Berkman named NL Player of the Month

Baseball Betting Lines

06/02/2008 - New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Houston Astros outfielder Lance Berkman was named National League Player of the Month for May.

The switch-hitting Berkman hit at a .471 clip (49-for-104), with 11 doubles, a triple, and nine home runs. The four-time All-Star also amassed 22 runs batted in and scored 31 runs for the Astros. His .471 average and .553 on-base percentage, 49 hits and 85 total bases led the Majors and his 21 extra-base hits tied for the major-league lead.

The honor completes a monster month for Berkman, who was initially named Player of the Week from May 5-11, during which he hit .682 (15-for-22).This marks the second time he has earned a monthly award, previously winning in May 2004.

Other players receiving consideration were the Marlins' Dan Uggla (.347, 12 HR, 26 RBI), the Brewers' Ryan Braun (.322, 11 HR, 22 RBI), the Reds' Adam Dunn (.691 SLG, 10 HR, 25 RBI), and the Braves' Chipper Jones (.417, 4 HR, 14 RBI).

The 32-year-old is hitting .385 with 17 home runs, 47 RBI, while scoring 57 times for the Astros this season.

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El Duque expected to throw Tuesday

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- New York Mets pitcher Orlando Hernandez, sidelined at spring training because of arthritis in his neck, is expected to resume throwing on Tuesday.

Hernandez received a cortisone shot Thursday after leaving camp and returning to New York to have his neck examined. The 41-year-old right-hander is penciled in as the team's No. 2 starter behind Tom Glavine.

El Duque's health is a major issue for the Mets, who won the NL East in 2007 and came within one victory of the World Series. Their aging and unsettled rotation is a big question mark this year.

MySportsbook.com has the Mets as -110 favorites to repeat as NL East champions odds. 

Hernandez went 11-11 with a 4.66 ERA last season, including 9-7 with a 4.09 ERA in 20 starts after the Mets acquired him from Arizona in late May. But he missed the playoffs because of a torn calf muscle.

New York already is without Pedro Martinez, out until at least midseason following rotator cuff surgery. Among those competing for starting jobs are prospects Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber and Jason Vargas, plus veterans Chan Ho Park, Jorge Sosa and Aaron Sele.

Notes: Mets manager Willie Randolph is excited about two new utility players he could have on his bench: Damion Easley and David Newhan. ''Their value is really all over the place,'' Randolph said. Easley can play anywhere in the infield and could be used as an emergency outfielder, though Randolph said he would prefer to keep the veteran in the infield. Newhan, meanwhile, can play second base, third or any outfield position for the Mets. ''I love versatility,'' Randolph said. ''I love guys that can give me options when I need them to step in.''

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