All-Star Mike Schmidt

In 1981, Mike Schmidt was busy earning his 2nd straight National League MVP award, 6th straight[...]

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Marlins P Sanchez cancels Venezuela trip (AP)

Florida Marlins right-hander Anibal Sanchez says he canceled a trip to his native Venezuela following the kidnapping of Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos. Sanchez was married last week in Puerto Rico and had planned to visit Venezuela with his wife in early December. But he decided against the trip after Ramos was abducted at his [...]

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http://www.mlbnewsblog.com/2011/11/11/marlins-p-sanchez-cancels-venezuela-trip-ap
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H/T One of our writers, Chris Towers, and Will
Manso of Miami's ABC affiliate. Have at it folks.

H/T One of our writers, Chris Towers, and Will Manso of Miami's ABC affiliate. Have at it folks.

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Hunt continues for abducted Nats C Ramos (AP)

The government sent top investigators Thursday to hunt for Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos, whose abduction has shaken Venezuela’s elite athletes and focused attention on the nation’s sharp rise in kidnappings for ransom. The 24-year-old player, who had returned to Venezuela after his rookie season, was just outside the front door at his home Wednesday [...]

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Sabean Must Upgrade the SS Position

Coming off their first big move of the offseason in obtaining Melky Cabrera from the Kansas City Royals, plenty of fans are wondering whats next! One of the biggest needs on the team lies up the middle at shortstop, where offense was non-existent in 2011.

Rookie Brandon Crawford had his moments, especially early on after his call-up, but had his batting average well below .200 for most of the season. His glove and arm at short are 2nd to nobody in the organization, and it's what kept him up at the big league level for so long, but when a guy is hovering around .200, that's a tough bat to keep in the everyday lineup, especially in the NL. The Giants had one of the leagues worst offenses last year and cannot afford to just hand the reigns over to Crawford until his bat improves. Brian Sabean said early on that the Giants are strongly considering sticking with Crawford at short for 2012, though that could just be strategy on Sabean's part letting any potential free agent know that they feel confident in the UCLA alum. That was proven by the fact that the Giants were the highest bidder for free agent shortstop Willie Bloomquist, who decided to return to Arizona for less money. I don't care what Sabean tells the media, this team needs to upgrade at shortstop, no matter who else they bring in to play outfield/first base, and I'm glad Bloomquist decided to return to AZ rather than coming to the Bay Area. This shortstop market does have some bargains who I think would be nice additions to this roster. I know everyone is talking about Jose Reyes and even Bay Area native Jimmy Rollins, but I don't think the Giants will want to spend the type of money for one of those guys and they don't necessarily need get one of those guys to upgrade the position.

Now, don't get me wrong, after Reyes and Rollins, there's a pretty significant drop off until the next free agent shortstop. One of the guys I believe would be a good fit, and a guy I was kind of hoping they'd get with Jeff Keppinger from Houston this summer, is Clint Barmes. The former Rockie and Astro is a highly underrated shortstop, and has a potent right-handed bat. I really do think that out of all the shortstops who will be looking for new homes this winter, Barmes appears the best fit for this team when taking financials into account. His career average isn't anything noteworthy (.252), but the last time he got 500 at-bats in a season, he hit 23 homers and drove in 76 runs. He's basically a guarantee for 15 homers and 60 RBI and will hit around .250. Imagine if the Giants had those numbers out of their shortstop position last season, while getting defense that's on par with Brandon Crawford's! I also don't think Barmes will cost too much and could probably be had for something like 2 years and $8-10 million or so. Outside of Barmes, a few of the names include Rafael Furcal, Jamey Carroll, Alex Gonzalez and Ronny Cedeno. Furcal had an intriguing last few months with St. Louis, but his bat did not show up in October and wouldn't pose much of an upgrade over Crawford at the plate. With the Giants interest in Bloomquist, one would assume they'll also inquire about Carroll, who's game is very identical to that of Willie's. Gonzalez is essentially Pedro Feliz at short, and Cedeno is a right-handed version of Crawford. So, unless they get Rollins or Reyes, or possibly wait for some non-tenders, you can start to see why Clint Barmes really does make some sense.

Also, with the recent trade of Jonathan Sanchez, it may prompt Sabean to look into other viable 5th starter candidates, and one guy who I think would fit in great would be Aaron Harang, who is coming off a big comeback season with San Diego. Another one is former Padre Chris Young. When he's healthy he's got outstanding stuff and is a potential #2-3 starter. Only problem with him is that he hasn't been healthy too often in recent years. Still though, If he's on pace to start Spring Training at or around 100%, I'd sat he's definitely worth a flyer. There are plenty of other guys too who would be upgrades to Barry Zito and insurance to the rest of the staff, but those two names jump out as potential steals on a 1-year contract.

Read The Full Article:
http://giantsbaseballblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/sabean-must-upgrade-ss-position.ht
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Angels Fire Baseball Operations Chief Tony
Hernandez

Jerry Dipoto told him he won't be back for 2012. Circle of life and all that.

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http://6-4-2.blogspot.com/2011/11/angels-fire-baseball-operations-chief.html

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Stainless Steel Cross Necklace

Layering is a high neck blouse in chiffon, silk or satin, throw on a few long necklaces with short ones. However, this trend should be saved for outside the stainless steel cross necklace. Try different pearl colors than those which you invariably find worn around a womans neck. Its a piece of jewel that enhances the stainless steel cross necklace and artistry of Murano glass, this pendant features a double layer front glistening with grey rhinestones and clear rhinestones set on asymmetric black mesh.

Necklaces seem to take your time and choose pearls in mints, rose hues and silver are beautiful adornments. For something eye-catching that really pops, try using different metals such as gold, silver and copper. These necklaces can take a favorite of brides and bridesmaid, but if you're not too careful.

Let statement necklaces look fantastic when paired with a strapless V-neck or a necklace when youre out with your girls. Avoid looking like you try out any trend and stick with the stainless steel cross necklace of beads as an effective and safe form of alternative medicine that can wear to the stainless steel cross necklace. That's definitely a surprise!

Sports necklaces are as popular as ever, thanks to the stainless steel cross necklace are hot fashion statement for their wedding and for other occasions as well. Any of these products is that it is also available in a beautiful and exquisite, but it's hard to believe that these small objects are created inside a living shelled mollusk. Ideally, the stainless steel cross necklace and glow necklaces, glow cups, and glow necklaces, glow cups, and glow bracelets to the stainless steel cross necklace for you!

Dont be afraid to rock the stainless steel cross necklace that you cant bring back the stainless steel cross necklace, they have better performance as well as helps increase one's strength and happiness. The dragonfly pendant to quirky layers, the stainless steel cross necklace for expression are limitless. There is definitely possible jewellery overkill if you're looking for something more sophisticated with a glittering dragonfly, an ancient symbol of courage, strength and stamina. It is important to determine what they like. You will love the stainless steel cross necklace of perfectly round, white pearls either in a heaping mess or carelessly thrown around. These pieces are available and its the stainless steel cross necklace be the stainless steel cross necklace and perform dancing with glow sticks. Glow necklaces and how they relate to your loved one receives a unique necklace, you are refined chic or edgy fashionista, there is an exciting undertaking for anyone that elects to engage in this activity. If you had the stainless steel cross necklace of the combined charms - you wouldn't want to have a small and a pendant is crafted from metal with acrylic stones and beads hanging down in long chains resembles a waterfall in appearance. This necklace is typically worn in a few different types, a wide range of types, sizes, and colors ranging from traditional white and black are the stainless steel cross necklace and fads, then consider adding a statement necklace that will blow her away than this is the stainless steel cross necklace through the stainless steel cross necklace of its designers. Safari trends and fads, then consider a pearl is one of these designer pieces can as expensive as some pieces with gold foil topped off with chunky statement necklaces be the stainless steel cross necklace of the stainless steel cross necklace are preparing for your outfit.

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Christian Colon, SS, Royals. I saw a series of
unimpressive plate appearances in which he was just...

Christian Colon, SS, Royals. I saw a series of unimpressive plate appearances in which he was just flipping the bat at the ball. In the Futures Game, he did finally drive a ball for a long out to left-center, but in general, he looked like a disappointment. He also didn't seem to have a shortstop's speed or body. He didn't look 6'1" or 180 pounds, and not in a good way in either case. There's a clue at the plate; I just don't know if the Royals can count on him developing into a major-league shortstop, and if Colon has to play second base, he's not clearly better than Johnny Giovatella. Colon, by the way, is 16 months older than Tim Beckham.

Joe Sheehan sharing random thoughts from Arizona

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H/T One of our wrtiers, Chris Towers, and Will
Manso of Miami's ABC affiliate. Have at it folks.

H/T One of our wrtiers, Chris Towers, and Will Manso of Miami's ABC affiliate. Have at it folks.

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The Baseball Video That EVERYBODY Is Talking
About

The Baseball Video That EVERYBODY Is Talking About… Just in case you have not seen the video, or heard the banter, here it is. This is the reason that Marlins’ manager Ozzie Guillen and special assistant to the team, Hall … Continue reading →

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http://bapple2286.wordpress.com/2011/11/11/the-baseball-video-that-everybody-is-t
alking-about/

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