Below are the 11 most recent journal entries recorded in angelsteam's LiveJournal:

Monday, January 29th, 2007
6:45 pm	The Season That Was: April As the Biler, I'm smart enough to know that spring training records mean absolutely nothing, but as the Biler I'm still anal enough to cry about it. Now it's time to cry and mean it -- first because the White Sox raised a World Series championship banner for the first time in 87 years, secondly because the White Sox got off to a not-so-hot start the first week. They started 1-4 and Freddy Garcia showed signs of wear and tear from his stint on the Venezuelan National Team. His fast ball lost quite a bit of velocity and the Indians opened up a can on his ass in game 2 of the season. And let's not even get started on my favorite target, Mark Beuhrle. In the opener he lasted all of four innings, giving up 3 runs right away, and he too had serious velocity issues with his fastball. Even lefties were teeing off on Mark, the object of St. Louis' s affection. Another problem facing the White Sox would be the pitching of Cliff Politte, a key contributor to the Championship run the previous season. During the month of April, Cliff would see his ERA rise to a height of 15.75 before settling at 9.39 for the month of April. Providng a preview for the rest of the season and maybe something to build on for the opposition, Politte would blow a save and take a loss to the lowly Kansas City Royals that first week, 4-3. As the season progresses the Royals will prove to be quite the pain in the ass for the White Sox. After starting 1-4 on April 8th, however, the White Sox will lose only three more games the rest of the month finishing the month 17-7. Yes, there was plenty of reason to be optimistic. I distinctly remember thinking how great is was gonna be to be talked about as back-to-back champs, and dreams of Bulls-like dynasties for another Chicago team danced in my head. The Biler in his current constitution still wasn't a glint in my eye even with sluggish starts by Beuhrle and our newest White Sox re-signee, Scott Podsednik. So week 2 goes three -game sweep in Detroit (one of the few time Jeeves would bring out the broom pic) and 2-1 against Toronto with newcomer Jim Thome hitting homers in 4 out of 6 games. The one loss to Toronto would be Javy Vazquez's doing, and he will be giving Sox fans their second bout of indigestion for the season, as he gives up 7 runs in 6 innings. The previously mentioned Cliff Politte will really put the Tums and Rolaids crowd to work as he gives up 4 runs in 1.2 innings of work in what was a winnable 13-7 loss. (The final 2 runs given up by Sox pitching were Neal Cotts doing, but we'll get to his bile-tastic ptiching in a later month.) The best run of the season would be the 8 game win streak that started in Toronto and would culminate in two straight sweeps over divisional opponents Kansas City and Minnesota. In those sweeps, Sox pitching would give up a grand total of 7 runs in 6 games, and the bile would be safely stored where it belongs in the duct. The highlight of the week will be defeating Cy Young winner and White Sox killer Johan Santana, 7-1. Winning pitcher Mark Beuhrle, who earlier in the week would be given his do-not-slide-on-tarp orders, had this to say about Santana after the game: "You see him coming in with an 0-2 (record) and a 5 (ERA) and you wonder, `How? How's that possible?'" Also that week, AJ Pierzynski and Joe Crede would get Chicago's first taste of haircut/ headband-gate as they would be told from none other than Mr. Owner himself, Jerry Reinsdorf, to get their long lanks shorn or face the wrath of god. But with Jim Thome swinging a hot bat (.327/ .513/ .873 9 homers) and a suddenly hot Pods (9 game hitting streak) the White Sox had no worries. No worries that is until they reach Seattle where they'll lose 2 of 3 including an 11th inning loss by Brandon McCarthy -- a game highlighted by a dramatic 9th inning two out home run by Brian Anderson. This game also marks the beginning of the second guessing of Ozzie Guillen and his curious line-up calls. Even Hawk Harrelson, a notrious homer and an Ozzie apologist, will decry the silliness of Ozuna, Mackowiak and Cintron all starting at once. The Biler would like to note that this is one of the few occasions that Mackowiak and Anderson actually share time in the outfield, a source of serious consternation as the season will progress. Another curious note will be the yapping one dinasaur-disbelieving Carl Everett -- he subsequently was plunked in what cannot be mistaken as accidental. The month will end on a very high note with the White Sox sweeping ALCS oppenent the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and if you know anything about the White Sox and the west coast, you'll know that the left side of the country hasn't treated the Sox very well in the recent past. The good game of note for the Biler was the 2-1 victory for the Count, Jose Contreras, over Kelvim Escobar, a masterpiece that would continue the filthy run for the Count. In this game, Jim Thome will be the fastest White Sox to reach 10 HRs. Of course another season-long theme taking place in this game would be the booing by the fans and plunking by the opponent of AJ. Forget that he was involved in the most controversial play in recent playoff history against these Angels (how Kenny Rogers' mystery sludge didn't garner more, I'll never understand). He will be the second most hated man in baseball in 2006 behind Barry Bonds, but we'll get to that more as the season progresses. The month will end, as I said, with the White Sox having a 17-7 record, and expectations at an all time high. The offense is clicking on all cylinders, where as the pitching good enough. Sox fans are smiling even if the team is not getting much press. Right now the Biler is quite content in utero, but there are dark clouds on the horizon and the birth of bad-mouth is not far away. Oh, yeah, I almost forgot, another reason for all the optimism: check out this video replay. On April 15th (yes, tax day), Iguchi makes the defensive play of the year. April Hot Sox:Jim Thome: .300 10 hr, 23 rbiPaul Konerko: .360, 6 hr, 20 rbiJose Contreras: 4-0, 1.45 eraApril Cold Sox: Brian Anderson: .161, 2 hr, 6 rbiJuan Uribe: .167, 3 hr, 11 rbiCliff Politte: 1-1, 9.39 era (Comment on this)
Tuesday, December 26th, 2006
5:35 pm	the moment of failure success was there ever really a doubt, dear reader? after protracted negotiations between general manager jim hendry and agent paul kinzer nearly led nowhere, aramis ramirez late yesterday declined to sign with the chicago cubs aramis ramirez this morning reversed course and signed with the chicago cubs. this: With a midnight deadline looming, the Cubs couldn't close a deal with free-agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez late Saturday night, meaning a complicated offseason just got a whole lot tougher. The Cubs no longer have exclusive negotiating rights with Ramirez. Starting at 12:01 a.m. today, other clubs could begin bidding, and agent Paul Kinzer's phone lines must have been burning up. Kinzer said Ramirez's demands will rise to a six- or seven-year deal in the $100 million range once the power hitter hits the open market. Sources say the Cubs had discussed a five-year, $75 million package. Even once the outside bidding begins, Kinzer insisted the Cubs would get a ''a hometown discount'' because Ramirez's first choice is to stay in Chicago. However, Cubs general manager Jim Hendry knows there will be a feeding frenzy for Ramirez when Kinzer begins shopping his client Monday at the general managers meetings in Naples, Fla. Even with a hometown discount, the price surely will rise if the Cubs don't act quickly. The deep-pocketed Los Angeles Angels have Ramirez as their No. 1 free-agent target. As for Hendry, Ramirez is square one in what looks like a 12-step program to get the Cubs straightened out in time for spring training. With Ramirez and Derrek Lee, the Cubs have a solid foundation in the middle of their lineup to begin building a winner. Without Ramirez, they have Lee and a lot of question marks. and this, as reported by fox sports, who broke the story: The only bright side for the Cubs – if you're looking for positive spin - is that the elimination of Ramirez's $22.5 million guarantee over the next two seasons would better enable the team to add pitching and sign a major free-agent hitter such as Alfonso Soriano. The competition for Soriano will be fierce, with the Phillies and Dodgers also expected to be leading suitors. But rather than overpay for starting pitching, the Cubs might prefer to make Soriano their new franchise player and patch elsewhere. To address their rotation, the Cubs could trade for one starting pitcher and sign another as a free agent. It's easier to buy hitters than pitchers; that's why it would be more logical for the Cubs to use their trading chips on a pitcher rather than a hitter such as Blue Jays center fielder Vernon Wells. Oh, and lest anyone forget, the Cubs still must sign their best pitcher, right-hander Carlos Zambrano, to a contract extension or risk losing him as a free agent after next season. The additional payroll room also should help in that regard. The Cubs suddenly have plenty of money. What they don't have is Ramirez. was dramatically followed by a last-minute push from jim hendry to render this: Ramirez, 28, has agreed to a five-year contract with a vesting option, FOXSports.com has learned. While exact terms of the deal were not immediately available, it was believed to be for at least $70 million. Just in time, too. The Cubs' exclusive negotiating period with Ramirez ran out at midnight Saturday. And the Angels were reportedly expected to make a big push for Ramirez as early as Sunday. But the Cubs shouldn't be too fired up about keeping Ramirez in the fold, at least from a financial perspective. Think maybe now the Cubs regret giving Ramirez an escape clause rather than additional money in the four-year, $42 million extension he signed at the start of the 2005 season? If the Cubs had increased the size of that contract, by, say, an additional $10 million, Ramirez likely would have dropped his demand for the out clause. The Cubs then would have had him signed through '08, at a far lesser salary than they will pay him in his new deal. Talk about a hollow victory: Proud as the Cubs might be that first baseman Derrek Lee is signed through 2010 and Ramirez through 2011, they still must pursue two starting pitchers, an outfield slugger, a center fielder and maybe a second baseman this off-season. ramirez will instead test forego free agency, where he will would in every likelihood be paid on a scale that will leave many market-ignorant cub fans (not to mention the cub marketing department) shaking their heads and crying "overpaid" -- when the hard truth is that ramirez is an underappreciated first-tier talent working on a potential hall-of-fame career. yes, that's right -- potential hall-of-fame career. some will call that a bridge too far, but through nine seasons through age 28 ramirez has amassed 3897 at-bats, 224 doubles, 196 home runs and 669 rbi, slugged .493, scored 517 runs, and collected 1089 hits at third base, a position he looks to easily continue playing for several more seasons. take a moment to forecast the trajectory of his career -- which probably includes three more years similar to those that have made him one of the premier slugging infielders in baseball, followed by a decline into a retirement at age 38 some ten seasons hence -- and, should one unscientifically presume an average of 142 games played per year henceforth and 4% declines in all major stat catagories (which leaves aramis in his age-38 year a paltry hitter) one realizes that it is quite possible that ramirez could finish with totals approaching 2500 hits, 500 doubles, 450 home runs, and 1500 rbi. these totals will be higher still if ramirez plays longer and ages better. compare that to the third basemen in the hall of fame today, and health is the only thing that is likely to keep ramirez from showing up on hall ballots in the early 2020s. that is, of course, a limiting factor in many careers -- this is not a prediction, so much as it is a contextualization of just what a massive offensive force ramirez is, and how proper it is for him to be the best paid free agent this year. the money he is going to get from the angels or dodgers or some other club cubs is hardly overpayment -- indeed, it is what the market for a hall-of-fame-caliber offensive third baseman is and should be. is that an argument for the cubs to pay him $90mm over six years? yes -- especially for a team that allowed greg maddux to escape under similarly inauspicious circumstances some fourteen years ago. but, even failing that, it is at least also a howl of righteous indignation at a drunken, obese, dimwitted little man ineptly and undeservedly holding down the title of general manager -- who nakedly and completely derelicted took a huge risk with his position by refusing to either sign ramirez or trade him at the deadline -- as so many of us called for precisely to avert this very a possible disaster. jim hendry should be summarily fired on the spot crowned with wilting laurels this very morning -- for this is a moment of which could have been a particularly scintillating, brilliant and spectacular explosive failure in a long and growing history of such moments on his resume -- and he would be by any club that pretended to make a claim at anything more than total mismanagement and utter buffoonery. the cubs under hendry have become a vaudeville circus, a comedy of errors that comports exactly with the long and venerated history of the most idiotic and star-crossed franchise in the history of sport on earth. these are indeed among the darkest days in all the history of this club -- regardless of what the tribune, always quick with a baseless propagandistic excuse to self-excuplate and distract, would have you believe. but hendry made a difficult decision last july pay off by closing the deal that he absolutely had to in order to carry any pretense of winning in 2007 -- and for that he must be credited. and what's on the tribune sport website's lead this morning? a series of vapid stories about sammy sosa's 38th birthday -- even photos from the party, don't you know? a hearty "fuck you", tribune company, for insulting the fans of this club in this manner. lying to us about improbable payroll expansions -- which is what this means, with little uncertainty -- should be enough, shouldn't it? but it wasn't. the injury is compounded by the insult of waving sammy sosa in our faces like a shiny ball -- comtemptuously presuming us all morons enough to be distracted and diverted by a bit of rote sensationalism, thus lessening the public outcry. dreams of expanded payroll may very well still be fantasy, but paying what it takes to get ramirez is an absolutely vital first step in effecting any hopeful longshot plan at a one-year turnaround. and yet -- must we talk again about sosa? worse still, of course, is that -- having failed to deal for gary sheffield and still looking to upgrade in the outfield -- the paper is possibly laying the groundwork for sosa's return on a cheap contract flyer. this should provide plenty of reason for any true fan of this club to join the hue and cry for a change of ownership, which is more clearly now that ever the only, only, only hope at even mere competence in the future. the risk is meaningless -- what have cubs fans to fear? a bad owner? news flash, people: YOU HAVE ONE. this club will never win a goddamned thing under the tribune, and men like macfail, hendry and mcdonough are why. if you as a fan want to win, you want the team to be sold -- if you have reservations, then it is plain as day that you put other priorities first and winning is an afterthought. there has never been a clearer litmus test in the history of litmus tests.... lol -- reader, i'm laughing too hard at the moment to strike this last paragraph. it's still true that the tribune and its ballclub are both ineptly run -- two decades of results aren't reversed by a last-ditch success in landing ramirez. the final question remains: do you want to win, dear reader? and the answer is still just as surely tied to wanting new ownership. but let the dog have his day -- and never let it be said that this writer is always right! hendry was in a very tough spot and made it work. the wisdom of the deal can be argued when the terms emerge, but the chasing of the lightning is still an operational plan. (Comment on this)
Thursday, November 2nd, 2006
1:12 pm	floridabadcreditmortgagefinancing farkusblog thoughtfulallpainting ... floridabadcreditmortgagefinancing farkusblog thoughtfulallpainting sal45948 havesomecake carlagirton artistic-rambles willifordplace whrm crazyphotographer brittani88 heatherconyer schmalzlandscaping my-school-dae app-bethann-1 caringtheplato overwhelmingnowhitehead amargul 8wholesale-stamps cristengrey beeastlandshoes to-beperfect olivernorth competitivethatmendel keanukeanu3714 ilovemyeeyore girtonministries shymeredohkx yummyandesigner heatherlynn728 toyindustries encouragingallartemis relaxedadouglas wedmoments4u fatjoe16102 2005-kia-sportage-7 mainlinecommunications cannonballawards ajmoss east tech doll parts heads ecplaza crips tees ross lyrics delve com dvd movies about hypnosis craig hoffman ecw pit bulls earvilleunitedpresbyterian com credit cards after bankruptcy dewey beach delaware dub city double displacement reaction cybernectics definition dan s deals on weels earlychildhoodwrightbrothers creativity 20 as 20 therapeutic creole english translation country suites clarksville tennessee creamed corn country supply croc shoes dutch ovens easter parade gulfport darrin thomason eileen fisher com dr kivorkian alex curcio cord iupui edu drexel hertiage furniture captiva line download manager costcotravel com cub scouts counseling and advising cost of raising a roof country billboard hits denver mattress date in oak creek wisconsin drink tools dun cars craytex david bitton dmv nys discount tire direct ebt food stamps jp morgran donation vehicle newburgh ny court houses in illinois disconnection daytona beach fire shift calender disney specials dremel country thunder couristan com alan quincy cwww careers homedepot com discount computers denremodeling creativity 20as 20therapeutic dustins days and passions page drivers lincence define qt100 material cookies on a stick baking pan dierbergh com eharmany diamond club orlando strippers e bay guns dutch oven receipes detroit festivals dr robert gerson alcoholics anonymous martin county florida crate engines chevy alice faye eisenhart wallcoverings co dexamethasone cravevideo com dave navarro e online features awards emmys 2000 dollzmania definition of enumeration type work da vinci airplane travel within italy dimensia ebay motors b18c5 drug rehabilitation chattanooga tn cracked heel repair council of senior centers and services ea el nuevodia com doubletree hotels cybernetics in education countrywide lcom el colombiano diverse eastlincolnmotorspeedway durango 5th wheelsfor sale in utah d12jsp com covnnethouse com countrytabs com desert west recreation diamond card drexel hertiage furiture dougsfishingcharter com dlo transdock eileen fisher petite pool durban southafrica hotels ulcers caused by bacteria symbolic play scale check list the fat dog site unique hair extensions sysinfo thai desert texas snakes the sims 2 leland chapman university of northern colorado t mobile 20hotspot the godfather the game cheat codes for ps2 swahili sentence translator teachers poems taxpayer id number sylvan learning thingsremered sundance film tommye maddox gif the sak com treatments for bursitis teddy ruxpin swollen glands in throat top 10 autos system restore top selling shoes twinncams onlinestoragesolution com the crow quotes the progress index summer enrichment program for middle schhol in st louis trauma to dogs eyes toyota celicas texasa swollen red eyes in dogs stuffing ideas for burgers summary of psalms 104 1 13 the crisis jornal trip to busch gardens times herald record middletown ny tequesta hotels the rt rev mark hollingsworth jr toads that deliver babies through skin on back triple cell piling the wind my wings bette midler lyrics swansea mall top sports car treasure hunting in florida thrift store china collecting unicorn theatre tall womens clothing tree and three leaves amd smooth green trunk and texas temporary angencies modesto tricked into fuckin techservices angrybunny com uniden bearcat instruction manual training border collies to be sniffers tacori com united kingdom models suburu com times hearald record middletown ny treaty of paris lyrics united american health insurance co upholstery services tentants rights nj single family home the prado in sandy springs ga texturizers hair styles talk in ebonics sun rental bridgeton mo texas state governor the world clock time zones texas cooling off law on car purchase tea cup poodles university of louisville basketball supersonic dvd players toney stewart two lakes ufc ultimate fighting terry leon nation universe top of the river anniston al tommy ellison five singing stars tour dates talkcity com the selma news tracfone cell phone the function of a biomedical engineering department in a hospital symptoms 20of 20inner 20ear 20infections topinnovations com t moble pay as you go takingaction net tell me other words that have a similar meaning as lackadaisical tarzan movie jp tarzan2 co uk the syndicate univision el paso sun quest com tradwinds in savannah swahili translation the united kingdom national lottery microsoft toypolicecars teenhaircuts time in new delhi tanning beds in orlando lease agreements manzanita branches mayflowerhomemaker com lpn salaries in missouri loose diamonds lightspeed university sorority maya and miguel twice the fun lowellmemorialauditurum lucia etxebarria lexmark macafee anti virus mapquest satellite images matt serra school mcaffee latin satellite radio marat david letter grades learning disabilities in adults light post la zorra huele levitz land for sale by owner in okangon county letseatdinner co lowe s literary agent list la zorra y la trampa labret los angeles angels com las vegas apprenticeship unions martirologio cistercense lincolnlibrary rpls lib il us liberty express buses mc afee marriage con artists maryland real property search maiten mowreader lula mae kirkendoll fort wayne indianna lay my bones in the dorm hall lou fusz auto littlelightsdaycare com liberty bell museum bunnybbs landmark hotel myrtle beach bryce berger injectors pumps data mary moorehead berkely mcall com map of streets in okanogan county lake michigan railcar ferry sinking magicld long shots with crossover linda niedbalski libros de la guerra de independencia cubana lip blister la tee da fragrance lamp wholesale distributors london times labor unions in okangon county manchester journal lutheran school of nursing mayflowerhomemakers com lillain vernon buissnes carsd templates lisa sparxxx bio lighthouse lodge manila bulletin lariat boots leopold bloom images burn dvd s marta sepulveda gongora lasso extramares lorna ludovic bt commercial live web cams building your own fluorescent photography lighting letter of recomendation los angles talent agents matthew beard child actor marriage enrichment seminars 2006 language schools log cabins mandalay bay las vegas lasvegasjobs large brested lords of thge manor upper slaughter leslie larouche lion s head white bowl lowes foods love is patient love is kind la insignia diario independiente maritza garrido lecca mayorida manta ray lash dye language of panama leather necklaces luthern school of nursing manzanita branches bird marco martos life skills counseling raleigh medical examiner busch garden resort with water slides livejournal cin lycos com law schools in georgia landmark hotel myrtle mbeach la zoo honda 600 rr seats hot tickets hell hole canyon http register delta air com hermans bakery md i dont want to loose your love tonight how is it inherited http amerecan choper com hoot the movie http www channel4 com henderson nevada public schools harvard china company headliner tickets how to play game scribble housesales gov com hotels http trick my truck com historic home tours in savanna hatauctions com hge consulting houston hibrow com http www banana republic http american idol com htt gotomypc com harlan county detention center healthy foods houses for sale in eastchester ny how to crochet http go to http www hellodarling net how to build a motorcycle trailer hurricane fence company houston hotels mission viejo ca humming bird migration map hptanning copm hotel puerta de burgos in burgos spain http www australia zoo com how long do i have to wait after a perm hbo the sopranos 5 th episode huffingtonpostcom hammerheaddesignsinc com how to type out resume houston real estate development remediation how to plant bushes hawaii unit theme hotelfatima com heart bypass survivors hotels in vegas horse back riding salisbury md house gov holland america hickory husker how to get to hellhole canyon hummer held by natalie grant hamptoninns com how to install electric water heater haytee havanna cuba horoscopes hawthorne educational services highland village help files head pressure http www defamer com homestead farm south hud reposed homes holiday inn orsngeburg new york how good is vitamin water for u how to start your own business hotels in mansfield massachusetts homesforsaleinyndio ca harris county department of education hanson roof tiles housemissouri home solutions to control wasps and yellow jacket hard junk drop for city of hollywood florida http wwwtucsonaz gov hecking penske now hang onpenske truck hoosierhoopsreport high roller dice game helzbergs house rentals hmu services inc hypothyroidism howland cultural center in beacon ny how old is samuel l jackson homes for rent in holladay utah head stones hidden falls lodge how to cut ceramic tile hidden camera pics helloreno com hmr diet helen of toys home remedies lice hud homes for sale in ohio how to build a motorcycle traiiler house rentals in bookelia history of the death penalty holiday inn hiroshima how to get us court transcripts house buying websites house rentals in hollady ut hubble homes (Comment on this)
Friday, September 29th, 2006
7:43 am	The Mush... Well, I don't want to make a habit of it but we here at this site are enormous Padre fans as well as SuperBolt supporters. Today was no different... I'm a bit under the weather so I gave away my front row seats to tonight's game against the Pirates. It's the Pirates. I love baseball more than any human possibly should, but, it's cold, and courtesy of Southwest Airlines I'm ill, and yes, I'm an enormous bleeding hatchet wound. So, I'm watching the game, reading. Nursing this death version of the flu mixed with a minor case of the e coli, and Chris Young is tossing a no no. The announcers, in all of their ineptitude have been blathering on about how the Padres have played 6,019 games in their history without ever having a no no. Keep blabbing idiots. You surely won't jinx him. Into the ninth, with a perfect game*, the first out is recorded. Mind you, my front row seats are being occupied by someone who not only doesn't appreciate what's going on fully, but hasn't as of yet, with one out in the ninth, even had one beer. For shame. Who strides to the plate? Joe Randa. Former Padre. Great. Just don't pull one of those Fuck Ass Phil Nevin routines when he played for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim via Huntington Beach Representing the Disney Conglomorate that is ESPN Nazis, and hit a home run to break up Sterling Hitchcock's bid for a no hitter. The last realistic attempt I can remember. Chris falls behind and Mr. Fuck Ass Version 2.0, knocks one out of the home run stingy doghouse, ending our closest opportunity for baseball immortality that I have seen in some time. Did I mention I gave my front row seats for this game away tonight? Fuck. That's all I've got. Fuck. Fuck you Phil Nevin, and now, really, Fuck You Joe Randa. Thank you for taking a gigantic exploding diarrhea in my Cheerios you Fuck Ass. 6,020 and counting... *one walk, who was then caught stealing. He faced the minimum after 25 batters. Ridiculous. Congrats Chris. Get Drunk tonight. (Comment on this)
Tuesday, August 29th, 2006
6:35 pm	New Palestinian Craze: US Army Gear Bizarre, for sure. Wearing a green Hamas headband, waving a Hamas flag, swinging a Kalashnikov and chanting for Israel's demise, Bassem Shorah looks to be a prototypical Palestinian militant. His olive green shirt, however, tells a different story. It's a spot-on replica of those worn by soldiers in the United States Army, replete with combat patches and unit designations. Though he's a committed Islamist activist in a movement that denounces the United States for supporting Israel and occupying Iraq, Shorah proudly sports what has become the latest trend in Palestinian street wear: US military apparel. "This is the new fashion in the market," says Shorah. "It's a show of force, because the US army is powerful. It's a symbol of strength and of our refusal to put down arms"... On their television sets these young people see images of US soldiers in Iraq, and they view them as the ultimate symbol of military might... The trend is not limited to clothing. At barber shops across the West Bank and Gaza young Palestinians are demanding what's known as a "Marines," meaning a high and tight crew cut, the kind that is mandatory for US Marines." Similarly, Abu Sim, a rank and file gunman in the Popular Resistance Committees' armed wing, has wrapped the barrel of his Kalashnikov with desert camouflage padding, another nod to US military fashion. "I saw a US Marine sniper on TV doing the same thing," he says. "It's natural to copy the US military because they are powerful and so are we." They even have baby clothes and pink camo with US Army on it for the ladies. Strange. Palestinian militants look up to the US Army moreso than our own Hollyweirdos do, even though it's the Hollyweirdo's freedom that's being guaranteed by the work our brave soldiers do. Most of the Palestinians would gladly kill a US soldier, yet they respect them and revere the job they do. Our Hollywood elitists and ultra-libs like Cindy Sheehan, Susan Sarandon, and Sean Penn hate our soldiers, libel our soldiers, slander our soldiers, and then abuse the rights those soldiers protect every day. All of this proves one thing: Gaza is cooler than LA. I think the next NFL franchise should go to Gaza, instead of Los Angeles. Or, maybe the Los Angeles Angels baseball team could play a few home games in Gaza, like on the Fourth of July, when the crowd in Gaza is certain to be more patriotic than half of LA would be. (Comment on this)
Friday, August 18th, 2006
11:40 am	I'm No Angel: A Trip To Anaheim I recently criticized Royals management for allowing Kauffman Stadium to deteriorate. A recent voter-approved tax increase promises significant improvements. While I attended a Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim game three weeks ago, I considered what I'd like to see next year in Kansas City. It starts with my pet peeve- the fee to park. Everyone knows that California is the most car-dependent place on the planet. How is it possible that parking is a dollar less in Anaheim than in Kansas City? It's just a hunch, but I don't think palm trees would last long in Kansas City. Aside from the members-only Stadium Club, the $100-plus crown seats, Arthur Bryant's and Yellow Sub, there's really no notable food options available at "The K." Angels Stadium offers a vast array of choices, including several fast food outlets. Thirsty for a black and tan? No problem. Other beer brands, including Sapporo, have dedicated kiosks as well. All right! Unfortunately, Hooters girls don't work here. This nice restaurant seemed to be the equivalent of the Royals' Stadium Club. The spread at the buffet looked impressive through the concourse glass. I get this look a lot. Everyone in this picnic area seemed to share this guy's antipathy toward me. I had to eat my delicious teriyaki rice bowl back in my seat because no one was willing to share a table. Hey, is that Mark Gubicza? He doesn't look too happy about wearing a tie. Or maybe he's just another Happy In Bag fan. Every dorky baseball fan gets a thrill when he or she catches a first glimpse of the field. Anaheim's facility was built in 1966 and was renovated nine years ago. It's not perfect- many of the seats are oddly aligned. The stadium is staffed by hundreds of older men in bowler hats. They're friendly, helpful and knowledgeable- qualities often lacking in the bored, gum-chomping youths employed as ushers in Kauffman Stadium. Kansas City isn't the only stadium with waterfalls in the outfield. I still don't grasp what Anaheim's rocks are supposed to represent. Is it a rough-hewn "A"? The stadium's video screen isn't breathtaking, but it's better than Kansas City's offering. What I most appreciated, though, was the additional information it provides about the game- things like pitch count. Furthermore, the screen isn't used to barrage fans with commercials between innings. Are you listening, Royals? Oakland pitcher Danny Haren shut down the Angels. That's him warming up. Ervin "Little" Santana took the loss for the Angels. Oh yeah- the game was the Angels' 26th sellout of the year. (Comment on this)
Friday, August 11th, 2006
10:59 am	Game #109: A's 3, Angels 2 August 2, 2006 | A's @ Los Angeles Angels I can't believe we won! Not to say I don't have faith in the A's, but when No. 19 IM'ed to tell me the A's won, I was flabbergasted. Earlier in the afternoon, Tanner had sent me some important score info (tied at 1-1, tied at 2-2, etc.). Strangely enough, the scoring mimicked yesterday's game. • Poor Loaiza pitches only into the 5th inning. He gets another ND. • Jay Payton got hit in the hand by Scot Shields and almost went berserk. No, he did not storm the mound to attack Shields. "The anger was more toward the fact my hand might be broken. I know [Shields] is a good guy." - Jay Payton [MLB.com] • And I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Huston Street got the final six outs of the game. These days I'm skeptical as to whether he has it in him... • Hooray for Mark Kotsay for getting the go-ahead single in the 8th and for Marco Scutaro for his run in the 5th, apparently a heads-up play where he went straight for home from second while the Angels were preoccupied trying to get an out at first. And the most delicious part of this: we're 1 1/2 games ahead of the Angels, ha ha ha! (Game experience: Helpful IMs from Tanner Boyle and No. 19. Read up on MLB.com and ESPN.com) A's record: 57-51 | streak: W-1 | well-A-meter: 3 (Comment on this)
Thursday, August 3rd, 2006
6:00 pm	Big shock from Big Papi The only thing surprising about Big Papi's ... Big shock from Big Papi The only thing surprising about Big Papi's three-run, walk-off shot against Indians' "closer" Fausto Carmona is that anyone's actually surprised. After his blast that gave the Red Sox a 9-8 victory Monday night, Ortiz now has five game-winning hits this season. He has 15 such hits in three seasons with the Red Sox, including nine walkoff homers. Monday night's blast will certainly be added to this montage very soon. Really, team up God and David Ortiz against the Indians, and you have a duo as effective as Batman and Robin, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Brooks & Dunn, and Crockett and Tubbs. It's not a fair fight. It's the ultimate pairing they had in mind when they created the Marvel Team Up comic book. Heck, Ortiz just knocked in the winning run in the 11th inning against the Los Angeles Angels two nights ago. Even a hack could have written this script. Now it's seven runs allowed in 1.1 innings over the last two games by our "closer." A byproduct of the Bob Wickman trade was finding out if Fausto could close. Guess what? If there's an open window somewhere, Fausto Carmona couldn't be trusted to close it. There's only one closer in Cleveland right now. His name is God. He's closing the door on our sports hopes and dreams on a daily basis. And what with the 100 degree temperatures, it feels like our own sports hell right now. (Comment on this)
Monday, July 31st, 2006
9:58 pm	MLB: Mets Shut Out Pirates By VOA Sports 06 July 2006 The New York Mets recorded a 5-0 shutout win over the Pittsburgh Pirates Wednesday in Major League Baseball action. Mets starting pitcher Orlando Hernandez gave up just four hits over seven innings while striking out seven Pittsburgh batters. The win gives New York a commanding 11-game lead over their National League East rivals. They are also the first NL team to reach the 50-win mark. Other National League winners on Wednesday include San Diego, the Chicago Cubs, Florida, Atlanta, Colorado, Milwaukee and the Los Angeles Dodgers. In the American League, the winners include Detroit, the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay, Texas, the Chicago White Sox, Kansas City, and the Los Angeles Angels. San Diego's Khalil Greene hit a three-run home run in the ninth inning to lead the Padres to a 6-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. The Chicago Cubs eked out a 1-0 victory over the Houston Astros. The Florida Marlins scored eight runs in the fifth inning as they pounded the Washington Nationals 18-9. The Atlanta Braves trounced the slumping St. Louis Cardinals 14-4. The Colorado Rockies beat the San Francisco Giants 5-3. The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Cincinnati Reds 6-5 in 13 innings, and the Los Angeles Dodgers eked out a 5-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Detroit Tigers routed the Oakland A's 10-4. The New York Yankees trounced the Cleveland Indians 11-3, avenging their 19-1 loss to the Indians the day before. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays downed the Boston Red Sox 5-2. The Texas Rangers handily defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 9-3. The Chicago White Sox beat the Baltimore Orioles 4-2. The Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 6-3 for its 11th win in 16 games, and the Los Angeles Angels scored a 4-0 shutout win over the Seattle Mariners. This story originally ran at VOANews.com This story was originally posted here. (Comment on this)
Saturday, July 29th, 2006
4:50 pm	InsideTheDugout's Top 75 Prospects (51-75) 51-Jason Kubel, OF, L/R, 5’11/190, DOB: 5/25/82-Minnesota Twins Kubel was ending an amazing breakout season in 2004 when he had a horrific outfield collision in the Arizona Fall League ending his 2004 and 2005 season. What a shame that injury was, as Kubel could have given the Twins a solid bat this year. Kubel showed an excellent command of the strike zone with a quick, line drive swing. Kubel produced solid power in the minors and should be expected to hit around 25 HRs annually. Kubel was not much of a speedster so the injury won’t affect the strengths of his game. Kubel has been compared to Brian Giles before his injury, but a better comparison may now be Edgar Martinez. We are unsure of what to expect from Kubel next year, but if he gets playing time in the majors I’m guessing he’ll hit somewhere around .290/.350/.470 with 20 HRs. ETA: 2006 Written By: Alex Wang 52-Andrew McCutchen, OF, R/R, 5’11”/175 DOB: 10/10/86-Pittsburgh Pirates The Pirates 2005 first round pick, McCutchen was praised for his athleticism and power-speed combination. McCutchen also showed an impressive approach at the plate in his major league debut. With top of the line speed, covering tons of ground in center field with an average arm. He shows good power, but how much he will hit for is still a question with his smaller frame. He will likely be a 20-20 player at the major league level, with 30-30 potential. Similar to Mets uber-prospect Lastings Milledge,McCutchen shows a great approach at the plate,but is still somewhat raw in other aspects of his game.He will debut next year at Low A Hickory. ETA:2009 Written By: Alex Wang 53- Jered Weaver-SP, R/R, 6'7/205, DOB:10/4/82-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Being a Scott Boras client, we all knew he would hold out for more cash, but once signed Weaver pitched well at two stops and showed he was worth the money. Going 4-1 with Rancho Cucamonga posting a 49/7 strikeout-to-walk ratio, he then put up solid numbers with AA Arkansas being a pivotal cog in the team's reaching the Texas League Championship. While Weaver doesn’t have number one starter pontential could be a solid 2-3 starter down the road, and be a similar innings eater to his brother Jeff. He will likely start the year at Triple-A Salt Lake with a very slim chance of winning a rotation spot in the spring, as I think he needs some time in the minors to build up some innings and show more consistency.ETA: Midseason 2006 Written By: Jan Ramirez 54-Brian Anderson, OF, R/R ,6’2”/205, DOB: 3/11/82-Chicago White Sox Brian Anderson is most notably remembered this year for hitting 2 home runs off Felix Hernandez in the major leagues.That highlight capped off a solid 2005 season for Anderson, a 1st round pick out of Arizona in 2003, who more then held his own at AAA this year. Anderson needs to refine his approach a bit As while he drew his fair share of walks he struck out 115 times in 448 at bats. If Anderson does not change this, major league pitchers will prove to be to much for him. Anderson shows good pop and uses the whole field. He may have to switch to an outfield corner, but Anderson should have enough power to handle that. If he can make a few refinements with his approach, he should enjoy a long, productive career. He will start 2006 as the White Sox primary centerfielder. ETA:2006 Written By: Alex Wang 55-Dustin McGowan,SP, R/R, 6’3/220 , DOB:3/24/82-Toronto Blue Jays 2005 was a bit of a growth year for McGowan, as he had been shut down for the previous 18 months after succumbing to Tommy John surgery to fix a tear in his elbow. He struggled early for the first couple of years in his professional career, but broke out in AA before the injury. Despite just returning from the injury in June, he found himself in Toronto by August, a real quick recovery. His fastball is almost back to the mid 90’s, although it is a little straight and flat. He has good off-speed stuff though, with an above-average slider, and a sharp curveball. His numbers for the year wont jump out at you, but he has long been touted as the future #2 behind Roy Halladay. His off-season and spring training will determine whether he cracks the ’06 Toronto rotation, but a short stint in AAA may be the best thing for him. If McGowan has control issues, he could find himself struggling to find a regular spot. But he could also be a potential ace down the road, it all depends on his continuing recovery. However, keep this in mind, Greg Zaun once said after catching McGowan, “If he can locate his fastball, he’s the next Curt Schilling”. ETA: 1st starter called up if there is injury in 2006 Written By: Cory Sharpe 56- Scott Baker, SP, R/R ,6’4/220, DOB: 9/19/81-Minnesota Twins Baker had a superb 2005 as he pitched well in Triple-A and in the Major Leagues. Baker shuffled between Triple-A and Minnesota and pitched consistently well at both. Baker has plus command of four pitches. He is very polished and has good mechanics. Scouts have compared him to Jeff Suppan, but Baker has better stuff than the current Cardinal’s pitcher. Baker lacks a true strikeout pitch, and that limits his ceiling to a #3 starter. However, Baker has an excellent chance of reaching that ceiling, and he should be able to eat up innings. He does need to work on keeping his pitches lower, as Baker had trouble with the longball at both levels. Baker has a shot to be the #4 starter for the Twins next year. ETA:2006 Written By: Alex Wang 57-Adam Jones, SS/CF, R/R , 6'2/180, DOB:8/1/85-Seattle Mariners With his final first-round draft pick before being replaced, Scouting Director Frank Mattox selected Jones, a toolsy two-way player who most teams viewed as a pitcher. After a thoroughly mediocre 2004 season, most scouts were counting the days before the Ms decided to put Jones’ 95mph fastball to the test. However, 2005 was a different story. Jones made his critics look silly this year, raking in High-A and earning a promotion to AA San Antonio, where he more than held his own. Jones is a classic tools prospect made good. Combine his 5-tool athleticism, his success in Double-A as a 19-year-old, and his projectible 6’3” frame, and you’ve got one hell of a prospect. Jones will be converted to a CF in this season, where scouts think he’s got the ability to be a special defender. Depending on how the Mariners are looking in 2006, Jones may end up as trade bait, as they already have a 23-year-old manning CF in the majors. ETA: September 2006 Written By: Jon Helfgott 58- John Danks, SP, L/L , 6’2/190, DOB: 4/15/1985-Texas Rangers Danks had an excellent first half as he dominated High A. Once promoted to AA, the hit started falling, hard. Danks got rocked in AA as he gave up 117 hits in 98.1 IP. However, Texas fans should remain hopeful of Danks. He was only 20 when he was pitching in AA, and he possesses some of the best stuff of any lefties in the minors. Danks throws hard as he projects to throw in the low to mid 90s in the majors. Danks complements that with a nasty curve but could use some work on his change up. Once Danks masters a change up, he should be able to dominate AA and possibly the majors ETA:2007 Written By: Alex Wang 59- Mark Rogers, SP, R/R. 6’2/205, DOB: 1/30/86- Milwaukee Brewers Probably has the most upside of all the Brewers arms, Maine product and Brewers 2004 1st round draft pick Mark Rogers features a high 90’s fastball that tops out at 97 MPH with good movement, above average split finger and developing curveball and changeup. He pitched in a tandem rotation all last season to protect his still developing arm; so his stats look unimpressive to the untrained eye (2-9 with a 5.11 ERA). If you look closer however you’ll see an impressive 109 K’s in only 98 2/3 innings and .238 batting average against. Rogers will start next season at High A Brevard County, where he should get the opportunity to work without the tandem system and develop better feel for pitching. ETA:2009 Written By: Jan Ramirez 60-Scott Elbert, SP, L/L, 6’2/190, DOB: 8/13/85-Los Angeles Dodgers Elbert ,drafted in the first round by the Dodgers last year, had an excellent first full season in the Sally League. Using a low 90s fastball and power curve, Elbert showed excellent H/9 IP and K/9 IP rates, improving his changeup, while getting better as the season went on. Elbert did struggle with his command at times , but scouts believe a mechanical flaw caused this and could be easily corrected. If Elbert can improve his command, he has ace potential. Look for Elbert to face a big test next year moving up to face High A hitters. ETA:2009 Written By: Alex Wang 61- Troy Patton, SP, L/L, 6'1" 185, DOB: 09/03/85 –Houston Astros This young lefty is one of those pitchers who can be put side by side with just about any pitching prospect and he’ll even up. He has a low 90’s fastball and a plus- plus curveball that controlled batters to the tune of .211. With Patton’s ice cold composure out on the mound, Id go out on a limb and compare him to Zach Duke. He’s not quite as polished as Duke, but he’s not that far off either. Patton has the tools necessary to be a #2 SP on most rosters, but I’d say he’s going to end up right around the middle of the rotation for the Astros. After a 5-2, 1.94 start to his first full season and after having struck out 94 batters in 79 innings, the Astros shut Patton down with some minor shoulder issues.He should start 2006 at High A Salem in the Carolina League. ETA: 2009 Written By: William Calvin 62-Jeff Mathis,C, R/R , 6'0/180, DOB:3/31/83-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Mathis should begin the '06 season with the parent club with Bengie Molina leaving via free agency, and will compete with Jose Molina to be the primary catcher. Highly touted since breaking out in 2003 in the California League, Mathis struggled as he moved up to higher levels, hitting only .223 for Double A Arkansas in 2004. He rebounded to hit .276 with 21 homeruns in Triple A Salt Lake this past season. Mathis has terrific power for the position and began refining his doubles/gap power into homerun power the last couple of years , showing ability to make good hard contact, he sometimes struggles with strikezone judgement , which leads to long offensive slumps. Defensively he is adequate catch and throw guy with a strong arm, solid footwork , and will learn a lot for Manager Mike Scoscia when it comes the little nuances of the position. Mathis could be a dark horse candidate for AL Rookie of the Year, and should post solid numbers hitting in the bottom third of the Angels lineup in 2006. ETA: 2006 Written By: Jan Ramirez 63- Erick Aybar,SS, S/R , 5'10/170, DOB:11/14/84-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Coming into 2005, Erick Aybar looked to be the Angels shortstop of the future and on the fast track to the majors, but with the emergence of Brandon Wood, Aybar could be looking at a position switch (CF?) or completely out of the organization through a trade. Aybar still projects as an above-average major leaguer at the middle of the diamond with the speed and bat control to be an asset in the leadoff or two spot in the order. He will start 2006 season at Triple-A Salt Lake and if he isn’t traded, look for him to spend the whole year at Triple-A with a possible September call-up, to serve as a pinch runner/defensive replacement down the stretch. ETA: September 2006 Written By: Jan Ramirez 64- Adam Loewen, SP, L/L , 6’5/215, DOB: 4/9/84-Baltimore Orioles Adam Loewen was the fourth overall pick in 2002 draft and has the highest upside among Orioles’ pitchers. He finds himself in the bottom half of the top 10, however, because of his frustrating inconsistency. When he’s on, Loewen can pound the strike zone with two plus pitches. His fastball can reach the mid 90s and he also owns a power curve. He does need some improvement on his changeup. Loewen’s stuff did translate to an excellent strikeout rate. Loewen’s biggest problem is his control. He walks too many batters and is very inconsistent. If Loewen ever gets the hang of things, he could become a top of the rotation starter. His future may rest in the bullpen if his control continues to waver. Next year will be a big year for Loewen in deciding his future. ETA:2007 Written By: Alex Wang 65-Thomas Diamond, SP, R/R, 6’3/230, DOB: 4/6/1983-Texas Rangers Advanced college pitchers are expected to dominate A level baseball, and that is exactly what Diamond did. He started 8-0 and looked like he had a shot at the minor league player of the year award. Once promoted to AA, like Danks, Diamond started struggling, especially with his command. Diamond is a fastball/change up pitcher and used that combo to dominate High A. At AA, Diamond’s lack of a breaking ball really hurt him. If Diamond can develop an average breaking pitch, expect him to become a solid #2 or #3 starter who chews up innings, as he lacks the upside of Volquez and Danks. ETA:2007 Written By: Alex Wang 66-Elvis Andrus ,SS, R/R , 6’0/185 , DOB:8/26/88-Atlanta Braves Potential is the key word for this 17-year-old Venezuelan, who signed with the Braves as a 16-year-old in January 2005. He held his own against older players, batting .293 with an impressive .380 on base percentage combined in two rookie league stops. His steady defense and strong arm add to the all-around package. Only his speed projects to be average or below for his position, yet he swiped 8 bags in 52 games. He is projected to start 2006 in the low class A South Atlantic League, and while he is probably about 5 years away from The Show, his future is bright. ETA:2011 Written By:Terry Borning 67-Marcus Sanders ,SS, R/R, 6’0/160 , DOB:8/25/85-San Francisco Giants The fastest player in the Giants organization, Sanders broke out in 2005, stealing 57 stolen bases getting caught only 9 times , and hitting .300 with a .407 OBP for Low A Augusta in the Sally League. A true game changer with his speed, Sanders excudes confidence with his ability on the on the basepaths , carrying himself with the same swagger and demeanor as some of the great base stealers of the 80’s like Rickey Henderson and Tim Rainers. Defensively, there are some questions at where he will play. As his arm isn’t what you crave at shortstop. Making it very likely that he will move to 2nd or centerfield in the near future. Sanders will more then likely start 2006 at High A San Jose. ETA: 2008 Written By: Jan Ramirez 68- Cole Hamels ,SP, L/L, 6’3/170 , DOB:12/27/83-Philadelphia Phillies Could easily be in the top 25 portion of this list if he was just able to stay healthy, Cole Hamels has the talent and stuff that could make him a perennial all-star and Cy Young candidate. However with the golden arm comes a ten cent head , as Hamels has been involved in numerous off-the field alltercations athat has caused him to miss extended periods of time. Hamels has also had trouble staying on the field with nagging injuries hampering him during his short career.When he is on the field, Hamels shows a low 90’s fastball a good curve and a plus plus changeup that he spots well with pinpoint control. Hamels is nearly big league ready and if he is able to stay healthy, he can easily slide into the Phillies rotation and contribute. However health is always a concern with Hamels. ETA: 2nd Half of 2006, If he's healthy. Written By: Jan Ramirez 69- Javier Herrera, OF, R/R , 5’11/191, DOB: 4/9/85 –Oakland Athletics Herrera was signed by the Oakland Athletics as an amateur free agent in 2001, and has been tearing up the minors ever since, having a breakout season in 2004. Herrera was named the 2004 NWL Most Valuable Player, during a season in which he batted .331(4th best in the league) and finished 2nd in the NWL in hits and stolen bases. Herrera shows discipline at the plate, speed on the base paths, a solid glove in the outfield, and is described by scouts as a natural athlete. 2005 started on a sour note for Herrera when he was suspended for 15 games after testing positive for steroids. Herrera bounced back after serving his suspension by batting .275, stealing 26 bases, and driving in 62 runs in 94 games for the Kane County Cougars. If Herrera can continue his success through the 2006 season and prove to the Athletics’ front office that his numbers were due to his talent and not performance-enhancing drugs, Herrera could be an everyday starter in the Oakland outfield by 2008. Herrera is projected to start 2006 in Single-A Stockton. ETA: 2008 Update: Herrera has gone under the knife with Tommy John Surgery and will need all of 2006 to recover. Written By: Joe Shippee 70-Hayden Penn, SP, R/R, 6’3/195, DOB: 10/13/84-Baltimore Orioles Penn was rumored in many trades in the offseason and near the trading deadline but stayed put in both cases. Penn was promoted to the big leagues for the first time this year and was obviously rushed. However, he did pitch very well in AA. With a low 90s fastball, a curveball, and a changeup, Penn has the potential to throw three above average pitches. Scouts have also praised his feel for pitching. Penn showed a terrific strikeout and K/BB rate in the minors. Penn also showed excellent command in AA, but he struggled with it in the majors. Penn also struggled with the consistency of his secondary pitches, especially his curve, in the majors and will need to improve on that. Penn shows the potential to be a staff ace and should start the season in AAA. ETA: Should be the 1st starter up if one of the Orioles starting 5 go down. Written By: Alex Wang 71- Yusmiero Petit, SP, R/R, 6’0/180, DOB:11/22/84-Florida Marlins Acquired in the Carlos Delgado deal with the Mets, Petit doesn’t posesse the power repetoire that you would expect from a top flight pitching prospect. He instead gets hitter’s out with pinpoint control and simple but deceptive delivery. Features a 4-pitches that he spots well, Petit dominates with a low 90’s fastball , an above average slider and changeup. There is still a lot of questions if his stuff will translate to higher levels , as he was knocked around quite a bit in his cup of coffee in Triple A. However his past success is hard to ignore , making me believe if he stays healthy he could be a sucessful 3 starter for the Fish in the near future. ETA: Midseason 2006 Written By: Jan Ramirez 72-Dustin Pedroia, 2B/SS, R/R, 5-8/180, DOB: 8/17/83-Boston Red Sox Pedroia was drafted in the second round of the 2004. Having a very good career at Arizona State, playing shortstop, but has since been moved over to second base, where he has been penciled in as the starter for years to come. He has no outstanding tools, but all are very good. He has good bat speed, decent power for a middle infielder and plays an excellent 2nd base and shortstop. This season was a up and down season for him, as he played well at Double A but battled injuries at the Triple A level. Has a very good eye and won awards for quality plate appearances in the Boston farm system. He has had more walks than strikeouts in every level of the minor leagues. Very scrappy player, he’s bee compared David Eckstein for the way Dustin plays the game. He looks to start 2006 back in Triple A Pawtucket with the Red Sox acquisitions of Mak Loretta and Alex Gonzalez, but will probably be a September callup . ETA: September 2006 Written By: David Paresky 73- Brad Snyder, OF, L/L , 6’3/200, DOB: 5/25/82 –Cleveland Indians Snyder was drafted in the first round the same year as Michael Aubrey and has simply just hit at each level he’s visited. Snyder almost had his career ended in a car crash in college, but he has recovered nicely from that accident. Snyder shows a compact stroke with power to all fields. Snyder shows the willingness to take a walk Snyder has been compared to Paul O’Neill because he owns a solid set of tools along with his bat. Snyder is a good runner and can play solid center field, but he is probably better fit to play a corner outfield position. Despite the fact that Snyder has put up solid numbers at different level, he has still been old in each league he has played in. Next year will be a big year for Snyder to see what kind of major league player he will be ETA:2007 Written By: Alex Wang 74-Chuck James, SP, L/L, 6'0/170, DOB: 11/9/81-Atlanta Braves James continues to get great results without dazzling stuff. He struck out 198 batters in 4 different stops last year, starting in high Class A ball and winding up with a successful 2 game cup of coffee with the big club in September. He missed bats with impressive frequency, posting a batting average against of well under .200. His control is his biggest plus, passing only 36 in 162 minor league innings. His fastball tops out at 91, he has an inconsistent slider, but possesses a plus changeup and an ability to keep batters off balance with good location and changing speeds. His flyball tendencies (when not striking out batters) is something to watch as he progresses to the majors. At this point, his profile resembles that of a young Tom Glavine. ETA: Could be a lefty in the Braves pen in 06'. Written By:Terry Borning 75- Justin Huber,1B, R/R , 6'2/200, DOB: 7/1/82-Kansas City Royals Originally signed by the New York Mets as a catcher ,after the Royals acquired Huber in the Kris Benson deal he moved to 1st base , as the Royals wanted to get his bat up as quickly as possible. An advanced hitter with good plate discipline and strike-zone judgement, but hasn’t shown the power stroke that you would expect from a corner infielder, though I feel he can put up 20+ homers as he develop him swing at the big league level. Alot like a right-handed Sean Casey, Huber will start 2006 at Triple A Omaha , where if he performs well be up in the big leagues for good by midseason, where by 2007 should help anchor the middle of the order in Kansas City along with stud prospects Billy Butler and Alex Gordon. ETA: 2006, when the Royals finally realize Doug Mientkiewicz can’t hit. Written By: Jan Ramirez (Comment on this)
Thursday, July 27th, 2006
10:47 am	MLB: Yankees Trounce Indians By VOA Sports 15 June 2006 The New York Yankees beat the Cleveland Indians 6-1 Wednesday in major league baseball action. Yankees pitcher Randy Johnson had a strong outing but was ejected in the seventh inning after throwing a pitch that just missed Cleveland batter Eduardo Perez. Perez angrily stalked towards the man dubbed "The Big Unit," and both benches cleared - but no punches were thrown. Yankees manager Joe Torre was ejected along with Johnson. Wednesday's other American League winners include Toronto, Texas, Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Kansas City, and Oakland. Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Houston, Colorado, Florida, the New York Mets, San Francisco, and San Diego were the National League victors. The Toronto Blue Jays beat the Baltimore Orioles 6-3. The Texas Rangers trounced Chicago White Sox 8-0. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays defeated the Detroit Tigers 5-1 in 12 innings. Minnesota's Justin Morneau hit a grand slam home run to help the Twins to an 8-1 rout of the Boston Red Sox 8-1. The Kansas City Royals eked out a 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels, and the Oakland Athletics beat the Seattle Mariners 7-2. In the National League, the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 9-7. Cincinnati's Adam Dunn hit a three-run home run in the 11th inning to lead the Reds to a 3-0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. The Houston Astros downed the Chicago Cubs 5-4. Colorado's Jamey Carroll hit a tiebreaking home run in the sixth inning, and the Rockies went on to a 14-8 victory over the Washington Nationals. The Florida Marlins beat the Atlanta Braves 6-5 in 10 innings. The New York Mets trounced the Philadelphia Phillies 9-3 for their seventh consecutive win. Barry Bonds hit his 717th career home run, and teammate Steve Finley hit his 300th homer to help the San Francisco Giants to an 11-4 thrashing of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Finely is the sixth player in major league baseball history with 300 home runs and 300 steals, joining fellow Giants Barry Bonds, Barry's late father Bobby, and Willie Mays. And the San Diego Padres beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-3. This story originally ran at VOANews.com This story was originally posted here. (Comment on this)