Braves send Jeff Francoeur back to Double-A

Filed under:Uncategorized    

Braves send Jeff Francoeur back to Double-A
Slumping Atlanta Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur was sent to the minors to work on his hitting, with his average having dropped to .234. Francoeur was booed at home Thursday night when he went 0-for-4. He hit .206 in June and is 1-for-12 in three games this month.

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/326941529″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Perry helps Braves beat Astros to end skid (AP)

Atlanta Braves' Kelly Johnson, right, celebrates with teammate Mark Teixeira after hitting a two-run home run in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Atlanta Friday, July 4 , 2008.  Atlanta won 6-2.

The Atlanta Braves were feeling down after five straight losses and the demotion of popular teammate Jeff Francoeur. How down? The Braves hadn’t led a game in a week. Jason Perry’s debut as the fill-in for Francoeur helped end the drought. Perry hit a run-scoring triple in his first major league at-bat, Tim Hudson gave up only one run in seven innings and the Braves beat the Houston Astros 6-2 Friday…


Sheets earns win No. 10 as Brewers subdue Pirates
Ben Sheets labored through 5 2/3 innings to earn his 10th win, J.J. Hardy and Bill Hall each hit a two-run homer as the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-1 on Friday.

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/327002011″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Braves topple Astros with help from Francoeur’s fill-in

Jason Perry filled in quite nicely for Jeff Francoeur. Perry hit a run-scoring triple in his first major league at-bat, Tim Hudson gave up only one run in seven innings and the Atlanta Braves beat the Houston …

Houston Astros (40-46) at Atlanta Braves (40-46),

Atlanta right-hander Tim Hudson makes his fourth career start against Houston today when the host Braves open a three-game series against the Astros at Turner Field.

Rockies overcome 9-run deficit in runfest with Marlins
The blasts returned to Coors Field on Friday night long before the fireworks. In a throwback to the pre-humidor days, Colorado beat the Florida Marlins 18-17 after trailing by nine runs in the biggest comeback in Rockies history. Chris Iannetta singled home the winning run off Kevin Gregg in the ninth inning.

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/327245255″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Astros can make Wild Card run if . . .

Fresh from three staright interleague series wins — including five one-run victories — Drayton McLane probably has Ed Wade convinced the Astros are challengers for the Wild Card by now.

Houston releases Greeley Central product Chacon Former Greeley…

Former Greeley Central High School athlete Shawn Chacon cleared waivers and was released Monday by the Houston Astros, five days after a physical altercation with general manager Ed Wade in the clubhouse.

Astros Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Struggling center fielder Michael Bourn was out of the starting lineup Friday in a move manager Cecil Cooper categorized as for the “really short term.” Darin Erstad led off and played center.

“My leadoff hitter was doing really well and got up to .240, .242 and then got into a slump,” Cooper said. “He’s doing the things we want him to do, but he’s grinding and the average is going the other way.”

Bourn entered the Braves series in a 7-for-39 slump, including 1-for-17 in the series against the Dodgers. His average had dropped 12 points to .223 in the previous five games before Friday.

“I was frustrated because I thought I was starting to break through,” Bourn said. “I was hitting the ball but wasn’t finding holes.

Loretta a super alternative at second

Filed under:Uncategorized    

Loretta a super alternative at second
Loretta a super alternative at second Mark Loretta is considered a “super utility” infielder, which is what he signed up for both times when he joined the Astros as a free agent. But even with Kazuo Matsui slated to come off the disabled list on Tuesday, Loretta will be busy in the near future.

Astros RHP Brocail ejected (PA SportsTicker)
Houston Astros righthander Doug Brocail was ejected for arguing balls and strikes in the ninth inning of Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Moehler hit hard in Astros loss
Moehler hit hard in Astros loss to Braves After losing to the Braves at Turner Field, 6-2, the Astros swapped places with Cincinnati and took over last place in the National League Central. The Astros offense sputtered against Braves righty Tim Hudson and Brian Moehler allowed five earned runs.

Tuesday circled for Matsui, Oswalt
Astros mark Tuesday for Matsui, Oswalt Tuesday could see the return of two key players for the Astros — second baseman Kazuo Matsui, recovering from the right hamstring strain that has sidelined him since June 23, and Roy Oswalt, who will miss his scheduled start Saturday while continuing to recover from a left hip abductor strain.

Billingsley shuts down Astros in Dodgers‘ 5-2 win (AP)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Andre Ethier (16) takes out Houston Astros second baseman Mark Loretta and breaks up a double play, allowing Russell Martin to reach first safely in the ninth inning of the Dodgers' 5-2 win in a baseball game Thursday, July 3, 2008, in Houston.

Chad Billingsley didn’t need many tricky pitches to beat the Houston Astros. Billingsley pitched eight strong innings and Andre Ethier homered for the second straight game to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 5-2 win Thursday. Billingsley (8-7) gave up six hits, struck out five and did not allow an earned run to win his fourth straight start.


Perry helps Braves beat Astros to end skid (AP)

Atlanta Braves' Kelly Johnson, right, celebrates with teammate Mark Teixeira after hitting a two-run home run in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Atlanta Friday, July 4 , 2008.  Atlanta won 6-2.

The Atlanta Braves were feeling down after five straight losses and the demotion of popular teammate Jeff Francoeur. How down? The Braves hadn’t led a game in a week. Jason Perry’s debut as the fill-in for Francoeur helped end the drought. Perry hit a run-scoring triple in his first major league at-bat, Tim Hudson gave up only one run in seven innings and the Braves beat the Houston Astros 6-2 Friday…


Astros Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Roy Oswalt’s next start was officially pushed back to Tuesday. Chris Sampson will take Oswalt’s turn in the rotation and start Saturday against the Atlanta Braves.

“You have to take how they feel and what they’re thinking too in consideration,” manager Cecil Cooper said. “Then you have to consider the big picture. And the big picture says let’s skip one. And if we have to skip two, we skip two. … His health is the most important thing.”

Oswalt, who suffered a strained left hip abductor in the sixth inning Monday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, will start on three extra days of rest Tuesday against the Pirates at PNC Park.

“It’s still a little cranky,” Oswalt told the Houston Chronicle.

Even by starting Tuesday, Oswalt can still get in two starts before the…

Military honored at Turner Field
Military honored at Turner Field Atlanta first baseman Mark Teixeira (pictured) and the Braves welcomed Capt. Joseph Anthony of the U.S. Army to Turner Field before Friday night’s game against the Astros at Turner Field. Anthony was the honorary captain.

Oswalt’s return further delayed because of injury

After Roy Oswalt gave an honest assessment of his strained left hip abductor during a brief chat with manager Cecil Cooper this morning, the Astros‘ ace’s next scheduled start was officially pushed back until …

Astros silenced by Billingsley, Dodgers
Astros shut down by Billingsley Brandon Backe battled through 6 2/3 innings, allowing five runs and striking out eight in a 5-2 loss to the Dodgers on Thursday. J.R. Towles’ fifth-inning double scored both Astros runs.

Longoria’s hot bat helps Rays sweep Red Sox

Filed under:Uncategorized    

Longoria’s hot bat helps Rays sweep Red Sox
Evan Longoria went 3-for-4 and drove in three runs Wednesday night, helping the surging Tampa Bay Rays beat the Boston Red Sox …

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/325432375″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Astros Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Roy Oswalt’s next start was officially pushed back to Tuesday. Chris Sampson will take Oswalt’s turn in the rotation and start Saturday against the Atlanta Braves.

“You have to take how they feel and what they’re thinking too in consideration,” manager Cecil Cooper said. “Then you have to consider the big picture. And the big picture says let’s skip one. And if we have to skip two, we skip two. … His health is the most important thing.”

Oswalt, who suffered a strained left hip abductor in the sixth inning Monday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, will start on three extra days of rest Tuesday against the Pirates at PNC Park.

“It’s still a little cranky,” Oswalt told the Houston Chronicle.

Even by starting Tuesday, Oswalt can still get in two starts before the…

Billingsley shuts down Astros in Dodgers‘ 5-2 win (AP)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Andre Ethier (16) takes out Houston Astros second baseman Mark Loretta and breaks up a double play, allowing Russell Martin to reach first safely in the ninth inning of the Dodgers' 5-2 win in a baseball game Thursday, July 3, 2008, in Houston.

Chad Billingsley didn’t need many tricky pitches to beat the Houston Astros. Billingsley pitched eight strong innings and Andre Ethier homered for the second straight game to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 5-2 win Thursday. Billingsley (8-7) gave up six hits, struck out five and did not allow an earned run to win his fourth straight start.


Loretta a super alternative at second
Loretta a super alternative at second Mark Loretta is considered a “super utility” infielder, which is what he signed up for both times when he joined the Astros as a free agent. But even with Kazuo Matsui slated to come off the disabled list on Tuesday, Loretta will be busy in the near future.

Billingsley shuts down Astros in Dodgers’ 5-2 win (AP)

Filed under:Uncategorized    

Billingsley shuts down Astros in Dodgers‘ 5-2 win (AP)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Andre Ethier (16) takes out Houston Astros second baseman Mark Loretta and breaks up a double play, allowing Russell Martin to reach first safely in the ninth inning of the Dodgers' 5-2 win in a baseball game Thursday, July 3, 2008, in Houston.

Chad Billingsley didn’t need many tricky pitches to beat the Houston Astros. Billingsley pitched eight strong innings and Andre Ethier homered for the second straight game to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 5-2 win Thursday. Billingsley (8-7) gave up six hits, struck out five and did not allow an earned run to win his fourth straight start.


On the fence: Youkilis drive sits on wall
Kevin Youkilis’ drive squirted out of the webbing of Johnny Damon’s glove and bounced up off the top of the left-field wall in …

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/326865811″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Rockies reel in Marlins on Spilborghs’ two-run single in 11th
Ryan Spilborghs’ two-run single off Kevin Gregg with one out in the 11th inning rallied the Colorado Rockies to a 6-5 win over …

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/326352702″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Charting the majors

Myers accepts demotion from Phillies to Triple-A Brett Myers , leading the major leagues with 24 home runs allowed and coming off the shortest start of his career with the Phillies, is headed to the minor …

All-Star nod will affirm Hamilton’s climb from addiction depths

Filed under:Uncategorized    

All-Star nod will affirm Hamilton’s climb from addiction depths
Josh Hamilton says the drug demons try to nudge him awake when he sleeps. They pester him when he’s alone, waiting for that moment …

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/325358756″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Los Angeles Dodgers (40-44) at Houston Astros (40-45),

Filed under:Uncategorized    

Los Angeles Dodgers (40-44) at Houston Astros (40-45),

Chad Billingsley was so good last time out, he picked up a victory without his offense even getting a hit.

Houston releases Greeley Central product Chacon Former Greeley…

Former Greeley Central High School athlete Shawn Chacon cleared waivers and was released Monday by the Houston Astros, five days after a physical altercation with general manager Ed Wade in the clubhouse.

Houston Astros (40-46) at Atlanta Braves (40-46),

Atlanta right-hander Tim Hudson makes his fourth career start against Houston today when the host Braves open a three-game series against the Astros at Turner Field.

Billingsley shuts down Astros in Dodgers‘ 5-2 win (AP)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Andre Ethier (16) takes out Houston Astros second baseman Mark Loretta and breaks up a double play, allowing Russell Martin to reach first safely in the ninth inning of the Dodgers' 5-2 win in a baseball game Thursday, July 3, 2008, in Houston.

Chad Billingsley didn’t need many tricky pitches to beat the Houston Astros. Billingsley pitched eight strong innings and Andre Ethier homered for the second straight game to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 5-2 win Thursday. Billingsley (8-7) gave up six hits, struck out five and did not allow an earned run to win his fourth straight start.


A’s snap White Sox’s 7-game win streak behind Duchscherer
Justin Duchscherer pitched seven solid innings, Jack Cust and Donnie Murphy homered and the Oakland Athletics beat Chicago 3-2 …

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/326311150″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Charting the majors

Myers accepts demotion from Phillies to Triple-A Brett Myers , leading the major leagues with 24 home runs allowed and coming off the shortest start of his career with the Phillies, is headed to the minor …

Braves send Jeff Francoeur back to Double-A
Slumping Atlanta Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur was sent to the minors to work on his hitting, with his average having dropped …

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/326734072″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

On the fence: Youkilis drive sits on wall
Kevin Youkilis’ drive squirted out of the webbing of Johnny Damon’s glove and bounced up off the top of the left-field wall in …

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/326865811″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Astros P Oswalt to miss next start (PA SportsTicker)
Houston Astros ace Roy Oswalt will miss his next scheduled start to fully recover from a hip injury, the team announced Thursday.

Houston releases Greeley Central product Chacon Former Greeley…

Filed under:Uncategorized    

Houston releases Greeley Central product Chacon Former Greeley…

Former Greeley Central High School athlete Shawn Chacon cleared waivers and was released Monday by the Houston Astros, five days after a physical altercation with general manager Ed Wade in the clubhouse.

Oswalt to miss start on Saturday
Oswalt to miss start on Saturday Right-hander Roy Oswalt, recovering from a hip abductor strain, will not make his scheduled start on Saturday, and instead start Tuesday. In his place, right hander Chris Sampson will make his spot-start.

Astros farmhands receive June honors

Filed under:Uncategorized    

Astros farmhands receive June honors
Astros prospects honored for June The Astros Minor League awards for Pitcher of the Month and Offensive and Defensive Players of the Month were announced on Wednesday for all levels of their farm system. Dave Borkowski, David Newhan, and Ray Sadler picked up the accolades at Triple-A Round Rock.

Longoria’s hot bat helps Rays sweep Red Sox

Filed under:Uncategorized    

Longoria’s hot bat helps Rays sweep Red Sox
Evan Longoria went 3-for-4 and drove in three runs Wednesday night, helping the surging Tampa Bay Rays beat the Boston Red Sox …

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/325432375″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Angels are well-armed but in need of some offensive pop
The perfect storm that had gathered all season finally descended on Chavez Ravine on Saturday night in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles …

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/326063113″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Glaus slams winning homer in ninth for Cards
Troy Glaus’ second homer of the game with two outs in the ninth won it for St. Louis, an inning after pinch-hitter Chris …

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/325488745″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

A’s snap White Sox’s 7-game win streak behind Duchscherer
Justin Duchscherer pitched seven solid innings, Jack Cust and Donnie Murphy homered and the Oakland Athletics beat Chicago 3-2 …

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/326311150″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Oswalt to miss start on Saturday
Oswalt to miss start on Saturday Right-hander Roy Oswalt, recovering from a hip abductor strain, will not make his scheduled start on Saturday, and instead start Tuesday. In his place, right hander Chris Sampson will make his spot-start.

Astros RHP Brocail ejected (PA SportsTicker)
Houston Astros righthander Doug Brocail was ejected for arguing balls and strikes in the ninth inning of Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Pence fluctuates in average, lineup
Pence fluctuates in average, lineup Hunter Pence’s performance at the plate this season has been as erratic as his place in the Astros‘ lineup, where he seems not to have a set spot in the batting order.

Astros P Oswalt to miss next start (PA SportsTicker)
Houston Astros ace Roy Oswalt will miss his next scheduled start to fully recover from a hip injury, the team announced Thursday.

Los Angeles Dodgers (40-44) at Houston Astros (40-45),

Filed under:Uncategorized    

Los Angeles Dodgers (40-44) at Houston Astros (40-45),

Chad Billingsley was so good last time out, he picked up a victory without his offense even getting a hit.

A’s snap White Sox’s 7-game win streak behind Duchscherer
Justin Duchscherer pitched seven solid innings, Jack Cust and Donnie Murphy homered and the Oakland Athletics beat Chicago 3-2 …

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/326311150″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Can Kim Ng break the gender barrier? (Yahoo! Sports)
Longtime Dodgers assistant general manager is the only female close to becoming a GM. Will she get a shot?

Astros P Oswalt to miss next start (PA SportsTicker)
Houston Astros ace Roy Oswalt will miss his next scheduled start to fully recover from a hip injury, the team announced Thursday.

Angels are well-armed but in need of some offensive pop
The perfect storm that had gathered all season finally descended on Chavez Ravine on Saturday night in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles …

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/326063113″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Billingsley shuts down Astros in Dodgers‘ 5-2 win (AP)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Andre Ethier (16) takes out Houston Astros second baseman Mark Loretta and breaks up a double play, allowing Russell Martin to reach first safely in the ninth inning of the Dodgers' 5-2 win in a baseball game Thursday, July 3, 2008, in Houston.

Chad Billingsley didn’t need many tricky pitches to beat the Houston Astros. Billingsley pitched eight strong innings and Andre Ethier homered for the second straight game to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 5-2 win Thursday. Billingsley (8-7) gave up six hits, struck out five and did not allow an earned run to win his fourth straight start.


Dodgers‘ Furcal to have back surgery, out at least two months
Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal will have surgery on Thursday to relieve pressure on a disk in his lower back and could be out …

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/325457297″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Longoria’s hot bat helps Rays sweep Red Sox
Evan Longoria went 3-for-4 and drove in three runs Wednesday night, helping the surging Tampa Bay Rays beat the Boston Red Sox …

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/325432375″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>