Baseball

Does anyone miss the neon figures on the outside of Shea? 

They weren’t the prettiest or the classiest, but they gave the place a unique character that many Mets fans enjoyed. It’s cool that they incorporated the images into the carpets in the clubhouse, but I think a lot of what people miss about Shea is that uniqueness that right now is missing in many ways at Citi Field.

What young sports fan didn't love going to get a pack of baseball cards after a long school or summer day for a very cheap price?

I certainly did and I believe you all did to.  Cards had a big impact on my life as a kid; for example, when I got a sweet insert or jersey-piece of my favorite player I would go crazy.  I loved to get the latest issues of Beckket Sports Card Monthly to check the price of the card I had just received.

Several Mets players are participating in winter baseball this year, and Josh Thole and Lance Broadway are in Venezuela where there is incredible political unrest.

Johan Santana is from Venezuela, but does not want to participate in winter ball and Francisco Rodriguez is expected to begin play there in a few weeks.

Baseball related injuries are, to a certain extent, accepted during the games and workouts. However, putting players in a war torn country or hostile political environment for baseball activities is not acceptable .

The Arizona Brewers, the Brewers Rookie affiliate Minor League team, had it's best season since 2002, when they went 26-30.

When looking at low Minor League affiliated teams, the record doesn't always indicate the success of a team. Since the Arizona Brewers are the first step in a Minor League players progression through the Brewers organization, it is very common to have players get called up to progress quicker.

The 2009 season is in the books, and it was one of, if not the, most frustrating seasons I can remember for the Braves.

To look back at the year that was, I will make lists of five, covering everything from disappointments to off-season moves I would like to see made.

The 2009 season fell short of my (and many other Braves fans) expectations, so to start off this season review I give you my Top Five Brave Surprises of 2009.

After a charmed season in which they seemed to be able to beat every team in the American League except the Yankees, the Twins now enter the offseason filled with hope and a hunger for more success.

Here are 12reasons why Twins fans should be optimistic for the future.

1. Joe Mauer

The 2009 MLB season is over and the New York Yankees are World Series champs by defeating the Philadelphia Phillies. It was an exciting playoffs with it’s share of highlights and controversy.  Replay in the post season was brought up many times as today’s technology is more advanced and can see more then the umpires. The Schedule was also a concern as there were as many days off as games in the fall classic. This all leads to the MLB off season where ever team can improve for 2010.

As the hot stove begins to heat, like last off season the New York Mets are rumored to be shopping their starting second-basemen, Luis Castillo. Unlike last season, Castillo is not untradable. After an injury-plagued 2008, Castillo had a resurgent season in 2009, hitting .302 with a .387 OBP and 20 SB's.

As the hot stove begins to heat, like last off season the New York Mets are rumored to be shopping their starting second-basemen, Luis Castillo. Unlike last season, Castillo is not untradable.

What is the best way to measure a pitcher’s skill?

Is it his strikeout rate, demonstrating the pitcher’s ability to prevent batters from hitting the ball? Is it innings pitched, showing his durability? Is it WHIP, the talent to keep runners off the base paths?