Bleacher Report - Articles by Adam Cancryn

Olympic Baseball: The Revolution Will Not Be Televised; It Will Be Online

Adam Cancryn — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 05:04:05 -0400

With the 2008 Smog Olympics having started last night, we are faced with the last year in which baseball is guaranteed to be a part of this worldwide competition.

While popular in the U.S. and perhaps even more so in Japan and the Caribbean, Olympic baseball has never been a high publicity spectacle on the level of gymnastics, swimming, or even boxing. This is mostly due to the almost complete absence of baseball in Europe and Africa. They prefer much more interesting and challenging sports over there, like badminton and synchronized swimming.

Slapping around a birdie and waterproof makeup. Truly gripping stuff.

Anyway, in an effort to do our small part here at GDL, we'll provide updates on the progress of Team USA and, to a lesser extent, other teams around the world. Not only is Olympic baseball an opportunity to get an idea of the universal talent pool, it affords us a first look at players who could be Major League stars in the next few years.

The following is Team USA's schedule. We'll break it down sometime next week. The full baseball schedule can be found here. All times are EDT and games will be shown online at nbcolympics.com.

August 13:
USA v. South Korea 6 AM
USA v. Netherlands 10:30 PM

August 14:
USA v. Cuba 11:30 PM

August 15:
USA v. Canada 10:30 PM

August 18:
USA v. China 7 AM

August 19:
USA v. Chinese Taipei 7 AM

August 20:
USA v. Japan 7 AM

MLB Wants To Watch You Pee: A Possible Urine Test for HGH

Adam Cancryn — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 04:10:14 -0400

According to the Sporting News, the days of carefree pissing may soon be over, as a biotechnology company is in the process of developing an HGH test using urine samples.

Ceres Nanosciences, in a partnership with academic powerhouse George Mason University, is reportedly less than six months away from finishing the first non-invasive human-growth-hormone detector:

Scientists explained to the Washington Business Journal how the test works. It uses "nanoparticles, which work much like a crab net, filtering bodily fluids and using chemical bait to snare, isolate, compile and preserve some of the world's smallest matter to help detect diseases or toxins earlier, faster and cheaper.

MLB and NFL officials are looking to utilize this new method as soon as it's validated by scientists. No prominent U.S. athletes have ever tested positive for HGH, though Marion Jones and Andy Pettitte have admitted to using the banned substance.

In my opinion, I'm still a little skeptical. Something about the words "crab," "chemical," and "snare" in association with the most important appendage make me uneasy. In fact, I'm pretty sure you could solve the doping problem just by explaining that process to the athletes.

Examining the MLB's Big Series of the Week

Adam Cancryn — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:16:48 -0400

It's been a pretty slow week in baseball thus far, but there are a few crucial series in store for us over the next four days.

With the races in every division separated by only a few games, these mid-July matches will likely end up as difference makers.

Brewers (56-43) vs. Cardinals (57-44)

Milwaukee took game one of this series thanks to some late-inning heroics by underperformers Bill Hall and Rickie Weeks. They're going to need them to continue delivering to hold off the Cards, who have overcome pretty much every obstacle (injuries, no pitching, living in St. Louis) to craft a successful season. With Sabathia taking the hill on Thursday, the Cardinals need to take tonight's game to avoid a crippling sweep.

Mets (53-46) vs. Phillies (53-46)

New York's resurgence over the past few weeks has put them right back in the thick of things. They're poised to re-claim the first-place position forecasted for them in Spring Training. The Phillies, who jumped out of the gate, only to hit a June lull, are trying to stave off competitors while they work out a deal to acquire more pitching. The pitching matchups seem to heavily favor NY, with both Joe Blanton and Brett Myers (3-9 5.84) going for the Phils. It's impossible to predict what the up-and-down Mets will do, however, as the stopgap replacements will have to fall back down to earth eventually.

Cubs (58-41) vs. Marlins (52-47)

Usually, this would be just another run-of-the-mill series for the Cubs, but with the way Florida has stuck around all season, they're always dangerous. Florida has overachieved this whole year, relying on the "hit it high and hope it's out" strategy, something that could be effective against Carlos Zambrano. The Cubbies have a bit too much talent, however, and will be too motivated to widen the gap in the Central to lose he series.

Yankees (54-45) vs. Red Sox (58-43)

In what has become standard operating procedure for the Yanks, their post-All-Star winning streak has them just four-and-a-half out of first, ready to make up the rest in a weekend series with Boston. The Sox have better overall pitching, and will benefit from the absences of Posada and Matsui. To have a chance at making up ground, New York needs a big series from both Jason Giambi and Alex Rodriguez.

Barnum and Manny's Outfield Adventures Could Soon Be On the Move

Adam Cancryn — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:05:41 -0400

MManny Ramirez may be the most lovably quirky player in the Majors, but at what point does it cross the line from amusing to frustrating? A couple of days ago, Ramirez had a classic Manny-being-Manny moment, taking a Family Circus style path to a routine fly ball, botching it, and then loping after the ball as a run scored.

As an non-Red Sox fan, his antics are hilarious, and it's good to see someone having the kind of fun you rarely see in professional sports. But, with Ramirez' adventures in the outfield adding up, you have to wonder how long the organization is willing to value his hitting over the baggage that comes with it.

According to SI, should the Rockies hold onto OF Matt Holliday until after the season, the Sox would pursue him and let Ramirez walk. Manny is currently in the last year of his guaranteed contract, with $20 mil. options for 2009 and '10.

While Holliday is not going to be the face of the franchise, he would represent a major defensive upgrade and give them a hitter in the prime of his career. Ramirez is still one of the best pure hitters in the game, but at 36 years old, there's not much room for improvement.

A 3-4 combo of Ortiz and Holliday would likely be just as potent in the coming years. All of this, however, assumes Holliday is even available by the end of 2008. He is drawing major interest from a number of teams looking to improve at the deadline.

No matter Holliday's status, though, Boston will still have to decide what to do with Ramirez. He is a sure .300+, 25-homer performer, and $20 million is a fair price.

But with Ortiz at DH, he would continue to be a liability in the field. Their best bet may be to dangle Manny in front of teams looking for a top-of-the-line DH, in hopes of getting his equivalent in an outfielder or prospects.

Manny Ramirez is the clown prince of the Red Sox, a player fans would have a tough time parting with, but in the interest of winning and the safety of other fielders, Manny might end up making his phone calls from another team's scoreboard in '09.

It's Happening Again: Can the New York Yankees Make the Playoffs? (Part 1)

Adam Cancryn — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:12:38 -0400

With their recent sweep of the Oakland A's, we're at that point again in the season where we look up at the standings and are startled to see the New York Yankees just a few games out of playoff position.

This is also known as the worst day of the year.

At eight games over .500, the Yanks have positioned themselves for a second-half surge.

It has become a sort of routine: Sleepwalk through the first half, clinging on to mediocrity, and then come to work a few days before the All-Star break and start earning some of that $200 million payroll.

At 53-45, New York has been consistent in its early season underachieving over the past four years, posting similar records through 98 games since 2005. During each of those years the Yankees recovered to make the playoffs.

So, does New York really have a legitimate shot at making some noise come September? If history is any indication, all signs point to yes:

1. The Yankees are in pretty much the same position, record-wise, after 98 games:

2008: 53-45

2007: 52-46

2006: 58-40

2005: 53-45

After middling first halves, New York kicked it into high gear, finishing with an average of 95.3 wins. In order to reach 95 wins this year, the Yanks would have to go 42-22 over their 64 remaining games, a feat they've come close to or accomplished the past three years.

Though the AL East is one of the toughest, that many wins makes a team a serious contender in any division.

2. New York has four solid starters for the first time in four years:

With the addition of Joba Chamberlain, the Yanks staff has a consistent fourth starter to add to a solid three of Andy Pettitte, Mike Mussina, and Chien-Ming Wang.

Pettitte has been the workhorse of the staff, while Mussina is surprising everyone with an excellent year. Wang has been the ace when healthy. Add to that spot starts by the improved Darrell Rasner and Sidney Ponson, and you have a competent rotation.

In the past, the Yankees haven't had that dependability, despite some big names. Seemingly everyone in the farm system tried out for the No. 4 starter spot last year, with no one making a real impact.

In 2005-2006, aging pitchers like Randy Johnson and Kevin Brown did more damage than they were worth. Add the disastrous Kei Igawa and it's a wonder the Yanks were able to even stay afloat.

3. Bounce-back years from high-profile veterans like Jason Giambi and Johnny Damon.

Last year, the Yankees won in spite of Giambi's steroid-hangover slump, and it seemed like Johnny Damon was being pushed out of a starting spot. One year later, Giambi is beloved in NY, with his mustache, high OBP and team-leading 20 home runs.

He is once again a power threat in the middle of the lineup. Damon gives the Yankees a true leadoff hitter again, batting 50 points higher than in 2007 and reclaiming his playing time from Melky Cabrera. With these two, New York presents a lineup full of proven hitters, save for Robinson Cano.

Over the past three years, the first base position has been manned by the pitcher-friendly trio of Doug Mientkiewicz, Andy Phillips, and an aging Tino Martinez. With Giambi at first, it opens up the DH position to Hideki Matsui or the hottest hitter at the time.

4. A career year by Mariano Rivera.

Rivera has always been great, but this season he is the best closer in baseball. One could make a case for Joakim Soria or K-Rod, but the 1.22 ERA, zero blown saves, and six earned runs tell the whole story.

Mariano is on the top of his game, and that's the one thing the Rays or Red Sox can't equal.

Getting the ball to Rivera, which has been a problem in the past, is made easier thanks to good performances by Kyle Farnsworth and Edwar Ramirez.

The middle innings doomed the Yankees many times last year, but it doesn't seem to be as much of a problem now, as long as LaTroy Hawkins (5.63 ERA) isn't allowed to touch the mound.

Overall, it seems like the Yankees have a good chance at taking over the AL East once again. History is on their side, and this year's team is likely better, talent-wise, than past incarnations.

However, there are some factors that make the Yanks' 2008 run unique, and tougher as well. We'll address those next.

The Second Half: AL Predictions in 10 Words or Less

Adam Cancryn — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 05:55:32 -0400

Second half AL predictions. 10 words per team, no timeouts. Annnnd...Go:

Baltimore Orioles

No playoff hopes in this division. Especially with Luke Scott.

Boston Red Sox

J.D. Drew is team MVP. Never thought we'd hear that.

Chicago White Sox

Twins collapse, Chicago the least convincing playoff team of '08.

Cleveland Indians

Sizemore gets 40/40 but Indians still inexplicably suck. Blame Borowski.

Detroit Tigers

Should've started playing when everyone else did, Cabrera still fat.

Kansas City

$55 mil. for Gil Meche? Going nowhere until he's gone.

LA Angels

Vlad impales on regular basis. Best ML record. Thanks, pitchers.

Minnesota Twins

This isn't 1997. Livan Hernandez as ace doesn't cut it.

New York Yankees

Barely miss the postseason, Hank Steinbrenner takes control. Bad news.

Oakland A's

Beane is a genius, but Harden deal remains a mystery.

Seattle Mariners

M's need magic of an Ichiro tirade. And a miracle.

Tampa Bay Rays

Hit tough times on the road, limp toward Wild Card.

Texas Rangers

Hamilton slows down, but offense still great. Unfortunately, no pitching.

Toronto Blue Jays

Burnett maddeningly inconsistent, eventually traded. Canada still just America's hat.

The NL teams can be found here.

The Second Half: NL Predictions in 10 Words or Less

Adam Cancryn — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 05:52:18 -0400

After enduring a whole 24 hours without live sports, the MLB season thankfully resumes tonight, with four games on the slate.

We're about 60 percent through the season, and four of the six division leaders are clinging onto first place by 1.5 games or less, making for what should be a tense playoff stretch.

In a moment of ambition, I was going to write a long and detailed preview and prediction post for all 30 teams. But nobody wants to slog through a bunch of stuff they already know, along with some hack predictions.

So, I figure, why use 10 paragraphs when all we really need about a team is 10 words? If you want 1,500 rambling words that finally come to what is usually a wrong conclusion, you can go read Bill Simmons or S.A.S.

Here, we try to streamline our wrong conclusions to maximize efficiency. And laziness. 30 teams, 10 words each. NL goes first.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Need to stop choking. Haren steps up, barely win division.

Atlanta Braves

Texeira traded, Hampton returns, gets hurt. Rinse. Repeat. $121 million.

Chicago Cubs

Soriano's return makes lineup very scary, win Central by three .

Cincinnati Reds

Volquez falters, but young team primed for breakout in '09.

Colorado Rockies

God's team makes a run, but no miracles this year.

Florida Marlins

Ramirez is a star, but can't win East by himself.

Houston Astros

Too bad Berkman can't pitch, still takes MVP over Utley.

LA Dodgers

Torre is stubborn, Jones and Pierre somehow still starters. Guhh.

Milwaukee Brewers

Fat One leads them to promised land, NL Wild Card.

New York Mets

Can't make a deadline deal. Massive injuries, Wagner still terrible.

Philadelphia Phillies

Howard finishes with 52, but Utley carries them into playoffs.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Most underrated ML outfield broken up as Pirates rebuild... again.

St. Louis Cardinals

Healthy Cards stick around, but NL Central is too good.

San Diego Padres

What a mess. Adrian Gonzalez draws up an escape plan.

San Francisco Giants

Good: Zito does not lose 20. Bad: He loses 18.

Washington Nationals

Owner forced to pay rent, FBI investigates Bowden. Franchise fails.

Team USA Selects Roster for 2008 Smog Olympics

Adam Cancryn — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 03:02:23 -0400

Fourteen Major League organizations will be represented when Team USA travels to the Beijing Olympics in August. Manager Davey Johnson announced the roster yesterday, which includes power hitter Matt LaPorta, the key player in the Brewers' swap for CC Sabathia.

LaPorta went to the Cleveland Indians along with two others in exchange for the ace pitcher, and is considered a top first base prospect. Joining him as representatives from the Indians will be pitcher Jeff Stevens.

Another notable inclusion is San Diego State pitcher Stephen Strasburg. Strasburg turned heads when he struck out 23 batters in a game on April 11, and will be the only college player on the team.

The rest of the roster is made up of 14 Triple-A and seven Double-A players, with Baltimore pitcher Jake Arrieta the lone Class A participant.

Team USA is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2003-04, in which they failed to qualify after losing to Mexico in prelims. It was a far cry from the dominant, gold-medal winning team led by Tommy Lasorda in 2000.

With Baseball shelved as an Olympic sport for at least the 2012 Olympics, the USA will look to recapture its title and hold onto it until at least 2016. Team workouts will begin sometime later this month.

There is one spot yet to be filled, but here is the roster for the Beijing Olympics:

Cleveland Indians- 1B Matt La Porta, P Jeff Stevens
Oakland- P Brett Anderson, P Trevor Cahill
St. Louis- OF Colby Rasmus, IF Brian Barden
LA Angels- IF Matthew Brown, P Kevin Jepsen
Philadelphia- IF Jason Donald, C Louis Marson
Colorado- OF Dexter Fowler, P Casey Weathers
Detroit- IF Mike Hessman, P Blaine Neal
LA Dodgers- P Mike Koplove, IF Terry Tiffee
Baltimore- P Jake Arrieta
San Francisco- P Gino Espineli
Florida- John Gall
NY Mets- P Brandon Knight
Chicago White Sox- P Clayton Richard
Texas- C Taylor Teagarden

[USA Baseball]

Takashi Saito Out Six Weeks, Andruw Jones Unfortunately Healthy for the Dodgers

Adam Cancryn — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:11:00 -0400

The Dodgers' quest to be this year's most mediocre playoff team suffered a blow yesterday when it was announced that closer Takashi Saito will be out until late August. Saito was diagnosed with a sprained elbow ligament in his pitching arm after having to leave Saturday's game vs. the Marlins.

LA will be without their closer's services for at least six weeks, at which point he will be re-evaluated. Saito has 17 saves in 20 chances this season. The Dodgers will likely look in-house for a replacement, turning to setup man Jonathan Broxton or Hong Chih Kuo. Broxton has late-game experience while Kuo has a team-best 1.69 ERA.

The Dodgers are currently 46-49 but just one game behind the first-place Arizona Diamondbacks. Though they lead the NL in ERA and have gotten all-around solid pitching, offensive disappointments such as Jeff Kent and Andruw Jones have failed to provide the run support needed to take control of the division.

Takashi Saito, Los Angeles Dodgers' Closer Out Six Weeks

Adam Cancryn — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 06:16:40 -0400

The Dodgers' quest to be this year's most mediocre playoff team suffered a blow yesterday when it was announced that closer Takashi Saito will be out until late August.

Saito was diagnosed with a sprained elbow ligament in his pitching arm after having to leave Saturday's game vs. the Marlins. L.A. will be without their closer's services for at least six weeks, at which point he will be reevaluted.

Saito has 17 saves in 20 chances this season. The Dodgers will likely look in-house for a replacement, turning to set-up man Jonathan Broxton or Hong-Chih Kuo. Broxton has late-game experience, while Kuo has a team-best 1.69 ERA.

The Dodgers are currently 46-49, but they are just one game behind the first-place Arizona Diamondbacks. Though they lead the NL in ERA and have gotten all-around solid pitching, offensive disappointments such as Jeff Kent and Andruw Jones have failed to provide the run support needed to take control of the division.

Roger Clemens Is Screwed Part Deux

Adam Cancryn — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 05:24:36 -0400

It's perhaps the deadest day of the sports year, which is extremely bad news for the sinking ship that is the USS Roger Clemens.

Two weeks after Brian McNamee's lawyers provided syringes allegedly used by Clemens, admitted 'roid supplier Kirk Radomski reportedly found documentary evidence that HGH was shipped to the pitcher's house.

According to the Daily News, Radomski happened upon shipping receipts from 2002 and '03 that document the sending of Human Growth Hormone to Clemens. The dates of the receipts coincide with times during which Clemens' wife used the drug in preparation for her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit shoot.

Such evidence seems to corroborate claims that the former Yankee introduced his wife to HGH and was present when she first used. Clemens denies having any knowledge of his wife's experience with the steroid.

The cheater's gaggle of lawyers is denying any knowledge of such packing slips, but we all know that's a crock. Clemens has dug himself a grave, and every new piece of evidence shovels more dirt onto him.

He has no sympathy from fellow players or fans because of his increasingly ludicrous denials and has pretty much destroyed any chance at a Hall of Fame bid. Hope the underage country singers and shots in the butt were worth it.

How's that defamation suit coming now, Roger?

2008 MLB All-Star Game: I Am Billy Wagner's Lack of Concern For The Common Man

Adam Cancryn — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:40:44 -0400

It is 1:40 AM. I have just finished watching the entire All-Star Game, including the player introductions, mindless pregame drivel from Buck and McCarver, and parts of the utterly useless parade down Sixth Ave.

So excuse me if this post includes subtle hints of anger and irritation. I would rather give myself paper cuts while running on hot coals and being raped by a baby kangaroo before enduring another game like the one on which I just wasted FIVE HOURS. Okay, maybe not the kangaroo part. But paper cuts and hot coals? Hell and yes.

Every notable moment in this game was designed to frustrate me more than a priest at an elementary school. Curse my unexplainable need to watch games all the way to the bitter end. There is nothing I can point to and say, "Well at least I had the privilege of seeing that."

Nope, just 15 innings of blown chances and Joe Buck, ending on Michael Young's lazy sac fly to right. And for that, I blame Billy Wagner. The least-deserving All-Star of all time needed to record just one out, but apparently that was a bit too difficult. It's only his job. Instead, Wagner gave up a single to Grady Sizemore and gift-wrapped second for him.

From then on, it was only a matter of time before Longoria came through with the game-tying hit. In 12 pitches, my night went from relaxing and enjoyable to a life-sucking test of my survival instinct.

So, thank you, Billy Wagner, I'm sure all of New York looks forward to your presence in the second half. For those who were in favor of retaining their desire to live and didn't see the whole game, here's a rundown of the notable moments:

45 whole minutes of pregame "festivities," including the introductions of all the HOFers present at each position. Yogi Berra's ears have expanded to become a separate entity.
FOX's increasingly unbearable ads for their latest show to be canceled after two weeks, The Fringe. Likely caused hundreds of seizures with its strobe light presentation of about 15 different things/people blowing up. As you can see, FOX is really branching out.
Matt Holliday's home run in the fifth to break the scoreless tie. At this point, the game was halfway entertaining. That would change. It was Holliday's first ASG hit.
Yankee fans cheering J.D. Drew after he hit a game-tying home run off Edinson Volquez. Those New York fans, they're so supportive. Just big ol' softies.
Chants of "Over-rated" rain down on Jonathan Papelbon in response to his blown-out-of-proportion comments regarding who should close the game for the AL. Spoiler: The point would be decidedly moot. The dancing white man gives up an unearned run to make it 3-2.
Billy Wagner. Fu*k.
Dan Uggla, bringer of all things terrible, makes two consecutive errors to load the bases with no outs.
Aaron Cook saves the day, inducing three straight groundballs to preserve the tie.
Miguel Tejada's great play on the third ground ball, a dribbler that the shortstop charged and threw on the run, barely nipping the runner.
Christian Guzman's stellar performance at third base. The natural second baseman recorded the other two outs of that inning.
The rest of Uggla's snakebitten night: 0-3 with three K's and another error in the 13th.
J.D. Drew's stolen base in the 13th, the ASG record seventh total swipe of the game.
Carlos Quentin's extremely audible "Fu*k!" after striking out with Drew in scoring position.
Nate McLouth's game-saving throw from center field to gun down Dioner Navarro at home.
Me resorting to reading Tucker Max's tales of douchebaggery in order to stay awake as we entered the 15th inning.
Bud Selig breathing easy after Morneau's score avoids a potential tie situation and media field day.

That is all. Major League Baseball owes me at least five hours of my life back. Props to CTC at Walkoff Walk for valiantly live-blogging the entire debacle. This was truly a Midsummer Mistake.

Get Ready For Another Scandal: FBI Investigating MLB's Dominican Signings

Adam Cancryn — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:37:31 -0400

The LA Times announced this weekend that the FBI is investigating allegations of skimming by individuals involved in the signing of Latin players. There is suspicion surrounding the amount that these players are being paid and whether MLB employees or Dominican scouts (buscones) are pocketing a portion of the signing bonus.

Latin players are not subject to the amateur draft and therefore are treated as free agents. They negotiate contracts with Major League teams through these buscones, who take an up front cut of the players' contract money.

However, the probe has revealed that the buscones may be taking more than originally agreed upon, with the help of complicit team reps:

One thing the feds will investigate is whether team representatives have become complicit in that practice in exchange for a kickback. One National League executive, who insisted on anonymity, said he offered a $60,000 bonus to a prospect a couple of years ago only to have the buscon demand 10 times that much. Three months later, the executive said, the player signed with another team for more than $1.5 million.

The investigation certainly has the potential to affect major change in the way teams are allowed to deal with players outside of the US. The buscones sound similar to the coyotes that negotiate with businesses to traffic in illegal immigrants from Mexico, in that both are being paid as middlemen with little supervision governing their moral conduct, due to the lawless nature of the industry.

A day later, ESPN sources claimed that Nationals GM Jim Bowden and special assistant Jose Rijo are central targets of the probe. The source says that both are under suspicion of having received kickbacks from Dominican signings. Bowden said he had been in contact with the FBI but was never informed of any personal investigation:

Federal authorities and Major League Baseball are investigating Washington Nationals general manager Jim Bowden and special assistant Jose Rijo for their possible roles in a growing financial scandal involving the signing of players from the Dominican Republic, several sources familiar with the probe told ESPN.

One source, an MLB official speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the investigation was "in its infancy" and involved allegations about several teams and their employees.

Realistically, shady deals like this probably go down on a regular basis, as there are practically no enforceable guidelines around these signings. I've always been concerned that there is no age limit on signings, and that 16-year-olds are routinely being put under contract. It's true that getting signed often pulls these players out of poverty, but there is no public knowledge of the unwritten contracts held with these buscones. It's a situation ripe for corruption fraud.

We'll see how this all shakes out in the coming months.

Francisco Rodriguez of the Angels Is About to Get Paid

Adam Cancryn — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:28:47 -0400

Looking to cash in on what could be a record-breaking season, closer Francisco Rodriguez announced he's going to test free agency this winter. According to the LA Times, the Angels' ninth-inning man will not accept a contract extension, blaming the team for not getting the deal done soon enough.

"I'm going to go out there and explore the market," Rodriguez said. "They had six years. They didn't get anything done with me. If I wait six years, why not wait another two-and-a-half months?"

K-Rod's decision sets him up to receive what could be the most lucrative contract ever given to a closer. He has 38 saves this season, putting him on pace to break Bobby Thigpen's record of 57. Add to that the distinction of having the most saves in the majors over the last four years, and the age factor (Rodriguez is just 26), and he's primed for a big payoff.

Mariano Rivera is currently the highest paid closer in the league, having signed a three-year, $45 million extension with the Yankees. Rivera remains among the best in the game, but is 12 years older than Rodriguez.

Though he wouldn't rule out returning to the Angels for the right price, there's likely to be high competition from a number of teams. Since nobody in the NL Central has a dependable bullpen, much less a closer, and deep pocket teams like the Braves and Indians are in the same boat, Rodriguez is hitting free agency at the perfect time.

Josh Hamilton Makes The Home Run Derby His Own National Holiday

Adam Cancryn — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 05:01:16 -0400

It's very rare that a story can go from breaking news to overdone in the space of just a few hours, especially when most normal people are spending those hours sleeping. But the Internet needs no rest, and that's why I'm probably the 138495th person with the words "Josh" and "Hamilton" in his headline.

Everyone knows Hamilton's story—his odyssey from No. 1 pick to heroin addict and back to feel-good story of the year. ESPN is so obsessed with the story they probably put a GPS on him to track his every movement. If he played in New York or Boston, the Bristol headquarters would surely implode.

But for once, I can't really disagree with the media frenzy surrounding Hamilton. He is a true American story, one that represents not the ideals (patriotism, capitalism, rags to riches), but the everyday realities of the country.

His is not a perfect story by any stretch of the imagination. If he was able to live life over again, I'm sure Hamilton would jump at the chance. It's these flaws, though, that endear him to fans throughout the nation.

It's a made-for-the-movies life full of wasted talent, personal conflict, and eventual redemption. He is part renegade, with the tattoos and shady background, and part All-American good guy, receptive to the media and willing to showcase his every move to the curious public.

Last night, All-Star Weekend became a Josh Hamilton national holiday, as he pounded home runs into the far reaches of Yankee stadium, the ball exploding off the bat as he followed through on perhaps the sweetest swing I've seen this side of Ken Griffey Jr. It was an awesome display that made the Home Run Derby, as a whole, watchable (in spite of Chris Berman and the SEVEN other broadcasters).

You have to wonder what Hamilton could've been if he never ran into trouble shortly after being drafted by the Rays. It's a question that surely lingers in the back of the young outfielder's mind, his tattoos a constant reminder of wasted years. Josh Hamilton made mistakes, did reprehensible things, of which he should not be miraculously absolved.

However, that dark time has passed and if Hamilton, the user himself, can move on, maybe it's time for us to join him. After last night, he should no longer be Josh Hamilton: the former drug addict. He is Josh Hamilton: natural athlete, baseball player, and just another man who just wants to enjoy the moment.