampa first baseman Carlos Pena, 29, is probably a lock to become the American League comeback player of the year. He hit his 40th home run last Sunday and became the first player to hit 40 home runs a year after he was released. Pena was released from a Triple-A contract by the Yankees (who could use a first baseman) last year. He was not tendered a contract after a brief stint with the Red Sox. He always had power, Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said, noting that Pena hit 27 home runs for the Tigers in 2004. The difference is that his approach is better. Hes become a more selective hitter and learned how to use the at-bats to his advantage. Sometimes with a guy its a question of struggling enough to where the light bulb goes off and he understands, Hey, this is what I need to do in order to be successful.

The coming departure of Barry Bonds in San Francisco means that the Giants are ready to hand over an everyday outfield spot to Nate Schierholtz, who was originally drafted in 2003. Schierholtz has the best power of any young Giant outfielder, and is younger, and of course, cheaper. This season at Triple-A Fresno, he hit .333 with 16 home runs and 68 RBIs. Hes maintained that pace since coming back to the big leagues this September. Hes hit .303 in his first 31 games and would likely slide into Bonds soon-to-be vacated left-field slot.

Seventh Inning Stretch
By John Klima
Published in the LA Daily News, September 16, 2007

There was a time when it wasnt certain that Jim Thome would hit for power. He was considered a line-drive hitting first baseman in the minor leagues, and though it was expected that he would hit for average in the majors, it wasnt a foregone conclusion that he would hit for power. At Double-A in 1991, Thome hit .337, but hit only five home runs. But the power gradually came. In 1994, he hit 20 home runs for the Indians and was in the big leagues to stay. Perhaps an analogy can be drawn between Thome and Dodgers first baseman James Loney, whose swing and hitting ability isnt questioned, but whose power potential has always been a question. Time will tell, but as Thome began play Saturday one home run shy of the 500-mark, it does bring home the point  power requires patience to develop.

Heres another reason why Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia has to be considered a front-runner for American League rookie of the year honors. Through Thursday, Pedroia was leading all major league rookies with a .327 batting average. That made him 7th best rookie since 1940. The major league record for highest batting average by a qualifying rookie second baseball is held by Jim Viox of the 1913 Pirates. Pedroia has also played exceptional up-the-middle defense on a first-place team, hit leadoff, and produced in an otherwise hostile environment. Hes also continued to hit in the second half and into September, when many young players fade. You can love Brian Bannister, but he is pitching for the Kansas City Royals. Its hard to find a rookie middle infielder on a strong team that plays defense, hits, and scores runs. Thats why Pedroia has to be the AL Rookie of the Year.

When the Brewers hit three consecutive home runs to begin a 10-3 victory last Sunday at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati, it was believed to be the first time in major league history that three home runs were hit by the visiting team to begin a game. Rickie Weeks, J.J. Hardy and Ryan Braun connected off Reds pitcher Phil Dumatrait. Bruan, the front runner for NL Rookie of the Year honors, has been exceptional. However, he cant pitch.

Seventh Inning Stretch
By John Klima
Published in the LA Daily News, September 9, 2007

Garret Andersons streak of 12 consecutive games with an RBI is reaching elite company. Entering Saturday night, he was two short of the American League record of driving in a run in 14 consecutive games set by Tris Speaker with the 1928 Philadelphia Athletics. Thats a new piece of information uncovered by researcher Trent McCotter. Elias has accepted the stat as the new AL record. Mike Sweeney of the Royals drove in a run in 13 consecutive games in 1999. The all-time record belongs to Ray Grimes, who drove in a run in 17 consecutive games for the 1922 Chicago Cubs. Mike Piazza also drove in a run in 15 consecutive games for the 2000 New York Mets. When Anderson knocked in his 12th run Friday night, he moved into company with Ted Williams (Boston, 1942), Rudy York (Detroit, 1940), Joe Cronin (Boston, 1939), Ripper Collins (Cardinals, 1935), Mickey Cochrane (Detroit, 1934) and Paul Waner (Pirates, 1927).

Rockies rookie shortstop Troy Tulowitzski is already in pretty good company as far as rookie shortstops go, but he should hope he stays healthier than Bobby Crosby, the shortstop who preceded him at Long Beach State. Tulowitzski has 19 home runs, the same number of home runs rookie shortstop Ernie Banks had for the Cubs in 1954. Cal Ripken Jr. hit 20 for Baltimore in 1982, Ron Hansen of Baltimore hit 22 in 1960, Crosby hit 22 for Oakland in 2004 and Nomar Garciaparra hit 30 for Boston in 1997.

It might be time to call the Brian Bannister-for-Ambiorix Burgos trade one of the best of recent years, the worst made by Mets GM Omar Minaya, and the nicest steal thus far from Royals GM Dayton Moore. This trade shows how differing outlooks and philosophies shape the way decisions are made. Minaya prefers power arms, which Burgos is supposed to be, and he also has a history of acquiring Latin players. Moore, from the trained-eye school of the Braves, went for a former college pitcher. He went for a non-power arm and valued pitch ability, aptitude, a smooth mechanical package over the violent and inconsistent Burgos delivery, and pedigree. Minaya made his move based on the radar gun. Moore made his based on more than the gun. That is why, as venerable scout Gene Handley liked to say: The radar gun is a crutch. Bannister is one of the best rookie pitchers in baseball this year. Burgos is out for the year with elbow problems.

Seventh Inning Stretch
By John Klima
Published in the LA Daily News, September 2, 2007

It was old-timers day last week when the Padres played the Mets in New York. That is, not before the game. The game itself was old-timers day. The Mets used four players who were all 41 years old: Moises Alou, Jeff Conine, Sandy Alomar Jr. and Tom Glavine. There have only been a handful of major leagues games in which four players over 40 appeared in the same contest. In a similar old-timers day in 1983, the Phillies ran Pete Rose, Tony Perez, Joe Morgan and pitcher Ron Reed. No one seems to recall how those players were rolled off the field.

The firing of Astros GM Tim Purpura and manager Phil Garner this week only solidified what had become common knowledge inside baseball circles. The Houston Astros have become one of the worst franchises in the major leagues at the moment. Said one scout a day before the firings: The Astros might be crowned the worst organization in baseball today. I thought they were a sorry outfit this spring. Theyve become a safe and sorry outfit. Theyve dug a hole by not signing players because of signability that they may never get out of for a long time. In my opinion, the last three drafts, they have nothing to show for it. That means they will not produce players in 2010, 2011 and 2012 at the big league level. Hunter Pence, drafted in 2004 in the second round, is Houstons best talent.

Detroit rookie outfielder Cameron Maybin hit his first career home run last week against Roger Clemens. That means one of two things: either Maybin is very young or Clemens is very old. Maybin, 20, was born on April 4, 1987. Clemens, who was 24-4 and won the 1986 Cy Young Award, is believed to be the first former Cy Young Award winner to give up a home run to a player who was born after he won the award.

Seventh Inning Stretch
By John Klima
Published in the LA Daily News, August 26, 2007

When Mets shortstop Jose Reyes stole three bases Wednesday night against San Diego, he established a new Mets franchise record with 67 stolen bases. He broke the old mark of 66 stolen bases set in 1999 by former Dodger Roger Cedeno. It is the third consecutive season of 60 or more stolen bases for Reyes, which means the 24-year-old shortstop already has a chance to become the most prolific base stealer at his position. Former Dodger Maury Willis still holds the modern record for stolen bases in a season by a shortstop with 104 in 1962. He also stole 94 bases in 1965. When Reyes gets his 70th stolen bases, he will become only the third shortstop after 1900 to have at least 70 stolen bases in a season and the first since Frank Taveras stole 70 bases for the 1977 Pirates. Reyes can circle these three names if he wants the all-time stolen base record for shortstops: Bert Campaneris (638), Honus Wagner (597) and Ozzie Smith (580).

Brian Bannister would probably be one of the better right-handers in the American League this season if he played for anyone other than the Royals. The former USC standout continues to have a breakthrough season in his second major league year. Acquired in the winter from the Mets, who didnt think Bannister had the stuff to compete in the majors, Bannister has shown that the Mets overlooked his command and secondary pitches. His victory over the White Sox on Wednesday improved his record to 10-7 and lowered his ERA to 3.28. Bannister was a 7th round draft pick from USC, but many cross-checkers shied away from him because they didnt like his lack of velocity. As it turns it, they underestimated his command, secondary material, bloodlines and intellect. How many major league starting pitchers do you wind up pulling from the 7th round?

It may not get the attention of a lot of other records, but when Greg Maddux broke Cy Youngs record of 20 consecutive seasons with at least 10 victories on Friday night, he surpassed what was once considered to be an untouchable record. Maddux (10-9), who scattered seven hits and gave up three runs in a typical 81-pitch, seven-inning performance for the Padres Friday in Philadelphia, finished off the mark set by Young from 1891-1909. Maddux, 41, even beat the record one year younger than Young, who was 42 when he went 19-15 for the 1909 Cleveland Indians. Seventh Inning Stretch
By John Klima
Published in the LA Daily News, August 19, 2007

If you think the streak of 41 consecutive batters retired by White Sox closer Bobby Jenks is impressive, consider this similar streak compiled by Cy Young, then a 37-year-old right-hander for the Boston Red Sox. In a season in which he won 37 games, Young had a spell in which he held opposing batters hitless for 77 consecutive at-bats. Not even Young was perfect. One runner reached on an error, one batter was hit by a pitch, and Young issued three walks. Young had 57 consecutive outs (19 innings pitched) between allowing a walk, hit batter, or the runner to reach on an error. (Courtesy Trent McCotter, Society of American Baseball Research).

Nolan Ryan threw heat, now he pitches beef. Ryan, a rancher who is president of the American Breeds Coalition, an organization that promoted U.S. cattle, recently threw out the first pitch before a Chiba Lotte Marines game, a Japanese major league team. Ryans photo is plastered on beef packaging in major grocery stores in Japan under the slogan, Beef makes you strong! Apparently willing to throw meaty propaganda as hard as he threw his fastball, Ryan is also included in a print ad that gives his favorite red-meat recipe. According to the meat counters, monthly sales of American beef has doubled since the campaign featuring Ryan started in June.

In fond memory of Phil Rizzuto, the Yankee Hall of Fame shortstop and hero-of-little guys everywhere who died this week, heres a story from 1948. At a game in Philadelphia, Rizzuto shocked the crowd. Standing at his position, he discovered a lizard in his glove. Shocked, he is said to have thrown his glove into the air and dashed away. The Sporting News reported: A ladies day crowd of 19,904 was both startled and mystified here, May 14, when Phil Rizzuto suddenly threw his glove into the air and shied away. Rizzuto reportedly said, Kill it! It bit me! Umpire Bill Summers replied, It didnt bit you. It couldnt have. Summers shook the rubber lizard out of the glove and picked it in his pocket, with both benches laughing in approval. No one knows if Rizzuto was really freaked or if he was playing along for the joke. Either way, thats the kind of personality that earned him the nickname, Scooter.

Seventh Inning Stretch
By John Klima
Published in the LA Daily News, August 12, 2007

Since left-hander Mike Bacsik is going down in history for surrendering the 756th home run of Barry Bonds career, perhaps its worth knowing a little bit more about the pitcher who knew hed always be remembered for grooving that full-count pitch the moment he released the ball. The Dallas native will turn 30 in November and was originally an 18th round pick of the Indians in 1996. He made his major league debut in 2001 with the Indians, and that year, was traded to the Mets in the Roberto Alomar deal. He made nine starts for the Mets in 2002 and made the Opening Day roster in 2003, but was shortly returned to Triple-A. He then became a Triple-A workhorse for the Rangers, Phillies and Diamondbacks. He went to spring training with the Nationals in 2006, but wound up going 11-0 for Tucson, Arizonas top farm club. After giving up the home run to Bonds, Bacsik had him sign a bat. That, after all, is much better than a plane ticket to Triple-A.

Justin Uptons arrival in Arizona is more than another case of a young player playing because he was paid well upon signing. Upton represents the first in-house franchise cornerstone of GM Josh Byrnes. Upton, 19, began the season in Class A Visalia, where his skill set reminded one scout of a young Frank Robinson. The Diamondbacks rushed Upton through Double-A and Triple-A, and in the process, Upton looks like he has surpassed outfielders Carlos Gonzalez and Carlos Quentin, both of whom the Diamondbacks retain, but were obtained prior to Byrnes arrival.

The knock against Dodger rookie Delwyn Young was always that he was a player without a position. His bat has never been questioned. However, two scouts who had seen Las Vegas in July, shortly before Young was called up to the Dodgers, said that they believe this is a hasty conclusion. One scout, who had also seen Young as an amateur, said that his progression defensively was evident from last year. He played right field like a man when I saw him, the scout said. He was good running good routes and playing the angles the way you want to see it. I thought he was fine. Its hard to find anyone who thinks his bat doesnt play here.

Seventh Inning Stretch
By John Klima
Published in the LA Daily News, August 5, 2007

Granada Hills product Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers was rewarded for his July power surge in which he hit 11 home runs and knocked in 25 runs when he was named both the NL Player of the Month and NL Rookie of the Month for July. Braun, who locked down third base for Milwaukee, hit .345 (38-for-110), scored 18 runs and had four three-hit games. He also won NL Rookie of the Month award in June. With the injury to Hunter Pence of the Astros, and the fact that Braun is playing a premium position on a contending team, it could mean that Braun is in great position to win the NL Rookie of the Year Award.

Something doesnt seem right with Barry Zito, but nobody knows exactly what. There has been talk around the league for much of the season that Zitos velocity is down. After his start Thursday at Dodger Stadium, in which his fastball topped at 85, that talk continued. One scout watched Zitos long toss session in the outfield and believed his arm strength looked weaker than in past years. He also speculated that Zitos arm action did not look as lively as it has in past years. His mechanics remain identical. His curveball is still better than 90 percent of the league, but doesnt have the same snap it has had in recent years. You have to wonder if the life in his arm is slowly slipping away, one AL scout said.

One aspect of the game that Barry Bonds isnt recognized for is his knowledge of hitting and willingness to discuss philosophies with younger players. It can be said that while pitcher Greg Maddux is lauded for his pitching genius, Bonds is ignored for the same level of hitting knowledge. His slump not withstanding, Bonds plate discipline should be considered equal to that of Ted Williams. Like Williams, he also will discuss hitting. Thats something he doesnt get recognized for and Ive seen him do it with a lot of our younger outfielders who have come through this system, Giant pitcher Noah Lowry said. You just watch him talk to them about their approach and things that they can do with their swings. He offers advice to a lot of guys. He helps a lot of guys out. I dont think he gets a lot of credit for that.

Seventh Inning Stretch
By John Klima
Published in the LA Daily News, July, 29, 2007

When Cleveland and Boston exchanged 1-0 victories this week, it was the first time the Indians had been involved in consecutive 1-0 games in 65 years. Last Tuesday, Bostons Daisuke Matsuzaka and two relievers shut out C.C. Sabathia and a reliever. On Wednesday, Clevelands Fausto Carmona and Joe Borowski combined to shut out Josh Beckett of the Red Sox to return the favor. The last time the Indians played consecutive 1-0 games was April 17 and April 18, 1942. In the April 17th game, Hall of Fame left-hander Ted Lyons of the White Sox beat Mel Harder on a seven-hitter. Dario Lodigiani had the RBI single. On April 18, the Indians returned the favor when Jim Bagby threw a four-hitter to defeat Eddie Smith and the White Sox.

Theres something to be said for keeping it short. The complete game Colorados Aaron Cook pitched against the Padres Wednesday required only 74 pitches. According to STATS, Inc. it is the lowest pitch count in a nine-inning complete game since the company began tracking the stat in 1988. It was the first time any pitcher has thrown less than 100 pitches in a complete game at Coors Field. Greg Maddux needed 94 pitches to carve up the Rockies in a 13-0 Braves victory at Mile High Stadium in what became the last game of that season before the labor dispute wiped out the season and kicked the steroid-era into full gear.

Minor league shortstop Michael Garciaparra, playing for double-A Reading in the Phillies organization, might not have statistics that blow you away, but hes winning points for being a skilled baseball player. One scout who saw Garciaparra said he is vastly improved from his early days in the Mariners organization, for which he was a first-round pick in 2001. The scout said Garciaparra is a major league defensive player right now and can turn the double play from both sides of second base. Hes a plus runner, doesnt botch routine balls, and makes consistent contact despite a .250 average entering the weekend. He has limited power, but can be an ideal No. 2 hitter with his ability to work counts, bunt, and hit behind runners.

Seventh Inning Stretch
By John Klima
Published in the LA Daily News, July 22, 2007

When Barry Bonds went 3-for-3 with two home runs and a walk Thursday in Chicago, it was the 293rd game of his career in which he reached base safely four or more times. According to the Society of American Baseball Researchs records expert Trent McCotter, it tied Ruth on the all-time list for such games. Among active players, Bonds leads Frank Thomas (181), Gary Sheffield (160) and Craig Biggio (152).

One National League scout called the Cubs acquisition of catcher Jason Kendall a positive sign that the Oakland As are surrendering. Kendall had become an offensive liability, but he nursed a young pitching staff to the lowest ERA in the AL. That had to be the most valuable .220 hitting catcher in the history of baseball, the scout said. He held that staff together, called games, ran games. Itll be interesting to see how that staff reacts to not having him. In his place, the As were ready to hand the position over to the younger, cheaper average-across-the-board Kurt Suzuki, a Cal State Fullerton product.

Dusty Baker has one of the most unique perspectives on Barry Bonds, having been mentored by and then hitting behind Hank Aaron and having managed Bonds. Baker said that his top five players of all-time, in no special order, would be Aaron, Bonds, Willie Mays, Babe Ruth and Frank Robinson.

Seventh Inning Stretch
By John Klima
Published in the LA Daily News, July 8, 2007

There are four clubs in particular that have been charitable towards the MLB Urban Academy in Compton. In no particular order, the Dodgers, Angels, Padres and Astros have taken the most interest and invested in the facility. The Padres sent a delegation to tour the facility and host a clinic when the club was in Los Angeles last week, a group that included manager Bud Black, outfielder Mike Cameron, and club executives Dave Winfield and Sandy Alderson. Winfield said the Padres have donated in the five figures to help the Academy develop inner-city ballplayers. Winfield, in particular, retains a passion for the subject and has been one of the most vocal players of his generation to advocate and suggest solutions to the declining number of African-American players. Its really both sides developing a willingness to promote the sport, Winfield said. It may be tough because youre making so much money, but kids arent saying I want to be a baseball player like they used to be. It can be solved, but it cant be solved overnight. Its a pretty sophisticated effort.

The Padres paid attention to the Dodgers, who ran a flawless PR campaign to get Russell Martin voted into the All-Star game. A few days before the final vote, a visit to Padres.com reveled a campaign badge logo urging Padre fans to vote for pitcher Chris Young. It was a great idea by the Padres, except for the fact that they got it from the Dodgers, who for more than a month had their own Martin badges everywhere except on the players uniforms. And, lets face it, if there werent MLB uniform regulations, players would have been wearing Vote 4 Russ badges over the LA on the helmets. In either case, both PR blitzes had happy endings. When Young pitches, perhaps it will be to Martin. Perhaps in a few years the badges will turn up on E-bay. Even then, you cant put a price on a well-run campaign.

Outfielder Ryan Spilborghs continues to force the Rockies to play him. Returned to Triple-A after he had a strong spring training in favor of since-released veteran Steve Finley, Spilborghs hit his first career grand slam this week. He was recalled on May 19 and since that time has four home runs and 23 RBIs in 33 games and only 83 at-bats. Since May 20, Spilborghs has held his own with Matt Holliday (35 RBIs), Brad Hawpe (32 RBIs) and Garret Atkins (30 RBIs), the only Rockies who have driven in more runs. Spilborghs has also had to perform well in spot starts and as pinch-hitter. Spilborghs played college baseball at UC Santa Barbara.

Seventh Inning Stretch
By John Klima
Published in the LA Daily News, July 1, 2007

Heres a telling sign that Roger Clemens is finally not the pitcher he used to be. When he allowed four runs in six innings in a loss to the Orioles Wednesday, Clemens did not record a strikeout in a start for the first time since June 14, 2000, when his outing with the Red Sox ended after one inning because of an injury. It was only the 11th start in his career in which Clemens did not record a strikeout. For comparisons sake, Wednesday, 40-plus-year old starters Greg Maddux (4), Woody Williams (4), Jamie Moyer (8), Tom Glavine (1), John Smoltz (7) combined for 24 strikeouts.

Heres one pitcher that got away from the Dodgers. Joakim Soria has been a pleasant discovery for the Royals. Originally signed out of Mexico by scout Mike Brito, the Dodgers gave up on Soria after he had Tommy John surgery and missed all of the 2003 season. Soria went back and pitched in the Mexican League in the 2005 and 2006 seasons before the Padres signed him at the end of last year and pitched him in the Midwest League. The Royals selected him from the Padres in the Rule V draft, and clearly will not be offering him back. Soria has 10 saves in 13 opportunities and a 2.48 ERA. Since Soria came off the disabled list on June 7, hes thrown nine shutout innings with 10 strikeouts. Hes been great for us, manager Buddy Bell said. We had a lot of good reports on him but we didnt think hed fall into this.

Alex Rodriguezs run production this season is rivaling that of Joe DiMaggio in 1948, according to Elias Sports. Rodriguez had 77 RBIs in his first 75 games this season, the first time a Yankee has averaged more than one RBI per team game since DiMaggio had 152 RBIs in his teams first 151 games in 1948. DiMaggio, at age 33 that season, finished with 155 RBIs in 155 games. It was his best year after missing three years because of World War II and the last great year of his career.

Seventh Inning Stretch
By John Klima
Published in the LA Daily News, June 24, 2007

Scouts from Major League clubs have been visiting Japan in order to evaluate what might be one of the deeper groups of veteran free agent hitters this winter. At the top of the list are two veteran power hitters who are expected to post their services to U.S. clubs. Yoshinobu Takahashi of the Yomiuri (Tokyo) Giants and Kosuke Fukudome of the Chunichi Dragons head the list, with Takahashi the greater impact player. Scouts believe both hitters are middle-of-the-order power bats. Takahashi, 32, has topped 30 home runs twice in Japan. Fukudome, 31, also has power, several scouts agree, but doesnt run as well as he once did. Generally, scouts consider them 20-25 home run bats that can be in the middle of a lineup.

One thing you can always say about Juan Pierre is he doesnt miss a game. When Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada went on the disabled list Friday with a fractured left wrist, ending his streak of 1,152 consecutive games played, Pierre became the new active leader in that category. According to SABR researcher Trent McCotter, Pierre has appeared in 731 consecutive games dating back to Sep. 18, 2002 and has an official playing streak of 344 games dating back to June 4, 2005. Pierre played every game from Sep 18, 2002 to June 2, 2005, a stretch of 386 games. On June 3, 2005, Pierre appeared only as a pinch-runner. Section 10 of the rule book says that pinch-running does not constitute the continuation of a consecutive games-played streak. Pierre has played every game since June 4, 2005 for the Marlins, Cubs and Dodgers.

Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki only has four home runs this year, but three of the former Long Beach State stars long balls have come against pitchers he wont soon forget: John Smoltz, Roy Oswalt, and this week, Roger Clemens. Tulowitzki has started to catch up to big league pitching, batting .423 in an eight-game span entering Friday, which helped raise his average from .261 to .278. Tulowitzki also leads NL rookies in runs, walks and holds a slight edge of Houstons Hunter Pence for the lead in hits.

Seventh Inning Stretch
By John Klima
Published in the Daily Breeze, May 20, 2007

Shields of Approval: Tampa Bay hopes that it has finally developed its first in-house starting pitcher in 25-year old right-hander James Shields, who learned from his rookie season in 2006 that he cannot survive with his excellent change-up alone.

Shields is 3-0 with a 3.13 ERA for the Devil Rays, but what has been noticeable is the jump in strikeouts. Shields is ninth in the major leagues with 54 strikeouts (against 10 walks) in 60 2/3 innings through his first eight starts. He struck out 12 against the Indians in a start in April, a performance that was not only a major league high, but a professional high for a pitcher who fought back from arm surgery and was originally a 16th round draft choice out of Hart High in Newhall in 2000.

Shields refined his curveball and cutter, which has allowed him to develop into a four-pitch starting pitcher.

Theres no doubt, I was a two-pitch pitcher, he said. Id throw 50 change-ups out of 100 pitches. The league figured it out. Ive had a couple of hitters that I know tell me that they were sitting on the change-up, laying off the fastball, and whacking the (seams) out of the ball.

Shields always had the change-up, but gave up 141 hits in 124 2/3 innings as a rookie last year, finishing 6-8 with a 4.84 ERA in 21 starts.

Last year, the curveball got better towards the end of the year, he said. This year is really the first time Ive started putting all four pitches together. Ive been stronger and more consistent with them. I know I dont throw 96-97, I know Im going to be 92-93, and I think it took me a while to understand that it would be beneficial to pitch-to-contact and throw first pitch strikes.

You mean he slumps, too? : Albert Pujols doesnt look any less physically imposing than he did a year ago and his bat speed certainly hasnt deteriorated. But after five years of almost non-stop hitting and evoking comparisons to elite mashers in their Hall of Fame primes, perhaps Pujols was just due for a lousy month-and-a-half.

Hes a little defensive, getting jammed more than you usually see him get jammed, but the guy is just in a slump, one scout said. You watch, hell come out of it. Everything still works with him  hands, lower half, but hes having trouble consistently getting the head (of the bat) out. Hes still going to get hot for two months and carry (the Cardinals.).

He looks just like any hitter going through a slump, Dodgers catcher Mike Lieberthal said. The last two days here, hes hit the ball hard, though hes not getting the results. Its like any other hitter  staying back on the ball and not pulling off the ball.

Watching Pujols in batting practice Wednesday in Los Angeles, its clear that hes having some difficult achieving repetition, especially when his hands come through the hitting zone. He still drives the ball as well as he usually does when his timing is proper. The other aspect of Pujols elaborate mechanics is the distinct toe-touch-twist he uses as a timing mechanism. He appears to be uncomfortable from pitch-to-pitch in terms of repetition of this mechanic. Through Friday, he had raised his average to .245 and still had six home runs in 143 at-bats.

Bush League: Dont expect to see Matt Bush playing shortstop much longer. The top pick in the 2004 draft has regressed so much offensively that the rumors that he will be converted to pitching are growing stronger. This comes in part as Bushs average has nosedived to .212 at Lake Elsinore in the California League, not exactly a league that makes hitters look bad. Bush hasnt started a game since May 9.

Scouts believe Bush shows no plan at the plate with lift and separate tendencies. His hands as an infielder are marginal at best. However, his arm is still a tremendous plus, easily in the 60 range on a 20-80 scale. Bush signed with Padres for a $3.15 million bonus.

So long, Lefty: Former major league left-hander and scout Bill Wight died at the age of 85 this week.

Wights pickoff move was said to be so fast that he could pick off players between blinks. Once a Yankee bonus baby, he was traded to the White Sox and later the Red Sox. He pitched against Satchel Paige in 1948 in Cleveland. His best pitch was his curveball, which Wight knew, but it didnt hurt when Ted Williams said he was happy he didnt face him anymore.

He once picked rookie Mickey Mantle off first base twice in a game, flustering Casey Stengel, partly because Stengal knew Wight was toying with Mantle.

As a scout, Wight signed Joe Morgan, Dusty Baker, Dale Murphy, Bob Horner and others. He was 85.

Seventh Inning Stretch
By John Klima
Published in the Daily Breeze, April 22, 2007

Don't say no-hitter: Forgetting for a moment that Mark Buerhle's strikeouts were down and his walks were up last year, when he pitched a no-hitter against the Texas Rangers on Wednesday, he nearly set a record. A 38th-round draft choice in 1999, Buehrle would have become the lowest-ever drafted pitcher to throw a no-hitter, were it not for Kenny Rogers, a 39th-round draft choice in 1982, who pitched a perfect game against the Angels while a member of the Rangers.

In the obscure world of draft history, only three other American League pitchers who were drafted after the eighth round have ever thrown a no-hitter: Oakland's Mike Warren, a 12th-round pick, Bret Saberhagen, a 19th-round pick, and Nolan Ryan, a 12th-round pick in 1965, the first year of the draft.

The list is slightly longer in the National League, where Kevin Millwood (11th round), Ed Halicki (24th), Bob Forsch (26th), Darryl Kile (30th) and Bill Stoneman (31st) were all draft-era bargains who became no-hit pitchers.

Excluding foreign-born players who are not subjected to the draft, only two non-drafted free agent pitchers have thrown no-hitters in the 42-year history of the draft: John Montefusco, and another White Sox pitcher, the memorable Joe Cowley.

It was Cowley who no-hit the Angels in 1986 with what might have been the ugliest no-hitter ever recorded. Cowley, who was gone from the majors after going 0-4 with the Phillies in 1987, walked seven and struck out eight in a 7-1 performance that caused Angels first baseman Wally Joyner to scoff, "He was either two feet outside or right on the black."

Cuba vs. The Netherlands: When Florida rookie right-hander Rick Vanden Hurk pitched against Orlando Hernandez of the Mets Thursday in Florida, it did not mark the first time in major league history that a Dutch-born pitcher faced off against a Cuban-born pitcher, but it is the first time a pitcher who was signed directly from the Netherlands faced a Cuban-born pitcher.

Bert Blyleven, born in the Netherlands and raised and signed in Southern California, started against Mike Cuellar five times and Luis Tiant twice. However, Vanden Hurk was originally signed out of the Netherlands at age 16 as a catcher. He became the fifth Dutch-born player to appear in the major leagues, and only the second pitcher.

Historical footnote not withstanding, Vanden Hurk would probably like to forget this outing. He gave up eight runs and seven hits in four innings in a loss, the first major league decision for the 21-year-old who was promoted from double-A, and learned why Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, David Wright and Shawn Green don't play in the Southern League.

Steal: The trade that San Diego GM Kevin Towers made with the Texas Rangers in January 2006 is probably shaping up as one of the better deals that the scout-educated, evaluation-driven Towers has made.

The exchange got the Padres top starter Chris Young, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and outfielder Terrmel Sledge for the cost of a spare closer (Akinori Otsuka), a left-hander who can't stay healthy and no longer pitches for the Rangers (Adam Eaton) and a minor league catcher no one has ever heard of (Billy Killian).

In his first season as Padres manager, Black recognized that there has been an improvement in Young from the days when Black broke him down as the Angels' pitching coach.

"A lot of a pitchers' success comes from what the ball does in the hitting area," Black said. "He's got very good life on the fastball in the hitting area. The ball, for lack of a better term, pops, or takes off. You can't teach that. The velocity might not read extremely high like a lot of power pitchers, but his ball reacts like a power pitcher.

"You combine that with the deception that he has because of his height, and what I saw this spring was better secondary pitches than I saw when he was with the Rangers. Good slider, improving change-up, occasional curve. Then again you combine that with a guy who has great aptitude and you put all this together and you have what we' re seeing now and last year."