(Sporting News)

A disgraced hero's homecoming highlights the start of baseball's second half today. But enough about Manny Ramirez. Three other story lines worth following as the National League recovers from the embarrassment of another All-Star Game loss:

Parity and the pennants

The Red Sox are 20 games over .500 and own a three-game lead in baseball's toughest division, but they're like most teams. They have yet to play their best ball.
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"We're happy with where we are," Red Sox left fielder Jason Bay said. "But we haven't hit one of those stretches where we run off 10 straight wins. We know we're capable of that."

Bay realizes the same is true of the Yankees and Rays, the Red Sox's closest pursuers in the A.L. East. Both ran off seven-game win streaks in the weeks leading into the break, before stumbling a bit going into the break. The Yankees were swept by the Angels, while the Rays lost two of three to the A's at Tropicana Field, where they once again have posted one of the best home records in the majors.

Looming on the schedule for the A.L. East contenders: the Yankees will visit the Rays for three-game series (July 27-29); the Red Sox will visit the Rays for a two-game series (Aug. 4-5); and the Red Sox and Yankees will play a four-game series at Yankee Stadium (Aug. 6-9).

 CONTINUE READING

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The All-Star rosters were announced by Major League Baseball on Sunday. Here are few notes of interest:

REDS - Closer Francisco Cordero gets the nod and is the team's lone representative. The right-hander will be making his third trip to the mid-summer classic. He made it in 2004 as a Texas Ranger and then again while playing for the Brewers in 2007. There was speculation that Johnny Cueto would be the choice from the team, but a deep pool of starters and Cordero's solid numbers (20 of 21 save conversions) made the veteran the pick.

PUJOLS TO VOTE GETTER - The NL MVP is well on his way to another amazing year, leading the majors with 31 homers and 82 RBIs. He collected 5,397,374 votes to finish with the second-highest total in history, trailing only Ken Griffey Jr.'s six million votes in 1994. Pujols has made the NL team eight times in nine seasons and will be making his sixth start.

WAKEFIELD FINALLY GETS NOD - Starter Tim Wakefield made his first All-Star roster in his 17th season, one of a major league-high six Red Sox headed to Busch Stadium for the July 14 game. The 42-year-old right-hander is tied for the big league lead with 10 wins.

LEFT OUT - Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez and Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, both 12-time All-Stars, weren't expected to make the rosters, but their absence was compelling nonetheless. Ramirez was suspended for the first 50 games of the season for violating MLB's drug policy and A-Rod missed time following hip surgery after admitting in spring training to using steroids when he played for the Rangers.

FINAL VOTE - The 2009 All-Star Game Sprint Final Vote on MLB.com will determine the 33rd N.L. roster spot, a competition that will feature shortstop Cristian Guzman of the Nationals, outfielder Matt Kemp of the Dodgers, third baseman Mark Reynolds of the D-backs, third baseman Pablo Sandoval of the Giants and outfielder Shane Victorino of the Phillies. Fans can now begin voting to select the final player for each League's 33-man roster via the 2009 All-Star Game Sprint Final Vote on MLB.com, casting their votes from a list of five players from each League over a four-day period. In the A.L. third baseman Chone Figgins of the Angels, third baseman Brandon Inge of the Tigers, second baseman Ian Kinsler of the Rangers, outfielder Adam Lind of the Blue Jays, and first baseman Carlos Peña of the Rays will be competing for the final spot.

COMPLETE ALL-STAR ROSTERS

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The Boston Red Sox entered Sunday sporting the American League's best record (33-23). 

They are loaded with quality starters - Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Tim Wakefield, and Brad Penny.

Now, even more help could be on the way as 42-year old veteran John Smoltz is nearing a return from shoulder surgery. Following his six-inning, 74-pitch outing for Triple-A Pawtucket on Saturday, the 42-year-old is now scheduled to start on Thursday in Syracuse. From there, there’s a chance — and seemingly a strong one at that — that Smoltz could be ready for a return to the majors.

Smoltz threw 51 of 74 pitches for strikes, walked two and struck out three. He topped out at 91 mph on the McCoy Stadium radar gun and retired the last 10 batters he faced.

The Red Sox believe that Smoltz is now in the phase of his recovery when he is preparing for the specific circumstances of at-bats and outings, rather than simply trying to regain health following his shoulder surgery last June.

“He’s excited and he’s getting closer and closer, you can see it,” said Sox manager Terry Francona. “He’s not rehabbing so much anymore. He’s trying to attack hitters and make pitches and talk about how he gets reaction to his split and things like that, which is good to hear.”

In addition to Smoltz getting close, Boston also has prospect Clay Buchholz tearing it up right now in the minors. He's 3-0 with a 1.47 ERA for Triple-A Pawtucket through nine starts and 55 innings pitched and has allowed just nine earned runs.

All that depth is a good thing and wouldn't make it a surprise to see Boston dangle Brad Penny to get some help on offense, particularly at shortstop where the team has struggled.

Smoltz was an ace before the shoulder and despite his age, he appears to be capable and determined to get back and be a factor. It would not be a bit surprising to see him make an impact.

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Curt Schilling announced his retirement from baseball on Monday on his blog, ending a remarkable career. We all remember the bloody sock and the fact he was one of the first in the game to call out some of the steroid users in the game. Schilling seemingly is never lost for words and was always ready to take the ball, even when he didn't have his best stuff.  His playoff performances alone are enough to stick out in voters' minds when it comes time to decide to put in him in the Hall of Fame, but does he belong there?

He has just 216 victories. Other pitchers that have struggled to get in the Hall have shown more. Bert Blyleven (287) and Jack Morris (254) and Tommy John (288) and Jim Kaat (283) can't get in and each of them won more game. Also, Schilling didn't win a single Cy Young Award, coming closest in 2001 when he was runnerup to teammate Randy Johnson. He was also second to Johnson in 2002 and to Johan Santana in 2004.

Still, if I had a vote I would put him in.  Larry Stone of the Seattle Times pointed out some great arguements to put the big right-hander into the HOF:

--He's been an ace, or co-ace, on three highly successful teams -- the 1993 Phillies, which lost in the World Series; the 2001 Diamondbacks, which won the World Series; and the 2004 Red Sox, which won the World Series. He also contributed three postseason wins to the 2007 Red Sox, which won another World Series.

--As Jayson Stark pointed out last year in making a case for Schilling, he led all right-handers of his era in complete games (83). Only Pedro Martinez had a better strikeout ratio (8.59 K/9). Only Pedro and Roger Clemens had more overall strikeouts than Schilling (3,116). Only Pedro and Greg Maddux had a better WHIP than Schilling (1.137). And Schilling's strikeout to walk ratio (4.38 strikeouts for every walk) is No. 1 among all pitchers of the modern era, left or right.

--Schilling won won 20 games three times, had three seasons of 300 or more strikeouts, pitched 20 shutouts, was a six-time All-Star and co-MVP of the 2001 World Series.

--What really puts Schilling over the top is his postseason performance. Two words: Bloody Sock. In 19 postseason games, covering 133 1/3 innings, Schilling went 11-2 with a 2.33 ERA. The only starter in history with over 100 IP with a lower career ERA is Christy Mathewson (Granted, not many pitchers have reached 100 ip in the postseason). The winning percentage is No. 1. If Hall of Fame cases can be made for Morris and John Smoltz based on postseason success -- and they have, and will -- then Schilling surpasses both.

--Tim Marchman of the New York Sun wrote last June: "What gets a bit overlooked is that had Schilling never pitched a playoff game, he'd still be a deserving Hall of Famer. His topline numbers are terrific - 216-146 with a 3.46 ERA, 3,116 strikeouts - and they get better the more you look at them. When adjusted for park and league effects, for instance, his ERA is as good as Gibson's or Tom Seaver's, and he has the highest strikeout-to-walk ratio in modern history. Only two eligible pitchers have won at least 200 games with a winning percentage exceeding Schilling's .597 and not eventually made the Hall, and one of them, Carl Mays, isn't in mainly because he killed someone with a pitch."

--As Jim Salisbury of the Philadelphia Inquirer pointed out last June, Schilling also had the intangibles that define a Hall of Fame player.

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The American League East is arguably the best division in baseball with four teams that combined to average 91 wins in the Rays, Red Sox, Yankees, and Blue Jays. This year’s race appears to be wide open.

ORDER OF FINISH
Red Sox – They still have the best team in the division. I like their approach this off-season. Rather than spending big on one player, Theo Epstein took advantage of a slow market and signed several veterans (Brad Penny, John Smoltz, Rocco Baldelli, and Brad Wilkerson) at reduced rates to fill the gaps. The rotation is great at the top and as deep as any in baseball. Jonathan Pabelbon is the best closer in the game and the lineup is perfectly balanced with everybody knowing their role.

Yankees – They spent over $180 million to bring in C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Mark Teixeira. However, questions surrounding Alex Rodgriguez’s hip and an ongoing steroid scandal is enough to cause concern and controversy. There’s no doubt that they have shored up last year’s biggest weakness (the rotation), but this lineup is getting old. I would be surprised if they will be able to avoid the injury bug. They are going to be my pick for a wildcard and should finish in the 90-win range, but I just don’t like them as much as the Red Sox.

Rays – Tampa is for real, they are stacked with some of the game’s best young talent. Still, I am having a tough time picking them to repeat last year’s performance. Their rotation remains their strength and is the reason they will challenge again for the playoffs. The addition of Pat Burrell adds some more pop in an already productive line-up. However, in the end they are going to come up just a bit short.

Blue Jays – The team quietly won 85 games in 2008, but several key losses in free agency is going to force them to turn to some unproven commodities. Roy Halladay is one of the best five pitchers in the game, but the rest of the rotation is a bit shaky. They still have enough talent to play spoiler and would compete in nearly any other division in baseball, but they are a fourth place team amongst these heavyweights and will be hard pressed to match last year’s win total.

Orioles – The safest pick amongst my predictions inside the division, the Orioles are in a league of their own in the AL East cellar. I do like their young outfield of Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, and Felix Pie, even though they are still far from developing into their potential. The rotation is horrid and the infield is getting a little long in the tooth. The O’s are a mortal lock to finish fifth unless the Blue Jays simply tank.

AWARDS
MVP – Dustin Pedroia (BOS)

Cy Young Candidate – C.C. Sabathia (NYY)

Biggest Bust – A.J. Burnett (NYY)

Biggest Breakout – Adam Jones (BAL)

Comeback Player – Robinson Cano (NYY)

Rookie of Year – David Price (TB)

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Here are some of the latest headlines from around the MLB Hot Stove to heat you up:

DODGERS STILL WAITING FOR MANNY (ESPN.com)
The Dodgers made a $45 million offer to Ramirez in November and then withdrew it when Boras did not respond, and then the Dodgers made an offer of arbitration, and again, Boras did not respond, according to L.A. officials. So the Dodgers have sat back and waited for any other serious bidder for Ramirez to emerge, waited to see if there was any reason to extend their own offer...MORE

VARITEK STAYING IN BOSTON (Boston Globe)
The captain is not going anywhere. Ending a three-month saga hours before a team-imposed deadline, the Red Sox and catcher Jason Varitek agreed to a one-year contract with a team option for 2010, two sources with knowledge of the deal confirmed yesterday. Varitek, who turns 37 in April, will receive $5 million in 2009. The Sox hold a $5 million option for 2010...MORE

SHEETS RUNNING OUT OF OPTIONS (MLB.com)
Ben Sheets and the Brewers have not spoken since the Brewers asked whether Sheets would consider an incentive-based contract similar to John Smoltz's ($4.5MM in incentives) or Brad Penny's ($3MM in incentives). It appears that Sheets was not open to an similar offer, but the Brewers won't offer a multi-year deal. GM Doug Melvin maintains the club isn't likely to sign Sheets, but he hasn't completely ruled out the possibility...MORE

CUBS SHOPPING HILL (Baltimore Sun)
The Orioles and Chicago Cubs are again involved in trade talks, this time about Cubs left-handed starting pitcher Rich Hill. According to industry sources, the teams have had talks about Hill, a one-time top prospect who is struggling to regain his command. Tne industry source said it's a "strong possibility" that Hill will wind up with the Orioles, perhaps as early as next week. The Orioles will likely give up a player to be named, who could be contingent on Hill's success in Baltimore...MORE

IT'S OFFICIAL, CUBS ADD BAKO (Cubs.com)
The Cubs signed catcher Paul Bako, who had been with the Reds, to a one-year, $725,000 contract. The deal was done a month ago, but Bako had to wait for the Cubs to open a roster spot before it was made official. Bako was no longer a fit for Cincinnati with the emergence of Ryan Hanigan and following the trade for veteran Ramon Hernandez...MORE

FOGG LANDS IN COLORADO (ColoradoRockies.com)
Rockies signed RHP Josh Fogg to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training. With Jeff Francis potentially starting the year on the DL, there could be room for Fogg at the back of the rotation. Fogg, 32, went 10-9 with a 4.94 ERA in 2007 and won several matchups with big-name pitchers. Fogg signed with the Reds last season and went 2-7 with a 7.58 ERA in 22 games, including 14 starts...MORE

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From Ken Rosenthal, FOXSports.com:

The Red Sox, after losing free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira to the Yankees, still have not taken a significant step to improve their offense. But according to one rival exec, they have shown interest in Adam Dunn.

The extent of the Sox's interest is unclear; they touch base with virtually every top free agent. The addition of Teixeira, an excellent defender, would have justified a move of Kevin Youkilis to third base and trade of Mike Lowell. Dunn would be more of a square peg in a round hole.

The only position open for Dunn would be first; his addition would revive the Sox's need to trade Lowell and compromise them defensively.

MLB red sox, adam dunn

Let's check out some of the latest Hot Stove rumors and moves:

BREWERS GET CLOSER (Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel)
The Brewers have agreed to terms with free agent Trevor Hoffman on a one-year, $6 million contract. The deal carries $1.5 million in incentives, but it does not carry an option for 2010. Hoffman, baseball's all-time saves leader, posted a 3.77 ERA last season while closing out 30 games in 34 opportunities. This is a win-win move for the veteran who could still cash in next year with a good effort and for the Brew Crew, who struggled after losing Francisco Cordero last off-season...MORE

MANNY LIKELY TO GET THREE-YEAR DEAL (SI.com)
The Giants "look like a major threat" to the Dodgers for Manny Ramirez and are "making a serious run at him." Former teammate J.T. Snow apparently raved about him. Nonetheless Heyman says the Dodgers are "probably still considered the favorite." Heyman lists the Rangers as "intrigued." He believes Ramirez will get three guaranteed years somewhere. The Giants are in excellent position to outbid the cautious Dodgers if so inclined. San Francisco has an excellent TV situation and has now paid off more than half its debt on its beautiful franchise-owned AT&T Park...MORE

RED SOX SIGN SMOLTZ, PENNY, AND BALDELLI (Boston Herald)
The Yankees may be spending the big buck, but the Red Sox are going bargain shopping in this slow baseball economy.  With the signing of outfielder Rocco Baldelli, and deals with starters Brad Penny and John Smoltz, as well as first baseman-outfielder Mark Kotsay close to being finalized, the Red Sox' offseason kicked into another gear yesterday. Considering the Yankees already entered hyperspace with three high-profile signings at the end of last year, the Red Sox’ non-splashy entry, with catching still on the docket, puts the three-way American League East battle in 2009 with the Yankees and Rays into better focus...MORE

GIAMBI RETURNS TO OAKLAND (Oakland Tribune)
Athletics signed first baseman Jason Giambi, who had been with the Yankees, to a one-year, $5.25 million contract with a club option for 2010. Giambi, who already received a $5 million buyout from the Yankees, will make $4 million this season. The option for 2010 is worth $6.5 million and includes a $1.25 million buytout.  Giambi batted .247 with 32 home runs and 96 RBI in 145 games with New York last year, reaching the 30-homer plateau for the eighth time in his career. He tied for eighth in the American League in home runs and was second in at bats per home run (14.3) and at bats per RBI (4.8)...MORE

YANKEES READY TO DEAL OUTFIELDER? (FoxSports.com)
Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com reports that the Yankees would prefer to trade Xavier Nady rather than Nick Swisher for three reasons, according to a rival executive. Swisher is A) under control for four years and Nady only one, B) a switch-hitter while Nady is right-handed and C) a more versatile defender, playing all three outfield positions and first base. Nady does not play center...MORE

METS ADD A STARTER (ESPN.com)
The New York Mets have agreed to a one-year, $2.2 million contract Friday with free-agent starter Tim Redding, a baseball official told 1050 ESPN New York's Andrew Marchand. He must pass a physical before the deal will be official. Redding, 30, posted a 10-11 record with a 4.95 ERA in 182 innings covering 33 starts with Washington last season. The right-hander has a career record of 34-51 in seven seasons with Houston, San Diego, the Yankees and Nationals...MORE

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Wow, what a series the ALCS turned out to be. The upstart Rays outlasted the experienced Red Sox and they did it in thrilling fashion. I have a tough time remembering a playoff series with more roller coaster rides.

The Rays had everything locked up on Thursday night in Game 5. They were up 7-0 at the 7th inning stretch and needed just 9 outs to get to the World Series, but the Red Sox weren't having it. They made the amazing comeback on that night and forced a Game 6. Boston carried that momentum in Saturday night's action and pulled out a 4-2 win on the road, evening the series at 3-3.

Everybody figured that after collapsing in Fenway and allowing the Red Sox to even things up that the unexperienced Rays would fold in Game 7, but they had different plans.

"To play these guys and to be able to do that versus the Red Sox really is actually a little bit more special based on where they've come from over the last couple years and what they've done," said Rays manager Joe Maddon. "It's a tremendous benchmark for us to compete against them and actually win." 

Matt Garza for the second time in the series outpitched Boston ace Jon Lester as he allowed just two hits and a run, walked three and had nine strikeouts over seven-plus innings on his way to earning the ALCS MVP award.

As good as Garza was, it was rookie David Price that blew me away as he did to the Boston hitters as well. Keep in mind the 22-year old didn't even make his Major League debut until September and only pitched one innning of work in this series. He came in the 8th inning with the bases loaded and got the biggest strike out of his life, fanning J.D. Drew. The left hander returned for the 9th inning , walking Jason Bay and striking out Mark Kotsay and Jason Varitek before getting pinch-hitter Jed Lowrie ground into a game-ending force play.

"I felt really good about David tonight," said Maddon. "This young man is composed beyond his years, he really is, and I think you've all had a chance to understand that if you've even had one conversation with him." 

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I left the bar it was 7-0, I didn't even think about turning it on when I went home. The fact that the Red Sox scored 8 runs in three innings is not only amazing, it could doom the Rays and their World Series hopes.

The comeback Boston made on Thursday night ranks with any for the greatest in playoff history. They look beat, they looked finish. The celebration was ready to rip in bars all across Tampa, but the Terry Francona's team did the unbelievable.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the comeback was the second largest in postseason history, eclipsed only by the Philadelphia A's rallying from 8-0 down to beat the Cubs in the 1929 World Series. But no team facing postseason elimination had ever come back from seven or more runs down.

"I mean, a loss and we stay home," Francona said. "I can't say [most of] the game was exciting, because the first six innings, we did nothing. They had their way with us every way possible. And then this place became unglued, and we've seen that before. But because of the situation we're in, it just -- that was pretty magical."

Can the young Tampa team overcome and win one of the potential two games left as the series shifts to Tropicana Field?

They will have the home crowd behind them and their ace James Shield on the mound when the series continues on Saturday night. The Red Sox will counter with Josh Beckett. If Tampa can't slow Boston down and this goes seven, I don't like their chances.

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