Baseball Blogs Weigh In News & Rumors

The Indians pulled off the rare triple steal on this date three years ago. Jamey Carroll got caught in a rundown after being picked off first by Ehren Wassermann, but Paul Konerko threw home to try to cut down David Dellucci, who broke from third. Dellucci was safe at home after beating the throw and Carroll advanced to second, all while Grady Sizemore (who was originally on second) scooted over to third. It was the first triple steal since 1987, when the Braves victimized the Astros.

Here are the best links the blogosphere had to offer over the last week…

• Call To The Pen chimed in on the Buster Posey–Scott Cousins collision.
• The Dugout Report explored Posey's future with the Giants before his injury.
• Bronx Bombers Report wonders if the Yankees could help the Giants given all their young catchers.
• Infield Chatter, meanwhile, wrote about the dangers of keeping elite players behind the plate.
• Crawfish Boxes listed some GM candidates for the Astros in case new owner Jim Crane lets current GM Ed Wade go.
• Bleacher Nation provided a complete dictionary of reasons of why the Cubs should fire GM Jim Hendry.
• The Shea Faithful says Carlos Beltran was worth the Wilpons' money.
• Pirates Prospects tried to figure out Joel Hanrahan's trade value.
• FanSpeak thinks the Nationals should look to move Todd Coffey sooner rather than later.
• Wahoo Blues warns the Indians to be careful as the trade deadline approaches.
• Royals Review looked at the improvement of Wilson Betemit.
• Tomahawk Chop tried to figure out what's wrong with Dan Uggla.
• The Last Sports Blog On Earth wonders if the Dodgers' best option is to punt the season.
• The Todd Van Poppel Rookie Card Retirement Plan weighs in on the Brian Fuentes-Bob Geren situation.
• The Hardball Times explained why it would be a bad idea for the Padres to call up Anthony Rizzo.
• Replacement Level Baseball provided scouting reports and video of four top draft prospects.
• MLB Reports took a shot at realigning the divisions.
• Through The Fence Baseball wrote about the problem with baseball announcers.
• MLB Depth Charts listed some top prospects with a chance to have some fantasy impact later this summer.

If you have a suggestion for this feature, Mike can be reached here. Only one email per week, please.

On this date in 1999, Robin Ventura became the first player in baseball history to hit a grand slam in both games of a double header. The Mets' third baseman took Jim Abbott of the Brewers deep for four runs in the first game, then did the same to Horacio Estrada in the nightcap. Here is this week's big batch of links from around the web…

• Getting Blanked put together baseball's All-Crazy Team.
• Roto Hardball looks at Tommy John surgery and labrum surgery.
• Baseball Nation projects Jose Bautista's tragic evolution.
• Infield Chatter wonders if Albert Pujols' time with the Cardinals will end with a Jorge Posada-like mess down the road if he signs a long-term deal.
• North and South of Royal Brougham says the Mariners should sign Jason Vargas to a long-term extension this season or offseason if they plan to do it at all.
• Bronx Bombers Report thinks the Yankees should be more open to discussing long-term contract extensions with their players.
• Through The Fence Baseball wonders if getting Josh Hamilton back is enough to help the Rangers.
• The Yankee Analysts explores Mark Teixeira's evolution as a hitter.
• Bay City Ball wonders where Sergio Romo has been.
• Memories of Kevin Malone would trade James Loney for anything with a pulse.
• The Hardball Times tries to figure out what's wrong with Alexis Rios.
• The Flagrant Fan breaks down Charlie Morton's improbable success.
• Splashing Pumpkins looked into Ryan Vogelsong's revival.
• Cubs Stats doesn't buy into Darwin Barney's early success.
• Disciples of Uecker thinks the Brewers benefited when the Nationals let Marco Estrada get away.
• We Should Be GMs posted some Phillies' confidence meters.
• D'Backs Central believes Kirk Gibson is well-deserving of his spot as an All-Star Game coach.
• Penn League Report previews one of the Astros' low-level minor league affiliates.
• Replacement Level Baseball posted video of some top draft prospects.
• MLB Draft Insider and Flags Fly Forever put together updated mock drafts.
• The Blue Jay Hunter says Joe Carter's legacy is overblown, though no one can take away his World Series winning homer.
• COSFBA lists some players on the waiver wire that could help your fantasy team.
• Zoo With Roy associated some Phillies' players with Kelly Kapowski gifs.

If you have a suggestion for this feature, Mike can be reached here. Only one email per week, please.

On this date in 2008, the Rays took control of sole possession of first place in the AL East for the first time in franchise history. It took an extra innings walk-off win against the Yankees coupled with a Red Sox loss to the Orioles. The win also marked the first time Tampa Bay was seven games over .500 in a season. They, of course, went on to their first AL pennant and World Series appearance later that season.

Here are this week's batch of links, which break franchise records in their own individual ways…

• Sodo Mojo wrote at length about the Mariners and their strategy for next month's amateur draft.
• Brotherly Glove tackled the idea of a contract extension for Cole Hamels.
• Amazin' Avenue broke down the Mets' 2012 payroll obligations with respect to Jose Reyes.
• Wahoo Blues, meanwhile, explored the possibility of the Indians trading for Reyes.
• Motor City Bengals explained why David Wright will not be traded to the Tigers.
• Rising Apple called Taylor Buchholz an unlikely trade chip.
• The Shea Faithful obsessed over the Mets' last roster spot, saying it's time they part ways with Chin-lung Hu.
• NatsGM says the Gregor Blanco trade likely won't have much of an impact, but was a solid depth move for the Nationals nonetheless.
• Bay City Ball tries to figure out who should get playing time in the Giants' outfield.
• FanSpeak thinks it's time for Bryce Harper to move up a level in the minor leagues.
• True Grich says that even though Kendrys  Morales is out for the year, it's Jeff Mathis that really has to go.
• Twins Territory Talk wonders if Carl Pavano was a bad investment.
• Capitol Avenue Club details Jair Jurrjens' new approach.
• Through The Fence Baseball is looking for the real Mat Latos.
• Royals Review came up with a way to quantify the Royals' grit.
• The Outside Corner takes a look at Raul Ibanez's continued decline.
• Fenway Faithful Report wonders if Jose Iglesias is the next Rey Ordonez.
• Cubbies Crib says the Cubs have reasons to be concerned about Tyler Colvin.
• Bronx Bombers Report wonders if the Yankees and White Sox match up for a trade involving a starting pitcher.
• Replacement Level Baseball scouts the Pirates' broadcasters.

If you have a suggestion for this feature, Mike can be reached here. Only one email per week, please.

On this date in 2004, Mike Piazza hit his 352nd career home run as a catcher, moving him past Carlton Fisk for the most homers hit by a player at the position in baseball history. Right-hander Jerome Williams of the Giants was the victim. Piazza retired after the 2007 season with 427 long balls to his credit, 396 of which came while donning the tools of ignorance. Here are this week's batch of links…

• 1 Blue Jays Way interviewed Blue Jays shortstop prospect Adeiny Hechavarria.
• Phoul Ballz interviewed former big leaguer Mark Parent, manager of the Phillies' Double-A affiliate.
• Amazin' Avenue comes up with a plan to enhance competitive balance by realigning the divisions.
• M.C. Antil, meanwhile, wonders where all the bad teams went.
• Lasorda's Lair muses on some of Frank McCourt's recent comments.
• Cubs Billy Goat Blog thinks it may be time to let balls and strikes be called electronically.
• Royals Review says the decision making behind Eric Hosmer's call-up is flawed.
• Kings of Kauffman looked at the debuts of some other notable Royals throughout the years.
• Harness The Halo wrote about the recent influx of young players into the Angels' roster.
• Through The Fence Baseball feels Heath Bell could be just what the Rangers need.
• Crashburn Alley says the Phillies should sign Jimmy Rollins to a short-term extension right now.
• The Friarhood tackles Anthony Rizzo-mania in San Diego.
• Red Sox Beacon takes a quick look at John Lackey's career with the Red Sox.
• The Flagrant Fan wants to know if it's time to worry about Chris Carpenter.
• Tomahawk Talk explains why the Braves should trade Derek Lowe.
• Ivy Report wonders if the Cubs should look into trading Marlon Byrd.
• Fenway Faithful Report believes the Red Sox should have signed Scott Downs instead of Bobby Jenks.
• Splashing Pumpkins looks at Sergio Romo's hot start.
• Houston Hot Bed wrote about Brett Wallace's interesting path to the majors.
• Nolan Writin' doesn't understand a recent Rangers' roster move.
• MLB Draft Insider posted an updated mock of next month's amateur draft.
• Beer Leaguer says the 1992 White Sox could have beaten the Springfield Power Plant club.

If you have a suggestion for this feature, Mike can be reached here. Only one email per week, please.

Two historic pitching records have been set on his date. Back in 1986, Roger Clemens set the single game strikeout record by whiffing 20 Mariners in a 3-1 win, and four years ago Trevor Hoffman made his 803rd career appearance with the Padres. That's the all-time record for games pitched with one team.

I'm not sure if any of these links will have that kind of historic significance, but that's for you to decide…

• Disciples of Uecker explains why Ryan Braun's contract isn't like Ryan Howard's.
• LifeCard wonders if Dusty Baker is really a sneaky genius.
• Crashburn Alley didn't like Roy Halladay's recent 130-pitch outing.
• Brotherly Glove explains why the Phillies should trade for Hunter Pence.
• Saber By The Bay digs deep into Dave Duncan's magic.
• Amazin' Avenue wonders if Dillon Gee is the next Shaun Marcum.
• Rising Apple says Carlos Beltran has been underrated as a Met.
• Baseball Time In Arlington is skeptical about C.J. Wilson.
• 7th Inning Stretch looks back at the Dan Haren trade.
• Camden Crazies asks if Derrek Lee is the new Garrett Atkins.
• Ivy Report wonders if Jeff Samardzija made the right career choice.
• Replacement Level Baseball scouts the Rockies' broadcasters.
• The Outside Corner explains why Jeff Weaver won't be a Yankee in 2013.
• River Ave. Blues looks at the last player the Yankees have left from the Gary Sheffield trade.
• Penn League Report says you shouldn't expect to see UCLA's Trevor Bauer pitch after the draft this summer.
• Wahoo Blues breaks down which teams are best at spending money.
• COSFBA pits the legend of Sam Fuld against the legend of Jed Lowrie.
• Baseball Nation has some fun with power rankings.
• On the 50th anniversary of his famed 1961 season, M.C. Antil celebrates Roger Maris' rise to immortality.

If you have a suggestion for this feature, Mike can be reached here. Only one email per week, please.

Five years ago today, Bill Hall, Damian Miller, Brady Clark, J.J. Hardy, and Prince Fielder all hit homeruns in the fourth inning of the Brewers' game against the Reds. The first four went deep off starter Brandon Claussen while Prince victimized Chris Hammond after a pitching change. It was the fifth time in baseball history and the first time since 1966 that a team hit five homeruns in one inning.

This week's collection of links knock it out of the park; here's the best the blogosphere had to offer over the last seven days…

• Midwest Sports Fans launched a bi-weekly MLB trivia challenge podcast with some help from a special guest: Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
• Wahoo Blues conducted a study that shows the correlation between team payroll and wins is shrinking.
• Replacement Level Baseball offers up a scouting report from one of Matt Purke's recent starts. The TCU lefty was expected to be a high pick in this year's draft before visiting Dr. James Andrews with a shoulder issue.
• Through The Fence Baseball says Brandon Wood makes sense for the Pirates.
• Randall on Baseball explains why the Mariners aren't trading Felix Hernandez.
• Climbing Tal's Hill revisits the Roy Oswalt trade.
• Monkey With A Halo says the "new" Angels' offense looks a lot like the old one.
• The Process Report explains how the Rays being in contention would impact Johnny Damon's wallet.
• Cubs Billy Goat Blog thinks Carlos Zambrano may have reinvented himself on the mound.
• The Nats Blog tries to figure out why Jayson Werth is struggling.
• Infield Chatter muses about the concept of long-term extensions.
• McCovey Chronicles went back and examined J.T. Snow's defense.
• Camden Crazies digs deep to find the secret of Jeremy Guthrie's success.
• Beyond The Box Score wonders if Sam Fuld could generate some midseason trade buzz.
• Motor City Bengals riffs on the free agent compensation system.
• The Shea Faithful looks at the contributions the Mets are getting from their 2005 draft haul.
• We Should Be GMs wonders if Jose Contreras could be a cheap closer for the Phillies in 2012.
• Fenway Faithful Report lists the five worst pitching contracts in baseball.
• Rising Apple wrote about confidence, both in terms of players and fans.
• Blogging Mets offers up an argument about why sacrifice bunts are a poor strategy.
• Big League Stew had some fun with a Kevin Youkilis photoshop contest.
• Last but not least, Lasorda's Lair wrote about Jackie Robinson, a baseball and American icon.

If you have a suggestion for this feature, Mike can be reached here. Only one email per week, please.

Six years ago today, baseball finally returned to Washington D.C. when the Nationals beat the Diamondbacks in their home opener at RFK Stadium. Livan Hernandez got the win, Chad Cordero the save, and Vinny Castilla went 3-for-3 with four runs driven in. It was the first MLB game played in the nation's capital since September of 1971.

Here is this week's batch of links…

• Pirates Prospects interviewed Anthony Rendon, a candidate to go first overall in this year's draft.
• Splashing Pumpkins asked Giants' prospect Mike Kickham ten questions.
• Phoul Ballz interviewed Phillies' prospect Aaron Altherr.
• Boston Sports Then & Now explains why the Red Sox signed Clay Buchholz long-term now and not later.
• The Process Report uses Buchholz's contract as a blueprint for a David Price extension.
• River Ave. Blues says the Pedro Feliciano signing was bad process by the Yankees and not just bad results.
• Deep Left Field analyzes the CC Sabathia trade nearly three years later.
• Beer Leaguer tries to figure out what's wrong with Matt Thornton.
• Rising Apple looks as some players who came back to the Mets for a second tour of duty in honor of Jason Isringhausen.
• The Nats Blog reacts to the news that Stephen Strasburg's rehab from Tommy John surgery might take a little longer than expected.
• Houston Hotbed says the Astros need to acquire a quality left-handed hitter.
• FanSpeak thinks the Nationals might be able to quick-fix their bullpen.
• Feeling Dodgers Blue explains why Clayton Kershaw is a Cy Young Award candidate this season.
• D'Backs Central wonders if it's time for the Diamondbacks to worry about their starting pitching.
• The Yankee Analysts wrote about the disconnect between teams and their fans.
• Beyond The Box Score offered up the definitive sabermetric guide to managing.

If you have a suggestion for this feature, Mike can be reached here. Only one email per week, please.

April 8th has been a busy day in baseball history. Three years ago the Mets played the final home opener at 45-year-old Shea Stadium, with the win going to a pitcher that was older than the ballpark (Jamie Moyer, who was 46 at the time). Both PNC Park and Petco Park opened on this date (2003 and 2004, respectively) as well. Todd Helton set a Rockies' club record by reaching base seven times in one game (2003), Chan Ho Park became the first Korean to play in MLB (1994), Kent Mercker threw a no-hitter against the Dodgers (1994), Carlos Baerga became the first player to homer from both sides of the plate in the same inning (2003), and Frank Robinson became the first African-American manager in history (1975). Last, but certainly not least, Hank Aaron hit his 715th career homer on this date in 1974, passing Babe Ruth to become baseball's all-time home run king.

I'm not sure if these links will have any historical significance, but they're all well worth your time…

• Through The Fence Baseball lists some fallacies from week one of the baseball season.
• U.S.S. Mariner looks at the rebuilding Mariners and their recent drafts.
• Marlin Maniac examined a recent and interesting decision by Scott Cousins.
• Baseball Time In Arlington isn't ready to believe in Matt Harrison just yet.
• Capitol Avenue Club doesn't like the way the Braves have treated Kenshin Kawakami.
• The Golden Sombrero wonders if Alex Gordon is finally breaking out.
• True Grich is quite pleased that Jordan Walden is closing games for the Angels.
• Ivy Report asks if Pedro Martinez would be a good fit for the injury-riddled Cubs' rotation.
• The Shea Faithful wonders if Willie Harris is the next Endy Chavez.
• Twins Territory Talk has some expectations for Justin Morneau.
• Rising Apple pens an open letter to Mike Pelfrey.
• The Knuckle Blog examines the worst player in the league, a guy that was traded this past offseason.
• Harness The Halo writes about the difference Vernon Wells is making off the field with his charity work.
• Baseball Junk Drawer gives each team a theme song, going with the Ramones this year.

If you have a suggestion for this feature, Mike can be reached here. Only one email per week, please.

Ten years ago today, Major League Baseball played its first ever game in Puerto Rico. The Blue Jays beat the Rangers by the score of 8-1 in front of a crowd of just under 20,000 at Hiram Bithorn Stadium. Alex Rodriguez had two hits in his first game with Texas after signing his landmark ten-year, $252MM contract, but he also committed an error on his first defensive chance.

With the regular season underway, let's take a look at what's being written around the blogosphere…

• Through The Fence Baseball looks ahead to some historic milestones that could be reached this season.
• Baseball Analysts identifies some breakout players using Spring Training statistics.
• Wahoo Blues compared two Alberts: Pujols and Einstein.
• Camden Depot explores the Orioles' franchise value over the last 20 seasons.
• Pirates Prospects looks at the typical minor league time line.
• The Process Report explains how the Rays have already started building their future bullpens.
• Royals Review isn't sure what Kansas City is doing with Aaron Crow.
• Disciples of Uecker thinks the Brewers paid too high a price for Sergio Mitre.
• Replacement Level Baseball offers up a scouting report and video of Casey Kelly, the centerpiece of the Adrian Gonzalez trade for the Padres.
• Cubs Billy Goat Blog asks what we learned about the Cubs in Spring Training.
• Rooftop View tackles the Cubs' change of plans at second base.
• U.S.S. Mariner tells us what a successful season for the Mariners would look like.
• South Side Sox lists three White Sox players that can tilt the balance of power in the AL Central.
• Beer Leaguer wonders if we can call the Jake Peavy trade a bust for the ChiSox yet.
• The Todd Van Poppel Rookie Card Retirement Plan previews the 2011 Athletics.
• The Nats Blog says the decision to bat Jayson Werth second will benefit Ryan Zimmerman.
• Blogging Mets calls 2011 the season of "ifs" for the Mets.
• The Shea Faithful looks at the Mets' decision to take Blaine Boyer over Jason Isringhausen.
• We Should Be GMs says it's time to get real with the 2011 Phillies.
• FanSpeak offers up some predictions for the 2011 Nationals.
• BD BK's Blog tells us what to expect from the 2011 Angels.
• Tomahawk Talk explains why the Braves will win the World Series this year.

If you have a suggestion for this feature, Mike can be reached here. Only one email per week, please.

Three years ago today, the Tigers signed Miguel Cabrera to an eight-year, $152.3MM contract extension less than four months after acquiring him from the Marlins. It was the fifth largest contract in baseball history at the time, and it bought out two arbitration years plus six years of free agency. Despite some off-the-field trouble, Cabrera has more than held up his end of the bargain, hitting .314/.388/.567 with 109 homers since signing the deal.

Here is the latest baseball talk from around the web…

• Pitchers & Poets lists the worst caps of all-time.
• MLB Trade Trees put together a Gary Sheffield trade tree.
• Beer Leaguer looks back at the Paul Konerko for Mike Cameron trade (part one, part two).
• Crashburn Alley makes an encouraging comparison regarding the 2011 Phillies.
• The Nats Blog tries to make sense of the Oliver Perez signing for Washington.
• Beyond The Box Score wonders if the Marlins should try to acquire Nyjer Morgan.
• Splashing Pumpkins lists some conditions that have to be met if the Giants start Brandon Belt in the majors.
• DRays Bay explores the Casey Kotchman option.
• Royals Review lists the ten worst decisions the Royals could make in 2011.
• Lookout Landing muses about Michael Pineda and developing a pitch.
• U.S.S. Mariner breaks down the Mariners' Opening Day roster.
• Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness isn't sure that Jay Gibbons is the best use of a Dodgers' roster spot.
• The Yankee Analysts believes the Yankees should let C.C. Sabathia walk if he opts out of his contract after the season.
• Capitol Avenue Club wants to know where all the Braves' left-handers have gone.
• Bay City Ball thinks a platoon is the best way to replace Brian Wilson if the closer's oblique injury forces him to miss the start of the season.
• Camden Crazies tries to figure out who should bat leadoff if Brian Roberts keeps getting hurt.
• Wahoo Blues speculates about a Travis Hafner for Michael Young trade.
• Gaslamp Ball previews some potential milestones for the 2011 Padres.
• Replacement Level Baseball provides some Spring Training notes about Royals and Padres prospects.
• Amazin' Avenue asks which box score is the best.

If you have a suggestion for this feature, Mike can be reached here. Only one email per week, please.