http://sportsblogs.org/entries.php?sport_id=1&date=2012-02-04&start=0 Sports Blogs :: Major League Baseball Daily Entries en-us Against wind farms? I'm not anti-wind, but realistically, I'd focus on a dozen other types instead. Including all those icky ones the left hates, like...all of them that work. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485823&src=rss 2012-02-04T23:16:00 Fangraphs wonders if a ground rule double should be changed to a ground rule home run. I wonder what the hell happened to the writing at Fangraphs. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485824&src=rss 2012-02-04T22:45:00 We will build an America where hope is a job and a paycheck, not a faded word on a bumper sticker. He began by apologizing for America...now he should apologize TO America.--Mitt Romney Romney playing to the anti-Obama crowd. Considering that's about 65% of the electorate, that's a sound strategy. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485825&src=rss 2012-02-04T22:20:00 This question was raised in the AQA yesterday. Someone asked me if I woul... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485244&src=rss 2012-02-04T21:00:35 It is the off season and I'm checking how picks 31 to 40 of the 2008 draft did this season. Traditionally players drafted out of college advance faster than those drafted out of high school and pitchers usually advance faster than position players. Some players might also be traded to help their team get an established player that can help their team improve immediately. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485942&src=rss 2012-02-04T20:53:00 In what is becoming known as the “Take Back the Park” campaign, the Washington Nationals have decided they are intent on preventing Philadelphia Phillies fans from entering their ballpark. If you haven’t noticed, the Nationals ballpark has essentially become a second home for Phillies fans in recent years considering several factors: 1) The Nationals don’t [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485921&src=rss 2012-02-04T20:47:56 At 6:30pm tomorrow, Super Bowl XLVI will officially be underway, so it only seems proper that I pick a winner and a loser between the New England Patriots or the New York Giants. There is only one problem; I am a lifelong Giants fan. Picking the Giants to win felt way too Jet-like to me. Especially after seeing the behavior [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485867&src=rss 2012-02-04T20:31:12 In light of some recent discussions around these parts about pitcher hit and walk sequencing, the tendency of pitchers to give up more or fewer hits when runners are on base or not, I wanted to look at how repeatable sequencing is. The topic came up, as I'm sure you probably know, from http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485252&src=rss 2012-02-04T20:18:41 SFG LIVE | SFG LIVE - Video | SFGiants.com: Multimedia Open FanFest Thread. They're broadcasting the thing live, and you can wait in line at home if you want to play along! http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485243&src=rss 2012-02-04T20:09:27 ch_client = ""; ch_width = 468; ch_height = 180; ch_type = "mpu"; ch_sid = "Chitika Premium"; ch_backfill = 1; Ripping Retail Retro: 1981 Fleer baseball cards hopfeed_template=""; hopfeed_align="LEFT"; hopfeed_type="IFRAME"; hopfeed_affiliate_tid=""; hopfeed_affiliate="lgalang"; hopfeed_fill_slots="true"; hopfeed_height=600; hopfeed_width=346; hopfeed_cellpadding=5; hopfeed_rows=10; hopfeed_cols=1; hopfeed_font="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485791&src=rss 2012-02-04T19:10:44 Going into a fantasy draft, there are stars you pay big money for, there are the sleepers you hope to get bargain value for, and then there are the guys who you should just avoid at all costs. I'm not referring to the common sense rost... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485730&src=rss 2012-02-04T19:00:12 America’s punishment for the infamous Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction will continue tomorrow when Madonna takes the stage for the Super Bowl halftime show. While Madonna’s relevance in the last decade is largely tied to her public divorce with director Guy Ritchie, temporary British accent, and relationship with Alex Rodriguez, there are questions sports fans want http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485197&src=rss 2012-02-04T18:41:33 The consensus seems to be that Marlins Ballpark's home run celebration machine is tacky, over-the-top, nonsensical and just plain awful. All of those ad... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485131&src=rss 2012-02-04T18:30:12 The Nationals have been one of baseball's most active teams this offseason, signing both http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485731&src=rss 2012-02-04T18:23:06 With 16 days before pitchers and Molinas report, let’s consider Mets question #16 for the spring: who will handle centerfield? Last year’s regular centerfielder Angel Pagan was dealt to San Francisco for a package of players that included another centerfielder in Andres Torres. However, I don’t see Torres as an everyday player – rather, as [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485738&src=rss 2012-02-04T18:07:08 I assume Newt is out of money, and tired of pretending there is a race. The only question was whether there would be a 50 state sweep, and that's over. This race was pretty much over when Daniels and Christie declined to run. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485462&src=rss 2012-02-04T17:28:00 These fictional racial incidents make real racism go unnoticed. Crying wolf is pathetic, and those who do so should be scorned and mocked relentlessly. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485463&src=rss 2012-02-04T17:20:00 Who’d have thought it? Certainly not Fred Wilpon. But Frank McCourt is about to be his salvation. For if the Dodgers wind up selling for $2 billion or more, the value of the Mets, a signature franchise in their own right, in the country’s largest media market with their own network and new stadium, despite their present hard times, have to be worth close to $3 billion. “What that means,” said the insider, “is that the [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485642&src=rss 2012-02-04T17:18:06 Well, another year, another shitload of commercials saying "the big game" because they're not allowed to say "Super Bowl." Am I allowed? Super Bowl! Fine me, buttholes! Anyway, there are a lot of available squares in my Super Bowl contest, so enter now. Deadline: Super Bowl Sunday at 2:22 p.m. The odds for winning the 2012 World Series ar... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485375&src=rss 2012-02-04T17:17:00 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485007&src=rss 2012-02-04T17:03:14 It's Super Bowl Sunday weekend, so that means one thing. Fantasy baseball will be in full swing starting on Monday, and we will be providing more fantasy baseball coverage than ever this seas... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485634&src=rss 2012-02-04T17:00:09 Puerto Rico L 2-0 at Mexico; Dominican Republic W 5-2 (13 inn.) vs Venezuela A few players have switched teams for this playoff series. It's weird. Batter Team Pos AB... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485004&src=rss 2012-02-04T16:58:56 Meet the Mets The biggest news from Friday was that SNY, backed by Time Warner and Comcast, is getting ready to http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485005&src=rss 2012-02-04T16:48:34 Covering what oth... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485000&src=rss 2012-02-04T16:41:14 Player:  Carlos Correa Position:  SS School:  Puerto Rico Baseball Academy Date of Birth: Height/Weight:  6’3/190 Bats/Throws:  R/R Class Of:  2012 Committed To:  Vanderbilt Scouting Report: Carlos Correa was one of... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485598&src=rss 2012-02-04T16:38:41 Player:  Byron Buxton Position:  OF School:  Appling County, GA Date of Birth:  Height/Weight:  6’1/175 Bats/Throws:  R/R Class Of:  2012 Committed To:  Georgia Scouting Report: Byron Buxton is the consensus top... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485599&src=rss 2012-02-04T16:33:38 Even Bill Maher is tired of Occupy. The problem is, as is usually the case with Maher, is he failed to think this through, which is often a problem if your mind is preoccupied with busty women thirty years younger than you and getting high. He's patently inconsistent on most things political, going so far to proudly call himself a libertarian, while all of his r... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485376&src=rss 2012-02-04T16:32:00 STARS of the HEART GALA & AUCTION featuring Vin Scully to benefit Sacred Heart School & Church. ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485498&src=rss 2012-02-04T16:30:00 Republicans believe every day is the Fourth of July, but the Democrats believe every day is April 15.--Ronald Reagan Some would have you think it's a bad thing to be patriotic and proud of your country every day. They would be wrong. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485377&src=rss 2012-02-04T16:29:00 Player:  Alex Bregman Position:  C/MIF School:  Albuquerque Academy (NM) Date of Birth:  3/30/1994 Height/Weight:  5’11/185 Bats/Throws:  R/R Class Of:  2012 Committed To:  LSU Scouting Report: Alex Bregman has been on... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485600&src=rss 2012-02-04T16:25:55 Sounds like there is still a chance the Reds could land Roy Oswalt, although reports have been that Texas and St. Louis are the most likely destinations. I don’t know what you think, but the acquisition of Oswalt would put a nice little cap on an excellent offseason for the Redlegs. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485626&src=rss 2012-02-04T16:19:43 Player:  Jake Barrett Position:  RHP School:  Arizona State Date of Birth:  7/22/1991 Height/Weight:  6’3/220 Bats/Throws:  R/R Class Of:  2013 Previously Drafted:  2009, 2rd Rd, Blue Jays Scouting Report: Barrett is... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485601&src=rss 2012-02-04T16:16:16 Player:  Matt Duffy Position:  SS/2B School:  Long Beach State Date of Birth:  1/15/1991 Height/Weight:  6’2/170 Bats/Throws:  R/R Class Of:  2013 Previously Drafted: Scouting Report: At the Cape Cod League this... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485602&src=rss 2012-02-04T16:07:11 Your browser does not support iframes. The Yankees were busy trolling the “it would be a great move if it was 2003!” crowd at this time last offseason, and one year ago today they signed Eric Chavez to a minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training. He went on to win the backup [...] Post from: River Ave. Blues A New York Yankees blog Open Thre... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485481&src=rss 2012-02-04T16:00:34 Eight years ago today, the Cardinals and Albert Pujols avoided arbitration by agreeing to a seven-year, $100MM contract. It's the largest contract ever given to a player with between 3... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485484&src=rss 2012-02-04T15:54:34 The Mariners are "looking closely" at Hong-Chih Kuo, reports Geoff Baker of The Seattle Times (on Twitter). It's unclear if they're close to a deal. Last week we heard that three West Coast teams... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485839&src=rss 2012-02-04T15:45:50 You know what really stinks? Virtual waiting rooms. The plus side is that I've secured tickets for a trip out west to see games at both San Francisco and Oakland, but the process was very much like ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484896&src=rss 2012-02-04T15:30:14 Thanks for the onsite report! Edited slightly from its original form- Kurt Friday night, I went to Tropicana Field here in Tampa to attend the Annual Induction Ceremony for the Ted Williams Hitting Hall of Fame and this years inductees were Tino Martinez and Cecil Fielder. I shot some video of Fielder's speech (with a FLIP Camera so not the best quality) , which I planne... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484907&src=rss 2012-02-04T15:16:00 Of all the coffee mugs I own, this is obviously my favorite: http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485458&src=rss 2012-02-04T15:01:47 After the conclusion of the 2010 season the Rays front office was faced with the unprecedented task of having to replace six pitchers who appeared in 55 games or more during the season as http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484800&src=rss 2012-02-04T15:00:06 Badgers played a heckuva game, but no way you beat Ohio State missing your open 3's. I'm not sure why Sullinger came back, he would have been a top three pick had he gone pro. Maybe he picked up an insurance policy, maybe he felt he could win a title, but it's a risk no one could advise with a conscience. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485250&src=rss 2012-02-04T14:53:00 As a kid, one of my things I paid close attention to in watching baseball were players' jersey numbers. Whether it was a new player joining the Blue Jays or an old player switching around his number, it was always fun to find out what everyone was wearing in Spring Training. Back th... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484807&src=rss 2012-02-04T14:45:07 by asterix611 Report by Vinod Kumar Saini &#13 Vinod Kumar Saini is Seo Expert, and promoted articles on Low cost Vacation Packages, Inexpensive Holidays New York, Cheap Flights, Motels in New York and Vacations in New York. &#thirteen &#thirteen &#13 &#thirteen &#thirteen &#thirteen &#13 &#13 &#thirteen &#13 The Original Post is Located Here: Expended your Holidays in New York Town on... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485434&src=rss 2012-02-04T14:43:13 by Ed Yourdon Article by Sarina Lissa New Jersey a quite important and beautiful state of the United States of The united states, is total of natural as effectively as gentleman produced beauty. This state is complete of historical sites and natural parks, which are interesting to check out. In 1800s, the Higher Position State [...] The Original Post is Located Here: Exciting Areas In New Jersey http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485435&src=rss 2012-02-04T14:36:42 So our buddy John Royal was asked by the Associated Press to go over to Katy for a Christian Men's Rally, where Lance Berkman was introducing Josh Hamilton, upon whom the story was based. In an email to Astros County, Royal said: As the two joked before things got serious, Berkman fired off this: "Did you really want the Rangers to win? Being from Houston, I felt like I was doing this city a favor. I don’t want Dallas to have the first ring in the major leag... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485279&src=rss 2012-02-04T14:26:00 The Cardinals are close to signing Alex Cora to a minor league contract reports MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez. The team didn't conf... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485840&src=rss 2012-02-04T14:23:01 It is year end and I'm checking how picks 51 to 64 of the 2007 draft did this season. Traditionally players drafted out of college advance faster than those drafted out of high school and pitchers usually advance faster than position players. Some players might also be traded to help their team get an established player that can help their team improve immediately. ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485456&src=rss 2012-02-04T14:12:00 There are some experts who believe the Mets will bring in another starting pitcher, more then likely a reclamation project who will sign on a minor league deal.  I thought Jeff Frances or Zach Duke would have been perfect for the role and was disappointed when the signed elsewhere on minor league deals. In discussing the http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485140&src=rss 2012-02-04T14:04:00 Happy last month before Spring Training, boys and girls. We're in the final stretch of the worst time of year, when baseball fields lie empty and covered in snow. Or, this year, not covered in snow, which is unsettling and wrong. In a few weeks, pitchers and cat... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484801&src=rss 2012-02-04T14:00:58 Two years ago today, the Twins signed Orlando Hudson to a one-year contract worth $5MM. He hit .268/.338/.372 in 126 games for Minnesota, then signed a http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485841&src=rss 2012-02-04T14:00:46 Submit your own funny caption to this weeks photo in the comment section below, just keep it PG-13 and under. Feel free to rec the comments you want nominated (click "actions" then "rec"). A tally of wins is posted on the right side of the main page. Authors are not eligi... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484802&src=rss 2012-02-04T14:00:19 Got a new toy for you folks to play with: the Amateur Signing Bonuses page. It’s a list of signing bonuses the Yankees have paid out to amateur players (draftees and international free agents) in the recent and not-so-recent past. It is in no way complete and it never ever will be because some signing [...] Post from: River Ave. Blues A New York Yankees blog http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485262&src=rss 2012-02-04T14:00:08 Man, how I loved Kenny Easley back when. [Photo Credit: Rick Stewart/Getty Images] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485245&src=rss 2012-02-04T13:31:17 Funny football stuff over at These Fries Are Good. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485246&src=rss 2012-02-04T13:24:23 I asked Ron Wotus about the Giants’ defense. Specifically, I wondered how much of their recent success was due to keen defensive positioning and how much was just the result of talented defensive players. I also asked him about how the Giants utilize video and such in organizing their defense. What follows is a transcript of [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485345&src=rss 2012-02-04T13:20:16 In addition to Manny Ramirez, the A's are also evaluating Magglio Ordonez for a spring tryout, according to Peter G... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485263&src=rss 2012-02-04T13:15:16 Competing exec on new mets starting cf andres torres: “he’s a 5th outfielder.” me: agree. — Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) February 4, 2012   Torres was acquired along with Ramon Ramirez in exchange for Angel Pagan and a player to be … Continue reading → http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485241&src=rss 2012-02-04T13:08:45 It is year end and I'm checking how picks 41 to 50 of the 2007 draft did this season. Traditionally players drafted out of college advance faster than those drafted out of high school and pitchers usually advance faster than position players. Some players might also be traded to help their team get an established player that can help their team improve immediately. ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485373&src=rss 2012-02-04T12:51:00 Mike Stanton, the player who has arguably the most raw power in baseball right now, but is also, arguably the most overrated player in drafts. It’s easy to fall in love with him, since he consistently launches baseballs into the stratosphere, but that’s all he does, and that is definitely not worth the price tag. You’re not getting a bonus for the distance of home runs, so why on earth would you want him on your team? Yo... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485383&src=rss 2012-02-04T12:50:00 It's about time to kick off one of our favorite things in all the world: Season Previews. Five years ago, they began as a semi-serious analysis and ended up as half-assed haiku. W... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485284&src=rss 2012-02-04T12:05:00 I have written several articles this offseason discussing whether http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485264&src=rss 2012-02-04T12:00:26 On this day in 1962, Dan Plesac was born in Gary, Indiana. He went to college at NC State before the Brewers selected him with the 26th overall pick in the 1983 draft. He signed just days later and by 1986 he was a full time major leaguer. Plesac pitched seven seasons as a Brewer and made 365 appearances, 351 of them in relief. He posted an ERA under 3 in each of his first four seasons, making th... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484706&src=rss 2012-02-04T12:00:03 It is year end and I'm checking how picks 31 to 40 of the 2007 draft did this season. Traditionally players drafted out of college advance faster than those drafted out of high school and pitchers usually advance faster than position players. Some players might also be traded to help their team get an established player that can help their team improve immediately. ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485224&src=rss 2012-02-04T11:54:00 Pitcher Roy Oswalt is without a contract two weeks before the start of spring workouts and a number of suitors remain in the mix for his services.  Because the right-hander's top choices - St. Louis and Texas - are dealing with budget constraints, clubs such as the Reds continue to explore the possib... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485265&src=rss 2012-02-04T11:53:47   Today continues our countdown to the start of Indians pitchers and catchers reporting to Goodyear, Arizona on February 20. We’ll count down the days, profiling a former Indian who wore the corresponding number. Some players will be memorable, others just our favorites and some, the only one we could find who wore [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485225&src=rss 2012-02-04T11:49:29 Santorum leads Obama in head-to-head matchup. Someone in the reelection campaign office just read that and said to themselves, "We've hit rock bottom, nowhere to go but up." Dennis Miller's joke about someone changing their name to Not Obama was so funny because it was true. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485009&src=rss 2012-02-04T11:29:00 The Miami Marlins and Anibal Sanchez were forced to enter an Arbitration hearing this week to put a final number on his salary this year. This is a process many players go through in order to determine a fair amount of money to be paid when a deal cannot be worked out. While there is still a year to negotiate, it is very surprising the Marlins are not actively pursuing an extension for the 27 year old hurler. I, along with many other fans agree that Sanchez is more than deserving of an ex... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485165&src=rss 2012-02-04T11:06:54 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485144&src=rss 2012-02-04T11:00:24 Last night the much awaited hair cutting ceremony of former Mets SS Jose Reyes took place. I can't describe how much it pains me to scribble "former."As anyone with a pulse knows, I have been sick to my stomach since it was obvious the Mets had absolutely zero interest in re-signing Reyes, let alone his eventual signing with the dreaded Marlins. I also firmly believe Reyes will not complete his http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485047&src=rss 2012-02-04T10:59:00 One week until FanFest! Who's excited? I know I am. So many names have been listed to appear for the autograph sessions, you will definitely get a chance to meet your favorite Padre and some new ones as well. A couple names I noticed that are absent from the list are Orlando Hudson (big shocker th... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485194&src=rss 2012-02-04T10:34:33 @joshjerusalmi most teams do those fan fests for pre-ticket publicity. @mets & @Yankees don’t need the PR, I guess, so they never do them. — Matthew Cerrone (@matthewcerrone) January 29, 2012 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485127&src=rss 2012-02-04T10:26:12 As things stand now, the 2012 Boston Red Sox appear to planning on using three platoons to help improve both offensive and defensive production in 2012. In Right field, where the Sox struggled to find production in 2011, the team has added LHH Ryan Sweeney and RHH Cody Ross to the picture, and fifth outfielder [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485189&src=rss 2012-02-04T10:16:23 Eric Surkamp discusses his long 2011 season, his health, and reflects on what it was like to pitch in the majors. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485080&src=rss 2012-02-04T10:00:47 Watched about thirty seconds of the "Town Hall" on NESN last night. One fan's question to Bobby Valentine and Ben Cherington came via the Internet. The man claimed that "halfway through the 2011 season" the Red Sox lost him. He'd been a fan for 50 years and that had never happened to him before. He wanted to know how what the team was doing to "bring him back." Halfway through the 2011 season, the Red Sox weren't too far out of first place and led the wild card race. They had the t... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484888&src=rss 2012-02-04T10:00:00 Coming: Hayata Itoh (1st round draft pick), Shingo Matsuzaki, manager Yutaka Wada Going: Tsuyoshi Shimoyanagi, Kodai Sakurai, Ikuro Katsuragi, Keiji Uezono, manager Akinobu Mayumi Staying: Matt Murton, Craig Brazell, Randy Messenger, Jason Standridge, Takashi Toritani, Kyuji Fujikawa Hanshin’s biggest change this season is in the dugout, where Yutaka Wada replaces Akinobu Mayumi, who failed to [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485030&src=rss 2012-02-04T09:50:28 Manny Ramirez's comeback attempt isn't your typical feel good comeback story. He abruptly retired last April following a second failed PED test, and several of his former employers had grown tired of ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485017&src=rss 2012-02-04T09:43:05 With Spring Training right around the corner it’s time to start to get into the baseball spirit. Even though it appears we are not going to be contending for a title this season, there is still plenty to be excited about.  There is always the outside chance that we make it interesting and contend for the second wild card spot.  For that to potentially happen things need to break right for us and players need to step [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485042&src=rss 2012-02-04T09:36:43 Miscellaneous thoughts and observations. Happy Ice Cream for Breakfast Day! 15 offbeat holidays in February... Ernest Hemingway said the roar of a lion in the wild is first felt in the scrotum. The same is true of a Rob Gronkowski TD spike... Happy 64th birthday to Alice Cooper - one of the most under-rated rock stars in history. His music still stands up very well... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484886&src=rss 2012-02-04T09:34:00 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484899&src=rss 2012-02-04T09:32:00 On the Monday after Super Sunday '12, the story will probably be who won between the Giants D-line and Pats O-line. Below is the post from the Monday after Super Sunday in '08. You can read all about every aspect... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484902&src=rss 2012-02-04T09:30:43     It’s not unusual to have friends and family members with different sports rooting interest as you, I have many friends and relatives who root for the Highlanders, Knicks and the Jets,  even a couple of Devils, Islanders and Nets fans thrown in the mix as well. This week the Giants fan contingent of [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485044&src=rss 2012-02-04T09:29:40 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485018&src=rss 2012-02-04T09:25:42 There is little money to undertake long-postponed, but needed repairs to the home of the Johnson City Cardinals of the rookie-level Appalachian League. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485060&src=rss 2012-02-04T09:24:57 Over at The Hardball Times, Dan Brooks writes about the inherent problems with PitchFX and how he managed to solve some of them with Harry Pavlidis and Lucas Apostoleris: by hand-tagging each of the 3.5 million pitches thrown since PitchFX was instituted in Major League ballparks.  The result is these amazing player cards, which include tons of data sortable just about a... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485006&src=rss 2012-02-04T09:22:03 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485019&src=rss 2012-02-04T09:00:52 Jesse asks: What are your thoughts on the theory that the reason Cashman did not go all in for Darvish is not because he didn’t like the idea of an imported pitcher, but because there were already rumblings of Pineda in pinstripes? I’m not sure I buy that. Both Brian Cashman and Mariners GM Jack [...] Post from: River Ave. Blues A New York Yankees blog http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485016&src=rss 2012-02-04T09:00:41 The Original Post is Located Here: Imaginative Clam I Heart Jersey Shore Boys 2.twenty five Inch Glass Mirror Backed Ornament http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485125&src=rss 2012-02-04T08:38:30 I'm going to take a look at how the members of the 2009 Baseball America college baseball All American team did in 2011. It will be interesting how well early success translated to their later baseball careers. RHP Kyle Bellamy of Miami was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the fifth round in 2009. He missed the entire 2011 season due to an arm injury. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484984&src=rss 2012-02-04T08:19:00 Let's keep track of the day's minor moves right here... The Royals have agreed to terms with 22-year-old Cuban outfielder Ramon Hernandez Jorrin after evaluating him in the Dominican Republic, reports MLB.com's Dick Kaegel. "We had a chance to watch him play in games ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485020&src=rss 2012-02-04T08:10:57 Ben Nicholson-Smith of MLB Trade Rumors recently tweeted the following: Four years after the fact, I think it’s safe to say the Mets won the Johan Santana trade. #Humber #Gomez #Mulvey — Ben Nicholson-Smith (@mlbtrben) February 2, 2012   Santana’s … Continue reading → http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485002&src=rss 2012-02-04T08:04:15 Yesterday, Giants GM Brian Sabean talked to the press about the possibility of signing Matt Cain and http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485384&src=rss 2012-02-04T08:01:58 UFC 143 is live on Pay-Per-View tonight, and with picks locking at 2 PM EST, it's ge... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485021&src=rss 2012-02-04T08:00:32 From the Dodgers - The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced the signing of right-handed reliever Todd Coffey to ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485040&src=rss 2012-02-04T08:00:00 Dan Duquette has a plan. It is not the plan that many wanted. Prince Fielder is not part of that plan, neither is trading Adam Jones or Jeremy Guthrie. No, but Duquette has a plan. And it is very risky. Looking at the moves Duquette has made this offseason I think it is pretty clear, he still believes in the talent that is on this roster. I made this comment at fanfest: "If Brian Matusz [et al] played at the level we expected them to play, then MacPhail would still be h... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484898&src=rss 2012-02-04T07:49:00 With spring training officially just under a month away, we continue with a series of projections on what the 2012 Toronto Blue Jays might look like. Each day (don’t hold me to this), I will profile a 2012 Blue Jays starter, closing with a set of numbers based on my (usually positive) expectations. We move on [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484957&src=rss 2012-02-04T07:45:44 During the week I mentioned The Cerrone Effect which is when Mets Blog links to you and your traffic spikes (and frankly your GoDaddy hosting gets wonky, but I’ll take it every time.)  One time The Cerrone Effect (technically that was the Baron Effect) got me kicked off Adsense because Google decided I clicked my own ads.   Good luck arguing with Google by the way.  There’s a better chance of reaching the Queen of England. However, there is also the Lukas Effect which ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484936&src=rss 2012-02-04T07:36:44 During the week I mentioned The Cerrone Effect which is when Mets Blog links to you and your traffic spikes (and frankly your GoDaddy hosting gets wonky, but I’ll take it every time.)  One time The Cerrone Effect (technically that was the Baron Effect) got me kicked off Adsense because Google decided I clicked my own ads.   Good luck arguing with Google by the way.  There’s a better chance of reaching the Queen of England. However, there is also the Lukas Effect which ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485149&src=rss 2012-02-04T07:36:44 When 1967 spring training began, it was obvious early that this camp would be different. A column by Harold Kaese, longtime Globe writer and columnist,is entitled "Sox Training No Clambake". In the lightly humerous style of the old-school writer that he was, Kaese talks about some issues faced by Dick Williams and the team. One of these occurred when pitchers Dennis Bennett and Bob Sadowski were fined by Dick Williams for being 25 minutes late for sliding practice. Presenting h... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484908&src=rss 2012-02-04T07:30:05 It's no secret the level of disdain this GM has towards Jose Reyes. His smile, his hair, his handshakes, his dancing, his annoying antics...ugh! The new Miami Marlins shortstop will no longer be donning those nasty-ass dreds anymore though, due to a team rule. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484707&src=rss 2012-02-04T07:25:00 Word to Don Cornelius. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484889&src=rss 2012-02-04T07:09:34 For over 15 years Derek Jeter has been the sports symbol in this town. The Yankees shortstop benefitted from being in the right place/right time, as the Bombers won a World Series his first season in the big leagues. Jeter was young, playing for an up-and-coming team, and produced big moments on the big postseason stage. He [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484910&src=rss 2012-02-04T07:06:58 In an effort to get my readers to learn a little something about something other than baseball cards, which is after all, a little children’s pursuit and a colossal waste of time, I present to you this Bonus Fact of the Week. This one’s in honor of all the suds I’m planning on sucking up [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484848&src=rss 2012-02-04T07:01:05 This one is from about 10 days ago but holds up just fine…David Wright with the Roto Experts Related posts: David Wright and Travis Hafner Compete For Fantasy Football Supremacy : The XLog I probably shouldn’t post this David Wright link David Wright isn’t going anywhere Related posts: http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484829&src=rss 2012-02-04T07:00:46 This one is from about 10 days ago but holds up just fine…David Wright with the Roto Experts Related posts: David Wright and Travis Hafner Compete For Fantasy Football Supremacy : The XLog I probably shouldn’t post this David Wright link David Wright isn’t going anywhere Related posts: http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484937&src=rss 2012-02-04T07:00:46 Via the AP, Joba Chamberlain has started throwing off a half-mound as he continues his rehab from Tommy John surgery. He’s been throwing off flat ground for a few weeks, but now he’s starting to get elevated. He’s right on schedule based on Mike Dodd’s classic TJS article, and should begin throwing breaking balls pretty [...] Post from: River Ave. Blues A New York Yankees blog http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484813&src=rss 2012-02-04T07:00:41 Here's some more minor league links for the week of February 3rd, as we saw a number of sites release more top prospect lists and are very much looking forward to the release of top 100 lists across the internet. We're also interested in finding out if there are specific topics or players you'd like to see from our... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484900&src=rss 2012-02-04T07:00:25 Following their busy offseason, the Washington Nationals figure to be one of the more exciting teams to watch in 2012.  As if Nationals fans didn’t have enough of a reason to tune in already, the club might offer followers yet another.  Manager Davey Johnson has been campaigning for top prospect Bryce Harper to start the season at the major league level.  While some figured this was just talk, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo indicated that Harper could indeed begin the year in Wa... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484879&src=rss 2012-02-04T07:00:07 (Photo from the New York Times) http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484887&src=rss 2012-02-04T06:48:54 Following the trade that sent Jesus Montero to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Michael Pineda, the New York Yankees designated hitter position has been a question mark.  While some seem to believe the Yankees will fill their vacancy from within, there is at least one high-profile New Yorker who wants to see the club add another player.  Manager Joe Girardi told reporters last night that he thinks the Yankees should add another bat this winter. … [visit site to read more] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484880&src=rss 2012-02-04T06:30:10 No more dreadlocks for Jose Reyes. The new Miami Marlins shortstop cut off his patented dreadlocks for charity on national TV Friday — though not entirely by choice. Reyes had to comply with a team rule prohibiting hair below a player’s helmet line. After his trim, Reyes’ hair was donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida. They plan to auction the hair for charity on eBay. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484843&src=rss 2012-02-04T06:15:28 On this date in Pittsburgh Pirates history five former players have been born as well as one new player just signed last month. Starting with the newest former player first,... Read more » http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484849&src=rss 2012-02-04T06:03:15 It’s been a while since we’ve seen Chicago Cubs right-hander Matt Garza mentioned in trade rumors.  Danny Knobler of CBSports.com got the mill churning again yesterday, as he reported the Cubs are likely to continue shopping Garza this spring.  This offseason, the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers have been the clubs most frequently tied to Garza. … [visit site to read more] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484795&src=rss 2012-02-04T06:00:18 Hmmm, outhustled by Kranepool Society.  I didn’t even know there was a media hour. After Murphy, R.A. Dickey was made available to us for a Q & A session and of course R.A. was in fine form with thoughtful answers about his climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro, his hope that Johan Santana can come back and reclaim his spot as Ace of the pitching staff and his pragmatic view of the upcoming season for the Mets in a very tough NL East as you can here is this clip and this clip. Af... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484938&src=rss 2012-02-04T06:00:00 Hmmm, outhustled by Kranepool Society.  I didn’t even know there was a media hour. After Murphy, R.A. Dickey was made available to us for a Q & A session and of course R.A. was in fine form with thoughtful answers about his climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro, his hope that Johan Santana can come back and reclaim his spot as Ace of the pitching staff and his pragmatic view of the upcoming season for the Mets in a very tough NL East as you can here is this clip and this clip. Af... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3485150&src=rss 2012-02-04T06:00:00 You may remember a post I wrote a month and a half ago that asked why Matt Thornton started throwing this ineffective 90-mph changeup for no ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484392&src=rss 2012-02-04T05:57:52 The Marlins' new ballpark is simply full of awesome. The Cubs add another to their Spring Training non-roster invites, the Cubs lose a scout to the Red Sox, and Mike Quade has advice for Robin Ventura. Related posts: The Cubs Are Suddenly Loaded at First Base and Other Bullets Ant... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484842&src=rss 2012-02-04T05:54:12 "With a lot of players, at times, some of them don't want to play on turf, no matter what money." 2/3/12, " http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484641&src=rss 2012-02-04T05:51:00 If you’re a newer reader, two years ago we had a ball with Afterlife Shea Stadium which hosted a lot of events. I’ll never forget back in 2010 when Afterlife Shea hosted Puppy Bowl 6 A few weeks later Afterlife Shea would be photoshopped into being the home of the World Champion Saints Afterlife Shea, I miss you. Related posts: Overanalyzing the 1964 Shea Stadium scoreboard Looks like the Daily News is still call... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484830&src=rss 2012-02-04T05:48:23 If you’re a newer reader, two years ago we had a ball with Afterlife Shea Stadium which hosted a lot of events. I’ll never forget back in 2010 when Afterlife Shea hosted Puppy Bowl 6 A few weeks later Afterlife Shea would be photoshopped into being the home of the World Champion Saints Afterlife Shea, I miss you. Related posts: Overanalyzing the 1964 Shea Stadium scoreboard Looks like the Daily News is still c... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484939&src=rss 2012-02-04T05:48:23 At the Thurman Munson Award dinner last week, R.A. Dickey told David Lennon of Newsday: “You can’t just go in and say, we’re going to be this team. It’s a real organic process. Hopefully it won’t be dysfunctional and we’ll … Continue reading → http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484719&src=rss 2012-02-04T05:36:11 Compiled by Jason Kaminski The Cleveland Indians make a trade with the New York Yankees acquiring outfielder Otis Nixon and pitcher http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484798&src=rss 2012-02-04T05:35:45 The National League Central in a state of flux, given the cross-league emigration of two of the game’s biggest sluggers, and facing the eventual exile of one of the division’s six teams to the A.L. The Astros have new names signing the payc... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484839&src=rss 2012-02-04T05:34:07 In yesterday’s update on free agent Manny Ramirez, we discovered that the former slugger had been receiving the most interest from the Oakland A’s and Baltimore Orioles.  Now, Enrique Rojas of ESPNDeportes.com is reporting that Manny is currently deciding between three clubs, the A’s, Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays. … [visit site to read more] Manny Ramirez R... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484796&src=rss 2012-02-04T05:30:54 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484720&src=rss 2012-02-04T05:21:35 If you head over to www.brooksbaseball.net, there’s a new tool available that’s so impressive I barely know where to start using it. I’m not really in the business of the sort of in-depth and complex statistical analysis you can get from writers who really know their way around pitch f/x, but even I can appreciate [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484810&src=rss 2012-02-04T05:15:18 It’s no secret that the San Francisco Giants are nearing a pair of large decisions regarding their franchise’s future.  The club has already bought out the final two years of Tim Lincecum’s arbitration eligibility, but the Freak is still set to hit the open market following the 2013 season.  Matt Cain, who joins Lincecum atop the Giants rotation, is a year closer to free agency.  While both remain without long-term contracts, the Giants said last night that they have the budget to... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484797&src=rss 2012-02-04T05:14:49 So today we will look at the position which I think has the greatest depth for fantasy purposes, 2B. Lots of good rosterable names on... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484814&src=rss 2012-02-04T05:00:15 by Thomas Callahan On July 6, 2011, at 6:31 on a succulent evening in Churchill Downs, Animal Kingdom made a Godzilla move around the final turn to win the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby. Going off as a 20-1 … Continue reading → http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484815&src=rss 2012-02-04T04:59:43 The majority of my memories of the Mets time under Omar Minaya are positive ones. It was the first time since I began to follow baseball with a burning passion that the Mets were a truly competitive team and it was a time that saw my favorite player of all-time, Pedro Martinez, don my  favorite team’s jersey. A lot of positive memories. With the state of the Mets today, however, I decided I wanted to take a [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484740&src=rss 2012-02-04T04:07:37 What are some famous firsts in black major league baseball history since Jackie Robinson broke the color line in 1947? In honor of Black History Month here is a look at some famous firsts accomplished by African-Americans in major league baseball … [visit site to read more] Famous Black Firsts in Baseball History - Call to the Pen - http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484704&src=rss 2012-02-04T03:15:16 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484640&src=rss 2012-02-04T03:00:28 Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE The disease is not one you’re born with (although studies do show it can be hereditary).  The disease is not something you contract.  It’s something that develops out of a seemingly innocuous situation.  It develops from just one sip.  Alcoholism can start in many different ways.  Depression, celebration, and anger can lead to excessive drinking.  That may be all it takes.  For Josh Hamilton, his addiction began early in his Major League caree... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484638&src=rss 2012-02-04T03:00:17 Q: Alex Cobb - Where do you see his ceiling and his floor?John: I think what he did in the majors last year is exactly what he should be expected to do, given good health.Q: I recall a couple years ago, before Trout blew up, you saying you “just had a feeling” about him, or something like that, even though it wasn’t empirical. Are there any prospects that you’ve just got a hunch about these days? http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484577&src=rss 2012-02-04T02:44:38 I'm going back to the Anthony Vasquez well again. Sometimes I get stuck looking at Barry Bonds' statistics because they're so unbelievably amazing. Sometimes I get stuck looking at http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484216&src=rss 2012-02-04T01:17:12 Earlier this week, I put together a cursory analysis of position scarcity as far as the impact it had in the Majors last year. However, there are some significant fallacies regarding what the impact of position scarcity is. So many fantasy resources are geared to... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484401&src=rss 2012-02-04T00:56:00 SATURDAY: The Rays received $100K from the Indians to complete the trade, reports MLB.com's Jordan Bastian (on Twitter). TUESDAY: The Indians announced that they acquired http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484901&src=rss 2012-02-04T00:49:00 ch_client = ""; ch_width = 468; ch_height = 180; ch_type = "mpu"; ch_sid = "Chitika Premium"; ch_backfill = 1; Forgotten Treasure – Old Storage Finds (Pt. 2) Looney Tunes – Golden Collection $34.99 LOONEY TUNES:GOLDEN COLLECTION VOL 1 – DVD Movie… New Beckett Massive Online Gamer – Current Isssue – Mar/Apr 11 New Beckett Massive Online Gamer – Current Month – You will be sent the [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484539&src=rss 2012-02-04T00:43:28 We at Razzball realize that exporting our views across the country has damaging consequences on the blogosphere. To help make amends, we are reaching out to leading team blogs and featuring their locally blogged answers to pressing 2012 fantasy baseball questions regarding their team. We feel this approach will be fresher, more sustainable, and require [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=3484522&src=rss 2012-02-04T00:15:49