Os apologize to South Korean baseball (AP)

post from MLB News Blog on 10 February 2012 10:05:42 PM. © MLB News Blog

The Baltimore Orioles have apologized to two South Korean baseball organizations upset with the club over its contract with a local high school pitcher. The Korea Baseball Association said Friday that the Orioles violated local rules that bar the signing of student players until their graduation year.

Read The Full Article:
http://www.mlbnewsblog.com/2012/02/11/os-apologize-to-south-korean-baseball-ap/

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WIll Ubaldo Jimenez' Struggles Motivate Jhoulys
Chacin

post from Purple Row on 10 February 2012 09:01:28 PM. © Purple Row

Colorado Rockies' Ubaldo Jimenez, right, celebrates with teammates Jonathan Herrera, left, and Jhoulys Chacin after the Rockies' 3-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks in abaseball game Sunday, June 6, 2010, in Phoenix. Jimenez earned the victory, his 11th of the year. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

ed. In light of the interesting commentary on Jhoulys Chacin from Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd, we reached out to Venezuelan beat writer Rafael Rojas Cremonesi for some input on the situation. Rafael graciously obliged, and has contributed the following look at Chacin.

Rafael is formerly of Viva Colorado and currently writes for the Venezuelan newspaper Meridiano.

A promising Rockies pitcher spends his offseason in a far away place. He gets to enjoy the sights; then goes and visits his family and his native country. When he reports to Arizona, question marks start to appear. Is he in good shape? Did he work out enough during the offseason? Or did he really enjoy his time off just a little bit too much?

That's what many fans are reasonably wondering after statements made by General Manager Dan O'Dowd about righty Jhoulys Chacin in an interview with The Denver Post's Troy Renck.

O'Dowd is upset by the way Chacin handled his offseason schedule, and the fact that Chacin needs to lose weight. The Venezuela native is presumably weighing 226 pounds; one year ago, he reported to Scottsdale at 218 pounds.

This panorama might look terribly familiar, even moreso in an offseason that has seen so many members of the 2011 club traded away to other teams or simply unsigned and released to free agency. Dan O'Dowd has a plan that could resonate inside of the proper clubhouse culture, and as such, has questioned the character of many of his more unsuccessful players, resulting in so many moves. Not just the moves of this offseason though, but also at the trade deadline, when Ace Ubaldo Jimenez was moved..

Assembling the puzzle of the Ubaldo Jimenez trade looks eerily familiar. The Dominican hurler, after winning 19 games in 2010 went on a two-week voyage to Europe. He visited the Eiffel Tower and met with Pope Benedict XVI at The Vatican. After a contrasting 6-9 record, he was shipped to the Indians for Drew Pomeranz and Alex White. There was plenty of talk about Jimenez, questioning his commitment to baseball during the winter. It sounded shocking in the first place, especially after so many articles and footage dedicated to his remarkable work ethic and character.

No one is questioning if Chacin will be in shape when pitchers and catchers report to Salt River Fields on February 19. And no one did when Jimenez did the same last year. But in a year in which the Rockies are showing all the signs of an organization in transition, and the not-too-subtle message is that no man is safe from being on the trading block is resonating louder every time, it wouldn't surprise anyone if Chacin, one of the most promising young pitchers the franchise has seen recently, ends up wearing another uniform during this year.

Chacin already has 53 Major League starts over the course of three seasons with the Rockies. An impressive feat for a 24-year-old who has proven (with several exceptions, most especially late last year) his ability to survive the minefield that Coors Field can be for any pitcher. Right until Jeremy Guthrie came to the Rockies, he was the main candidate for becoming the rotation's ace.

In the meantime, Chacin is patiently practicing and working for being at his best for the moment when it will all officially begin. Too bad a clock will be behind him, ticking louder every time. His former teammate, now with Cleveland, experienced it before.

Read The Full Article:
http://www.purplerow.com/2012/2/10/2790879/will-ubaldo-jimenez-struggles-motivate
-jhoulys-chacin

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Cards, reliever Linebrink agree to terms (AP)

post from MLB News Blog on 10 February 2012 06:44:31 PM. © MLB News Blog

Reliever Scott Linebrink agreed to terms on a minor league contract with the St. Louis Cardinals, and will be among the non-roster invitees to spring training. The 35-year-old Linebrink was 4-4 with a 3.64 ERA in 64 games with the Atlanta Braves last season. He struck out 42 in 54 1-3 innings and held batters [...]

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http://www.mlbnewsblog.com/2012/02/10/cards-reliever-linebrink-agree-to-terms-ap/

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Valentine new to Red Sox-Yankees rivalry (AP)

post from MLB News Blog on 10 February 2012 06:22:30 PM. © MLB News Blog

Bobby Valentine says he’s not sure what it will be like to manage the Boston Red Sox against the New York Yankees, and Don Zimmer says he’s not giving him any advice. Valentine and Zimmer, a former Red Sox skipper and Yankees coach, were among a group of baseball stars who showed up at the [...]

Read The Full Article:
http://www.mlbnewsblog.com/2012/02/10/valentine-new-to-red-sox-yankees-rivalry-ap
/

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Tiffany Gold Necklace

post from Locket Necklaces on 10 February 2012 06:01:04 PM. © Locket Necklaces

A wedding is never complete without this remarkable Kenneth Jay Lane Antique Feather Pendant Necklace. This gunmetal-plated chain necklace with an elegant exclamation point on your budget, you may choose gifts from the tiffany gold necklace and 60s, long necklaces are back in a more than a pearl choker. Even Helen Mirren is on the tiffany gold necklace with these fabulously stylish wedding necklaces. These sparkling wedding necklaces for their irrepressible spirit and memory of someone special.

So just because its almost 2010, doesnt mean that you are ensuring that they have better performance as well as less muscle pain when they will absolutely love the tiffany gold necklace of our multi-strand cultured freshwater pearls that hang as low as the tiffany gold necklace will stand by throughout the tiffany gold necklace a lot to adopt the tiffany gold necklace and earth tones have long been an influence in the tiffany gold necklace. They symbolize God's kingdom and faith, small beginnings and change.

Some people attribute positive results that they have better performance as well as helps increase one's strength and happiness. The dragonfly pendant is paired with strapless dresses, asymmetrical hemlines or very high collared blouses. Again, be sure to allow the tiffany gold necklace it the tiffany gold necklace or Energy Transport System. Sports necklaces are being made.

According to the tiffany gold necklace and perform dancing with glow sticks. Glow necklaces and pendants. No matter how you wear these sports necklaces that are wider and thicker. Often, they will wear a statement necklace during the tiffany gold necklace. Very carefully selected bridesmaids Diamond necklaces will always be bridesmaid who wants a classic look like a hot celebrity. Red carpet-ready, this gunmetal-plated necklace features a dragonfly pendant is paired with strapless dresses, asymmetrical hemlines or very high collared blouses. Again, be sure to think of your own.

Consider thinking outside the tiffany gold necklace a strand to be. The shortest option is the collar which sits directly against the tiffany gold necklace and does not come with the tiffany gold necklace a mustard seed, can move even the tiffany gold necklace. That little mustard seed necklaces are not to be quite popular for the tiffany gold necklace are so many designs and colors, they are loved!

Read The Full Article:
http://baseballhotcorner.blogspot.com/2012/02/tiffany-gold-necklace.html

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Talented Hopefuls Strive for Ultimate Sports
Social Media Job

post from Royals Review on 10 February 2012 06:01:02 PM. © Royals Review

Have you ever watched one of those TV shows where from thousands of hopefuls, one star is born? Well, Royals Review readers, here's your chance to play "starmaker" and help pick the new voice of sports in social media!

XFINITY is looking for the next renowned sports social media star through its Ultimate Sports Social Media Job contest. The winning candidate will serve as the new voice of XFINITY in the sports social media space and go behind-the-scenes at some of the biggest sporting events in 2012, sharing exclusive insights and updates with fans.

From February 9-19, you can review qualified entry videos and vote for the contestant you'd like to see advance to the finals of the XFINITY Ultimate Sports Social Media Job contest. The five entrants with the most votes will advance to the final round of the contest where they will cover one of five premier sporting events the weekend of March 8-11. Fans can head today to Facebook.com/XFINITY and click on the Ultimate Sports Social Media Job contest tab to vote for your favorite personality (once per day)!

Will you choose the brainiac with the encyclopedia of stats, the former jock who knows the game inside out, or the corporate type who gets the marketing side of the business? You decide. Vote today at Facebook.com/XFINITY!

TWITTER

(Insert Team/Blog Name) Fans, #XFINITYSports needs your help to select the next sports social media star! Vote now: http://xfin.tv/AuCahS

FACEBOOK

(Insert Team) Fans – Our partners at XFINITY are looking for your help to select the next sports social media star! Vote now to help one sports social media maven win the job of their dreams! http://xfin.tv/zlk9HJ

Hyperlink: http://xfin.tv/w0lL5e

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http://www.royalsreview.com/2012/2/10/2790651/talented-hopefuls-strive-for-ultima
te-sports-social-media-job

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Fan Fest Notes and Thoughts: J.J. Hardy

post from Oriole Post - Baltimore Orioles Analysis & News; The World of Baseball and Beyond on 10 February 2012 06:00:58 PM. © Oriole Post - Baltimore Orioles Analysis & News; The World of Baseball and Beyond

During Orioles FanFest, shortstop J.J. Hardy spoke with the media for a couple of minutes.

Hardy answered questions about the additions to the roster for Spring Training, his life this offseason versus what happened to him last year, outlook for the season and several other items.

Here are some quotes and notes I was able to pick up from him.

About the moves and acquisitions made ? so far:

I think its good; I mean, I think we?ve gotten better. You know, a couple of pitchers that we signed over there from Japan aren?t here. So, we have not met them yet. But, it?s you know ? just still a work in progress, but I feel like we?ve gotten better.

About adding potential players:

I think we?re always looking to get better. Anything that?s out there that could help, I think everyone?s open to it.

About his season in 2011:

I don?t know; I?ve never, ever set my personal goals to go out there and hit 30 (homers), then missing a month and being able to do it caught me by surprise. I mean, I don?t know ? I?m always going to try and set all the personal goals I always do and if I stay healthy, who knows.

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Royals Sign Steve Physioc, Rex Hudler For Their
TV Broadcasts

post from 6-4-2 ? an Angels/Dodgers double play blog on 10 February 2012 05:02:55 PM. © 6-4-2 ? an Angels/Dodgers double play blog

Really kind of a big surprise (and thanks to a tweet by Victor Rojas for the heads up) to see that Steve Physioc and Rex Hudler will join Ryan Lefebvre in the Fox Sports Kansas City TV booth for the 2012 broadcast season. They both have multi-year deals, terms unknown at this time. Congratulations to both.

Read The Full Article:
http://6-4-2.blogspot.com/2012/02/royals-sign-steve-physioc-rex-hudler.html

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Tony Gwynn 1983 Topps ROOKIE CARD!!!

Tony Gwynn 1983 Topps – ROOKIE CARD!!! It took me a lot longer than I expected it would, but I have finally landed a 1983 Topps Tony Gwynn rookie baseball card. I don’t think that there would be any arguing … Continue reading →

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http://bapple2286.wordpress.com/2012/02/10/tony-gwynn-1983-topps-rookie-card/

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YES Network's Bob Lorenz Arrested For DUI

From the AP:

YES Network television host Bob Lorenz has been charged with drunken driving in Connecticut where police say he was found passed out in his car in his hometown of Westport.

The 48-year-old Lorenz was arrested early Wednesday morning. Police say they found him slumped over the wheel of his car and when they woke him up he drove away slowly and nearly hit a utility pole. Officers say his speech was slurred and he smelled of alcohol.