When the White Sox announced that they were hiring former third baseman Robin Ventura to be their new manager, most insiders were shocked. After all, the guy's coaching experience was limited to helping out his local team -- Arroyo Grande High School -- with batting practice.
The guy had no big league, minor league or college experience as a coach, let alone as the skipper.
But the guy had personality, GM Kenny Williams suggested. He knew baseball.
What a buncha bull.
DETROIT — It is a clear case of what have you done lately. Detroit Tiger’s relief pitcher Jose Valverde is a piece of the bullpen that is vital for the Tigers to maintain any kind of success in repeating as the Central Division crown winner and getting into the post season. Last season Valverde painted a picture of perfection in save situations for the Tigers, he earned 49 saves out of 49 tries and his performance earned him respect in the clubhouse from the...
Chris Johnson went 4-4, hit two home runs, and drove in six runs in an Astros 8-1 rout against the New York Mets. Astros starter Wandy Rodriguez only gave up a lone run in 7 innings. The fireworks started for the Astros in the second inning when Jed Lowrie led off the inning with a single, Brian Bogusevic followed with a base hit as well, which set the table for Chris Johnson, who blasted a three run homer. The very next inning, after a...
DETROIT — The nominations for the Brandon Inge Award is a list that could grow everyday with a new candidate and in the city where we pride ourselves at making the top of any list-it could be a mixed up feeling. We here in the city by the river that is an international boarder remember Inge as a player that there was no middle ground about him or with the fans you either loved him or hated him it just depended on which side...
While we have not even gotten to this summer’s MLB Hall-of-Fame ceremony in Cooperstown, N.Y. (July 22), where Barry Larkin and the late Ron Santo will be inducted, there is much attention focused on the following year. Yes, the “steroid era” will offer up several players that have been tainted for their reported use of illegal substances during their playing days. Most notably, Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens will be up for election for the 2013 class in Cooperstown.
Former Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona has a man crush on Derek Jeter, as unbelievable as that my sound to Yankees and Red Sox fans. On Baseball Tonight on Monday, the new ESPN analyst followed up Jeter’s postgame interview with Tim Kurkjian about a new approach to hitting since his 3,000th hit by saying the Yankees captain was the “best player” in Major League Baseball. “I hope Little Leaguers are watching these interviews,” Francona said, “because this is what you want your kids...
Humber Perfect Game is 20th in MLB history Philip Humber was perfect. Even on that dropped third strike to end the game. The Chicago White Sox pitcher tossed his first perfect game on Saturday, blanking the Seattle Mariners 4-0 in their own park. Humber, who has a 0.68 ERA on the season, struck out nine in the win, including two in the final frame. The last whiff came on a dropped third strike, but A.J. Pierzynski was able to gather the ball and throw...
Tired of the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox yet? After Friday’s overblown series opener, which celebrated the 100-year anniversary of Fenway Park and Alex Rodriguez moving into fifth place on the all-time home run list, it’s no shocker many non-AL East fans are already over it. Well, get used to it folks, this is just the beginning. A look at the national broadcasts over the remaining portion of the MLB schedule show the two AL East rivals will be on TV (ESPN,...
Alex Rodgriguez is one of the top 5 greatest home run hitters of all time. How does that sit with you? Well, it’s true, sort of, as A-Rod moved into the Top 5 for most home runs in Major League history on Friday at Boston’s Fenway Park, passing Ken Griffey Jr. and his 630 career bombs. A-Rod’s home run in the Yankees’ win over the Red Sox was his 631st, moving him into fifth place all-time behind Willie Mays (660). But with two of...
San Diego Padres Hall of Famer and current San Diego State head coach Tony Gwynn was back on the field for the first time this season Friday following surgery to remove a malignant tumor on his cheek. His return helped lift the spirits of the Aztec faithful and his players, who rolled to a 10-4 victory over Cal Poly in a non-conference baseball game at Baggett Stadium.
