;)

that’s used for general comment with a strict/limited word count. It can’t be categorized or used for analysis, but it would be nice to look at more than just numbers.

for everybody who feels bad when one of the sox starters misses out on a win due to a bad offensive showing or shoddy bullpen effort, check out the astros’ poor shawn chacon.

through 8 starts, he’s got a 3.53 era (119 era+) and eight no decisions. although the astros have ultimately gone 4-4 in those games, they’ve averaged 3.5 runs/game during the innings he’s actually pitched. he left one of the games after eight shutout innings with a three run lead. according to cnnsi, if he gets a ND in his next start he’ll be the first pitcher in major league history to start a season with nine consecutive NDs.

[MLBTR]

According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, at least seven clubs have monitored Freddy Garcia’s progress: the Mets, Red Sox, Braves, Yankees, White Sox, Rangers, and Mariners.  It wouldn’t be surprising if even more clubs show up to watch Garcia throw when he is able to audition.  A midseason free agent has major appeal.  The Indians are one additional club rumored to have interest.

Garcia remains a mystery – we don’t know when he’ll be ready, how much money he’ll want, or how effective he’ll be.