Cardinals need move on from LaRussa

Well it’s happened again: Tony LaRussa has used his managerial position to bully the Cardinals’ front office into making a move that could possibly solve the team’s problems (lack of back-end rotation success, bullpen efficiency) while it definitely solves LaRussa’s personal problem with former high-end prospect Colby Rasmus.

Rasmus, who in the middle of his third big-league season had shown signs of growth and signs of regression, became LaRussa’s whipping boy once he reached the big leagues in 2009. An unfriendly clubhouse made Rasmus’ rookie year uneasy, but he still produced, hitting 16 home runs. After receiving hitting lessons from his father, Tony, in 2010 the divide between Rasmus and LaRussa grew even bigger. Multiple trade requests were made by Rasmus last year, possibly because he was treated very poorly in the clubhouse by veteran players and his manager. However, Colby showed marked improvement in ’10, raising pretty much every statistic while having fewer at-bats.

Things seemingly came to a boiling point sometime within the last month as Rasmus, in the midst of an enduring slump, once again received hitting lessons from his dad, which angered LaRussa. When asked by KSDK’s Frank Cusumano Tuesday night about Rasmus, here’s what LaRussa said:

"He’s listening to somebody. He doesn’t listen to Cardinals coaches much now. That’s why he gets into some of these funks, in my opinion." 

 Anyway, enough with the review. Here’s my main point: The Cardinals, in a rush to make their 66-year-old manager happy, traded their most highly touted prospect in the last 20 years for a free-agent-pitcher-to-be, two average bullpen arms and a veteran fourth outfielder.
Former MLB General Manager Jim Bowden called the Cardinals’ trade the “worst trade of the year” and ESPN’s Keith Law said the price the Cards paid was “just too high.” Law wasn’t talking about giving up Trever Miller, Brian Tallet or PJ Walters, the other three guys the Cardinals gave up.

If the Cardinals were dead-set on trading Rasmus they should’ve waited until as late as possible to trade him. Once Carlos Beltran, BJ Upton or any other tradable outfielders were moved the market for an impact bat would’ve gone up for a contender, and the Cardinals could’ve gotten more for Rasmus, which is what I had been pushing for – trading Rasmus as long as it wasn’t for less than full value.

Colby is a 24-year-old who put together a solid rookie season, and improved in every facet of his game in his second season. But because he had a two-month slump this year, appeared lackadaisacal at some times and made his manager, who is 42 years older than Rasmus, upset by TRYING TO GET BETTER AS MANY TIMES AS POSSIBLE, he just had to be traded, even if for well less than full value.

Rasmus showed signs of what could be in April this year, batting .290/.374/.450, with three home runs and three steals. Foolishly, many fans and media members believed Rasmus would instantly hit 30 homers and steal 30 bases. But not every baseball player is Albert Pujols – someone who immediately produced from day one.

According to baseball-reference.com Rasmus, through the age of 23, is comparable to Andre Dawson, a recent Hall of Fame inductee. Through his first three full years Dawson’s OBP and OPS were lower than Rasmus’. But in his fourth year, at the age of 25, Dawson finally hit over .300, had on OBP of .358 and finished seventh in MVP voting. Dawson went on to play 21 seasons, hit 438 homers and stole 314 bases. You think the Expos would’ve been happy just to get rid of Dawson in 1979, when he was 24?

Now I’m not saying Rasmus is going to hit 400 bombs or steal over 300 bases, but the potential is there and it’s not like he’s been terrible in his short career.

If the Cardinals are looking for production, why don’t they look at the man wearing No. 10? LaRussa’s won one World Series in 16 years in St. Louis, besides having some of the best players in the game at his disposal (Pujols, Edmonds, Rolen, Walker, Carpenter, Wainwright, McGwire, Isringhausen, etc.) while playing in a very weak division. The Cardinals have not won a playoff game in the last four years despite having the best player in the game, a former batting champ for a year and a half, and two of the best starters in baseball.

A possible .300-hitting, 30-homer centerfielder is far more valuable than a manager who gets a free pass by local and national media for some reason I’ll never know. LaRussa’s alienation of certain players (Rolen, Brendan Ryan, Rasmus, Mitchell Boggs this season) is infuriating and resembles a drama-filled teenage relationship. LaRussa needs to check his ego at the door, but even if he does that it won’t make up for his acts over the years in the Lou.

The Cardinals just gave up on what could be a future silver slugger in center field to please a manager who could possibly retire in just over two months. LaRussa is signed to manage the Cardinals for the rest of 2011, with an option for 2012. If the option isn’t picked up, TLR won’t be the Cardinals manager next year. Colby Rasmus won’t be the Cardinals center fielder next year either. For a team that has Albert Pujols’ contract looming in the offseason, it was a dumb, selfish, ego-maniacal move to get rid of a cost-controlled 24-year-old to please a manager who hasn’t won anything in the last four years.

A lot of people will say Colby Rasmus just needed a change of scenery to produce and realize his potential. No. He – and the St. Louis Cardinals – needed a change of manager.
Change of scenery? No. change of manager.

The NFL lockout has ended! Football is back!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

We pretty much new it was coming, but it is officially time to celebrate: the NFL Lockout is over. The player reps unanimously voted to approve the new collective bargaining agreement on Monday. The only thing left is for the players to sign their union cards to re-certify the union, but that is just a formality. That will be an ongoing process from Wednesday to Friday, according to reports.

Offseason training activities, mini-camps, and normal preparation for an NFL season have been interrupted, but when it comes down to it, we're still going to have a full training camp, preseason games, the regular season, etc. en route to the Super Bowl. We won't have to worry about something like this for another decade, so now it's time to kick back and get excited for your 2011 Cleveland Browns under new head coach Pat Shurmur.

I'm sure training camp details will be unveiled in the next couple of days, amidst all of the free agent discussions that are bound to heat up. Teams can supposedly negotiate with their own free agents starting Tuesday, so we may have some ideas as to whether or not the Browns will retain guys like Robaire Smith or Lawrence Vickers. It sounds like negotiations can be made with other free agents too, with signings taking place by Friday, per ESPN.

Japan claims first World Cup title; Knocks off USA in penalty kicks

After an incredible game that went into 30 minutes extra time and then a nail-biting round of penalty kicks, the Japanese soccer team is now world champions!

The game was characterized by high intensity play from both teams but it wasn’t until 70 minutes into the play that Alex Morgan blew past the goalkeeper and scored to 1-0 United States. However, only 12 minutes later, Aya Miyama snuck the ball right in front of the net and reduced the score to 1-1.

The American team felt obviously threatened and started playing more aggressively but failed to regain their advantage before the whistle. An extra 30 minutes was added and not long after, Aya Miyama got a yellow card for dissent. It didn’t take long after that for Abby Wambach to score a beautiful, perfect placed header into the Japanese goal – but the response came quick and Japan tied once again. Only 3 minutes went by before Japan’s Azusa Iwashimizu was handed the first red card ever in the Women’s World Cup Final and handed the USA a free kick. The attempt though, was blocked and the game went into penalty kicks that lasted 9 minutes with amazing saves by Japan goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori – and despite Abby Wambach hopeful goal, Japan took the last shot of the match and won.

Viewers around the world were treated to an amazing final of the Championship 2011. The excitement accelerated drastically in those 20 final minutes of the regular game time – the USA team were the strongest but Japan managed to both times outsmart their defense with skillful technique. Both goalkeepers did an excellent job and the play was admittedly a close call.

Japan’s final goal sent the team in ecstatic celebration while the American’s seemed shocked by the result. Especially Hope Solo were visibly upset and throughout the award ceremony, she kept a stone face. Abby Wambach seemed to handle the second place a little better as she went to congratulate the Japanese team.

Among the crowds were the German Chancellor Angela Merkel who was very pleased to see Japan take the title as world champions. The Women’s World Cup final also happens to collide with Mrs. Merkel’s birthday and she told interviewers after the game how happy she was to have attended the final.

Sam Bradford: Why the Rams Are Guaranteed a Super Bowl This Decade

Pop quiz... Who was the last defensive power house to win a Super Bowl? Chances are you had to think about that question, and you still aren't even sure of the answer.

You might be thinking of the 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers or the 2007 New York Giants. Or, depending on your definition, you might be thinking of the 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, or the 2000 Ravens.

But if the question was 'Who was the last elite quarterback to win the Super Bowl?', then your brain would have to think back to no further than last January, when Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers won the Packers their first Super Bowl since 1996.

Who are some elite quarterbacks, who are currently active, that have not won a Super Bowl yet?

The most obvious answer is Phillip River in San Diego. Atlanta's Matt Ryan is another answer, but does he really count? He's only been truly lighting it up since last season.

Carson Palmer is another, but his injury stricken career has kept him from entering an elite level.

What about Michael Vick and Donovan McNabb? They are star quarterbacks, but they are not elite passers. They have above average passing stats, but they depend on their legs just as much as their arms.

Here are some of the supreme passers in this league that have won Super Bowls: Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Tom Brady; also Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger (unless you want to be picky).

Here's another tidbit of info relating to my point. This is a list of the past 15 Super Bowl champions and the quarterbacks that led them.

2010 Green Bay Packers- Aaron Rodger
2009 New Orleans Saints- Drew Brees
2008 Pittsburgh Steelers- Ben Roethlisberger
2007 New York Giants- Eli Manning
2006 Indianapolis Colts- Peyton Manning
2005 Pittsburgh Steelers- Ben Roethlisberger
2004 New England Patriots- Tom Brady
2003 New England Patriots- Tom Brady
*2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Brad Johnson
2001 New England Patriots- Tom Brady
*2000 Baltimore Ravens- Trent Dilfer
1999 St. Louis Rams- Kurt Warner
1998 Denver Broncos- John Elway
1997 Denver Broncos- John Elway
1996 Green Bay Packers- Brett Favre
* Indicates a team that won the Super Bowl without a suitable quarterback, mainly due to having one of the best defensive units in the history of the game.

The key point of that list? If you don't have an awesome quarterback, then you better have one of the best defenses that the league has seen in years, or else you're not winning a Super Bowl.

Defense's Win Championships' is an overused cliché. This is a quarterback driven era, and you're kidding yourself if you think otherwise.

Don't get me wrong. Defense is very important, and it's vital towards winning a Championship. All 15 teams on that list had solid defensive units. But it's just not realistic to expect a Super Bowl victory out of a team that does not have a franchise passer.

So, considering that Sam Bradford had the best pro day since Troy Aikman, according to NFL.com's Gil Brandt, and was considered by many to be the best quarterback prospect since Carson Palmer, what does that mean for St. Louis fans?

What does it mean to St. Louis fans that Bradford threw for over 3,000 yards as a rookie? He was only the third quarterback to ever accomplish that; Peyton Manning and Matt Ryan are the other two.

It means that Bradford has an extremely high ceiling. He has the physical tools, as well as intangibles that are out of this world. Barring injury, or a total implosion within the organization (not likely, considering the direction the team has taken), it is very likely he will become an elite passer in this league, and that is what it takes to win a Super Bowl in the NFL.

The NFL is not a world of guarantees, so excuse the title. But if the "sure thing" does not exist in football, then Sam Bradford is certainly the next best thing.

Moss to rejoin McDaniels with Rams?

The big news right now is that the Titans are not expected to bring back Randy Moss, which isn’t much of a surprise given the state of the franchise, and Moss’ lack of production during his brief stint in the Music City. Multiple people, including Mike Sando and Michael David Smith, have speculated that the Rams could be one of the teams interested in Moss.

I’m sure you remember how Randy Moss faired in newly hired Rams’ Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels’ potent New England offense. In 2007 under the guidance of McDaniels Moss caught 23 touchdowns for 1,493 yards. It’s hard not to get excited at the thought of Sam Bradford throwing 50 yard strikes to Randy Moss, but I’m not so sure that we really need to add the frequent malcontent for the Rams to be successful offensively.

First, Moss is not nearly as effective as he was when he last played under McDaniels. He has proven that the speed that made him such a dynamic player is starting to leave him as he gets older. When he left New England during 2010, he rarely had any significant impact as a receiver. Additionally, if things are not going well, he has a history of causing problems within the locker room. With a young, developing team, it would difficult to stomach a headache like Moss if the Rams lose a few games in a row.

Overall, I’m definitely intrigued by the idea of adding a future hall of famer like Randy Moss. We clearly had troubles on offense last year, and it’s fun to picture Moss wearing the horns. But at the same time, I really think it could be disastrous to have a player like Moss on the roster should things start to turn south. My personal opinion is that if the Rams can sign Moss to a one year deal, they should consider it, as long as they are willing to part ways with him if he becomes a problem at all. If they hold on to him too long when things are going poorly, he could cause significant damage within the locker room. I think it would be worth the risk as long as he has a short leash, and they don’t hesitate to get rid of him if need be. However, as of right now, I’m pretty certain the Rams will not take a shot at Moss, but it is still an interesting idea to ponder.

2011 Major League Baseball First Half Recap

With the All-Star game now here for Major League Baseball I figured it would be a good time to now take a look back at a pretty exciting first half of the Major League Baseball season. There is a lot to look at such as the Divisional standings league leaders, and milestones that have been hit through the first half of the season. So lets get this show on the road with the standings. Here are the standings as they sit right now by division:

American League
AL East W L Pct. GB Home Road
Boston Red Sox 54 35 .607 — 27-17 27-18
New York Yankees 51 35 .593 1 28–19 23–16
Tampa Bay Rays 49 39 .557 3½ 21–21 28–18
Toronto Blue Jays 43 47 .478 11 19–22 24–25
Baltimore Orioles 36 49 .424 15 22–22 14–27

AL Central W L Pct. GB Home Road
Cleveland Indians 47 41 .534 — 27–17 20–24
Detroit Tigers 48 43 .527 ½ 27–19 21–24
Chicago White Sox 44 47 .484 4½ 21–24 23–23
Minnesota Twins 40 48 .455 7 20–19 20–29
Kansas City Royals 37 53 .411 11 24–26 13–27

AL West W L Pct. GB Home Road
Texas Rangers 48 41 .539 — 28–18 20–23
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 47 42 .528 1 23–22 24–20
Seattle Mariners 43 45 .489 4½ 25–23 18–22
Oakland Athletics 39 50 .438 9 23–21 16–29


National League

NL East W L Pct. GB Home Road
Philadelphia Phillies 56 33 .629 — 33–14 23–19
Atlanta Braves 53 37 .589 3½ 28–18 25–19
New York Mets 46 44 .511 10 19–22 27–22
Washington Nationals 45 45 .500 11½ 27–17 18–28
Florida Marlins 41 48 .461 15 19–26 22–22

NL Central W L Pct. GB Home Road
Milwaukee Brewers 48 43 .527 — 32–14 16–29
St. Louis Cardinals 48 43 .527 — 24–21 24–22
Pittsburgh Pirates 46 43 .517 1 22–22 24–21
Cincinnati Reds 45 46 .495 3 23–21 22–25
Chicago Cubs 37 54 .407 11 20–26 17–28
Houston Astros 30 61 .330 18 14–33 16–28

NL West W L Pct. GB Home Road
San Francisco Giants 51 40 .560 — 27–16 24–24
Arizona Diamondbacks 49 42 .538 2 23–19 26–23
Colorado Rockies 43 47 .478 7½ 22–22 21–25
Los Angeles Dodgers 40 51 .440 11 22–27 18–24
San Diego Padres 40 51 .440 11 19–27 21–24

The American League has a few surprises in it. The AL West is pretty much going the way most experts had predicted it. The Central is a good surprise. The biggest surprises in the AL Central are the fact that the Twins are in 4th place and under .500 and the Indians are over .500 and leading the AL Central. Nobody really saw this coming at all. The American League East was a surprise at the start of the year with both the Yankees and Red Sox struggling and the Orioles seeming to have found something. Then reality set in, the Orioles are back in last place and the Yankees and Red Sox are once again fighting for the division.

As for the National League, the only real surprise in that league is the NL Central. Let's face facts the NL East and NL West are sort of following the script, if you will, as to where the teams were gonna finish. The Central has been a big surprise with the Cardinals and Brewers tied for first place. The Cardinals are playing what I would consider average ball for them, while the Brew Crew has been playing pretty well. What is really surprising is the play of the Pittsburgh Pirates who are a game out of first place and over .500 for the first time in 12 years. A tip of the cap has to go out to the Pirates for the resurgence this year.

Now moving on we will take a look at the stats leaders through the first half:

American League:
Batting leaders:
AVG Adrian Gonzalez (BOS) .352
HR Jose Bautista (TOR) 31
RBI Adrian Gonzalez (BOS) 77
R Curtis Granderson (NYY) 79
H Adrian Gonzalez (BOS) 126
SB Jacoby Ellsbury (BOS) 28

Pitching leaders:
W CC Sabathia (NYY) 12
L Jeremy Guthrie (BAL) 11
ERA Jered Weaver (LAA) 1.86
K Justin Verlander (DET) 138
IP Justin Verlander (DET) 143.1
SV José Valverde (DET)
Brandon League (SEA) 23

Now for the National League:
National League:
Batting leaders:
AVG Jose Reyes (NYM) .354
HR Lance Berkman (STL) 24
RBI Prince Fielder (MIL) 72
R Jose Reyes (NYM)
Rickie Weeks (MIL) 65
H Jose Reyes (NYM) 124
SB Michael Bourn (HOU) 35

Pitching leaders:
W Jair Jurrjens (ATL) 12
L J.A. Happ (HOU) 11
ERA Jair Jurrjens (ATL) 1.87
K Clayton Kershaw (LAD) 147
IP Roy Halladay (PHI) 143.1
SV Craig Kimbrel (ATL) 28

So there you have it with your stats leaders in Major League Baseball. Now then there have been a few milestones and major records that have been hit in the Bigs this season. The following are the major mraks that have been achieved as of July 9th 2011:

Batters
David Ortiz (BOS):
Recorded his 350th career home run in the second inning against the Texas Rangers on April 2. He became the 82nd player to reach this mark.
Set the major league record for RBI by a designated hitter (1004) by driving in a run with a groundout in the fourth inning against the Texas Rangers on April 2. He broke the record that was previously held by Edgar Martinez.
His home run on May 21 against the Chicago Cubs made him the fifth player to hit at least 300 with the Red Sox. The others are Ted Williams (521), Carl Yastrzemski (452), Jim Rice (382) and Dwight Evans (379).
Recorded his 1000th career run scored in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians on May 25. He became the 311th player to reach this mark.

Nelson Cruz (TEX):
Became the third player in Major League history, joining Willie Mays and Mark McGwire, and the first American League player to hit a home run in his fourth straight game to begin the baseball season.

Miguel Cabrera (DET):
Recorded his 250th career home run in the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles on April 6. He became the 201st player to reach this mark.

Chipper Jones (ATL):
Recorded his 2500th career hit in the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies on April 8. He became the 93rd player to reach this mark.
Recorded his 1500th career RBI by hitting a home run in the ninth inning against the Florida Marlins on April 13. He became the 51st player to reach this mark.
Recorded his 500th career double in the 12th inning against the San Diego Padres on April 25. He became the 52nd player to reach this mark.
Passed Mickey Mantle for second all-time for RBI by a switch-hitter by driving in his 1510th run with a RBI groundout in the first inning against the San Diego Padres on April 27. Eddie Murray is the all-time leader with 1917 RBIs.

Jimmy Rollins (PHI):
Recorded his 1000th career run scored in the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals on April 12. He became the 310th player to reach this mark.
Recorded his 350th career stolen base in the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals on May 5. He became the 108th player to reach this mark.

Johnny Damon (TB):
Became the first player in Major League history to hit a walk-off HR with five different teams by hitting the game winning HR against the Minnesota Twins on April 14. He also hit walk-off HR with the Kansas City Royals, New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox.
Recorded his 500th career double in the first inning against the Florida Marlins on June 18. He became the 53rd player to reach this mark. Damon also became the 11th player in Major League history to amass at least 500 doubles, 100 triples, 200 home runs and 2500 hits for his career.[18]

Michael Young (TEX):
Became the all-time leader in doubles for the Senators/Rangers franchise on April 15 against the New York Yankees. Young hit his 353rd double in the third inning, breaking the team record that was previously held by Ivan Rodriguez.
Became the all-time leader in games played for the Senators/Rangers franchise on June 14 against the New York Yankees. Young played in his 1574th game, breaking the team record that was previously held by Rafael Palmeiro.
Became the all-time leader in runs scored for the Senators/Rangers franchise on July 7 against the Oakland Athletics. Young scored his 959th run on a home run in the fifth inning, breaking the team record that was previously held by Rafael Palmeiro.

Adam Dunn (CWS):
Recorded his 1000th career walk on April 24 against the Detroit Tigers. He became the 112th player to reach this mark.

Andre Ethier (LAD):
Set a Major League record by hitting in 23 consecutive games in April with a double in first inning against the Florida Marlins on April 26. He broke the record that was held by Joe Torre in 1971. Ethier extended his April hitting streak to 26 games on April 30.

Grady Sizemore (CLE):
Became the first player in franchise history to record 200 doubles, 100 home runs and 100 steals with a double in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals on April 26.

Ben Zobrist (TB):
Set franchise record for RBI in a game by driving in eight runs on April 28 against the Minnesota Twins in the first game of a day-night doubleheader. He broke the record of seven set by Carlos Peña in 2007.
Became the fourth player in Major League history to record at least seven hits and 10 RBIs in a single day since RBIs became an official stat in 1920. The other three are Jim Bottomley (1929), Pete Fox (1935) and Nate Colbert (1972).

Carl Crawford (BOS):
Recorded his 1500th career hit in the third inning with a single against the Los Angeles Angels on May 3. He became the 588th player to reach this mark.

Hanley Ramírez (FLA):
Recorded his 200th career stolen base in the seventh inning against the St. Louis Cardinals on May 3. He became the 339th player to reach this mark.

Prince Fielder (MIL):
Recorded his 200th career home run in the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres on May 11. He became the 298th player to reach this mark.

Carlos Lee (HOU):
Recorded his 2000th career hit in the first inning with a single against the New York Mets on May 14. He became the 261st player to reach this mark.

Brian McCann (ATL):
Became the second player in Major League history to hit a pinch-hit, game-tying homerun in the ninth inning and end the game in extra innings with another homerun on May 17 against the Houston Astros. Jeff Heath, of the Boston Braves accomplished this feat on August 27, 1949 against the Cincinnati Reds.

Wilson Ramos (WAS):
Became the fifth catcher (joining Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Jody Davis, Wes Westrum and Walker Cooper) since 1920 to score five runs in a single game and just the second catcher (the other is Westrum in 1950) to score five runs, hit a home run and a triple in the same game on May 20 against the Baltimore Orioles.

Asdrubal Cabrera (CLE):
Became the fifth shortstop (joining Barry Larkin, John Valentin, Cal Ripken, Jr. and Roy McMillan) since 1920 to have five hits and two home runs in a game on May 22 against the Cincinnati Reds.

Brandon Crawford (SF):
Became the sixth player in Major League history to hit a grand slam in his first Major League game on May 27 against the Milwaukee Brewers.

José Reyes (NYM):
Recorded his 350th career stolen base in the third inning against the Philadelphia Phillies on May 28. He became the 109th player to reach this mark.
After 1000 career major-league games, Reyes has 98 triples and 360 stolen bases. The only other player in history with that many triples and stolen bases in their first 1000 games is Ty Cobb, who had 106 triples and 391 steals.

Torii Hunter (LAA):
Recorded his 1000th career RBI by hitting a home run in the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals on May 30. He became the 269th to reach this mark.

Melvin Mora (ARI):
Recorded his 1500th career hit with a single in the seventh inning against the Florida Marlins on May 30. He became the 589th player to reach this mark.

José Bautista (TOR):
With 11 home runs during the month of May, the most in the American League, it was the fifth straight month in which he led the American League in home runs (excluding March and October) joining Jimmie Foxx in 1933–1934.

Danny Espinosa (WAS):
Became the first rookie second-baseman in Major League history to hit 10 home runs before June 1.

Curtis Granderson (NYY):
Became the second player in Major League history to have 17 or more home runs and five or more triples in a season before June 1. He joins Babe Ruth, who did it for the Yankees in 1928.

Raúl Ibáñez (PHI):
Recorded his 1000th career RBI on a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 5. He became the 270th player to reach this mark.

Paul Konerko (CWS):
Recorded his 1000th career run scored in the second inning against the Seattle Mariners on June 7. He became the 312th player to reach this mark.

Orlando Cabrera (CLE):
Recorded his 2000th career hit with a single in the second inning against the New York Yankees on June 12. He became the 262nd player to reach this mark.

Michael Bourn (HOU):
Recorded his 200th career stolen base in the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves on June 13. He became the 340th player to reach this mark.

Ichiro Suzuki (SEA):
Recorded his 400th career stolen base in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels on June 15. He became the 70th player to reach this mark.

Vladimir Guerrero (BAL):
Recorded his 2500th career hit with a double in the sixth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays on June 16. He became the 94th player to reach this mark.

Mark Teixeira (NYY):
Recorded his 300th career home run in the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers on June 30. He became the 130th player to reach this mark.

Aramis Ramírez (CHI):
Recorded his 300th career home run in the sixth inning against the Chicago White Sox on July 1. He became the 131st player to reach this mark.

Scott Rolen (CIN):
Recorded his 2000th career hit with a single in the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals on July 4. He became the 263rd player to reach this mark.

Lance Berkman (STL):
Recorded his 350th career home run in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds on July 5. He became the 83rd player to reach this mark.

Jim Thome (MIN):
Recorded his 1700th career walk on July 5 against the Tampa Bay Rays. He became the 9th player to reach this mark.

Derek Jeter (NYY):
Recorded his 3000th career hit with a home run in the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays on July 9. He became the 28th player to reach this mark.


Pitchers
No-hitters

Francisco Liriano (MIN):
Threw the fifth no-hitter in Minnesota Twins history and the seventh in franchise history (the other two came when the club was known as the Washington Senators) in a 1–0 win over the Chicago White Sox on May 3. It was also Liriano's first complete game in 95 major league starts.[19] Liriano also became just the fifth pitcher in the last 30 years to throw a no-hitter that included more walks (6) than strikeouts (2). In addition, he carried the second-highest ERA (minimum three starts) of 9.13 into the outing of any pitcher to go on to throw a no-hitter, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

Justin Verlander (DET):
Threw the seventh no-hitter in Tigers history by defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in Toronto on May 7. This was Verlander's second no-hitter, his first coming against the Milwaukee Brewers in 2007. Verlander allowed one walk but still faced the minimum of 27 batters. He became the second Tigers pitcher (Virgil Trucks) and the 30th pitcher in Major League history to throw multiple career no-hitters.

Other accomplishments

Huston Street (COL):
Recorded his 150th career save by closing out a win against the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 2. He became the 70th player to reach this mark.

Chris Carpenter (STL):
Recorded his 1500th career strikeout against the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 6. Josh Rodriguez was the victim as he struck out in the second inning. Carpenter became the 178th player to reach this mark.

Joe Nathan (MIN):
Recorded his 250th career save by closing out a win against the Oakland Athletics on April 8. He became the 30th player to reach this mark.

Kyle Lohse (STL):
Recorded his 1000th career strikeout against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 15. Aaron Miles was the victim as he struck out in the seventh inning. Lohse became the 442nd player to reach this mark.

Justin Verlander (DET):
Recorded his 1000th career strikeout against the Chicago White Sox on April 22. A.J. Pierzynski was the victim as he struck out in the seventh inning. Verlander became the 443rd player to reach this mark.

Jered Weaver (LAA):
Became the first pitcher in Major League history with six wins by April 25. He defeated the Oakland Athletics to set this record. He also became the sixth pitcher since 1900 with six wins by the end of April joining Vida Blue (1971), Dave Stewart (1988), Randy Johnson (2000, 2002) and Brandon Webb (2008).

Mark Buehrle (CWS):
Recorded his 150th career victory by defeating the Baltimore Orioles on May 2. He became the 246th player to reach this mark.

Joel Piñeiro (LAA):
Recorded his 1000th career strikeout against the Boston Red Sox on May 5. Kevin Youkilis was the victim as he struck out in the fourth inning. Piñeiro became the 444th player to reach this mark.
Recorded his 100th career victory by defeating the New York Mets on June 17. He became the 580th player to reach this mark. He also became the fourth Puerto Rico-born pitcher to win at least 100 games in the major leagues, joining Javier Vázquez, Juan Pizarro and Jaime Navarro.

José Valverde (DET):
Recorded his 200th career save by closing out a win against the Toronto Blue Jays on May 8. He became the 41st player to reach this mark.

Jason Marquis (WAS):
Recorded his 100th career victory by defeating the Atlanta Braves on May 10. He became the 578th player to reach this mark.

Ted Lilly (LAD):
Recorded his 1500th career strikeout against the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 10. José Tábata was the victim as he struck out in the first inning. Lilly became the 179th player to reach this mark.

Heath Bell (SD):
Recorded his 100th career save by closing out a win against the Colorado Rockies on May 14. He became the 126th player to reach this mark.

Vin Mazzaro (KC):
According to The Elias Sports Bureau, Mazzaro became the first pitcher to give up at least 14 runs in fewer than three innings (2.1) in baseball's modern era (since 1900) against the Cleveland Indians on May 16.[21]

Josh Beckett (BOS):
Recorded his 1500th career strikeout against the Cleveland Indians on May 24. Carlos Santana was the victim as he struck out in the first inning. Beckett became the 180th player to reach this mark.

Jo-Jo Reyes (TOR):
Tied the major league record by making his 28th consecutive start without recording a win on May 25 against the New York Yankees. He ties the record that is currently held by Matt Keough (1978–79) and Cliff Curtis (1910–11).

Mariano Rivera (NYY):
Became the first pitcher in Major League history to have appeared in 1000 games for one team by closing out the Yankees win on May 25 against the Toronto Blue Jays. Rivera became the 15th pitcher overall to reach this plateau.[22]
Recorded his 20th save of the season by closing out a victory against the Colorado Rockies on June 26. This is the 15th time that Rivera has reached 20 saves in one season, tying Trevor Hoffman for the most 20-plus save seasons in Major League history.

J.J. Putz (ARI):
By recording the save on May 25 against the Colorado Rockies, Putz registered a franchise-record 14th straight save to start the season.

Francisco Cordero (CIN):
Recorded his 300th career save by closing out a win against the Milwaukee Brewers on June 1. He became the 22nd player to reach this mark.

Carl Pavano (MIN):
Recorded his 100th career victory by defeating the Kansas City Royals on June 3. He became the 579th player to reach this mark.
Recorded his 1000th career strikeout against the Milwaukee Brewers on June 26. Prince Fielder was the victim as he struck out in the fifth inning. Pavano became the 448th player to reach this mark.

Brian Wilson (SF):
Recorded his 150th career save by closing out a win against the Colorado Rockies on June 3. He became the 71st player to reach this mark.

Tim Lincecum (SF):
Recorded his 1000th career strikeout against the Washington Nationals on June 6. Jerry Hairston was the victim as he struck out in the second inning. Lincecum became the 445th player to reach this mark. He also became the eighth pitcher in baseball's modern era (since 1900) to amass 1000 strikeouts in his first five Major League seasons, joining Tom Seaver, Bert Blyleven, Dwight Gooden, Kerry Wood, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Hideo Nomo and Mark Langston.

Jonathan Papelbon (BOS):
Recorded his 200th career save by closing out a win against the New York Yankees on June 7. He became the 42nd player to reach this mark.

Carlos Zambrano (CHC):
Recorded his 1500th career strikeout against the Philadelphia Phillies on June 10. Jimmy Rollins was the victim as he struck out in the fourth inning. Zambrano became the 181st player to reach this mark.

Zack Greinke (MIL):
Recorded his 1000th career strikeout against the Chicago Cubs on June 16. Alfonso Soriano was the victim as he struck out in the fifth inning. Greinke became the 446th player to reach this mark.

Cole Hamels (PHI):
Recorded his 1000th career strikeout against the Seattle Mariners on June 19. Miguel Olivo was the victim as he struck out in the fourth inning. Hamels became the 447th player to reach this mark.

James Shields (TB):
Became the first pitcher in Tampa Bay's 14-year Major League history to toss three consecutive complete games by going the distance against the Houston Astros on June 24.

A.J. Burnett (NYY):
Became the first pitcher in Yankees history to register four strikeouts in one inning. He accomplished this feat on June 24 against the Colorado Rockies in the sixth inning.

Brandon Beachy (ATL):
Became the first Braves rookie since 1900 to record 20 or more strikeouts while winning consecutive starts by striking out nine batters in the Braves' win against the Seattle Mariners on June 27. Beachy struck out 11 in his previous start against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Matt Cain (SF):
Recorded his 1000th career strikeout against the Chicago Cubs on June 30. Koyie Hill was the victim as he struck out in the fifth inning. Cain became the 448th player to reach this mark.

Dan Haren (LAA):
Recorded his 100th career victory by defeating the Detroit Tigers on July 5. He became the 581st player to reach this mark.

Craig Kimbrel (ATL):
Tied the Major League record for most saves by a rookie before the All-Star break since 1969 that was set by Jonathan Papelbon in 2006 by closing out the game against the Colorado Rockies on July 5. It was Kimbrel's 26th save. He set the rookie record on July 7 with his 27th save by closing out a victory against the Colorado Rockies. 

Steelers' James Harrison digs hole deeper

According to Drew Brees, the NFL Lockout is almost over. According to Chad Ochocinco, it’s far from over. Either way, while the NFLPA* and team owners met into the late hours last night, James Harrison’s big mouth continues to be the top NFL news because that’s all we’ve got. Well, except for Hines Ward’s DUI, and he must be absolutely loving Harrison right now.

Harrison recently sat down for an interview with Paul Solotaroff of Men’s Journal, and he sounded off about everything from his hatred of Roger Goodell to his problems with his own teammates. And if you haven’t already read the article, Harrison really sounded off. Most notably, he called out Ben Roethlisberger for some mistakes in the Super Bowl and pointed out that he’s not Peyton Manning, he labeled Rashard Mendenhall as a “fumble machine”, he said that Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing is “juiced out of his mind”, and he called Roger Goodell many things, including (allegedly) a f*ggot. Harrison also defended his reputation, most notably as a thug, but… hey, did I mention that banner pic is the lead image from the article?

And with all of that on paper, published and available on magazine racks, Harrison claims he was misquoted and Solotaroff, the guy who says he has notebooks full of other quotes and hours of digital interviews, agrees.

"We talked about 11 o’clock yesterday morning,” Solotaroff said on Thursday. “Look, James is the guy who’s got to live with Ben for the next three years. . . . So as I told James, ‘Listen, whatever you’ve got to say to mend fences is perfectly fine with me."

That’s the quote that really should stop the story. Solotaroff is an admittedly big fan of Harrison, which moves this article from “insightful interview” to “sloppy knob polish” and renders it irrelevant, as far as journalistic integrity. Essentially, Solotaroff told Harrison that he can say whatever he wants and he’ll manipulate and fix it after the fact.

But what is relevant is that Harrison has a big mouth and he said a bunch of things that he can’t take back. Cushing has since said he would pray for Harrison, whatever that means, and it has been reported that Roethlisberger and Mendenhall will take Harrison at his word (translated: they’ll share some “What the f*ck”s in private). Goodell, though, is a different story. While he has his hands full trying to make sure that Harrison and the rest of the players have a job this season, I can’t imagine that he’s going to look to favorably upon a guy that he has never looked favorably upon.

Solotaroff on Harrison’s nasty hit on Cleveland Browns wide receiver Mohammed Massaquoi, for which Harrison was fined $75,000:

 “Massaquoi is coming across the middle and only an idiot kid quarterback is going to lead his receiver — lead his receiver! — into a zone knowing that James Harrison is lurking back there.”

Take heed, NFL quarterbacks! Throw not toward James Harrison, lest ye be labeled a buffoon and wear the crown of shame!

On Goodell’s alleged targeting of Harrison:

“I was furious at the way James got done by Goodell last year. I thought making him the poster boy for this abrupt and arbitrary rule change . . . was about the most wrongheaded thing you could do, particularly since Goodell seemed bent on singling James out.”

 Except there was no arbitrary rule change. Harrison was penalized more harshly than any previous player, but helmet-to-helmet and leading with the helmet were still already rules. Harrison argues that these rules don’t compensate for reaction time by the defender, which is a good point, but you don’t appeal something or change a rule by telling a reporter that you wouldn’t piss the NFL commissioner out if he were on fire. Basically, Solotaroff is Harrison’s cheerleader so he’s viewing it with gunmetal glasses on. Did Goodell target Harrison to set an example? Probably. That $75,000 fine was $25K more than the $50K fines that Dunta Robinson and Brandon Merriweather received the same day. But what does writing a “Let us know how you really feel” piece actually accomplish? I guess we’ll find out eventually.

Excerpts of
That is why he still boils over losing to Green Bay in last year’s Super Bowl: He wanted so badly to mount the postgame podium, snatch the trophy from Roger Goodell, and tell him to his face, on national TV, exactly where to stick those fines. “I’d have whispered in his ear, ‘Why don’t you quit and do something else, like start your own league in flag football?’ ”

“They take 10 plays out of 4,000 snaps and want to know my thought process on each,” he says. “What I tried to explain to Goodell, but he was too stupid to understand, is that dudes crouch when you go to hit them. With Massaquoi, my target area was his waist and chest, but he lowered himself at the last possible second and I couldn’t adjust to his adjustment. But Goodell, who’s a devil, ain’t hearing that. Where’s the damn discretion, the common sense?”

“My rep is James Harrison, mean son of a bitch who loves hitting the hell out of people,” he says. “But up until last year, there was no word of me being dirty — till Roger Goodell, who’s a crook and a puppet, said I was the dirtiest player in the league. If that man was on fire and I had to piss to put him out, I wouldn’t do it. I hate him and will never respect him.”

“I should have another ring. We were the best team in football in 2004, but the Patriots, who we beat during the regular season, stole our signals and picked up 90 percent of our blitzes [in the AFC title game]. They got busted for it later, but, hey, they’re Goodell’s boys, so he slapped ‘em $500,000 and burned the tapes. Was he going to rescind their Super Bowls? Man, hell no!” Harrison on Goodell."

MLB All-Star Game: NL beats AL 5-1 behind Fielder's blast

Pitching, speed and a little bit of power. The National League is back on top in the All-Star game, using the same formula that worked during its dominating run in the 1970s and ’80s.
Prince Fielder hit a three-run homer and Roy Halladay and his relief combined on a six-hitter to lead the NL over the AL 5-1 Tuesday night, giving the senior circuit its first two-game winning streak since the mid-1990s.

The NL claimed home-field advantage in the World Series, its only blemish being a home run by Adrian Gonzalez off Cliff Lee.

With several big names as no-shows at Chase Field, the AL lost more than the game.
Boston right-hander Josh Beckett warmed up, then bowed out with a sore knee. Detroit slugger Miguel Cabrera left after hurting a muscle in his side while swinging.

Even before they were hurt, many stars were missing. Justin Verlander, Felix Hernandez and many other aces started Sunday and were ineligible, Chipper Jones and Alex Rodriguez were among those on the disabled list and Derek Jeter wanted a break. In all, 16 of 84 All-Stars were dropped.

Tyler Clippard got the win despite allowing a single to his only batter, Adrian Beltre. Clayton Kershaw, Jair Jurrjens, Craig Kimbrel, Jonny Venters, Heath Bell, Joel Hanrahan and Brian Wilson combined to keep the NL ahead.

Fielder won the MVP award after becoming the first Brewers player to homer in an All-Star game. The World Series edge could help him later, with Milwaukee and St. Louis tied for the Central lead at the break.

Fielder, son of former All-Star Cecil Fielder, was booed during the Home Run Derby a day earlier by fans angry he didn’t select Arizona’s Justin Upton.

“I didn’t take it personal at all,” Fielder said. “I understood it. no hard feelings.”

The NL dashed around the bases and stole three bags, all in one inning. Bell showed some speed, too – the reliever provided the image of the night, sprinting in from the bullpen in the eighth inning and tearing up the turf with a slide just short of the mound.

In all, the Nationals have enjoyed their best run since taking three in a row from 1994-96 – they had lost 12 straight games played to a decision before a 3-1 victory at Anaheim last year.

Andre Ethier and Pablo Sandoval also drove in runs for the NL.

Before a crowd of 47,994 that included Muhammad Ali, this was no desert classic – except for fans of pitching, which has become resurgent as the Steroids Era has receded. Scoring in the first half of this season dropped to its lowest level in 19 years and the major league batting average shrunk to its smallest midseason figure since 1985.

The home runs were the first in the All-Star game since J.D. Drew connected at Yankee Stadium three years ago. The AL finished with six hits for the second straight year.

Given the temperature outside, the theme song for this game could have been the Buster Poindexter song “Hot Hot Hot.” And except for Lee, that’s what the NL pitching was.

Bochy of the Giants became a winner in his second All-Star try, following a defeat in 1999, and his closer Wilson, the 10th NL pitcher, got two outs for the save.

Texas’ C.J. Wilson, the fourth AL pitcher, took the loss for the team run by his manager, Washington.
Despite the weather outside – 99 degrees at gametime – two separate groups opposed to Arizona’s controversial immigration law protested outside of Chase Field before the game. One quietly passed out white ribbons that symbolized peace and unity and the other loudly chanting in bullhorns and marching in circles with signs that read “Boycott hate” and “Stand with us.”

However, there was little sign of the ribbons in the stands.

While it was hot outside in the Sonoran Desert, it was a comfy 72 thanks to an 8,000-ton cooling system in the ballpark, where the roof has remained closed for games since June 17. It was the first game here in the national spotlight since the famous Game 7 comeback by the Diamondbacks over the Yankees in the 2001 World Series, a factoid referenced at the start of the pregame introductions.
In a modern stadium with an old-fashioned keyhole dirt path between the mound and the plate, there were flickers of sunlight shining through glass panels in the roof when Halladay started Curtis Granderson off with a 91 mph pitch.

Once again, pitchers dominated early.

Showing the strength that has given Philadelphia the best record in the majors, Halladay retired six straight batters – the first to do that in an All-Star game since Roger Clemens in 2001.

Lee, his Phillies teammate, followed and set down his first five hitters. Halladay, who started for the AL in 2009, joined Vida Blue, Clemens and Randy Johnson as the only pitchers to open for both leagues.

Gonzalez, who switched leagues in the offseason by going from San Diego to Boston, stepped up in the fourth and lined an 86 mph cutter just to the right-field side of the swimming pool, where women in bikinis and a man in a Santa Claus outfit were watching. There’s some history here – Gonzalez is 7 for 13 with four extra-base hits against Lee in games that count.

Jose Bautista singled on a popup behind first that Fielder dropped and advanced on Josh Hamilton’s broken-bat single before Beltre singled sharply to left. Hunter Pence, who entered at the start of the inning, threw a strike to catcher Brian McCann well in time for the tag. With baseball still smarting from the season-ending injury to Buster Posey when Scott Cousins crashed into him in May, Bautista slid late to avoid a collision that would have brought up memories of Pete Rose’s takeout of Ray Fosse in the 1970 All-Star game.

Carlos Beltran singled to shortstop leading off the bottom of the fourth and Matt Kemp singled before Fielder gave the NL a 3-1 lead against Wilson, hitting an 88 mph cutter the opposite way to left-center. The drive gave every major league team except the Diamondbacks at least one All-Star home run.

Rookie reliever Jordan Walden made a nifty, barehanded pickup of Rickie Weeks’ two-hopper to the third-base side of the mound in the fifth and threw out Starlin Castro trying to score from third. Castro came in as a pinch runner and swiped second and third. Weeks then stole second and came around on a pinch-single by Ethier.

Cano outslugs Gonzalez to win Home Run Derby

Apparently Robinson Cano didn’t get the memo.

While the Yankees as an organization treat the All-Star game with a level of disdain worthy of their feelings for the World Baseball Classic, the 28-year-old New York second baseman entertained fans and peers alike. He bested some of baseball’s biggest sluggers to win the home run derby on Monday night before 44,820 at Chase Field.

The left-handed-hitting Cano swung easy and hit hard, line drives as well as arching moon shots into the right-field seats, and on a few occasions over the right-field seats. He beat the Red Sox’s Adrian Gonzalez, 12-11, in the final round, hitting last and leaving himself four bad swings to spare.

Cano got an assist from his father, former Houston Astros pitcher Jose Cano, who threw batting practice pitches to him, just as he once did on fields in the Dominican Republic. These produced a lot more noise, although you'd have to say the elder Cano got a lot out of the time he spent with his son long ago.

"The best thing is not my swing,'' Cano said. “It was the man who threw BP, my dad. He’s the one who knows me best, the one I talk to every day on the phone after games. … He’s one of the best fathers."
For the first time, MLB appointed captains who got to fill out the four-slugger rosters from their leagues.

Prince Fielder, in charge of the National League team, appointed Milwaukee teammate Rickie Weeks and heard about it from the crowd, which wanted the Diamondbacks’ Justin Upton in the contest. When Weeks turned in an unimpressive round –- he swung and missed the first pitch and never seemed comfortable –- the crowd chanted "Justin Upton" and “We want Upton."

Fielder had been lightly booed when he took batting practice during the afternoon workout but got blasted when he stepped to the plate.

Gonzalez led the first round with nine homers, followed by Cano with eight. There was a three-way tie for third, with Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday, Fielder and Ortiz each hitting five. Fielder and Ortiz advanced into the semifinals in a five-swing playoff.
Fielder homered with all five swings in that mini-round, including a blast to right-center that hit above a restaurant beyond the swimming pool and outfield concourse. The crowd cheered Fielder as he triumphantly walked away from the plate.

Cano hit 12 in the semifinal round, one more than Gonzalez (who hit homers on 10 of 11 swings at one point). That tied them at 20 as they advanced past the captains, who had four homers apiece.

2011 Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview

Ron Zook entered the 2010 season squarely on the hot seat in Champaign. The Illini failed to reach the postseason since their magical run to the Rose Bowl in 2007 and patience with Zook was beginning to wear thin. Always considered a top flight recruiter, Zook revamped his offensive coaching staff and dedicated the team to becoming more ground oriented and physical. The experiment paid off as Zook rode the capable legs of tailback Mikel Leshoure and his almost 1,700 rushing yards to a 6-6 season, capped by a Texas Bowl win over Baylor. Now with at least a temporary reprieve from the calls for his job, Zook’s Illini return 15 starters from last season and hope to build on last year’s success in the new Big Ten Leaders Division.

The Illini didn’t ask quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase to beat teams throwing the ball in 2010, content to simply have the passing game complement the running game and keep defenses honest. In fact, Scheelhaase himself was often a rushing alternative to Leshoure, chipping in an impressive 868 yards rushing in addition to his 1,825 yards and 17 touchdowns through the air. With Leshoure gone to the NFL, the pressure will be on Scheelhaase to beat teams throwing the ball. When he does throw the ball, he’ll have his leading receiver from 2010, A.J. Jenkins, and sophomore Darius Millines back to catch it. He’ll also have his security blanket in tight end Evan Wilson who should see an expanded role in the offense.

The challenge for Illinois will be replacing Leshoure and replacing two starters along the offense line. The first to get a crack at replacing Leshoure is senior Jason Ford. Ford is a load at tailback (6’0, 235) and while he lacks some of the breakaway speed that Leshoure possessed, he can be a grinder that moves the pile. For a change of pace back, Zook will lean on redshirt freshman Troy Pollard. The offensive line returns three of five starters and is led by senior left tackle Jeff Allen. Due to attrition, the Illini are both figuratively and literally thin along the offensive line and could find themselves starting 260 pound redshirt freshman Michael Heitz at right tackle. The coaching staff will be on pins and needles hoping to avoid injury in 2011.

Rebuilding a decent defense from last year will be a tough chore for Zook and his defensive coordinator Vic Koenning. Still, few expected Koenning to get as much out of the defense as he did last year, so there’s hope in his ability to coach the defense up again in 2011. The defensive line loses its two anchors from 2010 in Corey Liuget and Clay Nurse, but Zook has recruited the defensive line pretty well in his time in Champaign and while the unit might be young, there is talent. Defensive tackles Akeem Spence and Craig Wilson are a load at 320 and 310 pounds, respectively. Their size makes running inside difficult and help keep linebackers free to roam. Michaek Buchanan is back as the “bandit”, a hybrid outside linebacker/defensive end and is a quality pass rushing threat as well as a capable man in coverage. Ian Thomas is the only true linebacker returning from last year’s unit, but he is a load inside at 240 pounds. He’ll be counted on to take an increased role in the defense while newer pieces are worked in.

The strength of the defense should be the secondary. Cornerbacks Tavon Wilson and Terry Hawthorne are both talented, experienced cover men that broke up eleven passes between them last year. With the loss of pass rushers in the front seven, the Illini might be forced to be more aggressive with blitzes and that means more man coverage. Wilson and Hawthorne are capable of handling those duties. Free safety Trulon Henry was everywhere on defense last year and will be counted on to do the same again in 2011. Henry had three tackles for loss, three interceptions, and was fifth on the team in tackles. He’s a very big safety at 6’2, 225 and the state sheet shows he’s not afraid to come up and support the run defense. He’s the ideal size for a safety in the Big Ten conference and its collection of powerful rushing teams.

The schedule should at least send Illinois back to the postseason and might allow the Illini to open 5-0, depending on how home games against Arizona State and Northwestern go. The Illini beat Northwestern last year at Wrigley Field. The Illini will need to pile up on wins in the early going as the schedule gets increasingly difficult. Few teams will face a more difficult final stretch than their final month which features games at Penn State, followed by games at against Michigan and Wisconsin. The season finale at Minnesota could be a battle for bowl eligibility if the Illini stumble early.

MLB All-Star Game 2011: Can National League make it two straight years against AL?

Usually good pitching wins the All Star Game, but with so many pitchers on the rosters, who should we expect to see on the mound, and how will this effect the outcome.

To say the American League has ‘owned’the mid-summer classic would rank right up there with history’s classic understatements. MLB Statistics show that they had won 13 straight games before losing to the National League 3-1 in Anaheim.

The AL All-Stars are favored again in this year's MLB All-Star Game this year drawing an opening number of -120 with the total at 8 on the MLB odds boards. Pregame coverage begins at 8:00 PM ET on Fox with first-pitch scheduled for the 8:30.

Who do you like?
There’s a strong case to be made for the American League which has got the superior offense lead by major league home run leader Jose Bautista who has 28 home runs. Adrian Gonzalez, David Ortiz, Josh Hamilton and Curtis Granderson can all mash. Miguel Cabrera, Adrian Beltre and Michael Young are all capable reserves.

Jose Bautista also is the current betting odds favorite in this year's Home-Run Derby, listed at 3/1.

No matter how talented the AL hitters are, it’s going to be a chore trying to get much going against an NL pitching staff headed Roy Halladay, MLB strikeout leader Clayton Kershaw, 12-game winner Jair Jurrjens, and Tim Lincecum.

The safe play in recent years has been the ‘under’ which is 4-0-1 in the past five years and that’s still my preferred choice. While the NL rates a slight edge on the hill, the AL staff can more than hold its own with the likes of CC Sabathia, Jerod Weaver and Justin Verlander throwing them down.

Lineup shuffle
The All-Star game has become known for its last minute replacements making it even tougher to handicap. Some players have legitimate injuries that keep them out of the game while others simply would prefer the time off to another game and all that goes with it.

The Yankees Derek Jeter is a prime example of a player who is just worn out. The pressure of chasing 3,000 and all of the stuff that surrounds including the immense media coverage has taken its toll on the Yankees captain who decided to skip the game. In his case he deserves a pass.
In case you missed it the first time around here are the respective starting lineups. The asterisk indicates a player who will be out due to injury or illness.

American League
C- Alex Avilla, Detroit Tigers
1B- Adrian Gonzalez, Boston Red Sox
2B- Robinson Cano, New York Yankees
SS- *Derek Jeter, New York Yankees (rest)
3B- *Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees (knee)
OF- Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays
OF- Curtis Granderson, New York Yankees
OF- Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers
DH- David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox

With both Jeter and A-Rod (knee) opting to rest, it appears that Asdrubal Cabrera (Indians) and Adrian Beltre (Rangers) will take their spots in the lineup.

National LeagueC- Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves
1B- Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers
2B- Richie Weeks, Milwaukee Brewers
SS- *Jose Reyes, New York Mets (hamstring)
3B- Placido Polanco, Philadelphia Phillies
OF- Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers
OF- Lance Berkman, St. Louis Cardinals
OF- Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers

Either Cubs rookie Starlin Castro or Troy Tulowitzki of the Rockies will replace Reyes.

Pitching
Following the embarrassing tie game in 2002 when both teams ran out of pitchers, baseball has swung back the other way and now has too many pitchers. Half the guys on each roster won’t play and most will never see the bullpen but at least they’re on hand if needed.

The best way to gauge which pitchers you’ll see in action on Tuesday is actually pretty simple. If they pitched on Thursday you’ll probably see them for an inning or two. If they worked any later in the week the chances grow slimmer that they’ll even warm-up. With five All-Star starting pitchers scheduled to work Sunday that means five additional pitchers will be named. Any pitcher who works on Sunday is ineligible to play in the game.

Let me count the ways
The way the rosters are assembled has also become a watered down process. There’s the fan vote, the players vote, the coaches vote and if you still haven't made the team, there’s the ever popular internet vote to determine the final roster spot. This year Paul Konerko won point and click honors for the AL with Shane Victorino in the NL. However Victorino was placed on the disabled list Friday and will be replaced on the NL squad by Phoenix native Andre Ethier of the Dodgers.

I’ve got two solid arguments to make for both teams starting with the American League offense and the National League pitching. Usually good pitching wins out and if that axiom holds true this year, the NL could make it back-to-back wins.

DEREK JETER!! 3,000 HITS!! CONGRATS!!

Derek Jeter homers for his 3,000th hit, making him the first player to reach the mark with the New York Yankees.

Jeter hit the milestone with a drive to left field with one out in the third inning Saturday at Yankee Stadium. He became the 28th major leaguer overall to get 3,000.

Jeter singled in the first inning to get close, then got the historic hit against Tampa Bay All-Star David Price.

Religion and Baseball

Lutherans believe they can't win, but they still trust the scorekeeper.
Puritans won't swing.
Quakers won't strike.
Unitarians can catch anything.
Calvinists believe the game is fixed.
The pope claims never to have committed an error.
Fundamentalists balk.
Pre-Millennialists believe the game will be called on account of darkness.
Atheists don't believe anyone created the game.
Diests don't believe in an umpire.
Adventists won't play the 7th inning.
Amish do a lot of walking.

Just a fun post for a rediculously hot Sunday afternoon in the boring-ole town of Springfield, Illinois. Did not make this post to be offensive to anybody in anyway.

BREAKING NEWS: El Hombre is officially back!

Sixteen days after fracturing a bone in his left wrist, three-time National League MVP Albert Pujols returned to the Cardinals' active roster Tuesday, cleared by the team's doctor to resume his duties as first baseman on the first day he was eligible to come off the disabled list. La Russa didn't start Pujols after what the manager called a "rigorous workout" on Tuesday and said he didn't find the appropriate time to use him in an 8-1 victory against the Reds. Pujols will start tonight, La Russa said.

When the fracture on the wrist-end tip of Pujols' radius bone was discovered on June 20, the team announced that his recovery would be at least four weeks and possibly more than six. Pujols was expected to be in a soft cast for four weeks. Tuesday's return means he was ready to play two weeks before he was originally scheduled to pick up a bat for the first time.

Garcia articulated an opinion shared around the ballpark: Back already?

"I knew that hopefully it would be less than six weeks," Pujols said. "I told everybody around that I was looking forward to coming off (the DL) in two weeks, and here I am. … I have faith in God, training and working hard. That's the easy way to explain it."

Pujols injured his left wrist in a collision near first base with the Kansas City Royals' Wilson Betemit on Father's Day, June 19. The nondisplaced fracture in his forearm bone near the wrist was not discovered by the X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging scans taken of Pujols' joint; it took a second, more-detailed CT scan for team physician Dr. George Paletta to find the fracture. Dr. James Yocum, the L.A. Angels' physician, was sent images from the scans and affirmed the diagnosis.

General manager John Mozeliak said he announced a conservative estimate for Pujols' return because the doctors "are trying to give me the worst-case scenario, what we should be planning for."

In all of the exams, the structural integrity of Pujols' wrist was sound, showing none of the ligament or tendon damage that has caused other hitters, such as former Cardinals player Mark DeRosa, lengthy recoveries and surgeries from wrist injuries. Once the fracture healed, Pujols could return. That brought optimism.

"The one thing that we didn't take into account at that time was how good he was going to feel days later," Mozeliak said. "He had his grip strength, and therefore he started to experiment with the bat. There were a lot of indicators that this was going to be something that would happen sooner rather than later.

"Albert knows his body better than anyone, and he felt that he could push himself," Mozeliak said. "I think that did expedite the DL time."

In the days after the injury, Pujols described how his grip strength had not been diminished, his range of motion was not limited and the pain had subsided.

Steady grip strength is often a sign that the wrist is not significantly compromised, said Dr. Rick Wright, the team physician for the Rams and Blues. Wright, an orthopedic surgeon at Washington University, was not involved in the treatment or diagnosis of Pujols but spoke in general terms about the wrist injuries he has encountered.

"It is analogous to the fracture you get from being hit by a puck, when you get that crack that doesn't show up on an X-ray but does when you get one of those finer looks through an MRI or CT scan," Wright said. "It becomes more an issue of soreness and pain and functioning for the player. It acts more like a bone bruise, and not a fracture where the bone is in two pieces and needs that six or eight weeks to heal."

Pujols, who missed 13 games, felt healthy enough to urge a more aggressive timetable for his recovery.

"The pictures, the tests, the exercises, everything I was doing, they go by what I feel," Pujols said. "I'm not going to be stupid and lie to them that I feel good when I don't. That doesn't do anything good for me. That doesn't do anything good for my team."

Pujols is in the final year of his contract with the Cardinals and had notified the team he intends to test free agency at the end of the season. He returned from the DL with a .279 average, 17 home runs and 45 RBIs. In his only two previous stints on the DL, he returned earlier than advertised each time. In 2006, he was back from an oblique strain in 18 days, three fewer than the team predicted. In 2008, he collapsed running out of the box and had to be helped off the field with a tear in his calf muscle. Originally prescribed three weeks of rest, Pujols returned 15 days later and went four-for-four in his first game back.

Pujols took his first swings on this DL stint on June 27, seven days after the fracture was found. He increased the number and intensity of the swings over the next four days, and he put a glove on the injured wrist and took grounders at first base Monday. Word of his workouts reached his teammates, a few of whom then suggested he could return sooner than expected.

"Albert, he keeps surprising you," third baseman David Freese said. "He's obviously something special how he's that guy who stays on the field, and that's the first step to becoming the greatest hitter to ever play this game. He makes this train move. … We get here and see him doing drills, hitting, and that's when what you hope happens starts to become a reality."

Pujols had scans taken of the joint Tuesday to examine the fracture, and Paletta called Mozeliak around 12:30 p.m. to give official clearance. The fracture is not entirely healed, Mozeliak said, but there is no risk of further damage. Pujols will wear a protective guard when he runs the bases, and he could have his wrist and forearm taped while hitting and playing for at least another two weeks.

Pujols said if he was worried about further injury or what a check-swing might feel like, he would not be 'swinging as aggressively as I am."

He's back, already.

"It's better than missing six weeks," Pujols said. "It could be worse. I told you guys it could have been the whole season. It's two weeks. Everything happens for a reason."

Pujols Medically Cleared; Activated from DL today

Perhaps Albert Pujols is a machine. Defying initial projections that he would miss four to six weeks due to a hairline fracture of the distal tip of his left radius, Pujols has received medical clearance to return to the Cardinals just 16 days after suffering the injury.

Pujols has been activated from the disabled list, according to the club, however, he is not penciled into the starting lineup. Lance Berkman is slated to play first base.

Cards manager Tony La Russa said Pujols was not in the lineup "because he hasn't had a rigorous workout and I feel like he should get one." Pujols did field grounders earlier today before batting practice.

Lefthanded reliever Brian Tallet was moved to the 15-day DL with a rib-cage injury as the corresponding move to Pujols' activation. Pujols foreshadowed his early return on Monday in word and deed. Pujols also took ground balls and hit off a pitching machine Monday, implying his readiness to return. The three-time NL Most Valuable Player has been on the disabled list since June 20.

General manager John Mozeliak on Monday described the club as optimistic about Pujols’ return but cautioned, “We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves.”

Pujols insisted Monday that he is able to swing without discomfort. He said he has hit off a machine throwing 89 or 90 miles per hour. La Russa has stayed abreast of Pujols’ progress. He acknowledged Monday there was no reason for Pujols to go on a rehab assignment once cleared by doctors. Pujols has declared himself pain-free: “If I felt any pain, I wouldn’t be swinging,” he said Monday.

Pujols suffered the injury in a collision June 19 with Kansas City Royals third baseman Wilson Betemit. Initial projections called for Pujols to remain in a soft cast for four weeks before resuming baseball-related activities. An August return seemed more likely than him becoming available before the All-Star break; however, Pujols has exited the disabled list after the minimum 15 days the two previous times he has been lost to injury.

Since the day after his injury Pujols has said he has felt good enough to play. Pujols is hitting .279 with 17 home runs, 45 RBIs and a .855 on-base-plus-slugging percentage this season.

STLToday.com

Carpenter against Cueto on Independence Day

The Cincinnati Reds return to St. Louis this afternoon, and their rotation allows for a reunion more than 10 months in the making.

For the first time since the brawl last August, Reds righty Johnny Cueto will start in St. Louis against the Cardinals.

It was during that game, which the Cardinals won, that Cueto began wildly kicking at Cardinals, dragging his cleats across Chris Carpenter's back and giving catcher Jason LaRue a concussion. LaRue retired last fall as a result of concussion-related symptoms.

Cueto was suspended seven games, the longest suspension that stemmed from the skirmish, but the Cardinals were frustrated that caused him to miss only one start.

Starting opposite Cueto for the first time since the brawl is "just a distraction," Carpenter said.
"I don't think it will ever be water under the bridge," he said. "But as professionals you move on and you do your job."

(Tonight's game delivers the first pitch at 5:15 p.m. Central Time.) - Happy Fourth of July everybody!
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T-Cobb's Top Ten Sports Rivalries of All-Time

Rivalries are what sports fans of different teams use to connect to each other. Whether it’s a rivalry in high school, college, or even pro teams, a big rivalry never changes the hatred you have toward that other team. Looking back in sports history, some of the best games played have been between rivals. A lot of the most exciting moments in sports happen when one team is facing a rival.

Whenever a sports fan thinks of a game to go to, the first thing that pops up is usually his/her favorite team facing their rival. Rivals games are arguably the most important game to win not only for the fans, but for the organization to have bragging rights on the other. Now, let’s check out the top ten greatest rivalries in all of sports.

10. Southern California Trojans (USC) vs. Notre Dame Irish (ND)--college football

Started: 1926
Record: Notre Dame leads, 43-33-5

Two of college football’s biggest powerhouses have had one of the most exciting rivalries in NCAA football history. The two teams usually have great games and teams in each of their meetings during this long-lived rivalry. The teams have combined for the most national titles (22), Heisman Trophy Winners (14), and NFL players.
The things that makes the rivalry so unique is all the big time players that have played in it and the media coverage that the rivalry receives. Out of all the games in college football, none of them get the media coverage that ESPN gives the USC-Notre Dame rivalry, especially Lee Corso.

9. Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs--NHL Hockey

Started: 1917
Record: Montreal Canadiens Lead, 331-284-88
One of the most historic and talked about rivalries in NHL history, the Maple Leafs vs the Canadiens is always a series that has the people of Canada on its feet. The rivalry, that started with the creation of Original Six, has given fans the opportunity to watch two of the best franchises in NHL history face off against each other five or six times per year.
What makes this series so special is that the teams have played each other often in the playoffs and even have played each other in the Stanley Cup five times, with Toronto leading 3-2. Although this series is not as talked about, a lot of the big time hockey fans know that this rivalry is the most important in all of hockey.

8. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics--NBA Basketball

Started: 1948
Record: Boston Celtics Lead, 153-121

The biggest series in basketball has been known to showcase the greatest games, the greatest players, and the greatest teams in NBA history. Whenever you think of rivalries in the NBA you might think about the Bulls vs. the Pistons or the Rockets vs. the Spurs, but the answer that you would probably think of in terms of history, popularity, and the excitement the rivalry brings, is probably going to be the Lakers-Celtics rivalry.

Even though the rivalry started play in 1948, it didn’t get big until the 1960′s, when the Lakers and Celtics had some of the best teams in their franchises’ history. The big selling point to making this the top NBA rivalry was the big rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. With these two players meeting so frequently in NBA Finals and providing their best basketball gameplay during the Lakers vs. Celtics games, this series picked up and has ended up to be a huge rivalry to this day.

7. Missouri vs. Kansas--College Sports

Started: 1891
Record: Missouri Leads Kansas 56-54-9

The early athletic matches between the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri are said to have helped aid both states in the healing process following the civil war. The athletic rivalry started off with a bang when the University of Kansas chose to name their athletic team the Jayhawkers, the same term that had ben used to describe the unsavory assortment of outlaws, independent military bands, and rogue Union troops that had plundered and burned their way through western Missouri just 30 years earlier.

Over the years, the series has developed into one of the most bitter and hateful rivalries in college sports. Even the coaches have gotten into the rivalry. Former Kansas football coach Don Fambrough, when referred to a physician across the state line in Kansas City, Missouri, for treatment, exclaimed "I'll die first!"(2): not to be outdone, Missouri's former basketball coach Norm Stewart would traditionally have his players stay in Kansas City, Missouri, before playing at Kansas, going so far as to require the team bus to buy its gasoline at a Missouri filling station and reprimanding players who ate in Kansas, as he did not want to put any money into Kansas' economy.

6. Army vs. Navy--College Football

Started: 1890
Record: Navy Leads, 55-49-7

When you think of the Army and the Navy you probably think of soldiers fighting in Afghanistan, but what you don’t usually think of is the hard fought rivalry between these two teams. The Army-Navy rivalry has been one of college football’s longest standing rivalries. Even though you don’t hear too much about these teams now-a-days and the players that play for each team, there still is no denying how intense this rivalry actually is.

I have heard a lot from football players from both schools, and they have told me that this game is the one game on their schedule that they look forward to. This rivalry was even more intense in the 1940′s and 1950′s when both schools had some of their best teams of all time. These schools provided such hard fought games between each other and the highlights of past games demonstrate how much fun and heart that these players play with.

5. Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers--NFL Football

Started: 1921
Record: Chicago Bears Lead, 92–84–6

One of the most underrated rivalries in all of sports, the Bears-Packers rivalry is something that isn’t talked about too much recently. This rivalry features the NFL’s two best franchises that have won a combined 21 NFL Championships/Super Bowls. This rivalry started with the formation of the NFL and is always played twice a year ever since.

The matchup between these two teams is huge in the state of Wisconsin and Illinois. This rivalry has torn apart the states of Illinois and Wisconsin and is always a fun game to watch. Even though Brett Favre has been known to beat down on the Bears, the Bears still lead the overall series. No other series in the NFL has featured greats like Walter Payton, Bart Starr, Brett Favre, Dick Butkus, Reggie White, and Mike Singletary playing on the same fields.

4. New York/San Fransisco Giants vs. Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers--MLB Baseball

Started: 1883
Record: NY/San Fransisco Giants Lead, 1080-1068-12

The longest lasting rivalry in the history of baseball gets the #4 on our countdown of the top rivalries in sports. The Dodgers-Giants rivalry has been played for almost 120 years and has had the two teams play 2,161 games so far. This rivalry has been a big time rivalry especially when both teams where in the state of New York. Both of these teams were very feared teams back in the 1940′s and 1950′s and are still two of the top teams in the NL today.

This rivalry has been such a close rivalry compared to others because the Giants only lead the series by 12 games at this moment. The rivalry was very exciting in the 50′s and 60′s when both teams were playing each other to win the NL Pennant. What makes this rivalry so unique to us is that right when the Giants moved to the West Coast, the Dodgers packed their bags and headed to the West Coast as well.

3. North Carolina vs. Duke--College Basketball

Started: 1920
Record: North Carolina Leads, 130-100

College basketball’s most storied and talked about rivalries ends up at #3 on our list. This game shows what true college basketball is all about and it features it all, the top players, the best coaches, and most importantly the best fans in the game trying their best to propel their team to victory. This rivalry has been known to go down till the last possession quite often. Both of these teams are playing to be the best team in North Carolina and most importantly, in college basketball.

This rivalry has been known for it’s hard fought battles between players and has showcased the greats of Michael Jordan, Christian Laettner, James Worthy, and Danny Ferry. No other series in college basketball can provide fans and viewers with as much excitement from the opening tip-off till the final buzzer, like this series does.

2. Michigan vs. Ohio State--College Football

Started: 1897
Record: Michigan Leads, 57–44–6

"The Game" has been college footballs most intense and historical rivalries in history. This rivalry has featured the best players in the game face off against each other. What makes this rivalry so great is that both teams are usually ranked in the top-25 each season(except Michigan recently). A great thing about this rivalry is the history behind it. One of the best stories between these schools is the rivalry between the coaches of both schools, Bo Schembechler and Woody Hayes. Both of these coaches despised each other and had what most call a "Ten-Year War" with Bo coming on top 5-4-1 in the series.

Also, what makes this rivalry even better is that both teams have combined for an amazing 18 National Championships and have combined for over 75 Big Ten titles. Speaking to a lot of Ohio State fans I learned that one of the main goal for the season is to beat Michigan and I know that Michigan fans feel that their main goal is to beat Ohio State as well. Overall, this rivalry is one of college football’s most storied and hard-fought rivalries.

1. Yankees vs. Red Sox--MLB Baseball

Started: 1901
Record: Yankees Lead, 1,124–938–14

Lastly, you didn’t think I would forget baseballs greatest rivalry, the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry. This rivalry features two of the best teams in baseball and has more than just gameplay between them. The biggest reason why they are big time rivals is the big deal between the Red Sox and Yankees in which a guy named Babe Ruth went from the Red Sox to the Yankees and became one of the greatest players of all time.

Not only is this rivalry shadowed by Babe Ruth switching alliances, but many notable players have switched alliances like Wade Boggs and Johnny Damon. What makes this rivalry so special is the guarantee that you will see the hardest played baseball between these two teams during their face-offs. Also, because they are in the same division, a lot of the time they play each other at the end of the season to determine the winner of the AL East. Even though the Red Sox don’t have as many World Series as the Yankees, you can’t deny how amazing it is to watch both of these teams play and that is why this is the greatest rivalry in sports.