Milton Bradley Busts Out His Sad Face

Oh, Milton Bradley. I think it's about time you get used to the boos... you've got about $20 million and two years left on the North Side.

After going 4-for-4 with a homer against the Washington Nationals Tuesday night, the Chicago Cubs outfielder complained that he’s felt some animosity "when [he] doesn’t get a hit and gets booed every time" during his rough (to say the least) first season in the windy city.

Let's get straight to the dramatics. He actually said this:

When I go home and look in the mirror, I like what I see. My family is there I have people I can talk to who are very supportive, in spite of everything and all the adversity and the hatred you face on a daily basis. But I’ll be all right. I always have.

MB, you are anything but 'alright.' See: Voodoo Sabermetrics.

Wednesday, when Bradley was asked to elaborate, he obliged:

I’m talking about hatred, period. I’m talking about when I go to eat at a restaurant. I’ve got to listen to the waiters badmouthing me at another table, sitting in a restaurant. That’s what I’m talking about. Everything.

He went on to say that he prays the games don't go into extra innings so he can just go home. That's a shame since I'm sure there are at least a few minor league outfielders who could out-hit him any day of the week just dying to get the call. Which brings me to this open letter.

Dear Milton Bradley,

The waiters don't hate you, they just think you suck at baseball. That's not exactly true, even though you're batting just .257 with 10 homers and 34 RBIs, but you've always been an easy scapegoat. You're not used to that yet? Embrace it!

You're not exactly enjoying an award-winnning year, either. Everyone struggles from time to time... your battle just so happens to be lasting all season long apparently. My point is this: shut your mouth, show some gratitude, pull up your panties, and play the game.

xoxo,

Sooze

[Chicago Tribune] | [FanHouse] | [Hardball] | [Sportress of Blogitude]

Jacoby Ellsbury Makes His Mark

Jacoby Ellsbury has made Beantown history this evening, becoming the first Boston Red Sox player ever to steal 55 bases in a single season.

The centerfielder doubled and stole third in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox to pass Tommy Harper, who snagged 54 bags back in 1973. This should come as no surprise, since Ellsbury swiped 50 bases last season, when he was still a big league baby.

Let us not forget he was also responsible for giving everyone in the country a free taco during the 2007 World Series. Way to go, buddy!

[Boston Globe]

Another One Bites the Dust for the Mets

It looks like it's going to get much, much worse for the New York Mets before it gets any better.

Adding to their laundry list of injuries this season, Johan Santana will need surgery to remove bone chips from his left elbow, putting an end to his fantastic season. This marks player #12 to hit the disabled list for the Mets this season.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner is expected to be ready to pitch again this spring, which is pretty good news considering he still has four seasons left on his gigantic $137.5 million contract. Santana is 13-9 with a nice 3.13 ERA and 146 strikeouts over 25 starts in his second season with the team.

Man Muscles For MVP

Clearly, you all saw this post coming from a mile away, but it's high time BLB weighs in on the controversial "Joe Mauer For MVP" debate. No homerism here, we're just gonna lay out the facts. The cold, hard truth. Yes, we love his sideburns and humble MinnesotaNice with all of our hearts, but sideburns don't earn most valuable player awards. Neither do P's and Q's.

The first naysayer will take the "he's on a losing team" route. To that we say, what about your ever-loving A-Rod? Alex Rodriguez won the AL MVP award in 2003 in his final season with the Texas Rangers, who were dead last in the West with a 71-91 record. His 47 home runs, .600 slugging percentage and 124 runs scored were top in the league. (Too bad he totally cheated that year.)

If the 2009 season were to end today, Mauer would lead the entire game with a .380 batting average and .448 OBP, and would be high atop the AL with a .675 slugging %. He's also ninth in the league in home runs with 25, and tenth in RBIs with 77. Mauer's no monster slugger, but he's got one of the sweetest swings in baseball when he makes contact, which is often.

Sure, Mark Teixeira is having a super swell season (.288 AVG/.385 OBP/.562 SLG) with 30 homers and 32 doubles. He also spends half his time hanging out in a shopping mall with a ballfield in the middle of it: a.k.a. The New Yankee Stadium, which has become one of the biggest hitter's parks ever. In fact, he's hit only 11 bombs away from home this season. Tex's defense at first base is pretty amazing, but Mauer's position puts far more strain on his body. And the Metrodome just plain sucks to hit in. And Joe managed to put these numbers up after missing the entire month of April. And... so there.

For you stat geeks, here's a neat little table set up by Dayn Perry over at FOX Sports. He's one smart cookie...


So is there really even a debate here? I think as long as Man Muscles continues to kick ass over the next six weeks until those 28 newspaper writers cast their votes, he'll run away with the MVP Award -- along with his record-breaking third batting title as a backstop -- whether the Twins play baseball in October or not.

P.S. Check out BLB's 12 Second Trivia #3! We'll stump you eventually. Maybe.

[Larry Brown Sports] | [MinnPost - Gleeman] | [Josh Q. Public]

Let's Get Denarded In Here

Much to my delight and amazement, the Minnesota Twins managed to put together two wins -- in a row -- after their 5-4 victory over the Texas Rangers Wednesday night, coming back from a 4-run deficit for the second straight day.

This marks the first time in all 19 days of August so far that the Twins have strung together one win after another. Pretty impressive stuff there. Spoiling Ivan Rodriguez's re-debut with his parent team, Denard Span (officially batting .300 on the season) went 3-for-4, hitting the tying double before sliding past Pudge with the go-ahead run on an Orlando Cabrera base hit in the sixth inning to make it 5-4.

John Smoltz: The Little Engine That Could

John Smoltz isn't quite ready to hang up his cleats. Apparently, the St. Louis Cardinals don't believe he is, either.

The NL Central leaders signed the 42-year-old former ace on Wednesday, shortly after he was dismissed by the Boston Red Sox with a 2-5 record and 8.33 ERA over eight starts. The Cardinals are hoping Smoltz can fill the void as the fifth starter or maybe even move to the bullpen for some right-handed relief.

Continue reading this story on Fantasy Pros 911.

Top 10 Players Who Should Never Un-Retire

In the wake of former retired gunslinger Brett Favre's signing with the Minnesota Vikings, we've asked some of our favorite bloggers to help us compile a list of ten baseball players who they hope never ever make a comeback.

Since we came up with way more than 10 players we never want to see again, it was pretty tough to choose. However, some of them were dead, so that made it easier. That's all baseball needs is a zombie problem. P.S. Our two-cents are in italics.

10. Jon Pyle, Pyle of List: Ozzie Smith. He's so damn classy, that I couldn't stand it."

9. Matt, BoSox Injection: "Jose Offerman." (The game has been dangerous enough lately with players like Kevin Youkilis around.)

Pudge Gets to Keep His Giant Belt Buckle

Ivan Rodriguez is headed back to the Texas Rangers.

The All-Star catcher, who began his career with the team when he was just 19 years old, was acquired Tuesday in a trade with the Houston Astros for minor league pitcher Matt Nevarez and two players to be named later.

"It’s been a long time," he said. "I’m glad that I’m back."

Pudge, now 37, signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with Houston back in March, batting .251 with eight homers and 34 RBIs in 93 games with the club. While the Astros have fallen from the NL playoff chase, the Rangers are head-to-head with the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card rase.

Stephen Strasburg Joins the Fun in D.C.

Stephen Strasburg, his superagent Boras and the Washington Nationals literally waited until the last minute to negotiate a contract before their midnight deadline, making D.C. hold their collective breaths until 11:58:43 last night.

As was everyone's prediction, the 21-year-old righty from San Diego State inked the richest deal in MLB amateur draft history, nabbing $15.1 million over four years.

This passes up the $10.8 million contract the Texas Rangers handed Mark Teixeira back in 2001, but it's not quite in the $50 million ballpark Boras was yakking about pre-draft. Still, it's a lot of dough.

Congratulations to both sides! This is a win/win for sure. By the way, the Nats are offering $1 tickets to his intro.

P.S. Check out our first edition of BLB 12-second Trivia!

[SI.com] | [Big League Stew] | [MLB Rumors]

Stan Kasten's Coach Turns to a Pumpkin at Midnight

The Washington Nationals have until the stroke of twelve to ink youngster Stephen Strasburg before losing rights to him altogether.

Sadly, the team can't seem to do anything right this season, so losing one of baseball's most highly-touted prospects isn't completely out of the question. Even club president Stan Kasten is skeptical. He told to Associated Press over the weekend that the deal might not get done in time, even though the Nats offered the 21-year-old righty the biggest amateur draft contract ever.

Strasburg went 13-1 this season for the San Diego State Aztecs, leading all Division I pitchers with a 1.32 ERA and 195 strikeouts just before receiving the Golden Spikes Award as the top amateur player in the country.

Good luck dealing with Scott Boras on this one, Washington.

[Bottom of the Ninth] | [Whicker's Basket] | [Sports Polls]

Get Well Soon David Wright

According to New York Mets manager Jerry Manuel, David Wright could possibly miss the rest of the season after getting beaned in the head by an unintentional 94 mph Matt Cain fastball in his team's 3-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Saturday.

The All-Star third baseman was hit just above the ear hole in the fourth inning, sending his batting helmet flying. Wright laid there for several minutes before walking off the field with some help from trainers.

What's That Sucking Sound? It's the Twins.

Gil Meche was the big winner in his return from the disabled list Thursday as the Kansas City Royals crushed the Minnesota Twins' hopes and dreams of gaining any ground in the American League Central with a 5-4 victory.

Meche, who is notoriously pretty sucky, gave up four runs on seven hits over five innings in his first start since July 11th. At one point, pretty sure it was the sixth inning, the Twins were handed three walks and still managed not to score, thanks to Nick Punto not quite remembering how to bunt before spankin' new Twin Orlando Cabrera hit into an inning-ending double play. Yikes.

The Real Wrigley Alcohol Abuser Turns Himself In

Well, at least he did the right thing for a change, since the idiot security folk got the wrong guy.

After Shane Victorino filed a police report Thursday (not sure how I feel about that move) the dumbass who poured an $8.50 beer, timed to perfection, atop the Philadelphia Phillies centerfielder's head turned himself into authorities.

Jamie Moyer Should Be Proud of Pedro Martinez

Because Pedro Martinez pitched almost exactly how I imagine Jamie Moyer would have, if the whiner was starting tonight... give or take three or four runs. But he's crying in the bullpen instead.

The old school righty was handed plenty of run support during his first five innings in a Philadelphia Phillies uniform. As of right now, his new team is up 12-3 over the Chicago Cubs in the top of the seventh.

Martinez allowed three runs on seven hits, walked one and struck out five in his debut... which is kind of rough, starting your big league season out with a 5.40 ERA with just 10 starts remaining.

If you'd like all the details in Phanatic Phasion, check out The 700 Level for their live blog.

[Josh Q. Public] | [Phungo] | [The Phillies Room]

Poor Jamie Moyer

Jamie Moyer is not happy with the Philadelphia Phillies, to say the least.

The old school hurler went off about team management Tuesday, claiming he felt "misled" and "disheartened" by their decision to move him to the bullpen. The demotion came in favor of another aging pitcher, Pedro Martinez, who will debut in red pinstripes later on tonight against the Chicago Cubs.

Moyer, a 46-year-old lefty who is normally classified as calm and collected, sat in the stands behind the Phils' dugout at Wrigley Field while talking to the media... which is just kind of strange. Said the 22-year veteran:

Ultimately, I’m a little disheartened because I know this past winter, when I was negotiating with the Phillies, this was a sore thumb, if you will, about this potentially happening. You can't promise anything in this game, but I really felt that Ruben kind of parlayed to me that this type of situation would not happen.

Adrian Gonzalez is a Badass

Adrian Gonzalez had a career-best (and tied a club record) with six hits Tuesday night, while the San Diego Padres cracked out 22 in all, for their best offensive show of the season.

During their 13-6 ass-whooping of the Milwaukee Brewers, Gonzalez managed base hits in the first, fifth, sixth, seventh and ninth innings, and doubled in the third. The team enjoyed at least two hits in every inning aside from the fourth.

His bases-loaded single off lefty reliever Mitch Stetter in the sixth helped bust the game wide open, which is unusual since the left-handed first baseman came into the game batting .190 off left-handed pitching.

Pads Hall of Famer Tony Gywnn went 6-for-7 in an extra-innings game against the San Francisco Giants back in 1993, and even got to witness Gonzelez's feat live from the broadcast booth. Special.

[AM850] | [Other Crap] | [The Hardball Times]

Rick Porcello Is a Badass

Take that, beardface. Nobody charges the hill when Rick Porcello is on it, apparently.

Curtsy to The World of Isaac for the goodness, while it lasts!

Update: Porcello and Youkilis were each suspended for five games after the fracas.

Good Job, Vladimir Guerrero!

Vladimir Guerrero hit his 400th career home run yesterday in the Los Angeles Angels 8-7 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. He nailed not one, but two longballs, and we think that's pretty awesome. Good job, buddy.

On that note, it's flippin gorgeous outside today, and Minnesota only has like 3 weeks of good weather left. Therefore, it is far too nice to blog... at least not until way later. When I'm sunburned. Have a great day all!

xoxo,
BLB

[Big League Stew] | [Halos Heaven] | [BoDog Beat]

Still Room On Nationals Bandwagon!

After a 9-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks Sunday, the Washington Nationals have won eight straight games. Holy smokes.

They are by far the crappiest team in baseball, with a big league-worst 40-72 record this season. Yep, that puts them on pace to lose 100 games. For the second consecutive year.

Josh Hamilton Likes Jesus and Whipped Cream

Incriminating photos of recovering drug addict and 2008 Home Run Derby winner hero Josh Hamilton have surfaced via Deadspin this afternoon. None of these pictures show the Texas Rangers slugger smoking crack or actually drinking any booze, but he is slurping whipped cream off a scantily-clad young lady's large breasts...

And proceeds to whip his shirt off, of course.

So Long Jason Giambi

Jason Giambi's reunion with the Oakland Athletics didn't go as well as planned.

The team released the struggling, oft-injured slugger on Friday after his average reached epic-suck proportions (.193) just before he landed on the disabled list on July 20th with a strained right quadriceps muscle.

Is John Smoltz's Career Over?

The Boston Red Sox have sent John Smoltz packing, a day after yet another early exit where the rival New York Yankees spanked him for eight runs on nine hits and four walks in just over three innings.

The struggling 42-year-old righty, who probably should have just retired as a long-time Atlanta Brave, will see within the next 10 days whether Boston trades, releases or sends him to the minors.

Smoltz, who was signed by Boston back in January, has put up some pretty ugly numbers for a guy who has led a Hall of Fame career. In eight starts with the Sox this year, he went 2-5 with a 8.32 ERA. Yikes.

[Boston Herald] | [With Leather] | [MLB Rumors]

Ortiz To Hold News Conference With Weiner

David Ortiz owes his fans (and the people who could care less) an explanation as to why he alledegly tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs back in 2003.

The Boston Red Sox semi-slugger, along with future players' union head honcho Michael Weiner will hold a news conference this Saturday (in enemy territory) at Yankee Stadium just before the series finale.

According to Big Papi, the union confirmed the presence of his name on the infamous court-sealed 2003 steroids list last week. He has had very little to say since then, but I believe we can let his bat do the talking.

.225/15/61

Just sayin'.

[Full Count] | [Boston Sports] | [Sports Station]

Who The Hell Is Ryan Roberts?

When the Arizona Diamondbacks ditched Felipe Lopez last month, the census was that they'd be searching for a second baseman for quite a while. Think again.

The 1% of you fantasy players who own Ryan Roberts (and the 0% of you who have been starting the guy) know the club can call off the dogs. Since being recalled from the AAA Reno Aces, Roberts is sporting a .354 batting average (17-for-48) with four doubles, five homers and a good eye -- seven walks -- over just 13 games.

Continue reading this story at Fantasy Pros 911.

Prince Fielder: Angry Base-Stealer

What's awesome about this picture? First of all, Prince Fielder stole a base yesterday. That marks two on the season. Second, Orlando Hudson can jump really high.

Phils' J.A. Happy For Now

With a career-high 10 strikeouts in his second shutout of the season, J.A. Happ more than made his case to manager Charlie Manuel to hang around the over-crowded Philadelphia Phillies rotation.

Leading the Phillies to an impressive 7-0 win over the Colorado Rockies Wednesday night, Happ (8-2, 2.74 ERA) tossed 127 pitches, allowing just four hits and was still reaching the 90s into the ninth inning.

The one guy who is threatening Happ's semi-secured spot in the order is old-schooler Pedro Martinez, who was simultaneously pitching in a rehab start for the Double-A Reading Phils. The 37-year-old, three-time Cy Young Award winner fanned 11 over just six innings against the Trenton Thunder.

What does this mean for Happ? If the Phillies believe Pedro can perform even close to that well in the big leagues, the 26-year-old lefty will be shifted to the bullpen. Sad.

[Newsday] | [Phightin Phillies Phorum] | [Macho Row] | [Phillies Nation]

Adrian Beltre Back, Mariners are Pumped

After a five-week absence, Adrian Beltre is back in the lineup against the Kansas City Royals this evening.

The Seattle Mariners third baseman was activated from the disabled list Tuesday, leaving infielder Chris Woodward high and dry, designated for assignment. That's life when you hit .239 with only five RBIs in 20 games.

Anyway, Beltre was expected to miss up to eight weeks after his June 30th surgery where he had a bone spur removed from his left shoulder, but made a surprisingly quick recovery instead.

Philadelphia Phillies Fantasy Camp

Complete with karaoke. Enjoy.

[Funny or Die]

See Ya Next Year, Brandon Webb

Man, that was a long, incredibly awesome hiatus. Now back to business... I missed you guys too.

After undergoing shoulder surgery on Monday, Brandon Webb is done for the season.

The Arizona Diamondbacks righty, who has a history of being a rather durable workhorse, pitched on Opening Day and rode the pine the rest of the way. Up until then, he'd only landed on the disabled list one other time when he missed 15 days due to tendinitis in his pitching elbow back in 2003.

Webb, the National League Cy Young winner in 2006, should be able to play catch by October, according to skipper A.J. Hinch. Depending on whether that estimate is close or not, the D'Backs will be faced with the decision of either exercising his $8.5 million 2010 option or paying the $2 million buyout. Is he headed for free agency?

[Rotoworld] | [MLB Wire] | [Baseball Joy!]