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His two “second” feats do not hide Larry Doby’s place in baseball history

larry doby Larry Doby has a distinct place in MLB history. Most know if him as the second African American player to play in the history of the sport as well as the first to play in the American League. He was also the second African American manager in the history of the game, second to only Frank Robinson. Today is the 10 year anniversary of Doby's passing (6/18/2003) at age 79. The Jackie Robinson story has been told and of course, has its place in baseball history. Nobody can relate to the unfair treatment, racism and hate he encountered breaking the color barrier in major league baseball. We honor Jackie every season on April 15th for Jackie Robinson day, where all MLB players wear number 42 in his honor. Less than three months after Robinson made his MLB debut,...
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Diamondbacks were able to trade Trevor Bauer because of pitching depth. Will they regret it?

147380605_crop_650x440 The Arizona Diamondbacks were rewarded for their terrible 2010 season with the number 3 overall pick in the amateur draft. This got them Trevor Bauer, a 20 year old RHP out of UCLA. Barring an injury, it was understood that Bauer would be a MLB pitcher very soon. He made his MLB debut less than a year after being drafted, going 1-2, 6.06 in 4 starts for the Diamondbacks last season. Throw in the fact he was a combined 12-2, 2.42 in 22 starts in AA and AAA, with 157 Ks in 130 1/3 IP and this is a pitcher who should have been in the mix for a middle to top of the rotation spot for the near future. Of course, it did not work out that way. Some leaks from the organization questioned his style and work...
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Losing streak ends with 8-7 win

I'd forgotten what it felt like to type "Hello Win Column" after a game.  It's been a long time, but it sure felt nice.  Tonight, the Rangers scored eight times, which is more than they've scored in the last six games.  That's insane. Nelson Cruz was a huge part of the offense tonight. He hit two home runs and drove in four runs.  A.J. Pierzynski wasn't too far behind with one home run and three RBI.   Several of the Rangers' runs crossed home plate with two outs on the board.  It's incredible to see that after the recent stretch. It's a good thing the Rangers had all those runs because Nick Tepesch didn't have a very good night on the mound.  He only lasted 3.2 innings and gave up six runs on six hits.  To be fair, the third base umpire blew a call in the in the top of the 4th, and Tepesch just kind of unraveled after that. ...
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Interesting facts about Dick Howser’s MLB career on the anniversary of his death

2148687_crop_650x440 Former Royals manager Dick Howser will always be remembered in Kansas City. In fact, his number 10 is retired at Kaufman Stadium, one of only 4 numbers retired by the Royals franchise. (George Brett, Frank White and Jackie Robinson were the others.) The beloved figure passed away on this date in 1987 after battling a brain tumor for about a year. His number was retired after his death, becoming the first number retired by the Kansas City Royals franchise, which started in 1969. Howser was a shortstop from 1961-1968, playing for the Kansas City Athletics, Cleveland Indians, and New York Yankees. He came on the scene as a solid rookie (2nd in the AL ROY voting) for the Athletics in 1961. In 158 games, he hit .280, 3, 45 with 108 runs scored, 171 hits and 37 stolen...
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MTR Morning Show Best Of 6-17-13

The guys break down game 5 of the NBA Finals as the Spurs take a 3-2 series lead headed back to Miami , also discussed : Phil Mickelson has more U.S. Open heartbreak - on his birthday (oh and by the way, Father's Day)... Phillies woes continue and Hamels just can't get any run support... A new segment : goodbye predictions of the day. MTR Morning Show Best Of 6-17-13   [caption id="attachment_120172" align="alignleft" width="300"]James and Joey James and Joey[/caption]...
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Kinsler returns, Rangers’ skid continues

Ian Kinsler is back in the line-up, but the Rangers' winning ways are still on the DL, it seems. R.A. Dickey left the game before Josh Lindblom, but he had far more success.  The Rangers only scored once on Dickey -- miraculously stringing together some hits in the 6th inning.  They left so many runners in scoring position, including two bases loaded opportunities.  It's just sad. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays jumped right on Lindblom in the 1st inning with a two-run home run.  Their first of two for the day.  They scored twice more in the 9th -- not on home runs -- but it was all insurance at this point.  Insurance they didn't need. KISS: Leonys Martin.  He had three hits and brought home the only run of the day. MISS:  I guess I'll go with Elvis Andrus. He was 0 for 5 and left four runners on base. FINAL SCORE Toronto :: 6 R, 8 H, 4 TLOB Texas...
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Recapping the largest comeback in MLB history on its anniversary

athletics-header_1925 The largest comeback in MLB history is 12 runs, most recently by the Cleveland Indians in 2001 against the Seattle Mariners. On 8/5/2001, they trailed 12-0 and 14-2 before winning 15-14 in 11 innings. The Detroit Tigers rallied from a 13-1 deficit to beat the Philadelphia Athletics on 6/18/1911. The other time a team rallied trailing by 12 runs was on 6/25/1925, where the Philadelphia Athletics came back trailing 15-3 to beat the Cleveland Indians. What I find most interesting about this game was the fact that it was 15-3 going into the bottom of the 7th and 15-4 into the bottom of the 8th. A 12 run comeback is impressive, no matter when the rally occurs. But, the Athletics 13 run 8th inning is worth the recap. As far as well known regulars...
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Rangers blanked, Andrus ejected

Well, that game sucked. Honestly, that's about all I can say about it.  But I'll try to find a few more words. Poor Justin Grimm.  He wasn't outstanding tonight, but he was far from the worst part to watch.  He had no run support whatsoever, but he stayed on the mound into the 8th inning, taking one for the team, I guess.  He gave up seven runs on 10 hits, including two home runs.  So, yeah, it wasn't a fun night for him, but at least the bullpen is rested, I guess.  Only Kyle McClellan was called on, and he couldn't really stop Toronto either.  He gave up one more run. At that point, it didn't really matter anyway.  The Rangers only had five hits all night.  Two of them belonged to Adrian Beltre. Shout out to Jurickson Profar, Lance Berkman, and Leury Garcia for getting the other three.  Everyone else?  Nada.  The frustration is clear.  And it was on...
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Offense fails to support Darvish

Yu Darvish wasn't at his best tonight, but he still gave the team plenty of chances to win the game.  They just didn't want to take it, it seems. Darvish struck out nine and allowed one run on three hits through seven.  Even though he didn't look very comfortable or happy out there, he still pitched the best of any starter this week.  And he was still confusing plenty of Blue Jays batters. Unfortunately, the Rangers batters weren't doing much against the Toronto pitchers.  Nelson Cruz hit a solo home run in the 2nd for the team's only run of the game.  They hit into two double plays --- this is becoming an unwelcome trend --- and only managed six hits and a walk.  That's it. And as if this team couldn't look any more broken, Leonys Martin left the game late with a sprained wrist.  He's listed as day-to-day.  So, right now, the Rangers are playing without Ian Kinsler, Mitch...
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Holland, offense struggle against Indians

Tonight's game started out really nice, but went downhill very quickly. Derek Holland's first few innings were so gorgeous.  He struck out the side in the 1st, and then allowed just a few hits in the next two frames.  The Indians got on the board on two hits in the 4th, but Holland didn't have his meltdown until the 5th inning.  Three straight singles allowed two runs to score, and then Holland hit Jason Kipnis. The next batter singled in another run.  Holland mercifully got a flyout, but then walked the next batter to load the bases.  His night was over.  He's been pretty good this season, so I'm hoping tonight is an anomaly. The Rangers bullpen handled things down the stretch.  Kyle McClellan pitched 2.2 innings, and allowed just one run.  Neal Cotts and Jason Frasor each pitched one scoreless frame. It didn't matter much though. The Rangers offense could not get anything going.  Double plays killed anything that was...
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