Bedard Likely To Be Non-Tendered

All signs are pointing to the Seattle Mariners non-tendering starting pitcher Erik Bedard this offseason. Bedard had a tremendous year with the Baltimore Orioles last year, striking out 221 batters in only 182 innings before being shipped to the Mariners. The Seattle Mariners came in and offered a package centered around outfield prospect Adam Jones, and Baltimore had no choice but to accept the generous offer. Erik had a below-average 2008 campaign , disappointing plenty of Mariners fans with both his attitude and health, and forcing the Mariners hand into making this decision. Not to mention the fact that Bedard is still having arm problems and will miss the beginning part of 2009.

It's not final yet, as Seattle could still have some faith in a player that they gave up so much for. Erik wasn't terrible this year as he went 6-4 with a 3.67 ERA, but his multiple character flaws including not allowing the club to let him push his pitch count past 100 doesn't make Seattle too fond of keeping him.

Photo Courtesy: (Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Rays/Red Sox Tied for AL East Lead

The Boston Red Sox obliterated the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field tonight, blasting 6 HRs and cruising to a 13-5 win. The victory ties the Red Sox for first place in the AL East, and pushes the storybook Rays into serious pressure going into tomorrow's game. What's worse for Tampa is that their ace Scott Kazmir looked lost on the mound, serving up 9 earned-runs in 3 innings. He gave up home-runs to David Ortiz, Mike Lowell, Jason Bay and Jason Varitek, and didn't give the Rays a chance to win this game.

Josh Beckett and Andy Sonnastine will decide the AL East leader tomorrow, so look for an exciting game through-and-through.

Photo Courtesy: (AP)

Brewers Fire Yost

The Brewers are officially done with manager Ned Yost, firing the skipper earlier this afternoon. Yost served as Milwaukee's coach for the past 6 seasons, not making it to the postseason in either of those years. He received quite a bit of criticism for not confronting players who were slumping or having problems, and served as a lightning-rod for the media lately. Milwaukee personnel said that it was a strict ownership decision, and that they were not about to fall short of the playoffs like they did in 2007. Especially after acquiring CC Sabathia from the Cleveland Indians, you wouldn't expect this Brewers club to fall like they have been. Milwaukee and Philadelphia now sit deadlocked on the top of the NL Wild Card, both having the day off today.

Photo Courtesy: (AP)

Royals To Sign Furcal?

According to Baseball Prospectus, the Kansas City Royals are very interested in signing perennial free-agent SS Rafael Furcal. Rafael is finishing up his 3-year, $36M deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and has been hurt quite frequently during his stay in Hollywood. Furcal has missed most of the year, but was on fire earlier in the year with both the bat and the glove in the beginning of '08. No doubt theres tons of durability issues with Furcal, but he has the best short-stop arm in the league and will provide the Royals with an above average leadoff-hitter to pair up with recently signed Jose Guillen and youngsters Billy Butler and Alex Gordon. Still this report could be speculation, as the Dodgers might be interested in bringing him back and therefore taking him off the market altogether.

It'll be a very smart move for the Royals to pursue Furcal, as they could then move Mike Aviles to second-base and have a legitimately improved infield defense as well as an added dimension to the top of their lineup.

Photo Courtesy: (Luis M. Alvarez /AP Photo)

Big Z No-Hits Astros

Chicago Cubs starter Carlos Zambrano no hit the Houston Astros and lefty Randy Wolf on Saturday night, walking only 1 and striking out 10. After getting scratched from his last start, Zambrano came out throwing hard and making Houston look helpless. The game was played in Milwaukee's Miller Park, as the last two games between the Astros and Cubs were postponed thanks to Hurricane Ike. It was the first no-hitter in a neutral park since 1900, so Carlos pretty much made history. Congratulations to big Carlos Zambrano on the feat, which was the 2nd of the year following Red Sox hurler Jon Lester's back in May.

Photo Courtesy: (Morry Gash/AP)

David Price Makes Major-League Debut

The Tampa Bay Rays' prize possession made his major league debut today, as 2007 1st Overall pick David Price came in for relief against the New York Yankees. The left-hander, who's all but dominated the minor-leagues, went 5 2/3 innings allowing 2 earned-runs on 3 hits and no walks. He struck out 4 in the process.

It looks like Price might make a start sooner rather than later, as the Rays rotation has struggled the past few games (aside from James Shields' masterpiece).

Photo Courtesy: (AP)

K-Rod Saves Number 58

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim closer Francisco Rodriguez made history today, collecting his 58th save in 2008. The save gives K-Rod the major-league record for most saves in a season, passing the White Sox's Bobby Thigpen. He also did it with less blow saves, only letting 6 get away compared to Thigpen's 8.

Congratulations to Francisco Rodriguez, and it'll be interesting to see if he chooses to stay in Anaheim or if he'll move on for big money. New York Mets anyone?

Photo Courtesy: (AP)

Rookie Gives Mets Victory

After allowing the Braves to beat up on their bullpen in the first game of a double-header, the New York Mets came back with avengence and dominated the Atlanta Braves. The story of the night was rookie Jon Niese, the Mets number one rated prospect coming into this season. The 21-year old Niese went 8 innings allowing 6 hits, walking 2, and striking out 7. After getting attacked in his major-league debut for 5 runs in only 3 innings, he pitched a very strong game and lead his club to a 5-0 victory. Jose Reyes had a strong game, going 3-5 with a solo-HR, and David Wright and Carlos Beltran connected for HR's number 29 and 24 respectively. Atlanta falls to 66-83 and finds themselves out of the playoff hunt in 2008.

The Good: Niese pitching 8 terrific innings
The Bad: Atlanta starter Jo-Jo Reyes, who allowed 5 hits and 4 runs in 2 innings.

Photo Courtesy: (Julie Jacobson/AP)

Boston Exercises Okajima's Option

The Boston Red Sox will keep lefty set-up man and Japanese import Hideki Okajma with the Sox through '09, as they have exercised his 2009 option. The option was for a mere $1.75M, so it wasn't too tough of a decision for general-manager Theo Epstein and the boys.

Hideki has posted a 2.88 ERA with 52 K's in 56.3 innings this year, and provides a strong eight inning to bridge the gap to closer Jonathan Papelbon.

Photo Courtesy: (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Dunn-Arizona Haven't Talked Next Year

When asked if outfielder Adam Dunn has talked with the Arizona Diamondbacks on a possible contract extension, Dunn replied by saying that they have not communicated. He said he's also not worried, as we all know he's going to get his money after this year. Still, I have a feeling that Dunn might remain in Arizona as he provides them with a strong hitter in the middle of their order. Adam has 36 HR and 90 RBI this year.

Earlier in the year Cincinatti Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo said that the Reds traded Dunn because he was going to command $120-$125M in a deal, something that Dunn says is not true.

Photo Courtesy: (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)

A's Release Mike Sweeney

The Oakland Athletics have released 35-year old DH Mike Sweeney today, as they need to see what kind of youth they have for the 2009 season. Sweeney played well in April, before going down with a knee injury in May. He was attempting to return soon, but the prognosis wasn't too good, as he might need to have yet another surgery to fix that troublesome knee.

There shouldn't be too much more than a few minor-league contracts or spring-training invitations for Sweeney, who just cannot stay healthy.

Photo Courtesy: (MLB)

Wagner Needs Tommy John Surgery

Horrific news for the New York Mets today as closer Billy Wagner has found out that he will indeed need Tommy John surgery, ending his season this year as well as probably next year. Wagner will be a free-agent after next year, so his chances of pitching for New York again are extremely slim.

This opens up quite a bit of possibilities in the free-agent market this year, most notably Francisco Rodriguez. It seems like it would be a perfect fit for the 55-save man to go to the Big Apple, where he will definitely get paid. Still, Rodriguez made it clear he hasn't ruled out returning to Anaheim, and does New York really have enough money to bring in another huge contract, especially after paying Johan? If K-Rod fails the Mets, they could also reopen talks with Colorado for Brian Fuentes, and other smaller choices like Chad Cordero. They seemed to have interest even in Fuentes when they had Wagner.

Photo Courtesy: (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)

Chris Young Dazzles Brewers

It's been a long time coming for Padres pitcher Chris Young. This year hasn't been pretty for the 6'10" rightie, who took a liner off the nose from Albert Pujols earlier in the year and was on the DL for more than a few weeks. Still, his stuff was commanding on Sunday, leading the Padres to a 10-1 victory over the NL Wild Card leading Milwaukee Brewers. Young came 4 outs away from a perfect game, before allowing Gabe Kapler to hit a 8th inning homer. He still went all 9 innings allowing 2 hits and 0 walks, while striking out 5.

Tremendous game for Chris, who watches his ERA lower all the way down to 4.48. What's better is that it only took him 96 pitches to get through the entire game, so he shouldn't be fatigued coming into his next start either.

The Good: CY, 9 innings 2 hits 0 walks 5 K's earning his 5th win
The Bad: Padres leadoff hitter Matt Antonelli, who watched his average dip to .056

Photo Courtesy: (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Rangers Beat Up On Sox, 15-8

The Texas Rangers had yet another monster offensive showing tonight, blasting by Tim Wakefield and the Boston Red Sox, 15-8. Nelson Cruz had an amazing day, going 3-4 with 2 HR and 5 RBI and Mr. Hamilton added another 3 RBI of his own.

Boston fails to gain any ground on Tampa Bay, who also lost today. First-baseman Kevin Youkilis hit home-run number 25, but it wasn't enough to make up for the 7 earned-runs Wakefield allowed in a mere 1 2/3 frames.

The Good: Nelson Cruz, showing off the pop in his bat
The Bad: Boston starter Tim Wakefield, see above

Photo Courtesy: (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Sheets Goes Strong, Brewers Squeak By Peavy and Padres

Ben Sheets continued his dominant season Saturday night, throwing a complete game 1-0 shutout against Jake Peavy and the lowly San Diego Padres. Sheets allowed only 5 hits, walked 1, and struck out 7. He's 13-7 on the year, boasting a 2.82 ERA. As for Peavy, the Padres ace pitched a strong game. He went 7 strong, allowing a mere earned-run. It clearly wasn't enough though, as the Padres lose another.

Rickie Weeks had a good night, going 1-3 at the plate and making the "best play he's ever made" (according to Ned Yost).

The Good: Sheets. 'Nuff said.
The Bad: A Big 0-4 with 3 K's for Adrian Gonzalez

Photo Courtesy: (AP Photo/Bill Waugh)

Dodgers Take Over First Place

The Los Angeles Dodgers have retaken the National League West division for the first time since April 4th. The one man carnival known as Manny Ramirez hit a 3-R HR in the 5th inning off Arizona ace Brandon Webb, as well as a 2-R double off reliever Juan Cruz. Dodgers starter Chad Billingsley had a commanding performance, going 6 1/3 shutout innings while only allowing 4 hits and walking one. He added 9 K's, and strolled to his 14th win.

Something must be wrong with D-Backs starter Brandon Webb, as he's had 3 terrible starts in a row. Today he gave up 7 earned-runs in 5 2/3 innings, watching his ERA climb to 3.41. He's been stuck on 19 wins for the last three outings, and might not earn his 20th if he continues having outings like this.

Arizona will get another chance to regain first place tomorrow, as two rookies face off in Max Scherzer vs. Clayton Kershaw.

Photo Courtesy: (AP/Reed Saxson)

Zaun Sends Crushing Blow To Rays

Of all the heroes that could of hit a walk-off grand slam in the 13th inning off of the Rays closer, Gregg Zaun would have to be pretty low on that list. That didn't seem to phase him though, as the Blue Jays catcher indeed hit a big grand slam against the Tampa Bay Rays and closer Troy Percival.

The Rays squeezed out a 3-R 9th off Jays' closer B.J. Ryan, and had a 4-3 lead going into the bottom of the 13th. Percival then gave up 2 hits, walked Rolen, and then served up the blast to Zaun. This is quite the loss for Tampa, as they now have a mere 2 game lead in the AL East and thats without Boston playing later on today.

The Good: Zaun, going 3-5 with the big Grand Slam
The Bad: Closer Troy Percival, allowing 3 hits and 1 walk in 2/3 of an inning

Photo Courtesy: (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Rays Activate Longoria, Will Pinch-Run

The Tampa Bay Rays made it clear that third-baseman Evan Longoria was ready to play, as they activated him from the 15 day DL today. Longoria has been on the disabled list since August 8th, after being hit in the wrist by Mariners' closer J.J. Putz. Manager Joe Maddon said the 22-year old Longoria will be available as a pinch-runner today, and will likely take part in live batting practice Monday before Tampa takes on Boston in a crucial series. Expect him to be in the lineup on Monday.

Evan is hitting .278 with 22 HR and 78 RBI in 108 games this year, and is a top candidate to win the American League Rookie of the Year award.

Photo Courtesy: Al Tielemans/SI

Morrow 4 Outs Away From No-No, Mariners Defeat Yankees

Maybe every reliever should convert into a starting pitcher. It worked amazingly for Ryan Dempster, and has helped quite a few guys reinvent their selves. This time it was Seattle Mariners pitcher Brandon Morrow, who was actually Seattles' closer when J.J. Putz was injured. The Mariners felt that his young and talented arm was too good to waste away in the pen, deciding to send him down to the minor-leagues in order to convert him into to starter. They couldn't be happier. Morrow, in his first career major-league start, took a no-hitter into the eight inning. It was broke up with 2 outs in the inning, as Wilson Betemit connected on an RBI double. Still, Morrow couldn't of envisioned a better start to his "starter" career. In 7 2/3 innings he allowed the one hit and walked only 3, striking out 8 in the process. The Mariners cruised to a 3-1 victory, as J.J. Putz closed it out in the 9th for his 11th save.

The Good: Morrow, doing tremendous in his first career start
The Bad: Bobby Abreu/Alex Rodriguez/Jason Giambi, going 0-12

Photo Courtesy: (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

Quentin Fractures Wrist, Puts Season In Jeopardy

Chicago White Sox left-fielder and potential AL MVP Carlos Quentin broke his right-wrist somehow yesterday, and will have surgery to place a screw in the bone. It will sideline him for at least a couple weeks, and probably end his season. There's speculation that he could of broke it punching a clubhouse locker, or an incident where he slammed his bat on the ground after an at-bat. Either way, it's a sad reason to put your MVP candidacy and teams playoff chances in jeopardy.

Chicago begins a 3-game series with the Angels tonight, and have a 1 1/2 game lead over the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central.

Photo Courtesy: (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Iguchi Returns To Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Phillies have brought back second-baseman Tadahito Iguchi, who was released last week by the San Diego Padres. Iguchi struggled in San Diego, hitting .231 with 2 HR and 24 RBI before being released by San Diego. He did have quite the half year in Philly last year, hitting .304 with 3 HR 12 RBI and 6 SB in only 45 games after coming from the Chicago White Sox.

Iguchi will be ineligible to play for the club in the postseason, so the Phillies are hoping he can mash on the other NL East teams this month and propel Philly to October.

Photo Courtesy: (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

Twins Fail To Gain Ground, Drop One To Toronto

The Minnesota Twins ended their chance to gain a half game on the AL Central leading Chicago White Sox, losing 9-0 to Jesse Litsch and the Toronto Blue Jays. Litsch was spectacular, retiring 27 batters while only allowing 4 hits and walking 2. Minnesota forgot to bring their bats, getting only 1 player with more than one hit, that being center fielder Denard Span.

Minnesota falls to 1 1/2 games behind Chicago, and will start a 3-game series with the Detroit Tigers.

The Good: Jesse Litch, pitching tremendously and earning his 10th win
The Bad: Twins' starter Kevin Slowey, who allowed 10 hits and 3 earned in 5 2/3

Photo Courtesy: (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Nathan Denette)

Santana, Angels Cruise Past Detroit

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim continued their tune up for the playoffs, defeating the Detroit Tigers 7-1 in an afternoon delight. Angels' starter Ervin Santana pitched a tremendous 7 innings, earning his 15th win. Leadoff hitter Gary Matthews had an extraordinary day, going 4-5 with 2 runs and center fielder Torii Hunter hit HR number 20.

Detroit's pitching was once again terrible, witnessing left-hander Kenny Rogers pitch only 2 innings and allow 8 hits and 6 earned-runs. His 2008 ERA now sits at 5.49, and signs of his age are definitely starting to show.

The Good: Angels' rightfielder Gary Matthews Jr., with a 4-5 game
The Bad: Kenny Rogers, losing his 13th game on the year

Photo Courtesy: (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Dunn Propels D-Backs To Victory

The Arizona Diamondbacks were sure happy they made the Adam Dunn trade in early August. It has not only helped in the long-run, providing a number 4 hitter with legit power, but also gave them a 4-3 victory on this Wednesday night. Dunn hit a 2-run double in the bottom of the 9th off Cardinals' closer Chris Perez to give the Baby Backs their 71st win on the year. The Los Angeles Dodgers also won tonight though, so they couldn't stretch their 2.5 game lead.

Arizona short-stop Stephen Drew had another strong day, just two days after hitting for the cycle, going 2-5 with a igniting triple in the 9th. As for the Cardinals, free-agent signing Kyle Lohse pitched a strong 6 innings, giving up no runs and only 5 hits. He now has a 3.76 ERA on the year, much better than his career line was.

Rays' Lead Shrinking By The Day

The Tampa Bay Rays are feeling the September heat, today dropping the second consecutive game to the New York Yankees. The loss shrinks their AL East lead to only 3 games, as rival Boston won tonight. What's worse is that they are losing at home, the place where they have posted not only the best home record, but the best overall record in baseball. Gabe Gross provided a 2-R blast in the middle innings, but it wasn't enough to lose 8-4.

New York Yankees' third baseman Alex Rodriguez made history in the 9th inning of the game, hitting a home-run that barely stayed fair and forced the umpiring crew to be the first to use instant replay on the play.

The Good: A-Rod, going 3-4 with that monstrous 2-run HR in the 9th off Rays' closer Troy Percival
The Bad: Rays starter Edwin Jackson, who got attacked for 10 hits and 6 earned-runs in 3 1/3 weak innings.

Photo Courtesy: (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Royals Defeat A's

Let's shine some light on the teams who are out of the chase, but are still fighting hard. The Kansas City Royals and starter Zack Grienke defeated the Oakland A's and left-hander Gio Gonzalez 5-2. Greinke pitched a strong 7 innings, only allowing 2 runs. Kansas City's DH Billy Butler went 3-4 with his 10th HR and Royals' closer Joakim Soria continued his success by collecting save number 34.

The A's saw a strong game from first-baseman Daric Barton, who went 3-3 with his 8th HR on the year. Gio Gonzalez failed to impress in his 4th career start, going 4 innings and giving up 3 earned-runs.

Photo Courtesy: (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Mussina Wins Number 17, Rays Drop One To Yanks

The New York Yankees pulled a little closer to Tampa Bay tonight, defeating the Rays at home 7-2. Yankees' starter Mike Mussina was the story, going 6 innings allowing 10 hits but finding away to keep the Rays to a mere 2 runs. He got the win as Damaso Marte, Joba Chamberlain, and Dan Giese closed out the win. Mike is now 17-7 on the year with a 3.39 ERA. He's definitely the ace of this battered Yankees' staff, and will be a hot product if New York lets him go after this year.

Tampa Bay also loses a game in the AL East standings, as Boston demolished Baltimore tonight. The lead is now only 4 games, so Tampa must be careful if they want to solidify their first AL East crown.

The Good: A-Rod, going 2-3 with 3 runs scored and his 30th HR
The Bad: Rays' starter Matt Garza who gave up 6 runs, 4 earned, in 5 innings

Photo Courtesy: (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Percival Back Off DL, Will Close

The Tampa Bay Rays got a major boost today, activating closer Troy Percival off the disabled list for the 3rd time this season. It's been difficult for the 38-year old to get on the mound this year, but he's still found a way to compile 27 saves in only 30 chances and give Tampa the solid closer they need to prosper in both September and the postseason.

Third-baseman Evan Longoria should also be back soon, so the Rays will once again be 100% healthy coming into the stretch run.
Photo Courtesy: (Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Padres Release Iguchi, Tomko

The Padres have continued preparing for next year, releasing both second-baseman Tadahito Iguchi and pitcher Brett Tomko.

Iguchi hit a dismal .231/.292/.304 for San Diego after having a quality season for the Philadelphia Phillies last year. Luis Rodriguez will get the rest of the playing at second-base for SD. As for Tomko, the 35-year old pitched in 9.3 innings for San Diego and put up a nice 1.90 ERA. Still, the Padres don't have a hard time finding relievers and Tomko won't be around the league too much longer.

Photo Courtesy: (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

Beltre Hits For Cycle

Mariners' third-baseman Adrian Beltre hit for the cycle, going 5-6 with 5 R's and a big-fly. Beltre as well as Stephen Drew hit for the astonishing cycle today, making it the first time two players have hit for the cycle on the same day since 1920. Congrats to both Beltre and Drew!

Photo Courtesy: (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

Cliff Lee Wins Number 20

Cleveland Indians' left-hander Cliff Lee won his 20th game of the season, the first pitcher to accomplish the feat this season. He went the distance, only surrendering 5 hits while striking out 4. His ERA has slipped down to a major-league leading 2.34, and he's definitely got the AL Cy Young in the bag.

Indians' first-baseman Ryan Garko had a 2-4 night, and Cleveland won the game 5-0. White Sox starter Chris Richard lasted only 4 innings giving up 3 earned and earning his third loss on the year.

The Good: Lee, stealing the cake once again
The Bad: Indians' leadoff hitter Grady Sizemore, going 0-5 with 5 LOB.

Photo Courtesy: (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Drew Hits For Cycle, D-Backs Come Back on Cardinals

Boy did Stephen Drew have a night. The 25-year old short stop for the NL West leading Arizona Diamondbacks had a 5-5 night at the plate, hitting for the beloved cycle. Drew had a single, two doubles, a triple, and his 15th home-run of the year.

Randy Johnson didn't have a good night, going 3 2/3 innings allowing 4 home-runs and 6 earned-runs. He did strike out 8 though. Still, Arizona found a way to come back from a 6-1 defecit and defeat St. Louis at Busch Stadium.

The Good: The long ball. Felipe Lopez, Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, Joe Mather, Adam Dunn, Stephen Drew, Chris Young, and Mark Reynolds all homered.

The Bad: The Big Unit, not even lasting 4 innings after two strong starts in a row.

Photo Courtesy: (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

Carpenter To Return As Reliever

Just wanting a chance to get back on the mound for the rest of the year, St. Louis Cardinals' ace Chris Carpenter will pitch the rest of the season in the bullpen. " "It's just a way of getting me in there and getting me some appearances at the end of the year"(MLB.com), Carpenter told the media.

Chris made it clear that this wouldn't be a permanent move, and that he'd work once again this off-season as a starter. St. Louis should benefit having him for some late-inning work, especially as they attempt to climb into the NL Wild Card picture.

Photo Courtesy: (AP)

Sheets Has Tightness, Leaves Game Early

One of Milwaukee's aces, this time right-hander Ben Sheets, left today's game with the New York Mets after 5 innings with tightness in his left groin. Sheets have been known for being a frequently injured starter, but is having by far his most healthy season. Let's hope there's nothing serious to this injury, because it would be devastating if the Brew Crew lose Sheets for the October hunt.

Photo Courtesy: (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Eckstein Traded to Arizona

The Diamondbacks made news last night, the very last day teams could acquire a player to be eligible to play post-season, by acquiring short-stop and former World-Series hero David Eckstein from the Toronto Blue Jays. In return, Toronto received a good looking prospect by the name of Chad Beck.

Eckstein will get most of the time at second-base, replacing super-sub Augie Ojeda. He gives Arizona a legitimate speed threat and lead-off hitter. I must give the NL West edge to the D-Backs, once again acquiring a key piece that they needed and not giving up too much.

Photo Courtesy: (Getty Images/Paul Spinelli)

Sabathia Throws A No-Hitter?

Milwaukee Brewers ace and should be MVP-Candidate, CC Sabathia, once again went the distance against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He struck out 11 batters and gave up one mere hit, pushing him to 9-0 on the season. The hit was a little dribbler hit right back to Sabathia by Pirates' third-baseman Andy LaRoche. Anyone in their right mind would of ruled that an error, but the scorer at the time decided to give a hit to LaRoche.

The Brewers have filed paperwork to the MLB offices, hoping to get the call reversed and therefore give Sabathia a no-hitter. The Brewers begin a series with a likely playoff club, the New York Mets.

Photo Courtesy: (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)