Bud Selig has been a success?

Okay, now here’s a kicker: as I was browsing MLB.com a few minutes ago, I came across an article written by Hal Bodley. In it, he discusses the success of Bud Selig and how he has won over his critics, going so far as to say “he’s been the best at the job in my lifetime, maybe forever.”

Um…okay. I don’t even want to guess under what influence he wrote the article, but if you’re up for a good laugh, check it out.

Seriously, where do people get off on thinking that Selig has been a good commissioner? He has been one of the worst by far! Why the heck was he signed to an extension when he should be going out like a light in 09? To think I was about to jump for joy when he said he would retire then…now we have to suffer until 2013 or something. Ugh.

One more thing: get rid of the World Baseball Classic. Thank you.

A bit of a surprise

Joe Girardi must have made some kind of impression on Red Sox manager Terry Francona in his one year with the Marlins and his start so far with the Yankees (well, besides the fact that they’re in last place). Why? Girardi has been named to the All-Star coaching staff. Then again, this is going to be played in Babe’s house, so that could also have had some factor in the decision. Tigers manager Jim Leyland was also picked by Francona.

Over in the NL, Rockies manager Clint Hurdle chose Padres manager Bud Black and Mets manager Willie Randolph as his coaches. Too bad there’s no Joe Torre…that would have been a nice reunion.

Covering the bases

Catching you up as quickly as I can:

Yankees: Kei Igawa was sent back to Scranton after a failed outing against Detroit. Ian Kennedy was called back up, but he didn’t pitch that well either. It’ll be interesting to see what the Yankees do next. Jeff Karstens is ready to take on A hitters and A-Rod has been cleared to begin rehab games.

Red Sox: Pitcher Clay Buchholz was placed on the 15-day DL. OF Jonathan Van Every was called up from AAA.

Nationals: Former Yankee and DL-mainstay Nick Johnson was put on the 15-day DL…again. He’ll be out 4-6 weeks. Pitcher Jason Bergmann was recalled from AAA. Pitcher Chris Schroder was sent down to AAA.

Rays: Pitcher Al Reyes was activated from the 15-day DL. Bad news for those of you who were hoping to snap up Scott Kazmir in a trade: he has been signed to a 4-year extension. Pitcher Scott Dohmann was DFA’d.

Cubs: OF Jim Edmonds signed a one-year contract. He takes the place of OF Felix Pie on the roster. Pie was sent to AAA.

Angels: Pitcher John Lackey was activated from the 15-day DL. IF Kendry Morales was sent to AAA.

Reds: SS Jeff Keppinger was placed on the 15-day DL. IF Paul Jannish was called up from AAA.

Pirates: Catcher Ryan Doumit was put on the 15-day DL. Catcher Raul Chavez got the call from AAA.

Rangers: OF Marlon Byrd was activated from the 15-day DL. IF Travis Metcalf was optioned to AAA.

Brewers: Pitcher David Riske was placed on the 15-day DL. Pitcher Zach Johnson was recalled from AAA. Mitch Stetter was optioned to AAA.

NBA: The Spurs and the Hornets will play a game 7…and the Jazz are hoping to push their series with the Lakers to 7 games. So am I.

US WNT: Captain Christie Rampone underwent surgery to remove her gall bladder. She has already been cleared to rehab and should be able to play in the Peace Queen Cup. The US WNT also announced that they will play Brazil twice before they head to Beijing for the Olympics. They will play in Colorado and San Diego. Both games will be televised. I have a feeling that there’s a certain keeper on the team who would absolutely love to be in the net for those games to prove a point…

Covering the bases

It was another long night for the Yankees…and a long day for sports. Yeah, a slow news day. For me, at least. Here you go:

Yankees: Yankee pitchers aren’t too happy with Yankee hitters right now. Who can blame them? If the offense doesn’t score any runs, it doesn’t matter how good or bad the pitchers do because you can’t win without at least one run. Oh, and Hank Steinbrenner blasted the team. Big surprise. He wants to see more effort out there. A-Rod’s quad strain was upgraded from Grade 2 to Grade 1, which is good news. The Yankees are in dire need of a righty bat.

Dodgers: With their star SS on the DL, the Dodgers recalled IF Luis Maza from AAA and transferred IF Tony Abreu to the 60-day DL.

Mets: Lots of moves for the Mets. Pitcher Matt Wise was activated from the 15-day DL. Pitcher Claudio Vargas and IF/OF Fernando Tatis got a call up from AAA. Pitchers Jorge Sosa and Nelson Figueroa were DFA’d. OF Angel Pagan was placed on the 15-day DL. Catcher Raul Casanova cleared waivers and was outrighted to AAA.

Angels: Pitcher Jose Arredondo was recalled from AAA. IF Maicer Izturis was activated from the 15-day DL. Pitchers Nick Adenhart and Darren O’Day were optioned to AAA.

NBA: The Pistons beat the Magic to take the series and head to the conference finals. The Hornets pounded on the Spurs to also take a 3-2 series lead.

Tennis: Sad day for tennis. The world’s #1 female tennis player, Justine Henin, has retired following a spring slump that she wasn’t able to escape. Citing her achievements, she also said she does not “have the will to play one day more.”

Golf: I guess it just wasn’t a good day for female sports athletes. One of the world’s best golfers, Annika Sorenstam, has announced that she will retire at the end of the season. She cited other commitments, such as a desire to start a family, as her reasons for retirement.

Boy, it sure was a depressing day. Anyone want to give me something happier to write about?

Opening negotiations

Dear Yankee offense,

Hi. It’s Steph. We haven’t spoken in a while…certainly not much this season. Why is that? I’m beginning to ponder your existence.

You see, I haven’t seen much of you around this year, and you won’t respond to my cries for runs. I’m worried about you. Countless numbers of you have been shattered so far this season. Yes, the Yankees have lost some of their big boppers in Posada and A-Rod, but that doesn’t mean that all of you can cry your wooden hearts to sleep over it! You need to try to pick each other up. Take out your sadness and anger on the pitches that the opponents are throwing…and don’t swing at the first pitch. That tends to get you into trouble.

Alas, I have not lost faith in you yet…but it’s getting harder to deny George Berkeley’s philosophy that if something cannot be seen, it cannot exist…much as I detest the man. Please, prove him wrong. I am in dire need of my sanity. Remember how we were last June? July? August? You need to return to those wonderful days.

Perhaps there is another solution to your absence in my life for the past month and a half. Hath you been taken for ransom? To whom must the poor Yankee fans pay this undoubtedly high fee to in order to see your return? Everyone in Yankeeland is worried about you. We want your safe return.

Or maybe you’re stuck in a coma? Trust me when I say that there is nothing better than a few hard-hit balls that don’t find a fielder’s glove to help to revive you! Want to know what would be even better, though? Stringing a couple of hits together. I don’t want to ask too much too soon, but you could even think of doing that with…gasp…runners in scoring position.

I really miss you, dear Yankee lumber. I miss the bombs that you used to blast, earning you the name of Bronx Bombers. I miss those nights where I’d get to watch you sparkle under those blinding lights at Yankee Stadium. I miss those cold days that could be warmed up with a tater or two. I miss every bit of you, Yankee offense.

Please respond soon, for your health and my own. I eagerly await your response. Probably a bit too eagerly. But please, hurry anyway. I want to see those happy days again.

I hope to be singing your praises soon,

Steph

Covering the bases

You know the drill. Time to catch up on sports:

Yankees: A-Rod had an MRI today, only giving bad news to the Yankees: he’ll be out for the series against the Mets at least. His strained quad is improving, but not enough to put him in extended spring training games. He can, however, continue hitting and fielding drills. Posada has been cleared to throw. There might be some good news for you guys, though, depending on how you want to look at it: Kei Igawa will not be starting on Thursday. Ian Kennedy will be called up to do that. He pitched one inning in his final start at AAA (hopefully for good), giving up one hit. Rasner will get the nod for the opening game of the Subway Series against the Mets on Friday. The Yankees definitely couldn’t send Igawa out again, so hopefully Kennedy is back on the horse and will pitch well on Thursday.

Red Sox: Darn it. Pitcher Julian Tavarez was DFA’d today. He shall be missed. The Rockies have strong interest in acquiring him. Sean Casey was activated from the 15-day DL and takes Tavarez’s space on the roster.

Dodgers: Big blow to the Dodger game…shortstop Rafael Furcal has landed on the 15-day DL.

Padres: IF Edgar Gonzalez was brought up from AAA. IF Callix Crabbe was DFA’d. Interesting name.

Pirates: Pitcher John Van Benschoten was optioned to AAA.

Indians: Just because it’s freaking cool, I’m including it here. Cleveland 2B Asdrubal Cabrera turned the MLB’s 14th unassisted triple play in history against the Blue Jays today.

NBA: Kobe Bryant says that he’s going to play game 5 against the Jazz with his bad back. The Cavs and Celtics played today, with the Cavs coming away victorious and tying the series at two sending it back to Boston.

Hm…I’m dying to write about something…so I’m giving you guys a chance to give me a topic to write about. Sports is preferable, but not a requirement. Post or send any ideas to me and I’ll see if I feel like writing about it. I probably will. Exams at school always make you want to procrastinate.

Covering the bases

This weekend has been a real rush for me, so here’s a rush to your sports coverage:

Yankees: Well, I was right. Wilson Betemit was put on the DL and Alberto Gonzalez got the call back to the team. The Yankees were rained out today, so they are going to be shuffling their rotation a bit. Will Igawa get to start on Friday against the Mets, or will someone else take his place? We’ll find out soon enough, I suppose.

Red Sox: The Sox sent DFA’d pitcher Bryan Corey to the Padres in exchange for a player to be named later or cash.

Padres: The Pads sent pitcher Joe Thatcher to AAA. They also outrighted pitcher Glendon Rusch to AAA.

O’s: IF Alex Cintron came up from AAA and pitcher Bob McCrory was sent down to AAA.

Indians: OF Jason Tyner got the call from the big club from AAA. Pitcher Tom Mastny was optioned to AAA.

A’s: The oft-injured Rich Harden was activated from the 15-day DL. OF Travis Buck was also activated from the 15-day DL and was sent to AAA. OF Chris Denorfia was put on the 15-day DL (retroactive to May 7).

Nationals: Pitcher Chris Schoder was optioned to AAA. Pitcher Mike O’Conner was recalled from AAA.

Mariners: 1B Richie Sexson had his 6-game suspension reduced to 5 games. He started serving it on Saturday.

Rangers: Pitcher Kevin Millwood was placed on the 15-day DL after he suffered a groin injury in the first inning of his game yesterday. Pitcher Doug Mathis was brought up from AAA.

Giants: SS Omar Vizquel was activated from the 15-day DL.

Twins: IF Nick Punto was placed on the 15-day DL.

NBA: The playoffs march on! My Jazz beat the Lakers today, tying up the series at 2 a piece as they had back here to LA for game 5. The Spurs also tied up their series with the Hornets at 2 wins each.

US WNT: The US WNT blasted the neighbours to the north, Canada, in yesterday’s friendly at RFK Stadium. The final tally was 6-0. Natasha Kai was the star of the match, getting a hat trick. Abby Wambach was credited with three assists in the game. The other three goals came from Lindsay Tarpley, Carli Lloyd, and Leslie Osbourne. Hope Solo got the clean sheet in the net.

Covering the bases

Alright, so this is late. What else is new? I’ve been super busy lately, but it’s time that I catch you up. I’ll even write another post later on to make it up for you. Expect it to be a lot later, though, since I’m going out for the evening and will probably be back somewhat late.

Yankees: Kei Igawa was brought up to take a turn in the 5 spot in place of Ian Kennedy. He did worse than Kennedy had done in his last two starts, though, giving up 6 runs in three innings. Ouch. Chris Britton was sent down to make room for him…but he needn’t wonder when his next opportunity would be handed to him. Jonathan Albaladejo came in during the game and strained his elbow in the sixth inning, sending him to the DL. Britton was tracked down and brought back up. Kyle Farnsworth had his suspension reduced from three games to one and served that game yesterday. During Saturday’s game, Wilson Betemit suffered a hamstring injury and will almost certainly be put back on the DL.

Mariners: Richie Sexson received a 6-game suspension for his actions in the brawl with Kason Gabbard of the Rangers. After getting a high pitch, Sexson charged the mound and threw his helmet at Gabbard, sparking the brawl. Sexson will appeal, allowing him to play until his hearing.

Blue Jays: Bad news for the Jays. Vernon Wells is out 6-8 weeks with a broken left wrist. He broke it while diving for a ball against the Indians on Friday. Pitcher Jeremy Accardo joined him on the DL with right forearm tightness. Pitcher Armando Benitez (yeah, that one) and IF Joe Inglett got the call from AAA. Pitchers Tracy Thorpe and Gustavo Chacin, as well as IF Sergio Santos have been DFA’d. The Jays signed OF Brad Wilkerson. They also acquired IF Kevin Mench from the Rangers for cash.

Marlins: Maybe the Marlins aren’t so cheap after all. It looks like that shortstop Hanley Ramirez might have agreed to a 6-year, $70 million extension. He probably could have gotten more money by arbitration, which would have started this year, but financial security is certainly a nice thing for Ramirez. He might not even have to worry about where his next house will have to be.

Nationals: Painful time for the Nats. Catchers Paul Lo Duca and Johnny Estrada were placed on the 15-day DL. Catcher Jesus Flores was recalled from AAA and OF Elijah Dukes was activated from the 15-day DL.

Padres: The Pads cut ties with OF Jim Edmonds by releasing him on Friday. They also picked Sean Henn off of the waiver wire from the Yankees. Catcher Luke Carlin and OF Jody Gerut were brought up from AAA and catcher Colt Morton was sent down to AA.

A’s: Pitcher Keith Foulke was activated from the 15-day DL.

Reds: Pitcher Kent Mercker was put on the 15-day DL (retroactive to May 6). Pitcher Bill Bray got the call from AAA.

Cubs: Pitcher Scott Eyre was activated from the 15-day DL. Pitcher Sean Marshall was sent down to AAA.

Brewers: Pitcher Derrick Turnbow accepted an assignment to AAA.

Mets: Catcher Ramon Castro was activated from the 15-day DL. Catcher Raul Casanova was DFA’d.

NBA: The Jazz took game 3 of their series against the Lakers. The Lakers lead the series 2-1. The Magic are currently leading the Pistons in game 4 of their series. The Pistons lead the series 2-1.

IRL: Scary moment in racing yesterday as racers prepare for the Indy 500. While coming out of a pit, Danica Patrick’s car struck a crewman of another person’s pit crew in the crowded row. Charles Buckman, the one who was hit, suffered a concussion and lacerations to his scalp and face. Alex Lloyd also had a hard day, crashing into a wall at 223 MPH. Both men will be alright.

US WNT: The US WNT takes on Canada in a friendly match today at RFK Stadium. Check it out on MatchACCESS or MatchTracker. You know you want to. Really. Hurry on over there to watch it at 4 PM PT. The US WNT also announced some new travel plans for the summer. The team will head to Europe only six days after returning from the Peace Queen Cup to face Sweden and Norway for a couple of friendly matches. Pia Sundhage, a native of Sweden, will have an interesting time I’m sure.

Same old story

You’ve heard it before. Over 12 times this season, in fact. Another player is headed to the DL for the Yankees, giving them 9 players on the DL at this point.

This time, the DL has claimed Jonathan Albaladejo. During the sixth inning yesterday, Alby suffered an elbow injury while trying to mop up the mess that Igawa had created (though Igawa had long since left the game).

The Yankees had brought up Kei Igawa to take Ian Kennedy’s spot in the rotation, sending down the man who has the most frequent flyer miles of anyone on the team right now, Chris Britton. However, Igawa failed in his spot…but he’s still scheduled to pitch next Wednesday in Tampa. Anyway, with the injury to Alby, Britton was tracked right on back to Motown to take his spot on the roster. Is there some sort of force out there trying to tell the Yankees to keep Britton up?

During Saturday’s game against the Tigers, Wilson Betemit, who had just come off a DL stint himself, smashed a double before pulling up lame and having to leave the game with an apparent hamstring injury. That’s almost certainly going to send him right on back to the DL. So who comes up this time? My guess is Alberto Gonzalez.

There is some good news for the Yankees: Darrell Rasner has sparkled in the #4 spot in the rotation. He works quickly and efficiently, doesn’t give up many runs, and he throws a lot of strikes. Oh, and he wins. And he’s winning today.

Whatever the storyline is, though, it seems like the Yankees have a revolving door down there in Scranton. They practically have daily shipments of minor leaguers coming up to fill a void left by ineffectiveness or injury. What player will Betemit’s almost certain stay on the DL bring? Take your guess.

Covering the bases

Two of the sleepers for the Yankees thus far this year, Robbie Cano and Jason Giambi, woke up for today’s game against the Indians. Both smacked a couple of hard balls, including homers for the pair of them. The Yankees cranked out 4 homers in total on the way to a 6-3 victory over the Tribe, avoiding a sweep. Next up? Kei Igawa in Motown. What else is up around the sporting world?

Yankees: Kei Igawa will be called up tomorrow to make the start for the Yankees against the Tigers. Expect someone like Edwar Ramirez to be headed down to Scranton to make room for him. Kenny Rogers will be the starter for the Tigers. A-Rod might be back with the team next Thursday. He is not eligible to come off the DL until May 15.

Rangers: 1B Ben Broussard was DFA’d. Kason Gabbard was activated from the 15-day DL today in time to make a start and have some trouble with Mariners’ first baseman Richie Sexson. After throwing an eye-high pitch, Sexson charged the mound and flung his helmet at Gabbard. Sexson was ejected. There had been some bad blood between the two teams earlier on in the game. The bad news continued for Gabbard though. He came out only a couple of batters after Sexson with an apparent leg injury. Anyway, IF Travis Metcalf was also activated from the 15-day DL. Pitcher A.J. Murray was sent down to AAA.

Giants: Pitcher Billy Sadler was recalled from AAA. Pitcher Brad Hennessey was optioned down to AAA.

Rockies: Pitcher Josh Newman was optioned to AAA, but that was good news for pitcher Alberto Arias, who got the call from AAA.

Padres: Pitcher Kevin Cameron was placed on the 15-day DL. Pitcher Shawn Estes was recalled from AAA.

O’s: IF/OF Freddie Bynum was activated from the 15-day DL, so IF Elder Torres was sent down to AAA.

A’s: Pitcher Dallas Braden was sent down to AAA.

Brewers: Not sure that you guys care or anything, but in case you do, Regis Bane was named the director of ticket operations. Unforunately, I’m not paid to advertise that.
NBA: The Celtics took a 2-0 series lead over the Cavaliers with a win this afternoon. The Hornets fell to the Spurs today, but they still hold a 2-1 lead over them.

Story of the day: A 78-year-old legally blind man bowled a perfect game.