Kings vs. Rangers? posted by Richard Kagan

It is pretty certain that LA will come out of the Western Conference playoffs.  What remains much more in doubt is the Rangers-Devils series.  NY has a 1-0 lead in the best of 7.  But this series is by no means over.  The Rangers play almost the oppositie of LA.  They grind it out, slow down the game, and let their goalie become the anchor of defense.  A goal or two is usually all the Rangers need to win a game.  That pattern may remain in the Eastern Finals, but it will be sorely tested if NY plays the LA Kings. 

The sleeping giant, that is the LA Kings, has woke up with a vengence.  The Rangers play like the the little engine that could.  It huffs and puffs its way toward the finish line. 

Gio Gonzalez owns Houston Astros and gets his first win with the Nationals posted by Nationals News

Gio Gonzalez dominated over seven innings and had to wait out a nervous ninth with Brad Lidge on the mound just before his very first win with the Washington Nationals was secure. If you're interested in placing a bet on the next Nats game check out Sportsbook reviews.

Lidge gave up a double to his 1st hitter and walked the subsequent batter before retiring 3 in a row and earning his second save in the Nationals' 1- win against the Houston Astros on Tuesday night.

"Man, one of these instances I'll get a 1-two-three (inning)," Lidge said. "I'm sure I gave a lot of men and women a heart attack these days. That's type of how I've accomplished it for a even though."

Gonzalez didn't acknowledge possessing any doubts over the outcome.

"I was attempting to be cool, calm and collected with a massive smile on my face being aware of he was going to shut it down," Gonzalez stated of the last inning.

The late dramatics stood in sharp contrast to the innings with Gonzalez on the mound, when the Astros hardly ever got the ball out of the infield. Gonzalez (1-) allowed two hits, walked two and struck out eight in his third commence for Washington. The left-hander, acquired from Oakland in the offseason, also earned a standing ovation at the plate when he flied out to the warning track.

It was an additional close game for the Nationals, who enhanced to 9-three -- their ideal start given that moving from Montreal to Washington in 2005. Half of Washington's first 12 games have been decided by one particular run and the Nationals are four-2 in these contests.
Continue reading "Gio Gonzalez owns Houston Astros ..."

Halstead: Leave Ozzie Guillen Alone posted by Joe Halstead

I'd like to know who thinks that the United States shoiuld be described as a place where someone's unpopular opinion should cost that someone thousands of dollars.

Honestly, who believe that this is how our great country should be? No one?

I only ask this question because this is exactly what is happening to Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen.

Guillen expressed admiration for Cuban dictator Fidel Castro because of Castro's staying power amidst numerous assassination attempts, a decades-long embargo and enormous political pressure from Cuban dissidents abroad, most notably in southern Florida.

My God, hide the kids and bolt the doors- someone said something unpopular!

I could, at this point, expound on the possibility that Guillen was being slightly facetious. We might ask Guillen, for example, if Castro has been good for Cuba, or if Cubans should love Castro, or if other nations' leaders should emulate Castro's model of leadership. Surely, Ozzie Guillen would not answer in the affirmative to any of that.

However, this shouldn't even be the point. The man expressed an opinion that undoubtedly offends many, but in reality, hurts no one.

Fidel Castro didn't suddenly grow to be more powerful. He didn't become richer. He didn't gain in prestige. His health didn't improve. Nothing about Fidel Castro got better. But, you'd think that Ozzie Guillen put some personal doctors on a plane and sent them to guard Castro's health and his life, day and night. You'd think that Ozzie himself was seen at a photo op with his arm around Castro, beaming and clutching a Cuban cigar with his free hand. 

Opening Day 2012 posted by Greg Cunningham

Exactly one year ago this week, I wrote the line, “…and if all is well in September, a slow start to the season will be laughed at as the playoffs begin.”  Oh the humanity (and the irony).

It is possible no other team in the history of the Boston Red Sox caused as much heartbreak as did the 2011 team.  A season that began like the Titanic righted itself and sailed along with great promise during a summer that listened to talk of World Series games being played once again at Fenway Park.  But when T.S. Elliot wrote "April is the cruelest month," Red Sox fans would have eagerly agreed, until September brought cruelty that even Elliot could not have envisioned; Fenway Park became a modern day "Wasteland” and lay dormant and barren during the month of October.

As the Fall continued, things didn't get much better in Red Sox nation.  Instead of talk of MVP's and free agent signings, Sox fans spent much of the off season talking about fried chicken and beer; as comfort food may have been the intended scapegoat of 2011, Red Sox Nation watched yet another casualty fall, and bid goodbye to once beloved (and still beloved by many) manager Terry Francona.

Writer and inspirational speaker William Arthur Ward wrote, “Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records.”  We can only hope the men that make up the 2012 Boston Red Sox are more prone to breaking records and not prone to just breaking down.
 

An unfortunate end to a season might be forgiven, as winning often cures all.  But with a lackluster start to 2012, the maelstrom of issues from last season continue to swirl around Fenway like gusts of wind on a cool April afternoon.  

The Best Second Basemen in New York Yankee History posted by Chris

One of the keys to championship baseball in the major leagues is the double play. Since the second baseman is involved in more double plays than anyone else, this is a pretty important position.

A second baseman who can play great defense as well as hit for power and/or average can make a good team great, since the best hitters tend to play other positions. The Yankees have had their share of second basemen who were excellent hitters as well as top-notch fielders.

Based on factors such as longevity with the team, contributions to championships, offensive statistics, and defensive statistics, here are the top five in franchise history:

5) Joe Gordon: Selected to the Hall of Fame in 2009 by the Veterans Committee, Gordon played 1,000 games at second base during his seven seasons with the Yanks, from 1938-1946 (missing two seasons while serving in the military during World War II). Named an all star for six consecutive years, Gordon won the MVP award in 1942 when he batted .322 with 18 home runs and 103 runs batted in. Gordon's fielding average was .970, about the same as the league average at the time of .971.

4) Robinson Cano: He may be at the top of this list by the time his career is over, if he stays in pinstripes. Cano has proven to be a durable player, appearing in 1,018 games since his 2005 debut, and never in less than 159 in a season for the past five years. A .308 lifetime batter, he has also hit for power, averaging 22 homers and 96 RBI's a year. A three time all star and Gold Glove winner in 2010, his .985 career fielding average is on par with the league average of .985 and his range factor of 5.05 is higher than the league average of 4.88 for second basemen.

Tigers vs Rays recap posted by aj wilbur

On a cool April day with snow in the air the Tigers again railed in late innings to beat the Rays and improve to 4-0 on the season. Rick Porcello gave a strong quality start of 7 innings with 2 earned runs, 7 hits, and a walk. The sinker was working well for Porcello when he saw the rays lineup for the second and third time. The only mishap in Porcello's day was a bases loaded walk in the 3rd inning but was able to limit any more damage when he got Matt Joyce to ground out. Matt Moore went 6 2/3 innings with 2 earned runs, 4 hits, and 5 walks. Moore pitched strong with a solid fastball but was a little erratic.

The Tigers big 2 of Cabrera and Fielder once again came through in the clutch. Cabrera led off the 8th inning with a long double of the right field wall and Fielder did what he is paid to do and hit a sharp line drive single up the center to drive in Cabrera standing up for what would be the game winning run. Austin Jackson again looked strong going 1 for 2 with two walks, two runs scored and a clutch home run in the 7th inning.

The Tigers play the Rays again tomorrow at 1.05 with Justin Verlander facing James Shields

Tigers vs Rays Preview posted by aj wilbur

The Tigers will take on the Rays today at 1:05 in Comerica park

Tampa bay comes in with an undefeated record after sweeping the Yankees.

The Rays phenom Matt Moore will take on Rick Porcello. Matt Moore looked dominating at the end of last year when he was called up. Moore features a lot of different pitches but mosty relies on a mid 90's fastball with some movement. Porcello is facing a little more pressure then we thought he would on opening day with Fister now on the DL. Porcello must stick to what has gotten him mild success, which is forcing ground balls. When Porcello is on the sinker is down in the zone and hopefully the defence is on there toes and can turn a couple double plays.

Keys to the game:

Make Moore works to get his outs. The Tigers need to be patient and make Moore throw a lot of pitches. The Rays bullpen is not as strong as the Tigers and if we can knock him out in the 5th or the 6th we should be in good shape.

My prediction:

Matt Moore looks good today and goes 6 six solid innings only giving up 2 runs but has to work hard to get through 6. I think Porcello will pitch well and keep the game close, final line 6 1/3 pitched with 3 earned runs.

I see the tigers pulling away with a big hit in the 8th or 9th in a lower scoring game winning 4-3

Can the tigers have the best record ever posted by aj wilbur

The 2001 Seattle Mariners have the most wins ever in a season with 116. This is an astonishing record and one that would be very difficult to beat, but if anybody has a chance it is the 2012 Tigers.

I am going to give 5 reasons why we will break the record for most wins ever in a major league baseball regular season.

1. The Tigers have the most feared lineup in baseball from top to bottom

2. Justin Verlander, need I say any more

3. A great bullpen. Every Tiger fan has to feel confident with our 7th, 8th, and 9th inning relievers. Dotel, Benoit, and Velverde are a deadly combination along to go with a proven lefty in phil coke.

4. Better defence then all the so called experts say. Cabrera may not be brandon inge but he will play a solid third and prince is more nimble at first then he is given credit for.

5. Jim Leyland, he will manage this lineup to the fullest making sure everybody gets playing time and stays fresh. This will be a key down the stretch or if an injury pops up.

Finally my bold prediction 117-45 and a new regular season record

New season brings new hope posted by David

Two thousand eleven was a difficult year for Major League Baseball.  There was no strike, no brawl in which a player grabbed an elderly coach and threw him to the ground, and no collision between players that proved to be career-ending for anyone.  (Buster Posey should be fine this season.)  On the field, things were good.  In the stands and outside the park, however, tragedy struck the baseball world.

Christina Taylor Green, the nine-year-old granddaughter of former Phillies GM Dallas Green and daughter of Dodgers scout John Green, was shot and killed in Tucson at the Gabrielle Giffords Congress on Your Corner event in January.

Bryan Stow, a San Francisco Giants fan, was beaten nearly to death outside Dodger Stadium on Opening Day.

Shannon Stone, a firefighter, fell 20 feet in front of his six-year-old son at Rangers Ballpark in July and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

Greg Halman, a 24-year-old Mariners outfielder, was stabbed to death in his native Holland in November, allegedly by his own brother.

Despite the tragedies that occurred in 2011 – both during the season and before it began, inside and outside the stadium, accident or intentional – it was heartening to hear about Barry Bonds’s offer to pay for Stow’s children to go to college.  I have personally never been a Bonds fan – and I’m still not – but I give credit where credit is due.  Detractors may say that it was just a publicity stunt to improve his image, and I can’t say for sure that it wasn’t, but does it really matter?  A wealthy athlete did something he didn’t have to do in order to help someone in need.

The Detroit TIgers Must Approach This April Like the Playoffs posted by Joe Halstead

It is said- and correctly so- that while a pennant may not be won in April, a pennant may be lost in April.

On this note, the Detroit Tigers have immediate cause for concern. Their early schedule- in the month of April alone- includes two more games against Boston, a three-game home series with the Tampa Bay Rays (April 10-12), a four-game home series against the American League Champion Texas Rangers (April 19-22) and, just to pour a bucket of salt water over the wounds incurred, a three-game series in the Bronx Apr. 27-29.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland is known for using his entire roster liberally. OFers Clete Thomas and Andy Dirks, and 2Bmen Danny Worth, Ramon Santiago and, eventually, Brandon Inge, might see significant playing time.

But, should they?

The Tigers made substitutions in the 2011 post-season out of necessity. They were beat up, and running out of players. Luckily, some of those substitutes stepped up in a big way, such as UT Don Kelly and Santiago.

However, the Tigers are at nearly 100% health, and they need their front line to do battle with the American League's best. 

So, here's hoping that Leyland doesn't tinker with his team too much. Obviously, he wants OF Delmon Young to continue what he's been doing for the Tigers since last August, which is to drive in runs. Surely, Leyland would also like to see one of his second basemen grab the brass ring. So far, all we have are multiple second basemen who play competently enough to hit .250 and turn the double play when necessary.

Ah, maybe, that is, until now. 2B/OF Ryan Raburn had the Spring Training of his life, batting over .400 for a stretch, eventually cooling a bit to a .268 average. However, he still slugged .661, having hit 6 HRs, 2 2Bs and a 3B. That accounts for nine of his 15 hits in the spring.

The Juice: Mike Trout homers, Angels get 12 hits, coach Mickey Hatcher gets fired (Big Leagu

The Juice is back for its fifth season of fun! Stop by each weekday for an ample serving of news from the action, plus great photos, stats and video highlights. Hit the bricks: The Los Angeles Angels made batting coach Mickey Hatcher the scapegoat for one of the worst offenses in the major leagues by firing him Tuesday night.The team announced the switch to minor-league coach Jim Eppard about 90 minutes after a 4-0 victory against the Athletics . In a near-irony, Los Angeles produced 12 hits, including three from Albert Pujols for the first time in a month, in Hatcher's final game as coach after 12-plus seasons. Though comments about Pujols being behind the change might sound funny and even plausible given the disagreement he had with Hatcher earlier in the season, the change comes from owner Arte Moreno and GM Jerry Dipoto. Sometimes, the boss said, change is necessary when a team is next-to-last in runs scored in the AL: "Sometimes in the sports world a point is reached where perhaps a new voice is needed in order to attain the desired goals and objectives," Dipoto said in a statement. "Unfortunately we feel this is one of those times. Offensively we have underachieved and everyone shares in the responsibility of what has transpired thus far." Hatcher just gets a bigger share than everyone else. Upstream: Rookie outfielder Mike Trout hit his third homer (see above video) and had his sixth multi-hit game of the season. So he obviously wasn't tainted by Hatcher's influence. Neither was slugger Mark Trumbo, who spoke respectfully of his former instructor on Twitter . In the pitching universe, the Angels got nine strikeouts from Ervin Santana, who must have keeled over at all of that run support. It was the Mariners, but...: Josh Beckett says "Take that," you fried-chicken-and-beer, golfing-lat-muscle, and blister-obsessed media! No, he didn't really say that. But he pitched with authority against the Mariners, striking out nine and scattering five hits over seven innings in a 5-0 victory for the Boston Red Sox. Much better than the previous outing . His name is Wei-Yin Chen: Baltimore's rookie left-hander from Taiwan pitched seven innings of of four-hit ball against the New York Yankees, lowering his ERA to 2.45 and leading the Orioles to a 5-2 victory . This was Chen's second outing against the Yankees — and thank goodness for that, he said: [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Jays' Lawrie in lineup a day after ump altercation (The Associated Press)

TORONTO (AP) Brett Lawrie is in the lineup for the Toronto Blue Jays a day after his altercation with an umpire. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Yankees-Blue Jays Preview (The AssociatedPress)

The New York Yankees' Hiroki Kuroda has settled in nicely following a rocky start to the season. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Blue Jays' Lawrie banned four games for tirade (Reuters)

(Reuters) - Toronto Blue Jays third basemen Brett Lawrie was suspended four games and fined an undisclosed amount for his aggressive actions toward an umpire in Tuesday's game, Major League Baseball said on Wednesday. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Philadelphia Phillies Pattern Continues, as Vance Worley Goes on the DL: Fan's Take (Yahoo%2

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Vance Worley won't be making his scheduled start against the Chicago Cubs today. He was put on the 15-day disabled list today, with a retroactive date of May 12. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports