Your Newest Hall of Famers: Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice

Congratlations to both Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice, your 2009 members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. I figured most knew that Henderson was going to get in based on his incredible stats and accomplishments; however, the verdict was still out on Jim Rice.

Rice, I felt was good enough to get in based on the stats of his era; however, I figured some members of the media might have still held a grudge against him. Time must definitely heal all wounds, and since he was so close last year, it was pretty much a foregone conclusion that Rice would finally get in this time around.

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Barry Bonds Arraigned & He Cops a Plea, Will He Sign With Oakland?; The Continuing Saga...

As expected, former Giants slugger and home run king, Barry Bonds pleaded not guilty Friday to charges he lied to federal investigators about using performance-enhancing drugs.

According to a report from the AP, U.S. District Judge Susan Illston ordered Bonds released on $500,000 personal recognizance, meaning he won't have to put up any money unless he violates the conditions of his release. He was ordered to return to court on Feb. 7.







***

In spite of his legal troubles, Barry Bonds may be back in a baseball uniform in 2008. Considering he led the Giants in homers in limited playing time, along with an incredible .OPS, it wouls be prudent for a team to sign him.

Well, he might be closer to the Bay than would think if the Oakland A's re-sign him.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle: If they had decided to rebuild, the A's wouldn't have a spot for Barry Bonds.

However, the club is intact as the winter meetings end, and Oakland is considered the hot pick to sign the free-agent outfielder despite his legal troubles and the potential public-relations issues that accompany him.

"There is no doubt in my mind that Oakland will sign Bonds," one major-league executive said Thursday as the winter meetings wound down. "I'd be shocked if it didn't happen."

Two other teams also have expressed interest in Bonds, an industry source said. Bonds is most likely a fit for an American League club, so that he could serve as a designated hitter. The A's, though, apparently have told Bonds that if he signs with them, he would appear in left field with some frequency. The home run king would be splitting DH duties with Jack Cust.

"I'm speaking with American League clubs as well as National League clubs," Bonds' agent, Jeff Borris, said Thursday.

According to several people with knowledge of the talks, the A's were working on a deal to sign Bonds last month before he was indicted on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. Bonds will be arraigned on those charges in San Francisco today, but there is a belief in baseball and legal circles that a trial would not be held until after the 2008 season, or even early 2009.

Considering the A's need power, and Bonds would still draw fans to the park in that area, I'd say take the gamble.

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Honoring Joe Kennedy, 1979-2007

As reported very early this afternoon, major league pitcher, Joe Kennedy passed away suddenly at his in-laws place in Tampa, FL. He was only 28 years old and left behind a wife and a young daughter.

Obviously, I being a year older than he, I was just shocked when I read the news appear on my RSS reader around lunch time. I was about to head to cover a basketball on the campus of the University of Maryland and the first words out of my mouth was, "oh, my God".

He was the second young player to lose his life this season, but when this happens to someone who seemingly had a dream career, a family and everything to live for, you often ask yourself, "why"?

For me, it does not matter if it's Joe Kennedy, or Joe Smith; no one that young, especially with a family should die in the fashion

From CNNsi.com: After going to bed early, Kennedy woke up at about 1:15 a.m. Friday and collapsed as he was leaving a bedroom at the home of his wife's parents, Hillsborough County sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter said. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue took Kennedy to Brandon Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, she said.

"We were terribly shocked," Blue Jays president Paul Godfrey told The Associated Press. "From what we understand he was in Brandon ... to be the best man at a wedding today."

Godfrey didn't have particulars on the cause of death.

"Obviously, when a 28-year-old man dies, ballplayer or not, it's a terrible, terrible thing," he said.

In the end, it seems that Joe Kennedy was loved and appreciate by everyone, teammates, friends and family alike.

Mr. Kennedy, you might have left this world, but you are in a better place.

I really didn't know who he was, besides being a pitcher; however, to the people he mattered to the most, he was a lot more.

Rest in peace and God bless, Joe Kennedy.

I often shoot photos at games, not as a fan, but sometimes for an assignment. Anyhow, he are the photos I took of Joe Kennedy earlier in the spring. I cannot remember the details of the game, but here are a few photos that I had in my archives.

Looking Back; The AL West - Predictions and Reflections

Throughout the off-season, I'm going to take a look at what I have said during the course of season and some predictions I made before play started in 2007.

Well, I am going to start off with the American League West.

First, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:

What I said: "If the Angels pitching and their offense come together, then they could possibly win the AL West and find themselves in the playoffs. Southern California has two potential playoff contenders in the Angels and the Dodgers, and in the end, the Halos led by Guerrero, Lackey, Weaver, and company could make 2007 a year to remember in that part of the region."

Prediction: Dead On.

***Second, the Seattle Mariners:

What I said: "The Mariners play in a competitive American League West and it may be hard for the team to move up in 2007 in light of the additions made. The team has made a number of changes to attempt to get more competitive, but it looks like the Mariners may remain where they are unless the pitching rotation steps up and additions to the offense perform like they have in the past. Considering this is Ichiro’s walk year, it’s vital that the team make strides to move up the AL West standings.

The Mariners may be a few players away from seriously contending in 2007, but the young core that they have give the team hope for the future."

Prediction: I never expected the Mariners to do so well this season. The offense carried them and the pitching performed far better than I thought (in some instances); however, the weaknesses came through in the last quarter of the season and they wilted. In light of it all, they were a complete shock to me. They still need better pitching and Sexton needs to hit more than his weight, but fans of the team should be pleased with the effort.

***

Third, the Oakland Athletics:

What I said: In the end, the A’s should once again be counted as contenders for both the American League West and the pennant; however, but the team must avoid injuries and get better production from the offense. The pitching, even with Zito leaving for the National League should be among the league’s best and will be perhaps what gets Oakland into the playoff. The main competition for the American League West will be the Angels, but in a stacked American League, it may become a dog fight in the end for a playoff spot American League supremacy with the crowded talented AL Central and East.

Prediction: I did not expect them to be that bad this season, but with injuries to key guys and a lack of offense, they were doomed.

***

Last, But Not Least; The Texas Rangers:

"In the end, the Rangers may not have enough to win the AL West, but the team has a core of young and established veterans that could make an impact in ’07. A lot of the success that the team will have this upcoming season will depend on their pitching and if the weaker parts of the offense from ‘06 picking up the slack.

Also, the other storyline that America will be watching is Sammy Sosa, and whether he can reclaim his glory, or he if he’s done."

Prediction: Close, and almost accurate. Teixiera got traded, but the Rangers got a lot of young talent and they helped to contribute from the get go.

***

Later on this week: The AL Central

Guthrie is the Man; O's Blank A's 2-0, The Rundown...

If anyone in the beginning of the season picked Jeremy Guthrie to be an emerging pitcher on the Baltimore Orioles, I have a $100 bill I'd like to give you.

Just kidding.

Well, Jeremy Guthrie once again showed why he should deserve Rookie of the year consideration. In perhaps his best start to date, he threw seven shutout innings, allowed two hits and struck out six.

The O's won 2-0 thanks the amazing effort by Guthrie, Chad Bradford holding things in check and Jamie Walker saving the game.

The runs for the black and orange were driven in by Kevin Millar and Jay Payton.

Although the O's are 14 1/2 out from first and all but out of contention, if we have to look back at one good thing from this year, it's Guthrie.

***

The Orioles MLB site, the Washington Post, Baltimore Examiner, and the Baltimore Sun have a recap of yesterday's game.

Bill Ordine of the O, by the Way Blog gives his thoughts on the game last night; meanwhile, erstwhile Sun blogger, Roch Kubatko has news on Terry Tiffee...

Chris Ray did not pitch in relief yesterday because of stiffness...

Kevin Millar does not seem to be bothered by the trade rumors so far, and he wants to stay in
Baltimore...

Talented prospect, Brandon Erbe is struggling in Single A...

According to the Baltimore Examiner, Anne Arundel Community College and the Baltimore Orioles are offering free tickets to students who sign up for the Educational Talent Search program.

O's Lose to the A's 4-3; More Ripken, the Rundown

Last night the Orioles put up a valiant effort against the Oakland A's, but could not muster the win against one of the best pitchers in baseball, Dan Haren.

In the end, the boys in orange and black would end losing to the A's by a score of 4-3 on the left coast on Saturday. Haren would show how solid he is as he struck seven in a little more than 6 innings of work. Alan Embree would earn the save, his tenth.

Thanks to a former Oriole, Jack Cust (who put the nail in the coffin for Baltimore), Oakland just won it's second game in about two weeks.

Corey Patterson once again continues his hot streak, as he went 2 for 5 with an RBI, and Kevin Millar doubled in 2 runs.

Steve Trachsel went a little more than five innings, and yielded four runs in the loss. This was his first start off the DL.



The Orioles try to hit paydirt again on Sunday as Jeremy Guthrie counters against Dallas Braden in the rubber game of the series.

***

The Orioles MLB site, Baltimore Examiner, Washington Post, Baltimore Sun,

This week will be a huge one in Baltimore and the surrounding with the impending induction of Cal Ripken into the National Baseball Hall Fame, and a parade was held in his honor in Towson, Md. Cal enjoys and savors the attention, and Sun blogger and beat writer, Roch Kubatko has his thoughts on the event from yesterday in his blog.

Oriole legend Jim Palmer praises Erik Bedard in an article on the Orioles MLB site. In the same piece there's news on prospect Hayden Penn and more on Miguel Tejada.

As noted prior, Orioles centerfielder, Corey Patterson is on a tear; however, his future with the organization is up in the air. He says he wants to return and his play the last couple of weeks is not hurting his cause.

Tony Gwynn is on a Wheaties box; meanwhile, Cal is not. As well, Cal's mom, Vi, was in the Cooperstown parade held on Saturday in Towson and the Examiner's Sean Welsh has a Q&A with her.

David Steele of the Baltimore Sun believes that most outsiders who focus on Ripken's career miss the big picture of his body of work (as we all really know about the 'streak' now) and forget his accomplishments in the game.

CNN.com has a great article on Cal Ripken and what he has done post-career; however, I think the piece may be a little dated (perhaps done in early spring).

As of now, the human vaccum, Brooks Robinson had the largest crowd at a Hall of Fame induction, and thay may change with Cal; however, Sun writer Mike Klingaman looks back at the induction of Mr. Robinson with an interview with the man himself.

Bedard Rules, O's Win 5-1; News and Stuff...

The quiet, sometimes anti-social, but hell of an ace Erik Bedard is on a roll. Last night, he won his 5th straight game, struck out 11, and had a no-hitter into the sixth inning as the O’s beat the A’s 5-1.

The boys from Baltimore took advantage of an Oakland team in a tailspin, as every starter had a hit; Brian Roberts drove in two runs, and Nick Markakis, Kevin Millar, and Luis Hernandez each drove in a run.

The two teams continue the series on Saturday and Sunday.

***

The Orioles MLB site, Baltimore Examiner, Washington Post, & Orioles Hangout have a recap of the game last night.

Let’s face it folks: Aubrey Huff has been extremely underwhelming as a player, and has not lived up to expectations. His batting average is decent, but he’s not been the power force that the team needs. Despite the struggles, Huff is trying to remain upbeat…

The Baltimore Sun has more on Aubrey Huff…

Roch Kubatko has no sympathy for Nick Swisher who has destroyed the Orioles…

Tony Pente of Orioles Hangout, is leaving the site for a few, but he’s a good guy, runs probably the best fan site out there, and I have attended his events a few times, so let’s wish him luck…

Meanwhile, Steve Trachsel has come off the DL.

For all you Ripken fans, a DVD of his career has just been released…

O's Win Again, Tejada and Nick Markakis Lead the O's to Victory, 8-4

A’s vs. Orioles - May 27th, 2007

Morning everyone! Hope everyone is having a safe and happy Memorial Day with friends and loved ones out there. As well, with the stuff going on a world away, take out a moment and remember those who are fighting over there. No matter you political affiliation or thoughts, the men and women over there deserve our respect.

The Orioles whipped up again on the A’s at the Yard on a very hot afternoon, winning by a score of 8-4. Yesterday, Joe Blanton from Oakland was the victim of the red-hot Oriole offense as he served up homers to the triumvirate of Miguel Tejada, Melvin Mora and Nick Markakis.

Miguel Tejada has resurged as the power hitter of this team, with his suddenly hot bat and finally hitting the ball out.

Daniel Cabrera, thanks to the offense earned his 4th win, going six innings, striking out 5, giving up 4 runs, and he allowed Nick Swisher to touch up the Orioles for yet another homer, his 5^th against the team.

The Orioles embark on a long road trip, as they head to Kansas City this week, then onto Anaheim for the weekend, and Seattle thereafter.

Heather Irvin of Oriole Magic has a preview of the upcoming series in Kansas City, and I was at the game yesterday blogging and giving my thoughts of the action.

***

Well, before I even go into the game recap, there has been a lot of talk, and I mean a lot of talk of Davey Johnson becoming the manager of the Baltimore Orioles again. With fans of the team wanting a winner, and a guy who’s a part of Orioles nostalgia (as he also led the team 2 playoff appearances in the 90’s), fans were giddy about his possible return.

Let’s just say Davey Johnson not happy to have learned this information in an article by Adam Kilgore in today’s Washington Post. In fact, he more or less didn’t know about the chatter, and wanted no part of it. As well, he defended Sam Perlozzo and wondered why he was on the hot seat.

Columnist David Steele of the Baltimore Sun doesn’t find the idea of Davey Johnson coming back to the Orioles to not be a good idea.

Roch Kubtako has more on this.

To be honest, I don’t think he’s coming to the Orioles, but it was nice to wonder for a day or so. At this point, someone from the front office needs to say publicly and with conviction that Sam Perlozzo is the man for the team.

Then again, silence is never good in this situation.

During the game, Daniel Cabrera got hit with a line drive off Shannon Stewart on his lower back, but toughed it out and got the win. As well, the spirits in the clubhouse have risen thanks to a great series with the A’s.

Sam Perlozzo says that the Orioles need to make a move to contend in the AL East, sooner rather than later and he points out it will not be easy.

Anita Marks, a Baltimore Sports personality on ESPN 1300, pens an article on the MASN website on Brian Roberts and his influence on her not only as a player, but a solid citizen in the community.

Quick Hits: O's Down A's 8-3, Pictures

A’s vs. Orioles -- May 26th, 2007

Last night, the Orioles emerged victorious as they whipped the A’s by a score of 8-3. Well, the offense and the bats finally came together as Miguel Tejada homered for the second straight night and Brian Roberts drove in three runs.

Of course, Nick Swisher hit another homer run against the Orioles, but Brian Buress went six strong innings, as he only gave up one run.

There’s a recap of the game from the Washington Post, the Baltimore Sun, and the Baltimore Examiner.

Rock Kubatko has his thoughts from last night’s game.

Well, in the Baltimore Sun today, there is more talk and speculation of Sam Perlozzo’s job as manager of the team. According to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun, if the team does decide to terminate Perlozzo, one of the possible replacements may be a face from the past – Davey Johnson.

Rick Maese also has a story on the embattled manager and the Orioles. If Perlozzo gets fired, the next people on the hot seat may be Jim Duquette and Mike Flanagan. It’s a must read as he analyzes the job that the front office has done in acquiring players and building the team in 2007.

Danys Baez came into the game last night, and was, um, shaky. In the same piece Freddie Bynum and Chris Gomez were mentioned.

Nick Markakis has turned into the leader of the Orioles, with his bat doing the talking. There’s more on that topic from Geremy Bass of MLB.com.

Quick Hits - The O's Lose Another Close One: A's Top the O's, 3-2...

A’s and Orioles -- May 25th, 2006


Once again, the Orioles lost another one run game, in a low scoring affair, as the A’s beat us 3-2. The losing spell continues, as we have lost 9 out of 12 games, and the bats are once again very, very cold.

Oakland stud Dan Haren won his fifth straight game, as a he only allowed two hits and a run over seven innings. He was amazing last night and showed why he’s one of the best young guns in the American League.

Erik Bedard had another great outing as he gave up three runs over seven innings, and now he’s got the AL lead in strikeouts.

Nick Swisher once again hit yet another homer off the Orioles, as he hit a two-run homer in the third inning. The A’s other run was driven in by Hiram Bocachica via a sac fly.

The O’s offense came via a Miguel Tejada single that scored Brian Roberts in the first inning, and Kevin Millar homered in the 8^th inning.

The two teams match-up again tonight.

***

Jeff Zrebiec has a recap of the action from last night for the Baltimore Sun.

The Washington Post has also has a recap of the game.

Melvin Mora did not play last night, and apparently he found out through a member of the Baltimore media, rather than the manager – not a good move on Sam’s part. Understandably, Mora was upset with the move last night due to the lack of communication and I’m going to take his side on the issue. Roch Kubatko has more thoughts on the issue in his blog.

There’s more from David Ginsburg about Melvin Mora from the Baltimore Examiner, Washington Post and Spencer Fordin of the Orioles.com.

In light of the struggles with former setup man, Danys Baez, the Orioles will now have a bullpen-by-committee according to Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post.

Erik Bedard left last night from the stadium before he could be interviewed by the media. Personally, I don’t care, but honestly, he comes off sometimes as a complete jerk and he should be lucky he’s in the position he has. If it is too much to stick around and give an interview (keep in mind, he’s being paid handsomely), then he should get a desk job.

Matt Palmer of the Baltimore Examiner has a great piece on the event with Kevin Millar at the ESPN Zone on Thursday.

If you’re going to the game this weekend, the traffic might be tough to deal with…