Matt Garza

The game of baseball lost two old-timers this week, as beloved Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell passed away at the age of 92 and Hall of Fame pitcher Robin Roberts died at 83.

Harwell is best known for his 42 years broadcasting Tiger games, but before his career in Detroit, Harwell made history.  For this, I turn to wikipedia: In 1948, Harwell became the only announcer in baseball history to be traded for a player when the Brooklyn Dodgers' general manager, Branch Rickey, traded catcher Cliff Dapper to the Crackers in exchange for breaking Harwell's broadcasting contract.

Continue reading "Farewell to a pair of the game's greats"

Give that man a raise

Matt Garza deserves a significant bonus from his bosses.  Not only was he responsible for half of the Rays’ A.L.C.S. wins, but he pitched his heart out in the biggest game in the franchise’s history.  The Red Sox had the momentum going into Game 7, having won the previous two games including the huge comeback from seven runs down in Game 5, but Garza shut down their offense for 7+ innings, throwing 118 pitches.  But let’s not forget about Dioner Navarro, either.  He may not have the experience of Jason Varitek, but he calls a hell of a game.

Continue reading "A new kind of World Series"

James Shields was drafted in 2000, and Andy Sonnanstine in 2004. They traded for Matt Garza—ridding themselves of troublemaker (and extra outfielder) Delwyn Young—and Edwin Jackson, giving up Danys Baez and Lance Carter (both NLIPB). That’s some good swapping and drafting right there, and that’s their current rotation.

Continue reading "Hold On To Your Hats"

t Kazmir and James Shields will anchor a young rotation and will be joined by former Twins prospect Matt Garza. Carlos Pena, Cliff Floyd and Troy Percival should provide veteran leadership to help this young team through the grind of the Major Leage season. The Rays won't contend for the division this year, but could finish around .500 and prove to be problematic for the teams at the top of the division. With more talent from the minors on the way, especially top pitching prospects Wade Davis and David Price, Tampa Bay might be able to contend with the big boys in a couple of years.

Continue reading "American League East is a Beast of a Division"