Once just a Twins cast off Kyle Lohse has somehow won a stellar 12 games on the season for the surprising Cardinals by throwing 7 IP of 2-run ball last night against the Padres. He is clearly having a career year as he has never had an ERA under 4.18 (2005), and his best WHIP was in 2003 at 1.27. It would be conenient to say that it was because of switching leagues, but that happened in 2006 and that didn’t help (though it was to Cincinnati). One of the largest factors contributing to his amazing year is his career HR/9IP is 1.15, while this year it is at 0.64. I have a feeling that the second half will derail his fine year. It isn’t that I don’t think he is talent (the Twins held on to him for several years trying to fix his mechanics and his mental toughness because they knew he had [has] filthy stuff), but to prove that you are legit it has to last longer than a seasons half. If I owned him, I would trade him away, but at the same time if I were offered him I would run away like a diabetic would from rich, gooey, warm hot fudge with ghetto juice to wash it down. You are now warned from foolish endeavors with risky career seasons. Now on with the rest of the four game day:
Edgar Gonzalez- Went 2/4 with 2 runs scored, and a homer. Adrian’s older brother is trying to prove that he is just as strong. This Edgar is no Martinez as I said here now 30 year old is going to change what his minor league history says about his hitting ability.
Gary Sheffield- Trying to show everyone that he isn’t all washed up hit a 2-run homer in the top of the 2nd. I am not sure that he can prove to the league that he isn’t done. Shoulder surgery + his bat wiggle = imminent danger. Use at your own risk, in deeper leagues his is definitely worth the risk.
Johan Santana- In his first post all-star break (PASB) he proved that even the best pitcher in baseball isn’t always dominate, even if he is a proven PASB player. 4 IP, 5 R, and only 2 strikeouts. He continues to be plagued by the long ball giving up back-to-back solo homers to Adam Dunn, and Edwin Encarnacion. I think this was just an arbitration and that he will be back to his usually Cy Young worthy self for the rest of the year.
Johnny Cueto- Not that he did any better in his match up last night against Santana: 5.1 IP 6 runs, but did strike out 6. However, he also gave up 2 homers in his outing leaving the game in the 6th in line for the loss. As a rookie, he will live and die by how many homers and walks (had 3 last night) that he’ll give up. Look for more inconsistency from this young flamethrower.
Jake Peavy- Went 7 IP, but gave up 4 solo homers to Troy Glaus (2), Rick Ankiel, and Joe Mather (pinch-hit nonetheless) after giving up only 8 all season. I would be more worried if it was at Petco Park, but it wasn’t and his still k’d 7 without walking anyone.
Clint Barmes- With Jeff Baker going 2/3 with 2 doubles and 2 runs scored in the 2-hole, so Barmes goes an empty 2/4 from the 7th spot. Since coming off of the DL he is 13/63 with 3 doubles 0 homers, and 3 RBIs. Let’s hope this is signs to come or he will always be remembered as Dear Meat.
Francisco Cordero- It’s not often that I mention a closer, but when I do, you know they did something wrong, or are injured. Will for Francisco it was the former allowing the Mets to rally back from an 8-6 deficit. By blowing only his 2nd save of the season, the Mets win their 10th straight game. Not impressive and his 4 year $46 million contract looks awful on this pitiful Reds team. I could see him being dealt if the Reds, but then again you never know what the Reds were doing in the first place.
Adam LaRoche- Providing the only offense (2 RBI) the Pirates had on Thursday doesn’t mean a whole lot besides the fact that he is a top player in the second half. Look for his 2nd half numbers to be close to 30/10/45 .280, quote me if you want, but if you need help at first base go after him.
*this is my last post for a week as I am heading to my family’s cabin for some nice summer relaxin’. Peace out suckas,