Roundtable: Manny's 50 Game Timeout

Thursday evening, the three of us got together to discuss two things: the Manny suspension and the return of A-Rod to New York. This is our extensive conversation about Manny's suspension and its effects on baseball.

[22:24] Shaun Parent: Where do we start first?
[22:24] Coryhouser: Manny's the biggest news
[22:24] Coryhouser: Let's start there
[22:24] Gentleman Jim: Ok then.
[22:24] Shaun Parent: Fair enough.
[22:24] Gentleman Jim: Knee jerk reaction?
[22:27] Shaun Parent: ah jeez
[22:28] Coryhouser: Shit
[22:28] Shaun Parent: Your laptop sucks, Jim.
[22:28] Coryhouser: I can't re...JUAN PIERRE
[22:28] Shaun Parent: Juan Pierre?
[22:28] Coryhouser: Yes
[22:28] Gentleman Jim: Sorry about that, Gentlemen.
[22:28] Coryhouser: He's been sitting in the shadows
[22:29] Shaun Parent: Let me tell you something.
[22:29] Coryhouser: Waiting for his chance
[22:29] Gentleman Jim: He has been.
[22:29] Coryhouser: He's a good baseball player
[22:29] Shaun Parent: And this coming from a fan of a team who had him.
[22:29] Coryhouser: Now he'll have a chance to step up for his team
[22:29] Shaun Parent: He's certainly no knight in shining armor.
[22:29] Coryhouser: Well duh
[22:29] Gentleman Jim: Gotta be honest, I never really liked him with us.
[22:29] Coryhouser: There have been people out there
[22:29] Coryhouser: The two best right handed hitters maybe of all-time, are active right now
[22:29] Coryhouser: Manny and Pujols
[22:30] Coryhouser: I like Joe Torre as their manager
[22:30] Shaun Parent: One's suspended and the other plays for a shitty St. Louis team.
[22:30] Coryhouser: Fuck off
[22:30] Shaun Parent: rofl
[22:30] Coryhouser: Juan Pierre used to be a Cub
[22:30] Shaun Parent: I keed.
[22:30] Coryhouser: Fuck you
[22:30] Shaun Parent: I SAID THAT
[22:30] Coryhouser: Just like that uhh
[22:30] Coryhouser: Grudzelanek
[22:30] Coryhouser: (sp?)
[22:30] Coryhouser: That plays for the Royals
[22:30] Shaun Parent: Close enough.
[22:30] Coryhouser: Was a Cub
[22:30] Coryhouser: Then was a Cardinal for a season (05?)
[22:30] Gentleman Jim: yep
[22:30] Coryhouser: Then moved to KC
[22:31] Gentleman Jim: Grudzelanek was here with Walker
[22:31] Shaun Parent: WE'RE GETTING OFF TOPIC.
[22:31] Gentleman Jim: um
[22:31] Gentleman Jim: yeah
[22:31] Coryhouser: Sorry
[22:31] Coryhouser: I still don't think it'll hurt the Dodgers that much
[22:31] Gentleman Jim: What kind of effect do we think this will have on the Dodgers?
[22:31] Coryhouser: Their pitching needs to get the fuck into gear
[22:31] Shaun Parent: Well see.
[22:31] Coryhouser: But other than that
[22:31] Coryhouser: Who the fuck is going to step up to challenge them in that shitty division
[22:31] Coryhouser: THE GIANTS?
[22:31] Shaun Parent: The bats are whats keeping this team afloat with such shitty pitching.
[22:31] Coryhouser: Pffff
[22:32] Coryhouser: It's not just Manny's bat though
[22:32] Coryhouser: That's why I think they'll be ok
[22:32] Shaun Parent: And now you just lost a big one.
[22:32] Shaun Parent: And with Ethier batting behind Manny, he was getting a lot of good pitches.
[22:32] Coryhouser: Yeah
[22:32] Shaun Parent: Now Ethier moves into that "avoid and don't do anything stupid" pitcher deal.
[22:32] Gentleman Jim: Who's any good pitching for them?
[22:32] Gentleman Jim: Besides Billingsley?
[22:33] Shaun Parent: Nobody comes to mind for me.
[22:33] Shaun Parent: And none of us are buying the prescription excuse, are we?
[22:34] Coryhouser: I kinda do
[22:34] Coryhouser: He didn't test positive with his previous tests
[22:35] Shaun Parent: Neither did Rafael Palmero
[22:35] Shaun Parent: Then oooooop
[22:35] Coryhouser: lol
[22:35] Coryhouser: Yeah
[22:36] Coryhouser: The drug boosted testosterone
[22:36] Shaun Parent: Listen, if you're going to make the money you get offered and are a vital part to the team, you make the hell sure on what you're getting.
[22:36] Coryhouser: Yeah
[22:36] Coryhouser: That's absolutely true
[22:36] Shaun Parent: ANYTIME JIM
[22:38] Gentleman Jim: sorry doods
[22:38] Shaun Parent: Wow.
[22:39] Coryhouser: Wow
[22:39] Coryhouser: Yahoo Sports Columnist Jeff Passan wants MLB to completely ban Manny and every steroid user
[22:39] Coryhouser: He wants lifetime bans for offenses
[22:39] Gentleman Jim: That is nuts.
[22:39] Gentleman Jim: There wouldn't be anyone left.
[22:39] Shaun Parent: I want lifetime bans for players that bang supermodels.
[22:39] Shaun Parent: Purely out of jealousy.
[22:39] Gentleman Jim: That's more appropriate.
[22:40] Coryhouser: lol
[22:40] Gentleman Jim: That begs the question, what's an appropriate penalty for players who break the drug policy?
[22:40] Shaun Parent: I think it's fine the way it is.
[22:41] Gentleman Jim: Cory?
[22:41] Coryhouser: I like the lifetime bans
[22:41] Coryhouser: Scare the shit out of them
[22:41] Coryhouser: That's the only fucking way
[22:41] Shaun Parent: Well, you can't.
[22:41] Coryhouser: "Oooh I'll boost myself up once, and only get suspended 50 days, but I'll already be beefed up enough to further my career"
[22:41] Gentleman Jim: But that's not how steroids work.
[22:41] Shaun Parent: Wanna know why you can't do that?
[22:41] Gentleman Jim: Its not just a one time thing.
[22:41] Coryhouser: ?????????????????
[22:41] Shaun Parent: Knock knock.
[22:42] Coryhouser: Who's there
[22:42] Shaun Parent: The MLB Players Union.
[22:42] Coryhouser: lol
[22:42] Gentleman Jim: go on
[22:42] Gentleman Jim: The MLB Players Union who?
[22:42] Shaun Parent: No, that was it.
[22:42] Gentleman Jim: oh
[22:42] Shaun Parent: rofl
[22:42] Gentleman Jim: Orange you glad I didn't say Congress.
[22:42] Shaun Parent: THAT'S the reason why the league doesn't have a one-time and banned rule.
[22:43] Shaun Parent: The Player's Union would take an immediate shit on it and probably do whatever they could to keep it from being that way.
[22:43] Gentleman Jim: And if you do that, you have to deal with what to do with contracts.
[22:43] Shaun Parent: And then that snowballs.
[22:44] Shaun Parent: So, with a few outspoken LA fans and media personalities calling for Manny's head.
[22:44] Shaun Parent: Would it make sense to trade or release him?
[22:44] Gentleman Jim: no
[22:44] Gentleman Jim: Well, trade maybe.
[22:45] Shaun Parent: Really?
[22:45] Gentleman Jim: Release, no.
[22:45] Gentleman Jim: The Dodgers are gonna find out exactly what they've got in the outfield with Manny out.
[22:45] Shaun Parent: By the time he gets back, July 3rd, there's at least three weeks until the trade deadline, yes?
[22:45] Gentleman Jim: Yeah
[22:46] Shaun Parent: Hmmm.
[22:46] Gentleman Jim: If Kemp and Ethier and (Pierre and prospects) do a good job in the outfield, while he's away, they're gonna have options.
[22:46] Coryhouser: I know they're just playing the Nationals
[22:46] Coryhouser: But the Dodgers are up 6 - 0 right now
[22:46] Shaun Parent: Wow.
[22:46] Shaun Parent: So, the fans are wanting blood.
[22:47] Gentleman Jim: Some.
[22:47] Gentleman Jim: The ones that care want blood.
[22:47] Shaun Parent: But what team in their right mind wants to be on the hook for the remainder of Manny's contract?
[22:47] Gentleman Jim: Anyone in the American League that needs to sell tickets.
[22:47] Shaun Parent: Should LA decide to trade.
[22:47] Gentleman Jim: Texas?
[22:47] Shaun Parent: Manny would want to go to Texas?
[22:47] Gentleman Jim: Really anyone that has a DH slot open.
[22:47] Shaun Parent: Wait, does he have a veto clause?
[22:48] Gentleman Jim: It's not up to Manny, he doesn't have a no trade clause.
[22:48] Shaun Parent: Oh, nevermind then.
[22:48] Shaun Parent: I thought he had one.
[22:48] Gentleman Jim: Texas, Cleveland, Detroit
[22:48] Gentleman Jim: Cleveland could be really good, homecoming.
[22:48] Shaun Parent: Manny back to where it all began, perhaps?
[22:49] Coryhouser: No way
[22:49] Shaun Parent: But no matter where he is come August, the fans are gonna take a shit on him from this point out.
[22:49] Gentleman Jim: Why not>
[22:49] Coryhouser: There's no way they would take him back
[22:49] Gentleman Jim: Why not?
[22:49] Coryhouser: The fuck do you think
[22:49] Gentleman Jim: Its the Jason Giambi Corollary.
[22:50] Gentleman Jim: He admits he was wrong. He goes on a little cold streak, while doing all the little things right.
[22:50] Gentleman Jim: Then he gets more fans on his side, then he starts playing well.
[22:50] Coryhouser: eh
[22:50] Shaun Parent: How is he doing with Oakland right now?
[22:50] Gentleman Jim: Its exactly what happened with Giambi in New York.
[22:50] Coryhouser: Uhh
[22:50] Coryhouser: Not good
[22:50] Coryhouser: He went 1 for 3 today
[22:51] Coryhouser: Bringing his average up to a whopping Derrek Lee-Esque total
[22:51] Shaun Parent: Giambi also grew a wicked mustache at the time, too.
[22:51] Coryhouser: of .209
[22:51] Shaun Parent: Hey fuck you we're winning.
[22:51] Gentleman Jim: That's not fair, Derrek Lee is hurt.
[22:51] Shaun Parent: We're on a hot streak.
[22:51] Coryhouser: Derrek Lee's been hurt the last fucking 3 seasons
[22:51] Gentleman Jim: I'm just talking about what happened in New York with Giambi.
[22:51] Coryhouser: Put some dirt on it and stfu
[22:51] Shaun Parent: AND SO HAS CHRIS CARPENTER
[22:52] Coryhouser: yeah but he's not playing hurting his team's chances
[22:52] Shaun Parent: Back on topic.
[22:52] Coryhouser: Lou keeps playing Lee for some reason
[22:52] Gentleman Jim: Yeah.
[22:52] Shaun Parent: And speaking of New York.
[22:52] Coryhouser: AND BATTING HIM IN THE CLEAN UP SPOT
[22:52] Gentleman Jim: Would New York trade for Manny?
[22:52] Coryhouser: They need him
[22:52] Shaun Parent: Well shit.
[22:52] Coryhouser: New York needs something right now
[22:52] Coryhouser: Jesus christ
[22:52] Coryhouser: Pitching
[22:52] Shaun Parent: Money is no issue to New York.
[22:52] Coryhouser: They need pitching
[22:52] Gentleman Jim: A package around Hughes?
[22:53] Shaun Parent: Meeeh.
[22:53] Shaun Parent: Don't know about Hughes.
[22:53] Gentleman Jim: You're not gonna get pitching from the Yankees, not anyone you like at least. (Joba)
[22:53] Shaun Parent: Joba the Hut.
[22:53] Shaun Parent: That's a beefy motherfucker right there.
[22:54] Shaun Parent: Needs to lay off the New York style pizzas.
[22:54] Gentleman Jim: So maybe, the Yankees would take him, but the Dodgers wouldn't get rid of him for what the Yanks offer?
[22:54] Shaun Parent: I think the Yanks would throw some fish food out the way.
[22:54] Shaun Parent: Maybe prospects.
[22:54] Shaun Parent: Perhaps a bullpen guy.
[22:55] Gentleman Jim: But I don't think it would be enough for the Dodgers. The Yanks bullpen kinda sucks too.
[22:55] Shaun Parent: Well hang on.
[22:55] Shaun Parent: Let's not count out the possibility of a three-way trade with another team.
[22:56] Shaun Parent: Odds are a third party would be interested in getting some nickel and dime players and be the middleman in the whole deal.
[22:56] Gentleman Jim: ok, so it would probably need to be a three-way.
[22:56] Gentleman Jim: A sexy party.
[22:56] Shaun Parent: A beefy sexy party.
[22:56] Shaun Parent: I think if Manny were to be traded, a third team would be mandatory.
[22:56] Gentleman Jim: ok
[22:56] Gentleman Jim: Cory, any thoughts?
[22:57] Coryhouser: I like steak
[22:57] Shaun Parent: rofl
[22:57] Shaun Parent: Jesus.
[22:57] Shaun Parent: And see.
[22:57] Shaun Parent: I predicted Manny would be out a some point during the season in my preseason predicitions.
[22:58] Shaun Parent: It's not a DL, but damnit I was close.
[22:58] Gentleman Jim: lol
[22:58] Shaun Parent: And my Yankees finishing behind the Blue Jays predicition is good.
[22:58] Shaun Parent: Although they're 3rd and not 4th.
[22:59] Gentleman Jim: Should we move on or are there any other thoughts about Manny at this point?
[22:59] Shaun Parent: Manny was dumb. Let the fallout begin.
[22:59] Shaun Parent: Get the popcorn, odds are it's going to be fun.
[22:59] Gentleman Jim: Cory?
[22:59] Shaun Parent: CORY WAKE UP
[22:59] Coryhouser: I like popcorn
[23:00] Shaun Parent: God you are a fat fuck.

[23:19] Shaun Parent: Hey hang on.
[23:19] Shaun Parent: I just ran across this.
[23:19] Shaun Parent: Back to ManRam for a second.
[23:19] Gentleman Jim: ok
[23:20] Shaun Parent: A person familiar with the details of the suspension said Ramirez used the female fertility drug HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin.
[23:20] Gentleman Jim: Yep.
[23:20] Shaun Parent: Seriously.
[23:20] Shaun Parent: What. The. Fuck.
[23:20] Gentleman Jim: It helps with the creation of testosterone.
[23:21] Coryhouser: I have a lesbian friend who recognized the drug he took
[23:21] Gentleman Jim: lol
[23:21] Shaun Parent: ROFL
[23:21] Gentleman Jim: How does she know the drug?
[23:21] Coryhouser: *shrug*
[23:21] Coryhouser: Don't ask questions you don't want to know the answer to
[23:21] Gentleman Jim: I totally want to know the answer to that.
[23:21] Gentleman Jim: Wait.
[23:21] Gentleman Jim: Maybe not.
[23:21] Shaun Parent: rofl
[23:22] Coryhouser: I used to go to school with her
[23:22] Coryhouser: Huge tits
[23:22] Shaun Parent: Huge or
[23:22] Shaun Parent: Huuuuuuuuuuuuuge?
[23:22] Gentleman Jim: Probably somewhere between those two.
[23:23] Coryhouser: Huge
[23:23] Coryhouser: Like DD
[23:23] Gentleman Jim: Shit, too bad.
[23:23] Shaun Parent: I demand pictures.
[23:23] Gentleman Jim: Me too.
[23:24] Coryhouser: Are we done?
[23:24] Shaun Parent: Jim?
[23:25] Gentleman Jim: Anything else people?
[23:25] Coryhouser: I have nothing else
[23:25] Shaun Parent: I think I hit on everything I wanted to.
[23:25] Coryhouser: Carpenter's said to be back by next week
[23:25] Gentleman Jim: Dont care.
[23:25] Shaun Parent: rofl
[23:25] Gentleman Jim: Anything important.
[23:25] Gentleman Jim: ?
[23:25] Gentleman Jim: Going once?
[23:25] Gentleman Jim: Going twice?
[23:25] Gentleman Jim: Ok we're done.

Roundtable: A-Rod's return

Thursday evening, the three of us got together to discuss two things: the Manny suspension and the return of A-Rod to New York. This is our conversation about A-Rod.

[23:00] Coryhouser: Come on, next item
[23:00] Gentleman Jim: Ok.
[23:00] Gentleman Jim: A-Rod is going to be coming back tomorrow night against the Orioles.
[23:00] Gentleman Jim: Knee jerk?
[23:00] Shaun Parent: Speaking of fallout.
[23:01] Shaun Parent: I cannot wait to hear the reaction from the fans on this one.
[23:01] Coryhouser: Ehhhhhhh
[23:01] Coryhouser: I really don't know what to expect out of this
[23:01] Coryhouser: Honest to god
[23:01] Shaun Parent: Now, let's get one thing straight.
[23:01] Shaun Parent: If the Yankees were not in desperation mode right now.
[23:01] Shaun Parent: A-Rod would be given some extra time.
[23:01] Gentleman Jim: I agree.
[23:02] Shaun Parent: A-Rod would probably not be playing for another two or three more weeks.
[23:02] Gentleman Jim: The best thing they got going for them is Nick Swisher.
[23:02] Shaun Parent: And that's not saying much.
[23:02] Shaun Parent: I was waiting to say this in a post...
[23:03] Shaun Parent: But I feel bad for Joe Girardi.
[23:03] Coryhouser: me too
[23:03] Gentleman Jim: Would like a whole post to get into that?
[23:03] Shaun Parent: Because the dude is gonna get canned here soon if this team remains the way it does.
[23:03] Shaun Parent: And it's not his fault.
[23:03] Shaun Parent: And I'll leave it as that so I can post about it later.
[23:03] Gentleman Jim: That's what we call in this business a teaser.
[23:03] Shaun Parent: I got more things I want to say, but I'll wait to do it.
[23:04] Shaun Parent: And I didn't even have to wear my g-string.
[23:04] Coryhouser: God damn it
[23:04] Gentleman Jim: lol
[23:04] Gentleman Jim: I want to take some bets on A-Rod the rest of the year.
[23:04] Shaun Parent: Bring it.
[23:05] Gentleman Jim: Give me one sec.
[23:05] Shaun Parent: One.
[23:05] Gentleman Jim: Ok, the rest of the year.
[23:06] Gentleman Jim: Over or under, .305 BA
[23:06] Shaun Parent: UNDER.
[23:06] Shaun Parent: Ballpark? .210-230.
[23:06] Gentleman Jim: Cory?
[23:06] Coryhouser: For A-Rod?
[23:06] Gentleman Jim: Yeah.
[23:06] Coryhouser: *sigh*
[23:06] Coryhouser: Fuck it
[23:06] Coryhouser: Over
[23:06] Shaun Parent: WHAT?!
[23:06] Coryhouser: I'm taking a chance
[23:06] Gentleman Jim: I kinda like the over too.
[23:06] Coryhouser: See, yeah fuck you
[23:06] Coryhouser: Eat some fries
[23:07] Shaun Parent: I'mma kick your ass.
[23:07] Gentleman Jim: It's definitely going out on a limb
[23:07] Gentleman Jim: Home runs.
[23:07] Shaun Parent: You're basically making A-Rod a savior for this team.
[23:07] Gentleman Jim: Over or under.
[23:07] Coryhouser: Home runs?
[23:07] Gentleman Jim: Over or under 28.
[23:07] Coryhouser: Eek
[23:07] Shaun Parent: Mmm..
[23:08] Coryhouser: I'll say under
[23:08] Shaun Parent: I say SLIGHTLY under.
[23:08] Gentleman Jim: I think I set a good line there.
[23:08] Coryhouser: Yeah you're a dick
[23:08] Shaun Parent: 20-25 homers.
[23:08] Gentleman Jim: I think its just slightly under too.
[23:08] Shaun Parent: LOTS of strikeouts, methinks.
[23:08] Gentleman Jim: Ok
[23:08] Coryhouser: Sounds a lot like Boriano
[23:08] Gentleman Jim: Over or under 95 Ks.
[23:08] Coryhouser: Under
[23:08] Shaun Parent: Over.
[23:09] Gentleman Jim: I want under.
[23:09] Gentleman Jim: One last one.
[23:09] Gentleman Jim: RBIs
[23:09] Gentleman Jim: Over or under 100.
[23:09] Shaun Parent: Oh god under.
[23:09] Coryhouser: Under
[23:09] Shaun Parent: No more than 85.
[23:09] Gentleman Jim: I want over 100
[23:10] Shaun Parent: You uh
[23:10] Shaun Parent: Have him on your fantasy team, don't you?
[23:10] Gentleman Jim: No.
[23:10] Shaun Parent: LIAR.
[23:10] Gentleman Jim: I have 6 fantasy teams.
[23:10] Gentleman Jim: I have him on one.
[23:10] Shaun Parent: See.
[23:10] Gentleman Jim: And that team is in dead last.
[23:10] Shaun Parent: Called you out, buddy.
[23:11] Shaun Parent: Ow.
[23:11] Gentleman Jim: That's a whole nother story.
[23:11] Gentleman Jim: I think he's 25-100-.310
[23:11] Shaun Parent: You're a dreamer.
[23:12] Gentleman Jim: Perhaps.
[23:12] Gentleman Jim: What kind of line tomorrow night?
[23:12] Shaun Parent: Ask Betsy McBetterson over there.
[23:13] Gentleman Jim: I'll go with 2-5, 2 RBI
[23:14] Gentleman Jim: Cory?
[23:14] Shaun Parent: 1 for 3, BB
[23:14] Coryhouser: What who
[23:14] Coryhouser: Uhh
[23:14] Coryhouser: Who is he facing
[23:14] Shaun Parent: A pitcher.
[23:14] Gentleman Jim: Orioles
[23:14] Gentleman Jim: hang on.
[23:14] Coryhouser: Well pfffffff
[23:15] Gentleman Jim: Jeremy Guthrie
[23:15] Coryhouser: Hmmmmmmm
[23:15] Coryhouser: 2 for 4
[23:15] Coryhouser: 1 K
[23:16] Coryhouser: 1 HR
[23:16] Gentleman Jim: oh
[23:16] Gentleman Jim: alone on an island
[23:16] Coryhouser: ?
[23:17] Gentleman Jim: nobody else thinks a HR
[23:17] Shaun Parent: If he hits a home run
[23:17] Shaun Parent: I'll buy you a steak dinner
[23:17] Gentleman Jim: OH
[23:17] Coryhouser: He's a career .200 hitter against Guthrie
[23:17] Coryhouser: 3 for 15
[23:17] Coryhouser: 1 double
[23:17] Coryhouser: 2 RBIs
[23:17] Coryhouser: Excuse me
[23:17] Coryhouser: 1 RBI
[23:18] Gentleman Jim: That's a stretch, him getting a HR.
[23:18] Shaun Parent: More of a stretch than calling my t-shirts 2XL
[23:18] Coryhouser: LOL

BREAKING: Manny Ramirez suspended 50 games

ESPN is reporting right now that Los Angeles Dodgers star Manny Ramirez has been suspended for 50 games by Major League Baseball for a positive test for a performance-enhancing substance.

Stay tuned here to the Daily Balk for further information.

Relax, don't panic. ... I SAID DON'T PANIC!

Well, we're one month into the MLB season now. While some fans' teams are sitting rather pretty right now, some fans are about ready to hit the panic button. I'm here to help some of you relax and ride the storm out.

1. Tampa Bay Rays (10-15):
Last year's American League Champions find themselves five games under the .500 mark. Lowest starter ERA stands at 3.74, with two starters over the 5 mark and a team ERA that ranks 17th in the league. The bats have been rather decent to this point. but the Rays need to get that pitching staff back in line if they want a shot to repeat as AL East champs. These guys have to pull at least five games above .500 by the end of May, or don't expect these guys to be in the running for the division again this year. Time to panic? Very close.

2. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (10-13):
It was a tough start for the Angels both physically and emotionally last month. Things just aren't getting much better for last year's AL West champs. The team ERA of 5.06 is 23rd in the league and surely isn't balancing the fact the the Angels have the 2nd best team batting average in the Majors. How can this team only be 10-13? Because while they are getting plenty of hits, most of them aren't doing the job of getting runners in. They're 11th in the Majors in runs. Something has to balance out here in order for this team to get back on track. Panic? Not in the least bit. The AL West doesn't even have a dominant team yet, with Seattle only 14-10 and only has a 3.5 game cushion between them and last place. We all know that won't last long, though.

3. Chicago Cubs (12-11):
April is a month best to be forgotten by the Cubs right now. Injuries have plagued the team for the last few weeks. Milton Bradley, Aramis Ramirez, Geovany Soto, Carlos Marmol among the few who have had injury scares in the last few weeks. This has left Lou Pinella to basically play human Tetris with the lineups in order to find SOMETHING to build on. Lackluster pitching hasn't helped out much, aside from Ted Lilly's recent outings. Lilly has a 3.13 ERA and in three of his last four outings has been incredible for the Cubs. The bats, however, are a different story. 21st in the Majors in team average with a miserable .252. The team known for early offensive surges is nowhere to be seen this season. But is it time to panic? The Cubs are tied for 2nd in the NL Central, four games behind the Cards. With a lot of baseball to be played right now, it's not panic time yet. But the Cubs need to pull it together in a LOT of ways if they want to go for their third consecutive division title. Don't panic...yet.

That's it for this one. Is there anyone I'm missing the panic button for? Comment below and maybe I'll sum up whether the panic button should be in reach for your favorite team next time!

A post during "Advanced Reporting" class. Couldn't be more fitting.

Well, I figured since I have absolutely nothing to do in this class, I'd post my first blog for "The Daily Balk."

To be honest, folks, after Motte blew our lead in the 9th inning on Opening Day, I seriously said to myself, "Hoooooo boy. Here we go again." I had wore my St. Louis Cardinals hat, tie, and even my white Reebok shoes with the logo embroidered on the side to work that day. Grr.

But since then, our starting pitching has a combined ERA (I believe) of less than 3. It has just been our relief that has been bonkers.

I was going to post today and say that Pujols really hasn't found his stride, but then he goes and hits 3 for 4 with a pair of homers and 3 RBIs to raise his average to .347 and leaving him 2 RBIs shy of 1,000 for his career. Most Ribbies and most Homers in the National League so far. Paging Ryan Howard...

MOST SURPRISING TEAMS:

By far the Florida Marlins top my list. Their pitching staff consists of nobody with more than 6 years experience in the majors (Most have only 3 or 4 years experience). They have Dan Ugly, Handy Ramirez, Jorge Cantu, and Jeremy Hermida (the four names that I recognize on their roster).  Though they did just lose a 3-game sweep to the Pirates, their opponents so far have been: 3 games against the Nats (Sweep), Won 2 out of 3 against the Mets, Swept the Braves, Swept the Nats again, and now have lost to the Pirates. They haven't really played any big teams yet, so we'll see how they hold up against the Phillies and the Cubs (Who they play at the end of the month).

Also joining that list are the Mariners, Blue Jays, and the Padres, though the Mars and the Pads have trailed off (both 9 - 6 now, but started better than anyone originally thought). I'm happy for the Mariners. Ken Griffey, Jr. is a guy you can't really root against. Great guy, has always been consistent, and a future hall-0f-famer. 

And what the hell...the ROYALS??

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENTS

The Rays. Son of a bitch. They were my pick for the AL East. Sitting at 6 - 9, they're looking towards the top of the standings right now. (Just an editorial note: Yes, I know we're only 15, 16 games into the season, so please, no comments :-D) Indians and the Twins have been big let downs so far. Cubs, too. Zambrano just lost today against the Reds. I really want to go on and on in this section about how happy I am, but I won't. You're welcome, Jim and Shaun.

Angels need to step it up. They took 2 out of 3 against Boston, then lost 5 out of 6 against the Mariners and the Twins (salvaged a win against the Mariners). Next three series for them: At home against the Mariners, two game set in Baltimore, then they make their first trip to the new Yankee Stadium for a 4 game set there.

Well, I'll end this shorter-than-I-would-like post with some Cardinals stuff.

We had the lead in the last two games against the Cubs, but we couldn't hold onto it. Our bullpen really needs to step it the hell up if we want to give the Cubbies a run for their money. Ankiel finally stepped it up today, hitting his first homer and getting a couple RBIs to his credit, lifting his batting average to .227 or so. Ludwick is also proving that last year wasn't a fluke. He has the 2nd most RBIs and Home Runs next to Pujols, and he's batting over .333! But like I said, bullpen needs to pull their heads out of their asses if they want to give the Cardinals a shot to win the Central. And with Carpenter injured and out until maybe/probably June, our starting pitching really needs to step up, too. (How did I know this was coming????????)

I'll post later, folks. So take care until then.

-Cory