3.31.2011

Season's Greetings: Happy Opening Day!



We are firm believers that Opening Day should be considered a National Holiday. In fact, I'm surprised no President has gotten on that yet. However, to us it's more of a religious holiday chock-full of tradition, passion, and pure, unadulterated anticipation leading up to it.

We are as excited as a child on Christmas morning.

We are not going to work today. Our only mission is to watch baseball and enjoy every second. If only we had six televisions... God bless MLB Network.

Season Previews: Toronto Blue Jays


With Opening Day just hours away, we're almost finished with one of our favorite things in all the world: Season Previews. Four years ago, they began as a semi-serious analysis and ended up as half-assed haiku. We're just gonna go with what we know. Moving right along with our preview of the American League East, here are the Toronto Blue Jays.

Check out that Jays fan
He has the right idea
Some things never change!

Congratulations
Robbie Alomar Jr.
Hall of Famer now

We love the Jays but
Victoria's Secret has
Something against them

Jose Bautista
Will hit bombs in Toronto
For five more seasons

Escobar and Hill
Are the double play combo
Adam Lind at first

Rivera's DH
Edwin Encarnacion
At the hot corner

Season Previews: Baltimore Orioles


With Opening Day just hours away, we're finishing up with one of our favorite things in all the world: Season Previews. Four years ago, they began as a semi-serious analysis and ended up as half-assed haiku. We're just gonna go with what we know. Continuing our preview of the American League East, here are the Baltimore Orioles.

Welcome Derrek Lee
We just knew you'd find a home
For at least a year

Speaking of new guys
Welcome to Vlad Guerrero
He still has a bat

Bet the ladies will
Enjoy the dreamy blue eyes
Of J.J. Hardy

Adam Jones sure looks
Dapper in the Five Four spread
What a stud muffin

3.30.2011

Play the FanDuel One-Day Grand Slam with Us



Do you have a fear of commitment? Don't worry, I won't ask you for one, and neither will this sweet new fantasy baseball game we want you to play with us.

We understand that not everyone has time to set a lineup every day for an entire season just for an opportunity to win a few bucks by the playoffs. So what if there was a fantasy baseball season that lasted for just a day, with a chance to win some serious cash?

Boy are you guys in for a treat. Our buddies at FanDuel have a spankin' new game to play. Behold, the FanDuel Fantasy Baseball One-Day Grand Slam on Friday, April 1. A snippet:

Season Previews: New York Yankees


With Opening Day just a day away, we're finishing up with one of our favorite things in all the world: Season Previews. Four years ago, they began as a semi-serious analysis and ended up as half-assed haiku. We're just gonna go with what we know. Starting our preview of the American League East, here are the New York Yankees.



Pettitte retired,
Cliff Lee turned them down. At least
They still have CC

Jeter made empty free agent threats could have left,
Posada says he would play
Somewhere else next year.

Tex and A-Rod in
The corners, Cano rocking
Second. Badasses.

Swisher hangs in right,
Granderson patrols center
Gardner lurks in left.

Mo's still one of the
Most feared closers in the game.
Joba is over-rated sets Mo up.

Their huge ass payroll
Might not buy the East this year.
Don't count them out, though.

[Pinstripe Alley] | [River Ave. Blues] | [Sliding Into Home]

Season Previews: Minnesota Twins


With Opening Day just a day away, we're finishing up with one of our favorite things in all the world: Season Previews. Four years ago, they began as a semi-serious analysis and ended up as half-assed haiku. We're just gonna go with what we know. Finishing up with our preview of the American League Central, here are the Minnesota Twins.


It's no secret that
BLB loves the hell out
Of Joseph Mauer
...

And Canadian
Crusher
... And Joe Nathan... Please
Forgive the bias

Gardenhire won
Manager of the year. Must
Be doin' it right.

We hope Jim Jam will
Mash tater 600 by
The end of the year

Will Pavano and
His glorious 'stache repeat
Last year's awesomeness?

Season Previews: Chicago White Sox

With Opening Day just a day away, we're finishing up with one of our favorite things in all the world: Season Previews. Four years ago, they began as a semi-serious analysis and ended up as half-assed haiku. We're just gonna go with what we know. Continuing with our preview of the American League Central, here are the Chicago White Sox.



Chi-Town's South Siders
It's a love-hate thing with us
Well... Not so much love

Konerko at first
And we like him lots. But then?
A.J. at backstop.

Also love Ozzie
Few skippers so colorful
Vizquel's still playing??????

Jose Contreras Likely to Step in for Brad Lidge



With Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge kicking off the season on the disabled list after an MRI revealed a strained right shoulder on Tuesday, Jose Contreras will likely step in to the closer's role.

Contreras seemed to have experienced a near-seamless transition to the bullpen last year after spending his entire career as a starter between the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox. Last season, the 39-year-old righty went 6-4 with a 3.34 ERA in 67 appearances with the Phillies.

Chad Billingsley Gets Extension from Dodgers


Chad Billingsley and the Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to a four-year contract worth roughly $41.3 million.

The 26-year-old righty, who avoided arbitration at the beginning of the year with a temporary one-year contract, will see an additional $35 million over the final three seasons of his existing deal. Not bad.

Billingsley will be the second pitcher in the Dodgers rotation behind Clayton Kershaw, making his season debut Friday evening against the San Francisco Giants.

Over 160 career games, Billingsley is 59-41 with a 3.55 ERA. More impressive: he's made at least 31 starts and tossed at a minimum 191.2 innings in each of the past three seasons. Workhorse!

Maybe he'll use that determination and longevity to get the Dodger Blue back into the postseason.

[Los Angeles Times]

Season Previews: Cleveland Indians


With Opening Day just a day away, we're finishing up with one of our favorite things in all the world: Season Previews. Four years ago, they began as a semi-serious analysis and ended up as half-assed haiku. We're just gonna go with what we know. Continuing with our preview of the American League Central, here are the Cleveland Indians.

Sizemore in center
With Shin-Soo Choo out in right
And Brantley in left

Travis Hafner will
Smash homers over the fence
Cause he's a monster

One is Asdrubal
The other is Orlando
They're both Cabreras

Carlos Santana!
Matt Laporta holds down first
Who the hell's on third?

I'll give you a hint:
His name is Jack Hannahan
Manny decided

3.29.2011

Josh Hamilton: Lookin' Good, Good Lookin'



Remember that old school Spike Lee joint with Michael Jordan for Nike? "Is it the shoes, Michael? It's gotta be the shoes."

Majestic's new promo is something along the same lines, just not as hip. It's gotta be the spankin' new Majestic batting practice jersey.

Season Previews: Kansas City Royals


With Opening Day just a couple days away, we're finishing up with one of our favorite things in all the world: Season Previews. Four years ago, they began as a semi-serious analysis and ended up as half-assed haiku. We're just gonna go with what we know. Moving right along with our preview of the American League Central, here are the Kansas City Royals.


Sweet motorcyle
I would ride it even though
I am a Twins fan

Kauffman Stadium
In the middle of nowhere
Beautiful ballpark

Season Previews: Detroit Tigers


With Opening Day just a couple days away, we're finishing up with one of our favorite things in all the world: Season Previews. Four years ago, they began as a semi-serious analysis and ended up as half-assed haiku. We're just gonna go with what we know. Kicking off our preview of the American League Central, here are the Detroit Tigers.

Jose Valverde
Scares the crap out of hitters
Joaquin Benoit too

Justin Verlander,
Max Scherzer, and Brad Penny
In the rotation

Coke in the bullpen
Until the Home Opener
Porcello to start

Victor Martinez
Will beef up the offense and
Catch with Avila

Fans say Oh My Boesch!
Magglio Ordonez has
Luscious locks of hair

Jackson in center
No shortage of outfielders
With Raburn in left

3.28.2011

Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na BAT-GIRL!


Good luck trying to get the 1960's Batman theme song out of your heads now. Mwuah ha ha ha ha!

We all know that ladies love them some baseball. And what lady wouldn't want to sit by the dugout by her favorite team, handling their sticks? MLB and Susan G. Komen for the Cure have a contest going right now where babes who love baseball can "go to bat against breast cancer" and be honorary bat girls for their favorite teams on Mothers Day.

One winner per Major League Baseball team will be selected to represent his or her favorite Major League Baseball team as an "Honorary Bat Girl" on Mother's Day. If your favorite team isn't home on Mother's Day, an alternate game will be chosen by Major League Baseball. Yes, I realize that it says "his or her" favorite MLB team - that's exactly what the MLB website says in the rules. Soooo... I guess a guy 18 years of age or older can enter to be a bat girl too.

Want to enter yourself or another amazing lady in your life? Click here. Want to read the rules and the fine print? Click here.

And, because we love you, here is the Batman theme song so you can get it out of your head. You're welcome.



[MLB]


Joe Mauer and Troy Polamalu: Super Pretty Hair



There are two or three things we know for sure about Joe Mauer and Troy Polamalu, and one of them is that they both have very nice hair. Enjoy.


[We Want to Shampoo Joe Mauer's Hair]

3.27.2011

Even the Cubs Think Carlos Silva Sucks


Not only is Carlos Silva not going to make the Chicago Cubs Opening Day roster, he has been released by the club.

The Cubs are prepared to eat the 31-year-old right-hander's $11.5 million salary this season after he made it clear this weekend he would not accept a minor league assignment if no teams would accept a trade for him.

Silva's reaction:

"Riggs came to me and said, 'What a day, and now go out there and do your workout and continue pitching the way you’re doing,' A half-hour later, he called me into the hall and started talking to me. I’m like, if you have to say something, be straight. He has to learn he’s in the big leagues now, know what I mean? There’s no kids around here anymore."

Silva might feel betrayed, but the team's move could have a little something to do with his 1-2 record and 10.90 ERA over five appearances this spring. Thus, Andrew Cashner was given the fifth starting spot.

Happy trails, Carlos!

[Chicago Tribune]

3.25.2011

Season Previews: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim


With Spring Training already underway, it's time for one of our favorite things in all the world: Season Previews. Four years ago, they began as a semi-serious analysis and ended up as half-assed haiku. We're just gonna go with what we know. Finishing up with our preview of the American League West, here are the LA Angels of Anaheim.

Mike Scioscia's Angels
Could go either way this year.
Will they shine? Or Flop?

Bobby Abreu
Aging and DH-ing. Made
Room for Wells in left.

Bourjos in center (?)
Torii's getting older, he's
In right. Still bad-ass.

Kendry Morales
Fixed his broken leg, but now
Has a sore foot. Great.

How does infield look
Now? Eybar, Callaspo, with
Izturis, Hendrick?

Season Previews: Seattle Mariners


With Opening Day just around the corner, it's time for one of our favorite things in all the world: Season Previews. Four years ago, they began as a semi-serious analysis and ended up as half-assed haiku. We're just gonna go with what we know. Moving right along with our preview of the American League West, here are the Seattle Mariners.

We think Ichiro
Is a first-ballot entry
He's such a badass

Let's see if Bradley
Can stay out of the slammer
For a month or two

Good luck Mike Saunders!
Franklin Gutierrez is
The center fielder

Wilsons and Ryan
Up the middle making plays
Either Jack or Josh

Miguel Olivo
Strained his groin the other day
Feeling better now

Justin Smoak at first
And TOO'-ee-AH'-so-SO'-poh
Behind Chone at third

Joe Mauer, Kemps, and... YOU?



Hey BLB readers!

You know that there are very few people in this world that Sooze and I love and adore more than Joe Man Muscles Mauer himself. Are you as obsessed with him as we are? While the answer to that question is probably not, if you are close, then this may be your lucky day.

Kemps, along with Joe and Teresa Mauer are looking for the ultimate Mauer "Fan'ily" in Minnesota. There is a new Facebook contest in which the winning family gets a behind-the-scenes look at the Mauer’s latest Kemps commercial shoot and an ice cream social with Joe and Mama Mauer.

Season Previews: Oakland Athletics


With Opening Day just around the corner, it's time for one of our favorite things in all the world: Season Previews. Four years ago, they began as a semi-serious analysis and ended up as half-assed haiku. We're just gonna go with what we know. Moving right along with our preview of the American League West, here are the Oakland Athletics.


Brad Pitt is playing
Billy Beane in Moneyball
We see the likeness

Kurt Suzuki vrooom
Landon Powell backs him up
Occasionally

3.24.2011

Season Previews: Texas Rangers


With Opening Day just around the corner, it's time for one of our favorite things in all the world: Season Previews. Four years ago, they began as a semi-serious analysis and ended up as half-assed haiku. We're just gonna go with what we know. Kicking off our preview of the American League West, here are the Texas Rangers.

Goodbye Clifton Lee
Brandon Webb was second choice
Not ready to pitch

That toaster is great
If you are a Rangers fan
Eating a burnt T

Ron Washington knows
How to manage and party
Hamilton used to

He'll be in left field
Nelson Cruz out there in right
Borbón in center

Welcome to Beltre
Work the corners with Moreland
If he gets to play

Kinsler and Andrus
Up the middle DPing
Andres Blanco too

Is There Anything Joe Mauer Can't Do?



So if you dig fine art or campin' in a sweet state park... Check out the Minnesota Twins hometown hero taking a crack at singing in this Explore Minnesota ad. Adorable.


[612 Sports]

Wear Your Favorite MLB Team on Your Booty


Victoria's Secret has released a new line of MLB apparel, but it might not include your favorite team.

Are you a Pirates, Blue Jays, Marlins, Braves, Reds, or Astros fan? Too bad. You don't get to wear sexy baseball panties... which is super lame.

I happen to know all kinds of hot ladies who are fans of the aforementioned teams. In fact, they love them so much they blog about them:

Braves Love

Hands of My Pirates Booty

Red Hot Mama

Astros-holic Synonymous

Aly Hearts Baseball

I'm disappointed, Vickie's... not that I'm boycotting. I don't think I could handle that.

Speaking of ladies, check out this young woman's journey from being "just another pink hat" to a well-educated female baseball fan. Just the way we like them.

[Pittsburgh Sports and Mini Ponies]

3.23.2011

Adam Jones on the Five Four Catwalk


There's probably quite a bit you know about Adam Jones.

For instance, you were probably already aware of the fact that the Baltimore Orioles center fielder was originally drafted by the Seattle Mariners with the 37th pick of the 2003 draft as a right-handed pitcher who dabbled at short stop.

Maybe you've heard that the 25-year-old Gold Glove recipient became just the second player in Yankee Stadium history to hit a triple and a grand slam in the same game as a visitor back in July of 2008. Okay, so that stat was a little obscure.

We're sure you heard about the time border patrol wouldn't let him into Canada because they had mistaken him as Adam "Pacman" Jones, who has a history of breaking the law. True story.

But we bet you didn't know that he makes a damn sexy clothing model! Jones has teamed up Five Four in their new campaign. A snippet:
Adam Jones is the quintessential Five Four modern gentleman; he is hard working, motivated, stylish and passionate about his career. He has achieved a high level of success at a young age and is someone that Five Four proudly associates with its brand.
Hot. Read more about Jones' new endeavorer at the Five Four link below, where you can see the rest of his spread.

[Five Four]

Season Previews: Philadelphia Phillies


With Opening Day just around the corner, it's time for one of our favorite things in all the world: Season Previews. Four years ago, they began as a semi-serious analysis and ended up as half-assed haiku. We're just gonna go with what we know. Finishing up our preview of the National League East, here are the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Phillies pitching
Is completely out of hand
The best in baseball?

They are kind of like
The Yankees of the NL
But we don't hate them

Halladay and Lee
Oswalt, Hamels, and Blanton
Just ridiculous

Lidge still the closer
Contreras and Madson will
Help finish the job

Get Well Soon, Roy Oswalt's Neck


For those of you naysayers who think Manny Ramirez can no longer hit the broad side of a barn, there is proof that he can do even better. In fact, he has the precision combined with impressive hand-eye coordination to nail Roy Oswalt's skinny neck from 60' 6" away.

In all seriousness, Oswalt suffered a bruise on his neck, but remained conscious. The Philadelphia Phillies say he was not feeling dizzy before leaving Wednesday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays in which he fell to the ground and remained there until he was examined by a trainer.

The righty stood up after a brief chat and walked to the visiting clubhouse all by himself. Get well soon, Roy.


[USA Today]

3.21.2011

Season Previews: New York Mets


With Spring Training already underway, it's time for one of our favorite things in all the world: Season Previews. Four years ago, they began as a semi-serious analysis and ended up as half-assed haiku. We're just gonna go with what we know. Continuing with our preview of the National League East, here are the New York Mets.

Bye bye Castillo,
So long, Oliver Perez.
New York's cleaning house.

Johan Santana
Claims to be ok... But...
Is he out for the season?

We LOVE David Wright.
Isn't he adorable
Hanging out at third?

Will K-Rod Control
His temper this year? Or will
The team trade his ass?

Hope Beltran's knee stops
Hurting. Reyes is at short.
Bay patrolling left.

The team was screwed by involved
With Bernie Madoff (?). Oops! Mo'
Money, Mo' Problems.

[Amazin' Avenue] | [Mets Grrl] | [Rising Apple]

3.17.2011

Season Previews: Florida Marlins


With Spring Training already underway, it's time for one of our favorite things in all the world: Season Previews. Four years ago, they began as a semi-serious analysis and ended up as half-assed haiku. We're just gonna go with what we know. Continuing with our preview of the National League East, here are the Florida Marlins.

Florida Marlins
Kinda rolls off the tongue like
Miami Marlins

If they build it will
Fans finally come to games?
Sad empty orange seats

Inflatable sleds!
For the snow in Florida
There's a lot of it

So long Dan Uggla
Had a huge neck anyhow
Omar Infante!

Johnson, Vasquez and
Ricky Nolasco are all
Excellent pitchers

Sanchez and Volstad
Leo Nunez shuts it down
We love Clay Hensley

3.16.2011

Way to Go, Placido Polanco



Placido Polanco has re-injured his surgically repaired left elbow.

The Philadelphia Phillies third baseman hyper-extended his elbow on a swing in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday. Ouch. He attempted to play some defense in the bottom half of the inning, but was replaced by Wilson Valdez in the second.

"It’s just a day-to-day thing I think. When I’ve had it before, I never stopped playing. But since I had surgery, they took me out."

Sad News for Minor League Manager Luis Salazar


I've tried to imagine today what it would be like to actually lose an eye. I would likely lose my mind.

This is why I have a tremendous amount of admiration for the bravery of Luis Salazar, the Atlanta Braves minor league manager who was nailed in the face by a line drive during a Spring Training game on March 9. He ended up losing his left eye.

Salazr, 54, was leaning against the railing on the top step of the dugout during a game between the Braves and the St. Louis Cardinals when Brian McCann fouled one in his direction. Salazar was unable to get out of the way, falling head-first back into the dugout.

3.15.2011

Season Previews: Atlanta Braves


With Spring Training already underway, it's time for one of our favorite things in all the world: Season Previews. Four years ago, they began as a semi-serious analysis and ended up as half-assed haiku. We're just gonna go with what we know. Continuing with our preview of the National League East, here are the Atlanta Braves.

So long Bobby Cox
Welcome Fredi Gonzalez
To a new era

Chipper refuses
To give up his spot at third
Good luck Brooks Conrad

Hinske will back up
Freddie Freeman at first base
That's a lot of F's

Uggla at second
Newly paired with Gonzalez
Two former Marlins

McCann at the plate
A great fantasy player
Like Jason Heyward

He's out in right field
With Nate McLouth in center
And Prado in left

Happy Trails Ian Snell


How great would it be to retire before the age of 30?

Ian Snell decided to do just that, calling it quits at age 29 after the St. Louis Cardinals sent him to the minors.

The right-hander signed a minor league deal back in January after a not-so-great 2010 season with the Seattle Mariners in which he went 0-5 with 6.41 ERA in 12 games, including eight starts.

Snell pitched in one game this Spring with the AAA Memphis Redbirds, lasting two innings and allowing two runs on March 3. He then appeared in two B-squad games, the last on Monday when he surrendered two runs in one inning against Atlanta.

Over seven big league seasons, Snell was 38-53 with a 4.80 ERA. His best season came in 2006 when he enjoyed a career-high 14 victories for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Have a nice retirement, buddy.

[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]

3.11.2011

A Moment of Silence for Victims of the Japan Tsunami


As news of a horrific earthquake and tsunami on the Northeast shores of Japan rolled in late this morning, our prayers were with the victims and survivors of this terrible tragedy, while our thoughts moved toward Japanese players in their Spring Training camps in Florida and Arizona.

Hideki Matsui and Ryota Igarashi were awake all night, watching the devastation and praying for the victims and survivors in their faraway homeland. Meanwhile, Daisuke Matsuzaka reached his parents safely in Tokyo, but was unable to get in touch with his grandmother.

Boston Red Sox reliever Hideki Okajima had this to say:

"It’s a tough situation. You can’t control nature, but when something like this happens, you really realize the power of nature."

Matsui shared the same sentiment:

"I am deeply concerned and affected by what is happening in Japan. I pray for the safety of all the people that have been affected and continue to be affected by this disaster."

3.10.2011

Season Previews: Washington Nationals


With Spring Training already underway, it's time for one of our favorite things in all the world: Season Previews. Four years ago, they began as a semi-serious analysis and ended up as half-assed haiku. We're just gonna go with what we know. Kicking off our preview of the National League East, here are the Washington Nationals.

Jayson Werth's Beard was
An offseason addition
Adam LaRoche too

Goodbye Adam Dunn
And so long Josh Willingham
Hello Sean Burnett

Bryce Harper might want
To smear less eye black on his
Adorable face

We hope Strasburg's arm
Will heal nicely this year
And we'll see him soon

The DP combo
Is Danny Espinosa
And Ian Desmond

Season Previews: Houston Astros


With Spring Training already underway, it's time for one of our favorite things in all the world: Season Previews. Four years ago, they began as a semi-serious analysis and ended up as half-assed haiku. We're just gonna go with what we know. Finishing up our preview of the National League Central, here are the Houston Astros.

So long to Geoff Blum
Paulino and Matt Lindstrom
Hello Clint Barmes

Bill Hall is new too
Brett Myers has huge eyebrows
Wandy Rodriguez!

Carlos Lee at first
Johnson at the hot corner
Quintero at home

Hunter Pence in right
Bogusevic in left field
Mike Bourn plays center

Will Rowland-Smith pitch?
It's not J.A. it's just Jay
And Bud Norris too

3.09.2011

Unstoppable Tour: Baseball in Nebraska


The EAS Unstoppable Tour: One athlete. 30 sports. 30 days. 30 cities.

Enjoy.



[Unstoppable Tour]

3.08.2011

Well, This Sucks



Brewers fans will have to wait a few weeks after the season starts before they get to see their new ace Zack Greinke take the mound. The new addition to the team is going to start the season on the disabled list after fracturing a rib during a basketball game with buddies a few weeks ago.

Greinke was quoted as saying:
"I've been doing this for a couple of years now, and people are always saying, 'You're going to get hurt.' It finally caught up to me. I was hoping it was just bruised, but I guess its worse than that. So I guess I have to stop playing [basketball] now. I had a lot of fun while I was doing it, but it wasn't worth it."

Uh... you think?

It's About Damn Time


Welcome back to the action, Justin Morneau.

After being sidelined by a season ending concussion just before he was set to play in the All-Star game last July, Justin Morneau FINALLY played ball today. During the first half of the 2010 season, the Twins first baseman was on his way to another MVP caliber season, batting .345, hitting 18 bombs, and 56 RBI before sliding headfirst into the knee of Toronto shortstop John MacDonald.

Our Canadian Crusher played in his first game this spring in a B-squad game against the Pirates. His first at bat was nothing to write home about, other than he actually had a first at bat. But on his second trip to the plate, he cracked a bases loaded double. Welcome back, indeed.

3.06.2011

Always Remember to Thank Your Backstop



Find out more about the Perfect Game Challenge by clicking here. But really, all you need to do is play MLB2k10 day and night to perfect your pitching repertoire, sleep in the Best Buy parking lot on March 7, begin playing the game immediately upon purchase, and be the first to toss a perfect game.

Boom. You're a millionaire.

If you're really hard up for a copy, you could always follow us on Twitter. We just so happen to be randomly dishing one out once we hit 3,000 followers.

Update: Congratulations to fellow baseball babe @BravesDiva on winning a spankin' new MLB2k11 for her xbox 360!

[MLB2k on Facebook]

3.04.2011

Season Previews: St. Louis Cardinals


With Spring Training already underway, it's time for one of our favorite things in all the world: Season Previews. Four years ago, they began as a semi-serious analysis and ended up as half-assed haiku. We're just gonna go with what we know. Continuing on with our preview of the National League Central, here are the St. Louis Cardinals.

Tony La Russa
Likes puppies and kitty cats
(See photo on right)

Big news with Pujols
Is that there is no big news
Are Cards fans spazzing?

Oh yeah and then there's
Adam Wainwright's Tommy John
This is not good news

There's always Kyle Lohse
And there's always Jake Westbrook
And Ryan Franklin!

Skip Schumaker is
Pretty damn adorable
So is The Riot

Because Billy Beane Looks So Much Like Brad Pitt



If you were to choose one man to portray you in a film, who would it be? Most men would say Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Dwayne Johnson, or some other hunk their woman is attracted to.

Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane chose Brad Pitt to play him in the upcoming film based on the best-selling novel, Moneyball. Because clearly, they are damn near identical twins.

Season Previews: Pittsburgh Pirates


With Spring Training already underway, it's time for one of our favorite things in all the world: Season Previews. Four years ago, they began as a semi-serious analysis and ended up as half-assed haiku. We're just gonna go with what we know. Moving right along with our preview of the National League Central, here are the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Some Pirates pitching:
Paul Maholm, Ross Ohlendorf
And James McDonald

Pedro Alvarez!
Chris Snyder behind the plate
Doumit backs him up

Overbay at first
Walker and Cedeno are
The DP Combo

Andrew McCutchen
Will roam the outfield with Jones
And Tabata too

Good news for the Bucs
Bert's a Hall of Famer now!
...Wearing a Twins hat

3.03.2011

Well Played Mauer


Joe Mauer is so amazing that he is donning the cover of MLB 11: The Show. Yes, it's Sexytime for a second consecutive season.

Also, he has nice hair.



3.02.2011

We Thought Garret Anderson Retired Already


After 17 seasons in the game, Garret Anderson is hanging up his glove. Funny, we totally thought he retired already.

The 38-year-old left fielder broke into the majors back in 1994 and ended up compiling more than 2,500 hits, 287 home runs, and a career batting average of .293. He also enjoyed a World Series title with the Los Angeles Angels in 2002 and three All-Star selections.

Anderson spent his first 15 big league seasons with the Halos before joining the Atlanta Braves in 2009 and the cross-town Dodgers last season, in which he batted .181 with two homers and 12 RBI in 80 games.

Yep... it was time to call it quits. The old schooler had this to say Tuesday in a team press release:

"It is with mixed emotions that I have decided to retire from baseball. It was truly a privilege to play this wonderful game and for that I want to thank several individuals."

Happy trails, Gary.

[Big League Stew]

3.01.2011

Season Previews: Milwaukee Brewers


With Spring Training already underway, it's time for one of our favorite things in all the world: Season Previews. Four years ago, they began as a semi-serious analysis and ended up as half-assed haiku. We're just gonna go with what we know. Moving right along with our preview of the National League Central, here are the Milwaukee Brewers.

Welcome Zack Greinke!
The man who'll save the Brew Crew
No pressure at all

There's Marcum and Wolf
With Gallardo becoming
The number two guy

Weeks up the middle
Yuniesky Betancourt
Joins him at shortstop

Go-Go in center
Ryan Brauny in left field
Corey Hart hits bombs

McGehee at third
With Prince Fielder at first base
Man he's a big boy

Hawkins still plays ball?
Totally thought he retired
Takashi Saito!

Sooze is heading to
Milwaukee on the TwinsTrain
Hope to see you there!

[Brew Crew Ball] | [Reviewing the Brew] | [The Brewers Bar]

Heads Up, Josh Beckett


Josh Beckett had a bit of a scare Monday after being nailed in the back of the head during batting practice.

According to the Boston Red Sox, their ace is experiencing mild concussion symptoms. Although he walked off the field all on his own, he was sent home to rest after being examined by trainers... because napping is exactly what a person who's just suffered a head injury should do?

He'll be held out of workouts today as well.

Beckett was shagging balls in the outfield when coaching staff assistant Ino Guerrero used a fungo bat to return a ball to the infield. Unfortunately, the ball hit Beckett instead. Good try buddy!

Coming off a disappointing 2010 season riddled with injury in which his ERA inflated to 5.78 with a 6-6 record, the last thing Beckett needs is to be sidelined with a head injury.

Get well soon!

[Boston Globe]