MLB

Can you ever have enough starting pitching?

For some Red Sox fans, yes.

In Brad Penny's last start against the Twins, he pitched 5.1 innings, giving up three runs and striking out seven for the win. Immediately following that outing, speculation began to fly that Penny was expendable as the Red Sox had a "surplus" of starting pitching.

Penny has certainly pitched better as of late. And with the dominant Triple-A performances of Clay Buchholz and the imminent return to the majors by John Smoltz, the Red Sox do appear to be well-stocked with starters.

Already a situation that might prompt Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell to declare a state of emergency, the Phillies suffered a devastating blow today with the news that Brett Myers will likely miss the next three to four months with a hip injury.

Statistically, Myers has been the Phillies' best starting pitcher this season.

Myers’ hip injury will likely require surgery, though the right-hander says he will try to find a way to pitch through it.

Not a surprise considering this is a contract year for Myers.

When you see Rollie Fingers, the first thing you notice is that perfectly coifed handlebar mustache. But behind the iconic lip sweater is 341 career saves, seven All-Star appearances, an MVP, and a Cy Young Award.

With Mustache May 2009 coming to a close, there was no one better to talk baseball with than Fingers.

Some players just irk me. Whether it be delaying an inevitable retirement (yes, I'm calling out Brett Favre in a slideshow for MLBers) or just failing at the game, these players are not worthy of a job at the professional level and should really just get out. Seriously.

This is my first slideshow and some of the players I—okay wait a second how is slideshow a misspelling? Way to fail, spell check. You too get out—criticize aren't totally deserving, and it is all in good humor. The reasoning will be real but a bit exaggerated.

In 2003, just a year and a half removed from being drafted 25th overall out of Long Beach State University, Bobby Crosby stormed into the majors and won the American League Rookie of the Year award. 

Early All-Star ballot results were released on Tuesday, and the Milwaukee Brewers are poised to be well-represented in St. Louis.

Outfielder Ryan Braun and shortstop J.J. Hardy are the early leaders at their respective positions, with catcher Jason Kendall and first baseman Prince Fielder currently sitting in second place.

Injured second baseman Rickie Weeks sits second in voting as well, and Mike Cameron, Corey Hart, and Bill Hall (Bill Hall?!?!) all reside within the top seven of their position leaders.

Last night Mets rookie Fernando Martinez failed to run out a pop-up that was dropped by Nationals' Catcher Will Nieves. Had he run hard to first, Fernando would have been safe.

The play was inconsequential as the Mets beat the Nationals 7-4, and moved into first place in the NL East.

Mistakes like the one Martinez made last night are refered to as "rookie mistakes."  Martinez is a rookie, these things happen.

Before the season began, they were typically picked to finish fourth in their own division.

Fred Claire, the embattled General Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, managed to pry open the tight-fisted grip Peter O’Malley had on the organizations coffers. Claire was convinced that one fiery superstar, with a World Series ring and several All-Star game appearances to his credit, was the key to turning the Dodgers around.

If Chris Carpenter had not swung so hard at that pitch earlier this year.

If Ryan Ludwick had not pulled a hammy running down a ball in the gap in Pittsburgh.

If Rick Ankiel had not run into the wall.

 If Khahil Greene was even a shadow of his former self.

The Cardinals—not the Dodgers—would be the talk of baseball.

With a quarter of the 2009 baseball season done, the Cardinals sit right where they want to be. In the thick of the National League Central race.