Here Today... Gone To Hell!

Here's the new thread for the 2013 season!

Because it's almost Jan 1st and pitchers and catchers report in about 7 weeks. :)

Looks like Swish signed a deal with the Indians (and they are overpaying him!)

Looks like Ibanez signed a one year deal with Seattle (his original team).

A log on the Yankee Hot Stove for Tim and pilf:

http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/31753/never-count-out-the-new-york-yankees

Sad news from St Louis this, the greatest player in Cardinal history is gone.

Stan "The Man" Musial has passed away this evening at 92.

"Baseball's perfect warrior, baseball's perfect knight".

Wow.  Earl Weaver passed away today too.

God bless their souls. RIP

The consummate sportsman and gentleman.  In addition to being married to one woman for 72 years, he still holds the following records:

Total Bases - Left Handed Batter: 6134
Home Runs - All Star Game: 6
Home Runs - Doubleheader: 5 (tied)
Doubles/Triples - Only player to record 50 Doubles and 20 Triples in same season
Offensive Categories - All time League Leader in Different Offensive Categories: 16
Most seasons to lead the league in Doubles: 8 (tied)
Most seasons to lead the league in Extra Base Hits: 7 (tied)
Most consecutive seasons (3.1 PA) with Batting Average .300+: 16
Most seasons (3.1 PA) with Batting Average .300+: 17 (tied)
Most consecutive seasons (3.1 PA) from first year in majors to record a .300+ BA: 16
Most consecutive seasons (3.1 PA) to Slug .500+: 15
Most seasons (3.1 PA) to record On Base Percentage of .400 or better 14 (tied)
Most 5 Hit games in a season: 4 (tied)
Most consecutive seasons (3.1 PA) to Strike Out 40 or fewer times: 16
Most seasons to lead league in Runs Created: 9 (tied)
Most consecutive seasons to lead NL in in Runs Created: 6
Most consecutive seasons to lead ML in runs created: 4
Most consecutive seasons to record 30+ Doubles: 16
Most consecutive seasons to record double-digit Doubles: 21 (tied)
Most consecutive seasons to record double-digit Triples and Home Runs: 7 (tied)
Most seasons (3.1 PA) to record .300+ BA / .400+ OBP / .500+ SLG: 14
All-time highest Fielding Percentage - 2500+ games in the field: .989

May 2nd 1954 - my late father was a young man in the stands that day, what a memory.

Stan was Dad's all time favorite player and had the pleasure to spend some time with The Man in St Louis at Stan's restaraunt in the early 70's.

Dad's admiration for Stan was the reason I wore #6 through my 11 years in organized baseball.

Blockbuster trade today.

Braves get Justin Upton in big deal
ESPN.com news services

PHOENIX -- Arizona has traded outfielder Justin Upton to the Atlanta Braves in a seven-player deal that sends former All-Star infielder Martin Prado to the Diamondbacks.

The Braves also get third baseman Chris Johnson. Atlanta is giving up four minor leaguers in the deal, including top pitching prospect Randy Delgado. The other minor leaguers headed to Arizona are right-hander Zeke Spruill, shortstop Nick Ahmed and first baseman Brandon Drury. Prado, projected to play third base for the Diamondbacks, can become a free agent after this season.

Trade Details

The Braves and Diamondbacks have completed a seven-player trade. Here's where everyone is headed.
Atlanta Braves Get
Justin Upton OF
Chris Johnson 3B
Arizona Diamondbacks Get
Randall Delgado P
Martin Prado INF
Nick Ahmed SS
Brandon Drury 3B
Zeke Spruill P

Upton, who has five-plus major league seasons but still is just 25 years old, will join older brother B.J. Upton, who recently signed a free agent contract with Atlanta. The younger Upton, who has three years and $38.5 million left on his contract, had been the subject of trade speculation throughout the offseason and vetoed a trade to the Seattle Mariners.

"Bittersweet day for me. So happy to get the chance to play with my brother in Atlanta but will miss the city and the fans here in Phoenix," Upton said in a tweet.

Prado, who joins fellow Venezuelan Miguel Montero in Arizona, made the All-Star team in 2010 as a second baseman and played mostly in left field last season. A versatile infielder, Prado was projected to move to third base for the Braves this season to replace the retired Chipper Jones.

Diamondbacks President Derrick Hall said via Twitter that the team wants to sign Prado to a long-term deal.

"This is the type of player we want in our lineup," he wrote.

The Braves didn't re-sign center fielder and leadoff hitter Michael Bourn and Prado, the No. 2 hitter behind Bourn, had been a candidate to hit leadoff. Shortstop Andrelton Simmons now is expected to assume that role. Simmons hit .289 with a .335 on-base percentage in 49 games as a rookie last season.

Arizona had accumulated a glut of outfielders, signing Cody Ross as a free agent last month. Upton was the most marketable.

More From ESPN.com

The pairing of Justin and B.J. Upton in the same Braves outfield will be a fascinating thing to watch in 2013, writes Jayson Stark. Story

Every day must be marvelous when brothers are teammates on the same team. The Upton brothers will get to experience that, writes Tim Kurkjian. Story

Keith Law says the Diamondbacks didn't do as well as they could've in trading Justin Upton to the Braves. Blog Insider

? Vote: Braves favorite?
? Stats & Info: Elite company

Upton, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 draft, raced through the minors and came up to the big league club in August 2007 at age 19. He made the NL All-Star team in 2009 and 2011.

Upton has played five full major league seasons, so his best years could well be ahead of him. Last season, he hit .280 with 17 home runs and 67 RBIs but did score a career-high 107 runs. In 2011, while helping Arizona to its surprising NL West crown, Upton hit .289, with 31 home runs and 88 RBIs -- the latter two categories are career bests -- and finished fourth in NL MVP voting. Overall, he's a career .278 hitter with 108 home runs, 739 hits, 147 doubles and 80 stolen bases.

Delgado, a 23-year-old right-hander, had been expected to challenge for a spot in the Braves rotation. His acquisition bolsters the young pitching depth in Arizona depleted by the trade of Trevor Bauer. Delgado was 4-9 with a 4.37 ERA in 18 appearances, 17 as a starter, for the Braves. Rated Atlanta's No. 3 prospect by Baseball America the past two years, he was 4-3 with a 4.06 ERA with Triple-A Gwinett last season.

The trade leaves Arizona with three veteran outfielders -- Ross, Jason Kubel and Gerardo Parra -- along with two youngsters the team feels are ready for the majors -- Adam Eaton and A.J. Pollock. General manager Kevin Towers has praised Eaton's potential as a center fielder and leadoff hitter.

Johnson was acquired by the Diamondbacks on July 29 from Houston and batted .286 with seven doubles, seven home runs and 35 RBIs in 44 games with Arizona. In Atlanta, he could platoon at third with Juan Francisco.

"Really enjoyed my time in Arizona," Johnson said in a tweet. "Thank you to the Diamondbacks organization and fans for your hospitality!"

Information from The Associated Report was used in this report.

MLB Network "Remembers Stan Musial" tonight at 8 CST hosted by Bob Costas and Tom Verducci.

Thousands paid respects today at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis at the public memorial with the funeral this Saturday being broadcast live on MLB.com at 11am.

All four networks in STL along with Fox Sports Midwest will be broadcasting the Musial funeral tomorrow morning at 11am.

Bob Costas will be delivering the eulogy with representatives from the White House, all 30 major league teams, Bud Selig and a multitude of living HOF'ers including Hank Aaron and Willie Mays in attendance.

The funeral procession will stop at the Musial statue at Busch Stadium before a private burial.

Massive outpouring of respect for The Man nationwide, incredible.

Budweiser has been running the following tribute on all media formats over the last few days, awesome.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BBP2md6CEAAZKUx.jpg:large)

Bob Costas eulogizing The Man - perfection.

http://fox2now.com/2013/01/26/bob-costas-gives-emotional-eulogy-for-musial/

The St Louis Blues wearing these jerseys tonight in honor of Stan The Man - very cool.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BBo3hpBCQAExHTT.jpg)

A-Roid may miss the entire season according to Cashman.

That may be a blessing in disguise for the Yankees.  Only problem is, I don't see Youkilis making it through the entire season at 3B.  Not even close in fact.  Will age finally catch up with the Yankees, at least with their position players?  They still have pretty good pitching though, so I'd expect them to be in the mix.

In more ridiculous news, Carl Pavano lacerates his spleen shoveling snow when he fell and had to have it removed. Only this idiot could seriously hurt himself shoveling snow.

In more ways than one:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/alex-rodriguez-is-the-biggest-name-in-a-new-ped-report-that-could-rival-balco-143803741.html

He's already denying it of course and if he is guilty it sure isn't helping him in October.

Does any of this (names nonwithstanding) surprise anyone anymore?

As Patrick Swayze as "Dalton" in "Roadhouse" said.

"It's going to get worse before it gets better"

Yes, I just quoted Patrick Swayze from Roadhouse. :D

Nope and HGH is gonna continue to be a problem until the testing is better. Starting this season they are testing in season and not just spring training. We'll see if that catches more people.

It will.

The hammer is gonna drop and drop hard - alot are going to go down and no name will surprise me.

And i'm glad. It needs to happen. They need to get this shit out of sports period.

According to the story on ESPN Nelson Cruz, Gio Gonzalez and Melky Cabrera are also on the list.

A lot of players on teams we care about are going to be implicated, this is just another tip to another iceberg.

Can you imagine if "real" testing with "real" penalties ever was put in place in the NFL?

3/4 of the league would get busted.

Yep, i don't understand why other leagues aren't following Baseball's lead. In football i think it would be extremely beneficial. Do you realize how many injuries would be avoided if they really got tough on these players who are getting outrageously fast and big.

NFL football is the absolute dirtiest league on the planet - it's look away and count the $$.

Just as the "Chicks dig the long ball" culture of baseball, "Chicks dig the big hits" in football.

Deterent?

1 positive test - 1 year.

2nd positive test - lifetime ban.

That about sums it up. As long as everyone is getting filthy rich its ok if everyone is using something in the NFL.

That would certainly help. I'm sure there would still be some that would try it though. Look at Baseball the third time is a lifetime ban but you're still seeing players who have been caught twice. Losing a whole year for first offense and their career for the second i think would go a long way in deterring this.

I think it would help but someone's always going to try and get ahead of the game then when the game catches up - find a loophole in the process.

Ryan Braun had enough testosterone in his body to lap the field in the Tour 'de France and got away with it.

He won't be the last.

Buster Olney is speculating that the Yanks will cut ties with Rodriguez.

They're trying their hardest to have his contract voided, but I don't think they're going to be too successful in that venture.  There was a pretty good chance he wasn't going to give them too much bang for the enormous bucks he's owed, but now that looks like a certainty.

The "Olney" way that's going to happen is if they cut him and eat $114 million.

The contract void or recouping $$ from his insured contract are both highly unlikely scenarios.

On a better subject..

MLB Network is running there annual Top 50 Prospects Special right now, good stuff.

And the Top 100:

http://www.mlb.com/mlb/prospects/watch/y2013/

Agreed, i don't see a snowball's chance in hell they find a way out of it.

There's one other way:

Convince A-rod to retire.

I think that has a snowballs chance in hell, too. But probably a better chance than voiding the contract.

I'm OK with Arods days as a Yank being done....I made peace with that at the end of last season when it looked like they were going to get him out of town via trade or whatever because of production.  They're going to have to eat a good part of his contract if he continues to play and they want him out of NYC (or, at least, off the Yanks).

Now, Arod is denying it in the strongest way possible.  Not that I believe him.....largely, I don't...but I do want to see how this plays out.  Drug dealers aren't super reliable sources, either.  Sad that I'd trust the word of the dealer any more than Arods...but I do (if only a bit more) so there you go.

In A-Rod's defense.  If he WAS using HGH, or other assorted PED's the last few years, they certainly didn't work too well.  His production slipped greatly, as did his health.  Isn't that what HGH is used to prevent?  I'd use that as a defense If I was him.   :peace:

At the very least he needs a better dealer.

I think it's much closer to 4/4.  If there are performance enhancing substances that the NFL does not test for, I can't imagine that anyone is abstaining for the sake of being a boy scout.  Too much pressure, too much money at stake and maybe too dangerous to put yourself out there without PED assistance to get obliterated by the steroids-fueled opponents. 

I think you're probably right George, the NFL makes the US Postal Service Cycling Team look like it raced virtually "clean"...

Little bit of other Yankee news:

They've apparently signed Travis Haffner to a 1 year deal, low base salary, with max value about 2 million.  He's supposed to fill the role Ibanez was SUPPOSED to fill last year (platoon DH) before Gardner got hurt.  Can't say I'm ecstatic about that move...but, it's not terrible.

Looks like the Yanks are planning to start with Austin Romine (their top catching prospect) in AAA...which means, I guess, the plan is for Cervelli and Stewart to catch.  That's going to hurt.....Could maybe Girardi come out of retirement, instead?  Or maybe try to convince Pudge Rodriguez to come out of retirement.

The Miami/ARod thing is getting uglier, here's the latest:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2013/02/01/alex-rodriguez-miami-clinic-performance-enhancing-drugs-mlb/1883861/

A major announcement today coming down from the Cards today at 1:30 PM - pitching related and not good is the early word.

Speculation is it's the possible retirement announcement of Chris Carpenter.

Carp's likely done.

On the DL for now but will not pitch in '13 - $12.5 million left on the table if retirement is chosen.

The most significant starting pitcher in Cards history since Bob Fucking Gibson.

More names from the "Miami Balco" have surfaced and I'll be damned - Ryan Braun's on the list:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ryan-braun-s-name-listed-in-biogenesis-clinic-records-235650670.html

Braun? NO WAY! /sarcasm.

Looks like Yanks Catcher Francisco Cervelli is also on the list.

Which, of course, begs the question: If Cervelli was using....they were either the worst PEDs on the planet or PED's, in general, don't really help you when you're already a marginal player.

I saw he came out and explained the situation, but it wouldn't be the first time an unexpecting guy got busted.  Reference Manny Alexander of the Red Sox from years back.  They caught the wrong Manny at the time.  You would've never guessed him to be on the juice.  It certainly didn't show on the field.

How do you explain A-Rod then? He certainly isn't a marginal player and if he's been using the last 2 years or so they certainly aren't doing him any good.

Four options:

1) They were the worst PED's in the world.
2) A-rod has BECOME a marginal player (I find this hard to swallow).  Age has robbed him of his "Centaur-ness".
3) His degenerative/genetic hip issue was a "PED-proof" injury.  By that, I mean that nothing he could take would "fix" the loss in range of motion brought on by the continuous degeneration of his hip....except fixing the hip (maybe).  The PED's could help him (over) compensate, to some extent, short term.  But not forever.  There's only so much that increased muscle mass and growth can do....and help improve range of motion in a ball/socket joint isn't on the list.
4) He's not lying when he says he doesn't know the guy (again, I find this one hard to swallow).

I think #3 is the likely candidate...with number 1 being second most likely.

Here's my wildly speculative, unfounded, what if theory:

Arod noticed a profound drop in bat speed and range of motion early in 2009.  He turned (again) to PED's to "correct" something he thought was probably father time sneaking in.  It worked, short term.  But, as years went on, it stopped being as effective.  So he increased his regimen.  Then he got hurt, and he turned to PED's to get better faster.  And got hurt again.  And continued.  He created a cycle where the PEDs were partially masking the effects of the REAL hip issue...but as the issue got worse, the PEDs had less of an obvious effect.

Finally, even the PEDs couldn't mask the injury....and A-rod likely thought it was father time and body abuse as the culprit.  I bet he had quite the "ah-ha" moment when his hip injury was ultimately diagnoses for what it was.  And quiet the "oh shit" moment when he realized that, likely, his PED use delayed diagnosis of the same.

But that's just my wild theory....probably complete bollocks.

I would be you're right that the hip issue had a major part in it. I guess we'll see what happens when he's recovered from this injury. That is assuming he's not suspended if they can prove he used. That's one of the crappy things for MLB in this situation. With the exception of Cabrera and Braun none of these guys have failed a test. So suspending them will be hard.

In more positive baseball news, King Felix has been signed to an extension by the Mariners. The deal reportedly is for 7 years and $175 million.

Funny, because it's true.  And the guy is supposed to recover just fine.

http://boston.barstoolsports.com/random-thoughts/sox-prospect-shoots-himself-in-the-leg-cleaning-his-gun/

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) ? Boston Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington says outfield prospect Bryce Brentz accidentally shot himself in the leg last month, but could recover in time to play in spring training. Cherington said Saturday that Brentz was cleaning the gun went it went off. The bullet passed through Brentz?s left leg. Cherington said Brentz wasn?t doing anything illegal. The GM said the team had talked to the 24-year-old about the accident. Brentz was a first-round draft pick by the Red Sox in 2010. He hit a combined .290 with 17 home runs and 76 RBIs last season in Double-A and Triple-A.

The Sox 2013 season is off to a fiery start! Pretty much the only good thing you could say about the team last year was ?Well at least none of them have been stupid enough to shoot themselves in the leg while cleaning a loaded gun.? Crossed that one off the list early this time out. Only place you can go from rock bottom is up, I guess.

 

Big question is how much do you think Lucchino sells this bullet for once Brentz makes the big league roster?

Carpenter not "retiring" but it still doesn't sound like a return is possible.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/spring2013/story/_/id/8936579/spring-training-2013-chris-carpenter-st-louis-cardinals-given-hope-pitch-again

Alex Rodriguez's Greatest Loss Could be His Yankee Legacy

In October, 2006, Sports Illustrated published a book that included stunning oversized photographs and pictorials that fondly celebrated our National Pastime. ?The Baseball Book? paid homage to the legends and every day ball players that have defined the game for well over a century. Whether it was a promotional tool or a motivation to sell more books, Sports Illustrated assembled 22 baseball experts and presented them with the enviable task of selecting an all star team for the ages. The parameters were rather basic in nature: seven starting pitchers, two closers, two catchers, seven infielders, seven outfielders, two coaches and one manager. To commemorate the special occasion, photo illustrator Aaron Goodman created a visual masterpiece that was included in the book as well as the cover of the magazine.

On a recent trip to the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center, Goodman?s piece of art is prominently displayed amongst Berra?s World Series rings, Most Valuable Player Awards and other priceless artifacts. The photo depicting Sports Illustrated?s all-time roster congregating in a dugout allows one?s imagination to run wild. We can envision Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Jackie Robinson and Mariano Rivera as teammates. As you stand in awe and gaze at the exquisite attention to detail in Goodman?s work, you can?t help but notice the inclusion of Alex Rodriguez and Roger Clemens in the photo.

Opinions regarding Clemens and Rodriguez have changed dramatically since the fall of 2006. While Clemens has spent the better part of the past five years ardently defending himself and his career achievements in a court of law, Rodriguez is about to embark upon another turbulent journey through the court of public opinion in an attempt to restore authenticity to a career that has been once again tainted by serious accusations. A path to redemption seems unlikely at the present moment and Rodriguez?s future within the game could be considered nebulous at best. The accusations alone are so damning that people are unwilling to give Rodriguez the benefit of the doubt.

Over the past week, rumors and allegations have engulfed the embattled slugger as he is at the epicenter of an investigation that could potentially become the east coast?s version of BALCO. Much to Rodriguez?s dismay, this matter isn?t going away anytime soon. It seems as if a new ball player each day either confirms a relationship with Anthony Bosch and Biogenesis or is rumored to have been associated with the controversial figure and his defunct company. Whether it?s Ryan Braun, Francisco Cervelli, Jesus Montero or Jhonny Peralta, Rodriguez is not alone in baseball?s latest episode with deviant behaviors and morally challenged individuals.

As is the customary standard operating procedure when it comes to crisis management for any public figure, Rodriguez has secured the services of a high profile attorney (Roy Black) and public relations firm (Sitrick and Company). Even with these immensely skilled and well compensated experts working on behalf of Rodriguez, his image and relationship with the New York Yankees is irrevocably broken. On top of that, the statement released by Rodriguez?s representatives after the Miami New Times article became public knowledge used one word that could lead to further scrutiny: ?never.? He never was a patient of Bosch?s nor was he advised or treated by him. Rodriguez?s flat out denial of any relationship with Bosch could mark the beginning of the end to his baseball career with the Yankees.

The Yankees are an iconic brand that not only provides ancillary revenue streams for ball players of profound distinction upon retirement, but it is also synonymous with prestige and prominence. At times, it?s quite difficult to quantify the true value of what it means to be associated with the Yankees in any capacity. While not everyone that has donned the uniform will richly benefit in the same manner, the immortals of the pinstripes are handsomely rewarded for meritorious careers and achievements of distinction. In truth, you have reached the apex of the profession if your legacy rests comfortably next to the likes of Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Berra and Mantle.  Besides the obvious retirement of a jersey number and a plaque or monument erected in center field, the Yankees can provide new career opportunities as well. Jobs in broadcasting, managing, coaching, or even front office positions throughout the organization have been filled by former ball players. There is an undeniable cachet being affiliated with the Yankees.

If the mounting allegations against Rodriguez are ever proven to be true, the Yankees will undoubtedly explore several options and alternatives when it comes to terminating all aspects of their relationship with the often-injured third baseman. In a recent conversation with Fred Wilpon, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the New York Mets, he honestly shared his opinion on the Rodriguez matter.  If he were in the position of the Steinbrenner family, Wilpon would do everything legally and morally possible to negate Rodriguez?s contract if it was determined that he had indeed violated the rules.

While Rodriguez will probably enjoy a luxurious lifestyle with financial security for the rest of his life, the days after his baseball career could be filled with guilt, remorse and loneliness. Separation from the game of baseball in some capacity seems highly probable. Exclusions from Old Timers? Day and other Yankee-related functions will become commonplace and Rodriguez will never receive the universal love and acceptance from the fans that he has so desperately craved since his arrival in 2004. A permanent home in Monument Park and ceremonies honoring Rodriguez?s accomplishments will regretfully elude him and he will suffer the inevitable fate of being persona non grata throughout baseball.

Tim Elfrink?s article in the Miami New Times last week is just the tip of the iceberg for Rodriguez and several other ball players. Since it is far too early in Major League Baseball?s investigation to properly assess the degree of involvement between Biogenesis and several ball players, we are left to ponder the potential penalties and repercussions. However, one thing is for certain: the 50 game suspensions are not deterring ball players from cheating. Former Major League Baseball Commissioner Fay Vincent has expressed a great desire to implement a lifetime ban and to place cheaters on the permanently ineligible list. Even six-time all star Matt Holliday surprisingly supported a one year ban for first time offenders and a lifetime ban for second time offenders.

Rodriguez?s once bright star and enormous revenue capabilities for the Yankees is barely flickering at the present moment. Besides missing 101 ball games at Yankee Stadium since 2004, Rodriguez is also viewed as a topic of negativity on the YES Network. He has even seen his popularity wane in Majestic Athletic jersey sales. In 2010, Rodriguez had the ninth most popular jersey in all of baseball. By 2011, he had slipped to 15th place on the list. Sadly, he couldn?t even crack the top 20 after last year?s All Star break. All throughout this time, Derek Jeter remained in first place on each of these annual lists.

You have to seriously wonder what thoughts and questions have crossed the minds of the Yankees? executive leadership. Are they focusing on the five years and $114 million plus $3 million in signing bonus the franchise still owes Rodriguez? Are they still angry at how Rodriguez cost the Yankees a $21,304,500 subsidy from the Texas Rangers when he decided to opt out of his contract in October, 2007? Are they reflecting on the 190 games that Rodriguez has missed to date since signing the now infamous 10 year, $275 million contract in December, 2007? Or are they simply preparing for a parting of the ways? The inevitable divorce between Rodriguez and the Yankees will be costly to both parties for an extended period of time. In the long run, it will undoubtedly hurt Rodriguez in ways that go far beyond compensation and incentives.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/waynemcdonnell/2013/02/08/alex-rodriguezs-greatest-loss-could-be-his-yankee-legacy/ (http://www.forbes.com/sites/waynemcdonnell/2013/02/08/alex-rodriguezs-greatest-loss-could-be-his-yankee-legacy/)

Alex Rodriguez is a punk and I hope he never plays another game, and is denied HOF status. He has been nothing but a liar, a cheat, and a jerk since he joined the league. He has contributed nothing positive to the game since he entered the league. There are no words to express my level of disgust for this so-called human being. Other than that, I have no strong feelings.

I agree and well said. On one side you have Derek Jeter who seems to be a respectable player, a valuable ambassador for MLB, and good for the game. And than you have people like Alex Rodriguez.

Yeah A-Rod really blew it here, while I don't hate him as much as some of you I certainly have no respect for the junkie.  I used to be a huge A-Rod fan, and welcomed him with open arms when he came here, but I am done with him in my book.  Unfortunately the Yankees are nowhere near done with him thanks to that ludicrous contract they gave him.  Another reason why I am welcoming this new era of financial responsibility the Yankees are ushering in. 

As far as the PED's go, there are never guarantees.  I do personal training on the side from my regular job, and am around a lot of people who take steroids, HGH etc.  Let me tell you , there are some people that they just don't work on.  People who are not around the stuff seem to think all you do is jab a needle in your ass and you are instantly benching 500 lbs and hitting 50 homers, doesn't work that way.  I'll bet there are a bunch of MLB players who tried the stuff and either played worse or got no results at all.  It would be interesting to hear from them one day.

The one thing that always amazes me about the media and some of the fans is how clueless they are when it comes to how rampant PED use is in society, never mind in pro sports.  I can tell you with confidence that at least 80% of guys who actively work out at a gym are either on something or tried it.  Now I'm not talking about the casual gym member like the father with 3 kids who is on the treadmill a couple times a week to lose a few because his wife is busting his balls.  I am talking about the hardcore guys who lift 5-6 days a week, 80% of those guys have done something.  There were some people who said they tried it and you would NEVER in a million years guess they did, because they clearly did not work.  It doesn't just go for men either, lots of women use PED's though a much smaller percentage.

Well to that face they clearly weren't working very well for  A-Rod the last few years cause especially in the playoffs he couldn't have hit a beach ball.

It was not fun to watch.

To be clear: There was definitely no intent on the pitch...it just got away from Happ.  You could tell the guy felt terrible.

That's gonna hurt until we get him back in early May.

Jon Heyman keeps pushing the issue of the Yanks going after Alfonso Soriano for some OF help.

Not worth the 34 million the Yanks would be on the hook for over 2013 and 2014..especially considering their goal of being under 189 mill next year.

Unless, of course, the cubs want to eat 30 of that 34 million AND take some low A ball prospects, too. I can't see that happening.

It's 6 weeks of the regular season.   Get an aging vet, maybe someone who hasn't caught on a team, offer them a million or so, and let them service LF for 25 to 30 games.  It won't be pretty...but it'll be cheap and easy to cut loose come mid may.

Heck, Johnny Damon wants to play for league minimum and is perfectly OK with going home after they're done with him. 

They apparently want to find the answer in house and not sign anyone. Not sure if that's gonna work.

Yeah...I'm not sure Juan Rivera or Matt Diaz is the answer out there...

And they've ruled out Damon.

where's Bubba Crosby??

The Yankees have broken from normal protocol and have apparently offered Robinson Cano a significant offer to try and keep him from free agency.

Any ideas on the numbers Tim?

If they're gonna get something done, better get it done now.

If he gets to free agency he's gone, there's no way the Yankees will indulge the goofiness the Dodgers/Angels are likely to unleash if it gets that far.

No i haven't heard any specifics. It seems unlikely something gets done before the start of the season though unless the yankees just wow Scott Boras. I think its gonna be very difficult to keep him out of free agency knowing how Boras likes to do that to drive up the price. I wouldn't expect Cano to be any different unless he's really serious that its not about the money and tells Boras to fuck off like A-Rod did.

As Lance Berkman and Zack Greinke have said of late, it's "always about the money" - I don't expect it to be any different in Cano's case.

He's not going to tell Boras to fuck off.  This is Cano's money contract, and he's going to look for something close to what A-Rod got....10 years, 23+ million per AAV, full no trade, etc, etc.  And the thing is, he'll get somewhere close to that on the open market so the Yanks have 2 choices: Pay up or watch him walk.

Whereas before, the Yanks were often bidding against themselves....they won't be for Cano.

I say pay up. This is one guy you don't want to lose.

Apparently Brian Cashman has broken his ankle skydiving with the Golden Knights of the US Army to raise awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project. That hurts but at least he did it while doing something for a good cause

If he's looking for anything in the neighborhood of what pilf mentioned the Yanks will let him walk and will tell him not to let the door hit him on the way out.

Has anyone been watching or even cared about the WBC? I thought I might watch but it's airing times are during my sleep hours.

It sure has been nice getting home from work in the afternoons though and watching some spring training games on MLB Network.

I personally haven't bothered to watch any of the WBC at all.

I think it's because when the games are on t.v. is a big reason of my noninterest. Plus, with spring training games going right now, I seem just to rather watch those games when I can.

I watched a little of the Dominican Republic vs. the Yankees today.  Figured I had to check out the DR after their offensive display from yesterday.  That team is stacked.  It's almost unfair playing against these MLB teams who are trotting out young guys or career minor leaguers by the 4th inning.  Yanks were no hit today through like 7 innings, FWIW.  And Texeira is out of the WBC now, injuries beginning to mount for the Yankees.

Yeah Tex is out 8-10 weeks.

Same here, not 1 out.

There is a very real possibility that the Yanks will have exactly two people (Cano and Gardner), on opening day, who was in their starting lineup on opening day last year.  And the BEST case scenario, right now, has three (Cano, Granderson and Jeter).

Swisher departed for Cleveland. Replaced by Ichiro.
Granderson is injured, likely replaced by Gardner (who was in the starting line up...even though he didn't play for much of the 2012 season due to injury).
Gardner will be playing Center, LF for 2013 opening day is still TBD.
A-rod is injured, likely replaced by Kevin Youkalis (though now...maybe they shift him to first and run Nix out there at 3rd).
Jeter is returning from injury, and, while it looks likely he' will be ready for opening day, there are no assurances.  If replaced, likely by Nunez.
Cano is playing in the WBC, and will likely be at 2nd base on opening day.
Tex is injured.  1B on opening day is TBD.
Martin departed for Pittsburgh.  Likely replaced by Stewart or Cervelli.
Ibanez departed for Seattle, likely replaced by Haffner.

That's a 66.6% turnover, in the best case scenario....not a good sign.

The Cardinals are likely to be without Rafael Furcal this year as he has opted for Tommy John surgery.

People (me included) have been predicting the Yankees would start to break down for YEARS now.  Apparently it's finally starting to happen.  Though I'm not sure how much has to do with age.  Some teams just seem to get snakebit from time to time.  At least the Yankees still should have the pitching to allow them to get by while some of their key players are on the mend.  Though Phil Hughes is also dealing with an injury, but it looks like he'll be alright in a few weeks if not a few days.  But just something else to keep an eye on.  If injuries start to hit the pitching staff, then worrying can officially commence.

I'm not ready to welcome the Yankees to the bottom of the division with the Red Sox just yet.  Although at this point, I think the Blue Jays and Rays would have to be the favorites.

I think the O's, Jays, and Rays all look to be pretty good this year...though the Rays look to suffer from a lack of offense AGAIN this year, which might hold them back.  The O's are something of a mystery...I don't think there's any way they repeat what they did in one run games last  year...but I don't think last year was an anomoly.  The Jays....well, on paper, they're the best team in the AL East.  But then, Miami was, on paper, a pretty good team last year, too.  I need to see the Jays do it to believe it.  If they do, it won't surprise me.  If they flame out, it won't surprise me either.  We'll see.

I still think, if everyone is healthy, the Yanks can play with anyone in the AL East.  And..if you look at the guys who have been hurt recently (Granderson, Hughes, and Tex)...they're in their "prime" years, still.  Age shouldn't be a factor.

But that snakebit bit you included...THAT'S starting to look like it might be something to worry about.

He should've had it last August when he was diagnosed but opted for rest and rehab.

The Cards now have over $20 million going to players (Furcal and Carp) who won't be contributing in 2013.

Yippee.

Yeah, I agree with you on all fronts.  The Jays LOOK stacked, but building teams through blockbuster trades or free agency has been tried many times before and has failed miserably.  So while they look like they should be great, it's not a certainty to happen by any means.  Look at Anaheim last year.  Many people had them as a World Series favorite with the addition of Pujols and that stacked pitching rotation and it took them most of the season to get things going.  And obviously the Marlins were terrible despite the big moves they made.  The Tigers too, took awhile to show their true colors but finally did and rode it to the World Series.  But for a time it looked like they weren't going to get things together and would miss the playoffs altogether.

I know a lot of people expect the Orioles to take a huge step back this year, but again, I'm not completely buying it.  I don't necessarily think they'll win 90+ again, but I think they should be a player again.  I agree with you on the Rays.  I'm always impressed how well they do with that somewhat pathetic offense they trot out there every season.  This year is no different, so I expect them to do well again.  Even losing James Shields, they always seem to pick the next guy in line without skipping a beat.  I do think the Yankees should be alright as long as these injuries don't continue to pile up.  It all comes down to their pitching really.  Their offense has been slipping the last few seasons, and they've become too reliant on the long ball.  But their pitching has seemingly gotten better during that time, so they've remained as a top contender.  As long as the injuries don't spread to the pitching staff, they should be alright.

As for the Red Sox.  They HAVE to be better than they were last year.  The Bobby V. experiment was a disaster, and the amount of injuries they faced last year was ridiculous.  The lineup they were trotting out there at the end of the season was like a AAAA club.  Yes, that's 4 A's, as in career minor leaguers/fringe major leaguers and no big time prospects.  Their lineup is a few injuries away from returning to that form, and those injuries are somewhat likely.  You have 3 main middle of the order bats who all could be injury prone.  Ortiz, Napoli, and Middlebrooks are all coming off injuries.  If one of them goes down it'd be a huge blow to the lineup.  Guys like Salty and Gomes would be thrust into the middle of the lineup, which is a scary proposition.  For them, as is the case for most teams, it comes down to pitching.  Their pitching COULD be good, but I'm not expecting them to be great which they'd need to be for them to really make some noise.  I'd expect Lester to return to form, though I expected the same thing last season so who knows.  Buchholz can't seem to hold up through an entire season and until he proves he can do that my expectations for him will be tempered.  Lackey returns, some people think he'll be better coming off of TJ surgery.  Others say it takes about 2 years to really see the improvement.  He was pretty bad before, so I can only hope he improves.  Felix Dubront had an encouraging season last year, yet he showed up to camp out of shape and overweight.  Not exactly a good sign of progress.  And while I wasn't thrilled with the signing of Ryan Dempster in the off-season, I'm warming up to it a bit more.  He should at least provide quality innings.  I wouldn't expect him to put up equal numbers that he did in the NL, but he actually pitched pretty well for the Rangers last year after getting roughed up his first few starts.  

Their bullpen looks pretty deep, though I've said that before.  Tazawa (who had a great September last season) Aceves, Morales, Miller, Uehara, Bailey, Hanrahan.  Aceves had another episode earlier this spring.  He pitched batting practice with minimal effort, frustrating new manager, John Farrell.  He's apparently back on good behavior now, but you never know with that guy.  I think he should be on a short leash at this point  But apparently his trade value is minimized by his behavioral issues.  Then there's Daniel Bard.  He was one of the best setup men in the game 2 years ago.  He was a disaster last year, so which way does he go?

Also, it looks like they might have gotten some pretty good arms in that Dodgers deal from last season.  Both De La Rosa and Webster throw in the mid to high 90's and have looked good in the spring so far.  De La Rosa looks to project more as a reliever at this point, but Webster is certainly on track to be a starter somewhere down the line.  But a lot of people viewed that trade as simply a salary dump, which was its main purpose.  But it appears they may have actual talent on the field to show for it when all is said and done.  Not to mention, Carl Crawford is AGAIN having injury issues with LA.  Man, what a horrible contract that continues to be.

The day all Yankee fans and baseball fans have dreaded is upon us. The great Mariano Rivera on Saturday will announce that 2013 will in fact be his last. So long to the greatest closer the game has ever seen. Its been an honor and a pleasure to watch you pitch the last 13 years. See you in Cooperstown in 2018.

First ballot hof, for sure.

Presser on sat at ten to officially announce it.

Oh, and David Robertson now has pain in his shoulder.

Absolutely, logic says that there shouldn't be anyone who doesn't vote for him, but someone won't just so he's not the first inductee to get 100% of the votes.

Great....

There will certainly be someone who doesn't vote for him.  They'll use the "closers are overrated" excuse, or something along those lines.  Only having to get 3 outs 4 times a week on a good week.  There's always someone.

Agreed, but i think we can all agree he's a first ballot HOF and its not even questionable.

Interesting Mo stat (courtesy of Mike and Mike on ESPN):

More men have walked on the moon (12) than have scored off Mo in the playoffs (11).

Good article on the Yankee's and their payroll situation, too long to post so I included the link

The End of the Yankees' Evil Empire
The Bronx Bombers are in danger of falling below .500 for the first time in 20 years
By Rany Jazayerli on March 7, 2013

Last month, a franchise synonymous with winning scored another victory. The New York Yankees won a court ruling against a company that had attempted to register the phrase "Baseballs Evil Empire." The Yankees may not have appreciated it when Red Sox president Larry Lucchino first used the term to describe them in 2002, but if anyone was going to make money off the phrase, damn it, it was going to be them. Even if it means, as written in the judges' decision, "The record shows that there is only one Evil Empire in baseball and it is the New York Yankees."

Defending your brand is Business 101, but in this case, I'm not sure the Yankees should be so quick to embrace the trademark. It's not simply that the Evil Empire was, you know, evil; I think the Yankees made their peace with that a long time ago. Maybe the Steinbrenner family made the mistake of watching the Star Wars saga in numerical order, and gave up after Episode III ? and let's be honest, most of us would have done the same thing ? but if they did, they would have missed the fact that (spoiler alert) the Evil Empire lost in the end.

Today's Yankees aren't used to losing, but there was a time when the New York Yankees weren't The Most Successful Team In American Sports. Once upon a time, the team wasn't even in New York. The franchise began in 1901 as the Baltimore Orioles; it took two years for management to rip through all five seasons of The Wire and realize they needed to hightail it to New York. There, they were known as the Highlanders, but after a middling decade and two 100-loss seasons, they finally tired of trying to behead their opponents and rechristened themselves the Yankees in 1913.


continued..
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/9025135/the-evil-empire-new-york-yankees-to-fall

With all the postseason games he's pitched in that is just incredible.

Vernon Wells to Yanks from Angels.  Angels eating most of the contract. Not sure what Yanks are giving up (I'm hearing not much, but we'll see).

Jeter out til at least April 4th (so no opening day).

Mo had a CAT scan. He's been having headaches.  Docs say it's migraines and nothing to be worried about.  Drugs and hydration for treatment.

The annual predictions:

AL East: Rays
AL Central: Tigers
AL West: Angels

NL East: Nationals
NL Central: Reds
NL West : Giants

AL Wild Cards: Jays, Rangers
NL Wild Cards: Braves, Dodgers

AL Champs: Angels
NL Champs: Nationals

WS Champs: Nationals

AL East: Blue Jays
AL Central: Tigers
AL West: Angels

NL East: Nationals
NL Central: Reds
NL West: Giants

AL Wild Cards: O's, A's
NL Wild Cards: Braves, Dodgers

AL Champions: Blue Jays
NL Champions: Giants

WS Champions: Blue Jays

The annual predictions:

AL East: O's
AL Central: White Sox
AL West: Angels

NL East: Nationals
NL Central: Cards
NL West : Giants

AL Wild Cards: Rays, Rangers
NL Wild Cards: Phillies, Dodgers

AL Champs: Angels
NL Champs: Nationals

WS Champs: Nationals

For the first time in a LONG time, the Yanks AND Red Sox are on the outside of the playoff picture in the same year.  And MLB weeps.

AL East: Rays
AL Central: White Sox
AL West: Angels

NL East: Mets (j/k, Nationals)
NL Central: Cardinals
NL West: Giants

AL Wild Cards: Jays, A's
NL Wild Cards: Braves, Reds

AL Champions: Rays
NL Champions: Giants

WS Champions: Giants

Adam Wainwright just broke the bank.

$97.5 million over 5 - details TBA shortly.

Opening day (despite the Rangers-Astros game last night)!

When everything is possible, every team is a potential world series contender, and every fan has hope (except Cubs fans...who know that somewhere, somehow, someone will drop an anvil on their team)!

Hoping the Atlanta Braves get back to the World Series and win another Championship this year. :)

Took the day off and have enjoyed some early baseball today with Cubs at Pirates, Red Sox at Yankees, and now Giants at Dodgers.

Just got back from Yankee Stadium, went pretty much as expected with that dreadful line up the Yankees put out there, and Sabathia usually struggling early in the year.  Despite the loss it was a great day at the stadium, great weather.  I actually won these tickets last week from WFAN, so I can't complain.

Gotta love opening day although it's tempered by the realization we'll have interleague/novelty play everyday.

There's nothing like that tradition rich Reds/Angels matchup to kick off the season. :rant:

You just gotta accept it. Every other sports league does it. Now MLB does.

I've accepted it but I still don't like it, especially every day.

Buster Olney is reporting Robinson Cano has fired Scott Boras:

Buster Olney‏ @Buster_ESPN15m
Filed to http://ESPN.com :  Robinson Cano is changing agents, after quietly looking for new representation, and firing Scott Boras

Not sure if this is good news for the Yankees or not, Boras definitely would have got him to free agency and found a taker beyond the Yankees which may have been a blessing moving forward.

Or..

This move helps get something done at more favorable terms for the Yanks - less years/less $$ than Boras would have squeezed out of the highest bidder.

Either way, as good as he is - he's a middle infielder on the wrong side of 30 and I doubt the Yanks are gonna do anything too goofy at  this point.

Good Lord, Cano's switching to Jay Z?

http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/9124684/robinson-cano-new-york-yankees-switching-scott-boras-jay-z

All the usual suspect talking heads seem to think Cano's agent change point to him resigning with the Yanks before FA.

Hearing any numbers in Yankee circles pilf/Tim?

I'd heard rumors that Cano was a bit ticked at Boras because the Yanks had made a "significant offer" for an extension...and Boras turned them down, flat.  Turned them down without really discussing it with Cano.  When Cano found out, he pushed Boras (kicking and screaming) back to the table with the Yanks.

I think Cano wants to stay a Yankee.  I don't think he's looking to take less than market value for his services (no real home town discount) but I also don't think he feels he NEEDS an "Arod" type deal (10 years, 270 million), either.  Boras seemed like that's what he was pushing for.

And if you look over the past couple of years...Boras' tactics have had mixed results.  Sure, he's had his fair share of success..but he's had a number of high profile failures, too. It's no secret that the Yankee organization are not big fans...and not JUST because of the A-rod opt out fiasco.  He's name dropped the Yankees to drive up other players prices...even when the Yanks have not been "in" on those players.  They hate being used as a bargaining chip when, really, they're bystanders.

I also think Cano and Arod are friends...and I suspect that Arod has been in Cano's ear about how badly Boras bungled his opt out.  I think that, combined with what Boras did with the Yanks offer, and Cano not really being mega-enthusiastic for Free Agency....I think Cano pushed for a deal.  Boras wouldn't really budge.  So Cano decided to go elsewhere.

I think that's a good sign for both Cano and the Yankees.  Lets face it:  This is Cano's team in a couple years....if it's not, already.

Oh..and to Falcon expecting that the Yankees won't do anything goofy....I wouldn't be so confident.  I think they will.  Not "Arod" goofy, but likely 7 years at 22 to 25 per.  So instead of a 10 year, 270 million dollar deal, they'll do a 7 year (with maybe a vesting option for eight) deal worth about 165 to 170 million.  It will probably be pro-rated, like the Arod deal (more money in the first 4, less in the last 3).

Cano is 30..he'll be 31 by the end of the 2013 season.  That would keep him in pinstripes till he's 38-ish...which seems about right all things considered.  The Yanks are going to treat him very much like they have Jeter..they want him to be a "Yankee for life", I think.

No but apparently he did this cause talks between Boras and the Yankees had stalled. To me that clearly indicates he wants to be a Yankee and only a Yankee for life. So i definitely think this favors the Yankees.

Let me re-phrase, how about "too goofy"?

I could see them doing the deal you described without blinking (maybe gulping hard though) which is still nuts but not ARod/Tex nuts.

In the end i think this means he likely stays a Yankee for life while still getting more money they he's ever seen in his life.

Indeed.

He's a sharp guy, he knows they need him more than he needs them as the team transitions over the next few years and he's going to get paid regardless.

Regardless this makes me happy because it tells me being a Yankee is more important then getting the most ridiculous contract possible from whoever will pay up. I don't think we'll get a hometown discount but i think he's happy not to get the ludicrous contract Boras wanted to get for him.

Yu Darvish with a dominant performance last night.  Started watching the game in the 7th inning to see history.  Unfortunately he came up one out short of a perfect game.  Of course, it was against the Astros, so take that for what it's worth.  I've heard a few people predict 2 wild card teams from the AL West because of the 18 games against Houston.  Obviously a big plus there.  They're basically a AAA team by the looks of it.  Not to take anything away from Darvish.  He was great and it appears he will become a true ace, if he's not there yet.

Watched most of the Dodgers/Giants game last night.  Well pitched game by Madison Bumgarner as well.  Once again, the Dodger lineup was pretty weak, but regardless a good pitching performance.  Some of these right handed lineups against good lefty pitchers are scary bad.  The Dodgers last night, the Yankees on opening day.  I know you have to use your bench from time to time, but I'm not sure you need to get so cute so early in the season.

Bryce Harper and the Nationals look pretty good.  Big surprise there.  Talk about being set up nicely for the future.  It helps to be bad at the right times and hit it big with your draft picks.  Along the lines of projections, it seems the experts are in complete agreement on the entire NL East.  1) Nats, 2) Braves, 3) Phillies, 4) Mets, 5) Marlins.  Seems logical. 

And on the opposite end of the spectrum, the AL East seems to be the hardest to predict.  On paper, the Blue Jays would appear to be the clear favorite.  And I'd suspect the Rays will be good again on the strength of their pitching.  I know a lot of people expect the Orioles to drop off, but they should still be a factor.  The Red Sox should be improved as long as they pitch to their potential.  Injury concerns could seriously set them back, though that could be said for all teams really.  The Yankees are already experiencing major injury problems.  There's a chance they could tread water until the main players come back.  That's a dangerous proposition though.  That waiting game is a tough game to play.  Guys can have setbacks and instead of coming back in a month, it becomes 6 weeks, or 2 months.  Then when they do come back it takes them awhile to get it going.  And obviously in the meantime, other guys can get hurt.  It happens all too often where teams that start the year without their projected lineup, they just never reach that point.  The lineup they're sending out in the meantime isn't going to scare any pitching staff.  Aside from Cano, Ichiro, Youkilis, and Gardener there's not much there.  And that's not a very fearsome foursome to begin with.  Though I will say, they gave Lester all he could handle on opening day and were able to work his pitch count and knock him out after 5 innings.  Not much pop in that lineup though, so they're going to have to score runs in different ways.  Sort of like the Red Sox did and will have to continue to do, as they have some power issues of their own.  They were aggressive on the basepaths and strung singles together to score runs.   

I'm just glad baseball is back.  Now if spring weather would just follow suit.  It'll get here eventually, right?  And I'm glad the Red Sox won't start 0-6 this year for once.  Though 1-6 is still not out of the question.  ;D

Dickey sure isn't living up to the hype :(

"No easy outs for the reigning Cy Young Award winners as both Dickey and Price struggled mightily Sunday. Each allowed 8 runs on 10 hits - 2 of which were long balls - and neither lasted into the 6th inning. According to Elias, it's the 1st time in baseball history that the reigning Cy Young Award winners have allowed at least 8 runs on the same day."

"R.A. Dickey gave up eight runs - seven earned - in 4 2/3 innings today. In 33 starts last season, he only gave up more than five runs once, allowing eight against the Braves on April 18."

"R.A. Dickey allowed five runs (all earned) in the first inning against the Red Sox. Last season, Dickey only allowed five runs (four earned) all season in the first inning while making 33 starts."

So...um...can anyone remember the last team that had 3 rain outs in a row?  I can't.

Looks like the Yanks are well on their way to that "milestone" tonight...

Greinke out indefinitely with a broken collarbone.

MLB is gonna have a nightmare of a time rescheduling these games.

Atlanta Braves starting off the season with the best record in MLB at 9-1. Even though it didn't start off well and looked like the same old Braves, they came back and beat the Nationals to take the first game of the series Friday night.

The best team in baseball by far.  Impressive sweep of the Nats, seemingly everyone's favorite to represent the NL in the World Series.  And they're doing it without All Star catcher Brian McCann and Freddie Freeman right now.  Although Evan Gattis is more than making up for any lack of offense.  Justin Upton looks rejuvenated in Atlanta.  Arizona may look back on that trade with much regret.  The Mets look a little better.  They could be competitive, like the Phillies, .500 teams.  The Marlins are terrible.

The Reds and Cardinals look like the class of the NL Central again.  Pittsburgh looks alright, the Cubs look like they've improved.  The Brewers have been a disappointment so far.

SF, LA, and Arizona should battle things out in the NL West.  Rockies are off to a good start, but I'd expect them to drop off.  Padres are bad, and I expect that to continue.

Oakland has picked up right where they left off and it looks like they should be a factor again this season.  Rangers still look solid.  Mariners appear to be a bit better.  Astros are terrible and once again the Angels are severely underachieving.  It's early, but they did the same thing last year and by the time they woke up it was too late.  And I doubt they have another Mike Trout callup to save them in the summer.

The Tigers could have the easiest road to a division title.  None of the other AL Central teams appears to be a serious threat.  KC seems to be on the right track, but I don't think they're there yet.  The White Sox are off to a slow start, but I think they'll be the primary competition.  I expected the Indians to improve, but their pitching is pretty bad.  Minnesota doesn't have much going for them.

As for the AL East, it's still wide open.  It appears it'll be closely bunched all season long.  The Blue Jays are off to a disappointing start and now Jose Reyes is out until the All Star Break.  They're playing a little better of late though.  The Orioles look solid again.  The Rays look like the worst team right now from what I can see.  Their offense is severely lacking.  BUT, that always seems to be the case and yet they still compete, so.  The Yankees have played relatively well so far with guys like Vernon Wells and Kevin Youkilis looking like they discovered the fountain of youth.  They still have the pitching to compete and their offense has been surprisingly good, which has allowed them to withstand all the injuries.  The Red Sox are off to a very good start.  You'd be hard pressed to find a better 1-2 than Lester and Buchholz throught their first 6 combined starts.  They are finally pitching to their capabilities.  We'll see if they can keep it up.  If so, they'll contend.  They need to stabilize the back end of the bullpen.  Hanrahan has struggled and is now on the DL.  Bailey blew his 1st save opportunity yesterday.  Their bullpen has looked real good and deep outside of the 9th inning.  Unfortunately, the 9th inning is kind of important.  Just gives you a greater appreciation for a guy like Mariano Rivera, seeing how difficult it can be to get those last 3 outs.

I flip over to Sunday night baseball and I see a game of novelty checkers.  ::)

TERRIBLE call in Cleveland last night.  Terrible.

Another Angel Hernandez special....that guy shouldn't be umping little league.

That was funny, he blows the call, reviews it on replay, and then still blows it.

It's been a great start for Matt Harvey this season.  Hope he keeps this up, it would be tremendous to see him start this year's All-Star Game at Citifield.

Wow... what did i miss?

http://deadspin.com/umps-review-blown-home-run-call-in-cleveland-still-blo-497722121

Bottom of the 9th, Indians Vs As, Cleveland up 4-3.

Adam Rosales hits a ball deep to left field.  At first glance, it looks like it might have bounced off the wall at the yellow line and back into play.  Umps immediately rule it to be a double.  Honestly, to the naked eye in real time....it looked like one.

Bob Melvin asks the umps to review it, and they do.

Now, both home and away feeds are showing the replay, and then a zoomed in replay.  Seeing the replay ONE time, you can tell the ball hit something, changed direction, and THEN bounced off the pad.  Zoomed in, you can see it CLEARLY hit the railing in the stands, bounce down, and hit the yellow line.  That, by the ground rules, is a home run.  And it's pretty obvious.

Obvious, that is, to everyone except Angel Hernandez (and, I guess, the other 2 umps who joined him in the review room..but Angel is the crew chief and, typically, the junior umps defer to the crew chief on these calls).  He comes out and says the call on the field stands.

He's terrible.  And what's worse is that he and Melvin had sort of a dust up the night before on a bad call, and Melvin was ejected for arguing it.

MLB has come out and said that the umps CLEARLY made the wrong call...and Hernandez basically blamed the TV in the review room.  So MLB sent out their lead ump, Randy Marsh, to talk to the crew and check the replay equipment in Cleveland.  Guess what?  He found the equipment to be more than adequate....

There needs to be some accountability for the umps. Seriously, this is not the first time (or even the 10th time) Hernandez has made a horrifically bad call...and then defended it (ie: not admitting his mistake). And he's not the only problem ump in the league.  He's just the most (in)famous.

Then you have last night Houston brings in a reliever and the Angels counter by sending up a pinch hitter.  Bo Porter than confers WITH the umpires and changes pitchers after Wesley Wright threw 3 warmup pitches and never faced a batter.  By rule, a pitcher who is announced into a game must face at least one batter before leaving the game, barring injury.  Scioscia played the game under protest.  The Angels ended up winning, so the protest was thrown out, but another awful night for the MLB umpires.  How can a crew of umpires not know the simple rules of baseball?  To make matters worse, Bo Porter said after the game that he thought the rules had been changed and you were allowed to change pitchers after a pinch hitter was announced.  As if managing one of the worst teams possibly in the history of the game wasn't enough, he doesn't even seem to know some of the basic rules himself.  Not a good sign. 

Do you cats remember me telling you about Shelby Miller late last season?

Miller Time is the new Harvey Mania.

A broken bat single to lead off the game then a 27 up/27 down 13K shutout.

One of the best pitched games by a Card I've ever seen - dominant.

And he's 2 years younger than Harvey. 

And sadly this is stupidity even instant replay can't fix.

Looks like the Yanks and Indians are playing a true double header today...start times at 12:05 and 3:50 (aka directly following the end of the first game).

Cards on the cover of SI this week:

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BK4Oy1cCcAEwv-V.jpg)

looks like Garcia is out for the season now. Hopefully not the beginnings of the old SI jinx

Yep, Westbrook is having elbow issues as well.

Luckily the Cards have plenty of major league ready arms ready to step up.  They've already got 11 wins from rookies thus far. 4 of their 6 bullpen pitchers are starters that could step in and fill a starting role if/when needed and they've got a couple of starters in Memphis (AAA affiliate) that are ready to go when called upon.  Michael Wacha (their top pitching prospect) is sporting a sub 2 ERA and is just biding his time in AAA, he's major league ready now.

And for good measure, Chris Carpenter is progressing in his throwing program and "feeling better than he has in 2 years" and if all goes alright, he could be ready to go by mid June.

As an aside for Tim and pilf, Seattle just demoted Jesus Montero..

I'm not shocked.  Not one person in that deal, so far, has really contributed much at the MLB level (Noesi's domination of the Yanks last series not withstanding).  Starting to look like a double bust..but we'll see what Pineada brings to the table in about a month.

Yeah the verdict is still out on Pinaeda. We gotta wait until he's healthy and pitches and MLB level before saying its a complete bust.

Montero is still pretty young too and he had a decent year last year.  Can't completely close the book on him either I don't think. 

Very true, also some good news for the Yankees. Teixeira is about to start his rehab assignment.

Granderson just comes back and goes right back out after getting hit on the hand and fractures it. Does this guy have a hit me here sign or something? Shit.

Amazing, but this year's Met team may be the worst since interleague play started and it's the first to ever pull off a sweep of the Yanks.  Then again, this may be the worst Yankee team in the past 15 years.  In any event, that was NICE!

That was surprising, especially with as well as the Yankees have played up until that series.  I guess you could argue that the replacements were bound to come back to earth eventually, and maybe that was a sign of things to come.  Of course, the Yanks get Texeira and Youkilis back today, so those guys won't be relied so heavily upon.  Although it might take some time for them to knock some of the rust off themselves.  Conversely, maybe the Mets can build off of that series sweep.  They've been pretty disappointing this year.  It's no or never.

Both the Red Sox and Yankees have exceeded peoples expectations so far this year and they sit atop the standings in the AL East as they begin a 3 game series at The Stadium.

Even the best teams go through struggles like this during the course of a long season. It was bound to happen eventually. You gotta give the Mets credit though. They pitched a helluva series.

Mets capitalize on the momentum of sweeping the Yankees by getting swept by the fucking Miami Marlins.  Horrendous. 

So much for building off that momentum.  I should've known better than to suggest that.

Yanks problem, in general, is their offense and Phil Hughes.

Phelps had one bad start...but every pitcher throws a clunker now and then.

Hughes gives up long ball after long ball. after long ball, after....well, you get the pitcher...I mean, picture.

And the offense has started to play to the backs of their baseball cards.  Wells is not a .320 hitter who is going to put up monster OPS numbers.  Overbay is not a .290 hitter (though he's now sitting on the pine while Tex gets his spring training in) with power, either.  Adams is not the next incarnation of Mike Trout (or Evan Longoria), who is going to make everyone forget A-rod for the next 5 years of his awful contract. 

They managed to outperform their baseball cards pretty heroically over the first 50 games.  Now, I suspect, we'll see some (maybe more than some) regression.  If Tex and Youk manage to quickly get comfortable....they should be fine.  If Tex decides to have his typically slow April in....JUNE....and if Youk can't turn on a ball like he was before he tweaked his back...it's going to be a long 6 weeks or so.

Looks like shit's gonna finally hit the fan with Biogenesis

MLB seeks to suspend A-Rod, Braun

http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/9301536/major-league-baseball-suspend-20-players-including-alex-rodriguez-ryan-braun-part-miami-investigation

Not just them, there's apparently another 20 players they are looking to suspend. I'm trying to find the names but no luck. Have you found them in any article?

From the article


The players who might ultimately face discipline from MLB include: Rodriguez, Braun, Cabrera, Colon, Grandal, Nelson Cruz, Francisco Cervelli, Jesus Montero, Jhonny Peralta, Cesar Puello, Fernando Martinez, Everth Cabrera, Fautino de los Santos, Jordan Norberto and a number of players who are either identified by code names or whose names appear in other documents not obtained by "Outside the Lines." All are on major league rosters except for Puello, a top outfield prospect for the New York Mets who is playing in Class AA Binghamton.


It will be interesting to see how this plays out.  Especially the appeal process.  If Braun can beat his suspension based on tenuous chain of custody claims....these players, are certainly going to have a lot more ammunition in this case.  MLB might levy suspensions...and see them all reduced or thrown out.

I don't think there's any way MLB will go into this not fully prepared from all possible angles, especially when it comes to Braun.

He embarrassed them once, I suspect it won't happen again.

High drama for sure.

Ahh, i skimmed the article i guess i missed the names.

Agreed, they are gonna do everything they can to make the suspensions stick. A lot of people think Braun should be banned permanently. Its apparently his third time. I thought it was only his second though.

Here's the problem, though:

MLB, organizationally, has been an arrogant, self-obsessed, and, in their eyes, infaillable front office for the better part of the last 5 years.  And they have been left with egg on their faces, looking like morons, over and over and over and over again.  From officiating to drug testing.

So I have no confidence in their ability to show restraint where, possibly, neccessary.

You point out, maybe without knowing it, the problem here.  For MLB, and it's leadership, this isn't, at it's heart, about cleaning up the sport.  It's about a vendetta against a few players it feels have wronged them, or embarrassed them.  And their actions, unfortunately, seem less objective and more about vengeance.

Here is what MLB reportedly has:

They have hand written paper records with certain players names (or code names) on them.  Evidence the government and DEA have seen...and said does not constitute proof enough to pursue investigations against either Bosh or the players.

They have testimony by a guy who has a vested interest in saying EXACTLY what MLB wants him to say.  They are dropping a very expensive (and, according to legal analysts, pretty much baseless) lawsuit against Bosh.  They have agreed to "help" him if his testimony raises the eyebrows of the any law enforcement agency.  That sure looks could be looked at as coercian.

I'm not saying the players aren't guilty.  I'm not saying that Bosh is lying.  But...from what we've seen and has been reported...there is a pretty solid basis for player appeals.  Certainly more than anyone thought Braun had with his tenuous chain of custody claims (and, keep in mind, that previous process will not be allowed to be talked about in the appeal process).

For Braun, MLB had a positive test and Braun had tenuous chain of custody claims.

For these, MLB has scribbled notes and the testimony of a suspected drug dealer with a vested interest in saying exactly what MLB wants him to and the players have a pretty solid case on credibility and, certainly, lack of compelling evidence.

If you read the written policy, this is going to be a tough sell to the arbitrator.  There is no failed test.  There is no documented possession.  There is no money trail.  There is no audio, video, or corroborating witness testimony (other than Bosh's).  Trying to get 50 games, never mind 100, is going to be interesting.

The other question is this: Colon and Melky Cabrera have served a suspension, already.  How do you levy another when it might be for the same offense, given the timing of their failed tests and the reported documentation?

I maintain this is going to be a very interesting process.  I don't think this is a slam dunk for MLB by any stretch.  They don't have a smoking gun, here.

They're using MLBs logic that this instance counts as 2.  One for using, one for lying about interacting with Bosh.

That's not the way the policy is written, so I'm not sure how MLB is coming to that conclusion...but that's what they're doing.

But the counter point is: Once that suspension was overturned....it was gone.  MLB can't mention it, use it during this appeal process, or anything else.  It never happened.

MLB's case is certainly flimsy if not outright crap, but it will come down to whether they get a 'friendly' arbitrator in any appeals process.  Remember, MLB fired the guy that ruled against them in the Braun case.  So it's interesting that the arbitrator on any Biogenesis related suspensions would also be arbitrating on whether he gets to keep his job.

Also, just by throwing the players' names out there, those players are already convicted as to public opinion.  That doesn't help to the extent any of those guys are free agents.

Keep in mind, there is now precedent (The New Orleans Saints bounty appeals) for players to take their case to federal courts if they think the arbitrator is being biased by the league.

So if MLB thinks they can stack the deck based on the arbitrator they assign to the cases...they may be in for a surprise.

Back when the Braun ruling was issued, I wondered why MLB didn't go to court.  Here's why:  http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/02/24/mlb-to-appeal-braun-ruling-to-federal-court-good-luck-with-that/

Basically, a court can override an arbitration only if there's fraud, corruption, misconduct or "manifest disregard for the law".  Difficult to prove, but perhaps not impossible if there's a blatantly biased arbitrator.  Still tough in any case because the MLB arbitrators are appointed through a joint process between the MLB and union. 

NFL Bountygate was somewhat different in that the players were challenging the decision of the NFL commissioner, not an arbitration panel that at least has the appearance of due process and impartiality. 

The FIRST time the NFL players went to court they were challenging Goodell's ruling. The courts implied (without outright ruling) that Goodell was going to lose unless he appointed someone to arbitrate independantly.  Both parties then went back to negotiate a settlement deal and...lo and behold...Goodell agreed to appoint an independant arbitrator.

The SECOND time they were challenging Tagliabue (the independently appointed arbitrators) ruling.  Because their contention was he was influenced by Goodell, and by his former position as commissioner of the league.

They basically "won" both times.

But your point was actually mine.  I don't think the MLBPA would hesitate to go to court if they thought the arbitrator was less than independant in their process.  In other words, if MLB thinks they can appoint a "sweetheart" arbitrator.....they're setting themselves up for future litigation.  Because that would certainly constitute misconduct and, potentially, corruption.

As an aside, while MLB did not sue over the Braun ruling..they did fire the arbitrator, basically because they disagreed with him.

Actually, in looking at MLBPA/MLB rules, it looks like they use a permanent 3 man panel for arbitration.  No appointing a sweetheart anything.

Whoever replaced Shyam Das on the panel will likely be the swing vote (since one man on the panel is from MLB, one is from MLBPA, and one is "independant").

Julio Teheran almost through a no-hitter today.  He's acclimating to the big leagues faster than I thought he would.

Ali

Apparently, the rules permit either side to fire the 'independent' arbitrator at any time for any reason or no reason.  So, however the Biogenesis appeal turns out, it looks like there will be an arbitrator out of work soon.

On the NFL bounty gate, I didn't know that the NFLPA challenged Tagliabue's decision in court, I thought they only challenged the fact that he was appointed.  When he ultimately made his decision and vacated all players' suspensions, I thought the NFLPA was satisfied with his decision and dropped its challenge.  Whatever the case, point taken, there are many other precedents for challenging a labor arbitration in court, but as noted, the threshold to overturn is steep.

We'll all just have to wait and see what Bosch says. Perhaps he has hard evidence we haven't seen yet that he hasn't agreed to show until he gets some kind of immunity.

Couple things broke late yesterday:

1) Cano is not in any danger, or being looked at, by MLB for a suspension.  This according to reports out of the Yanks and MLB.

2) The timeline isn't nearly as imminent as OTL indicated.  MLB is thinking they're going to take pretty much all of June, and possibly into early July, investigating, talking to Bosh, and looking at the evidence.

3) Suspensions are still not a sure thing.  Selig is reportedly a little leary given he knows this is going to bring a HUGE fight from the union.  MLB wants to see if (as Tim suggested) Bosh actually has anything else, substantial before they make any decisions.

I also want to make sure everyone is clear on my opinion: Assuming there are suspensions, I'm don't mean to say the players have a slam dunk during the appeals process.  I think it slightly more likely (say 60-40) that MLB wins just based on what we've seen.

But that's a far cry from MOST of the suspensions/appeals processes they've gone into over the last 10 years.  Before the Braun suspension being overturned, I can't think of a single case where a suspension was vacated.  They would often be reduced...but not overturned.  That speaks to MLB acting pretty much only when they have overwhelming proof and evidence.  Which is what would make this process so interesting.

I'm also not saying that I dont think the players are guilty or that they don't deserve the suspensions.  I actually think most of them probably are, and they probably do.  I think there's enough evidence to "convict" them in the court of public opinion (a la Bonds). 

One other thing being reported today out of an MLB "source":

Apparently there is an ongoing fight between different factions in MLB over what to do with the information they currently have.  One side wants big, immediate suspensions.  The other just doesn't think there is enough solid evidence, and is fighting against using more MLB resources to fight a protracted fight with the union.

The "leak" to OTL was apparently from one of the people on the side who wants suspensions because they thought their side was losing traction in the "discussion".  They wanted to bring more public pressure to bear to try to force MLB in the direction they'd like to see taken.

Selig, reportedly, has not made it clear which direction he wants to go...and it seems he has not made a definitive decision yet (or, if he has, he's not letting the people who are talking to the media know what it is..which is probably smart).

Whether all that is true or not....we'll see.

Selig likely wants to wait until they hear everything and see everything Bosch has. I highly doubt he wants to go after suspensions with anything other then concrete evidence. Another tidbit about A-Rod. Bosch says A-Rod refused to pay him.

Just heard on MLB Network the league has "multiple" witnesses along with Bosch.

They're obviously getting their ducks in row before lowering the boom.

Regardless of final outcomes/appeals/lawsuits that will obviously ensue, Bud's lining up the firing squad for what could/will be a major bloodbath.

Interesting, i hadn't heard that. I wonder if any of the witnesses actually saw proof of these guys using.

If they did, that's the nail in the coffin.

If not...and they're just going to testify Bosh TOLD them he was selling to those guys...it's not going to much help their case.

Yeah, if there is eyewitnesses of actual use. Those 20 or so players won't be playing for a long while.

Congratulations to Andy Pettitte on career win no. 250. If he can hang around another maybe 2 years. He could be very close to 300. That could make his HOF candidacy gut wrenching for voters even with his HGH admission.

Good news on Pineda today for Tim and Pilf:

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/06/09/michael-pineda-goes-four-plus-innings-in-first-rehab-start/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

I still think the Yanks absolutely fleeced the Mariners on that deal, great to see him on the comeback trail and looking good.

Sorry Tim, I know you're a huge Pettitte guy but the only way he's seeing the inside of Cooperstown is visiting when Jeter and Mo go in - I don't think he'll ever get north of 30-40%, way too much baggage.

Saw his son was drafted by the Yanks which is really cool, what a thrill for their family. : ok:

Yeah, he had a good first rehab start.

With Pettitte it might take a long while. Possibly when the voters who are against anyone connected to PED use getting in are gone. He does have things in his favor though. Most pitchers with as many wins as him are in 36 to be exact. Also consider this, he's 105 games above .500. No pitcher that far over .500 for their career isn't in the HOF.

Yeah, that was pretty awesome. He's not going to sign though. The money he'd get being that low a pick wouldn't be enough to forgo college. Plus Andy wants him to go to college at Baylor so he can get better without the pressure of the minors. So he'll likely re-enter in 3 years time. So we might not get him back. The kid has a long way to go before he could be considered a Major League pitcher.

Oh and another Yankee family member was drafted by the Yanks. Paul O'Neill's Nephew who's also an outfielder was drafted. Right now they aren't projecting him to be an everyday player.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1642528-reassessing-andy-pettittes-hall-of-fame-candidacy-after-win-no-250

Here's a good article making a case for Andy's HOF candidacy.

Oh one more thing on the Yanks picking Josh. It happened nearly 18 years to the day Andy got his first Major League victory as well as the day his dad got win 250.

It also points out all the major flaws in his candidacy, he's never been elite and he's a convicted baseball felon.

As those writers who aren't forgiving of PED usage die off, a good portion will be replaced by those who place little value in pitchers wins.

As I've said before, a beloved Yankee for sure but not someone who's HOF immortality worthy. 

Yes it does point out the flaws in his candidacy but also makes some strong points for it. He's quite close to two Yankee all time records too. One he'll surely break this year for all time strikeouts. If he plays next year he's got a very good shot at the all time wins lead.

How do you know future voters won't put much importance on wins? Unless you have a time machine and can see the future or something.

There's no time machine necessary to decrease the value of pitchers wins, it's already happened.

Recent Cy young winners like Lincecum and King Felix had significantly fewer win totals than some of their competition.  A lot of those same sabermetric type voters who went that direction will be getting their HOF votes in the near future, like it or not.

Pettitte's had a consistent, long career - no doubt about it.

But c'mon Tim:

No Cy Young's, only an All Star 3 times, high lifetime ERA, never elite and an admitted cheat.

What part of that equation adds up to anything more than a pedestrian shot at a HOF induction?

That you have to attribute to how pitchers are used these days. They just don't pitch as deep into the game as they used to thus the less wins. That doesn't mean career win total won't still be important to voters. If anything i would think it would put more importance on wins. I mean considering pitchers are getting less and less starts and going less deeper into the game. You would think as time goes on a pitcher with say 250 for a career would be more impressive given the declining win totals.

Again, you're putting too much emphasis on "pitcher wins" and their statistical value.

Look at Bert Blyleven, a far more dominating pitcher than Pettitte - not even close.

It took 14 years for Bert to get in - and he never cheated.

Not trying to be a jackass here Tim, I understand your affection for Andy - hell, I think Willie McGee hung the moon!

I just don't think his stats and admitted cheating warrant him any serious HOF consideration and I firmly believe voters will agree.

I'm with Falcon on this one.

IF Andy were PED free, he'd be a borderline case who would probably get in on one of his last tries or via the Veterans committee.  Basically, he'd have a slightly better chance than Mike Mussina does.

But the PED use is, IMHO, going to keep him out. It's the deciding factor  in a borderline consideration.  That's based on what we've seen right now, what his expected career longevity is at this point (2 to 3 years, maybe), and what the voting population is going to look like through his eligibility years.  Honestly, I don't think it changes enough to get him in.

If he could play 5 to 7 more years....I might lean Tims way.  But he doesn't have enough career left to either change the voters mind or outlast the current voting population who are strongly considering PED use (or suspected use).

I lean slightly no on Pettitte getting in the HOF, but it's a tough call.  True, the HGH admission hurts him a lot, but let's also remember that he pitched the bulk of his career during the height of the steroid era and still managed to put together excellent overall career stats. 

Also, I'm not so sure that the sabremetric community is really down on Pettitte.  I know they don't put much stock in wins, but they do heavily value "ERA+" which is ERA adjusted for DH, park size, league average (and a bunch of other things I'm not sure about). Pettitte's is 117, which is better than Steve Carlton's 115.  Thing is, by the time the sabremetric guys who don't care about steroids make up the bulk of the HOF voters (if that ever happens, doubt it), Pettitte might be off the ballot by then. 

The bottom line for me, though, is that he doesn't belong in the same sentence as the truly dominant guys of the 1990s/2000s --- Clemens, Pedro, Maddux and Randy Johnson.   After those guys, there's a bunch of guys in the next tier of very good pitchers of that generation (Tom Glavine, Mike Mussina, Curt Schilling, Kevin Brown, David Cone) that Pettitte falls into.  Huge dropoff from that first tier to the next and, IMO, the HOF should be reserved for that elite tier.

I agree he's definitely not a slam dunk, the PED thing hurts him. There are numbers that help him though like his postseason stats. I'm not saying i think he'll get in first ballot or even by ballot possibly veterans committee. Like the article i posted pointed out he thinks he gets in but could take 10-15 years once the anti-ped voters are gone.

Another former Major Leaguer's son drafted by a former team. Roger Clemens son was drafted by the Astros but he's not signing and will attend UT.

Also Lee Mazilli's son, LJ was drafted by the Mets.  He played his college career at UConn and led them on a surprising run into the college World Series this season.

Interesting i hadn't heard about that one. Any idea if he will sign?

"MLB using testimony from minor leaguers to condemn players with Biogenesis ties"

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/mlb-using-testimony-from-minor-leaguers-to-condemn-players-with-biogenesis-ties-224757915.html

Unless these minor leaguers saw proof of players using i don't see how this helps. Its still he said she said that'll be very hard for MLB to make stick.

Yeah, he was drafted in the 9th round by the Twins last year but returned to UConn for his senior season and was taken in the 4th round this year.  So a good move on his part.

http://www.courant.com/sports/baseball/hc-mlb-amateur-draft-0608-20130607,0,3293959.story

Mazzilli, from Greenwich, was drafted by the Twins in the ninth round last year, but returned to UConn for his senior season. He hit .364 with six homers and 49 RBI while showing improvement in his defense at second base. He worked with Bobby Valentine in the offseason and he helped the Huskies make the NCAA Tournament with a home run against Notre Dame in the Big East final. As a result, he moved up in the draft, from pick No. 280 to No. 116, and the slot value more than tripled to $442,000.

"He really made the most of his last year," UConn coach Jim Penders said. "He rededicated himself to defense, and what I'll remember most is that he really learned how to become a leader. He's his own man, he's established that, and he should be proud."

Paul DePodesta, the Mets VP for player development and amateur scouting, said the organization discussed Mazzilli last year.

"He's a guy who has been on our radar for a long time," DePodesta said. "He has continued to improve. We've been following him for three years now."

Mazzilli was the named the Collegiate Baseball Writers District II player of the year on Friday. Coming from college, Mazzilli is likely to be assigned to the Mets' NY-Penn League affiliate in Brooklyn, where his father was born. The Brooklyn Cyclones come to Norwich for three games beginning July 13.

"The pressure is going to be there," Lee Mazzilli said. "You can't hide from it, you have to deal with it and the great ones do. ? LJ showed a number of times in his college career he could rise to the occasion."

Very cool for the Mazilli family. I liked his father. He must be so proud. Good luck to him.

Yep, same here - Lee was a cool cat.

Seeing some our favorite players kids get drafted is surreal - we're getting..a...um....mature. ;)

I mostly remember him from his days as a coach on the Yankees. I'm sure i saw him play though. I remember being a baseball fan way back when Don Mattingly entered the league. He was absolutely my favorite player growing up. I actually got to meet him in 89. Very nice guy. One of the real good guys baseball's had and one of the best players who played the game right. Such a shame the back injury robbed him of his hitting. He was on the fast track to being an all time great and to Cooperstown. I really hope one day he makes it in as a manager. He's the kind of guy that should be in the HOF. A guy that's everything right about baseball.  Heh yep, i'm on the downside of 30 now.

Speaking of Mattingly.  His Dodgers got into quite the brawl with the D'backs last night.  And wouldn't you know it, Zack Greinke was once again a key figure.

Here's my take on the events.  First Kennedy nails Puig in the shoulder/nose on an 0-2 pitch.  Now I don't think that was intentional, at least I hope not.  But anytime a guy gets hit up around or in the face, that's a seriously scary situation.  So Greinke retaliates and hits Montero in the back the next inning.  He probably should have been ejected, but he wasn't.  Both benches were warned and sure enough he comes up to bat the next inning and gets beaned up around the head area.  Now again, I HOPE Kennedy didn't mean to throw at his head but he obviously meant to hit him.  I'm sure he'll get suspended, and deservedly so.  The brawl itself was pretty good as far as baseball brawls go.  It was weird seeing Don Baylor, Kirk Gibson, Don Mattingly, and Matt Williams going at it.  It felt like 1987 all over again.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130612&content_id=50380800&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

LOS ANGELES -- Tuesday night's game between the Dodgers and D-backs deteriorated into a beanbrawl in the sixth and seventh innings, as Ian Kennedy hit Yasiel Puig in the nose with a fastball, Zack Greinke retaliated by hitting Miguel Montero in the back with a pitch and Kennedy further retaliated by hitting Greinke in the shoulder with a pitch.

Both benches emptied when Greinke hit Montero, but no punches were thrown. When Greinke was hit by Kennedy's first pitch to him in the bottom of the seventh, however, the Dodgers erupted.

"If you're going to hit one of our guys, we're going to hit one of yours," said rookie catcher Tim Federowicz, whose three-run double in the eighth inning rallied the Dodgers to a 5-3 victory. "That's just the way the game is. But [Greinke getting hit near the head], that's where it gets a little out of hand. You can't do that. We'll see what happens the rest of the time we play these guys. It's going to be heated."

No more heated than Tuesday night. Los Angeles manager Don Mattingly and Arizona skipper Kirk Gibson got physically tangled, and Dodgers coach Mark McGwire went jaw to jaw with Gibson and D-backs coach Matt Williams.

But the real action occurred near the photo well next to the Arizona dugout, where Dodgers reliever Ronald Belisario went after several players, and J.P. Howell smashed Arizona coach Turner Ward into the padded railing. Puig re-ignited the melee and had to be pulled from the scrum.

"I have no personal beef with any of those guys," Howell said. "It's just part of the gig."

Because of the warning issued after Greinke hit Montero, Kennedy and Gibson were ejected automatically because both benches had been warned. McGwire, Ward, Puig and Belisario were also ejected. When the Dodgers came out for the top of the eighth inning, Puig was replaced in right field by Alex Castellanos.

"I wanted to throw inside just kind of to send a message, but not to hit the guy and it just kind of got away from me a little bit," Kennedy said. "I was really just trying to go inside because I didn't think it was right what he did to Miggy."

Greinke is pitching with a metal plate in his collarbone, which was broken when he was charged by San Diego's Carlos Quentin after hitting him with a pitch April 11.

Schumaker was the most eloquent in explaining why the Dodgers were so fired up.

"I've never seen a pitcher throw at two different guys' heads before," he said. "It's dangerous. It's different if it's a beanball war. I've been a part of those before. I get it. It's part of the game. I like it. It gets guys going. It gets the fans fired up. I get all that. I love it. But when you start throwing at guys' heads, it's a different story."

I heard about that. Heard it got pretty nasty. I didn't see video though. I like Ian Kennedy but the second hit batter that he hit in the head looked pretty intentional to me. He should be suspended enough to miss at least two starts for that imo. There's no place in the game for that shit.

More Biogenesis ducks lining up for MLB:

Judge won't decline lawsuit

http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/9376490/judge-declines-dismiss-mlb-drug-lawsuit

Yep, very good bulllying tactic for MLB. They are basically gonna force these guys to turn over every last bit of information they have or force them to go through a very costly legal process.

Yankees have signed Paul O'Nell's Nephew Michael for 500k. Very cool for the O'Neill family. Paulie must be so proud.

More  good news for the Yankees. Derek Jeter has been cleared to resume baseball activities including running.

8 suspensions from the Dodger/D-back brawl including Kennedy for 10 games aka 2 starts. Correct call imo. You just can't throw at someones head.

Scary moment in Tampa today. Alex Cobb took a liner off the side of the head and is hospitalized. He never lost consciousness thankfully.

Promising first start for Zack Wheeler last night, 6 scoreless, 7 Ks and picks up the W, not bad. 

At least Mets fans have Wheeler and Harvey to look forward to for years to come, and other pitching prospects waiting in the wings.  Unfortunately, the positional prospects aren't anything to write home about.  And they sure could use some help in the offensive department.

Sadly true.  There's been talk of trading the "other pitching prospects" for bats, but Wheeler and Harvey are off the table.  So not sure how good of a bargaining position you have when you say 'we're offering our young pitchers, just not the really good ones'.

Mets' scouting has been epic shit.  The last position player they drafted to appear in an All-Star game was David Wright and that was 2001.  If all continues to go well with Harvey, he'll be the first pitcher they drafted to become a bona fide ace since Dwight Gooden (drafted 1982).  Still to early to say if the Alderson regime's drafting has been equally horrid.

Joe Torre's daughter catches baby
Updated: June 20, 2013, 1:55 PM ET

NEW YORK -- The daughter of former New York Yankees manager Joe Torre is getting props from her dad for catching a baby boy who had tumbled off a second-floor fire escape in Brooklyn.

Torre said in a statement Wednesday that he was "very proud of my daughter Cristina's actions today during an incident in Brooklyn involving a small child."

Torre is now Major League Baseball's executive vice president of baseball operations.

"I didn't really know what was going to happen. ... You just move into action -- you don't really think about it," Cristina Torre told the Daily News of New York.

She was having coffee at a cupcake shop when bystanders saw the 1-year-old dangling from an awning of a frozen yogurt store next door.

"I'm talking to him saying, 'Don't come down, stay there,'" she said. "He helped himself with his arms. He was dangling. I knew he would be flipping very soon."

She said the child "literally landed in my arms." Torre credited her father for her "good hand-eye coordination."

According to police, the child somehow climbed onto the fire escape. He was in stable condition.

The parents were arrested and charged with reckless endangerment.


Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press


Wow!

I apologize in advance for linking a column written by Jon Heyman but thought Tim and Pilf would be interested since it's Yankee/Cano centric.

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/jon-heyman/22498842/yankees-cano-not-talking-increasing-odds-allstar-tests-free-agency

The Torre daughter story was awesome by the way, thanks for linking. :)

It was definitely a cool story. I'm glad she was able to catch the baby. I hope the parents are bitchslapped though.

How 'bout 'dem Blue Jays? :smoking:

Says the Boras shill who's still butt hurt his buddy got fired.

http://www.yankeeanalysts.com/2012/02/heyman-by-the-numbers-38590

Seriously...Jay Z JUST got his licensure approval like a week ago.

Since the changes, the word out of both camps were that they weren't even going to talk until Jay Z got his official approvals, with all the i's dotted and t's crossed, because doing so would violate the MLBPA agreements.  Most reports were saying that this would likely happen after the all star break, given it's proximity to the approvals being complete.  I know Creative artists was "riding herd", but all the rumors said that was just a place holder so Jay Z could sign Cano while going through the process of getting his approvals.  No real contact was actually going on (or being attempted) from either side.

So, saying they're "far apart" when they haven't really even talked yet (sure..maybe some back channel chat...but that's not the same as real negotiation)?  Essentially, you have the Cano side saying "We want the moon" and the Yanks saying "we want to pay peanuts".  You know...the unrealistic expectations that preceed every contract negotiation, EVER?  This isn't news.  It's Boras trying to save face through his mouthpiece with a "See, changing agents didn't help Cano any...." so his clients (present and potential future, given this is draft signing time) don't start having second thoughts about using him.

Simple as that.

I would not be shocked to see Cano hit FA before he signs with the Yanks (or anyone else).  But it will have had nothing to do with Heyman's drivel in the above article. :)

They're on fire! 4 losses out of first is quite the run.  Certainly within striking distance.

We'll see how long they can keep this up.

I always liked Brian Cashman, even more so now. :yes:

http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/9422957/brian-cashman-tells-new-york-yankees-alex-rodriguez-shut-up

"You know what, when the Yankees want to announce something, [we will]. Alex should just shut the f--- up. That's it. I'm going to call Alex now."

Yeah, I agree with Brian.  Alex should keep his mouth shut, all things considered.

But, in some cases, I think Brian should take his own advice.  This is one of them.

Look, I get Brian isn't a big Alex fan. He hasn't been since the Steinbrenners went around him and, basically behind his back, signed Alex to an atrocious deal.  And I get that he's not happy about having to talk about Alex's flirting with fans, taking PEDs, and the rest of it. I'm sure it's frustrating to have to do positive PR, or "no comments" for a player you don't really like, and didn't sign (you'll notice Cash took similar shots at Soriano, during his tenure with the Yanks, when Soriano did stupid stuff (ex: Not being available for post game press after blowing saves), but you gotta do it...if not with a smile, at least with a modicum of decorum.

The fact is...Alex has quite a bit of time left on his contract, and the Yanks owe him quite a bit of money.  Brian, if he wants to be GM of the Yanks for the long haul, is going to have to have a professional relationship with him.  So...blasting him in the press just makes Cash look (in this one case) as bad as Alex does. 

In short, Cash really could have, and should have, handled that better. He's the GM...he has to be the professional one...the bigger man, if you will.  That's his job, and dealing with these guys in a professional manner, even when they are not being professional, is part (a big part) of that job.

Here are the rumors behind this:  Alex has been telling the Yanks he's ready for game action for a week or two.  The Yanks keep telling him there is a process he has to go through, for clearance.  Alex feels the Yanks are stalling his rehab process for their own internal reasons (because they want him on the DL as long as possible, so they can potentially collect  insurance money, and not deal with the circus side show he brings to the table...and because they want to look for any medical reason possible to potentially force him to retire or void (aka get the insurance policies to pay out) his contract).  The Yanks doctors continue to delay his clearance, so Alex got the doctor in charge of his surgery to examine him over this past weekend.  That doctor (not the Yanks own doctors) cleared him to play.  Alex essentially ended around the Yanks training staff...and Cash...to prove his point.  And then very publically tweeted about it when the Yanks refused to listen.  Also the wrong way to handle things, by a country mile.

FYI...other players have recently updated their rehab status (before the Yanks have made official updates):


Not a peep by Cash when those went out...just sayin'.

Edit:
I think this article sums it up well...though the author gives Arod a bit too much of a pass:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/yankees/2013/06/25/alex-rodriguez-brian-cashman-shut-the-up-hip-surgery/2458543/

The Blue Jays get Jose Reyes back today 8)

Good stuff pilf, thanks for the viewpoint.

Outside looking in, it seems as though the Cashman and ARod (peacefully) coexisting isn't exactly a likely scenario moving forward.

Would it ever come down to a "him or me" situation?

Would the Yanks ever consider eating the bazillion $$ still owed ARod and if not, fire Cashman?

Would Cashman ever just say, "Fuck this, this organization is a zoo (blatant Bronx Zoo reference  :D) and walk away?

"Mark Teixeira to have season-ending surgery"

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/06/26/mark-teixeira-to-have-season-ending-surgery/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Tendon sheath surgery, yikes.

Same thing Mark DeRosa had done about 3 years ago, dude's never been even remotely close to the same.

I wonder if Cashman will tell him to "Heal the fuck up?"

And the yanks lost tex for the rest of the season...

Cash would lose that standoff...because arod is guaranteed his money. Cash isn't.

Nobody is taking arod. Not unless the yank agree to pay 95% of his money AND take nothing but low prospects for him. He's not productive enough to be with the hassles he brings.

Which means the yanks have him for better or worse.

Cash can not like him...he just has to be the bigger man and do it quietly. Because, honestly, where does cash go? Every decent team has a guy that's problematic, really. The gms job is to suck it up and be the pro, and let the player be the..and look like the...asshole.

Batista had the same issue..worse because it was a full tear..and ended up with surgery last year. He seems to have recovered ok.

Cash is talking now. He is apologizing for his comment/attitude yesterday. Sounds like he got bitch slapped by Hal.

Hal talked to Alex(end a rounding cash), and asked that he allow them to "manage from the top down, not the bottom up". Supposedly, Alex apologized, chalked it up to being excited, and " got the message".

Seeing a lot of All Star talk on the MLB sites I frequent and am finding it for lack of a better term - boring.

The game holds little interest for me these days (beyond the "this one counts" train wreck appeal) unfortunately.  Daily interleague play, club organized ballot stuffing and expanded rosters have literally killed any intrigue the game used to carry for me personally.

Anyone else give a hoot anymore?

I'm sure to the surprise of no one: Yes, I still find the game intersting.

That being said, I've gone from a guy who pretty much watches every inning of every Yanks game (live or memorex) to watching snippets of every yanks game, and a lot more of other teams (via MLB network, or via my Ipad).

The current Yanks lineup is just hard to watch...and has been for about a month or so.  All those guys who stormed out of the gate have regressed back to the backs of their baseball cards (or worse).  I can't muster enough energy to change the channel to watch Wells strike out again, watch Hafner weekly ground out, or watch their replacement player of the month weakly hack at the air.

These are just not the New York Yankees.  Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees, maybe.

Lest you all think this is fair weather fandom..it's not.  If this were a team of actual major league caliber players who just happend to be sucking out for a time (and I've certainly watched stretches of that in the 80's and early 90's), that's one thing.  It's just not.

I've watched the Rangers and Giants play more innings, lately, than I have the Yanks.....

I watch most of the Cards games when possible less the interleague in an AL ballpark but that's been the case for quite some time though - it's like going from chess to checkers for me.

My overall watching is down generally although the live look ins on MLB Network are gold, no need to go to the grocery store to buy an item or two when you can hit the convenience store.

And I feel for you and Tim on the Yanks, they're a tough watch for now for the most part but I have to admit, the sideshow this year is must see TV.

Never a dull moment for the Bombers.

I pay more attention to the sideshow, and the injury report/ updates than I do the games right now. Hopefully, by the end of July, we will get SOME major leaguers back.

I just hope zolo stays with the big league club. He won't...because the yanks will never release wells. But I can hope.

More sideshow action from TMZ, yes - TMZ.

http://www.tmz.com/2013/07/01/major-league-baseball-steroids-biogenesis-whistleblower-alex-rodriguez-ryan-braun/

I don't know about you cats but I'm ready for the other shoe to drop, or not drop at all.

This, as the kids say - "just cray".  But hilarious at the same time.

Sorry George.

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/eye-on-baseball/22600996/july-1-is-bobby-bonillas-day-to-get-paid-by-mets

July 1 is Bobby Bonilla's day to get paid by Mets

It's July 1, so that means Bobby Bonilla got a check for $1,193,248.20 today, just as he'll do every July 1 through 2035 due to a deferral clause in the contract when the Mets bought out the final year of Bonilla's deal in prior to the 2000 season.

The deal was signed by the Marlins in 1996, but Bonilla was traded to the Dodgers in the 1998 blockbuster that involved Gary Sheffield and Mike Piazza. Bonilla was later flipped to the Mets. He then only played 60 games in 1999, hitting .160/.277/.303, so the Mets saw fit to get rid of him before the 2000 season instead of paying him $5.9 million that year.

And now they'll be paying him a bit more than four times that -- just stretched out over 25 years.

(http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/visual/whatshot/Bobby_bonilla_bobble.jpg)

Congratulations to Andy Pettitte on becoming the Yankees all time leader in strikeouts.

Haha, thank you!  I actually find that whole fiasco with Bonilla to be hilarious.  I remember back in Bonilla's Met days in the early 90s, he threatened a reporter with the comment "I'll show you the Bronx".  I think he showed Fred Wilpon.

Keep in mind, Wilpon was turning a profit on this deal until 2008, earning 20% a year on his Madoff investments.  We know how that turned out...

A bizarre night of baseball in store for me this evening with the Cards visiting the Angels.

Albert facing his former mates for the first time will be a lil weird to say the least.

Looking back it was obviously the right decision letting AP walk, it sucked at the time but it was the right move for the organization.

At Pujol's request, the Halo's will be wearing patches honoring Stan Musial with Stan's grandson throwing out the first pitch - classy move.

Props to AP for doing that, very classy move by a good guy.

Minnesota Twins honor Mariano Rivera with rocking chair made of broken bats
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Troy Machir Sporting News
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New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera is on a farewell tour across the majors.

The future first ballot Hall of Famer is making his final trip to opposing ballparks across the country this summer, thanking the players, coaches and members of the opposing staff he has interacted with over his 19-year career.

The Yankees are in Minnesota for the final time this season, and the Twins honored Rivera before their game on Tuesday night with a souvenier chair made out of broken bats caused by Rivera's pitches.

The "Chair of Broken Dreams":

    #MNTwins honoring the career of retiring closer Mariano Rivera by presenting him with a ?Chair of Broken Dreams.? pic.twitter.com/XqQG7iIpxi
    ? Minnesota Twins (@Twins) July 2, 2013

MORE: Rivera delivers pizza to Oakland staff | Yankees closer doesn't want to start the All Star Game

    Gardy, Morneau and Perkins present Mariano with the Chair of Broken Dreams before tonight's game. pic.twitter.com/L7ccdql1aW
    ? FOX 9 Sports (@Fox9Sports) July 2, 2013

Rivera will go down as the greatest closer in baseball history. He will also be remembered as one of the nicest, most friendly guys to ever take the mound.

http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/story/2013-07-02/mariano-rivera-chair-broken-bats-minnesota-twins-retirement-tour-new-york-yankee

They also presented him with $10,000 for his charity.

Some good news on the Yankees front. Derek Jeter has been cleared to begin his rehab assignment will play tomorrow for Scranton-Wilkes Barre.

Baseball America's mid season Top 50 prospect list is out, take a look here:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/midseason-prospect-update-top-50-prospects/

Looks like MLB is getting ready to lower the suspension boom on A-Rod Braun and the others associated with Bosch's biogenisis clinic after next week's All-Star game.

Yep, here's the ESPN report:

http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/9464246/ryan-braun-refused-answer-mlb-questions-biogenesis-clinic-sources-say

Will you be heartbroken if A-Roid doesn't take the field this year? :hihi:

Really cool story about Manny helping Mike Olt out:

http://m.espn.go.com/general/story?storyId=9459392&city=dallas&src=desktop (http://m.espn.go.com/general/story?storyId=9459392&city=dallas&src=desktop)

Not really, i don't think having him will help this team much with all the injuries.

Maybe he should pay with his Seinfeld money. :yes:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2359173/Danny-Tartabull-Former-baseball-star-wanted-deadbeat-Los-Angeles.html

Former star baseball player who earned $33MILLION during career is 'most wanted' deadbeat dad in Los Angeles after owing $275K in child support

PUBLISHED: 21:22 EST, 9 July 2013  | UPDATED: 21:22 EST, 9 July 2013 

A former star baseball player who earned more than $33million over the course of his 14-year major league career has been named the top deadbeat dad in Los Angeles after allegedly failing to pay more than $275,000 in child support for his two sons.

Danny Tartabull's face appears prominently on a Los Angeles County Child Support Services poster advertising the five 'most wanted' deadbeat dads in the county.

Tartabull, who hit 262 home runs between 1984 and 1997, is currently a fugitive from justice. A warrant was issued for his arrest on May 12, 2012 after he failed to appear for a 180 day jail sentence.

I actually met him once very briefly lol.

Yankee-centric from Ken Rosenthal:

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/07/10/the-yankees-are-shopping-phil-hughes-joba-chamberlain/

Chiming in:

Not really.

But that being said....if they levied the suspensions right after the All Star Break...there is a good chance Arod will see some time on the field at the MLB level this year.

Because there is no way the appeals process is going to go quickly or smoothly in this.  I see long term battles, potentially legal battles, which could push off the date the suspensions get served.

Now...do the Yanks bring him up from the minors during the process? Or do they let him toil down there until they have a sure answer (or his 30 day rehab window is up)?  That I'm not sure of.

It looks like Jeter's return is imminent.

In the lineup, today, as DH.

Yep, saw that. a day or two sooner then i was expecting.

..and a quad injury..maybe minor...in his debut.

Ok..rant time.
I have heard, from 5 or 6 different media folks, the amazing accomplishment that Miguel Cabrera is he first player ever to have 30 hrs and 90+ RBI before the as break.

Look, they are gaudy numbers. And they are impressive. But mayhaps we should also point out that most MLB teams will have played around 95-ish games before the break...not the 85-ish that we've seen in most seasons since the adoption of the 160+ game season. About once or twice a decade we get an extended first half...and this is one of those years.

He's having a great season. He's putting up amazing numbers. But there needs to be some context given when using " before the as break" as a metric. Because it doesn't mark an approximate half way point of the season, or the same number of games that it has, in the past.  He's got an extra 10 games to put those numbers up...

He says he can go Friday so it seems minor. Obviously the Yankees still want to do the MRI to be on the safe side.

That is true, but his 1st halfish number are quite impressive considering the decrease in offense across the league.  Same could be said for a few other guys too, Chris Davis for one.  But it used to be routine for multiple guys to put up 30+ homers and 80+ RBI's before the break just 5 years ago.

Agree.  As I said, the numbers are impressive (all of them). And I'm definitely not trying to take away from that.

It's the context/metric they're being lent that I have issue with.  And you point out one reason why (because it wasn't unusual for a guy to put up 30 HR and 80+ RBI a few seasons ago.....in roughly 10 less games).

Cabrera is hitting, roughly, on average, 1 HR every 3 games (30 over 91 games).  That works out to about 54 HR's in 2013.  Impressive? Sure.  But not amazingly outside the past 10 seasons HR "king" average (about 49.4) or even the past 5 seasons (47.2).  Bautista hit 54 HR's just 2 seasons ago (2010).

I heard it again, this morning, on Mike and Mike...though in relation to Chris Davis and his 34 home runs (unfortunately in relation to the steroid rumors..but that's another rant).

Yes, the number and pace at which he's hitting them is impressive (he's on pace for 60 HR's this season, which is remarkable).  But saying things like "34 by the break is a historic rate" isn't accurate. And it's lazy.  Because "by the break" is going to be 95 games in.  There's only going to be 67 games left to play afterwards.  The AS break, this year, isn't the "half way point" that it has been in most previous seasons.

It's just annoying.  You'd think these guys would think things through a little more.

Grade 1 Quad strain for Jeter. Shut down until after the All Star game. Smart move i think, no sense in risking it for a few games before the break. Let him rest for over a week then see how it feels when play resumes.

No sense pushing it on Jeter.

Are they planning on him DH'ing or playing in the field at some point moving forward?

I think at some point he'll be back at SS but i'm sure he'll DH awhile. They haven't ruled out him needing to go back on the DL but this really kinda happened at a good time cause at this point they only have to sit him for 3 games. If he's not feeling better sometime after next weekend they may have to put him back on for a bit. Hopefully he'll respond well to treatment and be ready to go next Friday.

That is true.  I heard them say on the radio during the Sox game the other night that Hack Wilson better watch out because Cabrera could be a threat to break his RBI record this year.  Well, if you go by his 95 RBI's and double it, he still would fall 1 RBI short of 191.  But of course, he has played 10 more games than half the season, so he's actually on pace for 167.  A very impressive number, no doubt.  But it's nowhere close to 191.  He'd have to pick up the pace quite a bit if he wanted to make a run at that one.

Apparently MLB's  case against A-Rod is so strong his lawyers are working with MLB on a plea bargain. It seems he could be looking at a ban of 150 games.

I hadn't seen that one....though I did see he no showed the minor league game on Friday (which was rained out). 

Edit: I see it now on Yahoo.  I also seriously doubt its credibility (ban length), given what's actually WRITTEN in the JDA. 

MLB can try to do whatever is pleases, but the legal contract is going to prevail. 

Either way i seriously doubt we see A-Rod on the field this season for the Yankees.

Based on the fact he looks terrible in rehab game..I'd agree.

Based on the fact the Yanks may want this to run it's course before they bring him up (and he looks terrible enough in rehab to keep him down)...I'd agree.

Based on an assumption that he takes a "plea deal"...I'd sorta kinda maybe agree (but think the union would fight against him being able to do so, but more on that in a sec).

Based solely on this report, I disagree, though.

What MLB is trying to do is, essentially, charge A-rod and Braun with 2 infractions at one time.  This directly violates the language of the JDA, which protects against double jeopardy and clearly defines what an infraction is, and how it can be "counted". It also clearly defines the process of appeal.

Essentially, even if MLB somehow managed to loop around the double jeopardy clauses, they would have to treat infraction 1 and infraction 2 as two completely separate incidents, and hold 2 completely separate appeals processes (because, if the player successfully appeals infraction #1....there IS no infraction #2, it becomes a defacto first infraction with a 50 game penalty).

The only way MLB could levy 150 games is to levy 50 for the first infraction, and 100 as "something else" (conduct detrimental to the game?).  Even so, the JDA says those two things would have to be handled in separate appeals processes....because the conduct detrimental suspension would be covered under the CBA and not the JDA (and, potentially, with CBA suspensions based on conduct detrimental...the only appeal process could be Selig..and we're back to bountygate all over again).

And BOTH of the above (trying to levy 2 infractions for what seems to be defined in the JDA as one infraction AND the circumnavigation of the appeals process) are not arbitrator issues.  They are contract issues.  And they would likely be pursued by MLBPA, in court.  That would extend the timeline of just about everything, all the way down the line, because the MLBPA really does not want this kind of precedent set (indeed, an alternate precedent was set last year with Melky, and his fake suplement site).

I think there is a very good chance we see him play some MLB level games this year, while the whole thing is working through the process.

Which isn't to say I want to see him play.  Given everything we've heard about his ON the field, in rehab, I wish he'd just call it a season and, maybe, a career (fat chance of that happening).  Heck, the best thing that could happen to the Yanks is a lifetime ban (fat chance of that, too) because it would get them out from under his terrible contract.

I'm sure you're right in the fact that the union will fight the plea agreement or the 2 infractions at once. A suspension of some kind is certainly coming though. Will the union be able to fight it long enough to allow him to see any action this season remains to be seen. We'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out. As for him looking terrible in rehab games, you have to look at it as this is a 37 yr old man who's playing his first games since October. Quite a bit of rust has to be expected.

The terribleness isn't just rust....it's the fact he looks to be moving at turtle like speed, in terms of both his bat and his mobility. That's not rust. That's physical ability.

There will be suspensions levied. I'm still not sure they will hold up to appeal. And I'm not sure how long the process will take, given the numbers and direction they are going. We will see.

One other thing I heard today: even if arod considered a deal, there is a good chance mlbpa would object to the point of kicking arod out of the union over letting him take the deal. Mlbpa is not going to want the precedent this would set to go down. It would be too hostile to the membership.

Well i just saw a report that he is set to rejoin the team in a week. Lets see what transpires after the ASG.

In much more positive news for the Yankees, Granderson is getting very close to return. He's hoping for late July.

Manny Ramirez has been very good for the Express in his first eight games. As the season stands right now, Manny is hitting an even .300 with the Express, while belting three home runs and driving in six runs. 

After being signed by the Rangers following his time in Taiwan with the EDA Rhinos, it was thought that Manny could help fill a void at designated hitter for Texas. So far, the experiment seems to be going as planned. 

During his time with the Rhinos, Ramirez hit .352 with 64 hits, 13 doubles and eight home runs to go along with 43 RBI.  It may have seemed a bit far-fetched to think that he could come back to the majors and contribute, but while he hasn't reached the majors yet, he looks like he is ready to at any point. 

What is even more impressive with Ramirez's stats this season is that in his first 30 at-bats he has struck out only five times. Granted, he is playing at the Triple-A level, but he doesn't seem to have lost too much bat speed at the plate, and the power is there.

As it stands right now, Manny is on a three-game hitting streak, going 6-for-14 over that stretch with two homers. With his production being at a high level right now, Ramirez may just be the spark that the Rangers need at this point in the season.

Texas is heading into the All-Star break coming off a loss in which they were nearly no-hit by the Tigers' Justin Verlander. Texas has plenty of players who are still playing at a high level, but it has struggled hitting out of the designated hitter spot.

Lance Berkman got off to a hot start for the Rangers early on this season, and looked to be a viable option as the team's designated hitter. Unfortunately, Berkman has struggled at the plate over the last month-and-a-half, and has also dealt with injury problems. 

Texas has tried filling the void at designated hitter with rookie Jurickson Profar, at times putting him in the lineup as the DH, or placing another position player in the spot, with Profar playing somewhere in the field.  Unfortunately, Profar has struggled for most of the season. He is hitting just .235 on the year with three homers and 11 RBI, and has yet to steal any bases, which is a bit surprising given his speed.

It's looking more and more like Ramirez could actually have a shot to make an impact for Texas this season. There hasn't been much speculation at this point as to when Manny could be called up, but he is certainly raising eyebrows after his first eight games. 

I would expect to see Manny called up sometime by the end of July or early August if he continues to go on tears similar to this week. If he does continue to produce at a high level with the Express, don't count him out as a guy who could make a splash for the Rangers once promoted.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1703950-down-on-the-farm-manny-ramirez-making-strides-with-round-rock-express (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1703950-down-on-the-farm-manny-ramirez-making-strides-with-round-rock-express)

nion: Bans will be served in 2014
By Jerry Crasnick
ESPN.com

NEW YORK -- As rumors swirl that Major League Baseball is close to dispensing punishment in the Biogenesis case, the head of the players' association said it's possible the players involved would not serve their penalties until the 2014 season.

Michael Weiner, the union's executive director, said he expects MLB to present its findings to the players' association "within the next month."

Given the potential length of an appeal process for the players involved, Alex Rodriguez, Ryan Braun, Nelson Cruz and the other principal players in the Biogenesis investigation could be in limbo into the offseason.

Weiner also said the commissioner's office isn't bound by the terms of the joint drug prevention and treatment program -- which calls for 50- and 100-game suspensions and a lifetime ban for three failed drug tests -- because the players involved in the Biogenesis case did not fail tests and are being investigated for "non-analytical" reasons.

Much of MLB's case is being built on phone records, receipts and other information provided by Anthony Bosch, the founder of Miami-based Biogenesis of America anti-aging clinic.

"In theory, [the players] could be suspended for five games or 500 games, and we could then choose to challenge that," Weiner said. "The commissioner's office is not bound by the scale we have in the basic agreement."

A provision in the drug-testing agreement gives the commissioner's office the latitude to announce suspensions before they are appealed if the cases are already public knowledge, but the union is expected to mount a challenge in the Biogenesis case.

    ?

    Selig We went through the cocaine era of the '80s and there was no drug-testing agreement, which was quite sad. The Pittsburgh drug trials -- very sad, and still no drug-testing agreement. Now here we are, 30 years later with the toughest drug-testing agreement in American sports. We must be doing something right. I haven't heard from anyone in Washington in eight and a half years.
    ? -- MLB commissioner Bud Selig

Weiner indicated that the union will advocate that suspensions remain private and confidential until the players' appeals before arbitrator Fredric Horowitz are complete.

ESPN's "Outside the Lines" has reported that Rodriguez and as many as 20 other players are expected to be suspended for their relationship to Bosch, who allegedly provided performance-enhancing drugs to the players. Rodriguez has denied the allegations.

When asked directly on Monday about his involvement with Biogenesis, Rodriguez said: "I appreciate you asking that question. But due to the process, we're not allowed to comment on that. But with due time, we'll talk about that."

Commissioner Bud Selig, in his annual All-Star Game talk to members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America, promised a "thorough, comprehensive and aggressive" investigation into the Biogenesis scandal, saying that MLB is committed to getting it right regardless of the time frame or the potential impact on affected clubs.

"I'm sensitive to that, but we have to complete this investigation," Selig said. "I have to see the results, and then we're going to move forward. Those are the only concerns."

Selig has come under fire through the years for baseball's tardiness in addressing the PED issue but issued a spirited defense Tuesday of the strides the game has made.

The Biogenesis case has been perceived as yet another black eye in a steroids narrative that goes back to the Mark McGwire-Sammy Sosa home run race in 1998.

"People are sometimes critical of baseball and say a lot of different things," Selig said. "They say this [case] is about retribution or my legacy -- whatever the case may be.

"We went through the cocaine era of the '80s and there was no drug-testing agreement, which was quite sad. The Pittsburgh drug trials -- very sad, and still no drug-testing agreement. Now here we are, 30 years later with the toughest drug testing agreement in American sports. We must be doing something right. I haven't heard from anyone in Washington in eight and a half years."

   Selig
Bud Selig said MLB administered 4,200 random drug tests last season at the major-league level and 16,000 tests overall between the majors and the minor leagues.

Selig said MLB administered 4,200 tests at the major league level last year and 16,000 tests overall between the big leagues and the minors. He said MLB testing produced seven positive results, and the overall failure rate was less than half of 1 percent.

Selig also cited the banning of amphetamines as a positive step and said team trainers and doctors have told him that baseball is doing "fine." But he also expects stiffer penalties for PED use to be a topic of discussion in the next collective bargaining agreement.

"I had a player come to me a few months ago who wanted me to know how much he and many others resent it being called the steroid era, because a great, great majority of our players never did it," Selig said. "It puts them in a very difficult position."

Selig also appeared Monday night on the "Late Show with David Letterman," saying "only time will tell" when asked whether Rodriguez would play for the New York Yankees again.

"We're in the midst of a very thorough and tough investigation on all of this, because I really believe it's not only the right thing to do, we're going to do it," Selig said.

But Selig danced around the topic of whether Rodriguez faces a suspension, saying: "I'd rather not say."

"But you know, don't you? I can tell," Letterman asked.

"I do. The answer is, I do," Selig said before drawing applause from the studio audience.

Selig also said the issue of Rodriguez's contract would be for the Yankees and the third baseman to work out, although he added that the sum of money in question would not be "incalculable."

"It's over $100 million, and it's been calculated by everyone," Selig said.

Although the Biogenesis case dominated Tuesday's annual All-Star Game question-and-answer sessions held by Selig and Weiner, it was one of several topics of discussion:

Weiner, who has been dealing with an inoperable brain tumor, addressed the baseball writers from a wheelchair. He said his condition has deteriorated in the past month and that he is currently taking an experimental drug typically used to treat melanomas.

Weiner said the players' association has been discussing possible contingency plans in the event that his health prevents him from continuing with his duties but dismissed recent reports that former union leaders Donald Fehr and Gene Orza might return in leadership capacities.

Both Weiner and agent Scott Boras have decried the news leaks in the Biogenesis case as a violation of the drug-testing agreement. Selig vigorously denied that Major League Baseball has been the source of any leaks.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/9482862/mlbpa-says-players-suspended-biogenesis-investigation-likely-serve-bans-2013

And the greatest ever Mariano Rivera gets a standing ovation from everyone even the players as he enters the last all star game of his career in the 8th inning as he so deserves. Props to all the players for letting him have his moment on the field by himself as he warmed up. Very classy move.

I'm sorry but the top 5 plays they picked as the best as the first half of the season were terrible. The top two especially. A pop fly for the final out of a no hitter and a inside the park home run? Seriously? Those aren't great plays. A great play is an amazing catch or an amazing put out in the infield of some kind.

Huge props to Sox fans tonight cheering Mo has he entered the game then when he got the final out. Very classy showing the respect earned by the greatest closer ever.

Now it seems A-Rod has a strained quad and is having a MRI Monday. The Baseball gods must not want him to play again this year until he's suspended.

That post made me laugh Tim, well done. :)

That's how it seems lol. It appears he's gonna not be able to play for an additional 7-10 days.

The other shoe is dropping, and hard.

Ryan Braun takes a 65 game suspension with no appeal.

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/eye-on-baseball/22849636/ryan-braun-admits-ped-use-suspended-for-rest-of-2013

Ryan Braun has been suspended for the rest of the 2013 season without pay, effective immediately. He admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs and voilating the Joint Drug Agreement.

?I realize now that I have made some mistakes," he said in a statement. "I am willing to accept the consequences of those actions.?

More to come.

Damnit Falcon you always beat me to it  ;D. Seriously though huge news and no appeal. Wow. Now when will the bigger shoe drop on the other 15 or so including A-Rod.

I would suspect sooner than later, a lot of the talking heads speculating Arod's will be longer due
to his "prior conviction".

This is huge, MLB isn't fucking around and the precedent has been sent to "take your medicine" without appeal.

News is this was a negotiated deal.

What prior conviction for arod? The Mitchell report failed test?

MLB better not try to use that as justification...those were supposed to be confidential.

I hear they have very damning evidence with A-Rod. Phone records, receipts etc.

Yeah, obviously they aren't gonna wait long before lowering the boom on the others connected to Bosch. It would be silly to suspend Braun then wait weeks or months to drop it on the others.

Braun didn't appeal.

The process is supposed to be announcements don't come until the appeal process is complete.

So we could wait awhile to hear specifics on other players...though leaks should also be expected.

Wrong choice of words on my part, "prior admission".

MLB can pretty much use anything they want at this point, they just nailed their "Public enemy #1 (or 1a)" without appeal to a suspension longer than that of a first time offender.

I suspect their evidence is beyond overwhelming on more than just Braun, some will appeal and some won't.

I've heard rumors of that...just like there were rumors of 100 to 150 game suspensions for Braun and arod.

If they offered arod 65 games, he should take it and run. If they try o push for 100 games or more, he should appeal in every way possible until he can't Appel any more.

The first is a generally fair number by the jda. The second number isn't.

They can try, but if mlbpa hears a whisper of it, they'll sue. The Mitchell report leaks nearly brought litigation, themselves, and mlbpa only backed off when MLB offered assurances that the player names leaked would have no repercussions from MLB in relation to those leaks.

Braun didn't appeal because he is hurt, his team stinks, and he loses about 3.5 million vs 4.3 million next year...and the time frame isn't outlandish.

Arod makes less next year vs this year, in case anyone was wondering.

A possibility for sure although I suspect the MLBPA will be proactive in negotiating deals with others involved than seeking litigation to draw out the process.

Michael Weiner's quotes from last week were very telling, both he and his membership seem to waiving the white flag.

What i'm hearing from the MLBPA is they very well may not appeal if evidence is overwhelming against the player. So if the evidence against A-Rod is as damning as we've heard he's screwed and will not get any help from the union.

There is a big difference between appealing a suspension for a single user...which, really, is the players decision and then mlbpa decides wether or not to commit resources to support the appeal...and suing because MLB is violating an agreement in a way that sets precedent to harm the entire membership.

In relation to biogenesis, specifically, the first may be true.

In relation to MLB violating the agreement surrounding the confidentiality of the anonymous tests leaked by th Mitchell report...it probably isn't. And MLB knows it. With Braun not appealing, they now have the high ground. No sense in,losing it by pushing too hard and forcing mlbpa to take an active role against them.

Mlbpa doesn't make the final decision...the player does.

That being said, mlbpa can decide not to commit resources to the appeal, which means the entire process is on the players dime, not the unions.

Listening to espn radio right now. Apparently the way they forced Braun to take the 65 games and not appeal was by telling him if he appealed and lost it would be 100-150 games.

Given his situation (hurt, sucky team, more money next year, ESP over that time frame)....he should've taken it if at all guilty (or unable to mount compelling defense).

As I said, arod should take the same deal if offered it.

FYI...done for tonight. I am sick as a dog. Talk to you all more about this in the am, hopefully.

Agreed A-Rod should take whatever is offered and run rather then risk being banned much much longer. Feel better pilf :)

Just saw in a news report on espn.com about Braun they mentioned A-Rod. The reporter apparently has sources that say the case against A-Rod is much stronger then it was against Braun and that A-Rod might've even interfered with the investigation. So that could get him in even more trouble. Its quite possible they could try to ban him for life.

You know he appeals any sort if ban. Because, really, you have nothing to lose at that point....

I really, just from a procedural curiosity standpoint, want someone to appeal these suspensions. I don't care if its arod or someone else....but that, really, is likely the way we get the most real info on what went on.

Early reports have Dustin Pedroia extended with the Sox at 7 years and just over $100 million.

It'll be interesting to see just how this effects Robinson Cano, I'm sure Jay Z and his posse (sorry, couldn't resist) just had reality slap them up side the noggin to a degree and conversely, Cashman is doing the happy dance.

Not sure its gonna be him to appeal. He's apparently trying to go the same route as Braun and negotiate a rest of the season ban because the evidence is so overwhelming. A suspension isn't imminent though.

Saw that. Good move for the Sox.

To be clear: Not suspension...BAN.

In other words, if MLB tried to institute a lifetime ban....you know he would appeal because he has nothing to lose. If he loses the appeal...he is still banned for life. Why not do it? You would be dumb not to, especially since lifetime bans mean no association with MLB at all. No jobs as a hitting instructor, no special coaching gigs at spring training, and no appearances at yanks old timers day.

If he manages a deal, that's different. Hopefully someone else will, just for curiosity sake.

Guess who is who (lifetime stats)

1) 303 avg, 96 hr, 466 RBI, 115 stolen bases, 371 ob%,457 slg,36.2 war

2) 308 avg, 198 hr, 784 RBI, 37 stolen bases, 354 ob%, 505 slg,42.4 war

No peeking. :)

Either the sox underpaid the market, or cano is overvaluing the market. Or a bit of both.

ARod may go down fighting...

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2013/07/23/alex-rodriguez-biogenesis-mlb-negotiations-suspension/2579977/

Saw that but apparently he said that before the Braun thing went down. Now that that's happened he might be more inclined to cut a deal. If they could get Braun suspended and to not appeal with the evidence they had, i would find it hard to believe Alex wouldn't do an about face if the evidence is as damning as we're hearing.

Looks like arod got a second opinion...and that doc said there is no evidence of an injury in the MRI.

Arod has, reportedly, told the yanks he is ready to play and wants to be in the lineup on Friday.

Yanks are, reportedly, looking into this as a violation of the CBa because he did not notify them that he was seeking a second opinion. Apparently, though, there would be no teeth other than making him pay for the service out of pocket.

You can't make this shit up. This should be a movie of the week...

And did it will he or won't he play?

Oh this is a whole fucking soap opera.  Yanks first can't find this doctor. Then all edge he wasn't looking at the same MRI. Then all edging it was a fake MRI. Then all edging it wasn't fake, but taken later by a third party. Then backtracking on all of it.

Edit: excuse the iPad autocorrect on allege. Too lazy to fix it.

Then, the daily news gets info from somewhere that this doc was reprimanded back in feb, because he hired someone without proper credentials, who then prescribed hormones and steroids without a dea license number.

That's just some of the lowlights.

It's nuts.

Yankees should just say fuck MLB dragging its feet on the steroid suspension and suspend him themselves.

They have to have cause to do it.

This wouldn't qualify, as it likely would fall under Arods right to disclose personal medical information (assuming that information isn't fraudulent) without employer repercussions.

No case or not this is becoming a made for tv miniseries.

Well they are looking at disciplining him for this. Also, he won't play in another rehab game until the 1st.

I just got caught up with the daily ARod tomfoolery.

Just when you think it can't get any more bizzarro...

USA Today's Bob Nightengale latest:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/yankees/2013/07/25/alex-rodriguez-yankees-at-odds-mlb-suspension/2588527/

I really hated to see Atlanta Braves pitcher Tim Hudson suffer a season ending broken ankle Wednesday night.

That's the rumor..but there is so much noise to signal around, I'm not sure it's true.

And if it is...the CBA allows they to discipline him for seeking a 2nd opinion without notifying the Yanks, or choosing a doctor off the "approved" list.

It amounts to a fine (and not a very stiff one, at that) and the costs of the treatment.

Suspension might be overreaching a little.  Especially since, apparently, he notified Levine he was going to seek a second opinion on Tuesday night (just not in writing..which is waht the CBA requires).

And after the Yanks told him he wouldn't see action til aug 1st....Arod went on  Francessa and bitched about it, basically.  Sure, he did it in a passive aggressive type way..but he did it.

It wouldn't shock me to hear that he submits a written notice that he's seeking a second opinion this morning, to the Yanks, and then goes and finds his own approved doctor...end arounding the Yanks again.

Neither side is looking very good in this...

It was pretty horrific.  Theisman-ish.

Alfonso Soriano to the Yankees rescue :hihi:

Rescue might be too strong a world.  But he will instantly be the 2nd best hitter in the lineup when he starts tonight.  When Jeter gets back, he might drop down to 3rd.  That's not a comment on Mr. Strikeouts ability and more a comment on the aenemic Yanks lineup right now.

He's, basically, Granderson at the plate.  A .250 power hitter who strikes out a ton.  But that's better than Hafner who is a .200 hitter who strikes out a ton.

Interesting dynamics, though.  Soriano was traded for Arod...largely because Soriano didn't want to move to the outfield to make room for Cano.  Soriano promptly moved to the outfield at his new home, though.

And now he's coming BACK to the Yankees, to play with Cano and, maybe, someday, eventually, Arod.

In a non ARod related note, MLB.com has re ranked the Top 100 prospects (by team and position as well) list reflecting this years draft and those who've graduated onto the Big Leagues.

New faces on the list, some moving up nd some moving down.

Take a look here:

http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/mlb/prospects/watch/y2013/

Granderson is due to begin his rehab assignment soon too. Things are slightly looking up for the Yanks.

Started last night with the Tampa Yankees.  5 Innings in the field, 0-2...got hit in the bicep by a Double Play ball (trying to slide under the throw), but he's OK.  His teammates are giving him a hard time, calling him "The Magnet".

Supposed to play 7 innings in the field tonight.

Maybe DH or OF on Saturday "somewhere"....depending on how tonight goes. Reevaluate on Sunday.  Could go to AA or AAA...or maybe even come up to the big club, at that point.  Interestingly (or maybe no so) they've basically said he'll be playing LF for his rehab time.

Nix played his second rehab game last night (same place as Grandy).  He could be back as early as mid-week, next week, too.

Jeter could be back Saturday too. So help for our AAA team we're fielding is on the way soon.

Jeter back Sunday if he feels ok, but Hafner to the DL with a shoulder injury.

And back to Biogenesis for a minute.

From the New York Post:

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/mlb_bans_in_ped_case_likely_to_drop_9vrYirxam2vt7mihs3UiKI


It always has been MLB?s plan to announce the suspensions at one time for the 15-plus players believed to be facing sanctions in the performance-enhancing drug case. MLB went early with Ryan Braun?s suspension because of his willingness to accept the penalty without appeal.

It is expected other players will do the same this week. To that end, Rodriguez?s representatives met with MLB officials in the past few days, The Post has learned. It is believed A-Rod?s camp was trying to gain a better understanding of potential penalties. However, a member of Rodriguez?s team told The Post yesterday it is ?unequivocally untrue? that Rodriguez is seeking a settlement.
 
TIME RUNNING OUT: Alex Rodriguez was all smiles in Tampa yesterday on his 38th birthday, but he won?t be smiling if commissioner Bud Selig hands down a significant suspension for A-Rod?s reported involvement with the Biogenesis clinic.

It is believed MLB wants to make the suspensions formal this week before teams reach the point at which they have fewer than 50 games to play. The penalty for first-time offenders who fail a PED test is 50 games.

MLB apparently is willing to give the same sanction to first-time offenders in this case, in which the evidence does not come from a failed urine or blood exam, but rather from an investigation. The thinking is MLB wants to provide the first-time offenders this carrot: Don?t appeal and you can serve the entire suspension this year and start with a clean slate for next season.

Rodriguez does not fit into this category. It has become evident MLB is going to demand Rodriguez?s punishment far exceed Braun?s. That is because MLB believes the combination of being a user and obstructing the case demands a much stiffer penalty ? especially because Rodriguez has admitted to previous drug use from 2001-03 and because MLB believes Rodriguez subsequently lied to its investigators in previous interviews about his usage.

Bud Selig was at the Hall of Fame ceremonies in Cooperstown this week and was said still to be mulling what punishment to deliver Rodriguez. It is conceivable he could ask for permanent banishment, akin to Pete Rose. But the belief is no matter the level of evidence ? and it has been portrayed that MLB has substantially more evidence on Rodriguez than it does on Braun ? it would be hard to convince an arbitrator, if Rodriguez appeals, that Rodriguez?s first suspension should be for life.

Keep in mind, though, that Selig could ask for life knowing the arbitrator could lower the punishment to a shorter duration ? or even find that Rodriguez should not be punished at all.

But as a way to levy a sanction that will not be reduced, there was growing belief around baseball that Selig would request the rest of this season and all of next year.

That could be viewed as just about the death penalty for Rodriguez, at least for his playing career. He turned 38 yesterday. He has yet to play this year. The idea that he would not play this season or next season and come back able to play in 2015 after two hip surgeries seems farfetched.

The expectation was Rodriguez had hired a cavalry of lawyers, private investigators, crisis managers and spokesmen to fight any sanction. Publicly, his camp has been feisty ? and more ? in trying to mount a case that both MLB and the Yankees have tried to injure his reputation and keep him from playing.

The only reason, in theory, he would cease that strategy and accept a suspension would be if he felt the evidence was irrefutable and was seeking a way to protect as much of the roughly $97 million he is still owed on his record $275 million contract.

For example, Rodriguez is owed $61 million from 2015-17. Thus, if a punishment were offered to him that extended through 2014, he might accept that to protect the $61 million. If he does accept the punishment, though, the Yankees could try to mount a case to void the rest of the deal based on fraud (a team cannot punish a player for illegal drug use; only the commissioner can do that).

If Rodriguez fights the suspension, he apparently is going to have to counter ? among other things ? alleged communications between him and the Biogenesis kingpin Tony Bosch that delineate usage of PEDs. It is believed that is just part of MLB?s case and also that MLB will limit the scope of its suspension attempts to proving Rodriguez used PEDs and worked diligently to try to prevent MLB from finding evidence of that.

There was some anticipation that MLB might go after Rodriguez for serving as kind of a Pied Piper for Biogenesis or financially supporting the clinic, but it appears that will not be the case.

So this week looks like the week then?

Could be.

I'd think they'd like to get this thing wrapped up sooner than later.

MLB's ducks seem to be in a row, should be an interesting week.

Anyone following the Tino Martinez debacle in TB?

Always heard stories about him being a total dick but this is beyond dickdom.

And doing it in the next few days many of the guys who would be suspended would simply be gone for the rest of the season.

Maybe he did go a little too far but these aren't 12 year olds. These are million dollar players who get played to hit. Imagine if this was an old school coach. It would've been a lot worse.

True, they're not kids but he showed a pattern of shitty behavior since he took the gig to where it forced him to resign with 2 years left on his contract.

His reputation of being a jackass and clubhouse lawyer in St Louis are legendary.  Screaming down beat reporters and fans on numerous occasions, the Cards finally begged Tampa to take them off their hand at the end of 2003.

If Rodriguez does in fact aim to appeal a potential suspension, Bud Selig already has a plan, according to the New York Daily News:

    If Alex Rodriguez is intent on fighting his looming suspension in an effort to stay on the field and protect his contract, commissioner Bud Selig is prepared to throw the book at the steroid-stained Yankee by invoking one of his office's most extreme privileges ? the right to take action against a player to preserve the integrity of the game, the Daily News has learned.

    By invoking that rarely used power - embodied in Article XI, Section A1b of the game's collective bargaining agreement - Selig would attempt to effectively keep Rodriguez from ever returning to the field by bypassing the grievance procedure outlined in the joint drug program MLB operates in conjunction with the Players Association.

The report states that A-Rod would immediately be suspended for interfering with MLB's investigation into Biogenesis and would be later given an additional suspension for violating their drug program.

If A-Rod won't cut a deal i'd say he's fucked.

This sure seems very similar to what the NFL, specifically Goodell, tried with Bountygate. He appointed himself judge, jury, and executioner.  He handed down the sentence AND was the point of appeal.

The NFLPA brought it to court and the court ruled the process violated labor law and had to be modified.

Given that precedent, I'm not sure...were I MLB...I'd want to put myself in that same spot. Selig, essentially, is proposing to use the exact same "power" in the CBA as Goodell did with the NFL CBA.   Again, MLB seemingly has the upper hand in this.  I don't know why you would put yourself in a position to get smacked down by the courts (and, potentially, risk and injunction and damages....the NFLPA suit was pretty much settled before games were being played, so nobody lost game checks) when you seemingly have a cut and dried "win" in hand.  But MLB seems to continually do stuff like this...(and not just in player greivances)...snapping defeat from the jaws of victory.

But we'll see.

I agree: I think Arod might be screwed.  But I think the battle that's going to ensue is potentially going to be the most interesting bit of theater in MLB in a very long time....

And, win or lose, MLB could come out of this a very changed organization...and maybe NOT stronger than they were before.

Bottom line is that Rodriguez is officially the Lance Armstrong of baseball: a selfish, self-absorbed, narcissistic fraud.

Its very clear that Selig is intent on ending the career or A-Rod. The only question is will he be successful. I think win or lose MLB could be successful in ending A-Rod's career. If he goes this route it'll be a pretty lengthy court battle potentially robbing A-Rod of next season as well. Under this he'd be gone immediately and unable to play until its settled. By then he could be nearly 40 and missed two full seasons. So its almost a win win for Selig even if he loses.

If it were to go to court, and the judge thought there were grounds...they could very well issue an injunction on the suspension.  That would mean Arod would play until the court ruled.

It would take some time to get there (Selig would suspend, Arod would ask for a stay while appealing, Selig would deny the stay, and then rule on the appeal...and only THEN could Arod go to court seeking a similar ruling to the one the NFLPA got).  Could, potentially, take til the season ends (ie: Selig drags it out as long as possible so it has) til it gets to the courts, and then it's a moot point.

But, yes...unless everything falls into place for him..it could be the end of his career.

Which is the one and only reason the MLBPA might fight hard for him.  Because the precedent it sets isn't very good for their membership.

So...nothing has changed?

Haters always gonna hate.  And Arod had more than enough haters before....long before.  This adds a bit more ground for them to stand on  And it probably adds a few more to the ranks.

But....lets face it....he wasn't going to win a popularity contest before Biogenesis game to light.  The guy has been a socially inept, cocky, asshole for most of his career....and he was uber successful and made tons of money.  He was the anti-Jeter, basically...the guy everyone loves to hate (even fans of the teams he played for) and root against.  In wrestling parleyance, he was ever the heel.

This might add a bit more heat, but the guy was never going to turn babyface, anyway.

If this does in fact end it i can't say i'll be sorry to see him go. He's done this to himself. The latest i'm hearing is no suspension announcement until Thursday or Friday after the trade deadline.

Personally i'd point to Ryan Braun more then Rodriguez as the Lance Armstrong of baseball. A-Rod did admit years ago to using. He's denying it this time but he has in the past admitted it. Now look at Braun, this punk repeatedly lied and denied it, ruined lives and reputations of people to continue to cover up his lies. Then after he finally admits it and gets suspended he releases a short statement then disappears. No real apology to the fans, teammates, ownership or people he threw under the bus to protect his lies. Personally i think he's worse then Armstrong. At least he went on national tv and came clean and apologized to everyone. This punk Braun just went into hiding.

What are they saying he did that constitutes "interfering with MLB's investigation"?  From the articles I've read, all I've seen is that they say he purchased Biogenesis documents.  So?  That's not proof that he would have tampered with the records, destroyed them or even not have been cooperative with providing the investigators with any documents he purchased.  Maybe he just purchased them to make sure MLB wouldn't tamper or falsify the records.  Of course, I don't believe that, but the point is that I don't think merely buying the records is proof of anything.

I think he bought them with intent to destroy them. That's interfering. It looks like were about 72 hours away from suspensions. I'm hearing the majority of those connected to biogenisis plan to simply accept punishment of at least 50 games. There will be upwards of a dozen or more suspensions handed out at that time. Rodriguez continues to the the big hold out vowing to go down fighting. This is about to get real very soon.

MLBPA told which players suspended
Associated Press

NEW YORK -- Major League Baseball has told the union which players it intends to suspend in its drug investigation and which ones will receive lengthier penalties for their roles in the Biogenesis case, two people familiar with the talks told The Associated Press.

The sides are trying to reach as many agreements as possible that would avoid grievance hearings, and talks could push back an announcement until Friday.

The meeting between MLB and the union on Tuesday, first reported by the New York Daily News, signaled the final stretch of talks. MLB hopes to announce the penalties for all players involved at the same time, both people said, speaking on condition of anonymity because no announcements were authorized.

Three-time MVP Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees stands to receive the longest suspension. The stiffer penalties for some players are tied to other alleged violations, including not being truthful to MLB investigators.

Three 2013 All-Stars could face bans: Texas outfielder Nelson Cruz, San Diego shortstop Everth Cabrera and Detroit shortstop Jhonny Peralta.

Another 2013 All-Star, Oakland pitcher Bartolo Colon, was suspended last year following a positive testosterone test, as were Toronto outfielder Melky Cabrera and San Diego catcher Yasmani Grandal. They won't receive additional discipline for that violation, the two people said.

Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli and Seattle catcher Jesus Montero also have been linked in media reports to Biogenesis, a closed Florida anti-aging clinic that was accused by Miami New Times in January of distributing banned performing-enhancing drugs.

Melky Cabrera was the 2012 All-Star Game MVP while with San Francisco and Colon won the 2005 AL Cy Young Award with the Los Angeles Angels.

Players who don't reach agreements can ask the players' association to file grievances, which would lead to hearings before arbitrator Fredric Horowitz. Discipline for first offenders under the drug agreement usually is not announced until after the penalty is upheld, but there is an exception when the conduct leading to the discipline already has been made public.

In addition, MLB may try to suspend Rodriguez under its collective bargaining agreement instead of its drug rules, which would lead to the suspension starting before the appeal.

Milwaukee outfielder Ryan Braun was the first player to reach an agreement with MLB. The 2011 NL MVP accepted a season-ending 65-game suspension last week. Braun tested positive for elevated testosterone in October 2011 but a 50-game suspension was overturned the following February by an arbitrator who ruled Braun's urine sample was handled improperly.

Rodriguez faces the harshest penalty. The Yankees expected him to be accused of recruiting other athletes for the clinic, attempting to obstruct MLB's investigation, and not being truthful with MLB in the past when he discussed his relationship with Dr. Anthony Galea, who pleaded guilty two years ago to a federal charge of bringing unapproved drugs into the United States from Canada.

"A-Rod was my teammate in New York. I'm glad he was my teammate," retired pitcher Roger Clemens said Tuesday in Boston, where he was at Fenway Park to mark the 25th anniversary of manager Joe Morgan's team that won the 1988 AL East title.

"I did things to make him feel comfortable. I did that for all of my teammates," Clemens said. "I think I was a pretty solid teammate."

The seven-time Cy Young Award winner was acquitted last year of federal charges he lied to Congress when he said he didn't take steroids or human growth hormone.

Clemens would not give his thoughts on MLB's Biogenesis investigation.

"I've got my own feelings on particular people in MLB, you know, how they approached my situation," he said. "I don't know about it, and I don't care about it, to tell you the truth."

On another note the Red Sox have acquired Jake Peavy in 3 team deal.

You think Bud will give A-Rod a fair shake?

(http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18vh7raoapk7gjpg/k-bigpic.jpg)

Not a chance lol.

Major development being reported; Rodriguez and MLB were unable to work out an agreement on suspension so Selig is gonna hand down a lifetime banishment. Goodbye A-Rod! I'm sure i speak for many even Yankee fans, let the door hit you on your way out.

The Yankees are getting ready to send Selig the biggest gift basket ever assembled. :hihi:

You ain't kidding. I know using the CBA to ban him is opening up probably a lengthy legal battle but its probably gonna be long enough to end his career. I just worry if going this route will force a reopening of the CBA. That all depends on how willing the union is to back A-Rod and i'm thinking by now not very.

Source: A-Rod reps talk settlement
Updated: July 31, 2013, 8:51 PM ET
By T.J. Quinn | ESPN.com

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After saying Alex Rodriguez would fight any discipline from Major League Baseball, a source familiar with discussions told ESPN's "Outside the Lines" Wednesday that A-Rod's representatives were negotiating a possible settlement that could result in a lengthy suspension.

The source said MLB officials have told Rodriguez's attorneys that they are willing to ban him for life, although sources said it was not clear that commissioner Bud Selig was prepared to make such a move, knowing Rodriguez would fight it in arbitration.

Rodriguez
Rodriguez

Several sources have told "Outside the Lines" that some MLB officials have pushed for a lifetime ban, saying they would rather force Rodriguez to defend himself than agree to a suspension that allows him play while he appeals. Rodriguez was presented with MLB's evidence in recent days, detailing what sources said were "volumes" of documents establishing a connection between Rodriguez and Biogenesis clinic founder Tony Bosch.

Sources said MLB was also given evidence supporting accusations that Rodriguez attempted to coerce at least one witness in MLB's investigation. That accusation is the basis of MLB's argument that Rodriguez may be punished for his conduct, in addition to multiple violations of the game's joint drug agreement.

MLB is apparently hoping that Rodriguez will accept a lengthy suspension that could keep him off the field through at least next season, without the time and trouble of an arbitration hearing.

Rodriguez's attorney, David Cornwell, has consistently said they will fight any suspension. MLB is expected to issue suspensions for Rodriguez and other players connected to Bosch within the next few days.

Most players are expected to accept 50-game suspensions -- the standard punishment for a first PED violation -- without appeal.


At this point i don't want him to take a deal. I say throw the fucking book at him.

MLB would be forcing the union to go hard for arod...because they are not going to want this precedent set for everyone else. Which is far different than just having to deal with arods lawyers.

IMHO, it's risky for MLB. And I think the likelihood of that ban holding up through the courts and arbitration are slim. Not nil. But slim.

And if the suspension gets scaled way down ( under 100 games) or overturned entirely, MLB is going to look terrible, and arod s going to "win", which is just going to piss off Selig even more, and embarrass MLB even more.

It would be far less risky for MLB to level a 220 gamer, and try to keep the union out of it ( or less interested in it), than in trying to do what they are doing.  Both probably end arods productive playing days...though not the yanks contractual obligations.

Again, the side show after the fact is going to be very interesting, and is going to do exactly what MLB doesn't want it to do...take focus off the field, and off the games. There is a good chance we are still  talking about this come spring training.

One other thing...IMHO, this won't drag on for years. More like months....maybe the rest of this season and the off season. I hate to beat a dead horse, but I think a time table similar to the nfl bounty gate resolution....at most...one way or the other.

ESPN's Outside the Lines reporter TJ Quinn ‏@TJQuinnESPN (the guy who essentially broke the Biogenisis story) is tweeting ARod maybe ready to deal.

Quinn's great, extremely thorough - interacts a ton w/ fans as well.

I suspect the MLBPA maybe advising ARod to take his medicine with the promise of minimal support from them if he appeals.

In other words, he's on his own.

The latest from Outside the Lines:

http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/9526910/alex-rodriguez-representatives-negotiating-possible-settlement-lengthy-suspension-according-source

Even if he takes a deal i think his career is finished. I don't see MLB agreeing to anything less then the rest of this year and all of next. No matter what happens it appears we'll know by the end of the day Friday.

I know you are a huge Cardinals fan Falcon; but i am really rooting for the Pirates. Its been so long since they've been in this position.

They're playing very well that's for sure.

Love their park as well, its right there with ATT in Frisco as prettiest in the league.

That said, I hope they lose 10 in a row starting tomorrow. :yes:

Haha i understand that. Its just easy to root for them after being bad for so long.

Agree.

But in one scenario, arod is an island unto himself with no friends, and little help.

In the other, he gets the resources of a huge organization who is driven to defend him and has a labor market behind it to get its point across.

And the outcome to the player is probably, functionally, the same.

Again, the other difference is that the yanks are on the hook if its a 220 gamer...at least for the last few years of the deal... and off if it is lifetime.

Mike and mike are talking about how teams are ticked because the yanks could get out from under the luxury tax because of this as soon as this year...and almost certainly next year.

That's completely unfair though. Its not like we put a gun to A-Rods head and said here take these illegal drugs.

It now appears the feds are getting involved and are investigating Bosch and his clinic.

Agree.

But look at showalters comments. He's not alone in that opinion, apparently.

The latest from TJ Quinn and Outside The Lines

http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/9530007/sources-mlb-alex-rodriguez-far-apart-suspension-settlement?src=mobile

I just got caught up with this story and I agree, it's a opinion that I believe a majority of ownerships would share.

I would not be shocked to have a ruling (at some point) having salaries of those busted still count against monies that would qualify as "taxed".

I would expect something, maybe not the exact scenario above to be implemented that doesn't "reward" a club with tax relief due to salary subtraction via suspension.

You always beat me to posting things. How do you do that!  :hihi:. If he doesn't accept an agreement by Sunday its gonna be a lifetime ban. They have to announce it all by Sunday because of the other 8 players getting 50 games. They'll just simply sit out the rest of the season. Any longer and it'll run into next season or the postseason if any of the players are on playoff bound teams.

Obviously i can see how they'd feel this way. Any suspension is gonna free some amount of money up for them to use. On the other hand how could they have known this would happen.

There's no way to know but with every guaranteed contract comes inherent risk.

Unfortunately, drug suspensions are becoming about as inherent as a torn ACL or a blown out elbow.

Sad but true. Gotta give props to MLB for seriously attempting to clean up the sport. That's more then i can say for any other sport.

At least the NFL is moving towards HGH testing, maybe they'll finally realize (wink wink) that men don't get that big, that fast etc on their own.

Yeah, i can't wait for them to start and see how many are on it. The number of people on it i think will blow MLB out of the water.

I very much doubt it.

Because you would have to get the owners to approve it.  And while some might....it's very different to throw stones at your neighbor.  It's a lot harder to allow someone else to potentially throw stones at you.

The fact is:  The money is not being paid out.  They are not getting his services.  Therefore, it shouldn't be counted against their cap.  Because you would essentially be penalizing them by taxing them twice on the same $$. Once for the suspended player...and once for the person who you potentially sign to play their position.

All over something the team has no control over, and something the team doesn't condone.  Injuries are different...they are sustained through the course and circumstance of their employment.

MLB and NFL have not implemented this when concerning players who are put in prison, for example. Obviously, the NFL is a little different because the contracts aren't guaranteed, but Vick had a portion of his contract that was, and would have counted toward the cap....and the Falcons got to drop that.   You'd have to apply it to all reasons the player was taken off the field, other than injury....and I think owners, as a whole, would balk at implementing that restriction.

They'll cry unfair, because it's the Yankees.  And then when it's layed out nice and clear in front of them, they'll have second thoughts.

Never mind the Union fighting it (because if you hold a team hostage with that cap money, they're going to spend less on the market, and thus restrict player salaries).

Not sure I would agree with counting A-Rod's or any suspended player's salary against the cap.  True, the Yankees are benefitting in this case, but that's only because A-Rod is not that good any more.  If this happened in 2009, they don't win a World Series and the luxury tax relief would just be cold comfort. 

Then again, if teams had the threat of a cap hit, maybe teams would be more diligent about screening for users. 

Teams don't screen, actually. It would be against the CBa and jda. MLB, as a league, controls the testing process.

In other words, the yanks can't take it upon themselves to order a random test. They have to wait, and rely on mlbs testing schedule.

Reports coming in that say arod going to fight to the end, and no suspensions coming til Monday.

I think it's a distinct possibility in some form or fashion.

Players are employees of the club and in many cases, employers are penalized for actions of their employees.

Most clubs (around 27) will never sniff the luxury tax barrier so the possibility of taxation isn't even a worry, I could absolutely see a scenario where a majority of ownerships would have no problem with it.

6 PM Sunday deadline to accept suspension settlements per Ken Davidoff of the NY Post (an actual NY Post writer worth a damn)

Shit hits the fan officially Monday, I'm sure the leaks will be fast and furious this weekend.

No other league has done anything like it it any other sports. Even those with hard caps. In fact, they have done just the opposite (cap forgiveness).

"In many cases" outside of baseball...and sports in general.

Selig commented that they are not even considering it.

Again, I very much doubt it.

I think most will accept and just miss the remainder of the season and start fresh next season. A-Rod is gonna have the book thrown at him Monday.

Did anyone catch ARod's comments after his rehab game in Trenton last night?

Strange, I semi admire his candor but good God - a good dose of shut the fuck up might be a better direction to take at this point.

Lots of outlets reporting MLB is done negotiating with ARod and the suspension that will be appealed will be for at least the rest of this year and all of 2014.

 

Yep, saw that on bleacher report. They are gonna lower the boom on him apparently Monday along with the rest of the players involved in this.

I wouldn't be shocked to see ARod take a last minute deal whatever that may be, either way it's time to put this story to bed.

I disagree, i see him going down fighting. Regardless it all appears to be coming to a head Monday morning.

If he does, he's taking a butter knife to a public execution.

Monday will be an interesting for sure.

Indeed but his recent comments are very telling.

It appears A-Rod will get to play tomorrow night even though he's gonna be suspended tomorrow. Selig isn't gonna use his special powers under the CBA to keep him off the field until his appeal is heard. That's probably the smart safe plan. He'd open himself up to way too much if he used his special bowers. It appears the suspensions will be announced around 12-1pm eastern. I'm also hearing there are 3 players whose names we have not heard at all yet that are going to be suspended.

Right, I just meant screening in the sense of internal team investigatory stuff before signing or trading for a player, as in, don't sign Melky Cabrera for anything more than the league minimum.  Another example is Marlon Byrd; he's having a very good year, but the Mets couldn't even get an offer for him at the trading deadline... I understand that's partly because he's Marlon Byrd, but it's probably also because when a mediocre journeyman with a past PED suspension is suddenly tearing it up, teams suspect PEDs and so stay away from him.  I think you would see more of that if you had the luxury tax punishment, though I agree it's doubtful to happen.

If that's true (and the original rumors that MLB planned on using the CBA to keep him off the field during appeal were true), then that's a huge win for A-Rod and a major blink by MLB. 

This is too funny....and not entirely wrong:

http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2013/8/5/4588496/biogenesis-peds-steroids-suspension-alex-rodriguez-bud-selig-curt-schilling-parody

Here's what's interesting, though.

IF Selig used the 'best interest of baseball" clause...you could pretty much name the terms of the suspension BUT, MLB would likely have to fight the suspension through the courts, with the full might of the MLBPA behind Arod.

IF Selig used the JDA...well, the terms of the JDA are quite clear that a first violation is grounds for a 50 game suspension...and that's it.  Which means, while Arod does not have the full might of the MLBPA behind him, he now has very specific language in the JDA he can point to and say: Anything more than 50 games violates the JDA.

If MLB points to his "interference", he can then point to a couple of different examples (like Melky's fake web site) where MLB has still stuck with the 50 game tenet.

Arod certainly does not have an elephant gun strapped to his back...but he might have a little bit more than a butter knife.  I'd say if the rumors are true (212 games, JDA, play while appealing) that there's about a 65% chance Arod serves that full suspension....better than even odds, but not MUCH better.

There's also a rumor coming out of NY that Arod approached the Yanks Saturday morning about them just buying out his remaining deal.

It depends.

I thought the reports of a lifetime ban, with no real chance to appeal to anyone but Selig, and no ability to play during any sort of appeal, sounded sort of risky.  You have to wonder if that was an MLB PR move to try to "convince" Arod to negotiate something less..and something they really had no intention of actually doing.  Or if there was just no real truth to it (as in, they considered it and quickly moved on to something else) at all.

If the rumors WERE true, and MLB backed down, you have to wonder why....unless it's just all about keeping the union as far out of the process as they can.  That very well may be it: The union has privately voiced that if they stick to the JDA, and that process, that they'll keep their noses out...but if they try to use the "detriment of the game" power, the union is going to be forced to get more involved.

You have to wonder if he actually has anything "on" MLB and/or the Yanks in terms of colluding to keep him off the field.  Or if it's all just rumor, speculation, and innuendo.

IF he does, you can bet his arbitration hearing will be the place he airs at least some of it.  And if then, potentially, in the courts if he sues for the remaining value of his contract (based on torturous breech).

Every time I hear the term "Melky's fake website" it makes me chuckle. :hihi:

Looks like at least part of the first shoe has dropped:

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/9540076/mlb-suspensions-agreed-12-players-report-says

Alex Rodriguez was expected to be served with the harshest penalty, and announcement was expected later Monday.

The players confirmed to be suspended by FoxSports.com are:

? Nelson Cruz, Texas Rangers outfielder (50 games, no appeal).

? Everth Cabrera, San Diego Padres shortstop, (50 games, no appeal).

? Jhonny Peralta, Detroit Tigers shortstop (50 games, no appeal).

? Antonio Bastardo, Philadelphia Phillies reliever (50 games, no appeal).

? Jordany Valdespin, New York Mets outfielder, (50 games, no appeal).
? Francisco Cervelli, Yankees catcher.

? Jesus Montero, Seattle Mariners catcher.

? Cesar Puello, New York Mets outfield prospect.

? Fautino De Los Santos, San Diego Padres pitching prospect.

?  Sergio Escalona, Houston Astros pitching prospect.

? Fernando Martinez, New York Yankees outfield prospect.

? Jordan Norberto, free-agent pitcher.


The minor leaguers, I think, do not get the same appeal process as the MLB players do.  Last comment from Cruz was that he wasn't sure if he was going to appeal....looks like they say he's not.

And (the original source, I guess):
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/major-league-baseball-alex-rodriguez-ped-use-080513

The Nationals starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez and Orioles third baseman Danny Valencia were cleared of any involvement.

Interesting words from Michael Weiner, not exactly consistent with his earlier statements.

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/08/05/mlbpa-believes-selig-has-not-acted-appropriately-under-the-basic-agreement-in-suspending-a-rod/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Well as expected A-Rod's suspension is through the end of the 2014 season and is appealing as expected. So he can play in the meantime. So he will make his season debut tonight in Chicago. It should be interesting to see how everyone reacts.

It should be interesting to see what transpires this offseason, the MLBPA and MLB plan to discuss harsher penalties for violating the JDA. Personally here's what i'd do. Your first offense you are gone a full season 162 games. No matter when you're caught if its spring training, during the season or playoffs etc. Unless you appeal you miss the next 162 games and if that causes you to miss playoff games oh well. You're the idiot that hurt his team and the game for using banned substances. The second offense you're gone forever period the end. No more fucking around. MLB wants this out of its sport and so do the vast majority of the players, but you have to start giving them a penalty that will scare them. 50 games, 100 games is not scaring some of these assholes. You threaten to make them sit for a full season and you'll see this shit stop.

Figure this would happen! MLB are a bunch of pathetic fools! A-Rod and the others should have been banned for life.

I can see a scenario in the not to distant future where there's one or two strikes an your out. Possibly as soon as next season. The players are totally on board with stiffening the penalties. Like i said in my previous post. First offense gone for a full 162 games. You get caught again fuck you you're gone forever period end of story. No more fucking around.

Like I said before...it's all about precedent.

I suspect...and he all but says it....the union is not keen on letting MLB arbitrarily create a random number ( and 211 sure seems random) and apply it. They want that stuff to be specifically collectively bargained.

Which means they will hold their nose and defend arod to prevent a precedent being set for the rest of their membership.

It also wouldn't start til Thursday, anyway.

The jda and CBa say that a player has to get 72 hours notice of a suspension before he has to file an appeal/start serving.

Everyone else was notified on Friday. He was not notified, officially, til today.

That's the only reason they're defending him plain and simple. In the end they could care less if he loses crashes and burns. I think we're gonna see a greatly revamped JDA in the very near future possibly for next season.

That's interesting, i wasn't aware of that.

Well...that's not what MLB and the mlbpa negotiaTed in the last CBa. You can't punish them beyond what is contractually agreed upon (which is likely the largest part of arods appeal). No matter how much you might want them to.

I can see this coming up in the offseason, and some strengthening going on. One violation = 162 games, two and you are out.

To clarify...he has 72 hours to advise MLB of his intent. He doesn't actually have to have the appeal filed for 10 days after that.

It appears we agree on what the changes should be. From what players are saying this is essentially what they want to. Some are even wanting to take it further and one strike and you're history. The penalties have to get harsher. 50-100 games just isn't enough of a deterrent.

Oh ok, thanks for the clarification on that. I was wondering why it was for 211 games instead of the 214 we'd been hearing.

Wouldn't surprise me to see changes in the offseason.

Also wouldn't surprise me to see arods time dropped significantly during appeal. Like to 150, or, depending on the arbitrator, maybe even 50 to 75, games.

Players who want one and done are morons, IMHO.

You do not want zero tolerance, because you could screw yourself by making a simple supplement mistake, or not calling the 1-800 number when your doc prescribes something for your upper respiratory infection.

162 games is a tough but fair life lesson.

Losing your livelihood over something boneheaded, or a false positive, or that cute chick on the road slipping something in your shake as she walks out the door....that's just dumb.

Me either, something needs to change and its going to happen. MLB wants it the players want it. They want this stuff out of the game period.

I guess that all depends on how damning the evidence is against him and if the arbitrator feels it justifies the suspension MLB gave him. Its unlikely it'll play out before the end of the season. Most likely it'll not be resolved until just after the playoffs end.

I agree, i mean i understand where they're coming from they want the game to be clean but one and done you could screw yourself simply by not calling the 1-800 number. I think first offense you sit the next 162 games regardless if its spring training, regular season or playoffs you are caught. It starts immediately. You get caught again you are history. You do that and players are gonna be scared shitless to cheat cause they know they get caught and they miss a season.

I just saw Jeter got DL'd again with a calf issue.

That would be a story on about any other baseball news day.

Yeah, its a total bummer. Its gotta be so frustrating for Jeter at this point.

Jeter's comment:

"This whole season has been a nightmare."

I've read a couple accounts that say, during the interview where he gave that quote, he was as down, and as frustrated, as they've ever seen.

There is a rumor (supposedly sourced to "people close to him) that, if things don't turn around by the end of the year, he's considering NOT picking up his player option for next  year and retiring.  I don't know if it's true (in fact, I'd guess not) but it's sad that it even SOUNDS true.

Hopefully Jeter can get healthy enough to go out on his terms but it may not go down that way unfortunately.

I sure hope so this is another guy who deserves to go out the way Mo is getting to.

I'm not sure if Jeter will go the "farewell tour" route, not sure if the "pomp and circumstance" would appeal to him.

Who knows, it didn't to Mo at first either. He fully intended to just walk away quietly after last season but changed his mind and he's as private as Jeter. I hope Jeter gets the chance and decides to do that. He deserves it. Things like that are what baseball badly needs right now.

Timothy25 and pilferk, I do like your punishment of 162 games for the first offense. But I would much rather see a minimum of 2 years(324 games) the first time someone test positive for PED's. The second time they get a lifetime ban. MLB should make the punishment for the first time extrememly severe so they don't wanna risk getting caught the first time, much less using PED's again.

I agree Drew, we have to find the happy medium that will make a player think twice about even trying it. Whether that's one full season or two. I think two is unlikely for the first offense. That could end a career depending on the age of the player. I'm not saying i wouldn't be ok with that but the players likely won't.

Good article from a Tulane law professor on A-Rod's possible arguments in his appeal:

Defending A-Rod: Breaking Down the Rodriguez Appeal
By Gabe Feldman

http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/70997/defending-a-rod-breaking-down-the-rodriguez-appeal

Hey, i wanted to get your thoughts on something Falcon. What are your opinions on what Jack Clark had to say about Albert Pujols and then Justin Verlander? With Albert it seems just like he said she said crap and with Verlander he's just grasping at straws. Obviously in this day we can never be absolute certain who's clean and who's not but these are two guys i'd be shocked if they weren't.

I think his comments were a bit reckless, Jack being Jack for the most part.

Who knows really, nothing would surprise me about anyone at this point.

I've always liked Jack but i agree they were a bit reckless. I agree though who knows who you can believe at this point. I really hope Albert and Justin are being truthful though and aren't on anything. Those are two players i like and respect. If Albert is being completely honest i don't blame him for taking legal action against Jack.

Here's a question for everyone, is Alfonso Soriano a HOF candidate? He will soon have 400 home runs. 1,100 rbi, 2000+ hits and 286 steals. Plus the vast majority of those numbers came with teams that weren't exactly lighting it up.

He's got a nice combination of stats but nothing eye popping in any of them.

He'll get some run but I see him as a guy that may peak around 40%, lifetime .270 something with a horrific OBP won't help him.

He kinda lacks an identity as well, played for a lot of teams...

Yeah, the 400 homers will definitely get him some support. The average does hurt him though. Perhaps if he can make it to 3000 hits but that could be a long shot at 37 and needing 1000.

Very true, i didn't realize how many. I had thought he was with the Cubs longer then he was.

I always enjoy HOF talk and players chances, fascinating conversation.

I play the "If they retired today" game and who'd get in without question.

I can think of only 5:

Rivera, Pujols, Jeter, Ichiro, Cabrera.

There's obviously players still building their resumes that will undoubtedly get in at some point but very few that are HOF ready right now.

Anyone I'm missing?

Hmm what about Halladay or Verlander? Perhaps not sure bets as of right now but they are getting there especially Verlander. Other than that i think you got them all.

Btw, how you enjoying this Cards/Pirates game? Its been a nail biting extra innings.

Espn has a list of potential HOF candidates still playing. Getting down the list there's definitely a lot of what if's still but i see a few we may have missed. http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/38570/active-players-who-will-be-hall-of-famers

Halladay quite possibly. good call.

Verlander doesn't have the service time to qualify (10 years) yet.

The Cards/Bucs game has been bizzarro, the Cards stink in extras so I'm expecting the trend to continue.

True he doesn't yet but if he continues to pitch the way he has the last few years he's well on his way. What about Cano? I don't think he has the service time yet but his numbers are getting there.

It has. I thought it was over several times already but each time the team finds a way out of the jam.

I think he's got a shot.

Double edge sword though:

Positive:
Great numbers so far, especially for a middle infielder.

Negative:
Wrong side of thirty and will be in decline sooner than later, maintaining his current level of production will be extremely difficult.

Just have to see how long he can keep up these kinds of numbers.

I'm sure you're happy with how that game ended. That was a helluva close play at home. At first i thought he got him and he was out.

I am indeed ;D

I thought he was out at first look as well, safe on replay though.

Yep he was but wow was it close. He just got in there before the tag. A better throw he's out and and by a lot.

Maybe David Ortiz for that list.  Not a first ballot, sure fire selection...but a good bet given his numbers and how well liked he is.

And the fact his reported PED use was completely swept under the rug and, seemingly, "forgotten" by the media.

Mauer is playing his 10th year, and looks like he might be on track for  HOF consideration.  People forget he JUST turned 30.

It's all about how his body holds up, as a catcher, over the next 5 or 6 years.  This year it's been like a 3/4 C vs 1/4 DH (with a handful of games at 1B).  That gap will probably start swinging more toward DH over the next couple of years.  It'll be interesting to see how that effects his stats.

With Chipper gone, those are the only other guys I can think of.  There's some obvious names getting left off because of the PED stuff, though.

I don't think Ortiz will ever make it, the PED stuff will re-emerge from under the rug and that'll be that.

That said, there will be a huge push from the New England Chapter of the BBWAA of America and all the "Big Papi" (apologies for the nickname drop, I say it with pure disgust) apologists so who knows really.

^ How about Paul Konerko? His numbers are not too far off from Ortiz:

PK --- .281 avg, 431 HRs, 1376 RBIs, 17 yrs, 1 WS ring

DO --- .287 avg, 420 HRs, 1400 RBIs, 17yrs, 2 WS rings

Plus, no PED stink and he was mostly a position player.

The media love Ortiz so much...the PED allegations completely have disappeared.  Not even a mention of them, ever.  EVER.

I think it will be a non-factor when it comes time to vote for him.....fairly or not.

The difference is that PK has never been considered an MVP level player.  Very good...yes.  But not "elite".  He's never finished above 5th...and usually he's in the mid teens..in MVP voting.  Ortiz has been IN the top 5 4 times and has 5 Silver Sluggers.  I know that stuff shouldn't matter, but...we've seen that with the writers, it does.

It's funny, because he was the other name I was thinking of when I wrote my post...and I decided not to include him. 

I think he's a borderline HOF player..  The PED era may actually help him get in, because there will be a derth of "clean" players for the writers to vote for.

I could see Ortiz getting in everybody seems to love him. Joe Mauer definitely could be on his way. As you said it just depends on how his body holds up. If it does and he continues to put up numbers like he is he'll get in. You just never know with a catcher cause its such a demanding position that wears you down.

I know we're discussing current active players but what about one recently retired? Jorge Posada. Just some of his stats. He's only the fifth catcher with at least 1,500 hits, 350 doubles, 275 home runs, and 1,000 RBIs in a career. From 2000 to 2011, he compiled more RBIs and home runs than any other catcher in baseball. He is the only MLB catcher to ever bat .330 or better with 40 doubles, 20 home runs, and 90 RBIs in a single season.

I agree with the David Ortiz mention and Joe Mauer provided he continues to produce.  One name that I think deserves consideration, especially if he continues to produce like he has the last couple of years, is Carlos Beltran.  He has 2000 hits, 300 homers and 300 steals, one of only five players to do that.  I also think Adrian Beltre deserves some consideration, but not just for his offense.  He has been very good defensively at third for a long time.

Ali

No chance on Posada, 40% maybe.

Much like Ted Simmons (the best catcher by far not in the HOF) playing in the Johnny Bench era, Posada played in the Pudge era and Simmons comps much closer to Bench than Posada does Pudge.  Hell, Simmons was a better hitter than Bench.  Posada was nowhere near Pudge levels offensively or defensively.
 
Interesting Pudge sidebar, we worked out at the same gym while he played for the Tulsa Drillers (Rangers AA affiliate then) - nice guy, he could barely speak English as a 19 year old up and comer.  

I think Beltran's gonna have play a couple of more years at his current level of production to get over the hump.

Mauer's got a very good shot, not a first ballot guy but after a few years he very well could make it if he continues to hang #'s.

Beltre's an interesting name, not someone you immediately think of when talking HOF possibility.

Another guy who recently retired no one really remembers is Jeff Kent - he's going to get in eventually.

"Hall of Famer Jeff Kent" just sounds goofy though. ???

Well something interesting just happened. Soriano has become the first Yankee ever to have 6 rbi in back to back games when he hit a grand slam and 2 run double tonight.

I hadn't noticed this when I posted about Carlos Beltran, but oddly enough, Jerry Crasnick wrote about him and the HOF.  If Crasnick's opinion is any barometer, I'm not sure how much more Beltran needs in order to  make it.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/9563349/the-hall-fame-case-carlos-beltran

As far as Beltre, he's closing in on 400 homers.  If he can get up to 450 homers, with his defense, he deserves serious consideration.

Ali

Make that 7 RBIs after the solo homer.

Ali

Wow, hadn't heard that yet. He's really starting to make a difference and help us win some games we desperately need to win.

Those 13 RBI also put him second on the all time Yankee list for most in a 2 game span and only the third to do it since 1920.

Just got caught up on the replay plan for 2014 - a 'challenge system"?

Are you fucking kidding me?

Beyond that horseshit..

Molina back in the lineup for Cards, they missed him big time..

Soriano's last 2 nights have been great, he may get one in the back for the Cadillac'n on his two bombs last night but well worth it - big boy homers.

Just heard about the replay system. I'm not sure how i feel about it yet though. I don't know all the details just yet.

I suspect they'll tweak it as things move ahead.

It's a start at least.

Yeah, looks like you get 3 a game. You get one through the first 6 innings. 2 from the 7th until the game ends. If you are successful in a challenge you don't lose it. I am assuming that means you keep 3 until you have an unsuccessful one? Also, once both managers are out of challenges the ump can initiate a challenge on home runs only.

Interesting news coming out of STL, the Cards have called up Kolten Wong - the top rated 2B prospect in the minors.

Not sure how he fits in though, Matt Carpenter is leading the league in hits/doubles and playing a fine 2B already.

This maybe a precursor of things to come, Freese's days in STL are likely numbered and Carpenter came up a 3B so this was going to happen at some point.

3 guys, 2 positions...

Seems kinda odd they'd do a call up like that before roster expansion. Any possibility of injury?

Maybe, the Cards are less than forthright when it comes to disclosing injuries so who knows.

Speculating here, but I suspect it's as I noted above.

Freese was/is playing for an extension and is second year arbitration eligible and hasn't had a good year.  With Wong being ready and Carpenter a natural 3B - Freese will likely be on the block this winter.

Freese is a home town guy, World Series hero etc but unfortunately, extremely expendable.  Why pay a guy 6 million he'll get in arbitration when they can pay a younger guy a helluva lot less for better production?

It's the business of baseball these days, roster churn and drafting/development is a major key to sustained competitiveness.