Fan News

PITTSBURGH-- It must be something about Johan Santana starting a game for the Mets. After scoring 12 runs in the first two games of the series against the Pirates, the Mets seemingly improving offense faded away.

They got off to a decent start against Zach Duke, who has been awful this season and over the past couple of years.

"A good ball club" - Yogi Berra, when asked about what makes a good manager.

Recent history has shown what a good baseball team can do to the perception of a manager.

Dusty Baker suddenly has his "magic" back now that the Reds have stocked up with great young talent, and veterans that still have the skills like Scott Rolen.

Joe Torre is suddenly just another guy now that the Dodgers consist of a mediocre roster.

Joe Girardi went from a failure in 2008 to a great manager again in 2009.

For the 62nd spring, Vin Scully will pull up a chair and call games for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Scully announced Sunday that he will return for the 2011 season on a one-year contract and keep his normal schedule with the Dodgers, which consists of calling all home games plus road games against National League West opponents.

“I’m just honored and humbled to continue my association with the Dodgers, which has been a major part of my life,” Scully said in a statement.

On July 31st, Brad Lidge blew yet another save for the Philadelphia Phillies.

The three-run bomb by Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman was Lidge's fourth blown save of the season, and for many fans, it was the last straw.

Yet again, talk radio and the blogosphere was flooded with fans screaming that Lidge should be moved out of the closer's role, possibly in favor of set-up man Ryan Madson.

The Chicago White Sox setup man and part time closer Matt Thornton has been shut down with a forearm injury.

"I'm not concerned with my overall health,'' Thornton said. "I'm concerned about missing some time is what I'm concerned about."

According to Thornton he's been able to "warm-up through" the forearm pain all year, but now the pain has become too much. "Now warming up has turned into some pretty good soreness. I've got to take a step back"

Everyone knows that the New York Yankees are the most storied team in the history of sports.  They boast 27 World Championships... more than any other professional sports franchise in the world. 

It was announced today that the Los Angeles Dodgers have claimed Rod Barajas off waivers from the New York Mets.

It appears that the Dodgers will be sending cash considerations to the Mets in exchange for Barajas.

This move reflects the directions that these two teams are heading. The Mets get out paying Barajas the rest of his salary and are receiving money in return.

It was announced today that the Los Angeles Dodgers have claimed Rod Barajas off waivers from the New York Mets.

It appears that the Dodgers will be sending cash considerations to the Mets in exchange for Barajas.

This move reflects the directions that these two teams are heading. The Mets get out paying Barajas the rest of his salary and are receiving money in return.

The New York Mets recently put Rod Barajas on waivers, and the Los Angeles Dodgers picked him up today.

The Dodgers are getting a great player. Barajas is a fantastic clubhouse guy who handles the pitching staff extremely well. While he may not be the best hitter, he does hit home runs occasionally. 

Last offseason, the Mets were in dire need of a catcher. They focused on Bengie Molina, and I was upset about that. I really wanted Barajas on the Mets, and I got my wish. 

The series finale game against the Atlanta Braves will be "Sweet" Lou's last game as a manager. 

Earlier this year, he did announce he intended to retire after this season, but plans do change.