MLB FanHouse

Paper Has Credentials Revoked After Publishing Players' Addresses

Tom Fornelli — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:39:00 EST

Filed under: Cardinals, MLB All-Star Game, MLB Media Watch

Over the last few years as blogs have entered the mainstream for people seeking information on the internet, there's been a lot of controversy over what's kosher and what isn't with blogs. Whether people are getting upset about a blog saying they think a player may be using steroids without concrete proof, or posting pictures of athletes out at a bar with a bottle of Jack Daniels in their hand and a bevy of beauties on their arm, there are plenty of examples of blogs dancing back and forth over the line of what's responsible reporting and irresponsible.

But don't worry, this isn't another post about which side is right, and which side is wrong. No, this is just a post being put up on a blog to let the world know that it's not just bloggers who step over the line from time to time.

Take The Riverfront Times for instance.

With the All-Star Game taking place in St. Louis this week, the paper put out a handy guide for fans in St. Louis and those visiting letting them know everything they could ever want to about baseball in St. Louis. Of course, they also decided to post the home addresses of both current and former Cardinals baseball players, and now they've had their credentials revoked by MLB.

Last Thursday afternoon I got a call from Brian Bartow, the St. Louis Cardinals' director of media relations. Bartow said the team had seen and loved the Riverfront Times Guide to All-Star Week, a special supplement this paper had published the previous day -- all except the part where we revealed the home addresses of some current and former Redbirds luminaries.

The players, Bartow said, were particularly peeved, especially Pujols. So upset were they, Bartow told me, that the ballclub felt it had no option but to instruct Major League Baseball to revoke the credentials they'd granted Riverfront Times to cover the All-Star Game, and to rescind our credentials to cover the team over the course of the regular season.

That excerpt is from a blog entry by Tom Finkel of The Riverfront Times. He calls the entry an apology, but after reading the entire thing, it becomes clear the only thing he's apologizing for is possibly causing Pujols to have a sub-par All-Star performance.

He doesn't seem remorseful at all for publishing Albert Pujols' address -- he even goes as far as to give readers directions on how to find it themselves -- along with other Cardinals luminaries like Ozzie Smith, Al Hrabowsky and the great Stan Musial. Instead he says it's his right thanks to freedom of speech, and though that may be true, it doesn't make it right.

We've seen in the past that athletes can have altercations with overzealous fans and stalkers from time to time. Monica Seles was stabbed during a tennis match. To publish the home address of an athlete, or anyone in the spotlight, is wholly irresponsible.

I'm not saying that anybody is going to attack Pujols or any of the other players who were listed because of this, but if somebody wanted to, it would be a whole lot easier now wouldn't it?

A person's home is their home. It is not public domain. If you want to show up at Busch Stadium and let Pujols know how much you think he sucks, that's your right. But much like when you go home after a long day at work, Pujols deserves his privacy at his own home with his family.

Maybe Finkel should publish his own address in tomorrow's paper so any players who were upset by this can go over there and voice their displeasure personally.

Paper Has Credentials Revoked After Publishing Players' Addresses originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:39:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beat, Er, Streak Goes On for Hapless NL

Jeff Fletcher — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:12:00 EST

Filed under: MLB All-Star Game

ST. LOUIS -- The last time the National League won an All-Star Game, Justin Upton was 8 years old, Barack Obama had never been elected to a public office and the Internet was barely more than the private toy of a few scientists.

Now Upton is an All-Star, Obama is the President and the Internet touches just about every part of daily life.

But the National League? Nothing has changed for it. The senior circuit is still looking for its first win since 1996.

"Nobody likes to be on the wrong end of things, but there is not a lack of competitiveness and compassion to win the ballgame," Trevor Hoffman said after the NL's 4-3 loss on Tuesday night at Busch Stadium.

Hoffman was the most senior member of the NL All-Star squad, having participated in seven games during the winless streak, including the 2002 tie.

David Wright has played in the past four games. He conceeded it's probably not just a fluke that the AL has dominated the games, but he didn't want to read too much into it either.

"When you win that many in a row, you have to give those guys credit," Wright said. "I don't know if you can compare leagues based on one game in the middle of the season."

Truth be told, the AL's dominance in interleague play is more indicative of the balance of power than the All-Star Game. These past four All-Star Games have all been decided by the thinnest of margins, one-run games.

"There's a little bit of luck involved there," AL reliever Jonathan Papelbon said. "To be able to come here year after year and do we've done as an American League ballclub is pretty impressive."

The difference in this one was a pair of balls hit to left field, one that was caught over the fence and one that was just beyond the outfielder's reach.

"Every game I've been a part of has been a pretty good game," said Chase Utley, another four-time All-Star loser. "Tonight was a good old fashioned baseball game. They just ended up scoring one more run than we did. You are always tired of losing, but most of us had a pretty good time."

A quote like that might give you the idea that the NL players are "just happy to be here," while the AL players come to win.

"That's what we came here to do," AL closer Mariano Rivera said. "We came here for a mission and the mission was accomplished."

Wright said that manager Charlie Manuel made it clear before the game that this was not to be taken lightly.

"Charlie addressed it," Wright said. "We all know how important it is. We take a lot of pride in coming here to win one for the National League. I don't think there's really anything that needs to be said. We know the circumstances. We know the importance of this game."

Orlando Hudson, who has been on both sides of the All-Star mismatch, said he doesn't see the difference.

"They're an unbelievable team," he said. "They got us again tonight. ... They came out on top tonight. And last year. And the year before. And before I ever called up to the big leagues. I have only been in the big leagues seven years, you can't get mad at me. We were losing long before I came in."

MLB All-Star Game Photos

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: U.S. President Barack Obama (R) greets National League All-Star Albert Pujols #5 of the St. Louis Cardinals after throwing out the first pitch before the 2009 All-Star Game at Busch Stadium July 14, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri. The American League beat the National League 4-3. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Albert Pujols;Barack Obama

MLB Photos via Getty Images

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: U.S. President Barack Obama throws out the first pitch before the 2009 All-Star Game at Busch Stadium July 14, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri. The American League beat the National League 4-3. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Barack Obama

MLB Photos via Getty Images

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: U.S. President Barack Obama walks onto the field before the 2009 All-Star Game at Busch Stadium July 14, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri. The American League beat the National League 4-3. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Barack Obama

MLB Photos via Getty Images

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: Sheryl Crow sings the National Anthem before the 2009 All-Star Game at Busch Stadium July 14, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri. The American League beat the National League 4-3. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Sheryl Crow

MLB Photos via Getty Images

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: American League All-Star Victor Martinez #41 of the Cleveland Indians congratulates American League All-Star Mariano Rivera #42 of the New York Yankees after the American League team won the 2009 All-Star Game at Busch Stadium July 14, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri. The American League beat the National League 4-3. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mariano Rivera;Victor Martinez

MLB Photos via Getty Images

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: A general view of Busch Stadium during the pregame ceremonies of the 2009 All-Star Game at Busch Stadium July 14, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri. The American League beat the National League 4-3. (Photo by Jessica Foster/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

MLB Photos via Getty Images

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: American League All-Star Victor Martinez #41 of the Cleveland Indians tags National League All-Star Ryan Howard #6 of the Philadelphia Phillies out after dropping the ball in the bottom of the eighth inning during the 2009 All-Star Game at Busch Stadium July 14, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri. The American League beat the National League 4-3. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Victor Martinez;Ryan Howard

MLB Photos via Getty Images

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: American League All-Star Carl Crawford #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays catches a ball off the bat of National League All-Star Brad Hawpe #11 of the Colorado Rockies during the seventh inning during the 2009 All-Star Game at Busch Stadium July 14, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri. The American League beat the National League 4-3. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Carl Crawford

MLB Photos via Getty Images

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: National League All-Star Miguel Tejada #10 of the Houston Astros turns a double play against American League All-Star Josh Hamilton #32 of the Texas Rangers in the sixth inning of the 2009 All-Star Game at Busch Stadium July 14, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri. The American League beat the National League 4-3. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Josh Hamilton;Miguel Tejada

MLB Photos via Getty Images

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: American League All-Star Joe Mauer #7 of the Minnesota Twins throws to first base during the 2009 All-Star Game at Busch Stadium July 14, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri. The American League beat the National League 4-3. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Joe Mauer

MLB Photos via Getty Images

Beat, Er, Streak Goes On for Hapless NL originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:12:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Phone Tag Gets Figgins to St. Louis

Ed Price — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:53:00 EST

Filed under: Angels, MLB All-Star Game

ST. LOUIS -- Once he didn't win the online vote for the final AL roster spot in the All-Star Game, Chone Figgins figured he had three days off and decided not to answer his phone.

He had no idea that Evan Longoria had an infected finger and might not be able to play.

So when Longoria was scratched and Figgins was picked to replace him on the roster, it became a bit of an issue trying to track down the Angels third baseman.

Angels vice president of communications Tim Mead tried to call Figgins but got no answer. So he called former Angel Garret Anderson.

Anderson called Figgins' mom. She called Figgins' uncle.

The uncle remembered that Keith Johnson, who manages an Angels' Single-A team and is friends with Figgins, was staying with Figgins at his house in Newport Beach, Calif.

So the uncle told Anderson about Johnson, Anderson called Mead and -- at about 8 AM PT -- Mead called Johnson.

"He was sleeping in the other room," Figgins said. "He started banging on the door. I was panicking. I am like, 'What is going on?' "

MLB All-Star Game Photos

MLB Photos via Getty Images

Johnson said, "You've got to get on the phone."

Said Figgins, "For what?"

"Tim Mead wants to talk to you."

"For what?"

"I don't know, man. Just take the phone."

And that's how he found out he was an All-Star for the first time in his career.

"The first thing I thought was, just get me on a plane," Figgins said. "I want to at least make introductions."

He did, arriving at Busch Stadium at about 6:30 PM CT.

Figgins arrived too late to meet President Obama and didn't get it the game. No matter.

"More than worth it," Figgins said.

Phone Tag Gets Figgins to St. Louis originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:53:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Out of Left Field: All-Star Game Turns on Pair of Plays in Outfield

Ed Price — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:45:00 EST

Filed under: Diamondbacks, Rays, MLB All-Star Game

ST. LOUIS - With organizations re-realizing the value of defense, it was appropriate that the MVP of Tuesday's All-Star Game was picked because of his play in the field.

Carl Crawford was awarded the Arch Ward Trophy for his leaping grab in the seventh inning, robbing Brad Hawpe of what would have been a tie-breaking homer to left.

"I don't think I've ever robbed a home run before," Crawford said, "so I picked a good time to do it tonight. It's definitely probably my best catch I've ever made."

Said AL manager Joe Maddon, who also manages Crawford with Tampa Bay: "I don't know that I've ever seen Carl go over the wall. ... The way he got to the position on the ball was great, and the catch, obviously, was fantastic.

"I've been talking to everybody all year about this. Carl, he has become a better baseball player since I first met him in 2006. He's a better defender, a better thrower, a better baserunner, a better base stealer, and it's all because of his work. I'm not saying it's our fault he's better; it's because of him. His work ethic is that good."

Crawford said he didn't think the ball would carry as much as it would did. But using the speed that enticed the University of Nebraska to recruit him out of Houston as an option quarterback, Crawford got to the fence in front of the AL bullpen in time to jump and make the catch.

"I was right there," Mariano Rivera said. "That was a great play, a great play. I would think that saved the game right there."

MLB All-Star Game Photos

MLB Photos via Getty Images

Said Joe Nathan: "It was amazing how quick he got back, and was able to get above the wall to bring that one back."

Crawford's grab was the best in an All-Star Game since 2002, when Torii Hunter took a homer away from Barry Bonds.

"That was a nice catch," Crawford said. "He went up higher than I did."

But Curtis Granderson, playing center field Tuesday, was suitably impressed with Crawford's play.

"It was cool just to be next to it and watch it," Granderson said.

Hawpe was appreciative as well.

"I hit it well," he said, "but as soon as I hit I saw him going back looking like he was going to catch it. He had a bead on it.

"I know he's unbelievable. He took a bunch of hits away from us in Denver. He's just a great outfielder, a great baseball player."

Or, as Trevor Hoffman put it, "Great players make great players in great situations, and that happened right there."

"I don't think I've ever robbed a home run before. ... It's definitely probably my best catch I've ever made"
-- Carl Crawford It wasn't as good a night in left field for Justin Upton. A career right fielder, he had never played left before, and when Granderson hit a drive off the same part of the fence a half-inning after Crawford made his catch, Upton got too close to the wall. When the ball ricocheted past him, it went for a triple.

"A couple days ago they asked if I played center," Upton said, "and I said I said I hadn't played in 2 1/2 years. I guess he (manager Charlie Manuel) figured I could play either corner.

"It definitely played a little different, but that ball was crushed. He put a good swing on it and I wasn't able to get there."

It was Granderson's first career All-Star at-bat.

"A lot of guys talked about their at-bats and said, 'Hey, I'm going to try to go up there and get something I can drive,' " Granderson said, "And that was it, just see if I could hit the ball hard and see what happens. And sure enough I was able to square it up."

Maddon noted Granderson's hustle on the play.

"A lot of times," Maddon said, "a ball will be hit like that and a hitter automatically assumes a double. He did not assume a double, he assumed three right there, which puts an entirely different attitude on the other side in regard to what they can do."

Zack Greinke said Granderson's teammate, Justin Verlander, predicted a homer for Granderson as he came up to bat.

"I was like, if he hits the ball it's going to be an extra-base hit," Greinke said. "That's all he does."

Out of Left Field: All-Star Game Turns on Pair of Plays in Outfield originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Amply Armed AL Races Through NL

Ed Price — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:15:00 EST

Filed under: MLB All-Star Game

ST. LOUIS -- American League pitchers didn't just retire 18 straight batters in one stretch Tuesday.

They retired 18 straight All-Stars.

On just 48 pitches.

"It's tough when you are facing closer after closer or No. 1 starter after No. 1 starter," NL third baseman David Wright said, "and everyone coming in for one ininng. We were fortunate to get that one inning we plated a couple. Then we're facing closer after closer and No. 1 after No. 1."

AL manager Joe Maddon set it up so he could finish with Jonathan Papelbon, Joe Nathan and Mariano Rivera for an inning each.

"You can see why they're so good," Maddon said. "When you're on the same side you can see they're very calm, they're very deliberate, they're in control of the moment."

What a Relief!
After starter Roy Halladay departed Tuesday, the AL relievers -- Mark Buehrle, Zack Greinke, Edwin Jackson, Felix Hernandez, Jonathan Papelbon, Joe Nathan and Mariano Rivera -- dominated their NL opponents. Here are their combined numbers:
Category	Stat
IP	7
Hits	1
Runs	0
SO	5
BB	1
Pitches	73
Strikes	49
Balls	24

Said Papelbon: "Pitching in front of Joe and pitching in front of 'Mo' -- two guys that I look up to and root for, admire what they do for the role of a closer. It was really neat and sentimental to have Mo lock down that save for me being the winning pitcher. ... Making people realize how important it is to have a closer, how important it is to lock down those later innings of a ballgame."

Tuesday's performance was the second-longest streak of consecutive outs in All-Star history (in 1968, NL pitchers retired 20 in a row at one point).

"Everybody that came out of our bullpen tonight pitched efficiently and effectively," Papelbon said.

"It is and it isn't [surprising]. Because you know how hard it is to do, but then you look at the type of pitching that we threw out there and you could see why."

It started when Roy Halladay got Hanley Ramirez to ground out for the final out of the second inning. Then Mark Buehrle, Zack Greinke, Edwin Jackson (four pitches!), Felix Hernandez and Papelbon each threw a perfect inning.

Nathan got the first two outs of the eighth, then got ahead of Adrian Gonzalez 1-2 before walking him.

"Joe Mauer already came over to me and kind of gave me some business," Nathan said. "Every guy was like 10 pitches, nine pitches, eight pitches, five pitches, 11 pitches and then here I come and throw 19. He already let me know I screwed it up."

Nathan had the most pressure-packed moment, as Orlando Hudson singled Gonzalez to third to bring up pinch hitter Ryan Howard.

Maddon got lefty Brian Fuentes up in the bullpen but said later Fuentes was coming in only if Nathan's pitch count got too high. Maddon had no intention of replacing Nathan with a lefty to match up with Howard.

They battled for six pitches, the last a diving slider that Howard waved at to end the inning.

MLB All-Star Game Photos

MLB Photos via Getty Images

"I think everybody, probably, in the park was waiting for it," Nathan said. "I got into the dugout and all the guys were giving me heat because I should have thrown it probably four pitches before that."

By getting three straight outs, Rivera earned his fourth All-Star save, most all-time (one more than Dennis Eckersley).

"That's good, that's good," Rivera said.

In eight career All-Star appearances, Rivera has allowed just an unearned run.

"'Mo' was really sharp tonight," Maddon said.

"It's tough when you are facing closer after closer or No. 1 starter after No. 1 starter."
-- NL All-Star David Wright He wasn't alone.

"All the guys have the qualities, the abilities, and they showed it today," Rivera said.

Perhaps the only lousy pitch by someone in AL garb was President Obama's, which bounced just short of the plate.

"I think that was, what, a split he threw?" Papelbon said. "He almost spiked it there, which I don't think is very good."

Could he be a lefty specialist?

"Maybe. That's stretching it."

Amply Armed AL Races Through NL originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Albert Pujols Can Finally Relax

Jeff Fletcher — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:10:00 EST

Filed under: Cardinals, MLB All-Star Game

ST. LOUIS -- This isn't how it was supposed to go for Albert Pujols. His glove wasn't supposed to be the biggest story surrounding him when All-Star festivities came to his town.

After an 0-for-3 in the All-Star Game, which followed a modest performance in the Home Run Derby, there wasn't much to say about Pujols' work at the plate.

Obviously, there was a bit of a spotlight on Pujols this week. And, obviously, that doesn't make it any easier to perform.

"You have the Home Run Derby and also have to catch a pitch from the U.S. President, and oh yeah, you have a game to play as well," Pujols said. "I won't use the word stress. I wish it can be like this for the rest of my career, this stressful."

When Pujols got to the microphone following his exit from Tuesday's game, he faced three questions about one catch he made that wasn't even in the game. Pujols caught President Obama's ceremonial first pitch, reaching down to keep it from hitting the ground.

"I scooped it up a little, but I think I was going to catch it in the air," Pujols said. "It was a great pitch."

Once the game began, Pujols glove was the story again. He made an error on Mark Teixeira's first-inning grounder, contributing to two American League runs.

"The ball was hit between second and first and I kind of got lost a little bit," he said. "It handcuffed me because it went through [Joe] Mauer's leg a little bit, and I kind of lost that pitch. That's an error you don't want to make early in a game like that. It cost us two runs."

Pujols has made seven errors so far this season, tied for most in the National League. He also won a Gold Glove, in 2006. He showed both sides of his defensive ability in this game. In the fifth inning he made a nice stop to his right of a grounder by Derek Jeter, throwing to second to force Ichiro Suzuki. Then he ended the inning with a diving stop on a Teixeira grounder.

"That was the best thing I did all week," Pujols said of the defensive inning.

Second baseman Chase Utley said Pujols doesn't get enough credit for his defense.

"Every time we play him, he comes up with a big play," Utley said. "He's a big guy, but he reacts like a small infielder."

MLB All-Star Game Photos

MLB Photos via Getty Images

Albert Pujols Can Finally Relax originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Heath Bell Takes All-Star Loss in Stride

Jeff Fletcher — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:14:00 EST

Filed under: Padres, MLB All-Star Game

ST. LOUIS -- When Heath Bell met President Obama before the All-Star Game, he proudly greeted him in a T-shirt that said: "I'm kind of a big deal."

A few hours later, Bell was another kind of Big Deal. He was the latest in a line of National League losing pitchers in the All-Star Game, a group that oddly includes three Padres in the past four years.

Bell didn't seem to mind the notoriety, though.

"It's unfortunate I didn't execute my pitches and we lost," he said. "You can blame it on me. It's OK. I'm a big guy. I can take it."

Bell entered in the eighth inning of a tie game. With one out, he gave up a triple to Curtis Granderson. After an intentional walk, Adam Jones hit a sacrifice fly that drove in what proved to be the winning run in the 4-3 game.

Bell explained that he had no scouting report whatsoever on Granderson.

"That's the only thing that was worrying me [before the game], how am I going to pitch them?" Bell said. "I was trying to throw it by him, simple as that. I didn't do my job. I probably should have thrown a breaking ball there. Oh well. I'm driving with my eyes closed."

Even though Bell was laughing about it afterward, he said he was plenty upset in the heat of the moment.

"I got pissed, threw my glove, kicked a door, like I normally do," he said. "Then I realized I've been pitching really good lately and I kind of needed a wake-up call and this is a good wake-up call, because it doesn't count on my record. It didn't ruin it for the Padres, my ultimate team."

When it was pointed out to Bell that he may have ruined it in the World Series for the Dodgers, who have the majors' best record, he seemed to get some satisfaction.

"I've ruined it for the Dodgers with saves against them," he said, "so I'm just doing what I normally do."

MLB All-Star Game Photos

From left Lou Brock, Red Schoendeinst, Ozzie Smith, Bruce Sutter and Bob Gibson are introduced before the first inning of the MLB All-Star baseball game in St. Louis, Tuesday, July 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

American League's Carl Crawford of the Tampa Bay Rays holds the MVP trophy after the American League defeated the National League 4-3 in the MLB All-Star baseball game in St. Louis, Tuesday, July 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

ASSOCIATED PRESS

American League players congratulate each other after defeating the National League 4-3 in the MLB All-Star baseball game in St. Louis, Tuesday, July 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

ASSOCIATED PRESS

American League's Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees congratulates catcher Victor Martinez of the Cleveland Indians after defeating the National League 4-3 in the MLB All-Star baseball game in St. Louis, Tuesday, July 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

American League's Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees reacts after defeating the National League 4-3 in the MLB All-Star baseball game in St. Louis, Tuesday, July 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

From left, National League coach Joe Torre of the Los Angeles Dodgers, coach Tony La Russa of the St. Louis Cardinals and manager Charlie Manuel of the Philadelphia Phillies watch the ninth inning of the MLB All-Star baseball game in St. Louis, Tuesday, July 14, 2009. The American League defeated the National League 4-3. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

ST LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: American League All-Star manager Joe Maddon of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates with his team after winning the 2009 MLB All-Star Game at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2009 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Joe Maddon

Getty Images

ST LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: American League All-Star Curtis Granderson of the Detroit Tigers celebrates with his teammates after winning the 2009 MLB All-Star Game at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2009 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Curtis Granderson

Getty Images

Heath Bell Takes All-Star Loss in Stride originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:14:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lucky 13: AL Edges NL to Extend All-Star Streak in Midsummer Classic

Andrew Johnson — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 22:58:00 EST

Filed under: MLB All-Star Game

Different year, different path, same result.

The American League stretched its unbeaten streak in the All-Star Game to 13 (12 wins, one tie), edging the National League 4-3 Tuesday night in St. Louis for its fourth consecutive one-run victory in the showcase. The win secured home-field advantage for the junior circuit in the World Series for the seventh straight season, making it unbeaten since the exhibition took on that meaning.

In stark contrast to last year's game, which lasted 15 innings and a record four hours and 50 minutes, this year's was a brisk two hours and 31 minutes, the shortest Midsummer Classic since 1988 and a tribute to the irrepressible pitching of the American League.

Starter Roy Halladay put the AL in an early hole, surrendering three runs - two earned - in two innings of work, but from there it was lights out.

The seven pitchers that followed Toronto's Halladay for the AL combined for seven shutout innings, allowing one hit and one walk. They needed a collective 73 pitches to navigate those final seven frames, 49 of which were thrown for strikes. At one point, AL relievers retired 18 straight National League hitters.

When the relentless pitching let up, the American League flashed the leather to stifle the NL's offense, most notably when All-Star MVP Carl Crawford robbed Colorado's Brad Hawpe of an apparent home run at the left-field wall in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Crawford's snag kept the score level at 3-all, allowing Red Sox closer and eventual winner Jonathan Papelbon to escape the frame unscathed and setting up the AL's game-winning rally in the top of the eighth.

Tigers center fielder Curtis Granderson tripled to left-center field to lead off the next half-inning - drilling the ball to a similar spot Hawpe did, but using a bad misplay by NL left fielder Justin Upton to motor all the way to third. After Heath Bell intentionally walked Victor Martinez, Baltimore's Adam Jones brought Granderson home on a sacrifice fly.

That was all the American League would need.

AL skipper Joe Maddon turned to Twins closer Joe Nathan in the bottom of the eighth. Nathan wiggled out of a two-out, first-and-third jam by whiffing pinch-hitter Ryan Howard, then gave way to venerable Yankees closer Mariano Rivera.

The last part of Maddon's three-headed relief monster, Rivera pitched a 1-2-3 ninth, picking up his record-setting fourth career save in the All-Star Game and posting his eighth inning in the Classic without allowing an earned run.

MLB All-Star Game Photos

Detroit Tigers' Curtis Granderson (R) is congratulated by his American League teammates after Granderson scored a run on a sacrifice fly by Baltimore Orioles' Adam Jones against the National League during the eighth inning of Major League Baseball's All-Star game in St. Louis, July 14, 2009. REUTERS/John Gress (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL)

Reuters

** CORRECTS CATCHER TO VICTOR MARTINEZ, INSTEAD OF YADIER MOLINA ** American League catcher Victor Martinez, right, of the Cleveland Indians, talks with Jonathan Papelbon of the Boston Red Sox during the seventh inning of the MLB All-Star baseball game in St. Louis, Tuesday, July 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Detroit Tigers' Curtis Granderson (R) is congratulated by American League teammate Kevin Youkilis of the Boston Red Sox after Granderson scored a run for the American League on a sacrifice fly by Baltimore Orioles' Adam Jones against the National League during the eighth inning of Major League Baseball's All-Star game in St. Louis, July 14, 2009. REUTERS/John Gress (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL)

Reuters

ST LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: National League All-Star Francisco Rodriguez of the New York Mets pitches during the 2009 MLB All-Star Game at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2009 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Francisco Rodriguez

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ST LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: American League All-Star Carl Crawford of the Tampa Bay Rays robs a home run from National League All-Star Brad Hawpe of the Colorado Rockies during the 2009 MLB All-Star Game at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2009 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Carl Crawford

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ST LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: The St. Louis Cardinals Mascot Fredbird performs during the 2009 MLB All-Star Game at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2009 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Fredbird

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National League's Jayson Werth of the Philadelphia Phillies throws his helmet after striking out in the seventh inning of the MLB All-Star baseball game in St. Louis, Tuesday, July 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Tampa Bay Rays' Carl Crawford (C) holds the ball after robbing Colorado Rockies Brad Hawpe (R) of a home run with a leaping catch in the seventh inning as Toronto Blue Jays' first baseman Aaron Hill celebrates (L) in the seventh inning of Major League Baseball's All-Star game in St. Louis, July 14, 2009. REUTERS/Jeff Haynes (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL)

Reuters

Lucky 13: AL Edges NL to Extend All-Star Streak in Midsummer Classic originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 22:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Barack Obama Explains White Sox Jacket, Talks Nats in All-Star Booth Visit

Pat Lackey — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 22:22:00 EST

Filed under: MLB All-Star Game

Anyone tired of Joe Buck and Tim McCarver in the broadcast booth got a bit of a reprieve tonight. President Barack Obama joined them in the booth in the top of the second inning to chat about his recent travels, the All-Star Game, and Washington D.C.'s most pressing current problem -- the Nationals.

Obama stopped by in his White Sox jacket, the same jacket he wore when he threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

It was a mildly curious decision because it's standard operating procedure to wear the home team's gear when throwing out the first pitch, but Obama, an avowed Sox fan, wanted to stay true to his hometown team.

"Everybody knows I'm a White Sox fan," Obama told Buck and McCarver, "and my wife thinks I look cute in this jacket, so for those two reasons, why not."

Obama went on to explain a little more about his White Sox fandom, saying he didn't hate the Cubs, he just didn't pull for them.

Then, when asked for a prediction about who will wind up winning the World Series, Obama balked, explaining that it was "too early" to make such a prognostication, particularly because of the parity that has now taken hold in the major leagues. (Obama has had quite the year making predictions, correctly picking the Steelers would win the Super Bowl and North Carolina would win the NCAA Tournament.)

"[The parity] means everybody around the country has a little bit of hope for the team, and I may be the exception, the Nationals, who are still young and have a new ballpark" he said, taking a gentle jab at the team that plays a few miles to the south of the White House.

They only came close to talking politics once. Buck asked if there was a bailout in the offing for the National League, which came into Tuesday night's game 0-11-1 in the last 12 All-Star Games.

Unfortunately for the senior circuit, Obama had little to offer.

"No. We're out of money," he responded.

MLB All-Star Game Photos

National League starting pitcher Tim Lincecum of the San Francisco Giants throws a pitch in the first inning against the American League during Major League Baseball's All-Star game in St. Louis, July 14, 2009. REUTERS/Morry Gash/Pool (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL)

Reuters

ST LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: National League All-Star Albert Pujols #5 of the St. Louis Cardinals dives to make a play on a ball during the 2009 MLB All-Star Game at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2009 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Albert Pujols

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ST LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: American League All-Star Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees rounds third on his way to scoring during the 2009 MLB All-Star Game at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2009 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Derek Jeter

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ST LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: American League All-Stars Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners and Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees look on before the 2009 MLB All-Star Game at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2009 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Morry Gash-Pool/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ichiro Suzuki;Derek Jeter

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ST LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: American League All-Star Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees looks on before the 2009 MLB All-Star Game at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2009 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Pool/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mariano Rivera

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ST LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: American League All-Star manager Joe Maddon of the Tampa Bay Rays looks on before the 2009 MLB All-Star Game at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2009 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Morry Gash-Pool/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Joe Maddon

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ST LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: American League All-Star manager Joe Maddon of the Tampa Bay Rays greets National League All-Star manager Charlie Manuel of the Philadelphia Phillies before the 2009 MLB All-Star Game at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2009 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Morry Gash-Pool/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Charlie Manuel;Joe Maddon

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American League starting pitcher Roy Halladay of the Toronto Blue Jays throws a pitch in the first inning against the National League during Major League Baseball's All-Star game in St. Louis, July 14, 2009. REUTERS/Morry Gash/Pool (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL)

Reuters

American League's Michael Young of the Texas Rangers singles during the fourth inning of the MLB All-Star baseball game in St. Louis, Tuesday, July 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

American League's Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners swings on a pitch during the fifth inning of the MLB All-Star baseball game in St. Louis, Tuesday, July 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

Barack Obama Explains White Sox Jacket, Talks Nats in All-Star Booth Visit originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 22:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Dugout: Brandon Inge Will Win the Home Run Derby

B. Thompson Stroud — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cardinals, Tigers, AL Central, NL Central, MLB All-Star Game, The Dugout

The State Farm Home Run Derby is tonight, and hometown favorite Albert Pujols looks to be the front runner for longball glory. But don't forget about dark horse candidates like Detroit Tigers slugger Brandon Inge, who has hit 21 dingers already this season and has played every position including "coach." Personally, I think Inge could sneak in and ... wait, the Home Run Derby happened last night? What happened, who won? Did... oh.

This afternoon's Dugout is after the jump. Ughhh, look at that guy.

The Dugout

	Online Host Welcome to Homerun Derby Chat!
	DeuxDeuxDeux: HELOOOOO ALLLO BASEBALL FANS. WELcome to the 2009 STATE FARM HOME RUN DERBY. i'm chris berman and in case you missed it, CRUZ.
	DeuxDeuxDeux: we had jose WON'T YOU LET ME TAKE YOU ON A SEA CRUZ, we had juan CRUZ CONTROL, we had enrique ALL ABOARD! ROSIE'S FAMILY FUN CRUZ, and eulogio de la TOM CRUZ
	DeuxDeuxDeux: but now the nickname is BEK BEK BEK BEK... NELSON, using a boat to go ON A CRUZ
	DeuxDeuxDeux: ELEVEN! he hit em to the ST LOUIS LOCAL LANDMARK. but now prince fielder is up to bat, so let's talk to albert pujols about batting mechanics
	DeuxDeuxDeux: ALBERT!
	PujolJunkie: ahhh e'what
	DeuxDeuxDeux: stan the man musial. unDOUBTEDLY /voice becomes unusually solemn one of the greatest hitters of all time
	LandPhill: and in MY opinion, THE, if not ONE OF THE greatest hitters, of all time.
	CaptainMorgan: definitely
	Online Host Prince Fielder has just hit a 497 foot home run.
	PujolJunkie: i e'gree, ang the gray thing about stam usual is how he keep he hands back, he keep he hands back while he swing, an i look for that in e'hitter
	CaptainMorgan: did he play baseball, or was he just someone you knew from St. Louis?
	PujolJunkie: he alway keep he hands back, one tie i give he a christmas present, ang he open it ang hand it back to me, angggg
	CaptainMorgan: the big red machine
	Online Host Prince Fielder has just hit a 597 foot home run.
	LandPhill: That's a great observation you bring up about a player who retired in 1963 according to Wikipedia, Albert, and what I loved about him is how he always kept his hands back during his swing
	DeuxDeuxDeux: ERNIE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IT, IT WAS ALL BERT pujols
	PujolJunkie: an prin fielder, joo know, he a great hitter he have hay time to mature in the big leagues, ang he alway keep he hands out, no like e'stam usual, but he also a gray hitter
	CaptainMorgan: prince? you mean the singer
	LandPhill: You know I noticed that myself, when Prince swings he keeps his hands waaaay far out, lifting both arms and both legs on each swing, until he looks like Winnie the Pooh doing Crank That Soulja Boy
	PujolJunkie: e'swing the bat so hord, ang i dont think he have the stamina to win e'state farm presents home run derby for beisbol
	Online Host Prince Fielder has just hit a 697 foot home run.
	DeuxDeuxDeux: BEK BEK BEK BEK BEK BEK BEK BEK BEK BEK BEK BEK BEK BEK BEK
	CaptainMorgan: are you talking about prince the singer? is he still around?
	DeuxDeuxDeux: BEK BEK BEK
	DeuxDeuxDeux: BEKKKKKKKKKK
	CaptainMorgan: what are we talking about, how do we have these jobs
	LandPhill: You know, according to our online fan poll, 36% of readers said "bek bek bek," and I think you would agree with that, Chris.
	PujolJunkie: another thing abou stam usual is, that he was a gray player
	Online Host Prince Fielder has just hit a home run off the St. Louis Gateway Arch, collapsing it and destroying blocks of valuable real estate.
	PujolJunkie: peoples here, they call me "el hombre" an i no like that, i tell them "pee wee playhouse was a BAD show"
	DeuxDeuxDeux: GET OUTTA HERE, albert pu "DIGGIN UP" HOLES
	PujolJunkie: stam, he is the only "man," an i am three years younger than he but i hope to be as good as he when i am he's age
	LandPhill: Erin just told me Prince Fielder has finished up, Chris. And you shoulda seen her butt! Dear Lord!
	DeuxDeuxDeux: i know, i have seen her OVASIZED BUM. and i'm gonna tear it UP, just like world champ RYAN HOWARD is going to tear up the DOIBY, a little later tonight
	DeuxDeuxDeux: but up next, from the detroit tigers, brandon RUSTY INGE. let's all stop talking and watch quietly
	Online Host Brandon Inge is up to bat.
	DeuxDeuxDeux: ...
	LandPhill: ...
	DeuxDeuxDeux: ...
	PujolJunkie: ...
	LandPhill: ...
	PujolJunkie: /raises eyebrows
	LandPhill: /checks "internet stuff"
	DeuxDeuxDeux: /shuffles quietly in seat, digs out inner ear with pencil eraser
	PujolJunkie: cough cough
	LandPhill: /turns over to WWE Raw to watch Seth Green emasculate shirtless men
	DeuxDeuxDeux: my throat hurts
	PujolJunkie: e'sus christ, what is this guy doing in e'home run derby? i mean honestly, he was not even the bess power hitter on the adult league lynchburg orioles
	CaptainMorgan: yeah and who is playing who, they are all wearing different colored hats??

Photos link to player info. (Photo Credit: Getty Images) WordUpThome.com

The Dugout: Brandon Inge Will Win the Home Run Derby originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tim Wakefield Has Glove, but No Catcher

Jeff Fletcher — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:45:00 EST

Filed under: Red Sox, MLB All-Star Game

ST. LOUIS -- Tim Wakefield is one of the touching stories of this All-Star Game, making his first appearance on a roster at the age of 42. If Wakefield actually gets into the game, it might become an interesting story of a different kind.

Manager Joe Maddon said that Victor Martinez will be the catcher entrusted with handling Wakefield and his knuckleball.

"I'm up for anything," Martinez told FanHouse before the All-Star Game. "I've never caught a knuckleball before, but this is the All-Star Game and it's supposed to be fun."

Wakefield's knuckleball is difficult enough to handle that the Red Sox have needed to keep a knuckleball-catching specialist on their roster. This year it is George Kottaras. Wakefield brought Kottaras' backup glove to St. Louis for use by whoever caught him.

When asked if he'd be able to give any advice to Martinez on how to catch the thing, Wakefield shrugged and said: "Nope. He'd have to call George."

Maddon, a former catcher, suggested that the trick to catching a knuckleball is to wait back on the ball, not stab at it.

"It's uncomfortable, but I think if you accept the fact that you're probably going to miss some, you'll probably miss less," Maddon said.

Even more intriguing is that Wakefield is only going to pitch if the game gets to extra innings, he said. When he was asked about the possibility of allowing a run on a passed ball, he said: "It's happened before."

That might be the only thing that could detract from Wakefield's All-Star experience. A veteran of 17 seasons, he's gotten a thrill from his first time at the Midsummer Classic.

"It's been overwhelming," he said. "I'm just trying to soak it all in. It probably won't all soak in till I leave tomorrow."

Wakefield said he wouldn't be upset if he didn't pitch.

"I'm just happy to be here," he sadid. "If I pitch, great, but if I don't, I'm not going to be upset," he said.

MLB All-Star Game Photos

Reuters

Getty Images

Reuters

American League's Michael Young of the Texas Rangers singles during the fourth inning of the MLB All-Star baseball game in St. Louis, Tuesday, July 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

American League's Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners swings on a pitch during the fifth inning of the MLB All-Star baseball game in St. Louis, Tuesday, July 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

Tim Wakefield Has Glove, but No Catcher originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rays' Longoria Almost Certain He Will Play Friday

Ed Price — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:43:00 EST

Filed under: Rays, MLB All-Star Game, MLB Injuries

ST. LOUIS -- Evan Longoria, scratched from the All-Star Game with an infected right ring finger, said he's "95 percent" certain to play Friday when the Rays resume the regular season.

"It would be a disservice to [the AL team] to go out and try to play and win a game when I'm not up to full health," Longoria said.

Longoria said his finger began feeling sore over the weekend, but he didn't speak up until Sunday. He was immediately put on antibiotics.

"We tried to play it out as long as we possibly could," AL (and Tampa Bay) manager Joe Maddon said, "and it just did not want to seem to respond as quickly as it could have. So then it became step two, and that's to make sure that he's ready for Friday's game."

Angels third baseman Chone Figgins, who was added to the roster in place on Longoria, was scheduled to land in St. Louis at about 5:20 PM CT.

"I like his versatility," Maddon said, "the fact that he's played third base and can also play second base, all outfield positions, and he can run and hits from both sides of the plate."

Texas' Michael Young will start at third. He was given a heads-up that this might happen Monday night by Maddon, and the final decision to pull Longoria was made at 9 AM Tuesday.

"The first thing I did was ask how Evan was doing," Young said. "Evan deserves to start. He's having a fantastic season."

Young, who was selected to five All-Star Games as a shortstop but never started, now gets to start his first time as a third baseman.

"It's unfortunate it happened under these circumstances," he said, "but I'm excited about starting."

Young is actually known for his late-game performances in All-Star Game, with a game-winning, ninth-inning triple in 2006 that earned him game MVP honors and last year's walkoff sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 15th.

"Maybe I can flip-flop it," Young said, "see if I can make something happen in the first couple of innings."

MLB All-Star Game Photos

Reuters

Getty Images

Reuters

American League's Michael Young of the Texas Rangers singles during the fourth inning of the MLB All-Star baseball game in St. Louis, Tuesday, July 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

American League's Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners swings on a pitch during the fifth inning of the MLB All-Star baseball game in St. Louis, Tuesday, July 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

Rays' Longoria Almost Certain He Will Play Friday originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:43:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MLB All-Star Game 2009 Live Chat

Andrew Johnson — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: MLB All-Star Game, MLB Live Blogging

The 80th Midsummer Classic is upon us, so it's time to celebrate one of the national pastime's signature events with a traditional FanHouse pastime -- a live chat. Can the National League finally end its 12-year run of futility against the American League, or it will be a lucky 13th season of junior circuit domination?

Read a chat wrap as the MLB FanHouse crew, including Ed Price and Jeff Fletcher live from St. Louis, took you from the first pitch to the final out of the All-Star Game.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href=&quot;http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;task=viewaltcast&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;altcast_code=7b4b7273bc&quot; &amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;MLB All-Star Game 2009 Chat&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

MLB All-Star Game 2009 Live Chat originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bob Gibson: 'Guys Have Always Been Cheating, Period.'

Pat Lackey — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Cardinals, NL Central, MLB All-Star Game, MLB PEDs

During Tuesday night's All-Star broadcast, I'd be willing to bet almost anything that at some point Tim McCarver will bring up his old battery-mate Bob Gibson as an example of the good ol' days in baseball, when players didn't take steroids and there were no pitch counts.

Gibson has certainly been making the rounds with the All-Star Game in St. Louis this year. Tuesday morning he did a spot with ESPN Radio's Mike and Mike, and the inevitable subject of steroids in baseball came up. In an incredibly honest answer, Gibson told the hosts that baseball players have been cheating for years and if it were up to him, he wouldn't keep known steroid users out of the Hall of Fame. A longer version of his quote is after the jump .

Guys have always been cheating. Period. It just takes a little different form today. I'm just glad they didn't have steroids when I was playing. I don't know what I would have done. It's very difficult to go out and perform when you know the guy next to you is taking steroids or some kind of drug to make you perform better and not do it yourself, to let this guy get an edge on you.

[...]

I don't know that I really criticize the guys. Whoever the first guy is that started it, that's the guy I criticize. The rest of the guys just followed suit. I don't think its OK. I'm not sanctioning it, but I understand why it happens."

When asked if players known to take performance-enhancing drugs should be in the Hall of Fame, Gibson responded, "Oh yeah, I think so."

We hear the opinions of the media and fans all the time, but I think it's rare that a player, especially one of Gibson's stature, opens up like this on such a touchy subject. I suspect that a lot of players would probably agree with Gibson, even if they might not do so on the record.

Whatever the case, it's striking to hear the man revered by many baseball fans as one of the toughest, meanest, hardest-throwing pitchers in history admit that he doesn't know what he would've done if steroids were available in his era.

Hat-tip to Sharapova's Thigh.

MLB All-Star Game Photos

Reuters

Getty Images

Reuters

American League's Michael Young of the Texas Rangers singles during the fourth inning of the MLB All-Star baseball game in St. Louis, Tuesday, July 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

American League's Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners swings on a pitch during the fifth inning of the MLB All-Star baseball game in St. Louis, Tuesday, July 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

Bob Gibson: 'Guys Have Always Been Cheating, Period.' originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Selig Discusses Manny, Economy, Hall of Fame and More in Luncheon

Ed Price — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cubs, Dodgers, Mets, Nationals, Pirates, Rangers, MLB All-Star Game, MLB Biz, MLB Hall of Fame, MLB PEDs

ST. LOUIS -- Bud Selig said Tuesday he'd like players suspended for performance-enhancing drugs, such as Manny Ramirez, not to be able to go on minor-league assignments while their suspensions are in force.

During his annual All-Star break question-and-answer session with members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America, the commissioner also touched on Pete Rose, the Nationals, collusion charges and the effect of the economy on baseball.

Ramirez played in seven minor-league games to tune up before his July 3 return to the majors. Some questioned why that was allowed, but such assignments are permitted by the agreement between baseball and the players' association on PEDs, so any change would have to be negotiated with the union.

"To be very candid," Selig said, "I believe that should be changed."

Philadelphia reliever J.C. Romero also played in the minors this year while waiting for his PED suspension to run out.

Selig said of more than 2,400 tests this year, Ramirez has been the only positive.

But Selig also seemed to caution Hall of Fame voters against weighing PED use too strongly in casting their votes. He used the cocaine scandal of the 1980s as a point of comparison.

"Here we have all that trauma in the '80s, of the worst kind," Selig said. "Illegal, immoral, unethical. Where was the outrage?

"So you've got to go back in baseball history and make your own judgments. It's impossible for someone else to do that. ... But understand the history of life is not, 'Well, this guy didn't do that.' How do you know?"

Selig said he is proud that, despite the economy, attendance is down only about 5 percent. He called it "maybe in a sense our greatest season," saying total attendance so far is 400,000 shy of his goal of 40 million.

While baseball uses the economy to explain why free-agent contracts were mostly lower last winter, the union is investigating whether to file collusion charges. But Selig was dismissive of such claims.

"They're entitled to their opinion," Selig said. "Given the world we live in and what's happened in the last 18 months, I think this is one sport where I cant even fathom that anyone would think that. Player compensation hasn't gone down.

"Some of us -- let me be as blunt as I can be -- have to live in the real world. Not in some make-believe little scenario that doesn't exist."

Selig also said:

o. Rose's request to be reinstated (and thus eligible for the Hall of Fame) is "under review. I do spend some time discussing it, but it's not appropriate for me to say more."

o. He doesn't mind quirky new ballparks such as the Mets' Citi Field: "I think it's great. I don't want to go back to where we were in the '60s in the '70s. I used to joke if you had too much to drink the night before and you woke up it would take you a half an hour to figure out if you were in Philadelphia, Cincinnati or Pittsburgh. They all looked the same, felt the same and were all lousy."

o. That the Cubs' possible bankruptcy filing "is only to clear the club, and then they can move forward" with a sale, and the loan of cash to the Rangers "is not the first time in our history we've done that and probably not the last."

o. That age and name falsification among players from Latin America needs to be addressed, saying, "We've got a lot of work to do in the Dominican Republic. And we are doing it. That's one of the areas we need to get a much better handle on."

o. And that the Pirates and Nationals are, to him, going in the right direction. Selig said "Frank [Coonelly, the Pirates team president] and Neal [Huntington, the GM] and Bob [Nutting, the chairman] are on the tight track, I really do [believe that]." And even though Washington now has an interim GM and an interim manager, Selig said, "They understand what they need to do. They're in the process of doing it."

MLB All-Star Game Photos

Reuters

Getty Images

Reuters

American League's Michael Young of the Texas Rangers singles during the fourth inning of the MLB All-Star baseball game in St. Louis, Tuesday, July 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

American League's Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners swings on a pitch during the fifth inning of the MLB All-Star baseball game in St. Louis, Tuesday, July 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

Selig Discusses Manny, Economy, Hall of Fame and More in Luncheon originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Longoria Out, Figgins in, Young to Start

Matt Snyder — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Angels, Rangers, Rays, AL East, AL West, MLB All-Star Game

With the All-Star Game just hours away, there has been some shuffling on the American League squad. Evan Longoria of the Tampa Bay Rays, who was elected the AL starter at third base, will be forced to miss the game with an infected right ring finger. The result is a downgrade in power but a gain in speed for the AL. The openings created also likely provide a thrill for two players.

Michael Young, who was already a reserve on the team, will slide into Longoria's starting spot and hit seventh for the AL. As for the hole on the roster, Chone Figgins of the Los Angeles Angels will fill the vacancy.

Young has already played in five All-Star games, but he's never started the Midsummer Classic before. Considering he's 32 years old and he's accompanied at third base in the American League by Longoria and Alex Rodriguez, it's likely this is going to be the only start of his career in this exhibition.

Figgins, 31, has never made an All-Star Game before. Considering he's hitting .310 with 68 runs scored (tops in the AL), seven triples (tied for first) and 27 stolen bases (fourth in the AL), he had to have felt a bit slighted by his initial omission. He also figures to give manager Joe Maddon an interesting weapon late in the game. Figgins could be inserted as a situational pinch-runner, should the AL need a stolen base. Then, he can play virtually anywhere in the field, should they elect to move him around for the purposes of strategy or getting everyone in the game.

National coverage of the game begins at 8 PM ET Tuesday night on Fox.

Longoria Out, Figgins in, Young to Start originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BaseCast: Starters! Lineups! Predictions!

Andrew Johnson — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: MLB All-Star Game, BaseCast

It's a baseball podcast. The math is easy, right? BaseCast. Let's rock.

The All-Star Game is just a few hours away, so what better time is there to catch up with MLB FanHouse writers Ed Price and Jeff Fletcher on the scene in St. Louis to preview the 80th Midsummer Classic?

In this edition of BaseCast, Price and Fletcher talk with yours truly, Andrew Johnson, about whether AL manager Joe Maddon and NL manager Charlie Manuel chose the right pitchers to start the game, what, if any, surprises there are in their lineup cards and whether the National League can end its 12-game winless streak Tuesday night.

Listen in after the jump for a (quick) preview of the All-Star Game.

Listen to the podcast above, or click here to download the file.

BaseCast: Starters! Lineups! Predictions! originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Please Mr. President, Bring the Heater

David Whitley — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:38:00 EST

Filed under: MLB All-Star Game

Not to alarm you, but Barack Obama better come through Tuesday night or it might be time to renounce your citizenship and move to Liechtenstein.

Obama is throwing out the first pitch at the All-Star Game. I think I speak for all Americans when I say we need to see a fastball across the plate.

OK, maybe I don't speak for all Americans. You may not see the relation between throwing a strike and rescuing the economy.

It's a matter of confidence. How can the public have faith if we think our leader is a closet dork?

"Americans want their president to be a real man," Joe Scarborough said.

The MSNBC host said that after the president's most famous foray into athletics. Candidate Obama was trying to show the voters of Altoona, Pa., what a regular guy he was. So he went bowling during campaign stop and came back with a black eye.

"How can you keep our jobs from going overseas when you can't keep the ball out of the gutter?" Jon Stewart asked.

Obama rolled up his sleeves and scored a 37. Out of 300.

Where was the Nike Video Confiscation Team when we needed it? You know Osama bin Laden must have YouTubed it in his cave and thought, "Sheesh, I'm worried about this guy?"

It doesn't matter that Obama is probably the best presidential basketball player since Abraham Lincoln. Gerald Ford was the MVP of Michigan's football team and probably the best athlete to occupy the Oval Office. A few errant tee shots and Chevy Chase skits turned him into Mr. Magoo.

It's all about image, and Obama's could use a shot of adrenaline. His stimulus package has so far missed the plate. Iran and North Korea are kicking sand in his face. His teleprompter broke on Monday.

I'm not here to endorse or deride any political party, person or philosophy. I just think any country is better off when its leader isn't the last guy who'd be picked in PE class.

I'll throw out a few names. What comes to mind?

-- Teddy Roosevelt: Rough Rider. Butt kicker. Harvard boxing champ. If TR were alive today, he'd personally be leading the hunt for Bin Laden.

-- William Taft: The first president to throw out a first pitch. The last president you'd want to leave unattended at buffet.

-- John Kerry: Windsurfed his way out of the presidency.

-- Richard Nixon: Laid the foundation for Spygate.

-- Jimmy Carter: Running on empty.

The photo of Carter conking out during a road race doomed his presidency. Or maybe it was 18 percent inflation. Either way, America lost faith in the guy.

Now we're starting to see that with Obama. Hopefully he found the time to practice his pitching delivery between G8 sessions last week, because it's not easy to throw a strike.

When Carl Lewis tried before a Mariners game a few years ago. He looked like Barney Frank trying to throw a shot put. And this guy was the "World's Greatest Athlete."

Latest Baseball Images

** COMMERCIAL IMAGE ** In this photograph taken for Captain Morgan, Captain Morgan present actress Alyssa Milano a Calling All Captains jersey at the Ryan Howard Foundation All-Star bash during the 2009 MLB All- Star weekend in St. Louis, Monday, July 13, 2009. (Jack Dempsey / AP Images for Captain Morgan)

AP IMAGES FOR CAPTAIN MORGAN

** COMMERCIAL IMAGE ** In this photograph taken for Captain Morgan, Captain Morgan and the Morganettes present Boston Red Sox pitchers Tim Wakefield, center, and Jonathan Papelbon showing off their Captain Morgan All-Star jerseys at the Ryan Howard Foundation All-Star bash during the 2009 MLB All- Star weekend in St. Louis, Monday, July 13, 2009. (Jack Dempsey / AP Images for Captain Morgan)

AP IMAGES FOR CAPTAIN MORGAN

** COMMERCIAL IMAGE ** In this photograph taken for Captain Morgan, Captain Morgan and the Morganettes present Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard showing off his Captain Morgan All-Star jersey on the red carpet of the Ryan Howard Foundation All-Star bash during the 2009 MLB All- Star weekend in St. Louis, Monday, July 13, 2009. (Jack Dempsey / AP Images for Captain Morgan)

AP IMAGES FOR CAPTAIN MORGAN

** COMMERCIAL IMAGE ** In this photograph taken for Captain Morgan, Captain Morgan and the Morganettes present Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley showing off his Captain Morgan All-Star jersey at the Ryan Howard Foundation All-Star bash during the 2009 MLB All- Star weekend in St. Louis, Monday, July 13, 2009. (Jack Dempsey / AP Images for Captain Morgan)

AP IMAGES FOR CAPTAIN MORGAN

** COMMERCIAL IMAGE ** In this photograph for Captain Morgan, Captain Morgan and the Morganettes present Boston Red Sox pitchers Tim Wakefield, center, and Jonathan Papelbon showing off their Captain Morgan All-Star jerseys at the Ryan Howard Foundation All-Star bash during the 2009 MLB All- Star weekend in St. Louis, Monday, July 13, 2009. (Jack Dempsey / AP Images for Captain Morgan)

AP IMAGES FOR CAPTAIN MORGAN

** COMMERCIAL IMAGE ** In this photograph for Captain Morgan, Captain Morgan present actress Alyssa Milano a Calling All Captains jersey at the Ryan Howard Foundation All-Star bash during the 2009 MLB All- Star weekend in St. Louis, Monday, July 13, 2009. (Jack Dempsey / AP Images for Captain Morgan)

AP IMAGES FOR CAPTAIN MORGAN

National League's Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals hits during first round of the MLB baseball Home Run Derby in St. Louis, Monday, July 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Seven-year-old Olivia Joslin looks through gates at Busch Stadium following the MLB baseball Home Run Derby in St. Louis, Tuesday, July 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Milwaukee Brewers' Prince Fielder of the National League holds his trophy after winning Major League Baseball's annual Home Run Derby during All-Star game festivities in St. Louis July 13, 2009. REUTERS/John Gress (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Reuters

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 13: Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals gets a microphone attached to his jersey before the 2009 State Farm Home Run Derby on July 13, 2009 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Joe Angeles/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Albert Pujols

MLB Photos via Getty Images

Perhaps the worst first pitch ever came in Tokyo last year via Mariah Carey's right arm. The high heels and tight-tight shorts probably didn't help, but the ball went straight into the turf and rolled to home plate.

For some reason I keep getting Mark Mallory flashbacks. Cincinnati's mayor became a national punch line when his first pitch on Opening Day 2007 missed the plate by 30 feet.

Do we want Al-Jazeera to get the kind of tape of Obama?

As much as it would pain his advisors, Obama should ask George W. Bush for advice. Say what you will about his terrorist surveillance program, everybody agrees Bush came through on the mound.

The big moment came before Game 3 of the 2001 World Series at Yankee Stadium. The nation was still reeling from 9/11. Bush had to wear a bulletproof vest in case Keith Olbermann showed. He threw a strike Randy Johnson would have been proud of.

Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, Whigs -- we all needed that. Now it's Obama's turn to take the mound.

Please, please put one across the plate. The last thing we need is for our president to throw like Mariah Carey.

Please Mr. President, Bring the Heater originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:38:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pujols' Shadow Looms Large in St. Louis

Jeff Fletcher — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cardinals, MLB All-Star Game

ST. LOUIS -- Dozens of the best baseball players in the world have converged here, all joining together in one large shadow.

"Right now in the big leagues, there is Albert Pujols, and everyone else," Yankees slugger Mark Teixeira said.

The All-Star Game this year has fittingly arrived in the city where the game's pre-eminent star plays. Pujols has been a star since he arrived in the big leagues in 2001. This year, though, as he's taking a shot at the sport's first Triple Crown since 1969, it is becoming increasingly obvious that Pujols is more than simply an All-Star.

"Everyone besides Pujols is pretty human," Royals pitcher Zack Greinke said.

Anyone who can read a stat sheet can tell you that Pujols is putting up unusual numbers. But we wanted to know a little more.

How's he doing it?

So, with the best players in the majors assembled, FanHouse went around the room and asked them for their analysis of Pujols.

Freddy Sanchez, Pirates second baseman:
"He really is unbelievable. You just watch him. He does everything you could want as a hitter. He's got a great eye. He's patient, but he's always ready to hit. I catch myself at second base sometimes watching him at the dish and thinking 'There's nowhere we can throw it that he's not going to hit it.' He's just an amazing hitter."

Carlos Pena, Rays first baseman:
"This guy is a different breed of hitter. we all work really hard at what we do. We all put in all our effort, but he's at another level. For him to do what he's done for the past 10 years, and to do it at an extraordinary level, is hard to believe."

Zach Duke, Pirates pitcher:
"You never see him swing and not hit a ball, and not hit it hard. Every time I've seen him swing it's a double in the gap or a home run or a scalded line drive somewhere."

Ryan Braun, Brewers outfielder:
"He'll get one pitch per at-bat or every other at-bat and he finds a way to center it up, which is incredible. It's fun to watch him play. I'd say it's fun to compete against him except most of the time he comes out on top... He's just balanced. It looks like he never gets fooled. He's always in control. He always looks like he has a game plan and he sticks to it every time. He gets the the barrel on the ball more consistently than anyone else in baseball."

"He'll get one pitch per at-bat or every other at-bat and he finds a way to center it up, which is incredible."
-- Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun on PujolsMatt Cain, Giants pitcher:
"He's not fooled by much. He wants to hit every pitch you throw up there and he wants to hit it hard. He doesn't get fooled very often, which shows you how locked in he is. I'm just glad we're done facing him this year."

Brian McCann, Braves catcher:
"What no one talks about is how good he is defensively. To me he's the best player in baseball, all around. He's a game-changer, even if he doesn't swing the bat, that's how good he is."

Josh Beckett, Red Sox pitcher:
"He has the ability to hit pitches when the pitcher feels like he made his pitch, and he doesn't just get hits, he hits them hard."

Jason Bay, Red Sox outfielder:
"You can tell that he takes his competitiveness to a different level, whether it's running the bases or defense. You don't get to this level without being competitive, but it's fairly obvious that he takes it up a notch. He has the skill-set and the drive to take it up to the next level... He's unstoppable now."

Mark Teixeira, Yankees first baseman:
"As a power hitter, I go through so many peaks and valleys during the season. I'll go a month where I hit everything and then a month where I couldn't hit a softball if you threw it to me, but he is so consistent. He's has good at-bats every time."

Justin Morneau, Twins first baseman:
"When we were here a couple weeks ago, the thing that impressed me was his defense. He was all over that field. He made four or five diving stops, and then he got two pitches to hit and hit two home runs. He does everything. I'm glad he's in the National League... When there's one guy that everybody can't wait to see, that tells you something. He's the guy that everyone is looking forward to watching."

Latest Albert Pujols Images

National League's Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals hits during first round of the MLB baseball Home Run Derby in St. Louis, Monday, July 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

MLB Photos via Getty Images

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 13: Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals stands on the field during the 2009 State Farm Home Run Derby on July 13, 2009 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Albert Pujols

MLB Photos via Getty Images

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 13: Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals bats during the first round of the 2009 State Farm Home Run Derby on July 13, 2009 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Albert Pujols

MLB Photos via Getty Images

St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols hits a home run during the first round of the State Farm Home Run Derby at Major League Baseball's All-Star game festivities at Busch Stadium on Monday, July 13, 2009, in St. Louis, Missouri. (Tim Vizer/Belleville News-Democrat/MCT)

MCT

St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols, left, hoists his trophy for pictures during the State Farm Home Run Derby at Major League Baseball's All-Star game festivities at Busch Stadium on Monday, July 13, 2009, in St. Louis, Missouri. (Tim Vizer/Belleville News-Democrat/MCT)

MCT

St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols walks away after a disappointing second round in the State Farm Home Run Derby at Major League Baseball's All-Star game festivities at Busch Stadium on Monday, July 13, 2009, in St. Louis, Missouri. (Zia Nizami/Belleville News-Democrat/MCT)

MCT

Albert Pujols Jr. (C), son of St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols of the National League, celebrates with other players' sons on the sidelines in Major League Baseball's annual Home Run Derby during All-Star game festivities in St. Louis July 13, 2009. REUTERS/Jeff Haynes (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Reuters

National League's Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals watches a pop up fly during the second round of the MLB baseball Home Run Derby in St. Louis, Monday, July 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

National League's Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals hits during the first round of the MLB baseball Home Run Derby in St. Louis, Monday, July 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Pujols' Shadow Looms Large in St. Louis originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Inge Singed in Derby, but Humor Isn't

Ed Price — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:04:00 EST

Filed under: Tigers, MLB All-Star Game

ST. LOUIS -- After Brandon Inge had taken five or six swings in Monday's Home Run Derby, his son Tyler turned to Curtis Granderson on the sideline and said, "Daddy's not hitting any home runs."

Getting shut out -- that's right, 10 outs and no home runs, did not at all dampen Inge's night.

Inge hit 13 fewer homers than Albert Pujols. And smiled about 100 times more often.

"My number was actually 15," he said, meaning what he expected would be needed in the first round to advance.

"I almost got that. Almost."

After spending all day telling everyone he had no chance in the Derby, Inge lived up to his prediction.

"I'm the smallest guy, probably ever, out here," said Inge, who has 21 homers for the Tigers but became the first slugger shut out at the Derby since Jason Bay in 2005.

Inge said he just never could get in a homer groove with his swing.

"The very last ball I hit -- it was foul, I didn't care about that -- but that's the one where I was like, 'Aww, I felt it finally.' Good thing it was the stinking 10th out.

"That's the hard part, finding the first one. ... I couldn't find it. I couldn't find the rhythm."

But he kept his sense of humor.

When Boston ace Josh Beckett saw Inge being interviewed, he needled Inge -- who shot back, "I'm saving it for you."

And when asked about the music being played in the stadium as he hit, Inge said, "I didn't hear any music when I was hitting. All I heard was, 'Two outs. Three outs. Five outs.' "

Inge said he'd keep the bat he used - "I'm going to retire that sucker" -- along with his memories.

"Regardless of what happened, I really didn't care, I'd do it again in a heartbeat," he said. "In a heartbeat. I'm asking to do it again. They'd probably [say], 'Well, you don't raise any money for our charity.' "

Home Run Derby Photos

National League's Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals hits during first round of the MLB baseball Home Run Derby in St. Louis, Monday, July 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Seven-year-old Olivia Joslin looks through gates at Busch Stadium following the MLB baseball Home Run Derby in St. Louis, Tuesday, July 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Reuters

MLB Photos via Getty Images

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 13: Prince Fielder of the Milwaukee Brewers bats during the final round of the 2009 State Farm Home Run Derby on July 13, 2009 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Prince Fielder

MLB Photos via Getty Images

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 13: David Wright of the New York Mets sits on the field during the 2009 State Farm Home Run Derby on July 13, 2009 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** David Wright

MLB Photos via Getty Images

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 13: Mark Teixeira and Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees pose on the field during the 2009 Gatorade All-Star Workout Day on July 13, 2009 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mark Teixeira;Derek Jeter

MLB Photos via Getty Images

Inge Singed in Derby, but Humor Isn't originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:04:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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