Full Names

Many professional baseball players don’t want their first name used when referring to them. Instead they go by a middle name or a short form like J.P. or A.J. or C.C. Some players even legally change their name. This name change is done for different reasons. A perfect example is Los Angeles Angels pitcher Ervin Santana’s real name is Johan Santana. Ervin changed to Ervin because of the New York Mets pitcher Johan Santana who was already playing in the MLB. He did this so commentators, fans and players would not get mixed up and confused. Many players named Michael or Matthew or Alexander, have the choice to go by Mike or Matt or Alex. I have made a list of the current MLB players who have a short-form name or have changed their name.

   Name                         Birth Name                                        Team        

   C.C. Sabathia        Carsten Charles Sabathia                  New York Yankees    

   J.P. Arencibia      Jonathan Paul Arencibia                   Toronto Blue Jays  

   C.J. Wilson           Christopher John Wilson                    Los Angeles Angels  

   J.J. Hardy               James Jerry Hardy                             Baltimore Orioles  

   J.P Howell              James Phillip Howell                           Tampa Bay Rays  

   A.J. Pierzynski           Anthony John Pierzynski              Chicago White Sox  

   P.J. Walters               Phillip DeWayne Walters                 Minnesota Twins  

   R.A. Dickey                Robert Allen Dickey                         New York Mets  

    J.D. Martinez             Julio Daniel Martinez                      Houston Astros  

   J.A. Happ                    James Anthony Happ                       Houston Astros  

   A.J. Burnett               Allan James Burnett                          Pittsburgh Pirates  

   J.J. Putz                     Joseph Jason Putz                 Arizona Diamondbacks  

   A.J. Pollock             Allen Lorenz Pollock                    Arizona Diamondbacks  

   A.J. Ellis                  Andrew James Ellis                       Los Angeles Dodgers  

         

                            

Top 10 MLB Closing Pitchers

Even though a closer has usually only one inning of work per game, they have just as much pressure on them as a starting pitcher, if not more! The closing pitcher is responsible to close out the game and secure the win for the team. If the closer blows the save, the loss will be blamed on them by fans and commentators. So these guys take a lot of heat. Here is my list of the top ten closing pitchers in the MLB today.

1. Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees. The 42-year-old veteran suffered a career threatening injury when he tore his ACL as he was  catching fly balls during batting practice in a game against Kansas City on May 3 2012. But while Rivera is still active, he takes number 1 on my list. The MLB saves leader with 608, should be everyone’s choice for top spot. Mariano has a career 2.21 ERA with 1119 strikeouts. Rivera has arguably the most feared cutter pitch in the MLB. Rivera has played for the Yankees his entire career since 1995. Since 1997, Rivera has only had less than 30 saves once. That was in 2002 when he had 28 saves in only 46 innings pitched. Hopefully Rivera will recover and play a couple more years and retire because the time is right not because of injury.

2. Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves. Craig was tied for NL lead in saves in 2011 with 46. Kimbrel is a sophomore in just his second year. At 23 years old, he is already one of the most feared closers in the MLB. Craig won the NL Rookie of the year award in 2011 and is proving it is not a mistake. He has a career ERA at 1.89 with 57 saves and 188 k’s. Kimbrel has a salary under $600k while most closers with that amount of saves per year are making millions. This 5’11″ 205 lbs. closer is ready for a stellar career with Atlanta.

3. Jonathan Papelbon, Philadelphia Phillies. The newly acquired closer is ready to take his leadership and saves from Boston to Philadelphia. The 31 Papelbon has 228 career saves and has a 2.35 ERA. Jonathan has 522 strikeouts in his 7 year career and a miniscule 1.02 WHIP. Although Papelbon averages 29 saves a year in the MLB and had good years in high school ball, he was drafted in the 4th round by the Red Sox in 2003. Papelbon been to 4 All Star Games and is the first and only pitcher to achieve 30+ saves in their first 5 years of MLB service. He has never had a season with less than 31 saves. The fans of the Phillies should be excited for Papelbon as he will take the Phillies to even more playoff appearances.

4. Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers. This cocky closer is very dedicated to the game of baseball. He is loud and into the game, and it  shows when he takes to the mound. Jose has 248 career saves to go along with 614 strikeouts. Valverde has been in the MLB for 9 years with Arizona, Houston and is now the closer for Detroit. Jose also has a respectful 3.07 ERA. Valverde has appeared in 3 All Star Games in 2007, 2010 and 2011. Jose has the 6th most saves out of active closers and still has at least 5 more years left in his career.

5. Brian Wilson, San Francisco Giants. Hide your children, this 30-year-old can scare anyone with his thick black beard and weird humour. Wilson has 171 career saves and 340 strikeouts in 315 games played. Brian is set to have Tommy John surgery in 2012 and will be out for the entire season. Wilson has 3 All Star Games, 1 World Series win and led the league in saves in 2010. The Giants relied heavily on Wilson to be a consistent closer and with him on the DL the Giants will need to find another strong closer to replace the 3 time All Star.

6. Joe Nathan, Texas Rangers. The 11 year veteran is playing for his third team, Texas. Nathan is 37 years of age and is 5th all-time in saves among active closers with 268. Joe has a great 2.87 ERA but only has 775 strikeouts. Nathan is more of a ground-ball-out kind of pitcher. Nathan has pitched in 3 All-Star Games and has been to the post-season 4 times with San Francisco one time and Minnesota 3 times. Joe Nathan holds the Minnesota Twins record for single-season save record (47) and Twins all-time saves leader (255). Nathan was drafted high up in the 6th round, but has proven to the Giants, Twins and now Rangers, that having Joe Nathan play ball for their club, is a smart choice.

7. John Axford, Milwaukee Brewers. This Canadian 29-year-old is exactly what the Brewers needed after their star closer Trevor Hoffman retired. Axford nicknamed “Ax”,  is only in his 4 season of the MLB. Axford has 77 career saves with a 2.53 ERA and 191 strikeouts. On July 27 2011, Axford accomplished his 26th consecutive save, breaking the Brewers former record of 25 held by Doug Jones. Then on May 4th 2012, (this season) Axford saved his 49th consecutive becoming the record holder of the most saves by an active pitcher, and this record is the 4th longest ever in MLB history. Ax was a co-winner of the Tip O’Neill Award for the best Canadian Baseball Player. Axford blew a save on May 11 2012 breaking his streak at 49. Axford is looking for another 40+ save season and can do it if he has the run support by Milwaukee who lost Prince Fielder. Axford has a 1.24 WHIP in his career that Axford will be able to dominate.

8. Heath Bell, Miami Marlins. Ring-a-ding-ding. The big 250 lbs. closer is ready to take the mound. Heath Bell only became a full-time closer in 2009 with San Diego. Ever since then, Bell has 135 saves. Bell signed with the Mets in 1998 as an undrafted free agent although he was drafted earlier in 1997 by Tampa Bay. Heath was then traded to San Diego before signing with Miami in 2011. Bell has 137 career saves with 502 strikeouts and a 3.20 ERA. Heath has been struggling in 2012 with an ERA over 10.00 as of May 13. But I think Bell can turn things around by September. Heath has appeared in 3 All Star Games in 09, 10 and 11. In the 2011 All Star Game when Bell was called on to pitch, he proceeded to dash out and slide into the mound providing a blast for the fans and players. Bell shows off the lighter side of baseball as well as putting his very best into every pitch.

9. J.J. Putz, Arizona Diamondbacks. Putz is 35 years old and in his 9th season in the bigs, but this 6’5″ 250 pounder is not done yet. J.J. had 45 saves in 2011 with the D’backs and has 157 saves in his career. Putz also has 53 holds showing that he was not a closer for his entire career or else he would have more than 157 saves. J.J. also has a 3.19 ERA with 494 strikeouts. J.J. was with Seattle for 6 years before going to the Mets for 1, the White Sox for 1 and is now in Arizona for his second year. Putz has 2.1 innings of post-season action and 1 All-Star appearance under his belt. J.J. Putz has a 1.15 WHIP in his career. Putz has struggled a bit in 2012 with a 9.00 ERA as of May 13. J.J. shared a dorm room with New England Patriots (NFL) quarterback Tom Brady while at the University of Michigan. Maybe that is why Putz has a good throw. Being around a quarter back and a pitcher has been positive influence for both guys.

10. Jonathan Broxton, Kansas City Royals. Broxton was not transferred into a closer until 2009 when he was with the LA Dodgers. Broxton had 19 saves before 2009 and has 72 since then. As of May 13 2012. Broxton has 91 total saves along with 510 strikeouts, a 3.14 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. Jonathan is big, at 6’4″ 300 lbs. but that doesn’t stop him. Broxton has appeared in 1 All-Star Game in 2010 but was injured for a good part of 2011 which cut into his stats. Broxton is 27 years old and turns 28 on June 16. Broxton has an overwhelming fastball and a great slider to fool many batters. Jonathan has 62 career holds and is hoping to lead the slumping  Kansas City Royals.

Honourable Mentions:       Brandon League, Seattle Mariners

                                                      Joel Hanrahan, Pittsburgh Pirates

                                                      Chris Perez, Cleveland Indians

                                                      Brad Lidge, Philadelphia Phillies

                                                      Sergio Santos, Toronto Blue Jays

                                                      Carlos Marmol, Chicago Cubs

Top 10 MLB Starting Pitchers

Being a professional pitcher is probably the toughest position to master. You have to know who you’re facing, study teams and players and have a good relationship with your organization. Although a starting pitcher only has to take to the mound once in a 5-6 day period, that one start is as hard as 5 consecutive days in a field position. I have put together my list of  top 10 starting pitchers in the MLB today. All stats are as of May 5.

1. Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies. Good old Roy Halladay gets my number 1 spot. Halladay is 34 years old and still going strong. Roy has 191 career wins and under 100 losses. Halladay has a career 3.24 ERA and has thrown 66 complete games. Halladay is the total package when it comes to pitching. He has played in 6 All Star games and threw a perfect game with Philadelphia. Although Roy doesn’t have much playoff experience, due to being in Toronto for 12 seasons, Halladay is playing great with Philly and is showing why he has my vote for #1.

2. Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers. Verlander has arguably the best control of his pitches in the MLB. Verlander has great velocity as well. Justin is leading his Detroit Tigers and is not stopping. Verlander had a career year in 2011 when he put together a 24-5 record and a 2.40 ERA. Verlander has a career 3.50 ERA and averages over 157 strikeouts a season. Verlander is only 29 and has a great career ahead of him in Detroit.

3. Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners. Felix, also known as king Felix, does not get as much recognition as other good pitchers because Felix has been on the lowly Mariners for his entire career. Hernandez makes the best out of it though. Seattle relies on Felix as their number one starter, and he delivers. Hernandez does not have an outstanding wins-loses record at 88-68 for his career, but that is due to the little run support by the Mariners. Hernandez can strikeout anyone. He has only been playing for 8 years and already has 1315 k’s, that is just over 164 strikeouts per season. Hernandez will make the best out of what offense he has and strikeout everyone, but I would like to see Felix on a stronger team to see how he does.

4. Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants. Yeah sure he is only 27 and doesn’t have as much experience as some others, but Timmy can really pitch. His fastballs have reached 100 mph at one point. “Tiny Tim” is only 5’11″ and 163 lbs. but Lincecum has a great 3.06 ERA in his career. Tim is 71-43 lifetime and has an incredible 193.3 strikeout average per season. Lincecum already has a World Series ring under his belt but also won the NL Cy Young award in 2008 and 2009. Lincecum is off to a bit of a slow start in 2012 but I believe he can turn it around especially with the capability Lincecum has.

5. C.C. Sabathia, New York Yankees. Sabathia has been in the majors for 12 seasons and still does not have 100 losses. It probably will come in 2012 because his total is at 96 losses but when he has 180 wins in his career you know this guy is good. C.C. has a 3.52 ERA and has thrown over 2000 strikeouts since 2001 when he made his MLB debut with Cleveland. Sabathia was then traded to Milwaukee before signing with New York in December of 2008. Sabathia is 31 years old and is still going strong.  C.C. is entering his 4th season as a Yankee and will probably be as dominant as he was in previous years when he won an AL Cy Young award in 2007 and made appearances in 5 All-Star games. He is most likely off to another ASG this year in 2012.

6. Jered Weaver, Los Angeles Angels. Weaver is standing tall at 6’7″ and uses every inch to get the batter out. Jered is still young at 29 and has a good record at 86-47. Weaver is a very dominant starter for the Angels. He will get some competition when C.J. Wilson comes in. But Weaver shouldn’t worry. He has been an Angel his entire career and has that leadership presence that Wilson doesn’t have yet. Weaver has a 3.24 ERA and fantastic 1.15 career WHIP. Weaver can get a little stressed out as he showed in an incident in August of 2011 against the Detroit Tigers but Weaver is capable of holding in his anger and showing that he is one of the most dominant pitchers in the MLB.

 

7. James Shields, Tampa Bay Rays. Shields is rather underrated in the MLB. Shields and David Price are leading a very young and strong Rays pitching rotation. Shields was not anything spectacular until around late 2010. He had an amazing 2011 when he went 16-12 with a tiny 2.82 ERA. James is also having a great 2012. He is off to a 5-0 start with 39 strikeouts. Shields has 1066 career k’s and a 3.93 career ERA. James and Price will battle for the position as the Rays number one guy. but if they keep battling strong, the Rays will be able to win the AL East.

8. Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers. I know Kershaw had a great 2011 going 21-5 and most of you probably would think he would be rated higher, but Clayton is still young at 24 and has a promising career ahead of him but doesn’t have the experience that other pitchers do. Kershaw has good numbers with a 2.86 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. But he hasn’t even won 50 games yet. This is one reason that he is not given a higher rating on my list. Clayton will continue to dominate in the National League and maybe in a few years you will see him in my top 5. Kershaw is very promising and the Dodgers have something to be excited about.

9. Jon Lester, Boston Red Sox. Lester has never lost more than 9 games in a season and has won 65 games over the past 4 seasons. Lester has taken the ace position from Josh Beckett due to injuries. Lester has proven it was not a mistake. Jon is only 28 and has a 3.57 ERA with 1.29 career WHIP. Lester has struggled in 2012 but will most likely regain his form and have another strong season and win around 15 games.

10. Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies. Hamels is one of those guys who seem like they have been around for  decades, but Hamels is only 28 and is in his 7th year of Major League Baseball. Cole has 78 wins in his career and has a reasonable 3.36 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP. Hamels also strikes out his share of batters. He has a total of 1135 k’s in his career. Hamels has only played with the Phillies in his career. He is on a one year contract currently and will hope to have success wherever he lands in free agency. Hamels was the 2008 World Series MVP and is hoping to continue a playoff streak as Cole has appeared in every playoffs since 2007.

Honorable Mentions:           Yu Darvish, Texas Rangers

                                                        Ricky Romero, Toronto Blue Jays

                                                        Josh Johnson, Miami Marlins

                                                        C.J. Wilson, Los Angeles Angels

                                                        Adam Wainwright, St. Louis Cardinals

                                                        Yovani Gallardo, Milwaukee Brewers

 

2012 Hot And Cold Starts

Just because a player has a slow start at the beginning of the season, doesn’t mean it will continue. The MLB year consists of 162 regular season games and the post-season. That is plenty of time to turn things around.But, players can also become a victim of a very hot start in April and then slump the rest of the season. One of the best examples was in 2006. Detroit Tigers first baseman Chris Shelton had a great April, hitting 10 home runs, 20 RBI and had a .326 average. Then in May he slumped hitting only .286 with just 1 homer. In June he hit just .205 and Shelton eventually finished the year with only 16 home runs, 47 RBI and a .273 average. That means Shelton hit only 6 home runs and 27 RBI in 5 months. I have out together a list of some of the hottest and coldest April’s.

                                                                                         Red = Hot       Blue = Cold

Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers. Off to a fantastic start, for Kemp and the Dodgers. Kemp has MLB lead in home runs with 12 and the Dodgers lead the NL with a 16-7 record after the first month. Kemp leads or is tied in just about every offensive category including: runs (23), hits (34), home runs (12), RBI (25) and average for players who have 25+ at bats with .417. Matt Kemp proved he could carry the Dodgers with last year’s performance, so I think Kemp will continue his hot bat and finish year batting over .300.

Derek Jeter, New York Yankees. Yes, the Nicklas Lidstrom of baseball. Proving that he can still play at this level even at 37. The Captain has had a great April. Jeter has 4 home runs so far in 2012, that is just 2 less than he had in all of 2011. Not only has Jeter hit for power, he has a .385 average and 37 hits which is tops in the American League. Jeter is playing like he is 25 offensively and defensively. Jeter only has 1 error and will continue to lead the Yankees. Derek probably will cool down but still have a good year.

Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers. You can always expect a strong year from Hamilton but he had a great April. Josh had 9 homers, 25 RBI and batted .395. That is a great average for a power hitter. Hamilton and the Rangers are currently have the best record in all of baseball going 16-5. The left-fielder has a massive .744 slugging percentage and leads the AL in total bases with 64. If all continues, Hamilton will definitely give Matt Kemp a run for his money for the MLB home run leader.

David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox. Big Papi has lost weight and suddenly has become not only a power hitter but an average guy as well. Ortiz has hit .405 so far and has added 6 home runs and 20 RBI. Ortiz probably the best DH in the game today, has been hitting the ball well in April. David is tied for 2nd in the AL in doubles and has a slugging percentage in the .600 area. Boston struggled in the first few games going 4-10 at one point. But they have turned around and have ended April with a 11-11 record. Ortiz will need to step it up with Jacoby Ellsbury on the DL if Boston wants to win in a tough AL East.

Andre Ethier, Los Angeles Dodgers. Although most of the Dodger spotlight has been on Matt Kemp, the right fielder Ethier has put together an all-star April. He hit 5 bombs and 24 RBI. Ethier and Kemp are tied for lead in RBI’s and have been the two most dominant NL hitters and they are on the same team. Ethier has an so-so average at .276. Andre has 12 extra base hits and 1 triple. With The whole Dodger squad playing like Ethier and Kemp, Los Angeles will have a deep playoff run in the National League.

Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels. Pujols was the biggest free agent in the off-season of 2011. But so far he isn’t showing it. Pujols has no home runs so far in the month of April. Yes, the monster who hit 42 homers in 2010 and 37 in 2011 can’t even muster up a home run. Pujols has a terrible average at .217 and has only 4 RBI. Pujols is on pace for 0 home runs and 29 RBI’s. Pujols is making an adjustment to the American League but Albert has not managed what was expected when the Angels signed him for 10 years at $240 million. Pujols must perform with his new team or this organization will be in for a long 10 years.

Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays. The two-time MLB home run champ in 2010 and 2011 has been struggling as of late. Bautista has only 3 home runs and 10 RBI. This was the year Toronto was supposed to make the playoffs, but with Bautista hitting only .181 in April, you have to figure the organization is worried. Jose had 43 home runs last year and was hitting for power and average but in 2012 he only has 15 hits, 12 runs and grounded into a double play 3 times. The Jays need more than Edwin Encarnacion to hit home runs if they want a playoff berth. Bautista needs to focus on what he does best. Hit home runs. 

Ervin Santana, Los Angeles Angels. The ace pitcher of the Angeles for the past few years has not been winning games. The Angels may not rely as much on Ervin due to them signing star pitcher C.J. Wilson but for Santana going 0-5 in April is terrible. L.A. made a big splash on the Free Agent market in 2011 but these big signings have not shown in the standings. the Angels are 7-15 in April and Ervin Santana is not helping. He has a 5.58 ERA and has given up 10 home runs and 35 hits. Santana has been awful and the Angels really need him to turn it around if they want to end 2012 with a record over .500.

J.J. Hardy, Baltimore Orioles. After smashing 30 homers in 2011, Hardy had high expectations going into 2012. One of the best offensive shortstops in the game, Hardy had the offensively struggling Orioles on his back. But instead of J.J., Adam Jones has stepped up in his place. Hardy has 3 home runs but is only batting .184. Hardy has just 16 hits and is playing bad in April. If the Orioles want to make the playoffs, they will need J.J. to play like he did in 2011 and get more than 6 RBI in a month, like he is doing now.

     

                        Josh Hamilton                                                                          J.J. Hardy

Polls

         

       

 

Stadium Capacities And Facts

Nothing is better for the players than playing on home turf… or should I say grass or Astroturf. Each and every MLB team has their own stadium. 23 of the 30 stadiums have an open roof. Tropicana Field, which is Tampa Bay’s home stadium, is the only ballpark completely indoors. The other 6 have retractable roofs which allow it to open and close in a short period of time. Those six parks belong to Toronto, Arizona, Seattle, Milwaukee, Houston and Miami. Here is a list of all 30 ballparks, in order of capacity and some facts to go with them.             Note: The “Capacity” equals total capacity.

Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles Dodgers.     Capacity- 57 099      Opened- 1962          Cheapest Ticket- $10.00

 

Turner Field, Atlanta Braves.                         Capacity- 54 357       Opened- 1996          Cheapest Ticket- $6.00

 

Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas Rangers.  Capacity- 52 419     Opened- 1994    Cheapest Ticket- $6.00

 

Rogers Centre, Toronto Blue Jays.            Capacity- 52 383       Opened- 1989            Cheapest Ticket- $11.00

 

Yankee Stadium, New York Yankees.       Capacity- 52 325       Opened- 2009           Cheapest Ticket- $12.00

 

Coors Field, Colorado Rockies                       Capacity- 51 267       Opened- 1995           Cheapest Ticket- $4.00

 

Chase Field, Arizona Diamondbacks           Capacity- 49 707      Opened- 1998           Cheapest Ticket-$8.00

 

Oakland County Coliseum, Oakland Athletics   Capacity- 48 219    Opened- 1966    Cheapest Ticket- $11.00

 

Safeco Field, Seattle Mariners                     Capacity- 48 052       Opened- 1999          Cheapest Ticket- $12.00

 

Busch Stadium, St. Louis Cardinals          Capacity- 47 399       Opened- 2006         Cheapest Ticket- $5.00

 

Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore Orioles  Capacity- 46 773   Opened- 1992  Cheapest Ticket- $9.00

 

Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia Phillies    Capacity- 46 575     Opened- 2004      Cheapest Ticket- $10.00

 

Miller Park, Milwaukee Brewers                   Capacity- 46 218          Opened- 2001       Cheapest Ticket- $9.00

 

PETCO Park, San Diego Padres                   Capacity- 45 496         Opened- 2004       Cheapest Ticket- $10.00

 

Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Los Angeles Angels  Capacity- 45 408  Opened- 1966  Cheapest Ticket $12.00

 

Progressive Field, Cleveland Indians       Capacity- 45 274        Opened- 1994       Cheapest Ticket- $9.00

 

Comerica Park, Detroit Tigers                     Capacity- 45 027        Opened- 2000      Cheapest Ticket- $5.00

 

Citi Field, New York Mets                               Capacity- 45 000       Opened- 2009      Cheapest Ticket- $9.00

 

Nationals Park, Washington Nationals     Capacity- 44 685        Opened- 2008      Cheapest Ticket- $5.00

 

Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati Reds   Capacity- 44 599   Opened- 2003   Cheapest Ticket- $5.00

 

AT&T Park, San Francisco Giants               Capacity- 44 046          Opened- 2000      Cheapest Ticket- $13.00

 

Minute Maid Park, Houston Astros         Capacity- 43 836          Opened- 2000      Cheapest Ticket- $5.00

 

Tropicana Field, Tampa Bay Rays            Capacity- 42 735          Opened- 1990        Cheapest Ticket- $9.00

 

Wrigley Field, Chicago Cubs                        Capacity- 42 374           Opened- 1914          Cheapest Ticket- $8.00

 

Target Field, Minnesota Twins                  Capacity- 42 035           Opened- 2010         Cheapest Ticket- $11.00

 

U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago White Sox   Capacity- 41 432            Opened- 1991         Cheapest Ticket- $7.00

 

Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City Royals   Capacity- 40 230    Opened- 1973       Cheapest Ticket- $10.00

 

PNC Park, Pittsburgh Pirates                   Capacity- 39 585           Opened- 2001        Cheapest Ticket- $6.00

 

Fenway Park, Boston Red Sox               Capacity- 37 493           Opened- 1912          Cheapest Ticket- $12.00

 

Marlins Park, Miami Marlins                 Capacity- 38 000         Opened- 2012        Cheapest Ticket- $10.00

 

      

      Dodger Stadium                            Turner Field                           Rangers Ball Park                   Rogers Centre

 

     

    Yankee Stadium                      Coors Field                                Chase Field                           Oakland Coliseum

 

     

       Safeco Field                             Busch Stadium                          Oriole Park                            Citizens Bank Park

 

     

      Miller Park                               PETCO Park                                  Angel Stadium                   Progressive Field

 

     

   Comerica Park                                    Citi Field                             Nationals Park                Great American Park

 

     

          AT&T Park                              Minute Maid Park                  Tropicana Field                             Wrigley Field

 

     

         Target Field                           U.S. Cellular Field                     Kauffman Stadium                  PNC Park

 

 

         Fenway Park                                Marlins Park

 

Name Game (Baseball Edition)

This is just like the NHL names that are also brands or companies but this time I have put it together MLB style. If you know any other names, please let me know.

Ryan Braun – Braun Electronics and Utilities                           

 

Kurt Suzuki – Suzuki Automobiles                                                

 

Ryan Dempster - Dempster’s Bread                                       

 

John McDonald - McDonald’s Restaurant             

 

Josh Beckett – Beckett Trading Cards                                

 

Brandon Allen – Allen’s Juice                                               

 

Luke Scott – Scott’s Fertilizer                                  

 

 Brandon Phillips – Philips Electronics                     

 

Jarrod Dyson - Dyson Vaccuum’s                                

 

Phil Coke - Coca Cola                                                                     

 

Glen Perkins - Perkins Restaurant                            

What Is Wrong With The 2012 NHL Playoffs?

The NHL playoffs are entertaining as always whether your watching for your fantasy pool picks or just watching  for pure enjoyment. But this year has something that no one likes: the dirty playing. There have been suspensions and fines already and no series is even done yet. It all started in the first game of the Nashville vs. Detroit series when Predators defenseman Shea Weber took Red Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg’s head and shoved it into the boards. Brendan Shanahan did not react like he should have. Weber only got a $2500 fine and no suspension. Wow, this guy will make $7 million this year. If Shannahan is trying to eliminate head shots, Weber, with all intent threw Zetterberg’s head into the glass. I know $2500 is the maximum fine for players but why Weber did not get a suspension puzzles me. Take a look for yourself, what would you give Weber?

 Then in the Rangers vs. Senators series Rangers rookie Carl Hagelin elbowed fellow countryman Daniel Alfreddson’s head into the boards. Alfredsson already was out for a bit of the year due to concussion symptoms when he was hit in a game against the New York Rangers. Who knows how long Alfie could be out for now. Hagelin went in with his elbow up with full intent on hitting Alfreddson high. Luckily Hagelin was given a 3 game suspension.

There have been many incidents that have not been dealt with at all or not properly. I think this incident should have gotten more. In the 1st period of the same game of the Alfredsson hit when the Rangers and Senators met, Senators d-man Matt Carkner tried to start a fight with Rangers forward Brian Boyle. Carkner just started throwing puches to Boyes’ head . Boyle did not fight back and dropped to the ice only to be on the bottom of a dog-pile. Boyle did not get any penalty, thankfully Carkner got a 17 minutes in penalties and a game misconduct while Rangers forward Brandon Dubinsky got a game misconduct for being the apparent “third man in” which is an automatic Misconduct. Boyle was not injured on the play which might have had an affect on the number of games Carkner was suspended for. Carkner only got 1 game for his punching.

Then on Saturday April 14 Chicago Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw swooped in on Phoenix Coyotes goalie Mike Smith and delivered a hit to Smith’s head. I think Smith might have over-exagerated the hit but that was not the problem. the problem was that Shaw made contact with Smith’s head. Shaw received a major penalty for charging and a game-misconduct. Shaw then was later handed a 3 game ban from Brendan Shanahan.

Now let’s get to the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia series. The has been dirty play from the goons and from the stars. Of all the players to be picking fights and being a jerk, Sidney Crosby is the one. Crosby missed months of action due to concussions. There were fights and brawls in all 3 games. The Penguins have been fighting, yapping and pulling hair! I guess this is what happens when the team  lets  in 20 goals in just 3 games against Philly. The main incident was Penguins forward Aaron Asham’s cross-check to the head of Flyers forward Brayden Schenn.  It came right after a scrum involving Schenn, then Asham came over and nailed Schenn in the neck/face area.

If Shanahan wants to eliminate head shots and he doesn’t even suspend someone for grabbing a players head and smashing it into the boards, well, you tell me what is suspendable anymore.

NHL Playoff Breakdown

The NHL playoffs will begin on Wed. April 11 2012 with most games being broadcasted on CBC, NBC, TSN, CNBC and NHL Network. Here is a look at the first round of the 2012 NHL playoffs.

                                                                                        Eastern Conference

 #1. New York Rangers         #2. Boston Bruins                   #3. Florida Panthers

  vs.                                                                  vs.                                                                vs.

 #8. Ottawa Senators             #7. Washington Capitals      #6. New Jersey Devils

#4. Pittsburgh Penguins

                     vs.     

#5. Philadelphia Flyers     

                                                                            Western Conference 

#1. Vancouver Canucks         #2. St. Louis Blues          #3. Pheonix Coyotes

 vs.                                                            vs.                                                                           vs.

#8. Los Angeles Kings            #7. San Jose Sharks        #6. Chicago Blackhawks

#4. Nashville Predators

                    vs.

#5. Detroit Red Wings

                                                                                                           Finals Prediction

                                                                           New York Rangers over St. Louis Blues

                                                               

Hello Major League Baseball

The MLB is underway and in full swing. (No pun intended). All the players, coaches and fans are hoping for the best from their team. A 162 game season has begun. I have made a list of some fun facts about the 2012 season.

Newest Team: Miami Marlins                                                   

Big Names On New Teams  

                                                                   Player                     New Team                           Old Team     

                                                            Albert Pujols         Los Angeles Angels                   St. Louis Cardinals

                                                             Prince Fielder        Detroit Tigers                            Milwaukee Brewers

                                                             C.J. Wilson            Los Angeles Angels                  Texas Rangers

                                                             Jose Reyes            Miami Marlins                             New York Mets

                                                             Mark Buehrle        Miami Marlins                            Chicago White Sox

                                                            Yoenis Cespedes    Oakland Athletics                   Cuban League

                                                             Heath Bell               Miami Marlins                         San Diego Padres

                                                             Jon Papelbon       Philadelphia Phillies                 Boston Red Sox

2012 Pre-season Stats-        

                             Grapefruit League = GL                                                                    Cactus League = CL

Grapfruit League Winner- Toronto Blue Jays (24-7)               Cactus League Winner- Oakland Athletics (15-7)       

Grapefruit League Loser- Pittsburgh Pirates (9-20)                 Cactus League Loser- Cleveland Indians (7-22)

Batting Average- Andy Dirks, Detroit Tigers (.429)                    Munenori Kawasaki, Seattle Mariners (.455)

Home Runs- Freddie Freeman ATL. Matt Hague PIT. (7)         Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels (7)

RBI- Delmon Young, Detroit Tigers (21)                                          Eric Hosmer, Kansas City Royals (29)

At Bats- Hunter Pence, Philadelphia Phillies (85)                        Eric Hosmer, Kansas City Royals (83)

Hits- Martin Prado, Atlanta Braves (26)                                           Eric Hosmer, Kansas City Royals (33)

Stolen Bases- Brett Gardner NYY. Pedro Ciriaco BOS. (8)         Gregor Blanco, San Francisco Giants (13)

 

Highest Payroll Team- New York Yankees ($197,962,289)

Lowest Payroll Team- San Diego Padres ($55,244,700)

Highest Paid Player in 2012- Alex Rodriguez ($29,000,000)

Highest Paid Pitcher in 2012- Johan Santana ($24,000,000)

My Top Prospect On Each Team

Arizona- Trevor Bauer RHP                  Atlanta- Julio Teheran RHP                 Baltimore- Manny Machado SS

Boston- Will Middlebrooks 3B             Chicago C.- Anthony Rizzo 1B             Chicago W.- Addison Reed RHP

Cinncinnati- Devin Mesoraco C         Cleveland- Francisco Lindor SS        Colorado- Drew Pomeranz LHP

Detroit- Nick Castellanos 3B                  Houston- Jonathan Singleton 1B      Kansas City- Wil Myers OF

Los Angeles A.- Mike Trout OF            Los Angeles D.- Zach Lee RHP          Miami- Christian Yelich OF

Milwaukee- Jed Bradley LHP                Minnesota- Eddie Rosario 2B            New York M.- Zack Wheeler RHP

New York Y.- Manny Banuelos LHP    Oakland- Jarrod Parker RHP             Philadelphia-Trevor May RHP

Pittsburgh- Gerrit Cole RHP                   San Diego – Yonder Alonso  1B          San Francisco-Gary Brown OF

Seattle- Jesus Montero C                           St. Louis- Shelby Miller RHP              Tampa Bay- Matt Moore LHP

Texas- Jurickson Profar SS                       Toronto- Travis d’Arnaud C               Washington- Bryce Harper OF

                   

                      Matt Moore                                                                               Bryce Harper