Still Shell Shocked

It's been a week since the most memorable 90 minutes of Baseball Played happend in front of my disbelieving eyes. The Red Sox lost in the most bizzare manner [the Whole month of September, really was a lost month for them - at 7 and 20] and the Tampa Bay Rays won in incredible fashion. Coming back from 7 runs down in the 8th inning to over-take the Yankees in extra innings and sink the Red Sox into their own mire.

Still shell-shocked about the whole thing, really.

Various Sports writers have written items, now, about discord in the Red Sox locker-room for the 2nd half of the season. Hind-Sight being 20-20 and all. But, Now, Terry Francona has been given his walking papers. Theo Epstein might be interviewing for a higher-level job at the Chicago Cubs. All things Red Sox have kind-of ground to a halt.

The Rays have already been exiled to the off-season, due to 3 losses against the Texas Rangers in the ALDS. The Yankees were pushed to the Brink in their series against the Detroit Tigers and that will get decided tomorrow night.

I have switched over to full-time watching and caring for Football for the next 3-4 months. Not sure what The Hot-Stove or Spring Training will bring. Will wait and see. - Need to get some much needed sleep, now, from the frantic Baseball watching of September!

Updated: 10/07/2011 - All I can say is that I'm glad THE EVIL EMPIRE was knocked out of the play-offs, last night. Makes things a bit easier to live with.

Giants needed Beltran?

Did the SF Giants need Carlos Beltran to repeat in the National League [and the WS]? You bet your butt they did! Just look at the Powerful hitting [and pitching] lineups they are likely to face. Philadelphia with it's triple threat pitching rotation and it's powerful hitting lineup. Forget about those potent American League offenses [ie: Red Sox, Yankees, Texas, etc]

The Giant's offense is generally considered the 3rd worst offense in Baseball. They are lucky to be over .500 [let alone 16 games over .500!]. Their pitching is solid, but their hitting has been suspect. They have just been lucky, so far, to be where they are. They have the prospects, they have the salary capp space. So, why not make a splash in the Pre-Deadline trade-market?

Angels Starter throws a No-No over Indians

Angels Starter, Ervin Santana, threw the first nine inning no-hitter for the Angels in nearly 27 years to lead the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to victory over the Cleveland Indians by a score of 3-1 this past Wednesday.

And there was much rejoycing! Looks like a bunch of kids winning a Little League Game. That's what makes MLB so fun to watch!

Instant Replay WILL be added to MLB!

Anyone who saw [or heard about] the 19 inning debacle between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Atlanta Braves, which ended with an obviously BAD call at the plate {Julio Lugo was out by a few feet!}, knows there will HAVE to be some additional usage or framework for some form of Instant Replay in Major League Baseball. I know that Baseball 'purists' say that the Human Element is part of the game, but when millions of viewers watching a game live, and [potentially] Billions of viewers can watch things immediately afterwards [in slow motion - frame by frame] online on the Internet have a better view and knowledge than the Umpires in a Game, we are going to have uprisings. There simply MUST be a way that Instant Replay can be added to MLB games without causing things to slow down to a crawl. I mean, look at the NHL. They have Instant Replay available [from the home Office!] for every [potential] goal to make sure that IF the puck even brushes across the line for a split second, that goal is recorded.

Stay Tuned!

Double-Digit Mastry?

How often does a Major League team put up 10 runs in one game? 5 times per season? 8 times per season? Not sure what the average is over-all in the past, but the Boston Red Sox seem to be doing it at least weekly, if not twice a week!

Let's look at the math. There were 4 weeks in April. There were 4.5 weeks in May. There were 4+ weeks in June. There are 4 weeks in July. That is 17 weeks [give or take a day] and we are NOT yet done with July. The Boston Red Sox have placed at least 10 runs on the board in 16 games [so far] in the season. What is even more amazing about this is that they did not do this [at all] in April. They only did it 3 times in May. In June, they did it 6 times and [so far] in July they have accomplished this feat an incredible 7 times! That's 7 times in an incomplete month which was also abbreviated by the All-Star-Break! Not only are they putting up more than 10 runs, many times they are putting up a couple of Touch-downs on the board. By touch-downs I mean that the Sox put up at least 14 runs! Out of those 16 games with more than 10 runs, 7 of them had 14 or more runs. I'm not sure statistics like this are tracked with much regularity or accuracy, but this team has an incredible amount of offense!

July 30th 2011 - update: Red Sox scored 10 runs [again] tonight {in their 10-2 victory} making this the 17th game where they put up 10 runs [at least] of the 2011 Season. That's 17 weeks and 17 games with 10 runs or more. It's getting to be like clockwork! 1 per week [minimum] and many times twice per week.

Recently, Tim Wakefield has given up large numbers of runs [early] in games, but has still won those games because the offense put up 11 runs per game! Now THAT is run support!

August 6th 2011 - update: Red Sox scored 10 runs [again] today. This time against their 'hated rivals' The Yankees. 18 weeks and 18 games with 10 runs or more. Clockwork - still!

August 23rd 2011 - update: Red Sox scored over 10 runs again, tonight, at Texas. There has been a 'power-outage' among the Sox valued offense. This is the first 10+ run game since August 6th [nearly two and a half weeks!]. So now we are at this rate: 19 games with 10+ runs scored by the Sox in 20.5 weeks. Still pretty impressive!

August 25th 2011 - update: The Boston Red Sox continued their heavy-hitting-ways last night. They put up a touchdown and two field goals in their 13-2 rout of the Texas Rangers. For those of you that are counting [like me] they have now hit 10+ runs in 20 games in 20.5 weeks. I would not be surprised to see another game like this, this very week - to keep up their torrid pace. - Incredible!

September 7th - update: The Red Sox have scored more than 10 runs in two more games. This continues their torrid pace for the season. On Sept 3rd they scored 12 against the Texas Rangers [again] and then scored 14 against Toronto last night [Sept 6th]. They even scored 9 against the NY Yankees on August 31st, but have also lost their lead of the Division to the Yankees because they lost several games over the last week and a half. So, now, we are at 22. 5 weeks and the Sox have scored 10 or more runs in 22 games. Still inccredible [but what would all that mean if they do not win the Division?!?]. - Stay Tuned!

Sept 12th Update: Red Sox added another 10 plus run game [although it was a defeat!]. They lost 11-10 to the Toronto Blue Jays. At present, they have lost about 8 of their last 11 games. This is causing concern in Red Sox Nation, even if they do score 10+ runs every week. The play-offs are approaching and the Sox are beginning to play very poorly. I hope it is just a short phase!

Sept 14th Update: Red Sox put up another 2+ Touchdown performance, last night. They scored 18 runs [7 of them in 1 inning!] beating the Toronto Blue Jays 18 - 6. While this feat means that they have put up 10+ runs in 24 games [within 24 weeks] - it does not guarantee that they make the play-offs. Tampa Bay happened to lose last night [to the Orioles - no less!] but they are just 4 games back of the Sox in the Wild Card hunt and I think the Sox are just too far back [4 games] from the Yankees to over-take them in the Division [AL East].

Sept 20th Update: Red Sox put up another 2+ Touchdown performance, last night. Again, they scored 18 runs [7 in one inning!] beating the lowly Baltimore Orioles 18 - 9. Now, if they had not lost the early game of the double-header, I might feel a bit better! They are holding onto their lead in the Wildcard race by a thread. They are 2 games ahead of Tampa Bay [a team with better pitching] and way too far behind the Yankees to even think of winning the Division. They have lost 15 of their last 20 games! What does it matter that they have scored 10+ runs in 25 games in the last 25 weeks? It means nothing!

Seattle needs to rebuild

The Seattle Mariners have lost their franchise record 15th game in a row, today. They are in sorry shape. Pitching seems to be inconsistent and hitting seems to be nearly non-existent! Do they really care in the upper west coast region that follows these Mariners? Hard to say. But something needs to happen there in the next year or two to mkake them competitive again.

Note from July 28th: NEWS FLASH! - Seattle Mariners have won a game! Losing streak ends at 17. They beat the NY Yankees [to boot!]. Way to go!

Tim Wakefield and Cy Young in the same sentence?

Who would EVER place Tim Wakefield in the same sentence as Cy Young [or Roger Clemens for that matter]? But it is happening. Wakefield has nearly 200 wins in the big leagues. He has 185 of them with the Red Sox. Roger and Cy are tied atop the Red Sox wins category with 192 wins each. Wakefield only needs 8 more to pass them. Could happen this year? [Not likely] but could REALLY happen in April or May of 2012. Stay tuned.

Today, Tim Wakefield celebrated his 199th win in the Major Leagues. 199 wins for a knuckleballer! Seems kinda odd. The largest reason is longevity. Pitching knuckleballs is much less strenuous on the throwing arm. Allows for better healing between starts and more years able to continue pitching. You see, Wakefield is 44 years old. There does not seem to be any reason for him to hang-up his spikes yet either! He just keeps slinging his knuckleballs and frustrating most hitters [and a few Catchers] and keeps grinding out numbers. 199 wins [check] 2000 strike-outs [check] Age 44 [check] Starting pitcher [check] Long relief man [check] short relief man [check] relief appearence between starts [check] - the man is a machine. He just keeps on going and going..

Go Wake!

Update 08/23/2011 - There have been at least 4 chances for Tim Wakefield to have reached the 200 Wins mark, but he just has not made it. He has pitched pretty well, but many of these games had low scoring offense from the Sox hitters. A couple of these games had Tim leave when they were ahead, but the game bec ame tied [or something] and a few times the Sox even came back and won the game, but the 'W' went to another pitcher. Still waiting! Hopefully this week!

ALL Star [?] Game

With all of the recent rash of players deciding NOT to play in this year's All Star Game, it's a wonder that this game keeps it's name "All Star Game". Yesterday, eight more players threw in the towel. Even John Lester from the Red Sox was placed on the Roster to fill the spot of an injured player, and then was replaced, himself, due to the fact that he is on the 15 day DL. Weird!

No Yankee has 3000 hits? Are you kidding?

This season there are several things to watch and monitor in MLB. Schedules and opponents are one aspect. Division Titles and Standings are another. Then there are the various pursuit of the Season's awards [such as Cy Young Award, MVP, etc]. But, this year, there is also a career pursuit to watch. Derek Jeter will surpass the 3000 hit mark [this weekend?] this year. 3000 Hits does not seem like it is THAT rare. There are alot of people who have surpassed this number. Then again, there are alot of Hall of Famers who have NOT surpassed this number.

Also, can you believe that no Yankee has surpassed this number? None. Not one little Yankee. Not one. None! Former consecutive games king, Lou Gehrig did NOT make 3000 hits. Neither did "The Mick" nor "The Babe". Even  "Mr. Coffee" Joe D [Dimaggio] did NOT hit 3000. Even [recent?] hit machines like Bernie Williams or Don Matingly never reached the 3000 hit level. The Yankees only have 8 players [including Derek Jeter] who have surpassed the 2000 hit level!

Seems very hard to believe. With all the Hall of Fame Members to have come out of that team over the past 10 - 11 decades, you'd think there would be a few [let alone one].

Update from July 9th 2011: Derek Jeter hit his 3,000th hit today!

Must be very hard to get to 3000 hits. It takes longevity [years and games], hit production, health [staying off the DL], and Defensive superiority [otherwise you might not remain a starter!]. Must be very hard indeed. It could not happen to a better player, either. Derek Jeter is about as nice of a player as you get. He plays hard. He hits hard. He gets his small hits. He runs hard. He gets injured, but does not linger on the DL. He is a professional. He is an athlete. He is a superior player who deserves all of the accolades he has coming to him over the next week and this season.

All this from a life-long Boston Red Sox fan [who HATES the Yankees] - Pretty Strong Words.

The NL Tampa Bay Rays?

There are reports that the Tampa Bay Rays are sending out signals that they would be willing to move into the National League if MLB has a major re-alignment as has been proposed. Not sure moving to the NL will help Tampa Bay with their largest worry [attendence]. The Boston Red Sox' and NY Yankees' fans always help to sell-out "the Trop" whenever they are in town. I don't think Atlanta Braves or Washington Nationals Fans would be willing [or able] to put up the same numbers for them. Also, TB has been competing pretty well within the perpetual hot-stove that IS the AL East. They have won 2 of the last 3 AL East Division Titles. Not sure they would faire as well against the Phillies in a Pitching and smallball contest that is NL Baseball.

Red Sox BIG BATS have been killing them!

The Boston Red Sox put a ten-spot on the SD Padres in the 7th inning last night. The score had been tied at 3-3 but went to 13-3 after that big inning. The BoSox have put up 10 runs or more in 5 out of their last 9 games. They are 14-2 since June 3rd. It appears their opening of the season 'swoon' has passed!

And all was right with the World [of MLB!]

It's June, and things seem to have settled down [at least in the AL]. The Red Sox are in first [as they should be!] with the Yankees and Rays right on their heels. The Cleveland Indians no longer have the best record in Baseball and are tied with Detroit going into their series. The Phillies are in first and have an excellent record.

Surprises in the top half of MLB Teams!

The Cleveland Indians hold the best record in baseball. Yes. It's true! This is NOT a movie script. Charlie Sheen has not revived his role {as 'the Wild Thing'} in Major League 9 or some such sequel. The Florida Marlins are also doing VERY WELL. The Kansas City Royals and the Pittsburgh Pirates are also in the top-half of baseball teams [currently] as it stands based upon standings and records.

Who could have guessed?

At the same time, the Boston Red Sox, while no longer holding the Worst Record in Baseball, still remain below .500 and do not seem to be consistantly pulling themselves out of their collective Funk.

Late May update: The Boston Red Sox have been one of the hotest teams in MLB since the first week of May. At present they are in 2nd place in the AL East [about half a game] behind the dredded NY Yankees!

May 25th, 2011: Update: Jon Lester coasted to his AL-leading seventh win and the Boston Red Sox bludgeoned Cleveland's Mitch Talbot for seven runs in the first inning on their way to a 14-2 win today that was the Indians' most lopsided loss this season. The Cleveland Indians are still close to the best team in Baseball [at present] according to their over-all record, but, BOY, how the tables have turned! The Boys from Boston took 2 out of 3 from the Sons of Geronimo this week, and really should have taken all 3 games.

The Penniless Parkinglot Attendant from Boston!

Apparently we know who wears the pants in the McCourt Family [currently] of Los Angeles. It's Major-League Baseball Commisioner Bud Selig! [and you didn't think he cared!].

Major League Baseball has requested access to the Los Angeles Dodgers Finances. They have already appointed their own man to watch the spending and approve any transaction over $5,000. The rumor is that with their current state of cash-flow and accounts on-hand, they will be unable to make their payroll on May 31st, 2011. MLB has indicated they will step-in and make that payroll if needed.

It is a sad state of affairs for the Frank McCourt family as well as the Los Angeles Dodgers. I am very glad that Frank [who made what little money he HAD from parkinglot concessions and land in downtown Boston] was not able to pursuede MLB that he was able to buy the Boston Red Sox [when he tried] around the same time that John Henry's group did. I bet the Boston Red Sox would NOT have been able to pull off those WS wins in 2004 and 2007 if he had. There might have even been a firesale on Yawkee way to make payroll. Very sad for the Dodgers, though.

Hopefully MLB can straighten it out without too much blood-shed.

June 21st Update: MLB [Bud Selig] "Shot-Down" the McCourt plan to have Fox TV infuse cash [$3B over 20 years?] stating that it was not in the Best Interest of the Dodgers OR MLB. This cancelled transaction should spell the unraveling of Frank McCourt and the LA Dodgers. His finances will begin to unwind as he fights battle over battle with his wife and their lavish homes and Life-Style. It WILL get Bloody.

June 27th Update: What a sad state of affairs for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Major League Baseball. The Frank McCourt debacle has turned into the filing of Bankruptcy for the Proud Institution that is The Dodgers. Hopefully this can all turn out OK for the Team and MLB. But I worry, that since McCourt and his soon-to-be-ex-wife are squabbling so much, that it will end badly and get dragged out forever.

Hopefully there is a savior out there [with really deep pockets!].

One Funny Side-Note: In the Bankruptcy filing the single largest Creditor the Dodgers have [at this time] is Manny Ramirez. Now wouldn't that be funny a team quitting on {paying} Manny [instead of the other way around!]

Derek Lowe reverts back to form

You probably think I'm speaking of D.Lowe's pitching prowess. Yes?

Well, No. I'm not. I'm speaking of his Love for the Grape. Derek Lowe has been arrested for DUI. In Georgia, no less. Remember the days when you never heard about these sorts of things? When Police would drive these folks home if no one was hurt, and as a common courtesy, keep things quiet? Well, those days are long gone.

Derek is no stranger to Alcohol, I'll tell you that. That was the largest reason there was no offer {from the Red Sox} for Captain Jason Veritek's best friend on the team, back when he came up for free agency in-between the Red Sox two World Series victories [2004 and 2007]. Derek liked the booze, a bit too much. It was a known fact. It was common knowledge. Apparently a few years away from the Boston area has done little to quench Derek's thirst for the Party-Life.

Early June 2011 Update: Derek Lowe's DUI Charges were dismissed. He dodged another bullet! Guess he can go out drinking again! Good Luck, Atlanta drivers!

April Fool's or [Sn]Opening Day?

Each year, Opening Day for Major League Baseball is nearly a National Holiday. People suddenly come down with 1-day illnesses and use their cell-phone to pretend they are 'on-the-road' for their jobs, while secretly attending an annual tradition that goes back to the 1800's.

This year, is no different.

There are high-hopes in several I-95 regional baseball nations. There is the anticipation of warm weather and sunny days ahead [even in the Deep South!]. There is the crack of the bat, the 'thump' of a power pitcher's fastball landing in the catcher's mitt to the tune of "Strike!".

But, this year, Opening Day [in at least 6-locations] was on March 31st! Perhaps they thought that April 1st was fool-hardy? In the Northeast, mother nature is playing "April Fool's" with the weather, as the baseball fans sit through another N'oreaster [getting 6 - 12 inches of the white-stuff in many parts of New England].

It is a good thing that the Red Sox are beginning their hopeful quest for another World Series Title in the Heart of Texas this year. They are looking at 80+ degrees and sunny, but their fans will warm up if they provide their 7th opening day victory in the last 7 years.

The Yankees began their season with a win on opening Day [March 31st]. Tampa Bay has high-hopes [as well] with their version of "the Idiots" [starring Manny-Ray and Johnny Damon]. It appears that Toronto will be much improved from last season, but that the Orioles [even under new 'management'] will still be the celler-dwellers everyone predicts they will be.

The American League Central appears to be up for grabs. The White-Sox always seem to contend right down to mid-September, and the Tigers appear to be better than people gave them crddit for. Cleveland does seem to need more help then they can muster, but the Minnesota Twins are always competitive until play-off time. The Kansas City Royals occasionally put together streaks of wins and can appear to be in the lead of their division, but they rarely hold it together long-enogh. Their depth is the culprit. They do not have the Farm System they used to have.

In the AL West, it appears to be the Texas Rangers division to lose. While the Rangers did shed some talent in the off-season, they are up against a few other struggling franchises in the Angels, A's and Mariners. The Mariners appear to have pitching depth. The A's always seem to cobble together 'scrappy teams' that can hold their ground in a sinking Division such as the AL West. The Angels do not appear to have signed as many power hitters as they would like and have lost alot of thier speed. Pitching is always a premium, too. No team in the AL West appears to have a lock on things. We will need to revisit this in mid-season to see where they each stand.

The Phillies and the Giants are hoping they will each have Play-off caliber seasons, again. However, the Atlanta Braves are becoming a potential NL East Division winner, again. Several Baseball experts are predicting that the Phillies Injuries will prevent them from winning, while the Braves are improving and have several hot-prospects to push them to the top. Milwaukee has hopes [amid it's pitching superiority] while the Cubs and Astros wallow around free-agency. St. Louis always seems to contend, and this year should be no different.

It's anyone's guess how the NL West will compete. San Francisco will wish to repeat getting into the Play-offs [and winning the WS if possible] but the Colorado Rockies appear to have their Act in-gear enough to challenge them [at least for a Wild-Card berth] and you never know what to expect from the Diamondbacks or the Padres. Either of those two teams could pull themselves together and make a run at the play-offs. You just never know.

The Mets and Marlins appear to be moribund. The Nationals are just a minor-league team in disguise. The Pirates have been pulling one over on the Pittsburgh fans for decades, and remain profitable even though they have not had a winning season since the early 1980's.

Manny being Manny-Ray?

Manny Ramirez has reported to his new team, this year. That Team, the Tampa Bay Rays. Manny is on his 4th Team in the past 4 Seasons. He left the Boston Red Sox in a rather acrimonious way in the middle of the 2008 Season, then he was suspended for performance enhancing drugs in the 2009 Season before leaving [again] mid-season from the Los Angeles Dodgers. He played for the White Sox for the majority of the 2nd half of the 2010 Season, largely without incident.

It has been reported that Manny is Happy to be on the Rays, and new/old team mate, Johnny Damon thinks that Manny will be fine where he is.

Manny looks great! He works out as hard as anyone in Major League Baseball. He takes Batting Practice [in the cages] for long hours each day. He lifts weights and does conditioning excercises. His Batting Average has demonstrated the effort, this Spring. He batted .316 with three home runs in his first 38 at-bats so far this Pre-Season. I truly want to see him succeed. It has been an embarrasment to watch one of the greatest right-handed hitters of all time put himself thru all of the antics we have seen for the last 4 seasons. Manny being Manny just does NOT play anymore.

April 11th Note: What a foolish and unbelievable end to a promising potentially hall-of-fame career! Manny being Manny, apparently means Manny being a True Idiot! Manny was snared, yet again[!], by the Drug Testing Lab. Manny believes that retiring is a way of 'beating' this rap. He is wrong. He will NEVER end up in the Hall of Fame after this. He might not even get the minimum 5% of votes needed to remain on the Ballot. What a joke, and a sorry, sorry ending to what should have been a remarkable career! I am ashamed of him, I hope all people watching him are ashamed for him. I hope Manny is ashamed [but I know he is not]. May God have mercy on his soul!

Mid-Season note: Manny Ramirez was recently named as THE LARGEST Creditor to the Los Angeles Dodgers in their Banckruptcy filing amid the various troubles of the owners [Mr and Mrs McCourt]. Wonder if he will get his share? - Stay Tuned!

Heads up!

I am astounded at the number of injuries this Spring due to Batted Balls hitting people in their heads. The most serious injury has proven to be the one to Atlanta Braves minor league manager Luis Salazar, who has lost an eye after he was struck in the face by a line drive while watching a spring training game. He is expected to recover in 4 - 6 weeks and then may continue coaching his Brave Minor League team this season.

The injury list includes Red Sox [ace?] Josh Beckett, who was hit by a "fungo" during warmups and suffered concussion symptoms for a day or two before coming back to pitch. In addition to Beckett, there is also the Twins' Justin Morneau who is battling back from concussion symptoms. Padres coach, Rick Renteria, was injured by a batting practice line-drive. Baltimore Orioles right-hander Brad Bergesen got off lucky after being struck in the right forearm by a line drive this week. There have been a few others of lesser note this Spring. In the past, there have been plenty of injuries sustained from batted and thrown balls.

Does it make sense to adjust the protective equipment worn by players and coaches on the field? Could there be a batting helmut modification which includes some shielding of the eyes or face. Most fielders are prepared to handle a batted ball with their glove, so they would not be required to wear them, but many pitchers are hit directly back with such force that they do not have the time to react coming out of their ball release motion. Coaches on the field should wear helmuts. coaches in the dug-out should be behind a small fence shield to protect them while in the dug-out.

Late Update on April 1st, 2011: MLB has announced an additional DL [7 days DL] for Head Injuries / Concussions. This is NO JOKE! Even MLB is taking Concussions Seriously! More info to follow.

Any thoughts out there?

There's no March Madness in Baseball!

   I Can't Believe March Madness is Here!  
Over the weekend, I had a thought. I wonder what the MLB players think about the NCAA Basketball Tournement? I mean it can be CRAZY! Loyalties must be all over the place. Some Baseball Players went to college [and might have participated in the College World Series - in Omaha - no less!] and others only completed [barely!] High-School. But, they all grew up in assorted areas around the country and are drafted all over the US in MLB systems. These systems have farm teams also spread out around the country. Some loyalties might be formed there.

 I want to ask MLB players about their March Madness Basketball sheets. I'm curious. It would be nice to go team to team. Begin with their Starting Line-ups, then move thru their Starting Pitching Staff. Ask the coaches and bench-players. But save the Reliefe Pitchers for last. Way Last! Relief Pitchers can be a wild bunch.

Any thoughts out there?

Anyone seen the Duct Tape we used on the Propeller?

There was a small fire at the Arizona facility shared by the Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds. The fire was caused by a dryer. It's been reported that the dryer was brought to Arizona with the Cleveland Indians when they switched their Spring Training location from Florida to Arizona.

I have to read that again: "The dryer, which the Indians brought with them when they moved to Arizona from Florida in 2009, was destroyed."

Has anyone out there moved across country? If so, did you bring all of your appliances with you, or did you leave some behind due to cost of moving them and such? This dryer even had a name: "The Burner" [seems prophetic now!]

Remember the movie, "Major League" [with Charlie Sheen - Oh let's not go THERE anymore this week!]. When they were flying across the great lakes on a propeller plane that was having it's prop taped up by the pilot before take-off. Maybe it really is like that in the Major Leagues? [at least for the Tribe?]

Weird.

Maybe Charlie Sheen used some of his Warlock Powers [and ground forces] and sabotaged the darn thing? [OK, I went THERE!]

Love the Spring Training Rosters and Numbers!

Watching a live Spring Training game tonight. Red Sox - Yankees from Tampa. [Where are the Rays? - Arizona?] Started noticing alot of Minor Leaguers and Non-Roster invitees playing in the Game. Saw #78 [Must be a Nose Tackle!] Then I saw #86 [Tight End? or Wide Receiver?] - Hard to tell what [who] they are. But it is interesting.

Fantasy Baseball? What does it mean?

I have never actually competed in a Fantasy League. Not in Football. Not in Baseball. It would take alot of detailed statistics to keep on a regular basis to compete with any degree of success. But I'll bet those who play it regularly, or report on it, know something about the potential for someone's abilities and worth as a player in the real league that the Fantasy is based in.

I have been examining these statistics in Baseball. I am starting with a team I feel that I know well. The Boston Red Sox. Looking at the rankings, I noticed that the Red Sox have 7 starting players listed as top-10 ranked in their Position. That has to be good? Right?

Well, you dig a bit deeper and you can see that the Sox have 2 players 'ranked' at 1st Base. Adrian Gonzalez [ranked #5], the Monster First Base acquisition from this off-season for the Sox. Kevin Youkilis [ranked #6], last season's regular First Baseman [on Day's Mike Lowell was off or DH'ing and V-Mart was catching]. The Red Sox have no one ranked [or even listed] for 3rd Base. Is this good [for the Red Sox] ? Not sure.

At 2nd Base we have Dustin Pedroia [ranked #3!] and at Shortstop we have 2 players ranked. Marco Scutaro is ranked a respectible #10 while Jed Lowrie is sitting at #24 [still better than out beyond 32!]. At Catcher we also have 2 ranked players. Saltalamacchia [Salty for short] is ranked #22 [decent] while Jason Veritek still gets a respectible ranking of #30 [better than beyond #32] even though he is 'scheduled' to catch 50 games or less.

Now in the Outfield, the Sox have a TON of Talent. Recent Monster acquisition, Carl Crawford comes in ranked as the #4 Outfielder in all of Fantasy Baseball. Jacoby Ellsbury comes in ranked #7. Two Outfielders ranked in the top 10 sounds awesome! Right? How about poor JD Drew [ranked #65] is stuck way down in the lower tier of players. Not too good for someone making $15 million per year. He is a good hitter, a little streaky.. but good.. But he is prone to that darned injury bug.

At DH, we have David Ortiz. The absolute Cream of the Crop when it comes to desireable DH's. He is ranked #1 and performed that way too last season, even including his slow start running into May.

So, what do you think? Seems like a solid line-up, right? Last year, Jacoby Ellsbury was ranked #2 as an outfielder. But his major rib-cage injury proved impossible to allow him to play much [less than 20 games]. So he was a major bust [fantasy league wise]. I guess that means we will never know until we get further into the season whether these rankings mean something.

What does the depth of a MLB Farm System mean?

The depth of a Farm System for a MLB Club means that they have excellent prospects who are or who are nearly MLB ready waiting in the wings for their chance to help the parent club on the field OR by being an important trading chip to land that really big MLB Star from another club. It is always a good idea to have your farm system as fully stocked as possible and keep that pipeline flowing. This means that your scouting department needs to be on their toes. You need to do well in the draft. You need to be reviewing the High-School standings in power [amature] baseball environments like Southern California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, and even the Cape Cod League!

In 2010 the top 10 Farm Systems, based on number of prospects that club has within the 'top 100 prospects', were [in order]: Tampa, Texas, Oakland, Atlanta, Cleveland, Baltimore, Florida, SF, Milwaukee, and Colorado. In 2011, it has been proposed to be: KC, Atlanta, Tampa, NY Yankees, Toronto, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, LA Angels, Texas, and the Minnesota Twins. Now, if you look at those two lists and examine them against the Play-off teams from the 2010 Playoffs what do you think you would see?

Yep, that's right, all 8 teams are in one of those lists or the other. Is there a link? Or is it a 'fluke'? I think there is a direct co-relation. Having a Stocked Farm System is like currency in terms of player talent. You have a larger, deeper, well to draft from to replace other platers who go down to injury, trade, free-agency, etc.

If you examine those lists, you will also see teams on them that had no chance in 2010. Teams such as KC who were 28 games out at the end of the season. Or Baltimore [30 games out]. Oakland was 9 games out, but the ended in 2nd place. The Texas Rangers just took off the last 6 weeks of the season. Oakland had been keeping close until then. You really can't blame the Florida Marlins or the Toronto Blue Jays for not making the play-offs. Both of those teams play in the East Division of their respective Leagues, notable 'hot-beds' for heavy hitting teams such as the Red Sox, the Yankees, the Phillies, the Mets, and the Braves.

You might see a potential playoff contender in THAT 2011 list, right now. Who knows how the 2011 season will turn out? I'd welcome any thoughts, opinions, or feedback.

Giants - Can they repeat their Feat?

Last Year, the SF Giant won the World Series for the first time in a really long time. They were in the World Series in 1962, 1989, and again in 2002, but lost each time to American League teams of varying strength, skill, luck, and endurance. The 2010 World Series title was the 1st for the team to claim since their storied franchise relocated to the West Coast from New York in the mid 1950's.

The Giants' story from 2010 was a varied one. I watched them, myself, in April 2010 in one of their first games of the season at home. I was at a Conference in SF [my first visit there] and I usually try to take in a MLB game in any city where that is possible when I visit. This time it was possible. We watched the Giants beat a lack-luster Pittsburgh team 9-3. At that time, I really did not feel that I was watching the 2010 World Series Champs early in their championship season. They seemed fairly average. They had their share of hits, but made their share of errors too [both on the basepaths and in the field.]

What is the general consensus? Can they repeat [in the National League]? Your comments are welcome.

Something in the Water in Chicago?

Well, the Cubbies seem to be fired up already this (pre)season. During a break between innings, Carlos Silva entered the dugout calling out 'the defense' for some particularly bad play. Silva was upset after giving up six runs in the 1st inning, three of which were unearned due to an equal number of errors. This incident happened in only the team's fourth game of the spring. Last season, there was another 'disagreement' in June between pitcher Carlos Zambrano and first baseman Derrek Lee.

There also seems to be 3 - 5 such incidents between Ozzie Guillen [White Sox Manager] and someone [players, owners, media, just someone, anyone really]. It used to seem like it was Ozzie himself for those situations, but, maybe, just maybe, there's something brewing in the Chicago water supply triggering this effect on both of their MLB teams.

Oh, wait! This is Spring Training! They aren't even IN Chicago, are they?!? I guess we can't blame the water, then, can we?

Year of the Pitcher? OR Year of the Trainer?

Can this be the year of the Pitcher [again]? As far as the Off-season and Spring Training seem to be going, I'd have to say no. It is looking more like the year of the Trainer. Or, perhaps, the year of the rebuilt pitchers testing their arms out again.The amount of injured pitchers, this early in spring Training, seems to indicate [to me anyway] that there were alot of nagging injuries last season that were treated in the off-season or just alot of pitchers who failed to keep up with their training and conditioning.

The Cardinals' Carpenter will miss at least one start, and so will the Red Sox' Beckett [although you can't blame Beckett for getting beaned by a fungo!]. The Rockies' Jimenez, the Tigers' Zumaya, and the Giants Cain are all out of action or hampered by lingering injuries. Even the Mets' are not immune to the injury bug with their closer Rodriguez going out. Seattle's Kelly has an injured elbow.

It seems prudent to have about 6 - 7 starters and 2 - 3 closers [at least on the 40 man roster] to make it through seasons like this one appears to be. Depth of the bench, flexibility on the roster, and a deep farm system are in order. Lets see how many MLB clubs use their #1 Ace on opening day. I'll bet at least half of them don't [due to injury / illness].

Handful of Teams with Funding Issues

Last year was the 18th Season of lackluster performance by the MLB Franchise that is the Pittsburgh Pirates. There are high-school seniors in Western Pennsylvania who have NEVER seen a winning record from their local team.

While the situation in Pittsburgh seems hopeless, there are a handful of additional teams that seem to 'spruce it up' a bit every 6 - 8 years, but, generally put on a show that is no better. Teams such as the Florida Marlins, the Baltimore Orioles [who might finally be on the right track with Buck Showalter], the Kansas City Royals, the Colorado Rockies, the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Oakland A's,and even the Tampa Bay [Devil] Rays. While these teams have had some success on the field, they have had a hard time putting fans in the seats. Cripes! Even when the Colorado Rockies made the World Series in 2007 there were empty seats at the games. Empty Seats! At a World Series Game!

If the baseball demand is not there, the franchise should migrate to a place that would welcome the Team. Some teams should just be folded up. Teams that make the Playoffs and even the World Series but can not fill the stands for those games [never mind the regular season games that you can hear echos accross the field from up on the cat-walks].

There are places in the Carolina's that would welcome a Major League franchise. There might even be places in foreign countries where a franchise would be welcomed. Not sure about that, but seeing empty ball parks, especially from competitive teams is embarassing!

Papi making a BIG Push in Spring Training?

David Ortiz is 5 for 8 with a homer in three games this spring. He even went 3 for 3 in today's action [stealing a base in the process ! - no Joke!] I know these Games do not count in the Standings, and I know the Pitchers also aren't pitching their best, right now, but doesn't this mean the rust is off of his swing and his eyesight is pretty good. [At least!] I guess I will wait until May 1st to start celebrating. I love this guy! I hope he has the best come-back year of anyone in the Major Leagues. This guy has been so 'clutch' for the Red Sox over the Years, and he is such a great human being, as well.

Why now?

Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira has ended his relationship with longtime agent Scott Boras. One of the big Headlines in Baseball News this week.

The Really Big Question is: Why Now?

Why, when you are entering the 3rd year of an 8-year deal that pays you multiple millions of dollars, do you change agents? You still have to Pay Boras his Commission on the future years of the Contract. You are at least 4 years away from beginning negotiations on a new contract. Makes no sense to me.

Red Sox should have their Fastest Team EVER!

Now, to be truthful, that headline REALLY does not say very much. I mean, how many Speedsters can you name from Red Sox History [and you can't count Ricky Henderson's stop-over there on his way to the Hall of Fame!]

The Boston Red Sox picked up the Major Leaguer with the 4th highest total of Stolen Bases, last year, in Carl Crawford [and I think Jacoby Ellsbury is faster than that!]. With two absolute speedsters in their starting outfield, it should be fun to watch. Another Player on the team with some speed is Dustin Pedroia [although his foot injury last season may have hobbled him some]. Heck, even David Ortiz has stolen a base in the past [and no one was more surprised than him!]. David even stole a base in today's Spring Training action [Going 3 for 3 in the process!]. Cameron as a backup outfielder adds some speed to the equation, as well, but if he is 'spelling' either Ellsbury or Crawford it won't be a positive speed trade-off. Hopefully he will be standing in Right-Field to give JD Drew some time off, for his annual injury time on the disabled list.

"Look West, Young Man"

 I believe that the Cy Young Award in AL will come from the AL West. No specific pitcher in mind, just yet. But I've got the feeling that the AL West is where the Individual Pitching Star of the American League will come from. Cliff Lee is gone from there. So is Zack Greinke. Both have moved on to the National League. The Mariners still have Felix Hernandez as well as the new phenom Michael Pineda , and the Royals always seem to come up with some no-name pitcher who surprises people. The Texas Rangers aren't out of the mix, either. The Oakland A's play Money Ball and the Angels usually have enough power hitting and speed to win many games that the pitcher's could not win on their own [inflating the W/L average of their pitchers!]. So, it will be interesting, indeed!

Adrian Gonzalez is the man to watch for the MVP in the American League

Boston Red Sox newest First Baseman, Adrian Gonzalez has been improving his hitting for power and average these last 5 years. Can't wait to see what he can do hitting in Boston's storied "band-box" this season. Should be quite a show for both Power and Average. True, his shoulder surgery this past off-season might hamper his swing. But I think he will improve quickly, as the season rolls into May and June. His defense has been improving, and with their first-rate infield it should improve even more.

2011 looks to be a unique Season in the National League

With the Pitching [and Defense] that the Phillies have this year, I would not be at all surprised to see a couple of 20 game winners, as well as a split MVP vs. Cy-Young vote. Wouldn't it be weird to see one of their Stud Starters  [Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, or even their tough lefty Cole Hamels!] earning the Cy Young and another the MVP. It'll be exciting to watch!