Ex-Cardinals Watch 7-6-09: Dan Haren & Jason Marquis All-Stars; Preston Wilson Wearing Face Mask; David Eckstein Hurt; Jose Salazar Released

Preston Wilson and Randy Leek (Long Island) :
Circling the bases at Citibank Park in the first inning yesterday, Ducks designated hitter Preston Wilson looked more like a hockey center than a 10-year major-league veteran.
Newsday

Dan Haren (Diamondbacks):
The Arizona Diamondbacks had two players named to the 2009 National League All-Star team on Sunday.
Diamondbacks Official Site

Russell Branyan (Mariners):
Branyan, who already has matched his single-season high with 20 home runs thus far, said that he didn't know what to expect as far as being selected for the first time.

"It was hard to pay attention to every single player that was doing well," Branyan said. "It would have been pretty cool to get a chance to go, but maybe some other year."

Branyan would be receptive to competing in the Home Run Derby.

"If they invited me, I would go in a heartbeat," he said. "I would go to St. Louis and hit a few if they want me to."
Mariners Official Site

David Eckstein (Padres):
Lobaton had to play the infield when second baseman Eckstein suffered a strained right hamstring in the bottom of the 12th inning while lunging for first base on a ground ball. General manager Kevin Towers said Eckstein could miss a week to 10 days.

"We'll wait 24 hours and see," Eckstein said. "It's hard to tell this early. I can feel it now, but there's some movement."
Padres Official Site

Jason Marquis (Rockies):
Rockies right fielder Brad Hawpe and right-handed pitcher Jason Marquis, who performed well through the team's rough start and recent hot streak, were announced as National League All-Stars on Sunday and will be playing in the Midsummer Classic for the first time. Hawpe was chosen as a reserve, but because of injuries he is in line to start.
Rockies Official Site

Coco Crisp (Royals):
As if one shoulder surgery wasn't enough, Royals center fielder Coco Crisp will undergo surgery on his other shoulder this month.
Royals Official Site

Jose Salazar (Free Agent):
The Shreveport-Bossier Captains of the American Association released him.

Ex-Cardinals Watch 6-28-09: Cody Haerther & Carmen Cali Released; Daric Barton Optioned Out; Blaine Neal Hits D.L.; Jose Salazar Signs Deal

Rene Lachemann (Rockies MiLB Coach):
As evidenced by the ever-present orange toothpick, old habits die hard for Rene Lachemann.
Colorado Springs Gazette

Jose Salazar (Shreveport-Bossier):
Hit by a slew of injuries to its pitching staff recently, the Shreveport-Bossier Captains made a series of roster moves this week, including signing rookie righthanded pitcher Jimmy Heard, who played at Airline High School in Bossier City and Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. He is joined by fellow rookie Josh Collazo, an infielder out of Oklahoma Baptist University (NAIA) and third-year shortstop Jose Salazar, who last played in the triple-A level Mexican League.
The Raw Feed

Adam Kennedy (Athletics):
Ellis' comeback pushes Adam Kennedy off second base. Kennedy, who is batting a team-best .294, has been taking grounders at third base during batting practice. He was breaking in a new first baseman's mitt Friday afternoon.

Kennedy said he doesn't have a preference for which position he plays. He added that he's least familiar with third base, as he hasn't played a Major League game at the position.
Athletics Official Site

Tomo Ohka (Indians):
Not this time. Ohka got hammered in a four-run second inning that set the tone for the night.

"Tomo battled," manager Eric Wedge said. "He just didn't have the same command we've seen in prior outings."
Indians Official Site

Russell Branyan (Mariners):
First baseman Russell Branyan also hit a home run, his 19th of the season, a majestic blast to right-center in the ninth inning that had a 7.2 second hang time.
Mariners Official Site

David Eckstein (Padres):
The gloves David Eckstein wears while hitting may smell bad and look funny, but he doesn't plan on changing them any time.
Padres Official Site

Cody Haerther (Free Agent):
The Toronto Blue Jays released him Saturday. Haerther was playing at Double-A New Hampshire where he was hitting .220 (29-for-132) with six doubles, one triple, one home run, 13 RBIs, 40 total bases, 13 runs, 14 walks, and 21 strikeouts in 43 games.

Blaine Neal (Indians):
Triple-A Charlotte placed him on the 7-day disabled list.

Carmen Cali (Free Agent):
The Los Angeles Dodgers released him Saturday. Cali was pitching at Triple-A Albuquerque where he made nine relief appearances and posted an 0-1 record and 4.22 ERA. He allowed 17 hits, five earned runs, one home run, two walks, and struck out 14 over 10. innings. He also pitched at Double-A Chattanooga earlier in the season.

Daric Barton (Athletics):
Was optioned back to Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday.

Verdict Remains Out On Pirate Affiliation

Of all the failures, flops and flukes associated with the 2008 State College Spikes, an abyss was reached Monday night.

Centre Daily News

More On The 5 Minor Leaguers Dropped

The St. Louis Cardinals first minor league spring training cuts are three relievers, a catcher and an infielder, including their eighth-round draft pick in 2005.

http://stlcardinals.scout.com/2/738361.html

Kyle Lohse Game Ready, 5 Minor Leaguers Released, Juan Gonzalez Gets In At Bats, Alan Benes Arrives

The location was an actual stadium, the hitters weren’t swinging aluminum bats this time, and the competition was a little more intense than, say, facing the Anteaters again, but Kyle Lohse still showed he’s been doing enough on his own that he’s game ready.

http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/bird-land/bird-land/2008/03/lohse-breezes-through-sim-game/