Author Archive
Needle Pricks Again: Cincinnati Reds’ Edinson Volquez Revives Steroid Era Stain
Posted: 20th April 2010 by Andrew Brining in MLB
"The so-called 'steroid era'—a reference that is resented by the many players who played in that era and never touched the substances—is clearly a thing of the past."—Bud Selig, Jan. 11, 2010
According to a FOX Sports article, Cincinnati Reds pitcher Edinson Volquez has tested positive for a banned, performance-enhancing substance. That oopsy-daisy will cost the 26-year-old right-hander 50 games...kind of.
The 17-game winner in ...
San Francisco Giants Foresaken by the Baseball Gods in the City of Angels
Posted: 19th April 2010 by Andrew Brining in MLB
For every Phil Mickelson Masters moment that fuels our optimism and confirms that the sporting fates have a firm sense of morality, there are at least as many examples of the contrary. Episodes where Lady Luck jilts the White Knight, and instead shacks up with the leather-clad Lothario that plays by nobody's rules.
Not even his own.
(Bonus points if you recognize that bit of hybrid pilferage).
Case in point of this latter ...
San Francisco Giants’ First Trip to La La Land Feels Worse Than It Was
Posted: 19th April 2010 by Andrew Brining in MLB
Let's get it out there right up front—there is very little one can do to sugar-coat a San Francisco Giants loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers sealed by a Manny Ramirez pinch-hit, two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning.
Especially when you consider Major League Baseball's most tiresome clown conspired with a hanging slider from Sergio Romo (in a 1-2 count no less) to deliver the ...
San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers: A Blood Rivalry Revived
Posted: 16th April 2010 by Andrew Brining in MLB
San Francisco Giant uniforms do not like Los Angeles Dodger uniforms and vice versa. However, the hatred is only cotton-deep. Put the ballplayer in street clothes, stick 'em in a room, and most of the exchanges would be cordial.
Casey Blake might run into a couple problems and Pablo Sandoval might not share a warm embrace with Russell Martin , but the tension in the room would be considerably less than ...
Lucky 13: San Francisco Giants Improve to 4-0 with a Little Help from Blue
Posted: 9th April 2010 by Andrew Brining in MLB
My diabolical plan worked.
With the Atlanta Braves coming to town to open the 2010 Major League Baseball season at AT&T Park, and Jason Heyward's majesty gaining momentum, something had to be done for the benefit of our beloved San Francisco Giants.
I mean, it's gotten to the point where "they" have given the 20-year-old rookie a nickname that conjures the spectre of Willie Mays at the height of his glory. The ...
The Jason Heyward List: MLB’s 10 Most Outstanding First-At-Bat Home Runs
Posted: 9th April 2010 by Andrew Brining in MLB
When Atlanta Braves' rookie sensation Jason Heyward strode to the plate in his Major League Baseball debut, it sounded like the crowd knew what was coming. The excitement that started with the automobile bombardment in March reached a fever pitch as he dug into the batter's box for the first time.
Turner Field was electric and the near-hysteria infected everyone with the good fortune to be present, in some capacity, for ...
San Francisco Giants’ Big Weekend Still Has Room for the Jason Heyward Show
Posted: 9th April 2010 by Andrew Brining in MLB
When the San Francisco Giants break home ground on the 2010 season, there will be several compelling reasons to scale the walls at 24 Willie Mays Plaza.
The home opener is always a momentous occasion for any franchise, and Friday at AT&T Park will be no different. Granted, the bigger parties will be over the weekend when two Bay Area favorites get the spotlight.
On Saturday, the baby face of the franchise, ...
San Francisco Giants’ Tim Lincecum and Aaron Rowand Show Spring Can’t Be Trusted
Posted: 7th April 2010 by Andrew Brining in MLB
Ask around Major League Baseball and most people close to the game will tell you the same thing about Spring Training—it's an incredible window into the game that a true fan needs to experience.
I've never gone myself, so I can only trust in the wisdom of those words, but my faith is strong.
Granted, the same thing that I'm sure makes the Show's exhibition run so exceptional is the same thing ...
Philadelphia Eagles Trade Donovan McNabb to Redskins, Hide the Women and Kids
Posted: 4th April 2010 by Andrew Brining in NFL
Congratulations, Kevin Kolb. The city of Philadelphia's fate now rests on your shoulders. Your right shoulder and the arm that hangs from it, to be exact.
If you can't deliver on the promise your physical talents have made in the upcoming National Football League season (especially against the division-rival Washington Redskins), there's a good chance portions of the City of Brotherly Love will burn.
Even in the dead of winter.
If you don't ...
2010 AL West: Seattle Mariners Will Sail into Sweet Postseason Waters
Posted: 4th April 2010 by Andrew Brining in MLB
Whoa, look what happened to the American League West when nobody was paying attention.
As usual, eyes were focused on the ongoing turf battle in the beastly AL East and for good reason—the two best squads and possibly the three finest call it home.
Then, there was the commotion caused by Roy Halladay landing in the National League and on its best team, as well as the Joe Mauer extension.
Throw in ...