Fan News

Recently, former Boston Red Sox outfielder Jason Bay signed a new contract with the New York Mets for four years and $66 million.

Why the Mets wanted to overpay for an average hitter, I don't know.

Jason Bay was instantly beloved by the Fenway Faithful after being acquired on Trade Deadline 2008, which saw the Public Enemy No. 1 in Boston, Manny Ramirez, leave for Los Angeles.

Music and baseball go together like Tony La Russa and Dave Duncan.

The nature of the game (frequent breaks in the action) means the fans have to be kept happy somehow; playing background music is a great way to increase fans' patience.

But it goes deeper than that.

BY MICHAEL GANCI
EDITOR

When it was time to see Alex Cora step into the forefront last season when Jose Reyes went down, it was impressive to see how he took it all in stride. He played solid defense, provided essential leadership, and knew what it was like to lead a team.

But that is not why he was brought in here.

It's been nearly 33 years since the Seattle Mariners played there inaugural season. A lot of good times, and a lot of hard times have come since then. From the great moments like father and son hitting back to back homeruns, to the bad ones, such as Bobby Ayala's entire career.

So this is my debut article here on Bleacher Report, and I figured what better way to start off then by counting down the top ten moments in Seattle Baseball history. These are of course based on my opinion formed on years of being a fan, and the research I did leading up to writing. I look forward to your feedback.

Joseph Abstein was a Boston fan until his team moved to Milwaukee in 1953. Joe still roots for the Braves.

He fondly recalls the 1957 World Series in which the Braves beat the Yankees, but once in while, he still has nightmares about the 1958 World Series.

The Yankees Were "Just Another Team" Until the 1957 World Series

I was a Boston Braves fan who was extremely upset when the team moved to Milwaukee in 1953, but I remained a Braves' fan.

The Red Sox were our primary rival because we played in the same city.

Madison Bumgarner is a hyped pitching prospect who fantasy owners have been waiting on since the day he was drafted tenth overall in 2007.  With a 27-5 record to go along with a 1.65 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in 273 minor league innings, who can blame them?

The Giants seemed reluctant to push the 19-year-old to the major leagues in 2009, but when the opportunity presented itself, it was hard to resist.  He made four appearances (one start), showing just what all the hype was about.  He posted a 1.80 ERA and 1.10 WHIP, striking out ten batters while walking just three.

2010 Top 50 Twins Prospects | #48 | Shooter Hunt

Position | Pitcher

Bats/Throws | Right/Right

Born | August 16, 1986 (Westwood, N.J.)

School | Tulane University

Height | 6'3''

Weight | 200 lbs.

2009 Ranking | 8th

The new year is finally here, and with the stroke of midnight on Dec. 31, 2009, the year 2010 was brought in with the usual fanfare and celebration.