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Archived News of Frank's Field of Dreams

"The Old Reflector"
"Center of Attention."
There was never a question if Ichiro was going to play for Seattle
next season. But there was some question as to where in the field he
would play, right field or center field. Every start Ichiro has had since
August 19th has been in center field, and manager Mike Hargrove
announced that Ichiro will be his center fielder next season.
(9/29)
Ichiro to stay in center

"Saito Claus."
There are still more than 2 months away from the
Christmas season, but Takashi Saito, who broke
Yhency Brazoban's franchise rookie record with his 22nd
save, decided to give the game ball to Derek Lowe, whose
100th career victory had just been secured by Saito's save.
(9/28)
Saito's record ball goes to Lowe

"2nd to None, Pt. II."
If you see the lineup put up by Joe Torre tonight, you might
have to wonder if this is the best lineup ever. Torre put out
his top batting order for the 1st time, each and every players an
All-Star at some point of their career, this is the modern day
version of Muderers' Row. As Johnny Damon recalled, "It's a lineup
that you dream of." while across the dugout, Ramon Hernandez
said "The best lineup I've seen in my life, when the No. 2 hitter in the
league is hitting ninth, that's telling you something". Chien-Ming Wang
received more than enough run support as his teammates helped
him to get win #19, join Johan Santana for the Major League lead,
and neither pitcher is likely to make another start as they both rest
and get ready for the ALDS. Wang also set the new record for most win
by an Asian pitcher, broke the previous record set by Chan Ho Park,
who had 18 wins back in 2000. New York Yankees scored early
and often, as they vanquished the Baltimore Orioles, 16 - 5.
Also, Torre has announced that Wang will start the team's playoff
opener next week, where the Yankees will take on either the Tigers
or the Twins. We might see Johan Santana VS. Chien-Ming Wang
scenario in the Bronx during game 1 of the ALDS next week.
(9/27)
Wang to start playoff opener

"AL West Diary."
Ichiro's streak of 396 consecutive games played is snapped,
while Aki Otsuka's season is over because of severe headaches.
(9/27)
Rare day out of lineup for Ichiro
Migraines end Otsuka's season

"Matsui's Corner."
It has been more than 4 months since Hideki Matsui
patrolled the left field grass at Yankee Stadium.
So before making his 1st start there for the 1st time in
over 4 months, the Japanese slugger was understandably an
interesting mix of anxious, excited and, mostly, relieved.
(9/26)
Matsui happy to be back in left

"Park to the Bullpen."
A little less than a month ago, it did not seem likely that
Chan Ho Park would be where he is at now, with a little
over a week to go in the regular season. He now finds himself
in the bullpen, activated after a month of rehabbing
from laparoscopic surgery to stop intestinal bleeding.
(9/22)
Park makes surprising return

"September Success."
A year removed from losing his spot on the team's 40-man roster,
Cha Seung Baek continued to forge his way into the team's
starting rotation plans for next year with yet another strong start.
Seattle Mariners sails through the Texas Rangers, 6 - 3.
(9/21)
Baek leads Mariners in 11-hit victory

"Changes."
I decided to change the name of my autograph collection
area of the website from Cooperstown, NC to Autograph Land.
While a new page has been added to the website, called
El Evolution, where it has information showing the pattern
of gradual development of Asian Major Leaguers.
Finally, baseball fan links has been relocated to a
new tab on the navigation area, while replace the links,
I have added important baseball dates coming up.
(9/19)

"Minor League Transactions."
According to Baseball America, the Cleveland Indians
have acquired Taiwanese catcher Chao-Kuan Wu
from the Seattle Mariners for future considerations.
Wu recently finished his 4th Minor League season with the
Everett AquaSox. While Wu has not shown too much potential,
the move is figure to have him to be Sung-Wei Tseng's
catcher in 2007. The Minnesota Twins also have got into the
Asian market by signing Korean catcher Jae-Hyung Jang.
(9/18)
Minor League Transactions (August 31 - September 15)

"Moving on Up."
We all know Ichiro is the leadoff guy for the Seattle Mariners,
but guess who is hitting 3rd in the lineup, rookie catcher
Kenji Johjima, who is hitting a team-leading .362 with runners
in scoring position. That ranks 7th in the American League.
(9/16)
Johjima gets a look at three hole

"Kaz Matsui Update."
Kaz Matsui said he has a season to finish and declined to say
whether he prefers to stay with the Rockies next season,
search another Major League job or even go back to Japan.
(9/15)
Matsui relaxing in Colorado

"Dome is Home."
An interesting fact, half of the Japanese pro teams play
indoors, with the most popular team Yomiuri Giants plays
their games at Tokyo Dome, also known as the "Big Egg".
(9/15)
Yakyu means baseball: Dome-o arigato

"Meet So Taguchi."
So Taguchi may not have the fame or stardom compare to
Ichiro or Hideki Matsui, but none the less he gave
everything he has to offer to the game that he loves.
A great article written by Lori Shontz on STLtoday,
which needs to be read by baseball fans around the world.
(9/15)
So Taguchi: Made in the USA

"Back With a Bang."
Hideki Matsui is back in the pinstripes after spending the last
4 months on the DL with a fractured wrist. Serving as the
DH and hit out of the #8 spot, Matsui could not ask for a
better night as he went 4 for 4 (all singles) to help the
New York Yankees trounce the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, 12 - 4.
(9/12)
Godzilla returns to Big Apple
Godzilla leads Yankees' rampage

"Saito the Savior."
Sarah from Sarah's Dodger Place with her take
on Takashi Saito's excellent rookie season.
(9/10)
Saito one of LA's MVPs

"2nd to None."
Chien-Ming Wang became the 2nd 17 games winner,
joining Johan Santana for the Major League lead.
Another start, another typical Chien-Ming Wang display,
out of the 85 pitches thrown, 56 were strikes, while strikeout
is not his forte, he did manage to get 16 ground outs.
New York Yankees are another step closer toward the
playoffs with the 3 - 2 win over the Baltimore Orioles.
(9/9)
Wang becomes second 17-game winner

"Shutout at Shea."
Hong-Chih Kuo was impressive in his 1st career Major League
start, he dominated the best baseball team for 6 innings where
he did not allow a hit until the 5th inning, Kuo earned his 1st
Major League victory and Japanese reliever Takashi Saito
pitched a scoreless 9th to help the Los Angeles Dodgers shutout
the New York Mets, 5 - 0. The win keeps the Dodgers in the
1st place of the NL West. Kuo will remain in the Dodgers' rotation.
(9/9)
Kuo's first start a smash for Dodgers
Kuo rewards Dodgers' faith

"Baek in '07, Cont."
Cha Seung Baek, who was called up recently from Triple-A Tacoma,
has had 4 solid starts. Against the Texas Rangers, he put on his
best performance out of them all, as he didn't allow a base runner
past the first base, while walked none and struck out three. Baek
continues to make a strong statement of joining the rotation full time
in 2007. Kenji Johjima also contributed by hitting a 3 run homer, his
15th of the season. The Mariners enjoys a home victory, 7 - 2.
(9/9)
Baek's gem, homers take down Rangers

"AA Meeting."
Hideki Matsui is currently in Double A playing for the
Trenton Thunders. While his temporary Thunder teammates
are locked up in an Eastern League playoff struggle with the
Portland Sea Dogs, Matsui remains fixed on a broader goal.
That is, to fully rehabilitate his injured left wrist in time to help
the New York Yankees make a World Series run next month.
(9/8)
Focused Matsui takes in more rehab

"Baek in '07."
With Jamie Moyer having been traded to Philadelphia,
Gil Meche headed to free agency and Joel Pineiro eligible
for salary arbitration, the Mariners will be faced with
questions about their rotation for next season. Japanese
prize pitching stud Daisuke Matsuzaka is an option if he
is "posted". But Cha Seung Baek is also a viable candidate.
(9/7)
Baek and Woods making their pitch

"Pinstripes News."
Hideki Matsui is set to began rehab in the Minor League,
and Chien-Ming Wang discuss his success in the Major League.
(9/6)
Thunder make room for Matsui
Succeeding in the States

"Park the Padre."
Chan Ho Park returned to the Padres' clubhouse,
while recovering and likely out for rest of the season,
he is happy to be a father for the 1st time in his life.
(9/5)
Park beaming over first child

Korean Pitching Changes."
Jae Seo is activated from the DL and will go against southpaw
Cy Young candidate Johan Santana tonight at home in Tampa Bay.
Other Transaction news are the Cincinnati Reds have acquired
Sun Woo Kim from the Colorado Rockies for future consideration,
while Chicago Cubs called up Jae Kuk Ryu for the 4th time this season.
(9/5)
Seo set to go on Tuesday
Reds trade to bolster rotation
Pie absent among roster moves

"Better Than The Best."
Chien-Ming Wang pitched 7 2/3 innings of shutout ball
to earn his 16th win and lead the New York Yankees to
a 2 - 0 victory over the Detroit Tigers, who came in the
Bronx with the best record in the AL. Also, Hideki Matsui
has been cleared to take full batting practice, a big step in
his hopeful return to the Yankees' lineup this season.
(8/30)
Wang beats Tigers for 16th win
Matsui nearing September return

"Johjima's Journal."
Seattle Mariners' rookie catcher Kenji Johjima
with his own personal perspectives.
(8/30)
Catching on with the Mariners

"Mile High Matsui."
Kaz Matsui knows how to make a good first impression.
He has opened each of his three seasons by hitting a
home run in his first at-bat, including an inside-the-park
home run this year in San Diego. With an eye to the
future, the Colorado Rockies are eager to see what they have
got in Matsui, who will be a free agent at the end of the season.
(8/28)
Matsui getting comfortable in Colorado

"Ambidextrous."
Tomo Ohka did not have his best stuff on the mound today,
however, he had his best day as a hitter in the batter's box.
Ohka gave left hand hitting a try and it paid off right away,
as he went 2 for 2 with 4 RBIs to help the Milwaukee Brewers
past the Colorado Rockies' 12 - 6. Kaz Matsui went 1 for 1 as
a pinch hitter, and he is 2 for 5 since being called up from AAA.
(8/24)
Ohka's bat helps Brewers sweep Rox

"West Coast Story."
Chien-Ming Wang pitched another great game that helped him
to achieve his Spring Training goal of getting 15 wins this season.
Ichiro has a rough night going 0 - 4 with 2 Ks against Wang,
while Kenji Johjima grounded out in a pinch hit appearance.
Yankees beat the Mariners 9 - 2, and Hideki Matsui also joined
the team in Seattle where he has cleared to hit off a tee.
(8/24)
Wang has his way against Mariners
Good news on Matsui

"Jae Turning Up & Down."
Tampa Bay Devil Rays decided to put Jae Seo on the 15 days
DL due to a strained left groin. While the Chicago Cubs
called up Jae Kuk Ryu for for the 3rd time this season.
(8/23)
Seo moved onto disabled list

"Back to the Majors."
With a new hair cut and outlook, Kaz Matsui is about to
experience the pressure change between the city that
never sleeps and the Rocky Mountains. Cha Seung Baek
is also back in the Major League for his 2nd cup of coffee.
(8/22)
Matsui called up
M's bring up Cha Seung Baek from Tacoma

"Park Scratched."
Chan Ho Park suppose to start for the Padres against
his former team, the Dodgers, instead he spend the night
at a clinic where tests will be done to find out the
source of intestinal bleeding that has returned again.
Padres put Park on the DL for the 2nd time this month.
(8/22)
Tests to be done on Padres' Park
Special care taken with Chan Ho
Park resting, likely out for year

"Anti-Bonds."
A baseball fan who owns the site Boycott Barry needs
your support, as we all want to get rid of one of the biggest
cheater in the game. Just don't Boycott the Babes!
(8/22)

"The Lopezes."
Haha, I knew this would have happened sometime down the road
when the Red Sox acquired Javy Lopez from the Orioles earlier
this month. True, that no one see this coming early in the season,
when both Javier Lopez started the season with other teams
(Orioles, White Sox). Now, to make things less confusing, the
pitcher is Javier Alfonso Lopez, and the catcher on the other hand is
Javier Lopez Torres. Both hail from Puerto Rico, but Javier Alfonso is
a southpaw. Who would expect two players with the same name on
a team filled with 25 players? Let's just hope the Red Sox don't bring
utility infielder Alex Gonzalez out of the retirement. The last time
I can think of two players with the same name on the same team is
Bobby Joseph/Mitchell Joneses with the New York Mets back in 2000.
(8/21)

Editor's Note
Javy Lopez has been released before the player to be named
later has even been sent to the Orioles to complete the trade.
(9/9)

"The Rookie."
Takashi Saito continues his brilliant job as the Los Angeles Dodgers'
emerged closer during his first MLB season. The 36 years old rookie
now has 14 saves as he struck out the side in the 9th to help
the Dodgers defeat arch-rival Giants with the score of 5 - 2.
(8/20)
Saito delivers big save for Lowe, LA

"Suzuki Shuffled."
I guess when a team is on a terrible losing streak, it is time to make
some changes in the lineup. Ichiro will now see some time at the
center field, where he played mostly during his career in Japan.
(8/20)
Ichiro will see time in center

"Weekend Updates."
Ichiro ranks third (360) among active players behind Baltimore's
Miguel Tejada (1,039) and Texas' Mark Teixeira (406) in consecutive
games played and was slated for a day off, but makes late entry
to the game to keep the streak alive. Jae Seo took over the
Devil Rays' shaving cream pie job from teammate Tomas Perez.
While Chien-Ming Wang stayed poised like he always has on the mound.
(8/19)
In a 180, Ichiro plays No. 361
Seo takes over pie job for Perez
Wang cool under pressure

"Blessing in Disguise."
Getting traded to Cleveland brought about the inconvenience
of uprooting Shin-Soo Choo's family, which moving it across
the country from Seattle. But for Choo, it was a blessing,
a golden opportunity to play in the big leagues. The Indians
like what they have seen from him in less than month.
(8/14)
Choo taking advantage of chance

"Japanese Journals."
Tadahito Iguchi is looking forward to snap his hitting
slump, while Kenji Johjima has made the transition
of catching from Japan to MLB look very easy.
(8/12)
Iguchi seeking consistency
Johjima not lost in transition

"Korean Notes."
Shin-Soo Choo has been superb since being acquired from the
Seattle Mariners last week, while fellow South Korean Chan Ho Park,
who suffered a mysterious stomach ailment is currently on the
DL and recuperating after receiving blood transfusion.
(8/5)
Choo impressive thus far
Park recuperating after ailment

"Kim Outdoes Ohka."
Whether Jeff Cirillo's accusation of the baseball being
waterlogged in Colorado or not, Byung-Hyun Kim mystified the
Brewers' hitters and went a career high 8 innings. Kim outdoes
his Asian counterpart Tomo Ohka, who pitched terribly for the
first time since coming off the DL. Rockies beat the Brewers, 8 - 2.
(8/3)
Kim gem helps Rockies sink Brewers

"Yankee News."
Hideki Matsui stretched with the team in his first pre-game
workout with the team since May 11, when he fractured his left wrist
sliding to make a catch at Yankee Stadium against Boston.
Also, whether it's Toronto's big bats or punchless Tampa Bay,
Chien-Ming Wang is overpowering everybody lately. Coming off a
two-hitter against the Devil Rays last weekend for his 1st career
shutout, Wang who is now 13 - 4, buzzed through the best
hitting team in the Majors and ran his scoreless streak to 18 innings
Yankees defeat the Blue Jays 7 - 2, in Wang's latest brilliant outing.
(8/2)
Matsui works out with team
Wang dominates Toronto

"Hank Aaron Award."
Since 1999, the 25th anniversary of Aaron breaking Babe Ruth's
all-time home run record, Major League Baseball has recognized
the best offensive performer from each league with the
Hank Aaron Award presented by CENTURY 21. This year, the
Seattle Mariners is represented by its offense catalyst, Ichiro,
who will look forward of winning the crown against other
favorites such as David Ortiz and Vladimir Guerrero.
(8/1)
Ichiro nominated for Hank Aaron Award