First Colonial walks into championship match-up with Kellam | The Virginian-Pilot and The Ledger-Star, Norfolk, VA Newspaper | Find Articles at BNET
By Jami Frankenberry

                 The Virginian-Pilot
    Virginia Beach
    As a starting pitcher, First Colonial's Ryan Cook knows the consequences of issuing too many walks.
    "That's a good way to beat yourself," Cook said. "Walks kill."
    In his latest start, Cook limited his own free passes and helped the Patriots' offense take advantage of a giving Cox pitching staff.
    Cook, Twins Joe Mauer Jersey the leadoff hitter, drew three of First Colonial's 10 walks in a
     5-4 victory over Cox on Wednesday in a Beach District baseball semifinal at Landstown High School.
    Five of the Patriots who drew walks eventually scored, Authentic Michael Cuddyer Jersey and Cook drew a free pass to Justin Morneau Jersey start the sixth inning and later scored the winning run Michael Cuddyer Jersey on Michael Rienerth's sacrifice fly.

         First Colonial earned the Beach's No. 2 seed in the Eastern Region tournament and plays Eastern District No. 1 seed Churchland at 4 p.m. White Sox Bo Jackson Jersey Monday at Old Dominion.
    In Wednesday's other semifinal, Kellam outlasted Salem 2-1 in a game that began Tuesday and was postponed after some spectators were Bo Jackson Jersey hurt by a wind-blown pole-vault mat.
    Kellam, the Beach regular-season champion, already owned a region berth and plays Eastern District No. 2 Maury at 10 a.m. Monday at ODU.
    First, though, First Colonial (18-6) and Kellam (17-7) meet at 7 tonight at Landstown Adam Dunn Jersey for the Twins Justin Morneau Jersey Beach tournament championship.
    First Colonial strolled into the title game by drawing at Alex Rios Jersey least two walks Twins Michael Cuddyer Jersey in four innings against three Cox pitchers. The Patriots managed just three hits, including Nick Ott's two-run single in the third.
    Cook, meanwhile, threw a complete game and retired eight of the final 11 batters. He allowed five hits, walked three and struck Authentic Justin Morneau Jersey out six.
    "I was getting frustrated early, and I had a tough time battling,"
     Cook said. "They weren't helping me, and the umpire had a good strike zone Authentic Adam Dunn Jersey but it was tight."
    In the other semifinal, Kellam recovered to win after a scary incident Tuesday when a thunderstorm blew through Virginia Beach. Coaches and officials said Wednesday Authentic Bo Jackson Jersey that only one of the five spectators who were hurt - the parent of a Kellam reserve - remained hospitalized.
    On the field, Kellam pitcher Mitch Moynihan finished what he started.
    The left-hander needed 26 pitches Tuesday to record five outs. He was much more efficient Authentic Joe Mauer Jersey Wednesday, retiring nine of the first 12 White Sox Alex Rios Jersey batters he faced.
    "I started a little bit shaky (Tuesday)," Moynihan said. "I just took my time and got my rhythm back."
    Moynihan finished with eight strikeouts over five innings, while Ian Shiner pitched two scoreless innings in relief.
    The Knights scored Authentic Alex Rios Jersey their runs on hit batsmen with White Sox Adam Dunn Jersey the bases loaded in the third and fourth innings. Salem scored its run on Ian Norris' RBI infield single in the fifth inning.
    5 First Colonial
    4 Cox
    2 Kellam
    1 Salem

Eagles hang on | Morning Sentinel; Waterville, Me. | Find Articles at BNET
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               BATH -- Caleb Bragg-Grady threw out the potential tying run at Denard Span Jersey the plate with two outs in the bottom Authentic Ike Davis Jersey of the sixth inning to help the Erskine Academy baseball team beat Morse 8-7 in an Eastern A game Thursday.
  Morse (3-10) trailed 8-4 in the bottom of the sixth inning before scoring three runs to Authentic Johan Santana Jersey pull within one. Then, with two outs, Bragg-Grady threw out a runner trying to score from second on a single.
  "It was one of the best throws I've ever seen," Erskine coach Lars Jonassen said. "He wasn't in shallow center. Joe Mauer Jersey He Mets Johan Santana Jersey was Twins Denard Span Jersey deep."
  Ryan Pulver had two doubles and five RBIs to lead the Eagles Mets Ike Davis Jersey (8-6).

        Lawrence 9, Skowhegan 6: Matt Capponi's single tied the game in the seventh Authentic David Wright Jersey inning for Lawrence, and the Buldogs took the lead on an error David Wright Jersey for the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference Class A win in Skowhegan.
  Capponi and Matt Woodbury each had two hits for Lawrence (6-8).
  Dustin Warren singled and homered for Skowhegan (2-12).
    Dirigo 12, Madison 2: Winning pitcher Cody St. Germain had two hits and drove in three runs to lead the Cougars in a Mountain Valley Conference game. St. Germain pitched the complete game, allowing just three hits for Dirigo (13-0).
  Madison dropped to 5-9.
  Lincoln 11, Gardiner 1, 5 innings: Andrew Bartlett pitched five effective innings to earn the victory in an East-West Class B game. He allowed one run on four hits and struck out two.
  Spencer Alden had two hits and Everett Martin had a two-run double for the Eagles (10-3).
  Spencer Allen had two singles for the Tigers (9-5).
  Softball
  Skowhegan 6, Lawrence 1: Anna Lorette had two hits and an RBI to help the Indians beat the Bulldogs in a KVAC A game.
  Andrea Quirion and Ike Davis Jersey Amanda Johnson also had RBI singles for Skowhegan (8-5).
   Jess Poulin scored on a throwing error for Lawrence (5-8).
  Erskine 24, Morse 0, 5 innings: Four different players drove in at least three runs and the Eagles parlayed a 12-run fourth inning into an Eastern A win. Mikhaela Helm had two doubles, a home run and Mets Carlos Beltran Jersey drove in five runs. Jess Souther and Alyssa Gartley each had three singles and four RBIs for Erskine (9-5) as well.
   Sonja Morse had a homer and two RBIs while Carleigh Wilson drove in three for Erskine.
   Carrabec 7, Mtn. Valley 6: Becca Bergeron had a Mets David Wright Jersey double and an RBI to lead the Cobras to an MVC win over the Falcons.
  Bergeron also had a single and scored a run for Carrabec (7-7).
  Brittany Lewis had an RBI single. Courtney Turner struck out seven and Authentic Denard Span Jersey walked three to earn the win.
  Courtney Carlsson Jose Reyes Jersey had three RBIs for the Falcons (4-7).
  Madison 12, Dirigo 0, 5 innings: Emily McKenney and Erika Parker both homered as the Bulldogs cruised to an MVC win in Dixfield.
  Kirsten Wood added two singles and two RBIs, while Aley Jarvais Johan Santana Jersey had a Authentic Jose Reyes Jersey double, two singles and an RBI for Madison (8-5). McKenney also earned the win, allowing one hit, while striking out four and walking one.
  Mets Jose Reyes Jersey Dirigo falls to 7-7.

LOS ANGELES -- Given the Red Sox Dustin Pedroia Jersey way Mike Pelfrey's 94 mph fastball hit Aaron Miles -- square in the right elbow with a loud thud before bouncing back a few feet toward the mound -- Miles was justifiably pessimistic about his elbow contusion following Tuesday night's game.So it took him by surprise a bit when the Dodgers infielder arrived at the ballpark Wednesday with a bruise but no damage or severe soreness.Miles was not in Wednesday's lineup, a move manager Don Mattingly said was precautionary. He had his Dustin Pedroia Jersey entire elbow thickly wrapped, but appeared to have no problems throwing during batting practice."Yeah [I'm surprised it's feeling this good]," said Miles, who receieved X-rays after Tuesday's game that were negative. "I got hit by a pitch in not a very good spot. But the mobility seems to be coming back."Miles' initial worry was that the ball hit him square in the elbow rather than glancing off his arm or hitting muscle.He said a serious injury would have been extremely disappointing, given his recent hot streak. Miles is hitting .320 and led the National League with a .419 average in June."I feel real good at the plate, and I've been playing a lot lately, and I want to keep playing," he said. "It was really frustrating last night to just have the thought that something could set me back."Jamey Carroll got the start at second base and hit second for the Dodgers on Wednesday against the Mets. Mattingly said so long as Josh Hamilton Jersey Miles feels OK in batting practice, he'll be available to pinch-hit."He feels better today than he thought he was going to," Mattingly said. "But we've got Jamey sitting there, so we can give him the day to get healthy and we can pinch-hit Red Sox Kevin Youkilis Jersey him off the bench."Miles hit third on Tuesday in place of Andre Ethier, who missed the game with a fever but was back in the lineup Wednesday. It was the first time he's batted third since 2003, and he joked that with Ethier's return, and given Monday's results, he doesn't plan on doing so again.As for the Dodgers, Miles' injury -- or lack thereof -- comes as a bit of a surprise for a team that has had 23 disabled-list stints, including infielders Casey Authentic Carlton Fisk Jersey Blake and Rafael Furcal a combined total of five times. Asked whether it was a relief to finally get some good news on injuries, Mattingly laughed."We've had our share," he said.Ethier resumes Final Vote chase with RBI, runLOS ANGELES -- Forced to a sickbed with a 103-degree fever Tuesday night, Andre Ethier resumed his bid Wednesday for a National League roster spot in the 2011 All-Star Game Final Vote Sponsored by Sprint.Ethier went Authentic Kevin Youkilis Jersey 1-for-4 with an RBI, a run scored and two strikeouts in the Dodgers' 5-3 loss to the Mets. Ethier scored the first Dodgers run in the fourth inning, reaching on a forceout after Jamey Carroll's bunt single, taking third on Matt Kemp's bloop single and scoring on Juan Uribe's groundout. Then Ethier drove in the Dodgers' second run in the sixth inning, following Rafael Furcal's leadoff walk and Carroll's third hit of the game by punching a single through the hole into left field as Furcal scored and Carroll took second. Ethier then was erased at second on Kemp's fielder's choice grounder. Ethier is batting .316, sixth in the NL, with 100 hits, eighth in the league. Ethier, who had a 30-game hitting streak earlier this season, the best in MLB, has the second-highest average in the league against right-handed hitters. Less than one day is left in voting, as the polls close Thursday at 1 p.m. PT. Through Wednesday's update, Ethier was second to Carl Yastrzemski Jersey Philadelphia's Shane Victorino for the NL's Final Vote spot.Mattingly optimistic amid Dodgers' strugglesLOS ANGELES -- Dodgers manager Don Mattingly doesn't have a choice but to be optimistic.Despite a loss Tuesday that dropped the Dodgers deeper into last place in the National League West and a season-high 13 games under .500, he was upbeat and positive in his meeting with the media Wednesday. He said, regardless of record, he expects his team to constantly be playing as if it's playing for a championship."We're the Los Angeles Dodgers, and you know what, we've got a lot to uphold," Mattingly said. "It's been a Authentic Josh Hamilton Jersey great organization, no Rangers Josh Hamilton Jersey matter what's going on, we have got to play the game right. We can Authentic David Ortiz Jersey feel sorry for ourselves and talk about not getting hits with men on base. We can talk about not getting outs, but we can't carry ourselves in a way that says, 'We're not gonna play hard' or 'We're gonna give up.'"Mattingly pointed to his days playing for the Yankees in the early 1990s. He said those struggling teams showed winning character, which paved the way for five World Series titles.He spoke of having a winning foundation, specifically on the mound, citing those teams and last year's Giants squad. He said the Dodgers have that in their pitching staff with Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley and Rubby De La Rosa."If you're gonna start anywhere, start with those three," he said."How about that Kemp guy?" a reporter responded, referring to All-Star outfielder Matt Kemp."Yeah, who is that guy?" Mattingly joked.Ellis tries to make most of chances to startLOS ANGELES -- The plight of the Dodgers' catchers -- injuries and offensive Red Sox David Ortiz Jersey inefficiency -- has left manager Don Mattingly searching for an answer.For now, he at least has a temporary one Kevin Youkilis Jersey in A.J. Ellis, who started his fourth straight game Wednesday, when the Dodgers faced the Mets in the third game of a four-game series.To make the most of his opportunity, Ellis plans to keep everything exactly as he's always done it."I just have to keep being the person I've always been, and that's always trying to get better," Ellis said. "It took a lot of hard work, a couple breaks here and there, to get here. It's gonna take a lot of hard work to stay."Ellis has struggled a bit at the plate, hitting just .225 in 14 games, and all nine of his hits are singles. But it's still above average for his role, as the four Dodgers who have caught this season are hitting a combined .204.Mattingly acknowledged the obvious lack of offensive production, especially with starter Rod Barajas, who Red Sox Josh Beckett Jersey is hitting just .220 but has eight homers, sidelined with a sprained ankle. He said his choice of Ellis, who was called up when Barajas went down, over Dioner Navarro is a result of Ellis' ability to handle the pitching staff."I Josh Beckett Jersey want to make sure I never put somebody in a bad spot," Ellis said. "Every finger I put down, every pitch I make."At the plate, Ellis said he can certainly improve, but he has a job to do hitting in the eighth spot. His average may be low, but with less than two outs, he said he needs "to reach base and turn the lineup over," and he has done that with a .367 David Ortiz Jersey on-base percentage.One of the things Mattingly loves most is the way Ellis is constantly aware of his roles both offensively and defensively. He shied away when asked if Ellis was a long-term solution this season."For right now," he responded. "Rod's out, and I don't mind having [Dioner] back there. But I feel like Authentic Dustin Pedroia Jersey A.J.'s been the one who when he puts down a finger, he knows there's a reason why."Ellis hasn't thought much about what happens when Barajas returns. Mattingly said he likely won't keep three catchers, and Navarro is out of options, leaving Ellis as the odd man Authentic Josh Beckett Jersey out.It won't stop Ellis from continuing to work, however. When asked about his approach at the plate, Ellis said he wants opposing pitchers to view his at-bat the way he views baseball."Nothing's easy," he said. "Nothing's for free."

 WASHINGTON -- Nationals first baseman Michael Morse has done everything he can to be on the National League All-Star team. Morse leads the team in hitting and is among the team leaders in homers and RBIs. That explains why Morse was selected as a candidate in the All-Star Game Final Vote Sponsored by Sprint. With less than 24 hours left to go in the voting, which ends Thursday at 4 p.m. ET, Morse ranks fourth. Morse is competing against Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier, Rockies first baseman Rangers Nelson Cruz Jersey Todd Helton, D-backs right-hander Ian Kennedy and Phillies outfielder Giants Buster Posey Jersey Shane Victorino for the final spot on the National League roster. Victorino has the lead. If he wins the Final Vote, Morse will join reliever Tyler Clippard in representing the Nationals."Why not get two players from the Nationals in the All-Star game?" Morse said. "I would love to join Clip and watch him work his magic."Morse, 29, is getting help trying to get the more Authentic Lan Kinsler Jersey votes. His girlfriend, Jessica Etably, and her family are not only trying to get Morse the votes in South Florida, they are telling people in Colombia to vote for Morse. The Giraldos, who are on Jessica's mother's side, are from Colombia.  Morse is humbled by what Jessica and her family are trying to do for him. "The biggest help has come from my girlfriend and family. They are running a campaign. I wouldn't be in Rangers Michael Young Jersey this situation without them,"  said Morse. "They put in countless hours of voting. Her family is very supportive. I tell them, 'You guy don't have to do this.' They say, 'We want to, we want to help you as much as we can, because you are deserving of it."Mobile voting in the U.S. and Canada is open to everyone. In the U.S., to receive the 2011 All-Star Game Final Vote Sponsored by Sprint mobile ballot, text the Authentic Cody Ross Jersey word "VOTE" to 89269. To vote for a specific player, simply text message your choice to 89269 (Example: Text "A3" to vote for AL Player 3 or "N3" to vote for NL Player 3). In Canada, fans should text their choices to 65246. Standard message and data rates may apply. The fun doesn't end there, however. Fans, having already decided the Michael Young Jersey starters and final player on each team, once again will have the opportunity to participate in the official voting for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player presented by Chevy via the 2011 All-Star Game MVP Vote Sponsored by Sprint on MLB.com during the All-Star Game. The 82nd Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be televised nationally on Authentic Michael Young Jersey Tuesday by FOX Sports, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and Sportsnet HD and Le Reseau des Sports, and around the world by Major League Baseball International, with pregame ceremonies Nelson Cruz Jersey beginning at 8 p.m. ET. ESPN Radio will provide exclusive national radio coverage. MLB Network, MLB.com and Sirius XM also will provide comprehensive All-Star Game coverage. There will be an extra treat for fans who participate in the Final Vote. If you are not a current MLB.TV subscriber (MLB.TV or MLB.TV Premium), you are eligible to receive a 10-day free trial of MLB.TV from July 9-19. If you are a current MLB.TV subscriber (MLB.TV or MLB.TV Premium), you will receive a 15-percent discount to the MLB.com Shop. MLB.com will send an email on Friday to all Final Vote voters with instructions on how to redeem the applicable offer.
If Morse makes the All-Star team, he wants to show the baseball world what it's Rangers Lan Kinsler Jersey like to persevere. "There are a lot of guys that are playing that are in the same situation that I was in," Morse  said. "It just shows, you never know what that guy on the bench can do unless you play him. There are late-blooming guys. All Brian Wilson Jersey of a sudden by the latter ages, they are doing well. Look at Raul Ibanez, a guy like Jayson Werth. Sometime you bloom late and Authentic Nelson Cruz Jersey do real well."  During the spring of 2009, Morse was at a crossroads. He was in his 10th season of professional baseball, languishing in the Mariners' organization. Up to that point, Morse had played in 102 big league games.During Spring Training of that year, Morse was designated for assignment, later agreeing to play for Triple-A Tacoma. It was obvious to Morse that he wasn't in Seattle's future plans. While in Tacoma, Morse called his agent, Peter Pedalino, and told him to start soliciting offers from teams in Japan. Morse then called his stepdad, Stan Crisson, a former wide receiver for Duke University and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League, to Buster Posey Jersey seek advice on what to do with his baseball career.Morse told Crisson his future plans and said that he wanted out of the Mariners' organization because he was on Tacoma's bench. Crisson's response was to give Morse some tough love, which upset Morse."It's just easy to give up," Crisson told his stepson.Crisson even went so far to tell Morse that he wasn't good enough to play in the big leagues."The things he would say would get under my skin," Morse said about his stepdad's comments. "I would get a little mad."Morse was so furious that he called his mother and promised her he would get back to the big leagues. Morse then called Pedalino to inform him that he was not going to Japan."I told him, 'We are getting back up [to the big leagues].' He was like, 'Let's do it,'" Morse said.Morse would get more playing time with Tacoma and put up solid numbers, hitting .312, with 10 home runs and 52 RBIs.However, on June 28, Tacoma manager Daren Brown told Morse to come to his office. Morse thought he was going to be promoted to the big leagues because third baseman Adrian Beltre was getting ready to be placed on the disabled list. Instead, Brown told Morse that he had been traded to the Nationals for outfielder Ryan Langerhans. "My reaction was, 'Man, a guy gets hurt, and I go somewhere else?'" Morse said. "But it was a blessing in disguise."According to Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo, the Mariners were looking for a defensive-oriented outfielder. "It was a team scouting effort on our part," Rizzo said. "We had seen [Morse] a lot and Giants Cody Ross Jersey had a good history on him. We bandied about a bunch of names, but Authentic Brian Wilson Jersey we stuck on him. He wasn't the first guy the Mariners wanted to give up, but we stuck on him and he was the guy we wanted them to trade. They felt they needed Langerhans enough that they gave us a guy they thought could be a good player someday." Morse turned out to be a great acquisition for the Nationals. He became a valuable bench player in 2009 and '10. By Spring Training this year, then-manager Jim Riggleman announced that Morse would be the everyday left fielder. After getting off to a slow start, Morse found himself on the bench -- until late May, when Adam LaRoche was put on the disabled list because of a serious shoulder injury. Morse took advantage, and finds himself as the team's leading hitter -- not to mention being an above-average defensive first baseman. "It felt good to get that opportunity again, to come out and play every day and knowing you are going to be in the lineup," Morse said. "I just keep telling myself, 'I'm going to out there and I'm going to get three hits. I'm going to drive in runs. I'm better than Authentic Buster Posey Jersey this pitcher. Giants Brian Wilson Jersey There is no reason that this guy should get me out.' I think having that mentality Lan Kinsler Jersey is helping me a lot."

MIAMI -- Something unusual took place during the sixth Authentic Tim Lincecum Jersey inning with the Phillies at bat Wednesday night Giants Freddy Sanchez Jersey at Sun Life Stadium.Domonic Brown lined a ball to left-center that scooted past a sliding Bryan Petersen to the wall. Brown made it to third for a leadoff triple. After Logan Morrison threw the ball into the infield, the Marlins Cubs Starlin Castro Jersey appealed the call to second-base umpire Kerwin Danley when Mike Dunn threw Giants Matt Cain Jersey to Hanley Ramirez, who was standing at second. "Those guys were really alert out there to recognize that, and it was the key Giants Tim Lincecum Jersey to getting that out," Marlins interim manager Jack McKeon said. "That would've been something with a man at third and nobody out."Danley said that Brown didn't touch the base as he rounded it and therefore made the first out of the inning."I didn't touch the base," Brown said. "Right there, I've at least got to go back and take the double. I don't know what I was thinking about there. Too aggressive, I guess. Right there, it cost us the game. Live and learn."Stanton sees doctor to look into eye Tim Lincecum Jersey issueMIAMI -- Mike Stanton visited an ophthalmologist again on Wednesday to check his right eye that has been giving him problems since mid-June."They ran a bunch of tests and whatnot, and we needed to dilate them to be confirmed," Stanton said. "By that time it was too late, so I wouldn't have been able to play tonight.""They know what's going on and it should be situated, Matt Cain Jersey so don't ask me what's going on. It's too complicated -- all those big words."For now, the Marlins' starting right fielder will take eye drops and visit an eye doctor during the All-Star break. He doesn't believe it should be a season-long issue. "It's not like I'm seeing out of one eye. It's partially blurry and it's there and then it's not," said Stanton, who collected two hits on Tuesday. "It's usually there the whole time. Just because I hit a ball hard doesn't mean it's not there."The 21-year-old outfielder missed three games last month because of a right eye infection, which he first mentioned in the mid-June series against the Rays. Stanton said it bothers him at times during night games."[It's] pretty frustrating, because I don't want to complain about it Cody Ross Jersey or make it a big deal, but then again, you can't shun facts," Stanton Freddy Sanchez Jersey said. "It's been feeling better, but try to get it back to normal."Meanwhile, Marlins interim manager Jack Pablo Sandoval Jersey McKeon learned from head trainer Sean Cunningham Tuesday night that the appointment had been arranged weeks ago."They told me that he went to a routine followup from his previous one, not what the Authentic Freddy Sanchez Jersey ticker said on ESPN that he's gone to see an eye specialist," McKeon said. "He'll probably have his routine followup whenever, but if you looked at him last night, I hope it stays blurry or whatever his problem was the way he hit the ball last night."Reliever Sanches takes one for Giants Pablo Sandoval Jersey team in lossMIAMI -- During Tuesday night's 14-2 loss to the Phillies, Brian Sanches threw 78 pitches over three innings of relief. In the ninth inning, he was kept in the game and allowed six runs to score as Marlins interim manager Jack Authentic Starlin Castro Jersey McKeon stretched him out to finish the frame.Following the game, Sanches appeared Cubs Ryne Sandberg Jersey to be frustrated about being left in for so long. McKeon said that since a few guys had pitched three days in a row, and Burke Badenhop had warmed up three out of four days, he needed Florida's long man to close it out. "I would probably be frustrated, but I thought he did a yeoman's job handling and saving our bullpen," McKeon said. "To be honest, I thought he did a marvelous job bailing us out."McKeon said that Sanches would get the next few days off, and that part of the reason he was kept on the mound was because of the difficulty in getting a reliever to warm up that quickly."How can you get somebody warmed up in a hurry? It's impossible," McKeon said. "You keep saying, 'Oh, he'll get the next guy.'"Sanches also made two spot starts earlier in the season and went 5 1/3 combined innings. "You need guys who'll go out there and do that, but I know when you give up a few runs you don't feel good about it. I don't feel good about it either," McKeon said. "He might be the reason we win the next two, three games because of what he did."McKeon reflects on managing All-Star teamMIAMI -- Marlins interim manager Jack McKeon reflected on his opportunity to manage the 2004 National League All-Star team after Florida won the World Series the previous October."I wasn't getting lobbied, but there was a lot of hard feelings because you didn't pick certain guys," McKeon said.  The 80-year-old skipper remembers the Phillies being upset at him for not selecting then-closer Billy Wagner.Since All-Star rules state that each team must be represented at the game, McKeon chose Livan Hernandez from the Nationals and Jack Wilson Starlin Castro Jersey from the Pirates."It's a tough job, because when you get five or six choices, and you don't have anybody on Montreal, Colorado or Milwaukee, well then maybe some of the guys you'd like to pick are bumped because you have to take Authentic Matt Cain Jersey somebody," McKeon said.This season, McKeon expressed his dissatisfaction at Marlins starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez not making the club despite a 6-2 record and 3.30 ERA."I think sometimes we get the feeling that certain guys should be on there because they were in the past, but don't quite have the stats that some of these other guys have," McKeon said. "I would like to fill those spots [with guys] worthy of being there. I did my ballot and I put guys on there that were deserving to be on the All-Star team this year, Authentic Pablo Sandoval Jersey not because they've been on it four, five years in the past."

MIAMI -- A day after being acquired from the Red Sox, Mike Cameron was in a Marlins uniform before Wednesday night's game against the Phillies at Sun Life Stadium.The 38-year-old was designated for assignment by Authentic Alfonso Soriano Jersey Boston last Thursday and has not played in a game since. He was Authentic Ryne Sandberg Jersey batting .149 with three homers and nine RBIs in just 33 games.Marlins interim manager Jack McKeon said that he envisions Cameron as a starter Cubs Carlos Zambrano Jersey and letting all of his outfielders "get plenty of work" once the former All-Star shakes off some of the rust."It's going to be a good, refreshing feeling to get a Cubs Alfonso Soriano Jersey chance to run out there every day and see where my body's at," Cameron said.Cameron is a 16-year veteran who is one of just five active players to record at least 250 career home runs and 250 stolen bases.Last season, Cameron had double sports hernia surgery after struggling through an abdominal tear, and he missed 114 games. "It was hard. I tried to do as much as I could and it just didn't work," Cameron said. "I got it fixed, worked hard in the offseason, so I expect to play a little better than I did in Boston."Cameron is also a three-time Gold Glove Award winner who has spent seasons with the White Sox, Reds, Mariners, Mets, Padres and Brewers.The veteran already knows some of his teammates, having played against Authentic Carlos Pena Jersey Dewayne Wise, John Buck Kosuke Fukudome Jersey and Omar Infante. On Tuesday, Marlins president Cubs Matt Garza Jersey of baseball operations Larry Beinfest said that the team has been searching for a veteran presence for the young ballclub."We've been kind of poking around and tried with [Jose] Lopez, and it didn't work out," Beinfest said. "We tried to add some veteran presence here to help with some of our younger guys here in the second half. We just thought Carlos Pena Jersey it made sense."Beinfest believes that Cameron's leadership Cubs Kosuke Fukudome Jersey -- something the outfielder learned from coming up in the big leagues with Barry Larkin, Greg Vaughn and Frank Thomas surrounding him -- could be very important. Cameron sees himself as both a vocal and lead-by-example leader."I understood that when they sent me here. My job is to be able to come here and get into the moment of where I'm at now, opposed to Carlos Zambrano Jersey looking at where I was," Cameron said of going from the contending Red Sox to a last-place team. "Take the ride Cubs Carlos Pena Jersey and enjoy it. I've had a lot of years of playing baseball, and this is another opportunity for me to play a little more than I was doing over there." Over the past few days, Cameron said he has been watching the Marlins."It's refreshing, obviously coming out of Boston and having an opportunity to come here Matt Garza Jersey with a lot of young kids Authentic Carlos Zambrano Jersey and talent," Cameron said. "They need to find a way to put it together as a unit, instead of guys sparsely standing above each other."In exchange for Cameron, Florida will send Alfonso Soriano Jersey either a player to be named or cash to Boston.To Ryne Sandberg Jersey make room for the outfielder, reliever Jose Ceda was sent back down to Triple-A New Orleans. Ceda appeared in just three games after being called up June 20."He brings experience. He's a good guy on the club," said McKeon, who coached Cameron in Cincinnati. "I think he'll certainly Authentic Kosuke Fukudome Jersey be able to help some of the young outfielders, and he's a gamer. He likes to play the game and keeps the clubhouse loose. He's a fun guy, good competitor. He can still run, Authentic Matt Garza Jersey [he's a] good center fielder and he's got some good pop."

PITTSBURGH -- It's the time of year when names begin to surface in trade rumors, and considering how the Astros have been struggling, they are setting themselves up to be sellers at the July 31 Trade Deadline. Astros Gold Glove center fielder Michael Bourn, who was traded to the Astros from the Phillies in November 2007, is already having his name floated in the media as a possible trade target for a contending club. Bourn, a Houston native, said he's not concerned about any trade rumors. "That's nothing I can Authentic Carlos Zambrano Jersey control," he said. "I just take it day by day until I really start hearing some real talking. I'm pretty sure the closer we get to the deadline, the more it will start heating up. My focus here is just on playing. You hope you don't have to go through that, but you just don't know." Cubs Alfonso Soriano Jersey Bourn, who's on his way to leading the National League in stolen bases for the third year in a row, understands he's a possible trade target. "That's always a possibility," he said. "I don't care who you are, even for Hunter [Pence]. You just have to deal with it and continue to try to play hard every day. Even though we're not doing as well as we want to, you have to somehow look for the bright spots."Astros meet to discuss current recordPITTSBURGH -- With his team on pace for the club's Authentic Kosuke Fukudome Jersey first 100-loss season in franchise history, Astros manager Brad Mills held an extended closed-door meeting prior to Wednesday's series finale against the Pirates that lasted more than an hour. "Any time you're going through a time like we're going through, there's a lot Ryne Sandberg Jersey of things you need to talk about, and Cubs Kosuke Fukudome Jersey that's what we kind of have to go through," Mills said. "It's a great group of guys that want to compete and be good Kosuke Fukudome Jersey and have the ability to be good. They have a Authentic Alfonso Soriano Jersey lot of talent out here with the way they play. To hear them talk about that was good." Mills and a handful of players stood up and addressed how to get the Astros going in the right direction during the nearly 70-minute meeting. The Astros responded by pounding out 14 hits to beat the Pirates, 8-2, to snap a five-game losing streak. "There's definitely a lot of things said that needed to be said and it was good," Astros shortstop Clint Barmes said. "You just look at the energy we brought out and we played with from the first pitch to the last. We hadn't played like that in a while."
When asked why he decided to have a meeting Cubs Carlos Pena Jersey Wednesday, Mills didn't offer many details.
"There [were] some situations that kind of came up in [Tuesday] night's game that preempted a little bit of that, but then it was not just [Tuesday] night's game," Mills said. "There [were] other things we [had] to talk about."Quintero off DL, to join team in FloridaPITTSBURGH -- The Astros activated catcher Humberto Quintero from the 15-day disabled list following Wednesday's game, optioning catcher J.R. Towles back to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Quintero had been on the disabled list since May 28 with a sprain of his right ankle. Quintero was only four games into his scheduled eight-game rehab stint when the Astros decided they needed his services. He was hitting .248 with nine RBIs in 32 games before being injured, but his strong arm and his work with the pitching Cubs Matt Garza Jersey staff are valuable assets. "He feels good, he did a Authentic Matt Garza Jersey good job and he'll join us [Friday] in Florida," Astros manager Brad Mills said. Towles batted .180 with three homers and 10 RBIs in 44 games this season and was banged up in June, getting extensive time off for a leg injury and a chin Cubs Carlos Zambrano Jersey laceration without going on the disabled list. He's batted .115 after hitting .364 Carlos Zambrano Jersey in April. Authentic Ryne Sandberg Jersey "I was a little disappointed, but I knew they were going to make a move and I didn't know who it was going to be," said Towles. "Things happen for a reason, and I'm a little disappointed but I'm going to do everything I can to be back some time soon." Melancon trying to stay sharp in 'penPITTSBURGH -- The Astros haven't had many chances to nail down saves in the ninth inning recently, which brings a different set of challenges to closer Mark Melancon. Astros manager Brad Mills has been trying to give Melancon regular work despite the lack of ninth-inning opportunities. "[Mills is] great about that," Melancon said. "He understands that aspect of the game, and that's why sometimes I will come in when we're down. Last week, I came in just for one out and that was good, just to get in the game and on the mound and get between the lines and under the lights and face a hitter." Melancon threw two pitches June 30 against the Rangers, recording an out, and tossed one inning (33 pitches) in Sunday's loss to the Red Matt Garza Jersey Sox. He has had just one save chance since June 8, which marked the last time he had saved a game. "I know for sure I'd like to have Authentic Carlos Pena Jersey more opportunities, both to stay sharp and for the team's sake," Melancon said. "I try to stay sharp by throwing the bullpen if I don't get in and do the best I can to make it game speed. You can't duplicate game situations, though." Worth noting Third baseman Chris Johnson was out of the starting lineup for the second time in three games Wednesday, with Angel Sanchez starting at third and batting second. It's his third start of the Alfonso Soriano Jersey season at third base. "We are trying to get a batting order that fits well together," manager Brad Mills said. "Sanchez does such a good job in the second spot, just like [Jeff] Keppinger does such a good job in the second spot. But it's a Carlos Pena Jersey situation where it kind of stretches out our lineup a little bit."  Astros outfielder Jason Bourgeois, who's been on the disabled list since June 29 with a right quad strain, has been testing the leg while running with hopes of going out on a Minor League rehab stint during the All-Star break. "I feel good," he said. "I don't feel any inflammation or pain. I'm able to get on the treadmill for 10 minutes and do some body exercises and swing with no pain. That's big for me."  Mills said left-hander pitcher Fernando Abad, who went on the disabled list on Tuesday with left shoulder tendinitis, will travel with the team for this weekend's series against the Marlins in Miami and then go to the Astros' facility in Kissimmee, Fla., for rehab over the All-Star break. "We need him to continue doing that work over the break in that facility with a rehab center down there," Mills said.

LOS ANGELES -- Michael Jordan Jersey Barring something unforeseen, Johan Santana will climb upon a mound on Thursday morning for the Authentic Mark Buehrle Jersey third time in two weeks. Again, he will throw a bullpen session, edging closer to the Spring Training-like progression that should see him return to the Mets at some point in August.But for the first time publicly, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson admitted Wednesday that he does not consider Santana a significant part of his plans for 2011."I think we look at Johan more as someone who should pitch this year if he can," Alderson said, "not with a view of winning a pennant for the New York Mets, but in terms of his progression going into 2012."Alderson's words came knowing that Santana remains under contract at least through 2013, and therefore figures to be a major part of the team's pitching plans for the next two seasons. The operation he underwent last Carlton Fisk Jersey summer to repair a torn capsule in his left shoulder typically requires significant time for a full recovery -- if one is even possible. And so Alderson is not necessarily counting on Santana's production in 2011 as much as that of injured sluggers David Wright and Ike Davis."They're all slightly different," Alderson said. "I don't think we're unrealistically relying on any of them to come in like the 7th Cavalry."Reyes in limbo as MRI goes for second opinionLOS ANGELES -- Per the request of Jose Reyes' agent, the Mets plan to receive a second opinion on their shortstop's Authentic Michael Jordan Jersey MRI results from last weekend. That process is pending, and Reyes will not attempt to run until it is complete.Mets manager Terry Collins and general manager Sandy Alderson indicated Wednesday that Reyes will not play in any of the team's remaining games in Los Angeles. Though it is possible that Reyes could return at some point this weekend in San Francisco, a more likely scenario has him sitting out the weekend while remaining on the active roster, then sitting out the All-Star Game and returning for next weekend's series against the Phillies.If at any point the Mets feel Reyes will not be ready by next weekend, they can still place him on the disabled list retroactive to last Sunday. Reyes has now missed four consecutive games with a Grade 1 strain of his left hamstring, and the Mets are content to play short-handed in his absence in the hopes that he will not miss two full weeks."I have a situation here where I've got the best player in the league who's not in my lineup," Collins said. "I've got to figure out how Gordon Beckham Jersey to get him in there."However, the Mets Mark Buehrle Jersey appear to have prepared for the possibility of putting Reyes on the DL, arranging for infielder/outfielder Nick Evans, currently with Triple-A Buffalo, to meet the team in Los Angeles, according to ESPNNewYork.com, citing multiple team sources.Dallas-based doctor Daniel Cooper, who performed the surgery to repair Reyes' right hamstring tendon in 2009, is in the process of reviewing the results of an MRI taken Sunday morning in New York. Though Reyes White Sox Gordon Beckham Jersey will continue to take batting practice with his teammates and receive treatment, he will not attempt to run on his strained hamstring until that review is complete.In the interim, the Mets Harold Baines Jersey will continue to preach caution regarding Reyes, who underwent surgery in 2009 after returning too quickly from White Sox Jake Peavy Jersey a similar leg injury."That's not a decision we have to make today," Alderson said of a potential disabled-list stint. "We will be looking at all of our options again. We worked the three- or four-day cushion and we are getting more information back from the physicians, and obviously feedback from Jose himself. So White Sox Carlton Fisk Jersey we're in a position now where we're pretty close to making a decision."The Mets remain similarly noncommittal about allowing Reyes to play in next Tuesday's All-Star Game, though it seems unlikely White Sox Mark Buehrle Jersey that he would play for the National League team if he cannot first return to active duty to the Mets."If he doesn't play for us over the next four days," Alderson said, "having those three extra days of rest would be valuable."Next two weeks telling for Mets' trade plansLOS ANGELES -- The Mets, general manager Sandy Alderson said, continue to address this season in increments. A week into July, they have not yet committed to buying or selling at the upcoming non-waiver Trade Deadline, Authentic Carlton Fisk Jersey because they remain unsure if they will still be in contention."There's a question of our direction and making that determination internally," Alderson said. "But to actually do anything, if you're referring to trades, requires more than one party. And even though we're in July, it's still a little bit early for most clubs to fully engage in serious trade discussions. Whether we want to do something or not, it may not be an White Sox Harold Baines Jersey option for us Authentic Jake Peavy Jersey at this point."Alderson pointed to the next dozen games -- nine of them against the first-place Giants, Phillies and Cardinals -- as the next significant test for his club. If the Mets remain in contention after that stretch of games, he will then look ahead to the ensuing block of schedule.If not, Alderson may reassess his team's stance at the Deadline."To be relevant, we had to get over .500," Alderson said. "We're a couple of games over now. I think we are relevant, and it's going to depend on what happens over the next [two weeks]."Mets to hold annual blood drive on ThursdayLOS ANGELES -- The Mets will hold their annual Summer Blood Drive Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Authentic Gordon Beckham Jersey at Citi Field in partnership with the New York Blood Center.All fans donating blood will receive a pair of tickets to a 2011 home game in August. In addition, donors will receive a voucher redeemable for 15 percent off regularly priced merchandise at the Mets Team Store at Citi Field. Season-ticket holders who give blood can show their voucher and Jake Peavy Jersey ID card to receive 20 percent off regularly priced items. The discount is applicable only on Thursday.Donors must be 17 years of age (16 with parental permission), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Fans can enter Citi Field through the Hodges Authentic Harold Baines Jersey VIP gate.Worth noting Because third baseman David Wright (stress fracture, lower back) is not close to beginning a Minor League rehab assignment, Mets manager Terry Collins is no longer planning to visit Wright in Port St. Lucie, Fla. over the All-Star break. Wright is in the process of increasing the progression of his running program and should return in late July. R.A. Dickey threw a routine bullpen session Wednesday and reported no ill effects from the left glute tightness that forced him to leave Sunday's outing after five innings. Dickey fully expects to make his next start Friday in San Francisco. "It's just a dull soreness," he said.