Rodriguez: "It's from the rosin bag"

An allegation started when Internet photos showing a white substance under the bill of Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez's cap and the pitcher repeatedly touching his hat. Rodriguez quickly responded to the allegations in a chat with reporters yesterday. "It's from the rosin bag," Rodriguez said, showing reporters his cap before Thursday's game. "If that's illegal, why is there a rosin bag on the mound? You can come check me any time you want. I have nothing to hide." Mike Scioscia also talked about and came to the defense of his closer. "It's stupid — it's rosin," Scioscia said. "You touch the rosin bag and adjust the brim of your cap, chances are you're going to get a white buildup there. That's what it is." To his defense, Rodriguez does often grab the rosin bag between pitches or batters. Furthermore, many pitchers adjust their uniforms during the game and some every other pitch. Rodriguez was 2-3 last year with a 1.73 ERA and 47 SV. His breakout year came in 2005 when he had 45 SV with an 2.67 ERA.

Organiztion Report

ORG LVL PLAYERS                        AB  R  H  BI
ORG LVL PLAYERS                         IP  H  R  ER  BB  SO  ERA


ARI AA  Bonifacio, Emilio 2B  .......   6  0  2  1  .333

ARI AA  Gonzalez, Carlos RF  ........   5  1  1  0  .200 - 3B (1)

ARI AA  Rahl, Chris CF  .............   5  2  3  0  .600 - 2B (1)

ARI AA  Reynolds, Mark 3B  ..........   5  0  2  1  .400 - 2B (1)

ARI LoA Neighborgall, Jason P   ......   0.1  1  1   1   3   0  27.00

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ATL AA  Holt, J.C. 2B  ..............   4  1  2  0  .500

ATL AA  Jones, Brandon LF  ..........   4  0  2  2  .500 - 3B (1)

ATL AA  Lillibridge, Brent SS  ......   4  1  1  1  .250

ATL AA  Saltalamacchia, Jarrod C  ...   4  0  0  0  .000

ATL AA  Harrison, Matt P  ............   5.0  3  1   1   1   6  1.80

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BAL AA  Fiorentino, Jeff LF  ........   4  0  0  0  .000 - 3 Ks

BAL AA  Reimold, Nolan RF  ..........   4  0  1  0  .250

BAL LoA Snyder, Brandon 1B  .........   4  0  3  0  .750 - 2B (1)

BAL AAA Penn, Hayden P  ............   5.0  2  2   2   2   6  3.60

BAL AA  Hale, Beau P   ..............   6.0  1  0   0   1   5  0.00

BAL AA  Hoey, James P ..............   1.0  1  0   0   2   3  0.00 - S (1)

BAL LoA Beato, Pedro P  ............   5.0  2  0   0   2   6  0.00

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BOS AAA Moss, Brandon RF  ...........   5  1  2  4  .400 - HR (1), 2B (1)

BOS LoA Lester, Jon  P .............   4.0  2  0   0   1   5  0.00

---------------------------------------------

CHC AAA Pie, Felix CF  ..............   4  0  2  0  .500

CHC AA  Dopirak, Brian 1B  ..........   3  0  2  0  .667

CHC AA  Fox, Jake LF  ...............   4  0  0  0  .000 -  position change

CHC AA  Gallagher, Sean P ..........   5.2  4  0   0   1   5  0.00 - W (1-0)

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CIN AAA Votto, Joey 1B  .............   5  1  2  0  .400

CIN AA  Anderson, Drew 2B  ..........   5  2  3  0  .600 - 3 2B (3)

CIN AA  Dickerson, Chris CF  ........   5  0  5  0  1.000 - 2B (1)

CIN AA  Strait, Cody RF  ............   5  1  1  2  .200 - HR (1)

CIN LoA Stubbs, Drew CF  ............   5  0  2  2  .400 - SB (1)

CIN AA  Pelland, Tyler P ...........   4.0  7  2   2   0   3  4.50

CIN LoA Watson, Sean  P ............   5.0  7  1   1   0   6  1.80

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COL AAA Smith, Seth RF  .............   5  1  2  2  .400 - 3B (1)

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CWS AAA Gonzalez, Andy SS  ..........   3  2  2  2  .667 - HR (1)

CWS AAA Sweeney, Ryan CF  ...........   4  0  2  0  .500

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DET LoA Strieby, Ryan 1B  ...........   4  1  1  1  .250 - HR (1)

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FLA AA  Campusano, Jose LF  .........   4  2  1  0  .250 - 2B

FLA AA  Carroll, Brett RF  ..........   4  0  2  1  .500 - 2 2B (2)

FLA LoA Coghlan, Chris 2B  ..........   3  3  2  0  .667 - 2B (1), 2 SB (2)

FLA LoA Cousins, Scott RF  ..........   5  2  4  4  .800 - 2 2B (2), SB (1)

FLA AA  Delgado, Jesus P  ...........   5.0  4  1   1   3   4  1.80- W (1-0)

FLA LoA Taylor, Graham P ..   6.0  4  1   1   0   7  1.50

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KC  AAA Butler, Billy LF  ...........   4  1  2  2  .500 - HR (1), 2B (1)

KC  AAA Bannister, Brian P .........   4.2  6  7   2   3   3  3.86 - L (0-1)

KC  LoA Fisher, Brent P   ...........   3.0  3  2   2   2   3  6.00

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LAA AA  Arredondo, Jose P  ..........   1.2  2  2   2   0   1  10.80 - L (0-1)

LAA AA  Green, Nick P..........   6.0  4  1   1   0   7  1.50

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LAD AA  Dunlap, Cory 1B  ............   3  1  1  1  .333 - HR (1)

LAD AA  Elbert, Scott P  ............   6.0  4  3   3   1   9  4.50 - L (0-1

LAD AA  Orenduff, Justin P  ........   2.0  1  0   0   1   2  0.00

LAD LoA Kershaw, Clayton P   ........   2.1  2  2   1   6   2  3.86

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MIL AAA Braun, Ryan 3B  .............   3  1  1  0  .333 - 2B (1)

MIL AA  Moss, Steve CF  .............   4  0  3  1  .750 - 3B (1)

MIL LoA Brantley, Michael LF  .......   4  0  3  2  .750 - 2B, 3B

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NYM AAA Gomez, Carlos CF  ...........   3  1  1  0  .333 - 2B (1), SB (1), BB

NYM LoA Davis, Leonard 2B  ..........   4  1  4  4  1.000 - GS HR (1), 2 2B

NYM AAA Humber, Philip  P ...........   5.0  1  1   1   3   4  1.80 - W (1-0)
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NYY AA  Ehlers, Cody 1B  ............   3  0  0  0  .000 - 3 Es

NYY AAA Clippard, Tyler P  .........   5.0  4  2   2   2   3  3.60

NYY AA  Wright, Chase  P............   7.0  2  0   0   0   9  0.00

NYY LoA Norton, Tim  P .............   5.0  2  0   0   1   5  0.00

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OAK AAA Barton, Daric 1B  ..........   5  1  2  2  .400 - HR (1)

OAK AA  Baisley, Jeff 3B  ..........   4  1  1  0  .250 - 2B (1)

OAK AA  Putnam, Danny LF  ..........   4  1  1  3  .250 - HR (1)

OAK Windsor, Jason  P ..............   6.0  7  4   4   2   4  6.00
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PHI AA  Costanzo, 3B  ..............   4  1  1  1  .250

PHI LoA Monasterios, Carlos P  0.2  5  7   7   1   0  94.50

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PIT AAA Burnett, Sean  P ............   5.0  6  0   0   1   3  0.00 - W (1-0)

PIT LoA Hughes, Jared  P ...   5.0  5  0   0   0   4  0.00

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SEA AAA Jones, Adam CF  ............   3  3  1  3  .333 - HR (1)

SEA LoA Triunfel, Carlos SS  .......   3  1  2  1  .667 - 2 SB (2)

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SF  LoA Cowart, Adam P ....   5.0  4  1   1   0   4  1.80

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TB  AA  Brignac, Reid SS  ..........   4  1  2  1  .500

TB  AA  Longoria, Evan 3B  .........   4  2  2  1  .500 - 2B (1)

TB  AAA Hammel, Jason  P  ...........   5.0  0  0   0   0   5  0.00

TB  LoA Townsend, Wade P ..   5.0  2  0   0   1   6  0.00

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TEX AAA Diaz, Victor RF  ...........   5  1  2  2  .400 - HR (1), 2B (1)

TEX LoA Whittleman, Johnny 3B  .....   1  0  0  0  .000 - 4 BB

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TOR AAA McGowan, Dustin  P .........   5.0  2  1   0   2   8  0.00

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WAS AAA Broadway, Larry 1B  ........   4  1  1  1  .250 - HR (1)

Courtesy of Baseball America

Cubs Put Prior on DL

Iowa Cubs, that is. The Iowa Cubs announced today that pitcher Mark Prior will be place on the seven day disabled list for what they are calling, "shoulder fatigue." They are calling it fatigue because he is not ready to pitch yet. "If he needs another seven [days], we'll give him another seven," Hendry said. "Until he's ready to go five or six [innings]." After pitching for the first time in Spring Training in two years, the Cubs still felt he wasn't ready to go, and optioned him to Triple-A. Career wise, Prior is 42-29 with a 3.51 ERA. However, in 2003, Prior had 18 wins. Since 2003, Prior has had 18 wins with 17 losses compared to the six he had in 2003. He had a 2.43 ERA in 2003 and since then, he has a had a 4.97 ERA. Although many people see him returning to the bigs in May, it is much more likely to see him around June, possibly July.

NL Game of the Day: Nationals vs. Diamondbacks

Diamondbacks P Edgar Gonzalez (2-3, 4.22 ERA last season)



Nationals P Jason Bergman (0-2, 6.68 ERA last season)


Predicted Outcome: Diamondbacks over Nationals

AL Game of the Day: Red Sox vs. Royals

Red Sox P Daisuke Matsuzaka (17-5, 2.13 ERA with Seibu Lions)


Royals P Zack Greinke (1-0, 4.26 ERA; pitched in 3 games last season)


Predicted Outcome: Red Sox over Royals

Bonds Hits 735

In the first innings of tonight's Giants, Padres game, Barry Bonds connected on a Chris Young pitch and hit it into the first row in left center for his first homerun of the season, putting him 20 shy of tying Hank Aaron's homerun record. Bonds is entering his 22nd year in baseball, but as of late, he has been surrounded by questions of whether or not he has taken steroids. Has his race for 755 been tarnished? One thing is for certain, Bonds has become a average homerun hitter, with an average batting average.

FANTASY SUGGESTION: SINCE SLUGGING PERCENTAGE OR ON BASE PERCENTAGE IS NOT USED IN THE LEAGUES, DON'T BOTHER PICKING HIM UP, HE IS WORTHLESS OTHERWISE. HE WON'T HIT AS MANY HOMERUNS AND HIS RBI PRODUCTION WILL NOT OUTWEIGH THE FACT THAT HE WON'T HIT 40 HOMERUNS ANYMORE.

Lilly Lights Out in Cubs Debut

In his Cubs debut, Ted Lilly was looking like he was worth 40 million dollars. Lilly pitched seven innings, giving up three hits, one earned run, and struck out nine. Not only that, he picked up his first career RBI. Lilly, who came over from Toronto during the off season, is 60-58 in his career. Also helping Lilly, new Cub Mark DeRosa made an amazing defensive play and hit a two-run single in the eighth to give the Cubs a 4-1 lead. Lilly surrendered one walk to Griffey Jr.

FANTASY SUGGESTION: IF HE IS STILL A FREE AGENT, WATCH HOW HE DOES IN HIS NEXT FEW STARTS BECAUSE HE IS SOMEONE THAT YOU COULD NEED TO GET A COUPLE EXTRA POINTS TO BEAT AN OPPENENT LATE IN THE WEEK. HE EATS UP A LOT OF INNINGS AND IS ALMOST GURANTEED TO RACK UP STRIKEOUTS.

Sizemore Already Looking Like Star

The anticipation this year to see what Grady Sizemore could do is already drawing MVP buzz. Although it has only been two games, Sizemore is hitting .400 with 2 HR and 3 RBI. His first homerun came off the second pitch from Jose Contreras in the first inning and his second homerun gave the Indians the lead. Yes, Sizemore is a leadoff hitter but not only has he helped with his hitting in years past, but he is an incredible fielder which has held that outfield together since he has been with the Indians. Along with that, his leadership on the field cannot go ignored. Career wise, Sizemore is a .286 career hitter with 56 HR and 184 RBI in just four years with the Indians.

Grady Sizemore Projection

FANTASY SUGGESTION: SIZEMORE IS ALREADY A GREAT PLAYER AND WOULD NOT BE A FREE AGENT IN YOUR LEAGUE. HOWEVER, IF YOU ARE OVER LOADED WITH PITCHERS AND ARE LOOKING FOR A GREAT PLAYER, HE IS DEFINITELY A PLAYER TO CONSIDER. GREAT POWER, AND WILL NOT ONLY SCORE RUNS, BUT WILL PRODUCE THEM TOO.

NL Game of the Day: Braves vs. Phillies

Braves P Tim Hudson (4-3 with a 3.96 ERA in eight career starts against the Phillies)



Phillies P Cole Hamels (7-3 with a 2.70 ERA in his final 12 starts last year)


Players to Watch

Phillies 1B Ryan Howard hit 3 HR off Tim Hudson last Sept. 3


Predicted Outcome: Phillies over Braves

AL Game of the Day: A's vs. Mariners

Athletics P Rich Harden (4-0, 4.24 ERA last season)


Mariners P Miguel Batista (11-8, 4.58 ERA with Diamondbacks last year; third stint in AL)


Predicted Outcome: Athletics over Mariners

Carpenter Out Indefinitely

Cardinals ace and 2006 Cy Young winner Chris Carpenter will miss his next start for what the Cardinals are calling, "right elbow inflammation." Although Carpenter is not on the disabled list, it is uncertain if he will be ready for his next start after a full week off. "Obviously, anytime something's going on, it's one, frustration, and two, disappointment," Carpenter said. "Three, I don't know if it's alarming or not. I want to make sure it's OK. With that said, everybody I've talked to -- doctors, trainers -- are not alarmed. They don't think it's anything serious." If Carpenter was to miss a month at most, it would seriously affect the Cardinals because their pitching is already weak, and losing him would put them behind the new and improved Brewers, Cubs, and Astros! Assuming it is not to serious Cardinals fans, he will just miss one start and return to pitching but worst case scenario, this could turn out to affect the Cardinals 2007 season.

FANTASY SUGGESTION: DON'T DO ANYTHING YET, WAIT AND SEE WHETHER THE CARDINALS PLACE HIM ON THE DL, OR GIVE HIM MORE TIME TO TAKE ACTION. BUT IF THE CARDINALS DECIDE TO GIVE HIM MORE TIME, I WOULD CONSIDER SHOPPING HIM BECAUSE THAT MEANS SOMETHING IS WRONG AND HE WON'T BE THE SAME FOR THE IMMEDIATE PART OF THE SEASON.

Johnson Successful in Triple-A Outing

New Diamondback Randy Johnson had a successful minor league outing for the Tucson Sidewinders throwing sixty pitches over four innings. However, Johnson is still far away from joining the team. Not only will Johnson join Single-A Visalia to pitch next week, but the following week he will be back in Tucson for another game. And if all is well and there are no problems to report, he will then join the Diamondbacks. "We're giving him the normal progression going forward," manager Bob Melvin said before the team's game against Colorado on Tuesday night. "This is his spring training right now. We can't cut that too short." Yet, Melvin still thinks Johnson, 43, can be an elite pitcher. Although Johnson won't even be the number two pitcher, he is still expected to balance out the rotation and guide the young players throughout the season.

FANTASY SUGGESTION: IF HE IS STILL A FREE AGENT IN YOUR LEAGUE, PICK HIM UP NOW! RANDY JOHNSON IS BACK IN ARIZONA AND HAS A SOLID TEAM BEHIND HIM. I EXPECT HIM TO PICK UP ATLEAST 14 WINS AND BE ABLE TO LOWER HIS ERA FROM LAST YEAR. HE STILL HAS SOMETHING LEFT, AND HE WOULD BE A HUGE SLEEPER IF YOU COULD GET HIM.