Fan News

Evidence – The Game is Suffering

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (17-8, Last Week: No. 2)

The Dodgers are the hottest team in the league right now. Hands down. I had a hard time picking between them and the Blue Jays for the top spot. Having a 17-8 record (tied for best in the majors), and winning seven of their last ten games. How can you not put them at No. 1? Oh! and they got Manny!

2. Toronto Blue Jays (17-9, Last Week: No. 4)

When you hear the word "baseball", what do you think of?

Do you think about the Mitchell Report?

How about the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry?

What about a walk-off grand slam?

Chances are, very few people think about their favorite pitcher from the Savannah Sand Gnats, their hero from the Toledo Mud Hens, or the thrill of watching the Triple A All-Star Game up close and in person.

The first month of the season has never been easy for Giants starter Barry Zito. Even when he was at his best in Oakland, the stats he put up in April made it look the subsequent months would be a struggle.

However, for the first time as a Giant, Zito has found a groove in his first five starts of the season. His ERA is under four for the first time since June of 2007 and his dominance at home is something to note.

A few weeks back, I attended the Mets' opening practice at Citi Field with my fellow B/R writer, Lou Cappetta. 

The event was more of an opportunity to check out the intricacies of the new park and sneak a peek at all of our favorite players up close.

We decided to sit in center field to get a good view of the action and also get a chance to catch some long bombs. 

Red Sox manager Terry Francona continues his bumbling ways.

I mean, let's get Julio Lugo in the game, right? After all, his errors serve to deflect blame away from Francona's decision-making.

Assuredly, Francona is now happy that Lugo has returned to the Sox. Lugo, now playing shortstop with Boston, has an error-prone history.

He made 16 errors in 81 games last season, and has added two more in five games in 2009. And that doesn't count the ninth inning miscue. His mistakes allowed two runs in yesterday's game.

Today, the Cubs honored two all-time greats by retiring the No. 31 jersey, worn by both Fergie Jenkins and Greg Maddux. I am not old enough to have seen Jenkins pitch with the Cubs, nor am I able to remember Maddox's first stint with the Cubs, but I am nonetheless glad to see proper respect given.

Jenkins will be remembered as part of the infamous 1969 Chicago team and for winning 20 games six years in a row.

Maddux will be remembered by most as part of the great Atlanta Braves teams of the '90s and for saying in a TV spot, "chicks dig the long ball."

In 2004, Dave Roberts was made famous in Boston for the "stolen base heard 'round the world." He helped begin the surge that was the best comeback in professional sports history. On Monday, Red Sox fans will welcome Roberts' return to Boston.

When Roberts stole second base against the New Work Yankees in 2004, he forever cemented his place in Boston history. On June 15, 2007, Roberts, as a San Francisco Giant, returned to Fenway Park for the first time as a player since 2004. He received a standing ovation every time he came up to bat.

The NL Central was supposed to belong to the Chicago Cubs. They were the ones with the loaded lineup and enough pitching to carry them to another division crown.

A month into the season, there is a team with a loaded lineup and pitching to back it up, but instead of Cubbie Blue, this team wears Cardinal Red.

Currently at 17-8, the Cardinals have ridden the torrid start of reigning MVP Albert Pujols. With nine home runs, many believe Pujols is more focused than ever before.