posted on Aug, 31 2003 @ 01:52 PM
- The slumping Jose Cruz Jr (nyeff) was out of the starting lineup on Saturday, and manager Felipe Alou indicated that he might bench the outfielder
for more than just a single game, according to the Contra Costa Times. "He's struggled, even though he's swinging the bat better from the right side,"
Alou said. "He's played so much. We're going to miss his defense in right field, but you can't dwell on that. He might need more than one day. I might
give him a couple days when we get home. His average has really taken a beating."
- The Red Sox are hoping to have Manny Ramirez (TRD) back in action today, but he could remain sidelined with the high fever that's caused him to miss
the last two games, according to the Boston Herald.
- Jeff Kent (nyeff) was out of the Astros' lineup on Saturday for the third straight game in order to be with his wife, who just gave birth to the
couple's fourth child.
- In his first game since leaving the Giants to mourn the death of his father, Barry Bonds (PA) hit his 40th home run of the year. It appears he was
overcome with emotion, as he left the game with a racing heartbeat after hitting the homer. His pulse was between 150-160 beats per minute, much more
than the standard 60-100 beats per minute most adults rest at. The Giants will monitor him overnight, but he is expected to play on Sunday.
It's nice to see Barry back.
- Pedro Martinez (TRD) gave up five runs in just four innings of work on Saturday. After the game, Grady Little said that Martinez was still affected
by the throat infection which bothered him last week.
- Mike Lowell (TRD) will be sidelined for the rest of the season with a broken left hand he suffered on Saturday, according to the AP. He will miss
four weeks, meaning it's possible that he'll be available for the playoffs if the Marlins stay alive in the stretch drive.