Fan News

A Yankees fan has to be wondering about a certain contract today with regard to their ace, CC Sabathia, after last night's opening against the Boston Red Sox. What's nearly as bad is that he was drubbed twice, in spring training, by the otherwise lowly Pittsburgh Pirates.

Sabathia, like almost any other player, has his "streaks." He pitched a great 2007 season for the Cleveland Indians, then "choked" in the ALCS that year, against Boston no less. 

Scott Kazmir, it seems, has been around forever.

Moneyball introduced the world to Kazmir, and he since has been at the head of the class.

Chosen 15th overall by the New York Mets and then signing for $2.15 million allowed Billy Beane to select Nick Swisher.

Kazmir went on to lead the resurgent Tampa Bay Rays into their lone playoff appearance as the “veteran” ace of the staff.

It appears that being the ace in your early 20s comes with its problems.

This past week, Toronto Blue Jays slugger Adam Lind signed a four-year, $18 million contract.

Lind's contract also has three option years that could bring the total to seven years and $38.5 million.

By locking him up now, the Blue Jays eliminate his three arbitration years and get cost control for the next seven seasons. 

So what does this mean to the Rays?

Those of you who regularly visit the Phillies’ BR page know that featured columnist Gary has appropriately analyzed the Phillies’ five “keys” to the 2010 season during the last few weeks.

Just as a refresher, here are Gary’s five keys:

1. How will the fifth starting pitcher fare?
2. Can Cole Hamels go back to the future?
3. Which Raul Ibanez will show up this season?
4. Will the bullpen sink or swim?
5. Which Brad Lidge shows up?

Tough to argue with any of them.

Brett Gardner had a great game for the New York Yankees on Opening Night in Fenway Park.

Against the Yankees' primary nemesis, Gardner was 2-for-4 at the plate with an RBI and a run scored.

This was very good news for Gardner and the Yankees, as his offense has been a question mark. But last night he was aggressive at the plate and on the bases, and he was valuable despite the Yankees' ultimate 9-7 loss.

In his first two at-bats Gardner slashed singles to left field. It was what he did after his second at-bat that was spectacular.

Baseball is beloved for more than the action on the field. It is a game where malapropisms are frequently used to describe the action taking place between players.

There are expressions, superstitions, and folklore that are ingrained into the national past time's psyche.

We know many of the expressions used, even if we do not know what they really mean.

One of the most renowned baseball legends is Yogi Berra. His malapropisms are so vast, it has made for several books.

There was a lot of negativity surrounding the New York Mets this spring, but one of the bright spots was right-handed pitching phenom Jenrry Mejia.

Mejia burst on the scene this spring and was the talk of Mets camp. In 17 innings, Mejia had a 1.59 ERA and struck out nine while only walking three.

Mejia’s performance was so impressive that the Mets have decided to keep him on the major league roster to start the season.

Last year, I went on Bodoglife.com and placed some baseball prop bets. Bets like over/under for a player’s average, home runs, or wins and a team’s over/under for wins.

I made 25 bets (I didn’t actually bet) and when the season ended, I finished at 64 percent on the season. Good, but not great. I am definitely looking to improve on that percentage this year.

Let’s look at 25 bets for this season:

He steps up to the plate with his hat tugged low on a line that meets his eyebrows.

He is shorter than the home plate umpire but he gives the impression he could care less.

Down on the Farm: 2010 Top Pitching Prospects

With the Minor League Season about to begin, the Down on the Farm series is set to resume. As a first assignment, I thought I would quickly highlight pitching prospects to keep an eye on this season.

COMING SOON:

RHP Robbie Weinhardt
2009: Advanced A Lakeland & AA Erie
Stats 63 innings
1-2, 5 SV, 1.57 ERA, 1.24 WHIP
10.3 K/9, 3.6 BB/9