Double header plus and a no-no

By Dan Rodgers

Today, April 17, happened to be a very special day in baseball.

Colorado Rockies @ Atlanta Braves

Colorado Rockies starter Ubaldo Jimenez pitched the first no-hitter in franchise history, recording a 4-0 win in Atlanta against the Braves. Jimenez walked six batters in the no-no, all of which happened in the first five innings. He also struck out seven in the historic outing.

Troy Tulowitzki sacrificed in a run in the first. Jimenez then helped his own cause by singling in a run in the fourth. This was followed by a two-run double by lead-off man Carlos Gonzalez. From then on, the game was just smooth sailing.

News York Mets @ St. Louis Cardinals

However, another incredible game on this day, was a 20-inning game between the New York Mets and the St. Louis Cardinals. This is easily the longest game I have ever seen before in person or on television.

The scoring didn't get started until inning number 19. Jeff Francoeur hit a sacrifice fly in the top of the inning, and that is all the Mets could manage with the bases loaded and only one out. In the bottom of the inning, Ryan Ludwick walked, but was caught stealing on what looked to be a hit-and-run with Albert Pujols at the plate. Then, with a 1-2 count, Pujols doubled to left. Kyle Lohse, a pitcher playing left field, grounded out to short stop advancing Big Al to third. Yadier Molina hit a line drive just over the glove of Luis Castillo to tie the game.

Unfortunately for the Cards, in inning 20 Angel Pagan singled and then Mike Jacobs singled to send Pagan to third. Jose Reyes hit a sac-fly to give the Mets the lead. In the bottom of the inning, after two consecutive outs, the Cards made it interesting with a single and a walk. However, then Ludwick grounded out to end the game. Unbelievably crazy game in which: Mets closer K-Rod got the win, starter Mike Pelfry got the save, and Cards back-up center fielder Joe Mather got the loss.

In this game:

• Cards utility-man Felipe Lopez pitched a scoreless inning
• First time since 2002, a no-hitter and a 20 inning game in the same night (I'd bet it won't happen again for a really long time)
• Met 3-4-5 hitters went 1-20
• Six Mets and five Cards played the whole game
• 19 pitchers were used
• Over 650 pitches were thrown
  

Well, let me tell you that it is only April and baseball is already treating us to some special moments...gotta love it, enjoy the rest of the season

Rodgers That

Fantasy Baseball

By Dan Rodgers

So, I know it's bad that I haven't written in a while. Just a heads up, this is going to be me venting about the fantasy baseball league I am about to take part in.

The league is through Yahoo, which is just about normal and how I did it when I was younger. The reason I prefer other sports, fantasy football, instead of baseball is because most sites require you to change your lineup everyday. That can get very irritating and annoying, but it has to be done if you want to win.

The league I am in also has a waiver wire. Personally, I think that there might be nothing stupider in sports than waivers. But, I didn't make the league so it's not up to me.

Okay, down to the draft: The last time I participated in fantasy baseball I drafted Jose Reyes number won overall and I won the championship. Clearly, he is not going to be drafted in the same spot. Most people are looking at Albert Pujols, Alex Rodriguez, Hanley Ramierez and Chase Utley. Those four players are pretty much the top four in every draft. Let's just do a review of each player and then I would appreciate your opinion on players to take, sleepers, etc.

Pujols: Pending injury ~.330 avg 30+ homers 100+ RBI ~100 runs how could it get any better?

A-Rod: ~.300 avg 30+ homers 100+ RBI ~100 runs...like Big Albert minus the avg?

Hanley: ~.325 avg 20+ homers ~85 RBI <100 runs 25-50 stolen bases...great all around player

Utley: ~.300 avg 25+ homers ~100 RBI <100 runs...another good all around player?

Let me know what you think, and any other players you might recommend taking...I'll come back with an update that will include my team on Sunday night...

Rodgers That