Achievers/Bums - 7/21/08

ACHIEVERS

Randy Johnson – SP – Arizona Diamondbacks – Win, 7.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K's – With only four K's, it was not Vintage Unit, but it was pretty damn good. Johnson outdueled a filthy Rich Harden to get the win against the Cubs. It appears that Harden is going to have to throw a perfect game to get a W with the Cubs, by the way.

Miguel Cabrera – 1B/3B – Detroit Tigers – 5/6, 6 RBI, 2 R – These were the video game numbers I was expecting from the Tigers going into the season. There were a lot of Tigers with a chance to named "Achiever" today, but six RBI's gets you on the list every time. Miguel could be the beast of the second half.

The Rays – Is it too late to recant my second-half bums predictions? It's only been a few games, but so far Kazmir, Longoria and the Rays (that's right just Rays, they've earned it) are starting to convert me. Longoria was 2/5 with a HR and 2 RBI and Kazmir got the win after pitching seven innings of two-hit ball with nine K's.

BUMS

Francisco Cordero – RP – Loss, .2 IP, BS, 1 H, 3 BB, 3 ER – Cordero had another brutal outing last night and then made excuses. Trevor Hoffman and Brad Lidge don't make excuses, and neither should you, you piece of crap. You got rocked. Period.

Jose Valverde – RP – Loss, .1 IP, BS, 5 H, 1 BB, 6 ER – Speaking of overrated, highly paid, piece-of-crap, NL Central closers, Jose Valverde went and made Cordero's blown save look a little less horrible.

Royals Pitchers – If I had to pick just one, I guess it would be Jimmy Gobble, who gave up ten earned, but the whole pitching staff should be ashamed after giving up 19 to the Tigers. That's embarrasing.