El Duque

While we’re on the subject of AARP players (see previous post), I’d like to give a big shout out to the ever-youthful El Duque. Just when we needed a big-time pitching performance, he delivered a masterful game, baffling hitters all night, allowing only 2 hits in 7 innings. Having apparently discovered the fountain of youth, El Duque blazed to his second stolen base in as many games, and scored a run.

Hernandez is now 6-4 with a sparkling 2.96 ERA. This starting rotation has been terrific all season and it's even more incredible when you consider how Omar acquired three of the five guys.

1). Traded Chris Benson to the Orioles for: Jorge Julio and "throw-in" John Maine
2). Turned around and traded an awful Julio to the Diamandbacks for El Duque
3). Traded Xavier Nady to the Pirates for Roberto Hernandez and another "throw in" Oliver Perez

Not too bad, Omar. Not too bad.