Brian Roberts given the OK to play

post from The Grand Slam on 20 March 2010 04:11:00 AM. © The Grand Slam

Orioles fans rejoice! After months of rehab and therapy, Brian Roberts received clearance from his back specialist (Dr. Lewis Riley)to partake in baseball activities.

Roberts plans to progress the intensity of his training slowly - "I'll do a little bit of everything. Nothing too crazy yet. A little bit of moving around and running, field a ground ball or two, try to hit off a tee. Progress from there for a few days."

Roberts suffered the herniated disc during off season work outs in Arizona and has encountered a plethora of challenges throughout his rehab. After sustaining the injury, Roberts was initially given medication that made him physically ill - further prolonging his recovery.

Brian Roberts' presence in the Orioles lineup is imperative. Without Roberts, the Orioles have nobody to be their lead off catalyst and that has proved itself this Spring Training. With a 5-10 record, the Orioles offensive woes are vociferous.

But it appears Orioles fans have a shimmer of hope at the end of a long, dark tunnel with the return of Brian Roberts. Let's just hope the rest of the team shows up to play this season.

Read The Full Article:
http://thegrandslam4.blogspot.com/2010/03/brian-roberts-given-ok-to-play.html

Digg this

Using FanPosts and FanShots

post from Purple Row on 20 March 2010 02:04:23 AM. © Purple Row

How to use FanPosts:

The Community Guidelines for posting a FanPost are:

* A FanPost must be a minimum of 75 characters in order to be published. If you need to add filler in order to publish, it is not a FanPost. It should be a comment somewhere, most likely in the Rockpile or Pebble Report.

* A FanPost must in some way belong on PR--in other words, it must relate to the Rockies, or to baseball, or to PR, or to an existing thread or FanPost, etc.

* A FanPost should not be used for self-promotion.

* A FanPost should not be your first foray into Purple Row.

Tips on writing good FanPosts:

Some of the qualities that the most popular FanPosts often have in common are:

* They expand upon the main idea with supporting examples, or statistical data, or a link to a relevant article, or a "thinking question" for others to consider, etc.--something beyond just the main idea itself.

* They explore a topic, idea, or question that has not been explored recently, or at all, on PR.

* They are not to be used as a form of advertising.

Keep in mind that if your FanPost contains only one point or idea that is not developed, expanded on, or supported with arguments or data, it is really not a FanPost--it is a comment that should be posted in an existing thread, FanPost, or FanShot.

FanShots:

Here is a link to learn how to use FanShots.

FanShots should also not be used for self-promotion.

Read The Full Article:
http://www.purplerow.com/2010/3/19/1382113/using-fanposts-and-fanshots

Digg this

Yanks Beat Tigers, But Lose Nightcap to Tampa

post from Sliding Into Home: A Yankees Blog on 20 March 2010 01:07:18 AM. © Sliding Into Home: A Yankees Blog

The Yankees played two split squad games today, defeating the Detroit Tigers 6-2 this afternoon in Tampa, but then lost the nightcap to Tampa, also by the score of 6-2.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Detroit100001000
251NY Yankees03100011X
6101
WP: CC Sabathia (1-1)
LP: R. Porcello (1-1)

CC Sabathia started for the Yankees in Tampa and had his best performance of the spring. In 5.1 innings he allowed two runs on four hits, walked two, and struck out eight. He threw 77 pitches, 47 of them for strikes.

?I really liked what CC did today,? Girardi said. ?His last two starts he has been extremely efficient, and he had command all day today. Outstanding changeup. Very good breaking ball. Pace was great. It?s pretty much what CC is.? (Source: Chad Jennings)

Mariano Rivera also pitched today, and had an easy 10-pitch, 1-2-3 inning.

Alex Rodriguez had two hits including his first home run of the spring. The homer was a solo shot off Rick Porcello in the third that cleared the scoreboard.

Derek Jeter had a hit with two RBI in three at-bats. His two-run single in the second gave the Yankees the lead for good.

Jon Weber and Greg Golson each chipped in with two hits apiece. Weber is now hitting .588 this spring.

ABRHRBIBBSOLOBAVGJeter, SS3012111.276 Nunez, L, 2B10100001.000Johnson, N, DH2000102.350 a-Weber, J, PH-DH2121000.588Teixeira, 1B3000003.292 Winfree, LF2000013.267Rodriguez, A, 3B3121010.273 Rivera, Mi, C1000012.077Cano, 2B3110000.393 Pilittere, 1B2010012.222Thames, LF3000022.120 Russo, SS0001000.353Hoffmann, CF1100300.136Cervelli, C3100024.467 Vazquez, Jo, 3B1000003.125Golson, RF4120011.294Totals34610551023

a-Doubled for Johnson, N in the 7th.
BATTING
2B: Weber, J (3, Satterwhite).
HR: Rodriguez, A (1, 3rd inning off Porcello, 0 on, 1 out).
TB: Jeter; Nunez, L; Weber, J 3; Rodriguez, A 5; Cano; Pilittere; Golson 2.
RBI: Jeter 2 (5), Rodriguez, A (4), Russo (2), Weber, J (5).
2-out RBI: Jeter 2.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Johnson, N; Teixeira 2; Vazquez, Jo 2; Pilittere.
SF: Russo.
Team RISP: 3-for-14.
Team LOB: 11.

BASERUNNING
SB: Hoffmann (1, 2nd base off Oliver/Laird).

FIELDING
E: Golson (2, throw).
DP: (Russo-Nunez, L-Pilittere).

IPHRERBBSOHRERASabathia (W, 1-1)5.14222806.43Albaladejo (H, 1)0.210001033.75Rivera, Ma (H, 2)1.00000100.00Ring (H, 3)1.00001100.00Pope1.00000100.00

----------------------------------------

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

R H E NY Yankees001100000
291Tampa Bay00020112X
690
WP: M. Ekstrom (2-0)
LP: C. Gaudin (0-3)
Like Sabathia in the early game, Sergio Mitre pitched very well, striking out 7 Rays in 5 innings. He allowed two runs on two hits, and walked just one. With the race for the final few spots on the staff heating up, Mitre could be making his case, at least when you listen to Girardi it sure sounds like he is.

?I think Serge could do anything we ask him,? Girardi said. ?Last year I think it would have been harder just because, a guy coming off surgery, it?s hard to go back-to-back days. You don?t want to rush him. But I think he?s more equipped to do that this year.? (Source: Chad Jennings)

It wasn't as good of a day for Chad Gaudin, who may have completely knocked himself out of contention for a roster spot. He got knocked around for four runs--three earned--on seven hits and three walks in just 2.1 innings pitched.

On the offensive side of the ball, Curtis Granderson had a perfect day, going 2-for-2. Juan Miranda went 2-for-4 with a home run and an RBI. Jesus Montero doubled in his only at-bat and is now hitting .375 this spring.

ABRHRBIBBSOLOBAVGGardner, CF4110000.241 Gonzalez, E, RF1000001.000Granderson, LF2020000.222 Curtis, LF1010000.545Swisher, DH3011012.320 a-Romine, Au, PH-DH1000000.182Posada, C4010022.375 Ibarra, SS0000000.000Winn, RF3000013.167 Gorecki, RF-CF1000000.083Miranda, 1B4121020.222Pena, R, 2B3000011.200 Pirela, 3B1000000.000Laird, 3B2000010.333 Corona, 3B-2B1000100.211Nunez, E, SS3000012.217 Montero, J, C1010000.375Totals352921911

a-Flied out for Swisher in the 7th.
BATTING
2B: Montero, J (2, De Los Santos, R).
HR: Miranda (1, 4th inning off Niemann, 0 on, 0 out).
TB: Gardner; Granderson 2; Curtis; Swisher; Posada; Miranda 5; Montero, J 2.
RBI: Swisher (6), Miranda (4).
2-out RBI: Swisher.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Winn 2; Nunez, E; Gonzalez, E.
Team RISP: 2-for-5.
Team LOB: 8.

BASERUNNING
CS: Curtis (1, 2nd base by Ekstrom/Colina, A).

FIELDING
E: Pirela (1, fielding).
DP: (Nunez, E-Corona-Miranda).

IPHRERBBSOHRERAMitre5.02221703.21Gaudin (L, 0-3)2.17433108.68Sanit0.20000100.00

Tomorrow's Game

The Yankees head to Kissimmee to take on the Astros tomorrow afternoon at 1:05 p.m. Alfredo Aceves starts for the Yankees as he battles for that coveted fifth starter spot. Right-hander Brett Myers will start for the Astros.

Read The Full Article:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SlidingIntoHome/~3/3AN66QQxZC4/yanks-beat-tigers-b
ut-lose-nightcap-to.html

Digg this

Cubs Play Longball on a Record Setting Day - Cubs
8 White Sox 4

post from ChicagoCubsOnline.com on 20 March 2010 12:05:19 AM. © ChicagoCubsOnline.com

Game Sixteen - Cubs 8 White Sox 4
WP - Randy Wells (2-0) LP - John Danks (0-1) Save - None

The Cubs and White Sox topped the single-game attendance record set by the Cubs and Dodgers on Thursday afternoon. 24 hours after 13,391 filled Camelback Ranch, 13,413 showed up to watch the Cubs beat the White Sox for the third time this spring.

The Cubs out-slugged the White Sox on Friday afternoon. Derrek Lee had a good day at the plate in his second game back. Lee hit his third home run of the spring and drove in three of the Cubs' eight runs. Marlon Byrd added his second dinger in the Cactus League ... and Alfonso Soriano and Xavier Nady went yard for the first time in the exhibition season.

Ryan Theriot continued swinging his hot bat. Theriot finished the game 2-for-3 and scored a pair of runs. Kosuke Fukudome tripled in Theriot with the game's first run and scored on Derrek Lee's sacrifice fly. Theriot and Fukudome were a combined 3-for-6 with three runs scored, a triple and a RBI.

Randy Wells put together a solid outing ... and showed a lot of maturity in the fourth inning. Wells allowed two runs on six hits with a walk, a hit batsman and a strikeout in 4 2/3 innings.

Ozzie Guillen's everyday lineup loaded the bases with no outs in the fourth and came away empty. The Sox did not hit a ball out of the infield against Wells, who made a couple of nice defensive plays along with Ryan Theriot.

James Russell helped his stock on Friday afternoon. Russell allowed only one hit in relief of Randy Wells.

The Cubs improved to 10-6 in the Cactus League with the win against the Sox ...

Read The Full Article:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Chicagocubsonlinecom/~3/MBrBo5f9Ksw/2010springame1
6.php

Digg this

Royals Absolutely Freaking Destroy Diamondbacks

post from Royals Review on 20 March 2010 12:04:27 AM. © Royals Review

I guess the Royals really wanted to get revenge on former K.C. farmhand Billy Buckner.

The Royals led 21-0 in the fifth inning, en route to a 24-9 victory over the Diamondbacks Friday.

Brian Anderson, who weirdly enough we had just talked about the night before as a forgotten man, hit for the cycle in the first four innings.

Being a Royal-explosion, it was highly singles based. In getting out to a 21-0 lead, the Royals banged out 17 singles. St. Willie had three of them himself. Kila and Aviles also had huge days. Many guys did.

Oh, and Farnsworth and Herges gave up nine runs.

Read The Full Article:
http://www.royalsreview.com/2010/3/19/1382001/royals-absolutely-freaking-destroy

Digg this

Looking Back: Jason Giambi

Going into the 2001 offseason, most people could see the writing on the wall. Tino Martinez, a Yankee fan favorite was on his way out and Jason Giambi, the type of player George Steinbrenner loved, was on his way in. While there was really nothing that could be done from Tino’s perspective to stop this [...]

Read The Full Article:
http://zellspinstripeblog.com/2010/03/20/looking-back-jason-giambi/

Digg this

1974 Topps Johnny Bench

1974 Topps Johnny BenchWhile shopping around on Ebay a week ago I ran into this card. And surprisingly enough, the action was very light and I was able to scoop it up and bring it home for all under $5.A true steal in my mind!!!The card is nice; I especially enjoy the photo!! I am [...]

Read The Full Article:
http://bapple2286.wordpress.com/2010/03/20/1974-topps-johnny-bench/