New Life: Justin Blanton's Shot at Redemption (RTTS - SP)

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Re: New Life: Justin Blanton's Shot at Redemption (RTTS - SP)

Blanton Has Perfect Game Bid Broken up in Bottom of the 10th

29 batters faced and 29 batter sent back to the dugout with their tail tucked between their legs, 14 via a strikeout. Batter #30 comes to the plate in a 0-0 ballgame in the bottom of the 10th inning and quickly finds himself in a 1-2 hole. What does he do? Breaks-up what would have been a 10 inning perfect game by the young Mets phenom Justin Blanton.

"Well, to be honest I was a little upset. I was saying some pretty unflattering things under my breath as I watched him standing on 1B with a grin on his face after getting the team's first hit off me with that weak-a** bloop single into shallow left. I honestly wanted to run over and knock the grin off his face but figured that wouldn't look too good. We still go the win, though, and that's all that matters." Justin Blanton on his reaction after Indianapolis Indians otufielder Javier Estrella broke-up his 10 inning perfect game bid in the bottom of the 10th.


It was a masterful pitching performance, nonetheless. He had hitters on their heels all night not knowing what pitch to expect next. Unfortunately, as has been the case this year, Blanton's run-support was lacking and he had to settle for his 5th no-decision in just 10 starts this year.

Can I get some run support?!?!
Blanton has started 10 times this season and pitched 79.1 innings. Despite an ERA of just 1.21 and a WHIP of 0.73, Blanton is getting measly 2.39 runs of support for every nine innings he pitches.

"Our guys have got to start doing a better job when he's on the mound. We know he can give us 7-9 high quality innings every night out but this stretch of giving him just 1-3 runs of support is ridiculous. The kid's a special talent and we're wasting what little time we have with him. He's started 10 times this year, all 10 have been quality starts, and he's just a 4-1 record to show for it." -Bisons manager Ken Oberkfell

In fact, Blanton has had four different starts in which he went at least 7 innings and received 0 runs of support in the innings he was in the game. Blanton will carry his still very impressive numbers into June hoping the new month will bring him a change of luck.

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Re: New Life: Justin Blanton's Shot at Redemption (RTTS - SP)

Blanton Gets Called up to The Show

Wednesday June 20, 2012
I'm not sure how this is going to workout, but I've decided to start keeping a journal which, since it's on the computer, I suppose could be considered a blog. Whatever. So, it finally happened. I got the phone-call a couple of days after my complete-game shut-out against the Norfolk Tides on Monday. I struckout 11 hitters and only gave up 3 hits. I was feeling pretty good. Anyway, back to "the call". It was about 3:30 in the afternoon and I was just sitting here watching a movie when I heard my phone ringing. It was Terry Collins, the manger of the Mets. He told me he was pleased and excited to inform me that the Mets had bought my contract and put me on the active 40-man roster and would immediately be brought up to join the Mets for their three-game series against the Braves. I couldn't believe it!! I mean I had dreamed about this day since I was an 8 year old kid throwing tennis balls into an old bucket sitting up against the house. Granted I had always pictured myself pitching for the Braves, my favorite team growing-up, but pitching for any MLB team is fine with me. Mr. Collins told me I would start-off in the bullpen as a long reliever but would probably get a spot-start here and there at some point this year. We're in 4th place in the NL East and 7.0 games back with a 31-38 record. I hope we can start stringing some wins together, though, and make a push for the playoffs.

Well, guess that's it for now. I'll definitely be updating this after my first appearance in the majors.

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Re: New Life: Justin Blanton's Shot at Redemption (RTTS - SP)

Monday July 16, 2012
It's the All-Star break so I've got some free time on my hands. Not a lot has happened, though. I'm still coming out of the bullpen and feel like I'm doing a pretty go job. Mr. Collins told me last night to hang in there, my first start will come. I don't know if he meant it or not, but I sure hope so. This bullpen stuff is great for the team but I still feel like I should be out there every 5th day in the 1st inning starting the game. I've made 12 appearances for the team so far but I've only pitched 11.1 innings. Some good, though, is that I haven't given up an earned run, yet, and even picked up my first career big league win.

I guess I'll just be patient and be ready when my number finally is called to be the starter. Here's to hoping it's sooner rather than later.

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Re: New Life: Justin Blanton's Shot at Redemption (RTTS - SP)

Saturday July 21, 2012
Well, it finally happened!!! I got my first big league start and, I have to admit, I was pretty damn good. I got in some pretty big jams but always found a way to get out of them. With a 5-0 lead in the bottom of the 6th I loaded the bases up before getting anyone out and was in some trouble. I remained poised, though, got a couple of shallow pop-ups and then struckout Rick Ankiel to end the inning. From there I just cruised to the end and finished the game with a pretty nice stat-line if I say so myself.

9.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 SO

This is me striking Jayson Werth out to end the ballgame

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Re: New Life: Justin Blanton's Shot at Redemption (RTTS - SP)

August 3, 2011
Well, I've got two more starts in the book and, fortunately, two more wins. I'm getting knocked around a bit more than I'm used to but nothing extraordinary. I gave up seven hits last night and eight in the start before that, but managed to keep the damage to a relative minimum by only giving up two earned runs in each start.

I gave up my first homer in the bigs to Ryan Howard last night who plays for the Padres now. It was a moonshot and put me in my place a little but I fought back and got the next batter down on strikes. It was a rougher outing as my control was a bit off. I walked four batters and 38 of my 104 pitches were balls, granted some were on purpose. My next scheduled start is on August 8th in Arizona who is one of the few teams with a worse record than us. A series win would be nice. I feel our hopes for a playoff push our running out but you never know; a few small win streaks here and some help, and who knows. Atlanta is leading the division with a 66-43 record and they are 11.5 games ahead of the second place Marlins. We're in third place in the division sitting at 47-61.

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Re: New Life: Justin Blanton's Shot at Redemption (RTTS - SP)

Me facing my childhood hero, Chipper Jones

ATL at NYM - Citi Field
Aug 31, 2012	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Atlanta Braves (81-50)	1	0	0	2	0	0	0	1	0	4	9	2
New York Mets (57-72)	2	1	0	0	2	0	0	0	X	5	10	1
W: Justin Blanton (7-1) L: James Shields (7-7) S: Heath Bell (36)

Justin Blanton: 7.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 10 SO

September 1, 2012
Growing up there was one team and, in particular, one player I cared about more than any other team in the league, and that was the Atlanta Braves. I can't really remember why I fell in love with them, growing up, but I did, and during that time there was one player I idolized more than any other and that was Chipper Jones. And last night, there was I was as a 19 year old rookie staring in awe from the mound my childhood hero as he approached the batter's box. It took me a minute to regain my composure, and when I did I was able to strike him out. It was such a surreal feeling. I mean just a few years ago I was sitting in my parent's living room watching and rooting for Chipper's success, and now here I was striking him out. I wanted to pinch myself.

Atlanta is running away with the division as their 83-53 record gives them a 17.0 game lead over second place Florida. We're still a distant 23 games back with our 59-75 record. I got knocked around a little bit but still got a quality start. Jason Heyward is so tough to get out. I had him down in pitcher's counts in his first two at-bats and he still got a couple of base hits. Even the one time I got him out he hit a towering fly out to dead center field that I was certain was going to clear the wall for a homer. It appears the Braves have made a lot of moves. They batted Justin Morneau, Jason Heyward and Grady Sizemore 3-4-5 and McCann in the six-hole. Such an unbelievable lineup with no easy outs. I was happy with giving up just five hits and to get the win. Their 1-7 in the lineup is incredible: Edgar Renteria, Martin Prado, Justin Morneau, Jason Heyward, Grady Sizemore, Brian McCann, and Chipper Jones...I mean really? It's easy to see how they've won over 60% of their games.

My career is young and, I know, as long as I remain with the Mets I will get more starts against Atlanta, but today's start will be fresh in my memory for a long, long time.

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Re: New Life: Justin Blanton's Shot at Redemption (RTTS - SP)

NYM at HOU - Minute Maid Park
Sep 15, 2012	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
New York Mets (64-80)	4	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	5	8	0
Houston Astros (64-82)	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	4	0
W: Justin Blanton (10-1) L: Bud Norris (6-13)

Justin Blanton: 9.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 8 Ks



My four strikeouts against Hunter Pence

September 6, 2012
Well, I got my 10th career win last night with a complete game giving up just four hits and one run. Can't really be more pleased with my performance. I struckout eight batters including Hunter Pence four times as you can see in the video. I froze him in his first three at-bats and got him swinging on his fourth and final at-bat in the 9th inning. I've got a lot of respect for Hunter. He continually puts up good numbers on some pretty hapless Astros teams. He's a stud and striking him out four times was pretty surprising. Guess he can't bring it every night, especially in a mid-September game when his team is in last place and 23 games out of first place.

Chris Johnson did take me deep in the 7th inning over that short fence in left-field. It barely cleared, too. I hate how that wall sticks out so far, because a righty can pull what would normally be routine fly-out and it'll clear the fence for a homer. Oh well, can't get a complete-game shutout every night out. My next scheduled start comes against another team playing about as poorly as we are when we get back home against the Pirates.

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Re: New Life: Justin Blanton's Shot at Redemption (RTTS - SP)

This is all 11 of my Ks against the Phillies

October 31, 2012

Season Wrap-up
Well, the season is finally over. Obviously we didn't make the playoffs, but the World Series was a good one. The Cardinals beat the Yankees in 7 games and Matt Holiday was named World Series MVP. It was definitely a classic and watching it made me even hungrier to lead my team to that stage soon.

I made my last start of the season against the Phillies, who were in last place in teh division with a line-up with a bunch of players I hadn't ever heard of. Needless to say I had a very strong performance. Struckout 11 hitters in a complete game 3-hit shutout.

They handed out all of the posteason awards and here's a rundown...

AL MVP: Adrian Gonzalez, BOS
AL Cy Young: C.C. Sabathia, NYY
AL ROY: Dan Mulligan, SEA
NL MVP: Joey Votto, CIN
NL Cy Young: Tommy Hanson, ATL
NL ROY: Justin Blanton, NYM

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Re: New Life: Justin Blanton's Shot at Redemption (RTTS - SP)

May 7, 2013
I didn't mean to go more than a month into this new season before making my first blog entry. I just got caught up in the excitement of the season beginning and even more caught up in the incredible start we're off to. From 10 games below .500 last year to current sitting in first place with a 23-7 record. It's incredible how well everyone is meshing together right now.

I had one very memorable start in my second game of the season. After getting a no-decision on opening day I bounced back against the Reds and struckout a career high 16 batters. I only gave up three hits but two of them were costly. Reigning NL MVP Joey Votto more than humbled me by hitting two moonshot homers. There are a lot worse things than giving up a couple of homers to a two time MVP. I still got the win, though, and I'm off to a 5-0 start in my first six starts on the season. I've pitched 46.2 innings and have an ERA of 1.88 and I'm striking out a pretty impressive 12.08 batters per nine innings.

Since I lazily waited this long to give you all an update on the 2013 season I'll give you a run-down and update of the season thus far.


Standings

NL East
1. Mets | 23-7
2. Marlins | 14-14 | 8.0
3. Braves | 13-15 | 9.0
4. Nationals | 12-16 | 10.0
5. Phillies | 10-18 | 12.0

NL Central
1. Cubs | 17-12
2. Cardinals | 17-12
3. Pirates | 16-13 | 1.0
4. Astros | 15-15 | 2.5
5. Brewers | 13-16 | 4.0
6. Reds | 9-20 | 8.0

NL West
1. Rockies | 18-11
2. Diamondbacks | 16-14
3. Giants | 13-15
4. Dodgers | 13-15
5. Padres | 11-17



League Leaders

Home Runs
Prince Fielder, MIL | 11
Joey Votto, CIN | 11
Kila Ka'aihue, KC | 11
Mark Reynolds, BAL | 9
Jayson Werth, WAS | 9
Pedro Alvarez, PIT | 9
Colby Rasmus, CWS | 9
Carlos Franco, BAL | 9
Chase Headley, SD | 8
Walter Kato, TB | 8
Matt Kemp, LAD | 8
Evan Longoria, PHI | 8
Garrett Jones, PIT | 8


RBI
Mark Reynolds, BAL | 29
Shayne Jacobs, WAS | 28
Alex Gordon, KC | 26
Prince Fielder, MIL | 26
Stephen Drew, ARZ | 26
Matt Holliday, STL | 26
Kendry Morales, LAA | 25
Roger Machado, TB | 25
Neil Walker, CWS | 25
Adam LaRoche, PIT | 25
Evan Longoria, PHI | 25


OPS
Hanley Ramirez, CWS | 1.326
Kila Ka'aihue, KC | 1.170
Colby Rasmus, CWS | 1.162
Joe Mauer, MIN | 1.094
Shin-Soo Choo, CLE | 1.088
Jayson Werth, WAS | 1.064
Joey Votto, CIN | 1.062
Carlos Santana, CLE | 1.051
Pedro Alvarez, PIT | 1.048
Freddie Freeman, MIN | 1.037


Wins
Clay Bucholz, BOS | 5
Justin Blanton, NYM | 5
Clayton Kershaw, LAD | 5
Jeff Niemann, TB | 4
Jordan Zimmerman, WAS | 4
Cole Hamels, COL | 4
Ronald Belisario, CWS | 4
Brett Myers, NYY | 4
Carlos Zambrano, CHC | 4
Bobby Parnell, NYM | 4
Jonathan Sanchez, KC | 4
Joel Pineiro, LAA | 4
Phil Hughes, NYY | 4
Jason Marquis, STL | 4
Mike Minor, NYM | 4


Strikeouts
Justin Blanton, NYM | 62
Yovani Gallardo, MIL | 45
Zack Greinke, MIL | 43
Clayton Kershaw, LAD | 41
Jhoulys Chacin, COL | 41
Tim Lincecum, PHI | 41
Josh Johnson, FLA | 40
Jon Lester, BOS | 40
James McDonald, PIT | 40
Ubaldo Jimenez, PHI | 40


ERA
Cole Hamels, COL | 1.87
Justin Blanton, NYM | 1.88
C.C. Sabathia, NYY | 1.95
Clay Bucholz, BOS | 2.12
James McDonald, PIT | 2.37
Carlos Zambrano, CHC | 2.47
Jair Jurrjens, LAD | 2.47
Justin Verlander, DET | 2.47
Daisuke Matsuzaka, BOS | 2.50
Jhoulys Chacin, COL | 2.52


Saves
Jonathan Papelbon, BOS | 14
Brian Wilson, SF | 11
Heath Bell, NYM | 10
Joel Hanrahan, PIT | 10
J.J. Putz, ARZ | 10
Brandon Lyon, COL | 10
Fernando Rodney, LAA | 10
Jose Valverde, DET | 10
Joakim Soria, NYY | 9
Chris Perez, CLE | 9
Carlos Marmol, CHC | 9

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Re: New Life: Justin Blanton's Shot at Redemption (RTTS - SP)

This a base-hit I got with the pink bat on Mother's Day

NYM at WAS - Nationals Park
May 7, 2013	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
New York Mets (27-8)	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	3	10	1
Washington Nationals (14-19)	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	3	X	5	8	0
W: Henry Rodriguez (2-2) L: Bobby Jenks (0-2) S: Drew Storen (8)

Justin Blanton: 6.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 Ks

May 13, 2013
I got the start on Mother's day and things were going great until I got pulled. I'm not going to lie, I'm still not over the fact I got pulled after giving up a lead-off single in the 7th. I had given up just one run up to that point and three hits. We only had a 2-1 lead and of course I came out and we lost. It was frustrating. I'm not blaming the bullpen, I just don't feel like I should've been pulled at that point. Despite a good start I still gave up another homer. I feel like I'm giving up way too many home runs. In fact, nearly 15% of the hits I have given up this year have been a home run. It's got to

We did go on to sweep Atlanta and I get a chance for some revenge in my next start on the 18th against the Nationals, this time at home. Hopefully things will go better.

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Re: New Life: Justin Blanton's Shot at Redemption (RTTS - SP)

All 16 strikeouts

May 30, 2013
I still can't believe it. I didn't sleep a wink last night. I made sure to have a couple different newspapers delivered to my hotel room this morning just to remind myself it wasn't all a dream. A no-hitter....me, Justin Blanton, at 20 years old throwing a no-no. I know the Astros lineup didn't pose many threats, but still, it was a no-hitter. Just take away the two errors and it's a perfect game. I kept pinching myself in the locker room after the game to make sure I wasn't sleeping. Not only was it a no-hitter, but I struckout 16 batters. Someone told me my gamescore was 103, whatever that means.

I did my part but got a lot of help from my defense along the way. B.J. Upton made two incredible plays in center-field and Jason Bay saved my no-hit bid in the 8th with an incredible diving catch. It was definitely a team effort. Josh Thole called an incredible game behind the plate. I mean, I'm out of words, but I can't relish on it for too long. The season isn't even halfway over and I've got a lot of work left to do if we want to keep our lead in the division.

[hoopla32]

Re: New Life: Justin Blanton's Shot at Redemption (RTTS - SP)

NYY at NYM - Citi Field
Jun 26, 2013	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
New York Yankees (30-45)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0
New York Mets (54-21)	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	X	2	8	0
W: Justin Blanton (12-1) L: C.C. Sabathia (2-7)

Justin Blanton: 9 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 10 Ks

July 1, 2013
My how the mighty have fallen. My last start came at home against the Yankees and I cruised to complete game shutout. It was a classic pitcher's duel between me and C.C. Sabathia. I've got a lot of respect for Sabathia and have always admired him as a pitcher. You've got to feel bad for the guy. He's now got a 2-7 record on the season despite an ERA in the low 3's. I mean even the Yankees lineup was less than imposing. They still have Teixeira but are batting Russell Branyan, Curtis Granderson, and Ronnie Belliard 4-5-6, and their 32-47 record has them sitting in last place in the AL East, 16.0 games back of 1st place Boston.

On another note, since my no-hitter I've been what I guess you could call dominant. In my five starts since the no-hitter I've pitched 42.2 innings, allowing just three earned runs and I've struckout 53 batters and have five wins. I'm definitely in the zone right now and just feel locked-in every time I toe the rubber. I'm getting solid run-support, too, as my hitters are giving me 4.5 runs of support for every nine innings I pitch. It feels good to know every time I start that I'm going to get solid run-support. It definitely takes off a lot of pressure.

Anyway, I suppose it might be time for another MLB update...


Standings


NL East
Mets | 57-22
Marlins | 41-38 | 16.0
Braves | 41-38 | 16.0
Nationals | 38-41 | 19.0
Phillies | 32-47 | 25.0


NL Central
Cubs | 48-31
Cardinals | 47-32 | 1.0
Pirates | 39-40 | 9.0
Brewers | 38-41 | 10.0
Astros | 35-46 | 13.5
Reds | 34-46 | 14.5


NL West
Rockies | 41-38
Diamondbacks | 40-40 | 1.5
Dodgers | 38-41 | 3.0
Giants | 35-43 | 5.5
Padres | 31-48 | 10.0


NL Wildcard
Cardinals | 47-32
Marlins | 41-38 | 6.0
Braves | 41-38 | 6.0
Diamondbacks | 40-40 | 7.5
Pirates | 39-40 | 8.0
Dodgers | 38-41 | 9.0
Brewers | 38-41 | 9.0
Nationals | 38-41 | 9.0



AL East
Red Sox | 48-31
Orioles | 42-37 | 6.0
Blue Jays | 37-42 | 11.0
Rays | 35-43 | 12.5
Yankees | 32-47 | 16.0


AL Central
White Sox | 48-32
Tigers | 44-35 | 3.5
Royals | 43-37 | 5.0
Indians | 38-41 | 9.5
Twins | 36-43 | 11.5


AL West
Angels | 45-35
Rangers | 43-37 | 2.0
Athletics | 40-40 | 5.0
Mariners | 22-57 | 22.5


AL Wildcard
Tigers | 44-35
Royals | 43-37 | 1.5
Rangers | 43-37 | 1.5
Orioles | 42-37 | 2.0
Athletics | 40-40 | 4.5
Indians | 38-41 | 6.0
Blue Jays | 37-42 | 7.0
Twins | 36-43 | 8.0
Rays | 35-43 | 8.5



League Leaders

Home Runs
Prince Fielder, MIL | 31
Joey Votto, CIN | 26
Miguel Cabrera, LAD | 25
Hanley Ramirez, CWS | 24
Roger Machado, TB | 23
Josh Hamilton, TEX | 23
Mark Reynolds, BAL | 22
Colby Rasmus, CWS | 22
Adam LaRoche, PIT | 20
Pedro Alvarez, PIT | 19
Jose Bautista, OAK | 19
Ryan Braun, MIL | 19


RBI
Prince Fielder, MIL | 75
Roger Machado, TB | 67
Adrian Gonzalez, BOS | 67
Matt Holliday, STL | 66
Adam LaRoche, PIT | 63
Mark Reynolds, BAL | 63
Miguel Cabrera, LAD | 62
Michael Stanton, FLA | 61
Stephen Drew, ARZ | 60
Jose Bautista, OAK | 59
Dustin Pedroia, BOS | 59
Shayne Jacobs, WAS | 59


Batting Average
Hanley Ramirez, CWS | .390
Joe Mauer, MIN | .369
Danny Valencia, MIN | .348
Eugene Ford, CLE | .344
Gabby Sanchez, FLA | .341
Adam LaRoche, PIT | .338
Prince Fielder, MIL | .330
Justin Morneau, DET | .329
Derek Jeter, NYY | .326
David Freese, LAD | .323
Scott Rolen, STL | .322
Neil Walker, CWS | .321
Nyjer Morgan, WAS | .321
Colby Rasmus, CWS | .320
Juan Franco, CIN | .320


Stolen Bases
Luis Ojeda, HOU | 39
Jacoby Ellsbury, BOS | 39
Carl Crawford, BOS | 38
Brett Gardner, NYY | 36
Mike Burton, TOR | 28
Elvis Andrus, TEX | 27
Juan Pierre, SF | 26
B.J. Upton, NYM | 25
Alcides Escobar, KC | 21


Wins
Justin Blanton, NYM | 12
Clay Bucholz, BOS | 10
Clayton Kershaw, LAD | 9
Johan Santana, NYM | 9
Justin Verlander, DET | 9
Hiroki Kuroda, ATL | 9
Jordan Zimmerman, WAS | 9
Jason Marquis, STL | 9
Carlos Zambrano, CHC | 9


ERA
Justin Blanton, NYM | 1.74
Adam Wainwright, STL | 2.65
Brandon Webb, TEX | 2.70
Clay Bucholz, BOS | 2.79
Johan Santana, NYM | 2.82
James McDonald, PIT | 2.83
Ian Kennnedy, KC | 2.84
Jake Arrieta, BAL | 2.88
Chris Carpenter, STL | 2.94
Scott Baker | 2.94
Cole Hamels, COL | 2.98


Strikeouts
Justin Blanton, NYM | 156
Tim Lincecum, PHI | 116
Max Scherzer, DET | 107
Jon Lester, BOS | 104
Justin Verlander | 103
Josh Johnson, FLA | 101
Anibal Sanchez, FLA | 96
Clay Buchholz, BOS | 96
Clayton Kershaw, LAD | 95
Josh Beckett, BOS | 94
Cliff Lee, SF | 92


Saves
Carlos Marmol, CHC | 28
Jose Valverde, DET | 28
Jonathan Papelbon, BOS | 27
Brandon Lyon, CHC | 26
Fernando Rodney, LAA | 26
Tyler Walker, ATL | 25
Joel Hanrahan, PIT | 23
Drew Storen, WAS | 23
Curtis Gann, KC | 23
Juan Gonzalez, CWS | 22
Chris Perez, CLE | 22
David Aardsma, FLA | 22
Brian Wilson, SF | 22
Leo Nunez, STL | 22


Awards Races

NL MVP
Prince Fielder, MIL
Justin Blanton, NYM
Adam LaRoche, PIT

NL Cy Young
Justin Blanton, NYM
Carlos Zambrano, CHC
Johan Santana, NYM

Rookie of the Year
Shayne Jacobs, WAS
Domingo Olivo, CIN
Luis Ojeda, HOU


AL MVP
Roger Machado, TB
Colby Rasmus, CWS
Josh Hamilton, TEX

AL Cy Young
Clay Buchholz, BOS
Jim Johnson, BAL
Justin Verlander, DET

AL Rookie of the Year
Roger Machado, TB
Simon Fielder, TOR
Mark Pina, TOR

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Re: New Life: Justin Blanton's Shot at Redemption (RTTS - SP)

SFG at NYM - Citi Field
Jul 8, 2013	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
San Francisco Giants (38-46)	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	4	0
New York Mets (64-22)	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	X	2	7	1
W: Justin Blanton (14-1) L: Felipe Cabrera (3-7)

San Francisco Giants
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Justin Blanton	9.0	4	1	1	0	12	0

New York Mets
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Felipe Cabrera	8.0	4	2	2	0	7	0

NYM at WAS - Citi Field
Jul 8, 2013	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
New York Mets (66-24)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	7	0
Washington Nationals (44-45)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	1
W: Justin Blanton (15-1) L: A.J. Burnett (6-4)

New York Mets
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Justin Blanton	9.0	3	0	0	0	14	0

Washington Nationals
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Ross Detwiler	8.0	3	0	0	2	8	0

July 15, 2013
Well, I did it. I was named the starting pitcher for the National League in the All-Star game. I'd by lying if I wasn't a little overwhelmed by everything being surrounded by so many great players. I'm still pretty young and to receive this honor is nice but I need to remain humble. I'm hearing comparisons thrown out and it's hard not to get a little big-headed. I just want to remain focused on the task at hand, and that's to have the same team success post All-Star break as we did the first half of the season.

My last two starts resulted in two classic pitcher's duels. I got the win in both games; we beat the Giants 2-1 on July 8th and then turned around and beat the Nationals 1-0 in my next start on July 13th.

Here are the All-Star starters for both leagues...

2013 MLB All-Star Game Rosters
American League		National League
Manager: Joe Girardi, New York Yankees		Manager: Tony LaRussa, St. Louis Cardinals
Pos	Starters	Pos	Starters
C	Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins	C	Brian McCann, Los Angeles Dodgers
1B	Roger Machado, Tampa Bay Rays	1B	Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers
2B	Robinson Cano, New York Yankees	2B	Dan Uggla, Atlanta Braves
3B	Walter Kato, Tampa Bay Rays	3B	Pedro Alvarez, Pittsburgh Pirates
SS	Asdrubal Cabrera, Los Angeles Angels	SS	Alexei Ramirez, Chicago Cubs
LF	Carl Crawford, Boston Red Sox	LF	Matt Holliday, St. Louis Cardinals
CF	Colby Rasmus, Chicago White Sox	CF	B.J. Upton, New York Mets
RF	Jason Kubel, Minnesota Twins	RF	Michael Stanton, Florida Marlins
P	Clay Buchholz, Boston Red Sox	P	Justin Blanton, New York Mets

Now I'll go ahead and give you another league-wide All-Star break update.


Standings

NL East
Mets | 67-25
Braves | 47-45 | 20.0
Marlins | 46-36 | 21.0
Nationals | 45-46 | 21.5
Phillies | 39-53 | 28.0


NL Central
Cubs | 55-37
Cardinals | 52-40 | 3.0
Pirates | 47-45 | 8.0
Brewers | 43-49 | 12.0
Astros | 42-50 | 13.0
Reds | 41-52 |14.5


NL West
Rockies | 50-42
Dodgers | 45-37 | 5.0
Diamondbacks | 43-50 | 7.5
Giants | 41-50 | 8.5
Padres | 38-54 | 12.0


NL Wildcard
Cardinals | 50-42
Pirates | 47-45 | 5.0
Braves | 47-45 | 5.0
Marlins | 46-46 | 6.0
Nationals | 45-46 | 6.5
Dodgers | 45-47 | 7.0


AL East
Red Sox | 57-35
Orioles | 48-44 | 9.0
Rays | 42-49 | 14.5
Blue Jays | 41-51 | 16.0
Yankees | 38-54 | 19.0


AL Central
White Sox | 59-34
Tigers | 50-42 | 8.5
Twins | 45-37 | 13.5
Royals | 45-48 | 14.0
Indians | 43-39 | 15.5


AL West
Rangers | 49-43
Angels | 49-44
Athletics | 45-47 | 4.0
Mariners | 29-63 | 20.0


AL Wildcard
Tigers | 50-42
Angels | 49-44 | 1.5
Orioles | 48-44 | 2.0
Athletics | 45-47 | 5.0
Twins | 45-47 | 5.0
Royals | 45-48 | 5.5
Indians | 43-49 | 7.0

[hoopla32]

Re: New Life: Justin Blanton's Shot at Redemption (RTTS - SP)

vs.



July 16, 2013
Philadelphia, PA


These are my three strikeouts



American League | 7
National League | 5

July 17, 2013
I still can't believe I pitched in the freakin' All-Star Game!!! I got to do it a semi-familiar park, too. Anyway, I felt like I more than held my own. Just pitched two innings but struckout three batters and only gave up one hit. I got to face the top six hitters in the order and was pretty nervous. I mean these were the best players in the league and I was among them. Pretty cool stuff. When I left the game we were up 2-0 but the AL came back and got the win. I know it means they get home-field advantage in the World Series, but I feel like we're a good enough team that home-field advantage won't matter if we can make the playoffs.

I got to hangout with some great guys and some that I have been admiring as a fan for years. It was a very surreal experience. I hate that had to end but it's time to get back to it and make a push for the best NL record.

[hoopla32]

Re: New Life: Justin Blanton's Shot at Redemption (RTTS - SP)

My 200th strikeout of the season against the Giants

July 23, 2013
I got my first start since the All-Star break and reached what I feel is a pretty significant milestone in the process. I got Mark DeRosa swining on a 1-2 fastball for my 200th. I don't put personal achievements ahead of team achievements but I know getting my 200th strikeout in July is a pretty big deal and my team is winning ballgames. I hope I can keep it up and, who knows, make a push for 325+ Ks before the season is over. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.