Baseball

Originally published at WNST.net.

As the Orioles fall toward the 100-loss mark with seemingly little resistance over the final week of the season, their elder statesman winds down his 10-year stay with an organization fixed in what feels like an endless era of losing.

After leaving last night's game against the Houston Astros with an injury, it has been revealed that Jamie Moyer will be out for the rest of the season.

The 46-year-old pitcher tore a groin after making a pitch last night. He will have surgery at some time next week.

He will be ready for spring training next season.

After losing his job in the starting rotation in August to Pedro Martinez, Moyer has been completely dominant out of the bullpen, used primarily as a long relief man.

During the 2009 season, Moyer had a 12-10 record with a 4.94 ERA.

Francisco Rodriguez has been a premier closer (perhaps the premier closer) in all of baseball over the last six years. Since 2004, "K Rod" has saved 206 games and crafted a stunning 2.20 ERA during that span.

Justin Maxwell has shown flashes of brilliance around his periods of ineptness, but hasn't indicated any real ability to become an everyday major leaguer.

Since being recalled from "AA" Harrisburg in 2007, Maxwell has a 162-game average of just .245-13-26 with a .317 on-base percentage.

It doesn't seem like the Yankees care about anything other than winning at this point. Since clinching home field advantage for the entire postseason, they haven't lost a game and continue to look great.

However, things aren't set in stone in the American League Central. The Tigers hold a two game lead over the Twins, but the two teams face off tonight and tomorrow. According to Baseball Prospectus, Minnesota still has a 17 percent chance of winning the AL Central.

PHILADELPHIA—This just in. Jamie Moyer's MRI results have come in and they don't show good news for the Phillies.

The MRI shows tears in three tendons—two in his groin and one in his lower abdomen.

He will not pitch again in 2009.

Recovery time is reportedly 10 months, but Moyer is expected to be ready for the start of Phillies' spring training in February.

Just because the 2009 season has not officially wrapped up does not mean that it’s too early to start looking towards 2010. 

First up in our early positional rankings are the catchers; so let’s get right to it and take a look at the Top 15.

Ron Gardenhire is generally regarded as a good manager. He is a likable man and a likable manager, but that doesn't mean he isn't second-guessed.

Yesterday, in both games of a crucial doubleheader, Gardy made some questionable decisions. From an ill-advised suicide squeeze to not bringing in Jose Mijares to face a lefty, Twins' fans are split on Gardy.

Most like the man, some can't stand his managerial tactics.

On September 30, 2007, the Philadelphia Phillies began what has become one of their best three-year runs in franchise history. On that day, they defeated the Washington Nationals 6-1 to clinch the National League Eastern division crown.

Almost a year later, the Phils reclaimed their title as division champions by once again defeating the Nationals.

Moving to 2009, we see this same opportunity once again.

The MLB should expand to 32 teams.

This will make divisions even (four divisions of four in each league or two divisions of eight). The benefit of an even 32-team league is that when you have Interleague play, you don’t have to worry about having one NL-only series as the rest of the AL and NL face off.

Currently in the AL, 14 teams fight for four spots, while 16 NL teams fight for the exact same four spots on the other side of the playoff picture. Is that right?

Who should be considered for the two expansion spots?

Puerto Rico and New Orleans.

With another disappointing season under his command, the Cleveland Indians have finally decided to release Manager Eric Wedge.  With a current record of 64-92, what else can they do?  This is the second year in a row that the very talented Tribe have been a disappointment.

How do you go from 96-66, one win away from a trip to the World Series, to becoming the bottom-dweller in your division?  The Tribe haven't finished last in their division since 1991, when they drug up the rear in the AL East, and they have never finished last since joining the AL Central.