Carlos Pena

He struck out Carlos Pena with the bases loaded to end the fifth inning, and looked like he might cruise for at least one more inning to get the win.

Then the circus began. Aybar doubled, Navarro walked, and Gabe Gross hit a hard shot to Lopez, who laid out and gloved it. But then he couldn't get the ball out to force Navarro at second, so the bases were juiced, and Rowland-Smith got the hook. In came Cesar Jimenez, who only needed to retire one batter to keep Seattle in the lead. But Iwamura reached on an infield single that scored Aybar, B.J. Upton and Carl Crawford hit back-to-back two-run doubles, and

Continue reading "Rollicking Ride Against the Rays"

It’s not likely that the Red Sox (with an ailing Papi) or the Rays (with a struggling Carlos Pena) would have taken Big Sexy (If big strikeouts are still sexy. If they ever were sexy). But the Yanks give themselves both a power threat off the bench and someone to spell Giambi against lefties.

Continue reading "Sexson a Yankee; LaHair a Mariner"

They brought Carlos Pena back for a thrifty $6M and, while he hasn’t matched his phenomenal .282/.411/.627 2007, he’s done adequately, his .227/.332/.423 line dragged down by nagging injuries. Trade acquisition Dionier Navarro at catcher has been fantastic, hitting .317/.368/.444 while calling the game for the Rays’ pitching staff. And their shortstop Jason Bartlett—part of the Garza trade—is probably the only offensive disappointment, but very strong on defense.

Continue reading "Hold On To Your Hats"

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"

MVP

Grady Sizemore or Travis Hafner

CY YOUNG WINNER

Josh Beckett

FLOPSChone FigginsJack CustCarlos Pena

COMEBACK SPECIAL

After a horrible ending to last season, Francisco Liriano wi

Continue reading "2008 Major League Baseball Preview: ..."