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Tag: Baseball

  • Derek Jeter Begins Spring Training Workouts

    Yankees star Derek Jeter hit the field this week for his first baseball workout of 2014. The short stop is attempting a comeback after his season ended early last year due to an ankle injury.

    The team captain could only play 17 games last season because of a broken ankle from two years ago. The 40-year-old fractured the joint during the first game of the American League playoffs against the Detroit Tigers on Oct. 13, 2012. Still bothering him, the injury only allowed Jeter to play in five games, with a meager 11 at bats during last year’s spring training. He even stayed behind in Florida after training for rehabilitation, where he broke his ankle again.

    It’s safe to say that 2013 was an “off” year for Jeter. After missing the first 91 games of the season, he made his first appearance on July 11, only to go back on the disabled list again because of pain in his quadriceps. He came off of the list on July 28, played for three games, and then strained his right calf.

    His season was not over yet, however, as the All-Star played from August 26 to September 7. He had to leave his last game early because of his ankle. Four days later, the team declared he was done for the year. Jeter was only able to hit one homer and earn seven RBIs for the season, with a batting average of .190.

    Things looked promising for the veteran during his workout; he was able to hit the ball off of the tee in the batting cage and field 108 ground balls. Jeter typically begins his workouts for spring training around mid-January.

    The Yankees officially begin their workouts for pitchers, catchers and injured players on February 15. The rest of the team starts five days later.

    Fans took to Twitter to show their support for Jeter:

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Clayton Kershaw Becomes Baseball’s Richest Pitcher

    Today was a great day if your name happens to be Clayton Kershaw.

    The 25-year-old southpaw finalized a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Kershaw will be receiving $215 million over seven years.

    This new deal makes Kershaw the highest paid pitcher in history. He will be receiving $30.7 million a year. Not only is he breaking the record as the highest paid pitcher, but he is also breaking the record for having the highest average annual value for any baseball player.

    Kershaw is probably setting these records because he may just be the best pitcher in baseball. He set career bests in 2013 with 236 innings, a 1.83 ERA and 7.8 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) while striking out 232 batters. All these career bests from Kershaw helped the Dodgers reach the playoffs for the first time since 2009. For three straight years he has led the National League in ERA, as well as strikeouts and WAR for two consecutive seasons. He also received the Cy Young Award in 2013 – which he almost won unanimously. It also happened to be his second Cy Young award in three years.

    Dodgers President Stan Kasten said in a meeting, “I’m hopeful that by the deadline Friday morning we can work something out.”

    If Kershaw were not to sign this deal (doubtful, and he’d be pretty crazy not to), he would be eligible for free agency after the upcoming season.

    Kershaw’s teammate Matt Kemp took to Twitter to congratulate the Dodgers pitcher.

    NFL Live Host Trey Wingo knows that nobody is as happy as Clayton Kershaw is today.

    ESPN Sports Business Reporter and ABC News Business Correspondent Darren Rovell put Kershaw’s new deal into perspective.

    Kershaw and the Dodgers were in talks of a new deal last March which would have also been a seven-year deal in the $210 million range, but the Dodgers backed off. Looks like Kershaw’s 2013 season changed the Dodgers minds.

    Image via Kershaw’s official Twitter account.

  • R.B.I. Baseball 14 Will Attempt To Fill The Gap Left By MLB 2K’s Death

    Earlier this month, 2K Sports killed the only multi-platform baseball simulation game with the announcement that it would not renew its license with the MLB. Following the announcement, baseball fans who owned Xbox consoles were dismayed to learn that they would not be getting a baseball game in 2014 while PS3 and PS4 owners were getting Sony’s MLB 14 The Show. Well, fret not anymore Xbox fans, you’re getting a baseball game in 2014 as well.

    The MLB announced this morning that it’s reviving the classic R.B.I. Baseball franchise this year with R.B.I. Baseball 14. The franchise has not been seen in nearly 20 years, but the MLB apparently felt it was time to bring it back now that MLB 2K is out of the picture.

    Unfortunately, we don’t know a lot about R.B.I. Baseball 14 just yet. The announcement only says that MLBAM (Major League Baseball Advanced Media) is in charge of development and that it will be out on consoles and mobile this year. With MLBAM behind the title, it’s safe to say that it will be more of a casual title instead of the simulation game that defines MLB The Show.

    While it may be disappointing for baseball fans on Xbox, R.B.I. Baseball 14 will be the only baseball game they get this year. It looks like EA Sports is not interested in reviving its MVP Baseball franchise and nobody else has the money or development staff to try their hand at a baseball game.

    So for now, Xbox fans can only wait to see if R.B.I. Baseball 14 gives them the baseball fix they need, or they can just go ahead and buy a PS3/PS4 for MLB 14 The Show.

    Image via MLB

  • Alex Rodriguez Releases Statement About 162 Game Suspension

    Alex Rodriguez had his suspension reduced from 211 games to 162. While this may seem like a small victory for the three-time MVP, Rodriguez plans to take his case to federal court in hopes of getting the suspension lifted or reduced further. Rodriguez released a statement about his reduced suspension saying,

    “The number of games sadly comes as no surprise, as the deck has been stacked against me from day one. This is one man’s decision, that was not put before a fair and impartial jury, does not involve me having failed a single drug test, is at odds with the facts and is inconsistent with the terms of the Joint Drug Agreement and the Basic Agreement, and relies on testimony and documents that would never have been allowed in any court in the United States because they are false and wholly unreliable. This injustice is MLB’s first step toward abolishing guaranteed contracts in the 2016 bargaining round, instituting lifetime bans for single violations of drug policy, and further insulating its corrupt investigative program from any variety defense by accused players, or any variety of objective review.

    I have been clear that I did not use performance enhancing substances as alleged in the notice of discipline, or violate the Basic Agreement or the Joint Drug Agreement in any manner, and in order to prove it I will take this fight to federal court. I am confident that when a Federal Judge reviews the entirety of the record, the hearsay testimony of a criminal whose own records demonstrate that he dealt drugs to minors, and the lack of credible evidence put forth by MLB, that the judge will find that the panel blatantly disregarded the law and facts, and will overturn the suspension. No player should have to go through what I have been dealing with, and I am exhausting all options to ensure not only that I get justice, but that players’ contracts and rights are protected through the next round of bargaining, and that the MLB investigation and arbitration process cannot be used against others in the future the way it is currently being used to unjustly punish me.

    I will continue to work hard to get back on the field and help the Yankees achieve the ultimate goal of winning another championship. I want to sincerely thank my family, all of my friends, and of course the fans and many of my fellow MLB players for the incredible support I received throughout this entire ordeal.”

    Rodriguez was suspended after he was accused of being part of a recent scandal that involved Biogenesis performance enhancing drugs. The suspension means that Rodriguez will not be paid for the 162 games and could end up losing at least $25 million.

    Rodriguez has vowed to fight the suspension in every way possible and says that he is not only fighting for himself but for other players who, he is afraid may become a victim of the investigation and arbitration process, which he feels us unjust.

    Rodriguez is under contract with the Yankees until 2017 and will be eligible to return for the 2015 season. Many people have suggested that he may retire during his suspension but it appears that Rodriguez has no thoughts of throwing in the towel at this point.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons.

  • Greg Maddux Easily Finesses His Way Into Cooperstown

    There are not too many sure-fire first ballot Hall of Famers in baseball. However, there was very little doubt that Greg Maddux, one of the best if not the best pitcher of his generation, would be granted access to sport’s most prestigious Hall on his first try. The only question would be whether or not he would receive an unheard of 100% of the vote.

    Maddux didn’t get every single possible vote, but he came close at 97.2%. The right-hander compiled a staggering 355 wins and a paltry 3.16 lifetime ERA over his 23 year career.

    What made Maddux one of the most dominant pitcher’s of the last century was not his frame or height, in fact he was only about 170 pounds and six feet tall. Nor, was it his ability to throw 100 mph. He rarely threw over 90. What made Maddux great was his ability to hit the corners of the plate, force a hitter to swing at bad pitches and move the ball around with great accuracy and pinpoint control. He was a student of the game, going to incredible lengths to study a hitter’s weakness. In fact, he was so keen on deconstructing how to get outs that he was nicknamed “The Professor.”

    The cerebral Maddux won four consecutive Cy Young Awards from 1992-1995. He finished the 1990s with the most wins of any pitcher. What makes his stats even more impressive is that he compiled those historic numbers during the Steroid Era of baseball when offensive numbers took over and hitters were bigger and stronger than ever.

    In a storybook-type ending, Maddux will enter the Hall with his friend and long-time teammate, Tom Glavine. Both pitchers won a championship with the Atlanta Braves in 1995. Glavine, much like Maddux, was also a control, finesse-type pitcher. The southpaw received an impressive 91.9% of the vote. Their old Atlanta teammate John Smoltz should join them next year when he is eligible for Cooperstown and three of the best pitchers in the last 50 years will be together again.

    Big-time slugger Frank Thomas was also elected with 83.7% of the vote. Known as “The Big Hurt,” the White Sox homerun king also made it into Cooperstown in his first year of Hall eligibility. In a heart-breaker, Craig Biggio fell just two votes short at 74.8%. A player needs 75% of the vote to make it in. However, Biggio had over 3,000 hits which is a benchmark for the Hall of the Fame, so in his situation it should be just a matter of time.

    Image via Facebook

  • Greg Maddux, Frank Thomas Among MLB Players To Enter Hall Of Fame

    It is no surprise to any major fans of the sport to see these types of players being inducted into the major league baseball hall of fame.

    Greg Maddux was one of the three players to be inducted into the Cooperstown Hall Of Fame in 2014, and he is also joined by one of his former teammates.

    Greg Maddux is a former pitcher for the Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Cubs. On the Atlanta Braves, he spent much of his career with the legendary John Smoltz, and Tom Glavine, who also earned a spot in the hall of fame this year.

    Maddux has earned multiple nicknames throughout his career, including “Mad Dog” and “The Professor.” Maddux was inducted in his first year of eligibility of the sport’s hall of fame.

    In a historic year, it also marks the the first time that three first-ballot candidates were elected at the same time since Nolan Ryan, George Brett and Robin Yount in 1999.

    Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine were the first pair of teammates to be elected in the same year in the past 68 years.

    Two former stars for the Atlanta Braves are joined by Frank Thomas, who was a legendary first-baseman and designated hitter for the Chicago White Sox. He had such a strong swing that he even earned the nickname of “The Big Hurt.”

    With the use of steroids, and a variety of other changes, the sport of baseball is certainly not what it used to be. Greg Maddux is the type of player that fans are not able to see anymore, and was one of the pioneers of his time, and was not recognized for it.

    Leo Mazzone spoke very highly of the former pitcher when saying “We will never see anyone like him again. He was the greatest. His ability to hit a target was as good as anybody who ever pitched. In any decade. In any century. In the history of baseball.”

    He was ignored throughout his career, and was not showcased as some stars have been. However, his stats prove that should not have been the case with the numbers that he continued to put up.

    Greg Maddux won 355 games, the second-most since 1930. He won four consecutive Cy Young awards. He also won at least 15 games in a record 17 consecutive seasons.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Oakland A’s Fans Want the Team to Stay Home

    The Oakland Athletics can’t sell out every seat in their stadium, even during the playoffs. The Oakland-Alameda County Stadium, where the team has called home since 1968, is sort of a dump, especially when compared to the many new awe-inspiring baseball cathedrals across the country. In September, while the team was in the heart of a pennant race, putrid odors were detected in the dugout.

    The Oakland Athletics need a new place to play baseball. But where should the stadium be built? San Jose doesn’t have a Major League team and wants them to come to their city. However, legal issues are causing delays. Plus, the city of Oakland really, really wants the team to stay.

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    First off, there are the economics to consider. The A’s generate about $5 million in tax revenue for the city, plus the tourism dollars. There are also the thousands of jobs that the Coliseum generates. Finally, there is a matter of city pride. Downtown Oakland will never be compared to Rodeo Drive. However, a magnificent beautiful new ball park will certainly keep that area of the city clean and keep a tight lid on crime.

    And what of the Oakland fans? A group of diehards known as the TDK Collective are getting their voice out there. They desperately want the team to stay in Oakland. They are using art as a way to show how much they care. Their M.O. is spray painting Athletics-inspired murals on the walls of local businesses, after they are given permission by the owners of course.

    Spearheading the campaign to keep the A’s in Oakland is an art teacher named Francisco Sanchez, a life long Athletics fan who feels the murals can have an impact. “There’s also a lot of people that want them to stay, so we wanted to make that message visual. I wanted to bring back memories to loyal fans that have been out here for generations.”

    The A’s finished the 2013 season with an impressive 96 wins, finishing in first place in the American League West. The team was eliminated in the ALDS by the Detroit Tigers in five games. With an impressive core of young players that include Josh Donaldson and Yoenis Céspedes, no matter where the team winds up playing, they should be a force to reckon with for years to come.

    Images via Facebook, Facebook

  • Shin-Soo Choo To Sign $130 Million Deal With Texas Rangers

    Shin-Soo Choo has agreed to a seven-year deal worth $130 million to sign with the Texas Rangers, sources told ESPN.

    The sources have confirmed that the deal doesn’t include an opt-out clause. However, the deal includes a performance package and a limited no-trade provision.

    Choo was the last top free agent hitter left on the market after Jacoby Ellsbury signed with the New York Yankees and Robinson Cano went to Seattle. At this point the deal is all but finalized, Choo must still pass a medical exam before he becomes a Rangers player. Choo had earlier turned down a seven-year deal worth about $140 million offered by New York Yankees. The Yankees later signed Ellsbury.  It is said Choo’s deal may have more value to him since Texas doesn’t have state income tax.

    This move will certainly reinforce the Rangers offense where Choo will team up with Prince Fielder, who was acquired from Detroit earlier last month, and baseman Adrian Beltre. Choo scored 107 runs last season with the Cincinnati Reds but his prime strength is his ability to get to the base. He boasts a .389 on-base percentage over 9 seasons. As a matter of fact, he was the Reds’ second leading player in on-base percentage, behind Joey Votto.

    Choo does, however, have a problem with left-handed pitchers. He has a .243 career batting average and a .680 0n-base percentage against left-handed pitching compared to a .309 and .932 against righties. Last season, he batted .215 against lefties and .317 vs. righties.

    Analysts say that the Rangers were the most logical fit for Choo. His presence on the Rangers team will give a big boost to their offence. Choo’s agreement with the Rangers also means that outfield Nelson Cruz will likely get dropped from the team for next season.

    Shin-Soo Choo Highlights

    Image via Wikipedia

  • Shin-Soo Choo Turns Down $140 Million From Yankees

    Off-season acquisitions have been the talk of Major League baseball since the Red Sox won the World Series, with the Yankees’s acquisition of Red Sox infielder Jacoby Ellsbury potentially being the most impressive and productive move so far. However, Shin-Soo Choo, outfielder and lead-off man for the Cincinnati Reds, apparently has a statement to make as the number one free-agent available in the MLB this off-season.

    Yesterday, Jeff Passan, of Yahoo! Sports, reported that Choo and his agent, Scott Boras, had turned down a 7 year, $140 million offer from the Yankees. After Boras respectfully declined the offer from the Yankees, he reportedly asked for more money – money of the $153 million, Jacoby Ellsbury variety. Showing restraint for perhaps the first time ever, the Yankees backed out of negotiations for Choo.

    So where does this leave Choo? The outfielder had a decent year last year with Cincinnati, hitting .285 with 21 home runs, 54 RBIs, 20 stolen bases, 112 walks, and a .423 on-base percentage (In ranks, Choo was first in on-base percentage in the NL, led all lead-off hitters in home runs, and finished 2nd behind Matt Carpenter in slugging percentage for lead-off hitters at .481.)

    While these numbers are impressive for a lead-off hitter, they are not 7 years, $140 million impressive – especially considering Choo is 31 years old. One American League executive commented on Choo’s age, stating, “For the next two or three years, he’s probably going to be an elite on-base guy. He’s a plus makeup guy. He’ll give you some power and probably play average defense on the corners. He’s a very good hitter, but he’s 31 next year. If you sign him to a seven-year deal, you know you’ll be looking at a significantly declining skill set over the last 3-4 years of the deal.”

    Keeping all of those factors in mind, which MLB teams would still be interested in Choo knowing the price? Most analysts seem to believe that the Houston Astros are in the lead to acquire the outfielder. However, issues concerning whether or not the Astros will be willing to give up the number one pick in next year’s draft present a potential roadblock to acquiring Choo. Other teams who have expressed interest in Choo include the Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners, Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioels, and Arizona Diamondbacks.

    Many may believe that with the Yankees out of the picture, Choo and Boras passed up their sole chance of receiving an outlandish offer. However, when one looks at the outfield free-agents available both this year and next (Colby Rasmus, Brett Gardner, Michael Cuddyer, Torii Hunter, Coco Crisp, Josh Willingham, Nick Markakis, and Norichika Aoki), one has to believe that at least one team will get desperate enough to sign Choo regardless of how much money it costs.

    Image via YouTube

  • Gifts for Men: 7 Top Picks for Him

    Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the guy in your life? Then look no further; your gift-giving guide awaits.  From young to old, tech savvy to sports guru, fashionistas and outdoorsmen, these gifts are sure to please even the pickiest of men on your list.

    Everyone has a camera on their phone these days. But not all of them can safely be used underwater.  Put your bags of rice away and check out the rugged Polaroid XS100 sports action video camera – useful for both photography buffs, wedding videographers, and everyday functionality. Plus, did I mention it’s waterproof? Your techie will love it, and you’ll enjoy not having to replace it.

    Next up is a gift every man can use. Can you still hear your grandfather reminiscing about the old-time barber shop where Barber Bill had the closest straight razor shave in three counties? Minus the striped pole, the Man Can serves up a healthy portion of pampering with a side of male humor.  What man doesn’t need an extra paint can?

    If you have a sports fan on your list, you’ll score a home run with this gift.  No matter their age, boys from 8 to 80 will be telling their friends about your gifting genius for years to come. A classic ballpark  blueprint, beautifully framed to match any decor, is the perfect addition to a child’s room or man cave. They’re available in several different stadiums and make a great conversation starter.

    Does the special guy in your life have a musical side? Whether he plays guitar, piano or just sings in the shower, this guitar pick punch is as creative a gift as they come.  He can make his own or matching ones for his garage band buddies with just about any hard plastic object.  The guitar pick punch can use anything from an old credit card to that employee name badge you accidentally washed – making the possibilities to personalize virtually endless.

    If the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach then he’ll be head over heels for you after his taste buds get a hold of these simple sweets.  Chocolate almond clusters that call for just two ingredients are not only better on your wallet than special order designer chocolates, he will ask you over and over to make these – usually garnering a favor from him in the process.

    Ringing in at number six is for your closet comedian and will come in handy at all the right times.  Check out the Zombie Survival Crate from Man Crates, one of many crate options that range from oddly entertaining to downright useful.  Your zombie-fighting soldier will not only be prepared with first aid supplies and survival guide, he’ll have plenty of energy and strength from eating the included Spam and Twinkies.

    Last but certainly not least is a gift for the man who TRULY has everything.  Picture him out on the links in his designer polo and custom fitted clubs.  You come rolling – no –  gliding in on this futuristic find.  A Golf Cart Hovercraft is not only a creative gift idea, its extremely functional.  While he’s waving off George Jetson jokes he’s also avoiding water hazards, sand traps, and keeping from damaging the well manicured greens and fairways of his favorite courses.  It’s price tag is not for the faint of heart, but is definitely for the Fortune 500 company man with money to spend on gadgets that most of us only dream about.

    So, whether your guy is packing around a fishing pole in his truck or a laptop on the subway, he’ll definitely know that you put forth a lot of thought and effort into figuring out his ideal Christmas present this year. And when all else fails…..you can always give him a gift card to your favorite store – claiming that your happiness is all the gift he’ll ever need. Hey, you never know. It could work.

    Image via Man Crates  

  • CTE Brain Disease Postmortem Diagnosis (Ryan Freel)

    CTE Brain Disease Postmortem Diagnosis (Ryan Freel)

    Former MLB player Ryan Freel committed suicide on December 22, 2012, at the age of 36. It has now been reported that Freel suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is a degenerative brain disease. A report compiled by the Boston University Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy and Sports Legacy Institute concluded that the athlete suffered from Stage II CTE. Freel was the first MLB player to have his brain researched by the Boston University Center. According to the study, Freel experienced “9 or 10” concussions during his 8-year career in the majors.

    Norma Vargas, Ryan Freel’s mother, said that the diagnosis will provide closure for the rest of the family, especially his three daughters. “Oh yes [it’s helpful], especially for the girls. We adults can understand a little better. It’s a closure for the girls who loved their dad so much and they knew how much their dad loved them. It could help them understand why he did what he did. Maybe not now, but one day they will,” Vargas said.

    Freel’s stepfather, Clark Vargas, discussed his discouragement that the diagnosis came after Ryan’s death. “It’s a release in that there was a physical reason for what he did. On the other side for me, Ryan fell through the cracks. He was seen by the heads of Duke, then a whole bunch of other people since he came back, Mayo. All those guys couldn’t put it together,” he said.

    There is a relationship between athletes involved in competitive sports and the CTE disease. According to Thomas McAllister, M.D., Vice Chair for Neuroscience Research at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, competitive football players may experience up to 8,000 strikes to the head during the span of a career.

    According to Chris Nowinski, who is the Co-Founder and Executive Director at Sports Legacy Institute, any type of trauma to the brain can potentially lead to a diagnosis of CTE. However, the diagnosis depends on multiple conditions such as severity of trauma, the amount of traumatic events, and other extraneous factors.

    “I think this will educate a new group of people who may never have heard of the football findings, the hockey findings. CTE can be caused by any brain trauma,” Nowinski said.

    [Image Via Wikimedia Commons]

  • Mike Napoli Resigns with the Red Sox

    It’s been a tough few days for Red Sox fans after having lost Jacoby Ellsbury to the Yankees. And no matter how painful the thought of having an ex-Sox player suit up in those infamous pinstripes, there is a beam of light shining down upon the loyal Red Sox Nation promising some hope. That beam of light I’m referring to is no one other than the beard himself, first baseman Mike Napoli.

    Napoli is coming back-and he’ll be with the Sox for at least two years. The first basemen officially signed a two-year $32 million deal. While Napoli has had a handful of offers flying in from Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners and Miami Marlins his heart was still with Boston.

    “I told my agent I want to come back to Boston and play there,” said Napoli.

    “I’ve had a great time. It was something I’ll never forget,” Napoli said about his Wold Series experience. “But for me, it makes me hungrier. I started training again. I can’t wait to get back on the field and be with my teammates.”

    Photo Credit: YouTube

  • Corey Hart Is Going To Be A Mariner

    Tis the season of baseball trades and new contracts being signed.

    One of the most recent deals is the Seattle Mariners signing Corey Hart for a one-year contract. Hart was previously with the Milwaukee Brewers and has played both first base and outfield.

    In a sweet twist of fate, Mariners General Manager Jack Zduriencik drafted Hart in 2000 when he was the director of scouting for the Brewers.

    The news broke of Hart’s deal with the Mariners when he sent a text message to the Associated Press confirming he had agreed to the one-year contract.

    However, Hart’s deal is still pending. After missing all of last season due to knee surgery, Hart will have a closely monitored physical. (Can’t waste money on a guy who may not even be able to play.)

    Hart had right knee surgery in January 2013 after it was discovered that he had a meniscus tear and joint damage. Previously Hart had damaged cartilage fixed on his right knee before the 2012 season.

    But Hart doesn’t seem to think his knees will be an issue. The new Mariner said, “Knees good as well as the rest of me. Been working hard and glad to be able to get out there with this exciting club.”

    And it seems the Mariners were willing to pay a hefty sum for Hart.

    Hart isn’t the only player the Mariners signed. Adding to their greatest get, Robinson Cano, the Mariners will also be getting Logan Morrison through a trade with the Miami Marlins.

    The moves the Mariners are making are impressing many a baseball fan.

    [Image via YouTube.]

  • Robinson Cano is Done Wearing Pinstripes

    Robinson Cano will not retire a New York Yankee. The five-time All-Star has reportedly signed a 10-year, $240 million contract to play second base for the Seattle Mariners, according to ESPNdeportes.com. The contract also features a full no-trade clause.

    Wondering where the big-pocketed Yankees were? How could they possibly let one of the best players in the game slip away? After spending over $230 million so far this off-season on Brian McCann and wooing Jacoby Ellsbury away from the Red Sox, the Yankees also offered Cano a reported deal in the range of $175 million over seven years. However, after the Ellsbury signing, rumors spread that Cano was unhappy that his mega deal was only $20 million more than Ellsbury’s.

    So off Cano went, under the representation of rapper/mogul/Nets Owner/perfume purveyor Jay-Z, to meet with the Mariners. It’s now more than abundantly clear that Seattle is willing to do everything in their power to fill the empty seats of their beautiful ball park and get out of the dark basement of the American League West.

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    Cano’s deal is the third largest contract in baseball history behind Albert Pujols and Alex Rodriguez. Both of those men are already breaking down, age and alleged steroid use (for A. Rod) have taken their toll. Both missed significant time last season with injury. Perhaps the Yankees learned a lesson? Perhaps they didn’t want to give out another $220+ contract to a player who is 31 and already past his prime in terms of athletes. Or perhaps, the team did not think that Cano would want to leave the bright lights of New York City coupled with the pristine and storied history of the New York Yankees to play in the relative obscurity of the West Coast?

    It’s been twelve years since the Marines made the postseason. They’re still short a bat or two and need another arm in the rotation. It will be interesting to see how much more the team plans to spend on the open market and how the Yankees will respond to losing their superstar infielder.

    As you can imagine, fans are passionately reacting on Twitter.

    Tell us what you think. Do you believe Cano made the right move by leaving the Yankees for more money? What about the Yankees? Do you think they did the right thing by letting him walk?

    Images Via Twitter, Facebook

  • MLB Instant Replay: Owners Approve Expanded Replay

    If you’ve always appreciated the coach’s challenges in football and wished something similar were in place for MLB, then you’re going to love the expanded instant replay that the team owners are working to implement. And if you’re one of those people who are extremely passionate about keeping baseball pure and leaving the instant replay stuff for other sports, then you might want to step away from the computer for a moment because it’s happening.

    The MLB team owners voted unanimously this week to move forward with funding expanding instant replay, which would include at least one manager’s challenge per game for each team. The only hurdle remaining in implementing the new MLB instant replay is getting the support of the Major League Baseball Players Association and the World Umpires Association, something Commissioner Bud Selig doesn’t think will be a problem.

    “We made a gigantic move today, and I’m very pleased about that,” Selig said. “The bottom line is, we’re moving forward on replay. People spoke very emotionally about it. Clubs are very excited about it. Unless there’s something I’m missing right now, we’re going to have replay in 2014.”

    Instant replay has been around the MLB for a few years, but only in a limited capacity. Now, instead of using it just to make sure a home run is actually a home run, managers will be able to utilize instant replay to challenge pretty much anything except balls and strikes. While it hasn’t been determined whether each team will get one or two challenges, the managers will get to keep the challenge if they were right on the call they challenged.

    In addition to less calls being blown that could determine the outcome of the game, the new MLB instant replay will also decrease arguments between the managers and umpires. This aspect of expanded instant replay is the part that quite a few baseball fans have a problem with. After all, who would want to miss out on something like this?

    As you can see from the Twitter reaction, opinions on the expanded instant replay are divided, which doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Do you think the MLB owners got it right by approving expanded instant replay? Add your thoughts below.

    [Image via YouTube]

  • Red Sox Ad Thanks St. Louis Cardinals Fans

    Red Sox Ad Thanks St. Louis Cardinals Fans

    A very interesting ad came out in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Tuesday. The Red Sox took out a full page ad to thank their opponent, the St. Louis Cardinals, after their win at the World Series.

    The ad pictures two young boys, one wearing a Red Sox t-shirt and the other in a Cardinals t-shirt. Under the picture it reads, “From One Great Baseball Town To Another”, and then has a letter written and signed by Red Sox owner John Henry, chairman Tom Werner, and CEO Larry Lucchino.

    The letter reads:

    “On behalf of our partners and the entire Red Sox organization, thank you St. Louis. The warm Midwestern welcome you extended to our team and our fans during this year’s hard-fought World Series is truly appreciated. Your region, its people, and the entire Cardinals organization represent everything that’s great about baseball.”

    “We share the same colors and rich, storied baseball history that stretches from Musial and Williams, to Molina and Pedroia. We’re both home to the most loyal, passionate fans in the game. And the four World Series in which we’ve gone head-to-head are still etched in the memories of those who love our sport.”

    “So we tip our hats to each and every one of you. We look forward to seeing you again next August. Let’s hope that it’s just a prelude to meeting again in October.”

    What do you think about the ad? Leave your comments below.

    Image via Twitter

  • Red Sox Ads Thank Boston and St. Louis Fans

    The Red Sox are reaching out to fans in a gesture of thanks, a full-page ad gesture of thanks that is. After their 2013 World Series win against the St. Louis Cardinals, the Boston team placed an advertisement in the Tuesday St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “From One Great Baseball Town To Another.”

    They also posted a Monday, full-page ad in their own The Boston Globe, dedicating the Series win to those affected by the April Boston Marathon bombings. “It’s been an honor to win it here, in this city, with this group of guys, in front of our passionate fan base… And to do it this year,” the ad said, crediting the city for coming together as a family in times of tragedy.

    The Sox took six games from the Cards in the 2013 World Series. This is the Red Sox’ third Series championship in the last 10 years, two of them over the Cardinals. This was however, the team’s first win at home Fenway Park since the early 1900’s. The turning point for the team may have been their wins in Games 4 and 5.

    Red Sox owner John Henry, chairman Tom Werner and CEO Larry Lucchino signed the St. Louis ad, which features two young fans, one pulling for each team. It starts, “On behalf of our partners and the entire Red Sox organization, thank you St. Louis. The warn Midwestern welcome you extended to our team and our fans during this year’s hard-fought World Series is truly appreciated.” It ends (prior to the signatures), “We look forward to seeing you again next August. Let’s hope that it’s just a prelude to meeting again in October.”

    The St. Louis paper responded in an article with a cordial thanks, “And here’s hoping we can return the favor to the Boston Globe next year.”

    (image)
    [Image via St. Louis Post-Dispatch and The Boston Globe.]

  • Astrodome Demolition in the Hands of Houston Voters

    When it was constructed in 1965, the Astrodome was nicknamed, “The Eighth Wonder of the World.” At the time, the Astrodome was the world’s first multi-purpose domed stadium. Standing 208 feet tall, and with a roof-span of 642 feet, the 400,000 square foot stadium is still one of the most influential pieces of American architecture. That fact could soon be erased, though, if Houston voters decide to not support Proposition 2.

    Proposition 2, if passed, would allocate $217 million toward the renovation of the Astrodome. However, the newly renovated stadium would not hold future games for the Houston Astros, Houston Texans, or any other sports teams; instead, the Astrodome would become an event center and exhibition space. The floor would be raised to ground-level, and a green space would also be created outside the stadium.

    While $217 million seems like a steep figure to turn a dilapidated stadium into an event space, one has to consider the alternative. As it currently stands, the city of Houston spends $2-3 million per year to simply keep the structure standing as a storage-space. Considering the Astrodome has been out of commission since 2009, that means at least $8 million has been spent to keep the structure from falling. Costs of demolishing the stadium aren’t any cheaper. In fact, a study created in 2010 stated that it would cost approximately $78 million total to demolish the dome, which is greater than 1/3 of the cost to renovate the stadium.

    The cheapest estimate to demolish the stadium currently stands at $29 million – an unlikely figure considering the 2010 study allocated $20 million alone for asbestos removal and plaza construction following the demolition. Whatever the costs, Rice University Political Scientist Bob Stein points out that the money has to come from somewhere: “That’s money that the county’s going to have to find. It might have some short term borrowing, it may be able to take it out of reserve funds. But it’s money that the county would have spent on something else, hopefully something else that we all wanted. What do you get for tearing down the Astrodome for 30-million dollars? A pile of rubble.”

    “The New Dome Experience,” if passed, would take 2.5 years to complete, meaning it would be done just in time for the 2017 Super Bowl planned for the Houston Texan’s Reliant Stadium. Based on America’s obsession with the Super Bowl, perhaps Houston could just sell advertisement space on the side of the Astrodome to mitigate the costs? We’ll find out soon, as Houston voters make the fateful decision at the polls today.

    Image via YouTube

  • MLB 14 The Show Is Looking Good On PS4

    MLB 14 The Show Is Looking Good On PS4

    As we have already learned, sports video games are set to look very pretty on next generation consoles. 2K Sports proved that it will have the prettiest sports video game ever with NBA2K14, but Sony is at a close second with MLB 14 The Show.

    Sony revealed today its San Diego studio is hard at work on MLB 14 The Show. This will be the first entry in the series to land on the PS4, but the long-running sports franchise will also show up on the PS3 and PS Vita as well. You can forget about those old versions though as the team showed off the first footage of the PS4 version today, and it’s looking really good:

    It’s certainly not NBA 2K14 pretty, but the models are a definite step up from where they were on the PS3. It makes the character models in EA’s NBA Live 14 for Xbox One and PS4 all the more embarrassing.

    The team also notes that the PS3 only allowed them to create 42 unique models for the crowds in the game, but the PS4 allows them to have 1,000 unique models. That may just be unsubstantiated hype, but I’m sure somebody will actually take the time to comb through the audience models to see if they repeat.

    As for gameplay innovations, here’s what the San Diego team says players can expect out of MLB 14 The Show:

  • We know how much time and effort our fans put into their Seasons, Franchises, and Road To The Show players. So beginning with MLB 14 The Show, you can now carry over your saves to future versions of MLB The Show. MLB 14 The Show lays the foundation for year-to-year saves, meaning you never have to worry about starting your Franchise or Road to the Show seasons over!
  • For some of you, full 9-inning baseball games may be too long for your liking, so we’ve created an all-new Quick Counts option, which utilizes generated pitch counts allowing gamers to play through full games faster than ever. Realistic statistics in this shortened gameplay experience have not been compromised. Users will now be able to play a full 9 inning game in less than 30 minutes, essentially cutting traditional game times in half.
  • We think Road To The Show is the deepest, most realistic single-player experience in sports video games, and we’re making it even better. A few of the new features include a new advancement system, new intuitive player creation process, and all new pre-draft prospect showcase.
  • And finally, what makes baseball great are those “big moments.” The power of PS4 will allow gamers to share those moments using the new “share feature” by capturing and publishing their most thrilling baseball moments, from hitting a game-winning grand slam, to picking off a runner at first for a crucial win in a World Series game.

    • All of this is well and good, but it will be interesting to see what 2K Sports does in retaliation with its own baseball franchise. MLB 2K13 was rumored to be the last in the series after it was met with bad reviews and sales, but 2K Sports may want to give it one more shot. After all, without MLB 2K14, anybody without a PlayStation console won’t be getting a baseball game next year.

    MLB 14 The Show will launch in the Spring of next year on PS3, PS Vita and PS4.

    [Image: PlayStation/YouTube]

  • Hot Dog Injury Lawsuit Filed by Baseball Fan Goes Before Missouri Supreme Court

    The Missouri Supreme Court is reviewing a lawsuit against the Kansas City Royals filed by a fan who was injured during a game in 2009. John Coomer, of Overland Park, Kansas, was injured after the Royals team mascot Slugerrr threw an aluminum wrapped hot dog at him. The fan seeks just over $20,000 in damages.

    Coomer was hit in the eye with the hot dog and suffered a detached retina. The Kansas man has had two surgeries to repair the damage done by the hot dog that was thrown at him, which set him back $4,800 in medical expenses. The exact amount Coomer is suing for hasn’t been released, but it is said that he is suing for more than $20,000. The Missouri Supreme Court will have to decide whether Coomer’s lawsuit falls under the “baseball rule” before it can be heard.

    Typically fan injuries at baseball stadiums are covered under the “baseball rule.” This rule protects the organization from being sued for fan injuries at games, such as being struck by a foul ball. Since Coomer was injured by the actions of the mascot, the Missouri Supreme Court will have to determine whether injury falls outside the umbrella of what the “baseball rule” covers.

    “If a jury finds that the activity at issue is an inherent and unavoidable risk, the Royals owe no duty to their spectators,” Robert Tormohlen, Coomer’s attorney, said. “No case has extended the no-duty rule to the activities of a mascot.”

    Some people believe that if the Missouri Supreme Court rules that the “baseball rule” doesn’t cover mascots, this will negatively affect the game experience for all fans. “If you could get a court to go the other way and say in-game entertainment is a natural part of playing baseball in the U.S. in the 21st century, that would be a tremendous precedent that could cut off future lawsuits,” Bob Jarvis, a sports law professor, said.

    Do you think the Royals should be responsible for Coomer’s injury? Respond below.

    [Image via WikiMedia Commons]

  • David Ortiz Named World Series MVP (Duh)

    Following the Boston Marathon Bombings in April, David Ortiz informed Red Sox fans gathered at Fenway Park that “This is our fucking city and no body is going to dictate our freedom.” Wednesday night, Ortiz was able to demonstrate the truth of said statement to the St. Louis Cardinals after leading his team to their third World Series Championship in 10 years and earning MVP honors for himself.

    When the Red Sox won the World Series in 2004, Manny Ramirez was the recipient of the MVP Award. And when the Red Sox once again captured the title in 2007, Mike Lowe received the ultimate praise. This time around, however, no one was going to deny Big Papi the prestige of being crowned MVP; not even the St. Louis Cardinals.

    As Ortiz approached the plate for the first time Wednesday night, Cardinals’s catcher Yadier Molina turned to home-plate umpire Jim Joyce and proclaimed, “This guy’s unbelievable.” Molina would repeat the same sentiment during Ortiz’s last at-bat in the 8th inning when the game was already in-hand by chatting with the batter under his breath and giving him two “job well done” pats.

    One knows that their performance has been outstanding when it is being recognized by the opposing team before the game is even over. Perhaps the biggest nod to Ortiz’s World Series performance was the fact that he drew a record-tying 4 walks in Game 6, 3 of them intentional: “I wasn’t trying to be the guy, but I know I got to get something done to keep the line moving. I don’t even have to do anything today, I guess, the rest of the team took over.”Not since Barry Bonds has a player been able to lead his team to victory by being consistently walked.

    Fortunately for the Red Sox (and very unfortunately for St. Louis), the Cardinals did attempt to pitch to Ortiz earlier in the series. Out of the 16 chances Ortiz had to take a swing, he connected 11 times (.688 average), resulting in 2 home runs and 6 RBI’s. In total, Ortiz reached base 19 times during the series – a mark only eclipsed by Barry Bonds in the 2002 World Series (Bonds reached base safely 21 times).

    Ortiz contributed more than just hit bat towards the Red Sox’s effort, though. During a pivotal moment in Game 4, with the score even at 1-1 and the Red Sox trailing the Cardinals 2-1 in the series, Ortiz decided it was time to give the team a pep-talk: “It was like 24 kindergartners looking up at their teacher. He got everyone’s attention and we looked him right in the eyes. That message was pretty powerful,” stated Red Sox left-fielder, Jonny Gomes, who appreciated Ortiz’s message so much that he delivered the game-winning 3-run homer minutes later.

    So what did the great orator have to say? Apparently, Ortiz simply told the team to relax, stay loose, and appreciate the moments. Due to the respect and clout that Ortiz carries within the Red Sox organization and city of Boston, that was all he needed to say.

    And following his 3 World Series victory Wednesday night, Ortiz had one simple message for the fervent Fenway fans:

    (image)

    What more need the World Series MVP say?

    Image via Twitter