[jaykno14]

5/08: @ Padres (19-14/12-8), loss 6-16 - LP: Demaria (0-1)
We gave up 15 of those runs in the final three innings. 15 in three innings. Unbelievable. Demaria gave up six runs in 0.1 IP. Fernandez gave up four without getting an out. Rickie Weeks was 2-5 with two runs, three RBIs, and two doubles.

5/09: @ Padres, loss 7-8 - LP: Sheets (1-1)
Sheets gave up five runs in six innings, however more disappointing is that our bullpen continued to give up runs, as Capellan and Lehr gave up three runs in just two innings. Hitting wise, we continue to hit pretty well, as Prince Fielder was 3-5 with two runs and one RBI. He also hit a home run. Bill Hall was 2-4 with a run and an RBI, and Geoff Jenkins hit a home run too, going 1-2 with two runs and one RBI. Mike Rivera continued hitting well as he drove in two runs with a hit in four at bats.

After this game I decided that it was a time for change in the bullpen. I decided that I would seperate who I thought was doing well in the bullpen, and who deserved to remain a part of our big league club. Those pitchers are: Derrick Turnbow, Matt Wise, Danny Kolb, and Jose Capellan jump out for sure. Wise has some poor numbers as of now, however I feel he will settle down if given more time. I feel that Chris Demaria deserves a second chance as he had only given up two runs prior to his last outting, and Rick Helling serves as a good option in instances that we need someone to eat up innings. After all of that, I decided that I would demote Justin Lehr to AAA, and designate Jared Fernandez for assignment, opening two spots up on our 25-man roster. To replace these guys, I decided to promote 29 year old lefty Jason Kershner and 25 year old Ben Hendrickson, who will serve as a spot starter, and a mop up type reliever out of the bullpen. He could start in the future.

5/10: @ Padres, loss 2-7 - LP: Davis (0-5)
Well, the slide continues, although the bullpen performed a little better today, most notably Rick Helling, who pitched four innings and gave up two runs, one earned. Geoff Jenkins continued to hit well going 2-3 with a home run and a double. He also had a RBI.

5/11: vs Mets (19-16/9-7 Rd), loss 4-7 - LP: Capuano (2-4)
Cappy could only last three innings, provoking a longer outing for our bullpen. For the most part it did alright, however Kershner did give up two runs in 1.2 inngs, but I'm not willing to give up on him yet. Brady Clark was 3-4 with an RBI, and Geoff Jenkins had an RBI triple and a run.

5/12: vs Mets, loss 6-9 - LP: Capellan (0-1)
To lose our eighth in a row, our bullpen had to blow a 6-5 seventh inning lead in giving up four runs, three of them coming off Capellan. We hit pretty well, with 11 hits, but we left nine on base. Lee hit a home run, but was only 1-5 on the day. Fielder was 2-4 with three runs and one RBI, coming off a solo homer. Bill Hall was 4-5 with three RBIs and a runn scored, and also hit a home run.

5/13: vs Mets, loss 5-8 - LP: Ohka (3-3)
Right now I'd say it feels like we just can't win. Today Ohka pitched fairly well, by keeping us within two until the seventh, but then Helling comes in and gives up four runs to open the lead right back up. Prince Fielder was 2-4 with a run and two RBIs, and we only had three other guys with hits. Something's gotta' give, and I guess I just have to hang in there.

Jay's Thoughts
I was hoping that mid-week shakeup might help us out a little bit in the bullpen, but it obviously didn't. Our league worst pitching continues to lose us games, and they're going to have to step it up soon if they want to keept their jobs (I say that but who do I replace them with?).

Team Stats
Record: 14-24 (0-6)
Streak: Lost 9
Batting Average: .253: 12th in NL
ERA: 6.12: 16th in NL

Hitting Leaders
1B Prince Fielder: .304/.416/.486, 5 HR, 19 RBI, 29 R
SS Bill Hall: .283/.327/.462, 4 HR, 23 RBI, 26 R, 8 2B, 3 3B, 4/5 SB

Pitching Leaders
I don't think I can put any down, as there is no deservence.

Around the League
The Red Sox cooled down a bit this week, but remain atop the AL East by four games with a 25-13 record. In the AL Central the Twins stayed consistently above the rest of the teams with a 23-14 record, two games ahead of the White Sox. The A's continued their lead in the West and are 23-15, good for 4.5 games ahead of the Angels. The Mets and Phillies are now tied in the NL East at 22-16. The Reds have really heated up going 27-11 through this point. The Dodgers and Padres are battling it out in the NL West going 23-15 and 23-16 respectively.

What's On Tap?
5/15: OFF
5/16: vs Phillies (22-16/8-6)*
5/17: vs Phillies
5/18: vs Phillies
5/19: vs Twins (23-14/13-5)
5/20: vs Twins*
5/21: vs Twins