Player of the Week
Joe Mauer, Twins
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Thanks to the purple messiah resurrecting in Minnesota to play quarterback for the local football team, Mauer’s recent accomplishments got pushed to the back page of the sports section. His 15-game hitting streak came to a close Wednesday. However, he still sports the best batting average in the majors. Over the past two weeks, he’s hit in the .500 range. The Twins catcher had seven hits in a three-game set versus Cleveland. On Aug. 18 at Texas, Mauer drilled two home runs and went 3-for-5. Minnesota may not be winning its division, but the club’s premier player should gather some hardware — MVP, perhaps? — at year’s end.
Quote
“It’s been a pretty consistent flow of back and forth, and obviously the last couple of hours — and specifically the last 45 minutes — the energy level ramps up. And it gets a little exciting.”
— Nationals GM Mike Rizzo on the signing of top draft pick Stephen Strasburg just prior to the Monday night deadline.
Story Lines
1. Believing in Stephen? » With the signing of $15-million stud prospect Stephen Strasburg, the Washington Nationals get a much-needed public relations boost and the great potential of an ace pitcher. One must take into consideration the rough history that high draft picks — especially pitchers — have had in the recent past. Todd Van Poppel didn’t live up to the expectations that observers or the Oakland A’s had. The Cubs shelled out $10.5 million for Mark Prior. We know how that turned out. There’s no doubt tons of pressure will be put on the former San Diego State standout, knowing what he did on the college level. But with baseball people touting Strasburg as one of the best prospects ever, he just may override the negative trend.
2. Having a (bean)ball » The rash of plunkings to the head has been a mix of malicious intent and innocent lack of control. The Red Sox and Tigers recently traded beanballs and barbs in a brawl — resulting in suspensions for Rick Porciello and Kevin Youklils. Last Saturday, there was a trio of victims. Texas’ Ian Kinsler was drilled, but was OK. The Mets’ David Wright (hit by a Matt Cain offering) and Dodgers pitcher Hiroki Kuroda (struck by a line drive) weren’t as fortunate, suffering concussions. What does Saturday mean for future safety in baseball? Not much. Granted, they’re planning to implement newer, more-cushioned helmets, but they’ve been planning for a while. Just chalk up the duck-for-cover weekend to a dangerous and unfortunate coincidence.
3. National Power » In terms of hierarchy in the National League, what goes up must come down. That’s the case right now, as the Los Angeles Dodgers see others getting closer in their rearview mirror. L.A. ran away from the competition up until early July. Now, not only is their status as best in the NL shaky, but the Dodgers’ division lead is shrinking by the day. The NL East-leading Phillies have gotten a boost from Cliff Lee. The Cardinals are lengthening their lead in the Central. Colorado, ahead in the Wild Card standings, came into Thursday just three-and-a-half behind L.A. in the West, with the Giants in hot pursuit. The Dodgers, on the other hand, are just 7-11 in August.
Series to Watch
Marlins at Braves (Friday – Sunday)
Every so often, Florida bucks the trend that money-spending teams always find the most success. Well, the Marlins, in the thick of the NL Wild Card race, are at it again. As of Thursday, Florida has a streak of 10 or more hits in 15 consecutive games. Their offense will take on the stout pitching of Atlanta. It isn’t the staff of the 1990s, but it’s doing enough to put them in playoff contention. Tommy Hanson (8-2, 3.05 ERA) is just 22. Derek Lowe is the old vet of this bunch. At 36, he leads the club with 12 wins.
