Player of the Week
Andrew McCutchen, Pirates
Recommended Stories
Just when you thought you couldn’t name a single player on Pittsburgh’s current major league roster, here’s one (and for most people outside PNC Park, the only one). The rookie McCutchen had just three home runs in his brief career prior to an August 1 game against the Nationals. It was double that amount at night’s end. McCutchen went 4-for-5 with a trio of round-trippers and six RBI to lead the Pirates to an 11-6 victory. He added another homer in the series finale, finishing with two hits in his four times at-bat. So far in August, the 22-year-old has posted a batting average over .400 with an OPS of 1.688.
Quote
“It’s just part of the game. Our premier hitter gets hit, and he gets protection. I understand [Prince Fielder] is frustrated, but you don’t take care of that after the game.”
– Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Russell Martin, following Tuesday’s game in which Guillermo Mota hit Brewers slugger Prince Fielder with a pitch.
Story lines
1. Instant upgrades » Players that contenders get at the trade deadline are expected to make an immediate impact on their new clubs. Several have fit the bill. Picked up in a trade with Cleveland, Victor Martinez has the ability to play catcher, first base or designated hitter. As of Thursday, the switch-hitter already has 10 hits in four games. Matt Holliday was just getting hot before fleeing Oakland. Now batting behind Albert Pujols in St. Louis, he may never want to leave. Holliday hit safely in his first nine games with the Redbirds. The Phillies made the biggest splash by getting pitcher Cliff Lee. He pitched a complete game against San Francisco in his Philadelphia debut.
2. Feeling the heat » As struggling clubs limp toward the end, several skippers may be seeing the end as well. Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker recently received a vote of confidence from owner and CEO Bob Castellini. But to anyone who understands the validity of a vote of confidence, it’s something that can be trusted as much as day-old sushi. Jerry Manuel is enduring a forgettable year with the New York Mets, but that’s mostly due to a litany of injuries. The Orioles have an exciting future, but Dave Trembley may not be around for it. Eric Wedge won the Manager of the Year award in 2007. Now, his Cleveland Indians are nearly 20 games under .500.
3. Strange brew » All he needed was a pitchfork and a torch. The Brewers’ Prince Fielder charged the Dodgers clubhouse following Tuesday night’s 17-4 loss. After Manny Ramirez was hit by a pitch in the seventh inning, L.A. reliever Guillermo Mota returned the favor — drilling Fielder with two outs in the ninth. Fielder had a confused look on his face, wondering what happened. Although the retaliatory beaning shouldn’t have happened, Fielder should have expected it. It’s an unwritten rule: you hit our star, we’re hitting yours. Fielder had to be restrained by teammates and security when he came to the clubhouse door. After retreating, reporters asked about the post-game tirade. He either deadpanned or developed amnesia, saying, “I don’t remember.” Too bad everyone else will.
Series to Watch
Red Sox at Yankees (8/6 – 8/9)
It’s hard to determine who needs this crucial series more. The Yankees are winless in eight tries against the rival Red Sox, but have greatly improved since their last meeting — all the way to the top of the AL East. New York posts a lineup that is second-best in runs scored and a pitching staff that has made great strides since the start of 2009. Boston has hit a skid ever since the All-Star break ended. The second-place Sox are coming off a two-game sweep at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rays, but are just starting to see the benefits of newly acquired Victor Martinez.
