Separated at Birth: All the Kings Horses...

Saw Puss N Boots today. Papelbon was magnificent as Humpty Dumpty.

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Separated at Birth: David Freese is on Your Side

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Old Phillies Fan's Carpet Doesn't Match the Drapes

C'Mon, cuz. If you're gonna rock the full uni during Game 1 of the NLDS, at least match up homes with aways.

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Five Minutes with CC Sabathia

Last month during MLB All-Star break, we talked with Diamondbacks outfielder Justin Upton about the Pepsi Max Field of Dreams contest.

Today, we trekked into the big city to talk with Yankees ace C.C. Sabathia about that same program as he casted his dream team ballot, selecting 11 legendary diamond stars (one at each position including DH & reliever) at the MLB Man Cave at 4th and Broadway.


Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia stopped by the MLB Fan Cave on August 10, 2011 to vote for his Pepsi MAX Field of Dreams team. Vote for your 11-man dream team of living legends at MLB.com/PepsiMAX.

For those who forgot since last month, by entering your picks for the Field of Dreams team, you enter for a chance to bring a team of MLB greats to your own hometown to play ball with you and 10 of your friends.

Throughout the afternoon, Sabathia was peppered with questions about his selections. I took the opportunity to grill him on his passing on Steve Carlton in lieu of Randy Johnson.

Having just watched his teammate Derek Jeter reach the magical #3000, I asked the Cy Young Award and World Series winner about his cognizance of his own legacy and milestones, to which he gave a very Jeterian answer.

Actually, much like the Captain, CC maneuvered landmine questions well throughout the day, and specifically throughout my chat with him.

I asked him to compare his time in the AL Central facing great teams such as the Twins, Tigs and Sox with his current battles in the media-saturated AL East. He didn’t bite.

They’re just as intense. Thery’re not as media covered…A lot of those teams have a lot of homegrown talent so you grow up playing against a lot of those guys.

We also talked about the current pitchers he loves to watch, which included “the best pitcher in the league” Roy Halladay, CC’s former Indians teammate Cliff Lee, David Price and a slew of fellow lefties.

Overall, a good, down to earth dude and a fun program from Pepsi Max.



For the record, my team:

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Blogs With Balls Radio, Episode 33

Justin Upton at just 23 and with 2 MLB All-Star Game selections under his belt is known throughout baseball as a five-tool player. Add a sixth tool to the Arizona Diamondback's repertoire. The kid is media savvy.

While I through in the obligatory softballs, Upton maneuvered his way smoothly around any opportunity to take shots at Brewers slugger Prince Fielder and nicely avoided the landmine question about political protests in the host state:

The game of baseball can do wonders for communities...Obviously, the protesters feel like this is there time to shine, but it hasn't dampened anything for me. The fans are still out. The fans are still having a great time. It's a great experience for our fans here in Arizona to have this type of energy in your city and to do things for the game of baseball like helping the community. It hasn't dampened anything for me because you see the smiles on the faces of people.

Upton goes on to talk about his goals as a player and a team, and also what it would take for him as a player to stick with the DBacks throughout his career:

If we can get a nice fanbase here and have people jump on and be DBacks fans, I'd love to play here the rest of my career.

Listen to the full interview below. And check out Pepsi Max's Field of Dream promotion here.

Blogs With Balls Radio Episode 33 by Blogs with Balls

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Joba Talks Jeter, Cano, Surgery and #PricelessNY

We sent high school baseball coach, Yankee fanatic and first-time correspondent Eddie Z. to Yankee Stadium last night to hang out with pitcher Joba Chamberlain and celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez at the Mastercard Batter's Eye Cafe at Yankee Stadium to learn about MC's PricelessNY campaign and in hopes of catching Derek Jeter's 3000th hit. Jeter fell 2 short of the milestone, but that didn't damper the experience.

----------

We were ushered into a small conference room for the Mastercard presentation, "Priceless New York." There were about 30 people there, sports bloggers and food bloggers, few friends, PR people and Mastercard people. This is their new promotion for cardholders offering unique experiences in different cities around the world.

We were treated to one of the experiences for New York: Batting practice entry to the stadium, The Batter's Eye Café, some schwag, endless buffet (beer included), seats above the batter's eye, some time with a random Yankee (Joba in this case) and food prepared by Aaron Sanchez. If you know the Stadium at all, these seats are located above the tinted windows in dead center field. The windows are the Mohegan Sun Lounge, the view is sick.


The entire place stood for all of Jeter's at bats and I really got the feeling that half the crowd was there just for that. He lined a double on the 1st pitch of the game, I think everyone in the place thought he had it locked up tonight. This game can be best described as a throw away game in the middle of July, neither team really looked like they gave a crap, the Rays were up 5-0 in the 5th and I think if not for the 3,000 everyone would have left then. As it was, he got an AB in the 9th, so people stuck around. Otherwise, this was truly one of the most boring games I have ever been too...ever.

Joba was a very cool dude. Just before I got to him, he was yelling down from where we were to a few of the guys shagging flys during BP complaining about the heat. I think they were making fun of him sweating a lot, couldn't get the camera out quick enough to record.

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Jeter 3K Prop Odds

Opening up a series tonight with the Rays, New York captain Derek Jeter is three hits shy of becoming the 28th player in Major League history to reach the 3,000-hit mark, and remarkably the first Yankee to do so.

Obviously, it's not a matter of if, but when.

So to make things a little more fun, below are prop bet odds from Bodog as of yesterday.

Derek Jeter Odds and Ends

What will his 3000th base hit be?

Single -400 (1/4)

Double +400 (4/1)

Triple +1500 (15/1)

Home Run +1000 (10/1)

What will the count be when he records his 3000th base hit?

0 Balls 0 Strikes 7/2

0 Balls 1 Strike 13/2

0 Balls 2 Strikes 10/1

1 Ball 0 Strikes 13/2

1 Ball 1 Strike 5/1

1 Ball 2 Strikes 13/2

2 Balls 0 Strikes 6/1

2 Balls 1 Strike 13/2

2 Balls 2 Strikes 6/1

3 Balls 0 Strikes 12/1

3 Balls 1 Strike 13/2

3 Balls 2 Strikes 5/1

Who will congratulate (Shake Hands or Hug) Derek Jeter first after he records his 3000th hit?

Base Coach 4/5

Umpire 5/1

Teammate 7/1

Opposing player 3/2

Will the Yankees whole team come onto the field from the dugout to congratulate Derek Jeter after his 3000th hit?

Yes -500 (1/5)

No +300 (3/1)

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Patron Saint Gets Trucked by Eric Byrnes

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Separated at Birth: You Get Nothing, You Lose! Good Day Sir!

Somewhere Ken Rosenthal has a magic chocolate waterfall.

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Life Imitating Seinfeld at Yankee Stadium

Porn stach and shi*t kickers.


"You tell that son of a bitch no Yankee is ever comin' to Houston. Not as long as you bastards are running things."

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Behind the Scenes: A-Rod Vita Coco Shoot

It can be argued that A-Rod has a long way to go before reaching the marketability pantheon in which teammate Derek Jeter hovers.

His recent break-up with a Hollywood starlet may or may not help that cause.

No Cameron?

No problem.

A-Rod joins some very Jeterian company in former crush Madonna, Matthew McConaughey and Demi Moore in pitching coconut water.

A far cry from cousin Yuri's secret Dominican elixir,the Yankee third basemen has incorporated the equally Island-infused Vita Coco into his regimen.

A-Rod: "My trainer suggested I try Vita Coco because of all the electrolytes and potassium, and now I drink it every day," says Alex Rodriguez. "The stuff really works."



Interestingly, Rodriquez's co-pitchman for the campaign's Boston kickoff is Red Sox sweetheart Dustin Pedroia.



What rivalry? It's all about understanding, finding common ground and enjoying some good all-natural coconut water.

A-Rod and Pedroia prefer all-natural alternative to artificial sports drinks – its super-hydrating effects helps them perform at their best on and off the baseball field.

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HHR Joins the NYT in Wishing Cardinal Brad Penny a Happy 58th Birthday

He looks...um...great for his age? 58 years young according to The Learning Network.

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Poor Man's Kurt Angle Resists Police Tasing & Beat Down at PNC Park (Well, for as long as he could)

Via HHR's resident Yinzer Assassin Ave...

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Jimmy Edmonds (Clearance) Has Less Collector Value than...Well Just About Everyone

At least in a sports bar...

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MLB 11 The Show's Fantasy 11 Predictions

Back in college, when a group of friends ran out of things to wager on, they'd set a certain NFL video game franchise on auto-pilot and bet on the outcomes of the games. Apparently, we were well ahead of our time.

While certain pro leagues will argue that fantasy sports equates to gambling, just in time for your fantasy baseball draft, MLB 11 The Show is tapping into our dorm room concept.

The game simulated the up-coming season and is giving a peek at the results for standard 5x5 leagues.

Here's the dish...

2011 Season Highlights using PlayStation’s MLB 11 The Show:

• Trevor Cahill - 18-7, 2.80 ERA (leads league)
• Brandon Webb - 14-8, 220 IP, 3.23 ERA, 5 CG
• CC Sabathia - 19 wins, 2.83 ERA, 7 CG
• Tim Lincecum - 225 K, 2.63 ERA

Braves pitching gives the Phils a run in the NL East!

• Tim Hudson - 17 wins, 2.49 ERA
• Tommy Hanson - 18 wins, 3.26 ERA
• Derek Lowe - 15 wins
• Jonny Venters - 51 saves

The Usual Suspects

• Prince Fielder - 47 HR, 111 RBI, .288 BA
• Albert Pujols - 42 HR, 131 RBI, .321
• Joey Votto - 34 HR, 109 RBI, .327
• Troy Tulowitzki - 41 HR, 143 RBI, .341
• Adrian Gonzalez - 34 HR, 138 RBI, .304
• Paul Konerko - 35 HR, 122 RBI

When I bounced these numbers off of much smarter baseball people than me, I think The Extra 2% author Jonah Keri put it best, "Ah yes, 220 IP for Brandon Webb."

But, hey, nice effort!

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MLB Targeting Sex Trolls for Ultimate Writing Gig

Craigslist: Where you can live find pee stained couches, sexual deviants and a job with Major League Baseball.

Seriously...why would they request a photo and a 2-minute video showcasing one's "personality?"

What could be better than getting paid to watch the entire 2011 baseball season?

Major League Baseball is looking for the ultimate baseball fan for the ultimate dream job. Watch every single game and blog your thoughts and opinions on all the hottest topics of the season.

Major League Baseball is looking for someone with the following qualifications:


• Baseball expert
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to utilize digital social media
• Comfortable on camera
• Larger than life and witty personality

To apply, submit the following information on http://mlb.mlb.com/dreamjob/index.jsp

1. A paragraph about who you are and why you love baseball

2. A paragraph answering one of the two following questions:
• Who will win the American and National League MVP awards in 2011?
• What will be the biggest MLB storyline in 2011? Explain why.

3. Links to relevant writing samples, i.e. articles, blogs or twitter feeds

4. Photo of yourself

5. Two-minute video showcasing your personality

6. Resume or relevant experience

* Compensation: Paid
* Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
* Please, no phone calls about this job!
* Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

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Interview with MLB 11 the Show Cover Star Joe Mauer

Minnesota Twins' All-World catcher Joe Mauer was in enemy territory today promoting MLB 11 The Show, widely considered the most authentic baseball game available.


In between 3D homerun derby hacks with the PlayStation Move, we talked with Mauer about the Twins getting the hometown discount and how the Players Union felt about it, how long he'll catch, balancing the how much he studies opposing pitchers vs. opposing hitters and a special moment he shared with Mike Piazza.



Here are the images he gazed at when contemplating his place in the pantheon of side-burned catchers.


Due to hit stores on March 8, 2011, just in time for Spring Training, as the only officially licensed first party video game exclusively for the PlayStation®3 (PS3™), PlayStation®2, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable), and the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) go systems, MLB 11 The Show is prepared to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience for all fans, new and old.

• Most Realistic Baseball Simulator: MLB 11 delivers true-to-life gameplay, authentic franchise and season modes, and incredible detail not found in any other sports game
• 3D Functionality: Features the most advanced stereoscopic 3D technology, available in all gameplay modes
• PlayStation Move Support: Move functionality in Home Run Derby mode
• Pure Analog Control System: Includes analog controls for hitting, pitching, and throwing
• Co-op Mode: Allows up to four player offline or online cooperative play, users can play 1 vs. 2, 2 vs. 2, or 2 vs. CPU
• Challenge of the Week: A quick, fast paced 2-3 minute, 1-player, online experience, with leader boards and prizes awarded, in 3 tiers
• Road to The Show 5.0: New interactive slider set to the Create Player process, new training modes triggered by the Player Performance Evaluator, Minor League substitution logic improvements, advancement system improvements, and the new No Assist Fielding option
• Eric Karros Joins the Broadcast Booth: Former Dodger first baseman Eric Karros joins franchise veterans Matt Vasgersian and Dave Campbell to complete the three man crew
• Addt’l New Features: Customizable camera editor, stadium specific broadcast camera angles, stadium specific jumbotrons/fireworks, new rain/cloud coverage weather elements, ADVA setting for players with disabilities, etc.

Beyond the Cardboard Episode 2

In all its Joe Sports Fan glory...

"Beyond the Cardboard" with Earl Sanderson (Episode 2) from JoeSportsFan.com on Vimeo.

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Mike Schmidt Offers Scathing (But Fair) Criticism of Werth, Nats

The Phillies Hall of Famer, writing for the AP, points out several relevant points ignored by all parties involved in the right fielder's recent signing with the NL East perennial basement dweller:

He’s durable, can run like a deer, play a Gold Glove right field and hit with power. He can be the real deal, but will he? In Philly, the stars were aligned perfectly for him. Should the Nationals have considered this?

This is what puzzles me about this contract. Are the Nationals in a position to wager $126 million that he can do it all? In Philly, Jayson had men on base on a regular basis with proven players Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino and Chase Utley stirring it up. He could stumble into 75 RBIs just by playing everyday, but he only drove in 85 last season.

In Washington, the lineup is young and inexperienced, right-handed dominant, and the park is big, so RBIs will not come as easily. RBIs are much tougher when everyone’s counting. Jayson now will be the man, the cleanup hitter with the burden of production, far surpassing anything he has experienced. His name will be first on the opposition’s “don’t let him beat us” list. If the Nationals don’t come up with a legit left-handed bat behind him, he will quickly see what Ryan Howard had to deal with in Philly...

Is it good business to drop $126 million in the lap of a player who is in the growth stage?

The Phillies had the right plan for Jayson, a plan that worked well for Ryan Howard and Chase Utley. Both were slowly adjusted upward. Ryan was forced to use arbitration, then a competitive multiyear deal and then, after Rookie of the Year, MVP award and averaging 135 RBIs a season, he got his bonanza. Not a gamble, a lock.

Utley’s path was similar. Up through the Phillies system, slowly climbed the salary ladder, became the best second baseman in the game, will jump to Howard money soon. Again, like buying Apple stock, no risk. This is good management. The Phillies were looking for the same for Jayson. He was one 30-homer/100-RBI year from $100-plus million with Philadelphia, and maybe a couple more championship rings with them. But today the open market is irresistible.

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Big Papi Tries Out His Comedic Chops on a Llama

Even when Steve Nash and Norman Tugwater aren't involved, vitaminwater vids are golden...

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