Sports, Indie Blog Etc.

Amazing HR Derby follow up from Peter Gammons

2008-07-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

Hamilton an inspiration in so many ways

Tuesday, July 15, 2008 | Print Entry

NEW YORK -- One of the best things about baseball is that someone else comes along and recreates being the hero. Out of the embers of the Black Sox scandal came Babe Ruth. As a nation regrouped between World War II and the Korean War, Jackie Robinson bravely changed the face of sports and American society.

After the strike that canceled the 1994 World Series and led to the coldest winter, along came Cal Ripken, the dignity and might of the Joe Torre/Derek Jeter/Mariano Rivera Yankees, and then the summer of '98 with Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. And when that entire era went to black and the waste depository of the BALCO and aging clinics, Jose Canseco and gopher slimeballs reached the desk of George Mitchell and millions wondered if they could ever trust the sport again. There were 55,000 people at Yankee Stadium on Monday night -- most of whom knew less about Josh Hamilton than Darrell Rasner -- chanting Hamilton's name and rooting for a new hero.

Every revelation about Roger Clemens' past and every "collusion" noise that comes out of some parrot's beak has emphasized the need to move forward. That is why no team has signed Barry Bonds, who can still impact any lineup -- owners and general managers understandably don't want to talk about the past. They want to try to move on into an era with drug testing, in whatever form the morphed sport takes.

Two months ago, a general manager said we are watching the unfurling of two dramas we have never before seen in our lifetime, and may never see again. One is Rick Ankiel, who has played less than two years as a position player and is so good a center fielder and everyday player that he certainly could have been here for the All-Star Game, what with 20 homers, 50 RBIs, an .880 OPS and the defensive show he has put on in center field. To overcome his pitching nightmare of the 2000 playoffs, then after six years to become a hitter, and then overcome a blown-out knee … few players are better inspiration for the capacity to never back down or give up.

By now, Hamilton's story of overcoming demons is two blocks from Hollywood. Oh, it's easy to give it a Nancy Reagan "he made a choice" and so on and so on and so on and so on, but the fact is that millions of people in this country get addicted to drugs and ruin their lives. Hamilton beat his demons and is a hero for millions trying to fight back. Steve Buckley wrote about one such person in this morning's Boston Herald, a pitcher from Peabody, Mass., named Jeff Allison, a one-time Marlins No. 1 draft pick whose life landed in the breakdown lane, out of baseball; he nearly died. A month ago, Allison made the Florida State League All-Star team, and while his comeback is a work in progress, he is pitching and living and succeeding, and when Buckley talked to him about Hamilton, Allison credited Hamilton with being his role model and inspiration.

Long after Yankee Stadium had emptied Monday night, Hamilton sat in front of his locker, answering to everything past and present and future. Told about Allison's story, Hamilton said, "I have heard of him, I'd like to be in touch. I hope I meet him. I hope I hit against him one day."

Our heroes can be flawed. The Babe certainly was. Hamilton never stops reminding us that he, too, is flawed and that he's not ashamed to admit it and never will stop fighting.

Josh Hamilton turned the page in his life, and Monday night he helped baseball begin the long, dry healing process of turning the page on the Dark Ages.

Baseball is not about corporate boxes and extracting licensing pennies from poor kids or taxpayer dollars donated to construct ballparks to help billionaires make millions. It is about Babe Ruth changing the sports culture, Jackie Robinson changing America and Cal Ripken changing lives. Baseball has always been able to turn the page because of someone and something always grew up out of the rubble, and Josh Hamilton began the process of turning the page on Monday night.

It is unbelievable what he has done, and now the nation knows it. Hamilton matters and when we saw his friends like Milton Bradley, Ian Kinsler and Michael Young embrace the moment and the future, we saw the awe and the appreciation in their eyes.

These are not the best of times in America, but we look at baseball and see Ankiel. We see what Jose Reyes and Hanley Ramirez have overcome to reach stardom. We see an Athletics pitcher named Brad Ziegler come back from two fractured skulls and take a run at the record for most shutout innings to begin a career. And then we watch 55,000 New Yorkers standing and chanting Josh Hamilton's name. We are reminded that baseball can help us remember what we stand for, not against, what we believe, not what we fear, and that while we learn from the past, what we all want is to open the door to the future.

Music Festival at Golden Gate...

2008-05-08T11:42:00.001-07:00

No Santana, No Hunter

2008-04-08T21:31:00.000-07:00

Series of Team Overviews for 2008; Minnesota Twins

For Minnesota Twins fans, it's become tradition for players to move on once they hit free agency but for All-Stars Torii Hunter (one of the few to receive past contracts from the Twins) and Johan Santana, it stings just a little deeper than the past loses of Carlos Silva (also this past off-season), Corey Koskie, Christian Guzman, Jacque Jones, Kyle Lohse, Eric Milton and a horrible move of allowing David Ortiz to leave... but with Hunter, who signed with the Anaheim Angels and Johan Santana who was traded before leaving for nothing to the New York Mets it leaves the Twins without two of their premier players, clubhouse leaders and faces of the organization. Sure, Minnesota still has MVP first baseman Justin Morneau, catcher Joe Mauer, outfielder Michael Cuddyer, closer Joe Nathan and young phenom pitcher Francisco Liriano but Hunter and Santana leave big holes for the organization to fill.

Still, with all that said and all the changes this team seems to encounter on a regular basis, the Twins always play tough baseball and seem to make playoff pushes on a regular basis. Well, if they're going to do that this year, they'll need some young players and plenty of new faces to lead the charge, here is a look at the 2008 Minnesota Twins.

Offensively, the Twins utilized surplus in pitching and traded starter Matt Garza to Tampa Bay for young outfielder Delmon Young who will join Carlos Gomez and Cuddyer in the outfield. Gomez, acquired in the Santana deal is a speedy outfielder that can cover a lot of ground in centerfield but isn't expected to cover as much ground in the batters box replacing Hunter there too. In the infield, Morneau will have new faces as well with Brendan Harris at second (also acquired in Garza deal), Adam Everett a free agent defensive shortstop specialist pickup and free agent pickup Mike Lamb playing third. If anyone struggles than last years incumbents at second and at times third, Alexi Casilla and Nick Punto will get the call. With catcher, the Twins have one of the best both offensively and defensively with former #1 draft pick, Joe Mauer. Taking turns as designated hitter will be Craig Monroe and Jason Kubel. Runs will have to be manufactured and at times muscled out with likes of Morneau, Young and Cuddyer.

Two years ago, the Twins had two of the most feared left handed starters in the game with Santana and Liriano but Liriano would get hurt late in the 2006 season and miss all of last year while recovering from Tommy John surgery and now with Santana gone to the Mets, we'll likely never see this duo in action together again. But the Twins are excited to have Liriano returning and once he does, he'll figure to be the ace of this staff. Also returning in 2008 will be Scott Baker and Boof Bonser as well as the potential of other young Twins starters, Kevin Slowey, Nick Blackburn and Gleen Perkins. Other starters include the veteran Livan Hernandez who will actually started on Opening Day and a possible starter later this season in Philip Humber who was also acquired via the NY Mets. Rounding out the staff in the bullpen in front of All-Star pitcher, Joe Nathan will be some of the best bullpen arms in the league with Pat Neshek, Matt Guerrier, Jesse Crain, Dennys Reyes, Juan Rincon and whoever doesn't make it as a starter.

In all, this team is not quite ready to challenge for the playoffs but they should be solid enough to have a .500 record or better and improve as the offense and pitching continue to develop. Twins fans will need them to as the payroll isn't likely to go up anytime soon...

Projected Lineup:
1. Carlos Gomez, CF
2. Joe Mauer, C
3. Justin Morneau, 1b
4. Michael Cuddyer, RF
5. Delmon Young, LF
6. Jason Kubel / Craig Monroe, DH
7. Mike Lamb / Nick Punto, 3b
8. Brendan Harris, 2b
9. Adam Everett, SS

Final Five:

1. Fantasy Value: Their remains some mainstays even without Hunter and Santana, those include the likes of Morneau, Mauer and Nathan. The most intriguing names following those are Liriano who could win 15 games and strike out over 175 batters, Cuddyer who always seems to have solid numbers by years end, Delmon Young and the speedy Carlos Gomez who may steal 40+ bases.

2. Most likely to be traded: Usually the player that is facing free agency is the big target for deals but those may have already been shipped out so what's left for trades, probably the surplus infielders like Punto, Casilla, Everett, Lamb and Harris. Some of the depth as starters may leave too for various needs that come up, mostly on the offensive side.

3. Break-out player for 2008: Delmon Young is already a household name as is Francisco Liriano so I'm gonna go with Carlos Gomez. Gomez, if he can hit for a healthy average (above .270) then we'll see a star in the making as Gomez is excellent defensively and can flat out fly on the base paths. Expect at least 40 steals from the Twins new centerfielder.

4. Farm Top Five: The Twins don't have as much in the minor leagues as they're use to but they still have some quality talent with pitcher Nick Blackburn and Tyler Robertson, outfielder Jason Pridie and Joe Benson and lastly, catcher Wilson Ramos.

5. 2008 Record Prediction: 81-81, 4th in AL Central

Baby Steps for Royals

2008-03-02T22:31:00.000-08:00

Series of Team Overviews for 2008; Kansas City Royals

Over the course of the last 14 years, the Kansas City Royals have had one winning season, coming in 2003 when Tony Pena managed the Royals to a 83-79 record. Of course in 2003, the Royals still had Carlos Beltran in centerfield and a much younger Mike Sweeney, who is currently fighting for a job in Oakland. Less than two seasons later though, we would see Tony Pena leave as manager before Buddy Bell stepped in only to be fired heading into this season. From 2004-2006, the Royals lost 104, 106 and 100 games (not respectively). Last year, the Royals spent a little and developed some arms and others while ultimately losing 93 games... so, some steps were made and even though most of their counterparts in the AL Central have improved, the Royals are still expected to finish in last but maybe they'll hover a little bit closer to a .500 record, which for Kansas City, would mean more baby steps closer to success.

Taking over the reigns as manager in 2008 will be Trey Hillman, who Royals general manager, Dayton Moore recruited over from Japan where Hillman had been very successful. Then there are this years additions, after the Royals spent big dollars last year to get starter Gil Meche, this year we'll see steroid era user, outfielder Jose Guillen and two new names in the bullpen with Japanese import Yasuhiko Yabuta and lefty specialist Ron Mahay (who spurred the Yanks to sign in KC).

What will really be interesting to see out of Kansas City though will be the continued development of the young talent on the roster. Other than the newly signed Guillen and ace starter Meche, you really only have second baseman Mark Grudzielanek as the veterans on the club. I guess you can include newly signed Brett Tomko too but the only time I've ever liked Tomko was when he played for the Giants as I loved seeing the team struggle with him on the mound (glad he's no longer a Dodger... where he was referred to as Bomko). Back to the rest of the roster, such young talents as converted third baseman turned outfielder Mark Teahen and centerfielder David DeJesus along with third baseman Alex Gordon and the power hitting 1b/DH combo Billy Butler should be exciting to see. Plus you have a young catcher in John Buck that is capable of hitting 20+ homeruns a year. So offensively, the Royals should score some runs... not as much as their counterparts but enough to compete with solid pitching.

On the mound, returning for the second year of his five year contract is Meche, followed by rising starters Brian Bannister and Zack Greinke. All are potential 10-15 game winners but the rest of the rotation is a little uneasy with Tomko, Kyle Davies, Jorge De La Rosa and Luke Hochevar (a top prospect). Kansas City also has Brian Lawrence and well-known Hideo Nomo in camp trying to earn rotation spots too. The bullpen however is a little more solidified with Joakim Soria expecting to close behind Mahay, Joel Peralta and Yabuta. Also rounding out the pen will be Jimmy Gobble, John Bale and Chin-Hui Tsao.

Overall, the Royals will be more competitive both in their division and within the clubhouse with position battles keeping everyone playing hard all season long.

Projected Lineup:
1. David DeJesus, CF
2. Mark Teahen, LF
3. Alex Gordon, 3b
4. Jose Guillen, RF
5. Billy Buter, 1b/DH
6. Ross Gload, 1b/DH
7. John Buck, C
8. Mark Grudzielanek, 2b
9. Tony Pena, SS

Final Five:

1. Fantasy Value: The Royals, mostly due to their lack of potential wins, don't have a lot of strong value for fantasy but they do have some sleepers. Starting with the top of the lineup, DeJesus was coveted by many teams in the off-season for trades (since the Royals also have speedster Gathright in the wings) but ultimately the Royals decided to keep him. Last years numbers don't necessarily stand out with less than 10 bombs and only 10 steals but he DeJesus did score over 100 runs. With Teahen, lots of potential but the power numbers just haven't come around like expected yet... then you have the power in catcher Buck (hit 18 HR's in '07) but he batted just .222. The real potential falls in the lap of Gordon and Butler (both 2nd year players) who are both capable of .300 plus averages and 15-25+ HR's with decent stats for RBI's and runs. Sadly the most value on offense is Guillen who hit 23 HR's and 99 RBI's in pitcher friendly Safeco field last year. With pitchers, Meche, Greinke and Bannister should all have decent ERA's but run production will be up and down for these arms. Soria should close out most wins due to tight scores.

2. Most likely to be traded: Any veterans on this team shouldn't get too comfortable. Once the Royals fall out of the race in June, players will be moved in July. Teams in the pennant race will need bench help and bullpen arms so guys named Grudzielanek and extra starters will be dangled. Also, don't be surprised if the Royals give up on Teahen or DeJesus before their value dips even lower.

3. Break-out Player in 2008: It was supposed to be his season last year but Alex Gordon got off to a horrible start, much like George Brett, who is commonly compared to. But in 2008, I see a more confident Gordon and a more consistent Major League bat.

4. Farm Top Five: With a team that lacks star quality in the bigs, you'd hope for a strong farm system but the Royals are really lacking in that department too. Topping the list though is potential starter Luke Hochevar who should start by mid to late season. Then you have last years #2 overall pick with infielder Michael Moustakas and long-time minor leaguer, first baseman Justin Huber followed by outfielders Mitch Maier and Chris Lubanski.

5. 2008 Record Prediction: 73-89, 5th in AL Central

New Music worth getting

2008-02-27T00:37:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to take a time out from Spring Training in MLB (after reviewing the East Coast teams) and share some new music I've come across lately. Both new bands were discovered with help from the local Indie station, 103.1... they are MGMT and Vampire Weekend. I have both their new albums and both are great from start to finish. Best of all, both will be at Coachella this year so before we get to the end of April, check them out, you won't be disappointed!!!

No excuses in NY!

2008-02-26T23:24:00.000-08:00

Series of Team Overviews for 2008; New York Mets

Last season the Mets entered play with 17 games left and a divisional lead on the Philadelphia Phillies that stood at 7 games. During the final 17 games though, the Mets would end up having one of the greatest collapses in baseball history. Not only did they lose six of seven games during their final home stand but they also, in the process, lost their divisional lead to the Phillies and the NL Wild Card to the Rockies who leap frogged them after a one game playoff victory against the Padres en route to a NL Title.

With 2007 demise behind them, the Mets head into 2008 with lots of fuel for success. So the Mets final year of playing at the dreadful Shea Stadium venue, should be exciting as they have everything to prove and most definitely everything to lose. In fact, you can almost guarantee that another non-playoff season will mean plenty of change, starting with manager, Willie Randolph.

The good news for the Mets though, and their fans, is this team is GREAT on paper and should not only compete and win the division but should also be considered the front runners to represent the National League against the best of a very dominant AL in the 2008 World Series. I would almost think this team has stronger odds to win the Series in Vegas than their New York counterparts, the Yankees (I just checked and I'm right, Mets 4-1, Yanks 5-1).

The reason for behind all this fan fare and expectations among baseball media and/or Vegas odds makers for the Mets in 2008 is all the talent that floods the clubhouse each and everyday. The Mets have two of the best young players in the game today with shortstop Jose Reyes and third baseman David Wright. Reyes is the prototypical leadoff bat that can hit for average, aggrevate opposing pitchers and catchers on the base paths with 60+ steals yearly and score over 120 runs while hitting a few HR's. Wright not only slugs HR's at 30+ clips but he can also steal 20+ bases and potentially lead the league in RBI's and average... then you add another tremendous veteran talent in outfielder Carlos Beltran who has had 30/30 seasons and commonly scores and knocks in 100 runs yearly and you have a deadly offensive core.

From the mound, leading the charge is Johan Santana (recently acquired from the Minnesota Twins). Santana is considered by many to be the best pitcher in the game today and after him you have Pedro Martinez, who might be the best pitcher over the last decade in the majors... both should and could (if healthy) win 15-20 games with low ERA's. Then closing, is hard throwing lefty, Billy Wagner who is never an easy at bat!

Those six players listed above make up an excellent core that will cause havoc for all opposing teams and push New York to great success in 2008.

As for the rest of the team, rounding out the roster offensively are aging first baseman Carlos Delgado, second baseman Luis Castillo and outfielders Moises Alou and Ryan Church with some spot starts mixed in by players like Marlon Anderson, Damion Easley and Endy Chavez. Catching duties will be split between Ramon Castro and Brian Schneider. Behind Santana and Martinez, the Mets will count on second year pitcher John Maine, veteran Orlando Hernandez and lefty Oliver Perez. Also getting looks will be Jason Vargas and rookie Mike Pelfrey. The bullpen, which is one of the strongest in the game has Pedro Feliciano, Matt Wise, Ambrioux Burgos, Joe Smith, Duaner Sanchez (returning from injury), Aaron Heilman and Wagner.

Projected Lineup:
1. Jose Reyes, SS
2. Luis Castillo, 2b
3. David Wright, 3b
4. Carlos Beltran, CF
5. Carlos Delgado, 1b
6. Moises Alou, LF
7. Ryan Church, RF
8. Brian Schneider, C

Final Five:

1. Fantasy Value: What's not to like about this roster of talent... we have four players that should steal over 20 bases in Reyes (likely to go over 60), Castillo, Beltran and Wright... we have an entire lineup with maybe the exception of Delgado and Schneider that should and could hit over .300 and another four players that are capable of 20+ but in the HR department with Wright, Beltran, Delgado and Alou. Even the bench has depth for deeper NL only leagues as Marlon Anderson, Endy Chavez and Damion Easley can all put up decent numbers. With pitching you have the best name on the planet in Santana, you have another ace that could be a bargain due to recent injury concerns in Pedro Martinez and then you have two great young arms with Maine and Oliver Perez. The bullpen is deeper than the bench and has a top 10 closer in Wagner! Figure it out, draft some Mets!

2. Most likely to be traded: I'll go with Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez. I know he is great in the post season but the Mets have highly touted prospect Mike Pelfrey banging on the door and a great bullpen that could keep El Duque from sticking around there.

3. Break out player in 2008: I have two choices, one is Mike Pelfrey as I think he can win 10-12 games if he has an opportunity to start for part of the year and the other is Ryan Church who was acquired for Milledge. Ultimately I think Milledge has more upside but Church is a solid player that last season hit over .270 with 15 HR's and 70 RBI's in just 470 at bats. Imagine another 100 at bats and playing everyday and you might have 20 bombs and 85+ RBI's... we'll see.

4. Farm Top Five: The name most often mentioned and asked for in trade talks has been outfielder Fernando Martinez. The Mets were lucky enough to hold onto him during the Santana trade discussions and should reap the benefits in a couple of years. Behind Martinez is first baseman Brett Harper, pitchers John Niese and Deolis Guerra (another great name to hold onto from trade talks) and lastly, infielder, Anderson Hernandez.

5. 2008 Record Prediction: 97-65, 1st in NL East

Phils look to repeat as NL East Champs

2008-02-23T14:15:00.000-08:00

Originally Posted on 2/22/08

Series of Team Overviews for 2008; Philadelphia Phillies

My dad is bigger than your dad... my girlfriend is hotter... I'm a better athlete than you... my team is better... this is how it's been all off-season between the two NL East rivals, the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. Both teams coming out in the media and calling the other out saying they're the team to beat! After all, shortstop Jimmy Rollins of the Phils called it in Spring Training last year and then the Phils went onto leap frog the Mets during the final two weeks of the season and Rollins ended up with his first ever MVP award!

Well, this year the Mets are coming back and coming hard. They made a huge splash by trading for the best pitcher in the game with the acquisition of Johan Santana and that was all Carlos Beltran needed as the Mets centerfielder promptly hailed the Mets as the best! I guess we'll see but one thing for certain is the two most talented teams in the NL East are beginning to compare to those in the AL with the Sox and Yanks. Both the Phillies and Mets poses incredible young talent and veterans surrounding them however the addition of Santana to the Mets has given me the confidence to place the Phillies in the two hole and eventual wild card winner in the NL (West teams will just beat up on each other). Let's look closer at the Phillies roster for the 2008 season.

When assessing the Phils, one usually turns straight for that impressive infield of Ryan Howard at first, Chase Utley at second, Jimmy Rollins at short and whoever is playing third... For Howard who won the MVP award in his sophomore season of 2006, which was then followed up by Rollins winning it last year in 2007, just successfully won something else, his arbitration hearing. Howard was awarded a record $10M in arbitration but I don't think the Phillies mind too much, especially if he continues to hit 50+ HR's a year! With Rollins, he just entered into the top class of current players with an unbelievable season last year. Rollins hit in the leadoff hole for the most part but still ended up with 30 HR, 139 runs, 94 RBI's, 41 steals and a .296 average while playing an excellent shortstop. Then we have Utley who could be the best of three. Most refer to him as the Phils clubhouse leader and why not, he's all hustle (as is Rollins) and really sets the pace. He is by far the most potent second baseman in terms of fantasy baseball. The final piece of the infield has changed yet again as the Phils signed Pedro Feliz over from the Giants. One scary thought on Feliz though is if the Giants didn't want him then whats the deal??? I mean the Giants have the worst offense in the league but couldn't find room for this guy? I guess it doesn't matter, the Phils still might have the best infield in all of baseball.

With the rest of the starters it gets a little more shaky. Two of the three outfield spots seem to be locked up with Pat Burrell in left and Shane "the flying Hawaiian" Victorino moving over to center this year but in right we'll probably see a platoon of newly signed Geoff Jenkins and Jayson Werth. Catcher will be a combo of Chris Coaste and Carlos Ruiz.

On the mound the Phillies have some more question marks but not with their ace, Cole Hamels. Hamels is one of the best young left-handed starters in the game and a top 10 fantasy starter too. The rest of the rotation however includes the on again off again starter / closer in Brett Myers (I for one think he belongs in the rotation), the ever aging Jamie Moyer, the over-priced Adam Eaton and last years durable rookie in Kyle Kendrick. You might recognize Kendrick more recently from a team prank that left Kendrick wondering if he had been traded to Japan. It's pretty funny, check out YouTube for more (click here)... if anyone falters we're looking at two Durbins, one named Chad and the other J.D. to step in. Philadelphia also has Carlos Carrasco in the minors, who is a possible starter too.

The bullpen has a brighter outlook than this time last year as the Phillies were able to add Brad Lidge this off-season in a trade with the Houston Astros. Lidge will be set up by the veteran Tom Gordon and J.C. Romero along with Ryan Madson. Also getting a look in the pen will be Clay Condrey and possibly Travis Blackley.

There are a lot of reasons to like this team and most baseball fans would attest that this will be a fun team to watch on the baseball cable package... and they're most definitely capable of representing the National League in the World Series.

Projected Lineup:
1. Jimmy Rollins, SS
2. Shane Victorino, CF
3. Chase Utley, 2b
4. Ryan Howard, 1b
5. Pat Burrell, LF
6. Geoff Jenkins / Jayson Werth, RF
7. Pedro Feliz, 3b
8. Carlos Ruiz, C

Final Five:

1. Fantasy Value: As was mentioned above, you can't go wrong with Howard, Utley or Rollins and each will probably be drafted within the first three rounds of any draft. Howard is a top five first baseman and probably the most prolific power hitter in the game, Utley is tops at second and Rollins is just behind other NL East shortstops in Jose Reyes and Hanley Ramirez. Burrell should put up solid numbers like 25+ HR's and close to 100 RBI's and Victorino has lots of upside with tons of speed and some pop. On the mound you have an ace in Hamels and some great potential in Myers returning to the mound. Kendrick isn't much as a strikeout arm but he could win 12-15 games for the Phils. Finally, Lidge looked sharp in the second half last year and will continue to put K's in bunches.

2. Most likely to be traded: Assuming the Phils will be in contention all season, I don't expect much movement on the trade side but if they need to improve the club during the season it will probably be a starter and/or relief help that will be brought in... on the out might be Werth (who has some value), minor leaguers or even some depth from the bench with infielders Greg Dobbs and Wes Helms.

3. Break out player in 2008: Not many surprises on this roster but my top two picks are minor leaguer Carlos Carrasco in a late season call-up and Victorino on a more consistent season long basis. Last season in less than 500 at bats, Victorino batted .281 with 12 HR's, 46 RBI's, 78 runs and 37 steals. Expect all those numbers to climb in 2008.

4. Farm Top Five: The Phillies aren't known for having a great farm system in recent years and nothing has changed this season. Most notable and promising names though to go with Carrasco are pitchers Andrew Carpenter, Joe Savery ('07 #1 draft pick), Scott Mathieson and finally a second baseman that is blocked by Utley named Adrian Cardenas.

5. 2008 Record Prediction: 95-67, 2nd in NL East - win NL Wild Card

Braves not feared by most

2008-02-23T14:13:00.000-08:00

Originally Posted on 2/19/08

Series of Team Overviews for 2008; Atlanta Braves

For the majority of the 90's and early part of the next decade the Braves were the standard in the National League. But now after two straight seasons without a post-season berth, the Braves are just an after thought amongst the premier teams. Part of the problem with the team has been the constant changes at the top (ownership) and struggle to compete with the likes of other powerhouses financially. In recent years the Braves have rejected the notion of making runs at big name free agents or just keeping their own. We will officially see the teams stance this coming off-season when the team will be forced to dish out large sums of money to keep soon to be free agent, Mark Teixeira. The Braves are likely to just let Teixeira walk just as Andruw Jones did this off-season when he agreed to a two year contract with the LA Dodgers. Although you could make the case that Teixeira, who was acquired via trade during the 2007 season, was obtained to not only make a late attempt towards the playoffs but also fill the hole for Jones (knowing he was on the out).

In the past though, for every big name that left such as Javier Lopez, Rafael Furcal, etc... it didn't really matter because a new player like a Brian McCann or Edgar Renteria would just step in. The Braves have always re-stocked with their own home grown talent or traded for key pieces when needed which is why manager Bobby Cox and former general manager and current team President John Schuerholz have been so widely respected in the game.

But in 2008, the Braves aren't expected to make the playoffs, stretching their current run to three seasons. Bottom line for Atlanta is it's just becoming more and more difficult to fill holes. Just look no further to Jones replacement, which is Mark Kotsay. The Braves did however bring back one familiar face in re-signing future Hall of Famer, pitcher, Tom Glavine. Glavine joins his old-pal and another future Hall of Famer, pitcher, John Smoltz. All they need to do now is trade for Greg Maddux to reunite one of the greatest starting threesomes ever... it's not going to happen but even if it did, we're still talking about three 40+ year old pitchers. It will however be both Smoltz and Glavine along with pitcher Tim Hudson leading the Braves staff and hoping they'll be able to keep a few leads that the potent offense will muster.

Looking further into the offense we see the already mentioned Teixeira at first and across the diamond we have another potential Hall of Famer in third baseman Chipper Jones. Problem with Chipper is he too is getting to be older and has constantly fought off injuries late in his career. My over under for games played in this year for Chipper is 135. The Braves would be lucky to get that. In the middle of infield we have two young players that are both home grown in second baseman Kelly Johnson (he has some pop) and the athletic shortstop (replacing the traded Edgar Renteria) Yunel Escobar. The outfield is still dangerous even without a constant gold glover in Jones with Matt Diaz in left, Kotsay in center and the big bat of Jeff Francoeur in right. Behind the plate will be All-Star catcher, Brian McCann. Other than that, the bench is really thin so the Braves will hope to stay healthy on the offensive side!

On the pitching staff we have Smoltz, Glavine and Hudson but then we have two more injury questions with Chuck James and Mike Hampton (both lefties). If either can't start then look for the Braves to insert one of their many young arms of Jair Jurrgens (acquired in Renteria trade with Detroit), Buddy Carlyle, Anthony Lerew and Jo-Jo Reyes. In the bullpen, there is no more Bob Wickman, which is a good thing but Atlanta also lost Octavio Dotel (a late pick up before the 2007 deadline). Dotel signed a multi-year deal with the White Sox which leaves the closer duties in the capable hands of Rafael Soriano and set-up man Mike Gonzalez. Also in the pen will be Will Ohman and Pete Moylan.

Braves fans, don't expect too much but enjoy the middle of that lineup cause it can put some runs on the board when healthy. Also, if you're a fan of Teixeira, get his autograph now as he may not be in Atlanta past 2008.

Projected Lineup:
1. Yunel Escobar, SS
2. Kelly Johnson, 2b
3. Chipper Jones, 3b
4. Mark Teixeira, 1b
5. Brian McCann, C
6. Jeff Francoeur, RF
7. Matt Diaz, LF
8. Mark Kotsay, CF

Final Five:

1. Fantasy Value: Don't let everything I mentioned above scare you off too much, the Braves will compete but just not past late July or early August for playoff hopes. But there is a lot to be excited about from a fantasy baseball perspective. Just look at the middle of this lineup and you'll see multiple players with 25+ HR potential and 85-100+ RBI's. Chipper Jones and Mark Teixeira will always have great numbers come season end (unless injured) and McCann is a top five catcher. Francoeur is no slouch either and would probably be batting 3rd, 4th or 5th on most other teams. Diaz has a lot of potential and I for one and looking forward to what he can do in a full season starting. Plus the top of the lineup can score a lot of runs if they reach base. Both Johnson and Escobar have great value at their positions, especially Johnson with a weak 2b list. On the reverse, Smoltz is still a top 20 starter and Glavine and Hudson should be slightly above average with Hudson showing a slightly better pitching value due to strikeouts he can get vs. the soft throwing Glavine. Look for Soriano to have a successful year in his first as a closer.

2. Most likely to be traded: This is a tough one, I think the Braves stay pat for the most part but if they fall apart early and know they won't be able to re-sign Teixeira then don't be surprised if the big man is traded. Koktsay is another name that could be moved to make room for Braves prospects.

3. Break out Player in 2008: Two names come to mind, Yunel Escobar and Matt Diaz. I think due to his overall athleticism, I have to go with Escobar as he should hit double digit HR's and have a good batting average while playing a solid shortstop.

4. Farm Top Five: Another Jones is making headlines in Atlanta's organization and it's not Chipper or the departed Andruw but Brandon Jones. This Jones has an outside chance to make the squad with a great Spring Training showing and could play left or center but he is more likely to start in the minors for more training. After Jones, we have pitching prospects Jair Jurrgens and Jo-Jo Reyes and Manny Acosta who could be in the bullpen to start the season. Another talented player is outfielder Jordan Schafer who is the leading candidate for long-term success in center.

5. 2008 Predicted Record: 83-79, 3rd place in the NL East

Nationals set to open season at New Ballpark

2008-02-23T14:11:00.000-08:00

Originally Posted on 2/18/08

Series of Team Overviews for 2008; Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals (formerly the Montreal Expos) have played all their home games at the old RFK in our nations capitol since moving to D.C. a few years ago and now, in 2008, the Nationals will finally have a home of their own. Nationals Park (until Corporate naming rights are sold) will be home of the first baseball game not being played in Japan. The Nationals will open up their new state of the art ballpark on Sunday Night, March 30th on ESPN with our current President, George W. Bush on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Let's hope we don't hear too many boos before a real first pitch is thrown...

Getting the nod for the Nats first opponent are the Atlanta Braves so we're likely to see future Hall of Famer John Smoltz pitching against.... ? Who knows who will be the Opening Day starter for the Nationals and it is for that reason along with some other offensive holes that should keep the Nationals from having a successful season.

On the other hand, the ballpark does look great from the photos found online. Some of the upper level seats will actually have sight lines of our U.S. Capitol Building. Although the team might struggle on the field, at least fans will have a great venue to watch a game and in time the Nationals should have enough revenue coming in to improve the squad. In the meantime, if you'd like more info on the Nationals new stadium, click here.

With the Nats on the field, they'll have young star Ryan Zimmerman at third leading the way but after that we're left with lots of question marks scattered around camp. Offensively, we should see better numbers with the new ballpark, on the flip side, it might also hurt the already dismal pitching staff. In taking a closer look at the team, we have position battles all over. At first base we have the Nats 2006 starter Nick Johnson battling 2007 starter and All-Star, Dimitri Young. Johnson has said to be completely healed from his broken leg injury and already swinging a hot stick but the edge has to go to Young, right? With the middle infield, we have three mediocre players vying for two spots including Ronnie Belliard, Christian Guzman and Felipe Lopez. My guess here is Belliard at 2b and Lopez at SS with Guzman getting called upon for late defensive help. In the outfield, the likely starters are Wily Mo Pena in left, newly acquired Lastings Milledge (via trade from Mets for Ryan Church) in center and Austin Kearns in right. However, Elijah Dukes (acquired via trade with Tampa Bay), Alex Escobar, Ryan Langerhans and Willie Harris are all in camp too trying to pull a starting spot in the outfield. We even have options behind the plate, with Johnny Estrada, Paul LoDuca, Chad Moeller and others. LoDuca should start once he returns from an injury but until then look to see Estrada behind the plate more often than not. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, the Nats also have two Boone's in camp. Both Aaron and Bret were signed to minor league deals and invited to camp. Funny thing here is they're probably battling each other for a spot on the roster, we'll see what happens there in time.

With the pitching staff, we find many names on the roster and in camp but most of them are names no one recognizes including Nats manager, Manny Acta. But, Acta will have to figure it all out by March 30th and then figure out who gets the historical starting nod. Probably the most notable name is John Patterson, who in the past had great stuff and numbers but injuries have limited Patterson for the last two seasons and might again this year. After Patterson, we're left with Shawn Hill who pitched effectively last year but was injury prone as well. The remainder of the staff has no set decisions but topping the list of options are Jason Bergmann, Matt Chico, Tyler Clippard and Joel Hanrahan. Either way, these arms don't have much of a chance at winning much games... fans will just have to hope the bullpen can provide ample relief. Rounding out the staff in the pen are closer Chad Cordero and arms Jon Rauch, Luis Ayala, Saul Rivera, Ray King and others. Cordero and Rauch have made a great one two combination dating back to the Expos days, we'll see if they're still both together at seasons end.

So Nationals fans, enjoy the new park cause you probably won't enjoy too many wins in 2008.

Projected Lineup:
1. Felipe Lopez, SS
2. Ronnie Belliard, 2b
3. Ryan Zimmerman, 3b
4. Dimitri Young / Nick Johnson, 1b
5. Austin Kearns, RF
6. Wily Mo Pena, LF
7. Lastings Milledge, CF
8. Paul LoDuca / Johnny Estrada, C

Final Five:

1. Fantasy Value: How about avoid starting pitching, buy Cordero and Rauch with care and other than Ryan Zimmerman don't depend on anyone in the lineup to produce. Okay, so maybe that's a little too harsh, but not really. One item of note though is the new ballpark should help produce better offensive numbers but the problem remains this team has too many question marks. Pretty much buy with care on anyone!!!

2. Most likely to be traded: This team will not be fighting for a playoff spot and would be a last place team in most divisions but are fortunate enough to have the Marlins sharing the NL East with them. With that said, many are candidates to be traded including either Nick Johnson or Dimitri Young, one of the three middle infielders (Lopez, Guzman or Belliard) and of course we could hear mentions of either Cordero or Rauch moving with whoever remains closing out games.

3. Break out player for 2008: Zimmerman is already considered an All-Star, Kearns and Pena have shown success at times but the most intriguing player on the roster is Milledge. Milledge was once considered a top prospect in the NY Mets system until recent years and maybe a change of scenery and more job security in Washington will be just what Lastings needs to have a break out year.

4. Farm Top Five: The Nationals minor league system isn't in great shape either and their top prospect is a marginal arm in Tyler Clippard (fighting for a rotation spot). After Clippard, the Nats have another arm in Ross Detwiler and three outfield prospects, Justin Maxwell, Michael Burgess and Chris Marrero.

5. 2008 Record Prediction: 68-94, 4th in NL East

Florida building more than a new team

2008-02-23T14:10:00.001-08:00

Originally Posted on 2/18/08

Series of Team Overviews for 2008: Florida Marlins

The Florida Marlins came into the league the same year as the Colorado Rockies, back in 1993. Since that time, storied franchises such as the LA Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates have missed out on chances to reach the World Series. However, the Marlins have not only reached it twice but won it each time. Following the Marlins first World Series title in 1997, the organization went through a complete firesale en route to then owner Wayne Huzienga eventual sale of the franchise. From there the team was able to rebuild quickly through key trades for minor leaguers and the development of a few others to win it all again in 2003.

Since 2003, the Marlins have been in the middle of yet another firesale which has caused multiple sub-par seasons and during this past off-season, the organization finally traded away the final pieces from that title season. Many had thought Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis would be moved but not in the same trade. In fact, Cabrera was close to moving out west to play for the Angels but the surprise team of the off-season ended up being the Detroit Tigers as they gambled with their future for the instant value of two all-stars in Cabrera and Willis, both of whom were playing in their rookie seasons in 2003.

In return for trading Cabrera and Willis to Detroit, the Marlins received six prospects to build their team around with the likes of current all-star, shortstop, Hanley Ramirez (obtained via the previous Josh Beckett trade with Boston years ago) and other parts in outfielders Josh Willingham and Jeremy Hermida along with some decent arms. Among the six players making the move to Florida were highly touted prospects, outfielder Cameron Maybin and starting pitcher Andrew Miller as well as catcher Mike Rabelo and reliever Eulogio De la Cruz.

The other big news for the Florida Marlins has been all the discussion amongst the team and government officials over the construction of a new baseball stadium. One in which the Marlins have never had. To date, the Marlins have had to share space and play in Dolphin stadium (Pro Player Stadium) which has strongly hindered the Marlins ability to maximize revenue thus preventing them from keeping and obtaining the best talent. Currently, the team has a $515M proposal with two counties to keep the Marlins in the city of Miami utilizing the now vacant Orange Bowl. Included in the final proposal is $155 million contribution by the Marlins for the 37,000 seat proposed venue. If approved, the Marlins will be in their new home by 2011, which might be the next time the Marlins have a winning season...

As for 2008, the Marlins will field yet another young team with superstar Ramirez leading the way. The rest of the team is comprised of Mike Jabobs at 1b, Dan Uggla at 2b (although there have been some talks of moving the power hitter to third), outfielders Willingham and Hermida at the corners with the center-field job Maybin's to lose. If the Marlins decide Maybin needs more seasoning in the minors then look for Hermida to move to CF with veteran Luis Gonzalez taking over in right or left. Two positions that still don't have a favorite are 3b (vacated by Cabrera) and catcher. Third will be battled out by non-roster invites Jorge Cantu, Jose Castillo and Dallas McPherson while the backstop will likely be newly acquired Mike Rabelo of Matt Treanor.

On the mound, the Marlins have a few injury problems with both Josh Johnson and Anibal Sanchez laid up on the DL. By default, the rotation will consist of Scott Olsen, Sergio Mitre, Ricky Nolasco and the probable newly signed Mark Hendricksen and rookie Andrew Miller. The bullpen has a little more certainty with names like Henry Owens, flame-thrower Matt Lindstorm and Taylor Tankersley holding up for closer Kevin Gregg.

Fans in Florida by now are use to the rebuilding process so hopefully they'll be supportive this go around as the Marlins strive to get back to the success of 1997 and 2003.

Projected Lineup:
1. Cameron Maybin, CF
2. Dan Uggla, 2b
3. Hanley Ramirez, SS
4. Josh Willingham, LF
5. Jeremy Hermida, RF
6. Mike Jacobs, 1b
7. Dallas McPherson, 3b
8. Matt Treanor, C

Final Five:

1. Fantasy Value: One name worth mentioning, HANLEY RAMIREZ! Whether Ramirez bats 1st or 3rd, he is going to put up huge offensive numbers. Last season, Ramirez, batted .332, hit 29 home runs, scored another 125 while batting in 81 and stealing 51 bases... these are numbers of a premier shortstop and a 1st round pick. Both Willingham and Hermida have solid chances for 20-25 HR's and an average of .275-.300. Uggla has power but always has a low batting average and while Maybin might be a future Alfonso Soriano, he was also only six years old when the Marlins were an expansion team. If he does make the squad, you can expect 10-15 HR's and plenty of steals from Maybin who will probably struggle with his batting average at the get go. On the pitching side, it's too bad Josh Johnson is still hurt as there isn't much value in the rotation, although Miller has ace stuff. Look for Gregg to put up above average numbers in the closers role.

2. Most likely to be traded: Who isn't likely to be traded from this team; it seems anyone that is no longer under control contractually (or an arbitration case) is likely to be moved. However, on this team, veteran additions Luis Gonzalez and Mark Hendricksen (both signed as free agents to one year deals) are likely to be moved to contenders before the July 31st deadline.

3. Break out player of 2008: They traded to all-stars for them so how about Maybin and Miller.

4. Farm Top Five: Excluding Maybin and Miller and you're left with pitchers Chris Volstad, Gagy Hernandez, second baseman Chris Coghlan, first baseman Gaby Sanchez and another arm received from Detroit in De la Cruz.

5. 2008 Record Prediction: 64-98, 5th (last) in NL East

Red Sox going for 3 out of 5

2008-02-23T14:08:00.001-08:00

Originally Posted on 2/10/08

Series of Team Overviews for 2008; Boston Red Sox

I can still remember the extra inning home run hit by then Yankee, Aaron Boone against the Red Sox in the playoffs just a few years ago thus prolonging the Curse of the Bambino. But I can also remember the most amazing comeback in MLB post-season history when the Sox came back down 3 games to none to beat the Yankees and eventually win the World Series in 2004 (after a 86 year wait that started in 1918). That season of 2004 placed the Red Sox among the great powerhouses in MLB and ever since they've been considered contenders every year and last season they won yet another World Series title, sweeping their counterpart again, this time the Rockies (Cardinals were opponent in 2004).

So after winning two titles in four years, the Red Sox will look to become a dynasty in 2008 with a potential third title in fives seasons. How will they do it, well it'll be behind one of the deepest rosters in the majors and an excellent farm system protecting them from any serious injuries.

For 2007, the big name off-season addition was Daisuke Matsuzaka coming over from Japan after a record breaking posting fee of $51mm and then followed by a contract of $52+mm and outfielder J.D. Drew and shortstop Julio Lugo (the later two being contracts Sox fans want to forget). In 2008 however, the big news was the deal that wasn't made when the Sox would drop out of the Johan Santana running as did their rival Yankees allowing the Mets to pull in and trade for him.

But enough of who isn't on the Sox, how about who is, which are the same group of players (minus 2007 mid-season pick-up and bust Eric Gagne) that won the Series last year and are clear favorites for the 2008 season.

The offense will have back David "Big Papi" Ortiz, free agent to be (after 2008) Manny Ramirez, Mike Lowell, J.D. Drew, Julio Lugo, last years rookie of the year Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, captain Jason Varitek and potential rookie of the year in 2008, Jacoby Ellsbury. The bench is pretty solid too with outfielders Coco Crisp, Bobby Kielty, Alex Cora and Sean Casey.

On the pitching front, we have two post-season stars in Josh Beckett and Curt Schilling. Beckett actually won the ALCS MVP award last year. Schilling, who had a tough season during the regular year shinned bright again in the playoffs but has recently had some controversy over his head with an apparent shoulder injury that the Sox didn't detect before signing him to a one-year extension. Whatever the injury is, it didn't seem to effect Schilling during the playoffs so one would think he'll be able to contribute in 2008 albeit with some limitations with overall innings pitched... rounding up the rotation is Matsuzaka "Dice-K," Jon Lester and Tim Wakefield plus Clay Buchholz who pitched a no-hitter in his second Major League start last season. The bullpen has today's best closer in Jonathan Papelbon and great set-up guys in Manny Delcarmen, Hideki Okajima, Javier Lopez, Mike Timlin and Julian Tavarez.

Waiting in the wings are great young stars shortstop Jed Lowrie, first baseman Lars Anderson, outfielders Brandon Moss and Ryan Kalish and pitchers Justin Masterson, Craig Hansen, Darren Hansack, Bryce Cox and Daniel Bard.

With all these weapons, the Red Sox will have yet again, great reason and talent to ensure General Manager Theo Epstein, Manager Terry Francona and the rest of the Red Sox brass will have another generation of Red Sox Nation fans!

Projected Lineup:
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2b
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Manny Ramirez, LF
5. Mike Lowell, 3b
6. Kevin Youkilis, 1b
7. J.D. Drew, RF
8. Jason Varitek, C
9. Julio Lugo, SS

Final Five:

1. Fantasy Value: Are you kidding, the World Champs are covered in great fantasy players! Big Papi is a perennial HR hitter with great RBI and average numbers each year. ManRam may play games (figuratively and literally) but he is still a top 10 outfielder, Pedroia was the ROY in 2007, Lowell had one of his best seasons and will get many chances to drive runs in, Drew should improve, Youkilis is a great buy and Varitek, although getting older is still a very productive catcher. As for Ellsbury, he might just be the next Grady Sizemore. With pitchers, Beckett is a top five starter, Schilling when healthy is great (should be able to buy low), Dice-K put up big numbers his first season and Papelbon is the best closer on the planet. Oh, and don't forget about the Red Sox young arms of Buchholz and Lester.

2. Most likely to be traded: Coco Crisp is good enough to start in this league, too bad for him, he has Ellsbury on the roster with him.

3. Break-out player of 2008: How about all the names discussed in trade talks with Minnesota for Johan Santana... Ellsbury, Buchholz and Lester.

4. Farm Top Five: Two of the three listed above are considered rookies so Ellsbury and Buchholz make the cut. As do Lowrie and pitchers Masterson and Craig Hansen.

5. 2008 Record Prediction: 100-62, 1st in the AL East

Yankees turn to Youth for 2008

2008-02-23T14:06:00.001-08:00

Originally Posted 2/10/08

Series of Team Overviews for 2008; New York Yankees

When big name players become available via free agency or possible trades the New York Yankees are automatically in the thick of it. Even if there is no truth to the rumors, the Yankees still become involved because that will inevitably drive the price up for all the other teams to retain their talent or in some cases what comes back in trades. It's a ploy that seems to have started with long-time Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and passed down to his two sons Hank and Hal who have recently taken over the reigns on the billion dollar franchise.

The voice of reason for the Yanks, who is sometimes pushed into the Steinbrenner shadows is General Manager, Brian Cashman. It is Cashman who in the off-season persisted that the Yankees not push the envelope and trade for and sign star pitcher Johan Santana. For Cashman that meant taxing the future too much. For the Yankees, who are expected to win a title every year, it's a tough call to make one way or the other but after running the payroll to $218MM in 2007 (a new all-time high) it does seem wise to hold onto all the Yankees young talent providing great flexibility with the payroll. After all, if the current roster doesn't get it done then trades will be made by the July 31st deadline or in the off-season when players like C.C. Sabathia and Mark Teixeira become available.

So as we head into 2008, the final season of baseball in the house that Ruth built, Yankee Stadium, the team will look to embark on yet again another playoff season but this time without the likeable and long-time Yankee Manager, Joe Torre. Torre who felt spun by the Yanks off-season offer turned down the Yanks and signed with the Dodgers. New York then reached out to another Joe and signed former Yankee and Torre protege, Joe Girardi.

Returning for Girardi among many others will be what many think is baseball's best natural talent today, 3b Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez who opted out of his contract with the Yanks in the off-season to test the waters with then agent Scott Boras came crawling back to the New York powerhouse knowing no better deal could be had elsewhere. So, here we are, months later and it really feels like these two needed each other, Rodriguez and the Yanks are the perfect match and will keep being a huge draw once moved into the new ballpark in 2009.

Although Rodriguez (Arod) is baseball's highest paid player, it is captain and four-time World Series Champion, SS Derek Jeter that leads the team. Other great Yankee veterans include catcher Jorge Posada and closer Mariano Rivera (both resigned this off-season). There is also other home-grown talent with 2b Robinson Cano (who just signed an extension), outfielder Melky Cabrera, starter Chien-Ming Wang and one of the many steroid stories this off-season with pitcher Andy Pettitte. Recent Yankee call-ups include the three young pitching stars, Joba Chamberlain, Philip Hughes and Ian Kennedy. All three were coveted in trade talks and all three should open the season on the Yankees roster. All of the above players coupled with past free agent signings and veterans acquired in trades like Bobby Abreu, Hideki Matsui, Mike Mussina, Johnny Damon and Jason Giambi and you have one of the scariest and strongest teams in all of baseball, not to mention the most expensive.

With this roster and payroll, no less than a playoff appearance will be acceptable and in the dangerous American League, nothing is for certain. The Yankees have another great team sharing the East with them in their arch-rival, the Boston Red Sox plus the Detroit Tigers, Anaheim Angels, Seattle Mariners and the team that knocked them out last season, the Cleveland Indians to compete against. But if the Yankee starters can improve on their struggles from 2007 and continue to score as many runs as they have in the past then this team will be very hard to beat.

I will say that by not landing pitcher Johan Santana, the Yanks may be lacking a true #1 starter. Thus, they will need to receive solid seasons from Wang, Pettitte and hope that Mussina reverts back to two seasons ago and not his 2007 numbers. If this doesn't happen then the Yankees will have to be more reliant on Hughes, Chamberlain and Kennedy, which could hurt them in their fight to win the East or Wild Card.

The final pieces of the Yanks include players on the bench like infielders Morgan Ensberg, Shelley Duncan and Wilson Betemit and relievers Kyle Farnsworth, Latroy Hawkins and Brian Bruney.

Projected Lineup:
1. Johnny Damon, LF
2. Derek Jeter, SS
3. Bobby Abreu, RF
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3b
5. Hideki Matsui, DH
6. Jorge Posada, C
7. Robinson Cano, 2b
8. Jason Giambi, 1b
9. Melky Cabrera, CF

Final Five:

1. Fantasy Value: Let's just say when your Major League roster costs more than $200mm you're gonna have a lot of fantasy baseball value. Let's start with Arod, who is the #1 player on most lists, then you have one of the top shortstops in Jeter and second baseman in Cano. Damon, Matsui and Abreu are all considered top OF options and even Melky Cabrera batting in the nine hole could produce. At catcher, the Yanks have another top performer in Posada. On the pitching side you have one of the greatest closers of all time with Mariano Rivera and then starters that always win games with Wang and Pettitte. Not to mention the young arms that will attract attention on draft day in Chamberlain, Hughes and Kennedy.

2. Most likely to be traded: I'm sure the Yankees would love to trade Giambi but his contract will make that very difficult so expect him to play out the final year of his contract in New York which leaves young starters Hughes and Kennedy plus some great minor league talent as the most likely tradeable commodities with the Yanks.

3. Breakout player in 2008: We were already given a taste late last season when some of the Yankees young talent got called up but we haven't seen the least of it yet. Expect big things this year from all three pitchers, Chamberlain, Hughes and Kennedy (in that order).

4. Farm Top Five: This system is loaded and we're starting to see the best of the best coming up already (see above) but the top on my list (excluding Hughes as he is no longer rookie eligible) includes Chamberlain, Kennedy, another pitcher Humberto Sanchez and outfielders Jose Tabata and Austin Jackson.

5. 2008 Record Prediction: 95-67, 2nd in AL East, Wild Card

The Third Place, Toronto Blue Jays

2008-02-23T14:03:00.000-08:00

Originally Posted on 2/10/08

Series of Team Overviews for 2008; Toronto Blue Jays

Let's be honest, is there a team in baseball that is more likely to finish 3rd than the Blue Jays? I feel like every season the Blue Jays finish third and that's probably because it's true. In fact, the Jays have finished 3rd in the AL East in all but two seasons since 1998, that's a 10 year period!

2008 will most likely be no different with the Red Sox and Yankees battling just above the Jays for the top spots in the AL East but the Blue Jays might be closing the recent gap. The Blue Jays have one of baseball's most well-rounded rosters with offensive threats and a great pitching core. That's how the Jays ended their 2007 season and this off-season has been pretty quiet with there not being much payroll flexibility but the Jays were able to add high energy shortstop David Eckstein and then trade the disappointing Troy Glaus (injured most of 2007) for another questionable 3b in Scott Rolen. Rolen should provide a great boast on the defense side and if healthy will be a great complement to the already other dangerous right handed bats in the lineup, DH Frank Thomas, CF Vernon Wells and RF Alex Rios.

But let's make no mistake, the rosters most impressive asset is the starting pitchers. Potential CY Young candidate Roy Halladay is the Ace with A.J. Burnett just behind him. Rounding out the rotation are young guns Shaun Marcum, Dustin McGowan and the Spring Training battle of Gustavo Chacin vs. Jesse Litsch for the fifth spot. The bullpen should be better in 2008 as B.J. Ryan isn't too far from returning from Tommy John surgery which would allow Jeremy Accardo to return to the set-up role that has other strong arms in Casey Janssen, Scott Downs and Jason Frasor. The Blue Jays at the very least should cause some havoc and remain in the Wild Card hunt through August.

Projected Lineup:
1. David Eckstein, SS
2. Lyle Overbay, 1b
3. Vernon Wells, CF
4. Frank Thomas, DH
5. Alex Rios, RF
6. Scott Rolen, 3b
7. Adam Lind / Reed Johnson, LF
8. Aaron Hill, 2b
9. Greg Zaun, C

Final Five:

1. Fantasy Value: As stated above, the pitching is the best bet with Halladay and Burnett being two of the best when healthy. Young arms Marcum and McGowan should be available relatively cheap and B.J. Ryan slated to return in May to June may become available at bargain prices too. Offensively, Vernon Wells struggled last season but look for him to bounce back in 2008. Alex Rios continues to improve with each season and is now a top 25 fantasy outfielder.

2. Most likely to be traded: Tough question with teams that should compete but my choice will be surplus bullpen arms for offensive upgrades or Adam Lind if he can't win the LF job full-time. Without Lind, the Jays would give more playing time to Johnson and allow Matt Stairs to receive more at bats (which would provide a much needed left handed bat to the lineup).

3. Breakout player for 2008: Alex Rios certainly took this title for the Jays in 2007, although Marcum and McGowan were strong as well. Look for Marcum and McGowan to only get better...

4. Farm Top Five: The Jays don't have much talent compared to their counterparts in the AL East but the top players are outfielders Travis Snider and Ryan Patterson, shortstop Sergio Santos (former D-back), starter Chi-Hung Cheng and the commodity of a young catcher, Robinson Diaz.

5. 2008 Record Prediction: 85-77, 3rd place in the AL East

No More Devil in Tampa Bay Rays

2008-02-23T14:02:00.000-08:00

Originally Posted on 2/10/08

Series of Team Overviews for 2008; Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays have made quite a few changes this off-season, the most recognizable one starting with the change of their name. Since their very first season in 1998, Tampa Bay was known as the Devil Rays but after 10 seasons and 10 losing years, Tampa Bay decided to take the Devil out of their name and are now known as the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Rays also traded away two former top prospects that both played roles in 2008 on the Major League squad with the departures of Delmon Young (traded to Minnesota) and Elijah Dukes (traded to Washington). Both had been looked at as "Devils" in their own right with trouble off the field and in Delmon Young's case, even trouble on the field. You might remember the story from a couple of seasons ago when a minor league player threw a bat at an umpire, yep that was Young. But both are exceptional talents, especially Young who brought young arm Matt Garza to the Rays from Minnesota.

The Rays may not be a playoff contender yet but they have a great farm system and some stars in the making on the Major League Roster which means no team will have it easy against Tampa Bay this year.

Let's look a little further into the Rays roster of talent; Tampa Bay is building with great pieces at the infield corners, possibly the most athletic outfield in baseball and some great young arms in the rotation and veterans in the pen. The Rays will have Carlos Pena playing 1b (the same Pena that knocked 46 HR's in 2007) and potential rookie of the year candidate Evan Longoria starting at 3b. The outfield has speedsters with pop at every position, Carl Crawford in LF, converted infielder, B.J. Upton in CF and oft-injured Rocco Baldelli starting in RF. For insurance purposes, the Rays signed veteran Cliff Floyd in case Baldelli can't play everyday. In all, the Rays are legitimate threats to score 5 to 6 runs a game and win more ballgames then they ever have (not to hard since the current high is 70 wins in 2004).

On the pitching side, the Rays have typically been no less than horrible, that is except for Scott Kazmir and James Shields who have led the rotation in recent years. But Kazmir and Shields haven't been enough. However, this is all about to change. In trading Young and acquiring Matt Garza, the Rays give themselves a solid #3 starter and will let a group of young arms compete for the coveted fourth and fifth spots in the rotation. Leading contenders include Edwin Jackson, Andy Sonnanstine and even younger arms Jason Hammel and Jeff Niemann. So 2008 will be a little shaky for the back-end of the rotation but on the way are three of the best top pitchers in all of minor league baseball with David Price, Wade Davis and Jack McGee.

The bullpen has long time closer and veteran Troy Percival (signed this off-season) joining Al Reyes and Dan Wheeler (acquired late in 2007 from Houston for Ty Wiggington) and possible other arms Trevor Miller, Grant Balfour (funny pitching name), Gary Glover and those that don't make the rotation.

Projected Lineup:
1. Akinori Iwamura, 2b
2. Rocco Baldelli, RF
3. Carl Crawford, LF
4. Carlos Pena, 1b
5. B.J. Upton, CF
6. Evan Longoria, 3b
7. Jonny Gomes / Cliff Floyd, DH
8. Dioneer Navarro, C
9. Jason Bartlett, SS

Final Five:

1. Fantasy Value: The Rays have lots of value and value that may come cheap in auction drafts. This team has plenty of players that could hit anywhere from 15-25 HR's and steal over 20-25 bases with Carl Crawford, B.J. Upton and Baldelli. Pena hit over 40 HR's in 2007 and led the team in RBI's with 121. Then you have Longoria who could be the next David Wright or Ryan Braun. Splitting closing duties will most likely be Percival and Al Reyes and on the starting side, you can't go wrong with strikeout pitcher Scott Kazmir or other solid arms in Shields and Garza.

2. Most Likely to be traded: Down the stretch as the Rays promote younger talent, you may see names like Gomes, Floyd, Bartlett and some lesser valued starters like Hammel and Niemann moving but health will probably play a bigger role. There are always rumors of Crawford moving but I think Tampa Bay would be crazy to move him!

3. Break-out player for 2008: This will be the year of Longoria but next year will be pitchers making a splash in Tampa Bay

4. Farm Top Five: See Longoria above (potential ROY candidate at 3b), future starters, David Price, Jake McGee and Wade Davis and lastly, the future starting SS, Reid Brignac.

5. 2008 Prediction: 74-88, 4th place in the AL East and the Rays best record ever

First Overview, Worst MLB Team?

2008-02-23T14:00:00.000-08:00

Originally Posted on 2/10/08

Series of Team Overviews for 2008; Baltimore Orioles

It seems that the Baltimore Orioles haven't played in a meaningful game since back in the mid 90's when the infamous Jeffrey Meier interference call was made helping the Yankees advance in the post-season... since then the Birds have posted one losing season after another. Who's to blame, well, my vote would go to Peter Angelos, owner of the Orioles. He seems to rule the house and bring it down with him. On top of that, revenues are probably declining too as the nostalgia of one of the greatest ballparks in baseball (Camden Yards) wears off more with each season. Angelos was even voted recently as the worst owner in all of professional sports (must be nice walking around in Baltimore with that title). Click here for more: Voted worst owner by Sports Illustrated, Angelos

All in all, the franchise that was once led by the likes of Cal Ripken Jr. now has a roster made up of mostly mediocre and young un-proven players. But there is hope, albeit small. This off-season has seen some progress, with the start of the rebuilding phase. Problem is, it should have started years ago... Now the question is did the Orioles pick up the right pieces??? Time will tell, but one thing for sure is the Orioles are in one of baseball's strongest divisions and one in which includes both the Yankees and Red Sox. Plus the promising Rays (one of baseball's best farm systems) and the Blue Jays who may compete with both the Yanks and Sox in 2008. Thus, it will be years before the Orioles are looked at as contenders. The most likely pick for the Orioles this year, is last in the AL East and another losing season, one that could be worst in baseball for 2008.

With that said, though, let's look at the Orioles off-season moves and breakdown a few of their trades and some that are still expected:

The rebuilding phase started this off-season with the trade of prized shortstop and former MVP, Miguel Tejada going to Houston for a plethora of average arms with promise including potential starters in Troy Patton and Matt Albers and OF Luke Scott. I actually wrote a short piece on this move when it was first reported, Astros trade 1/2 their team for Tejada. I liked the move for the Orioles then and I still do. The Birds needed some depth in a weak starting rotation (knowing Erik Bedard would be traded too) and although neither Patton or Albers could be the right pieces, they're worth the risk for an aging shortstop who's best years are behind him while being one of the highest paid players in the game. Scott actually posted similar offensive numbers as Tejada and given the opportunity to play everyday could prove to be a successful move for Baltimore.

The other big move was the center of attention for what seemed like years. The rumors around Erik Bedard were about as common as Britney Spears latest Taco Bell or hospital outing... but the deal was finally completed last week with Bedard moving to the Seattle Mariners for another list of pitchers headed by reliever George Sherrill and minor league prospect Chris Tillman along with top prospect OF Adam Jones. With Jones patrolling CF in 2008, the Orioles have a solid young OF core. Scott will play left and the most likely candidate to make the AL All-Star team in 2008 and beyond will be in RF, Nick Markakis.

The rest of the starters shape out like this; veterans Kevin Millar, Jay Gibbons and Aubrey Huff platooning at 1B and DH, Brian Roberts (until he's traded) will start at 2B and bat leadoff in the lineup, SS will likely be rookie Luis Hernandez and at 3B, we'll see Melvin Mora. As mentioned above, the starting OF will have Scott, Adam Jones and Markakis with Jay Payton coming in off the bench. Starting at catcher will be Ramon Hernandez.

The rotation will consist of three hold-overs from last season with Jeremy Guthrie, Daniel Cabrera and Adam Loewen with the final two spots open for Troy Patton, Matt Albers, Hayden Penn and Lance Cromier battling it out for the final two spots. Bullpen will include some common names like Chad Bradford, Jamie Walker and whoever doesn't win nods in the rotation. Also coming out of the pen will be newly acquired Sherrill and rookie Garrett Olson. The two may even fight for the closers role with both Danys Baez and Chris Ray out for the year with injuries. Greg Aquino, Esteban Yan, Dennis Sarfate and young arm Radhames Liz may also get looks for the bullpen.

Projected Lineup:
1. Brian Roberts, 2b
2. Melvin Mora, 3b
3. Nick Markakis, RF
4. Kevin Millar / Jay Gibbons, 1b
5. Aubrey Huff, DH
6. Ramon Hernandez, C
7. Luke Scott, LF
8. Adam Jones, CF
9. Luis Hernandez, SS

Final Five:

1. Fantasy Value: I don't expect Brian Roberts to be an Oriole for too long but he has great value for his ability at the plate and on the base paths, expect another 40+ SB season with a good average and runs scored for whoever he ends up playing for (most likely the Cubs). Markakis also has great value as he hit over 20 HR's and had 112 RBI's with a .300 average in 2007. Ramon Hernandez continues to be a solid option at catcher and Adam Jones and Luke Scott could surprise some this year. Don't expect any big seasons from any of the starters but in deeper AL-only leagues some value can be found.

2. Most likely to be traded in 2008: this is easy, Brian Roberts. Also, don't be shocked if it doesn't stop there with veterans like Mora, Millar and Gibbons becoming available down the stretch.

3. Breakout player in 2008: Markakis nailed this down last year, this season, my top option is Adam Jones. Jones may start off slow but come the second half, he should show us all his great potential.

4. Farm Top Five: pitchers, Troy Patton, Chris Tillman and Radhames Liz along with OF Nolan Reimold and 3b Billy Rowell.

5. 2008 Prediction: 61-101, last in AL East

The Ultimate Cleat Chaser

2008-02-23T13:59:00.001-08:00

Originally Posted on 1/26/08

After three seasons of working in Minor League Baseball and a short stint being affiliated with a Major League squad, I have a great sense of the term "Cleat Chaser." Basically its slang for baseball groupie but typically referred in the sense of the female demographic. Cleat Chasers are quite the group and usually very entertaining in their own right.

Back in my Minor League days it was very common to see the local ladies come in herds to the ballpark for there shot or glimpse of these good looking pro-ballplayers, they'd befriend one another before, after and sometimes even during games (the dugouts and on-deck circles weren't that far away). But ultimately it was the night life that kept these groups on par with one another. The guys would visit the few bars around town and you'd always see the same group of girls chasing... hence the term "Cleat Chaser." These poor girls may have known what they were getting themselves into but they probably didn't care either. They all had this ridiculous dream of their ballplayer or fling of the week making it big and actually taking them with. The players would all sleep around and sometimes even recycle ladies with one another. What's worse is some of the team would have their actual girlfriends come in town one week and then once they left it was back to work with the normal groupie crew. For some, the plan actually worked. Okay, maybe just one that I know of but the "Cleat Chasers" got what they were looking for and the guys got a few more stories. Heck, I'm not calling out either group, just making light of it. I hear that some of the past chasers I knew are still at it, turning into some what of a Susan Sarandon type from the movie Bull Durham.

I must admit though, when I think of the "Ultimate Cleat Chaser," only one girl comes to mind and she is a beauty. She's one that really doesn't need to be chased and maybe it's the other way around but Alyssa Milano takes the cake for her "Cleat Chasing" abilities. She has not only been linked to New York Yankee pitcher, Carl Pavano, Boston Red Sox starter, Josh Beckett, San Francisco Giants star, Barry Zito but most recently, Dodger pitcher Brad Penny. I guess she really likes pitchers, so much so that I've type casted her... that's not where it ends though. Milano has parlayed her love affairs into the business world and actually created a new cloting line called, Touch, which focuses on women's apparel for the baseball fan. In essence, Milano has her pitcher and new business venture that should create enough revenue to keep her from having to appear on any Who's the Boss or Charmed reunions. Congrats to Alyssa and Brad Penny. Penny, she really seems out of even your league. I guess I should've tried harder to become a pitcher myself... in the end, let's just hope it helps get more wins and revenue for the Dodgers too!

Free Agent Leftovers

2008-02-23T13:57:00.002-08:00

Originally Posted on 1/26/08

We're less than a month away from pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training sites in Florida and Arizona and yet we still have a huge surplus of Major League veterans waiting around by the phone for their next opportunity to come knocking and in some cases, it may not happen.

It seems most teams are content with where they currently stand, although we do still have multiple trade rumors. Mostly swirling out of Baltimore with the Orioles (pitcher Erik Bedard, 2b Brian Roberts and others) and the Twins in Minnesota (star pitcher Johan Santana). My guess is once these big names move to their new homes, we'll have a few more free agents signed and then there are other teams still looking for a few final pieces and additional Spring Training invitations that some will accept. Overall, most teams are happy to advance their minor league talent and see how they fare before committing extra dollars to veteran commodities that aren't huge difference makers to begin with.

So in lieu of Spring Training and the homeless names out there, here are a list of players that may interest your favorite squad: INF Sean Casey (1b), Tony Clark (1b), Pedro Feliz (3b), common pitch hitters, Mark Sweeney and Olmedo "Killer Tomato" Saenz, utility guys Todd Walker, Eric Hinske Ramon Martinez, John McDonald. OF Bobby Kielty, Reggie Sanders, Shawn Green, Shannon Stewart, Steve Finley, Corey Patterson, Trot Nixon, Kenny Lofton, Luis Gonzalez and of course potential Hall of Famers in Mike Piazza, Sammy Sosa and Barry Bonds. On the pitching front, we still have available, former Cy Young award winner, Bartolo Colon, starters Odalis Perez, Steve Tracshel, Jeff Weaver, Livan Hernandez, Eric Milton, Brian Lawrence, Kyle Loshe, Kip Wells, David Wells and oft-injured Kris Benson and Freddy Garcia. Need some relief pitching help, how about former closer Armando Benitez, or Roberto Hernandez, Antonio Alfonseca, Aaron Sele, Ray King, Jorge Julio, Rudy Seanez, Trevor Miller and Darren Oliver. And then you have the other big name, Roger Clemens, who still hasn't officially retired.

Plenty of names still listed as Free Agents... besides the names of Bonds, Piazza, Sosa and Clemens, does it really matter? What does matter is trades but those talks still are just that, talks.

If you're interested in seeing some team previews for the upcoming season then check back as I'll start to post some organizational outlooks for 2008.

Coachella Lineup Official

2008-02-23T13:57:00.001-08:00

A few years back I had some friends from my college years hype up a music festival, Coachella. Now, I've always been a big music fan but must admit sports had always come first. Well, that was until Coachella.

Unfortunately I had to miss Coachella the first year I heard of it, due to work (baseball games) but I went in 2006 and plan to be there every year here on out. Primarily because the World Series is in October and Coachella is the last weekend of April (I can see a few Dodger games on TV).

For me, Coachella isn't just a great music festival, it's one of my favorite annual road trips. I happen to go on a lot of road trips during the course of the year, mostly up and down the CA coast and parts of Central CA but Coachella is unlike any other. For one thing, it involves a great group of friends that I don't see as often as others and for another, it's not a big drinking trip. It's more about good times and good music spread over three days with good friends.

With that in mind, those that haven't been, I recommend that everyone look into it (you can find out more information at www.coachella.com). It may not have all the big familiar names playing this year or even any of the big one's rumored but I'm sure I'll still leave with at least 5 to 10 new bands that I'll love.

Of the names rumored that don't appear on the official list, Beck, Modest Mouse, OutKast, Mars Volta, Feist, The Chemical Brothers, Common and of course Radiohead will be missed.

However, I will be looking forward to seeing Jack Johnson again... and the Raconteurs, Animal Collective, Architecture in Helsinki, Portishead, Death Cab, M.I.A., Rilo Kiley, Cold War Kids, Hot Chip, My Morning Jacket, Cool Kids, Murs, a personal fav in Brett Dennen and many more.

Peter Gammons, back from Vacation

2008-02-23T13:55:00.000-08:00

Originally Posted on 1/21/08

Peter Gammons most recent blog entry... it's nice to have him back, enjoy!

Cyberspace exploration

posted: Monday, January 21, 2008 | Print Entry
filed under: MLB

Nevis, nestled in the Caribbean, is a near-perfect place to disappear a month before spring training. The population is the same as it was when Alexander Hamilton was born there in 1755, which is a good thing.

There are four times as many monkeys as people, and you don't have to read or hear the same things about Roger Clemens every day, at least until he's bound to the truth. Also good. There's no MSNBC, which means no "Morning Joe," which is not good.

It is against the law to curse in public. Very good. There was a guy complaining about not liking Tom Brady, which means misanthropy lives everywhere, but even if there are people who can complain about the best and the brightest, there wasn't a tabloid story on Britney or Lindsay to be found, or a Bob's Discount Furniture commercial. Praise the Lord.

Because of the climate, sheep have no wool, so you learn that you can tell a goat from a lamb because goats have their tails up, lambs have their tails down. Hence, it is the perfect place to read David Halberstam's epic "The Coldest Winter," since the Korean War is like a black hole few of us understood until the greatest journalist who ever lived completed his 30-year work. Ronald Brownstein's "The Second Civil War" is a must-read, as is Fay Vincent's wonderful "I Would Have Played For Nothing," child of Lawrence Ritter's "The Glory of Their Times."

Near the end of my stay, a gentleman walked by and said, "Do you have to work on vacation?" He was staring at The Hardball Times Annual 2008 as if it were a business textbook. No need to answer.

One of the aspects that Brownstein examines in his study is how hyperpartisanism has left government polarized and frozen. While Democrats love to complain about the hyper-right, the liberal blogs like The Daily Kos have effectively shouted down the conciliatory nature of the DLC, which has worked so hard to try to make government work. Internet politics have, in many ways, become more important than the grand traditions of the newsweeklies, face time on MSNBC and Fox News or endorsements from the big daily newspapers.

So Internet politics have simply mirrored the world we now know as Internet sports. Sure, some of us old-timers still love a stack of newspapers draped across the front of the StairMaster, or still enjoy sitting at Peet's with a huge cup of coffee and The New York Times, Post and Daily News. But the reality is that while I try not to miss any of those newspapers, they're normally read on the Internet before 7 a.m., and there are sites that I never miss: Buster Olney's blog on ESPN.com; David Pinto's Baseball Musings; Tim Dierkes' MLBTradeRumors.com; Baseball Prospectus (hey, Will Carroll's "Under The Knife" remains the one column that cannot be missed); The Hardball Times; Baseball America; and, because I am from New England and like to be caught up, the Boston Sports Media Watch. I do not want any psychologist to know how many times a day I go to ESPN.com, Baseball Musings or MLBTradeRumors.com to check updates. And, sure, I never miss Curt Schilling.

I make no bones about my strong feelings about the human element. Pure numbers cannot do justice to character and drive and energy. They cannot measure the impact Robin Yount had on teamates when he ran down the first-base line at the same breakneck speed (one scout had nearly 90 Yount games in a six- or seven-year period and claimed he never got Yount faster than 3.9 seconds, or slower than 4.0). Mariano Rivera, Josh Beckett and David Wright are what they are because of who they are.

Stat lines cannot quantify work habits, the ability to learn, emotional stability, etc., but they are important guidelines by which to remind us that, in the end, performance counts.

There are bloggers and sites that savage those in the media who do interact with players and try to spend time understanding their motivations. We don't have to agree. Joe Sheehan wrote a brilliant piece off a discussion we had about Jack Morris, and while I respect his opinion and am still in awe of his research, I still remember what it was like being around those Tigers, Twins and Blue Jays teams when Morris took the ball and the responsibilities, as opposed to the six-inning wonders who looked into their dugouts. I still believe that Morris was the best of his era, that closing two World Series stands for something and that Game 7 in 1991 defined how he transcended the human elements that so alter the sport. That doesn't make Sheehan wrong.

Bill James is trying to define clutch, what made George Brett so different, or sets David Ortiz, when healthy, apart in swagger and presence. You can present me with 4,765 pages of anti-Derek Jeter material; it won't work, I watch him too much.

But those are parts of a greater landscape of arguments. The fact is that we all know more about baseball because of the proliferation of creative thought. Run through Baseball Think Factory, The Baseball Analysts, Squawking Baseball, Sabernomics, Beyond the Box Score, Dan Agonistes, John Sickels' minorleagueball.com. For everything, Deadspin.

Unfortunately, time keeps most of us from getting to those sites specific to teams. It's amazing how many club officials read USS Mariner (Seattle), Fire Brand of the American League (Boston), Ducksnorts (San Diego), Athletics Nation (Oakland), Viva El Birdos (St. Louis), Lone Star Ball (Texas), River Ave. Blues (Yankees), MetsBlog.com, FishStripes (Florida), Dodger Thoughts, Bronx Banter (great writing), The LoHud Yankees Blog, Reds Reporter (Cincinnati), Bleed Cubbie Blue, Brew Crew Ball (Milwaukee) and more.

And you need an update on steroids? Try Baseball's Steroid Era (an informative blog).

There are probably hundreds of sites I have missed. If so, hopefully, they'll run by my laptop. But as we begin the 2008 season, our information, understanding and thought processes have been dramatically altered from the days when a Sunday newspaper notes column seemed significant. And, as fans, we are so much better off for all the work that is being done.

"The Coldest Winter" is not homework. Neither is "The Second Civil War."

Or The Hardball Times Annual. It's what we enjoy.

Thanks.

Dodger Stadium, A True Slice of Heaven

2008-02-23T13:52:00.001-08:00

Originally Posted on 1/19/08

The other day a co-worker took a jab at me and he knew exactly where to strike. He told me that Dodger Stadium was one of the worst Major League Ballparks, which I immediately took exception too (rightfully so).

Now, he happens to be from San Diego and roots for one of our many rivals, the Padres but that's no excuse to represent such a stupid, idiotic and ridiculous statement.

Dodger Stadium is one of the last true great older ballparks in the game... and has been for many years (even though the organization is in its second city, Brooklyn to LA). Currently, Dodger Stadium at Chavez Ravine, is the 4th oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball, behind just Wrigley Field (in Chicago with the Cubs), Fenway Park in Boston and Yankee Stadium in NY. Of course all four of the teams listed are four of the most recognizable teams in all of sports which helps in this debate but all four have also maintained their historical parks which run deep in baseball history. Sadly, the Yankees are soon moving out of the confines of Yankee Stadium, the House that Ruth Built. This will propel the Dodgers home to 3rd oldest and only add to the nostalgia of the once empty property that the O'Malley family purchased many years ago.

When the Dodgers first moved to Los Angeles in 1958, 50 years ago, they had to call the LA Coliseum home until Dodger Stadium's construction was completed. In fact, it wasn't until 1962 that the team was able to move up into the Hills of Chavez Ravine. But ever since, the area overlooking downtown LA from one side and facing the great San Gabriel Mountains from the other has been home to Championship Dodger teams and great memories for Dodgers and Baseball fans alike. Dodger Stadium truly is one of Los Angeles most cherished city landmarks.

In doing some research, according to the Dodgers website, over 125 million fans have visited the 56,000 seat ballpark since it opened on April 10th 1962. The first game ever played was against the Cincinnati Reds but the first win didn't come until the next day when the Dodgers defeated the Reds 6-2.

In 1978, the Dodgers were the first team to top the 3 million mark in attendance when the team drew 3,347,845. Since then the Dodgers commonly draw over 3 million fans and in some cases over 3.5 million fans. Heck, they've probably already out sold most of the other teams in the league for 2008 and may well join the Yankees this season with over 4 million seats sold...

Some other facts that I found, since the grand opening in '62, the Dodgers have hosted a MLB All-Star game in 1980 and Olympic games in 1984. The Dodgers have also won four World Championships at Dodger Stadium (1963, 1965, 1981 and 1988). Their first of six titles came back in 1955 while still in Brooklyn and playing at Ebbets Field and second was won while still playing (renting) at the LA Coliseum in 1959.

In 1999, the Dodgers would start to embark on many stadium renovations which are still on-going today with the current work being done on the concourse area of the field level but with each improvement, the stadium has maintained its rich history and has always impressed locals and visitors with a great clean, maintained facility that garners respect and admiration of baseball players and fans.

So before you jump to conclusions, come and check out Dodger Stadium for yourself... as Vin Scully would say, "Dodger Stadium is a true slice of heaven."

I'll leave you with a quote by the legendary broadcaster of the Dodgers, Hall of Famer, Vin Scully

When the sun sets at Dodger Stadium, I am impressed first of all with the mountains because, at this time of year, they are fully defined. It makes me think of some of the great artists who did Western paintings — Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, Frank McCarthy, to name a few — because they must have been inspired by that.

And then the cloud formations. At sunset, they turn pink. And as it continues, the closer you are to sunset, the clouds are still kind of gold. Farther away in center field and right field, you’re away from the sunset and the clouds are turning purple. So you think of an artist’s palette with various colors, and it just takes your breath away.

Down on the field, a ballgame is just beginning. But the sunset becomes a major distraction because it’s so overwhelming it’s hard to take your eyes off it. And then the palm trees — there’s a group of palm trees on the hill behind left field — they are defined against the sky, and they are turning colors with the sunset. You can’t see that anywhere else in a ballpark.”

Vin Scully
Los Angeles Times, August 21, 2003

Coachella 2008 Lineup

2008-02-23T13:51:00.001-08:00

Not sure if this is correct or not but I've been forwarded what looks like a possible Coachella 2008 lineup... the official one should be out soon but here is a potential list worth scanning.

Either way, can't wait for another great three days of music and fun!

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/4003/c2008tt0.jpg

http://www.coachella.com/
(for official TBA lineup)

A few Pet Peeves

2008-02-23T13:50:00.001-08:00

Originally Posted on 1/17/08

Over the course of the last week a few things I observed while out in public bugged me... so I thought I'd share a few recent pet peeves.

First off, you know the guy at the bar that has all the nice clothes on, the slicked back hair or popped up collar with all the extra accessories too (e.g. watch, bracelets, bling, etc...). You know who I'm talking about, the guy that thinks he's infinitely better than everyone else in the room... you might even have one as a friend. Well, I've come to accept these types but when they go and add sunglasses to the mix too, that's where I have to draw the line. I mean, c'mon! Do you need to where sunglasses in the dimmed bar? Can you actually see anything? What statement are you trying to make? When I see this, I want to do one of two things; clown the guy immensely or just flat out rip the sunglasses off and destroy the evidence. So far, it's always been the first of the two. The friends that are around and I will point him out, "hey, you see that guy, what a jerk-off," I've noticed bartenders get a kick out of them too.

Second, autograph seekers. Autographs from celebrities and sports stars are always a cherished item, heck I have a great collection myself and hope to continue to add to it but at some point in your life you reach a certain age and you really shouldn't be running arm and arm with kids asking for autographs. I'll admit myself that I extended the time frame for acceptable autograph seeking by a few years (probably last seen around the age of 16 or so) but what's worse is when you got someone that's clearly in their late twenties or worse, late forties still hunting down those signatures. Of course, they usually say its for someone else, like their kids at home but serious, we know the truth. So stop pushing little kids out of the way and get on the web or visit a convention or something... you should be able to find what you're looking for there instead of elbowing your way past other smaller, younger counterparts like I recently witnessed at a Laker game. Figure it out people.

And finally, the flower seller. Not the flower shop or the market down the street that sells flowers but the guy or gal that walks up to you in the restaurant or at the event trying to get you to buy a flower right then and there and in front of your companion, date, friend, or whoever your sharing a meal with. I hate this! Are you kidding, do you have to interrupt us to put me on the spot to sell a flower? If I wanted flowers then I can come to you or visit one of the many floral shops in the area. Of course I never react this way but inside I'm thinking, I'm screwed... if I buy this flower that could mean a lot of different things or send a message I don't want to send. I could also be on the worst date of all time but if you don't buy it then you may come off as a a-hole (possibly even towards someone you like). Furthermore, if you decide to commit and make the purchase then you're stuck at whatever price you're told. I mean, it could be a $10 flower and you'll have to pay it cause you can't go back on it once you commit to buying. Not in front of your date. Really, as I see it, this is a no win situation that can bring an awkward moment to what can be an already awkward night.

If you have any others, feel free to share. Cheers.

Clemens: A Kid in the Cookie Jar

2008-02-23T13:49:00.001-08:00

Originally Posted on 1/8/08

Awww, Roger... Mr. Clemens, are you serious? Really? Because to me, you're really looking like a kid that just got busted stealing cookies from the cookie jar and you got chocolate all over your face. I want to believe you, just like I want to believe everyone else that refutes the notion of using illegal substances in Major League Baseball. But I've moved on, I've accepted the fact that this era, this period of time (the last 15 years or so) will forever be known as the steroid era. I know not everyone used but big chunks did and some of the users were other Hall of Fame ballplayers just like you Roger.

Let's look at what we have so far. We have one of the most credible names from our political system in former Senator George Mitchell and numerous sources that have been proven to be credible by the athletes that have verified the sources statements and allegations. Heck, even one of your best friends and longtime teammates, Andy Pettitte came clean and admitted your former trainer, Brian McNamee was telling the truth. Roger, you should've too. But instead you're dragging this on and on and now you'll be this huge story along with Barry Bonds and it'll just take away from the game all season. Don't get me wrong, baseball is still a great sport and it will survive this period just like it always has but do we really have to carry on with all this nonsense?

I mean, why would McNamee lie, what good comes of McNamee lying to Mitchell or Congress? Believe me, I want to be wrong and believe McNamee really is lying but why would he? He's not gaining anything for it?

Roger, as for your recent tape of the phone conversation you had with McNamee, I wouldn't have shared that. Your lawyer gave some bad advice there. To me, it sounded like a desperate plea to prove McNamee isn't a credible person but I wasn't fooled. Plus, what's up with all the bleeps and long sections blocked out? You never told him to just come clean and tell the truth that you didn't use. McNamee to me, just seemed upset over the whole situation but had no choice to share what he did. Plus, during your news conference, I couldn't help but think you were on steroids right then and there. I know you're upset about the truth coming out but talk about roid rage?

Roger, here is what you should've done. Admit you used a few times, say you didn't use until 1998 or whatever date was mentioned. Share what McNamee would later tell Sports Illustrated that you only used a few times in July and August during the 1998, 2000 and 2001 seasons. You were overcome by pressure to maintain your level of success and made a mistake. Explain you never took anything in the off-season or Spring Training but instead when your body was tiring and breaking down during the dog days of summer. You were aging and wanted to compete and not let your teammates down. Admit you made a mistake but hadn't used in years and never will again. You're disappointed in yourself and the whole situation, you hope your fans stick by you and that young athletes can look and see you made a mistake for a few years and righted the ship and enjoyed a great career. Continue to help young pitchers aspire to your greatness (non-steroid seasons). You're a Hall of Famer whether you used or not, remember, it's all about the era you played in and Roger Clemens will still go down as one of the greatest pitchers of all time. But, please let it go.

Now, I really hope I'm wrong! I really do... especially if we're really going to go down this road and be dragged into this story each week by the media. Roger, if you're really going to do this then you better be telling the truth! But if when it's your turn to go before Congress and you lie or avoid the questioning because you have some other trial preventing you from answering the questions truthfully then I will no doubt lose more respect for you as a person than I already have. Please just do the right thing and help let the sport that gave you so much move on... you can still come out of this positive by preaching the use of steroids to be harmful.

Until then, enjoy your cookies Clemens.

Article from former MLB player, Doug Glanville

2008-02-23T13:07:00.001-08:00

Originally Posted 12/21/07

Below is an insert from former Major Leaguer Doug Glanville, which was highlighted on ESPN.com. As a former player, I really enjoyed reading his take on this Baseball Era and applaud Glanville for sharing his thoughts.

Looking back on a rather dismal time on the diamond

By Doug Glanville
Special to ESPN.com
(Archive)

Editor's Note: Doug Glanville was an outfielder who played in the major leagues from 1996 to 2004 with the Cubs, Phillies and Rangers.

In the wake of the release of last week's Mitchell report, I thought it was a good time to vent. Not so much for me, but for the game of baseball and the challenges it brings to light in our society.

Let's face it. It hurts to see our national pastime ripped apart by allegations and scandals. I am seeing former teammates and opponents go under the HGH/steroid crosshairs, and it makes me wonder what else was happening in the 15 seasons I was part of the game.

So what is going on? I don't believe it is simply a baseball problem as we confront questions, not just about drugs, but about privacy and confidentiality.

Our culture has a greater degree of comfort with less privacy in the wake of the horror of 9/11. We are much more understanding about trading some level of freedom for the protections this country can provide. Kids of the MySpace/YouTube generation have few qualms about their lives being open to whoever has an Internet connection.

So part of my reaction to the Mitchell report was concern for a society that can revel in calling out names so casually. After all, I spent a lot of time as the union representative of the Philadelphia Phillies, and we rallied behind principles expressing that material trappings are meaningless without rights and freedoms. Especially when it always seemed our society was less concerned about protecting a player's privacy and his employment rights because of his material and ephemeral entities, such as paychecks and fame.

Therefore, as a player, you can become almost obsessed with your privacy. Sometimes, the reality of where and how to emphasize it gets confusing. That sentiment probably contributed to the slow evolution of baseball's drug policy. Although when it comes to what issues are at stake, it is important to handle them with care. Nevertheless, I also have another angle for us to consider.

As history is being written, it is sad to think that my career may be framed in what has become known as the "steroid era." It would have been a lot more fun to tell old stories about playing in the "golden era" of baseball. Instead, many people will think of syringes, 400-page reports, and investigators crawling in BALCO's dumpsters. In every circle of our society, everyone is facing the internal struggle of assessing what one is willing to do to excel. It doesn't matter if you are contemplating Botox as a Hollywood actor, or an HGH regimen for better performance as an athlete. In various forms, we all come to these kinds of forks in the road.

I am proud that, at 175 pounds soaking wet, I played my entire 15-season professional career drug free, even in an environment where the competition was relentless, the insecurity was palpable, the stakes were astronomical, the home run was king, and most importantly, the window was small. I also came to the realization that had I made a different choice, someone probably would have understood. But it really isn't about this "someone," especially since this mysterious "someone" will not be there when I face the consequences of my decisions.

"Just Saying No" has always been an important part of my life, but when I really look at it, I never found my drug-free choice to be difficult. I had already decided, from the day I was drafted in 1991, that whatever was going to happen in my career was going to happen without performance-enhancing drugs.

Nevertheless, I always try to understand everyone's circumstance. I ask myself the question: Would I have made the same choice if I were supporting a family that depended on my career to survive as my skills were leveling off at Triple-A? I would like to think my answer would have been yes, but I can recognize that when faced with survival, people are capable of anything, not just for reasons of greed, fear, ego and self-doubt. I can also recognize that I was fortunate to have the powerful option to use an Ivy League degree from the University of Pennsylvania and make a new life after baseball. That backup plan probably changed how much I was willing to give up to "survive." Especially since in the end, no matter how many adjustments you make, no matter how much of your soul is compromised, the mighty foot kicks you out the door, and declares you expired. Everyone has drawn different lines as to how far they will go to dodge the big boot. But eventually, it will step on you. It is inevitable.

When I look back at my career, it is fulfilling to know that every day, whatever happened, I knew I came to bat with what I had in its purest form. If I beat Randy Johnson that day, I could stand tall because I came with the truth. And if he beat me, so be it; it was his day. I felt that I could always go back to the drawing board, make my adjustments from listening to my body, spirit, and mind, in full confidence that their signals to me were authentic. I couldn't imagine going day in and day out wondering if it was my work, or the work of a little blue pill that led the charge. It just seemed like a drug-filled career led to a career and soul in constant doubt. When playing at the highest level of competition, there is already enough doubt to go around.

Even in this big-money era of the potential asterisk, no amount of fame, perceived power, legal representation or money exempts anyone from the experiences of life and having to face them and make choices. You cannot buy your way to better coping skills, nor enhance and engineer your way to resolve your fears or darkest inadequacies. At least not in any way that is sustainable.

Artificial enhancement is every bit as much about fear, as it is about wanting to be the best every day, every year. Despite the idea that these athletes are invincible rocks of courage and heroism, they are riddled with the same concerns and insecurities as everyone else who is trying to excel, do right, represent his family or country, or just plain survive.

These concerns belong to the family of fears that drives people to stay young with wonder surgeries or augment performance using Viagra without any medical reason to do so. Ours is a society of magic implants, and certainly, people just don't feel there is time to waste or time to reflect, since deadlines and competition are always gaining on us. Whatever it is we need, we need it now, and as long as we continue to support this all-or-nothing concept of success, no testing program in the world will every truly address the core issue. We need a cultural shift.

Without it, there will always linger this constant anxiety that maybe what we have gained from life's experiences, what our faith gives us, or what we were genetically predisposed to do is not sufficient for us to do what we need to do. Certainly not at a level that we think or, more prominently, someone else thinks is necessary for it to be done. That maybe, just maybe, we don't have enough "as is."

The physical effects of this enhanced shortcut may pale in comparison to the spiritual impact on a society that doesn't want to experience setbacks, doesn't want to age, doesn't want to cope with weaknesses, and doesn't want to ever deal with diminishing skills. We end up missing out on the fact that even when we lose something, in one respect, we gain something else.

But when "failure" is becoming unacceptable in the giant pressure cooker, it shouldn't be surprising that some people end up doing whatever it takes to avoid those situations, to avoid being human, and I wonder if we all have some responsibility in why that came to be.

By no means is that giving anyone a free pass. Many people make a "clean" choice when faced with similar options, and I hope these players get their due. For me, it was frustrating to know that eventually the power game would pass me over and that I would be at a disadvantage as a singles hitter with a good glove. More frustrating is the realization that my shorthandedness was accelerated artificially. But my frustration didn't cloud my ability to look at the issues and be objective, and I certainly know that my career wound down for many other reasons than what "everyone else" was supposedly doing.

People make choices and, for all of us, there are always events that transpire because of those very choices. And what can unfold is guided by an engine that is a lot bigger than us.

I don't think it is my place to be anyone's judge. I just try to walk with humility within my journey and make the best choices I can with the information at hand. I accept that we can fool many audiences, we may even be able to fool ourselves, but there is something internal, profound and spiritual that is impossible to fool that lives within all of us. And there is nothing tougher than being forced to take a good hard look in the mirror that reflects back unrelenting truth.

I suppose, a pretty good career can get lost in the shadow of this emotionally charged issue. My numbers weren't too shabby. I managed to play in over 1,000 games in the major leagues, amassing exactly 1,100 hits, sneaking in close to a 300-game errorless streak to boot. I also had one of the highest stolen base success rates among my contemporaries. Cooperstown will not be calling me, but that is OK, it worked out fine.

I played my career in a way that those important and close to me would be proud. I made it this far on faith that whatever I brought to the table was enough for whatever I was going to face. And at each fork in the road, I chose to embrace every mountain, every valley of my experience with what gifts and blessings I began with, even if it meant I would make less, play less, and leave the game sooner. I am just thankful for the opportunity to enjoy the dance of my career and be able to share it with so many people.

When I played, everyone witnessed who I was, whether it was on my good days, my tired days, or on days when my father was chronically ill. And when all is said and done, that day-to-day, honest performance should be considered success by any standard, and I believe we all will be in a better place when we figure that out.

Doug Glanville serves as the president of GK Alliance, LLC, a home building company of luxury residences in the Chicagoland area. Doug is also a consultant for new business initiatives with the TeamOne division of The Baseball Factory, which provides full placement and developmental services for high school baseball players.

MLB's Mitchell Report

2008-02-23T13:05:00.000-08:00

Originally Posted 12/14/07

An excerpt from an email chain I was a part of for the last two days... here are my comments after hearing the thoughts of many and reading various articles over the internet.

I've been scanning through most of the emails on this chain and I've seen a lot of great points on what is probably the biggest impact story in sports this year. I have to admit as a huge baseball fan that I feel a lot of different emotions as a result of the all this. On one hand, no one was naive to think this day wasn't coming and I still think a lot of players escaped without having their names on public display... I mean you're telling me no Greg Vaughn, Kevin Mitchell or Brady Anderson's of the world did roids? I'm guessing a lot of players got off since the report really only included three sources (Balco, the internet sales and Radmonski). The truth is I'm guessing 80% of ballplayers have at least tried steroids or some form of illegal drug enhancing substances but we can't turn our back and say this player doesn't belong in the hall or this player doesn't deserve to get a new contract, etc... etc... what's done is done!

This report serves three purposes in my eyes and I'm for one glad it came out. 1. it provides a little closure to a topic no one fully wants to embrace because we want to believe that sports is pure and the talent we've all witnessed was real without any help from drugs but that's not realistic. 2. It is exactly what Selig said, it provides help to a sport that needs to do a better job of stepping up and using this as a call to action. 3. Lastly, I think the light of this report will help steroid use go down in all sports, not just baseball... it'll help young high school and college athletes stay clean and not use harmful substances and the sport will get back to being pure. Sure, we'll still have some steroid use and it'll be a constant struggle to stay above the substances that can't be traced by urine tests but the sport world will hopefully get cleaner.

I still think Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens belong in the hall of fame. They're incredible players and worthy of the hall whether they took roids or not... just as Adam Riggs and Stephen Randolph don't belong in the hall. To me, these players were able to stay around the game longer then they should have which is a shame because we might have missed out on witnessing a few other ballplayers develop from the minors and make solid careers for themselves but the truth is they probably took roids too... these stars also prolonged their career and made extra millions but heck, the owners were paying them so screw it. It balanced out. They're all to blame, the owners, MLB League office, the Players Union, the dealers... everyone!

The real problem I have with all this are the records that went down as a result of everything... we can't get those back. But I also don't think we should have asterisks by them. It is what is, it helped make the sports world into the big business it is today but the records will remain and so will their achievements in Cooperstown. But we'll always remember this era as the "Roid Era" and it'll live with these stars forever. Just like we have the Black Sox scandal, Pete Rose and other tidbits throughout history. It'll hopefully serve as an educational period for youth today.

Now what I really want to know is who didn't ever take roids??? Who are the players from this era that we should all stand up and cheer for? Here is my short list of assumptions;

Cal Ripken Jr.
Ozzie Smith
Kirby Puckett
Ken Griffey Jr.
Greg Maddux
Tom Glavine
Tony Gwynn
Ichiro Suzuki
Chase Utley
Jeff Kent
Derek Jeter
Johan Santana
Wade Boggs
and of course some Dodgers, Kirk Gibson, Brett Butler and Orel Hersisher
Who knows????? Maybe no one???

I do know one thing, I look forward to seeing the sport move on and clean itself once and for all.

Astros trade 1/2 their team for aging Miguel Tejada

2008-02-23T13:03:00.000-08:00

Originally Posted on 12/12/07

Well, Ed Wade has struck again... is the new GM of the Astros trying to ruin the franchise? Actually, I do like the addition of Miguel Tejada to their team but I think the price the Astros paid to acquire the former MVP was too high!

With two years remaining on Tejada's contract and a total of $26 million left to pay him, I thought teams would be able to trade for him without giving up a surplus of talent. But that's just what the Astros did. Houston sent Baltimore OF, Luke Scott, pitchers Matt Albers, Troy Patton, Dennis Sarfare and recently acquired 3b prospect, Michael Costanzo. Five for one seems pretty steep considering the Astros received an aging middle of the order bat with declining defensive skills. Heck, Tejada has been declining offensively too.

The move does allow the Astros to push the incumbent starting shortstop Adam Everett (great defender, bad at the plate) on the trading block or on the bench. The offense is improved overall but by how much? The Astros who struggled to score runs in 2007 will benefit from Tejada who can now bat fifth behind Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee, not to mention the young star Hunter Pence but in looking at Tejada's recent numbers, are they that much better than Luke Scott and his potential? I guess one important fact is Scott didn't have a position with Pence swifting to RF for the new speedster Michael Bourn. But look at the numbers from last year;

Miguel Tejada: 514 AB / 72 runs / 152 hits (only 38 for xtra bases) / 18 HR / 81 RBI's and a batting average of .296 with OPS of .799 (by far his worst offensive season)

Luke Scott: 369 AB / 49 runs / 94 hits (51 for extra bases, more than half) / 18 HR / 64 RBI's with a batting average of .255 and OPS of .855

Now you throw in two promising young arms in Matt Albers and Troy Patton (who was expected to start for Houston) and you have to ask yourself, did the Astros give up too much? I think they did... this team needs pitching and now they'll have to sign some free agents to make up for loss of these two young arms. Good trade for the rebuilding Baltimore Orioles, I'm sure they're not done as they now look to move anyone not named Nick Markakis, including starter Erik Bedard.

Houston, you're problems aren't solved yet... good luck finding pitching.

New iTunes Checklist

2008-02-23T13:02:00.001-08:00

Originally Posted on 12/11/07

If you're a big advocate of the annual Coachella Music Festival (http://www.coachella.com/), a fan of KROQ music (especially night 2 of the recent Almost Acoustic Xmas) or enjoy such well-known bands as Ben Harper, the Beatles, DMB, Foo Fighters, the Killers, Tom Petty, Jack Johnson, Smashing Pumpkins or Radiohead then here is a list of semi-well known or new bands worth checking out.

You've probably heard of (no particular order):
The Arcade Fire - one of the greatest live performances I've ever seen
Bloc Party - such fun music, another great live band
Flaming Lips - High on my list of bands I want to see live
Modest Mouse - probably on my all-time top 10 list, no joke
Damian Marley - a new fresh "Marley" sound
Stephen Marley - another son of Bob's, and this one sounds just like his father
The Fray - saw them at the House of Blues and they didn't disappoint
Jimmy Eat World - they're back with a new album
Wolfmother - is it just me or are these guys Led Zeppelin reincarnated?
Matisyahu - who hasn't heard of this recent Jewish icon? Great live too!
Death Cab for Cutie - have they ever put out a bad album?
Feist - their "1,2,3,4" iPod Nano video isn't their only piece of great work
The Shins - such chill music
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - chicks that rock out
The White Stripes - okay, I know... you already have all their work

Some fairly less-known groups to check out:
Hard-Fi- I've been listening to their Stars of CCTV album almost non-stop for a month
Kings of Leon - one of my personal favorites!
Atmosphere - played at Coachella in 06, great beats
Augustana - you may have heard their title song Boston... the other songs are just as good
Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah - their name says it all!
Brett Dennen - one of the better albums I've purchased this year (on iTunes of course)
Dispatch - I wish they were still together... someone start a reunion tour
Peter Bjorn & John - yeah, the band that whistles
The Good, the Bad and the Queen - a new one from Britain that has many well known old faces
The Magic Numbers - another huge find from Coachella 2006
Cat Power - a different type of sound but I like it
Tokyo Police Club - fast paced fun music
The Nightwatchmen - coming out party for this Rage star was Coachella 2007
My Morning Jacket - recently added an Elton John cover to an episode of Californication
Spoon - lead singer almost sounds like a young Mick? Great upbeat tunes...
Colin Hay - his Garden State soundtrack entry isn't his only great track
TV on the Radio - worth listening on TV or radio
Silversun Pickups - arrived on the scene this year
The Zutons - check them out...

Feel free to comment and add groups I've missed.

Tomorrow's News???

2008-02-23T13:00:00.000-08:00

Originally Posted on 12/10/07

I have to admit, I'm not a big local news guy. In fact, I'm not a big news watcher in general. Sure, I watch some national news telecasts, usually CNN or every once in a while you might even catch me stopping in to see Chris Matthews or Anderson Cooper. But mainly, it's the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Unfortunately, due to the writers strike we don't have the Daily Show or most of his late night competition but don't fright! We have Al Roker...

That's right, I said Al Roker. The same guy that gives us weather updates. Even I've seen Al's weather reports once or twice over the past 12 years on NBC's "Today Show." So you could imagine my excitement when I heard during prime time television that he'll be showing off his air gliding experience tomorrow morning during the show! I kid you not, I saw an ad plugging Al Roker air gliding as if that was the big push needed to gain viewers. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with Al Roker, I'm sure he does a great job and wrote an excellent book but don't we have something better or more enlightening to share with America's public? How about an update on the Presidential hopefuls or our current economy... heck, what about the weather?

Oh well, I guess we'll all have to settle for Al Roker air gliding. Maybe even I'll tune in... but I wouldn't bet on it. Either way, can someone please update me on Al's flying form. I'm extremely curious.

Stop what you're doing and watch CALIFORNICATION

2008-02-23T12:59:00.001-08:00

Originally Posted on 12/8/07

They're aren't too many television shows that stop time for me, especially when we have such technologies as DVR or Tivo recording but I've recently found a new one that I must pass on... it's called Californication and it airs on Showtime.

I actually don't even have Showtime... we do carry HBO in my house but that's it for premium channels. Lucky for me, I have a computer whiz for a roommate thus obtaining pirated episodes isn't a problem. We're at episode eight of season one (12 in all) and I love it. It's original, funny, excellent soundtrack and has great characters and dialog. Quite frankly, it compares with my other two favs, Entourage and LOST. Different of course but nonetheless worth watching.

The basic synopsis is the main character, Hank Moody, played by David Duchovny is a middle aged one hit wonder writer that has recently divorced (even though technically he was never married) but has a 12-year old daughter that allows him to keep in touch with his ex, whom he still loves. Unfortunately for him, she's engaged. Hank now finds himself only able to blog (no pun intended there) and can't seem to move on with his writing career. He does however make it out on the town when he's not spending time with his daughter. While out, women flock to him and the situations he finds himself in are priceless.

Anyway, I don't want to spoil it for anyone but I definitely recommend the series. I know once available, it'll be on my mantel with Entourage and LOST.

MLB Winter Meetings end with Dodgers signing Jones

2008-02-23T12:58:00.001-08:00

Originally Posted on 12/6/07

What was expected to be an exciting non-stop trade frenzy ended up being about half that... the first day was taken over with rumor after rumor. Where would prized left handed starter Johan Santana end up, Boston or New York with the Yankees or would another team jump in. In the end, Johan is still a member of the Minnesota Twins, for now that is.

The real news came in day two when the Detroit Tigers traded away their entire Minor League system for two All-Stars in 3b, Miguel Cabrera and starting lefty, Dontrelle Willis. Okay, so it wasn't their entire farm system but the Tigers did send off their two top prospects including Cameron Maybin, currently ranked 3rd best minor league prospect by Baseball America. The other top name from Detroit is a tall and talented left handed starter, Andrew Miller. Both Miller and Maybin along with the four other young talents give Florida the end results of their third firesale in 10 years. But it seems to work for them and maybe they'll be in contention again soon. For now, Marlin fans will have to wait out the last few years in Dolphin Stadium (those that show up) before they see a new ballpark with new stars cheer for the long haul. As for the Tigers, WOW! That team is looking very strong, from top to bottom. The Tigers look like they're right there with the other top teams in baseball (all of which seem to be in the American League) such as the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians and dare I say it, the Los Angeles Angles of Anaheim. But the Tigers might have the best offense of the bunch. Last year they led the majors in runs scored and now this off-season, the Tigers have added SS, Edgar Renteria, moved Sean Casey out and transferred Carlos Guillen to 1st base and then traded for OF Jacque Jones and of course 24 year old star, Miguel Cabrera. The starting staff is also composed of five starters that have all pitched over 200 innings in a season. This team will no doubt compete with the best of them.

Now onto other news from the meetings; although Santana remains in Minnesota, the Yankees and Red Sox still seem to be front-runners since the Dodgers have made it clear they won't get into a four for one type situation. The Angels could emerge as a possible destination as could the Mariners but the likelihood remains that the Yanks or Boston are favored to land Johan or no one at all. The other big news from the meetings were other trades that didn't happen... Scott Rolen is still in St. Louis, Erik Bedard, Miguel Tejada, Melvin Mora, Brian Roberts and everyone else on the Orioles not named Nick Markakis haven't moved yet, the Giants still haven't traded any of their young starters, the Dodgers and D-backs haven't moved their young talent, the Angels still have chips to move, many teams still need pitching, Oakland is still offering some with names like Dan Haren and Joe Blanton available and OF, Aaron Rowand is still a free agent.

Ending the meetings were Jose Guillen and Andruw Jones, who both signed new contracts with the Kansas City Royals and Los Angeles Dodgers, respectively. It was then announced less than two full days later that Guillen was found to have used HGH and will serve a 15-game suspension to start 2008. So far, not a bad investment with those extra revenue sharing dollars for the Royals (Guillen's new team).

With Andruw Jones, he decided to sign for a short term deal, probably since that was only available. I'm sure his famous agent Scott Boras would beg to differ but this is probably the best option for Jones. He was likely not to get offered the long term deal he wanted after having the worst season of his career and now at age 30, he can rebound and improve his value while earning the annual dollars he felt he deserved. Once again, the GM of the LA Dodgers, Ned Colletti, can sit back and be proud of a high value player agreeing to sign for a short two year deal, albeit an expensive one at $18.1 million annually ($36.2 total).

I do like the deal for the Dodgers, both as a fan and the deal itself. It's much better than the contract Colletti surrendered to OF Juan Pierre last year or the deal he awarded Brett "Bomko" Tomko two years ago! I know what you're thinking, what about the Jason Schmidt deal, that was bad too but let's hope Schmidt rebounds and is healthy before forcing our final judgement. The deal also gives the Dodgers multiple players nearing the end of their contracts, SS Rafael Furcal, 2B Jeff Kent, starting pitchers Brad Penny and Derek Lowe as well as injury prone corner infielder Nomar Garciaparra are all playing in the final year of their deal, which will hopefully mean great numbers in 2008.

For Jones he provides the Dodgers the big proven bat they so desperately needed for the middle of the lineup and a new 10-time Gold Glove winner to patrol CF at Chavez Ravine, allowing Pierre to move to LF or possibly in a trade. Although it is more likely one of the two young OFers are traded such as Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier. Kemp has the higher ceiling and trade value. I for one am hoping they all stay and the team tries to ship off Pierre during the season unless arms like Haren or Bedard become available without shipping off the other great young talent ready for the big leagues or near it like starter Clayton Kershaw. All in all, not bad for the Dodgers who look closer to securing the NL West... on paper that is.

Hopefully, this is a sign of more to come for the Blue Crew.

MLB Winter Meetings Upon Us

2008-02-23T12:56:00.000-08:00

Originally Posted on 11/30/07

It's that time of the year again for Major League Baseball's annual Winter Meetings. These meetings, which will be hosted in Nashville Tennessee this year, impact every Professional Baseball organization from the Minor Leagues on up... For the Minor League teams, its a time to share best practices among sales and marketing departments while new fresh faces attend looking for jobs and an opportunity to get into the sport. Job seekers and current MiLB employees will spend countless hours interviewing and attending the MiLB trade show. But for the big league clubs, this is a time to set the stage and make some moves for the talent on the field. This is a time for Baseball Operations and the Front Office staff to shine.

Every MLB General Manager and their respective staffs as well as most prominent Baseball agents and media counterparts will be in attendance discussing opportunities that can shape a teams make-up and direction for years to come. This year will be no different and if it all goes as expected then we'll be in for an exciting week of baseball rumors and eventual trades and free agent signings. For big Baseball fans like myself, this week stands for hope... hope that my team will make the right moves to improve and compete.

Every team has an agenda, and everyone talks while feeling out their competition. For any baseball fan, this is truly a special event. I was able to attend the meetings in 2004 as a member of the Stockton Ports staff and enjoyed every minute of it. Sure the MiLB best practice sessions were enlightening but standing next to some of the biggest decision makers in professional Baseball and hearing first hand what rumors are swirling around was definitely an event I won't soon forget. I know I'll be checking ESPN.com and other sites throughout the weekend and upcoming week for the next big move. Will Johan Santana or Miguel Cabrera be traded? Where will Aaron Rowand or other free agents sign? Can we expect any other blockbuster moves? We have plenty of questions heading into the meetings but one thing for sure is Baseball will be on center stage for the true fans of the game.

XM Radio: Xtremely Mediocre in every way

2008-02-23T12:55:00.001-08:00

Originally Posted on 11/20/07

Big companies often take advantage of the consumer and get away with it. I'm sure most people out there have been shoved aside by a phone operator with your personal bank or credit card company, maybe over-looked in a negative way by your internet or cable provider. Some may have even been repeatedly charged too much for various services. The problem is we as consumers normally don't have any course of action and often just deal with it to iron out the situation quickly. That way we can get on with our day to day lives. Well, this time I'm sharing my story on how I got taken advantage of by a big company, XM radio.

XM Radio, a great invention and new source of entertainment in various categories including all genres of music, sports, weather, traffic, talk radio and so much more proved to me they have no clue when it comes to customer service. I don't see myself ever going back to XM (maybe another satellite radio but not XM). After all, they owe me $27.46, an apology for making me call them four times over a ridiculous bill (that should've never existed in the first place), for sending me to collections and finally for continuously sending invoices and notices to an address I changed with them months ago! You see, it was a cycle of wrong doing that resulted in many calls and apologies from XM supervisors only to never end until I just paid a bill that didn't exist. What a consumer nightmare... Let me start from the top so that my fellow XM Radio users can be considered warned.

It started over two years ago when I purchased / leased my first car on my own. It's a nice car and happened to come with a FREE subscription to XM Radio. Well, after a few weeks I found that I really liked this new found radio option and really enjoyed the XM Baseball station with 24-hour baseball news and channels with all the games from around the league. So I decided to keep it pay the $12+ dollars a month, which usually invoiced for three or four months at a time for the next few months of service.

Subsequently things were great for the first two years of the relationship. Then we hit a slight bump in the road as my lease was up and I decided to start a new lease with a different car but the same make. This car didn't have the FREE XM offer but did still have the capability of hosting a satellite radio provider. This would however require more work on the dealers part and I just didn't have the time. So later that week I made the call. I called XM to explain the situation and see if they could activate from the car itself or if another option existed? When I realized this had to be done by a dealer I immediately phoned XM to tell them I wanted to cease service until it could be activated again. It was actually perfect timing since my service subscription was paid through that month (July 07). I explained I would be back but would have to start from scratch when I have time to schedule an activation through my dealer.

Well, a couple of months go buy and I start to get calls from some random number. I answered it a few times but it was a recording that didn't state who they were just that they weren't a telemarketer. I thought to myself, yeah right, I'm not calling you back. The calls kept coming and finally I got so feed up that I did call to complain. It turned out it was a collection agency seeking $27.46 for XM Radio. I have no clue where the amount came from as I hadn't received an invoice in months. Reason being is somehow the invoices were going to an old address. I figured that out when I called and my new address wasn't in the system any longer.

To trim this awful story down, I called twice and sat on hold, got bounced around to probably every supervisor there but was always told don't worry about the payment, we will take care of it and contact the collection agency. This same call took place in back to back months and yet I was still getting calls from the collection service. You could imagine my frustration and lack of enthusiasm to jump back on a 45 minute call with XM out of principal. I almost did but decided screw it, I'll pay the damn bill with the collection place and move on. But I did want to warn all XM users as I've been pulled around a few times by card companies or cable providers, etc... but this was the worst! Hands down, XM needs to figure it out! Thankfully the bill wasn't much but I believe in good customer service. I'm glad Sirius is winning this war and hopefully when and if they do merge, it will be with the Sirius name and not XM!

EX-Phils GM, Ed Wade beaten by old Club

2008-02-23T12:54:00.001-08:00

Originally Posted on 11/8/07

The Hot Stove Winter in Baseball is officially under way and the first of many trades has been completed. The two teams involved are the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies. The names involved weren't much of a shocker but the value exchanging hands was!

Let's breakdown the deal which sent a former All-Star Closer in Brad Lidge along with backup middle infielder, Eric Bruntlett to the Phillies for what many feel to be a 4th Outfielder in speedster Michael Bourn, a marginal right-handed reliever Geoff Geary and a minor league 3b named Mike Costano that wasn't good enough to be considered the future Phillies 3b (which is their biggest off-season need) to the Houston Astros.

Well, Ed Wade (new GM of the Astros), what were you thinking? This is your first move and look what you did! I'm sure your predecessor Tim Purpura is laughing at home right now. Heck, Purpura probably had the option of trading Lidge months ago for better talent than what you got.

I mean, Lidge, who hasn't had as great of success ever since his infamous encounter with Albert Pujols in the 2005 NLCS is still considered one of the better closers in the game with his above average fastball and plus slider that buckles knees in the batter's box on a regular basis. Isn't pitching always thin, aren't teams always looking for upgrades on their staffs? How many teams did you actually talk to about Lidge? Did you check in with San Francisco, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, the Cubs, Atlanta or Texas, Kansas City and Detriot... these are all teams looking to add value to their bullpens. They must have more to offer than what you got back from your old team in Philly. Sure, you know the Phillies system as well as anyone but that's what makes this trade even more surprising to me!

Wade has said Bourn adds a great defensive player to his outfield and will patrol CF and bat leadoff. Sure Bourn has speed and will be great in CF but his bat is awful. We're talking about a .270 average with a lot of steals but not a lot of getting on base. That's what your leadoff guy is supposed to do, right? This guy is Michael Bourn, not Jason Bourne! Well, now the Astros are one of the teams looking for a closer so you've effectively filled one hole but created another and one that is harder to replace.

As for the Phillies, congrats... you deserve praise for not only pulling one over on Ed Wade but proving your reasoning for getting rid of him in the first place. You took your 5th OF from last year in Bourn and turned him into one of the better closers in the league which also means Brett Myers can move back into your rotation, which might be the biggest and best aspect of the deal.

Great job Phillies, you're on your way to a strong Hot Stove season.

A Tale of Two Cities

2008-02-23T12:52:00.001-08:00

Originally Posted on 10/24/07

I should have nothing more to say since I've already predicted the outcome of this years World Series with Boston winning in six but I figured I'd share some insight into the best the National and American Leagues have to offer from MLB's 2007 season.

Here is your breakdown of both World Series organizations:

Let's start with the Senior Circuit, NL:

Colorado Rockies fans should feel lucky. They should feel lucky for not only winning an improbable 20 out of 21 (including 7-0 in the postseason) but also for getting the opportunity to root for players that came up through the organization, home grown so to speak. That's right, the Rockies have successfully made it to the World Series with players they developed on their own and didn't just pay for as they had tried and failed to previously. In fact, Colorado has a moderate payroll when compared to most counterparts and the reason is they've built from within. Just look at their lineup comprised of LF Matt Holliday, RF Brad Hawpe, 3b Garrett Atkins, rookie SS Troy Tulowitzki and the oldest Rockie veteran, 1b Todd Helton. Heck, Helton was almost a Red Sox before the season started in a deal that was almost completed as a salary dump for Colorado.

On the pitching end, Colorado also took care of their own. Some may say they had to. I mean, no
one wanted to pitch for them. Who would when you're housed a mile above sea level and thus a hitters dream ballpark. So what did they do, they developed young ground ball and power arms that well, have to pitch for them. They own their contracts. Arms like ace Jeff Francis, rookies Ubaldo Jimenez, Franklin Morales, bullpen duo of Brian Fuentes and Manny Corpas not to mention the most elder Rockie starter in Aaron Cook (recently added to WS roster).

As for the rest of the club, cast-aways like Kaz Matsui and Josh Fogg and a CF / lead-off guy in Wily Taveras who was acquired thanks to the strong farm system Colorado has and could allow some to walk for the right piece.

The point is, put altogether and we have a tremendous club that is extremely rare but proves its possible. So, Congrats are in order to the whole organization for remaining positive and patient during a long season... now win or lose, you better look to lock up all your stars.

Now to the AL:

What a different story out East for the Sox when compared to Colorado (who is entering their first World Series game ever). The Sox, have a great balance of young talent controlled by the organization and others that few teams would've been able to sign as free agents. However, the Red Sox can and do take on high priced free agents as they're the second highest payroll in baseball behind their rival Evil Empire, New York Yankees.

Let's see a short list of the Sox pricey players; there is LF Manny Ramirez, RF J.D. Drew (still trying to figure out how much of his $14mm salary was wagered by the game 6 grand slam). Other pricey veterans include SS Julio Lugo, 3b Mike Lowell, DH David Ortiz and pitchers, Curt Schilling and Japanes import Daisuke Matsuzaka. Other bats and arms were traded for years ago or developed from within like the Rockies. Lifetime Red Sox include 1b Kevin Youkilis and rookies 2b Dustin Pedroia and OF Jacoby Ellsbury along with prized arms Jon Lester, Clay Bucholtz and closer Jonathon Papelbon.

In all, the Sox have a great mix of proven big game veterans, most namely starter Josh Beckett (acquired in deal that sent Hanley Ramirez to Florida) , that are big time competitors and expected to prove why they have the second highest payroll.

Red Sox vs. Rockies... FOX is happy!

2008-02-23T12:29:00.000-08:00

Originally Posted on 10/21/07

Only two teams remain standing in Major League Baseball, one was the pick of many before the year started in the Boston Red Sox and the other is the Colorado Rockies who have won an astounding 20 of their last 21 games!

(Plug for me) Now, if you look below, you'll see I picked these two teams to advance in their perspective leagues but I was a little off with the number of games it would take.

The Rockies made quick work of the Diamondbacks sweeping Arizona in four games to improve to 7-0 in the post-season. Although since then they've been sitting at home waiting for the American League Series to end thus taking away from their ever present hot streak. If you're from Colorado, let's hope your team can get it back quick as they'll need to play excellent baseball to prevent the Red Sox from winning a second World Series Championship in four years.

Meanwhile in Beantown, the Sox have done it again. In 2004 (their last Championship season) they did the impossible by coming back to beat their arch-rival Yankees down 3 games to none by winning four staright. This time they found themselves down again 3 games to 1 against the Cleveland Indians but held on and fought their way to World Series berth with three straight victories. Boston's offense may have exploded with their recent wins but it was their pitching that really held it together. Ace, Josh Beckett was unbelievable and the veteran post-season legend Curt Schilling came through in the clutch while highly touted Diasuke Matsuzaka earned his keep today helping Boston to a series victory.

So here it is, Red Sox vs. Rockies, Game One Wednesday night from Fenway Park in Boston. Will the Rockies keep up this unthinkable streak and beat the Sox or is Boston destined to win another title? We know one thing, FOX has to be super happy they have Boston and their fan base along with this incredible Rockies story to promote for the World Series and you know what, it should be a great one!

As for me, I'm still sticking with what I said earlier, Red Sox in six but be ready cause anything can happen.

My MLB Postseason Picks

2008-02-23T12:27:00.001-08:00

Originally Posted on 10/10/07

It's been far too long since I've posted but being the baseball enthusiast that I am, I decided it's time for me to share my personal picks for the post-season.

The first thought that comes to my mind as we head into the Championship Series in both the NL and AL is what the heck is Arizona and Colorado doing here? I mean if someone told me before the season started that these two teams would be in the NLCS facing off against each other I'd probably laugh right in their face. But here we are in October with not one but two NL West teams fighting for their chance at representing the National League in the World Series and it's not the Padres and Dodgers. On top of being in the NL West (which might now be one of the toughest divisions in baseball), they're both considered small market teams and thus two points are being met by MLB standards, that is parity and the collective bargaining agreement is working. With those two aspects, I'm excited for the future of the game, every organization has a chance at success.

My next thought though is the ALCS sure does look like the prerequisite for a World Series title but then again, no one thought the Cardinals would've won last year representing the NL against Detroit but they did.

So here is my breakdown of what I think will become the outcome for the 2007 MLB Post-season.

NLCS, Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Colorado Rockies:
The Rockies are the hottest team going into this years playoffs and maybe the hottest team to ever reach the post-season. They won 14 of their last 15 games in the regular season (seven of them against the Dodgers!) and have now won three in a row by sweeping the Phillies in the NLDS. Do the math, that's 17-1 their last 18 games. Young players like shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, outfielders Brad Hawpe and Matt Holliday (MVP Candidate) and pitchers Jeff Francis, Ubaldo Jimenez and Franklin Morales are leading the charge not to mention a great bullpen with two bona-fide closers in Manny Corpas and Brian Fuentes.

As for the Diamondbacks they've been shocking the baseball world all year long by leading the NL West virtually the whole year and ending up with the most wins in the National League. Who would have thought a team without future hall of fame pitcher Randy Johnson would be so successful. Not I. Bob Melvin (Diamondbacks) has my vote for NL Manager of the year. So who are the Dbacks? Well, they have one of the best starters in baseball with Brandon Webb and other arms that can pitch deep into the game and keep it even before handing it off to an above average bullpen with Brandon Lyon, Tony Pena and Jose Valverde. Offensively, more young players pop out at you with outfielder and lead-off man Chris Young, shortstop Stephen Drew and one of the true hustle players in the game, outfielder Eric Byrnes.

Who's going to win, Rockies in Six. They're just too deep offensively, a better defensive team with more impact arms. Plus they're the hottest team out there.

ALCS, Boston Red Sox vs. Cleveland Indians:
Awe, the more interesting series in the public eye... partly because these two teams are considered far superior to their NL counterparts but more important because the Red Sox Nation is giddy for another a second title in four years.

Breaking down this series will be difficult, both these teams match up very good against each other. Both have a strong starting staff with great 1-2 punches in the rotation and solid bullpens with potent bats in their lineups. Both can beat you in a lot of different ways.

For the Red Sox it starts with Josh Beckett, baseball's only 20 game winner of 2007. Problem is he has to face C.C. Sabathia who is another great ace starter. Funny thing here is either one of these guys could win the CY Young Award but both would take a World Series ring instead. Game two features two more incredible arms, one nearing his last pitch and the other just getting started. Veteran starter Curt Schilling (Boston) will try to continue his post-season success stories against Fausto Carmona (Cleveland) who has just been overwhelming vs. opponents all season. Both games will be exciting. Rounding out the rotations are Japan's most famous starter in Daisuke Matsuzaka and Tim Wakefield for Boston and Paul Byrd and Jake Westbrook for Cleveland.

Offensively, these two teams again match up pretty close but Boston will probably have the edge in most eyes because of names like David "Big Papi" Ortiz, Manny Ramirez and Mike Lowell. Indians have big names too with Grady Sizemore, Travis Hafner and Vic Martinez. Both teams can get it right with advancing players along the base paths and playing good defense.

Two trouble areas I see are Joe Borowski closing games out for Cleveland and Eric Gagne blowing it in a crucial game. Good news for the Sox, they have one of the best with Jonathon Papelbon and it will show in this seven-game series.

Who is going to win; Red Sox in Six, just as the NL. This team has been here before, they have veteran arms and the big big difference maker with Big Papi and Ramirez.

Whether I'm right or wrong, let's hope these series get great coverage and showcase great talent from around the league!

Special Guest Writer from BeanTown

2008-02-23T12:25:00.000-08:00

Originally Posted on 10/8/07

I decided to forward along an email I received from one crazy passionate Sox Fan! It's actually written by my friend Shergul from good ol Boston... enjoy! I'll be sure to add my two cents on the NL and AL Championship Series soon.
-Brandon

By: Shergul Arshad

OK...since Bill Simmons hasn't picked up the slack, consider this an email blog entry.

This past week, I had the great fortune of attending both Red Sox playoff games at Fenway. This was particularly exciting for me because my last home Red Sox playoff game was a bitter 2003 Sox-Yankees game when Pedro hurled Zimmer to the ground. Granted I rejoiced as that fat little gerbil got his, but Jeter (who else) homered and left us down 3-1...and we never recovered (ask Aaron Boone). Granted the Sox won in 2004 and all, but still, I was hoping to see some of that Fenway magic kick in...and boy did it ever.

Game 1. Beckett, Beckett and more Beckett. His curve with mid nineties velocity is possibly the best pitch in baseball. The bizarre game was over in 2:30 hours, it was 8:45pm and thus we "had" to make a night of it at Game On. Lowlight for me was missing Papi's homer as I waited for beers (at least I saw him round the bases). Highlight was the impromptu thong and bra displays from the 2 women in front of us as their amused husbands looked on. Classic Masshole women.

Game 2 atmosphere was off the charts. Yawkey Way pregame beers, with Yankees-Cleveland "bug game" on in the background was electric. I loved the bug spray mound meeting on Joba the Hutt. I got selected by some reporter to chat about Dice K and I (mistakenly) predicted he'd be great as he's a big game pitcher. We settled into our seats by 8:30 and were glued to them until....1am. And the seats ain't big. At least it was 70 degrees, the beers were cold and the tank tops were out in full force. When Manny connected in the 9th, there wasn't a soul there that waited to see if the ball was out - it was gone right off the bat. I had yet to experience a "Fenway Playoff Walkoff" and it met every expectation.

Now for some thoughts:

- Was Francona a genius or just lucky this past month? he rests Manny in many clutch games to make sure he's healthy, bringing him back with only a week to go...and miraculously Manny found his swing in the 9th inning of Game 2. He gets away with 4 losses for Gagne...and they still get the best record. He overuses Okajima, then rests him just in time. He saves 100 innings from Schilling...and he's the freshest pitcher we have. He should be playing Ellsbury over Drew, yet Drew delivered a big hit in Game 2. I think he's genially lucky.

- Has there been enough credit given to the Sox bullpen? Manny Delcarmen, Okajima and Papelbon were amazing. Not unhittable, but tough as nails. I was impressed. Gagne? can someone please keep him in LA and not send him back to Boston?

- How on earth did the Angels win 94 or so games? is the AL West that bad? They are as potent as the LA Dodgers ;)

- Will someone explain why Eric Wedge is pitching Paul Byrd instead of Sabathia tonight? you've got 2 chances to put away the Evil Empire, you don't just punt on one to get to game 5 at home. In a week, when the Red Sox may have lost to the Yankees, I will hunt the Indians manager down and give him a Wedgie.

- Couldn't be happier that the Diamondbacks are closing in on a World Series berth. Great organization, I had an office there for a year and I think highly of them. They have the better drew brother for sure. Aside from having no real fans, they have great young players that at least the 422 people under 70 living in Phoenix should grow up to love. Of course, the fact that if someone in their front office reads this, maybe they'll remember to add "Arshad, 2 tickets" to their will call list at the World Series games in Boston ;)

- Am I hallucinating or are the Colorado Rockies the hottest team in baseball? If Troy Tulowitzki, Brad Hawpe and Garret Atkins walked through the front door, would you know which is which? Do you even know who I'm talking about? Scary bunch, although I bet tanning parlors everywhere are gunning for them to step inside.

- Papi and Schilling...one more ring and I think they join Manny Ramirez as the Hall of Famers from this Red Sox group. But after the season, buh-bye Schill, Buchholz is a legend in the making and deserves a prime starting role as the #3 guy.

- Boston doesn't even realize it has the #4 team in college football...and someone told me hockey started but I don't believe 'em.

Monday Morning Musings

2008-02-23T12:22:00.000-08:00

Originally Posted on 10/1/07

I promise to return with a new full article soon... on what I don't know. But a few newsworthy items this morning; Cadillac Williams (RB, TB Buccaneers), out for the year. This time it wasn't an ACL but it could be worse. Maybe things really do happen in threes, either way, I feel bad for Cadillac as some athletes have been known to not fully recover from a torn patellar tendon.

In more exciting news, the regular season in MLB should be over but the Rockies late surge coupled with the Padres meltdown over the weekend in Milwaukee has forced a one game contest to decide this years NL Wild Card and eventual Phillies opponent in the 1st round of the playoffs. The Pads have their ace, Jake Peavy taking the mound so it should be a great game (better than the Pats vs. Bengals Monday Night football affair).

One new baseball trade rumor swirling around this morning has the Dodgers and Twins talking. That's right my Dodgers in talks to get the best pitcher (Johan Santana) in baseball. How could I not be elated! Sure we'd have to give up two future stars in Matt Kemp and Clayton Kershaw but if the Dodgers make this deal and sign Santana to a contract extension then watch out, the Dodgers will have a tremendous rotation going into 2008! I will say this though, I hope Colletti can figure out a way to swap out Kemp for LaRoche in this deal.

Also, feel free to read down below regarding Arod. Imagine Arod and Santana joining the Blue Crew this off-season. The best hitter and pitcher added for 2008! Are you kidding me, it could happen! Fans in LA, let's hope so.

Torn ACL = Out for a Year

2008-02-23T12:20:00.000-08:00

Originally Posted on 9/25/07

A torn ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is one of the scariest words in all of sports. It means surgery, it means rehab and most likely it means you're out for a full year. In fact, a torn ACL may even be career ending... then there is the fantasy sports impact, which means you yourself might be out for a year!

In the past week we've seen two athletes go down with torn ACL's, Milton Bradley and Deuce McAllister. Now I've always heard things happen in threes so I guess we'll have to wait and see who else might fall to the horrid ACL injury bug but in the meantime, let's break down these two injuries.

Milton Bradley is a known hothead, which is why he's played for five different teams in just seven seasons. Each time he was traded (Montreal to Cleveland, Cleveland to LA, LA to Oakland and finally Oakland to SD). Each time it was due to his uncontrollable temper and overall demeanor towards life itself. He's had numerous on-field incidents but this time it caused the un-thinkable, a torn ACL from arguing with the umpire and not controlling his emotions. Sure the umpires may have been in the wrong but c'mon Milton, this ain't Monopoly, we don't have any community chest or chance cards to work with.

Bradley's injury really is a surreal scene, one that only Milton Bradley could conjure up.

See it live below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lYHRiWZwBE

As for the Deuce, no freak injury here, just a normal football play that ended badly for McAllister and the Saints who continued their lack luster start by losing yet again to fall to 0-3 on the year. For Deuce, this is his second torn ACL. He was able to come back the first go around and become an excellent and productive back rushing for over 5,000 yards with New Orleans. However, this go around he's older and may not heal as quickly. McAllister also had some damage done to his MCL. Hopefully he can come back to full health but I can't help but remember Terrell Davis.

Now for the fantasy impact. For Bradley, it doesn't really effect this season as we're in the last week of the MLB year but for next year, Bradley may no longer be a keeper but instead a guy someone hides on his DL for a year... too bad for Bradley, he's a free agent at the end of the year and may not be able to find a home in 2008.

With Deuce, its entirely different. This injury might mean a lot of changes in all fantasy leagues and formats. Prior to McAllister's injury he shared time with the elite young star, Reggie Bush. Now with McAllister out (who was normally drafted in the 2nd to early 3rd round of most drafts), Bush will receive much more carries as a back and will no doubt be included in the offense on a more regular basis.

Lucky for me, I have Bush on both my fantasy teams! Good luck to me!

AROD, trade in those stripes for Dodger Blue

2008-02-23T12:16:00.000-08:00

Posted Originally on 9/22/07

I love Opening Day.... every year for the last 10+ seasons I've attended the home opener at Dodger Stadium, sometimes even flying 300 miles in the morning only to turn around that same day. Every year is always "the year, this is it, we're going all the way." Bottom line, Opening Day means no wins, no loses and all the promise in the world.

But yet again, 2007 has left a sour taste with all Dodger fans. On paper, we should have the division easily but instead a September meltdown has left us in what could be a 4th place finish! Sure, our new "ace" Jason Schmidt started just six games and won only one topping out at 85MPH on the radar gun (coincidently, the only win was Schmidt's first Dodger start) and we ended up having a total of 11 pitchers start games for us but c'mon! Look at our payroll, look at the division, are we really a .500 ballclub? I guess so.

As a true Dodger fan though, I won't mourn for long. In fact, I'm already turning the page and looking forward to the off-season and another home opener in 2008 because next year is our year!

I know what you might be thinking, no chance, stop being so optimistic but I can't help it. I already have my plan in place, I just hope Colletti and McCourt is on the same page.

One word, AROD!

A lot of what ifs exist, will Alex Rodriguez and Scott Boras even opt out, will the Yankees not do everything in their power to keep Arod and will Colletti speak with Boras? Well, only time will tell but if Arod opts out and becomes available then the Dodgers have to, I repeat, have to make a run at this incredible talent.

Move over Kobe and move over Beckham, Arod to the Dodgers would not only be the piece we need on offense but would be the piece the Dodgers need to potentially clear 4 million fans in attendance! Think about the next 8 years or so, Arod should break the HR mark recently tainted by Bonds and save the historic record for good. Plug him in at 3b and in the 4 hole around Furcal, an overpriced Pierre, young stars Loney, Kemp, Martin, Ethier and the veteran Kent (in what should be his last season) and you have a dominant lineup to go with Penny, Lowe, Billingsley, Broxton, Proctor, Biemel and Saito (need to re-sign him first). If Schmidt is healthy then we're even better especially if prospect phenom Clayton Kershaw can join in soon. Arod is by far the biggest impact player available and he fits perfectly with this squad. We could even shop around Andy LaRoche for pitching help...

Alright, so how do get this done? We know Arod wants to play for a winner and I'm sure he wants to be in a major market. He has all this with the Yanks but he's not the only star there and I don't think he's always been comfortable in pinstripes anyway. The answer, pay him! SHOW AROD THE MONEY! Give him $250 million for 8 years, heck give him part ownership! I don't care, just get it done!

You want playoff victories, you want to build a dynasty... get AROD!