Crooklyn Baseball

2006-03-12T17:24:00.000-08:00

Book wreaks havoc on Bonds

The March 13 edition of Sports Illustrated dropped some bombs after printing excerpts from an upcoming book, "Game of Shadows" by Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams. It documents the jealosy Bonds felt as McGwire and Sosa were in the middle of the homerun chase and how he decided to do whatever it took to get a piece of that action. The book alleges that Barry went on a workout and steroid binge that saw him take pharmaceuticals like Deca-Durabolin and Winstrol. It also looks at his involvement with BALCO and their designer steroids that could not be detected through conventional testing.

2006-03-07T18:45:00.000-08:00

Kirby Puckett passes away

Hall of Fame baseball player and Twins fan favorite Kirby Puckett died today after suffering a brain aneurysm. Puckett was best known as the Minnesota Twins centre fielder and won two World Series (1987, 1991) with the team. He had to retire in 1996 after suffering from glaucoma in one eye. Puckett was fighting weight problem and had recently gotten through some personal problems in his post-baseball career. Kirby Puckett spent all 12 of his major league seasons with the Minnesota Twins, hitting .318 with 207 home runs and 1,085 runs batted in from 1984 through 1995. He will be greatly missed by all baseball fans.

2006-03-04T16:46:00.000-08:00

2006 season is just around the corner

Even as much of North America is under a cold spell, Florida and Arizona are teeming with baseball players, coaches and fans. Spring training has started so it won't be very long before we have ourselves some better weather and baseball games. The off season has been tumultous with the Toronto Blue Jays making a real push for the American League East this year. On a sadder note, it seems like Sammy Sosa's career has probably ended as he has yet to sign with anyone. And don't forget, this year also brings the first ever "World Baseball Classic" that will pit the best baseball playing countries around the world, against each other over the next couple of weeks.

2005-11-19T14:06:00.000-08:00

MLB implements tough new steroid penalties

After getting whacked around by the US Congress and many observers, Major League Baseball and its players union have agreed to implement a new steroid policy that seems to have some teeth. Proposed earlier this year by Bud Selig, the new agreement includes the following penalties:

- 50 games for first offense
- 100 games for the second offense
- Lifetime ban for the third offense (can be appealed after 2 years)

MLB has also added some penalties for players detected of useing amphetamines. First positive test will require mandatory additional testing, second offense will yield a 25-game suspension and a third offense will see the player suspended for 80-game suspension.

2005-10-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

White Sox win World Series

The Chicago White Sox defeated the Houston Astros in four straight games to win the 2005 World Series of baseball. The White Sox were a dominating team throughout the season and even though they stumbled a little in August, like many great teams they bounced right back and blew through the playoffs. This is the team's first World Series victory since the infamous "Black Sox" scandal from 1917. Now if only their cross town rivals the Chicago Cubs could win the big dance and end their even longer drought.

2005-09-23T18:08:00.000-07:00

Orioles to Palmeiro: Stay at home

The Rafael Palmeiro steroids saga seems to have taken a recent turn for the worst. Recent reports indicate that Palmeiro testified in his grievance hearing that he may have tested positive after receiving vitamins from teammate Miguel Tejada. Palmeiro spoke of receiving a shot of vitamin B-12 but Tejada has come out denying he gave Raffy any vitamins. This may have broken the horse's back as the Orioles seem to have had enough. In an effort to put an end to the distraction this saga has caused for the struggling team, they have asked Palmeiro to stay at home for the rest of this season. It is more than likely that Rafael Palmeiro may have played his last Major League Baseball game.

2005-08-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

Palmeiro tests positive for 'roids

It was about six month ago when Rafael Palmeiro sat in front of Congress and unequivocally denies the allegations put forth by former Rangers teammate Jose Canseco on the use of performance enhancing drugs. Fast forward to more recent times as Palmeiro crossed the 3,000 hit plateau this season and then to today, when he was suspended for testing positive for anabolic steroids. The 40-year-old Palmeiro became the seventh player to fail a test under the toughened major league policy that took effect in March, rules criticized by Congress as not being stringent enough. Without giving specifics, the four-time All-Star left the impression that the banned substance was contained in a supplement that was not prescribed. Either way, this could keep him out of the Cooperstown and it surely makes Rafael Palmeiro look like a real a$$. Since this is his first offence, he will be suspended for 10 games.

2005-07-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

Bobby Abreu hits record 41 homers

The Baseball All-Star game's homerun derby was held in "pitcher friendly" Comerica Part in Detroit, Michigan. Philadelphia Phillies right fielder easily took home the Home Run Derby and in doing so also set a record hitting a total of 41 home runs over 3 rounds. Batting left-handed and teeing off against his personal batting practice pitcher, Phillies bullpen coach Ramon Henderson, Abreu topped out with a 517-foot shot onto the porch above the back row of right-field bleachers, sending the standing-room crowd scurrying for a souvenir. "Just trying to put on a good show. They enjoy it, that's what it's all about," Abreu said.

2005-07-02T13:37:00.000-07:00

Kenny Rogers suspended for 20 games by MLB

Veteran Texas Rangers pitcher Kenny Rogers has been suspensed 20 games by MLB for his assault on a television cameraman. He was also fined $50,000 and Arlington police is investigating the incident which required the cameraman, Larry Rodriguez to be hospitalized. The players' union filed an appeal on behalf of Rogers, and the 40-year-old left-hander can keep pitching until a hearing can be held. In a statement, commissioner Bud Selig said: "Mr Rogers' behavior was unprofessional, unwarranted and completely unacceptable. Major League Baseball is a social institution and all of us in the game have an important responsibility to act with reason and good judgment." The suspension is one of the harshest imposed by Major League Baseball.

2005-06-14T18:08:00.000-07:00

Yankees contemplate $800 million ballpark

There is no place sacred to baseball fans and purists than Yankee stadium. But the New York Yankees are expected to announce plans for a brand new $800 million baseball stadium. It would be built adjacent to the current Yankee Stadium and could be ready by the 2009 season. It would have a capacity of between 50,800 - 54,000 seats and would be built in Macombs Dam Park using funds from the team. The stadium plan calls for the new ballpark to resemble the original Yankee Stadium in many of its details, and the dimensions of the playing field would be identical to the current ballpark. It would have 50-60 suites, up from 18 in the current stadium.

2005-05-03T18:08:00.000-07:00

Commissioner Selig proposes tough steroid penalties

The US Congress has taken up the fight against anabolic steroids and threatened to make pro-sports leagues "pay". Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig must have seen the writing on the wall when he made his recent comments to toughen up baseball's recently negotiated steroid rules. Selig's asking players to agree to a 50-game suspension for first-time steroid offenders, a 100-game suspension for a second offense, and to a lifetime ban for a third violation. In his letter to MLB union head Donald Fehr, he also asks for a ban on amphetamines, more frequent random tests and the appointment of an independent administrator of the MLB drug-testing program. Under current rules, a first steroid offense gets a ten-day suspension and a second calls for 30 days while the league does not punish amphetamine use.

2005-04-04T20:46:00.000-07:00

MLB kicks off 2005 baseball season

The '05 baseball season got away last night with the New York Yankees thumping the defending World Champs, Boston Red Sox 9-2. The rest of the league began to gets its act underway today with 10 games that featured many firsts - including the first loss for the Washington Nationals. Detroit's Dmitri Young became the third player to hit three homers on opening day as the Tigers beat the Royals. With all the recent scandal still fresh in our minds, here's hoping for a fun baseball season!!

2005-03-19T18:51:00.000-08:00

US Congress holds steroids hearings

The US House of Representatives hosted hearings on steroids in sports, most notably Major League Baseball. The hearings included testimony from several baseball notables including MLB commissioner Bud Selig and players Mark McGwire, Jose Canseco, Rafael Palmeiro, Sammy Sosa and Curt Shilling. The players (except for Canseco) denied the notion that steroids were a major problem in baseball. Baseball enjoys a special exemption and tax status in the United States because the sport, known as "America's pastime," has a significant place in American cultural history. Congress has considered withdrawing that special status if baseball does not institute tougher anti-doping policies.

2005-02-10T18:32:00.000-08:00

Canseco opens a can of worms

Jose Canseco has always been outspoken, but his upcoming book is raising a few 'Spockian' eyebrows. The Jason Giambi and Barry Bonds revelations about their relationship with BALCO had already forced MLB to add some teeth to its substance abuse policy and Canseco is just adding the exclamation mark. Jose claims that steroid use has been rampant in MLB, sighthing his own steroid abuse and claims of teammates that he provided with the drugs. Amongst those indicted by the former slugger include Mark McGwire, Ivan Rodriguez, Rafael Palmero and Juan Gonzales. As expected, these players have denied these charges but one has to ask if Jose is simply making this up? Probably not, but I doubt anyone will be 'fessing up. I would like to hear more from coaches, managers and owners because they definitely have to have had some clues.

2005-02-07T17:31:00.000-08:00

Mags signs with the Tigers

Magglio Ordonez will patrol right field in Comerica Park for the next 5 years. The Detroit Tigers landed the former Chicago White Sox to a whopping five year, $75 million contract, with two option years. Tigers skipper Alan Trammel hopes he has found his clean-up hitter who can stay healthy. Ordonez's career was rumored to be in jeopardy after knee surgery last season and the latest contract is supposed to have provisions that could void the deal if Ordonez continues to suffer more knee problems. Ordonez played the first eight seasons of his major league career with the Chicago White Sox.

2005-01-30T09:53:00.000-08:00

Sammy Sosa traded to the Orioles

It wasn't too long ago when Slammin' Sammy Sosa was the toast of Chicago with both fans and the Cubs organization feeling pretty good about having the slugger on their team. But Sosa's numbers slipped last year, his relationship with manager Dusty Baker was less than plesant, he walked out on the team during the last game of the season and Cubs fans losing interest were reasons Sammy was dealt to Baltimore. The deal sees infielder Jerry Hairston and two minor leaguers come to the Chicago Cubs for Sosa. It is still not clear if the Cubs will eat part of his remaining contract.

2005-01-28T18:10:00.000-08:00

Delgado stakes end, lands with Marlins

Carlos Delgado signed with the Florida Marlins, after playing three MLB teams (Rangers, Mets, Orioles, Marlins) off each other over the last few weeks. Saying that he wanted to come to a winning team, the first baseman finalized a four-year, $52 million contract with the Florida Marlins. Delgado has spent his baseball career with the Toronto Blue and made a whopping $18.5 million in 2004, the final season of a four-year, $68 million contract. He joins a stacked offensive lineup that already features Juan Pierre, Luis Castillo, Mike Lowell and Miguel Cabrera.

2005-01-16T17:39:00.000-08:00

Busy offseason continues in the Big Apple

The two New York baseball teams haven't been shy about the moves they have made this off season. For once, the Yankees seem to have been overshadowed by the Mets in terms of the free agent talent they have attracted. The Yankees sured up their pitching by adding Carl Pavano and trading for Randy Johnson. But the Mets have gotten two of the highest profile free agents this winter. Future hall of fame pitcher Pedro Martinez left the World Series Champs in Boston to sign on with the Mets and was then joined by high-priced outfielder Carlos Beltran. Beltran signed a seven year contract worth $119 million. The Yankees couldn't sign Beltran as they have apparently reached the limit of their spending but Omar Minaya wants to add another bat with first baseman Carlos Delgado in his sights. It should be an exciting baseball season in New York!

2005-01-14T20:03:00.000-08:00

Baseball unveils a plan to combat substance abuse

Major League Baseball took a step in the right direction as it finally announced a substance abuse/steroid use policy. In a nutshell, we are going to see more testing and stiffer penalties for those who are caught. The major points include:

- Random testing, including in the off-season.
- Banned substance list to mirror that of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
- First time offenders would receive the 10 day suspension.
- A second positive test would yield a 30 day suspension.
- A third would result in a 60 day banishment.
- A fourth positive test would result in a one year suspension from MLB.

2005-01-08T11:24:00.000-08:00

Wade Boggs and Ryne Sandberg inducted into Hall of Fame

Baseball writers voted to induct Wade Boggs and Ryne Sandberg into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Boggs was one of baseball's premier contact hitter with a .328 career average and 3,010 hits. Sandberg was a fixture at second base with the Chicago Cubs and has a .989 career fielding percentage, the highest for a second baseman. The baseball writers cast 92% votes for Boggs who joins the Hall in his first year of eligibility while Sandberg got in on his third try with 76% of the votes. Left out were several great ex-players including Jim Rice, Andrew Dawson, Bert Blyleven, Jack Morris, Bruce Sutter and Goose Gossage.

2004-12-17T11:31:00.000-08:00

Big names on the move

After a quiet couple of weeks, some big name baseball players are either on the move or have already signed with new clubs. Pedro Martinez (who's your daddy) is now a New Yorker, not a Yankee but instead a Met. Adrian Beltre (not Beltran) signed for a whopping 5 year $64 million dollars with the Seattle Mariners, who also signed Richie Sexson to a sweet $50 million deal. Troy Glaus and Russ Ortiz signed major deals with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Jeff Kent moves to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Toronto Blue Jays picked up Canuck Corey Koskie and Troy Percival signed with the Detroit Tigers.

There have also been a few high profile trades over the last few days. Atlanta and Oakland swapped a bunch of players including Tim Hudson to the Braves for outfielder Charles Thomas and pitchers Juan Cruz and Dan Meyer. But by far one of the biggest deals is still in the works. The three way trade apparently involves the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks. The key player in Randy Johnson and the deal could see him go to New York with Shawn Green moving to Arizona and the Dodgers getting Javier Vazquez and some other prospects/players.

2004-12-02T18:05:00.000-08:00

Giambi spills the beans

It shouldn't really come as a surprise that Giambi didn't make enormous gains in size and strength by drinking his milk. In testimony last December from the Balco scandal, Giambi admitted to using anabolic steroids for several years, including in 2003 when steroid experience was outlawed by MLB. Giambi said he injected himself with human growth hormone in 2003 and used steroids for at least three seasons. Giambi, the 2000 American League MVP with Oakland, signed a seven-year contract with the Yanks before the 2002 season, the sixth-highest deal in baseball history. It would be interesting to see how the New York Yankees handle the remaining 4 years on his deal - this may be a reason for them to try to cut him, especially since he barely played last year and seems to be nowhere near his old (juiced up) self.

2004-11-27T16:04:00.000-08:00

The quiet period

Not much has been going on in the world of baseball these days. The world has come to grips with the fact that the Boston Red Sox finally broke the curse and won the World Series Championship. Some players declared for free agency on November 1 and very few have signed with teams - the big names are still out there. It is expected that over the next few weeks we will probably see more news and free agent signings. Until then, its time to bundle up and hope hockey gets its house in order.

2004-11-01T19:43:00.000-08:00

Big names opt for free agency

The World Series excitement had just settled down when a barrage of MLB players began opting for free agency. Some of the more big name players include Carlos Beltran of the Houston Astros, Adrian Beltre of the LA Dodgers, Carlos Delgado of the Toronto Blue Jays, Chris Carpenter of the St Louis Cardinals, Matt Clement and Nomar Garciaparra of the Chicago Cubs, Jermaine Dye of the Kansas City Royals, and Troy Glaus of the Anaheim Angles of Los Angeles.

2004-10-29T17:31:00.000-07:00

Its all about the Red Sox...2004 World Series Champs!

It had been 86 years since the Red Sox had popped some few bottles of bubbly. They finally buried their past ghosts this week by winning a World Series, defeating the St. Louis Cardinals. What's most amazing is that less than 2 weeks ago, this same team was on the verge of being swept out of the ALCS by the New York Yankees. After winning 4 straight games to put the Yanks out of their misery, the Red Sox roller coaster ride continued on with its momentum, sweeping the Cardinals in four straight games. It is not often that the World Series ends of being so one sided, but the BoSox simply overpowered the Cards in every aspect of the game. This now means that the Chicago Cubs take over as team with the longest World Series drought.

2004-10-26T20:52:00.000-07:00

Red Sox on the verge ...

It was exactly 10 days ago when the Boston Red Sox were on the verge of elimination. Game 3 against the Yankees was a disaster as they gave up 19 runs and were down 0-3. Since then, the Red Sox have pulled off 7 straight wins, putting them in the exact oppsite situation as they were in 10 days ago. After winning 4-0 tonight, the Red Sox lead the St Louis Cardinals 3-0 is the best of 7 World Series final. It is highly unlikely that we will see two different teams overcome 0-3 deficits in the same post-season, but so far the Cardinals have folded like a cheap suit. It is quite amazing how the potent St Louis lineup has struggled in games 2 and 3 and how they made numerous base running goofs in the just concluded game 3. Having said all that, it sure looks like the Red Sox are about to overcome the Bambino's curse.

2004-10-21T17:21:00.000-07:00

Boston Red Sox make MLB history

After losing the first three games in the best-of-seven ALCS, The Boston Red Sox won the next three and looked to make history in Yankee Stadium on Wednesday night. And did they ever! They became the first team in MLB history to come back from a 0-3 series deficit to win 4-3 and advance to the 2004 World Series. After struggling at the plate in the first 6 games, Red Sox center fielder Johnny Damon lit up Yankee pitching for 2 homeruns, including a grand slam that put them up 6-0 in the second inning. Derek Lowe pitched on two days' rest, allowing one hit in six innings and Pedro Martinez made his first relief appearance in 5 years. It had been 100 years since Boston last won a pennant in New York, a 3-2 victory in a doubleheader opener at Hilltop Park in 1904. The Red Sox won game seven 9-3 and now await the winner of the Houston Astros and St Louis Cardinals for the World Series Championship.

2004-10-18T18:09:00.000-07:00

Bonds in hot water (again)

Barry Bonds is back in the news after reports that a San Francisco newpaper has obtained copies of telephone conversations that prove his abuse of anabolic steroids. The report states that the secretly recoded telephone conversation has Greg Anderson, Barry Bonds' former weight trainer and a defendant in an ongoing BALCO federal criminal investigation, claim that Bonds was using an "undetectable" performance-enhancing drug during the 2003 baseball season. Bonds just had a monumental 2004 regular season, surpassing 700 career homeruns. Bonds may be a fitness nut and use the latest weight training techniques, but there has always been this nagging whispers of performance enhancing drugs being a reason for his success. This story will just give these doubters more life. An excerpt from the recording seems extremely damning:

"It's going to be in either the end of May or beginning of June, right before the All-Star break, definitely," Anderson was recorded as saying in The Chronicle story. "So after the All-Star break, we're like clear."

2004-10-12T20:12:00.000-07:00

Division series provide plenty of excitement

So far this baseball post-season has been very enjoyble as the American League and National League Division series have provided plenty of excitement and heroics. The biggest feat has been the Astros making past the first round of the playoffs for the first time in their 40+ year history. They took care of the Atlanta Braves in a 5 game series. They will be joined by the St Louis Cardinals in the NLCS, after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first round. The American League saw a familiar "David vs Goliath" matchup with the Yankees taking on the Twins. Minnesota took the first game but at the end could not handle the New York Yankee bats. The Yankees will be facing their long time rivals from Boston in the ALCS. The Boston Red Sox took care of the Anaheim Angles, sweeping them in 3 straight. The upcoming League Championship series should make for an exciting October.

2004-10-09T20:32:00.000-07:00

More in the Bonds and BALCO saga

The Barry Bonds and Balco saga is still going strong. In the latest news, Bonds' trainer Greg Anderson was in court on Friday and said that uniformed and armed investigators searched his home without showing a warrant last year and made threatening comments to him, his girlfriend and son. He was interrogated by agents about vitamins and supplements he provided to clients like Bonds.

2004-10-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

Baseball Playoffs set to begin

The 2004 baseball playoffs and the quest for the World Series will begin on Tuesday. The American League will see the Minnesota Twins open against the New York Yankees while the wild card Boston Red Sox will taken on the Anaheim Angels. In the National League we'll see the Atlanta Braves against the surging Houston Astros while the Los Angeles Dodgers will take on the St. Louis Cardinals. With all that's happenned on baseball's CBA side, this playoff series does feature a lot of big spenders. The Yankees ($184 million), Red Sox ($127 million) and Anaheim Angels ($100 million) were the three top spending teams in baseball with the Astros not that far behind.

2004-10-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

Ichiro breaks single season hits record

The 2004 Major League Baseball season has been dominated by news about substance abuse, power and home runs but falling under the radar has been the magnificent season Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki has put together. Ichiro set the major league record for hits in a season on Friday night, breaking George Sisler's 84 year old mark with a pair of early singles against the Texas Rangers. He hasn't slowed down since then, already at 260 hits this season. This is surely one of the great baseball feats of all time but it does come with some controversy. You see, Sisler made his mark in a 154 game season not the current 162. For what its worth, Ichiro had 250 hits at the 154 game mark this season. Nonetheless, this is a very big achievement that should not be overshadowed by the more glamorous home run feats.

2004-10-01T18:30:00.000-07:00

Expos bid adieu to Montreal

The Montreal Expos played their last home game at Olympics Stadium yesterday, losing 9-1 to the Florida Marlins. Over 30,000 fans showed up for the last game but many people would agree that it was too little, too late. One of the reasons the Expos have floundered over the last few years has been the lack of fan support in Montreal. For example, in their second last game ever in the city only 5000 people showed up. Its a real shame that Canada's original baseball team will be moving to Washington, DC and there is more than enough blame to go around. Montreal has proved to be somewhat of a sports town, supporting the Montreal Canadians of the NHL and Alouettes of the CFL.

2004-09-18T16:44:00.000-07:00

Barry Bonds joins 700 homerun club

On Firday evening Barry Bonds became part of the exclusive 700 home run club - joining only Babe Ruth (714) and Hank Aaron (755). Also joining Bonds as an etrant in the history books was pitcher Jake Peavy of the San Diego Padres who allowed the historic homer. Bonds pounced on Peavy's 0-1 curveball and sent it a couple rows deep in the left-center field bleachers, for a 392-foot solo shot and became the first player to reach 700 homeruns in 31 years. If Bonds continues to play for a couple of years, he will surely surpass Ruth and Aaron, and probably raise the home run bar quite a few notches higher. As a matter of fact Barry is well on his way to these records, already hitting home run number 701 against the Padres' David Wells on Saturday.

2004-09-12T07:52:00.000-07:00

Yankees in Baltimore on sombre anniversary

As the New York Yankees strolled out on the field at Camden Yards in Baltimore, their hearts were in New York as the city and country marked the 3rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center towers in lower Manhattan. The Yankees still continue to honor the memory of the September 11 victims, as they are now the only team in Major League Baseball that still plays "God Bless America" during the seventh-inning stretch of every home game. The terrorist attacks have had a huge impact on the team including the players, management and ownership.

2004-09-09T19:05:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Ivan has Marlins in his sights

The Florida Marlins are on a roll - scratching their way back in to the National League wild-card race. With 27 games in the final 24 days of the regular season, they may be forced to find an alternate location to play their upcoming games if hurricane Ivan has them in his sights. For their upcoming series against the Montreal Expos, the teams are considering playing in Chicago the weather is bad in Florida. The Marlins have already had to re-schedule games due to a rough August that included hurricane Frances.

2004-08-31T18:43:00.000-07:00

Jason Giambi makes an appearance

New York Yankees slugger Jason Giambi made a rare appearance in the Yankees clubhouse this afternoon. The former AL MVP has been plauged with a series of injuries and ailments. A nagging strained groin, a repiratory condition, a benign tumor and an intestinal parasite have written off Giambi's season and seriously threatened his baseball career. Giambi still isn't sure when he might be able to return to baseball again and this was the first time he has appeared with his teammates since July 27.

2004-08-30T19:09:00.001-07:00

Padres to retire Gwynn's number

The San Diego Padres baseball club will retire Tony Gwynn's number 19 on September 4, 2004. Gwynn spent his entire 20 year career with the Padres and was for years their biggest offensive threat. He was a 15 time All-Star and had a career batting average of .338. Tony began his career with the Padres in 1982 and retired in 2001, with over 3,000 hits. He joins Dave Winfield, Randy Jones and Steve Garvey to have his number retired by the Padres. Gwynn will be eligible for induction into baseball's hall of fame in 2007.

2004-08-28T10:04:00.000-07:00

Jenny Finch & US Women's Softball Team Dominate at the Athens Olympics

There wasn't much competition for the powerhouse US Women's softball team as they had their way at the Athens Olympics. The softball team won its third straight gold medal with an unprecedented and nearly unblemished romp through the Olympics, capped by a 5-1 victory Monday over an Australian team, that, like the rest of softball's elite, never had a chance. A big part of their success is the star pitcher and blonde bombshell, Jenny Finch. Her dominating pitching saw many an opponent strike out without even having a chance to lift their softball bats from their shoulders. I can't remember seeing a more dominating pitcher at any level or a team play so well together.

2004-08-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

Wrigley Field barely passes building code inspections

The Chicago Cubs play in a 90+ year old stadium and it is starting to show its age. The city gave the Cubs the go-ahead to play ball at Wrigley Field on Monday night after the stadium passed another round of inspections of repair work done on its crumbling upper deck. Chunks of concrete fell from the deck of the ballpark on at least three occasions since June, forcing officials to install protective nets and inspect the upper deck and mezzanine levels prior to their game against the Milwaukee Brewers. The inspectors though have warned the Cubs that these temporary nets will have to be replaced with more permanent fixes at the end of the baseball season. (I guess fans are expected to grab a hard-hat along with their next Wrigley hot dog and beer.)

2004-08-22T20:34:00.000-07:00

IRS after Pete Rose

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) says that Pete Rose owes it over $1 million in federal back-taxes. It filed a federal tax lien in Broward County, Florida on Tuesday alleging that baseball's career hits leader owes $973,693.28 in back taxes from 1997 to 2002. According to Pete Rose's representatives, he has been making monthly payments on the debts though the IRS now has put a lien on his home and other pocessions.

2004-08-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Fines and suspensions after Rockies and Pirates brawl

Brawls and fights are not that common in baseball, so when one occurs it usually catches somewhat of the spotlight. Colorado Rockies pitcher Joe Kennedy and Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Jason Kendell were suspended 5 and 4 games respectively for their parts in a bench clearing brawl last Sunday. They were also fined an undisclosed amount. The incident started when Kennedy hit Kendall in the arm and both began yelling and ended up in the benches clearing and a wrestling match on the field. Both players are expected to appeal their suspensions.

2004-08-12T17:52:00.000-07:00

Giambi denies steroids are behind his current condition

As the Balco situation has unraveled over the last couple of years, Jason Giambi has found himself being asked the same ole' question about steroids. His recent affliction with a disease and the discover of a benign tumour in an undisclosed part of his body has once again raised the question of these conditions being related to the possible drug use. Giambi has not commented much on his medical condition but has been vehement in denying any previous anabolic steroid or performance enhancing drug use.

2004-07-30T17:38:00.000-07:00

Will the Bronx Bombers abandon Yankee stadium?

Recent news reports state that New York Yankees are looking to construct a new stadium right across the street from Yankee stadium. The new stadium could run in the neighborhood of $750 million with about $450 million being spent for public infrastructure. What is going to be of concern to baseball fans and baseball historians is what might happen to the current Yankee stadium? There is a lot of history in the house that Ruth built, so I am not sure if the Bronx Bombers can just move out and tear the old house down.

2004-07-26T18:04:00.000-07:00

Giambi may be ailing from serious disease

New York Yankees slugger Jason Giambi is awaiting medical results to determine whether he is suffering from a potentially serious intestinal parasite based disease. Giambi has been complaining about feeling weak this season and has missed a large number of games this season. The All-Star first baseman is being tested for a dangerous parasite called entamoeba histolytica. His teammate Kevin Brown has been sidelined since June 9 with a lower back spasms and an affliction of intestinal parasite, though he is expected back this week. It is still not clear how Giambi may have come in contact with this parasite and his status for this year if he does test positive.

2004-07-23T19:20:00.000-07:00

Mariners release John Olerud

The Seattle Mariners released former American League batting champion John Olerud. Olerud was hitting .245 with five homers and 22 RBIs in 77 games when he was designated for assignment last week. He was in the final year of his contract that paid him $7.7 million this season. Olerud is best known for his early days in Toronto when he made the majors after brain surgery and wore a batting helmet while playing first base. His best year was 1993 with the Blue Jays when he hit .363 and flirted with the .400 mark for a big chunk of the 1993 season.

2004-07-15T17:45:00.000-07:00

TV ratings for the All-Star game cause for concern?

The American League came up on top 9-4 against the National Leauge in this year's All-Star game. The television ratings though were still pretty pathetic and continuing to slip lower. Tuesday night's game drew an 8.8 rating and a 15 share on Fox, down 7 percent from the 9.5 rating and 17 share of the last two years — the lowest previous numbers. Still, about 32.8 million people watched the game, a 7 percent improvement from last year's audience of 30.7 million - the largest audience since 1999. FWIW, the MLB gimmick of awarding the winning league home field advantage in the World Series does NOT seem to be having a positive impact on viewership of the game. If they need any consoling, it is widely accepted that the NHL, NBA and NFL all-star events have also been loing their lusture.

2004-07-13T18:21:00.000-07:00

Sluggers put on show in home-run derby

Major League Baseball had its big guns out last night. The home run derby attracted a huge crowd at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas and the millions of baseball fans who watched on TV. The two favorites, Barry Bonds and Samy Sosa did not fare too well. The two 'last minute' additions Miguel Tejada and Lance Berkman, put on the real show as they battled for the crown. Tejada eventually came up on top as he beat out a weary Berkman in the final round, surpassing the hometown favorite's 4 homeruns with ease. These guys were hitting homeruns with so much ease it wasn't even funny...made you wonder if there was something special in their water or their bats!

Also at this event were 10 of the top 11 all-time home run leaders. Hank Aaron (755), Barry Bonds (681), Willie Mays (660), Frank Robinson (586), Mark McGwire (583), Harmon Killebrew (573), Reggie Jackson (563), Sammy Sosa (555), Mike Schmidt (548), and Rafael Palmeiro (541).

2004-07-08T17:51:00.000-07:00

Gagne's save streak ends at 84

LA Dodger closer Eric Gagne finally saw his consecutive saves streak end at a very impressive 84 saves. The streak broke earlier this week as Gagne was unable to secure a victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Still, he handily broke the previous record of 54 consective saves set in 1998-99 by Tom Gordon. I think its pretty safe to say that Gagne's streak is unlikely to be broken.

2004-07-04T08:21:00.000-07:00

Holiday weekend features prime baseball rivalries

The long holiday weekend in the United States and Canada saw some of the best Major League rivalries as inter-league baseball continued. The Chicago Cubs vs the White Sox, New York Mets vs the Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays vs the Montreal Expos (but in Puerto Rico??), Tampa Bay Devil Rays vs Florida Marlins, Cleveland Indians vs Cincinnati Reds, LA Dodgers vs Anaheim Angles and Oakland A's vs San Francisco Giants. IMO a very good job of scheduling from MLB.

2004-06-29T18:09:00.000-07:00

Fernando Valenzuela is back pitching again

The 43 year old Fernando Valenzuela is making somewhat of a comeback, heading back to the mound for the border city team Mexicali in Mexico's Pacific League. This of course comes some 23 years after Valenzuela brought about the "Fernandomania" mania amongst baseball fans in the United States and Mexico when he began his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The question one has to ask is why? What does Valenzuela plan to accomplish and does he believe he can still pitch in the Majors?

2004-06-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

Victor Conte denies dealing designer 'roids to Barry Bonds

Victor Conte, the founder of BALCO (Bay area laboratory co-operative) has denied supplying MLB slugger Barry Bonds with performance enhancing drugs. He did so in a recent interview with the TV reporters outside a San Francisco courthouse. This comes as sprinter and Conte client Tim Montgomery testified before a grand jury that Conte had said he supplied Bonds with steroids.

As an aside, many fitness enthusiasts who used to visit popular weight training newsgroups in the late 1990s would clearly remember Victor Conte pushing his ZMA supplement to anyone who would listed on the newsgroups.

2004-06-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

Robb Nen has another setback

The San Francisco Giants sent closer Robb Nen home for another month as he tries to recover his injured right shoulder. Nen is trying to recover from three shoulder operations that forced him to miss the entire 2003 season. He hasn't thrown off a mound since mid-April. He does not have any inflamation in his shoulder but it is believed that Nen won't be able to pitch this year.

2004-06-13T14:29:00.000-07:00

Ken Griffey Jr almost at 500 club

Ken Griffey Jr hit is 499th career homerun in the third inning of an afternoon game against Cliff Lee of the Cleveland Indians. In his very next at bat he almost got beaned by Lee who was ejected, and then went on to hit a deep drive to right field that came a couple of inches of clearing the fence. So Griffey Jr still sits at 499 in the career homerun list, but it is academic that he will surpass this milestone. What's even more interesting is looking back at his career and realizing that the last few injury plagued seasons in Cincinnati have really held him back. Had he continued on the clip when he was a Seattle Mariner, he would have eclipsed this mark a long time ago.

2004-06-08T17:26:00.000-07:00

Interleague play begins

It was back in 1997 that MLB decided to institute interleague play. Before that, atleast as far as I could remember, the only way an American League team could play a National League team would be in the World Series championship. Once again today, interleague play begins for this season. In my opinion, this change has not only created some interesting rivalries (Yankees vs Mets, White Sox vs Cubs, Blue Jays vs Expos, etc) but has in general added something to keep fans interested through a long 162 game baseball season.

2004-05-30T14:04:00.000-07:00

Raul Modesi is back in the bigs

It wasn't all that long ago that Raul Modesi was considered a superstar in MLB. His early years in Los Angeles gained him that reputation and saw him traded to the Toronto Blue Jays for another emerging superstar in Shawn Green. Mondesi never really lived up to expectations in Toronto and eventually ended up with the New York Yankees. The Yankees traded him to Arizona and earlier this year he was with the Pittsburgh Pirates before walking out on them. He has now emerged with the Anaheim Angles and started in the outfield as the Angles are truly decimated by injuries. Mondesi has always had talent, but the real question has been with his attitude and personality. Will he be able to resurrect his career?

2004-05-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

Glavine comes oh so close to a no-no

Tom Glavine came close to tossing the first no-hitter by a NY Met. It came in a week that saw Randy Johnson throw a perfect game against the Atlanta Braves. The 38 year old Glavine saw his bid for the no hitter quashed by Colorado Rockies first baseman Kit Pellow who singled off the veteran lefty in the bottom of the 8th inning. Glavine though became the 26th Met to throw a one-hitter in the team's history.

2004-05-19T16:25:00.000-07:00

Big Unit pulls off perfect game

Forty year old Arizona Diamondback pitcher Randy Johnson became just the 17th player in MLB history to pitch a perfect game. He also became just the 5th player to have pitched a no hitter and a perfect game in his career. Johnson has dominated baseball for over a decade and his latest performance shows that he still has more to give. With the resurgence of Roger Clemens in Houston and Bonds' continued success in San Francisco, the forty plus club has some very dominating players.

2004-05-16T17:02:00.001-07:00

Chalk one up for the pitchers

The last decade or so in baseball has been dominated by offense - juiced balls and juiced players = more homeruns. Ben Sheets of the Milwaukee Brewers put in a rare pitching gem the other night, striking out 18 batters in a game, the most since 2001. The major league record was not far off at 20 strikeouts in a nine inning game, held by Randy Johnson, Kerry Wood and Roger Clemens.

2004-05-15T16:58:00.000-07:00

Piazza in the Ted Williams saga?

It seems that Mike Piazza has been trying to have Ted Williams put to rest in a dignified manner, and that has attracted the attention of Williams' lawyers. Piazza has been asked through his agents to stay out of this matter. Piazza, who had a personal relationship with Williams, had been in contact with his daughter Bobby-Jo Ferrell and offered to assist in her effort to have the Hall of Famer's body removed from a deep freeze and cremated, with the ashes spread over the ocean off the Florida Keys.

2004-05-15T16:49:00.000-07:00

What'll happen with the Montreal Expos?

The Montreal Expos have been in a state of limbo for almost two years. Under the ownership of MLB, they have been splitting time between Montreal and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The relocation comittee is apparently working hard to find a new home for the Montreal Expos and there are probably 3-4 cities in the running. Washington, DC has long been a contender though one would think that the Baltimore Orioles would like to quash that move. Portland, OR has been another rumored destination and they are apparently looking at a new $340 million facility to attract the team. The latest contestant in the Expos sweepstakes might be Las Vegas, NV - a city that has a lot of entertainment options but lacks any major league sports. But Vegas does not have a stadium or an immediate plan for one though that might change if the Expos move out of Montreal gathers steam.

2004-05-09T09:50:00.000-07:00

Steroids update

The recent news about the Feds getting hold of Major League Baseball's steroid testing data might force the league to tighten up its abuse program. It is learned that between 60-100 players might have tested positive and the eventual release of this information within the Balco proceedings or through other legal means would be a huge black eye for MLB.

2004-05-09T09:42:00.000-07:00

Baseball records continue to fall

This last week saw two significant baseball records fall. New York Mets catcher Mike Piazza hit career home run number 352 to surpass Carlton Fisk as the all-time home run leader amongst catchers. Not bad for a player who was selected in the 62nd round of the 1988 MLB amatuer draft. Meanwhile down in Houston, Roger Clemens surpassed Steve Carlton for second all-time in MLB strikeouts with 4,137. He is still a long way behind Houston legend Nolan Ryan who holds the record with 5,714 stikeouts.

2004-05-02T11:30:00.000-07:00

Pedro Martinez might test free agency

Star Boston Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez is in the final year of his contract that nets him $17.5 million this year. He has now notified his agent to cease any negotiations with the Red Sox for potentially extending the contract and will now test the free agent waters at the end of the 2004 season. This could be a huge blow for the Red Sox as they compete with the Yankees, Orioles and Blue Jays in the ultra-competitive American League East division. Martinez is apparently ticked off with the Red Sox for unfairly bringing up his shoulder problems during the negotiations to try to bring down his salary or threaten his potential chances with another team. Hey, maybe Pedro Martinez will sign with the Yankees!

2004-05-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

MLB player steroid results handed over to the Feds

As part of their BALCO investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation now has access to MLB records of player steroid testing from 2003. This might mean that these records could soon become public (Freedom of Information Act?) and a lot of baseball players could have some egg on their face. The current MLB policies against steroids are so lax that one would have to be a serial abuser to get busted. But if fans found out who might have been on the juice, the game would be in for quite a scandal - a potential disaster.

2004-04-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

Clemens continues to roll along

Roger Clemens continues to cement his place in Cooperstown notching his 314th major league baseball victory, tying him for 15th overall with Gaylord Perry and registering his 4,125th strikeout, putting him thrid overall behind Nolan Ryan and Steve Carlton. Clemens who is now 4-0 for the season, lead the Astros over the Colorado Rockies in a 8-5 victory. After announcing his retirement from baseball last year, his return back to the game with his hometown team has turned out to be quite a positive for MLB and the Astros. Even at age 42, Roger Clemens is still quite the dominant pitcher and should continue to break more baseball pitching records.

2004-04-18T12:36:00.000-07:00

Cubs Prior might be done for the season

The Chicago Cubs started the season deep in pitching. The Greg Maddux signed onto a rotation that already included Kerry Wood, Mark Prior and Matt Clement. Mark Prior though has been nursing injuries to his right elbow and achilles tendon and the Cubs believe there is a chance that he might be done for the season. He will continue to pitch lightly off the mound as speculation about his future status continues to swirl in the windy city.

2004-04-18T07:11:00.000-07:00

McGwire on the recent steroids scandal

Mark McGwire threw out the first pitch this week for a Cardinals vs Rockies game at Bush Stadium and actually didn't have much to say about the steroid scandal. McGwire admitted to using the legal prohormone androstenedione in 1998, a year he hit a then record 70 homeruns. He also created some buzz by using various other sports supplements like creatine. The mark was ecliped by Barry Bonds in 2001 when he hit 73 homeruns. McWire admitted to quitting the supplement the following year as he did not want to give kids the wrong impression. It seems though that many other major league players did not share this concern, possibly going in for drugs/supplements that were illegal or certainly on the 'fringe'.

2004-04-12T17:49:00.000-07:00

Bonds ties Mays with 660th homerun

With the whole steroids scandal still brewing, Barry Bonds moved up the all-time baseball greats list by hitting his 660th home run. That ties him for number three on baseball's homerun list, with his Godfather Willie Mays. It goes without saying that Bonds has had an amazing career, spanning the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants. Hopefully his great career won't just be overshadowed with the recent doping scandal.

2004-04-08T16:11:00.000-07:00

Tigers on top??

As surprised as I was to check the standings today, the Detroit Tigers have started the 2004 Major League Baseball season with a bang! As of today they are 4-0, including a three game sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays. These aren't really the same tigers that lost over 100 games last year - this year's squad which includes Pudge Rodriguez and Ugueth Urbina, actually seems interested in playing baseball and winning.

2004-04-01T18:13:00.000-08:00

Has the regular season started or not?

Major League Baseball can be quirky at times. Take for example its decision to start the MLB regular season a week early in Japan, with New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Devil Rays facing off in the 'Land of the Rising Sun'. Meanwhile the rest of the league is still playing spring training games and won't start their regular seasons early next week. It sorta muddles a fan's ability to really track the season.

2004-03-28T11:43:00.000-08:00

Back in Japan

Hideki Matsui had quite a homecoming, giving the jubilant Japanese baseball fans a home run in his first at-bat. Playing at the Tokyo dome, he led the New York Yankees to a 6-2 victory over the Yomiuri Giants. To honor Matsui who became Japan's biggest baseball star at this stadium, Yankees manager Joe Torre moved him to bat cleanup in the batting order and play center field - considered most prestigious in the Japanese baseball circles. The New York Yankees will open up their MLB regular season in Japan with a series against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and their ex-bench coach, Don Zimmer.

2004-03-27T07:52:00.000-08:00

Bonds wants more hits

Yes that is correct - Barry Bonds wants more hits. But not on the baseball diamond, he wants more hits for his upcoming web site. Barry will be launching 'barrybonds.com' in the near future in an effort to clean up his much maligned image. But it won't just be about PR, Bonds will also sell authentic merchandise, memorabilia and collectibles featuring his and Willie Mays' likenesses on them.

2004-03-25T17:53:00.000-08:00

Players union making the right noises

After a long stint of silence, the Major League Baseball Player's Association is finally letting it be known that it would not be against more stringent drug testing for baseball players. What will be interesting to see if what the two parties would "want" for a change in the collective bargining agreement.

2004-03-21T15:39:00.000-08:00

Tattoos not allowed

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Justin Miller has an uncommon problem. Tattoos cover about half of his body and though most of them are covered during play, a couple on his arm have sparked to ire of Major League Baseball. Because some of the tattoos on his arm use colours, he has been asked to wear long sleeve shirts under his jersey while pitching. Jeez...you'd think that everything in baseball was going hunky dory for it to be nitpicking about the body art on its players.

2004-03-21T15:22:00.000-08:00

Red Sox will start the season hurting

In the battle of the "well offs", the Red Sox and Yankees have gone to extreme measures to topple each other. But it seems that the Red Sox only needed fate to hand them a crummy hand as they will begin the season without two of their marquee players. Outfielder Trot Nixon is expected to be out till May with a back injury while shortstop Nomar Garciaparra could miss opening day because of a foot problem. Having said that, they do have landed quite a catch in David Ortiz who is leading the league in home-runs this spring training.

2004-03-20T10:14:00.000-08:00

MLB cracks the whip on Devils prospect

Major League baseball has suspended Tampa Bay Devil Rays outfield prospect Josh Hamilton for the complete 2004 baseball season for violating baseball's drug policy. This would have to have been the second time that Hamilton would have tested positive for drug abuse, though I am not sure what drugs he was accused of taking. This suspension doesn't seem related to steroids, more or so with hard drugs like cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, etc. Hamilton was drafted in the first round in 1999 and signed a pro-contract that included a $4 million signing bonus.

2004-03-14T12:31:00.000-08:00

Reggie Jackson speaks out

As one can imagine, Reggie Jackson is a little pissed off these days. The Hall of Fame baseball player has had it with the nonchalant attitudes of current players, the league and players association towards the serious issue of steroids and other performance enhancing drugs in baseball. Recently he made some excellent comments on the blatant manipulation of baseball records, especially the all-time home runs. His disgust at the way juiced up athletes have made a mockery of baseball's history is something we need to pay more attention to.

2004-03-13T06:54:00.000-08:00

Violence in sports

Most people agree that sports have evolved over the years. The earlier notion of competition and playing "for the love of the game" seem to have been replaced by money, greed and a general disrespect for others. The most recent case highlighting these problems reared its ugly head in ice hockey, where Todd Bertuzzi laid a vicious blind-side attack on Steve Moore. The attack was so cowardly yet lethal that Moore suffered a concussion, cracked vertebrae in his neck and lacerations to the face - yet Moore is a lucky man because the neck injury could have left him paralyzed or even worse. Now this is not just a problem in hockey, we have also seen it in baseball with the infamous Zimmer and Martinez incident during the Red Sox vs Yankees brawl from last year. Add to that all this talk about steroid abuse and the general bad behavior of so many athletes, and you have to wonder if putting these guys on a pedestal is such a bright idea.

2004-03-11T18:58:00.000-08:00

Rose inducted into Hall of Fame

Pete Rose was finally inducted into a Hall of Fame - the wrestling Hall of Fame that is! World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) inducted Pete along with former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura and such wrestling greats as Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, Sgt. Slaughter, Tito Santana, and the Junkyard Dog. I am still scratching my head trying to figure out where exactly Pete Rose fits in here. Maybe he's just trying to push his new book.

2004-03-10T18:52:00.000-08:00

Politicians speak on 'roids

We knew this was coming as United States Senator John McCain has given Major League Baseball an ultimatum on steroids - crack down on the practice by creating a comprehensive drug policy or have one forced upon you by the US government. Sen McCain made the threat after Donald Fehr refused to accept the his suggestion to agree to the more comprehensive drug policy for MLB, something along the lines of what is implemented in the NFL. MLB might be not be the only one behind the eight ball as the NBA and NHL have some ghosts in their closets as well.

2004-03-06T09:22:00.000-08:00

What drug scandal?

If you ask the Major League Baseball Players Association, there is no drug problem in the sport. Atleast that's what the MLBPA CEO, Gene Orza has recently implied. He went on to compare 'steroids' with cigarettes and asprin, making his case against regulating these substances. What he does not realize is that 'steroids' are not limited to legal steroid precursors like androstenedione, but the bigger concern should be with illegal steroids that work much better than the prohormones and are almost guaranteed to increase muscle mass and strength. It seems like this issue will end up on the bargaining table where the players and owners will look to fight over other things they can hold hostage to the steroids problem.

2004-03-02T20:21:00.000-08:00

Marge Schott passes away

Controversial former Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott passed away due to complications from lung related ailment. She was 75. Schott made more than her share of bone-headed comments throughout the years but is also regarded as a huge baseball fan and a very caring individual by many people (including ex-Reds players) who knew her. The Reds will most likely honor Schott in some fashion on opening day.

2004-03-01T08:26:00.000-08:00

Personal trainers not welcome

I read a recent report that the New York Yankees have barred personal trainers from travelling with the team and from their training facilities. This follows a MLB edict put out in wake of the unfolding steroids scandal banning non-team personnel from all facilities. In today's world of high-paid professional athletes, just about every one of them has a personal trainer. So it'll be interesting to see how things pan out - will a lot of these trainers find themselves on MLB team payrolls? Is the old 'strength training coach' position still relevant in pro-sports?

Following up on the steroids issue, I have recently learned that baseball has one of the most lax steroid policies around. The first positive test for steroid use would result in treatment, second positive would bring a fine or suspension, and a player would have to test positive five times to get a one-year suspension. It sounds lax when you compare it to the Olympic rules where a first steroid positive calls for a minimum two year ban and a subsequent second leads to a lifetime ban.

2004-02-28T17:15:00.000-08:00

Cursed baseball blown to smithereens

When it comes to superstitions the Chicago Cubs have a long and well, wierd past. The Steve Bartman incident from last years playoff series against the Florida Marlins left a sour taste in every Cubs fan. The ball in question was purchased for $113,824 at auction on behalf of Harry Caray's restaurant and a special affects team used a combo pressure, heat and explosives in a bulletproof tank to turn it into a pile of threads. The remains were to be incinerated or 'offered' into Lake Michigan. I guess we'll have to see if this procedure pays off when the Cubs take the field in a couple of months!

2004-02-26T13:38:00.000-08:00

Barry Bonds vs Turk Wendell

Bonds has been pretty ticked off about the recent remarks from Wendell accusing the Giants slugger of using steroids. Is it that Wendell is the only one with the guts to say it or is the recent indictment of several Bay area nutrition execs and Bonds' personal trainer, just a coincidence? Wendell doesn't know if Barry Bonds and many of the other MLB players have been on the juice. Sure we all see how big they've all gotten, their brute strength and the rate at which their offensive output has increased, but only these players and maybe their nutritionists know their exact secret formula.

When you look at it from a player's perspective over the last 10-15 years, its been the pitchers who have taken it on the chin. Whether it be the 'juiced' baseballs or steroid/supplement induced bodybuilders now playing baseball, the pitchers have seen their dominance absolutely eroded. The game of baseball has slowly become a game of homeruns, where most stadium are just not big enough to keep the ball in play.

2004-02-25T07:46:00.000-08:00

Canseco wants back in

A recent report suggests that Jose Canseco is interested in making a comeback with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Now this is the same guy who about a year ago wanted nothing to do with MLB or baseball because of the numerous illegal activities (re: steroids) he accused MLB of sweeping under the rug. Now about a year later, he wants back in. I guess he can play...as long as he's done his house arrest sentence.

2004-02-24T13:08:00.000-08:00

Nolan Ryan re-signs with the Astros

No not as a pitcher...but hall of famer Nolan Ryan returned to the Astros, signing a five-year personal services contract. He'll work with Astros manager Jimy Williams and Pam Gardner, the president of business operations. The Houston Astros should gain valuable insight from Ryan.

2004-02-22T15:30:00.000-08:00

Meet the 24 year old, $100 million man

Albert Pujols signed a $100m contract with the St Louis Cardinals that should keep him in the 'Show Me State' for the next 7 years. Pujols has had one of the best starts to a professional baseball career and made $950,000 last season as he won the batting title and hit 43 home runs. This contract could be worth as much as $111 million if the Cards exercise the option for an eighth season and its the biggest contract in St Louis Cardinals' history.

2004-02-20T09:07:00.000-08:00

Dodgers land a bargain

The Los Angeles Dodgers won their arbitration hearing against Cy Young winning closer Eric Gagne. Gagner will earn $5 million (instead of $8m) for the upcoming year. The bargain aspect becomes clear when you consider that Gagner earned $550,000 last year while chalking up one of the most unbelievable seasons for a closer - notching 52 saves in 56 chances.

2004-02-19T08:33:00.000-08:00

Sour grapes or has John Henry seen the light?

Boston Red Sox owner John Henry has recently made some comments about the spiraling salaries in major league baseball. The comments came after his arch rival George Steinbrenner and the Yankees pried Alex Rodriguez from the Texas Rangers. The comments seem a little hypocritical seeing the exorbitant salary structure of the Red Sox and from the fact that it wasn't long ago that the Red Sox themselves were trying to land ARod.

2004-02-18T16:53:00.000-08:00

Who says you can't go home again?

Not Greg Maddux. The future hall of fame pitcher has signed a 3 year, $24 million dollar contract with the Chicago Cubs. Though most fans associate Maddux with the Atlanta Braves dynasty of the 1990s and early 2000s where he pitched with Glavine and Smotlz. But he began his career with the Cubs, spending seven seasons and winning a Cy Young Trophy in Chicago. Ironically Maddux left the Cubs in 1992 over a salary dispute and today returns a much needed veteran presence bolstering the Cubs starting rotation that already had Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, and Matt Clement.

2004-02-17T14:09:00.000-08:00

Steroid use in Major League Baseball

So far no ML baseball players have been charged in recent documents, released by federal prosecutors. They did nail four people for participating in a steroid-distribution ring that allegedly supplied dozens of sports stars. But a few athletes from the major sports leagues including baseball, testified last fall before the grand jury panel that issued these recent indictments. It is possible that some of these players could be asked to testify again in the trial and even be charged. Amongst those currently charged are Barry Bonds' personal trainer and two execs from San Francisco based nutritional supplements lab - Bay Area Lab Cooperative or BALCO. This brings up the long standing debate about steroids in sports, an issue that needs to be discussed out in the open. I still remember from a few years ago when the big buzz was about creatine monohydrate, which is a legal nutritional supplement and naturally occurs in certain foods.

Either clean up the sports completely or let the fans know that they are paying money to watch juiced up freaks. Atleast have a level playing field and show respect for the historic stats of players who performed clean.

2004-02-16T20:18:00.000-08:00

It's official: Rodriguez is a Yankee

The New York Yankees landed Alex Rodriguez from the Texas Rangers for Alfonso Soriano and a minor leaguer. That should put the Yankees payroll over $200 million for this upcoming season, with four $100 million player contracts (ARod, Jeter, Giambi and Brown).

Is it just me or is this absolutely crazy? Maybe its just a New York thing...the Yankees spend a lot, so do the New York Rangers of the NHL and the Knicks of the NBA. So if you make a boatload of money, might as well spend it and then some?

2004-02-15T17:53:00.000-08:00

Ivan Rodriguez signs with the Detroit Tigers

I am still at a loss as to why Pudge would sign with the lowly Tigers. After winning a World Series with the Florida Marlins one would have assumed that he would maybe want to win another...but I guess money really does talk. So now he gets to spend the next 4 years in Detroit, playing on a crappy team but making a cool $10m per year.

I guess to each his own.