Check Out These Splits

Guess the player:

HOME- .386/.431/1.212
AWAY- .267/.285/.417

Yes, this player calls Colorado home, but would you believe it's Carlos Gonzalez? Sad but true. That should certainly end the "Car-Go for MVP" talk.

Manny Comes To Chicago

White Sox nation just got even more interesting. The world's nuttiest player and manager side by side? Count me in! This should be great September television.

More Clemens Talk

So if Roger Clemens is proven to be innocent, does he go to the Hall of Fame?

Sidd Finch?

ESPN Radio is reporting that Aroldis Chapman was clocked at 105 mph during his last outing. We're still looking into the rumors that he was born on the planet Krypton, works at the Daily Planet, and has a crush on Lois Lane.

Injury News

It looks like Nationals phenom Stephen Strasburg (a.k.a. "the Strasburg") will need Tommy John surgery, which means he's on the shelf for 12-18 months. Despite the annoying media hype surrounding his rookie season, this is obviously terrible news. It was fun watching Strasburg pitch this year. Here's hoping he makes a full recovery.

Happy Birthday Elvis

Elvis Andrus turns 22 today. He can't sing, but he sure can pick it at SS.

Bad TV

I've seen some rotten sports commercials in my 40+ years on Earth, but that Peyton Manning Reebok spot is by far the worst. Somebody should lose his/her job over that piece of crap.

ESPN Going South

This morning's SportsCenter led with Tiger's ex-wife sitting down for an interview with "People" magazine. I guess two teams coming back from 10-1 deficits isn't newsworthy anymore. The "Worldwide Leader" has really gone down hill.

Rice Injury

So Vikings WR Sidney Rice injures his hip in the playoffs and doesn't have surgery until the following August? Thanks for sabotaging my fantasy team Sidney!

Swing And A Miss

Ryan Howard has fanned five times tonight. Somewhere, Rob Deer is smiling.

Cubs Talk

Have I mentioned lately how great it would be to have Adam Dunn at 1B next year? His lefty bat is exactly what the Cubs need. Who cares how rotten he is defensively? If Frank Thomas and Jason Giambi can man the position, Dunn should be just fine. I'm thinking a three-year deal should do the trick.

"Leaked" MLB Financial Information

Very interesting...

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/24/sports/baseball/24pirates.html?src=mv

Texas No-No

Rich Harden has a no-hitter through six innings. I can't stand Harden, so I don't mind jinxing him.

So Long, Lou

According to ESPN.com, Lou Piniella will step down as Cubs manager after today's game. This year aside, I would call his time in Chicago a success. Three straight winning seasons and two playoff appearances is a nice run. He's easily been the best Cubs manager during my 35+ years as a fan.

Shocking

Did you know that NFL coaches use cuss words during practice? Apparently Tony Dungy didn't, even though he coached in the league forever. All I can say to that is, "What the @$#%?"

Busted

From ESPN.com...

Phillies prospect Tyson Gillies, one of the three players acquired in the Cliff Lee trade this past offseason, was arrested for cocaine possession in Clearwater, Fla., early Friday morning.

"Moron" is the first word that comes to mind.

The Rocket

If Clemens does any time, that will be one talented prison softball team.

My Lunch On The Ground

Brett Favre is back. I'm feeling that pain in my stomach again.

This Just In...

Mat Latos=good. Cubs offense=bad.

Biting The Hand

I said it then, and I'll say it again now. The White Sox screwed up letting Jim Thome walk out of town. Here's what Bartonville Jim is doing vs. RHP in 2010:

.268/.413/.604
12 HR in 149 AB

How would that look for your DH White Sox fans?

A Closer Look

It's August 17th and the Reds are still in first place. Regular readers know that I predicted an implosion several weeks ago. So, what's keeping this team in the hunt?

• Joey Votto: To nobody's surprise, the Reds 1B is having an MVP season. Votto is a special player who should put up big numbers for the next eight to 10 years.
• Scott Rolen: Anyone who says they saw this coming is lying. Two years ago, Rolen looked like he was near the end of the line. In 2010, he's cruising along at .298/.369/.540. He's missed 23 games, so as always, his health is a question mark.
• The Bench: Somehow, Dusty is getting solid contributions from the likes of Miguel Cairo, Ryan Hanigan, Lance Nix, and Chris Heisey. Maybe it's the toothpick.
• The Big Three: Who would have thought that Bronson Arroyo, Johnny Cueto, and rookie Mike Leake would be 31-14 in mid August? Certainly not yours truly.
• The Bullpen: Once again, Dusty is shocking the hell out of me. He's really gotten the most out of a collection of arms that includes Nick Masset, Arthur "Older than Dirt" Rhodes, and Logan Ondrusek. This simply can't continue.

Will the Reds outlast the Cardinals? Smart money says no. However, "Dusty's Dudes" have already exceeded my expectations for 2010.

Quietly Having A Great Year

In case you haven't been following the Oakland A's, check out Trevor Cahill's season:

21 GS
12-5
2.50 ERA
140.2 IP
96 hits (not a typo)
42 BBs
81 Ks

Oh yeah, and he's only 22 years old.

Niners Nab Brian Westbrook

Great signing by the 49ers. Westbrook is the perfect backup to workhorse Frank Gore. If Coach Singletary can keep his pants on, this should be a fun year for Niners fans.

"The Strasburg" Has Spoken

Stephen Strasburg on Bryce Harper potentially not signing with the Nationals:

"If he doesn't want to play here, then we don't want him here."

I usually don't care what players and managers say to reporters, but I have to admit I was impressed by Strasburg calling out Harper. And even if I wasn't, I would say that I was just so "the Strasburg" didn't crush my brain with his psionic powers.

Say It Isn't So

Rich Harden placed on the D.L? No way! Next you'll try to tell me that Brett Favre is thinking about playing football this year.

Cup Of Coffee

After only one season, 49ers RB Glen Coffee calls it a career. So long, Glen. We hardly knew you.

Jose Guillen Traded To Giants

Nothing helps a bad offense like a guy who never gets on base.

"You're Going Down!"

If Jim Gray sets his sights on you, look out! In all seriousness, why would Corey Pavin lie about any of this? Has Gray lost his mind, or is this just another self-promotion exercise? At any rate, I hope the drama continues for a few more days. It's been great television and sports radio. Maybe Pavin will take it to the next level by stealing his lunch money or sticking his head in a toilet.

Hanging Around

Despite a rash of injuries, the Red Sox are only five games out. Terry Francona is doing a tremendous job this year. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see Boston end up with the wild card.

Strasburg Roughed Up In Return

4.1 IP, 6 Hits, 6ER

"You see, he's not a machine! He's a man!"

--Duke Evers, Rocky IV

See You In 2011?

I'm sure Darrelle Revis deserves a raise, but I can't believe he's dumb enough to sit out an entire NFL season. It sounds like he's getting some terrible career advice. Hopefully he'll open his eyes and get his butt on the field soon. By the way, this mess is one of many reasons I'm picking the Jets to miss the playoffs.

Cubs Talk

Be sure to catch your favorite writer (me) at...

http://viewfromthebleachers.com

How Can This Man Still Have A Job?

Joe Morgan just said, "The Yankees aren't living up to their potential on offense this year." Huh? Through 109 games, they lead the league in runs scored, and that's with Granderson and Posada missing significant time. Does Morgan do ANY research before going on the air? Does anyone at ESPN critique his performance?

Not Good

A quick look at Illinois' football schedule tells me Coach Ron Zook might be job hunting in the very near future. Even if things break right this year, five or six wins is probably the best we can hope for. Check out this portion of the schedule:

VS. Mizzu (in St. Louis)
VS. NIU
VS. Ohio State
@ Penn State
@ Michigan State
@Michigan
VS. Northwestern (in Chicago, Wrigley Field)
@Fresno State

I don't know about you, but those feel like losses to me. I hope I'm wrong, but it looks like another tough year in Urbana-Champaign.

Serious Power North Of The Border

Eight more homers for the Jays on Saturday (nice outing James Shields). Toronto's league-leading total is now 175 bombs in 110 games. What's Cito putting in the water up there? Also, I wonder what Bob and Doug McKenzie are up to these days?

Lose Already!

I keep waiting for Dusty's Reds to take a nose dive, but on August 7th they're still in first place. I guess I have to accept the fact that they might be for real. Either way, Joey Votto is a freak of nature. Yet another player I wish the Cubs had.

Fantasy Football Sleepers

I have two drafts coming up, which means my eyes are peeled for breakout players. Here are a few to consider as you start your draft prep:

• Matt Stafford, QB, Detroit--I know it sounds hard to believe, but this team is finally heading in the right direction. Stafford struggled as a rookie (no surprise), but he did enough to build on in year two. Plus, he has the luxury of throwing to Calvin Johnson. Look for a big improvement in his numbers this season (3,500 yards and 20+ touchdowns).
• Jason Campbell, QB, Oakland--Yes, my silver-and-black blood is showing here, but Campbell was underrated even as a Redskin. On a truly terrible team with a head coach in limbo, Campbell put up solid numbers (65 percent completions, 3600 yards). If the Raiders can protect him and continue to run the ball, Campbell could flourish.
• Malcom Floyd, WR, San Diego--Another big target for Phillip Rivers, Floyd will benefit from the Vincent Jackson drama. All Chargers receivers take a fantasy hit from Antonio Gates, but Floyd could really take off this year. I see 1,000 yards and eight TD's in his future.
• Devin Hester, WR, Chicago--Somebody has to put up numbers in the new Mike Martz offense. Playing in the Bears ugly 2009 system, Hester still pulled in 57 catches for 757 yards. Those numbers should rise.
• Pierre Thomas, RB, New Orleans--I know, the backfield is crowded. And yes, the Saints throw the ball like crazy. But Thomas showed great upside last year, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. Even if the total yardage isn't there, he should score double-digit TD's.
• C.J. Spiller, RB, Buffalo--He's coming to camp late, but this rookie is a dynamic runner who should make an impact right away. An overall poor offense won't help him, but he's too talented not to produce. I think he'll challenge for Rookie of the Year, which means the fantasy numbers will be there too.

Tough Break For The Braves

Very bad news in Atlanta, as Kris Medlen may need Tommy John surgery. Medlen was having a solid second year for the Braves: 107.2 IP, 108 Hits, 83 SO, 21 BB, 3.68 ERA. The only bright side is the promotion of LHP Mike Minor, who looks like the real deal. Minor joins the Braves' rotation next week. Grab him quick fantasy baseball fans.

Big Z Is Back!

Carlos Zambrano is back in the Cubs rotation. Bolt down the Gatorade coolers!

Shaq Signs

Boston? Really? I don't see how this helps the Celtics at all. However, food sales in the Boston area should explode.

The Seventh Sign

Juan Pierre homered today! Plan accordingly!

Sunglasses At Night

Corey Hart gets a three-year extension worth almost $27 million. Too much? Just right? Your thoughts?

You Call That An Offense?

I know the Astros are rebuilding, but Jeff Keppinger is now hitting third. That is truly embarrassing.