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Were the Phillies Robbed of a World Series Championship?

Oct 29

Posted by admin in Baseball, Fantasy, Fantasy Sports, Game 5, MLB, Pitching, Pro Sports, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Uncategorized, World Series, delayed, innings, online sports community, outs, rain, resume play, suspended | No Comments

By Matt Valentine

With rain pouring down on Citizen Bank Park the Phillies clung to a 2-1 lead. If the game had been played during the regular season the game would have been called and the Phillies would have been declared the winner. Yet, despite the terrible conditions the game went on and Carlos Pena’s single tied it up for the Rays.

So the question on most people’s minds is when exactly did MLB decide to change its own rules?

Rain delays Game 5 of World Series

Rain delays Game 5 of World Series

Under Major League rule 4.12(6), the game is suspended with the Phillies due to bat in the bottom of the sixth inning. Selig said that he would not have permitted the game — which could clinch a championship for the Phillies — to be called without nine full innings being played. Both clubs were aware of that fact before the first pitch was thrown.

“I have to use my judgment. It’s not a way to end a World Series,” Selig said.

So, the question really is did Selig make the right call?

In my opinion ABSOLUTELY! I mean anyone who would dare to argue otherwise has to be the most diehard Philly fan of all time. Because if I was a Philly fan (and I’m not) I would no want to win in a game shortened because of inclement weather.

The fact is that had the game been called and Philly declared the winner, it would be marked in the annals of baseball history with a large asterisks. It wouldn’t exactly have been a win as much as it would have been a lucky break from Mother Nature.

With that said, I can still understand why many Philly fans would be upset. The fact is that the Phillies were relying on their ace Cole Hamels to close out the series and now that chance has gone by the wayside. Hamels was looking to become the first pitcher in major league history to win 5 straight postseason starts and has been remarkable thus far this postseason.

Now the Phillies will have to rely on someone else to shut down the Rays for the final 4 innings of Game 5 of the World Series.

Phillies players look on as rain soaks the infield.

Phillies players look on as rain soaks the infield.

Hell, the Phillies must feel like they’ve been cursed by the baseball gods. They’ve come so close to claiming their first championship since 1980 only to watch the Rays be injected with new life by raindrops from the heavens.

Now the Phillies will take the field tonight and will fight not just the Tampa Bay Rays, but whatever cosmic forces seem to be consipiring against them.

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NHL Season Set to Begin Abroad

Oct 3

Posted by admin in Europe, Fantasy, Fantasy Sports, Hockey, NHL, NHL in Europe, Opening Night, Pre-season hockey, Pro Sports, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Uncategorized, ice hockey, online sports community | No Comments

Will Detroit repeat? NHL season kicks off soon in Europe.

Will Detroit repeat? NHL season kicks off soon in Europe.

By Matt Valentine

Yes, its true.  Yes, I understand most of you could probably care less . Yes, that bothers me. Either way, whether you love it or hate it the NHL season will begin and it will begin sooner then you think.

In fact, the NHL is taking a page from MLB and the NBA in doing something that it has never done before… opening its regular season in Europe.

The opening games of the NHL season will take place as a double-header of sorts with games to beplayed in the Czech and Swedish capitals. It is something that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says Europe should get used to, ” We are hopefully ushering an era of a more permanent presence for the league (in Europe).”

That seems to indicate that the commissioner would at some point like to setup a franchise somewhere in the European market, but that day is still a long ways away and for now the NHL is content to give the European fans of hockey just a small sample of itself.

Like Bettman said the NHL is creating, “a program where we’re coming back on a regular basis to satisfy and address the interest that we know is in our game here.

One of the matchups featured in the double header will take place between two Eastern Conference teams on the rise, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers. Both teams have undergone some significant roster changes and look to start the season off on the right skate. The game will take place in the Czech capital city of Prague.

The other game in the double-header will feature a match up between last seasons Stanley Cup finalist Pittsburgh Penguins and the underachieving Ottawa Seantors. This game will be played in the Swedish capital of Stockholm.

Originally the NHL had planned just two games overseas to both to be played by the Anaheim Ducks and LA Kings in London for the opener but expanded their overseas schedule to the current four games.

The Europeans fans have proven themselves to be excellent hosts showing great enthusiasm for the games and the players. In fact, over 8,000 Czechs turned out just to see a Rangers practice session something that is completely unheard of back in the USA.

The players have also enjoyed their trip overseas though they have admitted that the travel can be tiring, they also enjoy having the opportunity to play in front of their home crowd. Such was the case with Rangers defenseman Michal Rozsival a Czech who said he was thrilled to play in front of a home crowd.

Considering the amount of knowledge and enthusiasm Europe has for hockey it makes sense for the NHL to market their brand there and to continue to expand their presence in the European market. Next year the destination seems likely to be Germany, another country will a strong enthusiasm for the game.

If only there was such enthusiasm for the game at home.

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Teixeira Traded to Angels

Jul 31

Posted by admin in Baseball, Fantasy, Fantasy Sports, Pro Sports, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Uncategorized, online sports community | No Comments

The Agels have to be praising new general manager Tony Reagins for the move that he just pulled off 1 day before MLB’s trade deadline. In a swift maneuver to add more protection to their lineup the Angels acquired slugging first baseman Mark Texira from the Atlanta Braves and sent rising star Casey Kotchman and a minor league pitcher to Atlanta.

Teixeira now an Angel.

Teixeira now an Angel.

It’s becoming a mid-summer tradition to “rent” Teixeira for an October run and this year is no different as Texiera is on the final year of his contract and will be a free agent at seasons end. Teixeira could demand as much as $20 million a year because he is by far the best first baseman available in the upcoming free agent market and should have a number of suitors if the Angels are unable to workout some type
of contract extension with Texiera by the end of the season.

Yet, the Angels have to be happy with the move, mortgaging a little bit of their futurte for the prospect of winning right now. The Angels already have one of the best rotations in the major leagues, they own the leagues best record , have an 11 1/2 game lead in the AL West and are now poised to correct one of their most glaring post-season problems…their offense.

Since winnning the World Series in 2002 the Angels have claimed three division titles, but won just one playoff series. During that stretch they were swept out of the playoffs twice, including last October by
the Boston Red Sox. The main problem has been finding a hitter dangerous enough to give Vladimir Guerrero some protection in the lineup, and now they have that in Teixeira.

Guerrero, the man who the Angels have relied on to provide their post-season pop, has produced poorly since claiming the World Series title in 2002. He’s batted just .183 with one home run in the 16 playoff games since 2002, most likely a result of the immense amount of pressure placed on him to perform in the post-season.

A number of other teams were interested in Teixeira but could not provide the Braves with the same type of package that the Angels were offering. The Arizona Diamonbacks who seemed an early frontrunner in acquiring Teixeira offered up Chad Tracy as possible trade bait, but Tracy is only under contract until 2009 while Kotchman is under contract for three more seasons. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays were also in the hunt for Teixeira, but could not put together a promising enough package either, leaving them some major offensive issues heading into the stretch.

The acquisition of Teixeira automatically makes the Angels one of baseball’s top contenders to capture the World Series. Their rotation has been dominant throughout much of the season, their key players are producing and have remianed healthy and with the addition of the switch hitting Teixeira they now have one of basbeall’s best lineup’s. Angel’s fans could find themselves in basbeall heaven at the end of the year.

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MLB Trade Deadline Approaches

Jul 30

Posted by admin in Baseball, Coaching Staff, College Sports, ESPN, Fantasy, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Sports, MLB, Moves, Sports, Sports Event, Sports Events, Sports Injury, Sports Star, Sports Stars, Sports Update, Uncategorized, american league, batter, coach, contract, houston Astros, manager, national league, playoffs, stats, trade | No Comments

With MLB’s trade deadline rapidly approaching, the line between buyers and sellers have become clearly defined and the need to add a piece to the puzzle for a playoff push or the decision to pack it in for the season and look towards the future becomes the ultimate goal. With most of the real marquee players having been dealt already teams are simply looking to fill glaring needs with solid veteran players or replenish their farm systems with potential stars of tomorrow.

Some names that have been floating around as possible trade bait are Jared Washburn of the Seattle Mariners, Randy Winn of the S.F. Giants,Raul Ibanez of the Seattle Mariners, and possibly though highly unlikely Manny Ramerez from the Boston Red Sox.

Manny Ramirez

Manny Ramirez

Obviously the biggest and most enticing name on that list is Rameriez who has been a dominate power hitter in the game for many years and who is unhappy with his current situation in Boston and apparently has been for quite some time. There are plenty of teams out there that would express a sincere interest in acquiring Ramirez from the Sox, but the price tag on Manny is sure to be steep, and the Sox have no real incentive to move Ramirez while they are still in the midst of a pennant chase. Seriously, going after Rameriez would probably cost a team a bevy of first rate prospects something that most organizations would not be willing to give up for a 36 year old slugger who has suffered numerous injuries in the past few years.

The Mets may be one team who is willing to deal for Manny as long as the price tag is not to steep, but given the amount prospects that they have already given up in deals for Johan Santana and others they are unlikely to have enough top prospects to succeed in nabbing Ramirez.

More likely Manny will stay in Boston until his contract is up and test the free agent market.
The more likely candidates to be dealt to a team like the Mets would be Raul Ibanez or Randy Winn, two players who are aging and not exactly marquee names but who would be a steady veteran presence and could provide some steady run production.  A team like the Mets may not make a deal at all and hope the cinderella comeback of Fernando Tatis or the return of OF Ryan Church could help sustain their lineup for a run at the World Series.

Another name being thrown around frequently as possible trade bait is SP Jared Washburn. Washburn has pitched for a dismal Seattle team and has been in contact with former Mariner and current Yankee Richie Sexson to try and workout a deal with the Yankees who could use another veteran starter in their rotation. Reports from the Yankees front office however, have stated that talks between the Mariners and Yanks have cooled in recent days because the Mariners have requested either OF Melky Cabrera or OF Brett Gardner to be included in the deal and the Yanks are unwilling to move either of them for a pitcher who is due to earn roughly $14 million between now and the end of 2009. The Yankees general manager Brain Cashman has this to say about the current trade market, “It’s all cold right now;anyone who thinks they’re on something hot, I would check your source, because they’re lying to you. But things can change and you’re only a phone call away.”I’m sure that within the next two days the trade market will get much, much hotter as teams make the push towards the playoffs or set their eyes towards the future.

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2008 MLB All-Star Game: Top Ten Moments

Jul 16

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With the hefty price tag of tickets for the final All-Star game to be played on the hallowed grounds of the soon to be torn down Yankee Stadium the fans got what they paid for, and a lot more.

The 2008 MLB All-Star game will go down as the longest in the history clocking in at just under 5 hours at 4 hours and 50 minutes, and provided as much drama, spectacle and pagentry as the Yankee Stadium crowd has grown accustom to over the years.

Whether you’re one of those people that believe its stupid that an All-Star game decides home-field advantage in the World Series (and I am) or you’re one of those people that cringes at the idea of your teams ace losing some much needed rest, there comes a point when all of that gets shoved aside and you are left with just the game, and what a game it was.

The Top Ten Moments of the 2008 All-Star Game

10. Seeing Hall of Famers during the inroductions

Watching some of the former greats of Yankee and league history grace the field of Yankee Stadium for what could be the final time in their lives was a special moment. Even George Steinbrenner who made an unexpected appearance at the game seemed overwhelmed by the moment. Just seeing former greats like Reggie Jackson, and Yogi Berra stand on the in-field of the stadium they helped make one of sports most historic and memorable places gave me tingles.

9. Bronx “Cheer”

Leave it to Yankee fans to remind these players just exactly where they were, and where these fans true loyalties lie. Every single Boston Red Sox player on the A.L. roster, and there were a lot of them, received, what I am sure, is an extremely familiar greeting in the form of the infamous Bronx cheer. Ahh, but by the end of the game some of these same players received fairly nice applause from the Yankee faithful as they helped power there team to victory, albeit a delayed one.

8. The Bronx Cheer

Leave it to Yankee fans to cheer loudly for their hometown favorites and one of the greatest Yanks in history. The Stadium swelled with cheers as the likes of Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and the late, great Bobby Murcer were introduced to the crowd. They may not respect every player, but these fans showed that they certainly respect the game.

7. Pitching

The old baseball adage, “great pitching beats great hitting ” certainly seemed true on this night. The two teams combined for an All-Star record 34 strikeouts, thats 3-4 against the best hitters in the game. Their were also a number of clutch pitches made as the teams stranded 28 base runners. The only problem was the pitching was so good they almost ran out of them by the end of the night. Both teams were down to their final pitchers (Kazmir for the A.L. and Lidge for the N.L.) a problem which almost led to a David Wright, JD Drew pitching matchup, not exactly the ideal matchup to determine home field advantage, but still the pitching was terrific to watch.

6. Mariano Rivera

When the crowd heard the familiar tune of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” the stadium roared and out came one of the greatest closing pitchers of all-time. Mo gave the capacity crowd exactly what they expected pitching 1 2/3 scoreless innings with game tied 3-3 in the ninth and a runner on base. Though it wasn’t the storybook ending that most had expected it was still a fine sight to see Mariano come out and pitch in the ninth inning of the last Midsummer classic in Yankee Stadium.

5. Miguel Tejada’s game saving put out.

After a pair of uggly errors (yes thats a lame reference to Dan Uggla) Miguel Tejada made a terrific falling throw to first base on a slow grounder off the bat of Justin Morneau to save the game for the National league in the 10th inning. Many felt Tejada should have been left off the N.L. roster, but he had to have changed a lot of people’s minds with that game saving play.

4. J.D. Drew’s game tying home run

The MVP of the 2008 All-Star game struck the most important blow in the game for the American League with his 2 run home run in the 7th inning off Mets closer Billy Wagner who by the way, seemed completely unconcerned by his pitching performance. The homer tied the game at 2 and set the stage for what would eventually become the longest All-Star game in history.

3. Aaron Cook keeps hope alive for NL

With the bases loaded in the 10th and no outs, NL manger Clint Hurdle of the Colorado Rockies went to one of his own in pitcher Aaron Cook. Cook came on and made his manger look like an absolute genius inducing three straight ground outs from Grady Sizemore, Evan Longoria, and Justin Morneau. It was a masterful, clutch pitching performance from Cook and kept NL hopes of home field advantage alive after things were looking terribly bleak.

2. Nate McLouth throws out Navarro at the plate

There is nothing more exciting then a play at the plate, especially when home field advantage is on the line. In the 11th Pittsburgh center fielder Nate McLouth made a perfect, game saving throw to nail Navarro at the plater on Michael Young’s single. Perhaps even better then the throw was Dodgers catcher Russell Martin’s one hop scoop, tag and block of home plate. It was a perfect storm of circumstances. Navarro is slow enough to just barely make it to home in time, McLouth played the ball perfectly and made a laser beam throw, and Martin made the perfect grab and tag on a tough play.

1. Michael Young’s sac-fly ends the game

What a fitting conclusion to such an excellent game. With one out in the 15th inning and Justin Morneau standing on third base waiting to be driven home, Rangers short stop Michael Young stepped to the plate in a familiar situation (he drove in the game winning run at the 2006 All Star game) and hit a sacrifice fly to right field. Cory Hart timed the throw beautifully and nearly caught a tagging Morneau at the plate, but Morneau’s foot managed to cross the plate before catcher Brain McCann could apply the tag, securing the A.L’s 12th straight All-Star win

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2008 MLB Home Run Derby: Josh Hamilton Inspires Awe

Jul 15

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The 2008 MLB All-Star weekend is underway and as always its being lead off by the home run derby competition. This year sluggers like Josh Hamilton, Lance Berkman, Dan Uggla, Justin Morneau, and others will test their bats and try to place as many balls as possible into the hallowed decks of Yankee Stadium and all I can think as I sit here watching is…yawn.

Honestly, how many times can you listen to ESPN’s Chris Berman bark back, back, back, back, GONE! It’s getting kind of old Chris. I submit that Berman needs to come up with a new phrase, actually scratch that, I submit that we need to bring in Bob Uecker, I wouldn’t mind hearing the phrase, “That kid is gonna need a rocket up his ass to catch that one…it is long gone!”. Now tell me that wouldn’t make the home run derby a tad bit more exciting.

However, as I watch, there is a player who is simply electrifying. Josh Hamilton, “The Natural” has the smoothest , most powerful swing of all the sluggers in attendance, it truly is a thing of beauty. If you watched you know what I mean, even the players stood, mouths open in pure awe. Watching Hamilton launch the ball some 500 ft. and look back at the catcher and say, “this is awesome dude” and knowing that he is referring to much more then just being at the All-Star game, that he’s referring to the long, dark road he took to get there makes the moment that much better.

Never has a non-Yankee received such a cheer before in Yankee Stadium. He had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand, chanting his name “Hamilton! Hamilton!”in what is perhaps the best home run derby moment of all time. Hamilton crushed an astounding 28 HR (a derby record) in the first round alone, two of which went for more then 500 ft. Also, noteworthy was that the man dishing out those home run balls to Hamilton was 71 year old Clay Counsil a batting practice pitcher for the N.C Tar Heels.I retract my earlier yawn, but Berman is not off the hook. Let’s just hope the derby doesn’t screw up Hamilton’s swing for the rest of the season because that would be a shame.

Hamilton’s first round showcase was worth the price of admission alone, and thats a hefty price tag. The only sentiment left to feel is pity for the men trying to follow Hamilton’s act and the only thing left to wait for was Hamilton’s appearance in the final round…everything else was moot.

Eventually Hamilton would lose his bid to become the home run derby champion to Minnesota’s Justin Morneau, but it didn’t matter because his first round performance was that marvelous.

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Impact of the Harden and Sabathia Trades

Jul 9

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Major League Baseball’s trade deadline is still 3 weeks away but, some of the biggest moves have already been executed and the impact of these moves could shake the National League to its core.

It all began when the Milwakuee Brewers became a late player in the bid for Cleveland Indians ace CC Sabathia. The Brewers saw an opportunity to land one of baseballs best pitchers and the reigning Cy Young winner. The Brewers jumped on the opportunity. Striking the first blow in a National League in which a number of teams have a legitimate shot at claiming the title.

With the addition of Sabathia the Brewers now have one of baseballs most formidable starting rotations. Sabathia and Ben Sheets should be considered starters 1 and 1-A, making them a threat to any team in a divisional or wild card playoff series.

But, perhaps the team feeling most threatened by the Brewers acquisition of Sabathia were the current NL Central leading Chicago Cubs. And so the Cubs went out and did exactly what they needed to do, landing the best available pitcher on the trading block in RIch Harden from the Oakland Athletics in a six player deal just one day after the Sabathia trade.

With Harden in Chicago’s rotation the Cubbies are capable of putting together a similarly deadly one-two combination consiting of Harden and current Cubs ace and 2008 All-Star Carlos Zambrano. This suddenly makes the NL Central baseball’s most provacative division and the front runner to have two of its teams in the playoffs.

Personally, I’m truly excited to see how this division will play out. With the All-Star break rapidly approaching the second half of the season will be something to keep a close eye. Will the St. Louis Cardinals continue to outperform expectations and challenge for the division title? Will the addition of Sabathia be enough to propel the Brewers to the top of the Division and a possible trip to the World Series? Or will the long anguishing Cub fans finally see a World Series game played in Wrigley Field?

Since, I’m not one for waiting, I’m going to make my own prediction on how the NL Central will play out. The Brewers are the team to watch out for, if they’re key players can catch fire like it has recently they could have one of baseball’s most fearsome lineups. The key to the Brewers hitting success will be steady continued production from the likes of Ryan Braun, Cory Hart and J.J. Hardy,but the real X factor for the Brew Crew is Prince Fielder. After batting .288, driving in 119 runs and knocking 50 homers last season Fielder’s average and power numbers have slipped. If I was the Brewers manager I’d start force feeding Prince some red meat over the All-Star break and hope that brings back his power stroke.

Obviously the other key to the Brewers success will be their pitching. After a slow start Sabathia has seemingly returned to form going 4-3 in his last 10 Starts never relinquishing more then 4 earned runs. In fact, Sabathia’s impact has already been felt in Milwaukee when he won his debut. The Brewers other ace Ben Sheets has been lights all season going 10-2 with a 2.77 ERA.

The Cubs are still one of baseball’s best team and the addition of Harden only strengthens their chances to end their 100-year World Series drought. The Cubs also have one of baseball’s best lineups. Kosuke Fukudome has played as advertised and was the perfect addition to the Cubs lineup. Geovany Soto has been a pleasant surprise posting 15 HR, and 52 RBI. Aramis Ramirez and Derek Lee are always a threat to go yard while still hitting for a solid average and the return of Alfonso Soriano from the DL will add even more firepower to an already stacked lineup. I expect the Cubs to hold on to their division lead, but it will be by a close margin and should come down to the final weeks in a tight race with the Brewers.

The Cardinals have exceeded expectations as is and will have an incredibly difficult time matching the pitching and hitting of the Cubs and Brewers. They should begin to fade away from contention after the All-Star break. The Astros, Reds and Pirates have never been a threat to these teams and will fall further back in the divisional race.

In the end the Cubs are still the deeper team, so sorry Brewers fans no divisional title this year. However, the National league wild card is still a likely possibility as teams like the Mets, Florida, and Arizona have played inconsistently in the first half and cannot match the pitching or hitting of the Brewers. So be happy Cubs and Brewer fans because your teams have just cemented themselves a shot at a World Series title.

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Chacon on Waiver Wire After Altercation with GM

Jun 27

Posted by admin in Altercation, Baseball, Ed Wade, Fight, General Manager, MLB, Pro Sports, Shawn Chacon, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Sports Tragedy, Uncategorized, bud selig, houston Astros, online sports community, waiver wire | No Comments

(Former Astros pitcher Shawn Chacon looking disgruntled on the mound)

We’ve all heard of players fighting players in the clubhouse or sometimes even in the dugout, but a player taking on a general manager? Now that is something I bet most of us have never in our wildest dreams thought would happen. Well, leave it up to former Astros Pitcher Shawn Chacon to turn our dreams into reality.

Chacon was released by the Astros Thursday, a day after him and the teams General Manager Ed Wade engaged in a physical altercation in the teams dining room.

Chacon has been disgruntled for quite some time, but seriously I don’t think this is the best way to go about expressing your frustration with the team. Getting into a shoving match with a GM is pretty much ensuring a one way ticket to the waiver wire, and though some team who is desperate for pitching support will most likely pluck Chacon off the wire, you have to wonder about a player who would take things this far.

Chacon is another example of a pampered player who refuses to buy into a team philosophy and puts himself above all else. His frustrations began when he was removed from the starting rotation after going 2-3 with a 5.04 ERA in 15 starts and 85 2-3 innings for Houston this year. The right-hander set a major league record for a starting pitcher with nine straight no-decisions to open the season. On one hand I guess I can understand Chacon’s frustration, I mean no one wants to set that type of major league record, but it’s not like this guys was pitching lights out and just getting bad breaks.

Chacon was repeadetly asked by the clubs Manager Cecil Cooper to sit down for a meeting to discuss media reports that he wanted to be traded after being bumped from the rotation. Chacon refused to meet with Cooper and was said to have ignored requests from pitching coach Dewey Robinson in the past as well.

The situation came to a head when GM Ed Wade approaced Chacon in the teams dining hall. Wade told reporters that, “I did not raise my voice to the player, curse the player, I did not make any defamatory remarks toward the player. Chacon responded with profane and threatening remarks and got up from his seat. He moved in front of me until we were chest to chest and then he shoved me to the ground. When I attempted to get to my feet, he shoved me a second time. At this point players and coaches intervened.”

The scene seems like something you would see on a playground, not in a major league clubhouse.

The teams decision to release Chacon was supported by commisioner Bud Selig, but they could run into problems with the players union if Chacon is not picked up by another team and Houston terminates his contract for cause.

Chacon on the other hand is receiving support from former teammates in Houston and around the league. Houston Pitcher Roy Oswalt told reporters that he hopes the incident does not ruin Chacon’s career, “Hopefully he’ll get a chance with somebody else. I don’t know. You can’t really judge one person on one thing.” Derek Jeter also threw his support behind Chacon stating that he would vouch for the pitchers character if the Yankees wanted to bring him back to the team. “Chac’s a friend of mine,” Jeter said. “I see Chac in the off-season. I wouldn’t have a problem with him. I think people need to find out all the details. Yeah, it doesn’t look good, doesn’t sound good, but I don’t know what happened. I can’t picture it happening, knowing him like I know him.”

We’ll have to wait and see if some team will take the risk on Chacon, he has until Monday to clear waivers. If no one does then it could be that Chacon’s career in the major leagues is over and maybe for good cause. In my opinion Chacon doesn’t have the talent to warrant such high risk character issues. What team in their right mind wants to see their GM end up on the DL?

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MLB Wants Instant Replay by August

Jun 15

Posted by admin in Baseball, Fantasy, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Sports, Hall of Fame, MLB, Pro Sports, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Uncategorized, World Series, american league, batter, boundary calls, bud selig, comissioner, disputed calls, implementation, instant replay, manager, national league, online sports community, pitcher, playoffs, referees, stats, stolen bases, umpires, umpires union, world baseball classic | No Comments

After a year in which Carlos Delgado and Alex Rodriguez were both robbed of home runs and umpires have continued to make questionable call on boundary plays the MLB has finally decided to implement instant replay into the game.

( A-Rod attempt to show the umpires where his “home run” landed.)

Baseball wants to implement the new instant replay system for boundary calls by August so that the system will be fine tuned in time for the playoffs and World Series.

MLB and the umpires union will first need to reach an agreement before instant replay can be used and the two sides have begun discussions on the issue. Bud Selig the comissioner of the league will need to sign off on the deal in order for it to be implemented, and he has been a staunch opposer to instant replay in the past. After seeing many of the blown calls throughout the season it seems that Selig is softening his position on the use of instant replay in MLB.

Many people in baseball find themselves divided on the use of instant replay. Some people think that instant replay should be implemented as soon as possible. Still, others who consider themselves baseball purists or “old school” think that human error is very much an intended part of the game. Also, many believe that instant replay will only slow the pace of an already slowly paced game, “… Baseball has talked about speeding up the game. It’s all you hear. All of a sudden, they want instant replay? You’re going to have slower games and more restless people in the stands.” Cubs Manager Lou Piniella told reporters on Friday.

While I tend to agree with the fact that baseball is an incredibly slow game, I also think that its important to get potential game changing plays correct as often as possible. I’m sure if you were to ask A-Rod or Carlos Delgado if they want those home runs back they would say yes, instant replay can make that happen.

The umpires do not want replay used for any other situation then boundary calls, which I am a little iffy on. If you are going to use instant replay why not make sure that you’re getting all the calls right, such as stolen bases and plays at the plate. I do however, agree with the notion that instant replay should not be used to determine strikes or balls as that would severely hamper the pace of the game.

The MLB is looking to impose a system similar to the one the NHL currently employs. They would establish a replay “headquarters” in New York where a supervisor would review the play in question and explain to the umpire what he saw, but the final decision would be left to the umpire crew chief who has not seen the replay. The system has worked very well in the NHL up to this point.

While many did not expect the MLB to implement instant replay until next season after it was used in the Arizona League and the World Baseball Classic, if all goes well we should see instant replay in baseball by as early as August 1 and no later then August 15.

Heres to hoping that all goes well and instant replay will be available to make its impact felt on this years playoffs and the World Series.

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Maple Bats Should Become Thing of the Past

May 31

Posted by admin in Baseball, College Sports, High School Sports, Pro Sports, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Sports Tragedies, Uncategorized, online sports community | 1 Comment

Maple bats may be the most dangerous object on the baseball field. they have cause some significant injuries, some sustained by fans, others sustained by coaches, and still others sustained by players. But, now more then ever, it seems clear that maple bats should go the way of the dinosaur.

Just ask Susan Rhodes, a fan who was struck in the face by a maple bat that shattered when the Rockies Todd Helton made contact with a pitch at Dodger Stadium. The shattered bat slammed into Rhodes’ face breaking her jaw in two places. Rhodes lost consciousness and could not recollect what had happened to her when she regained consciousness.

Rhodes told reporters, “I figured I got hit by a ball. I was very conscious of one flying and thought we aren’t in a very safe area. I don’t know if I was looking at the ball. I can’t remember anything except for the smash and total memory loss”. Rhodes had to undergo surgery in which doctors inserted four screws and a titanium plate on the right side of her jaw. Not exactly the fun outing she was anticipating when heading to the game.

Ash bats were the standard in Major League Baseball until Barry Bonds went on his record breaking season with a maple bat in his hands, and about 50% of the players switched to maple bats.

In a study conducted in conjunction by the league and players union in 2005 they found that ash and maple bats hit equally well, but ash bats tended to break harmlessly while maple bats tended to explode sending pieces of the bat flying in every direction.

The toughest battle the league will face is convincing the players to switch back to the ash bats as many firmly believe the maple bats contain more “pop”. (Heltons bat breaking.)

Meanwhile, Susan Rhodes is still struggling with the injury she sustained May 25th at Dodger Stadium and feels she may never fully recovery. “I had perfect teeth before,” Rhodes told reporters. “They’ve shifted. My bite is off. The jaw on the left side has atrophied. I don’t have the same energy”. That is not the only problem Rhodes is facing, the financial aspect of sustaining such an injury is starting to take it toll as well, with over $7,000 worth of medical bills pouring in.

Rhodes contacted a lawyer who made an inquiry with the Dodgers to ask if they would assist in covering some of the costs, the Dodgers flatly refused. Now Rhodes is considering lawsuits against the bats manufacturer and the Dodgers, but is most likely fighting a losing battle as signs and warnings about flying bats and balls are posted on tickets and around the stadium.

Either way the injury sustained by Rhodes because of the explosive maple bats should be a warning that MLB needs to heed. It may only be a matter of time before one of these injuries results in a fatality to a fan, player, or a coach and that is something no one wants to see happen.

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