The 24-year-old Zumaya has a 3-3 record with a 4.94 ERA this season. In 31 innings, he had 30 strikeouts, one save and seven holds.

As a 21-year-old rookie, Zumaya had his best season. Pitching for the Tigers in 2006, he had a 1.94 ERA in 62 games. He struck out 97 batters in 83.1 innings.

Since his breakout rookie campaign, Zumaya has struggled with injuries. In 2007, he was only able to pitch in 28 games. Last season, the native of California only pitched in 21 games.

With Zumaya headed to the disabled list, the Tigers called up Ryan Perry. Perry is a 22-year-old who has a 4.28 ERA in 26 relief appearances with the Tigers this season. In those games, he has five holds and one loss.

Joel Zumaya - Detroit Tigers (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

Joel Zumaya Placed on the Disabled List

I don’t think there is any other professional sport that has an All-Star break like Major League Baseball. The mid-summer baseball event that takes place each July is a special treat for baseball fans around the world. I was able to attend the All-Star break festivities in Detroit in 2005. It was one of the most memorable events that I have ever attended and had so much fun.

The week started off with a trip to the All-Star Fanfest. I kid you not, this is something that I could have spent the entire week at. So many great memorabilia stands and things to do. It was a lot of fun. But the main event, for me, was the Home Run Derby. Yes, that was the year that Bobby Abreu went crazy and started blasting balls into the Pepsi Porch at Comerica Park. The Detroit Tigers were represented by Ivan Rodriguez who had a great showing, but Abreu was the home run king that night.

The Futures Game and the celebrity softball game were a lot of fun as well. It was rather hot that Sunday afternoon when those events were happening, but it wasn’t that crowded and I was able to get a look at guys like Justin Verlander and Joel Zumaya.

If you ever have a chance to attend any events during the MLB All-Star break, I would definitely recommend it. Outside of spring training and everyday batting practice, this is the best time to get a look at the major league players having fun. They make fun of each other and joke around. Many also bring their kids to enjoy the festivities. The event will be one that you will never forget.

Photo: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

A Midsummer Classic

Chamberlain threw 37 pitches in the first inning and walked four batters before being pulled by manager Joe Girardi.

While it’s still too early to tell if Chamberlain will succeed as a starter for the Yankees, I will say that the hype surrounding the young right-hander should at least cool off a little. But, leave it up to Hank Steinbrenner to keep everyone’s hopes up about Chamberlain. Steinbrenner was quoted after the game saying, “It was a first step, that’s all.” Really Hank? I thought his first step was starting out in the bullpen and his second step was being prepped to be a starter by expanding the number of pitches he threw as a reliever. Wouldn’t this be his third step? I guess the fourth step is lasting five innings to be a pitcher of record in a winning situation and the fifth step must be getting a win. But, then again, I’m sure Hank thinks it’s all just a first step until Chamberlain can finally pitch well or get a win.

Oh, and in case you are wondering. After Chamberlain left the contest, the New York bullpen surrendered 11 hits, seven runs and walked six Blue Jay hitters.

I hear Joel Zumaya threw a couple of pitches over 100 MPH tonight in a rehab appearance. Maybe we should start talking about him now and leave this Chamberlain mess alone.

Post from: EveryJoe

Didn’t do the Job-a

When I first read this story this morning, I thought it was an interesting idea. Another way to market players, which Major League Baseball does do enough of these days. Instead, MLB likes to focus on the team. However, as I looked over it again, I couldn’t pass this one up. In a story on ESPN The Magazine’s Web site, Justin Heckert has written about some wine he had recently at Turner Field’s 755 Club.

The wine is named after Chipper Jones, Tom Glavine and Brian McCann. Heckert sampled the following wines: Chipper Chardonnay, McCann Merlot and Cabernet Glavignon.

All of the wines are created by Charity Wines and Charity Hop, based in Massachusetts. The company has made other wines in the past, such as Vintage Papi (after David Ortiz) and my favorite (based on the name), Caberknuckle (Tim Wakefield).

All of the proceeds from purchasing these wines will go to a charity chosen by the player, which is a good idea. A bottle of this fine wine costs only $13.99 and can be purchased at Wal-Mart, Kroger, and a few other independent stores.

I can’t wait until other MLB teams pick up on this idea. I can see it now. Come out to the ballpark and taste some “A-Rodonnay” or “Zoom Zoom Merlot” (Joel Zumaya). Set up the patents now.

Photo: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

Wine named after a few Braves’ players