Latest Andru Edwards Videos
The most bizarre April game in MLB history
Posted by Adrien Griffin Categories: Athletes, MLB,
Peter Bourjos scored from second on a Maicer Izturis single to right field to end what can only be described as one of the wildest April games in MLB history. The Anaheim Angels took the 6-5, 14-inning victory from the Toronto Blue Jays in a game that took five hours and three minutes to play. The lead traded hands five times before settling at 5-5 after four innings. However, nobody could fully crack the bullpens. The game featured the use of 14 total relievers (including Angels starter Dan Haren), four double plays, three outfield assists, a combined 4-for37 with runners in scoring position and 26 runners left on base.
Click to continue reading The most bizarre April game in MLB history
Gallery: The most bizarre April game in MLB history
Advertisement
Jays win, Halladay loses…not your typical headline
Posted by Adrien Griffin Categories: Athletes, MLB,
The Blue Jays got their first taste of an opposing Roy Halladay on Wednesday when they made the short trip from Dunedin to Bright House Field in Clearwater. The Jays showed their appreciation for Halladay and his new Philly uniform by swatting balls left and right, touching up the ace starter for four runs in the first inning alone. However, Halladay was able to pick himself up in the show why he’s one of the best by striking out three batters in the second.
Click to continue reading Jays win, Halladay loses…not your typical headline
Gallery: Jays win, Halladay loses…not your typical headline
AL Silver Sluggers announced with few surprises
Posted by Adrien Griffin Categories: Athletes, Editorial, Kudos, MLB,
The American League Silver Slugger Award winners were announced recently, and six of the nine selections came out of the East, which further goes to show just how powerful – literally – this division is. The New York Yankees had repeat winners in Mark Teixeira at first-base and Derek Jeter at short. The Boston Red Sox’s Jason Bay was honored with his first, the Tampa Bay Rays’ Evan Longoria at third, and the Toronto Blue Jays each had first-timers with Aaron Hill at second and Adam Lind as the designated hitter. The rest of the league squeaked in Joe Mauer, catcher for the Minnesota Twins with his third, and Ichiro Suzuki from the Seattle Mariners and Torii Hunter from the Los Angeles Angels in outfield, with their third and first, respectively.
Click to continue reading AL Silver Sluggers announced with few surprises
Gallery: AL Silver Sluggers announced with few surprises
Marco Scutaro Walks to Score Runs
Posted by Adrien Griffin Categories: Athletes, MLB,
It’s no secret that on-base percentage is a stat on the rise – literally. It’s a cycle. The more a player can get on base, the more his OBP goes up, the more he’ll play, the more you’ll love him. One of the most effective ways to differentiate between batting average and on-base percentage is to look at the walks. In the American League alone, the list of walk leaders goes Jason Bay (71), Carlos Pena (67), Nick Swisher (65), and Marco Scutaro (64). Wait, Marco who?
Scutaro, the starting shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays this year is having a season like no other he’s had before, and he has the regular playing time to thank for it. His ability to take pitches has earned him a spot in the everyday lineup, which has earned him more walks. He does just about everything you want a leadoff man to do, and he does it well.
While his individual stats are average at best, he sits near the top of many leader boards for stats that help contribute to team wins, including walks, runs (75), OBP (.389), total bases (179) and strike outs (51). His ability to do the small things has helped the Blue Jays hover around the .500 mark in a season where their pitching staff has been plagued by injuries and the big bats have come up small. He and All-Star Aaron Hill have also combined to create one of the most effective middle infields in baseball this year.
The fact is that teams are made up of two kinds of players: Marco Scutaro’s, and everybody else. There are too many players who play for the individual stats, and it is history’s fault that the emphasis is placed on those numbers. Big name sluggers come and go. Team players win World Series.