Baseball Blogs Weigh In News & Rumors

On this date in 1997, the Expos retired Andre Dawson's uniform number 10 prior to their game with Atlanta at Olympic Stadium.  During his eleven-year tenure with Montreal, the future Hall of Fame outfielder once set the single-season club records for home runs (32), RBIs (113), and extra base hits (78).  Here's this week's look around the baseball blogosphere..

• MLB Injury News talks Matt Harvey and the innings limit.
• Puckett's Pond goes point/counterpoint on Glen Perkins.
• I R Fast breaks down Domonic Brown's 2013.
• A's Farm caught up with some of Oakland's top prospects.
• Replacement Level Red Sox makes the case for Nomar Garciaparra in Cooperstown.
• Talkin Sox With Dan defends John Lackey.
• Phoul Ballz interviewed Phillies outfield prospect Carlos Tocci.
• MLB Reports says Chris Davis and Manny Machado are poised for a big second half.
• Monkey With A Halo says the Angels need Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez.
• Baseball News Source looks at relievers that could be available after the deadline.
• Rays Colored Glasses wonders if David Price's injury means that he'll be in Tampa Bay next season.
• The Giants Cove examines four myths surrounding San Francisco.

If you have a suggestion for this feature, Zach can be reached at ZachBBWI@gmail.com.  

On this date in 2009, Mariano Rivera joined Trevor Hoffman in becoming only the second pitcher to record 500 saves. Rivera, who also registered his first RBI of his 15-year career that night, reached the milestone by getting the last four outs in the Yankees' 4-2 win over the Mets at Citi Field.  Here's this week's look around the baseball blogosphere..

• I R Fast looks at Ricky Nolasco's pitching with runners on base.
• Rays Colored Glasses sees Tampa Bay as a sleeper destination for Matt Garza.
• Phillies Nation tries to pin down what the Phillies could get for Chase Utley.
• Pinstripe Pundits sees Carlos Ruiz as a fit for the Bombers.
• i70 Baseball gives some credit to the Royals' pitching.
• MLB Reports discussed Kirk Gibson's managerial style.
• Lasorda's Lair wonders how many games it'll take to win the NL West.
• Baseball Hot Corner highlights some of the league's top rookies.
• NASORB checks out the fences at Safeco.
• WCB Sports breaks down a potential Marlins-Dodgers swap involving Nolasco.
• Replacement Level Red Sox talks situational pitching.

If you have a suggestion for this feature, Zach can be reached at ZachBBWI@gmail.com.  

On this date in 1998, Bill Russell was let go as the manager of the Dodgers and replaced in the dugout by Glenn Hoffmann.  Meanwhile, longtime GM Fred Claire was let go and Tommy Lasorda took over his job for the remainder of the season.  The shakeup didn't do much to help the Dodgers situation – they were in third on June 21st and finished the season in third behind the Padres and Giants.  Here's more from around baseball..

• Rumbunter Plus spoke with Pirates GM Neal Huntington on this week's podcast.
• The Tribe Daily asks if the Dolan family has smoothed things out with the Indians' fanbase.
• Lasorda's Lair sticks up for Juan Uribe.
• Pinstriped Bible looks at possible destinations for Phil Hughes.
• Blue Jays Plus discusses the rejuvenation of Brett Cecil.
• Feelin' Kinda Blue delves into the Dodgers' draft strategy.
• Baseball News Source gives some credit to Yankees reliever Shawn Kelley.
• Rays Colored Glasses dissects Wil Myers' strikeout issues.
• Sodo Mojo shines some light on Brad Miller.
• I R Fast asks if Yasiel Puig will be a superstar.
• Climbing Tal's Hill makes the case for Jason Castro getting elected to the All-Star team.
• Pinstripe Pundits sees Michael Young as a possible trade target for the Bombers.
• MLB Reports analyzes the trade market for Yovani Gallardo.
• A's Farm spoke with A's scouting director Eric Kubota.
• The Shea Faithful has ideas for optimizing Lucas Duda.

If you have a suggestion for this feature, Zach can be reached at ZachBBWI@gmail.com.  

On this date in 2002, a designated hitter was not used in a full slate of major league games for the first time since 1972 thanks to 14 interleague contests all being played in National League parks.  Here's this week's look around the baseball blogosphere..

• Lasorda's Lair looks at the emergence of Yasiel Puig.
• Rays Colored Glasses wonders how the Rays will make room for Wil Myers.
• Guy Speed discusses Greg Burke's sidearm delivery with Rick Peterson.
• Baseball News Source doesn't feel that Andy Pettitte is a Hall of Famer.
• Blue Jays Plus believes that it's time for a catching change.
• True Sport Blog wanted to see Ian Kennedy suspended for 25 games.
• Monkey With A Halo sees Jason Vargas as a trade candidate.
• NASORB isn't wild about the Mariners' promotion of Mike Zunino.
• MLB Reports looks the high-priced teams that could be finished.
• I R Fast delivers a scouting report on Jose Alvarez.
• Yankees Fans Unite worries that the Yankees have missed out on international free agents.
• MLB Injury News examines Bryce Harper's knee.
• Marlin Maniac spoke with Logan Morrison.
• Redbird Rants profiles Matt Carpenter.
• i70 Baseball asks if the Royals should buy or sell.

If you have a suggestion for this feature, Zach can be reached at ZachBBWI@gmail.com.  

On this date in 2001, the two Texas teams played one another during the regular season for the first time in major league history.  The Astros beat the Rangers, 5-4, in the first game of the Lone Star Series played in Arlington, Texas.  These days, it's a little less rare as the two teams are divisional rivals.  Here's this week's look around the baseball blogosphere.

• Kings Of Kauffman examines the Royals' defense and its impact on the pitching.
• Marlin Maniac spoke with Miami prospect Anthony DeSclafani.
• Guy Speed looks into how much luck helps in baseball with the help of Rick Peterson.
• Start Spreadin' The News talks Biogenesis and its implications for the Yankees.
• Blogging Mets suggests Andre Ethier for the orange and blue.
• A's Farm helps you get acquainted with Oakland's top three picks.
• Baseball Stooges says the Phillies must walk more.
• MLB Reports wonders how good the Diamondbacks' rotation can become.
• Replacement Level Red Sox breaks down Daniel Nava's hot and cold streaks.
• I R Fast discusses Henry Rodriguez.
• MLB Injury News asks if more can be done to prevent head injuries.
• AL Eastbound & Down goes hypothetical.

If you have a suggestion for this feature, Zach can be reached at ZachBBWI@gmail.com.  

On this date in 1965, an all-switch-hitting infield started a big league game for the first time ever.  In the nightcap of a twin bill, the Dodgers, with Wes Parker at first base, Jim Lefebvre at second, Maury Wills at shortstop and Jim Gilliam at third, lost to the visiting Reds, 6-1.  Here's this week's look around the baseball blogosphere..

• I R Fast scouted Giants hurler Michael Kickham.
• That Ball's Outta Here wondered if Domonic Brown is for real.
• Indians Baseball Insider profiled a Double-A outfielder in the Tribe's system.
• Bronx Baseball Daily explained the significance of a healthy Yankees club.
• Halos Daily remembered Chan Ho Park's dropkick.
• NASORB noted that Dustin Ackley and Kyle Seager are moving in very different directions.
• Phoul Ballz chatted with Phillies reliever Justin De Fratus.
• 108 Stitches gave a tip of the cap to Albert Pujols.
• Feelin' Kinda Blue introduced everyone to Dodgers prospect Julio Urias.
• The War Room broke down the Phillies' issues with some alliteration.
• Lasorda's Lair stood up for Tim Federowicz.
• Success With No Salary examined the Marlins.

If you have a suggestion for this feature, Zach can be reached at ZachBBWI@gmail.com.  

Talk about bonus baseball.  On this date in 1973, the Mets topped the Dodgers 7-3 in a 19-inning marathon.  L.A. outfielder Willie Davis racked six hits at Dodger Stadium and the two clubs established a National League mark by hitting into a combined nine double plays.  Here's this week's look around the baseball blogosphere..

• Rumbunter chatted with Pirates' second baseman Neil Walker.
• Pinstripe Pundits looks into the inconsistency of Phil Hughes. 
• The Giants Cove says that Ryan Vogelsong's injury can bring about changes in 2014.
• Kings Of Kauffman examines Eric Hosmer's swing.
• Sodo Mojo tries to gauge what Michael Bourn's value would be for the Mariners.
• Climbing Tal's Hill sees five Astros infielders that could be in it for the long haul.
• Rays Colored Glasses tackles the bullpen.
• MLB Injury News is hopeful that Joe Mauer can stay healthy.
• Steel City Buzz likes North Carolina third baseman Colin Moran for the Pirates.
• MLB Reports breaks down Will Middlebrooks' sophomore slump.
• Baseball Hot Corner talks mental toughness.
• Splice Today says the Cubs still have a ways to go.
• Southpaw Yakker spoke with Scott Proctor about baseball and his faith.

If you have a suggestion for this feature, Zach can be reached at ZachBBWI@gmail.com.  

On this date in 1978 while pinch hitting for Davey Lopes in the Dodgers' 10-1 rout of the Pirates, Lee Lacy went deep in the bottom of the eighth inning off of Will McEnaney.  Lee, a utility player, became first player in major league history to homer in three consecutive at bats as a pinch hitter.  Here's this week's look around the baseball blogosphere..

• On The Way Home wonders if the Phillies have seen the last of Roy Halladay.
• Eye On The Tigers talks Rick Porcello's improved changeup.
• Baseball Hot Corner believes a closer change could be coming in Los Angeles.
• MLB Injury News asks if Troy Tulowitzki should move to third base.
• NASORB looks at what the Anthony Rizzo extension could mean for the Mariners.
• I R Fast digs deeper on Jon Niese's problematic 2013.
• Lasorda's Lair fears this could be the end for Josh Beckett.
• Pinstripe Pundits breaks down Yankees DFA candidates.
• Camden Depot analyzes strikezone analysis for Orioles pitchers.
• A's Farm chats with pitching prospect Sonny Gray.
• Indians Baseball Insider attempts to get a read on Lonnie Chisenhall.
• Wahoo's On First is unhappy with Chisenhall's demotion.
• Feelin Kinda Blue brings us a scouting report on Ross Stripling.
• Halo Hangout tells Howie Kendrick to swing away.
• Kings Of Kauffman tries to pin down pitching overachievers and underachievers.
• WCB Sports says the Dodgers should give Zach Lee a chance.
• Baseball News Source believes that Joba Chamberlain should be traded out of need.

If you have a suggestion for this feature, Zach can be reached at ZachBBWI@gmail.com.  

On this date in 1910, Billy Purtell earned the dubious distinction of becoming the first player in major league history to strike out twice in the same frame.  During the sixth inning of the White Sox 10-3 victory over Washington, the third baseman struck out twice against future Hall of Famer Walter Johnson.  Here's this week's look around the baseball blogosphere..

• Pinstripe Pundits looks at how the Yankees have performed vs. their ZiPS projections.
• A's Farm caught up with top prospect Michael Choice.
• Prospect Insider tries to figure out Felix Hernandez.
• Climbing Tal's Hill makes the case for Brian Wilson.
• I R Fast evaluates Mark Buehrle's past and future.
• Phoul Ballz spoke with Cameron Rupp, who has some things in common with Carlos Ruiz.
• The Shea Faithful wants you to cut Lucas Duda some slack.
• Jays Journal wonders if the J.A. Happ injury will lead to change in MLB.
• MLB Reports gives Ryan Howard some dap.
• That Ball's Outta Here explains why Roy Halladay's surgery isn't such a big deal.
• Grading On The Curve credits the Marlins for ignoring service time concerns.
• Baltimore Sports And Life looks at the correlation between catcher performance and rest.
• Camden Depot breaks down Nate McLouth's offensive resurgence.
• Talking Sports examined the offseason's contract extensions.
• The Baseball Big Brother Project wonders if Carlos Santana is hitting his stride or just lucky.

On this date in 1947, Brooklyn Dodgers manager Branch Rickey traded five players to the Pirates for Al Gionfriddo and $100K.  Some believed that the deal was made to send a message to the team about his commitment to breaking the color barrier and his support of Jackie Robinson.  Here's this week's look around the baseball blogosphere..

• Redbird Rants spoke with Cardinals great Ozzie Smith.
• A’s Farm talked about top prospects with A’s Director of Player Personnel Billy Owens.
• Shutdown Inning looks at trade comps for Giancarlo Stanton and David Price.
• MLB Injury News breaks down Gavin Floyd's injury.
• MLB Reports wants to see Zack Wheeler called up right away.
• On The Way Home is excited about Carl Crawford's resurgence in L.A.
• Marlins Maniac asks if this year's Miami team is as bad as the 1962 Mets.
• Baltimore Sports And Life discussed Dylan Bundy's injury and treatment plan.
• Camden Depot talks Chris Davis' improved plate discipline.
• Baseball Hot Corner spoke with Babe Ruth's granddaughter.
• Steel City Buzz says next year's Pirates won't have any more excuses.
• i70 Baseball welcomes Carlos Martinez to St. Louis.
• AL Eastbound & Down wonders when it'll be time to start worrying about the Blue Jays.
• I R Fast talks Wil Myers' plate discipline.

If you have a suggestion for this feature, Zach can be reached at ZachBBWI@gmail.com.