Link Roundup: Lester Returns, Harang Lasts Ten, Belliard Signs

by Charlie Wilmoth on Jul 23, 2007 9:29 PM EDT in News

-P- Jon Lester threw six strong innings and is in line for the win (in progress) tonight against the Indians. This was Lester's first appearance in the big leagues since being diagnosed with lymphoma last year. Congratulations to Lester.

-P- Reds starter Aaron Harang is pitching into the tenth inning as I write this. He has nine strikeouts and no walks against the Brewers. UPDATE: He got through it, striking out another batter on the way. Wow. He's thrown 121 pitches through ten.

-P- Ronnie Belliard has agreed to a two-year, $3.5 million extension with the Nationals. I think Belliard needs to get a new agent. First he only got a minor-league deal for this season despite an insane free-agent marketplace and a fine big-league track record, and he only has a $750,000 base salary this year despite making the major league team. Now he's signing a contract that, given his .305/.352/.429 line this season in a tough park, is way, way below market value. Great deal for the Nationals.

-P- If you're interested in reading about our next opponent, the Mets, check out this article by Dayn Perry. Moises Alou should return from a two-month stint on the DL for this series. Anyway, I should have a longer article about the Mets by tomorrow.

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Good signing for the Nats

I feel it is incumbent upon me to point out that Belliard's extension will be paying him less per year than Castillo is making this season.

Anyone else remember seeing Alou in black and gold? Zane Smith was a big part of those '90-'92 teams, but you still have to wonder what might have been...

by Vlad on Jul 24, 2007 11:14 AM EDT reply actions

Did Moises ever play in Pittsburgh?

Would love to see a picture -- I wasn't aware he had made it to the big club before the trade. Do you think the Pirates, had they had Moises to maybe fill some of the void Bonds left when he rolled for the West Coast, would have decided not to blow it all up after '92 (like throw some legit money at Drabek, for example)?

- Jb

by richaude on Jul 24, 2007 12:12 PM EDT reply actions

Two games.

Both in July, against the Phillies. He replaced Bonds at mid-game on 7/26 (the team was resting him during a blowout), then started and led off on 7/28. Retrosheet gamelog.

I think he also appeared in uniform during some Spring Training games.

by Vlad on Jul 24, 2007 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions