Torii Hunter wins 8th Gold Glove

For the eighth consecutive season, Angels center fielder Torii Hunter was named an American League Gold Glove winner. Hunter did not have an error during his first season with the Angels. Also winning their eighth Gold Glove was Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki.

Other AL winners: pitcher Mike Mussina (Yankees), catcher Joe Mauer (Twins) first baseman Carlos Pena (Rays), second baseman Dustin Pedrioa (Red Sox), shortstop Michael Young (shortstop), third baseman Adrian Beltre (Mariners) and outfielder Grady Sizemore (Indians).

For Young, a Covina native, it was his first Gold Glove. Mauer, Pena and Pedroia also won their first Gold Gloves.

Hunter’s eight Gold Gloves as an outfielder trail only five outfielders all-time — Roberto Clemente (12), Willie Mays (12), Ken Griffey Jr. (10), Andruw Jones (10) and Al Kaline (10)

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit Tumblr Email

K-Rod a postseason all star

In what might have been the easiest choice the Sporting News crew needed to make, Francisco Rodriguez was named the American League relief pitcher on their postseason all-star squad. Here are the Sporting News picks, which were just announced via e-mail.

SPORTING NEWS’ ALL-STAR TEAMS

A.L.
C Joe Mauer, Twins
1B Justin Morneau, Twins
2B Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox
3B Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
SS Derek Jeter, Yankees
OF Carlos Quentin, White Sox
OF Josh Hamilton, Rangers
OF Grady Sizemore, Indians
DH Aubrey Huff, Orioes
SP Cliff Lee, Indians
RP Francisco Rodriguez, Angels

N.L.
C Geovany Soto, Cubs
1B Albert Pujols, Cardinals
2B Chase Utley, Phillies
3B David Wright, Mets
SS Hanley Ramirez, Marlins
OF Matt Holliday, Rockies
OF Ryan Braun, Brewers
OF Ryan Ludwick, Cardinals
SP Tim Lincecum, Giants
RP Brad Lidge, Phillies

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit Tumblr Email

Elimination infuriates Lackey

The best team didn’t win in John Lackey’s humble opinion. Not long after the Red Sox won the ALDS with a walk-off victory Monday, Lackey was seething.

“They were better than us last year,” Lackey said. “They weren’t better than us this year.”

And there was this: “It’s like I want to throw something through a wall.”

And don’t even compare this ALDS to last year’s.

“It’s frustrating,” Lackey said. “It’s way different than last year. We’re a better team than they are.”

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit Tumblr Email

Angels bullpen on the ready

Manager Mike Scioscia has already said that even though the bullpen was needed to absorb 7 1/3 innings Sunday, everybody is available for Game 4. Scot Shields pitched 2 1/3 innings and Jered Weaver went 2 innings, but Scioscia said that both could pitch today if needed. Darren Oliver (a third of an inning Sunday) might get more use than normal. Scioscia was noncommitial on using rookie Kevin Jepsen saying the staff is looking at situations “that might or might not be his role.”

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit Tumblr Email