MLB This Week

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Archive for October, 2009

Video review gives Rodriguez home run (AP)

The camera never blinked, but it did play a role in the two-run homer by Alex Rodriguez when video technology was used to reverse a call for the first time in World Series history. A-Rod hit a disputed drive in the right-field corner that clanked off the lens of a TV camera above the wall at Citizens Bank Park, sparking the Yankees to an 8-5 victory Saturday night and a 2-1 Series lead.

Philly transit union puts off strike (AP)

Baseball fans exit the SEPTA station near the ball park in Philadelphia, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009. Pennsylvania's governor and Philadelphia's mayor announced Saturday that the city transit system's largest union had agreed not to go on strike as contract talks continued hours before the start of Game 3 of the World Series.

The Philadelphia transit system's largest union agreed Saturday not to go on strike as contract talks continued hours before the start of Game 3 of the World Series, Pennsylvania's governor and the city's mayor said. Gov. Ed Rendell and Mayor Michael Nutter told reporters late Saturday afternoon that a 6 p.m.

Sabathia set to start on 3 days’ rest (AP)

CC Sabathia actually likes starting on three days' rest. "I hate to throw bullpens," the New York Yankees big man said. "I don't have to throw a bullpen when I pitch on three days' rest." Sabathia will throw on short rest for the second time this postseason when he starts Game 4 of the World Series on Sunday night against Philadelphia's Joe Blanton.

Sluggers look to break out in Philly (AP)

RETRANSMIT FOR IMPROVED QUALITY ** New York Yankees' shortstop Derek Jeter(notes) takes the escalator down to the platform as he travels to Philadelphia on Friday, Oct. 30, 2009 in New York.

Sooner or later, some of these big bats are bound to break loose. Alex Rodriguez is 0 for 8 with six strikeouts in his first World Series. Mark Teixeira's only hit in seven at-bats is a solo homer. Ryan Howard is hitting .222, also with six strikeouts. Maybe a change in venue will get them all going.

Mariners complete 2010 coaching staff (AP)

The Seattle Mariners have hired Mike Brumley as their new third base coach, completing the team's 2010 staff. He replaces Bruce Hines. General manager Jack Zduriencik announced the hiring of the former big league utility player on Friday. The 45-year-old Brumley spent the 2009 season overseeing all aspects of instruction in the Los Angeles Dodgers' minor league system.

Jays manager Gaston inks consulting deal (AP)

Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston has signed a four-year consulting contract with the team that will begin when his managerial deal expires at the end of the 2010 season. The Blue Jays announced the deal Friday. Gaston is expected to advise the team in all areas, including spring training, minor league operations and scouting.

Hamels hopes to defeat idol Pettitte (AP)

Cole Hamels grew up watching Andy Pettitte pitch important playoff games and still tries to imitate his icy glare on the mound. When the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees play Game 3 of the World Series on Saturday night, Hamels will try to beat one of his boyhood heroes. The young kid vs. the old October pro could be another classic pitching matchup.

Blanton to start Game 4 for Phillies (AP)

Joe Blanton was picked to start Game 4 of the World Series for the defending champion Philadelphia Phillies. Manager Charlie Manuel said Friday he will go with Blanton against the New York Yankees rather than ace Cliff Lee on short rest. Lee, who has never pitched on three days' rest, is slated to start Game 5.

Yanks tie Series on Teixeira, Matsui HRs (AP)

Philadelphia Phillies' Ryan Howard(notes) stands in the infield during eighth inning of Game 2 of the Major League Baseball World Series Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, in New York.  Howard struck out all four times at bat during the game. The New York Yankees defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 3-1 to tie the series 1-1.

More than any slugger on either team, pitching has been the star of this World Series. A.J. Burnett took a page from Cliff Lee's how-to manual and backed by a few key hits and a sharp pickoff throw, New York drew even with the Phillies at one game apiece. Mark Teixeira and Hideki Matsui helped rally the Yankees with solo homers off familiar foe Pedro Martinez, and Burnett's biting curveball…

Jeter wins Roberto Clemente Award (AP)

Derek Jeter again found himself the focus of unwanted attention in a season full of honors. This time, though, with a little self-deprecating humor, he didn't need prompting to cherish the moment. The New York Yankees captain was the recipient of the 2009 Roberto Clemente Award, given annually to a major league player who combines community service with excellence on the field.