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The 20 Most Interesting Ballpark Quirks in MLB History

Did you know that Major League Baseball is the only sport where the ground rules are different from venue to venue?  Because of this strange stipulation, each ballpark has its own unique feature, dimensions and quirks.

This is the reason some stadiums like Yankee Stadium are such hitter's parks, and other stadiums like CitiField are such pitcher's parks.

Here is a list of the 20 most interesting quirks in MLB history:

Begin Slideshow

MLB Trade Rumors: 10 Bats the Giants Should Target Via Trade

Led by manager Bruce Bochy, the Giants will enter the 2011 season as the defending World Series champions for the first time since their days in New York, and they hope to find a way to repeat.

With an exception of the acquisition of shortstop Miguel Tejada and the departures of shortstop Edgar Renteria and second baseman Juan Uribe, the 2011 Giants will have a very similar feel to the squad that won it all in 2010.

San Francisco Giants 2011: Giving Opponents a Case of the Runz

Of all the positions in baseball, the pitcher can be most closely compared to being on the front lines of battle. The mentality a pitcher must possess is one of great confidence and composure. To be a closer, you have to have all that and then some; after all, you inherit the situation be it good, bad or ugly.

Pablo Sandoval: Resurgent or Wreck in 2011?

Spring training is almost here.

The sights and sounds of baseball are soon to come, and the Giants are prepared to defend their title with much of the same formula as 2010.  Pablo Sandoval, however, was not a part of the 2010 formula.  To say 2010 was a "disappointment" for Sandoval is an understatement.

San Francisco Giants: 10 Realistic Barry Zito Trade Scenarios

Back in 2006, all the buzz was about how Barry Zito signed the largest contract in the MLB for a pitcher. In 2011 that contract is still the talk of the baseball world, but for all the wrong reasons.

By signing the seven year contract, Zito immediately became the richest pitcher in baseball history. His contract was worth $126 million and included another option year in 2014.

Just over half way through his contract, the Giants I'm sure have been trying to find some kind of way to move Zito and the $60+ million left on it.

MLB Power Rankings: Rating the 30 Managers Heading Into 2011

Ranking Major League Managers can be a tricky business. Managing can be, like standing on a razor edge; one wrong move and you'll get cut. 

It seems that no matter, what the city, or team, managers are always on the hot seat.  Security in this job, is never guaranteed, so it comes as no surprise that, entering the 2011 season we have twelve teams sporting new managers. 

San Francisco Giants: Will 2011’s Jonathan Sanchez Be Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde?

Revert back to July 10, 2009. After struggling earlier in that season, Jonathan Sanchez, after being banished to the bullpen, spot started for the injured Randy Johnson.

The result on that fateful night was a dazzling performance against the San Diego Padres, as he no-hit them in an 8-0 rout. Not a single walk tainted Sanchez's line.

Fast forward to Oct. 23, 2010. The Giants are battling the Phillies in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series in Philadelphia, needing a big start from their left-handed hurler.

MLB Rumors: 10 Power Hitters the SF Giants Can Acquire to Help Repeat

Power hitters are always at a premium because of their ability to instantly change a game.

Here's a list of ten power hitters the Giants could acquire to improve their 2011 outlook.

And no, Prince Fielder is not on the list. He's too fat.

Oh, one other thing. It isn't cutesy or clever to say well what if Pablo Sandoval has a comeback year, or Brandon Belt breaks out.

They're already on the team, knuckleheads.

Feel free to add any suggestions in the comments section below.

Pitch Or Go Home: Examining The Giants' Non-Roster Pitching Invitees

Spring Training is a time for hitters to get back into the swing of things, for pitchers to shake off the rust and for coaches and managers to figure out what their strategy for the upcoming year is going to be. 

Spring is also a time for non-roster invitees, mainly top prospects looking to make a splash and prove they can hit big-league pitching, journeyman major-leaguers looking to latch on with a team, or proven players coming back from injury.

Poll

Best of the American League
Tampa Bay
19%
Boston
19%
Chicago
7%
Minnesota
10%
Los Angeles
17%
Texas
27%
Total votes: 270

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