February 2009 Archives

Today, we take a look at Barry Bonds' legal issues, plus Johan Santana might miss Opening Day.

One storyline to watch this season is how Jason Bay does in his first full season in Boston.
He could be the Red Sox best all-around left fielder since Yaz.
That's right even better than Manny.

Which American League player reached base the most times in 2008?

Right after the World Series, The Southpaw was shopping for a T-shirt to celebrate the Philadelphia Phillies. There was an awesome one at a local department store. It had a roster on the back. Which was cool.
Until The Southpaw realized Adam Eaton was listed on it.
But it's all OK now. The champs cut the chump Friday.

Manny did what?
Plus we have a roundup of Thursday's games and highlight some of the best stories on the Web.

For every Alex Rodriguez there's a Mike Sweeney. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of that.

By Jerry Brewer
The Seattle Times

PEORIA, Ariz. -- His youngest son, frail and shriveling to nothing, needed surgery at three weeks old.
His oldest son quaked with seizures only two days later.
And all the while, his daughter cried through the pain of a double ear infection.
This convoy of trauma rendered Mike Sweeney helpless and terrified last month. Fortunately, his children, none older than 4, would recover. But this reminder of life's fragility made Sweeney ready to quit baseball. His wife only needed to agree.

It was good to see some action on the diamond Wednesday.
But there was also some interesting off-field news. Including some reports on Manny Ramirez's contract status.
And a couple players might already be out for the year.

New York Mets' Daniel Murphy scores on a single Wednesday by teammate Ryan Church as Baltimore Orioles catcher Gregg Zaun waits for the throw. In Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The Mets won 9-3.
The World Champion Phillies got thumped by the Pittsburgh Pirates, 8-2. But the good news is Jamie Moyer looked strong. Joe Blanton gave up a run but wasn't too bad.
As for the Orioles, well not much to talk about.

Yes. It's here. The first day of spring training games.
Here's a look at today's schedule. MLB.TV gets into the act with two games: The San Francisco Giants travel to the Cleveland Indians at 3:05 p.m. ET in Goodyear, Ariz., and then the Boston Red Sox split-squad game against the Twins at 7:05 p.m. in Lee County, Fla.

Of the 11 players who played in the most World Series games, only two never played for the New York Yankees. Who are they?

From the New York Times, comes a great piece on names.
For some reason, though, there's no Stubby Clapp or Franklin Stubbs.

Unlike Clint Barnes, the Southpaw doesn't let anything get through. Except, maybe, a dangling participle or split infinitive.
Don Fehr in O's camp. That can't be good.

As a rookie in 1982, Kent Hrbek played in 140 games, hitting 301, slugging 23 homers, cracking 21 doubles and driving in 92 runs. But he didn't win the Rookie of the Year Award. Some kid name Ripken got in his way.
And the precedent was set: Someone would always steal Herbie's spotlight.

The Southpaw apologizes for the delay. No rain. Just technical difficulties.
But even when there's a late start there's still tons of news.

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Koji Uehara, of Japan, throws a live batting practice during spring training baseball Saturday.

Things continue to be busy in Baltimore Orioles camp. The rest of the Grapefruit and Cactus leagues are just as interesting, however.

Which active pitcher has the most career wins without ever having been selected to an All-Star team?

Two Hall of Famers return to their roots, Brian Roberts reflects and Chase Utley has something to prove.

I wish I lived in Derek Jeter's World. Really, I do.
Not only would I have won four World Series rings in five years, dated mid-90s Mariah Carey and made oodles and oodles of money, and dated mid-90s Mariah Carey, but I would also believe everyone who ever cheated on their taxes got caught by the IRS. Oh, and I'd have dated mid-90s Mariah Carey.

News about The Kid overshadows all.

Who is the only pitcher with 300 career wins who never won more than 20 games in a season?

For all morning news not concerning a certain Yankees third baseman, here's your fix.

A lot of smart people have good takes on A-Rod's press conference.
Here are a few:

People keep wanting to shoehorn New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez into being either a villain or a hero. But he's much more than that.

Of course the biggest story of the day is Alex Rodriguez' news conference concerning his steroid use.
We'll have more on that shortly after he finishes.
But for right now, there are some other good stories:

Jennifer Floyd Engel of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram has a great take on Steroids, Bud Selig and Barry Bonds.

Seattle Mariners pitcher David Aardsma pitches Monday under the watchful eye of a coach.

In Phillies camp, Raul is ready, while Rich Hill looks to Impress his Baltimore teammates. Oh, and Odalis Perez is holding out.

Seven players have current streaks of at least three straight seasons of 30 or more home runs. Who are they?

The Southpaw noticed a few stories moving across the wire and wanted to keep you updated on them.
Leading off, Greg Maddux is back in camp.

It's a surprisingly easy read with some interesting stories and insights.

The Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues continue to buzz. The Phillies signed a free agent, Manny Acta says, "Ya gotta believe," and the Orioles have some questions to answer.
And Milton Bradley's back in the news. But Cubs fans can actually be happy about it.

Here at The Southpaw, we love the weekend because we can sleep in.
But that also means a later start on the first pitch.
Today's news includes a look at Larry Bigbie, the Yankees pitching staff, the Mets are talking about talking and Jamie Moyer has harsh words about A-Rod.

Everytime J.C. Romero opens his mouth he, wait a minute, did I just read there's a hotline for players to call to find out about steroids?

Today's big news concerns Barry Bonds and witness testimony.
On the field however, we have a trim Ryan Howard, a resurgent Eric Bedard, a crowded Orioles camp, an honest Andy Pettitte and an injured Brewer.
And, from MLB.com, we have a great instructional video.
Plus so much more.

With pitchers and catchers set to report, today's articles are chock full of good content.
We even have a Hugo Chavez story. And no, he's not pushing for the next expansion club.

Aptly pointed out by former colleague Bryan Sick, my four favorite words in the English language are:

Bud Selig says Alex Rodriguez has shamed the game of baseball.

In other news, the Pope is Catholic, Ted Williams could hit and Barack Obama is a Democrat.

ESPN is reporting the Seattle Mariners' courtship of Junior Griffey is heating up.

   A lot of stuff, good and bad, in the morning articles:
   The Nationals are Dunn.
   It's not a good day to be a former Baltimore Oriole. There are startling allegations against a one Bird from years gone by. Another one has a press conference to discuss lying to congress about steroids.
   A former Phillie is wearing a halo. And Chase Utley's taking grounders.

Johan Santana threw off a mound today. That's bad news for Phillies and Nationals fans.
 Or is it?

The starting pitcher's cooked. He's staring down at the base of the mound wondering what went wrong. The bases are loaded and a burly left-handed cleanup hitter is waiting in the batter's box and looking to add to his league-leading home run total.
The manager's waddling out to the mound and wagging his left hand.
He's wants you. The lefty specialist, you're ready whenever you're called on.
That's how we look at things here at The Southpaw.