Morosi suggests, the Jays trade a pitcher or two to boost their team OPS which lags in the AL East behind the Red Sox, Yankees, and Rays. Given the above, Morosi suggests Brian Tallet as a trade chip. Tallet could be looked upon as a viable option for teams looking for a mid-rotation left-handed starter, particularly if the Mariners stay in the race and elect not to move Erik Bedard and Jarrod Washburn.
They may also look at dealing from their collection of right-handed setup men, such as Casey Janssen, Jeremy Accardo, Brandon League, or Jason Frasor. Just speculating here but Janssen may be the most attractive since he can start. As a reliever in 2007, Janssen had a 2.35 ERA in 72.2 IP with 6 saves before missing 2008 with a torn labrum.

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Gary Thorne and Buck Martinez spent a few minutes detailing their day and how they prepare for the game, including talking to players on the field, going over the game notes, the usual. Gary also joked that when there's a good hockey game on they always keep it on during the game. As you all know, Gary has that great voice, and it was even more booming in person. Those of you who pay attention to Buck when he's on camera know that he's always giving that twinkly winky eye to the camera, and as I was in his line of vision I felt like he was giving it directly to me the entire time. The question was asked if Buck and Gary read any sports blogs, and they said that they didn't, since between all of their various jobs they just don't have the time. So feel free to continue saying whatever you like about Buck and Gary here, they won't ever know :-)
After our meet and greet with Buck and Gary we were led down to the bullpen area where we watched a bit of Orioles Xtra with Jim Hunter and Rick Dempsey, then we went to the MASN Suites where we'd watch what turned out to be a fine Orioles game.
I'd never been in a suite at Camden Yards before and I felt especially fancy. There was plenty of good food, a refrigerator stocked with beer, soda, and water, AND celebrity visitors! Gregg Zaun had his entourage there, and Rick Dempsey spent a good deal of the game in the suite with us. Duck was especially geeked to get his picture taken with the Demper. Jim Hunter also stopped by for a bit and Al Bumbry was hanging around as well. The entire thing was just so...cool. Perhaps the greatest celebrity run in was when Roch Kubatko stopped in and Duck introduced himself as being from Camden Chat.

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Hi everyone. Barbara Barker back tonight.
Yankees trying to rebound from last night's 5-1 loss to Toronto in the first game of the three-game series. They're going with Andy Pettitte, who could use a good outing. Pettitte enters the game with a 4.39 ERA and 2-1 record. He is coming off a disappointing non-decision against the Rays where he allowed a career-high four homeruns. He also gave up five runs in six inning in what ended up being an 8-6 Yank loss.
Jays' going with another impressive starter in Scott Richmond. Richmond (4-1, 3.29 ERA) knows how to rebound from a tough inning. Even Richmond's one loss of the season had some impressive moments. After givinng up five runs in the second inning of a 5-3 loss to Oakland on Friday, he pitched one hit ball over the final six innings and recorded his first complete game.
As for the Yankes lineup, right now it looks as though Jeter is still out with a sore right oblique. Matsui who left yesterday's game with a tight hamstring should be fine. If things change, I'll get back to you.

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The way that the Blue Jays are playing right now, it's kind of surprising that it took them this long to complete their first series sweep of the season. I will attempt to paraphrase what Mike Wilner said at the top of Jays Talk, but he said something to the effect of "Who's going to call in, since the number 3 and 4 hitters played well today?" The often-criticized Wells and Rios were responsible for putting up 3 of Toronto's 4 runs, and effectively silenced critics ... for a few days at least.

In the pitching department, Scott Richmond is pitching like a solid #2 starter in the rotation and picked up his fourth win of the season. Richmond matched his career high from his previous game, and went 7 strong innings extending his 3-run or less streak to 9 games. I still can't believe that this was a guy who was fighting for his life just to make it as a back of the end rotation pitcher. Now, Scott Richmond has the 7th best ERA in the American League at 2.67. It went from a glass of Kool-Aid, to a pitcher of Kool-Aid, to a friggin' factory of Scott Richmond Kool-Aid.

During the radio broadcast, Blue Jays Assistant General Manager Alex Anthopoulos joined Jerry Howarth in the broadcast booth for some injury updates. Alex said that they expect both Casey Janssen and Ricky Romero to return around May 17th. Jesse Litsch will take a little longer to return to Toronto, with a target date of around June 1st to be back into the starting rotation. Although it's still further down the road, Anthopoulos mentioned that he wouldn't be surprised to see both Shaun Marcum and Dustin McGowan pitching before the end of the season.

Oh, and apparently B.J. Ryan will be back in Toronto by the end of the month, but I don't think too many people are concerned with the timetable on his return.

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The Orioles finished their homestand today by dropping their third straight game in a 3-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
By and large, Koji Uehara pitched a very good game, going 6.1 innings and giving up just three earned with seven hits, no walks, and five strikeouts. Koji threw 102 pitches, and although he looked great through the first six innings, it has become apparent after a few starts that when he runs out of gas, things tend to unravel in a hurry.
In the postgame press conference, Dave hinted at the fact that Uehara's location began to waver in the seventh inning, and his control just wasn't the same. After surrendering a home run to Torii Hunter, Baez began to throw in the 'pen; however before Danys was even warm, Koji gave up a second consecutive homer, which put the O's behind 3-1. The bomb given up to Hunter was a hanging breaking ball, and the second jack to Kendry Morales appeared to be a pitch right down mainstreet.
Just when it looked like Uehara was due for the hook, Gary Matthews Jr. hit a sizzling line drive right back at Koji, who was unable to get out of the way in time. Even after taking a blow to the body, Uehara attempted to make a play for the ball, but he soon collapsed to the ground in pain. Although we feared the worst, Trembley, somewhat confusingly, stated in his press conference that Koji's ribs were not hit and it was, rather, his chest, whatever that's supposed to mean.
The O's gave it their last real shot in the bottom of the eighth as Adam Jones led off the inning with an infield hit. After a passed ball, AJ was able to move over to second with none down and Markakis as the plate. Not one to disappoint, Nicky drove in Adam with a single to right and the O's were within a run. Despite LAA starter Shane Loux being taken out of the game, though, the O's continued to struggle at the plate as Huff got under every pitch thrown to him, and Luke Scott whiffed on an unsuccessful apparent hit and run. I may be wrong, but I believe Luke has failed to protect the runner on numerous occasions now, yet Trembley called the play despite the count being 3-1 with only one out recorded.
George Sherrill was inserted into a no-pressure situation in the top of the ninth as his team actually trailed by one, yet even with this change of scenery, Sherrill was still smacked around, giving up two hits in just one inning pitched. I'm really starting to lose faith in George, and if/when he is relieved of his closing duties, it seems as if his worth will be maximized as a LOOGY rather than a set-up man/7th inning reliever as he has vastly underperformed since the All-Star break of 2008.
In an uneventuful bottom of the ninth, Wigginton, Moeller, and Mora went down 1-2-3 to closer Brian Fuentes.
Despite the ineptitude of his teammates, Nick Markakis was able to successfully extend his streak as he has now hit in sixteen consecutive games.

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![CDATA[ E: Millar (1). LOB: Toronto 5, Kansas City 7. 2B: Rios (7), Butler (5), Callaspo (8), J.Buck (3). 3B: Crisp (4), J.Buck 2 (2). HR: Scutaro (5), off Davies; Lind (4), off J.Wright. RBIs: Scutaro (15), V.Wells (14), Lind 2 (20), R.Chavez (1), Snider (11), Bloomquist (4), J.Guillen (5), Butler (8), J.Buck 5 (15). S: Bloomquist, Aviles. SF: J.Buck.

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On a day where it seemed like everything went wrong for the Blue Jays off the field, everything went right for them on the field.

The Jays could not have asked for a better start than Scott Richmond gave them tonight. Rich was totally dialed in, sending 9 Texas Rangers back to the dugout shaking their heads. Notch another "W" in the column for Scott Richmond, and he is now 2-0 in three starts. Trust me guys, there is now enough Kool-Aid for all!

A point that Wilner constantly reiterates is that Scott Richmond has never given up more than 3 earned runs in any of his major league starts. For a player who was almost an afterthought coming into Spring Training, Richmond has certainly come a long way. I think even Mike Wilner is starting to be convinced by the Scott Richmond Kool-Aid.

Whatever Alex Rios was using as his slump-buster, it finally worked. Not that a 4 for 6 appearance in last night's game wasn't impressive, but I think that Rios really needed to hit his first HR of the season to really get the ball rolling.

And how about the damn bullpen? Initially, Cito said before tonight's game that Scott Downs would not be available to pitch in tonight's game. But he made a surprise appearance in the 9th, and Downs did what he did best - shut it down. For the first time this season, I was not nervous when our closer came in for a save situation. There is something very reassuring about having Scott Downs on the mound, which makes B.J. Ryan's trip to the disabled list almost necessary for him to regroup.

So whether you choose to mix your Scott Richmond Kool-Aid with vodka, whiskey, or you just drink it straight up, let's celebrate another great start from Captain Canada. And the best part of all? There's no hangover in the morning.

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The Raptors can offer Bosh a maximum three-year extension, keeping him in Toronto for a total of five years. Stay tuned.
Magic F Dwight Howard will see an eye doctor after being inadvertently scratched during Sundays game, but he vowed to be ready for Game 2 on Wednesday. Howard said he was seeing just a whole bunch of crazy stuff when he closed his eyes and felt a sensation when they were open. Eye injuries are never trifling (ask Amare Stoudemire) but it sounds like Howard avoided anything serious. We should know for sure on Tuesday.
Speaking of D12, Howard will be named the 2008-2009 Defensive Player of the Year on Tuesday, making him the youngest player to ever earn the award. Howard made good on a preseason promise to lead the league in rebounding (13.8 per game) and blocked shots (2.9). That makes him just the fifth player in NBA history to lead both categories in the same season, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Walton, Hakeem Olajuwon and Ben Wallace.
According to the NY Daily News, a Knicks team source says that the team hopes to sign a quality point guard this summer, with the idea of making G Chris Duhon a backup. Duhons performance bottomed-out as the season wound down, thanks to nagging injuries and season wear-and-tear. He shattered his previous career-high in minutes played and the idea of making him a backup is somewhat ironic not having a legitimate backup PG this season is part of the reason he wore down so rapidly.
Cavs bench boss Mike Brown has won coach of the year after guiding his team to a 66-16 record, good for first in the Eastern Conference, along with an impressive 39-2 home record.
The Raptors have signed G Quincy Douby to a one-year deal.
According to the Boston Globe, Celtics F Leon Powe is expected to have surgery on his injured left knee and will miss the remainder of the playoffs. Powe was initially diagnosed with a sprained knee after an MRI on Monday and its unclear whether further damage was discovered. Ill post an update once we have details on the surgery and how long hell need to rehabilitate.
TNA
There are two conflicting reports on the status of Bobby Lashley and TNA Wrestling.
PWInsider.com is reporting that the two-time ECW Champion has signed a short term deal with the organization and is not locked in to a contract that would prevent him from pursuing his aspirations in mixed martial arts.
On the other hand, www.f4wonline.com is reporting that according to people close to Lashley camp, he has not signed a contract with TNA but did Lockdown last night to get both sides acquainted with each other.
If he ends up signing with TNA, his goal would be to do both pro wrestling on a limited basis and continue mixed martial arts, as TNAs television taping schedule would allow him to train for mixed martial arts.
NFL
The Jaguars have signed WR Torry Holt to a three-year/$20M contract. ESPNs John Clayton reports the deal has no signing bonus, but the first year is fully guaranteed. He chose the Jags over the Titans. The Bears, Giants, and Eagles never showed interest. Holt, 33, is coming off his worst season and will be playing on grass for the first time in his career in a run-first offense. Hes a poor bet to match his 2008 numbers (64-796-3), although Holt is an upgrade over the Jags current receivers.
According to the Baltimore Sun, the Ravens are to meet the Cardinals current asking price for WR Anquan Boldin, but they are reportedly willing to give up a first-round pick. The Ravens would also consider a second-rounder and a veteran player. The Cardinals are currently looking for a first and third-round pick, but the two sides could meet in the middle. Its looking more likely that Boldin will be playing elsewhere next year. The Ravens draft 26th in round one.
ESPN reports that Eagles CB Sheldon Brown has requested a trade. Brown expressed displeasure with his contract around this time last year too. The 30-year-old right corner is due just $2M in 2009 salary, but has little leverage because he has a contract through 2012.
MLB
Red Sox manager Terry Francona said Monday that SS Jed Lowrie likely will undergo surgery on his wrist. The news wasnt all bad, though. One possible surgery likely would have ended his season, but the procedure hes expected to undergo now could allow him to return by the All-Star break. SS Julio Lugo, who should return next week, will be the starting shortstop until then. Nick Green is filling in right now.
According to the North County Times, the Padres have reacquired INF/OF Chris Burke from the Mariners. Burke is expected to be in a San Diego uniform on Tuesday when the club begins a series with the Giants. Burke was hitting .237 in 38 at-bats with the Mariners Triple-A affiliate. Its not yet clear who, or what, they gave up.
The Marlins have placed LHP Andrew Miller (strained right oblique) on the 15-day DL. The injury has evidently been bothering Miller for a few weeks now, and it wasnt getting any better while he tried to pitch through it. Burke Badenhop will be called up to replace him and should be available out of the pen immediately.
NHL
Rumours are running rampant with the Ducks this offseason. More specifically, F Todd Marchant, D Chris Pronger, D Scott Niedermayer and G JS Giguere are all available at the right price.
While the NHL trade deadline has passed, and all four players remained with the Ducks, the team has been outstanding ever since. Seeded #8, they lead the Sharks 2-0 and headed back to California for three games.
Niedermayer and Pronger have been 1A and 1B as far as defensemen in this years playoffs go. Both have looked like theyre in their prime, and they very well could be. Marchant is the biggest surprise, as hes playing over 20-minutes a night and playing a role nobody could have seen him playing at the deadline. Giguere, while being on the bench, is offering support and is breathing down G Jonas Hillers neck should he faulter. Just his presence is making Jonas Hiller a better goalie, and how good has he been.
Dominik Hasek has agreed to play for his former team, the HC Moeller Pardubice, in the Czech Republic.
Hasek played there as a 16-year-old in 1981, helping them to club championships in 1987 and 1989. He retired from the NHL in the summer of 2008.
The Wild have signed D John Scott to a one-year deal. Scott filled in on the teams blueline at the end of the regular season when D Brent Burns was out because of a concussion. The six-foot-eight, 260-pound blueliner had one assist and 21 PIMs in 20 games this campaign.

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Play Ball...are those sweet two words that were heard throughout the organization this week. The Twins four full-season clubs opened at a game under .500 with a 4-5 record. The Red Wings and Ft. Myers were both 2-0 while Beloitwas 0-2 with New Britain dropping their firstthree gameson the road at New Hampshire.
The only player movement this week saw Beloit pitcher Thomas Wright placed on the DL. Wright was replaced in the Snapper bullpen by Danny Berlind, who was called up from EST. There are several others who also opened their 2009 seasons on the DL. They are: pitcher,Ben Hendrickson (Rochester); pitcher, Oswaldo Sosa (New Britain); pitchers, Brian Kirwin, Curtis Leavitt, Blake Martin, and Michael Tarsi, catcher, Juan Richardson, and infielders Paul Kelly and Andrew Thompson (Beloit). Minor League free agent signee Justin Huber (Rochester) is on the restricted list as he awaits a solution to his visa problems.
Rochester Red Wings (AAA) (2-0, T/1st +2.0)
The Red Wings opened on the road at Syracuse, winning 7-4 on Thursday and 9-2 last night. The sweep finds them in a three way tie for first with Pawtucket and Scranton/WB.
Jason Jones got the opening nightstart, pitching 4.0 innings with 5 hits, 2 runs and 4K/3BB. Mike Gosling got the win, pitching 1.2 innings with 2 hits, 1 run and 1K/0BB. Tim Lahey got his first save of the year, pitching a shutout ninth inning with 1 hit and 1K/0BB. Last night Kevin Mulvey got the start, pitching 4.0 innings with 5 hits, 2 runs and 3K/2BB. Armando Gabino came on to get the win as he pitched 3 shutout innings with no hits and 0K/1BB. Jose Mijares made his first appearance and was very good, pitching 2.0 shutout innings with 1 hit and 2K/0BB.
The Red Wings had a pair of back-to-back home runs on Thursdayby Dustin Martin-Trevor Plouffeand later by Luke Hughes and David Winfree. Matt Macri and Jason Pridiehad multi hit games on Thursday.Winfree had a 2 for 5 night on Friday with a run scored, double and rbi.After going 2 for 3 opening night, Dustin Martin was 2 for 4 on Friday with 2 runs scored and a double.
New Britain Rock Cats (AA) (0-3, Last -3.0)
On paper this year's squad appears to be one thatshould end the several years of disappointment forRock Cat The opening three games of the year do not make a season, yet, the Cats again find themselves in last placeafter dropping their first three gamesat New Hampshire, 7-4, 4-2 and 5-0. They get a final chance to win one in New Hampshire today before moving on to Portland for three games, thenheading home for their opener againstNew Hampshire next Thursday.
Jeff Manship got the loss opening night, pitching 4.0 innings with 7 hits, 6 runs (5 earned) and 5K/2BB. Matt Fox did very well in relief, pitching 2.0 no-hit innings with 3K/1BB. Jay Rainville got theThursday night pitching 5.0 innings with 4 runs (only 1 earned) and 4K/3BB. The bright spot Thursday was the late appearances by Rob Delaney and Anthony Slama. Delaney pitcheda shutouteighth inning with 1 hit and 2K/0BB. Slamaa shutoutninth with 1 hitwith 3 strikeouts. Last night Ryan Mullins got the loss after pitching 4.1 innings with 5 hits, 3 runs (2 earned) and 3K/3BB. Zach Ward pitched 2.1 innings of relief with 2 hits, 1unearned run and 1K/0BB.
Joe Gaetti and Whit Robbins were both 2 for 4 opening night. Rene Tosoni lead off Thursday's game with a solo home run while Matt Moses was 2 for 4 with a home run. The only bright spot last night was Steve Tolleson who was 3 for 4.
Ft. Myers Miracle (Hi-A) (2-0, T1st+1.0)
The Miracle begin this season tied for firstwith Palm Beach after winning their first two of athree game opening series (away-home-away)with Charlotte.
The Miraclewon Thursday night, 9-4. Tyler Robertson struggled, lasting only 1.2 innings with 3 hits, 4runs and 0K/4BB. Kyle Waldrop came on for 2.1no-hit innings with 2K/1BB. Santos Arias got the win,pitching 2.0shutout inningswith 2 hits and 0K/1BB. Alex Burnett closed out the game, pitching 2.0 no-hit innings with 4K/0BB. Last night Scott Bakermade a rehab start and got the win as the Miracle won their home opener, 7-1. Baker needed only 70 pitches in7.0 innings, allowing 5 hits and1 run with 3K/1BB. Carlos Guttierrez pitched 2.0no-hit inningsrelief with 2K/0BB.
The hitting stars opening day were Deibinson Romero and Yangervis Solarte who both were 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored, a double and rbi. Rene Leveret was 2 for 5 with a run scored, double and rbi. Former first round pick Chris Parmalee was 1 for 4 with a walk, however, his hit was his first home run with one man on base. D.J. Romerohad another multi hit game last night when he was 2 for 4 with 3 runs scored, a double and walk. Joe Benson and Danny Berg also had two hits while Steve Singleton was 2 for 5 with a triple, home run and 3 rbi. An intersting note is that Ben Revere was the lead off hitter and in center field for both games. Joe Benson was hitting second playing left field in the opener and right field last night. Parmalee was in right field for the opener and at first base last night.
Beloit Snappers (A) (0-2, Last-2.0)
The Snappers dropped their first two games on the road at Cedar Rapids, 7-6 in 10 inningsand 5-3. Theyare at Cedar Rapids tonight before moving on to the Quad Cities, then returning home for their opening night on April 16th.
Shooter Hunt got the opening night start.For at least one game, nothing was different from last year as Hunt pitched 3.1 innings with 3 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), 1 strikeout, 4 walks and 1 hit batter. Henry Reyes pitched 2.2 no-hit innings of relief with 1K/1BB while Danny Hernandez pitched 2.0 innings with 2 hits, 1 unearned run and 3K/1BB. Steve Blevins came on in the tenth and got the loss with 2 hits, 1 run and 2K/0BB. Last night Dan Osterbrock pitched 4.1 innings with 6 hits, 3 runs and 3K/2BB. Mike Allen got the loss,a no-hit inning with 2 unearned runs and 0K/0BB. Joe Testa pitched 1.2 no-hit innings with 2K/1BB.
James Beresford and Jon Waltenbury both had 2 hits opening night . Waltenbury scored 1 run with a double and 2 rbi. Last night Ramon Santana was 3 for 5 with a run while Evan Bigley and Ozzie Lewis were both 2 for 4.
Player of the Week
With the 20th selection of the 2004 draft the Twins selected shortstop Trevor Plouffe. Although he didn't turn 18 until days before the short-season opened, the Twins assigned Plouffe to Elizabethton where he was one of the youngest players in the Appy League. As Plouffe moved up a level each year, he continued to be one of the younger players in each league. Plouffe returned to Rochester this spring where at 22 (he turns 23 on June 15th) he is again the youngest player on the Red Wings as he is nearly a year younger than Anthony Swarzak and David Winfree.
Now that Plouffe is on the 40-man roster he had his first exposure to spring training with the Twins. Although he hitfor only a .125 Average this spring, Ron Gardenhire was impressed with his overall play and stated that he sees Plouffe is an optionshould the Twins need a shortstop later this year.
Plouffewas 2 for 4 openingday with a double, home run, run scored, 2 rbi and walk. Last night, Plouffe had another 2 hits in 2 at bats with a triple, rbi and 2 walks. For a player who traditionally started each season slowly, itappears that Gardenhire's comments built a fire under Plouffe who is determined to make 2009 his best season yet.

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The game had to be stopped tonight. How embarrassing. Flashes of an NFL game in Cleveland a few years back came to mind. I thought it only happened on Sportscenter. Fans throwing things on the field. But these were not beer bottles directed at referees, they were baseballs aimed at outfielders, Curtis Granderson and Josh Anderson. They were cups of coke, randomly thrown on the field. They were large paper airplanes and beach balls that had to be removed by staff. It was embarrassing.
In all of my days as a paying Blue Jays attendant, I have never been so embarrassed. Unlike the fans in Cleveland, who believed they were being cheated by the referees, the fans in Toronto had absolutely no way of justifying throwing things on the field. This is not to say that the fan in Cleveland were justified, but the fans tonight were unprovoked and had no reason to interrupt the flow of a professional baseball game.
It was a great game and an amazing experience until the bottom of the 8th inning. We were so close. It was 9:30 pm. I figured the game would end by 9:45 pm, rush out of the Dome, head to the bar and catch the Naismith Award ceremony and watch the second half of UNC-MSU. We were so close.
After Adam Lind singled in Aaron Hill for his 6th RBI of the game, a baseball comes flying in from the 2nd deck of the left field stands that almost hits Curtis Granderson. The umpires are notified. Next batter is Scott Rolen, who hits a sacrifice fly to cash in Alex Rios. After the roar of the crowd settles, a second ball is hurled from the same general area, this time at left fielder Josh Anderson. Anderson calls time, shows the umpire and the umpires call the players off the field. I put my head down in shame. When I lift it back up, the game still has not resumed. I look at the clock and it is 9:40 pm. I look to the second deck of left field and a large cup of coke is hurled onto the field. What. The. Fuck.
Plenty of people in my section were thrown out, fighting with each other and were too drunk.  I expected a ruckus crowd tonight, but not this. Not the embarrassment of having a professional game halted because of unprovoked actions by clearly amateur baseball fans. Real baseball fans know better than to disrespect the game like that.
If I was playing in the game, I would have done the same thing as Anderson. I refuse to play in an environment where I could be physically harmed outside of the rules of baseball. How would you feel if you were at work and there was a crowd of people constantly behind you trying to throw baseballs in your direction.
Unfortunately for the Blue Jays organization, the product on the field was overshadowed by the poor performance in the stands.
Adam Lind had a great night with 3 RBIs going 4-5, including a home run to center. Travis Snider hit a home run, which I missed because assholes in front of me were getting in their seats mid-inning. Every Blue Jay had at least one it. And how can we forget about the Doc. Not as brilliant as we are used to, but enough to post a win. Great atmosphere, when the fans were not acting like idiots.
I questioned the Rogers Center decision to elect days at the Dome this season, but tonight fully justified their resolution. It is a shame because 47,000 out of the 48,000+ fans that were there came to the game with good intentions, were well behaved and just wanted to see a good game. It is the embarassing actions of those select few that punish us all. It is like elementary school all over again.

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So, were a few days away from opening day, and I figured Id give you all the weekend to properly prepare yourselves for Monday night. After all, its been a long offseason, made even longer by the lack of movement in the Jays roster.

Well have the next few months to gripe and groan over disappointing baseball. For this coming weekend, we should focus on opening day, and the delusional hope that creeps inside even the most cynical of fucks, finding entrances wherever it can, getting right up inside you, squirming around, boring through your mind, through your tummy, through your anus.

Which brings us to our first point.

Get Excited

In all likelihood, this season is going to be a wash. Take advantage of the fact that the Jays get to start the year at .500 in a tie for the lead in their division. Outside of the first week, the chance may not come again.

For some of us, there isnt much more to live for than sitting on a hard plastic chair with a cold beer in hand, watching pitchers from the stretch, listening to the crack of a bat and telling the racial minority in front of you to simmer down after they stand up and shout for every single motherfucking routine fly ball as though its a home run.

As the Danimal, drunk as skull, said a couple of home openers back, You can go to a bar with a field, or you can go to a bar. Im not sure what he meant either, but Im fairly confident that it best encapsulates how you should treat your teams first home game of the year.

Pre/Post Game Libation

If you werent already aware, theres a little brewery just South East of the Rogers Centre, across Bremner Boulevard. If you play your cards right you can score a couple of free drinks while you mull over going on the brewery tour.

Dont bother with the tour, but do bother with picking up six beers, walking around to the nearby park and discreetly drinking some bottles of Sprite. Please, for everyones sake, discretion is key.

Speaking of discretion, I tend to avoid the whole 500 people get-togethers with matching T-shirts that have a play on words with BJs. Its kind of lame, and I really hate that group mentality affecting individuals where they start saying/doing things theyd never normally have the balls for.

Instead, after the game, Im more inclined to journey down to a little bar on Wellington and enjoy a celebratory Caesar with a pickled bean and some serious hot sauce. The burning mouth rids the stale aftertaste of the ten beers you drank at the stadium.

Dont Be Total Douches To Ushers

Lets be honest, youre probably going to be incoherently drunk by the third inning. Pretending otherwise is about as effective as hoping that teaching abstinence will curb teenage pregnancy.

However, your fortification doesnt mean you have to be a total douche to the usher who asks you not to stand up on your seat and holler at Nate Robertson to take off his fucking cum shields and shave his faggoty ginger facial hair in front of the two six year olds sitting in the row behind you.

Yes, a minority of the ushers and usherettes (purrlo!) are total power trippin cunts and cuntettes, but the majority are fans just like us. Theyre already going to have to tolerate a shitload of Tigers fans who are getting drunk for the very first time. Dont be a shit in their cut.

Avoid Physical Confrontation

I know what youre thinking. Pacifism is for pussies. Well, youre wrong meathead.

Are you seriously in kindergarten or are you just not clever enough to think up derogatory comments to solve confrontations.

On the whole, Tigers fans dont act as annoyingly entitled as Red Sox fans, but Im sure there will be a share of dickheads getting wasted and trying to explain that if Miguel Cabrera retired today hed be a Hall of Famer.

It wouldnt surprise me for one instant if at some point on Monday night, youll get Matt Stairs eyes over some douche bag in a Verlander jersey calling you out, and youre going to want to punch him in the friggin throat.

Steady. Hold. Steady. Unless hes insulting your girlfriend, mother or sister, stay calm. Call him out for being a fucking caveman from Detroit. Let him know that you could probably afford all of his citys downtown core with your next pay cheque. Bring up Dontrelle Willis. Fuck, mention Joel Zumaya.

Although, if you have to fight, try to avoid fighting a guy in the row behind you. That one level of elevation can make a huge difference.

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Jeff Lenihan, Star Tribune
It was the stuff that Scott Ericksons dreams are made of. The Twins clinch the American League West title on the day Erickson, searching for his 20th victory, pitches - and finishes - one of his better games. It was exactly what the 23-year-old had always imagined. Except one thing went wrong.
The Twins lost.
Before clinching their second division title in five years in the strangest of places - while riding a bus from Toronto to Hamilton on Ontarios Queen Elizabeth Way and learning that Chicago lost 2-1 to Seattle - the Twins nearly eradicated their magic number the way they wanted to - on the field and with a subsequent clubhouse celebration.
Two crucial plays at third base, one early and one late, went the way of the Toronto Blue Jays, and Ericksons first complete game since June 24 was squandered. The 2-1 loss came before a crowd of 50,315, the SkyDomes 64th sellout of the season.
Any loss stinks, said Erickson. d like to (have) clinched the title on the field. I think it would be more enjoyable. Everybody in the clubhouse would tell you the same thing. But what matters is that you win the division, no matter how you do it.
While Ericksons failed bid to become baseballs first 20-game winner was discouraging, the Twins spirits were buoyed by the righthanders outstanding playoff tuneup. He allowed four baserunners and two tainted runs in the first, but faced only three batters over the minimum the rest of the way. But the Twins, despite ample opportunities in the middle innings, were able to scratch out only one run against starter Todd Stottlemyre (14-8) and three relievers the Twins can expect to see again in the playoffs.
Scott pitched great, said manager Tom Kelly, who gave Erickson every chance to get the victory. Erickson had averaged fewer than five innings per start and had not pitched more than seven innings since June 24. We just didnt get enough runs for him. . . . They looked like they were dying to get beat, and we just couldnt do anything.
Erickson, who pitched seven one-hit innings against the White Sox in his previous start, has put together consecutive high-quality outings for the first time in the second half. So the Twins were feeling good about more than just a division title last night.
He was throwing good all day, said catcher Junior Ortiz. He threw the same way he did against the White Sox, which makes us feel real good. That is what we need. Now we can have a better feeling for the playoffs.s one bad inning was the first, which is ironic considering he did not give up a first-inning earned run in his first 1 1/2 seasons in the majors. Yesterday he allowed a leadoff double to Devon White that banged around the right field corner. Roberto Alomars ensuing sacrifice attempt was poor, and Erickson thought he had a chance to catch White at third. The fleet outfielder arrived at the same time as the throw. Umpire Durwood Merrill seemed ready to call White out before seeing that third baseman Mike Pagliarulo did not hold onto the ball.
Junior (Ortiz) is yelling throw to third, but Scotty got all tangled up, Kelly said. By then it was too late. I guess we made the right decision, but with Devon White running . . . We gave up the extra out, and it cost us big-time.
Said Erickson: It was a tough play, but when I got the ball, (White) was only halfway there.
Pagliarulo said he was unable to tell if the ball was kicked out of his glove or if White would have been out had he held onto the ball.
The misplay proved costly when Kelly Gruber hit a sacrifice fly two batters later and Candy Maldonado followed with a two-out run-scoring single.
The Twins pushed across their only run in the seventh and were disappointed they did not score more. Gene Larkin doubled into the left-center gap and took third when White caught Pagliarulos fly ball against the center field wall. Pinch hitter Paul Sorrento singled home Larkin. Greg Gagnes hard grounder to Gruber at third moved Jarvis Brown, running for Sorrento, to third.
Pinch hitter Randy Bush hit a chopper in front of the plate. With catcher Pat Borders about to field the ball, third base coach Ron Gardenhire decided to send the speedy Brown home. But Borders pumped to first, wheeled around, and Brown was caught between home and third.
It was a funny play, Kelly said. Ninety-nine times out of 100, Borders throws to first.The ball kind of spun away from me, Borders said. When I went to throw to first, it looked like it was too late, so I stopped, wheeled around and looked at third. Somebody yelled I had a play, and that was right.
Said Gardenhire: If they throw to first, Bush is safe and Jarvis scores easy. Basically, they screwed up the play, and it worked out for them.
As a result, Erickson was left empty-handed in the first of his two chances at victory No. 20. His next start is scheduled for Friday against Toronto in the Metrodome, though Kelly could juggle his rotation as he prepares for the playoffs.
I definitely wasnt out there thinking about my 20th win, Erickson said.
His teammates were a little less bashful. s pitched awesome, Kirby Puckett said. s done the job for us all year. He deserves 20 wins. Wed like to get it for him.ll get another chance, and it would be great to see him get it, said second baseman Chuck Knoblauch. s a big accomplishment.
But I think the main thing is it looks like hes in a groove. Maybe its like hitting. Once you get in a groove, you can stay there for a while.

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Baseball Musing's lineup analysis tool doesn't take into account anything except on-base and slugging percentages, which are dependent on James' own projections, but in spite of those things we still see that the lineups that score the most runs in each of these three scenarios are still drastically different than what we see any day of the season. In a debate that won't be dying anytime soon, it's another debate on the tongue's of baseball purists and number crunchers alike.
It's an interesting contrast, although I agree with Kalkman when he says that lineup construction is something to live or die by. More than lineup construction, it's the players available that will ultimately spell glory or defeat for the offense. Take it for what it is.

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career Major League inning this season. He’ll only be 23, people. He’s still so far past the curve he can’t even see it in the rear view mirror. Sometimes that’s taken for granted. The easiest plateau jump for him is to throw his fastball less predictably, and with him getting away from the age old establish-the-fastball mentality that was hammered into his head by pitching coach Mel Stottlemeyer and into the hands of the new coaching staff that has a reputation for not being afraid to try new things, it’s very possible that plateau jump happens in 2009.
Morrow is the other golden arm in the rotation, though he’s much more raw than Felix thanks to Bill Bavasi and Mike Hargrove’s mishandling of his future by tossing him in the bullpen in Spring Training of 2007 while they were both on the hot seat. With nearly 2 years of development time lost, Morrow enters 2009 with only 10 career professional starts since he was drafted in 2006. Though Mariners fans are angry about the past, they are very much looking  forward to the future, especially after he electrified all of Seattle in his Major League starting debut against the Yankees last year when he 1-hit them in 7.2 innings of work, along with 8 Ks and 3 BB. As is the case for most inexperienced arms, Morrow has bouts with control, although he made big improvements in that area, that could be seen both in the bullpen and in the rotation. He features a mid 90s fastball with huge tailing movement, hammer curve, plus split and a changeup that needs some work. Projection systems have him being roughly league average for 100 innings, though if that happens it’ll probably be in Oliver Perez fashion instead of Greg Maddox fashion. However, there’s lots of potential in 2009 for big steps forward, and potential for big steps backward.
Washburn has consistently been a below average pitcher every year since 2003, and there isnt really much reason to believe he’ll be anything different going forward. I’ll just quickly point out that the Mariners had a chance to ship him off to the Twins on waivers last year, but team president Chuck Armstrong nixed the deal because there was no talent coming back Seattle’s way. So instead, the Mariners will pay Washburn $10.5 million to be very marginally better than Rowland-Smith and now Garrett Olsen, instead of spending $6 million for Bobby Abreu and $4 million on a handful of International talent this summer. Needless to say, Seattle doesn’t have many Washburn fans right now (Or Armstrong fans).
Bedard pitched through an injury he says he experienced on Opening Day last year and this year isn’t likely to pitch under 100 innings again. It’ll probably be another roller coaster year for him, but 20 solid-to-great starts from him should be expected. The rest of the innings are likely to be filled by some combination of the Washburn clones.
Carlos Silva’s 2008 couldn’t have been any worse from an ERA standpoint, and while signing him to that blockbuster was very poor roster construction, things are looking better in 2009. The raw data showed he got steadily worse across the board, but not by much. K% dropped slightly, BB% dropped slightly, GB% dropped slightly, HR/FB ballooned up 1.9% but it was still within career norms what really jumped up was his LD%, and while a jump in BABIP naturally follows that, it still should have been about 30 points lower than a gaudy .347. Silva is not the 4.19 ERA pitcher he was with the Twins in 2007 he’s a groundball control artist that’s steadily losing his ability to get ground balls. He’ll rebound to 4.50 ERA territory with neutral luck, but with $41 million left on the books over the next 3 years, he’s still not very welcome.

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Welcome to the new look MyTeamRivals.com homepage. MyTeamRivals.com strives to be your one stop source for insight, news, and discussion about your favorite teams and rivalries. Your favorite teams site are all listed in the left column. The most recently updated sites are on your right. Scores polls, and other goodies can also be found on our sidebars.
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A Revolutionary Sport that is Fast Capturing the World’s Imagination By : Kevin JSmith
Never before in the history of mankind has one sport captured the imagination of people of all age groups. The adults love it and the children simply can’t get enough of it. It doesn’t matter whether you are a male or a female, once you have played this sport you will simply keep on coming back to it. This sport is the sport of paintball. The paintball games are fast becoming the most loved sport all over the world. Paintballing has transcended all the cultures, races, religions and regions and is now one of the most feverishly played and followed game.

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The Blue Jays have a lot of experience behind the plate heading into the 2009 season. 33-year old righty swinging Rod Barajas will get the bulk of the starts behind the plate this season for the Blue Jays. He played in 104 games for the Blue Jays last season and he was 87 for 349 (.249 avg, .704 OPS) with 44 runs scored, 11 homers and 49 RBIs. Barajas also was very solid behind the plate last season for the Jays as he threw out 17 of 59 (29%) basestealers while Jays pitchers had a outstanding 3.32 ERA with him catching.
32-year old righty swinging Michael Barrett will battle 35-year old righty swinging Raul Chavez for the backup job this spring. Barrett is the better hitter while Chavez is a much better defender. Barrett played in 30 games for the Padres last season and he was 19 for 94 (.202 avg, .572 OPS) with 9 runs scored, 2 homers and 9 RBIs. Barrett only threw out 5 of 48 (10%) basestealers last season and Padres pitchers had a 4.46 ERA with him behind the plate. Barrett has played in 1,047 games in his major league career and he has a .264 average with a .742 OPS, so look for him to hit better than last season if he wins the backup job for the Blue Jays in 2009.
Raul Chavez played in 42 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates last season and he was 30 for 116 (.259 avg, .606 OPS) with 12 runs scored, 1 homer and 10 RBIs. Chavez nailed 8 of 21 (38%) basestealers last season and Pirates pitchers had a 4.76 ERA with him behind the plate which is quite an achievement based on how bad that pitching staff was.

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I spent the past couple years jumping from one message board to the next passing along the cardinals news, got real tired of it and decided to start up my own site. hopefully you enjoy where all the cardinals news links meet in one place. any comments, questions, complaints? or if you feel your blog/site should be apart of the site email me: jrocke217@yahoo.com(please be sure to title your email Cardinals Best News Links) You can also catch me putting together player updates for The Birdhouse and creating a buzz around the Cardinals lower level clubs mainly vsl dsl.

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Guest Passes let you share your photos that aren't public.

Anyone can see your public photos anytime, whether they're a Flickr member or not. But! If you want to share photos marked as friends, family or private, use a Guest Pass.

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