Rankings/List

I can say without a doubt that I am seriously spoiled as a Phillies fan. I admit it.

Ten consecutive seasons of at least 80 wins. Eight consecutive winning seasons. Four straight division titles. Two pennants. And a world championship.

I cannot even imagine being a Pirates fan. An Orioles fan. A Nationals fan.

Few things have been more certain that Cliff Lee's dominance in the playoffs over the last two seasons.

Sure, there's the sunrise and, nearly as certain, sunset.

There's Glenn Beck angering liberals and Jon Stewart offending conservatives. 

And there's MTV killing the brain cells of children with Jersey Shore.

With the San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers set to begin the 2010 World Series, we couldn’t help but allow our minds to drift to all things World Series related.

Great pitching, late-inning hits, walk-off homers, all of it is great on the World Series stage.

Most semi-serious to serious baseball fans can name the World Series winners from the last 10 years. Some could even name them from the last 20 years. If you can name beyond that, I think you have too much time on your hands.

We all know of the baseball greats, the players whose performances have stood the tests of time. Sandy Koufax, Mickey Mantle, Stan Musial, Lefty Grove, not to mention the obvious ones. We know of those who are leading the charge in today's game. Josh Hamilton, Tim Lincecum, Albert Pujols, Joe Mauer, just to name a few.

Every year, managers, coaches and writers from around Major League Baseball award honors and trophies to the players—and every year, they screw up.

This year's free-agent class is fairly weak overall. This is true of the available outfielders as well. There is a lot of good talent at the top of the class, but from there, it declines fairly quickly.

With many teams looking to fill a hole in their outfield, you can expect a few bidding wars to occur over some of these players.

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As Ryan Howard watched a 3-2 pitch from closer Brian Wilson catch the plate, the 2010 Philadelphia Phillies season was over. An unsatisfying taste was left in the mouths of the team, manager, front office and the fans. This team, which had traded for Roy Halladay and Roy Oswalt in the past year, had expectations of World Series or bust. 

Consider 2010 a bust.

Every year, managers, coaches and writers from around Major League Baseball award honors and trophies to the players. And every year, they screw up.

Mark my words: Bengie Molina is going to get a World Series ring.

Impressed with the boldness of my prediction?  Don't be: Bengie Molina is currently the catcher for the Texas Rangers, but he began the season as the catcher for the San Francisco Giants. Thus, by virtue of time served, he'll get a World Series ring no matter which team wins.

Rest assured, though, he'd probably rather win the World Series and get the ring.

Manny Ramirez has made some interesting comments recently concerning his future in baseball.  It seems he has taken quite a liking to the Toronto Blue Jays.  

The Blue Jays hired Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell.  The former Red Sox slugger has taken note and has offered his services.  Canada should be happy and a bit afraid at this news—you never know what you are getting with the flighty outfielder.