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Will The Red Sox Put A Limit On Teixeira?
2008-12-18 12:31:00
Could the Red Sox be reconsidering their demands? Right now, I think this might be first concrete series of quotes that we have gotten on the matter from the RedSox. Again, take this all with a grain of salt.From CNNSI.com: With as many as five teams showing interest in the first baseman, there is serious doubt the Red Sox would go longer than the eight-year contract the Los Angeles Angels, Teixeira's former team, have offered."We all have limits," Red Sox owner John Henry said in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "Eight years is a very long time in baseball and everywhere else."He also said the amount the team is willing to spend on a free agent "depends on both" the economy and the player being sought."Baseball as a whole has not yet been hit by the financial crisis, but it will," Henry said. "The degree is in question and won't be answered for a while."A decision by Teixeira on where he will end up did not appear imminent."No immediate timetable," his agent, Scott Boras, said ...

Baltimore Still Hunting For Teixeira?
2008-12-17 22:14:00
The story on the saga of Mark Teixeira with the Baltimore Orioles seemingly changes from hour to hour; however there's some positive news in light of what was reported on ESPN this morning.Take it for what it's worth, but Andy MacPhail apparently isn't throwing up the white flag in the chase of the slugger -- at least not yet.We could be in it, or out of it, or whatever else.From the Baltimore Sun: "We have indicated before that we have flexibility," Orioles president Andy MacPhail said today. "I don't think anyone expects [Teixeira's agent Scott Boras] to lean over and accept the first proposal."MacPhail does not provide the specifics of any free-agent proposal, but it is believed that last week the Orioles offered a seven-year contract worth $140 to $150 million to the 28-year-old Teixeira, who grew up in Severna Park.Oh joy. We can only see what Thursday brings forth; meanwhile, Roch Kubatko caught up with Kevin Millar -- and might we see him back in Oriole uniform? Somethin...
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Teixeira Really Not Coming to Baltimore?
2008-12-17 18:19:00
Reading the constant news & rumors on Teixeira is becoming annoying. Since the information seems to change daily, who knows what's true now.Today, ESPN -- the Worldwide Leader and the same people who yesterday reported that the Teixeira might have an affinity for Charm City -- is backing off and asserting that the Orioles are falling behind in getting the slugger according to Buster Olney.The latest:From ESPN: Unless free agent Mark Teixeira is willing to give the Orioles a major hometown discount, it does not appear he will be playing in Baltimore .The Orioles have stood by their initial offer and have not upgraded it, and sources say that the other teams involved in the bidding -- the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels and Washington Nationals -- have gone beyond Baltimore's proposal for the slugging first baseman.Teixeira, 28, is considered one of the top unsigned free agents. He batted .308 with 33 home runs, 121 RBIs and a .552 slugging percentage for the Angels and Atlant...

ESPN's Karl Ravech on Teixeira
2008-12-17 03:30:00
It's almost amazing what transpires daily with the whole Teixeira hunt. I can't remember so much chatter and anticipation in this region for an athlete to sign with a team.Also, Peter Gammons mentions the slugger in the first 20 or so seconds of the clip as mentions the Red Sox and Angels more than likely will be the teams more than likely to land him.

Phillies Make The Rays Uncomfortable, Take 2-1 Lead in World Series
2008-10-26 17:32:00
It looks like no one in America is really watching this World Series ; however, if you're missing it – you're missing some interesting baseball. The Phillies are now up 2-1 in the 2008 World Series as they beat the Rays, 5-4, thanks to a weak infield single – a dribbler along third bases – with the bases loaded by Carlos Ruiz that plated Eric Bruntlett.The frame started as J.P. Howell hit Bruntlett, and then he was relieved of by Grant Balfour. Only a minute later, Balfour would throw a wild pitch and Bruntlett advanced to second. After two intentional walks to both Shane Victorino and Greg Dobbs, the game would end a few minutes later.With the score tied at four, Evan Longoria tried in vain to scoop the ball and throw it home; but the ball sailed over Dioner Navarro's head and Bruntlett tapped home plate.The matchup on Saturday featured the sometimes overly emotional 24-year old Matt Garza versus Jamie Moyer, who should at 45 years old be considered a living legend. The mat...
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Loewen and the Jays
2008-10-26 04:35:00
Upon reading today's Sun article on Adam Loewen signing with the Blue Jays , I don't think anyone can begrudge him.I respected the kid because he was a bulldog on the mound and seemed to work hard; however, it looks like wanted for play for Toronto, simply because he is a Canadian and rooted for them growing up. I'm sure a lot of fans and people will miss him in the organization, but he's got a hill to climb in order to transition from pitching to become a big league hitter. "I don't think it's about money," MacPhail said. "The way it was explained to me, it's all about playing for his national team in Canada and it's not about terms or anything. The way it was explained to me is he grew up there and it's his lifelong dream to play for Toronto. I have no interest in having Baltimore become part of Canada. We're proud members of the United States, and there isn't much we can do about it."It was assumed Loewen would re-sign with the Orioles -- until the Jays looked into gett...

Adam Loewen Now Part of The Blue Jays...
2008-10-25 21:49:00
I seriously thought that Adam Loewen would resign with Baltimore; however, things have changed as he was put on waivers a few days ago.Now he's part of the Toronto Blue Jays . TORONTO (AP) -- The Toronto Blue Jays acquired two of the top four picks in the 2002 draft on Friday, signing converted pitcher Adam Loewen to a minor league contract and claiming right-hander Bryan Bullington off waivers.Bullington was selected by Pittsburgh with the top overall selection and Loewen was taken fourth by the Baltimore Orioles. Neither player has panned out so far professionally.Baltimore released Loewen on Monday, but had hoped to re-sign him to a minor league deal. Loewen, a native of Surrey, British Columbia, acknowledged leaving the Orioles was "extremely difficult," but said the chance to join Toronto was too good to pass up."I grew up watching the Blue Jays and was a huge fan all my life," he said. "This is a great opportunity. I'm really excited to get going."Loewen's pitching career en...
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Rays Tie Series at One
2008-10-24 15:54:00
Last night, in Tampa-St. Petersburg, the Rays upended the Philadelphia Phillies, 4-2.The Rays scored four runs in the first four innings to earn the victory, as they scored in two runs in the first inning off groundouts by Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria; thereafter, in the second inning, B.J. Upton plated Dioner Navarro with a bases-loaded single and they tacked another run in the fourth due to a Jason Bartlett groundout.Philadelphia got on the board after little used Eric Bruntlett homered in the eighth, and scored again in the ninth as Jason Werth scored off a Longoria; however, the game was all Tampa's.James "Big Game (sorry, Tampa fans I strongly disagree with this)" Shields lived up to his moniker as he went 5 2/3 innings and gave up zero runs for the win. The Tampa bullpen held on, and David Price kept things in order by pitching the last 2 1/3 innings although he gave up two runs -- only one earned.Meanwhile, Philadelphia's Brett Myers went seven strong innings to get the vi...
More About: Series

Phils Take World Series, Game One
2008-10-23 21:29:00
Last night, the Fall Classic commenced in Tampa-St. Petersburg, and the Fighting Phils thanks to the golden arm of Cole Hamels and Chase Utley's two-run homer in the first inning lead them to victory, 3-2.After a week off, the Phillies sure were not rusty; while the Rays seemed to be pressing.Hamels went seven strong innings, and gave up two runs on five hits to earn his fourth win of the postseason. The kid is a master, with the ability to mix-up his fastball and breaking stuff to get guys out. Brad Lidge got the save -- the 47th in 47 chances including the postseason -- that helped Philadelphia hold on to their narrow margin of victory.The Rays were able to get two runs off of Hamels courtesy of a Carl Crawford solo homer run in the 4th inning, and a Akinori Iwamura that plated Jason Bartlett in the fifth.Carlos Ruiz's groundout to score Shane Victorino made the difference for Philadelphia.Kazmir, was good, but not great and took the loss despite what he did in game five of the ...
More About: World , Series , Game , World Series

O's Make Moves; Release Adam Loewen
2008-10-21 17:13:00
If you all have not heard, the Orioles made a series of moves Monday afternoon, the biggest being the release of Adam Loewen.The Orioles conducted some offseason housekeeping on Monday when they released former first-round Draft pick Adam Loewen and outrighted five players to Triple-A Norfolk. Loewen, who has retired as a pitcher due to recurring elbow injuries, is attempting to reignite his career as a position player, and he likely will ink a Minor League contract with the team some time soon.Loewen missed virtually all of the 2007 season with a stress fracture in his left elbow, an injury that took an operation to repair. The southpaw went through all the requisite rehabilitation, but he suffered the same injury last season and was told it would take 18 months to recover from another surgery, a realization that spurred him to try his hand at hitting.In addition to the Loewen move, Baltimore outrighted pitchers Randor Bierd and Rocky Cherry, infielder Brando Fahey, outfielder Jeff...
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Yes, America --- The Rays Are Headed to the World Series...
2008-10-20 05:37:00
The Rays are in the World Series ! If anyone picked them in March to play for it all -- you're lying. It seems like all of America -- aside from Red Sox fans -- were picking them to advance to the promised land, and finally, it looks the doormats of the AL East and the laughing stock of baseball for so many years has made it.What can we say about David Price! This game was his coming out party, and did he literally save Tampa Bay from eminent disaster by pitching 1 1/3 innings -- striking out J.D. Drew with the bases juiced to the end the 8th -- and struck out two in the final frame to get the save.Matt Garza pitched the game of his life, earning the win -- along with the second of the ALCS -- and making only one mistake -- Pedroia's first inning solo home run. Aside from that, Garza was a good as you could get. His counterpart on the mound, Lester was good -- going seven strong and giving up three runs -- but, it was not nearly enough.The Rays were on, and it showed after two deva...
More About: The World , World Series

Joba Sorry For Getting Popped For A DUI
2008-10-19 22:23:00
As report yesterday on the blog, Yankee stud Joba Chamberlain was stopped in Nebraska for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.Today, he apologized for his actions.New York Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain apologized for "an error in judgment" on Sunday. He was arrested early Saturday in Nebraska on suspicion of driving under the influence, speeding and having an open container of alcohol in his vehicle."I want to apologize to the New York Yankees and the fans for an error in judgment and for putting myself in a difficult situation," Chamberlain said in a statement released by his agent, Randy Hendricks. "I intend to properly resolve this situation, and do not intend to be in such a situation again. My goal is to focus on pitching for the Yankees in the 2009 season."Yankees co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner said the team would give Chamberlain that chance to make good."If he needs help, we'll certainly give it to him," Steinbrenner told the New York Daily News."It happen...

The Idiot File: TBS, You Fucked Up
2008-10-19 06:12:00
I was at home tonight, and having the world of cable TV available to me, I grabbed my plate of General Tso's Chicken and steamed rice, and headed to my room at 7:50 to prepare to watch the game against the Red Sox and Rays.Well, when I flip the channel to TBS, they are showing an old episode of 'TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes'.I was like 'ok', where's game six?Then at 8:00, expecting to see a game, TBS is showing a classic episode of the 'Steve Harvey Show'. Why? How? What in the hell is going on?Well, since MLB.TV blocks us here in the United States from watching the game live on the computers, I had to turn into their service.At this point, the thought in my mind was "what the fuck is going on."This is the reason:From Boston.com: Due to what was termed a "router failure" at TBS headquarters in Atlanta, viewers all across America were unable to see the start of tonight's pivotal affair between the Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays in Game 6 of the American League Championshi...
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The Red Sox Head to A Game Seven Against The Rays; Eh, Could It Be Any Othe
2008-10-19 05:56:00
I knew it was going to come to this -- the Red Sox are too good and they smell fear. Just a few minutes ago, the Red Sox extended the ALCS to Game Seven as they downed the Rays , 4-2, thanks to a clutch home run by Jason Varitek (did he ever need something to happen), and an insurance RBI by David Ortiz.B.J. Upton was once again a thorn in the side of the Red Sox, by hitting his ninth homer of the postseason off starter Josh Beckett in the first inning; however, after all that it was all Boston.James Shields -- dubbed 'big game James' -- was not as sharp as he went a little over five innings and surrendered four runs (three earned) for the loss. Beckett, who has struggled in the '08 postseason got his mojo back by going five innings, giving up two runs and earning the win. The Red Sox bullpen anchored by Okajima, Masterson -- and ugh, as always Papelbon kept things in order.Well, after assuming the Rays would dispose of the Sox in Game Five, the boys from Boston have stormed back ...
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Joba Popped By The Cops For A DUI
2008-10-19 05:32:00
Oh well, just because you throw the ball hard real well does not mean you're a role model or some demi-god. Not that it matters to Yankee fans that Joba got in trouble...The wunderkind reliever-starter got popped by the cops in Nebraska for driving under the influence in Nebraska earlier today.From the Asbury Park Press: New York Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain was arrested for driving under the influence early Saturday morning near his hometown of Lincoln, Neb.Deborah Collins, a spokeswoman for the Nebraska State Patrol, said that the 23-year-old Chamberlain was pulled over after being observed speeding in a 2006 BMW 75i shortly after 1 a.m. on U.S. 77.Chamberlain was arrested after an odor of alcohol was detected and an open container of alcohol was observed on the front passenger seat. Chamberlain was taken to the Cornhusker Place Detox and booked on charges of driving under the influence, having an open container of alcohol and speeding.Oh well, no big deal, eh? Seriously, no ...
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Has The Bidding for Teixeira Already Begun?
2008-10-18 22:00:00
(take my blog post article title with a grain of salt -- teams officially cannot talk with free agents until after the World Series...)Well, it looks like Steinbrenner II -- Hank Steinbrenner -- has once again opened up his mouth and announced the Yankees grand plan to get back into the playoffs. Aside from the obvious targets for their desire -- A.J. Burnett, C.C. Sabathia, and Derek Lowe -- they want one other big name ticket item for their trophy case.Mark Teixiera.Needless to say, there's no doubt that they were going after the Maryland first baseman, considering they have millions upon millions coming off their books and Giambi will not most likely be re-signed.From CNNSI.com: The Yankees' interest in Teixeira seems to make clear that longtime Yankee Jason Giambi will not be brought back. Even if the Yankees fail to sign Teixeira, they have determined they want to upgrade their defense at first base. The Angels, Orioles and perhaps the Giants and Mariners are among teams expe...
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The Manny Being Manny Show Coming to Baltimore?
2008-10-18 17:22:00
Paul Heyman of Sports Illustrated ponders on Manny Ramirez will be heading since the playoffs are done -- well, at least for him. It's interesting one of the places that are possibly (and I mean loosely) in the mercurial, dreadlocked slugger.Charm City, believe it or not.From CNNsi.com: The Orioles are another team that has been suggested as a possible landing spot, but they are more than one player away from competing in the ultra-tough AL East. Besides, new baseball chief Andy MacPhail appears to be getting away from the big-ticket buys of the Orioles past, and if they do go for a major free agent, it's more likely to be Severna Park, Md., native and Angels star Mark Teixeira. The Angels make some sense for Ramirez, but are more likely to try to keep the much younger Teixeira, whom they love.I think that Heyman may be pulling this out of his head, or this might be some strange rumor, but I don't see him ever playing in Baltimore unless it is on the visiting team.Honestly, a Man...
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Ramon Or Matt?
2008-10-18 07:19:00
On top of the pitching concerns, and the debate over what free agents to sign, there's one other issue that's been on my mind -- perhaps on the minds of other fans as well. Who will man behind the plate? Aside from Daniel Cabrera, one of the other guys who left me distressed during more than any other is Ramon Hernandez. Despite a year where he improved with the bat, his play as the starting catcher for the Orioles left very little to the imagination. At times he lacked focus -- almost to the point where he was lazy -- others, he just seemed unable to block balls and showed very little hustle behind the plate. For the reason alone, we might as well give someone else a shot -- Matt Wieters. The guy's story of his time in the minors has become nothing but a folk legend amongst the most ardent of fans, so why not see if he can cut in the majors? Recently, Spencer Fordin of the orioles.com pondered about Matt Wieters after he answered a question about him in ...

Willie's Second Chance -- The Washington Nationals?
2008-10-18 07:09:00
I read this online last night from 'We've Got Heart' - a Washington Nationals blog - and needless to say, I was surprised.From the Baltimore Sun: The Washington Nationals are interested in adding former New York Mets manager Willie Randolph to their coaching staff, Newsday reported. Washington, which fired five of its coaches after going 59-102 this season, would like Randolph to serve as a bench coach or thirdbase coach under Manny Acta, who served as Randolph's thirdbase coach with the Mets in 2005 and 2006. The Mets fired Randolph this season.Interesting ? I would not think Randolph would come to Washington just for the sake of having a job ? however, the impact he could have with the Nationals could be profound. A proven winner, a multiple time champion, respected throughout the game (he got a raw deal in NYC, IMO).But would he coming to Washington be contingent on let's say -- a managing job -- if the Nationals come off the tracks like they did in 2008?I?d think he?d want ...
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Manny Getting Paid Even When He Loses...
2008-10-17 20:48:00
Nice. Sometimes even when you lose, you get paid -- that could not be anymore true for Manny Ramirez.Manny Ramirez spent the playoffs in Dodger blue. But he'll still get a share of Boston Red Sox playoff green.The Boston Herald reported that Red Sox players last month voted Ramirez a two-thirds share of playoff money, reflecting the fact that Ramirez played two-thirds of the season in Boston before he was traded at the July 31 deadline to Los Angeles.Only players who were on the roster for the entire season were eligible to vote, according to the report. For players who did not spend the entire season with the team, voting players first determined whether the players in question would get a payout for exact time on the roster, or a larger percentage, reflecting their contribution to the team.Seriously, this all sounds like a fair deal. Although he left the organization on less-than-favorable terms, his contribution to their organization the past seven years cannot be understated.Be...
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The Sox Do It Again -- They Comeback From The Dead In An LCS...
2008-10-17 14:30:00
Around 10:30pm, with the Rays up 7-0 up on the Red Sox -- losers of three straight games in the ALCS -- I all but pronounced amongst friends I was chatting with online -- including Ian from Sox and Dawgs along with a couple of baseball fans -- that Boston's season was over, done, kaput.Hell, even everyone on TBS felt the Sox were done.The Red Sox staged a miraculous comeback as they beat Tampa, 8-7, thanks to a walk-off single by J.D. Drew in the bottom of the ninth inning.For much of the series, Tampa has destroyed Boston pitching when it has come to the plate, and the theme repeated itself for the first 2/3 of the game. The triumvirate of B.J. Upton, Pena, and Longoria homered again, thus their barrage sent starter Daisuke Matsuzaka -- who'd previously whipped the Rays in Game One -- to the showers early.Then in the seventh inning, the magic came alive. Thanks to a Pedroia RBI and David Ortiz -- who finally broke out of his herrendous slump -- hit a 3-run homer in the seventh; t...
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Playoff Reflections: Philly Goes to the World Series...
2008-10-16 17:52:00
It looks like FOX will not be getting its dream World Series match-up of the Dodgers and Red Sox, since the Phillies took the National League pennant last night.Now, the Rays just have to won tonight.Cole Hamels dominated as Philadelphia found itself playing for a championship as they downed the Dodgers last night, 5-1. They used offense -- and a whole lot of Dodger miscues -- including three errors from Rafael Furbcal (in one inning) to earn an easy victory.Chad Billingsley was awful, and Greg Maddux sadly may be ever so-close to retirement after his painful outing.So, the first time since '93, they find themselves playing for only their second World Series victory (they only have one in their existence - 1980). For the Dodgers, it was a fun a little run they put together and they made the NLCS exciting; however, one man -- Manny -- does not make a team, and perhaps if everyone else had done their jobs, they would still be playing.Finally, I just really, really, liked this photo...
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The Fighting Phils Are In the World Series
2008-10-16 05:50:00
Your National League Champions, the Philadelphia Phillies.Now, may the Rays (the most likely victor of the ALCS) or Red Sox beat you...Bet on Baseball at BetUS.com - America's favorite sports betting destination for all sports fans; adding more excitement and bonuses than any other sportsbook; on the web.
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Yes, America - The Rays Are Just One Game From the World Series...
2008-10-15 18:04:00
Yes, America . It looks like the Tampa Bay Rays are just one win from making into their first ever World Series after having excatly zero winning seasons in their existence until this year.I always knew the Rays would be close or finish slightly above .500; however, if anyone says they expected them to win 97 games and be one step away from the World Series, I would suggest you start playing the Lottery.The Rays bushwhacked the Red Sox in Game Four of the ALCS, 13-4. There was not much to be said for last night if you're a Boston fan -- Wakefield got his arse kicked, despite having 16 days of rest and Tampa outplayed them.For everyone that's shocked -- don't be. Being an Oriole fan, I have seen enough of the Rays to contend they are for real. I thought the Red Sox would come back and mount a challenge, but now they are looking lost on the mound and the plate (especially David Ortiz, Ellsbury, and ugh -- Varitek), while the Rays look young, energized and not stressed at all.Homers ...
More About: The World

Millar
2008-10-14 23:52:00
Kevin Millar has been a mainstay of the Baltimore Orioles for the past several years, and every once in a while, he posts a blog on the MLB Orioles site chronicling his life in the majors. In perhaps his final entry on the site (a very long one), he talks about his time in Baltimore and how he still wants to be part of the organization despite the rebuilding. Here?s an excerpt: From the orioles.com: It?s just one of those things, but this team is not as far away as some people think. We just have to find a way to get some more starting pitching, and that?s not easy. It?s the organization?s plan to add some arms, and they?ll move from there. But aside from finishing last in the standings, you have to see some bright spots. You look at George Sherrill and Adam Jones and what they meant to us, and you look at Dennis Sarfate and Luke Scott, the guys they got back in some of the trades from last winter. Aside from the record, there were a lot of bright spots for whomever is willing to lo...

The Idiot File: PacMan Jones Suspended By The NFL...
2008-10-14 23:32:00
Well, sometime people don't learn, and "Pac-Man" (no, not the Orioles Adam Jones ) Adam Jones, of the Dallas Cowboys is in trouble again, and has been suspended -- indefinitely -- again.What a dumb ass.From ESPN: ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The verdict is in: Pacman is out again.Dallas Cowboys cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones has been suspended for at least four games for his most recent violation of the league's personal conduct policy, the NFL announced Tuesday.The league said Jones was involved in an alcohol-related incident at a Dallas hotel on Oct. 8. Previous reports indicated Jones was involved in an alcohol-related scuffle with a bodyguard assigned to him by the Cowboys, and that hotel employees called the police.Jones will not be paid during the suspension. Commissioner Roger Goodell will determine the ultimate length of Jones' suspension after Dallas' Week 11 game against Washington on Nov. 16."He does need to address the kinds of things that seem to be with him at various ti...
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Phillies Upend Dodgers; Rays Shock The Formerly Invinicble Jon Lester
2008-10-14 17:25:00
The 2008 NLCS seems close to being wrapped up as the Philadelphia Phillies thanks to late homers by Shane Victorino -- who has seemed to be in the middle of everything -- and Matt Stair's long shot in the 8th led them over the Los Angeles Dodgers , 7-5.Tuesday's action had none of the drama of the previous night, and Philadelphia staged a dramatic comeback as the knocked up the Los Angeles bullpen in the latter half of the game. Derek Lowe was strong -- especially giving up two runs in the first inning -- and went only five innings; however, he kept the Dodgers in the game long for them to take the lead in the bottom of fifth by taking a 3-2 lead.Now, why he was taken out by Joe Torre early -- who knows (maybe it's the fact he pitched on 3 days rest); however, that decision might have cost the Dodgers.Joe Blanton -- the starting pitcher for the Phillies -- went five innings and gave up three runs, but it was Chad Durbin who opened up the flood gates by giving up a 2-run-homer to C...
More About: Shock , Rays , Lester

Fight Night -- Well, Maybe The Appearance Of It; Playoff Reflections
2008-10-13 22:33:00
It was fight night at Dodger Stadium in Sunny California as Manny Ramirez and the Los Dodgers kicked some major Philly arse, 7-2. The Dodgers are still down 2-1, but could make it even tonight if they can get past Joe Blanton.Plus, I need them to win so I can use may tickets for Game Six in Philadelphia.After the Dodgers disposed of Jamie Moyer early by torching him for five runs in the first, things got interesting -- very interesting.It nearly became fight night -- well, in a theatrical sense -- at least. Since I am at work, and pressed for time -- I'll let Jayson Stark tell the story, since he was there, and could tell it better than ever I could.A 94-mph Hiroki Kuroda cannonball whizzing behind the noggin of Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino in the third inning of Game 3.Before that pitch, this was just baseball. After that pitch, we didn't just have a series anymore. We had ?A SERIES.A benches-emptying, fingers-wagging, neck-veins-bulging, coaches-jawing, Manny Manny-iz...
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Playoff Reflections: What An Ugly God-Damn Game last Night; All is Written
2008-10-13 02:38:00
Well, the Rays won last night in a long, ugly, but exhilarating game in the Tropicana Dome. The game didn't end until long after 1am, as B.J. Upton plated Fernando Perez -- who was even gutsy for even attempting to score -- on a sacrifice fly to end the contest.Dustin Pedoria -- all five-foot-right (I say five-foot-six) -- hit two homers and showed why he's an MVP candidate plus giving all short guys hope that they can make it in Major League Baseball, along with homers from Kevin Youkilis and Jason Bay.Meanwhile, for the Rays, Evan Longoria and B.J. Upton both homered for Tampa.Josh Beckett nor Scott Kazmir looked good, as each got touched up -- and touched up badly. it looks like both men are tired, needless to say. Both need to be on their game to really help out their teams, for sure.Tampa had a 8-6 lead, until allowing the Red Sox to come back late. Rookie call-up David Price got the win, while long-term veteran Mike Timlin took the loss.It's needless to say that the Rays ne...
More About: Reflections , Night , Game , Ugly , Damn

Did It Have To Be This Way...
2008-10-13 02:16:00
The other day, I had gone to get an eye exam and I had an interesting conversation with doctor about baseball ? specifically, the Baltimore Orioles.I took part of the day off, decided to dress casual that day and wore a throwback Orioles cap (the one they wore in the late 60?s/early 70?s).Long story short, the good doctor still follows the team; however, he?s not attended a game up in Baltimore in several years not because of the losing, or the bad teams, but because of solely one reason.Peter Angelos.He qipped, ?I like the direction the team is going, the trade for Adam Jones, George Sherrill by getting rid of Bedard; that new guy ? um, McPhail ?he seems to know what he?s doing, but ? I will not give Peter Angelos any of my money and I will only go to games again when he dies.??Oh, that?s a shame,? I said. ?As painful as it is to watch them lose, I just can?t do it. I guess I love baseball too much.?He says, ?I know, but I got tired of his meddling, and the way the team is run.?I s...