Orlando Hudson makes a statement most everywhere he goes, and his love of talking to people and sharing views is why MLB Network brought him back for a sequel to last year's two-day LCS studio stint.
Howard has surgery; targets April return
Ryan Howard had surgery Wednesday morning in Baltimore to repair a completely torn Achilles tendon in his left leg. Foot and ankle specialist Mark Myerson performed the surgery and also administered a PRP injection.
Manny Ramirez Update – Spring Training
Manny Ramirez is one of the most idiosyncratic baseball players to have played the game. Known for “Manny being Manny”, his outspoken style, his baggy uniform, looking like he was asleep standing up in left field then springing into action to make scintillating defensive plays, Manny Ramirez left the game under a dark cloud having tested positive yet again for using a female fertility hormone. Female fertility hormones are used as masking agents to cover up usage of illegal performance enhancing drugs. Ramirez didn’t adjust well to home life in South Florida and was recently arrested for domestic abuse of his Brazilian born wife. Many pro athletes in different sports find it difficult to adjust to retirement and don’t want to face the fact that they are no longer the sports heroes in the limelight, a status which they enjoyed over many years during their playing career. In addition, they haven’t been around their wives and families full-time, since the baseball season can run from February spring training through October World Series play, they are often strangers in their own families.
Manny Ramirez recently announced that he would be playing in the Dominican Republic Winter League and stated his reason as wanting to bring focus to baseball in the Dominican Republic. Or was Manny unable to put down the bat and glove and transition into retirement? Nevertheless, Manny Ramirez was unable to play in the Dominican Winter League as the Dominican League abides by MLB rules and Manny’s suspension for the PED would have to be served out.
While everyone is wondering who will make the World Series this year, other teams who didn’t make the playoffs or who were knocked out of the playoffs picture, are already gearing up for Spring Training 2012. Spring Training basically consists of practice sessions and exhibition games played in Florida (The Grapefruit League) or Arizona (The Cactus League). Many people enjoy the Spring Training exhibition games for a chance to see players play the game in smaller parks instead of in huge stadiums.
Ryan would welcome Astros as division foe
Rangers president Nolan Ryan said on Tuesday night at Comerica Park that the possibility of the Houston Astros switching leagues and joining the American League West would be welcomed by his club.
Ryan proud of Rangers' rise to prominence
The state of the Texas Rangers is in tip-top shape as they try to ascend to the World Series for the second time in as many years, Nolan Ryan, the team's president and spokesman, said on Tuesday night prior to Game 3 of the American League Championship Series against the Tigers at Comerica Park.
Brewers benefit from neighbors to the north
The Milwaukee Brewers are not in the National League Championship Series without a strong Canadian presence in their organization, all the way from the front office to the back of the bullpen.
Cards fans going nuts over Rally Squirrel
Vice president of Busch Stadium operations Joe Abernathy said he couldn't be certain that he and his staff have trapped the Rally Squirrel, which now has more than 23,000 followers on Twitter and has spawned sales of T-shirts and hats, and will be featured on rally towels for Game 3.
If situation arises, Carp would go on short rest
The longer format of the National League Championship Series means that the Cardinals won't have to pitch Chris Carpenter on short rest in order to use him twice in the series. Unless they do.
From young age, Braun lived for big moments
You never know how players, even the best ones, will respond to the pressures of the postseason. But Ryan Braun's father swears he did. He knew it the moment he watched his son play his first high school game.
Stow to be moved to long-term rehab center
Bryan Stow made another major step forward in his recovery Tuesday, as his doctors announced he would be transferred from San Francisco General Hospital to a long-term rehabilitation center.
Rollins eyes new deal, preferably with Phils
Jimmy Rollins gave the most in-depth glimpse into his impending free agency on Tuesday, believing a deal will get done with the Phillies, even though he adamantly stated he wants a five-year deal.
Williams considered Konerko for Sox manager
White Sox general manager Ken Williams briefly considered the idea of Paul Konerko as a replacement for Ozzie Guillen before choosing Robin Ventura to be the White Sox new manager.
Pujols, Braun and Fielder rising to the occasion
One night after Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder stole the show, Albert Pujols helped the Cardinals even the National League Championship Series at a game apiece with a four-hit, five-RBI eruption in Game 2.
Marcum going through a stretch of bad luck
Brewers manager Ron Roenicke has made every attempt to convince critics and fans that Shaun Marcum has pitched better than his recent results might indicate.
Close call in fifth halted Brewers' momentum
Although the Cardinals won a 12-3 rout over the Brewers in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series, a close call in the fifth inning could have potentially changed momentum by stopping a possible rally by the Crew.
Middle men doing big damage in NLCS
On a night when his Cardinals teammates had banged out 12 runs and 17 hits in a 12-3, Game 2 win over the Brewers, Octavio Dotel immediately flipped the conversation's focus to pitching.
Close call goes Cards' way as 'pen does job
On a night Albert Pujols starred at the plate, arguably the game turned on one pitch by reliever Lance Lynn to get out of the fifth. Arthur Rhodes, Lynn, Fernando Salas, Marc Rzepczynski, Mitchell Boggs and Jason Motte came in to help the Cards even the series.