Outcurve Sports

John Donovan of SI.Com has an article discussing baseball teams that are starting to panic. The mariners were the initial focus and than other teams were brought into the topic. The mariners are in last place and are starting to show signs of frustration.

To view the site, please click here:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/john_donovan/05/12/donovan.windup0512/index.html

Jim Sutliff

Joba Chamberlain blew the lead for the Yankees by giving up a homerun to David Delluci. The Yankees are banking on Chamberlain growing into a solid starter. The days of relief for Chamberlain are numbered and he will likely do the reverse of a former Yankee Dave Righetti. Righetti went from being a starter for the Yanks to becoming their closer.

To view a related article, please click here:

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/24493542/

Jim Sutliff

Wang won his sixth game as the Yankees defeated the Mariners.

To view a related article, please click here:

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601079&sid=azTwDFnuiRDQ&refer=home

Jim Sutliff

Barry Zito was bumped to the Giants bullpen. He has lost his first six starts and has an ERA the looks like a stock mulitple. It is likely that the move is only temporary until he finds his stuff and can return to the starting rotation.

To view a related article, please click here:

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AriOhLP4TcPOzwcUBgKaLuE5nYcB?slug=ap-giants-zito&prov=ap&type=lgns

Jim Sutliff

John Smoltz reached 3,000 strikeouts with help of a split fingered fastball. Making the 3,000 mark is a tough task in this age of baseball. The five man rotation has cut down on the number of starts for pitchers. Usage of specialty relievers have cut the number of innings per game. Minor league development has delayed entry to the majors.

To view a related article, please click here:

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/04/23/ap4922452.html

Jim Sutliff

Chase Utley homered for the fifth straight game to help the Phillies rally to a 9-5 win. His defense was also worth watching.

To view a related article, please click here:

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/04/22/ap4916690.html

Jim Sutliff

Jimmy Rollins of the Philadelphia Phillies was placed on the 15 day DL. The Phillies are likely to miss their MVP shortstop who has been productive over the years.

To view a related article, please click here:

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AoD1gAHlgd74cx8MMQMenPE5nYcB?slug=ap-phillies-rollins&prov=ap&type=lgns

Jim Sutliff

Major League Baseball has put some teeth in their drug policy. However, it still looks as though the bite might not be all that bad.

To view a related article, please click here:

http://www.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUSSP21604120080412

Jim Sutliff

The St.Louis Cardinals are off to a great start and some think that it won’t last. Their success is coming from an unexpected strength in the pitching staff.

To view a related article, please click here:

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8000126/Nice-start,-but-sustained-success-isn’t-in-the-Cards

Jim Sutliff

Tom Verducci at SI.Com has put together a list of Baseballs best of 2008. His picks include the Colorado Rockie Matt Holiday. Matt is expected to make a run at the MVP award this year.

To view a related article, please click here:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/tom_verducci/04/01/verducci.predictions/index.html?eref=T1

Jim Sutliff