Big Unit wins a big game

Big Unit wins a big game

Randy Johnson won his 300^th career game Thursday against the Nationals.  In a dominant performance, Johnson surrendered two hits, two walks and an unearned run, and needed just 78 pitches to get through six innings.  At the age of 45, the Big Unit became the second-oldest – and at 6’10” without a doubt the tallest – pitcher to reach the milestone.  Congratulations, Mr. Johnson.

Braves bid farewell to one of their own

Johnson is not the only active pitcher with 300 career wins, but he is now the only one under contract.  Unfortunately, the last great pitcher to accomplish the feat got some bad news this week.  In a surprise move, the Atlanta Braves released 43-year-old Tom Glavine on Wednesday.  The veteran southpaw has been around so long he was actually drafted the year before I was born, and outside of his five-year affair with the Mets (2003-2007), Glavine has been a Brave his entire professional career.

The power of Mauer

I know I wrote about Joe Mauer in my last post, but I don’t think I have a choice this time.  The guy hit almost as many home runs (11) in just 99 at-bats in the month of May as he hit in 521 at-bats in 2006, when he accumulated his highest single-season home run total (13).  For the month, Mauer’s numbers include a .500 OBP, an insane .838 slugging percentage, and 32 RBI’s in just 28 games.

How ‘bout that?

How about Raul Ibañez?  Signed to replace Pat Burrell in the Phillies’ lineup, the veteran outfielder has clobbered the ball since arriving in the City of Brotherly Love.  With 19 long balls, Ibañez is the second leading home run hitter in the majors, tied for second (and solely in first place in the National League) with 53 RBI, and at .699, is just ahead of Albert Pujols for the major league lead in slugging.

How about Trevor Hoffman?  He has very quietly shut down the opposition EVERY TIME HE HAS PITCHED THIS SEASON.  Hoffman, who is now 41 years old, not only is a perfect 14 for 14 in save opportunities, but hasn’t given up a run all year!  Having allowed just six hits and one walk (compared to 15 strikeouts) in 16 innings of work, Hoffman’s WHIP stands at an impressive 0.438.

How about the Dodgers?  The team that seemed to be in trouble when its heaviest hitter was suspended 50 games has been running away with the National League West.  At 37-19, they are eight games ahead of the second-place Giants and have a winning percentage of .661 – meaning for every loss they have (just under) two wins.  I know they’ll be happy when Manny returns, but considering the way they’ve been playing, I don’t think they’re missing him too much right now.

Mile High Baseball

I’m hoping to make my next post from the mile high city.  I’m flying to Denver a week from tomorrow and am planning to make my first-ever trip to Coors Field to see a Rockies game during my visit.