Bases Loaded Balk

Jumping Ship

2011-01-29T23:28:00.001-05:00

Hey everybody! I know it's been a while since I've posted anything on here.

Well, I'm jumping ship. I'm relocating the blog to Wordpress, and you can find it at:
http://pastorswish.wordpress.com

You'll also be able to find Bases Loaded Balk on Wordpress as well:
http://basesloadedbalk.wordpress.com

The primary reason for the change is that I'm thinking about upgrading so that I have my own domain name without the .wordpress, or .blogspot adding to the address. Simply put, I can't do that on Blogger.

We'll see how the move goes, but for now, I want to encourage you to make the changes in the necessary places.

Peace!

Cub Fan Follow Up on UCONN Booster Demands

2011-01-26T11:06:00.000-05:00

After a UCONN booster demanded his $3 million donation be returned because he wasn't consulted on the hiring of the football team's new head coach, thousand of Cub fans have requested their money back because of the hiring of Mike Quade as the new manager of the team.

Judging by this picture:

Quade doesn't give a rip because he is going to the bank with his big ol' paycheck. In fact, he is quoted as saying, "I'm cashing in on this baby. I'm even going to wear my uniform all over town just to rub it in!"

Blyleven, Alomar Given HOF Nod

2011-01-05T17:48:00.000-05:00

Bert Blyleven and Roberto Alomar received an important phone call today - a call congratulating them on their induction to the Hall of Fame. Blyleven received the honor after a mere 14 years on the ballot, while Alomar was elected on his second go-around.

As we all know from a previous post, Blyleven is awesome, and the picture below merely sums up that statement.

Meanwhile, Alomar's awesomeness is not only summed up by his ability to hover...

...but also for his restraint, as he only spit on an umpire once in his career. And we can't really blame him for that. Mentally, he just wasn't in a good place at the time... well, physically, he wasn't either, as you can see the Baltimore Orioles jersey in the picture.

Strangely enough, Alomar received 90% of the votes cast after falling just 8 votes shy in 2010. I'm not exactly sure what he did to cement his legacy and give him the third-highest vote total in history in the last 12 months, but whatever it was Jeff Bagwell, Larry Walker, Mark McGwire, Lee Smith and others are going to be calling him to figure out what it was.

Cubs Close to Reunion

2010-12-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

Rumor has it that the Chicago Cubs are nearing a deal for pitcher Kerry Wood. That's right, folks, Kerry Wood is rumored to be returning to the place where it all started... and then went horribly wrong. It's a nice bookend on an otherwise promising, but mediocre career.

Indians Legend Passes

2010-12-16T13:38:00.000-05:00

The baseball world mourns the passing of another legend this year. The winningest pitcher in Cleveland Indians history, Bob "the Smeller is the" Feller passed away. Feller was an 8-time All Star and was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1962. It was erroneously reported to have passed away last week, but was merely placed in hospice before passing away on the 15th.

The Cliff Lee Sweepstakes

2010-12-14T23:41:00.000-05:00

Once again, delivering top-notch, late-breaking news long after it happens, Bases Loaded Balk has learned that Cliff Lee has decided to join the Philadelphia Phillies after coming to an agreement on a 5-year, $120 million deal with a vesting option for a sixth year. Lee personally let the Rangers know, and his agent broke the news to the Yankees.

Here's what we have learned:
1) Players don't always want the maximum years and the maximum dollars. Lee turned down more years and more dollars from both the Yankees and Rangers to go back to Philadelphia, where he spent the last half of the 2009 season and went to the World Series for the first time.

2) The Yankees can't get whoever they want if that person doesn't want to be on the Yankees. Don't worry, Yankee fans, I'm sure this had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that you spit on the guys wife during the playoffs. I'm sure he felt safe and welcomed by that reception.

3) The Phillies will be the overwhelming favorite to win the National League in 2011. In fact, some are already arguing that this may be the best rotation in baseball history... before Spring Training even starts. There is certainly that possibility. Two years ago, Hamels was the staff ace, since then, they have traded for Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cliff Lee - three guys that would be the ace on just about any other staff in all of baseball. However, let's hold off on the accolades until the season is over.

4) The mystery team is not always a fabrication by the agent. ESPN's Buster Olney had tweeted the other day that most of the time, a "mystery team" is simply created by the player's agent in order to gain some leverage in the negotiations. Clearly, the Phillies were the mystery team that was involved - quite unexpectedly because...

5) Just because you trade a player away, don't assume that he's never going to come back. The Phillies traded Lee to the Mariners last offseason as part of a three-team deal that brought Roy Halladay to Philadelphia. The reason they traded Lee: they didn't think they could work out an extension with him.

6) The Yankees are no longer the Yankees of old. Just a couple of years ago, the Yankees would have signed at least one, if not two, of the top free agents. This year, they looked like Alex Rodriguez in a playoff game - going 0-3 on the big fish. In fact, with the signing of Crawford and acquisition (and extension) of Gonzalez, I'd say the Red Sox have become the very thing they hated.

Finally, the Yankees and Rangers have to move on, and perhaps their respective fanbases will be excited to hear the rumors that are flying around regarding Plan B for these teams.

Apparently the Rangers have expressed interest in former Yankee Chien-Ming Wang, and the Yankees could possibly be the next stop in the Mark Prior comeback trail. Yeah, that's what happens when you put all your eggs in one basket... or some other metaphor that conveys a similar idea.

Tribute to Ron Santo

2010-12-10T01:52:00.000-05:00

I'm a Cardinal fan. That doesn't mean I'm heartless. Not long ago, long-time Cubs player & announcer Ron Santo passed away. Santo certainly deserves HOF consideration, but has still be passed on every year. Below is a first-person account of a third-person conversation that I had with a friend of mine just a few months ago:

"So, we have to take the elevator down, and when the doors open, there's Ron Santo standing there. It was so cool."

I don't remember if those were the exact words of the conversation, but you get the idea - Ron Santo liked to ride the elevator... and he was pretty cool.

Rest in Peace, Ron.

Catching Up on the Offseason

2010-12-09T09:24:00.001-05:00

It's been a busy couple of weeks in the baseball world. As I write this, the Winter Meetings are being held at the ~~Goose & Manatee~~ Swan & Dolphin Resort at Disney World. All kinds of crazy things are happening in the baseball world. So... to the best of my ability and desire to spend only a certain amount of time working on this post... here's an update on the 2010/2011 Baseball Offseason:

Victor Martinez became the first big name off the board when he signed with the Detroit Lions to play outside linebacker. Wait a minute... that doesn't sound right....
Jayson Werth made the Nationals severely overpay for his services by signing a 7-year, $126 million deal. That's the price you pay for quality free agents when you are a bad team. Rumor has it that there wasn't another team even willing to go 5 years on the outfielder with the awesome beard. In fact, his agent, Scott Boras, didn't even bother going to the other teams in the bidding for a counter-offer because the Nationals overpaid by that much.
Mark Reynolds, the holder of the top 3 spots in "most strikeouts in a season" was traded to the Baltimore Orioles for a pair of relievers. He should solidify an already mediocre lineup with his 2010 sub-.200 batting average. Let's face it, though, it doesn't matter what the Orioles do, they are the fifth best team in a division with four good teams.
In a move that can only be explained by the Padres hatred of almost winning the NL West in 2010, Adrian Gonzalez was traded to the Boston Red Sox. This is a move that had an effect on another free agent, who will be discussed next.
Adrian Beltre got the shaft in Boston. With the other Adrian being traded to Red Sox nation, Beltre is out of luck. Gonzo plays 1st, Youk moves to 3rd, Beltre gets left off the roster.
Adam Dunn and Paul Konerko are going to be wearing White Sox uniforms next season, which won't be odd for Konerko because that's what he has been wearing for quite some time, but Dunn will actually be playing on a team with a shot at its division title, which will be a first for him.
Carl Crawford inked a 7-year deal with the Red Sox, which is significant for two reasons: 1) he becomes the highest paid "Carl" in the history of the world (at $142 mil over the 7 years), and 2) the Red Sox have turned into the Yankees North.
Speaking of the Red Sox and Yankees, rumor has it that the Red Sox contacted Mariano Rivera's agent about bringing the lifelong Yankee to the Yankees North. In turn, the Yanks got involved in the Crawford negotiations. You see how that worked out for both teams, as Crawford is a Red Sox and Rivera is still a Yankee.
While we're on the topic of Yankee players, the Jeter negotiations went smoothly, didn't they? Cashman and Jeter decided that the best way to negotiate this contract was through disparaging remarks in the media. I think they trade him to the Orioles in two years.
In the Cliff Lee sweepstakes, apparently the Yankees really, really want the 32-year old pitcher because they have now upped their offer to seven years for around $160 million. After all, who doesn't want to pay a 38-year old pitcher $20+ million for two more years? There's no way that's a bad contract for the Yankees.
A couple of mid-name shortstops are on the move. J.J. Hardy was traded to the Orioles, who will be trading for Jeter in two years, and Jason Bartlett was traded to the Padres, where he will be teamed up with whoever it was the Padres got from Boston for auctioning away their future.

Well, that about sums up the major and minor news from the Winter Meetings. The Rule 5 Draft is taking place Thursday morning, but it's doubtful that anything significant will come from there.

Pujols' Extension

2010-12-07T09:21:00.000-05:00

One of the big things that Cardinal fans are thinking about this offseason is the fact that the Cardinals need to sign star Albert Pujols to an extension that will make him a Cardinal for life.

MLB Trade Rumors recently put up a post that SI's Jon Heyman tweeted that the Pujols camp is seeking something around A-Rod's 10 year, $275 million deal from 2007. A-Rod was 32 when that deal was signed. Pujols will be turning 31 next month.

I think in all of the offseason rumors that are milling about, this has to be the biggest "Duh" rumor out there. I mean, seriously, should the best player in the game get paid like he is the best player in the game? I imagine so... duh. After 10 seasons, Pujols is sitting at a career line of .331/.426/.624, 408 HRs, 1900 Hits, 1230 RBIs, 1186 Rs, 9 All Star Games, 3 MVP awards (never finishing out of the Top 10 in MVP voting either). Yeah, I'd say A-Rod type money is deserving for his final 10 years in the Bigs. Duh.

Oh Yeah, Those Other Ones

2010-11-25T13:20:00.001-05:00

While the ROY, MVP, Cy Young, Gold Gloves, Silver Sluggers and Manager of the Year are the major awards to which people actually somewhat pay attention, there actually are a few other awards in the postseason that aren't really worth mentioning, but I thought I would anyway.

AL Comeback Player of the Year: Francisco Liriano
NL Comeback Player of the Year: Tim Hudson
Also known as the Imagine What We Could Have Done Last Season If So-and-so Didn't Get Hurt (IWWCHDLSIS&sDGH), a pair of pitchers who helped lead their team to the postseason this year walked off with the hardware... or plastic... I'm not really sure what this stuff is made of.

Delivery of the Year: Heath Bell
Can you imagine if his last name was Bar? That would be so awesome.

Clemente Award: Tim Wakefield
Also known as the Most Likely to Die a Premature Death in a Plane Crash Award (What? Too soon?).

AL Hank Aaron Award: Jose Bautista
NL Hank Aaron Award: Joey Votto
So... let me get this straight. Votto wins the Hank Aaron Award (given to the top offensive player in each league), and he doesn't win the Silver Slugger? Interesting...

You Down With M-V-P? Yeah, You Know Me!

2010-11-25T09:17:00.001-05:00

The National League and American League MVPs were announced earlier this week. Quite frankly, neither one was much of a surprise.

Joey Votto won the NL Award over Albert Pujols and Carlos Gonzales. Legitimately, any of those three could have won the award this season, but Votto still managed to garner all but one first place vote. For my Reds friends who now want to talk smack about Votto getting it over Pujols - once Votto has finished in the Top 4 nine times in ten seasons (and 9th in the other season), we'll talk.

In a rags to riches story that could only be written in Arlington, Josh Hamilton won the AL MVP, just a few short years after everybody thought he wasted his talent on booze and drugs. I'm not sure what the moral of the story is, but I have a feeling that if you are a recovering drug abuser, then I'm pretty sure that Arlington, TX is your place of fairy tale endings.

Attention V-Mart Shoppers

2010-11-24T23:15:00.001-05:00

Since this is everybody's first place for breaking news, the first major free agent signing of the winter took place just seconds ago...

Victor Martinez, the 1B-DH-C-BNAS (Backup National Anthem Singer) formerly of the Indians and Red Sox, signed a 4-year, $50 million deal with the Detroit Tigers. The career .300 hitter should solidfy an already half-way decent, mildly dangerous, frequently injured lineup.

Cy Youngs Announced

2010-11-18T15:49:00.000-05:00

The National League Cy Young Award was handed out a couple of days ago, so hopefully, you don't come here for breaking news. Meanwhile, breaking news, the American League Cy Young Award was handed out about an hour ago... well, as of writing this, it was an hour ago. How am I supposed to know when you are reading it?

Roy Halladay, traded from the Blue Jays to the Phillies in the offseason, won the NL Award. Everybody assumed that he would totally dominate the National League simply because he was a good pitcher in the American League. Let's face it, everybody pretty much gave him the award once he was traded to Philadelphia, all he had to do was show that he earned it... and he did.... unanimously.

Continuing their trend of bestowing the hardware to pitchers with poor records, the AL Cy Young winner was Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners. He posted a 13-12 record on the year, but more impressive was the fact that his bullpen/offense didn't manage to blow every game that he pitched for them. The only other player to win a Cy Young with 13 wins was Fernando Valenzuela, who did it in the strike-shortened 1981 campaign.

Managing for the Hardware

2010-11-18T08:02:00.000-05:00

There have been a lot of captains throughout the years.

Captain Planet

Captain Jack Sparrow

Of course, who could forget...

Captain Caveman

And... Captain.... whoever the heck this guy is.

But the main guys at the helm for National League and American League teams, the ones who bravely led their team to defy all expectations, the ones who were named Manager of the Year:

American League

Ron Gardenhire of the Minnesota Twins

National League

Bud Black of the San Diego Padres

It's hard to really argue with the selection of either candidate. After being the runner-up for five of the last eight seasons, Gardenhire wins his first Manager of the Year. He led the Twins to the AL Central division title, in spite of the fact that one of his top players had an awful year at the plate (not so well played, Mauer), and another missed basically the last half of the season trying to come back from a concussion. Honestly, I think Ron Washington is more deserving, but mostly because I wanted another reason to put up a picture of him eating an imaginary apple.

Yup, that picture.

I imagine that some people really wanted Dusty Baker to win the NL award because of how the Reds finished and made the playoffs, but quite honestly, Black was a better decision. He took the Padres from the cellar of the 2009 season into contention until the last day of the 2010 season... all without any major overhauls on the roster. In the 2009-2010 offseason, the talk was all about where the Padres were going to ship first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and closer Heath Bar.... errrr... Bell.

Speaking of people that really wanted Baker to win it. I'm assuming that Captain Jean Luc Picard, clearly a Reds fan (look at what he's wearing), is one of those people. Here is he expressing his feelings to the AP.

Sorry, kids. That is an action unbecoming of a Starfleet officer. Unbelievable.

The Marlins are Idiots

2010-11-16T17:51:00.000-05:00

Okay, maybe that's a little harsh, but word came down not too long ago that the Florida Marlins have agreed to trade Dan Uggla to the Atlanta Braves for infielder Omar Infante and and reliever Mike Dunn. I think the Braves got the better end of this deal. Infante had a nice season, but he's no Uggla. And, Dunn? Well, honestly, I have no idea who he is in the first place.

So, why are the Marlins idiots? You don't trade one of your best players to a team in the division... you know, one of the first teams that you have to beat over the course of the season. Okay... maybe it worked out for the Philadelphia Eagles, who traded Donovan McNabb to the Redskins... but the Redskins didn't just make the playoffs like the Braves did.

But perhaps the greatest part in all of this is Mark Bowman's tweet on the situation.

@mlbbowmanMark Bowman

#Braves appear to very close to nearing deal for Dan Uggla.

35 minutes ago via web Favorite Retweet Reply

That's right, the Braves were indeed "very close to nearing a deal." This guy's a writer? Geez!

ROYs Announced

2010-11-15T14:41:00.000-05:00

The National League and American League Rookie of the Year Award was handed out today to the top first year players in each league. Can't really say that there were a lot of surprises here.

Buster Posey of the San Francisco Giants won in the NL after being called up in May and putting up slugging and on-base numbers that were only bested by some scrubs named Pujols, Votto, Carlos & Adrian Gonazalez. Personally, I was pulling for St. Louis pitcher Jaime Garcia, but after he was pretty well shut down at the end of the season I knew that he didn't have a chance. Garcia ended up 3rd in the voting trailing Posey and runner-up Jayson Heyward of the Atlanta Braves.

In the American League, Rangers' closer Neftali Feliz took 20 of 28 first place votes to walk away with the award. Feliz had 40 saves in his debut season for the American League champion Rangers, a team record. Also, in related news, Feliz won the Major League Award for coolest name, beating out players such as: Jo-Jo Reyes, Marc Rzepczynski, Nelson Figueroa, Esmerling Vasquez and Wilfredo Ledezma.

Silver Slugs

2010-11-13T14:02:00.000-05:00

Quite possibly the coolest creepy-looking thing I've ever seen: a dragon slug

As the awards season presses onward to its inevitable conclusion, the Silver Slugger Awards were handed out to the top offensive player at each position. Here are your winners:

American League
C: Joe Mauer (well played... again...)
1B: Miguel Cabrera
2B: Robinson Cano
3B: Adrian Beltre (wait a tick, is it 2004 again?)
SS: Alexei Ramirez
OF: Jose Bautista (raise your hand if you had Bautista as the MLB HR leader. Anybody? Anybody?)
OF: Carl Crawford
OF: Josh Hamilton
DH: Vladimir Guerrero (yeah, that totally makes up for those errors in San Fran)

National League
C: Brian McCann
1B: Albert Pujols (plus the Gold Glove & somehow Votto is favored for MVP)
2B: Dan Uggla (soon to be a former Marlins player from the looks of things)
3B: Ryan Zimmerman
SS: Troy Tulowitzki (So, a mullet's just a bunch of hair?)
OF: Ryan Braun
OF: Carlos Gonzalez
OF: Matt Holliday (so much for people ragging on his inability to hit in the clutch)
DH: Yovani Gallardo (he's a pitcher... why is he listed as DH?)

Can I Paint His Glove Gooooooolllldd?

2010-11-11T19:42:00.000-05:00

Much to the delight of a certain villain from Austin Powers, the Gold Gloves were awarded to (allegedly) the best defensive players at each position. Here are your winners:

American League
C: Joe Mauer (well played indeed)
1B: Mark Teixeira (Remember, I before E except in Teixeira)
2B: Robinson Cano
3B: Evan Longoria (no, Evan, that's not your hat!)
SS: Derek Jeter
OF: Carl Crawford
OF: Ichiro Suzuki (10th consecutive GG)
OF: Franklin Gutierrez
P: Mark Buehrle (who sealed his up in April with this play)

National League
C: Yadier Molina (at least he didn't hit .262 in vain)
1B: Albert Pujols (once again showing why he is the best player in the game)
2B: Brandon Phillips
3B: Scott Rolen (Remember when he used to play on the Cardinals... that was awesome)
SS: Troy Tulowitzki (I thought a mullet was a fish!)
OF: Michael Bourn (Michael Bourn... not Jason Bourne)
OF: Carlos Gonzalez
OF: Shane Victorino (the only guy on the NL list whose team actually won a playoff game)
P: Bronson Arroyo

I have only heard of mild controversy about these choices. Most don't seem to think that Jeter deserved to win, and I've heard a few rumblings about Zimmerman getting overlooked at NL 3B. All in all, this is an award that often ends up being based more on reputation instead of the actual defensive numbers. Of course, you know how I feel about advanced statistics.

Breakfast of Champions

2010-11-06T10:17:00.000-04:00

Pablo Sandoval, also known as Kung Fu Panda in some circles, plays for the recently crowned World Champion San Francisco Giants. Some have noticed a severe dip in his production from last season to this season (.330 to .268 BA; 25 to 13 HR; 90 to 63 RBI). I saw this awesome tweet from ESPN's Buster Olney today that might help explain why.

@Buster_ESPNBuster Olney

Pablo Sandoval will go into the spring training on notice. A friend saw him power down this breakfast during WS: Cheetos and Mountain Dew.

I can't even begin to describe how much this makes me laugh. It sounds as though Timmy's habits may have caught on to some other guys who have succumbed to the munchies throughout the season. No word yet on Sandoval's reaction to the destruction of Proposition 19.

Passing of a Legend

2010-11-05T20:14:00.000-04:00

In case you haven't already heard, Sparky Anderson the first manager to lead teams from both leagues to victories in the World Series passed away earlier this week. Anderson managed the Red and Tigers to World Championships. Incidentally, only one other manager has led teams in both leagues to a World Series Championship - Tony LaRussa, who led the Cardinals and the A's to baseball's version of the Promised Land. Sparky will truly be missed, after all, with a name like Sparky, you know he has to be awesome.

Stories of Sparky's generosity abound. Here he is about to share a piece of gum with Cecil Fielder.

Sparky cared a great deal about his players.

Some would say he could only be faulted for caring too much.

This picture is awesome because pipes make a person 35% more awesome.

Here he is letting God know that they'll be seeing each other soon.

Putting a Bow(tie) on 2010

2010-11-03T09:20:00.000-04:00

Well, I guess that does it. So much for the Rangers winning the World Series in their first trip. The San Francisco Giants are your 2010 World Series Champions. I don't know if I have it saved, but at some point during the season, I think it was on an MLB Network Radio status update midseason, I said that the Giants are a darkhorse for the World Series because of their pitching. If they can get into the playoffs - seriously, this is what I said at the time - they have a legitimate shot of winning it all simply because of their pitching staff. And then they scored 20 runs in the first 2 games.

While small victories are just that... small... I would also like to note that Timmy Lincecum is not going to legally be able to celebrate in his usual way, as Proposition 19 was shot down by California voters by half a million votes. The reason: stoners weren't sensible enough to actually vote... because they were stoned.

Regardless, I think this officer of the law has the right expression as far as the Giants actually winning the Series is concerned.

World Series Wager

2010-10-26T13:04:00.000-04:00

Pete Rose's favorite hobby, gambling on baseball, is coming into play as the World Series starts this week. Rumor has it that the mayors of San Francisco and Arlington have put a friendly wager on the game. In addition to a day of community service in the victor's town while wearing that team's jersey, the losing mayor is going to have to send over some food.

If the Rangers win, Mayor Gavin Newsom of San Francisco will ship out Dungeness crab, sourdough bread, Ghirardelli chocolate and Anchor Steam beer. If the Giants win, Mayor Robert Cluck of Arlington will ship food from a local BBQ joint called Spring Creek BBQ, reportedly the best in Texas (though, this has yet to be verified from an inside source).

Perhaps what catches my eye in all of this is the fact that Arlington's mayor's last name is Cluck. I find it really funny that a place so steeped in the finer qualities and traditions of beef shares the last name with the noise from a chicken.

Giants Advance to World Series

2010-10-25T12:48:00.000-04:00

I suppose to be fair, I just probably mention that the San Francisco Giants defeated the Philadelphia Phillies to advance to the World Series. Sorry if I'm just not that excited about the Giants in the Series. I'm really, really, not a fan of Lincecum. Maybe I'm still a little bitter that he won the Cy Young over Wainwright (who totally deserved it more) last season, maybe I'm just not a fan of a guy who was busted for possession and didn't receive any kind of disciplinary action from the league, or maybe I just don't like the fact that an f-bomb is his go-to adjective. Either way, congrats to the Giants, blah, blah, blah.

And, just a fun side note, Benji Molina, who was traded from the Giants to the Rangers earlier this season is officially the first person to win a World Series ring this season. Good to see another Molina brother get a ring.

Pictures? We don't need no stinkin' pictures.

Rangers Advance to World Series

2010-10-23T09:46:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to the Texas Rangers for 1) putting a beat-down on the New York Yankees, and 2) making it to the first World Series in franchise history.

Just think, in Spring Training, manager Ron Washington was admitting to doing blow around this time last year (if you had to manage this team last year, you might've as well), everybody was penciling the Mariners in as the best team in the West, and the Rangers were a "good offense with no pitching."

Then they stole Cliff Lee from the grasp of the Evil Empire, and used him to take down the Yankees. Then Nolan Ryan took over as owner of the team. Then, just as everyone had imagined ten years ago, Alex Rodriguez was at the plate in Arlington with a chance to go to the World Series.... of course, everybody thought that he would be wearing a different uniform, but regardless, A-Rod played an integral part in the Rangers run to the World Series.

To honor the Rangers in their charge to the World Series...

Unfortunately, I couldn't find a clearer picture, but Ryan's face as the bullpen blew Game 1 was hilarious. That, or former owner... and President... George W. Bush said something really stupid.... again.

Not that he needed it, but here is Nelson Cruz receiving directions as to the location of home plate.

And, of course, no Ranger post would be complete without Ron Washington eating another imaginary apple.

Taking a Break

2010-10-14T23:02:00.001-04:00

Well, folks, I know that this is the sporadic highlight of your day, but I'll be taking a break for the next week or so as my wife and I are heading off for vacation with her family. I look forward to catching up on all the baseball madness when we get back.

Rangers Advance to ALCS

2010-10-13T23:02:00.000-04:00

Oh, what's that you say? There was another Division Series? Oh, I thought we were ready for a Philly-Yankee rematch already. No? Must've just been the talking heads. Anyhoo....

We have moved one step closer to the inevitable conclusion of this season... you know, one where an East Coast team wins the World Series.... again....

Congratulations to the Texas Rangers for their first ever postseason series win in their long and illustrious history. After giving me hope that I might be able to sneak over to a playoff game while I'm in Orlando at the end of the week, the Tampa Bay Rays' bats once again bowed down to the postseason greatness that is Cliff Lee, showing why the Rangers worked so hard to steal him away from the Yankees, and at the same time, damaging the Rangers chances of winning the ALCS by making Lee unavailable until Game 3.

Enjoy it while you can, Arlington. People have already written you off.... not me.... just other people.

Apparently Ranger fans are terrible at catching unless they use their face. I love how the lady behind the guy who takes the phrase "keep your eye on the ball" too literally is laughing hysterically.

Michael Young, who had never been in the postseason until this year, tries to Kung Fu kick his entire team.

Before Tuesday night, this was the greatest moment in Texas Ranger baseball history.

Once again, manager Ron Washington is eating an imaginary apple. Crack is whack, folks.

Finally, a reminder of the greatest Texas Ranger in the history of the franchise.

Bobby Cox Goes Out in Style

2010-10-12T19:12:00.001-04:00

Long time manager of the Atlanta Braves appeared in his final game when the Braves lost 3-2 to the Giants in Game 4 of the NLDS.

I was going to putting a touching tribute to Bobby starting with It's So Hard to Say Goodbye by Boyz II Men.... then I came across this clip of Willie singing it.... and well.... it just fits so much better with the rest of what's going on here at BLB. I'm not really sure why Willie is wearing what he's wearing.... just embrace the serenade as you view the pictures of Bobby.

The only fitting way to end this post is to say something that Bobby has heard a record number of times, "You're outta here!"

Giants Advance to NLCS

2010-10-12T16:12:00.000-04:00

The San Francisco Giants have advanced to the NLCS by virtue of another 3-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves. One thing is for sure about this year's NLCS - there probably isn't going to be a lot of runs scored. The Giants and the Phillies have put together phenomenal pitching performances so far this postseason, led by Roy Halladay and Tim Lincecum.

I think that I'll be rooting for the Phillies in this particular series. Not so much because I like their mascot better than the Giants' mascot, but because I can't stand Tim Lincecum. For a stoner, girly-haired, foul-mouthed pitcher, he's pretty good, but I can't root for a guy who has absolutely no control over his language. To get an idea of what I'm talking about, you can check out this highlight from mlb.com (he's the girly-haired dude whose profanity doesn't get drowned out by the fan noise), or jump back to this post.

Phillies Advance to the NLCS

2010-10-11T13:00:00.005-04:00

The Philadelphia Phillies advanced to the NLCS following another embarrassing game by the Cincinnati Reds, who were no-hit, shut-out and gave the other away with 4 errors. If you were looking for a way to lose at something, then just take a look at this series. I guess you could say the Reds really dropped the ball on this one....

Obviously the talk of the series was Roy Halladay's no-hitter, and the ensuing whining perpetuated by some players... okay, it was mostly just Orlando Cabrera. The talk of the next series will be on whether or not the Phillies can make it to their third straight World Series, something that hasn't been done since the Yankees made four straight at the turn of the century. "Turn of the century" makes it sound like it was a long time ago.... it was just ten years ago.

In other, less exciting, news, that now makes it 12 straight playoff losses for the NL Central, who haven't won since the Cardinals wrapped up the 2006 World Series. The Cubs were swept in 2007 & 2008, followed by the Cardinals last season, and now the Reds. Way to go NL Central!

Yogi Monday!

2010-10-11T08:39:00.000-04:00

Welcome to this week's Yogi Monday! We all get a case of the Mondays from time to time. There's no better way to get through a Monday than with a classic quote from one of baseball's greatest quote machines - Yogi Berra.

If the world was perfect, it wouldn't be.

Yankees Move on To ALCS

2010-10-10T07:55:00.000-04:00

The New York Yankees became the first team to move on in the Highlander-style baseball postseason tournament by lopping off both heads of the Minnesota Twins. It's good to see, as Alex Rodriguez described them, an "underdog" move on in the postseason.

Oh wait, what's that, you say? Yes, A-Roid referred to the New York Yankees as being "David in this situation." Oh, those poor Yankees. They didn't win the division. They won't have homefield advantage throughout any playoff series (because the NL won the All Star Game this year, remember that!?!).

I don't know how they'll manage to play with the big boys... you know, with their $206 million dollar payroll, top free agents and second-best record in the American League. How ever will they match-up against the Twins ($97.5M), Rays ($71.9M) and Rangers ($55.2M) with their minuscule payroll? Somehow, and the Lord only knows, they survived the first round. We can only hope that they'll continue playing together as a team.

Why I Don't Pay Attention to Advanced Stats

2010-10-09T07:00:00.000-04:00

Apparently baseball writer Bill James has devised some sort of thing called a "game score metric" that helps us gain a better understanding of a dominating pitching performance. To give you an idea of how the Game Score Metric works.... well, I'm not going to take the time to explain it. Click on this link if you really want to know what it is before going forward; however, this should tell you all you need to know - Tim Lincecum's 2-hit, 14K shutout of the Atlanta Braves in Game 1 of their NLDS scored higher than Roy Halladay's 1 BB, no-hitter the day before. That's right, once again, we see how strikeouts are overvalued by some people. An out is an out, and it doesn't matter if it is a weak grounder to the pitcher, a strikeout, or a fly ball to the left fielder. Guess what, they are still outs.

For this reason, I propose that we abandon the new ways of thinking when it comes to baseball stats (also known as sabremetrics). I know how to calculate batting average and on-base percentage. I know how to count RBIs and HRs. I don't know, or care to know, what VORP or WAR mean. You tell me that a fielder's UZR is better than another's, and I might mistakenly punch you for fear that you are speaking to me about hockey in Russian, and I don't need that kind of pressure from a Commie ice skater!

Blyleven is Awesome

2010-10-08T21:53:00.000-04:00

I don't really have anything to add to the title of this post. Just bask in the glory that is Bert Blyleven, former MLB pitcher who has been getting major push from some in the media to be in the Hall of Fame. After seeing this picture, I couldn't agree more.

Tim Lincecum: Master of the English Language

2010-10-08T13:00:00.003-04:00

Here's a short clip of Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum following the Giants victory over the Padres, which gave them the NL West crown. Be sure to put away the kids for the next 10 seconds....

Ah, Tim Lincecum: pitcher, Cy Young Award winner, stoner, master of the English language.

Minaya, Manuel Relieved

2010-10-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

The headline of a recent article on MLB Trade Rumors stated, "Mets Relieve Omar Minaya, Jerry Manuel Of Duties." After I was done snickering at the word "duties," all I could think was, "Yes, I am certain they are relieved."

How Good was Halladay?

2010-10-07T13:00:00.004-04:00

The playoffs supposedly started yesterday. One of the games was the Reds visiting the Phillies. A lot of the talk prior to the game revolved around how pitcher Roy Halladay would fare in his playoff debut. We see it all the time, a star pitcher who has never been in the playoffs before then throws a mediocre game his first time out. Fairly, or unfairly, he gets labeled by that appearance until he has about 10 more games to turn it around.

Halladay..... well, he fared pretty well in his playoff debut.... by throwing just the second post-season no-hitter in history. Touche, Year of the Pitcher, touche.

However, after the game, Reds SS Orlando Cabrera said, "Another umpire, he [Halladay] wouldn’t have thrown a game like that,” Cabrera said. “He was getting every pitch. We had no chance. We had to swing."

I know a lot of people think things like that during the game, especially if you go 0-3 with a strikeout. However, Brooks Baseball has a pretty neat little graphic displaying pitch location, and for Halladay's debut, it looks a little like this:

Now, I know that it's a little difficult to see, but let me just tell you what the chart says. Basically, its says that Orlando Cabrera is a whiner with no factual basis for his comments, or, as teammate Brandon Phillips may say.... well, we won't go there.

There is exactly one called strike that was located outside of the strike zone. In fact, there were four pitches inside the strike zone that were not called strikes. There are several pitches outside of the strike zone that were swinging strikes, but the Reds have nobody but themselves to blame for that.

Big congratulations goes out to Halladay for following in the footsteps of Don Larsen, the only other person to throw a post-season no-no (and his was the perfect game in the '56 World Series). And just to point out something, an NL Central team still has not won a post-season game since Game 5 of the 2006 World Series when the Cardinals ended it against the Tigers.

Tigers Opting Not to Go After Top Pitchers

2010-10-07T07:00:00.002-04:00

I saw an article on MLB Trade Rumors reporting that the Detroit Tigers have no interest in pursuing Cliff Lee or other top free agent pitchers this offseason. In a similar vein, the Detroit Tigers have no interest in winning their division for the next several years.

2010 Cubs DVD

2010-10-06T13:00:00.003-04:00

Big thanks to The Juice for this little treat. Sounds like the best $19.99 I could spend!

The Axe is Falling

2010-10-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

The regular post-season sacrifice of the managers has already begun to take place all around Major League Baseball. The day after the season ended, word came out that the Pirates (John Russell), Brewers (Ken Macha) and Mets (Jerry Manuel, as well as GM Omar Minaya) would not have the same manager to start the 2011 season, joining the Marlins, Mariners, Royals, Diamondbacks and Orioles on the list of teams that fired their manager this season.

When John Russell was told he would not be returning next season, I imagine it went a little something like this...

Cincinnati Hates the Reds

2010-10-05T16:15:00.000-04:00

While the Cincinnati Reds are starting their (short-lived) run into the postseason, perhaps we should take a minute to explore just how much the Queen City hates its hometown team.

After the Reds clinched the NL Central title with a win over the Houston Astros, the team was celebrating in the clubhouse, and as everything else is in today's society, it was televised. Of course, a handful of players decided to celebrate as though they just had a baby by lighting a cigar in the clubhouse. The problem: Ohio has an indoor smoking ban... including Great American Ballpark. No less than five different people called the health inspector to report the violation.

Of course, it's amazing that five people called it in, because it's amazing that five people were actually paying attention to what was going on. The Reds ranked 19th in baseball for attendance this season with just over 25,000 people per game on average. To give them credit, though, attendance was actually up from a year ago when they averaged 21,500+ and ranked 26th in the league.... oh, and they were 13 games out of first place at the end of last season.

They actually had a game in mid-September where only 12,000 people showed up. It was a Monday evening. The seating capacity at GAB is 42,000+. Just how many times have the Reds sold out the stadium in their NL Central championship season? Twelve times, the Reds have played before crowds above 42,000. The only time it was in Cincy: Opening Day. Where were those other games played? In Los Angeles: 3 games; in Philadelphia: 4 games; in Seattle: 1 game; in St. Louis: 4 games. That's right, folks! The Seattle Mariners had a bigger draw to a Reds game in Seattle, than the Reds did in Cincinnati all season long.

The only logical conclusion in all of this is that Cincinnati hates the Reds... and that I'm mildly bitter that the Cardinals gave away the division this year.

Braves Win NL Wild Card

2010-10-03T22:11:00.000-04:00

If the Giants defeating the Padres no longer put them in the discussion as the "feel good" story of 2010, then that means the Braves now have that distinction, as this will be long time manager Bobby Cox's last chance to blow it in the postseason for the first time since 2005.

Speaking of Cox, here's your first picture. It's Bobby Cox... arguing with an umpire. I'd like to imagine that the conversation went like this:

Cox: Where do you want to go to dinner tonight?
Ump: How 'bout that new barbeque place?
Cox: You mean the one that's straight ahead?
Ump: No, the one off to the right.

I like BBQ restaurants....

For your bonus picture, here's Braves rookie Jason Heyward, whose hands are so huge that he gives "sevens" instead of "fives" in the postgame. Seriously, look at how large his hands are.

Giants Win NL West

2010-10-03T21:58:00.000-04:00

And the posts just keep comin'...

Congratulations goes out to the San Francisco Giants on their victory today over the Padres, which both gave them the NL West crown, and denied the Padres any chance to be the "feel good" story of the 2010 baseball season.

First off, here's a picture of the Giants frolicking in the field after a win this season.

And for your bonus picture, here's Giants closer Brian Wilson with a look that may qualify him as the scariest man on the planet, possible serial killer, and frequent connoisseur of bear meat. I'm pretty sure he's up for the challenge to hunt the most dangerous game.... man....

Yankees Win AL Wild Card

2010-10-03T21:51:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to the New York Yankees who managed to blow any chance they had of winning their division when they lost to the Boston Red Sox earlier today. You know that somewhere, a Red Sox fan is getting into a fight with a Yankees fan just to show his team's superiority before they go and root on the Patriots for the rest of the year.

For your first picture, here's Yankees 2B Robinson Cano showing off his severely messed up tongue... or it's a wad of gum. I'm not really searching for the truth here....

Bonus picture! Just to prove that their offense is superior to every other team, SS Derek Jeter points out somebody from the stands that is going to be the starting pitcher for the Yankees. Hey, why not? They put Joba Chamberlain out there.

Finally, your double bonus: Yankees C Jorge Posada got penalized 15 yards for this personal foul facemask.

Rays Win AL East

2010-10-03T21:39:00.001-04:00

On a day that saw 4 playoff spots finally locked-in, it's time to send out congratulations from BLB... as if they care. Regardless, big congrats goes out to the Tampa Bay (no longer Devil) Rays. All I'm sayin' is that the Rays have made the playoffs 2 out of 3 years after they dropped the Devil from their name. Coincidence? I think not.

In honor of their glorious victory, here's your pictures.

First off, pitcher Chad Bradford in the midst of a rousing game of bocce ball.

And your bonus picture... whatever the heck this thing is. I think it's supposed to be their mascot, but it kind of looks like a scary old man who never trimmed his nose and ear hairs. Hmmmm....

Of course, who could forget, the most famous Rays in franchise history:

OH YEAAAAAAAAH!!!!!

2010-09-29T17:13:00.000-04:00

I posted previously about the Presidents Race at Washington Nationals games. Apparently there is a running joke that Teddy Roosevelt never wins the race. Something always happens, and he ends up losing, even when he's ahead by quite a bit. Well, he almost made it, and then this happened...

You never know when the Kool-Aid man is going to show up out of nowhere.

Remembering the Expos

2010-09-29T10:34:00.000-04:00

Six years ago today the Montreal Expos played their last game as a major league ballclub (relatively speaking). Let's face it for the last several years of their existence, they were primarily a farm club for other major league teams who pilfered their best players as the trade deadline approached.... kind of like the Pirates and Royals today. Best let's remember today, so that we may always be reminded of the conspiracy against the best team in baseball in 1994. In 1994, the Expos were sitting at a pretty 74-40 on August 12th when the strike began. However, the end of the season and the postseason was cancelled. What you haven't heard is the rest of the story....

In a dark room, American patriots were discussing the importance of baseball to pull the United States out of a rut following the Gulf War in the early '90's. What they failed to realize is that such a rut didn't exist. However, their discussion revolved around the impact American morale would take if another Canadian team would win the World Series - after the Blue Jays took the '92 & '93 Series. It was then decided that the season had to be cancelled, and the Expos had to be slowly destroyed over the course of the next decade. Indeed, that is what happened.

So, at some point today, take a few moments and remember those Expos. The team that once saw baseball greats Larry Walker, Andres Galaragga, Pedro Martinez, Gary Carter, Andre Dawson, Tim Raines, Moises Alou, and... of course, the greatest Expo of all, Delino DeShields.

Here's former Expo Brad Wilkerson, barely able to stand because of the emotional pain the conspirators caused after finally accomplishing their goals.

Reds Win NL Central

2010-09-28T22:27:00.000-04:00

As much as it pains me to write this sentence, the Cincinnati Reds are the National League Central champions for 2010. Unfortunately, it may be a short trip into the playoffs since the Reds are a combined 16-33 against playoff contending teams (including the 2nd place Cardinals). Depending on who wins the Wild Card, the Reds will be facing the Phillies (if the Braves win) or an NL West division winner (if an NL West team wins the Wild Card).

In honor of their glorious (and hopefully short-term) victory, here's your Reds picture, brought to you courtesy of Reds rookie pitcher Mike Leake, who just farted. I'm just sayin' - the smeller's the feller.

And your bonus picture: Super Gomes! He can leap tall outfield walls in a single bound... unfortunately, he just can't catch a baseball while he's doing it.

Phillies Win NL East

2010-09-27T21:50:00.001-04:00

The dominoes are all falling into place now, as the Philadelphia Phillies have won the National League East, and look to represent the NL in the World Series for the third straight year. Is anybody else getting tired of their shtick? "Oh no, we're playing so awful at the beginning of the year! Oh no, we've lost six starters to injury, hopefully they'll be back soon! Oh no, we're passing you in the standings! See ya, fools!"

For your edification, you may now bask in the bearded glory of Phillies outfielder Jayson Werth.

Tulo's Incredible September

2010-09-27T13:00:00.000-04:00

In case you haven't heard, Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, the glorious mullet-ed one, is having a monster September. Since September 1st, Tulo has 15 HR and 40 RBI. That's almost as crazy as his audition to become the next Budweiser spokesman. "WAAAZZZUUUUPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Yogi Monday!

2010-09-27T08:27:00.000-04:00

If people don't want to come out to the ball park, nobody's gonna stop 'em.

Rangers Win AL West

2010-09-25T22:39:00.000-04:00

The Texas Rangers wrapped up the AL West today with a win over the Oakland A's. It's the first time the Rangers have made the playoffs since 1999 - you know, back when Juan Gone wasn't long gone, and Pudge was... oh wait, he's still around. In honor of this epic victory... okay, it wasn't really that shocking, they've been way ahead in the division most of the season. Regardless, in honor of the Rangers clinching the division, I now present you with a picture of Michael Young (who is in the playoffs for the first time after 1500+ regular season games) Kung Fu fighting the rest of the team.

And your bonus picture: Rangers Ron Washington eating an imaginary apple. Apparently the cocaine rehab was very effective.

And your double bonus picture: The original Texas Ranger...

You ARE welcome.

Towers' Focus for D-backs

2010-09-24T13:00:00.001-04:00

Newly hired GM for the Arizona Diamondbacks Kevin Towers said that next season he would like the D-backs to surprise people much like his former team, the San Diego Padres, have done this year. In a conference call with reporters, Towers was quoted as saying that his primary focus in the offseason will be the bench and the bullpen.

Arizona, who has a record similar to the Orioles, Royals, Indians and Nationals, will also need to focus on their starting pitching and players in the field if they really want to surprise people next season. Perhaps their biggest offseason move, however, would be redesigning their uniforms so they can wear these cool camo hats every day.

Storen Smarter than the Average Player

2010-09-24T07:00:00.000-04:00

Drew Storen, pitcher for the Washington Nationals, will be attending classes at Stanford once the season is over... which, for the Nationals, was actually some time in late June. Storen is working on his degree in product design from the school's mechanical engineering department, realizes that baseball is only temporary. He knows that his chances of earning a comfortable lifestyle are not great, especially given the fact that he plays on the Nationals.

In the same article, I learned that MLB is not well-known for its college degrees. In fact, in a survey done by the Wall Street Journal, only 26 MLB players and managers have four-year college degrees. I'm actually surprised by this.

Wrigley Spared Explosion Plot

2010-09-23T13:00:00.000-04:00

Apparently, somebody had a plan to blow up Wrigley Field. Perhaps with all the confusion surrounding how the Cubs have imploded this season, this guy thought he should take it literally.

On a side note, let's be honest, we've all thought the same thing. In fact, as I was playing Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. just the other day, I specifically went back over a map of Chicago that is on the game, found Wrigley Field, and dropped a few Joint Strike Missles on it with my F-22 Raptor... and then I crashed my plane into it.

It looked a little bit like this:

Steinbrenner Stilling Upstaging Players

2010-09-23T07:00:00.000-04:00

It's bad enough that George Steinbrenner was about as subtle as a herd of elephants when it came to his involvement with the Yankees while he was still alive, but now his larger than life legacy is going to be permanently enshrined with the Yankee greats in Monument Park inside Yankee Stadium. Check it out:

There's a great article on Big League Stew by Dan Brown that points out how Steinbrenner's monument is actually 2.5 times larger than the other monuments that you see pictured to the left. You know, because Steinbrenner was more important to the Yankees than, say, Mickey Mantle, whose monument you see dwarfed right next to Steinbrenner. Or, Dimaggio... or Ruth. None of them can hold a candle to the importance of Steinbrenner.

Twins Win AL Central

2010-09-22T13:00:00.000-04:00

In honor of the Minnesota Twins wrapping up their claim to the playoffs by winning the AL Central, and beginning their inaugural season at Target Field with some measure of success. Here's a picture of Twins player Michael Cuddyer frolicking in the field while supposedly playing first base.

Matt Diaz is Straight Trippin', Yo!

2010-09-22T08:13:00.000-04:00

Ever since this incident:

The police have not been allowed on the field at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Consequently, when someone does decide to be an idiot and runs out onto the field, Citizens Bank Park security are the ones who have to chase him/her down. They, as you'll see in the clip below, aren't all that effective at "running."

That's where Braves outfielder Matt Diaz comes in. Diaz had clearly seen enough of this clown in a red suit, and decided to pull a dirty soccer move on him.

Rumor has it, as the Braves are slowly playing themselves out of playoff contention, Diaz has been contacted by Citizens Bank Park security for a postseason position.

Jack Clark is a Doodyhead

2010-09-21T13:00:00.000-04:00

Former Cardinal player, and current analyst for the team, Jack Clark, pictured below in all his unibrow glory, said recently that the St. Louis Cardinals have "poopy in their pants." I wish I was making that up, but that, my friends is a direct quote. In case you do think I'm making it up, the audio is directly below his hideous, ogre-like, child-eating smile.

Poopy. In their pants. Poopy. That's a fun word...

Colvin the Impaled

2010-09-21T07:00:00.000-04:00

Chicago Cubs rookie Tyler Colvin was the victim of mistaken identity against the Florida Marlins recently. Colvin was on third watching the ball hit by Welinton Castillo, when Castillo's broken bat came flying down the line and impaled the young man in the chest in a way that would make Van Helsing proud. I think this falls under the category of things that can only happen to the Cubs.

On the bright side, it was Castillo's first career RBI... way to go, kid!

Yogi Monday!

2010-09-20T13:50:00.000-04:00

It's a little later than normal, but welcome to this week's Yogi Monday! We all get a case of the Mondays from time to time. There's no better way to get through a Monday than with a classic quote from one of baseball's greatest quote machines - Yogi Berra.

I'm not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did.

Gonzalez Wants No Part of It

2010-09-17T07:00:00.010-04:00

Fredi Gonzalez, who had enough sense to bench Hanley Ramirez for a couple of games for slacking off... and then paid for it with his job as manager of the Marlins, has no desire to follow in the footsteps of Bob Brenly, Bobby Valentine and Ryne "Bob" Sandberg. When asked to interview for the job, Gonzalez told Cubs GM Jim Hendry:

Gonzalez joins current Cardinal manager Tony LaRussa, who was "repulsed" when asked about the idea of managing the Cubs next season, on the list of people who openly don't want any part of Wrigleyville.

Apparently former Indians manager Eric Wedge has already applied for the job, and he certainly has to like his chances knowing that the list of candidates is actually growing after he interviewed.

Other possible candidates for the Cubs vacancy:
Pat Listach
Bob Melvin
Mike Quade (current interim manager)
Joe Girardi
John Calipari
William "Refridgerator" Perry
The Ghost of Casey Stengel
A pile of my toenail clippings

On This Date...

2010-09-16T13:00:00.000-04:00

...in 1940, Johnny Lucadello became just the second player in history to hit a home run from both sides of the plate in the same game, and the first one to open his career doing so. This was the career high point for the second baseman who played six years in the majors and only hit three more home runs in his career.

Also, on this date, in 1975, Lucadello was spotted in a local tavern in his hometown of Thurber, Texas retelling the story for the 1,493rd time. The crowd was riveted.

Pat White Knows Bo

2010-09-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

With the arrival of LeBron James as a free agent to the Miami Heat, things have been heating up in South Beach. And, as a way to balance out the overwhelming sports power in Miami, Dolphins QB Pat White is removing his talents from South Beach. At least that is the story he is sticking with. The official story out of Miami is that the Dolphins released quarterback, who has now signed with the Kansas City Royals.

White is no stranger to baseball, having been drafted by the Angels (2004), Reds (2008) and Yankees (2009) before deciding to pursue football, first at the University of West Virginia, then with the Dolphins. When asked about the move, Royals GM Dayton Moore said, "We are looking at moving in a new direction here in Kansas City. We are exploring what it will take to be the practice squad for the Chiefs, since we can't seem to win any baseball games. Signing Pat is our way of letting management over there know that we are serious about this endeavor. They just laughed at us when we first brought it up."

Francona's Personal Space Issues

2010-09-15T13:00:00.000-04:00

Terry Francona (seen above), manager of the Boston Red Sox, has a social disease. He is unaware of the personal space boundaries that most people like to keep. Typically, this would be a problem, but this year, the Red Sox have stayed far enough behind the Yankees and Rays, and far enough ahead of the Blue Jays, that Francona is beginning to understand what the boundaries should be.

"It was crazy," Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew said. "At the beginning of the season, we'd come in from the field, sit on the bench until we had to get ready to hit, and sometimes, Terry would just sit on our laps. One time, he even put his arm around me and asked me to tell him a story."

When asked about his take on Francona's uncomfortable familiarity, second baseman Dustin Pedroia just hung his head and cried.

So, THAT'S Why They Aren't Doctors

2010-09-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

ESPN's Buster Olney tweeted on Tuesday: Andres Torres needed an appendectomy, and rival GMs think that is a procedure that requires major recovery time. "2-3 months," said 1 GM.

Andres Torres is the center fielder for the San Francisco Giants, a team that is in contention, but on the outside looking in. Losing Torres would be a major blow to their playoff chances. However...

Are rival GM's stupid? Even I know that it doesn't take that long to recover from an appendectomy. I'm no doctor, but for a person that is in pretty good shape (as you would expect a center fielder to be), I image it would take about a month at the longest.

Forget the fact that Torres, in a move that would make even Rob Dibble proud, had been playing for a couple games with severe pain in his abdomen, it takes a child about three weeks to heal from an appendectomy. I imagine it wouldn't take 3x's longer for a professional athlete to do the same.

Masset Forget Where Home Was Located

2010-09-14T13:00:00.000-04:00

If you didn't see it, you should check out Chris Nelson's steal of home from a recent Rockies-Reds game. You can check it out here. Go ahead.... I'll wait....

Done? Good.

Okay, now if you'll notice, when Reds pitcher Nick Masset steps off the rubber, he doesn't look towards home. He looks at second base. I guess you could argue that Masset didn't think somebody would be crazy enough to try to record his first career steal by swiping home in a 5-5 game, but then I would counter with the fact that you would be making a stupid argument.

Of course, for the Reds fans who watched their team blow a 5-0 lead in the first place, perhaps this was just the most demoralizing way that they could have lost the game. Regardless, the Reds are still trying to let the Cardinals back into the division race, but the Cardinals do not seem to be interested at this time.

Easiest Article to Write EVER

2010-09-14T07:00:00.001-04:00

I came across an article on MLB Trade Rumors looking at teams with potential interest in Rangers pitcher Cliff Lee, who will be a free agent at the end of this season. Understandably, Lee wants to be able to decide where he plays next season and beyond. It's understandable because Lee has played on 4 teams in the last 14 months - Indians, Phillies, Mariners and Rangers. Anyway, the article title is "Teams with Potential Interest in Cliff Lee."

Let me go ahead and write it for you.... ready?

Everybody!!!!!

If a team says that it is not interested, then they are lying, or genuinely not interested in adding a quality starting pitcher to their team... which means they want to lose, and you should no longer root for them.

You're Out!!!

2010-09-13T13:00:00.000-04:00

One of the most exciting parts of a baseball game is the rare occasion when a manager runs out of a dugout to argue with an umpire over a controversial call, things get heated and the manager gets tossed. It's a lot of fun to see some managers get really worked up about things. Sweet Lou was the best at it. That's where his impact on the game will be missed the most, not as a manager, but as on-field, rage-filled entertainment.

If you like those moments in baseball, then you absolutely loved the game in Milwaukee between the Brewers and Cardinals on September 7th. It all began in the 2nd inning when a run scored on pitcher Chris Naverson's double-play groundout. Craig Counsell was called for interference and the run was called back to third. Brewers manager Ken Macha took exception to the call, and was eventually tossed.

Later on, in the third inning, Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan was given the hook by home plate umpire Bob Davidson for arguing balls and strikes from the dugout. Duncan ejection was followed by Brewers OF Chris Dickerson, who was visibly upset at being called out on an inside pitch, slamming down his bat and helmet before getting tossed and hitting the showers.

As if that wasn't enough, Davidson capped off the ejections by throwing out a fan, who had been heckling Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina. So, just to recap, that's a manager, a pitching coach, a player and a fan. On the television broadcast, one of the announcers made the comment, "We better watch what we say, or we might be next."

Oh, by the way, this was also the game when all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman notched his 600th save for his career. However, by the time the save was official, in addition to the above ejections, 14 concession workers, a ball boy, the Cardinals' bullpen catcher, the locker room attendant and Section 326 were all shown the door.

Yogi Monday!

2010-09-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

We all get a case of the Mondays from time to time. There's no better way to get through a Monday than with a classic quote from one of baseball's greatest quote machines - Yogi Berra.

I wish I had an answer to that because I'm tired of answering that question.

Best Promotion Ever!

2010-09-10T13:00:00.001-04:00

As I delve into the world of hyperbole, this is easily the best promotion of all time. The Washington Nationals are offering two free season tickets with the purchase of two. That's right, you and your 3 buddies can get season tickets to see the Washington Nationals and split it up at half the regular price. Isn't that a deal!!!

Or...

...it's a sign to Nationals fans that there is no hope for next season. After all, Strasburg is already shut down for most of the season. Harper is going to spend the year in the Minors. Adam Dunn probably won't be back next season. Nyger Morgan will be spending half the season in anger management with Dr. Buddy Rydell. Ryan Zimmerman is bound to have another good season that goes unnoticed. And Top Chef will not be returning for another concession stand challenge. Pack it in, Nationals fans. We'll see you in 2012.

Ah, Minor League Baseball

2010-09-10T07:00:00.003-04:00

Here's a fantastic parody of Beyonce's "Single Ladies" brought to you by the Chicago Cubs Double-A affiliate, the Tennessee Smokies. Now, excuse me Weird Al, Imma let you finish, but this is the best parody video of all time. ALL TIME!!!

Choo's Promising Future

2010-09-09T13:00:00.000-04:00

Cleveland outfielder Shin-Soo Choo (seen below holding a miniature version of himself) will potentially have to put his career on hold if he isn't a part of a gold-medal winning South Korea team in the Asian Games. All South Korean men must serve two years in the military by the time they are 31. Choo is 28 and has been trying to find a way out of his military service. One option is to lead the South Korean baseball team to a gold-medal victory at the Asian Games. It is customary for gold-medal winning athletes to be excused from this mandatory military service.

Other options include:

Dressing in drag to confuse the South Koreans, making them think he is female
Go back in time to be a part of the 1998 or 2002 Asian Games championship teams
Not suck in 2008 to be a part of the Olympic team that won gold
Move to Canada, by being traded to the Blue Jays
Convert to a pitcher and learn to throw a submarine pitch
Send his Don Johnson look-alike bobblehead in his place - they'll never know the difference

Cards Looking to Replace Suppan With....

2010-09-09T07:00:00.000-04:00

...this guy:

This is Bill Lee. He's 63 years old, and still has a pretty fierce glare. According to his MLB.com player profile, Bill is also known as Williams "Spaceman" Lee. Spaceman used to pitch for the the Red Sox and the Expos, where he posted a career 119-90 with a 3.62 ERA. On September 5th, Spaceman pitched once again... for the Brockton Rox, of the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball League. And he did pretty well, going 5 1/3 and allowing only 2 runs on 5 hits. Spaceman will reportedly pitch for Cardinal scouts next Tuesday.

In honor of Spaceman's performance, how about a video feature his son - Dr. Leo Spaceman.

Dodger Fans Not the Most Aware Fans

2010-09-08T13:00:00.000-04:00

Big thanks to Deadspin.com for bringing this lovely video to my attention.

There's one very important rule when you are in a baseball stadium and there is somebody at the plate looking to hit the ball, and this rule is even more important when it come to batting practice... because they actually ARE going to hit the ball.

Rule #1 If You Are In a Baseball Stadium And There is Somebody at the Plate: WATCH THE BALL!!!!

That guy's friends must hate him.

Prior Update!!!

2010-09-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

News came out that the Texas Rangers have taken a role in the Mark Prior comeback! The Pre-Strasburgian flame-throwing pitcher who came up with the Cubs and has dealt with several injuries over his career has signed a minor league deal with the Rangers, with the future, not 2010, in mind.

Just another reminder that the Kip Wells Comeback Trail really works, friends!

No Love for Phillips

2010-09-07T13:00:00.000-04:00

In the Cardinals-Reds series at the beginning of August, Brandon Phillips had some rather inflammatory remarks for the St. Louis ballclub... calling them "little b*tches." The Cardinals took exception to Phillips' remarks and proceeded to sweep the Reds to reclaim first place in the division - and then went 4-13 to fall 8 games back in the standings. Over Labor Day weekend, the Cardinals hosted the Reds for the first time since Phillips' remarks, and for the last time this season. Cardinal fans let the Reds 2B know that they don't have a short memory.

Phillips received a standing ovation after his first inning strikeout, and was booed for the rest of the game. However, the most interesting part - one of his foul balls was thrown back onto the field. As you would expect, a person is ejected from the stadium after throwing something onto the field, and that was the case in this instance as well. That should be the end of the story.... should be. However, the person that was ejected, according to a tweet over the weekend, was none other than a grandson of Cardinal great Stan Musial. Oops...

A-Rod, Boras Break-up

2010-09-07T09:20:00.000-04:00

After using Scott Boras to negotiate contracts of 10 years, $252 million and 10 years, $275 million, Alex Rodriguez has decided to send a Dear John letter to his agent.

Using the Break Up Letter Generator on DearJohn.com, BLB has obtained the letter sent by A-Rod to Boras to inform him of this decision.

Dear Scott Boras,

I'm terribly sorry I had to do this through a letter, this didn't need to be done, but I wanted to. This note will be the last memory you'll ever have of me, our relationship just isnt working out for me. Don't let it get you all upset inside, we were not a good match. It is because of your history of lying problems that keep me from being even remotely interested in continuing this relationship with you.

You'd be much better off finding a person that can deal with annoying way you stuff your face all day long while watching t.v. on the bed. I might miss certain things about you such as the time you flirted with my father at our family Christmas dinner.

I'm glad this is done and we're going separate directions for good. I think you'll find someone to have a decent conversation with a person of the opposite gender. And hopefully we will be incredibly far away.

Have a nice life,
A-Rod

That's cold, A-Rod, real cold.

Yogi Monday!

2010-09-07T07:43:00.000-04:00

We all get a case of the Mondays from time to time. There's no better way to get through a Monday than with a classic quote from one of baseball's greatest quote machines - Yogi Berra.

I think Little League is wonderful. It keeps the kids out of the house.

Moyer Remembers Teammate

2010-09-03T13:00:00.001-04:00

Earlier this year, Robin Roberts, former pitcher for the Phillies and Orioles, passed away. Roberts had a great career pitching for 14 seasons with Philadelphia (1948-'61) and parts of other seasons with the Baltimore, Houston and Wrigleyville ballclubs.

The picture below captures a tender moment in which Jamie Moyer remembers his friend and teammate. When asked to reflect on his fondest memory of Roberts, Moyer gazed off into the distance and recounted the story of a swirly he received from Roberts shortly after his first career win.

On This Date...

2010-09-03T07:00:00.000-04:00

...in 1917, Grover Cleveland Alexander of the Philadelphia Phillies pitched complete games in both games of a doubleheader, defeating the Dodgers 5-0 and 9-3.

When asked about the recent news regarding Stephen Strasburg, "the Cleve" said, "What a sissy! Back in my day, we just called that [a torn tendon] 'fatigue.' If only Rob Dibble was around to show that kid the ropes."

Nothing Better To Do in Arizona

2010-09-02T16:00:00.000-04:00

Here's a great little video to show you what major league baseball players like to do to mess with their teammates. Kelly Johnson is getting ready to bat for the Diamondbacks when his intro music is a little.... off....

Bright Side for Wakamatsu

2010-09-02T13:00:00.003-04:00

As you may remember, Don Wakamatsu was fired as manager of the Seattle Mariners earlier this season.... right before Japanese Heritage Night. On the bright side, Wakamatsu is now free to pursue another life interest: proctology.

That is so juvenile, Matt....

Nyger Morgan Has Issues

2010-09-02T09:37:00.000-04:00

It's been a rough week for Nationals OF Nyger Morgan. He has been involved in more than a couple of dust-ups so far against the competition. It all began on Saturday against the Cardinals when Morgan should have scored from first on a double down the right field line. Watch the video here.

Morgan is clearly upset that he is called out, but if you watch the replay, Cardinals catcher Bryan Anderson is easily two feet away from the plate, when Morgan intentionally initiates contact... so much so that he actually missed the plate. He is called out because his teammates touched him while he was still a "live" runner, i.e. before he scored; you can't do that. Allegedly, Morgan was upset that Nationals manager Jim Riggleman had him eighth in the lineup. Riggleman apologized for the incident and benched Morgan for the following game. Morgan later said, "I kind of grazed [Anderson] which wasn't, in my eyes, intentional." Go ahead and watch that play again. If Morgan had grazed Anderson, you wouldn't see the shoving motion, and Anderson wouldn't have fallen forward and dropped his glove.

This brings us to Tuesday's game in Miami against the Marlins. Morgan once again failed to slide into home, and opted to barrel through the Marlins catcher. Brett Hayes, the Marlins catcher, held on to the ball and Morgan was called out on the play, and the Marlins won in the bottom half of the 10th inning. However, it was not without its price. Hayes separated his shoulder on the play and is done for the year.

And, now, Wednesday's game. Apparently the Marlins were still pretty upset with Morgan because they hit him with a pitch in the fourth inning. In a 14-3 game, Morgan took first on the HBP, then proceeded to steal 2nd and 3rd - the first thing that he actually did right in this series of events. The Marlins apparently took exception to Morgan stealing these bases in a blowout. Personally, I don't see what the issue is. We saw two 9 run comebacks just last week; you play hard and try to win the game. If a Marlins player had been the one stealing the bases, then it would be a different story, but if you're down by 11, you do all you can to get your team back into the game. In response to the stolen bases, Marlins starter Chris Volstad threw behind Morgan in his next AB, which lead to this...

You can't blame Morgan for being upset about being thrown at a second time. What you can blame him for is his reaction to the incident. These are grown men, playing in a professional league; not children playing at the sandlot, but it was pretty difficult to tell the difference.

This is usually the part where I would my some dry, sarcastic remark, but I don't think I'm going to do that today. There's nothing funny about baseball players failing to be a role model for the kids who play the sport. Watch the LLWS. You see a bunch of kids just playing the game and having a great time. That's what this sport is all about - fun and the love of the game.

Introducing Wes Helms, a.k.a. Spiderman

2010-09-02T07:00:00.001-04:00

Here's a lovely picture I came across the other day of Marlins' third baseman Wes Helms as he auditions for the new Spiderman role.

You know what they say, you can see the true character of man when someone he knows is hanging upside down on the dugout fence. Florida manager Edwin Rodriguez (left), good man. Florida third base coach Joey Espada (right), not so much.

Espada looks terrified. Of course, if I got that view of Wes Helms, I think I would be as well.

Wait, is that faceless trainer in the background laughing? I think he is.... I think he is...

Word of the Day: Gubernatorial

2010-09-01T13:00:00.002-04:00

A minor league team decided to give away gubernatorial candidate bobbleheads in California earlier this month. Apparently, the elections didn't go nearly as smoothly as people would have liked. Of course, it's California at election time, just be happy that they aren't giving away bobbleheads of actors, adult entertainers and 426 other irrelevant persons with ridiculous political aspirations.

The Gross Underbelly of MLB Finances

2010-09-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

Apparently some very confidential financial records for some MLB teams got leaked last week to Deadspin.com. Financial records for the Pirates, Angles, Rays, Mariners, Marlins and Rangers were released to the online sports site causing quite a stir in the sports world last week.

Quite frankly, there are too many documents to look through, and I just don't want to take the time, so I'm going to go with the broad generalization that baseball owners make a boatload of money (even the bad teams), and don't spend nearly enough on their teams. Oh, wait, that just confirms what everybody already knows.

That About Sums It Up

2010-08-31T23:00:00.000-04:00

How bad are the Cardinals playing right now? So bad that there's no need to dispute this Freudian slip of a headline. By the way, I checked, it's been fixed.

Your LLWS Racist Update

2010-08-31T13:00:00.000-04:00

AP reporter Genaro Armas is a racist, or he was raised by WWII-era parents who were racists and passed it on and he doesn't know any better.... Or the more likely scenario that he is covering the Little League World Series and doesn't put a lot of thought into his job because some of these kids are just arrogant jerks that give him swirlies in the locker rooms of Williamsport, PA.

Either way, here's your inadvertent racist statement of the day.

In case you didn't catch it: Nip - a Japanese person, derogatory, from Nippon, the Japanese name for Japan.

And for future reference, if you want to look up a definition of nip for your blog, it may not be the best idea to put "nip" into a search engine. Depending on the search engine, you may not get what you are intending to get.

Missed It By That Much

2010-08-31T07:00:00.001-04:00

Prior to a Rangers game in Arlington, Tx last week, they were having a special appearance by the U.S. Army's Golden Knights parachute team. As you would expect from a parachute team, the entered the stadium.... via parachutes. The plan was that they were to land on the field. Hmmm....

In a move that gave Marines everywhere another opportunity to make fun of the Army, one parachuter missed his target. Maybe it was flag day, and the guy was doing an impersonation.... yeah, that's the ticket! I just hope he doesn't get too.... hung up.... on his epic fail.

Strasburg Can't Suck It Up, Dibs

2010-08-30T13:00:00.001-04:00

In response to Rob Dibble's relentless badgering about playing through the pain, Stephen Strasburg is going to be shut down for the rest of the season.... and most of 2011, with Tommy John surgery. Turns out that strained flexor tendon is a lot worse than initially thought. That cry you heard in Washington, D.C. was not the petty arguments going back and forth across the aisle on Capitol Hill, it was both of the Nationals' fans realizing that 2010 and 2011 would be wasted years.... again....

Pretty soon, we may be seeing Strasburg on the Mark Prior/Kip Wells comeback trail.

Yogi Monday!

2010-08-30T07:00:00.001-04:00

We all get a case of the Mondays from time to time. There's no better way to get through a Monday than with a classic quote from one of baseball's greatest quote machines - Yogi Berra.

I never blame myself when I'm not hitting. I just blame the bat and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn't my fault that I'm not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?

J.D. Drew - Ballplayer, Not Mathematician

2010-08-29T08:40:00.000-04:00

J.D. Drew is just your slightly above average outfielder for the Boston Red Sox. Perhaps my view of Drew is maligned because of the things said about him in Three Nights in August, but I'm not a huge fan. He has all the talent in the world, but doesn't really work all that hard to play the game. He relies on talent, makes his money, and that's about it. However, because of his great talent, he can do things that other players can't necessarily do... like make a really difficult catch in foul territory look easy, even when he doesn't mean to do it. Let me explain.

In Saturday's game against the Rays, a runner was on third with one out and the batter hit a towering fly ball into foul territory where the visitor's bullpen is located. In most instances, a fielder might let a difficult foul ball go because the runner on third can tag up and score. Drew ran over to size up the situation, and ended up catching the ball while falling into the chairs. The runner tagged from third and scored on the play, tying the game up at 1-1.

It's baseball, so you don't know what would have happened had Drew not caught the ball, but Boston's pitcher was kind of upset because the run ended up scoring, and here's where we get to the relevant part. Here is an actual quote from Drew following the game:

"It's a question mark," said Drew. "If you let the ball drop and he walks, there's two guys on and the next pitch he hits a two-run homer, it's a difficult situation. But in that part of the game, Clay [Buchholz] is throwing the ball pretty well, he's got a good chance on [a] 3-2 [pitch], but you never know what's going to happen."

You see that part that's in bold and underlined. Read it again. That's right, Drew suggested that Buchholz would somehow walk the batter, putting runners on 1st and 3rd, and then allow a two-run homer. I know that there is a lot of talk of Buchholz for the AL Cy Young this season, but if he can allow a two-run homer with two runners already on base, then he deserves the next three Cy Young awards.

I know that J.D. Drew is a baseball player, not Danica McKellar, but give me a break.

Your LLWS Update

2010-08-27T13:00:00.000-04:00

Okay, it's not really an update so much as an opportunity to make fun of young Aaron Juarez from Mexico. Check out Aaron's biographical information. I'm pretty sure "role model" doesn't translate well into Spanish.

Dibs Hates Strasburg

2010-08-27T07:00:00.000-04:00

Rob Dibble, former MLB pitcher and current talking head on MLB Network Radio, blasted Steven Strasburg for skipping a start following a twinge in his throwing arm. In case you haven't heard....

During the fifth inning of a game against the Phillies, Strasburg threw a pitch and afterwards was seen shaking his throwing arm. Turns out, he strained the flexor tendon in his right arm - not a serious injury (he was seen playing catch with teammates the next day), but not something that you take lightly with a man who you are paying $14 billion dollars per pitch.

Now that you have the back story, click here and check out Deadspin's Barry Petchesky's point-counterpoint article. Great stuff.

On This Date...

2010-08-26T13:00:00.000-04:00

On This Date... is going to be a sporadic segment here on BLB. It will involve a little bit of history for fans of the greatest game on earth. I cannot guarantee that all of the history will be accurate, but it sure will be fun!

For our first On This Date, how 'bout we turn the Way Back Machine to August 26, 2008.

The Washington Nationals got on the mascot racing bandwagon in a way that would only work in Washington, D.C..... and maybe North Dakota... with the giant head Presidential Race!

In the inaugural race, Teddy Roosevelt comes out ahead of the pack, but you may notice that he is wearing a do-rag a la Manny Ramirez (who was in the stadium that day as the Nationals hosted the Dodgers). The rest is... well... Teddy being Teddy.

Brewers to Raise Selig Statue

2010-08-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

You know how ballclubs will put up statues of the greatest players in their franchise history? The Cubs have Ernie Banks, the Cardinals have Stan Musial, the Pirates have Roberto Clemente, the Reds have.... well, somebody.... anyhoo!

The Milwaukee Brewers will be raising a statue of former owner and current commissioner Bud Selig next week. Selig is part of a group responsible for bringing the Brewers to Milwaukee from Seattle, where they were known as the Pilots. As commissioner, he has also instituted such beloved and uncontroversial things as steroid testing, interleague play, the divisional round of the playoffs, and turning the All Star Game into an exhibition that "counts."

There will be a star-studded unveiling with representatives from every MLB team scheduled to be there. It kind of reminds me of when a Roman emperor would do something and everybody had to show up or be fed to the lions. That may be a bit of revisionist history taking place, but it makes sense and, let's be honest, you're probably not going to take the time to see if that really happened or not.

The most difficult thing about the statue is differentiating it from Selig himself. I'm pretty sure that he is old enough that he has started to petrify (i.e. to convert wood into stone).

Reds Attempt to Recreate Cards of 2004 Falling Apart

2010-08-25T13:00:00.000-04:00

Walt Jocketty, former GM of the St. Louis Cardinals and current GM of the Cincinnati Reds, has put together a team in Cincinnati that resembles another team that wore red back in 2004. When he traded for Jim Edmonds, Jocketty had pieced together five members of that 2004 Cardinal team: Edmonds, Russ Springer, Scott Rolen, Miguel Cairo and Jason Isringhausen (who is pitching in Triple-A).

Unfortunately, the 2004 Cardinals were dominating 6 years ago, which means all of those players are 6 years older (and they weren't exactly spring chickens at the time). Well, Father Time is starting to catch up to them.

Jim Edmonds, just 3 for 22 with the Reds, is reportedly heading for the DL with a strained oblique where he will be joining another former Cardinal, Russ Springer, who is going to miss the rest of the season following back surgery. It's only a matter of time before they call up Izzy and he starts coughing up leads late in the game.

Damon Has Difficult Decision Ahead

2010-08-25T07:00:00.001-04:00

Johnny Damon was placed on waivers by the Detroit Tigers, and reports indicate that the Boston Red Sox are the team that have won the claim on the former Royal-A's-Red Sox-Yankee outfielder. So, now Damon has quite a decision to make: whether or not to veto a trade to the Red Sox

It's understandable that this would be a difficult decision. Damon played for the Red Sox from 2002-2005, helping them break the "Curse of the Bambino" - or as the rest of the world called it, 86 years of terrible play in the regular-and/or-post season. Of course, Damon didn't exactly endear himself to Boston fans when he bolted after the 2005 season to join the Yankees, or as they have been called, "The Evil Empire."

This decision really boils down to which mediocre, underachieving team would Damon prefer to finish the season with. Good luck deciding Johnny because I'm pretty sure the rest of us don't care.

Rangers Try to Join No-Hit Parade

2010-08-24T13:00:00.000-04:00

Because there haven't been enough reasons to consider this season the Year of the Pitcher, Rich Harden and the Rangers bullpen attempted to throw yet another no-hitter last night against the Minnesota Twins. Thankfully, for everybody tired of hearing about how all the hitters are done using steroids (which, apparently, could be the only possible explanation for the upshot in pitching this season), Joe Mauer singled with one out in the 9th to break up the no-no.

All I have to say to that is....

Well played, indeed.

Vin Scully Announces....

2010-08-24T07:00:00.000-04:00

.... that he will be keeping his talents in South Cali. That's right, folks, Mr. Scully, the man who was confused by a mullet, will return for his 62nd season announcing Dodger games. For the non-math majors out there, that means he has been announcing games for the Dodgers since 1950. So, what has happened since Vin Scully started announcing Dodger games?

12 different men with 11 last names have been elected President of the United States
Korean War... well, technically, that's still going on
The Civil Rights Movement
The Interstate system was built (and continues to be under construction wherever I need to go)
Dirty Commies pointed rockets at the United States
JFK, RFK, & MLK, Jr. were all assassinated
Vietnam War
US Space Program landed on the moon.
Iraq I, Iraq II, Afghanistan & other various wars around the world
Rise of fantasy baseball & football
My parents were born

Oh, and what hasn't happened in that time?

The Cubs haven't made a World Series appearance!