It was on this day in 1970 that Roberto Clemente enjoyed his second consecutive five-hit day, becoming the first Major Leaguer in the 20th century to achieve 10 hits over a two-game span. The Pirates legend nearly outhit his opponents over the same stretch, as the Dodgers managed just 11 hits over those two games, both Pittsburgh victories.
With Clemente's Pirates back in a pennant race, here's the latest from the NL Central…
- It's unlikely that the Cubs will deal either Alfonso Soriano or Carlos Marmol in August, reports Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times. "The Cubs say they’re still open to making a move, but they have nothing in the works," Wittenmyer writes. Both players cleared trade waivers last week and Soriano already used his 10-and-5 rights to veto a deal to the Giants before the trade deadline.
- The Cardinals can make their offense more consistent in 2013 by relying on a number of internal options, opines Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The only external solution Gordon suggests is that the Cards pick up a veteran shortstop to share time with Rafael Furcal.
- Nine names have been rumored to be possible candidates for the Astros' managing job, reports Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. Of these nine, only Jim Riggleman has past experience managing in the Major Leagues; Heyman notes this aligns with GM Jeff Luhnow's desire for a more analytical approach to running the club, as detailed in a recent story by Tyler Kepner of the New York Times.
That tidbit about Clemente is mind blowing…
Who would the cardinals get as a backup? In terms of 2013 free agents, their in house options would be as good defensively, but there isn’t really a great offensive back-up option on the market
Astros should go oldschool – Art Howe
Talk about being typecast as a specific type of manager. Wonder how it feels to the cream of the crop name for rebuilding franchises.
They should But I would go With Phil Gardner. Also the fact Lunhow wants a more analitcal manager will only continue the problems that Millis had. analitcal is the reason Millis used 4 different picture for 4 batters to get 3 outs. THATS HALF THE BULLPEN!!! for young teams having an old school manager is for the best. because analytic managers give young players zero faith and zero confidence. I mean look how much Lyles has regressed because of an analytical manager.
Soriano?
Please no on Riggleman, he’s an awful manager. Luhnow hasn’t made any missteps this year, and I’m hopeful that he doesn’t start on the managerial hire.