Fan News

Recently, Mike Kent put together a nice article on what he believed to be the top 10 fan-favorites in the state of New York.

I was lucky enough to spend the first three years of my life in New York and, while I cannot remember many athletes (or remember anything in general), I thought I should give this list a shot of my own.

I hope you enjoy the following, and don't forget to check out Mike's either for a second opinion!

10. Leon Washington, Running Back for the New York Jets

I know I'm a little behind in the cycle to be writing an article about Harry Kalas, but I definitely feel it is important to write, even if only for myself.

Anyone who reads what I write regularly, you may have noticed that I rarely ever use the word "I" or "me".  I feel like we are all writing our own opinions on here, so why should I make any of my statements about me??

Walking through my old school the other day, I picked up a copy of the school's newspaper. Inside was an opinion article calling for the merging of the two Bay Area teams, the Oakland A's and the San Francisco Giants.

If you are from the Bay Area then you know what it's like having the A's and Giants stadiums in eye sight. Oakland A's fans are known to be loyal, rowdy, and love the game for what it is. They are the ninth man on the field.

Giants fans have the history, and they are loyal and knowledgeable.

As every Twins fan knows, being in a small market sucks.

Every year, the Minnesota faithful watch their team become obsolete in free agency while the likes of the Yankees, Red Sox, and now even the Rays and Indians spend money to improve their teams and make the AL competition that much tougher.

But there is one thing the Twins can do well: overcome adversity and compete. This club is able to contend every year, despite their payroll being significantly less, and it all starts with a solid foundation. Minnesota was truly built from bottom to top.

Nick Swisher started today’s game for the Yankees, batting in the four-slot behind star slugger Mark Teixeira.  With Xavier Nady out, Swisher steps into a full-time role in the outfield for the Yankees.  Is he a worthwhile fantasy pickup for owners in need of hitting?

(The Voice of Yankees Universe)

Chien-Ming Wang has been completely dreadful in his first two starts of the season. It isn’t time to panic, but it is a concern.

Starting the season 0-2 with a 28.93 ERA is just unacceptable. I fully expected him to join the team and pitch like he did when he was healthy.

Maybe the lack of game action has effected him. I don’t want to make any excuses for the guy, but I think we all want to know what’s going on.

With Gary Sheffield's 500th career home run last night at the new Citi Field, Sheff entered a group that includes only 24 other men - quite a feat considering the hundreds and hundreds that have played major league baseball.

It got us to thinking about what other baseball milestone could be achieved this season. By the way, props to Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye for not only hitting their 300th career home runs but doing it back-to-back. Now that is pretty awesome.

According to Chad Jennings of the Scranton Times-Tribune, the Yankees have called up relief pitcher Anthony Claggett from triple-A Scranton, and in a corresponding move optioned first baseman Juan Miranda back to the minors.

The Phillies honored the memory of longtime radio and television announcer Harry Kalas with a public tribute on Saturday at Citizen Bank Park.

Kalas, the voice of the Phillies since 1971, died Monday, April 13, 2009, as he prepared to announce the Philadelphia Phillies vs. the Washington National game in Washington, D.C. He collapsed in the broadcast booth and died at a local hospital shortly after.

His last home run call was Matt Stairs' pinch hit home run in Colorado in a 7-5 Phillies win on Easter Sunday.

Dustin Pedroia, you say you are experiencing cold-like symptoms? 

Boom!  15-day DL.

Jason Varitek, you say that you don't feel quite like you did when were 31 years old?

See ya!  15-day DL. 

So, they aren't that careful with their personnel. 

But, they are very careful indeed.

And one reason they can do that is because they currently have as much depth as any organization. 

If Drew, Ellsbury, or Bay go down for a short period of time, Rocco can take over.