Game Two of Doubleheader

[OrieGirl]

And I apologize in advance for the errors in this report. Will already pointed them out to me.

Look Folks! It’s me again. Welcome back to another Rachael edition of UTK. I promise that Will returns tomorrow. Until then, sit back and enjoy the second game of this doubleheader.

First off tonight, I’ll start with the trivia. Last night’s question proved to be quite a challenge. When I went digging for a question/answer, I didn’t stop to think that there may actually be more then one correct answer. The answer I had been looking for was Fred Merkle, but I’m also accepting the answers of Terry Pendleton and Rube Marquard. So, I’d like to give credit to subscribers Brian Walton and the subscriber whose email is chinmusic . I apologize for not getting your name to be able to give you proper credit! Both of them answered the question correctly first.

So, let’s try a new trivia question tonight. I’d also like to remind everyone that if you do respond to my trivia question, to please click on the link for my email and not to hit reply. Will gets the emails when you hit reply and he won’t know the answers.

Who was the American League player who batted .333 lifetime and collected 3,311 hits, but didn’t win any batting titles? If you know the answer, please feel free to send me an email at bunnybams@aol.com

Ok, now I usually try to keep the Saturday editions somewhat lighthearted and quirky like myself, but tonight I’m afraid I can not do that. I’ve unfortunately had a couple of nerves struck with me today when it comes to baseball. So, I feel I must share my thoughts.

Let me start with Selig! I have yet to say anything bad about him in my reports, but I’m not holding my tongue tonight. Bud who was attending a journalism conference this weekend claims that the Twins winning season is clearly an aberration. Could he be any more insulting? The Twins have the biggest lead of any of the divisions, but he still refers to them as a “small market” and believes that they have no hope of being able to pay their top players next season even if they do move to a new stadium. He also feels that they are still clearly a choice for contraction. And what if they win the World Series? What then Bud? This is what I dislike about baseball. It’s not just a sport. It’s not just a game. It’s big business. Bud and his thugs are all ready to whack the Twins. When is someone going to whack Bud “the idiot” Selig??

Now, let’s get to my next issue at hand. I reported last night that Carlos Zambrano was put on the DL with a sore right bicep. Well, Zambrano is now suspended. A few months ago while he was down with the Iowa club, he was involved in a fight the led to various suspensions on both teams. Carlos had been appealing his suspension since then, but now that he is on the DL he has decided to drop his appeal. Sure! Why not use the fact that you won’t be playing any way to get your inevitable suspension over with?? Where is the justice in this? He got in a fight and deserved to be suspended along with the other players who served suspensions down in the minors for this same fight. This really bothers me. What has happened to the discipline in baseball? I used to believe that baseball was more pure then other sports, but this season is causing me to feel otherwise. The fact that this happened on the Cubs team only serves to disgust me more.

Whew! I’m ready to move on to the news now…

Juan Gonzalez of the Texas Rangers was placed on the DL this weekend with a sprained thumb ligament may now actually be out for the rest of the season. Gonzalez is naturally frustrated and hopes to return later in the season, but is being realistic. He has had a less then exceptional season thus far. If he does return, let’s hope that he’ll bring his hitting back with him.

The Yankees report that Mariano Riverawill hopefully be returning to the rotation later this coming week. Rivera threw twenty pitches on Friday and appeared to have no problems with his shoulder. He will make a rehab appearance before being reactivated.

This isn’t injury news, but it’s news none the less. Darin Erstad , who could have been a free agent at the end of the season, signed a four year extension with the Angels this weekend. The contract is reported to be worth thirty-two million dollars. Sheesh! The man is a year younger then me and let’s just saying making a HECK of a lot more money then me. Do we know if he’s single??

Roberto Alomar left after the first inning of game two in a doubleheader this evening. He appears to be suffering from a strained left groin. No news on his status yet. Can I just say that I’m really glad I don’t have to deal with that kind of injury? Ow!

Ok, so Vinny Castilla who has been in a SERIOUS slump lately has now found his way to the DL with a sore right wrist. The Braves certainly got lucky because Wes Helmswho is playing in Castilla’s absence hit a grand slam. Some teams get all the breaks don’t they? Andruw Jones was also scratched from today’s game with pains in his left shoulder and wrist. With the way Jones dives for balls, it’s not a surprise that he’s hurting. The Braves can stand to give him a day off in hopes of keeping him healthy for the playoffs.

Brad Radke,who has been on the DL since May 31st, is finally scheduled to return to the Twins rotation. Radke had been suffering from an injured groin for the majority of the season. The Twins are hopeful that he will not find his way back to the DL any time soon. They’d certainly like to have him around for post-season play.

The player who wins my “Loving The Last Name” title this evening is Rob Mackowiak of the Pirates. Rob is currently day to day after having to leave today’s game in the first inning with a strained left oblique.

The Mets also pulled Edgardo Alfonzo from today’s second game due to a pulled muscle in his left side. His status is currently day to day. I can’t imagine playing one game in this incredible heat. I don’t envy the players who played two today.

Marty Cordova of the Expos missed today’s game with a sore foot. Cordova has been in a slump lately and his foot has reportedly gotten worse while on the road. Funny how players who are in slumps are finding themselves hurt today.

The Indians reactivated Ellis Burks today. Burks had been out with a strained left shoulder for the past four or five games.

And I’m going to end tonight’s news on a high note. Barry Bonds is quickly approaching the 600 marker. He hit his 597th homerun tonight against the Pirates. I’ve never personally been a Bonds fan, but I have to say “Wow!”. Go Get ‘Em Barry!

Alrighty, that it’s for my doubleheader. I hope you all have enjoyed this double dose. If you have compliments, please send them to me. If you have complaints, Will is your man. Now, head on over to netshrine.com and join in all the different baseball discussions. Baseball is a sport that is meant to be shared and discussed.

I am outta here! Be Good To Each Other!