Baseball

Many heroic male figures throughout history have used their facial hair to persuade, inspire, and seduce legions of followers and admirers. Since the dawn of time, mankind has used many forms of facial hair to not only express themselves, but provide a sense of identity.

Last week the Brewers did the inevitable, trading J.J.

A couple of days ago the Cincinnati Reds dumped $8.5 million by not picking up the option year of catcher Ramon Martinez.  Now let's say that the Reds don't go all nutters and start trading like a stockbroker on crack.

What do we do with this new cash?

Here is a novel idea—one that Reds' owner, Bob Castellini may wish to consider:  Tuck it under the mattress and save it for a rainy day.

Yes, it is a lot of loot.  But it relieves most of the fat wad Scott Rolen is set to earn next season.

So it looks like a couple of long, long-time teammates will be teammates at least a little longer still.

Next week, MLB will announce its award winners for the 2009 regular season. I think it is time to take a look at who the award winners may be.

The American League

Gold Glove Winners

The Minnesota Twins came into this offseason with three major goals:

1) Sign Joe Mauer to an extension
2) Improve the infield
3) Add at least one veteran arm to the rotation

General manager Bill Smith got off to a quick start on his offseason “to do list” by acquiring shortstop J.J.

The Twins need an ace. They unequivocally need a pitcher who can go out every fifth day and shut a team down. They need a pitcher with a Jack Morris mentality. A guy who says, “Give me the ball and I will win this game.”

The Twins need Roy Halladay.

Obviously, every team wants a pitcher of Halladay’s caliber, but the Twins actually have the pieces to make a deal. Odds are they won’t do it, because Bill Smith and company won’t want to give up young talent. The fact is, however, dealing for Halladay is the one thing they absolutely should do.

Today I came across the resolution Congress passed in the wake of the Yankees winning the World Series.

The text of the resolution includes this:

"Whereas the contributions of the Yankees' players throughout the season were all vital in securing the title; and

Whereas the Yankees were guided to victory by Manager Joe Girardi, General Manager Brian Cashman, President Randy Levine, and the leadership of Hank and Hal Steinbrenner: Now therefore be it

Three of the most hysterical, knee-slapping, laugh out loud moments of mirth witnessed recently.

1. WAC Commissioner Karl Benson’s statement about the Boise State Broncos: “They certainly have established themselves as a credible, legitimate, bona fide top 10 team.”