Tuesday's first pitch

Leading Off
We've got another King Felix story. Every now and then a writer falls in love with this guy. We'll here's a few numbers those writers should look at: 11-10, 3.92 ERA. That's the King's average season the past three years. He's 43-35 since 2006. When he breaks out, tell us.
Until then, write about guys such as James Shields (32-22, 3.66)Joe Saunders (33-17, 3.92 since '07) and Adam Wainwright (33-20 since '07). They've actually accomplished something.

Regional Roundup
So, the Phillies scored enough runs for the rest of the Mid-Atlantic region to win. Since none of the other teams did, here's the Southpaw's plan to, for lack of a better term, spread the wealth around.

• Raul Ibanez makes his first rehab start. Lost amid the hoopla of 22 runs was Cole Hamels' strong outing.


• The Orioles couldn't handle Jarrod Washburn. The Orioles are touting a catching prospect, who's name isn't Matt Wieters. They could have borrowed five runs from the World Champs and won.


• Some statistics say the nationals are improving. They're starters are going deeper and deeper into games. We've got another statistic, however: 9. That's how many fewer wins the Nationals have than the next worst team in baseball. Alright, we'll stop being snide. Baseball's a game of little victories, so this news about the Nats' staff is very good. The Nats did lose again Monday, though. They could have borrowed two runs from the Phightins and won.


• The Pirates played like it was 1999. They were dominated by Mike Hampton. Zack Duke isn't bothered by his snub. At least, that's what he says. If they could have borrowed four runs from the Phillies, they could have won.

So there you have it, the Phillies give up 11 runs to their Mid-Atlantic brothers. And they still would have won 11-1.

Best of Rest

• Manny brings his show to the Mets.


• Derek Jeter was, is and always will be out. That doesn't mean it was the right call. By the ump, or his manager for calling him out. Yes, that's right, we just defended Derek Jeter. Haven't done that in a while. See more on that in Batter's eye. As far as the baserunning blunder goes: It's July. He was being aggressive. Sure, you don't want to make the first out at third, but considering he's got 200 career stolen bases, he has a right to take a shot if he was given the green light by the manager. If Joe didn't want him to steal, he should have given Jeter a sign. Otherwise, it sounds like he fell asleep at the wheel.


• Here are nine interesting things about the All-Star rosters.


• The Fish are buying experience.


• Armando Galarraga pitched too well to lose.


• Ryan Braun is causing a stir. We agree with him. The Brewers should make another push for the playoffs. That goal shouldn't be a bi-decade experience.


• Atlanta's former golden boy appears done.

Batter's Eye

We here at the Southpaw used to love Derek Jeeetuh. Back in the day, we met him when he played for the Columbus Clippers. He was really nice and accommodating. He went out of his way to treat people well. While we're admitted Yankee-haters, we put him in the Lou Gehrig category of Yanks we admire. Then the A-Rod trade happened. The Yankees should have won a World Series or two by now, despite some bad pitching moves. And we lay all the blame at the feet of El Capitan.
The shine has come off and his true grime has settled in. He's one of the most selfish players in the game. He hasn't cleaned up rifts in the clubhouse with Rodriguez, which is a captain's job.
And it's hurt the team. He hasn't moved to a position that suits him better. Alex Rodriguez is the best shortstop on the roster. He should be there and Jeter, who's range has been drastically limited, should be at third. Or second. Or first. Or the outfield.
But he's too proud do move. AND IT COSTS THE TEAM.

Today in history
1936 -- The NL won its first All-Star game 4-3 at Braves Field in Boston.

1937 -- Lou Gehrig drove in four runs with a home run and a double to pace the AL to an 8-3 victory over the NL in the All-Star game at Washington's Griffith Stadium. President Franklin D. Roosevelt attended the game.

1959 -- At Forbes Field in Pittsburgh, the first of two All-Star games played that season went to the NL, 5-4. The NL scored the tying and winning runs in the bottom of the eighth when Hank Aaron singled in a run and scored on a triple by Willie Mays.

The Closer
The home run derby is like Cheeze-its. We know it's not good for us. But we love it. Absolutely love it. Watching the big mashers go at it brings out the kid in us. It's like fireworks on the Fourth. So we're glad Ryan Howard has joined this year's roster.
He'll do battle with Prince Albert the Great, among others.
Should be a blast.