PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Hanley Ramirez, Florida Marlins, SS
Not that long ago, critics were wondering where Ramirez’ usual stellar play had gone. Be careful what you ask for. Entering the weekend, Ramirez has batted .517 (15-for-29) over his previous seven games– raising his average to a National League-leading .348. The young shortstop has driven in at least one run in each of his past 10 contests. In his last series in Baltimore, Ramirez went 6-for-13 with 11 RBI and then vaulted the Marlins into second place in the NL East when his a 3-for-4, 4-RBI performance provided the winning runs against the Nats on June 30.
HE SAID WHAT?
“We know that they’re looking to the future, which doesn’t say much about 2009. That’s probably what’s so shocking. We’re five games out, and we lost two or three of our everyday players.”
— Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson criticizing management for the timing of its latest trades.
EXAMINER POWER RANKINGS
Rank, Team, Comment, Prv.
1. Dodgers » Manny’s return can only make this team better. 1
2. Red Sox » Blowing big lead to O’s won’t bother them. 2
3. Yankees » A-Rod’s back on track … and so are the Yanks. 5
4. Rays » The hottest team is just five games out in AL East. 8
5. Tigers » Still struggling with offensive production. 4
6. Angels » Best in majors in terms of team batting average. 7
7. Cardinals » Like a thoroughbred, Pujols eying Triple Crown. 3
8. Giants » Tim Lincecum makes them under-the-radar contender. 12
9. Brewers » In crowded NL Central, Brew Crew edging rest. 10
10. Phillies » Jimmy Rollins in the midst of career-worst slump. 11
11. Blue Jays » Ten-game road swing heading into break. 6
12. Rangers » Team expects Josh Hamilton to be back on Saturday. 9
13. Rockies » Jason Marquis first NL pitcher to notch 10 wins. 15
14. Twins » Joe Mauer flirting with the .400 mark. 16
15. Mariners » Ichiro on pace for another 200-hit campaign. 18
16. Marlins » Doesn’t everyone look good when they play the Nats? 19
17. Mets » Using a AAA lineup … and who knows when stars return. 14
18. Cubs » In a fight between Lou and Milton, side with Lou. 13
19. Reds » Against Arizona, Johnny Cueto allowed one hit in six. 17
20. White Sox » South Siders a reversal of North Siders’ fortune. 20
21. Braves » Not even the flu has been able to stop Tommy Hanson. 21
22. Astros » How in the world is Houston still a contender? 22
23. Pirates » Where prospects go to be traded when they get good. 24
24. Orioles » Against Boston, turnabout was fair play. 23
25. Athletics » Jack Cust leads club in homers, RBI and runs. 25
26. Royals » Greinke likely to be AL starter at All-Star Game. 27
27. Padres » Ailing Adrian Gonzalez the last thing they need. 26
28. Indians » So long Mark DeRosa. More to go soon? 28
29. Diamondbacks » Dan Haren pitching great for a lousy offense. 29
30. Nationals » Washington: first in war, first in peace, last in NL East. 30
STORY LINES
1. Cubs blowing a fuse » Lately, the Chicago Cubs aren’t doing anything quietly. On May 27, Carlos Zambrano had an impromptu fight with a Gatorade machine in the dugout after being ejected. Less than a month later, they won a trio of games over the White Sox and Indians in spectacular fashion. That proved to be an anomaly, because the Cubs haven’t had much go right lately. And now, manager Lou Pinella is arguing with umpires and oft-troubled player Milton Bradley. The Cubs were the popular pick to win the National League pennant and, so far, aren’t living up to it. But their division is up for grabs, which means Chicago has plenty of time to right themselves.
2. Trade market a bear one » It could be a quiet July when it comes to wheeling and dealing. A rough economy makes teams apprehensive to potentially sign lucrative contracts to players that may not pan out. Also, a number of teams are still in contention. On July 1, 19 teams were within five games of their division’s lead. However, among those selling are the Pittsburgh Pirates, who sent Eric Hinske to New York, and the Cleveland Indians, who shipped Mark DeRosa to St. Louis. There are grumblings about the Tribe trying to execute a deal for Cliff Lee. He most likely won’t resign when he becomes a free agent and there are plenty of clubs who are desperate for starting pitching. The top hitting commodity is likely to be Oakland’s Matt Holliday. However, the A’s probably won’t trade him unless they get a great offer.
3. All-Star lineups announced » Aside from the final roster spot in each league, the All-Star selections — both starters and reserves — are set to be revealed on Sunday. Several of the starting spots were still up for grabs when voting ended on Thursday evening. One of the tightest races takes part at second base in the AL, where — as of the final vote update on Tuesday — Ian Kinser led by fewer than 7,000 votes over Dustin Pedroia. At first base, a three-way battle is taking shape. Kevin Youkilis, Mark Teixeira and Justin Morneau are separated by about 400,000. And while all of the previously mentioned players are likely to take part in the contest on July 14, there will be a share of snubs.
KEY SERIES
Dodgers at Brewers (Friday — Sunday) » The Brewers are atop a muddled picture in the NL Central, as all six division teams are within at least seven games. Los Angeles, on the other hand, possesses the best record in baseball and has one of the top storylines of the year. Manny Ramirez returned from suspension on July 3 after violating the league’s drug policy. Even with the absence of their best player, the Dodgers barely broke stride. Manager Joe Torre has brilliantly guided his club through stormy waters and is on cruise control to the postseason.
