Fan News

NL Rookie of the Year Award: Cameron Maybin (Marlins)

Maybin is an extremely talented outfielder who will most likely be the lead off man for club this season. He is an excellent defensive player with his great speed and solid arm and he should have about a .280 average along with about 10 homers, 50 RBI, 75 runs and 25 stolen bases. 

Runner Up: Jordan Schafer - Center Fielder (Braves)

NL Manager of the Year Award: Jerry Manuel (Mets)

Three years ago, the Yankees announced their plans to build a new stadium across the street from the current one. Now, with the new stadium getting ready for its debut, the old one is going to be torn down.

For most teams, a new stadium is no big deal. It's a new place to play that's probably filled with more amenities and conveniences than the old one.

The minute after Curt Shilling and Mike Mussina announce their retirements, the debating began in offices, message boards, and sport articles. Are these two terrific pitchers Hall of Fame worthy?

Well before we answer that question. I wanted to compare the two pitchers and decide who would be selected if only one was allowed.

So let's go to the Tale of the Tapes (Shilling's stats first then followed by Mussina):

Winning Pct.: 59.7% (216-146) v. 63.8% (270-153)

Regular Season

Trade Garrett Atkins?

Many probably think I’m crazy for this statement. Perhaps I am.

At the beginning of Spring Training, the Texas Rangers had four catchers with a legitimate shot at making the big-league roster: Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Taylor Teagarden, Max Ramirez, and Adam Melhuse.

Ramirez has been just a bit behind, as his native Venezuela had a long run in the World Baseball Classic. He will likely start the season at Triple-A Oklahoma City to continue to work on his defensive skills. Max could be brought up to the Bigs again if either Salty or Teagarden get injured or struggle.

“Prospect -- the act of looking forward; something that is awaited or expected”

Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary

When the Twins faced the Tampa Bay Rays yesterday, they took on their Opening Day starter, James Shields.

To say the least, Shields wasn't very good; he allowed the Twins to score 11 runs on 12 hits in just over four innings of work. Nonetheless, he got his work in and moved one start closer to the regular season and the innings that matter.

According to reporters, former Yankee outfielder Bernie Williams is mulling over a return to the game he once could not live without.

Apparently, he is finding it harder and harder to stay separated from baseball still to this day.

They are instructed that "voting shall be based upon the player's record, playing ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character, and contributions to the team(s) on which the player played."

This has been the charge of the baseball writers who determine which players are worthy for inclusion in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

There are several players now in the Hall of Fame who make for an uneasy fit if we take the Hall of Fame prescription seriously.

Ty Cobb

For the first time in many seasons, the Reds have a very solid and deep pitching staff to excite the fan base.

Most of the baseball world forgets that Cincinnati received Daniel Ray Herrera with Edinson Volquez in the Josh Hamilton trade before last season. As it happened, Herrera was actually the deciding factor in the deal with the Texas Rangers.