Should the Red Sox be concerned about Pablo Sandoval? - CBSSports.com

Hate to say we told you so Boston, but we told you so. Good luck getting a good return on that $95 million, you're off to a good start. At least SF had Matt Duffy to turn to when a low-budget McGehee went soft and flaccid. Where do you go and how good does the replacement player have to be to bench a $95 million dollar A$$ET? Schadenfreude, schadenfreude wonderful schadenfreude.

from CBSSports.com
Should the Red Sox be concerned about Pablo Sandoval? - CBSSports.com:

Maybe Sandoval's playing through an injury -- that's always a possibility when a player struggles badly, broadly and suddenly. Maybe it's just a bad stretch that he'll come out of soon enough. Or maybe it's premature decline. Sandoval's still just 28, so he shouldn't be seeing any widespread erosion of his skills just yet. However, it must be said that Sandoval's relationship with basic conditioning is complicated, and he has a body type that tends to age quite poorly. Given the trends we're seeing and given the player we're talking about, yes, premature decline is a possibility. The Red Sox, of course, have invested $95 million in Sandoval, so they're certainly hoping all of this corrects itself soon enough. As mentioned, that may well be the case. That may even be the most likely near-term outcome -- the various projection systems certainly see it that way. However, you need not look very hard to find reasons to worry about Sandoval.

'via Blog this'

I love how the quotes from the story tip-toe around the issue (which is part of the problem dealing with Pablo, IMO).

"Sandoval's relationship with basic conditioning is complicated".
You think? Try virtually non-existent.

"He has a body type that tends to age quite poorly".
Understatement? From the photo above he has a body type that looks like it's about to deliver twins. Not the traditional body type seen on major league 3B men indeed and not one that lends itself to transitioning to DH. But WDIK?

"...premature decline is a possibility".
Well, I suppose there are worse descriptions a man could want to heat about his performance, but not too many.

Good luck with the relationship to both Boston and Pablo. It sure sounds complicated.

Isn't that what you hear just before the break-up? Anybody?

David Ortiz Risks Legacy On PED Article

Even though I think Ortiz brought some of this on himself with his off the cuff "Dominican milkshake" comments, I sympathize with his plight here just a little bit.

from Seamheads.com
http://seamheads.com/2015/04/02/david-ortiz-risks-legacy-on-ped-article/

Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz recently penned an article for the website The Players Tribune professing his innocence and annoyance regarding claims of steroid use.

The longtime Sox designated hitter was outed by The New York Times in 2009 as a player failing a drug test during the 2003 season. The paper named seven of at least 100 players failing tests including Ortiz, teammate Manny Ramirez, Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, San Francisco Giants legend Barry Bonds and two others. The lawyers speaking to the Times did not provide the entire list and would have faced judicial sanctions for releasing information sealed by a court. The document naming Ortiz and all others has been destroyed.

Since the Players Association and Major League Baseball agreed on performance-enhancing drug testing and punishment in 2006, Ortiz has passed every test.  Still, his name is whispered by fans, especially of Boston rivals, every year of his Red Sox career, increasing in volume after his failed test disclosed in 2009. Pointing to a lack of decline in offensive statistics in his mid-to-late 30s and a World Series for the ages, those whispers may have merit.

To Ortiz’s defense, the once portly slugger slimmed down over the last five years and became a smarter hitter at the plate, knowing what pitches to layoff and placing the ball more to the opposite field. Is that the primary reason at 38-years-old Ortiz slugged 35 home runs for the first time since 2007 at 31?

With an understanding that haters will hate, the most perplexing part of what has happened recently is Ortiz himself coming forward to thrust his lack of use into the conversation. He explained himself in 2009 and, according to him, passed every urine and blood test since. Because his career goes against the curve for aging heavyset sluggers have gone through before does not mean he is cheating, no matter how much his name is mentioned in New York.

If he pleads his case, he's criticized. If he says nothing he is criticized. A true no-win situation for the player vs. the media. 

How does that saying go?

"You have the right to remain silent. If you give up the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of public opinion. Do you understand these rights?"

Personally, I'm waiting for someone to use the hat size argument against him, but maybe that was a Bonds exclusive argument?    ~;::::::;( )">  ¯\_( )_/¯

Sandoval Fires Back at Ex-Teammate Huff - Puck the Fanda

AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez

Pablo Sandoval challenged Aubrey Huff's claims following his critical Facebook post this week.

Pablo will fit right in with Ortiz & Company in Boston. It sure looks like self-indulgent assholes of a feather flock together, Did I mention I agree with Aubrey Huff's assessment?


from Bleacher Report:
Sandoval Fires Back at Ex-Teammate Huff:

"Who is Aubrey Huff?" Sandoval asked in response to a post made by the former first baseman on Facebook. "What is important here is to see where the person who made those comments is, and where I am now, that's what counts."

Huff, who played 13 years in the big leagues, ended his career in 2012 after the Giants declined the $10 million option they held on him for the 2013 season. He currently is a assistant varsity baseball coach at Canyon Crest Academy in San Diego.

"I'm pretty sure their (sic) wasn't a tear shed on behalf of all the players, and the coaches when he signed with Boston," Huff's Facebook post from earlier in the week read. "It has always been about Pablo. He had the fans fooled but not the players! One of the biggest reasons he didn't want to come back is because the Giants made him workout on the treadmill every day! Pretty sure that was a driving force for him! Never the less [sic] he could have always been a legend in San Fran but ego always will come in to play when it comes to Pablo! Sorry for the rant just want to take up for the players who are there now holding their tongues, because they don't want to get in the middle of this! If you can't get along with guys like (Buster) Posey, (Madison) Bumgarner, (Matt) Cain, (Jeremy) Affeldt (sic), just to name a few, then maybe it's time to look in the mirror! Rant over!"

Huff was reacting to a Bleacher Report story last week in which Sandoval asserted he left the Giants because they "disrespected" his agent, and that "it is not about money, it is about how you treat the player."

Sandoval also was quoted as saying he missed only Giants manager Bruce Bochy and outfielder Hunter Pence.

'via Blog this'

Recall it was Pablo's agent who created the initial amateurish faux-pas by saying Sandoval wanted (implied: deserved) "Hunter Pence" money. Bringing another teammates name into your individual contract negotiation that your agent is running through the press is a double faux-pas. You bring an amateur to a professional negotiation and bad things are going to happen. This was a  bush league agent trying to compete in the major leagues and he pissed down his leg. That would be bad enough, but to piss on his clients teammates when his client is the one who has to live in the locker room is just plain DUMB!!

Pablo wasn't disrespected. He and his team were disrespecting others and the organization. He'll fit right in with his fellow Mr. Big Heads in Boston. It's not like Hanley Ramirez was a joy in the Dodgers clubhouse either.

Enjoy your Dominican milkshakes fellas. Another big-ass target for David Price this year.

Take a look in the mirror once in a while Pablo. Oh yeah, that's been a problem for you for quite some time it seems, along with the scale.

The question shouldn't be "Who is Aubrey Huff?", it should be "Who is the real Pablo Sandoval?"

Puck the Fanda!!!

Giants "not in the driver's seat" in Jon Lester negotiations - Giants Extra

I heard this interview with Evans on Sirius yesterday and thought "then the Cubs ARE in the drivers seat" and that is how it turned out. Giants once again are in the back seat.

from Giants Extra:
Giants "not in the driver's seat" in Jon Lester negotiations - Giants Extra:

Assistant general manager Bobby Evans was less optimistic about signing Lester on Tuesday, saying he feels the free agent left-hander is feeling a strong pull from Boston and Chicago. Lester was drafted by the Red Sox and spent his whole career there before a July trade to Oakland. The Cubs are run by former Red Sox executives Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer. “I think there are other clubs he’s a little more attached to,” Evans said. “Ultimately, I don’t know, but the sense we get is that we’re not in the driver’s seat. I don’t know exactly who is, but it will probably come down to deep relationships he has in other places.”

'via Blog this'

So good for the Cubbies, they get their bell-cow. And they needed this win more than the Giants and the Red Sox. Good for the Sawks, 'cause Lester got the opportunity to publicly lead their owner John Henry around grovelling and begging and apologizing for past sins, before finally telling him to F-off. Truly every bitter employee and jilted teenage girls dream come true. The Daily Double of revenge.

And good for the Giants, since they won't have to deal with the dynamic of a guy who may be second or third in the rotation behind Bumgarner and Cain, if he's 100%, carrying the top contract around the clubhouse. That may have been the deciding factor for Lester, with the Cubs he is THE MAN and if he leads them to the promised land, it's never been done before. In SF, he might have the fear that "dang, even if the team wins the World Series, they've been there, done that". Same with the Sawks, so the Cubbies make the most sense. If he wins on the North Side, he owns this town.

Now the Giants can go after the guy who I still think fits better in the rotation and the clubhouse and that is "Big Game" James Shields. Forget about Scherzer and his $200M. That's Yankee money.

And get Romo back before he shuffles down to LA and joins Mr. Wilson in the embattled former Giants closers club that the Dodgers bullpen may develop into. .

And get a Vogelsong clone because I heard him interviewed on Sirius it seems like he's gone to Minnesota of Philliy or anywhere but SF. Way to burn that bridge quickly guys.

Cards enter trading frenzy with white flag waving Red Sox

Cards align themselves with the A's trying to win now. Red Sox are playing for next year and beyond at this point. They picked up a quality arm in Kelly and an enigma in Craig who seem to have forgotten how to hit. Banging balls off the green monster should help. Lackey's veteran presence will help the Cards injury bitten staff.

from MLB Trade Rumors:
Cardinals Acquire Lackey; Kelly, Craig To Boston – MLB Trade Rumors:

Cardinals Acquire Lackey; Kelly, Craig To Boston
By Tim Dierkes [July 31, 2014 at 1:03pm CDT]

In their second blockbuster trade of the day, the Red Sox sent veteran starting pitcher John Lackey to the Cardinals along with minor leaguer Corey Littrell and about $1.75MM in cash in exchange for young starter Joe Kelly and outfielder/first baseman Allen Craig.  The deal is now official.   The Red Sox continue to focus on players that can help them win in the near future, having traded Jon Lester and Jonny Gomes for Yoenis Cespedes earlier today.  The Cardinals further bolster their rotation, having acquired Justin Masterson from the Indians yesterday.

'via Blog this'

Rays' Archer: 'Never saw Hank Aaron flip his bat' - Yahoo News

Invoking Aaron is nice. I'm not sure Archer was around when Aaron played, but OK. Nice.

from Yahoo News:
Rays' Archer: 'Never saw Hank Aaron flip his bat' - Yahoo News:

Rays manager Joe Maddon had a thought on the Ortiz show. "The simple answer is, what if it had happened in the '60s when (Bob) Gibson was pitching, or (Don) Drysdale was pitching?" Maddon said. "That answers the question." The Red Sox and Rays will meet again for the start of a four-game series Aug. 29 at Tampa Bay. "I'm proud that our guys have said what they feel," Maddon said. "I dig that a lot, actually. We'll see how it all plays out."

'via Blog this'

I think what your manager is trying to say discreetly is he never saw Gibson or Drysdale pimp their complaints to the media either. Business was handled between the lines where it belonged, not in front of cameras or microphones. He's heard the war of words between Ortiz and Price and now Ortiz and Archer and like many of us, he's waiting for some action.

All talk and no action. You've heard of that phrase haven't you Mr. Archer? Now take care of business.

Don Zimmer dies at 83 — he lived a baseball life that could not be duplicated | Yahoo Sports

Sad news. Zim spent time with and made a significant impact on the Red Sox, the Yankees and the Rays, now three pretty big rivals. A baseball lifer, well respected and highly regarded he will be sorely missed by all those he touched. One of the quotes about Zim was "..the best baseball man I know" an indication of the powerful influence he had on the players and fellow coaches he interacted with. RIP Zim.

from Yahoo Sports:
Don Zimmer dies at 83 — he lived a baseball life that could not be duplicated | Big League Stew - Yahoo Sports:

Baseball is without Don Zimmer now. He died Wednesday at age 83. After his heart surgery in April, Zimmer remained hospitalized because of fibrosis in his lungs. His son, Tom Zimmer, told the Tampa Bay Times that his father went peacefully. "He just faded away."

In Major League Baseball, however, Zimmer will do no such thing. He'll be remembered as a treasure of the game. Commissioner Bud Selig called him one of the game's "most universally beloved figures." Jim Leyland said there's no better person in life than Zimmer. Pick someone in baseball, anyone, they're saying good things about Don Zimmer right now.

Zimmer won six World Series, a manager of the year award and was an All-Star twice. Zimmer played with Jackie Robinson and coached Derek Jeter, bookends of a baseball life that can't be duplicated.

'via Blog this'

I remember when he would come to his grandson's games in St. Petersburg, Florida and just sat in the stands and watched quietly like any other proud grandfather. Other than the occasional comment from an admirer -- "That's Don Zimmer siting over there" -- you wouldn't have even known he was there.

In an arena where alpha males throw out their chests and are all too ready to let you know who they are, what they are and where they are at every waking moment, he seemed like a very humble guy with a great perspective on baseball and life. He will be sorely missed.

Meanwhile...in Beantown, just another Sawks - Rays lovefest

Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz is held back by umpire Jeff Kellogg after benches cleared after Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher David Price hit Mike Carp with a pitch during the fourth inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston, Friday, May 30, 2014. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

The home plate umpire butchered this one by issuing the warning too early, thereby depriving the Sawks of the obligatory retaliation. Then everyone gets back to playing baseball. As if that wasn't bad enough, Price bounces another one off of L'il Abner Dude, which should have resulted in his ejection but no...........let's just compound the error why don't we?

So when the law doesn't work to protect you, take the law into your own hands, I always say. 

David Ortiz says New York Yankees lost 'face of ballclub' in Robinson Cano - ESPN Boston

How can Cano be the "face of the team" when according to this survey to determine the face of baseball:
http://espn.go.com/mlb/photos/gallery/_/id/9663156/image/1/1-alex-rodriguez-yankees-22-percent-face-baseball Cano doesn't even make an appearance, and finishes behind fellow Yankees Derek Jeter and Alex Rdoriguez?

He would probably be in the mix somewhere with Curtis Granderson and Mark Texeira however. And we're not even considering recently retired Mariano Rivera for today's "face of the team" purposes.

from ESPN Boston:
David Ortiz says New York Yankees lost 'face of ballclub' in Robinson Cano - ESPN Boston:

David Ortiz says he thinks his Boston Red Sox will benefit from Robinson Cano joining the Seattle Mariners, calling it "great news for us" but a blow to the rival New York Yankees.

Ortiz, speaking in an interview with WEEI Radio in Boston, said the Yankees lost "the face" of the team when they failed to re-sign the free agent second baseman, who has reportedly agreed to a 10-year, $240 million contract with Seattle.

'via Blog this'

Great player? Yes.
Key asset lost? Yes.
Face of the team? No.

Unless Jeter retires and Rodriguez is somehow dismissed from the ball club, Cano would not be considered for the face of the Yankees. Even then, there would probably have to be some sort of DWTS type competition among the talk-show pundits for about a week or so to determine the "new" face of the Yankees.

Maybe now we know why Cano left the Yankees. He will now become the face of the Mariners and be paid quite handsomely for the burden / privilege. They Yankees certainly lost "a face" of the team, but hardly "the face" of the team.

Red Sox Reboot Creates Many Questions...

First and foremost for Giants fans -- as the NYP's Joel Sherman notes below -- are the Guggenheim / Magic Johnson led Dodgers primed to become the "Yankees West"? IT'S SHOWTIME!!!

from Seamheads.com
Red Sox Reboot Creates Many Questions | Seamheads.com:


"Boston Red Sox fans have agitated for the better part of the 2012 season for the team to facilitate major change as a way to address their disappointing play since the end of last year. News reports of a completed earth shattering trade suggest that the front office has finally heeded those wishes. Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Josh Beckett, and Nick Punto have been jettisoned to the Los Angeles Dodgers for a raft of A- to B+ level prospects (Rubby De La Rosa, Jerry Sands, Allen Webster, and Ivan De Jesus) and veteran first baseman James Loney, making it the most significant trade in terms of money in baseball history. The Red Sox are expected to send back only a fraction of the remaining money owed to the departing players, making it a textbook salary dump. This trade is the equivalent of the Red Sox hitting the reset button and make their immediate and distant futures complete unknowns and fraught with questions."

'via Blog this'

from the New York Post:
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/more_sports/bosox_dodgers_blockbuster_underscores_7w6YB9H9WXnXCmZ3eBMCBP

The Red Sox and Dodgers orchestrated the most sensational August trade in baseball history, an orgy of superstars and mega-salaries in which two flagship franchises defined their current identities with all the subtlety of an MMA fight.

The recalibrating Red Sox and go-for-it Dodgers opened themselves to both instant and long-term analysis off of this nine-player blockbuster inspired by cable TV money. Boston signed Josh Beckett, Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez to their current outsized deals, in large part, to feed the beast of NESN while the Dodgers accepted those contracts in near total because of a cable deal expected to be finalized this winter that could make the Yankees’ YES arrangement look like something the bunny-eared antenna dragged in.

.......

Which is the other area in which the Mets — and their fans — are losers here. Six months ago, the Mets and Dodgers were lumped in as big-city financial disasters; the Mets because of their owners’ relationship with Bernie Madoff and the Dodgers because of their miserly owner, Frank McCourt. But in late March, the Dodgers were sold for more than any other sports franchise ever, $2.15 billion, to the Guggenheim group. At that time an NL personnel chief told me, “Watch, they want to and will become Yankees West.”

And they have. The new ownership gave Andre Ethier a five-year, $85 million extension. They signed a Cuban they had not scouted in person, Yasiel Puig, to a $42 million contract. And since late July, in trades, they have added Hanley Ramirez, Shane Victorino, Joe Blanton, Brandon League, Randy Choate and now Gonzalez, Crawford, Beckett and Nick Punto. The price tag for all of that, as Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reported, is $432 million — or $12 million more than McCourt bought the team for in 2004.

Spring Training - CAN'T WAIT!!!

The Giants have signed all of their significant arbitration eligible players.

These seven players will make a combined $18+M.

The team payroll for next year should be around $115 million.

Cody Ross – $6.3 Million
Andres Torres – $2.1 Million
Jonathan Sanchez – $3.7 Million
Ramon Ramirez – $1.65 Million
Santiago Casilla – $1.3 Million
Javier Lopez – $2.38 Million
Mike Fontenot – $1.05 Million

---

The Giants have invited Marc Kroon to Spring Training. It appears he is signed to a minor-league or make-good deal. An interesting signing, Kroon was clocked at 101 miles per hour three years ago. Kroon has had 177 saves and a 2.68 ERA in Japan the last six years. From his prior stats in the golld old USA he sounds like a bit of an older version of Nuke LaLoush.

The Giants also added depth and insurance to the starting rotation by adding veteran pitcher Jeff Suppan. San Francisco has agreed to a minor league contract with the 36-year-old right-hander and invited him to big league camp. Suppan went 3-8 with a 5.06 ERA in 15 starts last season with Milwaukee and St. Louis. He should fill the role Todd Wellemeyer filled last year.

If one of the starters goes down, Suppan can eat up some innings and give the Giants a chance to win against most other teams fifth starters.

The reports on both Pablo Sandoval's off-season conditioning and Mark DeRosa's rehab from wrist injury continue to be good.

A return by one or both of these guys to form should mitigate the need to go too far out on a limb to acquire a bat. Both returning to peak form would be icing on the cake.

-----

2011 GIANTS PROJECTED 25-MAN ROSTER

Projected Starting Lineup

1 CF Andres Torres
2 2B Freddy Sanchez
3 1B Aubrey Huff
4 C Buster Posey
5 RF Cody Ross
6 LF Pat Burrell
7 SS Miguel Tejada
8 3B Pablo Sandoval

Projected Bench
C Eli Whiteside
1B Travis Ishikawa
IF Mike Fontenot
IF/OF Mark DeRosa
OF Aaron Rowand

Projected Starting Rotation
1 RHP Tim Lincecum
2 RHP Matt Cain
3 LHP Jonathan Sanchez
4 LHP Madison Bumgarner
5 LHP Barry Zito

Projected Bullpen
CL RHP Brian Wilson
SU RHP Sergio Romo
SU LHP Jeremy Affeldt
MID LHP Javier Lopez
MID RHP Santiago Casilla
MID LHP Dan Runzler
LR RHP Ramon Ramirez

Spring Training Invitees and Minor Leaguers of note:

Position Players:

OF Nate Schierholtz
1B Brandon Belt
IF Emmanuel Burriss
IF Ryan Rohlinger
OF Darren Ford
1B/OF Brad Eldred
OF Terry Evans
C Chris Stewart

Pitchers:

RHP Casey Daigle
RHP Steve Edlefsen
RHP Waldis Joaquin
RHP Marc Kroon
RHP Shane Loux
RHP Guillermo Mota
RHP Jeff Suppan
RHP Ryan Vogelsong
LHP Alex Hinshaw

On the prospect front, it is interesting to go through the various prospect lists from publications such as Baseball America, John Sickels and other noted prospect followers.

Some publish a Top Ten List, others go twenty deep. Some list seem to favor and reward high-ceiling players, others look at statistical measures of productivity. I looked at four such lists and the results showed a wide, diverse opinion on some of the Giants prospects.

The following players appeared on all four lists, revealing a consensus opinion regarding their abilities:

Brandon Belt
Zack Wheeler
Gary Brown
Francisco Pegeuro
Thomas Neal
Ehire Adrianza
Charlie Culberson

No real surprises here, some might quibble about Adrianza's bat, but his bat won't get him to the bigs.

The next group appeared on three lists:

Brandon Crawford
Jorge Burcardo
Eric Surkamp
Thomas Joseph

Here, I think Joseph stands out as the surprise, given he displays the one big tool -- a power bat -- strikes out a lot, not unusual for a young player and may have to move out from behind the dish, especially if he remains in SF.

The guys that made only two lists are longer reaches. Some lists like to be the "first to identify" a guy as a legit prospect. It probably helps future magazine or newletter sales.

The two-fers:

Jarret Parker
Mike Kickham
Richard Hembree
Kendry Flores
Jake Dunning
Michael Main

The solo-artists were:

Jose Casilla
Chuckie Jones
Hector Sanchez
Jason Stoffel
Rafael Rodriguez
Chris Dominguez
Roger Kieschnick

I like Casilla, I think he is solid if unspectacular. Stoffel seems like he has more upside than noted here. Kieschnick's star has fallen, perhaps due more to injuries than anything else.

The surprises were the no-votes. The also-rans.

Conor Gillaspie, Seth Rosin head the list. I like them both.

Stephen Harrold, Ryan Verdugo, Clayton Tanner and Nick Noonan are all solid prospects, I'm surprised how far Noonan has fallen as well.

Luke Anders, Aaron King, Edwin Concepcion, Wendell Fairley, Matthew Graham seem to be struggling to get positive attention. Each draft class increases the odds of release for all of these guys.

---

Interesting list published recently were the "20 Most Hated Players in MLB. The list included in order:

Alex Rodriguez
Milton Bradely
A.J. Piercynzki
Carlos Zambrano
Manny Ramirez
Kevin Youkilis
Pedro Martinez
Brandon Phillips
Cecil Fielder
Jonathan Papelbon

The list was heavy on former Sawks and Yankees (Burnett, Pavano, Pettitte, Ortiz appeared later) so the voters must have come primarily from the ESPN, NESN, YES Network axis of evil. Jose Reyes and Frankie Rodriguez of the Mets also made the list later.

I guess the lesson learned from this list is that with the big-contract, the bright lights and the big-city comes a healthy dose of animosity.

NOT BIG PAPI !!!! NOOOOOOO..........

Is it becoming clearer by the day that we may have been better served had we commissioned Mr. Magoo to investigate the steroid issue in baseball than former Senator George Mitchell and his Sawks bias? I mean who else has to fall by the wayside? Can MLB get it's $12 million back for the "investigation"?



Does this development not further "TAINT" and expose as the corporate white-wash job that it was, the door stop that has become the Mitchell Report?

These were the two largest guys in the Red Sox lineup and the clubhouse at the time, both literally and figuratively, and this Barney Fife clone wraps up his investigation and concludes that "Nope, nothing to see here" regarding the Red Sox. The team he had an interest in?

And is it also not becoming clearer when the assorted talking heads wiggle and squirm to protect their favorite, nice-guy players that the biased media cannot be counted on to bring us the facts?

And how it is even a serious question to ask "Does this taint the Red Sox titles?" Of course it taints their titles, morons. Are you kidding me? Their two biggest sluggers are tainted and you have to even posit the question?


What are we waiting for here? Another media nice-guy, favorite to fall from the tree and then they can tell us, "Well it doesn't taint their legacy...It doesn't taint their championships.

I just heard one clown on ESPN say it only should affect how we look at 2003 re: Ortiz and I suppose--using that logic--only recently regarding Manny. Wow, the tone and narrative of the debate has really changed recently.

Just in the last two weeks we learned that Bob Costas had a private dinner with A-Rod and his newest gal pal. Does anyone really think he'll deliver any hard-hitting exposes or diatribes against A-Rod, much less any other pin-striped juicer?

And a Mets reporter--in breaking a story that vilified a team employee (to his credit)--doesn't understand that trying to curry favor from the team when you are supposed to be maintaining an air of impartiality "TAINTS ALL OF YOUR REPORTING". The bad and the good. Try considering the fans best interest when you are trying to move up the corporate ladder.

In this case, of course, the brethren quickly circled the wagons and defended their own. No hint of impropriety here people, move along. Because they know. And they want to reserve the right to themselves to do the exact same thing should the situation arise.

So from the top of the media food chain to the bottom, nothing but a cesspool. No surprise here.

Can't wait to hear the Gammons / ESPN spin on this one. Way past time for old Uncle Bud Selig to unveil that Jason Giambi style apology and hope that there are no more popular stars on that list. We're a Pujols or a Jeter or a Maddux away from this sport REALLY smacking into the side of a mountain. Even after all that it has been through.

I love the old switcheroo, dipsey doo these guys manage to pull off. When folks were leaking sealed court information in the BALCO case to newspapers, it was the greatest thing since sliced bread. Now all of a sudden they want to make a federal case out of it. Can't have it both ways. HAHAHAHAHA.

PEDROIA WINS A.L. MVP

PICTURE FROM:
http://djclanc4shizl.blogspot.com/2008_08_24_archive.html

Maybe it was just me, but this is what Pedroia looked like while he was clubbing pitch after pitch into and over the outfield walla during the Sox-Rays series. Personally, it was incredible that they continued to pitch to him. He was killing it.

I meant to cite Pedroia's story at that time, as well as that of Cubs farmhand Matthew Cerda. Both are great stories of the "little" guy succeeding in the land of the "giants" and doing it the right way in spite of the obstacles.

Pedroia wins the AL MVP and Cerda ends up realizing his dream of playing professionally.

MATTHEW CERDA'S STORY HIGHLIGHTED BY ESPN:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=cerda&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos1

Guys of average size, with above average heart who succeed by doing things the right way. They should be the examples to kids and parents when the discussion turns to how to succeed against opponents who may not be doing things the right way.

Cerda competed against the Little League team from the Bronx led by Danny Almonte. The ESPN story highlights that while Cerda may have been "cheated", he persevered and continued to work and compete the right way. In the end, he was the one who came out on top. Kudos to both Dustin Pedroia and Matthew Cerda for the examples they have set for kids.

MATTHEW CERDA: FROM LITTLE LEAGUE TO HIGH SCHOOL - DRAFTED BY CUBS 2008

ALCS GAME 7 - NOT MUCH MORE NEEDS TO BE SAID

LOOKING FOR HELP FROM ABOVE?? - IT COULDN'T HURT - REMIND HIM YOU GOT RID OF THE DEVIL

The Red Sox have responded and pushed the series to a Game 7. They showed the heart of a champion and, in many respects, have taken advantage of the Rays inexperience in these matters. That's to be expected. The surprise would have been if the Rays had finished the deal in Boston in Game 5.

From the moment Joe Maddon lifted Scott Kazmir to start the seventh inning of Game 5, momentum has shifted to the Sox side. Not to second guess Maddon but in that situation, unless Kaz had a history of arm difficulties after a long inning, he's in there until the Sox hitters tell you he's done or his arm comes flying out of it's socket. Kaz had shut them down until that point and he may have done it the rest of the evening if allowed. He should have been allowed to start the inning, if the hitters catch up to him, fine, lift him. But not until then. Bad move. Serious momentum shifter, both within the game and for the series overall. Rays will have a tough time getting old Mo back on their side now. Old Mo is a serious front-runner.

It's strange and almost inconceivable that the Rays could take two of three from Boston in Fenway and come back disappointed, but that may be where we stand. When the teams left St. Pete to head up there, the best most Rays fans were hoping for was to come back to St. Pete at all. If you're down 3-2, with the chance to play at home again, that's still not a bad deal. But they came back UP 3-2. In a sense, they are still playing with house money. That may sound like it's whistling past the graveyard, but that's how players need to think.

The Rays have to believe that the Sox may have grown weary from the uphill climb from 3-1 to 3-3 and have used up their reservoir of clutch, two out hits. Because whereas Old Mo is a consistent front-runner, Clutch is a fickle mistress. As predictable and fair as a seeing eye single that scores two late in the game or a hump back liner off the fists that wins the game. Sox fans are hoping for old Mo to continue to be on their bench and clutch to continue to embrace their hitters. The Rays want to lure clutch back knowing that Old Mo will follow. That's the way I see tonight.

Now, about last night.....

Game 6 was a disaster from the start, but mainly due to TBS. "The Steve Harvey Show"???? Instead of Game 6???? I'd have rather have watched twenty minutes of a test pattern. And thanks for not posting a trailer explaining the blackout for at least ten of the twenty minutes. That had to be good for ratings as casual viewers across the nation assumed rain-out or cancellation. I know, I know, the game's being played in a Dome, but casual fan doesn't know that.

I'm not going to go all Oliver Stone on TBS here either but, if you're going to show the Pitch Trak results when they confirm the umps made the right call on controversial ball-strike calls by Derryl Cousins, then you simply MUST do the same to show when the Trak shows he may have blown the call. Otherwise I think we're on safe ground assuming that since you didn't show it, the ump missed it.

We know from MLB's own reports using Questec that the umps blow somewhere between 5-10% of the ball-strike calls. Given Cousins recent history with the Rays, I'm not sure having a close eye paid to the calls is unwarranted. By positioning yourselves as watchdogs and then only showing a one-sided view puts your integrity and credibility as a network--and that of your announcers--at risk.

You'll either be a watch-dog acting on behalf of the fans or a lap-dog acting on behalf on Major League Baseball. Pick a side and stick with it. Stop dancing from side to side like a spasmodic ballerina

I don't like to see anyone get hurt but I'm just saying Cousins getting drilled in the mask, forcing his removal from the game was a sign. That's all I'm saying.


POETIC JUSTICE?? - WHO'S TO SAY??

None of that matters once tonight's game starts and none of it will matter once the game is over. The potential story lines of a Rays gag job or the phenomenal comeback saga of the Sawks have BOTH been written in the minds of most sportswriters and whichever way the game eventually plays out will determine which copy we see Monday A.M. In a sense neither story line in entirely true, but it makes for the best reading.

I don't think you can make a case that the Rays have done anything more than outperform and over deliver this season. If they don't do it on one night in October it doesn't wash away 162+ games worth of achievement. As Bobby Bowden once said, you have to experience a few "wide right" type of disappointments on the way to becoming a championship caliber team.

If you had mentioned to Rays fan at the beginning of the season that in late October the Rays would be playing at home for the right to advance to the World Series, they would be more than happy. You might have received very generous odds in Vegas on such an event occurring and you would be a bit wealthier today as a result.

This is still a young, talented team on the ascent with more talent in the pipeline. The Sawks are in the midst of a reloading effort similar to the Yankees, albeit they are continuing to win while they retool the franchise. What we are seeing in the Sawks is a proud, veteran team that is well aware of the fact that the clock is ticking on the core members that remain from the first World Series winner. They are making a gallant last stand on this season confident in the knowledge that future Sox teams will likely have a different look and feel to it for Sox Nation.

Sox Nation will not see Manny anymore. Schilling, Lowell and maybe Varitek and Ortiz are soon to follow to other teams or retirement. It's a Custer's last stand for the Sox vets. A last hurrah. Of course they want to milk it for all it's worth.

There's always been a rule of thumb in heavyweight title fights that you have to knock out the champ in order to take the crown. The Rays clearly had the champs on the ropes in Game 5 and couldn't put them away. In Game 6, the Rays did not find the knockout punch. They better find a way to put them back on the ropes early in Game 7, because a decision goes to the Sox.

P.S. to Joe - I've seen enough of Balfour and Wheeler out of the pen. Go to Edwin Jackson early and Bradford and/or David Price to close. Why not find out what you have in Price? You spent a lot of money on him, if he's Rick Ankiel, he's Rick Ankiel. But you need to find out. One of the earlier games might have been a chance to get his feet wet. Wheeler hits too many bats and Balfour seems to be trying too hard not to hit ANY bats. Neither will get the job done for you tonight, both are pitching with fear.

KAZMIR TO DELIVER KILL SHOT IN FENWAY

It's not going to be easy.

The Sawks will show the heart of a champion at some point in this series. Maybe some point tonight.

I understand and have enormous respect for the theory that the Champ is the Champ until he's knocked out. But the KO is coming, likely tonight and if not Big Game James Shields or Matt Garza down the tracks.

Sorry, but from my POV the Sawks will run out of pitching before the Rays do.

I like the tinkering with the rotation by Maddon, who has pushed all the right buttons. The ??'ng of the strategy and the rearranging of the decks chairs is almost comical.

If it was strictly to avoid having Kaz throwing with Cousens behind the dish that would be insane. Cousens was the umpire Kaz openly criticized after his first start for "making up calls" or some other such nonsense. He was scheduled to be behind the dish for Game 6, so the theory is the change is to avoid Cousens. Does who believes this theory consider that Cousens' crew mates might back him? That they didn't hear what Kaz said about one of the brethren? That the rest of the crew can't read the papers? Ever hear of the blue wall?

More likely Shields being a better pitcher at the Trop while getting pounded at Fenway and having Kaz pitching fairly well at Fenway was the main consideration, maybe the only one. You think?

Anyway it seems a little crazy for the Sawks Nation to be ??'ng any move Joe Maddon makes while they are down to his team 3-1 and facing elimination. As they say, check the scoreboard.

GO RAYS!!!!

COCOA CRISP IS A LITTLE PUNK ASSED BITCH

THIS IS A CARRY-OVER FROM WHEN CRISP GOES IN HARD AGAINST IWAMURA

He goes in hard against Rays 2B Akinori Iwamura, when he's actually pissed off at Rays SS Jason Bartlett for blocking the base earlier in the game.

Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon felt Crisp "intentionally" tried to hurt Rays second baseman Akinori Iwamura with a hard slide when he was caught stealing.

Crisp said he was upset with shortstop Jason Bartlett, not Iwamura, after Bartlett put his knee down in front of the bag on Crisp's successful steal in the sixth Wednesday, saying he sprained his left thumb on a headfirst slide.

Ouch!!! He hurt his little thumb did he? Awwww poor little Cocoa Puff. He hurt his itty, bitty little thumb and his mommy is not around to kiss it and make it better. Go find your sister Cream of Wheat and see if maybe she can put a little sugar on it, baby.

So anyway, instead of being patient and picking his spot to get even with Barrett, or having one of his pitchers send Mr. Bartlett a "message" concealed inside a pitch, he takes liberties with the most passive Ray on the team.

And then acts surprised when James Shields does the right thing by protecting his guy. It's not like Acki can go in hard against the Sawks CF now can they?

My man Jonny Gomes apparently lands a couple on Crisp's sorry ass noggin after he and Shields exchange shadow punches. My new Rays hero.



This just goes to show that the Rays are for real. The Yanks and the Sawks best beware and are on notice. The fact that they are expending their energy on the Rays shows that they've arrived on the scene.

Hopefully, this will provide a boost for the Rays down the road.

This is just another reason for me to hate the Sawks. And most everything else Boston lately.

This is really going to make the NBA Finals tough on us here.

Let's see, Celtics or Kobe?
Celtics or Kobe?

I don't know, I'm going to have to get back to you on that one.

BONDS TO THE SAWKS??

FROM THE SPORTS LAW BLOG:
http://sports-law.blogspot.com/2008/06/will-red-sox-sign-barry-bonds.html

Will the Red Sox Sign Barry Bonds?

With David Ortiz out at least a month with a wrist injury, there is speculation that the defending World Series Champions Boston Red Sox might consider signing the still-unsigned Barry Bonds to be the team's designated hitter.

If the move happens, it would almost certainly signal that the Bonds collusion conspiracy--that MLB teams tacitly agreed to not sign Bonds this season--was untrue.
----------------------------------------------------
“If the move happens, it would almost certainly signal that the Bonds collusion conspiracy--that MLB teams tacitly agreed to not sign Bonds this season--was untrue.”

Even better, take the counter argument. If the move does NOT happen, does that then not provide at the minimum, prima facie evidence that the collusion conspiracy theory WAS true? Can’t have it both ways my friends.

The Yankees need LH power hitting help badly and sign Ben Broussard??? Are you kidding me?

The Tigers and Mariners would rather see their pre-season playoff hopes go down the drain then sign B-POPE??

The Rays and the A's would rather see their surprising chances to make the playoffs this year melt in the summer heat than pad their roster?

Not sure who the front-runner is anymore but this leaves the following teams with both the baseball need and the tactical reason to sign Bonds:

Red Sox
Yankees
Rays
A’s
Tigers
Mariners

And nobody has signed him yet? When has that ever happened in baseball history, when a proven player is available and multiple teams with a reason to sign the guy and yet he still went unsigned?

If the Sawks are in such a dire position that they would consider THE MOVE, then doesn't that at least require that the Yankees go into their "I'll take Charlie Weaver to block mode"?

Further, you could almost make the same argument about the Angels if the A's were a serious suitor. And if the Cardinals stay within shouting distance of the Cubs or within serious range of a wild-card spot, why wouldn't Tony LaRussa go back to Cardinals management with a personnel requisition form with BLB's name on it?

2008 AL East Preview

PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH:
Boston Red Sox
New York Yankees
Tampa Bay Rays
Toronto Blue Jays
Baltimore Orioles

Red Sox and Yankees battle it out throughout the season, with the eventual difference between the two coming down to who can avoid or adjust to injuries to key players, especially Papelbon and Rivera. The Rays shake off the name Devil and the move pays dividends as the perpetual rebuilding with youth finally pays dividends. Joe Maddon becomes a cult figure and an early candidate for manager of the year. The Blue Jays and Orioles try to retool around some questionable contracts and battle for the basement.

Boston Red Sox
Pitching - Josh Beckett and Curt Schilling begin to show wear and tear. Tim Wakefield should be pitching until he's 50 something. Daisuke Matsuzaka is the wild card for this team. If he has a great year, they cruise, if he struggles, either Jon Lester or Clay Bucholz will have to step in and produce, and both are ready. Jonathan Pepelbon, Hideki Okajima and Mike Timlin are as deep and effective a bullpen as any in the league.

Lineup - Jason Varitek holds down the catching slot, Doug Mirabelli becomes a luxury the Sox feel they can't afford until Wakefield lobs 4 or 5 passed balls by his replacement and then he'll be back. Kevin Youkilis 1B and Mike Lowell 3B on the corners are perfect for the Green Monster. Julio Lugo SS struggles at times but Dustin Pedroia 2B became an overnight sensation, with Alex Cora backing up. Sean Casey provides bench strength. David Ortiz seemingly can DH for another ten years. The only question in the outfield is when Jacoby Ellsbury takes over for Coco Crisp in CF. The over/under is Opening Day. J.D. Drew in RF and Manny Ramirez in LF are firmly entrenched. Bobby Kielty provides back-up along with Crisp, until he's dealt.

Prospects - Clay Bucholz RHP and Michael Bowden RHP, a local product from Waubonsie Valley, both appear to be ready to join the starting rotation. Jacoby Ellsbury CF will add speed to the lineup. Justin Masterson RHP could be a Derek Lowe-clone. Jed Lowrie IF is said to remind scouts of Dustin Pedroia.

New York Yankees
Pitching - Strong and becoming more of a balanced mix between veterans and youth. Chien-Ming Wang, Andy Pettitte and Mike Mussina continue to be the top three. Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy battle for the final two spots. Mariano Rivera continues to hold on to the closer spot. Kyle Farnsworth and LaTroy Hawkins will set up and close in spots where Rivera needs a break. Kei Igawa and Jeff Karstens provide depth, while Carl Pavano is still around to provide comic relief.

Lineup - Jorge Posada is still solid, bordering on spectacular as a hitter (20-90-.338) Jason Giambi 1B (14 HR's) and Alex Rodriguez 3B (54 HR's) provide power from the corners, Robinson Cano 2B (.332) and Derek Jeter SS (.322) hit for average, while providing occasional pop. The outfield mix is mainly provided by Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui in LF Melky Cabrera in CF and Bobby Abreu in RF. Shelley Duncan backs up here and for Giambi at 1B. Wilson Betemit is the infield depth. The DH spot is rotated between tghe LF-1B platoon spots.

Prospects - The furture is now for RHP's Phillip Hughes and Joba Chamberlain. RHP Ian Kennedy flies under the radar, but can pitch. Dellin Betances RHP (19 years old) is 6-9 and touches 98 MPH. Good combination. OF Austin Jackson (20) is a year or two away, but a potential five-tool talent. OF Jose Tabata (19) can hit.

Tampa Bay Rays
Pitching - This area could finally be turning into a strength. Scott Kazmir, James Shields and former Twins Matt Garza should be a strong top three. Andy Sonnanstine seems to have a leg up on the fourth sport for now. J.P. Howell and Jef Niemann should crowd out talented, but non-productive, Edwin Jackson. The bullpen adds veteran Troy Percival to close, moving Al Reyes to set up and spot closing duties. Veteran Dan Wheeler can set-up.

Lineup - The offense can put up runs. Dioner Navarro C needs to hit a bit more. Shawn Riggins will be the backup. Carlos Pena 1B (46-121-.282) had a monster year. Rookie phenom Evan Longoria may step in at 3B. Akinori Iwamura moves to 2B and Twins import Jason Bartlett will stabilize the SS position. The outfield is loaded with superstar Carl Crawford in LF B.J. Upton in CF and Jonny Gomes in RF. Cliff Floyd will fill in, pinch-hit and DH. Willy Aybar provides depth in the IF with SS prospects Ben Zobrist and Reid Brignac.

Prospects - Other than the aforementioned Evan Longoria at 3B, an early favorite for ROY, there's Reid Brignac at SS and the pitching, oh the pitching!!! If LHP's Jacob McGee, #1 Draft Pick David Price and RHP's Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann progress as expected, this club will be well-stocked for many year. All could be top of the rotation starters.

Toronto Blue Jays
Pitching - Roy Halliday, A.J. Burnett and Dustin McGowan are as good as anybody when healthy. After that it's anyone's guess, but it will be a RHP. Blue Jays could use a southpaw. Shaw Marcum and Jess Litsch should round out the starting staff. B.J. Ryan and Jeremy Accardo are strong in the bullpen. Ryan needs to stay healthy.

Lineup - Gregg Zaun is OK behind the dish. Sal Fasano is the backup straight out of central casting. Lyle Overbay 1B and newly acquired Scott Rolen 3B both both need to have stronger years. Rolen battles back from injuries, a common theme north of the border. Aaron Hill 2B and former Cardinal David Eckstein SS patrol the middle of the diamond. Marco Scutaro provides the fans an opportunity to develop creative chants.
Frank Thomas will be the full-time DH. Vernon Wells is a stud in CF. Alex Rios RF may be another one. Reed Johnson in LF may share time with Matt Stairs. EEK!!!

Prospects - Robinson Diaz C can hit, he has to prove he can catch. Travis Snider OF (20) is a year or two away. LHP Brett Cecil is needed this year, but may have to wait.

Baltimore Orioles
Pitching - Daniel Cabrera (9-18) is their best, his record should be the opposite. Jeremy Guthrie is average, but he's number a number two here. Adam Loewen pitched thirty innings last year, pencil him in as the #3 starter. Steve Trachsel may challenge for a starting slot. Are we sensing a theme here? This team stinks. Hayden Penn (16 saves may start) and George Sherrill (3 saves with Seattle) will lead the bullpen, for no particular reason. Ex-Ray Danys Baez (0-6 last year) may have to regian his D-Ray form. That's how bad it is in Baltimore. Reliance on former D-Ray castoffs to produce is a recipe for disaster.

Lineup - Ramon Hernandez is a journeyman catcher. Kevin Millar cowboys up at 1B with Melvin Mora 3B hoping to regain his 2006 form. Brian Roberts is an All-Star at 2B, therefore he has to go. Freddie Bynum backs him up and hopes for the trade. Luis Hernandez takes over for Miguel Tejada at SS. That's a brilliant trade-off. Luke Scott LF comes over from the Astros (18-64-.255) Adam Jones may be the starting CF, if not him, then back-up Tike Redman plays. Your staring center fielder may be named Tike?? Nick Markakis (23-112-.300) is a future star in RF, at which point, he will escape this moribund franchise. I pity the players, the fans, and their families that they are trapped in this baseball hell. The over/under on the fans protesting the Angelos regime is the All-Star break.

Prospects - As Mr. T said in Rocky II, "PAIN". Matt Wieters C (21) can flat out rake, a future all-star catcher. After that, not so much. Could be the most painful franchise to watch in the majors, along with the Giants.

Quote - We kept looking up and it kept being the fourth inning.

That quote is just priceless. THIS IS WHY I WILL ALWAYS PREFER THE NL OVER THE AL.

Not because of the DH, although it's got to be a factor, it's the style of play, the overall philosophy and the emphasis on the small ball features of the game like bunting, moving guys over, take out slides in the middle of double plays, etc.

Nothing personifies it as much as this comment from Sportsfilter.com regarding the Boston Marathon, er the Yankee - Red Sox games yesterday.

http://www.sportsfilter.com/comments.cfm/7512
August 19, 2006
"We kept looking up and it kept being the fourth inning." : In the longest 9-inning game in major league history, the Yankees take 4 hours and 45 minutes to seal a 14-11 victory over the Red Sox. The game was the nightcap of a double-header that added up to 8 hours and 40 minutes of baseball, 41 runs, 61 hits, and 18 different pitchers.

Wonder how lively they'll be in this afternoon's game?

DEADLINE DEALS - WINNERS AND LOSERS

WINNER - Tigers / Sean Casey - He goes from the moribund Pirates to the penthouse Tigers overnight. Folks, that's like going to bed with Rosanne Barr and waking up with Anna Kournikova. Big winner. Where does one sign up for a deal like that?

LOSER - Devil Rays Fans - bye, bye Aubrey Huff, bye, bye Julio Lugo. Hello, uh who?? This team continues to cry financial poor mouth year after year while forcing it's fans to endure a product that must make the few fans who attend want to stick sewing needles into their eyeballs on a nightly basis. These thieves make an estimated $90 million in revenues annually, while spending, what $30 million in salaries. Insane. And year after year they trade what few talented players they have for somebody elses maybes. They should have been contracted, failing that, they should be beaten like the dogs they are. The new owners are as big a bunch of crooks as the old bunch with a better PR department.

LOSER - Giants - After sticking thier heads above .500 and into the NL West lead for what, one day, the geriatric Giants gagged in the rarified air and crawled back under the oxygen tent to die. Like Punksatawnee Phil these ground hogs saw their shadows and ran for cover like a bunch of pansies. Sabean sucks. Pick up another Sidney Ponson to drive a stake further into your fans hearts you fricking loser. I wish someone would fungo bat his head into McCovey's Cove. It might bob to the surface with more IQ points.

LOSER - Houston - We do have a problem. The Clemens dividend is not paying off, beacuse the anemic offense problem was band-aid-on-a-gunshot-blast fixed with Devil Rays Aubrey Huff.
You can't ask a former Devil Ray to uplift a competitive franchise. I just got done telling you the Rays are to competitive what Paris Hilton is to chastity. Rememeber that analogy, it will be on your next SAT or Wunderlic test for sure. Pissed off star pitchers Brad Lidge and Roy Oswalt by dangling them in trade discussons, with Lidge allegedly ordered to be traded by owner Dreyton McLane. The Clemens life raft to Boston was loaded with provisions and ready for sail but this time the owner couldn't pull the trigger. What a mess this clubhouse could become down the stretch.

WINNER - Mets Fans - Omar Minaya is the darling among GM's right now. One of his relievers goes down in a ill-timed Miami cab driver accident, (what a surprise, they always seemed to emphasize safety when I was there, right after good hygiene) and he goes right out and gets Roberto Hernandez from the Pirates in addition to LHP Oliver Perez. I know what your thinking, but Slav, Roberto was an ex-DRay. Yes, he was students, but he's far enough removed that the jinx has had more than enough time to wear off. He should help at least as much as passenger car dummy Dionar Sanchez.

WINNER - Yankees - Abreu??? are you kidding me, just keep loading All-Star after All-Star onto the payroll. If they ever all get healthy at the same time even Joe Torre won't be able to figure out what to do with all the bats. P.S. - does Abreu pitch? Ah, who cares when you can score two touchdowns per game. Ron Guidry could start in a pinch and win some games for them. And he might have to.

LOSER - Dodgers - DRay Lugo and museum piece Maddux for prospects. Talk about mortgaging the future to win now. And they might not win now. Or ever, if this organizational leadership continues. Ned Colletti must have rubbed against Giants GM Brian Sabean one too many times in the owners suite. Stupid is as stupid does.

LOSER - Red Sox - Snooze you lose sucker. Many logs in the fire, but apparently no matches.

LOSER - White Sox - Stand pat, while Tigers improve, while Twins don't make a panic move that would mortgage their future. Could end up in third in the division and/or out of the wild card hunt pretty quickly. Whatever spark they had was extinguished early in the season. This team needed a pilot light. Kenny Williams didn't find it. Minor league system doesn't have it, bench doesn't have it. One shot wonders.

LOSERS - Cubs?? - No way, only if the beer runs out at Wrigley, they extend Dusty Baker, Kerry Wood and/or Mark Prior. If the extensions flow, the beer needs to be a much stronger brand for next year.

We'll see in 60 days or so who turns these moves into magic.