June 22, 2004
Gaining Ground
Three division races moved a little closer last night as the Giants, Angels and Indians all defeated teams ahead in the standings. It was a particularly good night for the Texas Rangers, as Anaheim's defeat of Oakland put the Rangers in first place by percentage points. Just 1/2 game separates the three contenders in the AL West.
The Indians reached the .500 mark with an excellent performance by CC Sabathia and some early power against Scott Schoeneweis. They have three more games against the White Sox, but they don't face the Twins again until 8/20. Maybe Mark Shapiro's prediction was correct, and that series in August could be very important in deciding the AL Central.
The Giants paid the Ransom and Mota let the game go. With two out in the ninth, three Giants reach baase, and Mota gives up the game winning hit to Cody Ransom. Mota's striking out more than 1 per inning, but facing six batters last night he came up empty. The Giants have made up nearly 7 games since the start of play on May 20.
Reading up on that Giants/Dodgers' game (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=240621126), I had no idea a batter could get called back to bat after ball four because of interference...
"After the walk, a fan threw an orange rubber chicken onto the field in the home-plate dirt. Bonds didn't see it happen and strolled to first, then got sent back for one more ball because of the interference."
Maybe this rule just refers to poultry-based interference...but it was news to me.
Why wasn't Gagne brought in? Mota was obviously sucking big time. Why wouldn't they bring in Gagne? It just goes to show you how he's being used by his manager.
Gagne was used in 5 games between the 15th & 20th, so I imagine they wanted to rest him last night.
Side thought - It occurs to me that the Rangers got a LOT better after they dealt A-Rod away. The Mariners got better after they lost A-Rod too. If this continues, the Yankees will be even better if and when they let A-Rod go? LOL ...silly thoughts abound in my head.
