We have proof that there is a god, that god loves us and that god loves baseball.
Need we tell you anything else?
Leading Off
We have so many things we want to talk about from this weekend, but we have to start with John Lackey.
Remember little John and his impressive outing in the 2002 World Series? He almost earned the MVP for it.
Anyway, he was a rookie then and look at him now.
On Sunday, he became the proud owner of his 100th career win. That's an impressive milestone, especially nowadays when wins are much harder to come by.
Lackey has never gotten the credit he deserves. He's been selected to just one All-Star game, but is on his way to his seventh straight season of 10 or more wins.
Since 2004, he is 81-50 with a 3.72 ERA.
Regional Roundup
An ace comes through. As did a young gun.
- After taking two-of-three from the Braves, the World Champs are in a comfortable position. The Phillies have shut down Kyle Drabek for the season. Definitely the smart move. Jimmy Watch: 0-for-4, 0 K,BB, R. .244 Avg. Lidge Lookout: Save. Put the side down in order with a whiff.
- Brian Matusz finally put it all together. The upcoming schedule should show how much the Orioles have improved.
- The work begins for Stephen Strasburg.
- Oh great! Now the Pirates have two McCutchen's. Maybe the new guy can help stem the tide.
Best of Rest
- In Dodgerland, Matt Kemp is breaking out. Scott Kasmir is enjoying his new digs. It's amazing that the Rays would trade him.
- Nelson Figueroa, one of those players who gets our love much more than he deserves, pitches his best game in The Bigs ever.
- This Joba Rules thing is ridiculous. For the good of the game, here's hoping he blows his arm out and this type of shenanigans is never tried again. EVER.
- Paul Byrd, whom we once saw shopping in Walmart - that's right, Walmart - returned to the Big Leagues in a big way.
- The Diamonbacks finished a sweep of the Astros, essentially ending any hopes of a Houston playoff berth.
- Evidence that there is a god and that god loves us: Bees infested Scott Boras' suit.
1950 -- Brooklyn's Gil Hodges tied a major league record by hitting four homers against the Boston Braves in the Dodgers' 19-3 rout. Hodges also added a single for 17 total bases.
1959 -- Sandy Koufax of Los Angeles struck out 18 Giants for a National League record and the Dodgers beat San Francisco 5-2.
The Closer Just when we thought the Rockies couldn't be derailed, San Francisco dominated Colorado in a weekend series. This race for the NL Wildcard and West championships is going to be fantastic. We still think the Dodgers are toast, even though we hate to say it. But since the All Star break, the Giants and Rockies have been better teams. The Giants however are traveling to the City of Brotherly Love for a tough series.
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