MLB FanHouse

Shocking! A-Rod, Madonna Rumors May Just Be a Publicity Stunt

Matt Watson — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:55:00 EST

Filed under: New York, Yankees, AL East, MLB Gossip, The Word

For as much attention as the whole A-Rod/Madonna/Lenny Kravitz love triangle has received, I'm surprised that more reporters haven't stopped for a second and thought, "Hey, what if this is nothing but a huge publicity stunt?" According to Page 6, Kravitz is convinced that's exactly what it is, and he fired his manager Guy Oseary (pictured, with A-Rod) two weeks ago when he heard what was in the works:

[Cynthia Rodriguez's personal trainer Dodd] Romero called Kravitz two weeks ago to tip him off that Oseary - who managed Kravitz, Madonna and A-Rod - was about to "pimp out Madonna and A-Rod," said a source. But Kravitz didn't approve and told Romero, "I'll take care of this" - and fired Oseary.

Kravitz was shocked when he was then accused of having a fling with the slugger's wife, said the source. Romero believes Oseary planted the story in retaliation for being dumped.

Indirectly corroborating that story is this tidbit from TMZ.com, which claims that Madonna and husband Guy Ritchie decided all the way back in October to get a divorce but decided to postpone announcing it so as to generate publicity -- and cash -- for Madonna's upcoming tour.

There is a whole PR strategy that has been in place for some time. We're told the Material Girl will be "very visible" in the months leading up to the tour to "generate a lot of publicity." That's when "news" of the marriage's demise would slowly leak out, causing tongues to wag -- and Madonna to be on the cover of papers and mags around the world.

The marriage, we're told, has been effectively over for some time. The couple are friends, and have realized that it is in both of their interests to make a pile of cash from this tour.

And, hey, wouldn't you know it, Ritchie has a movie coming out this fall, as well. These guys make money off being in the public eye, it's in their best interest to have their private lives splashed across the gossip pages. So feel free to follow along breathlessly waiting for the next development if you must, so long as you realize that you're being had.

So how do I explain A-Rod's divorce? The alleged affair with Madonna has been called "the last straw," which suggests they were were also on the rocks long ago. But why would A-Rod want to be wrapped up in this mess? After eclipsing Derek Jeter on the field, maybe he wanted to top his teammate in the tabloids, as well. For all of Jeter's escapades with the fairer sex, he's never generated as much publicity as this alleged A-Rod/Madonna tryst. (You like that? I'm spitting on a rumor by starting a new one of my own! Mmmm ... hyprocrisy tastes good ...)

Shocking! A-Rod, Madonna Rumors May Just Be a Publicity Stunt originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Like a Fur-gin: A-Rod Adopts Disguise Outside Madonna's Apartment

Eamonn Brennan — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:45:00 EST

Filed under: New York, Yankees, AL East, MLB Gossip, The Word

Hey, more Alex Rodriguez-Madonna nonsense! Fortunately, this might be the best bit yet. In this New York Daily News story about all the floozies A-Rod's rogered since he's been married -- apparently A-Rod prefers tequila before sex, and don't we all -- a brilliant little detail has surfaced. According to some sketchy anonymous source, A-Rod used a special brand of disguise to make his way into Madonna's apartment:

One source said A-Rod tried to avoid being recognized during visits to the Manhattan apartment of one girlfriend by wearing "a fake mustache."

Ah, the fake mustache. Second only to Clark Kent's glasses in disguise implausibility.

Of course, being the mustache activist that I am, I had to reach out to the American Mustache Institute for their take on this buffoonery.

Surely, the AMI would not stand for the name of the mustache being used so cavalierly in the name of celebrity dalliance. I asked Aaron Perlut, chairman of the AMI, for his thoughts. He was surprisingly forgiving:

Thanks for your question. Some people suffer from Bare Upper Lip Disorder, better known as BULD. So certainly, some must use fake mustaches, and we love all mustaches. Nicely done.

In other words, why wouldn't you wear a fake mustache? Screw personal dignity -- it's just a great look.

Like a Fur-gin: A-Rod Adopts Disguise Outside Madonna's Apartment originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NL Central Arms Race: Cubs Get Rich Harden

Matt Watson — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:41:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago, Oakland, Athletics, Cubs, AL West, NL Central, Breaking News, The Word, MLB Transactions

Just days after the Brewers made a splash by trading for CC Sabathia, the Cubs countered by acquiring an ace of their own, picking up Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin from the A's in exchange for Sean Gallagher, Eric Patterson, Matt Murton, minor leaguer Josh Donaldson and ... wait, that's it? Whoa. Advantage: Cubs.

Harden is obviously a huge injury risk, but no one can dispute that he's one of the most dominant pitchers in the game when healthy. In 13 starts he's been one of the best in the AL this year, posting a 2.34 ERA (1.14 WHIP) while averaging better than 10.7 strikeouts per nine.

And while Gaudin is clearly an afterthought, he's not all that bad himself, capable of eating innings from the bullpen or starting rotation.

What did it cost Chicago? Some intriguing prospects, sure, but absolutely nothing in terms of players capable of helping the Cubs win today.

Gallagher has more strikeouts than innings pitched over his minor league career, but the 22-year-old is still battling consistency on the big league level. Same story for Patterson, who's been able to rake minor league pitchers but has struggled in the majors (and at 25 years old, his time is running out).

Murton has never been fully appreciated for the Cubs, and he didn't give them any reason to in limited duty in The Show this year. Donaldson, the team's second-round pick from 2007, has upside, but he was hitting just .217 at Double-A Peoria this year and was blocked long-term by Geovany Soto.

In other words, if Harden goes on the DL tomorrow, they're no worse off than they were a week ago, at least looking at the short term. And if Harden stays healthy, well, it just might guarantee a division title.

Previously on FanHouse:
The Cubs Want Rich Harden
Can Anyone Answer Brewers Blockbuster?

NL Central Arms Race: Cubs Get Rich Harden originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CC Sabathia Hates Proper Punctuation

Matt Watson — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 04:00:00 EST

Filed under: Brewers, NL Central, Milwaukee, The Word

The Indians traded CC Sabathia to the Brewers in part because they're convinced that he's determined to add an extra ~~comma~~ digit to his contract this winter (he turned down a $72 million extension in January in hopes of finding something in excess of $100 million). Before being officially introduced to Milwaukee's media on Monday, though, there was a different bit of punctuation on Sabathia's mind:

From here on out, Carsten Charles Sabathia is just "CC" Sabathia - not "C.C."

After holding a news conference Monday to announce they'd made a trade to acquire the reigning AL Cy Young award winner from Cleveland, a member of the Brewers public relations staff advised media members that Sabathia prefers to have his initials written without periods.

And you thought the perks of being a big leaguer stopped at fancy cars and groupies. No sir, once you make it to The Show, the rules of grammar literally no longer apply. I suppose this explains why so many athletes like to speak in the third person ...

Just in case you're curious (and if you're still reading, I'm sure it was in the back of your mind), the team did make sure to clarify that J.J. Hardy would be holding onto his periods for the time being. It's nice to know you can rely on something in these crazy times.

CC Sabathia Hates Proper Punctuation originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 04:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Three Pitchers Get Their First Career Hit in the Same Game

Pat Lackey — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:28:00 EST

Filed under: Houston, Astros, Pirates, NL Central, Pittsburgh, The Word

When I sat down tonight to watch the Pirates and Astros, I didn't really think I'd be seeing anything all that special. The Pirates and 'Stros are tied for last in the NL Central, after all, and both teams have been pretty frigid of late. When Phil Dumatrait picked up an RBI single in the first, the announcers mentioned it was his first career hit. Then i the in the fourth, Runelvys Hernandez laid down a bunt into noman's land and scored a run. Again, the announcers noted it was his first career hit. That seemed mildly more interesting. In the bottom of the fourth, Denny Bautista came to the plate. Yep, RBI single, first career hit. Now that's odd.

Now, I'm only a baseball historian on Sunday afternoons after three beers, but it strikes me as incredibly rare that three pitchers all managed to pick up their first career hits and have them all be RBI singles in the same game. I'm sure it's happened before, but probably not all that often. I guess it's not all that surprising that it happened in a game where the starters combined to give up 17 runs, but I'm still impressed.

In case you'd forgotten, Runelvys Hernandez is the guy that kicked off the whole Shawn Chacon saga by taking Chacon's spot in the Astros rotation. Tonight he managed to actually give up ten runs (including two RBI singles to pitchers that had no career hits coming into the night), which is pretty rare for a starter. I imagine Shawn Chacon's looking in a mirror somewhere and feeling pretty good about himself.

Three Pitchers Get Their First Career Hit in the Same Game originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:28:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More Intelligent Fun Courtesy of the Yankee-Red Sox Rivalry

Josh Alper — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:50:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, New York, Red Sox, Yankees, AL East, MLB Fans, The Word

One of my fondest wishes as a sports fan is that there can one day be a series between the Red Sox and Yankees that doesn't coincide with the beating of a fan of one team or the other. Especially when the beating occurs on the Fourth of July in front of the man's children.

Making it all the better, the genius squad that led the beatdown didn't even have any reason to believe that William Nestor, driving his family home from a fireworks display in Falmouth, Massachusetts, was a baseball fan, let alone a Yankee fan. Nestor was beaten with an aluminum bat because his car had New York plates.

"They were yelling, 'Yankees! Yankees!' and 'F - - - New York' " Nestor, 29, said. "When they saw the plates, they came at me.

"I didn't even know the Yankees and Red Sox were playing" this weekend, added Nestor, who's not a particularly big baseball fan.

Nestor is okay, thankfully, and police have arrested one man and charged him with assault. They are looking for his partner in crime.

At some point it would be awfully nice of Hank Steinbrenner and John Henry to make some kind of joint statement decrying this kind of behavior. While making sure to point out that plenty of people on both sides are prone to acting like idiots, the owners could make it clear that neither the Yankee Universe nor Red Sox Nation they are so fond of welcomes citizens of that sort.

More Intelligent Fun Courtesy of the Yankee-Red Sox Rivalry originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A-Rod Is Not Cheating on His Wife, Just Wants a Cool Red Bracelet

Tom Fornelli — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:06:00 EST

Filed under: New York, Yankees, MLB Gossip, MLB Rumors, The Word

The last couple of days there have been all sorts of rumors about what's going on between Alex Rodriguez and Madonna, as A-Rod has been spotted at the Worn Material Girl's apartment in recent nights. Considering that Madonna is rumored to be getting divorced from her husband (where am I and when did I start writing for TMZ?), and A-Rod has been seen about town with other "ladies" before, people just started putting two and two together and assume the two are getting it on.

I'm not sure what to believe myself, but I should remind you that there have been times in history when a man and a woman can just be friends and not sleep together. It's insane to think about, I know, but it does happen once in a blue moon. Madonna and Alex could just share a common interest, like, say, kabbalah?

The Post has also learned that the two egocentric stars share something deeper than the same agent - kabbalah. In recent months, A-Rod has shown active interest in studying the Jewish mystical practice popularized by Madonna, her director hubby, and Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher, sources said.

Rodriguez has visited kabbalah centers in south Florida, where the all-star and the singer both have posh homes, the sources said.

See? A-Rod was only visiting Madonna's crib after the birth of his child because he probably wanted to know how exactly how a new baby's arrival is treated in kabbalah. Do you dunk them in water, or chant in tongues? How is a third baseman supposed to know these things!?

Besides, Madonna may be blonde, but she's no where near muscular enough to really attract A-Rod's interest sexually. He would never do that to Jeets.

A-Rod Is Not Cheating on His Wife, Just Wants a Cool Red Bracelet originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:06:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is Luis Castillo Good With Kids?

Mullet — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 06:30:00 EST

Filed under: New York, Mets, NL East, MLB Gossip, The Word

The latest plan to accelerate the maturity of Jose Reyes involves Luis Castillo. After Reyes' Tanner Boyle-like tantrum in front of a packed house at Shea Stadium on Sunday, manager Jerry Manuel discussed the plan to have Castillo be a more positive influence on Reyes.

Manuel noted that Reyes could be more focused during games. To that effect, Manuel hopes Luis Castillo will take a more active role in keeping Reyes disciplined, as Jose Valentin and Miguel Cairo did in past seasons.

"We would hope that at some point he would, because of the years that he's had in the majors, get comfortable enough in taking on some of that responsibility," Manuel said about Castillo. "I think when Louie begins to feel good about Louie, then he can do something for somebody else. When he came last year he was a little different as far as, 'C'mon. Let's go. Stay up.' I think the injuries, the season that he's had, has had a little effect on him."

Yep, it's come to that. A 25-year-old ballplayer who has been in the majors for five years is still in a mentor program. And his new mentor is a guy who was recently guilted into playing every day when it was hinted that his request for an occasional few days off to rest up nagging injuries would result in a stay on the disabled list. Great. Hope Castillo remembers to child-proof the clubhouse by covering up the electrical outlets.

Is Luis Castillo Good With Kids? originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 06:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MLB Weekly Rewind: The Halfway Point

Pat Lackey — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:06:00 EST

Filed under: MLB Video, The Word, FanHouse TV

Every Monday, the MLB Weekly Rewind takes a look at the past week in baseball in video form. It's biased, rambling, and mostly cynical, but ... Hey! Moving pictures! Sweet!

Video link

MLB Weekly Rewind: The Halfway Point originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:06:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Mariners Are So Horrible They're Killing Romance in Seattle

Tom Fornelli — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 21:51:00 EST

Filed under: Seattle, Mariners, AL West, MLB Fans, The Word

Baseball parks have long been a great place to meet somebody, whether you're a man or a woman. If you meet somebody at a game, you already know you have a common interest with them, so you've got your icebreaker right there. The seemingly never ending flow of beer doesn't hurt much either, of course.

If you're single and still looking for that special someone, or even that special person for the next few hours, I highly recommend going to a baseball game to find them. Just make sure you aren't going to SafeCo Field. Don't be fooled by the lesbian make-out sessions, because that place is a ghost town these days.

Among the several casualties of this dismal Mariners season -- Jeff Pentland's job, Richie Sexson's career, the fantasy team of anyone who drafted J.J. Putz -- is the singles scene at Safeco Field.

The scene is dead for one simple reason (which is practically a natural law): Women don't like losers.

I say this with the certainty of someone who went on several dates while unemployed and living at my parents' house. Eventually the girl would learn the gravity of my situation, and then (evidently) lose my phone number.

The Mariners -- who also live in the basement and rarely score -- are just as unattractive to women. At least that's what I conclude from the looks of Safeco Field's Hit It Here Cafe on a couple of recent nights.

Yes, things have gotten so bad in Seattle right now that the Post-Intelligencer is actually sending their writers on an assignment to figure out the singles scene at SafeCo Field. Anything to keep from having to actually follow this team for another day.

Of course, that excerpt is only the intro to Seth Koellen's post, and the entire thing is really quite enjoyable to read. I suggest you do so, Mariners fan or not, but especially if you are. I mean, it's been an incredibly long season already (especially when you add the entire Sonics fiasco to the picture) for the Seattle sports fan, and any opportunity to laugh right now is definitely one you should take advantage of.

It definitely beats sitting in mom's basement crying in your underwear.

(Via Walkoff Walk)

The Mariners Are So Horrible They're Killing Romance in Seattle originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 21:51:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MLB Players Think Derek Jeter Is Overrated but Want to Build Their Team Around Him

Josh Alper — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:05:00 EST

Filed under: New York, Yankees, AL East, MLB Media Watch, The Word

Derek Jeter is a good offensive player trumped up by a fawning media and fan base into a transcendent superstar who gets more credit than he earns. Derek Jeter is a born winner whose value to a ball club can't be expressed by any statistic other than championships. So go two sides of an argument that seem to have been raging ever since his rookie season.

The debate has even worked its way into the pages of Sports Illustrated. As part of this week's issue they polled 495 MLB players and asked who the most overrated player in baseball was. The winner, with 10% of the vote, is Jeter. This comes a week after they polled the same number of players and asked what player they'd pick to build a team around. Jeter came in second in that poll, garnering 12% of the total.

He's overrated but we'd like to build our team around him? Sounds like there are 495 applicants for the general manager job in Seattle.

That's pretty much the Jeter debate in a nutshell. He's never been as good or as bad as either side would have you believe. And if he didn't play in New York no one would care half as much. That's certainly part of it, A-Rod finished in the top three of each poll as well. No player of this generation has gotten Jeter's face time which leads to visceral reactions. Over time it's almost impossible to see the forest for the trees.

MLB Players Think Derek Jeter Is Overrated but Want to Build Their Team Around Him originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hank Steinbrenner Is a Brat

Pat Lackey — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: New York, Yankees, AL East, The Word

I could've sworn that I heard something crazy this week. If my ears haven't deceived me, I heard Hank Steinbrenner, the owner of the New York Yankees, complain about pitchers having to bat during interleague play.

'My only message is simple. The National League needs to join the 21st century,' Steinbrenner said in Tampa, Fla. 'They need to grow up and join the 21st century.

'Am I (mad) about it? Yes,' Steinbrenner added. 'I've got my pitchers running the bases, and one of them gets hurt. He's going to be out. I don't like that, and it's about time they address it. That was a rule from the 1800s.'

Yep. That's what he said. I get what Hank's doing here. When he took over as chairman of the Yankees last year, he apparently decided that the best business model for American League ownership was the bloviating way his dad ran the Yankees in the late 1970s. I sincerely doubt that he means all of the stuff that he says. That doesn't make him any less full of crap.

Let's play a game. What's the greatest franchise in baseball history? The Yankees. And when did they begin to assume that moniker? Probably with their first pennant in 1921. And what player was the catalyst for that? Babe Ruth. What was Ruth? A pitcher that could hit.

Look, I'm not some grumpy old guy who likes the game better the way it was when the Dodgers were in Brooklyn and teal wasn't even a color. For the entire span of my life, the American League has used the designated hitter. Because I grew up as an NL fan and spent some time as a DH in high school, I hate the DH. If there's one thing that dumbs down baseball, it's the designated hitter. Still, I can live with the rule. In fact, I kind of like the quirk that the AL uses it and the NL doesn't, to be perfectly honest. It's archaic and stupid, but it's the way baseball does things and silly things like that are what endear you to a sport.

What I can't stand? Hank Steinbrenner screaming about a rule that's never going to change like a petulant seven-year old child. He's a spoiled, immature brat that's been handed the greatest sports franchise in America. Every time he opens his mouth, he embarrasses himself, the Yankees, and baseball. Pitchers hit in both leagues until Lil' Steinz was eighteen years old, so either he's Abner Doubleday's father or he's just feeling emo about the fact that the Yankees might miss the playoffs this year.

Hank Steinbrenner Is a Brat originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hold On a Sec, You Replace the Manager With the Guy That Helped Him Make Decisions?

Josh Alper — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 07:31:00 EST

Filed under: New York, Mets, NL East, The Word

I get why the Mets fired Willie Randolph. I don't necessarily agree with the decision but I understand that the team wasn't playing well enough and that will inevitably lead to a change in the dugout. Here's what I don't understand, though. If you fire a manager, it's gotta be because you don't like the way he manages, right?

So why in the world would you replace him with the guy who sat next to him and offered advice on the managerial choices that led to his dismissal? Jerry Manuel was Randolph's bench coach and, unless you believe this whole thing has been a Machiavellian play to land himself in the top spot, must have had some culpability in the team's record. This isn't an anti-Manuel thing. He had a nice record as White Sox manager and is qualified, I just don't understand Omar Minaya at all.

If your desire to make a change burns so deeply that you do it in the middle of the night, after a win and after making the guy you fired travel 3,000 miles for the privilege of losing his job, why wouldn't you make a major change? It's not like this is coming out of the blue. Randolph's future as manager has been debated for weeks yet, when the ax falls, the difference is negligible.

Minaya and the Mets handled this whole thing badly. From the public discussion right down to the actual firing, it was a mess. No surprise that the solution is as well.

Hold On a Sec, You Replace the Manager With the Guy That Helped Him Make Decisions? originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 07:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mets (Finally) Fire Willie Randolph

Matt Watson — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 06:57:00 EST

Filed under: New York, Mets, NL East, The Word

Mets GM Omar Minaya cleaned house early this morning, firing manager Willie Randolph, pitching coach Rick Peterson and first base coach Tom Nieto hours after last night's win in Anaheim.

The news was hardly unexpected, though it's a little surprising to hear that players learned of Randolph's fate via text messages from beat reporters ("WILY WUZ CANNED. LOL!"). Our own Mullet brilliantly satirized Randolph's job security on his personal blog throughout Monday's game, joking that "The Wilpons and Omar Minaya have refused to shoot down the notion that the Mets coaching staff will be replaced by the cast of 'The Hills' for Tuesday night's game."

Instead of Lauren Conrad and Heidi Montag, though, Jerry Manuel (Randolph's former bench coach) will take over as the Mets interim manager. He'll be joined on the big league staff by Ken Oberkfell and Dan Warthen, the manager and pitching coach of Triple-A New Orleans, respectively, as well as field coordinator Luis Aguayo. None of these promotions were unexpected.

Now that Minaya has purged the Mets dugout of scapegoats, the only one left to blame is himself. We've already seen on GM get canned this week; is Minaya close behind?

Mets (Finally) Fire Willie Randolph originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 06:57:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hank Steinbrenner Thinks the National League Needs to 'Grow Up' With Its Batting Pitchers

Will Brinson — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: New York, Yankees, AL East, MLB Gossip, MLB Media Watch, The Word

It is pretty likely that Hank Steinbrenner is frustrated at this point in the season. Just as the Yankees start to heat up and make a run at a David Ortiz-less Boston team, they lose Chien-Ming Wang for the next 10-12 weeks (and that's minimum). Of course, that doesn't mean he has to go and bash the Senior Circuit. But he does anyway.

'My only message is simple. The National League needs to join the 21st century,' Steinbrenner said in Tampa, Fla. 'They need to grow up and join the 21st century.

'Am I (mad) about it? Yes,' Steinbrenner added. 'I've got my pitchers running the bases, and one of them gets hurt. He's going to be out. I don't like that, and it's about time they address it. That was a rule from the 1800s.'

Who is this guy?? This is something even Big Stein wouldn't use; say what you want about his dad being a nutcase, but at least George had media savvy and never came off like Rod Farva when he got angry.

Sure, depending on what team you like and your thoughts on baseball, you might believe that the DH is either a) good or b) bad. Sometimes you hear people say "Gosh, I'm glad that the American League pitchers don't have to hit" or "Wow. I wish the American League would adhere more to the tradition of baseball and let pitchers hit."

You almost never hear a psychotic rant about the National League, and it's archaic ability to make sure that these ... gasp ... professional athletes are actually, you know, performing to their athletic ability by playing the game. I guarantee you if Hank had Micah Owings on his team he wouldn't feel that way either.

Hank Steinbrenner Thinks the National League Needs to 'Grow Up' With Its Batting Pitchers originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 21:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cardinals Draft Pick Mitch Harris Headed for War, Not the Minor Leagues

Josh Alper — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:35:00 EST

Filed under: Cardinals, NL Central, MLB Draft, St. Louis, The Word

If it were 40 years ago and you mentioned getting drafted, military service would be assumed. Now, even though we're at war, being drafted is a happy moment. For Mitch Harris, though, getting drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals has been followed by his assignment to active duty in the Navy.

Harris, a pitcher, went to the Naval Academy and was selected in the 13th round of last week's draft. The Navy denied his bid to go play ball and assigned him to report to active duty on Monday. Harris says he understands but still knows he's missing his only shot at a shot at the big leagues. He wanted to find a way to juggle his service as well as his baseball career.

"If I don't get that chance (to play baseball) right now, I'll never get it again. And to fulfill a goal of getting to the pros, it's sad that they would take it away from me. No one's willing to stick their neck out. It stinks ... it's upsetting."

Harris was given a free education in exchange for five years of active duty. I feel bad that he won't have a chance at pursuing the big leagues but his comments sound a lot like someone who's trying to have their cake and eat it too. War or not, Harris made this deal and the Navy lived up to their side of it, it's his turn to live up to his end.

You might recall a bit of a firestorm when another service academy athlete, Caleb Campbell, was drafted by the Detroit Lions in April. The Army will let him out of his active service, he'll do recruiting and reserve work instead, and were met with many complaints from people who thought he should serve out his commitment. They made the same call about two baseball players drafted last week. The Army has an alternative service option in place and it is implemented on a case-by-case basis.

The Navy used to have a similar program of early release. David Robinson, for example, served two years then became a reserve. They suspended the policy in 2007, however, and even under the old policy Harris wouldn't be free to start playing baseball immediately.

Latest MLB Photos

This is a 2008 file photo of Travis Hafner of the Cleveland Indians baseball team. Hafner is traveling to Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, June 18, 2008 to get a second opinion on his ailing right shoulder from renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Legendary Philadelphia Phillies pitcher and Baseball Hall of Fame member Robin Roberts throws the ceremonial first pitch to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of his major league debut before the start of a baseball game between the Phillies and Boston Red Sox, Wednesday, June 18, 2008, in Philadelphia. The Red Sox won 7-4. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)

Philadelphia Phillies' Kyle Kendrick starts his wind-up as he throws in the first inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Wednesday, June 18, 2008, in Philadelphia. The Red Sox won 7-4. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)

Boston Red Sox' Julio Lugo aims for first base after bare-handing a ground ball hit by Philadelphia Phillies' Eric Bruntlett in the seventh inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, June 18, 2008, in Philadelphia. The Red Sox won 7-4. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)

Philadelphia Phillies hall of fame pitcher Robin Roberts throws the first pitch before the start of the Phillies versus Boston Red Sox MLB interleague baseball game in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, June 18, 2008. Roberts had his Major League debut on June 18, 1948. REUTERS/Tim Shaffer (UNITED STATES)

Reuters

Detroit Tigers' Marcus Thames reacts after striking out swinging against San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Barry Zito in the second inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, June 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Armando Galarraga throws against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, June 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Barry Zito sits in the dugout during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers in San Francisco, Wednesday, June 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Detroit Tigers' Carlos Guillen hits a two-run double off San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Barry Zito in the second inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, June 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Boston Red Sox Mike Lowell (L) is congratulated by teammate Sean Casey after hitting a solo home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning of MLB interleague baseball game action in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania June 18, 2008. REUTERS/Tim Shaffer (UNITED STATES)

Reuters

Cardinals Draft Pick Mitch Harris Headed for War, Not the Minor Leagues originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dukes Won't High-Five His Skipper, Dawg

Matt Watson — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 06:50:00 EST

Filed under: Washington, DC, Nationals, NL East, The Word

Earlier this week, Manny Acta came to Elijah Dukes' defense when umpire Doug Eddings complained about being shown up after Dukes seemed to glare and gesture in his direction after hitting a home run.

In hindsight, though, you have to wonder if Acta was actually privately annoyed because he didn't have much patience for Dukes' on-field celebration after scoring on a Lastings Milledge home run last night. From Mark Zuckerman of the Washington Times:

As Dukes and Milledge crossed the plate, Dukes looked back at Capps (who blew his first save in 16 tries this season) in a move that could have been perceived as taunting the opposing pitcher. When Dukes returned to the dugout, Acta had words for him. Dukes yelled back at his manager, prompting Acta to yell back himself and players to get between the two. [...] As the Nationals gathered in the middle of the diamond to congratulate each other at the conclusion of the game, Dukes did not offer his hand to Acta, who only smirked.

If you haven't seen it yet, you have watch the video to fully appreciate how awkward it was for Dukes to leave Acta hanging. It's both immature and hilarious, but it's also a blantant sign of disrespect. Might it result in a team suspension? That seems a bit much, but I wouldn't be surprised if Dukes is fined, even if it's in the clubhouse kangaroo court and never gets reported in the papers. The Nats have enough to worry about to let silly incidents like this spoil the few nights they get to go to sleep a winner.

Dukes Won't High-Five His Skipper, Dawg originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 06:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What if Ken Griffey Jr. Never Got Hurt?

Pat Lackey — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 01:15:00 EST

Filed under: Reds, NL Central, Cincinnati, The Word

Tonight, Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 600th career home run. That's a great accomplishment, but it's not as great as it could be. That got me thinking a little bit. What would be happening right now if Junior stayed healthy?

September 19th, 2000- Nursing his first hamstring injury, Griffey hits a pinch-hit home run in the ninth inning off of Livan Hernandez. On his way out of the park that night, he spies a penny lying face down in the parking lot. He thinks, "See a penny, pick it up, and all day you'll have good luck." As he bends down, Pokey Reese kicks it out of his way and screams, "DAMMIT, JUNIOR! Face down pennies are bad luck! Are you an idiot?" Pokey's shove causes Griffey to further injure his already ailing hamstring As a result, Griffey doesn't try to play on it to end the year and fully rehabs it over the winter.

2001- Griffey cruises into 2001 refreshed and at full-strength. He smashes 11 homers in April and never looks back. He can't keep pace with Barry Bonds, but he does improve in his second year in the NL and he hits 44 home runs and his career total sits at 482. As for the Reds? They win 71 games.

2002- A healthy Griff smacks 42 homers, becoming the youngest player to 500 in history, and the Reds finish second in the NL Central, though well behind Bonds' Giants for the wild card. He sits at 524 homers months before his 33rd birthday.

2003- This is where things get crazy. Great American Ballpark opens and Junior bashes 30 home runs in seventy games, setting the league abuzz with a potential run at Bonds's record of 73. Desperate to save his job, Jim Bowden trades Griffey to the Cubs for Corey Patterson, Bobby Hill, and Matt Clement. Griffey continues to flourish in Chicago, ending the season with 64 home runs (588 total). Unfortunately, the trade of Clement leaves Shawn Estes pitching big playoff innings. The Cubs win the National League pennant, but lose to the Red Sox in a six game Armageddon World Series. They played the Red Sox because the Yankees acquired Aramis Ramirez from a Pirate team desperate to dump payroll to replace a struggling Aaron Boone at third at the trade deadline (another effect: A-Rod never leaves Texas). In Game 7 of the ALCS, Ramirez whiffed mightily on a Tim Wakefield knuckle ball and the Red Sox won the game in the fourteenth inning.

2004- Griffey belts 52 homers, cruising past the 600 barrier on May 2nd, 2004 at the relatively young age of 34. He joins only Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, and Barry Bonds in the 600 club. The Cubs edge the Astros for the Wild Card, but lose to the juggernaut Cardinals' in the NLCS. Griffey finishes the season up with 640 bombs.

2005- Griffey's age slowly starts to catch up to him, just as the Cubs' pitching falls apart. Junior belts only 39 home runs (for a total of 679) as the Cubs finish below .500. Whispers out of Wrigley indicate that he's looking for a trade to a contender, as the Cubs future looks bleak unless they plan on dropping $300 million or so on free agents in the near future.

2006- The Cubs plummet into the depths of the NL Central, but Griffey gets off to a great start, hitting 23 home runs before the All-Star Break. His 21st, on June 20th, makes him the third member of the 700 Club. During the break, Hendry trades him to the Dodgers for Andy LaRoche, Matt Kemp, and two fringe prospects. The strange teaming means that Griffey's first appearance in Dodger Blue is actually at the All-Star Game. The deal sets the Cubs for a World Series title in 2011. Griffey, meanwhile, puts the Dodgers over top, despite seeing a serious drop in power due to the move to Chavez Ravine. He only hits 14 home runs after the break, but he helps the Dodgers to 92 wins and the NL West title. In the first round, they easily handle the struggling Cardinals, then shock the Mets in seven games in the NLCS and beat the Tigers in the World Series in five games when their pitching staff forgets how to throw the ball to first base. The night after his World Series win, the front window of Griffey's house is broken with a brick. The culprit is never caught, though the words, "I hate you. BB25" are scrawled on the rock in orange and black letters. Bill Plaschke's head explodes while writing a gleeful column excoriating Paul DePodesta and praising Ned Colletti for acquiring Junior.

2007- An aging Junior hits 30 home runs, bringing his career total to 746. The Dodgers just miss the playoffs, finishing a game behind the Rockies and Padres for the Wild Card.

June 9, 2008- With his tenth home run of the year, Ken Griffey Jr. hits his 756th home run to pass Hank Aaron and move into second place on the all-time list. He is a mere seven home runs away from tying Barry Bonds' all-time record of 762. Barry Bonds sues Major League Baseball for collusion, alleging that no team will sign him because the league wants his record broken. The Supreme Court throws out Bonds' lawsuit with Chief Justice Roberts citing the little-known "America Hates Jerks" clause that he says is the underlying basis of the Constitution. This is crap, but no one seems to mind.

What if Ken Griffey Jr. Never Got Hurt? originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 01:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mr. Met Gets Jumped at Shea

Will Brinson — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EST

Filed under: New York, Mets, MLB Fans, MLB Police Blotter, The Word

Usually it's the crazy mascots attacking fans, or doing stupid things in the vicinity of fans, that causes trouble. Or just Benny the Bull. But Saturday, it was a fan upset with Mr. Met, apparently, that led to a little scuffle at Shea Stadium.

Christian Hansen of Gowanus, Brooklyn, was seen "harassing Mr. Met and pushing little children out of the way" at Shea Stadium, a law-enforcement source said.

When security officials told the soused sports nut to leave, he refused.

Then, as security guards escorted out the Mr. Met-basher, Hansen took a wild swing at an employee and spit in his face, law-enforcement sources said.

A woman who identified herself as Hansen's girlfriend denied he had been in a confrontation with guards or Mr. Met.

"It's not true," she said. "Nothing ever happened with Mr. Met."

Yeah, sure, lady. Whatever you say. We all know that either a) Mr. Met had his cartoony mitts all over you -- he is quite the lady's man -- or b) he refused to show up to your wedding and mosh-dance during the reception. Either are certainly acceptable for being angry and going all Ventura on the mascot, but pushing kids out of the way? Totally un-dude, dude.

Via Deadspin

Mr. Met Gets Jumped at Shea originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 08 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When the Dugout Looks Kinda Weird

Jon Bois — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Red Sox, The Word, The Dugout

Ever since we heard about Manny Ramirez's scuffle with Kevin Youkilis last night, we at The Dugout have been feverishly working to devise a series of circumstances that could have possibly led to our beloved man-child getting in the face of a teammate.

Manny is surely among the most popular Dugout characters. Let it be known that whenever an unflattering story surfaces about him, we will bend the facts to our wishes and make up the rest. Manny chucked a Molotov cocktail into a bus full of nuns, you say? What you fail to realize is that he caught a "fire bug" in a bottle and was giving it to them as a present.

Today's Dugout is after the jump.

The Dugout

	OnlineHost Welcome to Red Sox Dugout Chat!
	MannyTheTorpedoes: /dangles legs restlessly off bench whens papi coming back
	sacrament_of_youkilis: I believe they said three weeks.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: why dont you hav any hairs
	sacrament_of_youkilis: Because I am bald.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: ... whens papi coming back
	sacrament_of_youkilis: Uh, I'm uh, I'm gonna go put my catching gear on.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: your a catcher???
	sacrament_of_youkilis: I am now.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: but im bored
	sacrament_of_youkilis: I don't know. Write a pen pal?
	MannyTheTorpedoes: /shrugs lotsa pals no pens story of mannys life
	MannyTheTorpedoes: /stares at feet pffffffpfpfpfpfpfffffffffffffffffffffff
	MannyTheTorpedoes: hmm
	MannyTheTorpedoes: when your room looks kinda weird an you wish that you werent theyerrr
	MannyTheTorpedoes: just clos your eyes an make belief an you can be AN-WAYER
	MannyTheTorpedoes: muppet muppet muppet muppet babies babies babies babies do do doooo
	MannyTheTorpedoes: /hops off bench, picks up bullpen phone
	OnlineHost The phone does not have a number pad on it.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: /stares /pokes cradle boop boop bop booooooop
	MannyTheTorpedoes: hi is this paplbon
	KingOfPap: ya
	MannyTheTorpedoes: what are you doin
	KingOfPap: sand castls
	MannyTheTorpedoes: you want to play spies
	KingOfPap: k what do spys do
	MannyTheTorpedoes: find monsters
	KingOfPap: k do you see any monstrs
	MannyTheTorpedoes: um ummmmmm yah
	KingOfPap: k go get him
	KingOfPap: my mom was a robbr my dad was a spy me an manny called the fbi! boom! /hangs up phone
	MannyTheTorpedoes: /stares at handset /looks around /places handset in nearby baseball glove
	MannyTheTorpedoes: spies!
	OnlineHost On the other side of the dugout...
	tekWar: And see those pouches on the inside of the vest? Left is greenies, right is Dum-Dums. Knock yourself out.
	sacrament_of_youkilis: I don't need the specifics, I just needed an excuse to get away from Manny for a few. Guy was driving me nuts.
	tekWar: Yeah, that's what the right pouch is for.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: mosterrrrrrrrr /repeatedly delivers hammer-fists about Kevin Youkilis' neck and shoulders
	sacrament_of_youkilis: Ow! Manny, what the hell are you doing? Ow! OW STOP IT
	MannyTheTorpedoes: im a spies
	Nanny: What's going on here?
	sacrament_of_youkilis: Manny's punching me!
	Nanny: Manny, why are you doing that?
	MannyTheTorpedoes: we were playin spies
	Nanny: I think you should apologize to Kevin!
	MannyTheTorpedoes: sorry moster
	Nanny: Now I think you've earned yourself some time out. Come on, back to the clubhouse.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: noooooo las time i opened the door there was a scary black an white railroad tran!
	Nanny: It's okay, I'll walk with you. You'll be safe.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: ok manny heeding nanny
	Nanny: /spits enormous wad of chaw

Photos link to player info. WordUpThome.com Photo Credit: Getty, Creative Commons

When the Dugout Looks Kinda Weird originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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