Baseball

He’s not mentally tough. He stinks. He’s a prima donna. Those were just a few of things some Philadelphia fans were saying after Cole Hamels’ poor first outing against the New York Mets. The criticism is nothing new for Cole in Philly.

Last night against the Washington Nationals, Carlos Beltran broke out in a big way. He slugged two home runs against Tom Gorzelanny and scored a third run off of an error to help lead the New York Mets to victory. This is something the team, and fans, need to see more of during the duration of the season.

Here’s a look at the unheralded fantasy baseball players who played well yesterday.

Philadelphia Phillies @ Atlanta Braves
Raul Ibanez went 1-for-4 with two runs. Carlos Ruiz went 2-for-2, with two runs, a Grand Slam and five RBI. Alex Gonzalez went 2-for-4 for the Braves.

New York Yankees @ Boston Red Sox

Double-headers abounded today for the Orioles organization.

Not only was the big-league squad involved, but the team's Low-A affiliate Delmarva played twice.

Unfortunately for O's prospect-watchers and minor league fans, they were subjected to two more rain-outs, this time affecting Triple-A Norfolk and High-A Frederick.

Let's get to the recaps from the night.

Bowie 2, Harrisburg 0

Orioles rookie Zach Britton made his second start this afternoon and earned rave reviews for his performance, shutting down the high-octane Texas Rangers offense that exploded for 13 runs in the night-cap of the double-header.

According to multiple sources, the A's and opening day starter Trevor Cahill have reached an agreement on a multiyear contract extension.

It has proved to be an interesting beginning for the AL East, with the Baltimore Orioles currently sitting at the top of the standings.  The Orioles have come out hitting with their newly improved batting lineup, and pitching surprisingly well with a rotation that was projected as the worst in the AL East.

It is, of course, only the first week of the season, but winning and losing streaks are important no matter when they happen.

So, Manny Ramirez has decided to retire rather than face another suspension for failing a drug test.  Not surprising in the least, either the failed test or the walking away.  Once again, a lack of character taints an entire career and for Ramirez this is just the latest example.

"Panda" went on a much needed diet, and the effects are showing. Sandoval has come out on a tear, leading the team with a .440 average. He also leads the team with a.481 OBP and 11 hits. 

Sandoval, like a few Giants, may be playing this season with a chip on his shoulder after he was benched during the playoffs and didn't contribute much. Sandoval had an average of .268 last season after hitting .330 in his first full major league season. 

The Brewers just finished up their first of three games in a weekend series against the rival Chicago Cubs at Miller Park. Let me say that the game was not played crisply by either club. The 7-4 loss dropped the Brewers' record to 3-5 on the season.