Knuckle Curve » pat burrell

Tampa Bay Rays Dealing with Five Injuries

Stephen Kersey — Wed, 27 May 2009 02:05:10 +0000

Last year, the Tampa Bays Rays made an improbable run to the 2008 World Series. This year, the Rays are dealing with five different injuries to key players.

Akinori Iwamura, Second Baseman
This weekend, Akinori Iwamura was when trying to turn a double-play. Tests showed that he tore an ACL and the native of Japan will be forced to miss the rest of the season.

Troy Percival, Closer
Due to tendinitis, Troy Percival could very well have thrown his final pitch in the major leagues. While he hasn’t made an announcement, many sources close to the team think that he could be at the end of the line.

Scott Kazmir, Starting Pitcher
Scott Kazmir is currently on the 15-day DL with a right quadriceps strain. While he’s scheduled to be available to come off the DL soon, the team seems to think that Kazmir will need a while longer to get his arm right.

Pat Burrell, Designated Hitter
Dealing with a stiff neck, Pat Burrell will likely be out at least another week. If his neck doesn’t start to loosen, he may have to get further tests to see if there are more reasons for his pain.

Jason Bartlett, Shortstop
After getting off to an amazing start this season, Jason Bartlett is the latest casualty for the Rays. The shortstop who is hitting .373 with seven homers and 30 RBIs sprained his ankle and was placed on the disabled list.

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Top Ten Baseball Free Agents Still Available

Stephen Kersey — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 09:25:51 +0000

1. Manny Ramirez
Could Ramirez be heading to the Giants?

2. Derek Lowe
The Mets are after Lowe.

3. Adam Dunn
Dunn might replace Ramirez in Los Angeles.

4. Milton Bradley
The latest rumors have the Cubs most interested.

5. Oliver Perez
Expect the Mets to retain him.

6. Pat Burrell
The Phillies look to be moving on.

7. Orlando Hudson
Sleeper of the free agent market.

8. Bobby Abreu
Breaking down but still a solid player.

9. Ben Sheets
Risky signing but could reward.

10. Randy Wolf
Could quietly be steal of the offseason.

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Philadelphia Phillies Win 2008 World Series

Stephen Kersey — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 05:20:34 +0000

Philadelphia hadn’t seen a champion since the 1983 Philadelphia 76ers. The wait can now end as the Philadelphia Phillies captured the 2008 World Series by beating the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 5 on Wednesday night.

This wacky Game 5 had actually started on Monday night. But after bad weather suspended the game until Tuesday and then suspended it again until Wednesday, the two teams were finally able to get back on the field.

With the score tied at 2-2 as the game started, the Phillies struck first in the 6th. Geoff Jenkins doubled and then scored on a Jayson Werth single. Tampa Bay struck right back when Rocco Baldelli hit a solo shot to tie the game a three apiece.

The go ahead run was scored in the 7th inning by the Phillies. Pat Burrell hit a double off the wall and then scored on a Pedro Feliz hit to make the score 4-3. No team would score another run as Brad Lidge saved the game and win the World Series for the Phillies. Lidge, it should be noted, ended the season 48-for-48 in save opportunities.

Cole Hamels was named the MVP of the 2008 World Series as the city of Philadelphia finally felt the championship glory once again.

Phillies fans weren’t bashful in their celebration of the 2008 World Series championship.

Photo: Newscom

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Phillies World Series Videos and Pictures

Stephen Kersey — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 04:40:53 +0000

The Phillies did it!

What does it feel like to be a World Series champion? Ask the Philadelphia Phillies, who on Wednesday took home the 2008 World Series title. These Phillies are now the champions of baseball for the year of 2008 and no one can take that away from them.

Ryan Howard has now established himself in history.

You can see Phillies World Series celebration videos here:

Photo: Newscom

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Hottest Hitting Outfielders in 2008

Stephen Kersey — Fri, 09 May 2008 03:11:59 +0000

Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers
The Rangers acquired Josh Hamilton in the offseason from the Cincinnati Reds. Hamilton has been everything the Rangers could have hoped – and more. He’s currently hitting .290 with seven homers and 36 RBIs.

Pat Burrell, Philadelphia Phillies
Pat Burrell has always had a lot of potential. This season, he might be finally figuring everything out. He has a career-high batting average of .305, a career-high on-base percentage of .432 and has nine homeruns and 30 RBIs.

Nate McLouth, Pittsburgh Pirates
This 26-year-old player has been a bit player for most of his big league career. The Pirates gave McLouth a chance to be an everyday player this season and he has responded fantastically. He’s hitting .324 with nine homers and 29 RBIs.

Carlos Quentin, Chicago White Sox
At 25, Carlos Quentin is taking advantage of his opportunity to be the everyday left fielder for the White Sox. He’s hitting .278 with eight dingers and 25 RBIs.

Photo: Newscom

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