Monday night was to be young Max Scherzer's grand starting debut. Unfortunately, the 23-year-old rant into a 45-year-old who still isn't ready to let a rookie flame-thrower get the best of him.

Scherzer threw the ball in the upper 90's. Jamie Moyer topped out around 82.

Problem was Max's fastball also found more opposing bats, even connecting with Moyer's ... twice. Moyer singled and doubled in a run of Scherzer, who was forced to leave four innings, allowing seven hits and two earned runs.

Moyer learned a thing or two from his first career start against Steve Carlton, and Scherzer plans to do the same:

"He rope-a-dopes you to death," Scherzer said. "I know firsthand, he throws a 74 mile-an-hour change, then backs it up with a 71 mile-an-hour change. He's cutting it to both sides of the plate at 81 or 82, and his fastball's about the same velocity, but he knows how to pitch. Been doing it a while."

Asked how fast he might have throw in his debut, Moyer responded appropriately:

"Back then, I don't think they had radar guns."

This is one of the reason I think we all love baseball. A 45-year-old father of seven, who's overcome an annoying father-in-law, can outpitch and young arm throwing 98-mph heat. This just doesn't happen in other sports. It's a beautiful thing.

Phillies 11, DBacks 4

Ervin > Johan ? So far this season, the Angels' Santana has the upper hand (and oh, does my fantasy team thank him). Ervin tossed a complete game shutout, saying it was the best of his career, to join teammate Joe Saunders at 6-0. Yet another season where the Los Angeles Angels are just getting it down quietly out West. It's impressive how they do this year after year, but even more impressive how we always overlook until late in September. Angels 4, Royals 0.

Different lineup, same pitchers Jim Leyland promised big changes, but it wasn't all that dramatic. Jacque Jones was designated to go find his bat, Gary Sheffield demanded that he play in the outfield and Ivan Rodriguez was moved down to the 9-hole to give Curtis Granderson some more RBI opportunities. How'd it work? Only five hits. What wasn't altered was the starting pitching who gave up 11 more hits and six runs to Boston. Red Sox 6, Tigers 3.

Cubs continue slide with Soriano back I'm not Bill James, but I can see that the Cubs have played terrible since Alfonso returned from his injury. Batting .177 and looking even more lethargic while doing so is having an impact. Sadly, Lou Piniella remains stubborn. Sigh. Reds 5, Cubs 3.

Any other thoughts, share them here.