Clemson - An All Out Sports Team

By Freddie Brister

The Clemson University baseball team, apart from representing the university in the NCAA Division I college baseball is also said to participate in the Atlantic Coast Conference. While Jack Leggett is the present head coach, only two coach changes have been made since the beginning.

.Bill Winhelm coached the Clemson baseball team from the 1970's right up to the 1990's. It wasn't until the year 2000 where Jack Leggett came and took over. The Clemson baseball team is known to play all their home games at the Doug Kingsmore Stadium as it is their home ground. Their stadium is known to have a capacity of up to 6217 spectators and fans in total.

Clemson which has always been consistent with their wins, have an impressive 40 wins in the last 21 games played by them. After leaving the Clemson University, a number of their players have been able to join Major League. The colors of their uniform are northwestern purple and burnt orange.

Brian Barnes, Jeff Baker, Jerry Brooks, Kris Neson and Mike Brown are a few among many great names that played for them. While some names are better known than others, it is worthwhile, finding out a few details about these famous players.

Scott Winchester was one of the first to ever go to major league from Clemson University. He was born on April 20th, 1973. He played as a right handed pitcher. His debut for Cincinnati Reds took place on September the 8th, 1997. His last appearance for the Cincinnati Reds was on August 9th, 2001. By the time he had retired he had settled for stats that did not show a true reflection of his performances. He had a win loss ration of 3-8. His earned run average was 5.42 and strike outs were at 55.

Born on 5th December 1974, playing as a pitcher, Ken Vining was another popular player who joined the Chicago White sox and made his debut appearance on 23rd May 2001. Not much later however, he made his last appearance for the Sox on 5th July of the same year.

With an earned run average of 17.55 and just 3 strike outs, Vining's career statistics also did not show his real capabilities.

Matt White Matt White who was born on 19th August 1977 was a relief pitcher and made his debut appearance for the Boston Red Sox on 27th May 2003. Matt however, did not stop at playing for one team and was known to have played for the Seattle Mariners, Yokohama Bay Stars, Washington Nationals as well as the Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions.

According to his career statistics Matt had a win loss ratio of 0:2 and an earned run average of 16.76 with only 3 strike outs. He too was another player whose on field performance was much better when compared to his statistics. - 31492

About the Author:

Freddie Brister is a big fan of College Baseball check out his: Missouri swimsuit or his Michigan Bikini

Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Baseball Strength Training Program

By Ron Wrigley

Becoming the best baseball player on the field takes hard work. Many of the greatest athletes of our time spent years working to achieve the success that they have achieved. While it won't happen overnight, a good baseball strength training program will help you reach your goals. If you are just getting started, there are a few training tips you should remember.

Running drills will help you with speed and agility. However, your strength training should focus on a good weight lifting workout. It is important to mix up the types of weights you use. For instance, instead of just using kettle balls and free weights, try adding resistance weights as well.

If this is your first time doing this sort of exercise, you should take it easy at first. The last thing any athlete wants is an injury. Start with exercises you feel comfortable with and find easy. You will get stronger as you continue to work out. Remember to use lighter weights when working the upper body to avoid injury.

To protect yourself from shoulder injuries you should never practice pressing motions with very heavy weights. When you are exercising your lower body parts you can use heavy weights. It is important to remember: before you start any strength training program you should do some stretching exercises to prepare your muscles. Yoga techniques are helpful for this.

Keep in mind that in the moment you reach for the ball you need to have a lot of core strength. To achieve this you must exercise especially the abdomen and the lower back.

Remember that you can achieve a great performance in baseball only if you are training a lot. Talent is not enough to become one of the best players. This sport requires a lot of hard work and sacrifices. - 31492

About the Author:

Learn more about baseball weight training program. Stop by Ron Wrigley's site where you can find out all about training and what it can do for you.

IOWA - One Of The Many Well Known Sports Teams

By Freddie Brister

The University of Northern Iowa was known to have a baseball team that use to take part in the NCCA Division I. The team was known as Northern Iowa Panthers baseball. The team was based in Cedar Falls, Iowa however that is no longer the case. The University of Northern Iowa has discontinued the program at their university from this year.

Rick Heller, the head coach of the team at that time served a ten year period and the team was nicknamed panthers. The Waterloo Riverfront Stadium which was their home stadium could hold up to 4277 spectators. The focus at present however is on the minor league teams since baseball at university level does not exist any more.

Even if they are not as famous as other teams, the four Class A teams in the Midwest League known as Burlington Bees, Quad Cities River Bandits, Clinton Lumber Kings and Cedar Rapid Kernels, they too have produced some quality players who have reached a professional level. It is worthwhile taking a look at some of them who did make it to the major league.

Born in Texas on 23rd September 1985, Kenn Anthony Kasperk was invited to join the Chicago Cubs in 2004 when he was quite young, which was turned down by him. Neither did he accept a draft contract from the Washington Nationals in 2007.

However, he decided to take up the offer from Seattle Mariners in 2008 and was drafted during the Major League Baseball draft in the 12th round. Kenn has made quite an impression early in his career with the Seattle Mariners.

Known as a right handed batter and bowler, many feel that they can expect a lot from him in the future since he's young and has a long career in front of him.

Someone of the same caliber is Denny Almonte who was born in Miami Florida on 24th Sept. 1988 and even though he was younger than Kenn, Seattle Mariners drafted him into Major Baseball League in 2007. While being still at school, Denny found time to get some practice in the game at the same time he played little league.

When trying to get into the more challenging national level, Danny's talent was recognized before long and his specialty in being a right handed thrower and switcher in batting got him noticed by many a team. If he goes on as he does, we can be sure that there will be many other teams who will want him on their side pretty soon.

Jerry Nyman who initially played for Chicago White Sox was later signed on as the now famous coach of the Midwest League who trained the players for many years. - 31492

About the Author:

Freddie Brister is a big fan of College Baseball check out his: Florida Swimsuit

What To Know About The Top-Sports-Betting-Reviews

By Jay Morrison

If you love sports or simply love to gamble, Top-Sports-Betting-Reviews can help you to become a winner in sports betting. Sports betting allows thousands of people to win on a regular basis.

While sports betting is illegal in much of the United States, nearly every city has a bookie that works in the back of another business. Today you do not need to travel to Vegas but can legally take part in sports betting on the internet through many of the offshore gambling establishments. In addition to sports betting, these establishments offer a safe and secure way to play casino games and poker in your own home on your computer.

The winners in sports betting have a simple system that directs their wagers. Most of the systems are based on simple statistics. Using tools such as a bell curve gives the odds of winning any wager. If you do not have a handle on statistics yourself, then you need a person or method that can allow you to enter numbers into the formula to tell you when you should bet and when to hold off. Many of the systems offer up to a 95 percent chance of being right in your bets.

In sports betting, there are two types of bets made. The first is the straight bet or moneyline bet which is simply a bet made as to who will win the game. If Team A is playing against Team B, the straight bet is that Team A will beat Team B. If your bet is on Team A and they win, then you win the bet.

Bets that involve point spreads are bets that a team will will or lose by a certain number of points. In this type of bet, you may win by betting on a losing team if the winning team did not score at least the point spread above the score of the losing team.

Good betting reviews should remind you that it is not wise to bet on each match. Those who win the most in sports betting only bet on games where the numbers show a very good chance of getting a return from the bet. When you use the system, follow the same formula for each game. While it is sometimes difficult, avoid allowing emotions and hunches to take over your formula. When the numbers tell you to avoid a game, then you should stay away and wait for games which are more favorable.

You can find many systems that claim to offer winning results, but this is not always the case. Some systems just do not produce. Be skeptical and allow other users to prove the system before buying into it. Ask for a money back guarantee with no questions ask before purchasing the system. If it does not prove itself, ask for your money back and find a better system.

By checking the Top-Sports-Betting-Reviews you will be able to keep track of the numbers in order to make better wagers and to bring in more money as a result of your bets. - 31492

About the Author:

You will enjoy finding out about online sports betting strategies, through these webpages. Also, you will read some of the high quality Top-Sports-Betting-Reviews today on this website.

Alabama - Take Pride In Alabama

By Freddie Brister

The Crimson Tide is the baseball team name that represents the University of Alabama. They are known to play for the NCCA Division I college baseball league for quite some time now.

Progressing quite significantly in baseball, Crimson tide has also participated in the southeastern conference as well as the Western Division while all games they take part in are said to be hosted at their home ground which is the Sewell-Thomas Stadium.

It is said that the Stadium can accommodate more than 6571 spectators and fans altogether and Alabama has been winning a record number of just over 2000 games, continuously for the past several years. Mitch Gaspard is their head coach at present.

Jim Wells, the coach that helped Alabama in the early years to win all their matches was replaced by the present coach. A number of players after graduating from the University of Alabama have gone on to play major league.

To name a few; John Baumgarner, Ike Boone, Lance Cromier, Jack Bolling and Andy Cohen although there are many more. Statistics of a few famous players who made it to major league are given below:

Taylor Mark Tankersely Born on 7th March 1983, a very popular player who started off with the Florida Marlins on 3rd June 2006 and plays as a relief pitcher. Being both a left handed batsmen and thrower, Taylor has had an impressive run with an earned run average of 4.25, 108 strike outs and a win loss ratio of 8:3 to date.

Tommy Hunter Tommy Hunter was born on 3rd July 1986 and is a starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers who wears the number 35. Another very popular player Tommy debuts for Texas Rangers on 1st August 2008 and is still playing for them. His remarkable career consists of a win loss ratio of 9:8 while his present earned run average is 5.20. He also has 73 strike outs.

David Robertson David Robertson who graduated from the Alabama University was born on 9th April 1985 and was drafted by the New York Yankees on 29th June 2008. He has been one of the most recent players to join from the Alabama University.

David who plays as a relief pitcher wears the number 30 for the Yankees. With amazing statistics of a win loss ratio of 6:1, an average run rate of 4:14 and 99 strike outs. Being so successful at such a young age, it was possible for him to be a part of the 2009 World Series Championship. Great are the future expectations from this youngster. - 31492

About the Author:

Freddie Brister is a big fan of College Baseball check out his: South Carolina Watch

Journey Suggestions to Pittsburgh

By Seth Hargraveis

Pittsburgh is a city in Southwestern Pennsylvania. With a population of more than 350,000 folks and an region that covers several square miles, it is one particular on the largest cities while in the state of Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh lies where the Monongahela River and also the Allegheny River meet, forming the Ohio River. The rivers and mountains surrounding the metropolis make for a one of a kind terrain. Since of this, the city developed as numerous separate, distinct regions or neighborhoods. Every single region has different functions that make the city an outstanding travel destination for the young and old alike.

Millions of men and women vacation to Pittsburgh each year for different sporting occasions. Pittsburgh has expert football, hockey, and baseball teams, all of which are located within the heart of down town. Whether you're traveling to see the Steelers, Penguins, or Pirates, Pittsburgh's sporting events are a large attraction. Inside the summer months, Pittsburgh is likewise host to a number of concerts, and you will find theatrical performances in various areas year round.

Pittsburgh can be a incredibly historical city with countless fascinating areas and museums. Downtown is property for the Andy Warhol art museum and the Children's Museum. In Oakland visitors can go for the Carnegie Museum of Art too as the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Pittsburgh is likewise household for the Carnegie Science Center and several other museums too as a huge and very popular zoo. Just outside of Pittsburgh there is also an amusement park identified as Kennywood. The little park was founded inside the late 1800s, but it remains a incredibly famous tourist destination.

Shopping and dining are also outstanding in Pittsburgh. The a variety of regions each feature an eclectic group of restaurants and one of a kind shops. Pittsburgh is usually household to a number of buying malls and most any well-known chain restaurant one could imagine. The Primanti Brother restaurant is an vital part from the Pittsburgh dining experience. You will discover numerous locations, but the original is located while in the city's Strip District. The restaurant serves the well-known Primani Sandwich which characteristics two slices of fresh baked Italian bread piled high with toppings which includes cole slaw and french fries.

No matter what your taste, Pittsburgh is a metropolis for men and women of all interests. Because it is not considered to be a top vacation destination, it can also be really affordable to vacation there as hotels are commonly inexpensive. - 31492

About the Author:

Learn tons of information online about electronics in Pittburgh related articles like blue trek stereo bluetooth headset hi fi st1. Check out Seth Hargraveis's newest site where you may learn information about bluetrek stereo bluetooth headset.

Ed Wade's Bullpen Obsession

By Hugh Manning

Ed Wade, previously with the Phillies, is known to be a master at assembling a strong bullpen. Wade, presently GM for the Astros, has attempted to do the same in Houston. As soon as he took on the job, relievers like Brad Lidge and Chad Qualls were shipped out, and guys like Valverde, Brocail, LaTroy Hawkins and others came in.

Wade believes in keeping your friends close and your bullpen closer. Early on, you could see his strategy: Have more relief pitching than you need because you never know which guys are going to tank on you from year to year. In 2008, it was Villarreal who suddenly lost it. In 2009, it's been a bad year for Geary and Brocail. Generally, the philosophy has served Ed well but, in 2009, it has been a bit pricey. According to ESPN.com, the Astros are ninth in major league payroll at just under $103 million. After deadline trades, they may have slid to 11th but that evades my point.

By my fuzzy math, the Astros' bullpen salary comes out to $18.424 million. That's in the same ballpark as what the World Champion Phillies spend, the team closest in overall market size to what the Astros are. Yet, if you look at some of the other contending National League teams, the bullpen cost appears to be above average. The Dodgers, even with George Sherrill recently added from the Orioles, has a bullpen costing around $7.2 million. St. Louis is spending around $6.2 million. The Braves spend about $12 million. The Giants about $13 million. Looking at that, you can understand why the Dodgers could afford to add Randy Wolf while the Astros couldn't.

In Wade's defense, the entire problem isn't his responsibility. The Astros signed closer Jose Valverde to a large contract and the team had planned to ship him out during the off-season. Due to the economic difficulties of the past year, teams will no longer take on such a high salary unless they're fully confident in the player, and Valverde doesn't fit the bill.

You would think with an $18 million dollar bullpen, they would pitch like gangbusters, but that hasn't exactly been the case. Through Wednesday, the Astros' relief corps has a 4.28 ERA. They are ninth in saves and next-to-last in blown saves and save percentage (only Washington is worse). All the key members have spent at least part of the season on the disabled list. Part of the problem traces to Cecil Cooper, who seems to treat his bullpen pitchers like a drunk treats whiskey bottles. He goes to them early and often until they are all used up and, even then, he checks them periodically to see if he can coax one more drop from them.

Cooper has irresponsibly used many of the team's relievers, most notably LaTroy Hawkins and Chris Sampson. During the first three months of the season, Cooper showed little regard for their potential fatigue, and this resulted in injuries on the part of both players last month.

Good minds can disagree on whether it makes more sense to have four bullpen pitchers averaging $2 million a year or one starting pitcher making $8 million a year. Mistakes can be made either way (see Jason Jennings and Woody Williams as recent examples where spending on starting pitching didn't work out well). Given the Astros' budgetary constraints, Wade needs to decide whether relief pitching counts more than starting pitching and spend accordingly. There doesn't seem to be enough in the till to feed the need of both the rotation and the bullpen.

So many names in Houston (and talented ones) are on the verge of seeing increased salaries or expiring contracts. Wandy Rodriguez, Michael Bourne, Hunter Pence, and Miguel Tejada are just a few of these names. There's no way the Astros can maintain their bullpen and sign all of these names too.

Seeing Ed Wade's track record, he may very well opt to continue focusing on the bullpen. - 31492

About the Author:

If you're craving more great MLB talk, come and join the Astros forum and the general sports forum at RootZoo.com, both some of the most active forums on the web.

The 5 Best Pitchers to Ever Wear a Marlins Uniform

By Remy Podesto

The Florida Marlins are in the midst of their 17th season of baseball, and have quickly developed a reputation for bringing up great talent from the minor leagues, seeing that talent thrive, and then trading it away for more young talent. A lot of this has to do with the lack of a decent fan base in Florida.

Ironically, this hasn't stopped the Marlins from winning not one, but TWO World Series in their brief history. In fact, the only two times they even made the playoffs, they won the World Series. It's interesting to note that the top 5 SP's in Marlins history, based on my opinion, are no longer on the team. They may be retired, or they may be playing for another team, but they're not on the Marlins. Really, the only requirement in order to qualify as being one of the top five pitchers in Marlins history is that this pitcher must have pitched 400+ innings with the team. So, here they are: the top five pitchers in Florida Marlins history.

5. Carl Pavano - Pavano, believe it or not, was a Florida Marlin during the team's second world series run. While he's played for a few teams since, Pavano made it big in Florida, with a tremendous 2004 campaign. Pavano had an 18-8 win loss record that season, and a low ERA at 3.00. Pavano then joined the Yankees, where he quality of play sank.

4. AJ Burnett - One of the best pitchers in baseball when it comes to striking batters out, Burnett was a strikeout aficionado in Florida too, as evidenced by his 2002 season, which consisted of 203 strikeouts and a low ERA at 3.30. Injuries somewhat limited his potential in Florida, and Burnett lost (50) a slightly higher number of games than he won (49).

3. Kevin Brown - Kevin Brown had two of the best pitching season in Florida Marlins history. While he only spent two short years in a Marlins uniform, any fans of the team will certainly remember how valuable his contributions were to the franchise. Take his first season as a Marlin, for example. A 1.89 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP happen so rarely in baseball that they're usually paired with a Cy Young award. Brown most definitely had a dominant reign as a Marlin during his two short years spent with the team.

2. Josh Beckett - Now a pitcher with the Boston Red Sox and an All-Star a few times over, Beckett is most well known for his heroics as a Marlin during the 2003 World Series against the Yankees. During the 2003 playoffs, Beckett had an incredible 2.11 ERA, and is largely responsible for the Florida World Series win that season. As a Marlin, Beckett averaged nearly a strikeout per inning, fanning 607 batters in 609 innings pitched, and allowing just 529 hits during his time with the team, well below one per inning.

1. Dontrelle Willis - Geez, what's happened to Dontrelle? Ever since he left the Marlins, he's been terrible. But for purposes of this list, he's the #1 pitcher in Florida Marlins history. His longevity (he's made 162 starts, 31 more than the next closest), and his personality have made him a fan favorite down here in Miami. Dontrelle finished his career with the Marlins with a 68-54 record (more wins than anybody in franchise history) and a 3.78 ERA. But Willis will be remembered for his one truly dominant year in which he finished as the runner-up for the NL Cy Young Award behind Chris Carpenter. That year, Willis finished 22-10 with a 2.63 ERA. Not to mention, Dontrelle was the best hitting pitcher in franchise history. In fact, there were times when he'd be used as a pinch hitter. Now that's embarrassing. But he finished his career with a .233 BA and 8 HR's.

Keep an eye on...Ricky Nolasco and Josh Johnson. Johnson has been one of the most underrated pitchers in baseball and is truly dominating, and Nolasco has returned to last year's form. Heck if they each stay one more season, they'd probably knock off Pavano for the #5 spot. - 31492

About the Author:

For more great baseball talk, come to the Florida Marlins forum and try your hand at more than fifty thousand sports trivia questions at RootZoo Sports.

Orioles Trade George Sherrill: A Closer Look

By Nicholas McMillan

Upon first hearing the news about the Baltimore Orioles and the fact that they traded their closer for two minor league baseball players, I was very surprised to hear the news. It really seemed like they gave him away for nothing in return. I knew nothing of Bell and Johnson, and wasn't happy about it.

I've looked at the players they've received in consideration for Sherrill, and I must say I'm a little more pleased after analyzing the stats and the roles that each player (Bell and Johnson) will fill. They won't do anything for the team in 2009, and may not do much in 2010, but a few years down the line, these could be key players on the Orioles team.

Sure, the season's obviously done in Baltimore. There's no way in the world they can think about catching the Yankees or the Red Sox, let alone the Rays. Maybe Toronto, but that'd get the team nowhere anyway.

Looking ahead, they'll need to make moves in order to become a competitive team in the AL East. The Yankees and Red Sox will surely stay competitive, so it'll likely take some big moves.

With Melvin Mora, 36, in his last year of his contract and having lost a good few steps, the Orioles needed a young player who could come up and take his spot in the future. Josh Bell, a third baseman, could most definitely fill any void that Mora leaves.

Josh Bell, one of the players the Orioles received for Sherrill, has played solid baseball all season for the Chattanooga minor league team. In 94 games, he's posted a .296 average, with 11 HRs and 52 runs batted in. Johnson, the other player received in the deal, is a starting pitcher with a 9-5 win loss record and a 3.61 earned run average.

These 2 players are just two more pieces of the Orioles' game plan. Their rookies this year have been outstanding so here's to hoping that Bell and Johnson can contribute to a future winning club. I, for one, think they will.

Let's go Orioles! - 31492

About the Author:

Nicholas McMillan is an eternal MLB zealot, and is thrilled to see signs of improvement on the Orioles' part. He often contributes his input at this Baltimore Orioles forum, and lurks at their general sports forum whenever he needs a change of pace.

Looking At The Greatest MLB Starting Pitchers Entering 2010

By Hal Westbrook

That sport called baseball is really quiet right now as the new season will not be starting for a few months and the World Series was finished quite a while ago.

With that in mind, there are lots of articles that I have written all about this game. Right now, I am going to talk about five pitchers who I think are currently some of the best ones in the sport of baseball right now.

Here are my top five as I see them. Feel free to agree or disagree, and I'd love to see you share your thoughts if you have a different opinion.

Zack Greinke had the best season in baseball for a pitcher last year, but he still needs another great season or two under his belt before he can move up on this list. Still, Greinke is one of the most dangerous pitchers in baseball and has a bright future ahead.

Roy Halladay has been a consistent presence as one of the most reliable pitchers in baseball. Halladay is destined for the Hall of Fame when all is said and done.

Christ Carpenter holds the #3 place on this list as he always manages to be extraordinary. When he returned from almost two seasons of being away from baseball, it was like he had never been gone. I do believe that Carpenter just might be better than he has ever been previously.

Naturally, Johan Santana makes this list too. Even though he hasn't won a Cy Young award since joining the Mets, there's one thing that you can count on in Santana, and that's a great season year in and year out. For this reason, Santana makes number two on my list.

Finally, coming in at number one is Tim Lincecum. After two years of consistent dominance, I'm just about ready to say that Lincecum is no fluke. He's the best strikeout pitcher in the game and his ERA in the twos is just amazing. - 31492

About the Author:

Aside from sports, the writer also frequently shares writing about contemporary floor lamps and mini pendant lighting fixtures.

Buy the Best Buy Wilson Softball Gloves

By Dave Vower

Softball gloves are one among the foremost important pieces of equipment for all softball players. Many manufactures make quick pitch softball gloves creating it troublesome to understand precisely what to choose but a number of the foremost fashionable makes are the Wilson softball gloves, Easton and Miken and prices vary considerably depending on the standard and brand name.

There are different types of gloves such as catcher's mitts, first base gloves and fielder's gloves and each are different which enhances the performance of the players. Pitchers use fielders gloves accept for the first baseman and one need's to look at the padding in the glove as that is of the utmost importance as some gloves have thin padding and other have thick padding.

One among the most popular choices is the Wilson softball gloves which are designed for comfort and fit well. The webbing of the glove between the first finger and therefore the thumb to work out if it is either closed, single crossbar or open because the gloves would like to be comfortable.

The catcher's mitt are designed specifically to withstand the amount of play the mitt sees and one needs to make sure that the padding around the palm and edges are sufficient. The glove should be made of good quality leather such as the Wilson softball gloves which many league players wear due to the strength and durability of the leather.

The first base gloves are used for fast reach and grasp and should have a closed back style and therefore the glove should don't have any holes or gaps. The gloves ought to have a cupped pocket which is between the first finger and thumb creating it easier when catching the ball. The Wilson selection is giant and if you go online you'll be able to read the complete vary along with order online. - 31492

About the Author:

The author has been writing articles online for over 4 years now. Not only does this author specialize in health, fitness and relationships you can also check out his latest websites on Left Handed Baseball Gloves and Easton Baseball Gloves

So Close In 2009, The Chicago Cubs Look To Pass St. Louis In 2010

By Heather Maxwell

The Chicago Cubs finished in second place in 2009, but one could hardly call that a successful season. They scary thing is that they finished more games out of the wild card than they did out of their division. The National League is sporting some heavy favorites once again and if the Chicago Cubs are going into the playoffs, they have to get past St. Louis.

One of the things to be most excited about is the addition of Greg Maddux to the front office of the team. Being one of the most dominant pitchers of his time, one can only imagine the impact that he will have on this pitching staff. He was one of the best control pitchers in recent history and should be able to improve the performance of every person on that team that takes the mound.

The entire team and system is ecstatic about having Maddux come back to Chicago. The young pitchers are looking forward to the knowledge that he can give to them and even Piniella is excited about talking to him to learn his approach to pitching and games in general. While he will not be on the field, his expertise could add half a dozen games to the win total.

As exciting as the Maddux news is, the product that is going on the field is even more exciting. Imagine having to face the power of Soriano, Lee and Ramirez and then having to deal with the speed of Fukudome, Theriot and Byrd. It does not bode well for whoever takes the mound against the Cubs.

Pitching will also be very impressive in 2010 if Lilly returns from his surgery in good shape. Between him and Zombrano, the Cubs have a pretty powerful one and two punch. These two starters could lead the way and if the bottom half of the rotation pitches .500 ball, the wins are going to be rolling in.

The season will start out on the road for Chicago, but they come home pretty early and have a couple of nice series for the fans to see. Milwaukee and Houston should be very beatable and fans are sure to get their money's worth with these tickets. Look for a lot of balls to be leaving the park in those games.

One thing is for sure, Cubs games are going to be exciting in 2010. The key for them always seems to be health as they have had some horrific luck in this department in past seasons. If this team stays healthy, they are going to give St. Louis a run for the division. With the strength of the East and two contenders in the West, they will need this division crown to get into the playoffs and have every right to expect to get it. - 31492

About the Author:

By Heather Maxwell, article sponsored by Stub.com. Stub.com sells Chicago Cubs Tickets, MLB Tickets, Sports Tickets and more to your favorite events around the world.

The Baltimore Orioles Make Big Moves To Try And Unseat Yankees

By Heather Maxwell

The New York Yankees climbed to glory once again and have set the bar in the American League East. The Baltimore Orioles struggled a bit last season and have made some moves to once again compete for the division. While they will have to have a few players put up some career numbers, it is not out of the question that they sneak in for the wild card in 2010.

One of the secrets to success over the past few seasons has been a stud bullpen. Pitchers are going less innings because of the new ballparks and without a solid bullpen, teams have no chance. The good news for Baltimore Orioles fans is that this is probably the best part of their team.

The fact of the matter is that Baltimore will probably cut bullpen pitchers this spring that would be studs on other teams. This is a great problem to have because the quality of pitching fans will see is going to be incredible. This monster bullpen should be the reason that Baltimore gets off to a hot start this season.

It is no secret that starting pitching suffers in the beginning of the season. Most big armed pitchers start slow and take a month or so to get into their groove. It is not uncommon for starters to get yanked after five or six innings in the early going. If the Orioles bullpen holds serve and their offense can take advantage of the weaker clubs pitching, they will put up some wins.

The early season schedule has a chance to be a blessing for Baltimore. They have some very winnable games and then get to face off against the big boys of the division. They have a stretch of 16 games that are played over 16 days that could be quite a momentum builder. How they handle this stretch will probably dictate their season.

While they will probably have a lights out bullpen, they needed to shore up their starting pitching to give them a legitimate shot and they got one of the biggest names on the free agent market, Kevin Millwood is coming off a huge year and will immediately be the Ace of the staff. Guthrie can now pitch in much more comfortable two spot, eat up innings and rack up some wins.

If Baltimore fans were looking for a reason to get back to the ballpark, they finally have it. This team will contend and fan support will be what they need to get them over the hump. How can you not get excited about seeing the Yankees and Red Sox come to town in April? Get loud because this is their chance to make a mark and set the tone for the entire season. - 31492

About the Author:

Written by Heather Maxwell, sponsored by Stub.com. Stub.com sells Baltimore Orioles Tickets, MLB Tickets, Sports Tickets and many more tickets to just about any event in the world.

Can The Arizona Diamondbacks Get Out Of The Cellar In 2010

By Heather Maxwell

The Arizona Diamondbacks are a team that expects to win and win big. That didn't happen in 2009 because of various reasons, but they are making a huge push to make sure that the team does not experience that again. It is perfectly understandable why the fans are getting twitchy and cannot wait for the new season to start.

While Eric Byrnes was a major factor in their success in 2007, he seemingly dropped off the face off the earth over the last two seasons and the Arizona Diamondbacks have lost patience and are allowing him to try and get untracked with another team. The fans will not miss his .218 AVG over the last two years, a far cry from the .286 he hit in '07.

In order to get the offense back on track, the Arizona Diamondbacks have signed Adam LaRoche of the Atlanta Braves. The 30 year old popped 25 home runs last year and hit .270 and there is every reason to believe that both of those numbers will climb dramatically. The new ballpark and lineup should allow him to have a career year and lead the Diamondbacks back to glory.

While the offensive news is exciting, Brandon Webb will hold the key to the success of the Diamondbacks in 2010. Their horrible 2009 was directly related to him not being able to take the ball and the fact that he is ready to go again will be good news for loyalists. He was getting better every year until that injury and he will hopefully pick up where he left off.

If Webb is 100%, the one-two punch of Webb and Hare is going to be quite formidable. Over the last two seasons he has put up 30 wins and has over 400 strikeouts. If both of these pitchers are healthy, the Arizona Diamondbacks will easily surpass their win total of last season.

The Arizona bullpen should be solid as they are led by closer Chad Qualls. He slid into his new role nicely and converted 24 of 29 saves with a very respectable 3.63 ERA. With a year under his belt as the full time closer, we can expect a lower ERA and with Webb, quite a few more saves. You fantasy leaguers will want to snatch him up.

The fact that Webb is coming back is enough of a reason for fans to order their tickets. Arizona is staring down the throat of a division championship and possibly a NL crown with this pitching staff. They need to stay healthy, but if they do the West is in for a heap of trouble. - 31492

About the Author:

By Heather Maxwell, sponsored by Stub.com. Stub.com sells Arizona Diamondbacks Tickets, MLB Tickets, Sports Tickets and many more tickets to just about any event in your area.

A Timeless MLB Turn Of Events That Is Still Amongst The Greatest

By Vic Grobeck

One of the most unforgettable, craziest nights in baseball history took place over 23 years ago and many fans still remember it. Red Sox fans probably to this day want to just forget about it while Mets fans keep the great memories alive I am sure.

The Boston Red Sox and the New York Mets went to the World Series in 1986. It was destined to be a remarkable game as they were both at the top of their leagues.

It really surprised a lot of people when the Red Sox came away with the win during games one and two that took place in New York. For the Mets, along with their fans, this was a real downer.

But, lo and behold, the Mets luck changed and they won the third and fourth games to make the series even. However, the Red Sox then got the victory in the fifth game and had a great chance of bringing the series to an end with a win in the sixth game.

It seemed like that was destined to happen. It was the bottom of the 9th with the Red Sox in the lead by 2 runs and the Mets did not have any of their players on any of the bases. Everyone was ready to celebrate and thought this game was pretty much over and done with.

Somehow, the Mets kept the game alive with a few base hits after being down to their last strike on several occasions. Before long, a wild pitch sent a runner home, tying up the game. The crowd was uproarious; this was history in the making.

Then, something very unexpected happened next. The first base line is where Mookie Wilson hit a dribbler to and it should have been a super-easy out and the end of the game. However, the ball traveled right through Bill Buckner's legs which resulted in a run being scored by Ray Knight and the Mets getting the win.

They went on to win game 7 of the World Series, making this one of the most meaningful and memorable games in the history of professional baseball.

Many baseball fans will still claim to this day that this was the best baseball game ever played. Based on the way this all happened, they may very well be right. - 31492

About the Author:

The author also regularly blogs about topics like maternity evening wear and stylish maternity clothes.

Don't Count the San Diego Padres Out Of The West

By Jake Kohler

One team that will be happy to put last season behind them will be the San Diego Padres. They had it pretty rough last year and 2010 brings a lot of hope and optimism with it. This is their chance to show off some young talent and hopefully give the mainstays a run for their money. Some old favorites have left, but some of these young players are now looking to make a name for themselves.

This is not to say that San Diego is going to run away with the division; that is hardly the case. What we are saying is that with many of the losses that teams have seen and the gains that some of the bottom tier teams from last season are seeing, a team like San Diego can be in the picture if they play up to their potential all season long.

If any team is going to win, they have to have talent in the starting rotation. Chris Young is going to be looked at hard this year and if he reaches his potential, he will be the driving force behind the turnaround of the Padres. He seems to have a thing for even numbered years, so let's hope that trend continues.

Heath Bell is the one arm that the Padres know will stand up to any team. He converted close to 90% of his saves last season and will be expected to do the same this year. The team will need to get to him even more this season if they are going to be competitive. To do this, they will have to produce offensively.

San Diego needs to get players across the plate and to do that this combination of veterans and young talent is going to have produce in every aspect. Adrian Gonzalez is their big slugger, but players like Eckstein and Hairston need to show these young guys how it is done. If they can lead and the youngsters heed their advice, who knows what can happen.

The season does not start off easy for San Diego, but they need to look at this as an opportunity to make a statement that this is not the same old Padres. If they take that approach, they could very well have some success and set the stage to have a great year. It is a lot of ifs, but momentum is strange thing and they would not be the first team to go from the basement to the playoffs.

Every season starts off 0-0 and it is up to the players to take the bull by the horns and make the most of their opportunity to be professional baseball players. After having a season like last year, you can only hope that the taste that was left in the mouths of these players was enough to create the driving force to get fans back in the seats and get some wins up on the scoreboard. - 31492

About the Author:

By Jake Kohler, sponsored by TicketSeating.com. TicketSeating.com sells San Diego Padres Tickets, MLB Tickets, Sports Tickets and many more tickets to your favorite events around your area.

Tampa Bay Rays Look To Recapture The Spirit Of 2008

By Jake Kohler

Imagine being on a baseball team that has to know that every day they go out there they are in competition with two of the best teams in baseball: the Red Sox and the Yankees. While some teams will run and hide, the Rays take this challenge head on because they know that it makes them a better team. While they did finish 19 games back last season, it was more about the quality of the division than it was their play.

Tampa Bay is a team that took advantage of being underrated and managed to get into the World Series just two years ago. Much of that very team is still intact. While they saw some difficult stretches in 2009, this team can never be counted out. If they can duplicate last season and pick up a few more wins, they will be in contention for the wild card or even the division this season.

Whatever you do Rays fans, don't let the division placement get you down. This is a legitimate team that had some bad breaks last season and is hardly out of the race for the crown in 2010. The pitching rotation features a lot of talent that is headed by young superstar Jeff Niemann. There was surely no sophomore slump for this 13 game winner.

Something else to be very excited about is the fact that the ball will fall into the hands of Soriano in the ninth inning. He came up through the Seattle farm system when they were stacked with pitching talent and recently strutted his stuff with the Braves. His first season as a closer was a huge success and it is actually amazing that the Braves let him get away.

In his first campaign as the everyday closer, he converted 27 of 31 opportunities. That number puts him up with the best in the business and having been a trouble spot for Tampa Bay in the past, there is a lot of solace knowing that they have a true closer to hand the ball to now.

The offense is looking sexy this season and Longoria is heading it up. From the very first moment that he took the field he was tagged as superstar. While some young players would shy away from the role, he has embraced it and become a true leader of this franchise. This is his third season of what will surely be a very long and esteemed career in Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay fans are going to be treated to some incredible baseball in 2010. The division is stacked with talent and that means that most of the season the best teams in baseball will be coming to town. While it will be anything but an easy season, victories will be well earned and if they do get to the WS, they will be primed and will have already taken down the best teams in baseball. - 31492

About the Author:

By Jake Kohler, sponsored by TicketSeating.com. TicketSeating.com sells Tampa Bay Rays Tickets, MLB Tickets, Sports Tickets and more to just about any events in your area.

Are Glory Days Ahead For The Atlanta Braves In 2010

By Heather Maxwell

There are currently two divisions in baseball that are the measuring stick and they are both in the East. Both National and American League fans know that any team coming out of those divisions is an automatic World Series Contender. The good news for the Atlanta Braves is that they are in the National League East. The bad news for the Braves is that they are in the National League East.

The Hinske signing did not perk up a lot of ears, but don't underestimate the value of this talented veteran. Let's not forget that he was the Rookie of the Year in 2002 and has the potential to hit over .300 and knock out quite a few balls. While his role will probably be that of the primary left-handed pinch hitter, his leadership and experience should lift this club up a bit.

Braves fans have to be looking forward to another big year from Matt Diaz. After only playing 43 games in 2008, he bounced back huge hitting .313 in 2009. He had his second best season in home runs and will look to have a career best this season. Arguably one of the most talented players on the team, the Atlanta Braves will look for him to continue his offensive progress.

The real excitement starts when you look at the pitchers that Atlanta will be throwing out there ever day. While the Phillies did sign Halladay, they are pretty much rolling the dice after that. This may be enough to give the Atlanta Braves the edge as the season progresses. If Cole Hamels has the year that he had last season, the Braves pitching could very well get them the East.

Jair Jurjens was an absolute stud last season eating up over 200 innings and winning 14 games. If he would have had better run support, it could have been a Cy Young season. If he comes anywhere close to the 2.60 ERA that he put up last year, the Braves will be ecstatic. So far, there is no reason to believe any different.

The Braves are stacked up behind Jurjens with Lowe, Hanson and Hudson. While Lowe had a high ERA last season, he still managed to get 15 wins. It seemed as though he was all or nothing last year as he either completely shut teams down or they lit him up like a Christmas tree. We fully expect him to settle down this season, win close to 20 games and keep that ERA under 4.00.

The Braves always fill up and this season should not be any different. Anyone that wants a decent seat better get their tickets now. Make no mistake about it, 2010 will not see the Braves finish in the same position. They will be neck and neck at the top of the division and have to be a favorite to take the East. - 31492

About the Author:

Written by Heather Maxwell, sponsored by Stub.com. Stub.com sells Atlanta Braves Tickets, MLB Tickets, Sports Tickets and many more tickets to your favorite events around your area.

The Recipe For The Yankees In 2010: Rinse And Repeat

By Jake Kohler

While many teams are trying to figure out if they can even compete in 2010, the New York Yankees are looking to load the roster and get another ring. One of the most storied franchises in the history of baseball is back on top and they are not looking to give up the throne anytime soon. They will once again be favored in a loaded American League East, but teams will be gunning for them more than ever now.

The 2009 season was one of the best runs that we have seen a team go on. They crushed the opposition during the regular season and did pretty much the same thing once the post season arrived. The series against Philadelphia was exciting, but there never seemed to be a doubt as to who would win. The starters held down that potent lineup and pitched into the 7th inning almost every game, and we all know who gets the call after that.

You have to love the Yankees starting pitching once again as they put out nothing but studs. The dominating CC Sabathia will start the season as the resident Ace, but there is talent throughout the rotation. They are one of the few teams that has a rotation where every pitcher has won 15 games at least once in their career.

Talking about the bullpen is almost a waste of time. We all know what happens when the call to the pen gets made and so does the rest of baseball. There is flat out no better closer in baseball than Rivera. He has missed exactly seven save opportunities over the last three years. Just about every closer in the league blew that many last season alone.

There is probably only one or two other offenses that can compare to the Yankees starting lineup in all of baseball. We may be seeing one of the greats of all time in Alex Rodriguez and the rest of the supporting cast is not so bad either. Another 100 win season may be on the horizon for this star studded cast.

The defending champs definitely have some challenges in the early part of the season, but then it is smooth sailing for a few weeks. It is hard to imagine that the Yankees will not come out of April with the lead to the division and a huge win record. The Bronx Bombers will be up to their usual again in 2010.

Yankees fans never need a reason to flock to the ballpark, but they surely do have it this year. The defending world champs are set to go on another monster run this season and the park will surely be packed to the gills for each and every one of them. Get to the ticket window now because there may not be much left when the season starts. - 31492

About the Author:

Written by Jake Kohler, article sponsored by TicketSeating.com. TicketSeating.com sells New York Yankees Tickets, MLB Tickets, Sports Tickets and many more tickets to just about any event in the world.

The Magnificent Stats By Albert Pujols

By Paul Queenman

There are many questions and debates that keep rearing their heads during discussions and the main ones are about sports. One of the most common ones is regarding Albert Pujols and whether or not he is the best ever at hitting the ball.

To keep the debate modern and up to date, we shall only compare Pujols with players we are familiar with from the past thirty years.

Players from the past such as Mays and Williams were great in their day, but the game has changed so much since then comparisons can't really be made. Conditions and even equipment are completely different in the modern game.

How would Pujols have played in past eras? That's a question nobody can answer so the debate is pointless. He has enough going for him for us to consider him to be the best in the modern game, so why bother with comparisons with players from the past?

As he is still only 29, he can stay at the level he is at, or even improve further, in the years to come. The key to his success is how consistent he is, week in, week out. Here are just a few stats that other players would die for. The .334 career average of Albert Pujols is outstanding.

His career average could win a league all on its own. In the second season he played in, he hit a career low average of .312, his worse since has been .327 and his overall average is .334. This is a staggering average whichever way you look at it.

Pujols is an MLB player and has now played 9 seasons in this league. During 5 of those he has hit 40 home runs. The lowest amount he has ever hit in a season is 32; this is an outstanding stat by anyone's standards.

There are many for arguments in the debate about Pujols being a terrific hitter, and, so far, no against ones. Each year his consistency is awesome and it's hard to believe now that anyone can take his place as the best batsman we will have ever seen. - 31492

About the Author:

Read more of this writer's work regarding products such as bedroom headboards and wall mounted bed headboards.

Youth Baseball Tournament: Recollections That Last Forever

By Ken Santi

When a young baseball or softball team finishes out the season, they usually will enter into a youth baseball tournament. For younger players, usually every team competes in the tournament, rather than only selecting the teams that did best during the regular season. During the tournament, many exciting things may happen.

Usually a tournament begins with every team of the same age group playing one another. The winners of those games then play each other, and the tournament continues until only two teams are left. These two teams then compete in the championship.

At a baseball tournament championship, boys and girls can learn the excitement, fear, and anticipation that come with playing in a "big game." This can help to "build character, " but it can also be fairly traumatic for children who mess up during the game in some way. Thus, it puts a lot of pressure on the children, but it has the possibility to give them great memories.

The teams that do place in the tournament usually have good memories of it. They often have a shelf that displays their prized trophy, and they may reminisce years later. While the team that gets first place usually is happier with the outcome, second place teams that play a good game can also feel very proud.

With youth baseball tournaments, one can get the feel of a great baseball game. Delicious snack foods, like hot dogs and chips, are usually available for people at the games to purchase. Also, the smells of baseball can bring nostalgic feelings for former players. Adults can argue and gossip and generally have an exciting time.

With these tournaments, children can create memories and may feel like they are doing something really important. They help to teach them how to act under pressure, and if they perform they will learn that they can succeed under stress. However, there are downsides to so much pressure, especially when children do not perform as well because of it and must live with the guilt. - 31492

About the Author:

To get your child into youth baseball tournament games, you could get with the church or private schools. You can find the latest knowledge online. To get your child ready for a Baseball tournament for their schooling, you could look online for ideas.

The Revolutionary Miken Freak Baseball

By Dave Vower

Miken sports success has been driven by 2 powerful forces foresight and keenness that is why they're able to satisfy with the professional player's demands. This brand may be a well-known and trusted name and the company delivers only the best and their brand name can live long into the future.

The Miken Freak baseball encompasses a thirty eight percent higher tensile strength and a forty% higher elongation that the standard composite and has been proven to deliver unrivaled durability and optimum performance and optimal recoil for specific swing speeds. The extended sweet spot style provides an additional long barrel permitting for an final power source.

The new multilayer design aligns and adheres filaments of premium carbon fiber aerospace grade that produces sturdiness also performance. And therefore the MP resin system is specifically measured to optimize the resilience and performance of the Miken carbon materials. The Miken baseball comes with a one year manufacturer's warranty.

Every kid that plays baseball is raving about the Miken Freak 100 MFY12 Youth as well as their parents and coaches. You need to read all the reviews that have been written and this can be done by going online. There truly is none other that can beat the Miken when it comes to technology.

This Miken Freak one hundred MBFY12 Youth features a twelve length to weight ratio, two and 0.5 in. barrel, multi layer system, BPF one,fifteen certified, contains a DFR a hundred and eighty which increases handle recoil, dynamic flex ratio, extended swing spot style and a R900 carbon fiber in addition to a X-track Plus extreme knob grip. What more might you ask for.

There are thousands of pros and the only con is that every kid wants one. These bats can be ordered directly online or you can obtain one from most sports shops. - 31492

About the Author:

The author has been writing articles online for over 4 years now. Not only does this author specialize in health, fitness and relationships you can also check out his latest websites on Worth Softball Bats and Slowpitch Softball Bats

Wrigley Field - A Name Etched In History

By Liz Taft

Wrigley field is a popular name not only as a baseball stadium but also as a monument in the history of baseball through a series of record-breaking events associated with it.

Located in Chicago, Wrigley field is where the Chicago Cubs baseball team calls home since 1961. That apart, the park played host to the National Football League and the Chicago Bears during the period 1916-1921.

Charlie Weegham, who wanted to house his baseball team, the Chicago federals, decided to give them a permanent base by building Wrigley Park in 1914.

Chronicles - History of Wrigley field An amount of $250,000 was invested in the erection of this 'monument' in the year 1914, designed by architect Zachary Taylor, who streamlined all the fire-safety measures in law at that time.

After the construction, in 1915 Charles Weegham formed a syndicate with Wrigley Jr. as one of the members in order to get hold of the Chicago Cubs from Charles P. Taft. It was in 1919, that Wrigley had full holding of the syndicate and in 1926 Wrigley Park came to be Wrigley Field.

A year after its erection in 1915 Charles Wegham's syndicate of business tycoons such as Wrigley Jr. helped him take a hold on the Chicago Cubs from Charles P Taft. Much later in 1919 Wrigley took a major share in the syndicate holding, and the park's present name goes to represent Wrigley Jr, since 1926.

The first eventful night game was played in 1988, the 8th of August between the Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies when 5,687 games in a row were played only during daytime.

Wrigley's moments of triumph Wrigley stands high for what its grounds have achieved and acclaimed: - 1917 clash between Jim Vaughn (Hippo) and Fred Tony of the Cincinnati Reds - Nail-biting end of the September 1938 match when the popular Gaby Garnette of the Cubs struck a winning homer off Mace Brown (Pittsburgh Pirates), when the match was heading for a 'night-halt' - Record-breaking hits of Ernie banks earning his 500th homer - Pete Rose for his 4191st hit.

Frills of the Wrigley sensation Wrigley field in comparison to other ballparks is most wind-sensitive. The 'windy' scheme goes well with the ivy-vines on its outfield walls. The 'Bleacher Bums' traces its origin to Wrigley in 1966; formed by ten fans. For all its monumental victories in baseball, Wrigley did not etch its home team on the canvas of world-championship triumphs. - 31492

About the Author:

Looking for a place to stay for a Cubs game? Look for hotels near wrigley field or hotels near lincoln park and book early for the best deals.

Mark McGwire Admits The Truth

By Matt Greenard

Recently, Mark McGwire came out with an admission that many people were shocked to hear. He had taken steroids from 1989 through the end of his career, despite his unwillingness to speak on the issue during a congressional hearing five years ago.

What may have been more interesting is the fact that McGwire claims to have used these drugs not simply as a means of getting ahead. McGwire says he took steroids because he believed that they would help him heal from injuries more quickly.

This would make sense in McGwire's case, as injuries seriously slowed down the pace of what would have been an otherwise torrid career. He was one of the best power hitters in the game, but his potential was always cut short due to injury.

His strategy seemingly paid off. During the 1990s, McGwire experienced fewer injuries than he had in the prior years, despite the fact that he was older. He also saw a significant boost in his home run total.

No year was more indicative of his steroid use than 1998 was. This is a year that you very likely remember, as he belted 70 home runs for the St. Louis Cardinals, breaking the single season home record previously held by Roger Maris.

It was a matter of a few seasons before people realized that there had to be some means of artificial help creating seasons once thought to be impossible for older players like McGwire, Barry Bonds, and many others. There had to be steroids involved.

In retrospect, it should have been obvious that McGwire and others were using illegal substances. There was no other way to explain the unprecedented jumps in production, and the baseball world should have been keen to this.

Despite this all, one has to wonder if McGwire should be chided or praised for his recent admissions. While his numbers will certainly hold very little credence, he was a brave man to do what far too players have been willing to do up until now. - 31492

About the Author:

Enjoy more of this writer's work on the wooden bar stool and wooden step stool.

Free Agent Pickups For MLB Offseason

By Jack Holt

While we're in the midst of a lag between baseball seasons, there's been a considerable amount of action worth discussing. With a number of exciting names in the mix, this should come as no surprise.

Many signings during the winter can have a profound impact upon the season to come. After all, look at what the Yankees were able to pull off last season.

The team looked nothing like its former self after adding Mark Teixeira and Nick Swisher to its batting lineup and CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett to its pitching rotation. This gave the Yanks a powerhouse roster that no team could compete with.

Many are wondering if any team will pull off what New York was able to accomplish last year. After looking at some of the major free agent transactions we've witnessed thus far, we'll probably have a better idea.

Acknowledging the need to compete with the Yankees in 2010, the Red Sox knew that they had to make a move. They couldn't have done much better than signing John Lackey, the biggest pitcher in the free agent pool.

While he experiences an occasional injury, all in all he's one of the best there is. Few pitchers have been as consistent has Lackey during the course of the last five seasons.

While the Angels will certainly miss their ace pitcher's presence, they've been fortunate enough to make a valuable addition to their batting lineup. Having signed Hideki Matsui, they've stolen him away from the Yankees and will enjoy his presence on the team.

He's also an extremely reliable outfielder through the course of any season, making great offensive contributions. While he's 35 years old, he hasn't shown many signs of slowing down, so the Angels should expect some solid contributions next season. Matsui's presence will definitely be felt in Los Angeles. - 31492

About the Author:

Besides the MLB, this author also regularly contributes articles on monogram bath towels and monogrammed diaper bag

The Excitement Of Fantasy Baseball Leagues

By John Miller

Maybe you have been wondering what all the fuss is over fantasy sports leagues. Well, simply, sports fans can never get enough of their favorite sports and fantasy teams let them become part of the action. There are leagues out there for just about any sport that strikes your fancy. Golf, horse racing, football, basketball, hockey, soccer, and baseball are some of the more common sports that draw fantasy fans. And fantasy baseball leagues seem to be everywhere.

Fantasy leagues give the fans something to add to all the excitement of baseball. Imagine how unbelievable it would be if all your favorites were on the same team? What if you could take your two hometown favorites and put them in the same lineup and the AL batting champ and the NLs homerun leader? What if you could then add to this team a Cy Young winner, the best closer in the major leagues and a new left handed pitcher that is supposed to be the next Whitey Ford? In a fantasy league, you may very well be able to assemble such a team. Or at least come pretty close.

It all begins by finding a website that offers fantasy games. Usually any sports themed website will have them and many other sites will too. Network TV channels, internet services companies, and community sites as well as others are all trying to get in on the action.

Once you pick a place to play, just sign up and create and name your team. You can take a traditional approach and include your name or location, like the Indiana Black Cats or Bens Wild Rats. Or you may want to use a personal slogan like Woo Hoo ! Good sites will allow you to design jerseys or ball caps or create a logo.

Shortly before the start of baseball season, fantasy players are placed into different groups. Groups can be picked by the participants or randomly picked by the program. Groups are divided into East and West or other names. Then come draft time. This is one of the most fun parts. Live drafts in particular are exciting as each person gets the sense that he is right there in the arena choosing his team.

The draft works like a real draft, where each team makes a selection in turn until all rounds are complete. It can be nerve racking to sit and wait for your next turn hoping your next choice is still available when your next pick rolls around. Automatic drafts are also available for those who cannot make it to a live draft. Those people simply rank their choices and when it is their turn, the highest ranked player is chosen for them.

After this, it all falls into the hands of the real ball players. Of course if you expect to win, you have to pay attention to your team. If one of your teammates is injured in real life, you need to place him on injured reserve and find a backup. Follow sporting news and find out if somebody on your team is feeling ill or otherwise may not play for the next few days. Bench him and put in a replacement. And of course if your players are giving lackluster performances, you can attempt to trade them to your rivaling teams for other players or simply dump them from the team and give a few rookies a try.

The fun carries on into the playoffs. Prizes are generally given to the person who wins the entire game and smaller prizes may be awarded to winners of individual leagues. Fantasy baseball leagues give fans a way to be a part of all the action even while sitting at home. - 31492

About the Author:

Want to find out more about fantasy baseball leagues, then visit John Miller's site on how to choose the best league for your needs.

Adorn Your Kid's Bedroom with These MLB Baseball Wall Decals

By Angela Parker

The immense popularity of wall decals just goes to show that these are the most favored stickers amongst the kids as well as adults. Since baseball is a favorite sport and is loved by both kids and adults, you might want to surprise your kids with these MLB Baseball wall decals. They will be too glad to oblige you and may even give you a lending hand.

These wall graphics can be seen not only in kid's bedrooms or drawing rooms, but also in famous offices and sport agencies. Since they are made up of vinyl, they are easy to peel and stick. These wall stickers can range from bold or sophisticated stickers to wall covering graphics. Some of these wall stickers also come with additional accessories like baseball bats, balls caps and many more.

Almost all kids in America adore baseball and love to see their favorite player or team hit a home run. The spirit of this exciting and thrilling game can be brought to life in the convenience of your kid's bedroom. You can even ask your kid to choose from the variety of wall stickers offered by many stores so that he too can voice his opinions and ideas.

One of the greatest advantages of having these sports wall stickers as decors is that they can easily be placed on top of furniture, walls, and floors and are scratch and tear resistant. You can even carry them off with you on holidays and at the time of shifting of homes. Depending on the size of the room, you can either go in for multiple baseball legends or a single team supported by your kid.

Planning to give a gift to your child? Nothing will please them more than giving them these MLB Baseball wall decals. Some kids also collect these wall stickers as a hobby or to place them in their photo albums. If you research more thoroughly you may also come across rare stickers of legends.

If your kid prefers to have a collage of different MLB stars, then you can even choose Derek Jeter (New York Yankees), David Wright ( New York Mets), Kevin Youkilis (Boston Red Sox) and many more. You might even consider going in for collages and have them stuck at different positions in the bedroom walls of your kid.

You can even go in for life size wall decals featuring players in various action shots and poses. You can even purchase team logos, autographed stickers and other items depending on your kid's specification and requirement. These huge stickers are not only phenomenal looking but also look realistic. Regardless of who their favorite team or players is, these stickers are sure to woo their tiny hearts away. They will never want to leave the comfort of their bedrooms.

Once you have finished decorating their rooms with these MLB Baseball wall decals, they will feel proud to show it off to their friends and boast about these to them. They will also be able to concentrate more on improving their baseball skills, especially if they are a part of a club. They can also be used to show loyalty to the team and can be used in the sports as well as the drawing room. Nothing is more precious than to see those little eyes fill with happiness. - 31492

About the Author:

Your child's bedroom will come alive with life size player MLB wall stickers. At wallstickers-decals.com all the popular MLB stars and teams are available along with other Sports Wall Decals.

Yankee Checks-Make Your Checks Go From Dull to Dugout

By Alan Plastin

Do you love the New York Yankees? Are you tired of boring checks? How about making your checks more interesting with Yankee checks?

Based in the Bronx in New York City, the New York Yankees were founded in 1901. However, they didn't acquire their present day name until 1913.

Yankee Stadium, one of the most famous sports arenas in the United States, is where the Yankees make their home. They actually got a new stadium in 2009, but it maintains the same name.

A lot of very famous baseball players came out of the Yankees. Such players as Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Jo DiMaggio, Lou Gherig, and Yogi Berra all played for the Yankees at one time. These guys aren't just big in baseball, but they have become all around sports legends in general.

In 39 appearances, the Yankees have won an impressive 26 World Series. They have also played in the World Series against all of the National League pennant winners except the Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies, something that no other team is even close to coming to. In 2008, the Yankees had an unprecedented regular season winning percentage of the best of any team in baseball.

Some of the most loyal fans in baseball are Yankee fans. The first one-million fan season was in 1920, when 1,289,422 fans were present at Yankee games at the Polo Grounds. In 1946, 2,265,512 fans went to games at Yankee Stadium. In the past seven years, the Yankees have pulled in over 3 million fans every year, with a record-setting 4,090,696 in 2005, making it become only the 3rd franchise in sports history to draw in over 4 million people in regular season turnout to their own stadium.

The good news is, you don't have to book it to New York to show your loyalty and dedication. When you purchase the checks, you can show off your team pride every time you pull out your checkbook.

The New York Yankees check design features the official Yankees emblem in the middle of the check itself. The background shows the image of a baseball diamond with the official gray and blue colors being shown.

If you would like a matching checkbook to go along with your new checks, there are also a couple of designs available as well to choose from.

Although it was pricey and time consuming to go to your local bank in the past and sort through a small array of check designs, you can now save that trouble and buy your checks online. If you use a safe website you can even save up to 50% off of what your local bank might have charged you.

An additional enticement to buying them online is that you have a better supply of designs. There are virtually hundreds of choices so you shouldn't have to pick something cheap and plain.

You might have had to wait up to 2 weeks in the past when you ordered them at the bank. When you order online, however, they can arrive to you in about 5 days. That is a lot more convenient. - 31492

About the Author:

Before you purchase Yankees checks, go to YankeesChecks.com to get coupons and to save up to 50% off your next order of Yankees personal checks.

Slide Into Home with Chicago Cubs Checks!

By Alan Plastin

Go Cubs! Even though Hayley's comet has been spotted two times since the Cubs won a World Series, the Chicago Cubs continue to be one of professional baseball's most beloved teams. They have tremendously dedicated fans that are faithful to the heart. If you, yourself, are a fan and "bleed Cubbie blue" then to show your pride in your favorite team you might want to consider buying Chicago Cubs Major League Baseball personal checks.

Since 1902, the Chicago Cubs have carried the team's name. They are occasionally called "the boys in blue" or, referred to by devoted fans as the "cubbies." The official team colors are red and blue, therefore the "bleeding cubbie blue" concept, and the official Cub mascot is a young bear cub that over the years has gone through several changes.

Everyone knows that the Cubs call Wrigley Field their home. The first National League game was held at Wrigley Field on April 20, 1916. At that point in time, the Cubs beat the Cincinnati Reds 7-6 in 11 innings. Most notably, a bear cub made an appearance at that game.

While other baseball teams were busy installing lights on their field, the Chicago Cubs were actually one of the last do so. Were they out of touch with the times? No, not exactly. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, in 1941 P.K. Wrigley donated the recently purchased lighting equipment to the War Department.

The Chicago Cubs baseball checks are very attractive and striking. They include the team's logo written over a baseball diamond in the team's official red and blue. A radiant red baseball "seamed" pattern border these remarkable checks. When you carry these checks, everybody will know you're a fan as soon as you take out your checkbook.

You might want to think about investing in a coordinating checkbook cover if you would like to shield your new Chicago Cubs personal checks. Additionally, you can purchase other matching accessories like the matching address labels, contact cards, and stickers.

Going to you local bank, sifting through the limited supply of choices available, paying an exorbitant amount of money, and then waiting two weeks for your checks to arrive could be inconvenient at best in the past. Now, however, you can skip all of that and simply order your checks online.

There are many reliable, protected websites available that will permit you to order your personal checks and even save you up to 50% off of what you might have paid at your local bank. Additionally, the good thing about these websites is that as well as not having to leave your home to buy them and saving money simultaneously, you will also have a better assortment of checks to choose from.

When ordering your checks online, you will need to know your checking account number, as well as your routing number. These will be put directly on your checks. You can expect to receive your checks in the mail in about 5 days. - 31492

About the Author:

Before you order Cubs checks, go to CubsChecks.com to get coupons and to save 50% off your next purchase of Chicago Cubs checks.

Recreational Outdoor Sports

By Ethan O. Tanner

The humanity we live in is growing progressively stressful, fast-paced, and filled with responsibility. Because of this, everyone needs some time to unwind and have some recreation. Our modern way of life also tends to be inactive, and the meals we eat are often not very healthy. Exercise is a very important component in renewing us. For these grounds, sports recreation activities are some of the best recreation we can choose. There are many options for spare-time activity to provide sports recreation. You may even would like to learn some new recreational sports skills.

Classes to acquire new sports recreation attainments can be found online and in larger cities. You are able to study and participate in team sports through the local Y and other organizations. Team sports recreation activities you could like to embark in softball, basketball, baseball, and once in a while in soccer for younger people. A different team sport you might also love bowling. No matter what your skill level, you'll be able to find a bowling team to have entertainment.

Individual sports recreation activities you can learn and participate in include golf, tennis, running, aerobic dance, gymnastics, and horseback riding. Don't overlook bicycling and weight training too. Many of these sports can be learned at the local Y as well. For some of these, you'll want to have a friend to play against or share the experience with. Many runners, for instance, like to run with a friend. And games like tennis and handball really need cooperation for best results.

Whenever you'd rather, you can learn about sports recreation skills online. You can find courses to teach almost any sport or activity you'll be able to think of including fly-fishing, underwater hockey, and para-gliding in the Alps! Of course, unless you will be able to get some hands-on experience you'll only have the theories of the sport. Still, online courses are a good way to get a taste of several sports and recreational activities you could someday prefer to try out.

An authentically fun sports recreation game you may get a chance to play is table tennis. Table tennis or Ping pong, since it is sometimes called, is played on a table with rubber coated paddles and extremely light weight plastic balls. You must hit the ball with your paddle so that it strikes the table and clears the net before your opponent strikes it and bounces it back to you. One way to become more expert at table tennis and increase your chance of winning is to once in a while hit the ball harder than at other times. This keeps your opponent guessing what you'll do next.

Sports recreation activities are an important way to get exercise and relieve stress. They're also a lot of fun. Sports sincerely are an outside outlet that enables you to make friends and participate in healthy exercise. Whether with friends or alone, everybody needs a favorite recreation to participate in. - 31492

About the Author:

Leather expert and knowledgeable Ethan O. Tanner explains the different types of team sports the checklist for soccer for your cherished outdoor recreation activity.