Fan News

Evan Longoria is no longer considered a rising star.

Many now consider Longoria to be a baseball superstar and the face of the Tampa Bay Rays. In just under three seasons as a Major League third baseman, Longoria has a career .282 avg. with 78 home runs and 282 RBI, not to mention a Gold Glove.

For a team to do what the Phillies have done in the last three seasons, it goes without saying that the list of players to come up big along the way is going to be, as Goose would say, long, but distinguished.

Cole Hamels, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, and Jimmy Rollins might headline the list, but it's safe to say there are plenty of other role-players (Victorino, Ruiz), relievers, (Madson, Lidge), and even bench players (Matt Stairs), who won't be paying for a drink in Philadelphia anytime soon.

The Reds are starting to receive some nationwide recognition for the first time in years, but with that comes scrutiny as well.

Simply put, some people on a national level don't believe that what they are seeing is legit.  Some of the criticism is founded, and some not so much.

A lot of what I hear is people just simply hitting the "high points."  Stats can be found everywhere, but they don't tell the whole story.

The Houston Astros will limp into Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia tonight, 54-69 and with virtually no chance to make the playoffs. 

Since the team's World Series appearance in 2005, there's been a lot of limping finishes in Houston.

While the Philadelphia Phillies were in the process of reaching their first post-season in 14 years in 2007, the Astros were in the final stages of a search for a new general manager.

What a rare opportunity for rookie pitcher Ivan Nova to make his mark in New York Yankees pinstripes, by making his Major League debut tonight vs. the heavy-hitting Toronto Blue Jays.

Getting called up from Scranton-Wilkes-Barre is every rookie’s goal, but to start against another AL East ball-club, in middle of a tight pennant race is a lot of pressure. Can Ivan Nova do his job?

Calling Josh Hamilton’s 2010 a magical year, to date, would be an understatement.  His MVP-like campaign seemingly gets better and better as the season progresses.

Have doubts about his performance? 

All you have to do is look at the numbers (through Saturday) to settle your nerves…  Or maybe not:

Johnny Damon was placed on waivers on Thursday, according to MLBTradeRumors.

Today would be the last day that a team could claim him, which presents an interesting situation.

Would the Yankees think of bringing back their former World Series hero?

Even with the fiasco between the Yankees and Damon this past offseason, this move would make tremendous sense for the Yankees.

Last Week: 4-3
This Week: KC (8/23-25); at Tor (8/26-29)

So, What Happened?

The Tigers had a "sandwich week."

Their bread was a win over the Yankees on top and a sweep of the Indians on the bottom. In between there were three losses to the Yanks.

Kind of like good rye bread with head cheese inside.

The Yankees made three deals at the July 31 trade deadline acquiring Lance Berkman, Kerry Wood and

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