Randy Johnson, San Francisco Giants (Image: Newscom)

In the first four innings, Johnson was perfect. Going into the seventh, he still had a no-hitter. Although he lost his no-hit bid in the seventh, Johnson had by far his best start of the 2009 baseball season. In seven innings, Johnson gave up one hit while striking out seven batters.

Thanks to Johnson’s work on the mound, the Giants were able to post a 2-0 victory. The win upped their record to 4-8, while the Diamondbacks fell to 4-8.

Travis Ishikawa, who started at first base for the Giants, got the RBI in the fourth inning that San Francisco needed to grab the lead for good.

Post from: EveryJoe

Randy Johnson Brilliant for the Giants

It’s not wise to irritate the Big Unit. That’s almost what Doug Mientkiewicz of the Pittsburgh Pirates did Monday as Arizona Diamondbacks starter Randy Johnson felt that Mientkiewicz took too long to get into the batter’s box. Though the minor altercation did not lead to fisticuffs – it did empty the benches and bullpens.

While I’m not surprised that something like this happened (seeing that many hitters take their time), it was Mientkiewicz’s words after the game that caught my eye.

After the game, Johnson played off the incident, saying: “It didn’t bother me at all. If it would’ve, [Mientkiewicz] would probably be on a stretcher, and I’d be out of the game.” Fair enough. But now it’s Mientkiewicz’s turn to reply.

After hearing Johnson’s comments, the Pittsburgh utility man responded with the following statement. “I’ve been on a stretcher before and, technically, he’s been out of the game for three years in my mind,” Mientkiewicz said, alluding to Johnson’s seasons with the Yankees and his injury-plagued 2007 campaign. “That just shows me how mentally weak he is. That’s why he got out of [New York].”

It’s not a good idea for Mientkiewicz to awake a sleeping giant. After all, maybe it’s Mientkiewicz that hasn’t mattered for the last three years, seeing that he hasn’t played in over 100 games in any of the last three years, and hasn’t batted anywhere near the .300 mark either (this season Mientkiewicz is hitting a scorching .228!). But if a lifetime .269 hitter wants to criticize a guy that has won 288 games and is second all-time in career strikeouts with 4,683 – let him do it. But soon he will realize where his place is in baseball. One that won’t even come close to Cooperstown. As for Johnson – it’s only a matter of time until the Big Unit’s name is called to join the Hall of Fame.

Photo: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

Don’t mess with the Big Unit

10. Randy Johnson – The Big Unit – What a site it would be for Randy Johnson to walk out to trade lineup cards and go over ground rules. The 6-10 lefty would make for great television to see him running out to argue a call with an umpire.

9. Scott Rolen – One can only imagine that Rolen’s problems with managers in the past (i.e. Tony LaRussa) could lead to seeing how confrontational he would be as a manager. Maybe we could make Rolen and Jeff Kent co-managers? Hmm…

8. Richie Sexson – Big Sexy – Obviously, he would have some of what Randy has going for him with the height status, but the reason I’m picking Richie is for the fact that he can start a brawl for absolutely no reason. Some poor rookie pitcher tosses one too close to his lead off hitter and here comes Big Sexy running out of the dugout throwing his sharpie or whatever is close to get the brawl started.

7. Gabe Kapler – He’s already tried it before. Plus, if the team ever needs a pinch hitter he can activate himself and swat a home run. We’ll call it the “Roger Dorn” rule.

6. Brendan Ryan – Because there’s always one manager in the league that no fan seems to know anything about.

5. Brandon Backe – One announcer during the 2005 World Series said that Backe had the best “Thatta Boy” cheer he’s ever heard. Backe is always talking on the bench when he’s not pitching. As a manager, he’d make a good cheerleader and keep his team loose and pumped up.

4. Kevin Millar – Cowboy Up – Known for his clubhouse antics, Millar would really keep the guys on his squad on their toes.

3. Billy Wagner – When he gets older, this guy is going to be just like Jim Leyland. That old school attitude that says exactly what he is thinking and doesn’t care who is listening.

2. Manny Ramirez – Manny Being Manny – That’s all that really needs to be said. Think about what a team would be like with Manny in charge. Everyone would have dreads that almost completely covered their numbers on their backs, and it would be required to high-five a fan after making a play in the field.

1. Carlos Zambrano – Talking to himself on the mound, getting into fights with teammates. Are we sure this guy isn’t related to Lou Piniella? Zambrano has a really fiery-nature about him and can become really animated, really quick. Think Ozzie Guillen (for quotes) plus Hal McCrae (for locker room outbursts). Now we’re talking! Zambrano wins!

Let me know in the comments section who you think would be interesting to have as a manager.

Photo: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

The Thursday 10

If you hadn’t seen it yet, umpire Kerwin Danley was drilled in the jaw by a Brad Penny fastball. While he did lose consciousness for a brief period, he was overall fine — besides the fact that he kissed a fastball.

Things like this can hurt, of course — but to this day, there has never been a more painful looking bean ball than the cosmic accident that was… the pigeon.

(Note: If you’re squeamish, don’t watch)

Post from: EveryJoe

Cheese Kills