Now comes the strange tale of Jeffrey Norris, trial counsel for the SEC in Fort Worth, Texas. His emails to Cuban critical over Cuban's involvement with Loose Change are at the center of Cuban's claim of bias.
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Thursday, November 20, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
MLB Awards: How Did We Do With Our Predictions?
Here’s a list of the recently assigned MLB awards and how Baseball Reflections fared in predicting them.AL Rookie of the YearWe at Baseball Reflections were right on with selecting Rays 3B Evan Longoria as the hands down choice. But in all fairness, this wasn’t difficult to predict. No one else even came close to Longoria in 2008.
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Mariners Name Don Wakamatsu Manager
Don Wakamatsu became the first Asian-American manager in major league baseball history when he was hired Wednesday by the Seattle Mariners.
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A's owner suggests making first round of playoffs one game
Lew Wolff has a way to shorten baseball's postseason: Make the first round best-of-one.
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BREAKING NEWS: Mussina to retire
There it is. We all thought we knew what was going to happen, and it turned out to be true. Mike Mussina..coming off one of his best seasons in his career, will be retiring from baseball. Mike never got the championship ring he wanted, or 300 wins, but he had one heck of a career. He is going out on top. Mussina is one of the few FA transactions
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Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Barry Bonds To Sign With Tampa Bay
Remove the label of free agent from the home run champions slate. Barry Bonds is the newest member of the Tampa Bay Rays. The AL East leading Rays are expected to add a thunderous jolt of offensive prowess and media frenzy to their lineup with the late season addition of the 42-year old Bonds.
The announcement could come later this morning as the surging Rays begin the second of a three-game set against the Oakland Athletics. As if the questionable timing does not appear peculiar enough, the seven-time MVP might make his American League debut Thursday afternoon at the Coliseum, minutes away from the city in which he established himself as one of the premier sluggers in major league history.
After returning from the Rays 2-1 defeat last night, rumblings were blatantly evident among A's fans on the train system that Bonds was now back, and ready to wreck havoc on AL pitchers en route to a potential World Series run with the surging Rays.
The announcement could come later this morning as the surging Rays begin the second of a three-game set against the Oakland Athletics. As if the questionable timing does not appear peculiar enough, the seven-time MVP might make his American League debut Thursday afternoon at the Coliseum, minutes away from the city in which he established himself as one of the premier sluggers in major league history.
After returning from the Rays 2-1 defeat last night, rumblings were blatantly evident among A's fans on the train system that Bonds was now back, and ready to wreck havoc on AL pitchers en route to a potential World Series run with the surging Rays.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Forbes: Yankees worth $1.3 billion
NEW YORK (AP)—The New York Yankees’ value increased to $1.306 billion over the past year, according to the annual estimates by Forbes magazine, a rise of 9 percent over the past year.
The New York Mets were second at $824 million and the Boston Red Sox third at $816 million, the magazine said Wednesday. After that, there was a big gap to the Los Angeles Dodgers ($694 million) and the Chicago Cubs ($642 million).
The Yankees were listed by Forbes as having $327 million in revenue last year and a $47.3 million operating loss, up from a $25.2 million loss on revenue of $302 million the previous year. Forbes’ revenue figure is after deducting revenue sharing payments, which the Yankees estimate at about $92 million. The team also paid approximately $24 million in luxury tax, which is reflected in the operating loss.
The Mets had an operating profit of $32.9 million, according to Forbes. Boston, according to Forbes, had a $19.1 million operating loss.
Both New York teams are planning to move into new ballparks in 2009, which should significantly increase their revenues.
At the bottom, the three teams with the lowest values were Florida ($256 million), Tampa Bay ($290 million) and Pittsburgh ($292 million). Forbes estimated the Marlins had an operating profit of $35.6 million, the Rays $29.7 million and the Pirates $17.6 million.
Washington had the highest estimated operating profit at $43.7 million. Forbes said the average operating profit in the majors was $16 million.
The New York Mets were second at $824 million and the Boston Red Sox third at $816 million, the magazine said Wednesday. After that, there was a big gap to the Los Angeles Dodgers ($694 million) and the Chicago Cubs ($642 million).
The Yankees were listed by Forbes as having $327 million in revenue last year and a $47.3 million operating loss, up from a $25.2 million loss on revenue of $302 million the previous year. Forbes’ revenue figure is after deducting revenue sharing payments, which the Yankees estimate at about $92 million. The team also paid approximately $24 million in luxury tax, which is reflected in the operating loss.
The Mets had an operating profit of $32.9 million, according to Forbes. Boston, according to Forbes, had a $19.1 million operating loss.
Both New York teams are planning to move into new ballparks in 2009, which should significantly increase their revenues.
At the bottom, the three teams with the lowest values were Florida ($256 million), Tampa Bay ($290 million) and Pittsburgh ($292 million). Forbes estimated the Marlins had an operating profit of $35.6 million, the Rays $29.7 million and the Pirates $17.6 million.
Washington had the highest estimated operating profit at $43.7 million. Forbes said the average operating profit in the majors was $16 million.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Lackluster Start For The Detroit Tigers
Anchored with a $136 million payroll and an All-Star studded lineup featuring the likes of 25-year old slugger Miguel Cabrera and batting champion Magglio Ordonez, the Tigers have faltered out of the gate to a dismal 2-10 start in the highly competitive American League Central.
Plagued by injuries to left-handed hurler Dontrelle Willis, designated hitter Gary Sheffield, center fielder Curtis Granderson, and relievers Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney, Detroit is winless at home and has been outscored 69-21 through the first two weeks of the season.
Plagued by injuries to left-handed hurler Dontrelle Willis, designated hitter Gary Sheffield, center fielder Curtis Granderson, and relievers Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney, Detroit is winless at home and has been outscored 69-21 through the first two weeks of the season.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Orioles cut injury-riddled Gibbons, eat $11.9 million of his contract
By DAVID GINSBURG, AP Sports Writer
BALTIMORE (AP)—Jay Gibbons was released Sunday by the Baltimore Orioles, who lost patience waiting for the oft-injured outfielder to regain the form that enabled him to hit 26 home runs in 2005.
Gibbons batted .189 with no homers and four RBIs in 16 games this spring training after playing in only 84 games last season. Baltimore owes him $11.9 million for the next two seasons as part of a $21.1 million, four-year contract he agreed to in January 2006.
The 31-year-old Gibbons was suspended for 15 days on Dec. 6 by commissioner Bud Selig following a media report that he received a shipment of the human growth hormone after January 2005, when it was banned by baseball. Kansas City outfielder Jose Guillen also was suspended for 15 days.
On Friday, the commissioner’s office and players’ players association put the penalties on hold for 10 days to allow for further negotiations over their drug agreement. If a deal is struck, the suspensions likely would be dropped.
BALTIMORE (AP)—Jay Gibbons was released Sunday by the Baltimore Orioles, who lost patience waiting for the oft-injured outfielder to regain the form that enabled him to hit 26 home runs in 2005.
Gibbons batted .189 with no homers and four RBIs in 16 games this spring training after playing in only 84 games last season. Baltimore owes him $11.9 million for the next two seasons as part of a $21.1 million, four-year contract he agreed to in January 2006.
The 31-year-old Gibbons was suspended for 15 days on Dec. 6 by commissioner Bud Selig following a media report that he received a shipment of the human growth hormone after January 2005, when it was banned by baseball. Kansas City outfielder Jose Guillen also was suspended for 15 days.
On Friday, the commissioner’s office and players’ players association put the penalties on hold for 10 days to allow for further negotiations over their drug agreement. If a deal is struck, the suspensions likely would be dropped.
Selig: ‘Chemists out there working’ on possible human growth hormone test
WASHINGTON (AP)—Commissioner Bud Selig expressed confidence Sunday night that an agreement can be reached to strengthen baseball’s drug-testing policy.
“There’s negotiations ongoing,” Selig said during Sunday night’s inaugural game at Nationals Park. “I’d rather not comment other than that.”
Selig said “Yes” when asked if was confident of an agreement with the players’ union. He also cited the lack of reliable test for human growth hormone as a significant hurdle to cleaning up the sport.
“It’s not perfect,” Selig said. “It’s going to change. There are chemists out there working.”
President Bush, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game between the Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves, said he thought December’s Mitchell Report on drugs in baseball “was part of the cleansing process.”
“I’m happy with the recognition that it was a problem,” Bush said Sunday night during the ESPN broadcast. “I certainly hope the players continue to work to clean up the sport.”
“There’s negotiations ongoing,” Selig said during Sunday night’s inaugural game at Nationals Park. “I’d rather not comment other than that.”
Selig said “Yes” when asked if was confident of an agreement with the players’ union. He also cited the lack of reliable test for human growth hormone as a significant hurdle to cleaning up the sport.
“It’s not perfect,” Selig said. “It’s going to change. There are chemists out there working.”
President Bush, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game between the Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves, said he thought December’s Mitchell Report on drugs in baseball “was part of the cleansing process.”
“I’m happy with the recognition that it was a problem,” Bush said Sunday night during the ESPN broadcast. “I certainly hope the players continue to work to clean up the sport.”
Washington Nationals open their new stadium by beating Atlanta Braves on Zimmerman’s homer
By HOWARD FENDRICH, AP Sports Writer
WASHINGTON (AP)—Nationals Park had quite an opening.
Ryan Zimmerman hit a tiebreaking homer off Peter Moylan with two outs in the ninth inning, and the Washington Nationals beat the Atlanta Braves 3-2 Sunday night in the first regular-season game at the $611 million stadium.
With the dome of the U.S. Capitol lit up against the black night sky beyond left field, and the Washington Monument visible from patches of the upper deck, Zimmerman raised his right fist as he rounded first base. Teammates spilled out of the dugout—it’s along the first-base line now, not the third-base line, like at old RFK Stadium—and greeted the face of the franchise at home plate for celebratory pounds on the back.
Nick Johnson delivered an RBI double in his first at-bat in more than 18 months, Odalis Perez matched Tim Hudson, and Jon Rauch (1-0) earned the victory after blowing a save in the top of the ninth.
All in all, it sent the paid crowd of 39,389 heading away with even more to smile about than the gleaming white-stone-and-glass ballpark.
With President Bush on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, the Nationals had their first victory in a season opener in four tries since moving to the nation’s capital from Montreal.
WASHINGTON (AP)—Nationals Park had quite an opening.
Ryan Zimmerman hit a tiebreaking homer off Peter Moylan with two outs in the ninth inning, and the Washington Nationals beat the Atlanta Braves 3-2 Sunday night in the first regular-season game at the $611 million stadium.
With the dome of the U.S. Capitol lit up against the black night sky beyond left field, and the Washington Monument visible from patches of the upper deck, Zimmerman raised his right fist as he rounded first base. Teammates spilled out of the dugout—it’s along the first-base line now, not the third-base line, like at old RFK Stadium—and greeted the face of the franchise at home plate for celebratory pounds on the back.
Nick Johnson delivered an RBI double in his first at-bat in more than 18 months, Odalis Perez matched Tim Hudson, and Jon Rauch (1-0) earned the victory after blowing a save in the top of the ninth.
All in all, it sent the paid crowd of 39,389 heading away with even more to smile about than the gleaming white-stone-and-glass ballpark.
With President Bush on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, the Nationals had their first victory in a season opener in four tries since moving to the nation’s capital from Montreal.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Gossage elected to Hall of Fame
NEW YORK (Ticker) - Rich Gossage's long wait is over.
Gossage, who helped pioneer the role of the modern closer in the 1970s, was the only player elected Tuesday to baseball's Hall of Fame.
Gossage received nearly 86 percent of the vote from the Baseball Writers' Association - easily surpassing the needed 75 percent for enshrinement - in his ninth year on the ballot.
Nicknamed the "Goose", Gossage recorded 310 saves during a 22-year career from 1972-1994 and was a member of the New York Yankees' 1978 World Series-winning team.
"(He) was one of the greatest relievers in history," said Hall of Fame president Dale Petrovsky.
Gossage becomes the fourth closer to be enshrined in Cooperstown, joining Rollie Fingers, Dennis Eckersley and Bruce Sutter, who was inducted in 2006.
In recent years, Gossage expressed anger over his exclusion but his hopes were raised last year, when he fell only 21 votes shy of election with 71.2 percent.
Chuck Tanner, who managed Gossage for the White Sox from 1972-75 and again in Pittsburgh in 1977 wholly endorsed his election.
Ranking Gossage above Rollie Fingers and Bruce Sutter, two other Hall of Famers he managed, Tanner paid tribute to Gossage's presence on the mound.
"He was always in such command, he could throw 100 miles per hour and he had that intimidating look with the Fu Manchu moustache," Tanner said. "He looked like John Wayne coming out of the corral.
"And the thing about Goose was he never had an easy save. It wasn't uncommon for him to throw two of three innings at a time to get a save. He should have been chosen the first year he was eligible. In my opinion there shouldn't be a Hall of Fame if Goose is not in it."
Former Boston Red Sox slugger Jim Rice again fell short in his 14th year on the ballot, receiving 72.9 percent of the vote and missing by just 14 votes.
Next year will be Rice's final year of eligibility on the writer's ballot. He did improve, however, on last year's total of 63.5 percent.
"Today's results are obviously a disappointment," Rice said. "I believe my accomplishments speak for themselves, and a majority of the voters seem to agree.
"It is tough to come this close, but I remain hopeful for the 2009 results. I appreciate all the kind words from so many players, including Rich Gossage, and I congratulate Goose on his well-deserved election today."
Also failing short Tuesday were outfielder Andre Dawson (65.9 percent) and pitcher Bert Blyleven (61.9 percent).
Mark McGwire, once considered a lock for the Hall of Fame after slugging 563 home runs in a 16-year career with Oakland and St. Louis, received another disappointing total in his second year on the ballot.
McGwire garnered just 23.6 percent of the vote, virtually the same total from last year (23.5).
McGwire, who is eighth on the all-time home run list, set a single-season record 70 in 1998, a mark since broken by Barry Bonds. But he was one of the first players linked to performance-enhancing drugs and many of the baseball writers have held that against him.
McGwire never has admitted to steroid use but also refused to "talk about the past" while appearing before a congressional committee investigating steroid use in baseball in 2005.
During the induction ceremony on July 27, Gossage will be joined by Dick Williams, his former manager with the San Diego Padres, who was inducted by the veteran's committee last month.
Gossage pitched in three World Series and made nine All-Star teams. He ranks only 17th on the all-time saves list and never had more than 33 in a single season.
However, he pitched in an era when saves weren't as common. Also, he often pitched two or even three innings in an appearance, unlike today's closers, who are used primarily in the ninth inning only.
During his prime, Gossage was one of the game's most intimidating pitchers with a fastball that approached 100 miles per hour.
"With a 95-mile-an-hour fastball and an intimidating presence on the mound, he revolutionized the closer's role," said Padres CEO Sandy Alderson in a statement.
"Goose was a vital part of San Diego's first National League pennant and we are happy he has now been recognized as one of baseball's greats."
Gossage pitched more than 100 innings in a season four times, something San Diego's Trevor Hoffman, the all-time saves leader with 524, never has done.
Gossage posted a career record of 124-107 with 1,502 strikeouts and 3.01 ERA.
Next year marks the first year of eligibility for Rickey Henderson, the all-time stolen base leader.
Gossage, who helped pioneer the role of the modern closer in the 1970s, was the only player elected Tuesday to baseball's Hall of Fame.
Gossage received nearly 86 percent of the vote from the Baseball Writers' Association - easily surpassing the needed 75 percent for enshrinement - in his ninth year on the ballot.
Nicknamed the "Goose", Gossage recorded 310 saves during a 22-year career from 1972-1994 and was a member of the New York Yankees' 1978 World Series-winning team.
"(He) was one of the greatest relievers in history," said Hall of Fame president Dale Petrovsky.
Gossage becomes the fourth closer to be enshrined in Cooperstown, joining Rollie Fingers, Dennis Eckersley and Bruce Sutter, who was inducted in 2006.
In recent years, Gossage expressed anger over his exclusion but his hopes were raised last year, when he fell only 21 votes shy of election with 71.2 percent.
Chuck Tanner, who managed Gossage for the White Sox from 1972-75 and again in Pittsburgh in 1977 wholly endorsed his election.
Ranking Gossage above Rollie Fingers and Bruce Sutter, two other Hall of Famers he managed, Tanner paid tribute to Gossage's presence on the mound.
"He was always in such command, he could throw 100 miles per hour and he had that intimidating look with the Fu Manchu moustache," Tanner said. "He looked like John Wayne coming out of the corral.
"And the thing about Goose was he never had an easy save. It wasn't uncommon for him to throw two of three innings at a time to get a save. He should have been chosen the first year he was eligible. In my opinion there shouldn't be a Hall of Fame if Goose is not in it."
Former Boston Red Sox slugger Jim Rice again fell short in his 14th year on the ballot, receiving 72.9 percent of the vote and missing by just 14 votes.
Next year will be Rice's final year of eligibility on the writer's ballot. He did improve, however, on last year's total of 63.5 percent.
"Today's results are obviously a disappointment," Rice said. "I believe my accomplishments speak for themselves, and a majority of the voters seem to agree.
"It is tough to come this close, but I remain hopeful for the 2009 results. I appreciate all the kind words from so many players, including Rich Gossage, and I congratulate Goose on his well-deserved election today."
Also failing short Tuesday were outfielder Andre Dawson (65.9 percent) and pitcher Bert Blyleven (61.9 percent).
Mark McGwire, once considered a lock for the Hall of Fame after slugging 563 home runs in a 16-year career with Oakland and St. Louis, received another disappointing total in his second year on the ballot.
McGwire garnered just 23.6 percent of the vote, virtually the same total from last year (23.5).
McGwire, who is eighth on the all-time home run list, set a single-season record 70 in 1998, a mark since broken by Barry Bonds. But he was one of the first players linked to performance-enhancing drugs and many of the baseball writers have held that against him.
McGwire never has admitted to steroid use but also refused to "talk about the past" while appearing before a congressional committee investigating steroid use in baseball in 2005.
During the induction ceremony on July 27, Gossage will be joined by Dick Williams, his former manager with the San Diego Padres, who was inducted by the veteran's committee last month.
Gossage pitched in three World Series and made nine All-Star teams. He ranks only 17th on the all-time saves list and never had more than 33 in a single season.
However, he pitched in an era when saves weren't as common. Also, he often pitched two or even three innings in an appearance, unlike today's closers, who are used primarily in the ninth inning only.
During his prime, Gossage was one of the game's most intimidating pitchers with a fastball that approached 100 miles per hour.
"With a 95-mile-an-hour fastball and an intimidating presence on the mound, he revolutionized the closer's role," said Padres CEO Sandy Alderson in a statement.
"Goose was a vital part of San Diego's first National League pennant and we are happy he has now been recognized as one of baseball's greats."
Gossage pitched more than 100 innings in a season four times, something San Diego's Trevor Hoffman, the all-time saves leader with 524, never has done.
Gossage posted a career record of 124-107 with 1,502 strikeouts and 3.01 ERA.
Next year marks the first year of eligibility for Rickey Henderson, the all-time stolen base leader.
