http://sportsblogs.org/entries.php?sport_id=1&date=2010-02-08&start=0 Sports Blogs :: Major League Baseball Daily Entries en-us Has anyone looked at the 40 man recently? Are you aware that there are only two catchers on the whole 40 man? I almost could not believe it myself, but there it was plain as day. Listed at catcher are only Ryan Doumit and Jason Jaramillo. Most teams use more than just two catchers during the whole season. Catcher is a demanding position that wears down the players donning the tools of ignorance. Ryan Doumit is a quick trip away from the DL almost anytime he playing. If anyting is c... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321334&src=rss 2010-02-08T23:28:00 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320913&src=rss 2010-02-08T22:51:48 Today's dedication will be at 4 p.m. on the Rolando Little League lower field at 66000 Vigo Drive in La Mesa. Padres President/COO Tom Garfinkel and pitcher Heath Bell will be among those on hand. Friar John's Blog: Little Padres Padres reach the big 4-0 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320916&src=rss 2010-02-08T22:38:49 Brian Cashman seems content on the "throw it at a wall and see what sticks" approach towards left field this offseason. With that in mind, signing Marcus Thames certainly wasn't a decision coming "out of left field". In the late 90's the bigger corner outfield was always the Yankees' weakest position. Names like Ricky Leedee, Shane Spencer, Chad Curtis, Darryl Strawberry and Tim Raines were all primarily in the mix, but none of them had any sort... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321322&src=rss 2010-02-08T22:15:35 Just curious, what's the penalty for a block in the back? When a guy shoves you in the back on a play, it should be flagged. It should be flagged if it is the Pee Wee leagues, the Canadian Football League, or indeed the Superbowl. Completely missed this the first time I saw the play (probably because I was jumping around doing that 'Oh my God' touchdown dance). Check it ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320939&src=rss 2010-02-08T22:05:00 More photos » Chris O'Meara - A... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320912&src=rss 2010-02-08T22:00:26 So by now you've read about former Moonie Times writer Mark Zuckerman's vacation plans campaign to get us readers to send him to Florida. Having just come from a Florida vacation, which had me shelling about $1,800 out of my pocket, I'm quite envious of his ingenuity; I knew I should've thrown a donate button up! At any rate, I dig the idea. I've ranted (me? rant?) about the lousy coverage the http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321183&src=rss 2010-02-08T21:58:00 Super Bowl Sunday the metsfan73 family went to the Long Island Met Fan family's home to view the Super Bowl. Metsfan2004, the youngest of my three children, decided she wanted to draw. She is 7, and loves to draw: be it crayons, pencil's, pens, markers, etc. Being a hands-on father, and with the uncanny ability to brain wash today's youth's, she figured she... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321280&src=rss 2010-02-08T21:58:00 Mets hire Bob Melvin as a Scout The list of internal Manuel-replacement candidates grows. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320918&src=rss 2010-02-08T21:55:00 Irony is so delicious. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321302&src=rss 2010-02-08T21:47:00 This is just pretty http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320921&src=rss 2010-02-08T21:24:31 Well, not quite.  Only 10 more until Pitchers and Catchers report to Port St. Lucie for the New York Mets. Endy Chavez used to wear #10 for the Mets.  Then he was traded to the Mariners in the awful trade I wish never happened that also included the Indians. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321282&src=rss 2010-02-08T21:13:00 I can't believe even the folks at NPR are wondering what the intent of this billboard is...seems rather blatantly anti-Obama to me. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321303&src=rss 2010-02-08T21:13:00 Is Madison Bumgarner in this batch? Well, you'll just have to click the link to find out.... 20. Henry Sosa - RHP Sosa is the new Merkin. Wait for the explanation before you ask your beautician for a "sosa" to cover up that Nair ‘n’ duct tape accident. It seems like Sosa has been a prospect for so long, that when he has an injury-filled, low-strikeout season, it’s way ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320911&src=rss 2010-02-08T21:11:40 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320914&src=rss 2010-02-08T21:10:42 Not only did the Yanks make the Randy Winn signing official, but also picked up another option for left field by adding Marcus Thames on a Minor League deal. If he makes the 25-man roster Thames will make $900K. Thames has spent the last six seasons in Detroit, but made his MLB debut back in 2002... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321225&src=rss 2010-02-08T21:08:00 The Beckett Blog (hat-tip to Zell's Pinstripe Blog) is reporting that Topps will be including some special Yankees "pie cards" in their 2010 baseball set. Apparently the cards are going to be reallyrare. Here's a list of the cards includi... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321226&src=rss 2010-02-08T21:05:00 Sorry for the quiet times here. We had some big sales at work and then the creeping crud illness is making its rounds at work and I am working OT to cover those who can;t make it in. Things should... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321233&src=rss 2010-02-08T21:04:32              &... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321287&src=rss 2010-02-08T21:03:00 …Spring Training! What did you think I was going to say, Christmas? Pfft, that day is just a mere speed bump in baseball fan’s lives known as ‘Off season’. Either way, the Yankees released their non-roster invitee list and it looks something like this: OF Marcus Thames LHP Wilkins Arias LHP Jeremy Bleich OF Colin Curtis RHP Grant Duff OF Reid [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321347&src=rss 2010-02-08T21:01:59 The 2010 CHONE projections (hat-tip to TYU) has the Yankees winning the division, but also getting the highest projection ever for the system down below. First, here's a look at the projected standings for each di... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321227&src=rss 2010-02-08T21:01:00 Marcus Thames is not an everyday player. Never has been, really. His abilities, which include a seeming ability to hit lefties, make him a platoon player. True to that, he’s seen about 40 percent of his career plate appearances against lefties, whereas an every day player — I’ll use Derek Jeter as an example — [...] Post from: River Ave. Blues A New York Yankees blog http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321320&src=rss 2010-02-08T21:00:11 The Zero to Tony Gwynn scale is a rating of a Padres' importance to the San Diego Padres and their fans. The scale works to determine the relative importance of a particular Padre based on the assumption that http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320797&src=rss 2010-02-08T20:49:11 The New York Mets today announced that Mookie Wilson has returned to the organization as the team’s minor-league outfield and base running coordinator. Wilson, a former Mets player, coach and minor league manager, was last with the club in 2005 as the manager of the Brooklyn Cyclones (A) of the New York-Penn League. "It’s good to be back," said Wilson, 53, who makes his home in Eastover, S.C. "This is where I started and I’m anxious to do whatever I can for the... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320801&src=rss 2010-02-08T20:34:05 The Yankees announced today they extended 20 spring training invitations to players outside of the 40-man roster. For full descriptions of all the players, check out Trenton Thunder beat reporter Mike Ashmore’s blog. Catchers Kyle Higashioka Jesus Montero P.J. Pilittere Mike Rivera Austin Romine ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321277&src=rss 2010-02-08T20:32:00 Felipé Lopez anyone??? "Lopez ranked fourth among all free agents with a 4.6 WAR in 2009, but Boras has been unable to drum up a market for the second baseman. Now, matching last year's $3.5MM will be tough enough. Odds are Lopez won't sniff the contracts signed by Placido Polanco, Mark DeRosa, and Orlando Hudson, and he might not reach t... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320919&src=rss 2010-02-08T20:30:23 As baseball season gears up, so does Baseball media. Baseball Prospectus writers have long been favorites because, flat out, we’re good at it. We’ve done everything from Fox News to ESPN, from Boston to San Diego, from Toledo to Tampa. We do TV, we do radio, we do newspapers and new media. You could call [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321323&src=rss 2010-02-08T20:29:16 Jon Heyman: Yankees Sign Marcus Thames (via MLB Trade Rumors) http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320839&src=rss 2010-02-08T20:27:46 FS Detroit to carry 4 spring training games, 157 regular season games Via Jason Beck's Twitter. No details yet, except the one game that might not get broadcast is April 7th against KC. Presumably the other games not covered on FS Detroit will be Saturday games on big Fox. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320840&src=rss 2010-02-08T20:26:09 Yeah, Cowart is obviously very intriguing. Probably too intriguing to last til #35, but a lot will change between now and June. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321325&src=rss 2010-02-08T20:12:05 More photos » David ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320794&src=rss 2010-02-08T20:11:50 Yay! Skip "the second baseman" Schumaker is ours for the next TWO years. Arbitration avoided. Negotiations done. Trato hecho. And for quite a reasonable price, as well. Ooh, buddy. I gotta tell you, there are a lot of our guys whom I would hate to see playing somewhere else--Albert, Yadi, Wainwright, a... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321363&src=rss 2010-02-08T19:58:00 The cost of all great combined statistics is both understanding and context. Gross Domestic Product, for example, offers a combined look of various economic measures of consumption, investment, and spending, but overlooks sustainability, quality, and distribution. It's a nice stat that those that understand can glean meaning from, but generally doesn't help the average person understand what is really happening, other than "bigger is better, right?" Having exhausted what little&nbsp... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320803&src=rss 2010-02-08T19:55:10 After going down 2-0, the Flyers scored 3 unanswered goals to take the lead and beat their neighbor state rivals http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321371&src=rss 2010-02-08T19:52:15 Circumstances have already forced me to shuffle the schedule around a bit. Ubaldo Jimenez will come up later this afternoon, and I probably won't get a chance to do the Braves thing until Wednesday or Thursday. The Twins thing is moving up the schedu... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320795&src=rss 2010-02-08T19:50:48 It would be nice to get the WAR draft started as soon as possible, but we do not have enough people signed up to do all the team payrolls, yet alone sending them to me finished (thanks Zach).  I will now open up the draft to all the alternates.  Just let me know which team you want and get me data. Here is a link to thread for how to do the payrolls.  I will begin... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320804&src=rss 2010-02-08T19:41:18 Early last month Jeff Polman–the baseball fanatic/alternate history enthusiast who runs the blog 1924 and You Are There!! (”a complete ‘fictional replay’ of the 1924 season using Strat-O-Matic Baseball, then reported daily in the language of the time through two characters”)–contacted me about being an absentee manager for another baseball simulation he had in mind. [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321306&src=rss 2010-02-08T19:33:59 What does Justin Verlander’s recent deal mean for Tim Lincecum? Our man Cliff takes a look over at SI.com: The Giants had hoped to sign Lincecum to a puny two-year deal in lieu of an arbitration hearing. He has requested $13 million 2010 salary, an amount that would be a record for a player in his first [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321301&src=rss 2010-02-08T19:28:33 I really don’t think that is the headline Seattle Mariner fans want to see about a week before pitchers and catchers report to spring training. But the reality is, it’s a true headline. As the Tacoma News Tribune’s Ryan Divish first reported, Cliff Lee underwent a minor procedure in his left foot to remove a bone [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321379&src=rss 2010-02-08T19:27:47 I’m still on the road – thought I’d be home by now so short post tonight.  Knowing I was going to still be traveling, I put the auto timer on one of my draft posts last night while under the influence. The good part was the Wordpress auto timer worked.  The bad part was I setup the wrong post. One of the folks who help me with the blog noticed I had some spelling errors and other problems which didn’t set off a red flag because all my stuff is like that anyway, ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321388&src=rss 2010-02-08T19:25:15 Inside the numbers is a new feature that I will be trying to implement come baseball season, but all the stops need to be pulled out for the Super Bowl. I'll start with 10 and work my way to 1,... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321375&src=rss 2010-02-08T19:25:04 Bobby Kielty was last seen in the big leagues in October of 2007, when he led off the 8th inning for the Red Sox in Game 4 of the World Series. This was to be his last at bat in the Major Leagues and he certainly made it one of the more memorable moments in Red Sox history when he belted a home run which proved to be the winning run in that game. That game was the 8th stra... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321330&src=rss 2010-02-08T19:24:05 Over the weekend, we learned that the Red Sox might not retain Josh Beckett once he enters free agency after the 2010 season. If this is the case and, assuming the Yankees intend on exploring the free agent market for starting pitching next winter, who do you think they will chase? Will it be Josh [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321389&src=rss 2010-02-08T19:15:44 On February 3, 2010, Deep Focus, Inc. withdrew its application to trademark the term "sabermetrics" for social media consulting services. Sabermetrics was coined by statistician Bill James, who first introduced the word to readers of his Abstract in March 1980, writing: "Sabermetrics is the mathematical and statistical analysis of baseball records." Since that time, sabermetrics has become a ubiquitous part of the baseball landscape at all levels and by players, fron... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320805&src=rss 2010-02-08T19:02:06 More ph... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320806&src=rss 2010-02-08T19:00:28 Adam lists the players he thinks are out of options...keep in mind at least one or two are likely incorrect, as option rules are strange and hard to keep up with. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321057&src=rss 2010-02-08T18:56:00 It seems that many people feel that Peyton Manning was a poor sport for getting off the football field and not shaking anyone's hand. Well this argument really has two sides and for once I am standing with Manning on this one. First the Colts had just lost the biggest game of the year and it is a madhouse and rush when the Super Bowl is over. I really cannot blame Peyton Manning. Sometime when things settle down he will congratulate the Saints and Drew Brees. Peyton Manning has alw... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321243&src=rss 2010-02-08T18:51:00 I hesitate to start a post inspired by a tweet from Paul Sullivan, but here it goes anyway... "Red Sox. White Sox. Saints. Who's next? Clippers or Cubs?" While I certainly hope that the Cubs manage to somehow reach the top of the mountain before the Clippers, I've often thanked my lucky stars that "At least I'm not a Saints fan," because they seemed too ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321279&src=rss 2010-02-08T18:50:00 There is a pretty cool story coming out of Chicago. And no it’s not that Chicago Bears’ coach Lovie Smith got fired or Chicago Cubs’ GM Jim Hendry figured out how to be a major league GM. The Chicago White Sox are the team in Chicago that is doing a cool thing. The White Sox are unretiring [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321275&src=rss 2010-02-08T18:45:42 From the master—Matisse. One of the paper-cut collages from late in his career. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321179&src=rss 2010-02-08T18:43:02 Rounding out the Washington Nationals top-15 prospects... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321228&src=rss 2010-02-08T18:33:10 Just got my copy of what, for my money, is the  best book on baseball prospects:  the John Sickels version.  Mr. Sickels used to produce the Stats Inc. prospect book, and when that ceased publication, began releasing much the same book as a self-publishing venture.  You too can order the book at its companion website, [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321180&src=rss 2010-02-08T18:30:47 According to Matthew Leach, Skip Schumaker and the Cardinals came to terms on deal tonight. The deal is reportedly worth about $5 million over two years. The threat of arbitration loomed after Schumaker’s original demands were not met. He wanted $2.75 million, while the Cards were offering $1.45 million. The two sides were able to [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321211&src=rss 2010-02-08T18:23:52 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321268&src=rss 2010-02-08T18:10:30 Swartz and Seidman: Introducing SIERA Former Good Phighter Matt Swartz, with ample help from Eric Seidman, continues his request to solve baseball with SIERA, a new pitching metric that you'll get to hear Joe Morgan and Mitch Williams deride on your TV this summer. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320666&src=rss 2010-02-08T18:05:02 Let’s throw this one out there and see if it gets shot down… multiple reports out of Japan are saying that the Phillies have agreed to a minor league deal with Osaka University of Commerce catcher Hiroya Yamamura. Commenter John Brooks first passed along Yakyu Baka’s post on the signing, but there have been several [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321231&src=rss 2010-02-08T18:03:54 With the New York Yankees’ lineup and roster pretty much set, they didn’t have many holes left to fill. If they did need something, it would be a right-handed hitter off the bench. GM Brian Cashman, not leaving any stone unturned this offseason, found his potential right-handed hitter off the bench yesterday. According to SI.com’s Jon Heyman, [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321276&src=rss 2010-02-08T18:01:39 This is a time of anticipation. The Super Bowl is over, and Truck Day is nearing. This Friday, the truck containing equipment for Red Sox spring training will depart from Fenway Park en route for Ft. Myers. Pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 18. Though another snowstorm is on the way, spring training is around the corner, as is the promise of warmer weather, sunshine, the pop of a fast ball meeting the catcher's mitt and the... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321085&src=rss 2010-02-08T18:00:57 ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320660&src=rss 2010-02-08T18:00:22 Watch the t.v. show "Castle" tonight on ABC to catch Joe Torre. A beloved former major league baseball player is found dead after a goodwill trip to Cuba. The investigation, which includes running into Joe Torre (guest starring as himself), leads the detectives into New York’s Cuban community to solve the murder. Meanwhile, Alexis’ genealogy project forces Castle to consider the ident... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321261&src=rss 2010-02-08T18:00:00 BY SHAY RODDY Look out your windows, there’s probably about two feet of snow on the ground, ice all over and bitter temperatures in the air. So why not book a vacation to good ol’ sunny Clearwater, Florida, site of Phillies Spring Training to watch the defending NL Champions prepare to compete for the World Series [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321264&src=rss 2010-02-08T17:59:30 We all knew about Randy Winn but today the signing became official. Jon Heyman of SI.com also reported today that the Yankees signed Marcus Thames to a minor league deal. Chad Jennings of the Journal News and also the Lohud Yankees blog confirmed this on his blog. He had spoken to GM Brian Cashman this afternoon. The deal is a minor league deal that if he makes the 25 man roster out of spring training he will make 900,000. Marcus Thames started his career with the Yankees and only appear... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321001&src=rss 2010-02-08T17:50:00 Selig to get statue at Miller Park The Brewers announced today that they will honor Major League Baseball Commissioner and former team owner Bud Selig with a statue at Miller Park’s Home Plate Plaza. Selig’s statue will join those of Hank Aaron and Robin Yount, which were unveiled on April 5, 2001, the first year of Miller Park’s existence. The first two ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321184&src=rss 2010-02-08T17:48:08 On Saturday afternoon in El Paso, TX, two UConn Huskies, Marcus Easley and Robert Vaughn, were participants in the Texas vs The Nation game. The game was won by the Texas squad 36-17. After looking hard all day, I was finally able to come across a box score although it didn’t list defensive statistics. While I couldn’t [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321192&src=rss 2010-02-08T17:41:27 More Beltran: When migh... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321241&src=rss 2010-02-08T17:32:00 The UConn Huskies football team will be represented by three players at the NFL Combine which will take place from February 24th to March 2nd at Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis, IN. Lindsey Witten, Andre Dixon and Marcus Easley will all get a chance to show the NFL scouts what they can do as the teams [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321193&src=rss 2010-02-08T17:28:54 White Sox Un-Retire #11, Vizquel to wear Aparico's number with his blessing The Chicago White Sox have un-retired uniform No. 11, the number worn by Hall of Fame shortstop Luis Aparicio, for the 2010 season, during whic... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320525&src=rss 2010-02-08T17:23:44 The Yankees today announced the non-roster invitees. All in all, there will probably be close to 60 guys in Tampa this spring. Catchers Kyle Higashioka Jesus Montero P.J. Pilittere Mike Rivera Austin Romine Infielders David Winfree Outfielders Colin Curtis Marcus Thames Reid Gorecki Jon Weber Pitchers Wilkins Arias Jeremy Bleich Grant Duff Jason Hirsh Kei Igawa Zach McAllister Royce Ring Amaury Sanit Zack Segovia Kevin Whelan There’s a large number of catchers on the list, and deservedl... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321278&src=rss 2010-02-08T17:16:41 #yankees sign marcus thames, si.com has learned. (via @SI_JonHeyman) # Happy 51st Birthday, Steve Dillard. http://bit.ly/c4d8j9 # #Tigers on the tube in 2010: 156 games on FOX Sports Detroit, one on FSD Plus and 4 selected for the FOX Saturday Baseball Game of the Week. # Five years ago today Magglio Ordonez signed w/ the #Tigers for 5 [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321189&src=rss 2010-02-08T17:15:00 It too PECOTA three tries to “fix” their projections. And it’s just projections at that. Today the CHONE projections are available, and they have the Yankees at the top of the division, winning 99 games. This was first seen on Sliding into Home. Here’s what Sean said on the site: But yet I’m projecting 99 wins for [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321150&src=rss 2010-02-08T17:11:10 Astros-themed interview with Hotstove.com at 1 pm CDT It's apparently a video interview where the viewer can see the interviewers asking me questions. I'll just be a melodious voice cascading over their studio, filling brains with Astro-knowledge. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320527&src=rss 2010-02-08T17:06:35 This man’s name is Frank Coonelly and he’s a loser. Let me tell you a few reasons why I believe that.  Over the years he has fought against the rights of players and umpires on behalf of ownership or Major League Baseball.  During the work stoppage of 1995, the ownership group Coonelly represented were found responsible for withholding “pension and benefit payments from players, implemented a salary cap and changed the work rules without negotiating them.&#82... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321155&src=rss 2010-02-08T17:05:06 Sabermetrics to Remain in Public Domain On February 3, 2010, Deep Focus, Inc. withdrew its application to trademark the term “sabermetrics” for social media consulting services. Sabermetrics was coined by statistician Bill James, who first introduced the word to readers of his Abstract in March 1980, writing: “Sabermetrics is the mathemati... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321197&src=rss 2010-02-08T17:03:25 The Yankees were pretty busy today as they not only made the Randy Winn signing official, but also snagged themselves another option for left field by adding Marcus Thames on a Minor League deal. If he makes the 25-man roster Thames will make $900K. Thames has spent the last six seasons in Detroit, but made his MLB debut back in 20... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320955&src=rss 2010-02-08T17:02:00 I'd like to see Young play a lot more second this year. Adding some more versatility would greatly improve his chances. He only has like 59 games... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321091&src=rss 2010-02-08T17:01:17 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320500&src=rss 2010-02-08T17:00:22 The Marlins are once again digging through the scraps of other teams, looking to find bullpen gems. I like this yearly tradition in part because it means signings like the ones given to Fernando Rodney or Brandon Lyon this year will never be made by our front office. While I’m not questioning their ever-continuing quest to [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321151&src=rss 2010-02-08T16:43:21 Hopefully you've read my Under 25 Hitters, now we'll move on to the pitchers. Major League Baseball has seen an influx of talented young pitchers in the past few years. It seems like organizations are more willing to give these kids a shot sooner than they were 5-10 years ago. Here's a look at who I believe are the players who are the best of that ever expanding group of youngsters. *Remember, http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321028&src=rss 2010-02-08T16:40:00 Prospecting and second-guessing - Chad Finn's Touching All The Bases Chad Finn takes a deep look at Baseball America's Top 100 prospects list from the '90s, dissecting the players who "once called Fenway home." Some really interesting names on the lists. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320519&src=rss 2010-02-08T16:38:37 Let me know what you think. Ok, I just uploaded the new template.  It only took me a few weeks to get the template right, then 5 seconds to upload the template.  Most of the site updates are done although I need to get my blog roll back together.  I should have it up later tonight. Feedback on the new layout would be appreciated. I also set up a few new features on the site, now I can say after the jump too.  I still have a l... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320934&src=rss 2010-02-08T16:33:00 I was extremely excited to find that our saber-partner, Fangraphs, is now hosting splits data on their site. Lefty/righty splits are something that fascinate me. Ever since I was a little kid, I was awed by the idea of having a "lefty masher" on the bench, just in case an opposing manager brought in a LOOGY, allowing you to pull a quick-one and play for the extra-base hit. However, lefty/right analysis... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320783&src=rss 2010-02-08T16:31:20 The Yankees have invited 20 non-roster players to Spring Training this year. They’ll have 60 players at camp. Here’s the team’s press release detailing each invitee, via Chad Jennings. Thames, 32, was originally selected by the Yankees in the 30th round of the 1996 First-Year Player Draft. He owns a .243 career batting average with 75 doubles, [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321157&src=rss 2010-02-08T16:30:02 Amidst what has been a busy offseason for the Yankees, the topic of Derek Jeter's contract status seems to have gone to the backburner.  Perhaps it's simply because everyone assumes that a deal will be worked out as it's practically... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320574&src=rss 2010-02-08T16:29:18 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320537&src=rss 2010-02-08T16:26:48 Unclecharlie@fantasybaseballgeeks.com The Cincinnati Reds are quietly assembling a roster filled with incredible young talent. A roster that is eerily following the same path as the Tampa Bay Rays a few years ago–the Rays supplied the blueprint and the Reds have taken detailed notes. The blueprint consists of two basic principles, build a dominant starting rotation and [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321087&src=rss 2010-02-08T16:26:23 The Yankees signed added... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321021&src=rss 2010-02-08T16:20:00 Don't you hate it when people try to be funny by asking that question after the Super Bowl? As if you think they might be so clueless that they don't know there's a game, apparently so they can laugh at you if it turns out you believe them. Sorry, not funny or clever at all. In my case, of course I knew there was a game. In fact, I even invited Red Grange "The Galloping Ghost" over to my house to watch it. But I was so hungover from the night before that I didn't even wake up until... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321154&src=rss 2010-02-08T16:11:00 1. Zack Cox – Arkansas – draft-eligible sophomore�... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321121&src=rss 2010-02-08T16:09:00 When the Yankees first reached an agreement with Randy Winn a few weeks back, reports indicated that he would receive the last $2M left in the budget. Not long after that, the Dodgers landed Reed Johnson for just a six-figure payout, and I said the Yanks overpaid to get their man, even though he was [...] Post from: River Ave. Blues A New York Yankees blog http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321083&src=rss 2010-02-08T16:00:12 When the Yankees first reached an agreement with Randy Winn a few weeks back, reports indicated that he would receive the last $2M left in the budget. Not long after that, the Dodgers landed Reed Johnson for just a six-figure payout, and I said the Yanks overpaid to get their man, even though he was [...] Post from: River Ave. Blues A New York Yankees blog http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321321&src=rss 2010-02-08T16:00:12 For the 20th time in 58 years, it's BC vs. BU in the Beanpot Final. BU is looking for their 30th title, and BC their 15th. This is the 4th meeting of the season between BC and BU. Funnily enough, it's also the 4th different venue. They met at Agganis Arena in December, Fenway Park in January, then Conte Forum just a few weeks ago. On paper, BC is the better team. They're faster, and are mor... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320796&src=rss 2010-02-08T15:55:00 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321147&src=rss 2010-02-08T15:50:30 Mets announced that Mookie Wilson is returning to the organization... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320937&src=rss 2010-02-08T15:48:00 I'm sorry that it's taken me so long to finish this, but I've been sidelined with the flu for most of the past week. After the ceremony When Eric Nadel announced the conclusion of the ceremony, I started looking for Annette Leslie so that I could give her back the wrap that she let me borrow. But she said, "It's Rangers' blue and it looks really good on you, so why don't you just keep it?" How sweet is that?! She's amazing. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321026&src=rss 2010-02-08T15:43:00 Because hope and subsequent disappointme... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320845&src=rss 2010-02-08T15:38:00 Mo... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320371&src=rss 2010-02-08T15:37:44 Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1937                  Image provided by Dick Perez BYRON BANCROFT JOHNSON ORGANIZER OF THE AMERICAN LEAGUE AND ITS PRESIDENT FROM ITS ORGANIZATION IN 1900 UNTIL HIS RESIGNATION BECAUSE OF ILL HEALTH IN 1927. A GREAT EXECUTIVE A former sports editor in Cincinnati, he was elected President of the Western League in 1893. The Western League became the [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321143&src=rss 2010-02-08T15:29:01 In McTaggart's new blog post today, we see that Geoff Blum will get the majority of his starts at 2B, with Feliz at 3B and Keppinger backing up Manzella. Wade: "Millsie and I have talked, and my opinion to him is we need to put the best lineup on the field we can put out there. Our hope is Kaz is playing the majority of the time, but we've got alternatives.... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320997&src=rss 2010-02-08T15:26:00 At long last, the Yankees have released the list of non-40-man roster players they’ve invited to Spring Training. Drum roll please… Catchers Kyle Higashioka Jesus Montero P.J. Pilittere Mike Rivera Austin Romine Infielders David Winfree Outfielders Colin Curtis Marcus Thames Reid Gorecki Jon Weber Pitchers Wilkins Arias Jeremy Bleich Grant Duff Jason Hirsh Kei Igawa Zach McAllister Royce Ring Amaury Sanit Zack Segovia Kevin Whelan Sixty players in all will report to camp, some wit... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321084&src=rss 2010-02-08T15:18:53 ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320374&src=rss 2010-02-08T15:01:52 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321014&src=rss 2010-02-08T15:00:14 Marcus Thames: The Yankees signed Thames to a non-roster contract on Monday, Jon Heyman of SI.com reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321067&src=rss 2010-02-08T14:49:00 Howard Stern told his Sirius XM listeners Monday morning he's considering the American Idol job. Stern is known to be averse to air travel, but now claims it wouldn't be a big deal. via RadioDail... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320814&src=rss 2010-02-08T14:47:00 From ESPN, we learn that the Yankees have officially announced their signing of veteran outfielder, Randy Winn. Winn will receive a base salary of $1.1 million in 2010, though he can actually earn an extra $900K in plate appearance incentives against left-handers. Winn would receive $100K each for 50, 75, and 100 plate appearances, and [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321029&src=rss 2010-02-08T14:45:27 I came across this crazy video from Bill Plunkett of the OC Register. Trying to do an introduction just wouldn't do it any justice. I will warn you though; make sure you're not eating or drinking anything or else it may end up on your monitor... Just watch: http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321384&src=rss 2010-02-08T14:33:00 I was about to grab my Sox hat and head over to my new mechanic with my van when I stopped short and thought to myself, "What if he's a Yankees fan?" Really. Have any of our readers living outside of New England ever have that or a similar thought? I swapped it for my Giants hat. (With my luck he's probably a Dodgers fan. lol) http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320954&src=rss 2010-02-08T14:30:46 It was only a matter of time before everyone started doing some creative stuff with the new splits data at FanGraphs, and sure enough Moshe Mandel at TYU used the info to look at some interesting splits for various members of the Yankees’ 2010 lineup. The one piece of data that really stood out to [...] Post from: River Ave. Blues A New York Yankees blog http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320941&src=rss 2010-02-08T14:30:19 Sometimes photographers are able to capture moments that would otherwise be lost in time. Thankfully, someone was there during the pinn... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321012&src=rss 2010-02-08T14:27:16 The Marlins chose to invest internally this offseason, spending money to lock up Josh Johnson among others. But, as our Scott White writes, Florida has plenty of up-and-coming talent to consider on Draft Day. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321088&src=rss 2010-02-08T14:27:00 If you wanted to find out about the Cardinal reliever that's looking to be the fifth starter in 2010, this was your weekend.First, the Post-Dispatch put out an article with quotes from Kyle McClellan.  Then Brian Walton over at The... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320251&src=rss 2010-02-08T14:26:09 This article was featured on Phillies Nation under 2009 Player Reviews.The Philadelphia Phillies are usually playing their best baseball when their spark plug is productive. "As J-Roll goes, the Phillies go." 2009 was no different.Before the season started, Rollins batted .417 with a home run and four RBIs for Team USA during the World Baseball Classic. With the hot start, it was thought that http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320715&src=rss 2010-02-08T14:23:00 Tom Kaminski of WCBS Radio took pictures of Citi Field from the Chopper 880. … this is what the Mets bullpen felt like in September 2008, as well… ouch… actually, i think the goal here is to give the away bullpen a full view of the field, unless last season when it was hidden… To see Tom’s full [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320908&src=rss 2010-02-08T14:16:40 The signing of Marcus Thames to a 900k deal could become a steal for the Yankees. Not only is Thames a possible platoon partner for Brett Gardner in left, but he could replace Nick Johnson at DH if he gets hurt. For his career Thames has put up an OPS+ of 104, slightly above league average, [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320967&src=rss 2010-02-08T14:15:03 So the Super Bowl is done. The Saints have won. It’s time for Cy Seymour to go. A total of 6 folks signed up for the contest and here is the results: Jon @ Rain Of Error – 145 pts Tim @ Great Sport Name Hall of Fame – 110 pts Mark @ Mark’s Ephemera – 190 pts Kerry @ [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321025&src=rss 2010-02-08T14:06:59 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320355&src=rss 2010-02-08T14:00:22 Photo courtesy Mesa Convention and Visitors Bureau Within the last few days, we've been treated to comments from White Sox chairman Jerry Re... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320370&src=rss 2010-02-08T14:00:22 I wrote a post l... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321000&src=rss 2010-02-08T14:00:00 The fourth and final installment of our prospect list Q&A's for 2010 ends with Baseball America's Bill Ballew. Bill covers several teams for BA including the Braves, where he does a terrific job of keeping BA readers informed about the team's prospects during the season. Bill penned this year's Atlanta Braves top prospects ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320228&src=rss 2010-02-08T13:49:44 As the season approaches ever so closer each day, the confidence of Atlanta Braves fans seems to be rising. For the third straight two-week period the Atlanta Braves Fan Confidence poll saw a rise in the confidence level. Starting back on January ninth when the poll went from 65% to 70%, then followed with a 71% two weeks ago, and now it is up again to 74%. Since the Braves have made zero moves in the past two... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320229&src=rss 2010-02-08T13:37:01 Now that the Superbowl is over, there is one less distraction to keep us from our beloved game. I believ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320789&src=rss 2010-02-08T13:37:00 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320943&src=rss 2010-02-08T13:32:00 The Cubs didn't do a lot of tinkering with their roster in the offseason, instead hoping that some disappointments from last year bounce back. Our Scott White scans the roster for Draft Day targets. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320944&src=rss 2010-02-08T13:32:00 Every year pitchers overperform and underperform. These performances lead to fantasy owners overvaluing or undervaluing players. For that reason, in 2010 you should target the always undervalued Scott Baker instead of the overhyped Jair Jurrjens. Jair Jurrjens ended 2009 with a fantastic ERA that has fantasy owners drooling, his WHIP was very respectable at 1.21, and 152 K are certainly nothing to sneeze at. He’s young, and he’s got good upside. So what’s the problem? How abo... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320747&src=rss 2010-02-08T13:29:00 If the Saints can win the Super Bowl, there is hope for all of us. Meet the Mets I'll start today's Applesauce with some Fernando Martinez news. The Mets top outfield prospect won the MVP award for the Caribbean Series as his Leones del Escogido squad finished with the league'... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320215&src=rss 2010-02-08T13:26:46 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321015&src=rss 2010-02-08T13:25:58 Mookie Wilson is rejoining the Mets as the minor league outfield and base running coordinator and Bob Melvin is joining as a pro scout. Both men have major league coaching experience. Additionally, both men have been managers (Wilson managed the Brooklyn Cyclones in 2005 and Melvin managed the Mariners and Diamondbacks). Both [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320915&src=rss 2010-02-08T13:21:43 Freakonomics looks at how quickly food spoils if it's not packaged correctly. That always reminds me of the guy at the farmer's market selling wormy apples, and no one has bought a single one. He takes out a marker, and the person next to him asks, "Are you changing the sign to rotten apples for sale?" Instead, the gent adds the word "organic" to the sign, and suddenly, his appl... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320782&src=rss 2010-02-08T13:18:00 Congratulations to Fernando Martinez for his MVP award in the winter league championship series. I think this season in AAA and 2011 he will be a starter in Citi Field, whether that's in center or right is yet to be determi... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320674&src=rss 2010-02-08T13:13:00 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320884&src=rss 2010-02-08T13:08:46 Marcus Thames is best known in the Bronx for hitting a home run in his first big league at bat against Randy Johnson. According to reports (Sherman, Heyman) Thames has signed a minor league deal to return to the Yanks. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320906&src=rss 2010-02-08T13:06:30 Older players are feeling the crunch these days, especially if they're one dimensional. Teams just aren't willing to pay big bucks for declining players, regardless of how notable they are or how good of a fit they may be. However some younger players are feeling it too; if they want a big league contract they better be able to do several things well. Two-time All Star H... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321324&src=rss 2010-02-08T13:04:50 Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated tweeted earlier today that the Yankees have signed Marcus Thames. Joel Sherman reports that it is a minor league deal and if Thames makes the major league roster, he’ll make $900k. Thames was originally drafted by the Yankees in 1996 as the 899th pick in the 30th round and then [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320859&src=rss 2010-02-08T13:01:57 On February 3, 2010, Deep Focus, Inc. withdrew its application to trademark the term “sabermetrics” for social media consulting services. Sabermetrics was coined by statistician Bill James, who first introduced the word to readers of his Abstract in March 1980, writing: “Sabermetrics is the mathematical and statistical analysis of baseball records.” Since that time, sabermetrics has become a ubiquitous part of the baseball landscape at all levels and by players, f... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320970&src=rss 2010-02-08T13:00:52 What a game, much closer and more exciting than the final score suggests. In fact, the last three Super Bowls have all been instant classics. Coming into the game, the primary storyline and general consensus was that this would be Peyton Manning's coronation as King of QBs. And while the Saints had a more compelling backstory, their mere presence in the Big Game was victory eno... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320520&src=rss 2010-02-08T13:00:00 Spring training is almost here and living right outside of Philadelphia I can tell you that most Phillies fans are up in arms about dealing away Cliff Lee to the Seattle Mariners. It is not that there is unhappiness with Roy Halladay, it is just that the fans wanted Halladay AND Lee. Does it sound like a spoiled fan base? Possibly, but I view it as an opportunity that the Phillies let slip away of having the best rotation in baseball, one through three, with Halladay, Lee, and... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320854&src=rss 2010-02-08T12:57:46 Gorman t... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320128&src=rss 2010-02-08T12:46:40 James Paxton – Kentucky… dominated SEC… ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320853&src=rss 2010-02-08T12:46:00 Update (3:44pm): Joel Sherman confirms that it is in fact a minor league deal, adding that Thames will make $900,000 if he makes the team. He pulled down $2.275M last season. 3:27pm: Via Jon Heyman, the Yankees have signed Marcus Thames to what I assume is a minor league deal. The soon to be 33-year-old has [...] Post from: River Ave. Blues A New York Yankees blog http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320833&src=rss 2010-02-08T12:44:09 The Mets have named Mookie Wilson as the team’s minor league outfield and base running coordinator. Wilson had been the team’s first base coach, and managed Single-A Brooklyn in 2005. “It’s good to be back,” said Wilson, in a team press release. “This is where I started and I’m anxious to do whatever I can for the young kids in [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320784&src=rss 2010-02-08T12:40:26 In the Spring of 1991, seven years after his retirement as an active player, former Orioles’ pitcher Jim Palmer was attempting the most intriguing comeback in baseball history. It wasn’t just Palmer’s long absence from competition that attracted the nation’s interest, or even that he was trying to pitch again at the advanced age of 45. What made this venture unique was that seven months earlier the magnificent Baltimore right-hander had been inducted into... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320855&src=rss 2010-02-08T12:38:59 Jeremy Brisiel and Cory Schwartz discuss the Orlando Hudson, Erik Bedard and Kevin Gregg signings while talking about some late-round bargain hitters in an ongoing mock draft. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321089&src=rss 2010-02-08T12:32:00 Mary D asked: Hi! I want to try out for my high school’s soccer team this spring. There are three teams–the freshmen team, JV, and Varsity. Because of my age, I would have to make the JV team to be able to play. In other words, I’m not a freshman. I have played soccer for [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320847&src=rss 2010-02-08T12:31:27 According to Sports Illustrated’s Jon Heyman, the Yankees have signed 33-year old outfielder, Marcus Thames. Thames, a right-handed hitter, was originally drafted by the Yankees in 1996 and was traded to Texas for Ruben Sierra in 2003. He is a career .256/.329/.516 hitter against left-handers and appears to be the right-handed bench bat the team [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320901&src=rss 2010-02-08T12:30:30 Here's a random collection of Sports Illustrated covers over the years featuring the Phillies to help pass the boredom of a crummy offseason Monday. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320546&src=rss 2010-02-08T12:26:00 According to Ok! Magazine, Alex Rodriguez and Cameron Diaz got cozy with each other over the past weekend. Ok! Magazine with the snippet: “They were having a great time,” a partygoer tells OK! while Cameron was, “grinding on A-Rod.” According to the partygoer, a tipsy Cameron was being very, “fun and flirty,” with the Yankee player sitting on [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320860&src=rss 2010-02-08T12:18:22 If you like watching the Tigers on TV, you’re in luck. The club today announced its television schedule. From the press release: Currently, 156 games are scheduled on FOX Sports Detroit, one on FOX Sports Detroit Plus and four selected for the FOX Saturday Baseball Game of the Week. FOX Sports Detroit’s regular-season coverage begins [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320822&src=rss 2010-02-08T12:11:50 Since Neal Huntington became general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates in September of 2007, the organization has undergone wholesale changes in player evaluation and resource allocation. Gone are the mind-bending days of passing up B.J. Upton and Matt Wieters to save a quick buck, forfeiting staggering amounts o... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320356&src=rss 2010-02-08T12:10:56 The Reds might not be the first team that comes to mind in Fantasy, but that is what makes them such an important place to look for potential breakouts and sleepers. Our Eric Mack breaks down their roster for Draft Day. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320947&src=rss 2010-02-08T12:06:00 People are always asking me (well, a couple people have a couple times) why I keep watching Heroes if I hate it so much. I think this article from Topless Robot sums it all up pretty nicely and reminded me of the number one reason why the show sucks now: http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320790&src=rss 2010-02-08T12:05:20 In anticipation of Spring Training which will be upon us shortly, I have put together some ideas for a few of the Phillies to get ready to play again. For Brad Lidge and his bum knee and elbow, I suggest... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320701&src=rss 2010-02-08T12:03:38 In mid-January, I was able to talk with Daniel Murphy about a variety of issues. Here is an excerpt, in which we talk about hitting, and what he learned from last season: Matthew Cerrone:  I don’t know if you listen to talk radio in New York ever, but, Mike Francesa on WFAN has been very critical of [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320785&src=rss 2010-02-08T12:02:37 A few links for Monday night... Marc Topkin of The St. Petersburg Times passes along some quotes Rays' vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman made during his appearance on 620-AM this evening. He basically said the team is keeping an eye on the market, though it's difficult to say if they'll be able to act on anything given thei... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321196&src=rss 2010-02-08T12:02:37 We are now approaching the end of the Fantasy Baseball Trade Market Slow Mock Draft, and what a strange and wonderful trip it has been. As I’ve done in the past, I am only posting results from the rounds that Kelly has not yet discussed in one of his articles, namely rounds 18 and [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320948&src=rss 2010-02-08T12:00:48 More photos » Al... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320130&src=rss 2010-02-08T12:00:16 If one plans to fail, there’s no easier route to get there than by failing to plan… To the many fans of the Orange and Blue, and bloggers and journalists in general, this topic may be coming too early to garner discussion or deep consideration. I am a planner and if I was anticipating every possible angle to make enough [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320676&src=rss 2010-02-08T11:58:31 Last week I met one of my two goals, with the Smiths of Baseball entry getting the shaft. But apparently people like this new "favorite Sox by number" thing so that made up for it. The latest Smith will go up this week, along with a very special episode of RSFPT late in the week as the big baseball day approaches. I have a crazy idea. You know how the Super Bowl squares contest only inludes the last digit of each team's score? What if we did one with every possible score? You coul... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320508&src=rss 2010-02-08T11:40:00 My latest poll s... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320464&src=rss 2010-02-08T11:33:00 So I had a theme for the Beat of the Day all lined-up and ready to roll but then the Saints won the Big Game last night so I took a left turn at Albeturkey. Thanks to some mighty cool recommendations from my pal John Schulian, who knows about these things, kick back to a [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320781&src=rss 2010-02-08T11:31:04 The Market Report is a weekly analysis of player valuations in the fantasy marketplace in an effort to find undervalued commodities. By Andrew Gephardt Like the outfield, starting pitching provides another opportunity for great value. As advanced metrics have increased in popularity, it’s become a tad more challenging to acquire pitchers whose surface statistics haven’t lived up [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320680&src=rss 2010-02-08T11:30:21 I have a quick question for the class. Last night Colts DL Dwight Freeney played with ligament damage in his ankle. All week the pundits and gamblers were so concerned about the status of Freeny as he is the Colts top pass rusher and one of the best D-Linemen in the game. Now Freeney claims he [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320755&src=rss 2010-02-08T11:29:40 Last Monday I was cautiously optimistic after an 0-1-1 weekend. So as you can imagine, I'm thrilled after a 1-1-0 weekend. With an OT loss Saturday and a shutout win Sunday, the Bruins have collected 4 points in 4 games. The sun isn't high in the sky just yet, but it's starting... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320521&src=rss 2010-02-08T11:24:00 Everyone’s favorite Red Sox player is this week’s featured card of the week. In the 1986 World Series against the Mets, Bill Buckner let Mookie Wilson’s chopper to first trickled under his glove and the Mets went on to take the World Series. Buckner was the man every Red Sox fan blamed for continuing the “Curse of the Bambino.” Until the Sox finally broke the “Curse” in 2004, Buckner was a name nobody in New England want... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320465&src=rss 2010-02-08T11:15:00 Welcome back, Your dreams were your ticket out. Welcome back, To that same old place that you laughed about. Well the names have all changed since you hung around, But those dreams have remained and they’re turned around. Who’d have thought they’d lead ya (Who’d have thought they’d lead ya) Here where we need ya (Here where we need ya) Yeah we tease [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320905&src=rss 2010-02-08T11:10:09 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320748&src=rss 2010-02-08T11:08:51 To help with your Super Bowl-sized hangover this afternoon, we've asked our fellow bloggers the http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320752&src=rss 2010-02-08T11:05:00 Baseball is still a game built on power, whether it is 95mph fastball or a 450ft homerun. But if you look closer at the Post-PED era, we are seeing a trend of fewer runs per game and a clearer emphasis on speed, defense and pitching. So what does that mean to fantasy owners? Well, homeruns are [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320681&src=rss 2010-02-08T11:04:32 According to Brian Costa of the Star-Ledger, “The Mets’ equipment truck is scheduled to leave for Port St. Lucie tomorrow at 11 am.” http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320786&src=rss 2010-02-08T11:03:22 Orlando Hudson to the Twins. Anyone ever wonder about how Disneyland and Disney World are both in an Orange County in two different states? Weird, right? Yeah, deep thoughts with Grey Albright. So Orlando Hudson goes to the Twins and retains the same value he’s had with every other team. You can set your watch [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320682&src=rss 2010-02-08T11:00:49 Rowbot Radio http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320129&src=rss 2010-02-08T11:00:33 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320124&src=rss 2010-02-08T11:00:25 More photos » ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320122&src=rss 2010-02-08T11:00:18 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320123&src=rss 2010-02-08T11:00:17 "This is my town" continues this season a... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320742&src=rss 2010-02-08T11:00:00 We'll keep tabs of any players that avoid arbitration here... MLB.com's Matthew Leach tweets that the Cardinals and Skip Schumaker have agreed to a two-year deal, avoiding arbitration. The AP (via http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321198&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:58:22 Can some please tell me what idiot coach thought the UConn Huskies men’s basketball team was worthy of a vote? Yes folks, the UConn men were among the others receiving votes in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll. AP Top 25 ESPN/USA Today Poll 1. Kansas (55) 22-1 1,613 1. Kansas (29) 22-1 773 2. Syracuse (8) 23-1 1,553 2. Kentucky (1) 22-1 [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320671&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:56:29 I’ve been noticing a number of interesting news items relating to the St. Louis Cardinals National League Central Division rivals from Chicago.The Cardinal Nation Blog http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320429&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:56:00 Welcome to the next installment of “30 Teams in 30 Days”, where we will look at all 30 Major League teams and dissect what to expect from them this season. Keep an eye out for the hidden gems who could be the key to winning your fantasy baseball season. Next up on the schedule is the [...] ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320683&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:54:04 Digging Deeper evaluates the depth of individual positions for NL- and AL-only fantasy leagues. By Ron Henry We previously measured the pulse of 2010 third basemen in a Market Report. Using Mock Draft Central ADP data, here were the resulting tiers: Alex Rodriguez Evan Longoria, David Wright, and Mark Reynolds Kevin Youkilis, Ryan Zimmerman, and Pablo Sandoval Aramis Ramirez, Chone [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320684&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:52:14 If you wanted to find out about the Cardinal reliever that's looking to be the fifth starter in 2010, this was your weekend.C70 At The Bat http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320430&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:50:00 UConn Huskies junior All-American Maya Moore was named to the Big East Honor Roll on Monday for her performance in last week’s 2-0 week. In the two wins, Moore averaged 15.5 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, 2.5 steals and three blocked shots. In the win over West Virginia, she had 15 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320672&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:48:37 Watching 150 to 160 baseball games per year means I get to see games with dozens of different people. Each one brings something to the table, and the experience is never the same with any two. I enjoy games differently when watching with Ben than I do watching with Mike. The experience really changes as [...] Post from: River Ave. Blues A New York Yankees blog http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320678&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:47:23 We’ve been sitting on this for a while. But now that MLB.com has them on sale, we guess it is ok to tell you that the Rays will be introducing a new alternate jersey in 2010 (thanks Josh). Hello powder blue. And like the other three jerseys, this one does not say ”Tampa Bay” across the front. In [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320665&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:46:01 In his latest piece, ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian writes that the Cincinnati Reds, who are in need of more offense and have a vacancy in left field, should look to sign Johnny Damon. Damon is still in search of a home due to Scott Boras’ failings this winter (Damon must also shoulder the blame for his [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320763&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:45:49 The total number of minor leaguers reporting to St. Louis Cardinals camp next month grows to 149 with the addition of a trio of catchers.The Cardinal Nation http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320431&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:45:00 TedQuarters.net: Bobby Kielty, Just Because ...actually, that’s pretty clever on kielty’s part, as i have to think a right-handed bat from the bench, who can also pitch in relief, would be fairly marketable, assuming he’s any good… http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320656&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:44:11 TedQuarters.net: Bobby Kielty, Just Because ...actually, that’s pretty clever on kielty’s part, as i have to think a right-handed bat from the bench, who can also pitch in relief, would be fairly marketable, assuming he’s any good… http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320787&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:44:11 This story seems to me, suddenly, to be rolling toward inevitability from implausibility in the same way that Skip Schumaker, Second Baseman did last year.Viva El Birdos http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320432&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:44:00 Mattingly, Winfield, Randolph, Henderson, Baylor, Griffey.When Lou Piniella, the Chicago Cubs’ manager, was the hitting coach for the Yankees in the 1980s, did he have to do more than hand an All-Star a pine-tar rag and point him toward home plate?NY Times http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320433&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:43:00 NY Sports Dog: You Want to Work for the Mets? Here’s How http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320657&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:42:10 NY Sports Dog: You Want to Work for the Mets? Here’s How http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320788&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:42:10 Jason Motte knows he can throw the ball really hard. The only problem is, so does the rest of the National League.STL Globe-Democrat http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320434&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:42:00 MLB.com's Bill Ladson spilled some hot stove goodness in his latest mailbag, so let's round it up with some good old fashioned bullet points... Because he's owed $8MM in 2010, Ladson doesn't see http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2321086&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:40:30 The Beckett Blog (hat-tip to Zell's Pinstripe Blog) is reporting that Topps will be including some special Yankees "pie cards" in their 2010 baseball set. Apparently the cards are going to be pretty rare. Here's a list of the cards including some pics: No. 400 Alex Rodriguez- 5/16/09 No. 475 John... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320408&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:40:00 Apparently people like stupid lists. That's hardly news to me, but last week really drove the point home. My column was the ultimate in stupid lists: my personal rankings of MLB team nicknames. Not only was it about as lightweight an article as I've ever written, it was possibly the most linked to article I've done in memory. Suffice it to say, I kicked myself for not squeezing in a reference to http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320435&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:40:00 Dear Owners and General Managers of the thirty Major League Baseball Teams,It is now one week into February and I have yet to sign with a big league club. The offers haven't exactly been pouring in.Sully Baseball http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320436&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:39:00 Fernando Martinez, Nelson Figueroa and the Dominican Republic team won the Caribbean Series last night with a 7-4 victory over Venezuela. Martinez was named the MVP of the series, going 8-23 (.348) with a double and two home runs. Figueroa also tossed a gem in the series, a complete-game three hitter.  He allowed only one earned run on a solo home run.  He walked none and struck out 8. Figueroa should, and will, get anothe... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320412&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:20:00 Cerrone on Valentine: Anthony L: Klap... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320720&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:16:00 Curt Schilling fired up his blog again and writes today that the Red Sox should sign Josh Beckett to a contract extension. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320664&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:15:03 Are there owners in your league(s) that overlook players coming off of disappointing rookie seasons? Our Eric Mack unveils his Top 15 Overlooked Sophomores that owners should be made aware of for Draft Day. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320949&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:15:00 How Baseball Sold U.S. Foreign Policy and Promoted the American Way Abroad, by Robert Elias. (The New Press) As per SFGate.com (Elias teaches law and politics at the University of San Francisco). Upshot: Elias has written both fiction and nonfiction about baseball and his love for the game shines through. But he also doesn’t hold back (or maybe [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320568&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:07:04 There is an old adage in baseball that “good pitching beats good hitting”. In this series I want to look at the starting rotations from each division and see how they match up with others. The American League East has always been a case of the haves and the have nots. At the top you have [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320643&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:06:39 (Click on image for full size) Man, why me? There were a MILLION idiots at the Jewel buying chips and salsa and beer for the Superbowl, and they were all in line in front of me. Why?  Well apparently I was one of those idiots too. I enjoy the diverse population around my hood. My neigh... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320582&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:06:18 We're back! Did you miss "we"? And wh... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320560&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:01:00 Several years back, the good people at Cook’s Illustrated rated Hunt’s ketchup above Heinz ketchup. That just sounds wrong, downright un-American!, which goes to show the power of tradition and advertising. Maybe I’ll do a taste-test one day and prefer Hunts. But for me, there are few things as reassuring–especially when you are at a restaurant–as ol’ [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320655&src=rss 2010-02-08T10:00:31 Here’s an interesting post from TheYankeeU.com about two American pop culture icons: Baseball and the cinematic western, in this case Bernard Malamud’s classic The Natural juxtaposed with John Ford’s classic, The Searchers. Nice work, even if it does employ Jacues Barzun’s dreaded quote about baseball, a.k.a., “Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320569&src=rss 2010-02-08T09:46:03 Last week the Cubs released their 2010 television schedule. Despite the long time history with games being on WGN, the direction continues to be more and more games on Comcast Sports Net. Over the weekend ESPN 1000’s Bruce Levine penned an article that includes a dollar explanation of why games are heading to Comcast Sports [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320654&src=rss 2010-02-08T09:43:45 But one thing I HATE is when someone decides that the fastest way for them to get up to the cash register at the grocery store is to pretend they don't understand that there's a line a mile long behind me, the next guy in line. And so it was with this Old Hag who cut in front of me. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320405&src=rss 2010-02-08T09:41:54 But one thing I HATE is when someone decides that the fastest way for them to get up to the cash register at the grocery store is to pretend they don't understand that there's a line a mile long behind me, the next guy in line. And so it was with this Old Hag who cut in front of me. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320836&src=rss 2010-02-08T09:41:54 Congr... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320334&src=rss 2010-02-08T09:37:00 1. Christian Colon – Cal State Fullert... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320597&src=rss 2010-02-08T09:36:00 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320687&src=rss 2010-02-08T09:30:27 According to this report on MASN Sports, Japanese free agent Hisanori Takahashi has reportedly rejected deals from both the Mets and Orioles. The Mets had actually offered the reliever a Major League contract, but couldn’t reach an agreement on the dollars according to another report appearing on NPB Tracker. I’m a little surprised that the Mets continue to focus [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320554&src=rss 2010-02-08T09:30:23 Old Hoss Radbourn, the Brutal World of Early Baseball, and the Greatest Season a Pitcher Ever Had, by Edward Achorn (Harper Collins) This review comes from the Basil & Spice blog. The book tells of a time in the game when men were men, for better or worse (usually worse). Upshot: “The author’s love for both baseball and [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320570&src=rss 2010-02-08T09:29:09 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320628&src=rss 2010-02-08T09:22:49 Ken Gurnick, MLB.com: The Dodgers signed 39-year-old outfielder Brian Giles to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Major League camp, the club confirmed. Giles, an All-Star in 2000 and 2001 while with Pittsburgh, went on the di... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320635&src=rss 2010-02-08T09:21:32 Life takes on new perspective when money is tight. When money is tight and life is about survival from week to week, which it is for 90 percent of us in this country, then the unreality of someone paying $103,579 for a baseball...any baseball...is surreal. But that is how much money it cost some lucky bid winner to buy the baseball that Alex Rodriguez hit for his 500th homer.Normally, this Fan http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320382&src=rss 2010-02-08T09:20:00 It started with the text message Theo sent to reassure Josh Beckett once the Red Sox signed John Lackey and will continue throughout the season until an agreement is reached.  Yesterday Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe speculated that Beckett http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320575&src=rss 2010-02-08T09:18:10 A Friday post got some of us wondering about Jeff Keppinger's high percentage of pitch selectivity and the surprisingly low number of walks. So let's take us a gander. .nobrtable br { display: none } SplitPAsAvg.Walk%BABIP 1st Pitch41 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320998&src=rss 2010-02-08T09:12:00 The most obvious next step for Bobby Valentine is Flushing, says Bob Klapisch in a report for FoxSports.com. According to Klapisch, “Jerry Manuel has two months, at best, to prove he can reverse the Mets downward spiral, which began all the way back in Game 7 of the 2006 NL Championship Series.” Klapisch feels one long losing streak could [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320501&src=rss 2010-02-08T09:07:17 The most obvious next step for Bobby Valentine is Flushing, says Bob Klapisch in a report for FoxSports.com. According to Klapisch, “Jerry Manuel has two months, at best, to prove he can reverse the Mets downward spiral, which began all the way back in Game 7 of the 2006 NL Championship Series.” Klapisch feels one long losing streak could [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320658&src=rss 2010-02-08T09:07:17 The Seattle Times gets props for being the first major publication to publish a review on the long-awaited book on the Hall of Famer, the first part of the baseball “trinity” in New York in the 1950s, as immortalized by Terry Cashman’s tune, “Willie, Mickey, and the Duke.” Upshot: “enormously entertaining and wide-ranging biography.” Thanks to Bookshelf [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320571&src=rss 2010-02-08T09:05:25 FanGraphs has a new piece on Houston's management issues. The money quote: Between these five players (Pedro Feliz, Brandon Lyon, Jason Michaels, Brett Myers, and Cory Sullivan), the Astros brought in only a projected 4.5 wins over the course of this deal, according to CHONE, and that’s assuming that Lyon maintains his projected .7 WAR production over the entire course of his three-year contract... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320308&src=rss 2010-02-08T09:03:00 The Sox announced a partial list of players invited to Spring Training this week. Check it out at Extra Bases blog. Peter Abraham asks, given the amount of talent we’ve got, is it worth it to make another move? Josh Beckett’s contract is up after 2010, and the Sox are reportedly tossing around numbers to extend [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320576&src=rss 2010-02-08T09:01:13 I recognize that Peyton is great, one of THE greats, a firstballot HOFer, all that jazz. But I've seen him make too many panicked throws in playoff games, with the ball usually winding up in Ty Law's hands. I've seen him utterly choke too many times (revisionists blame the Colts' defense for Peyton only having one ring, but how many times have Cols' seasons ended thanks to Manning INTs? More than you think). http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320214&src=rss 2010-02-08T09:00:00 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320550&src=rss 2010-02-08T09:00:00 This year will probably be the biggest convention year ever for me as we are entering our second year of making Brax and are working on releasing our first book. While plans have stalled a little bit due to Phil's pending move we are still looking at a second quarter release if all goes well. While we aren't making the big leap of having a table at a large convention just yet, we're definitely going to be at quite a few conventions to promote the book,... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320509&src=rss 2010-02-08T08:57:28 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320448&src=rss 2010-02-08T08:49:36 I agree w/ Orel that overall, the Google Ad was by far the best. But the two seconds from 0:36 - 0:37 in this ad may transcend advertising: http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320551&src=rss 2010-02-08T08:47:00 In the near future, a lot of my articles are going to feature projection lines while talking about prospects. These are rough projections that I have done myself and I want to use this post to explain how I got these projections. The first thing is to understand what peripherals are needed in order to [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320470&src=rss 2010-02-08T08:38:32 If the 2010 season were to start today, the Yankees’ bench would be thin on both power threats and right-handed hitters. Eric Hinske, a lefty, has departed for Atlanta, and the bench will feature some combination of Randy Winn, Francisco Cervelli, Ramiro Peña, Jamie Hoffmann and Brett Gardner. If Winn is the most feared [...] Post from: River Ave. Blues A New York Yankees blog http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320557&src=rss 2010-02-08T08:38:21 We've already seem the many incarnations of the PECOTA projections, which, in the end, finally got things right (at least in my mind) and projected the Yankees to win the division again. Today, we have the 2010 CHONE projections (hat-tip to TYU) which also has the Yankees winning the ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320249&src=rss 2010-02-08T08:38:00 Confessions of an upper deck denizen. Click the title to read more. Read more great baseball stuff at The Hardball Times. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320068&src=rss 2010-02-08T08:37:50 UConn Football links Former Husky and Saints practice player Tyler Lorenzen sings “Single Ladies” at Super Bowl Media Day. H/T to The UConn Blog DC’s busy answering questions in his mailbag again [Desmond Conner - Hartford Courant] UConn Women’s Basketball links Huskies’ Faris feeling the urgency right now [Roger Cleaveland - The Republican-American] UConn women hit the 600 mark [Roger [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320548&src=rss 2010-02-08T08:27:48 Unsigned All-Star Team: Starting lineup: http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320423&src=rss 2010-02-08T08:26:00 Old business: Contrary to Friday’s report by Japan’s Daily Sports Online, the Phillies have not reach agreements with Japanese relievers Shigetoshi Yamakita and Naoyo Okamoto, according to a Phillies spokesman. Yamakita and Okamoto pitched in the Yokohama BayStars farm system last season, so if the signings don’t come to fruition, it’s no great loss for the Phillies. By way of new business, it was a quiet weekend for baseball with the sports world overshadowed by yesterday’s Super B... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320216&src=rss 2010-02-08T08:25:45 real quick The Estes signing only looks bad in lieu of everything that went down this weak. A failure to get the best player when he was available at a reasonable price, has led people to the realization that not as much changed about the Nats as they might have thought. The signing of a throw away, let's see what he can do, veteran i... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320518&src=rss 2010-02-08T08:23:00 With a comparison like this it's no wonder the Red Sox have shied away from dealing the young pitcher. Click the title to read more. Read more great baseball stuff at The Hardball Times. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320013&src=rss 2010-02-08T08:21:21 Last week, a good friend introduced me to the work of Norman McLaren, an innovative Scottish animator who spent most of his career in Canada. Lucky me. After watching a few of McLaren’s short movies I thought, Where has this guy been all my life? Or, Where have I been? McLaren was a man ahead of his [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320498&src=rss 2010-02-08T08:18:34 For me, watching Super Bowl IVMMCLVCMXXX, was like watching Dick Cheney an... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320460&src=rss 2010-02-08T08:16:00 Within the last couple weeks or so, the projected PECOTA and CHONE 2010 standings were both released. Neither is particularly friendly to the Pirates; PECOTA predicts 70 wins and the worst record in baseball, CHONE predicts 74 wins and a tie for the third worst record in baseball ahead of only the Blue Jays (68) and Astros (73). But then, no one that's reall... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320524&src=rss 2010-02-08T08:13:00 Astros Team Preview Aging Squad Stuck in Rebuilding Mode Visit RotoWire.com for the FULL article. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320534&src=rss 2010-02-08T08:13:00 That was a pretty exciting Super Bowl, it started off kind of boring. The game really got crazy in the second half. I can't believe the Saints won by 14 points especially after being down 10-0 early. It was a offensive game like everyone thought but the big play of the game was an interception return for a touchdown by Porter of the Saints that esentially sealed the game. Peyton Manning had over 300 yds passing but that interception is what he will be remembered for in this game. The Col... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320310&src=rss 2010-02-08T08:07:00 Despite being the proud of owner of a fastball that could often challenge radar guns for accurate readings, for much of his career, A.J. Burnett has been surprisingly ineffective with his seemingly impressive mid to upper-90s heat. For instance, while with the Blue Jays from 2006-2008, Burnett’s fastball was, in total, 1.8 runs below average [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320482&src=rss 2010-02-08T08:00:53 Great piece by Joshua Fisher of the Hardball Times. The Twins have been one of this off-season’s “winners”, putting together a club that is the hands on favorite to win the AL Central. Overlooked through all this is Minnesota is projected to have a $96 million dollar payroll come opening day. This is $31 million more [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320422&src=rss 2010-02-08T08:00:33 © The Professor for Rays Index, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us Post tags: http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320384&src=rss 2010-02-08T08:00:07 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320138&src=rss 2010-02-08T08:00:00 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320439&src=rss 2010-02-08T08:00:00 The Orioles could look to trade Ty Wigginton before Opening Day, according to Baltimore reporter Roch Kubatko, at his blog for MASN.com. Wigginton played all four positions on the infield last season, as well as left field. He hit just .252 with a .317 OBP in 161 plate appearances against left-handed pitching last season, though he’s hitting .282 [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320359&src=rss 2010-02-08T07:57:09 The Orioles could look to trade Ty Wigginton before Opening Day, according to Baltimore reporter Roch Kubatko, at his blog for MASN.com. Wigginton, who will earn $3 million this season, after which he is a free agent, played all four infield position last season, as well as left field. He hit just .252 with a .317 OBP in 161 [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320502&src=rss 2010-02-08T07:57:09 Here are some articles about a proposed development regarding the St. Paul Saints (American Association) new stadium: http://ballparkbiz.wordpress.com/2010/02/05/imagine-light-rail-connecting-target-field-and-a-new-saints-ballpark/ http://www.ballparkdigest.com/news/index.html?article_id=2070   Keeping in mind that the Saints have played in their stadium since 1993, leave your opinions on the concept of a new stadium as well as the new concepts described in the above articles. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320480&src=rss 2010-02-08T07:53:05 NY Baseball Digest: Is Castillo suffering from the Dropped Popup? …i thought castillo was a bad second baseman long before the dropped pop-up, and rooted for him to be traded last winter, and again this winter… i mean, i want him to succeed, so long as he’s on the Mets… but, he’s just not that good, [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320360&src=rss 2010-02-08T07:50:13 NY Baseball Digest: Is Castillo suffering from the Dropped Popup? …i thought castillo was a bad second baseman long before the dropped pop-up, and rooted for him to be traded last winter, and again this winter… i mean, i want him to succeed, so long as he’s on the Mets… but, he’s just not that good, [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320503&src=rss 2010-02-08T07:50:13   10 days until pitchers and catchers If you are a long time football fan, the conclusion of last night’s Super Bowl was something you thought you’d never ever see, the New Orleans Saints parading around with the Vince Lombardi Trophy. As great as a season as the Saints have had, I still had to pinch [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320463&src=rss 2010-02-08T07:48:03 Robbie Shields: SS (2009 – Powe... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320424&src=rss 2010-02-08T07:48:00 In honor of the Chicago Cubs and Ryan Theriot getting ready to square off in arbitration, we offer a very special Garfield Minus Garfield Plus. Jon is as confused and disappointed as we are. And if you’re wondering what the heck this is all about, read up here. Related posts:Garfield Minus Garfield Plus Milton In honor of Milton [...] Related posts: http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320441&src=rss 2010-02-08T07:45:54 September 18, 1924 So I had a long talk with Benny this morning while we ate hot muffins from a wagon on Broad Street. Yelling at the Pirate players wasn't helping one bit, so unless we were going to run on the field and trip or tackle them, it was probably a better idea to just sit in the stands and do some rooting and praying like Phillies fans normally do. What we never imagined was the Bucs tripping http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320347&src=rss 2010-02-08T07:14:00 In a post to his blog on the NY Post, Joel Sherman says that Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran is furious with the Mets and that he may be looking out for “number one” in 2010 as far as his return from injury. Sherman writes, When might Carlos Beltran get on a major league field? Beltran is [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320398&src=rss 2010-02-08T07:11:46 2010 Topps boxes also include hat logo cards and there are plenty of Dodgers to chase. It includes some current Dodgers; like Manny, Kemp and Kershaw. See them below. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320386&src=rss 2010-02-08T07:09:00 According to the beckettblog, Topps released a bunch of New York Yankees “pie cards” in the new 2010 Topps baseball card set. These insert cards are short-printed in the set. And there’s another hidden SP in 2010 Topps Series 1. The company offered this hint: “Who would Abe Lincoln’s favorite team be?” The “Pie Cards”: No. 400 Alex [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320287&src=rss 2010-02-08T07:03:31 Last week, the Rays announced an agreement with The Mosaic Company to rename the Rays spring training park in Charlotte. In the press release, the Rays said they were looking for a partner “with a strong presence in our region and a demonstrated commitment to local communities…The Mosaic Company has an exceptional track record of [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320385&src=rss 2010-02-08T07:00:52 AL East Baltimore Orioles Key losses- Chris Ray, Danys Baez Key additions- Kevin Millwood, Garrett Atkins, Mike Gonzalez Off-season grade- C+ Justification- Kevin Millwood provides some leadership for the Orioles young staff. He’s also very durable and that should keep the young staff from pitching too many innings. Garrett Atkins is a nice low risk/high reward signing. Mike Gonzalez stabilizes [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320349&src=rss 2010-02-08T07:00:39 Knox Bardeen at AOL FanHouse cautions fantasy owners to not get too carried away with San Francisco Giants’ rookie Buster Posey. When the team re-signed veteran backstop Bengie Molina, Posey became either an emergency infielder or a minor league catcher in the short-term. There’s no need to get carried away with his versatility. Not yet, anyway. [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320403&src=rss 2010-02-08T07:00:13 MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com ... The Oakland A’s have traded left-handed pitcher Dana Eveland to the Toronto Blue Jays for a player to be named later or cash considerations, the club announced today.Eveland began http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320246&src=rss 2010-02-08T06:55:42 The Yankees officially signed outfielder Randy Winn to a one-year, $1.1MM deal today. He can earn another $900K in incentives. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320945&src=rss 2010-02-08T06:49:00 Mets360: Brian McRae, a 10-year major lea... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320272&src=rss 2010-02-08T06:43:00 Over the weekend I took a gander at Joe Frisaro’s latest inbox piece, where he answers some mail from the readers. Sometimes these articles provide some insight to the team’s workings, but for the most part they are built to appease the MLB.com audience, which is of course no Beyond the Box Score group of [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320335&src=rss 2010-02-08T06:39:32 I am surprised by the high-level of near-certain doom being expressed by some Mets fans.  I understand the skepticism and the criticism, no question.  I feel the same way.  But, I’m sensing a whole other level of doom-and-gloom in my inbox and comments section, and I hear it on talk radio and from fans on the street… and, [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320361&src=rss 2010-02-08T06:35:54 I am surprised by the high-level of near-certain doom being expressed by some Mets fans.  I understand the skepticism and the criticism, no question.  I feel the same way.  But, I’m sensing a whole other level of doom-and-gloom in my inbox and comments section, and I hear it on talk radio and from fans on the street… and, [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320504&src=rss 2010-02-08T06:35:54 Mets Merized Online: John Maine is Not Yet a Pitcher, he’s a Thrower …last month, maine told me a lot of his troubles the last two years were because of injury and a lack of confidence, with both tied to one another… and so, hopefully, he’s feeling good and pumped up and is ready for action… http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320362&src=rss 2010-02-08T06:33:25 Mets Merized Online: John Maine is Not Yet a Pitcher, he’s a Thrower …last month, maine told me a lot of his troubles the last two years were because of injury and a lack of confidence, with both tied to one another… and so, hopefully, he’s feeling good and pumped up and is ready for action… http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320505&src=rss 2010-02-08T06:33:25 For the love of God, let Spring be around the corner. Having survived Snowpocalypse II it appears that Baltimore is in store for Snowpocalypse III: The Quickening Tuesday into Wednesday. Seriously, another 12 inches of snow with local amounts approaching 20?! The Hell nature? Seriously. Baltimore City offici... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320393&src=rss 2010-02-08T06:32:00 2009 Season Record: 103-59 (915 RS, 753 RA), won AL East by 8 games, finished with the best record in MLB by 6 games, won 27th World Series Top stories from last week: In the lone personnel move of the week, the Randy Winn signing was made official. Hank Steinbrenner emerged from his hideout in Tampa to remind [...] Post from: River Ave. Blues A New York Yankees blog http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320401&src=rss 2010-02-08T06:30:46 It looks like Erik Bedard will be indeed staying in Seattle. He confirmed as much yesterday if the reports are correct... From the Seattle Times: Free-agent pitcher Erik Bedard confirmed to a Canadian newspaper that he has agreed to terms with the Mariners on a one-year contract for 2010. Bedard, who turns 31 on March 5, was in Seattle undergoing a physical examination on Friday. The Mariners' medical staff was believed to be still evaluating tes... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320394&src=rss 2010-02-08T06:30:00 The Yankees signed Marcus Thames, tweets SI's Jon Heyman. Joel Sherman of the New York Post tweets that it's a minor league deal worth $900K if he makes ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320946&src=rss 2010-02-08T06:25:48 The New Orleans Saints proved me wrong and many others who thought they had no chance of beating the Colts.... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320282&src=rss 2010-02-08T06:11:00 Dick Kaegel, MLB.com: Royals manager Trey Hillman wasn't going to let the Super Bowl make all the news on Sunday. He had a bulletin of his own: Zack Greinke will start on Opening Day against the Detroit Tigers. To be fair, GMDM released a statement saying he disagreed with the decision... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320340&src=rss 2010-02-08T06:02:03 Sometimes it’s easy to look at the game on paper and declare teams victorious before the season even begins. If a team has a great reputation, like the Yankees, clear obstacles to winning a title are overlooked since, well, they are the Yankees. It’s as if the uniform of a perennial winner takes over and [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320271&src=rss 2010-02-08T06:00:23 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320234&src=rss 2010-02-08T06:00:00 New Orleans at Orlando Dallas at Golden State San Antonio at LA Lakers http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320283&src=rss 2010-02-08T06:00:00 First, I hope everyone enjoyed the Super Bowl yesterday. It was quite a game. I wrote on Saturday that I thought the New Orleans Saints would cover, but I didn’t think they would win. I am really happy the Indianapolis Colts didn’t win. It would have angered me to see a coach like Jim Caldwell win [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320329&src=rss 2010-02-08T05:59:19 Orlando 96 Boston 89 Toronto 115 Sac 104 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320284&src=rss 2010-02-08T05:58:00 New Jersey at Philadelphia San Jose at Toronto St. Louis at Colorado Edmonton at Phoenix Los Angeles at Anaheim http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320285&src=rss 2010-02-08T05:56:00 Sunday, February 7th Pittsburgh 4 Final Washington 5 OT Boston 3 Final Montreal 0 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320286&src=rss 2010-02-08T05:55:00 Because everyone cares what a Nats blogger thought of the SuperBowl Saints Offcnse v Colts Defense The Colts went in with a game plan to prevent the Saints from scoring on the big play. They rushed only 4 and dropped everyone else back into coverage. While successful in the respect they were going for, they were unable to generate pressure which allowed the Saints offense to take full advantage of what the Colts were doing. The Saints efficiently drove down the field ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320367&src=rss 2010-02-08T05:49:00 ESPN’s Enrique Rojas reported via Twitter that Mets prospect Fernando Martinez was named the MVP of the Caribbean Series last night. Martinez went 2-4 with a walk and an RBI to lead the Dominican Republic to a 7-4 victory over Venezuela. Overall, Martinez had a great series, batting .348 (8-for-23) with a double and two home runs? It looks like F-Mart is [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320236&src=rss 2010-02-08T05:48:15 Steve Phillips: Here are a few th... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320273&src=rss 2010-02-08T05:46:00 Here are a few noteworthy items on the morning: Rocco Baldelli’s cousin, along with 4 others, died tragically Saturday night in a house fire. The Indians might be looking at Jonny Gomes as a possible addition to their 2010 ballclub. Following my post on Jim Caple’s piece yesterday, here’s a nice read on the utility of WAR. Last but [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320350&src=rss 2010-02-08T05:45:49 According to MLB.COM, shortstop prospect Ian Desmond could become an "all-purpose utility man" come spring. Bill Ladson writes that as a result of the Nationals landing fre... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320353&src=rss 2010-02-08T05:44:55 The Rays short-season affiliate, the Hudson Valley Renegades have introduced a new blog, The Renegades Rundown… Here you’ll get a glimpse into what the Renegades are doing on and off the field. By keeping up with the blog you’ll get the latest news regarding players, schedules, promotions, events, and more! This will be your one-stop shop [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320230&src=rss 2010-02-08T05:44:45 Today’s update is powered by the almighty Nawlins staple, the po’boy: MLB.com examines the versatility of the Yankees’ outfielders. Might a former Yankee prospect (since traded) be older than advertised?: His birth certificate and passport say outfielder Jose Tabata was born Aug. 12, 1988, in Anzoategui, Venezuela. Yet, during a recent radio interview, general manager Neal Huntington admitted [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320205&src=rss 2010-02-08T05:42:54 In a post to his blog for the New York Post, Joel Sherman says, “Carlos Beltran is furious with the Mets and how they have publicly handled his surgery.” According to Sherman, Beltran is questioning how he was also handled last summer, and so, “The Mets probably should not expect him to prioritize the team this time around.” …actually, [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320206&src=rss 2010-02-08T05:37:16 In a post to his blog for the New York Post, Joel Sherman says, “Carlos Beltran is furious with the Mets and how they have publicly handled his surgery.” According to Sherman, Beltran is questioning how he was also handled last summer, and so, “The Mets probably should not expect him to prioritize the team this time around.” …actually, [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320506&src=rss 2010-02-08T05:37:16 Once upon a time in the ’80s, when baseball men believed Vince Coleman had the skills necessary to compete at the highest level and considered Donell Nixon a prospect, my friend Dan and I stumbled across a newspaper crossword puzzle that had as one of its clues, “____ Winningham” (four letters). The correct answer was [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320231&src=rss 2010-02-08T05:36:51 On Sunday, June 4, 1989 the Toronto Blue Jays staged one of the biggest comebacks in baseball history.  It was the 3rd game of a 3 game set for the Jays at Fenway and they were looking to sweep this critical series.  Down 10-0 after 6, the Jays scratched back to score 11 in the final [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320244&src=rss 2010-02-08T05:33:56 Mets Today: Mets Free Agent Evaluation …the Kelvim Escobar and Ryota Igarashi signings could make the bullpen a total bust, or one of the best in the league… i look forward to watching this take shape… http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320207&src=rss 2010-02-08T05:32:37 Mets Today: Mets Free Agent Evaluation …the Kelvim Escobar and Ryota Igarashi signings could make the bullpen a total bust, or one of the best in the league… i look forward to watching this take shape… http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320507&src=rss 2010-02-08T05:32:37 Jerry Reinsdorf, the owner of the Chicago White Sox, recently voiced his opposition to a decision being made by the state legislature in Arizona to help fund the Chicago Cubs’ new facilities in Mesa via a ticket surcharge on all Cactus League games. Reinsdorf, of course, is not alone, but he has been one of [...] Related posts: http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320311&src=rss 2010-02-08T05:31:17 Sun's out Guns out right?..... He's absolutely insane....and far too small to be an all star at any level, let alone making millions of dollars in the big leagues........but he pulls it off. He's... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320327&src=rss 2010-02-08T05:29:00 Every year pitchers overperform and underperform. These performances lead to fantasy owners overvaluing or undervaluing players. For that reason, in 2010 you should target the always undervalued Scott Baker instead of the overhyped Jair Jurrjens. Jair Jurrjens ended 2009 with a fantastic ERA that has fantasy owners drooling, his WHIP was very respectable at 1.21, and 152 K are certainly nothing to sneeze at. He’s young, and he’s got good upside. So what’s the problem? How abo... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320685&src=rss 2010-02-08T05:29:00 More photos » ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2319821&src=rss 2010-02-08T05:02:23 1) Donovan Tate-OF Outstanding athlete. I think he’ll be able to be the type of leadoff hitter San Diego has been looking for for quite some time. Has surprising power as well. 2) James Darnell-3B With the recent trade of Kevin Kouzmanoff, this could open the door for Darnell to walk in. He’s got some decent power and [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320202&src=rss 2010-02-08T05:00:36 Not the Sox, that's who. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320154&src=rss 2010-02-08T05:00:04 Football is over. Baseball is next. I only saw two minutes of the Super Bowl. I must be the only man who did not watch this game. Instead, I watched movies. Spring Training is around the corner. For those who plan on making a trip to Arizona, should check out this Glendale Guide {linked here} I'm happy that the Cubs are staying in Mesa, A... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320181&src=rss 2010-02-08T05:00:00 Mets 21–year-old OF Fernando Martinez was named MVP of the Carribbean Series, during which he hit .348 in 23 at bats with a double and two home runs. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320120&src=rss 2010-02-08T04:51:14 Mets 21–year-old OF Fernando Martinez was named MVP of the Caribbean Series, during which he hit .348 in 23 at bats with a double and two home runs. …that’s awesome… i’m happy for fernando… that said, he still needs to go to Triple-A, stay healthy and play… i would love to see him challenge Angel Pagan [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320208&src=rss 2010-02-08T04:51:14 Last year, I highlighted 17 pitchers who showed signs of becoming very good pitchers in 2009: They struck guys out and limited the walks and homeruns. Despite these indicators of success, they were still priced cheaply enough to provide a good fantasy return on investment. As we saw last week, 12 of those 17 [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320238&src=rss 2010-02-08T04:48:49 Tim Lincecum http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320239&src=rss 2010-02-08T04:42:17 Look, let's get one thing straight: there are people whom you root for; every one on the current Mariner roster falls into this category for me. That's because the Mariners have been, are and always will be my team. This also includes names like Randy Johnson, even when he was pitching for Arizona, New York and San Francisco. It includes http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320381&src=rss 2010-02-08T04:40:21 New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter(notes) has a contract that http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320240&src=rss 2010-02-08T04:29:30 Mets outfield prospect Fernando Martinez has been named Caribbean Series MVP according to Toby Hyde of MetsMinorLeagueBlog.com. Martinez hit .348 with 2 HR and 4 RBI. He also led his team with 15 total bases. I think Fernando Martinez has somewhat become the forgotten man in the Mets system. A lot of people have written him off due to the fact that he hasn't dominated in the minors, and has http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320101&src=rss 2010-02-08T04:26:00 One of the most heavily debated topics in the Chicago Cubs’ space for the last two years is how effective general manager Jim Hendry has been. I will not go off on a rant in this particular article, but suffice it to say: his decisions the last two or three years have left me disappointed. When [...] Related posts:Tom Ricketts... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320183&src=rss 2010-02-08T04:22:27 Last offseason, the Scott Boras Corporation brokered approximately $341MM worth of free agent deals. It was a strong showing, with three of the four big-money contracts already looking regrettable (Derek Lowe, Manny Ramirez, and Oliver Perez). This time around, Boras will not reach even half of last year's total. That fact do... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320686&src=rss 2010-02-08T04:12:50 Johnny Damon http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320139&src=rss 2010-02-08T04:07:50 In January, 1993, Hall of Famer Willie Stargell got married for the 3rd time.  His bride was named Margaret Weller.  It was Weller who started The Willie Stargell Foundation, the goal being to raise funds for kidney d... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320157&src=rss 2010-02-08T04:06:25 Two very interesting articles involving the Mets came out over the last week. One by former newspaper writer turned blogger Murray Chass, and another by the Joel Sherman of the NY Post. While reading Chass’s piece, something I wasn’t sure I was allowed to do because of my qualifications, I came across this nugget: Even closer to [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320158&src=rss 2010-02-08T04:00:45 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2319845&src=rss 2010-02-08T03:56:35 Where they stand:  Dominican Republic, 5-1; Puerto Rico, 4-2; Mexico, 2-4; Venezuela, 1-5.  The Dominican Republic wins the Caribbean Series. Quick summaries: Puerto Rico 8, Mexico 2.  Jesus Feliciano (Mets) and Angel Sanchez (Boston) each had three hits as Puerto Rico stayed alive in the first of yesterday's two games. Dominican Republic 7, Venezuela 4.  The Dominican Republic [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320125&src=rss 2010-02-08T03:50:58 Bug Holliday (1867) Don Heffner (1911) Buddy Blattner (1920) Willard Marshall (1921) Hoot Evers (1921) Joe Black (1924) Fritz Peterson (1942) Bob Oliver (1943) For the second consecutive day, there do not appear to be any players with connections to the Minnesota Twins born on this day. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320126&src=rss 2010-02-08T03:36:47 [contributed by: Rhubarb_Runner] 2010 Major League Baseball Yearbook & Fantasy Guide cover "Joe Mauer - Has Minnesota's star catcher become baseball's best hitter?" photographed by Tom Dipace Photography - - - - - - - - - - In browsing through the first article in the magazine, "10 Questions: The answers you [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320127&src=rss 2010-02-08T03:22:14 Yes, they are finally here. FanGraphs has added a splits section to their stats. Needless to say, this is pretty freakin' awesome. And, to make myself seem important and better than you, I will tell you that I was told about the splits in an email before the public got the news. Don't you wish you were me? Playing around with the splits is fun, and should last you all day. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320199&src=rss 2010-02-08T03:21:31 It appears that the Mets are done signing free agents this winter. Let’s take a look at the final tally of those given guaranteed MLB deals and play the “would you have … ?” game. Yes, there’s no guarantee that the players who signed with other clubs would have accepted the same terms to play [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320151&src=rss 2010-02-08T03:18:33 The Cleveland Indians are apparently still http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320141&src=rss 2010-02-08T03:15:35 Japanese pitcher Hisanori Takahashi has a slew of teams after him, according to NPB Tracker. The Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320142&src=rss 2010-02-08T03:01:24 Links for Monday... The Biz of Baseball now has Opening Day and year-end payroll data by team. Giants president Larry Baer mentioned MLBTR in a http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320559&src=rss 2010-02-08T02:31:36 Congratulations to the Dominican Republic on winning the Serie del Caribe. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320086&src=rss 2010-02-08T02:00:00 Ramblings on WAR The first part of a sorta series on WAR for Viva El Birdos. Really, I'm just going into the theoretical and not really getting too technical with the exact calculations. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2319720&src=rss 2010-02-08T01:42:26   Do NOT jump to any conclusions about this, but I want to gauge interest on something. If I was to do something like a weekly podcast, how many of you would listen in? Poll http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2319715&src=rss 2010-02-08T01:37:07 ...or so it seems. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320950&src=rss 2010-02-08T01:03:00 OK. You’re in the draft room, and it is the “Moment of Truth”, fans. Given the choice, who are you drafting – Josh Hamilton or Nick Markakis? Why? Leave a comment with your answer. Filed under: 2010 Articles http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320143&src=rss 2010-02-08T01:00:42 Filed under: Draft Advice, Fantasy Baseball Draft KitI talked at great length (OK, maybe a little too great) in http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320241&src=rss 2010-02-08T01:00:00 Here on February 8th, over 90 free agents remain unsigned. It's time to determine the best available at each position. Starting lineup: Catcher: Rod Barajas First base: http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320404&src=rss 2010-02-08T00:50:16 With a comparison like this it's no wonder the Red Sox have shied away from dealing the young pitcher. Read more great baseball stuff at The Hardball Times. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320018&src=rss 2010-02-08T00:21:21 With the 2010 fantasy baseball rankings for every position done, we turn our lazy eye towards the top 100 for 2010 fantasy baseball. These rankings may as well been co-written by Kim Jong-il because, if those 2010 fantasy baseball rankings were the bomb, this shizz is nu-cu-lar. None of this top 100 for 2010 fantasy [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320019&src=rss 2010-02-08T00:15:54 At the Tribune-Review: "All of the documentation he has used to obtain his visa from the U.S. government and his passport from the Venezuelan government indicates his reported age is accurate," Huntington said in an e-mail to the ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2319647&src=rss 2010-02-08T00:10:51 Bill Eichenberger of The Sporting News interviewed Yankees starter Joba Chamberlain on Tuesday to receive an award at the 30th annual Thurman Munson Dinner. Down below are some of the interview: Question: Are you ready to compete for that No. 5 spot? http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2319851&src=rss 2010-02-08T00:04:00 Jose Tabata used to be one of the highest touted Yankees prospects. Now, in the Pirtates system, question are coming out about his age. According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (hat-tip to http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2319852&src=rss 2010-02-08T00:03:00 (TOP STORY) Waiting an extra year allowed Kansas City to select home-town hero Aaron Crow in the 2009 Draft, and the big righthander should be a capable number two starter behind ace Zach Greinke by 2011. To complement that tandem, the Royals have a rich pool of hitters and pitchers in their minor league system, making the team a favorite dark horse bet to compete in the weak AL Central in the years to come. [more...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320020&src=rss 2010-02-08T00:02:00 (TOP STORY) Waiting an extra year allowed Kansas City to select home-town hero Aaron Crow in the 2009 Draft, and the big righthander should be a capable number two starter behind ace Zach Greinke by 2011. To complement that tandem, the Royals have a rich pool of hitters and pitchers in their minor league system, making the team a favorite dark horse bet to compete in the weak AL Central in the years to come. [more...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320027&src=rss 2010-02-08T00:02:00 We have an interesting set of infielders who just got purchased in the 14th “Round” of our little auction, so I thought I’d say a few short words about each. Let’s start with … … my 17th Round selection in the FBTM Expert Slow Mock Draft, Miguel Tejada. He turns 36 in May and becomes a 3B [...] http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320144&src=rss 2010-02-08T00:00:51 Filed under: Draft Advice, Fantasy Baseball Draft Kit, MLB Position Rankings http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=2320242&src=rss 2010-02-08T00:00:00