Sabathia on His Way to Milwakee

Star pitcher C.C. Sabathia is on his way to Milwaukee.  The Brewers threw a package of four prospects at the Cleveland Indians for their ace.  The Brewers gave away some high prospects.  The Indians especially wanted outfielder Matt LaPorta, who has 20 homers in Triple A.  In giving up Sabathia, the Indians are giving up a CY Young Award winning pitcher.  Sabathia was crowned the top pitcher in the American League last year.  Sabathia isn't doing as well this year, he is 6-8 with a 3.83 ERA.  But that may have something to do with his lack of run support from the Indian's struggling offense.  Sabathia was 19-7 last season with a ERA a hair above three.  For his career, Sabathia is 106-71 with a 3.83 ERA over eight years in the bigs.  

Sabathia is just the kind of player the Brewers need to put them over the top.  He will join ace Ben Sheets, a 2008 all-star selection, at the top of the rotation.  Sheets has pitched tremendously this season, going 10-2 with a 2.77 ERA.  He has been the only bright spot in the rotation for the Brewers this season.  Three of their starters are currently on the disabled list: Chris Capuano, rookie Yovani Gallardo, and Jeff Suppan.  Sabathia will hopefully bring some stability to the rotation.  

The Brewers are 49-39 so far this season.  They are 3.5 games behind the first-place Cubs in the National League Central.  If the season ended today the Brewers would make the playoffs as a wild card.  They have a potent lineup with hitters such as Ryan Braun, J.J. Hardy, Prince Fielder, and Corey Hart.  They will definitely make the playoffs and, with the addition of Sabathia, should be a major contender come playoff time.  

2008 All-Star team Announced

The all-star team was named yesterday.  Here are the complete American League and National League rosters:  

American League Starters                                           National League Starters 

C   Joe Mauer  Twins                                                          C  Geovany Soto  Cubs

1B  Kevin Youkilis  Red Sox                                              1B  Lance Berkman  Astros

2B  Dustin Pedroia  Red Sox                                             2B  Chase Utley  Phillies

SS  Derek Jeter  Yankees                                                   SS  Hanley Ramirez  Marlins

3B  Alex Rodriguez  Yankees                                            3B  Chipper Jones  Braves

OF  Ichiro Suzki  Mariners                                               OF  Alfonso Soriano  Cubs

OF  Josh Hamilton  Rangers                                            OF  Kosuke Fukudome  Cubs

OF  Manny Ramirez  Red Sox                                           OF  Ryan Braun  Brewers

DH  David Ortiz  Red Sox                                                  DH- Manager Clint Hurdle will select                                                                                                        one before the game.  Probably Albert                                                                                                      Pujols.

American League Reserves                             National League Reserves

C- Dioner Navvaro (Rays), Jason                         C- Brian McCann (Braves), Russell Martin 

Varitek (Red Sox)                                                    (Dodgers)

1B- Justin Morneau (Twins)                                 1B- Albert Pujols (Cardinals), Adrian Gonzalez

2B- Ian Kinsler (Rangers)                                      (Padres)

3B- Carlos Guillen (Tigers),                                 2B- Dan Uggla (Marlins)

Joe Crede (White Sox)                                          3B- Aramis Ramirez (Cubs)

OF- J.D. Drew (Red Sox),                                     OF- Nate McLouth (Pirates), Ryan Ludwig 

Carlos Quentin (White Sox),                               (Cardinals), Matt Holliday (Rockies)

Grady Sizemore (Indians)

DH- Milton Bradley (Rangers)

American League Pitchers                           National League Pitchers

Justin Duchsherer (A's)                                      Aaron Cook (Rockies)

Roy Halladay (Blue Jays)                                   Tim Lincecum (Giants)

Scott Kazmir (Rays)                                            Dan Haren (D'backs)

Cliff Lee (Indians)                                               Ben Sheets (Brewers)

Joe Nathan (Twins)                                            Carlos Zambrano (Cubs)

Jonathan Papelbon (Red Sox)                          Brandon Webb (D'backs)

Mariano Rivera (Yankees)                                Ryan Dempster (Cubs)                    

Francisco Rodriguez (Angels)                          Brian Wilson (Giants)

Ervin Santana (Angels)                                     Edinson Volquez (Reds)

Joe Saunders (Angels)                                      Kerry Wood (Cubs)

George Sherrill (Orioles)                                 Brad Lidge (Phillies)

Joakim Soria (Royals)                                      Billy Wagner (Mets)

So, there are your 2008 MLB all-stars.  A couple things I want to talk about; first, why is Jason Varitek on the American League team.  I know he was voted in by his fellow players but why?  He is batting a low .218 this season with only seven homers and 27 RBIs.  He should not be on the team.  I know he has been a top catcher for years and captain of the Red Sox, but if a guy is having a off year, leave him off the list.  Seven Red Sox and seven Cubs were named to the team.  The injured David Ortiz was picked as a starter; Milton Bradley will take his place.  

The Phillies are represented by Chase Utley and closer Brad Lidge.  I also think Pat Burrell should have made the team.  Burrell is batting .279 with 21 homers and 53 RBIs.  Burrell is eligible for that last all-star spot.  I think he should have made the team outright however.  If you want to for Burrell or any of the other players competing for that las spot, scroll downto the bottom of the screen and vote now.  

Speaking of all-star weekend, guess who's representing Philly in the home run derby.  No it's not Ryan Howard.  Chase Utley will compete for the home run crown.  Utley currently leads the majors with 24 dingers.  Lance Berkman, Dan Uggla, Josh Hamilton, and others will compete with Utley in the home run derby. 

 

  

Phils Extend Lidge's Contract

The Phillies have just locked up Brad Lidge for the next three years.  The Phillies signed their closer to a three-year deal worth 37.5 million dollars.  Lidge has been impeccable since joining the Phillies last offseason.  Lidge has 19 saves this season while sporting a 0.77 ERA.  Lidge has been a key part to the Phillies team this season.  Lidge was also named to the National League All-Star team.  The only other Phillie to be named to the team was Chase Utley.

Lidge has been very good this season and obviously the Phils would like him to stick around for a while.  But is this a good decision.  Lidge has been up and down in his career.  He was the closer for the Astros and pitched spectacular.  But then Lidge took a sudden decline and lost the closing job.  He looks to be back in prime form this year but this may be another Tom Gordon situation.  Gordon was the Phillies closer during the 2006 season and pitched extrememly well.  He was also named to the all-star team.  But last season Gordon got injured early in the season, which forced Brett Myers into the closing role.  Gordon has never pitched the same since his injury.  He has pitched average this season.

Lidge does have quite the history of injury.  He had to have a minor surgery on his knee during spring training and has suffered shoulder troubles in the past.  I don't think this is a good move by the Phillies.  They should have waited to September to see if Lidge could continue his success.  The Phillies like to give out contracts prematurely (Jim Thome) and I think this a prime example.  

Flyers Lose First Game

The Flyers have just concluded their first playoff game with a 5-4 loss to the Washington Capitols. They will play again on Sunday in Washington. The Flyers played well in the first period and excellent in the second. But they played extremely sloppy in the third as they gave up three goals, including the winning one by Capitols' star Alexander Ovechkin. The Flyers are a horrible defense team and that showed tonight. They also back up and back up until they inevitably let in the goalie. If they continue to play such atrocious defense, coach John Stevens might as well send out no defensemen (at least nobody would screen Biron). Speaking of Stevens, if I were general manager Paul Holmgren, I would fire Stevens mid-series. Stevens has effectively taught the Flyers how to play ineffective defense. They make Phillies shortstop Eric Bruntlett look like a Gold Glove award winner. I like what Stevens has done with the offense (they have great depth). Maybe they should hire a defense coordinator and keep Stevens as a offensive coordinator (I'm looking at former Steelers coach Bill Cowher as a possible candidate). I still think the Flyers will win the series but if they don't, it will be because of their defense.

Phils Open Season with Loss

The Phillies started their 2008 campaign yesterday with a 11-6 loss to the Washington Nationals. No reason to panic yet (well, maybe if you're Tom Gordon). Brett Myers didn't do well in his second career Opening Day start. He didn't do that bad either, but I'd like to see him go a little longer into games (he gave up 4 runs in 5 innings). J.C. Romero looked great in his perfect half inning. Tom Gordon got an out (but he also gave up five runs). Chase Utely and Jimmy Rollins both homered.

Here is how I expect the season to go:

American League East: This is a very competitive division. You know it's either going to be the Yankees or Red Sox winning the division. I like Toronto, but feel bad for them because they have to compete with the two teams with the highest payroll. The Yankees will have a shot, but they don't have enough pitching. The Red Sox have almost the same lineup as last years championship. Winner- Boston Red Sox

American League Central: The Tigers made the big news trading for Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis. They have a potent lineup that contains bats such as Magglio Ordonez, Gary Sheffield, and Curtis Granderson. Add Cabrera to that lineup and you got one of the best lineups ever. Justin Verlander is a proven ace. I like Cleveland and Minnesota but they won't be able to catch the Tigers. Winner- Detroit Tigers

American League West- Los Angeles is clearly the better team in this division. They added Torii Hunter and have a good lineup that includes superstar Vladimir Guerrero. The will run away easily with the division crown. Winner- Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (or whatever)

American League Wild Card: New York Yankees

Cy Young: Josh Beckett

MVP: Miguel Cabrera

National League East: The big change in this division is, of course, the Mets trading for Johan Santana. The Mets had a big collapse last year and even Johan can save them this year. The Phillies potent lineup and the combination of Cole Hamels and Brett Myers will beat out the Mets. Winner- Philadelphia Phillies

National League Central: I think this is between two teams: the Brewers and the Cubs. The Cubs have a very good pitcher in Carlos Zambrano and a strong lineup. They will beat the Brewers but good times are not far down the road for the young Brewers. Winner- Chicago Cubs

National League West: This is one of the toughest divisions in baseball. You've got the Padres, D-Backs, and the Dodgers. Oh wait, I forgot about last years N.L. pennant winners: the Rockies. This division will come down to the wire, but in the end I think the D-Backs will win. They have the best rotation in baseball. Pitching wins you games. Winners- Arizona D-Backs

Cy Young: Dan Haren

MVP: Chase Utely- but the close runner-up (very close) will be David Wright.

World Series: Cubs Vs. Red Sox

Winner: Chicago Cubs

It's Tournament Time

So, one of the most exciting months in sports is here: March. March Madness is definitely one of the best tournaments in the world. Most of the games are very exhilarating.

Three Big Five teams have made the tournament (Saint Joseph's, Temple, and Villanova), when it looked as if none would make the tournament for the first time since the '70's. I don't think any off the local teams will make it past the second round, however. Here are my picks for this years tournament.

First Round:

East Region:

1 North Carolina will beat 16 Mt. St. Mary's

8 Indiana will beat 9 Arkansas

5 Notre Dame will beat 12 George Mason

11 Saint Joseph's will beat 6 Oklahoma

3 Louisville will beat 14 Boise State

7 Butler will beat 10 Alabama

2 Tennessee will beat 15 American

Midwest Region:

1 Kansas will beat 16 Portland St.

8 UNLV will beat 9 Kent State

5 Clemson will beat 12 Villanova

4 Vanderbilt will beat 13 Siena

6 USC will beat 11 Kansas St.

3 Wisconsin will beat 14 CS-Fullerton

10 Davidson will beat 7 Gonzaga

2 Georgetown will beat 15 UMBC

South Region:

1 Memphis will beat 16 Texas-Arlington

9 Oregon will beat 8 Miss. St.

12 Temple will beat 5 Michigan

4 Pittsburgh will beat 13 Oral Roberts

6 Marquette will beat 11 Kentucky

3 Stanford will beat 14 Cornell

10 Saint Mary's will beat 7 Miami

2 Texas will beat 15 Austin Peay

West Region:

1 UCLA will beat 16 Miss. Valley St.

8 BYU will beat 9 Texas A&M

5 Drake will beat 12 W. Kentucky

4 Connecticut will beat 13 San Diego

6 Purdue will beat 11 Baylor

3 Xavier will beat 14 Georgia

10 Arizona will beat 7 West Virginia

2 Duke will beat 15 Belmont

Second Round:

East Region:

1 North Carolina will beat 8 Indiana

5 Notre Dame will beat 4 Washington St.

3 Louisville will beat 11 Saint Joe's

7 Butler will beat 2 Tennessee

Midwest Region:

1 Kansas will beat 8 UNLV

4 Vanderbilt will beat 5 Clemson

3 Wisconsin will beat 6 USC

2 Georgetown will beat 10 Davidson

South Region:

1 Memphis will beat 9 Oregon

4 Pittsburgh will beat 12 Temple

3 Stanford will beat 6 Marquette

2 Texas will beat 10 Saint Mary's

Sweet 16 Round:

East Region:

1 North Carolina will beat 5 Notre Dame

3 Louisville will beat 7 Butler

Midwest Region:

1 Kansas will beat 4 Vanderbilt

2 Georgetown will beat 3 Wisconsin

South Region:

1 Memphis will beat 4 Pittsburgh

2 Texas will beat 3 Stanford

West Region:

1 UCLA will beat 4 UConn.

2 Duke will beat 6 Purdue

Elite Eight Round:

East Region:

1 North Carolina will beat 3 Loisville

Midwest Region:

1 Kansas will beat 2 Georgetown

South Region:

1 Memphis will beat 2 Texas

West Region:

1 UCLA will beat 2 Duke

Final Four:

1 North Carolina will beat 1 Kansas

1 UCLA will beat 1 Memphis

Championship:

1 North Carolina will beat UCLA by the score of 75-73

I know it looks like I picked all the favorites, but I didn't. One of the major upsets in the tournament will be No. 2 seed Tennessee losing to No. 7 seed Butler. I did pick the Final Four to be all number ones, which has never happened. I looked at the metchups and just thought they could pull it out. I be watching these games 24/7.

Philly Lands Soccer Team

The MLS announced last week that the new expansion team will be awarded to Philadelphia. It was between St. Louis and Philly but after Philly got the funds for a stadium, it was a one city race. The stadium, on the Chester waterfront, will be finished in 2010 and that's is when the team will start competing with other Major League Soccer teams. The team has not been named yet (but it figures to be the "Liberty" or Philly "Freedom").

It seems like their will be many fans at the stadium in the debut year (there have already been thousands who have reserved season tickets). But will the fans stay? That is the question. I think it really depends on how the team plays. Philly fans care about how their team does and that's about all. If the team plays well, they should be able to fill the stadium. The team should also play and exciting form of soccer (their are plenty of boring ways of playing soccer). Historically, expansion teams haven't done well at all (like the Tampa Bay Rays and the Houston Texans).

I really hope the team does well and attracts fans. The team will sellout the first couple of years, but will they be able to hold that up. Soccer is one of the best sports to watch when played effectively. Let's hope they play effectively.

Eagles Sign Samuel

The Eagles locked up one of the top free agents of the year with their signing of Asante Samuel. One of the best defensive backs, Samuel will help a Eagles team that had only eleven interceptions. Samuel had six interceptions last year and ten the year before that. Samuel will be the starting left cornerback, opposite Sheldon Brown. The Eagles will give Samuel 57 million dollars over the next six years with twenty million guaranteed.

I think this was a good move made by the Eagles. Samuel has been called a difference-maker and will greatly improve this Eagles defense. He is called a "pick magnet" by his agent and if he continues his great interception totals, then he will really help the Eagles out.

The Eagles now have three quality corners (Samuel, Sheldon Brown, and Lito Sheppard). Sheppard seems to be the odd man out because he is the starting left cornerback. Sheppard, a two-time Pro Bowler, has been hampered by injuries the last two seasons. If the Eagles don't move him or Brown to another defensive position (like safety), he will likely be on a different team at the start of next season. It would be a good move to switch Brown to strong safety and let Sheppard and Samuel play cornerback. That is not likely to happen, however. The Eagles could consider trading Sheppard for a wide receiver. There was a rumor going around that coach Andy Reid let Sheppard seek out a trade, but that was denied by Reid. Trading Sheppard may be a good move, seeing that many teams would value a solid corner like Sheppard.

So the Eagles have made their first significant move of the offseason, and I think it is a good one.