My Experience from Cardinals Spring Training

By David
Kaye

2007 is the first year that I can say I attended spring training for a World Series Champion. The St.Louis Cardinals are the team, and on Saturday I made my way over to the Cardinals side of Roger Dean Stadium after meeting a plethora of Marlins players.

Unfortunately, it was noon time and practice was winding down. I figured that it would be to late to take the trolley over and I might as well stand by the teams parking lot in the hopes of acquiring a few autographs.

I stood there patiently with 5-6 other fans who were awaiting the arrival of the players. 12:15, 12:30 and 12:45 ticked by without any Redbird leaving the parking lot. Finally, Albert Pujols approached us in his Cadillac, but instead of stopping he quickly drove away.

It wasn't a surprise that baseball's best player didn't stop because he has gained the reputation from many autograph seekers to be selfish and to ignore fans. The one thing that ticked me off the most was that there was four, yes four measly fans standing there waiting for his autograph. It might have taken him a minute at the most to roll down his window and sign four baseballs. That impression of Pujols will stay with me until I see his behavior reform.

Luckily, the majority of players stopped for the fans. The first person to sign was outfielder Skip Schumaker and following him were Yadier Molina, Anthony Reyes, Josh Kinney, Josh Hancock, Ricardo Rincon, Adam Wainwright, Chris Carpenter, Eli Marrero and pitching coach Dave Duncan.

Unfortunately, Dave's son Chris sped away in his Cadillac, and following him in that process were Aaron Miles and Mark Mulder. Manager Tony La Russa was busy and did not sign, but he has gained the reputation for being a very nice person.

Many of the Cards players including Josh Hancock, Josh Kinney, Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter were especially nice. Carpenter receives the award for nicest Cardinal, but Wainwright is not far behind.

He came off as being a very kind young man and a player who will go the extra mile to do something nice for a fan. Carpenter, the ace of the Cardinals staff, was one of the last people to leave, but not only did he sign my baseball, he took a picture with me.

I was very surprised that the best pitcher in the National League could be so approachable and it seemed like he was just another player on the team. I hope that his teammate Albert Pujols could learn a few lessons from him in the hospitable category.

I can't wait to attend Cardinals spring training later this week as the rest of the position players will be there.

My Experience from Marlins Spring Training

By David
Kaye


I returned from Jupiter, Florida two hours ago and while ArtiGras was taking place just a few blocks away, I was attending Cardinals and Marlins Spring Training at Roger Dean Stadium.

I arrived at approximately 10:30 A.M. to see many Marlins Pitchers begin to file in. Today was the day for pitchers and catchers to report, but many players including Dontrelle Willis have been at the complex for a few days.

I had attended Cardinals Spring Training last season but never have I had the opportunity to check out the Fish. Temperatures might have been in the low 50's, but the sun was beaming down and I was ready to snag a few autographs.

To my surprise, I received a plethora of signatures and through this experience I began to learn how amiable many of the players are. The first person to sign was starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez, but that was followed by Josh Johnson, Mike Jacobs, Dan Uggla, Miguel Olivo, Dontrelle Willis, Renyel Pinto, Reggie Abercrombie, Eric Reed, Joe Borchard, Josh Willingham and manager Fredi Gonzalez all coming over graciously to sign for the 10-15 fans who were stationed with me.

The ace of the pitching staff Dontrelle Willis greatly shocked me because he stood there for a good 15-20 minutes signing for any fan who wanted to meet him. You would think when you're such a high profile pitcher you wouldn't be so nice, but that wasn't the case with Willis. He receives the award for nicest Marlin.

It was a fantastic experience from Marlins camp and I look forward to going back later in the week to meet more players.

My Experience from Baltimore Orioles Spring Training

By David
Kaye

As I took Tri-Rail[South Florida's train system] down to Ft.Lauderdale yesterday I was filled with anticipation. This would be my first visit to O's camp and even though only pitchers and catchers were there I knew it would be a terrific experience.

Unfortunately, it was a gloomy day with highs only in the mid 50's and off and on showers. As I entered Ft.Lauderdale Stadium I was greeted by a kind elderly man who handed me a team roster, pocket schedule and pamphlet about ticket information.

The stadium was pretty empty with about 20-30 fans watching the team work out. Starting pitchers Daniel Cabrera and Adam Loewen got their work in and then it was time for several relief pitchers including closer Chris Ray to work out. After they were done pitching, the players grabbed bats and worked on bunting.

At O's camp, the fans are very close to the players and this permits for easy access to receive autographs. Chris Ray, Ramon Hernandez and Paul Bako were nice enough to come over, but it would be later in the day when I acquired the bulk of my autographs.

I discovered that the key to snagging autographs is to wait patiently by the players parking lot, and as they exit the majority of them will role down their windows to sign for the fans. I happened to be one of 7-8 eager fans who were standing and waiting for the players to come out.

In the 60-90 minutes that I was out there, I was able to receive the signatures of John Parrish, Jamie Walker, Daniel Cabrera, Erik Bedard, Ramon Hernandez[for the second time], first base coach Sam Mejias, third base coach Juan Samuel, manager Sam Perlozzo and pitching coach Leo Mazzone.

Unfortunately, the only players who were outright rude were relievers Danys Baez and Chad Bradford who sped away without stopping to sign a few baseballs. I was also able to see pitcher Steve Trachsel step onto the field for the first time as a Baltimore Oriole.

The majority of the players were very nice, but Paul Bako receives the award for nicest Oriole because he stood there signing autographs for a good 10 minutes.

I look forward to going back to O's camp next week when the entire roster will be present.

MLB Commissioner "Bud" Selig's Speech At Fox Sports Baseball Lunch - Part One and Part Two

This is a video I develped and edited after attending this event. It's divded into two parts of the full speech of MLB Commissioner Alan H. "Bud" Selig, before the San Francisco Bay Area media at the Fox Sports Net Bay Area Annual Baseball Season Kickoff Luncheon on Thursday, February 8th, 2007.

The Commissioner gave a wide ranging talk starting on the success of major league baseball in attendance, and reporting that baseball has 22 new stadiums, but is interested in seeing teams like the Oakland A's get new facilities, soon.

I recommend turning the sound way up, because The Commissioner has the habit of turning his head away from the mic as he talks, thus making it hard to understand what he's saying at first listen.

In Part 2, we hear the Commissioner explain that in 10 years, we will not recognize baseball because it would have spread internationally. He points with pride to the success of the World Baseball Classic as a picture of the sport's future, even though he was initially nervous that it would not do well.

Then the Commissioner revisits the steroids subject, assuring that the game is just fine and that Barry Bonds will be treated just like any other record-breaking player, should he shatter the home run record.

Finally, the second video also covers most of the question-and-answer session that followed, feauring a very long question asked by KNBR radio's Ralph Barberi and notable because his agression in asking the question and his follow-up questions which pissed off a number of patrons. (I'm sorry, but there's no other way to put it.)

Ralph's concern was if baseball would let a player into the Hall of Fame that had tested positive for steroids, or was believed to have used them. But the question came as more of a long speech, followed by two other questions he asked without the aid of a mic. The Comissioner's eventual response was that who gets in to the Hall of Fame was the decision of the Baseball Writers Asssociation and not him.

The video contains some titles to help you understand what the Commissioner is saying. Use this video set as a guide to determine the consistency of his answers as the baseball season wears on.

Here's Part One:



Part Two:

Report: Time Warner sells Braves- MLB.com

MLB must approve purchase by Liberty Media Corp.
By Mark Bowman / MLB.com

ATLANTA -- After a year of negotiations, it appears Liberty Media Corp. has agreed to terms on a deal to purchase the Braves from Time Warner Inc.

By Monday night, The Wall Street Journal and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution had both reported that they received confirmation of the deal.

When first reporting the transaction, The Wall Street Journal indicated that Time Warner would transfer the Braves, a selection of craft magazines and $1 billion in cash to Liberty Media in exchange for 60 million shares of Time Warner stock.

Major League Baseball must approve the transaction before it can become official.

"This is a very complicated deal that will take baseball some time to review and consider," Braves chairman and team president Terry McGuirk said in an interview Monday night with the Journal-Constitution. "Until we hear back from baseball, there is nothing further to do."

As negotiations went on for nearly an entire year, some got the feeling that the transaction wouldn't be completed. But in mid-January, one top Braves official indicated that a deal was imminent.

Because of a new federal tax law, Liberty Media wants to complete the deal by the middle of May. According to a Braves source, not doing so could cost Liberty hundreds of millions of dollars.

Bob DuPuy, MLB's president and chief operating officer, said on Tuesday that the deal hasn't even gone to the ownership committee yet, which must vet and approve the transaction before it is submitted for a final vote of the collective owners. The next quarterly owners meeting isn't until May.

"This is just the first step," DuPuy said.

According to the Journal-Constitution report, inclusion of an operating asset -- the Braves -- in the deal can make the transaction tax-free. This would allow Liberty to save hundreds of millions of dollars in capital gains tax on the appreciation of its Time Warner stock.

McGuirk and other Braves officials have indicated that this purchase won't cause major changes in the management structure.

"My enthusiasm for this deal is the transparent way in which it will affect current Braves management," McGuirk told the Journal-Constitution. "The expectation is that the entire structure of management will stay in place. [General manager] John Schuerholz and [manager] Bobby Cox and everyone else who operates the Atlanta Braves will operate no differently, and that'll be the magic in this deal."

Several sources have indicated that Major League Baseball won't approve the deal unless there is assurance that McGuirk will continue to run the club in the same capacity. According to The Wall Street Journal report, Liberty Media's decision to transfer 60 million shares would drop their stake in Time Warner from 4 percent to approximately 2.6 percent.

Time Warner announced its intentions to sell the Braves in December 2005. Within two months, it became apparent that Liberty Media had definite interest in obtaining ownership.

Mark Bowman is a reporter for MLB.com. MLB.com national reporter Barry M. Bloom contributed to this story. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Crushing blow to the Orioles: Kris Benson out indefinitely with torn rotator cuff

By David
Kaye

Just when you though Baltimore had enough pitching problems they suffered an immense blow to their starting rotation. It was reported today by FoxSports.com and the Associated Press that righty Kris Benson is expected to miss the entire season with a torn rotator cuff.

Benson suffered from tendinitis in his pitching elbow last season, but he still managed to go 11-12 with a 4.82 E.R.A. Benson has been in the league for seven years and has spent time with the Pirates, Mets and Orioles. There was a tremendous amount of expectations for him this year as he was supposed to be an intricate part of the O's rotation.

Now Baltimore will have to count on left-hander Erik Bedard to lead the staff. Bedard, 27, had a strong 2006 campaign as he went 15-11 with a 3.76 E.R.A. The Orioles will most likely look to 22-year old Hayden Penn to fill the spot of Benson. Luckily for the O's, they have one of the best pitching coaches all-time in Leo Mazzone to help them out.

I look forward to going to Orioles spring training next week in Ft.Lauderdale and seeing players such as Miguel Tejada, Melvin Mora and Ramon Hernandez.

The end of an era in the Bronx

By David
Kaye

Bernie Williams, a staple in the Yankees lineup since 1991, will not be headed to Spring Training this season with New York. As a result of a congested outfield, there is no room on the Yankees roster for the 16-year veteran.

The best that New York could offer him was a non-guaranteed Minor League contract, but Bernie was not enticed by the proposal. Williams has only played for the Yankees during his illustrious big league career, but it seems that he will be moving onto another organization.

The five time all-star told reporters ''I think if they wanted me, they probably would have signed me already.'' That estimation is probably true, but it's still difficult to imagine Bernie not wearing pinstripes.

Last season there was speculation that he might not sign with the Yankees, but he made the team and produced exceptionally well. In 131 games, he batted .281 with 12 home runs and 61 RBI's. The leadership that he brought to the clubhouse will be greatly missed. Bernie was the type of player who was popular with the fans, did not cause trouble and went out and performed every night. He was the quintessential teammate to have. Now, another team will greatly benefit from his services.

Even if he struggled during the regular season, it was a guaranteed fact that he would come through in the playoffs. Williams will leave the Yankees as ''baseball's all-time leader in postseason home runs [22] and RBI [80].''

Bernie also ranks very high on the Yankees all-time leaders list. He is fifth in games played, third in at bats, fifth in runs, fourth in hits, second in doubles, sixth in home runs and sixth in RBI.

Bauer passes away at 84- MLB.com

Former Yankee was part of seven World Series title winners
By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com

NEW YORK -- Hank Bauer, a key component of seven New York Yankees World Series championship clubs, died Friday after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 84.

Bauer played 14 seasons in the Major Leagues from 1948-61, his first 12 with the Yankees. A three-time All-Star outfielder, he batted .277 with 164 home runs and 703 RBIs in 1,544 games, and helped the Yankees to nine American League pennants.

"Hank Bauer is an emblem of a generation that helped shape the landscape of our country," Yankees principal owner George Steinbrenner said in a statement.

"He was a natural leader and a teammate in every sense of the word, and his contributions went well beyond the baseball field. His service to the Yankees, his country, and his family shows why I have been so privileged to call him a friend."

A strong runner and fielder with a powerful arm, Bauer became an accomplished Major League manager after his playing career. He earned Manager of the Year honors at the helm of the Baltimore Orioles in 1964 and 1966, including one World Series title.

Bauer was traded to the Kansas City Athletics as part of a deal that brought Roger Maris to the
Yankees prior to the 1960 season. While Bauer's association with the club ended, his friendships with many Yankees teammates endured for decades.

"I am truly heartbroken," Yogi Berra said. "Hank was a wonderful teammate and friend for so long. Nobody was more dedicated and proud to be a Yankee, he gave you everything he had."

Bauer guided the Kansas City Athletics in 1962 and 1963, then moved on to spend five years with the Orioles before finishing his managerial career with Oakland in 1969. In eight seasons as a big-league manager, Bauer compiled a record of 594-534.

The youngest of nine children, Bauer was born to a blue-collar background in East St. Louis, Ill., and went on to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps. Battling malaria in the South Pacific, Bauer earned 11 campaign ribbons, two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts in 32 months of combat.

His gruff military background translated to his playing career, which delivered him to the Yankees for a 1948 debut.

As a tough presence in the clubhouse, Bauer is said to have chastised a young Mickey Mantle for not running out a ground ball, yelling, "Don't fool with my money" -- a reference to the regularity with which Bauer cashed Yankees World Series checks.

Indeed, many of Bauer's most memorable moments with the Yankees came in October. Bauer contributed a game-saving catch to rob the Giants' Sal Yvars in the 1951 Fall Classic, and set a World Series record with a 17-game hitting streak from 1956-58.

"Maybe I bore down a lot more in the Series," Bauer told the Kansas City Star. "I had my luck. I had my good days and bad ones. I played for the right organization."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Bronson Arroyo receives a two-year contract extension from the Reds

By David
Kaye

After an impressive 2006 campaign, Bronson Arroyo was given a two-year contract extension, worth $25 million. He will remain a Red through the 2010 season and there is a team option for the following year.

After being acquired via a trade with Boston, the 29-year old right-hander had the best year of his career. He went 14-11 last season with a 3.29 E.R.A. Arroyo also lead the league with 240.2 innings pitched.

Arroyo's contract extension comes two days after teammate Aaron Harang signed a four-year deal with the team. Arroyo and Harang create a formidable one-two duo that will be able to compete with just about any teams offense. By locking up both players through at least the 2010 season, owner Bob Castellini is telling Cincinnati fans that he is committed to winning.

The Yankees surpass 3M ticket sales mark- MLB.com

The Yankees continue to prove why they are the elite franchise in MLB. Ticket prices might be extremely expensive, but the aggregate demand for tickets increases every season.

Club one month ahead of sales schedule from a year ago
By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com

NEW YORK -- Games at Yankee Stadium are in greater demand than ever, as the organization has already surpassed the three-million-tickets-sold mark for the 2007 season.

Club chief operating officer Lonn Trost said Friday that the Yankees shattered their previous record for reaching the three-million milestone, set last March 2.

"It's kind of amazing," Trost said. "We're a month ahead of last year. Hopefully, the fans like the product we're putting on the field, and the fun they have coming here.

"It's a great place to watch a game. There are 162 games left, and you've got to be here to see it before we move into an even greater stadium."

A variety of ticket plans and options in all price ranges are available, including purchasing online at yankees.com.

Of the three million tickets sold, Trost noted that the Yankees have already sold in excess of 33,100 season tickets. In 2006, the Yankees completed the season with 33,682 season-ticket holders.

"We're really doing well, but we still have loads of great tickets to sell," Trost said.

While nearly every game at Yankee Stadium has already sold more than 30,000 seats, Trost said even premier games against the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets are still available to fans who want to experience the next-to-last season at the current facility.

Fans who arrive in the Bronx for the Yankees' home opener on April 2 against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays will also be able to check out the progress on the new facility, being constructed just to the north of the Yankees' current home between 161st and 164th streets, and between Jerome and River avenues.

Trost reported that concrete is being poured at the new stadium site, and in some locations, workers are already up to the second deck in poured concrete. Within 60 days, the structural steel phase of the project is expected to begin, and progress is on schedule.

"Anybody who comes to the stadium starting Opening Day will see an unbelievable sight when they see how much has been built already of the new stadium," Trost said.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Kerans, Washington avoid arbitration and agree to a new long-term contract

By David
Kaye

The Nationals and OF Austin Kearns agreed on a three-year contract extension, worth $16.5 million. There is a club option for the 2010 season that would pay the 26-year old $10 million.

Kearns was acquired via a trade back in July with the Reds and in 63 games with the Nats he batted .250 and belted 8 home runs. In 4.5 seasons in Cincinnati, Kearns never lived up to their high expectations. He is a player with a good amount of power, but he has yet to hit more than 24 home runs or drive in 86 rbi's in a full season. Maybe he needed a change of scenario, but wherever he goes there will always be a great amount of pressure put on his shoulders to perform.

Team president Stan Kasten said ''we are eager to invest in long-term building blocks'' and Kearns will definitely be part of the long-term project that Washington has in mind. When you look at the Nationals roster, they have a plethora of young players.

Their infield consists of the reigning NL Rookie of the year Ryan Zimmerman, shortstop Cristian Guzman who has not played in the big leagues since 2005, second basemen Felipe Lopez who came over from the Reds with Kearns and first basemen Nick Johnson who in my estimation is turning into one of the best first basemen in the NL. Catcher Brian Schneider won't scare you offensively, but he calls a good game from behind the plate.

The real conflict for the Nationals is their starting pitching. This will be the major reason why the Nats don't reach the playoffs this season. Their ace John Patterson is a solid young pitcher, but he only played in eight games last season. Fourth and fifth starters Michael O'Connor and Shawn Hill combined to pitch in 27 games last season. Both men combined only won four games.

Jerome Williams and Tim Redding, who can be called the veterans of the staff because they have 11 years of big league service between them, are not that impressive either. Redding didn't pitch last year and Williams did not muster up a win last season. Redding has also not won a game since 2004 when he pitched for the Astros.

It's a serious problem to have such a shaky starting rotation when you are hoping to compete in the NL East. It's unfortunate because they have one of the best closers in baseball in Chad Cordero. It will be another long season for the Washington Nationals, but many young players will gain valuable playing experience.

Bonds signing appears imminent-MLB.com

At 42, it remains to be seen how productive Barry Bonds will be this year. Barry should have no problem breaking Hank Aaron's illustrious home run record later this season, but it will be interesting to see if he can lead his Giants back into the playoffs.

Outfielder in San Francisco on Monday for physical
By Barry Bloom / MLB.com

NEW YORK -- Nearly two months after the San Francisco Giants agreed in principle to re-sign left fielder Barry Bonds for the 2007 season, complicated language in the contract has apparently been completed.

"We're getting closer," said Jeff Borris, Bonds' agent, without getting into details.

Pending passing of a requisite physical, the official signing of the one-year, $16 million deal, which would return Bonds to the Giants for a 15th season, is expected to be announced within days.

A Giants spokesman declined to comment, saying only that the announcement of the signing was not expected on Monday. But it is now evident that, barring any physical problems, familiar No. 25 will be back in the cleanup spot this season as Bonds continues his pursuit of Hank Aaron's Major League all-time home run record.

Borris said that Bonds is in good physical condition.

According to The Associated Press, Bonds was in San Francisco on Monday to take that physical. He had surgery to remove bone chips from his left elbow at the conclusion of the 2006 season and is fully recovered from the trio of arthroscopic surgeries on his right knee that shortened his 2005 season to 14 games.

Bonds earned $18 million in 2006, the last of a five-year, $90 million contract.

Bonds goes into 2007 with 734 homers, 21 behind Aaron's magic 755. Bonds hit his 715th to pass Babe Ruth for second place on the all-time list on May 28 at AT&T Park against the Rockies.

The Giants, who have agreed to sign 10 free agents this offseason, had trouble closing the deals with all of them because of guarantee language in the contracts that their representatives found objectionable.

John Boggs, the agent for outfielder Dave Roberts, who agreed to move from San Diego, said recently that the language had been rescinded and that his client had moved forward to close his deal.

Unlike Bonds, the other nine free agents had signed term sheets, binding each player to the club. Bonds, instead, declined to sign a term sheet until all of the language was negotiated, although Borris said that all economic terms had been resolved on Dec. 7, the night Bonds agreed in principle to return to the club.

The unsigned term sheet became an issue when it was reported earlier this month that Bonds had failed an amphetamines test last season. But any failed test is handled under rules of the Basic Agreement and no Major League club can penalize a player above and beyond those rules.

For an initial failed amphetamines test, a player goes into a clinical tract and is subject to increased testing. A second failed test nets a 25-game penalty.

Barry M. Bloom is a national reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Red Sox, Drew finalize deal-MLB.com

Finally, the Red Sox will be able to officially announce J.D. Drew as their new right fielder later this afternoon. Drew will be a fine addition to an already potent Boston outfield.

Announcement to be made Friday on long-awaited signing
By Ian Browne / MLB.com

BOSTON -- It can now be said officially that J.D. Drew is the new right fielder for the Boston Red Sox. That has unofficially been the case since Dec. 5, when agent Scott Boras announced to a pack of reporters that his client had struck a five-year, $70 million deal with Boston.

Fifty-two days later, Drew finally put a signature on that agreement. The Red Sox will hold a conference call at 2 p.m. ET on Friday to announce Drew as their new No. 5 hitter.

The hold-up? After conducting a physical on Drew in the second week of December, the Red Sox had some concerns about the outfielder's right shoulder, which was operated on in September 2005.

For the past several weeks, Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein and Boras tried finding common ground on contract language that would give the team protection in the event Drew suffered a significant injury to his right shoulder. A resolution was finally reached on Thursday.

The Boston Globe reported that the Red Sox would be able to opt out of Drew's contract after three years if he has right shoulder woes in the third year of the deal. If Drew has a significant injury to the right shoulder in the fourth year of the deal, the Red Sox could void the fifth year.

Drew replaces long-time fan favorite Trot Nixon in right field.

"I think Drew is a great fit to complement our existing personnel," said Epstein in December. "If you look, last year and the last couple of years -- especially last year -- a couple of our weaknesses were a No. 5 hitter and outfield defense, generally, especially with a fly-ball staff, which we have. Drew, if we end up signing him officially, he addresses both of those areas of concern."

Drew, 31, is coming off a solid season. He helped the Dodgers to the postseason in 2006 by hitting .283 with 34 doubles, six triples, 20 homers and 100 RBIs.

A patient hitter -- which fits in perfectly with Boston's offensive philosophy -- Drew has a smooth opposite field stroke from the left side. That should help him at Fenway, with the Green Monster just 310 feet from home plate.

Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Games to watch in April of 2007

By David
Kaye

The 2007 MLB season commences on April 1st as the Mets travel to St.Louis in a rematch of last years NLCS. The Mets begin the season with an ambiguous starting rotation and the defending World Series Champs have already lost two starting pitchers due to free agency, but that number might reach three if Jeff Weaver decides to sign elsewhere.

Like many, I can't wait for another exciting Summer of baseball where I will have the distinguished honor of attending several Met & Yankee games. In all, there are 2, 430 games slated to be played between April 1st and September 30th.

The first day of baseball for many teams will be April 2nd and fans will have the opportunity to see many great games. The Phillies and Braves, Indians and White Sox and the Rangers and Angels will all resume their rivalries. On that same day sluggers Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Lee will both make their debuts for their respective teams.

Sports biggest rivalry will resume April 20-22 as the Yankees visit Fenway Park. With revenge on their minds, the Red Sox' will be eager to face their hated rival. Boston makes their first of three trips to Yankee Stadium the following weekend.

Mets, Randolph agree to new deal- MLB.com

Mets manager Willie Randolph will be rewarded today with a new three-year contract. Willie is a class guy both on and off the field, not to mention an elite manager. What he has done to remove the losing stigma from the Mets organization, and remind New Yorkers that there is another team besides the Yankees that actually plays in the Big Apple is remarkable.

Now, not only are the Mets talked about in the same breath as the Yankees, they are regarded as the better of the two teams.

Manager to get three-year contract with a club option for 2010
By Marty Noble / MLB.com

NEW YORK -- In the moments of exalt that followed the Mets' elimination of the Dodgers from the postseason in October, Willie Randolph spoke about how much he enjoyed watching his players celebrate.

"That's my reward," the Mets manager said in the middle of a crowded, loud and champagne-saturated visitors' clubhouse in Dodger Stadium. "Seeing them enjoy themselves the way I did when I won as a player."

A more tangible reward came his way late on Wednesday when his agent, Ron Shapiro, and the Mets agreed on a new contract for the 18th manager in franchise history. Randolph, who was to have earned $700,000 in 2007 and had no contract for beyond this season, agreed to a three-year deal that will pay him $1.4 million in '07, $1.8 million in '08 and $2.25 million in '09.

The contract also includes a club option for $2.5 million in 2010.

So ends a period of uneasy uncertainty that proved to be longer than anticipated and longer than it was confrontational. Whatever frustrations or disagreements that may have developed never manifested itself in any unbecoming way before Randolph achieved the security he sought, and the club assured itself of retaining the services of a manager who has directed a renaissance in his first two years.

An official announcement of the new contract is to be made on Thursday. The Mets may also announce that Randolph's revised staff of coaches -- Manny Acta having gone to manage the Nationals and Howard Johnson taking his place -- has been signed. Pitching coach Rick Peterson is believed to have agreed to a three-year deal.

The extension and restructuring of Randolph's contract came months after his team became the first Mets team in 18 years to win a National League East Division title. The Mets won 97 games -- they and the Yankees had the best records in the Majors in '06 -- after winning 83 in Randolph's first season.

Despite a series of injuries that undermined the team's starting rotation, the Mets finished 12 games ahead of the second-place Phillies and 18 ahead of the defending division champion Braves.

Moreover, he is generally credited with having changed the "culture in the clubhouse." Opposing managers routinely acknowledged that Randolph's teams play the game properly.

Until Randolph, no big-league manager ever had achieved improvement of at least 12 victories in each of his first two years on the job (strike-shortened seasons excluded). The last manager to achieve such improvement in successive seasons -- not necessarily his first two -- was Gil Hodges who, after managing the Senators, moved to manage the Mets in 1968. His first team won 12 more games than its predecessor. The 1969 Mets won 100, an improvement of 27 games, and the World Series.

Randolph's second team fell one victory short of the World Series. The new contract includes bonuses based on postseason achievements.

Marty Noble is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

MLB TV deal gets fuzzy reception- Yahoo! Sports

Columnist Dan Wetzel could not have done a better job in depicting the craziness that we call Major League Baseball. It's unfortunate that owners are so greedy that they need to continue alienating loyal baseball fans. In the long run, permitting 82% of people to watch out of market games is much better than permitting a mere 16%.

Sometimes I get tired of only watching the Yankees play, and want to tune into a Red Sox' or Dodgers game. This goes for many people, and especially fans who are forced to see the Royals or Pirates play every night. If these people are loyal fans they would gladly fork over the money to watch a competing club play every night. I can't wait for the day that owners wake up and realize what their doing is not only foolish, but down right dumb.

By Dan Wetzel, Yahoo! Sports
January 23, 2007

So here comes Major League Baseball in a quick, shortsighted money grab (again), selling out its core fans (again) and telling everyone (again) how the sport ought to be consumed.

Here comes MLB, as arrogant and detached as ever, ready to limit its popular "MLB Extra Innings" package by giving it exclusively to DirecTV rather than a large consortium of cable and satellite providers. And for what, an average of a million bucks per year, per team?

That's the price of fan loyalty these days? That's how much baseball owners value their best costumers? A bad middle reliever?

According to the New York Times, MLB is close to handing DirecTV the exclusive rights to Extra Innings – which allows fans to watch many out-of-market games – for $100 million per year over seven years. InDemand, which distributes the package currently, has upped its offer, but, according to the Washington Times, its deal will pay about $30 million less per year.

The difference averages out to $1 million per franchise, per year – or, in these days of overheated player spending, chicken scratch. Even if it was five times that, it wouldn't seem worth it to keep the product from so many fans.

According to industry figures, 75 million of America's estimated 92 million cable/satellite households (82 percent) have access to the Extra Innings package.

DirecTV reaches just 15 million households, or 16 percent of available consumers.

How MLB, which isn't talking about the proposed deal, could consider severely limiting the availability of its product a good idea at that pathetic price is stunning.

"It always seems to be a risky proposition when you're not only reaching fewer fans but raising their ire in the process," said David Carter, executive director of the University of Southern California's Sports Business Institute. "I've already seen reports that fans are not happy."

Why would they be? The current system – aside from MLB's maddening and nonsensical blackout policy – is the best one for fans. Extra Innings was available to almost everyone. You didn't need a dish, you didn't need to switch providers. You just paid and watched. Over 750,000 people loved it.

While some fans will undoubtedly make the change, it probably never dawned on baseball owners who live in gated mansions that not everyone can get DirecTV. Many apartment complexes and condominium developments prohibit satellite installation. Some lack the required clear view of the southern sky.

Other fans, especially the coveted younger demographic, may be in a transient stage and will not want to invest in a satellite system for a temporary place. Some simply favor their current television providers – such as Comcast in Philadelphia – which offer compelling original local sports programming. Others will balk at DirecTV, whose reception can be affected by weather and struggles to provide service for multiple television sets.

The reasons hardly matter. The question is: Why make it more difficult for customers to buy the product?

MLB would certainly like fans to sign up for streaming broadcasts of games through MLB.TV, but no one can, with a straight face, claim that watching a game on a computer is the same as on television.

"One thing we know about sports fans is they want to consume content on their own terms and not be arm-twisted into a way the league wants," Carter said.

Not that the owners cared about that. Or this. Or anything that has to do with you.

Extra Innings is more than just another entertainment option. For many, it's emotional. With downsizing and a fluctuating economy, Americans have increasingly been on the move, seeking jobs and lives throughout the country, often away from their childhood franchise.

Extra Innings gave many a taste of home each summer night. It offered, for example, the Mets fan who relocated to California the opportunity to follow his team – and his town – as if he still lived back in Queens. It provided a bond with old friends and family.

Baseball can do what it wants – ours is, after all, a capitalistic society – but this deal is a slap in the face to loyal fans, who the owners clearly believe will never abandon the sport.

About the only surprising thing here is the lack of surprise. This is consistent with how MLB runs its business, an anti-trust exempted monopoly of a product that is part of the fabric of America. It is a plaything and tax write-off for the rich and ridiculous.

The only hope to ditch the dish is intervention from Congress, which could strip MLB of its anti-trust exemption, which stems from a 1922 Supreme Court case that ruled baseball games were just "local affairs" and – get this – not "interstate commerce."

But considering how much money billionaire owners can sprinkle around to politicians, you could get better odds on the Kansas City Royals winning the World Series. Similar efforts against the NFL have died quickly.

Which is why baseball knows it never needs to reciprocate fan loyalty – you have no other choice.

"The challenge is how to maximize (revenue) without turning off your core audience," Carter said.

Not for baseball owners. There is no challenge. They've long ago proven they don't care about anything but fast cash.

The thing is, just because they own the teams, they shouldn't own the game.

Dan Wetzel is Yahoo! Sports' national columnist. Send Dan a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast.

Updated on Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 2:58 am EST

Yankees will host the 2008 All Star Game

By David
Kaye

Get ready Yankee fans because your team will be hosting the 2008 Midsummer Classic. This will be the first time since 1977 that Yankee Stadium hosted the game, but there is added significance because it will be the last year that the Bronx Bombers will play in the current Yankee Stadium.Their new stadium is set to open for the 2009 baseball season.

The ''House that Ruth Built'' has experienced 39 American League Pennants, 26 World Championships, and now their fourth All- Star Game.

This is exciting news for a city that loves Yankee baseball more than anything else, and continues to set attendance records every year. The cross town rival Mets should expect an All- Star Game to be played at their new stadium Citi Field within five years of its opening. Their stadium is also expected to open for the 2009 baseball season.

This is great news for a fantastic baseball town. It's hard pressed to find another city outside of St.Louis or Boston that is more loyal to their team. Speaking of St.Louis, the Cardinals will play host to the 2009 All-Star Game. The game will be played at the new Busch Stadium.

As a result of the 08' All-Star Game, the city of New York will be receiving an abundance of revenue from many different sources. This game is sure to spark the attention of die hard baseball fans from across the country who will cherish the idea of coming into the worlds' most famous city for a few days during the month of July. Let alone, the thousands of Yankee season ticket holders who will have first grabs at tickets for the game. Now, the thousands of consumers from outside of New York will not only spend their disposable income at Yankee Stadium, but they will also spend money on hotels,restaurants, the theater, and many other venues.

The 2008 All- Star Game will be a win-win situation for the Yankees and the city of New York.

The Twins add veteran leadership to their starting rotation

By David
Kaye

The Twins starting rotation includes three players who made their Major League debuts last season. In search of stability and leadership on their team, Minnesota inked right-hander Ramon Ortiz to a one-year deal worth an estimated $3.1 million. That's pretty impressive for a player who went 11-16 last season.

With only two starters in Johan Santana and Carlos Silva who had more than a years pitching experience, the Twins needed to go out and sign a veteran. Ortiz has been in the majors for eight years and during his career he has played for three teams. He won the World Series in 2002 with the Angels, and most recently played for the Reds and Nationals.

By no means is Ortiz an overbearing pitcher, but he will add some security to Ron Gardenhire's staff. During the past two season Ortiz has had an ERA of 5.36 and 5.57, and has surrendered a total of 65 home runs. To be successful, Ortiz needs to keep the ball down and find the confidence he had during his six seasons with the Angels. With the electrifying Johan Santana on his team, the 33 year old will quickly learn how to be an effective pitcher.

It appears that Glen Perkins who made his big league debut last September will be the odd man out in the Twinkies starting rotation. Right-hander Carlos Silva has been with Minnesota for the past three seasons, but struggled last season as he went 11-15 with an ERA of 5.94. Considering his experience, he should be given an extending period of time to prove himself, but if he's not effective Scott Baker, Sidney Ponson or even Glen Perkins could take his spot in the rotation.

Right-hander Boof Bonser is currently slated in as the second starter, and last season he displayed his talent as he went 7-6 with a 4.22 ERA in 18 games. More importantly, the St.Petersburg, Florida native had a walk to strikeout ratio of 3:1, and in his lone postseason start he went six innings and only gave up two runs.

As Twins pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training on February 18th, it will be interesting to see who secures the final spots in Minnesota's starting rotation.The Twins will have an up hill battle all season long as they try to defend their AL Central crown. The White Sox, Tigers, and Indians will all be close on their track.

Utley gets seven-year, $85M extension- MLB.com

The best second baseman in baseball proved that hard work does pay off. After a career season, Chase Utley inked a contract worth a whopping $85 million. Quietly, he and reigning NL MVP Ryan Howard are forming the best one-two offensive combination in all of baseball.

All-Star second baseman to remain with Phillies through 2013
By Ken Mandel / MLB.com

PHILADELPHIA -- Chase Utley exchanged marriage vows with his fiancée on Saturday afternoon in San Francisco.

A day later, the All-Star second baseman made a similar long-term commitment to the Phillies, agreeing to a seven-year, $85 million contract that will keep him in Philadelphia through the 2013 season. Though Utley will make less annually up front and more toward the end, this deal averages a little more than $12 million a season.

"We view Chase as not only a great second baseman but also one of the top 10-15 players in the game," assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said in a statement. "He's a hard-nosed, full-throttle player who exemplifies the spirit of Philadelphia. He is tailor-made for this city and we couldn't be happier to lock him up for years to come."

The contract eliminates the sometimes messy process of salary arbitration, when teams exchange figures and either agree on a number or have a salary determined by an independent arbitrator. Last week, Utley submitted a figure of $6.25 million, while the Phillies offered $4.5 million, the third-largest gap between player and team.

This pact covers Utley's three years of arbitration eligibility and delays his possible free agency for four years, keeping him in red pinstripes for a long time. In 2006, Utley emerged as Major League Baseball's premier offensive second baseman, clubbing 32 homers and driving in 102 runs, while scoring 131 times. He also fashioned a 35-game hitting streak, the longest streak of the season and second-longest streak in team history.

There is precedent for such an agreement. Entering his first year of arbitration eligibility in 2004, the Cardinals' Albert Pujols inked a seven-year, $100 million extension, also avoiding the arbitration process. That came a year after St. Louis gave the slugging first baseman a $900,000 pact, a then-record one-year deal for a third-year player.

National League Most Valuable Player Ryan Howard will likely read about Utley's contract with great interest, as he is eligible for arbitration after the 2007 season. If the Phillies don't signed Howard to a long-term deal this winter, he'll still likely break Pujols' $900,000 mark.

Ken Mandel is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

David Wells signs with San Diego

By David
Kaye

Boomer is headed back home to San Diego. He agreed to a one-year deal worth $3 million, but the contract could be worth up to $4 million when you add in incentives. Wells is now 43 years of age,and has been hampered by lingering back troubles throughout his 2o year career. He recently had knee surgery at the start of last season.

If Wells can stay healthy he will add to an already potent pitching staff that acquired veteran Greg Maddux in the off season. Combined, both players have 563 career wins. San Diego will need this veteran leadership if they are to win the tough NL West. Along with Jake Peavy, Chris Young and Clay Hensley, the Padres have an extremely formidable starting rotation. It also doesn't hurt to have the all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman closing out games for you.

General manager Kevin Towers recently said ''This guy[Wells], when he's healthy, is one of the best big-game pitchers in the history of the game.'' If Boomer can stay healthy, the Padres have a pretty good chance at reaching the World Series for the first time since 1998. Coincidentally, Wells was on the Yankees team that beat the Padres in the 98' World Series.