Rangers, Lee Dominate Rays in Game 1

It didn't start out like a typical Cliff Lee outing.

The Tampa Bay Rays loaded the bases in the bottom of the first with only one out. If only Tampa Bay could have scored a couple of runs in their first at-bat, the outcome may have been different. Instead, Lee wiggled out of the inning unscathed by striking out both Carlos Pena and Rocco Baldelli.

It was all Texas from there.

An RBI double from Jeff Francoeur and an RBI single from Bengie Molina in the second accounted for two runs off Rays starter David Price. Homers by Nelson Cruz in the top of the third and a Molina blast in the fourth made the score 4-0 after only four innings. Texas would add another run off of a double by Vladamir Guerrero in the fifth. 5-0 Rangers.

The Rays wouldn't get to Lee until the bottom of the seventh. Ben Zobrist accounted for Tampa Bay's first run with a solo shot off Lee.

Lee was masterful after a shaky first inning.

But the day belonged to Lee.

Sure the Rangers supplied him with a large lead, but after that first inning, Lee gave no indication that the Rays would threaten. And he kept the big bats in Tampa's lineup well in check. While facing Lee, Carlos Pena struck out three times. B. J. Upton could not get on base. For seven innings, Lee surrendered only five hits and the one run while striking out 10 Rays. Overall, 13 Rays were rung up via the strikeout.

Price wasn't as fortunate as Lee. After the Rays one big chance fell massively short, all the momentum swung the way of Texas. The Rangers grabbed that momentum and rolled to a 5-1 win.

'Help! Please!' - Reds

Are you bummed? Depressed? Outraged?

I'm not referring to LeBron leaving Cleveland for South Beach. No, no, no. I'm referring to the Cincinnati Reds being unable to land Cliff Lee.

According to Reds GM Walt Jocketty, the Reds made Seattle "a pretty substantial offer" for the lefty ace. As we all now know, the Texas Rangers made the best offer and were the winners in the Lee sweepstakes. Jocketty would like to make a move as he reflected on not getting Lee.

“It was a deal we wanted to get done,” Jocketty said. “We wanted to show the club we’re doing what we can to get better. They’re doing their job on the field; we’re trying to do our job in the front office to keep us where we’re at.

“As I said the other day, we were looking for a significant upgrade,” Jocketty said. “This guy was a significant upgrade. I’m not sure there’s another one like him out there.”

No, there's isn't, Walt. Not even close.

Without adding Lee, pitching help cannot arrive soon enough for the Reds. When Aaron Harang was placed on the disabled list due to back spasms, that left the Reds in a dubious position of having three rookies in their five man rotation (Mike Leake, Travis Wood and Matt Maloney). If all three remain there until the All-Star break, it would mark the first time in Reds history that three rookies would occupy starter status going into the break.

"Renting" Lee for a three or four month period would have instantly enhanced the starting staff. That move would have also catapulted the Reds from "contender" to "major player" for the National League title. Adding another solid veteran presence in the clubhouse wouldn't have hurt either. No such luck though.

Fear not, Reds fans. Help may be on the way...and soon. The best part of getting that help: no trades will be involved. The Reds will be able to keep Yonder Alonso until another team inquires about his availability and Jocketty attempts to keep him.

That help? Edinson Volquez.

After having Tommy John surgery last year and enduring endless rehab, Volquez may need only one other rehab start before rejoining the Reds. The results from his last rehab start for Louisville last night against Toledo score high marks. The line: 7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 9 K, 102 pitches (62 for strikes). The only hit Volquez surrendered was in the 6th. Contrast that to his previous start against Indianapolis where Volquez had to be pulled after only 5 innings and 87 pitches due to lack of control.

The best part is that Volquez has amassed excellent numbers during his rehab stint. In his six outings: 4-0, 1.45 ERA, 31 IP, 28 K, 8 BB, 0.710 WHIP, .135 opp. BA. If Volquez can return to his previous form, that could prove to be a significant upgrade to the starting staff as well. It may be a "too much, too soon" situation, but the Reds need experienced starters even if it's only a hurler with three years under his belt.

No, Edinson Volquez isn't Cliff Lee. But if Volquez is healthy, he's no slouch either.

Update: John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer is reporting that Volquez will be added to the Reds rotation after the All-Star break.

If I were Santa...

I'm sure you've caught yourself doing it. You were thinking, "If I were Santa, I would give this to that person." Well, I have a list of things I want to give to people. And believe me, some people need the gift this Santa's giving to them.

Tiger Woods - a good public relations firm

We've all seen that Tiger's "handlers" really botched everything that has happened to the world's most recognizable athlete. Whoever is giving Tiger advice, needs to be booted and Tiger needs to address the public just to let everyone know he's a human and not a machine.

Tim Finchem - someone that can bring people to events like Tiger

Despite saying that the PGA Tour can survive without it's biggest draw is insane. Especially in the economy. Sure, it got by during Tiger's last hiatus, but the current situation is different. It's a matter of how long before Woods is back...and how long can the others hold down the fort.

Sergio Garcia - a win in a major

He's so come close, but Sergio now has that label no golfer wants: "Best Player to not Win a Major". He's got a win at Sawgrass. He's somewhat validated as a good player, right? All that promise and talent and no major just doesn't seem right. I'll even let Sergio pick which major he wants!


Brad Childress and Brett Favre - couples counseling

Apparently there was a profnaity laced tirade by Childress aimed at Favre after Sunday's loss to Carolina. Brad wanted Brett out of the game but Brett wanted to stay in. Also, I guess Brad's wanted to yank Brett on two other occassions. That doesn't sit well with Brett either. Brad wants the offense one way and Brett wants it his way. Dare we call an audible? We see who wears the pants.

Cliff Lee - an offense like the one he had to leave in Philly

Look at the Mariners potential starting lineup and compare it to the Phillies. According to mlb.com, the Mariners have 1B - Mike Carp, 2B - Jose Lopez, SS - Jack Wilson, 3B - Chone Figgins, LF - Milton Bradley, CF - Franklin Gutierrez, RF - Ichiro, DH - Ken Griffey, Jr. The Phillies: Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco, Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, and Jayson Werth. Which lineup to you want backing up your pitching?

John Calipari - a reputation makeover

He was recently pointed out by the man, Bobby Knight, as the "poster child" for college sports lacking integrity. With all that goes wrong in college sports anymore, who can blame coach Knight? Plus, Calipari's resume' on that issue isn't the greatest: two Final Fours, two Final Fours vacated. The term "poster child", is my quote, not Knight's.

Joe McKnight - a decent ride

So, McKnight might not be playing in Saturday's Emerald Bowl due to "paperwork" stemming from an incident involving an SUV and the use of said vehicle. Supposedly, the vehicle is for his girlfriend. The vehicle is registered in the name of a local businessman. But McKnight has been seen using that vehicle. Now, McKnight is saying that the media has ruined his life. Um, Joe, we didn't get in the SUV and use it. You did.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - a decent season on 2010

Hard to believe that Junior struggled so much in 2009, especially since Hendrick Motorsports was behind him. Rick Hendrick has said that the company will focus more on Earnhardt's 88 team this upcoming season. One thing, Junior's JR Motorsports got a gift a lot of us guys would like, Danica Patrick.

Before we get too far into this holiday season, I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and I thank you for reading.

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