Cubs Fans: It May be This Season Soon Though ...

This 1969 Cubs placemat screams "ironic" with all its might. First of all, it's from IHOP, a place that probably has more diners eating there ironically than any other chain restaurant. Second, it states that "This IS next year" in reference to the Cubs. Turns out it wasn't -- and hasn't been in the ensuing four decades.

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 What do you think?

by Jim Baker • Apr 6, 2012 10:31 AM PDT

Baseball's Popularity in Context is High ...

The Dying Throes Of Baseball

Toby Harrah joined the Rangers' television broadcast for the home opener, and he was asked to compare the sold-out atmosphere to the first home opener in Rangers' historyforty years ago.

Here's all you need to know: The attendance was 20,105. It was 5,517 for the next game -- again, that was a team in a major market playing its second home game ever. Remember that for the next time someone mentions something about how baseball is slipping in popularity.

 What do you think?

by Grant Brisbee • Apr 6, 2012 1:02 PM PDT

Rob Neyer: Best Opening Day Player Ever ...

He Is Mighty, And Shall Prevail

Oddly enough, the answers to these questions ...

Who is the greatest baseball player ever?

and

Who is the greatest Opening Day baseball player ever?

are exactly the same: Babe Ruth, and Babe Ruth.

As Craig Wright observes in his (subscription-only) newsletter, Ruth slugged .859 in his 18 Opening Day gamesand went 3-0 as a starting pitcher, giving up just three runs in 26⅓ innings.

 1 comment, 1 new

by Rob Neyer • Apr 6, 2012 11:04 AM PDT

Putting Things in Perspective ...

'I Think My Allergies Are Acting Up Again ...'

by Grant Brisbee • Apr 4, 2012 7:50 AM PDT

While we were on the Internet making Jamie Moyer jokes, Jason Marquis was at the side of his daughter's hospital bed, not sure if she was going to live.

The story has a happy ending, as Ken Rosenthal writes, but stepping out of a baseball fog for a little perspective isn't a bad idea every now and again. I have a feeling that Marquis is going to be just a little less upset this year when an infielder boots a grounder behind him.

Cliff Corcoran - SI.com: Starters Strong ...

 Starters strong, bullpens struggle and?the longest opener in history - Cliff Corcoran - SI.com* 

Michael young: The Next Paul Molitor? ...

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  The Flagrant Fan

  Is Michael Young the next Paul Molitor?

Brief Thoughts On The Dodgers And Padres' Season Opener - Baseball Nation

Brief Thoughts On The Dodgers And Padres' Season Opener - Baseball Nation

Breaking Down Roy Halladay's Gem ...

HardballTalk

Breaking down Roy Halladay’s gem - As you may have heard (or even watched), Roy Halladay pitched eight innings of two-hit ball in the Phillies’ shutout of the Pirates on Opening Day. Corey S...

Scott Baker Getting Elbow Checked Out - Baseball Nation

Scott Baker Getting Elbow Checked Out - Baseball Nation

Fantasy In-Season Article ...

8 Posts Today: 6 Good & Interesting Articles & Some Fun Stuff ...  /  Opening Days Across Baseball America as Baseball Moves Into Full Speed Ahead!  /  I am striving to put togehter a great weekend of articles, videos, and fun stuff for you ...  /  I will be posting Fantasy article's & video's all season long ...  /  Thank You For Visiting ... :} :} :}

Until next time, so long everybody ...

Lee [ Cowboy ]

The Hardball Times

Top 10 late-round outfield trade candidates

Rob Neyer: Short Note on RA Dickey's Book ...

My High Horse: Mounted.

by Rob Neyer • Apr 5, 2012 8:33 AM PDT

I just started reading R.A. Dickey's new book.

I hoped it would be good, but not many as-told-to autobiographies by baseball players are any good at all. This one's really good, though. So far, anyway ...

robneyer

• ✔

@robneyer

I'm 85 pages into @RADickey43's book and 83 of them have been compelling. Excellent candidate for Baseball Book of the Year.

Marlins Park Opening Day Ticket ...

eBay Item Of The Night

So what's the over/under on how much a used ticket from tonight's Marlins Park inaugural is going to go for 25 years from now? Meanwhile, in the here and now, this seller is asking $49.99 for theirs. Think that's a wise investment?

 What do you think?

by Jim Baker • Apr 4, 2012 10:50 PM PDT

Maintaing the Machine: Pujols ...

Maintaining the Machine: ‘This is my job,’ Pujols says | pujols, swing, angels - Sports - The Orange County Register Source: ocregister.com TEMPE, Ariz. – With a bat in his hand, Albert Pujols can command the attention of thousands of people in the biggest stadiums. Or he can make a much smaller group stop what it is doing. New Angels slugger Albert Pujols has impressed teammates with his work ethic this spring. "I'll tell you what – his swing is so consistent," Angels outfielder Peter Bourjos said. "It's the same swing every time. Short. Compact. It's pretty to watch. "The other day, I was in the cages with Vernon (Wells) and Torii...

Is The Marlins' New Outfield Just Too Big? - Baseball Nation

Is The Marlins' New Outfield Just Too Big? - Baseball Nation

Cards Begin Title Defense ...

The "Crasnick: Freese, Pujols-less Cards begin title defense" story is located at http://espn.go.com/mlb/preview12/story/_/id/7771754/david-freese-st-louis-cardinals-begin-title-defense

2012 Spring Training Leaderboard ...

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  More Hardball

  

  2012 Spring Training Leaderboard 

The Crasnick: Strasburg ...

The "Crasnick: Strong outing for Strasburg in Nationals' opener" story is located at http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7780701/strong-outing-stephen-strasburg-washington-nationals-opener

Johan Santana Returns, Looks Like Self - Baseball Nation

Johan Santana Returns, Looks Like Self - Baseball Nation

Cards Spoil Opening Night For Marlins ...

9 Posts Today: 5 or 6 really good articles! Also some fun stuff ...  /  Cards vs Marlins game was a good start to baseball 2012. I like the ballpark. We got to see some great players. Here we go - Play Ball!!  /  Guest writers coming, I'm going to start writing again, Terrific Tuesday coming, and, please don't forget Video Sunday 9!  /  I am thankful for baseball in my life. I love baseball ...  /  Have a Great Day!!!

Until next time, so long everybody ...

Lee [ Cowboy ]

Please know that donation's of any amount truly help ...

Lee Cress
PO Box 542
Dumont, Co.
80436

SI.com - MLB

Lohse, Cards spoil opening night at Marlins Park