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Archived News of Frank's Field of Dreams

"The Old Reflector"
"Two Weeks Tryouts, Cont."
Hideki Matsui increased his swings during his rehab workout,
he will remain with the New York Yankees because a knee
surgery is still a possibility and there is no rush to send him
to the Minor League on a rehab assignment just of yet.
(7/30)
Rehabbing Matsui increases workload

"In Da Club."
 

Ichiro's quest to 3,000 total hits is officially over, he hit a single in
the 1st inning and end up going 2-for-6 with an RBI. Kenji Johjima
made a pinch-hit appearance but was hit by the pitch. Ichiro's
3,000 hit party got spoiled when J.J. Putz blown his 5th save
of the season in Seattle Mariners' 11 - 10 loss to Texas Rangers.
(7/30)
Ichiro hits No. 3,000, but Mariners fall
Ichiro notches career hit No. 3,000

"Same Team, Different Fate."
Chien-Ming Wang have his cast removed on his way back
after suffering a leg injury over a month ago. However,
Kei Igawa is no longer in New York Yankees' pitching plan.
Igawa lost his 40-man roster spot and is likely going to
be dealt before the trading deadline the next two days.
(7/29)
Wang has cast removed

"Same Number, Same Fate."
Two Japanese pitchers wearing #18 got blasted by their
opponent. Daisuke Matsuzaka was fine through 5 innings,
but gave up two homers in the 6th and could not record a
single out. Matsuzaka pitched 5 innings, allowed 6 runs on
7 hits (2 homers) and 2 walks, he also had 3 strikeouts in
Boston Red Sox's 7 - 5 loss to Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Hiroki Kuroda was even less impressive, he only pitched
3 2/3 innings, gave up 7 runs on 9 hits with 2 strikeouts.
Los Angeles Dodgers fall to rival San Francisco Giants, 7 - 6.
(7/29)
Dice-K less than OK as Red Sox fall
Dodgers fall short of picking up Kuroda
Kuroda to get extra rest before next start

"One More Try."
Ichiro is still a hit shy away from 3,000 total hits
combined between his career in NPB and MLB.
(7/29)
Ichiro approaching career milestone
Guardado happy to be there for Ichiro

"Two Weeks Tryouts."
Hideki Matsui would like to still contribute to New York Yankees
this season, that is why he is putting the surgery on hold until
the end of the season. Matsui will be rehabbing for another
two weeks or so, and if all goes well with the rehabilitation, he
could be in condition to play as the DH for rest of the season.
(7/28)
Matsui hoping to return in two weeks

"Fast & Furious."
Ichiro have only tried to stole a base once the last three weeks
due to extra attention paid by pitchers and also more southpaw
pitchers starting against Seattle Mariners lately. With 34 thefts
so far, Ichiro is chasing Harold Reynold's club record of 60 set
back in 1987. Ichiro only been caught three times this season.
(7/28)
Ichiro being shut down on basepaths

"Choice of Choo."
Shin-Soo Choo is still not full strength after having Tommy John
surgery last year. Cleveland Indians like what he can provide
at the plate and the ability to play both corner outfield positions,
but there is also military duty from South Korea that might put a
damper into Choo's future with the team and his baseball career.
(7/24)
Tribe retooling outfield from within

"Give Him Five."
It has been a few weeks since everyone's expectation
that Ichiro gets his 3,000 hits as a pro sometime at the
end of July. Ichiro is only five hits away of 3,000 hits.
(7/24)
Ichiro zeroing in on 3,000 hits as pro

"Win Win Situations."
So Taguchi had been hitless in 16 at-bats as a pinch-hitter
this season, but after fell behind the count 0 - 2, he fouled off
three pitches and stroke a double to help Philadelphia Phillies
beat New York Mets 8 - 6. Taguchi's double gave him 2 RBIs to
tie the game and he later also scored on Jimmy Rollins' RBI.

Daisuke Matsuzaka threw 7 1/3 innings, allowed only 2 runs
on 5 hits and 3 walks to go with 6 strikeouts. Hideki Okajima
followed with 2/3 hitless inning of his own. Boston Red Sox beat
Seattle Mariners 4 - 2. Ichiro went 1-for-2 with an RBI and a run
scored, also drew 2 walks. Kenji Johjima went hitless in 3 at-bats.
(7/23)
Phillies thwart Mets with dramatic rally
Dice-K takes down Mariners

"Tornado Trailblazer Tidbits, Cont."
A week have gone by since Hideo Nomo quietly announced
his retirement through his agent, Don Nomura. Nomo's former
GM Fred Claire wrote an excellent article regarding of Nomo.
(7/23)
Nomo's impact hit Majors like a 'tornado'

"2008 Olympic Baseball/MLB Connections."
Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan have released their Olympic
baseball roster for the upcoming event held at Wukesong Stadium
in Beijing, China. Southpaw Jung Kuen Bong will be the only former
Korean MLBer on the team while former Taiwanese MLBers tandem
Chin-Feng Chen, and Chin-Hui Tsao will be once again playing for
Taiwan after representing the island in 2004 at Athens, Greece.

Japan's roster features no former MLBers, but a lot of possible
future MLBers such as Koji Uehara, Kenshin Kawakami, Hitoki Iwase,
Kyuji Fujikawa, Yu Darvish, Shinnosuke Abe, Norichika Aoki etc.
(7/22)

"Rehab > Surgery."
Hideki Matsui went against his specialist's advice of go ahead
and have the knee surgery done. Matsui wants to put it on hold
and see if there is a chance he can still contribute this season.
(7/21)
Matsui urged to have surgery, declines

"Giant Dwrafed."
Keiichi Yabu, who came out of nowhere to land a 25-man roster
spot with the San Francisco Giants have been hit hard lately and
will be on the DL for a few weeks because of a sprained finger.
(7/20)
Giants replace hurt Yabu with Espineli

"The Healthy One."
With Hideki Matsui on the DL, Kaz Matsui has recently returned
from the DL and making a splash at the top of the batting
order for Houston Astros. Matsui also met with boy scouts from
Japan, part of the Houston-Chiba Scout Exchange Program
which existed between the two cities for the last 36 years.
(7/20)
Matsui comfortable leading off
Matsui meets Japanese Boy Scouts

"Tornado Trailblazer Tidbits."
Hideo Nomo's retirement was imminent when Kansas City Royals
released him three months ago. Now, Nomo is forever known as
the one who followed his dream and paved ways for other Asian
players heading to the Major League. Daisuke Matsuzaka was
only a student in junior high when Nomo started his MLB quest.
(7/18)
Nomo ends career on high note
Dice-K discusses Nomo's importance

"DL Reports."
Tadahito Iguchi is traveling with the team and participating
some but not all the baseball activities. Iguchi is allowed to
throw long toss and field grounders while he is still on the DL.

Hideki Matsui will have the weekend without baseball activities,
surgery is required but he is not sure whether he will go ahead
and have it done soon or put it toward the end of the season.
(7/18)
Iguchi giving shoulder time to heal
Matsui ordered to rest for weekend

"Park En La 'Pen."
With the injury to closer Takashi Saito, Chan Ho Park will
be shifted back to the bullpen after couple spot starts to
strength up the late innings for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
(7/18)
Park moves to Dodgers' bullpen

"Saito Still Active...Nomo No More."
Takashi Saito is given permission to head back to Japan
in order to visit his family while resting his elbow without
baseball activities for ten days. Saito is not considering
retirement and is looking forward to pitch again after a
six weeks rehab. However, fellow Japanese countryman
and former Los Angeles Dodger Hideo Nomo announced
his retirement. Nomo pitched briefly earlier this season
after having not pitching in the MLB since midway in 2005.
(7/17)
Saito focused on rehabbing elbow
Nomo retires from baseball

"AL Alliance."
The American League All-Stars beat National League All-Stars
once again for the 12th years in a row. Ichiro did not explode at
the plate like he did during last year's All-Star Game but did get
a hit in 3 at-bats. Kosuke Fukudome went hitless in 2 at-bats.
In the longest All-Star Game in history, AL defeat NL 4 - 3 in a
contest that lasted almost 5 hours and went into 15 innings.
(7/16)
Night is Young: AL walks off in 15th
No joke: Ichiro again stands out

"Wounded Duos."
It is official that both Hideki Matsui and Takashi Saito will be
out for a while. Matsui suffered a big setback in his recovery
when he experienced inflammation on the left knee that have
been bothered him for a while. It is very likely Matsui will
undergo season-ending surgery to fix the problem once for all.

Takashi Saito has been diagnosed with a sprained ligament
in his right elbow after undergoing an MRI, he will be out
for at least 6 weeks. Surgery is not needed at the moment.
(7/16)
Damon and Matsui's rehab slowed
Matsui may opt for surgery to end year
Saito out for at least six weeks

"All-Star Duos."
There will be two Asian players (both from Japan) playing
at the 79th All-Star Game. Ichiro and Kosuke Fukudome will
represent AL and the NL as the starting outfielder for their
league in the last Mid-Summer Classic to be played at Yankee
Stadium. Ichiro won last year's All-Star Game MVP award.

Former All-Star Takashi Saito's sore elbow is still in a
cloudy picture, his return date is unknown at the moment.
(7/14)
Ichiro enjoys trips to Yankee Stadium
Fukudome embraces All-Star honor
Saito's elbow situation still uncertain

"Taiwanese Repeat."
Following Chin-Lung Hu's performance that got him the MVP in
the 2007 Futures Game, Che-Hsuan Lin hammered the first pitch
that he saw and smacked a 2 runs homer. Lin finished 2-for-2
with 2 RBIs and a run scored, his blast gave him the MVP honor for
the 2008 Futures Game. Lin's specially made bat with Taiwanese
flag will be donated to and being displayed in the Hall of Fame.
Team World defeat Team USA once again, this time by 3 - 0.
(7/13)
Previously unsung Lin hearing praise
World Team victorious in Futures Game

"Unfortunate Break."
Takashi Saito will spend his All-Star break nursing a sore
elbow. Neither Hiroki Kuroda or Saito received a decision
in Los Angeles Dodgers' 5 - 3 loss to Florida Marlins.
(7/13)
Dodgers drop it in extras, lose closer
Signs don't look encouraging for Saito

"TBS Throwdown."
Daisuke Matsuzaka will be facing Daniel Cabrera in
Boston Red Sox's final game before the All-Star Game.
(7/11)
Matsuzaka, Cabrera to face off on TBS

"Going to NYC, Cont."
Kosuke Fukudome will be playing center field instead of right field
at the 79th MLB All-Star Game. It does not matter to Fukudome,
because he is grateful just to have an opportunity to be playing at
Yankee Stadium before it is being torn down following this season.

Che-Hsuan Lin of Taiwan is also heading to the NYC, but playing
All-Star Futures Game instead. Last year, fellow Taiwanese
player Chin-Lung Hu won the MVP where World beat USA 7 - 2.
(7/10)
Fukudome center stage in New York
2008 World Team

"3 Shy 3,000."
Ichiro's 3-for-4 performance gave Seattle Mariners a
6 - 4 victory over Oakland Athletics. Ichiro is now
only 3 hits shy of 3,000 hits (MLB/NPB combined).
Ichiro was given a day of rest afterwards, but did end
up entering the game as a pinch-hitter and took a walk.
(7/10)
Ichiro helps Mariners topple A's
Rare Mariners' lineup has no Ichiro

"Matsui DL Chronicles, Cont."
Currently, Hideki Matsui is with the Yankees, the Tampa Yankees
that is. There is no specific timetable for Matsui's return as of yet.
(7/9)
Matsui to rehab in Tampa

It is official that Hideki Matsui will not be the AL's replacement
DH to counter the injury of David Ortiz. Matsui has his own
injury to worry about and having a season-ending surgery is
still very likely since he responded poorly to physical therapy.
(7/8)
Injured Matsui swings off a tee

"Shutout Stunts."
Both Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hiroki Kuroda cost a lot of
"posting fees" from their teams in Japan. The money seems
to be worth it together as Matsuzaka pitched 7 1/3 innings,
allowing only 6 hits and 3 walks to go with 5 strikeouts.
Hideki Okajima pitched 2/3 innings for the win when the
Boston Red Sox finally was able to score a run to beat
Minnesota Twins 1 - 0. Hiroki Kuroda was even better which
he took a perfect game into the 8th inning before settling for
a one-hit shutout with a 6 strikeouts performance during
Los Angeles Dodgers' 3 - 0 victory over Atlanta Braves.
(7/8)
Dice-K gives Sox what they asked for
Kuroda brilliant in one-hitting Braves

"Going to NYC."
Both Ichiro and Kosuke Fukudome made the All-Star team for
their respective leagues. Ichiro, last year's All-Star Game MVP is
heading to his 8th straight Mid-Summer Classic while Fukudome,
who last year at this time was with the Chunichi Dragons will be one
of seven players playing their 1st All-Star Game as starters, also
as one of 25 players to be playing their 1st All-Star Game overall.
(7/6)
Seven first-timers dot All-Star lineups
Cubs send seven to All-Star Game
Midsummer Classic has 25 newcomers
Ichiro makes eighth All-Star Game

"Matsui DL Chronicles."
Both Hideki and Kaz Matsui are on the DL, but only Kaz is looking
good of returning to action within the next week. Hideki Matsui
is not even allowed to take BP and might be not available until
after the All-Star break. Season-ending surgery is also a possibility.
(7/4)
Matsui not permitted to take BP
Tuesday circled for Matsui, Oswalt

"K-K Switch."
Hiroki Kuroda's return to the Los Angeles Dodgers also meant
the return to the Minor League for rookie phenom Clayton Kershaw.
Kuroda's outing showed it was the right move as he pitched
7 scoreless innings, gave up only 5 hits and a walk with a strikeout
during Los Angeles Dodgers' 4 - 1 victory over Houston Astros.
(7/3)
Kuroda makes seemless return in win

"Yes & No."
Masahide Kobayashi is the best candidate to be Cleveland Indians'
closer with his ERA, but his manager Eric Wedge will not confirm if
Kobayashi will be given the chance to be the full-time closer or not.
(7/2)
Tribe's closer situation looks tenuous

"Pushing Limits."
Like Ichiro, Kosuke Fukudome is ranked 3rd in the NL All-Star
outfielders' voting. Unlike Ichiro, Fukudome is only leading
by 33,000 votes with only two days before the polls close.
(6/30)
Fukudome's All-Star bid in jeopardy

Ichiro is still ranked 3rd in the AL All-Star outfielders' voting,
but he is only merely 200,000 votes ahead of Vladimir Guerrero.

Masahide Kobayashi is doing what Hideki Okajima was
doing for the Boston Red Sox last season. Kobayashi is the
key in Cleveland Indians' bullpen and have been used
heavily at times which draws concerns about his durability.
(6/29)
Ichiro needs final push to ensure start
Kobayashi adjusts to heavier workload

"Southpaw Struggles."
Hideki Okajima is not as sharp this season compare to
the last one, one reason is because his main weapon,
the splitter is not dipping when it gets in the home plate.
(6/28)
Sox's setup man struggling with splitter

"Out & About."
New York Yankees is hoping that Hideki Matsui can avoid
surgery on his troublesome left knee. Kei Igawa pitched
one inning for the team after being call-up but was
being optioned back down to AAA-Scranton once again.

Hiroki Kuroda have started his bullpen session on his road
back from the DL. The session went very well without pain
and Kuroda should start next week against Houston Astros.
(6/28)
Matsui counting on short DL stint
Kuroda, Penny toss bullpen sessions

"Win Win Situations."
Daisuke Matsuzaka rebounded from his previous disaster outing
with a great outing. Matsuzaka pitched 5 innings, allowed only
2 hits and 3 walks to go with 4 strikeouts in Boston Red Sox's
6 - 1 win over Houston Astros, Hideki Okajima gave up the
only run to the Astros in his 2/3 inning of relief appearance.

Chan Ho Park's comeback story is getting better and
better, he also did not allow a run in his start, and went
6 innings where he allowed only 4 hits and surprisingly
7 strikeouts. Takashi Saito struck out the side in the
9th inning to help Los Angeles Dodgers shutout their
cross town rival Los Angeles of Angels of Anaheim 6 - 0.
(6/28)
Dice-K back to form as Red Sox roll
Park fills in with winning effort

"Yabu's Taboo."
Keiichi Yabu, who has excelled for much of this season,
failed to retired any batters he faced during his outing in
San Francisco Giants' 4 - 1 loss to the Oakland Athletics.
(6/28)
Yabu's struggles continue in Giants' loss

"DL Club."
Hideki Matsui is the tenth Asian Major Leaguer to be placed on
the DL this season. Matsui's knee bothered him for a while now
and New York Yankees also shuffled their pitching staff by calling
up Kei Igawa, who might be getting his last shot with the team.
(6/27)
Yankees playing it safe with Matsui
Matsui to DL as Yanks reshuffle roster

"Cautious Cubbies."
Chicago Cubs is holding their breath on Kosuke Fukudome's
injury on his left calf. Fukudome was a late scratch during the
last game and will be listed as day-to-day because of his injury.
(6/26)
Fukudome misses Wednesday's game

"Different Directions."
Yasuhiko Yabuta is heading to the Minor League, following
another Japanese signee Kazuo Fukumori among as the
new Japanese players so far being a bust. However, things
looking good for Tadahito Iguchi, who is ahead of the schedule
in his return from the DL, but it is still a few weeks away.
(6/25)
Yabuta optioned to Triple-A Omaha
Iguchi's rehab ahead of schedule

"Kaz Got Kazmired, Cont."
Kaz Matsui's injury ended up having him being on the DL
for the second time this season. Matsui underwent
treatment but when he is returning is not known as of now.
(6/24)
Matsui disabled for second time in '08

"Three Weeks Left."
79th Annual All-Star Game will be played in three weeks,
Ichiro is holding up to the last starting outfield spot very well.
(6/23)
Ichiro inches closer to spot on AL team

"Kaz Got Kazmired."
Kaz Matsui injured his hamstring during an at-bat against
Scott Kazmir, Houston Astros will wait to see if he needs to be
placed the DL. Matsui already been on DL once this season.
(6/22)
Matsui strains right hamstring vs. Rays

"Former Foes."
Cha Seung Baek pitched in the AL for most of his MLB career,
after recent trade to the NL, he had a chance to pitch against
the AL once again. The result, not so good, Baek pitched 6 1/3
innings, giving up 6 runs on 8 hits but on a positive note he did
struck out 7 and walked none. San Diego Padres got beat by
Detroit Tigers during interleague play by the score of 7 - 5.
(6/22)
Baek suffers loss against Tigers

"Back...Back...Gone!"
Hideki Matsui played regularly for the first time since missing
two games with sore knee, he is likely to be only used as a DH.

Daisuke Matsuzaka also came back, after being activated from
the DL, he was hit hard early and often in his shortest career
outing. Matsuzaka pitched only an inning, giving up 7 runs on
6 hits and 3 walks to go with 1 strikeout. Troy "don't call me Santa"
Glaus rolled the dice and belted a Grand Slam off of Dice-K.
Boston Red Sox falls to St. Louis Cardinals by the score of 9 - 3.
(6/21)
Matsui back in action for Yankees
Dice-K roughed up in return from DL

"Switching Starts."
Daisuke Matsuzaka will make his anticipated return to the
MLB mound while Hiroki Kuroda is out for at least few starts.
Chan Ho Park will temporary start in Kuroda's absence.

Also, expect to see more innings out of Hong-Chih Kuo and
Takashi Saito's arms. Kuo is the best long reliever on the team.
(6/19)
With Dice-K back, Sox shuffle rotation
Kuroda to miss Wednesday's start
Kuroda to miss start on Saturday
Bullpen a strength for Dodgers
Shoulder injury to force Kuroda to DL

"Changes."
Hideki Matsui had fluid drained on his left knee, he is not
able to play on the field, but could pinch-hit if needed.
(6/19)
Matsui out of lineup with sore knee
Matsui available to pinch-hit Thursday

Ichiro will again patrolling the right field for the Seattle Mariners
after switching from right to center the past 1 1/2 season.

Kosuke Fukudome will leadoff for Chicago Cubs while
Alfonso Soriano is out. Fukudome have experience hitting
on top of the order back in Japan with Chunichi Dragons.
(6/18)
Ichiro returning to right field
No. 1 bats No. 1: Fukudome leads off

"DLers."
Other than Chien-Ming Wang, here are other Asian MLBers
that is currently or have been on the DL this season.

Shin-Soo Choo (Began season on DL, came back in end of May)
Jae Kuk Ryu (Minor League DL since early May)
Tadahito Iguchi (Out for 4-6 weeks, DL since early June)
Kaz Matsui (Began season on DL, came back in mid-April)
Daisuke Matsuzaka (Out for 4 weeks, DL since end of May)
Hideo Nomo (Began season on DL, came back in early April)
Chin-Lung Hu (Minor League DL since mid-June)
Chin-Hui Tsao (Minor League DL since early May, released)
(6/18)

"Rolling With Ichiro."
Thanks to interleague play, Florida Marlins are getting a rare
chance to play against Ichiro, who the team respect very much.
(6/17)
Marlins marvel at Mariners' Ichiro

"Steak & Sushi Special."
AAA-Pawtucket's clubhouse had a rare meal after the game
thanks to Daisuke Matsuzaka's rehab appearence. Matsuzaka
pitched 5 innings, allowed 2 runs on 3 hits and a walk to go
with 5 strikeouts in Pawtucket's 9 - 6 win over Lehigh Valley.
(6/17)
Dice-K impressive in rehab start

"Win Some, Lose Some."
Chien-Ming Wang said that the next time he will run the
bases slower. Wang's first career run scored put him on the DL.
(6/17)
Yanks hope Wang can return by Sept. 1

Chien-Ming Wang pitched 5 scoreless innings, but he injured
his right foot rounding 3rd base during New York Yankees'
13 - 0 win over Houston Astros of the interleague play.
Wang allowed 6 hits and no walks to go with 3 strikeouts,
Hideki Matsui went 2-for-5 with a RBI and 2 runs scored.

With the injury, Wang is expected to sidelined until September,
he was diagnosed with a mid-foot sprain of the Lisfranc ligament
of the right foot and a partial tear of the peroneal longus tendon
of the right foot. On a positive news, Hideki Matsui's continued
hot bat making him the AL DH favorite while David Ortiz is out.
Ichiro's chance of going to the ASG is also looking very good.

If Kei Igawa is not the temporary 5th starter while Wang is out
during the next start or two, it is very likely that he is not going
to get another chance in the MLB with the Yankees. Since the
money is already paid on Igawa, Yankees might as well use him.
(6/16)
Wang injures right foot running bases
Yanks crush Astros for sweep
Injury update on RHP Chien-Ming Wang
Wang out of action at least six weeks
Matsui's bat could deliver All-Star nod
Ichiro in position for eighth All-Star nod

"Valley Stint."
Fans at AAA-Lehigh Valley will get a special treat as
Daisuke Matsuzaka will make his one rehab start for
AAA-Pawtucket there. Matsuzaka is scheduled to throw
about 70-80 pitches then join the Boston Red Sox rotation
when he is scheduled to start again five days later.

Matsuzaka will have his personal interpreter, message therapist,
and trainer during the rehab stint to make him more comfortable.
(6/13)
Dice-K cleared for rehab start
Dice-K to have comfort level in Minors

"Birthday Bash."
Unlike Kenji Johjima who got a day off on his birthday,
Hideki Matsui played and celebrated his 34th birthday
with a key Grand Slam that helped New York Yankees
beat Oakland Athletics 4 - 1. Matsui's slam was his only
hit as he went 1-for-4 with a run scored and 4 RBIs.
(6/13)
Matsui feeling grand against A's

"Lucky 7."
Chien-Ming Wang won for the first time in over a month,
some said it is his new haircut that gave him back into the
win column, but realistically, it was more of the great timing
of having the opposition hitters hit into double play and
their aggressiveness at-bats which benefited Wang's still
inconsistent control. Wang pitched 7 1/3 inning, allowed
only 1 run on 7 hits and 2 walks to go while struck out 2
batters. New York Yankees get by Oakland Athletics, 3 - 1.
(6/11)
Wang wastes no pitches, vanquishes A's

"60 Feet Workout, Cont."
Daisuke Matsuzaka might be back on the Boston Red Sox's
rotation as early as next week. Matsuzaka will pitch in either a
simulated game or head to AAA-Pawtucket for a rehab start.
(6/10)
Dice-K could rejoin rotation next week

"Future Investments."
Hiroki Kuroda's latest outing gave Los Angeles Dodgers a hope
of having a strong middle rotation starter for years to come.

Chin-Lung Hu's hitting has gone from bad to awful, the team decided
it is the best for him to have more seasoning at AAA-Las Vegas.
(6/9)
Kuroda shows Dodgers he's settling in
Dodgers send shortstop Hu to Triple-A

"Matsui's Match."
Hideki Matsui's chance of being the AL All-Star's DH is
100% certain if David Ortiz is still hurt by then, currently
Big Papi is leading Godzilla by almost double the votes.
Ichiro maintained distanced 3rd in the AL's outfield voting.
(6/9)
Matsui's All-Star chances may rise

"Birthday Break."
Kenji Johjima celebrated his 32nd birthday and he got the
day off. Looked like Erik Bedard feels more comfortable
without Johjima behind the plate during his starts.
(6/8)
Johjima beats heat by resting on b-day

"60 Feet Workout."
Daisuke Matsuzaka has returned to throwing, it is still
unsure whether he would make a rehab start at
AAA-Pawtucket before coming off the 15-day DL.
(6/7)
Dice-K back to work, resumes throwing

"Sumo Special."
Before the game, Hakuho, the yokozuna sumo wrestler
made an appearance and was much to the delight of the large
Japanese media contingent which were following their players
Kosuke Fukudome, Hiroki Kuroda, and Takashi Saito. Kuroda
ended up being the show, as he pitched a complete game
4-hits shutout to go with 11 strikeouts for just his 3rd victory
of the season. Chin-Lung Hu went 0-for-4 with 3 strikeouts
while Kosuke Fukudome went 0-for-3 during Los Angeles Dodgers'
3 - 0 shutout against Chicago Cubs on Kuroda's gem outing.
(6/7)
Cubs greet sumo wrestler
Kuroda channels Dodgers history

"Saito's Shaking Head."
It was Takashi Saito's bobblehead giveaway promotion,
but his countryman Kosuke Fukudome spoiled it by hitting
a tie-breaking single off of him to give Chicago Cubs
5 - 4 victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fukudome
went 2-for-4 with 2 RBIs and a run scored. Chin-Lung Hu
went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Chan Ho Park
appeared as a pinch-runner, not usual for a pitcher and
Saito took the loss and he pitched an inning, giving up 2 hits
and a run but also recorded 2 strikeouts in the process.
(6/6)
Fukudome rescues Cubs late

"Iguchi's Ouch."
A separated right shoulder will have Tadahito Iguchi on the
15-day DL and he is likely to miss the next 4-6 weeks of action.
(6/6)
Iguchi heading to disabled list
Iguchi to DL, likely out four to six weeks

"Hit & Run."
Ichiro's hitting has been spectacular the last few years, but this
year he has also been running very well once he gets on the base.
Ichiro is currently on pace to have 67 stolen bases, which would
break his personal best of 56 set during in his rookie year and
the Seattle Mariners' franchise record of 60, set back in 1987.

In the Minor League, Kansas City Royals released
Chin-Hui Tsao cited the inability of staying healthy
as the main reason of parting ways with him.
(6/3)
Ichiro on pace to break steals mark

"Vote for Fukudome."
Kosuke Fukudome is trying to be the first rookie outfielder
to start at the annual All-Star Game since Ichiro, and his
chance of doing it so is looking good so far. Fukudome
is currently ranked second in the NL outfield voting.
(6/3)
Cubs leading charge in All-Star voting

"0.72 to 2.10."
Hideki Okajima's ERA jumped 1.38 higher after one ugly outing.
Okajima was inserted to protect the lead, but he gave up a
very crucial two-out, three-run double to seal the outcome in
Boston Red Sox's 6 - 3 defeat against Baltimore Orioles.
Okajima pitched 2/3 inning, allowed 4 runs on 4 hits and a walk.
(6/2)
Okajima struggles, Sox lose finale to O's

"Vote for Ichiro."
Ichiro won last year's All-Star Game MVP, but his hitting
has been less stellar compare to the years in the past,
therefore his chance of being on the AL starting lineup
this year is going to be thinner than the years in the past.
(6/2)
Ichiro can remain a familiar face at ASG

"International Investments."
Chicago Cubs gave hefty bonuses to South Koreans players
in Hee Seop Choi and Jae Kuk Ryu, now they are trying to
regain respect in South Korea by signing Hak Ju Lee, a star
lanky shortstop who hits from left and runs the bases well.

The signing was rumor to be done for almost a month with close
to $1 million bonus, and Lee is reporting to Australia after finish up
High School to train and participate in Spring Training next season.
(6/2)
Cubs Sign 17-year-old Korean Shortstop

"Santana Effect."
Hiroki Kuroda drew a tough opponent in Johan Santana, and his
performance got himself out of the game before three innings
was over. Hong-Chih Kuo came up in relief and fared much better.
Kuroda pitched only 2 2/3 innings, gave up 6 runs on 7 hits and
2 walks while Kuo pitched 4 1/3 inning of shutout ball, allowed
only 3 hits and a walk with a strikeout. Los Angeles Dodgers
lost to New York Mets and Johan Santana by the score of 6 - 1.
(6/2)
Kuroda can't solve Mets in finale