Alfonso Soriano is now a Chicago Cub and also one of the richest players in Major League Baseball. The Cubs gave Soriano the fifth largest contract in MLB history at $136 million for eight years. I generally start getting dizzy at the thought of someone getting paid that much money to play a sport, but this time it didn’t happen. I actually felt like the clouds parted and the sun shined down on Wrigley Field and all Cubs fans. Chicago needs help in a big way and Soriano is one of the most solid offensive weapons in the League. I have personally been a Cub fan since childhood and other than a shooting star year here and there they pretty much have stunk. Alfonso is one huge step in the right direction along with the recent re-signings of Aramis Ramirez and Kerry Wood. In this world of high paid players not many are worth this type of cash, but I have to admit Soriano is a player who truly is top notch.

Did Kenny Rogers cheat is the question swirling the day after the Tigers won game two 3-1. I would say by the pictures and footage I have seen he most certainly did in the first inning of last night’s game and also in previous ones during the playoffs. The substance he had on his left hand is not “a big clump of dirt” that Rogers called it, but it does look like pine tar. St. Louis Cardinals batters said the ball was doing some crazy things in the first inning when the suspicion was sparked. The funny thing was the second inning the substance was gone and Rogers still mowed down Cardinal hitters. Shame on you Kenny, but you were at least smart enough to get rid of it in quick fashion. I can assure you this won’t be the last time we hear about this little ordeal.

Breaking Story: Kenny Rogers

I’m not sure what was a bigger surprise when I learned MLB owners and players have agreed on a new five-year labor deal. Is it the fact I personally hadn’t heard any complaining from either side or the fact they agreed without waiting until the last hours before work stoppage like 2002? I really think you could debate either point and it would be hard to say your wrong, but the bottom line is MLB didn’t bicker about who is the richest for the first time in a long time. I commend the players and the owners today for taking the high road this time rather than the normal pathetic contest of who can piss farther.

Story: MLB labor contract

The baseball analyst Steve Lyons has been fired from FOX for making racial comments live during an ALCS game. When will analysts learn there are some things better left unsaid?

Cory Lidle crashed his plane yesterday into an apartment building on the East Side of Manhattan yesterday. Lidle was the pilot and his pilot instructor both passed away.  The well respected MLB pitcher played on seven MLB teams with the Yankees being his latest team. God bless his family during this tragic time.

  Story: Cory Lidle 

The Chicago White Sox struck a deal today to start all their weeknight home games at 7:11. Isn’t that just so cute and clever on behalf of 7 Eleven. Maybe a famous band can become the sponsor for all Chicago Cubs weekday games so they can start at 3:11(Get it). 🙂 I’m sorry, but this just seems SO ridiculous to me.

After all the rumors and reports Lou Piniella or Joe Girardi will be taking over as manager of the Yankees. I would like to congratulate Joe Torre today for keeping his job as manager of the New York Yankees, but I can’t bring myself to do it. Yes he will receive $7 million dollars for the final year of his contract to lead the mighty Yankees in the 2007 season, but he still has to put up with George Steinbrenner. He is a man who hasn’t been and will never be pleased with anything and loves to point the finger at everyone except himself. Joe Torre should never have received all the blame for the falter in the playoffs this year. If you want to place blame then look no further than Brian Cashman or yourself George. You brought in the highest paid player aka Alex Rodriguez a few years back who will never fit in with New York media or the fans and also have neglected to do anything sufficient for your pitching problems. Let’s face it the rotation is equivalent in age to our current Supreme Court Justices. It is going to be an icy time next year between Torre and Steinbrenner and I just don’t think it’s fair.

Article:
Joe Torre

Trevor Hoffman set the all-time save record last night with his 479th save against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Hoffman of the San Diego Padres surpassed “The Fireballer” Lee Smith who is still one of my all-time favorite closers based on his days with the Cubs. Hoffman leads the National League in saves this year with 43 saves in 48 chances. Congrats Trevor and let’s shoot for 500 now.

Lance Williams and Mark Fainaru-Wada reporters for the San Francisco Chronicle have received a jail order for not providing the source who leaked them information on the Barry Bonds secret grand jury case. The two reporters have repeatedly stated they would rather be incarcerated then give up their source because if they did then for all intents and purposes they ruin their credibility and integrity. The two have some big jewels to stand up for what they believe even if it means jail time. I think it’s ridiculous these two are being persecuted in this manner for blowing open the BALCO case because it needed to be done. It has already improved the ethics of MLB and this trend should continue. Stand strong for what you believe in!

Full story: San Francisco Chronicle Reporters

The Los Angeles Dodgers won their 10th in a row last night after disposing of the Colorado Crockies 7-2. This now puts the Dodgers a stunning two games above .500 for the season at 57-55. They are now only one and a half games behind the San Diego Padres in the pathetic NL West. I can assure you that the Dodgers could win 20 in a row and no team in MLB will be scared of them.