Francisco Rodriguez tops the list of best closers so far this season. He’s had at least 40 saves the last three seasons and looks to be well on his way to another. Jonathon Papelbon, Joe Nathan and Jason Isringhausen aren’t far behind.
Trevor Hoffman and Brian Fuentes find themselves surprisingly at the bottom of this list, while Brandon Lyon and Brian Wilson inch closer towards the top. Read more »
In a surprising move, the Cincinnati Reds sent Josh Hamilton and his feel-good story to the Texas Rangers for pitching prospect Edinson Volquez over the winter. The decision has turned out to be a win-win for both clubs, with Hamilton hitting the cover off the ball in Arlington and Volquez leading the National League in ERA, even before his seven shutout innings against the Cubs on Wednesday afternoon.
Volquez garnered significantly less attention than teammate Johnny Cueto early, who burst onto the scene with an outstanding spring and a dominant first outing. Though Cueto has just a tad more upside, Volquez features a similar repertoire and is already growing into a frontline big-league starter. Read more »
The Chicago Cubs bandwagon is making its way through your neighborhood, and there are a host of reasons to get on board. Look no further than the historical implications of the Cubs winning a World Series exacly 100 years since their last championship in 1908.
Then, move on to some of the good stories coming out of the team’s clubhouse. Derrek Lee, one of the game’s better guys, is healthy and producing again; Kerry Wood is back in a prominent role; and fiery ace Carlos Zambrano is at peace with the Cubs front office. Read more »
While Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins is nearing his return from the disabled list (sprained ankle), three other players from the National League East, including teammate Chase Utley, are duking it out with Lance Berkman and Rafael Furcal for early NL Most Valuable Player honors. Rollins, last year’s MVP, went on the DL for the first time in his career with a sprained ankle, but looked plenty healthy in going 6-for-8 in two extended spring training games at Class-A Clearwater this week.
Rollins is expected to make his return to the parent club Friday in San Francisco. A native of the Bay Area, Rollins told the Philadelphia Daily News that he would like to play at AT&T Park on Mother’s Day. The Phillies have been cautious with Rollins so far, and a three-game weekend set in San Francisco would be an ideal time to return. Diamondbacks ace Brandon Webb is scheduled to take the mound in Thursday’s series finale against the Phils, and Monday is an off day. Read more »
