Fan News

I wrote this for my blog the day that The Kid retired.  I thought I'd bring it over here and see what you all thought of it. 

I wrote on May 13 that Ken Griffey, Jr should retire. His numbers were way down (.184 AVG, no HRs, and just seven RBIs), and he had accomplished everything he'd needed to over such a legendary career. 

The Home Run Derby is known as a great opening event to the All-Star game, and unfortunately it is losing popularity amongst players.

The reason it is losing popularity is because many players believe that it will affect their swing during the second half of the season. 

I, for some reason find that the excuse of the home run derby affecting a players swing is bogus, and I'll tell you why.

The players are swinging for the fences tonight and the big sticks are getting broken out.

The only things fans aren't real happy about is the fact that besides Matt Holliday, David Ortiz, and Miguel Cabrera, there aren't those big names participating that can put on a show for the fans in Anaheim.

Guys like Chris Young, Vernon Wells, Corey Hart, and Hanley Ramirez don't really make the every day Home Run derby fan stand up and take notice.

So, in case you didn't get a chance to catch it on television, here's a round by round breakdown of how things went tonight and the standout performers.

It wasn’t that long ago when fans wondered if David Ortiz would ever hit another home run. Today, he’s one of the league leaders in the category and is the 2010 Home Run Derby Champion.

Not bad for a guy who hit two dingers combined in the past two Aprils.

Well, it's that time of year again, time for MLB All Star Weekend.  This year, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, (do I really need to say that each time?) play host. 

Following Josh Hamilton's monster performance two years ago (I bet you already forgot that Justin Morneau actually won that Derby), and Prince Fielder's upset of Albert Pujols and St. Louis native Ryan Howard last year on the footsteps of the Gateway Arch, what could be expected for the most installment of the contest?

Before I begin with the grades, allow me to say this: Had I decided to write this article right after that 7-4 debacle against the Tigers on Saturday to continue their slide, I would have given every Twin an F, and then lit my laptop on fire. Luckily, the Twins won on Sunday, and I have had an additional day to cool off, so my grades will be (more) objective. The only other thing to keep in mind is that grades are partially based off of expectations, since not every player is created equal. Alright, let's get started.

For me the home run derby has always been viewed the same way I view horse racing - I can see why people enjoy it, but it's just not for me.

Sure as a baseball fan I don't mind seeing sluggers blast home runs to eager fans. And watching the kids in the outfield bowl over each other in a battle of "which lanky kid will jump in front of a girl this time" is mildly entertaining.

However, after the second or third "back back back" from Chris Berman I'm usualy gone gone gone.

This is the second in a series of decade-by-decade looks at the greatest double-play combinations of all time. If you haven't read the first one, you should go here: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/411082-up-the-middle-the-top-10-doubl...

The 1980's were a decade of double plays. It started in 1980, when "The Bad News Bears: Double Play" was released, to little fanfare (it was much worse than the original).

It's the All-Star Break and the Awards just can't wait til season's end. The Fantasy Fix and some of the top fantasy experts out there have made their choices. Take a look to see the first half MVP, Cy Young, Surprises, Busts and more!

On Tuesday night, the city of Anaheim will become relevant again as the top players in the MLB hit the field for the 2010 All-Star Game.

On Wednesday, it will go back to being a city that just added Los Angeles to its name for publicity.

But until then, there are two teams wrestling for something very crucial: home field advantage in the World Series.

While the exhibition may seem trivial to you, players want home field in the World Series as much as the Kardashians want their names in the news.

Well, unless they play for the Cubs.