ESPN’s Week In Baseball

Following are highlights from this week’s Major League Baseball coverage on ESPN:

Live post-game interview with Mark Teixeira
Sunday Night Baseball’s Jon Miller, Joe Morgan and Steve Phillips interviewed New York Yankees All-Star Mark Teixeira, whose eighth-inning solo home run proved to be the game-winner, immediately following the game.

Facing 100 mph heat
Outside the Lines’ Jorge Aranguré conducted the first interview with Aroldis Chapman, a Cuban baseball player who defected in early June, and Baseball Tonight analyst Dave Winfield provided insight to utilize when facing Chapman’s 100 mph fastball. Chapman is considered to be among the best left-handed pitching prospects in the world.

Baseball Tonight provides instant analysis when White Sox claim Rios
Baseball Tonight analyst Peter Gammons provided immediate reaction when Alex Rios was claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox, while Hall of Famer Dave Winfield described how Rios’ production has decreased since 2007.

Plenty to discuss during Sunday’s Baseball Tonight
Prior to Sunday Night Baseball (Aug. 9), Baseball Tonight’s John Kruk and Peter Gammons debated which league possesses the most interesting Central division playoff race. During the show, Kruk and Dave Winfield also reflected on the unusual ejection of Philadelphia outfielder Shane Victorino, which Winfield had not seen during his 22-year playing career. Additionally, Gammons projected which players are most likely to be picked up off the waiver wire.

Olney discusses correlation between high payrolls and winning
Reporter Buster Olney outlined the common link between teams with the highest payrolls in baseball and the franchises winning the most games.

Gammons reacts to Ortiz’s press conference on Baseball Tonight
After Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz held his press conference on Saturday, Hall of Famer Peter Gammons shared his perspective on Ortiz and other news of the day.

ESPN’s 20th Year All-Star Team Voting Continues
ESPN continues to celebrate 20 seasons of MLB coverage with fan voting determining a 20th year All-Star Team. ESPN viewers have voted throughout the first half of the season to narrow the list of 10 candidates per position down to three finalists in each category. This week, the fan vote will determine the best second basemen over the past 20 years. The winner – Roberto Alomar, Craig Biggio or Ryne Sandberg – will be announced during Sunday Night Baseball August 16. Last week, 78 percent of fans voted for Albert Pujols as first baseman over Frank Thomas (13) and Mark McGwire (9). Next week’s vote will determine the best third baseman over the previous 20 seasons.