Fan News

Ryan Raburn showed flashes in 2009, hitting 16 HR in just 261 AB.  Yet, in 2010 either the Tigers were unable to find a spot to give him everyday playing time or didn’t think he was capable of producing on an everyday basis.  Through July he had just 161 AB, hitting just two home runs.

Then, in August, he was given an opportunity to play on a daily basis and has exploded.  Just look at what he had done through Sunday:

Following Monday night's loss to the Cleveland Indians, the Los Angeles Angels announced that Triple-A players Mark Trumbo and Hank Conger have been called up to the big club. Both players will be available for action on Tuesday.

All the talk about 2010 being the “Year of the Pitcher” in Major League Baseball is true. 

It has been an excellent year for pitchers.

For whatever reason, there’s been more no-hitters and perfect games than usual, and that’s without counting Jim Joyce’s rob job of Armando Galarraga.

But this year doesn’t only belong to the hurlers, it belongs to the young guns.

At a time when some people argue the fading relevancy of baseball, there has been more great young talent in the game than we can remember.

In my years as a Mets fan, I have been constantly scrutinized by members of the Evil Empire a.k.a. Yankees' fans. The "27-to-2" comparison of World Series titles is always flaunted around in claims that the Yankees are much better than the Mets.

While as a baseball fan I cannot argue that the Yankees are not a storied franchise, I can defend the "27-2" comparison as a Mets' fan, and here is why:

Via Craig Calcaterra of Hardball Talk:

Former New York Mets’ pitcher and all-around phenom Dwight Gooden was recently inducted into the Mets' Hall of Fame. Earlier this year he was also arrested by Franklin Lakes Township police in New Jersey for driving under the influence with his 5-year-old son in the car, among other charges and is awaiting his day in court.

Via the NY Post:

Maybe it is not a mirror image, but Buck Showalter admits becoming manager of the Orioles feels a bit like when he once became manager of the Yankees.

Ah, it's good to be back...

Last Night Rewind

With the Detroit Tigers far removed from playoff contention this September, speculation has already begun about the futures of some of the team's free agents-to-be. Among these players, the most desirable by far is third baseman Brandon Inge.

What appeared a few weeks ago as a two-man race for a potential Triple Crown has now become a three-man competition.

Colorado Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez has been hitting the ball like he was mad at it lately. He is now comfortably ahead of Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds in batting average with a .340 mark. Votto is batting .321.