Is The MLB Ready For Another Scandal?

In the past few years, there has been numerous scandals involving almost every professional sport, some worse than others, others worse than some.  Athletes like Michael Vick, Roger Clemens, and Tim Donaghy do not need their stories retold as the dark cloud above their heads called “the media” hasn’t left any details unsung.

Steroids in baseball, referees betting on games they officiate, and killing dogs were suppose to take the cake right? I thought so, until I came across a few baseball news sites early this morning, that paint the picture of the MLB trying to hang themselves.  Reports are now beginning to surface about another possible scandal in Major League Baseball that has potentially equal or more “fire power” than the steroid scuttlebutt. However in this case, it seems as though Major League Baseball is the one being scammed.

 According to the Bleacher Report, it was reported in March that White Sox Director of Scouting, David Wilder, was caught by United States Customs attempting to smuggle $40,000 cash into Miami. Since then, Wilder has been cooperating with FBI and MLB officials and has been fired by the White Sox.

Why the smuggling? Fortunately for investigators, Wilder has sung like a canary. Apparently, many scouts have been scouting players in Latin America and other surrounding territories. If the scouts see an ounce of star potential in a player’s performance, the player is bribed with huge dollar salaries and signed with inflated bonuses. I’m not sure what the best part is; the fact that the players suck or the fact that the scouts then force the players to give them a cut of their own offer. Now that’s hot stuff!

The Bleacher Report is not the only source of information on this shocking story. Wait! Was that really shocking? According to Market Place Public Radio, last week, the top Dominican scout for the Boston Red Sox was fired over accusations involved in the skinny dipping of bonuses. Tough one buddy! You won’t have to ask Arizona catcher Chris Snyder about what it feels like to shatter a nut! ESPN has reported that as many as 20 people could be implicated in this scandal involving more than a dozen ball clubs.

Controversy is also surrounding the fate of Yankees Prospect OF Kelvin DeLeon. Kelv “the man” is only 17-years old and from the Dominican Republic. He signed a deal in July of ‘07 for 1.1 million total watermelons. The problem is-the salary and bonus contracted does not match his talent or ability. SCAM!

Scouts are reportedly up to no good. I stress the word “reportedly” because in America you are innocent until proven guilty. For all we know the media could have it backwards, sideways, upside-down or out when its suppose to be in. However, if these reports are correct, the MLB is going to take another shot to its image, and have a few more problems other than steroids.

The Lowest Batting Averages in 2008!

Sometimes players fall into slumps, deep mummy-like slumps. Batting Averages fall and it is only a matter of time before their demise at the plate results in an assignment to the minors or bench time. After 200 at bats in 2008, the following players have the worst batting averages in Major League Baseball according to Baseball-Reference.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In respect to the lowest batting averages, the trend goes hand-in-hand for players with the lowest On Base Percentages (OPB) listed below;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After being paid almost $9.9 million over the last 3 years Corey Patterson seems to be having one of the worst years in his 10-year career, even though his (season) career high batting average tops out at .298 in 2003. Is he currently the worst full-time players in the Majors? RBI Magazine says “Give the guy a break”.

Pirates second baseman Freddy Sanchez has had more problems than just his batting average. On July 27th, 2008, Sanchez left the game against the Padres with lower back problems that have been dogging him all season.

Despite Gary Sheffield’s batting average, his performance at the plate has not looked as terrible as his numbers. Sheffield has executed in the clutch for the Tigers when he has been called upon despite having major shoulder surgery less than 9 months ago.

As for the rest of those pegged in this statistical study, not many excuses can compensate for their poor performance at the plate. Maybe it is time to do what Lance Armstrong would do. Take your ball and go home!

Arizona Catcher Chris Snyder “Fractures” Left Testicle

This story brought me to my knees on first read. In a game Monday night Arizona Diamondback catcher Chris Snyder “fractured” his left testicle after a foul tip shot into his grundle. The play occured in the fourth inning when Milwaukee’s Cory Hart swung at a low pitch.

As of Tuesday Snyder was placed on the 15-day disabled list  and now he is expected to have surgery- despite an earlier report.

When RBI heard of the terrible mishap, we asked around to find out what exactly it means to “fracture a testicle”. Unfortunatley, the word fracture has nothing to do with a bone in this case. 

According to eMedicine.com, a testicular rupture or fractured of the testis refers to a rip or tear in the tunica albuginea resulting in extrusion of the testicular contents.  I think I would rather have one of my arms cut off. OUCH!

RBI’s advice: FOR GOD SAKES PUT A HELMET ON THE OTHER HEAD!

One thing is for sure….this Diamondback will not be circling the bases for a long time!

MLB To Consider New Bat Rules

Proposals for rule changes in Major League baseball are becoming more common than all of those angry Mets fans out there. First instant replay, now the Bats.

The future of the maple constructed bat is now uncertain in Major League Baseball play. Statistical analysis has relayed information showing league officials that the bats are shattering way to often-putting players (especially the pitcher) at a higher risk of being struck by shrapnel. Studies have proven that Ash bats splinter more quickly, breaking up into smaller pieces as they expire; this is not the case with Maple.

On Tuesday, Representatives from the commissioner’s office, the players union and teams spoke on a conference call about the potential danger with bats that have seemingly been shattering more frequently. The committee is responsible for monitoring fan and player safety, an issue that has become more pronounced with every flying bat shard.

In a news release, the committee said it planned to consult with bat experts and bat manufacturers, conduct field and laboratory tests, and gather information about protective procedures in ballparks.

Johnny Damon  of the Yankees recently switched to Ash bats after hearing about a possible “Maple Debate”. In 2001, Maple became a huge ”fad” when Barry Bonds used Maple bats throughout his record-setting 73-home run season. It is currently estimated that 60 percent of all players use the “pitcher killing” clubs.

Based on percentages, players have always prefered Maple vs. Ash constructed bats because they like the sound of the baseball coming off the bat leading the players to believe Maple bats have more “pop”.

However studies have proven that notion to be wrong. A study in 2005 by Dr. James Sherwood (funny that is last name is SherWOOD) of the Baseball Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell found no evidence that a baseball hit by a maple bat carried farther than an ash bat-struck baseball.

The MLB claims action will not be taken immediatley, but the bat ban will be on a list of priorities leading up to the beginning of next season. Players are in denial that the league will do anything at all.

“Is something going to be done about it?” asked Philadelphia player representative Jimmy Rollins. “I doubt it.”

Sorry Jimmy, I think this link proves that it is time. This umpire got beaned hardcore by a broken maple.

http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?categoryId=2521705&brand=null&videoId=3460125&n8pe6c=2

Report: Viagra May Provide Baseball Players On-Field Edge

There is nothing better than pitching your own tent at short-stop with two outs-two on in the bottom of the 9th!

The Daily News in New York reported Tuesday that Viagra has become a popular pick-me-up for athletes looking for an edge on the field and perhaps some frisky behavior off of it.

Citing a source familiar with the New York Yankees clubhouse, the paper said Roger Clemens stashed the diamond-shaped pills in a vitamin bottle in his locker, perhaps keeping the drug undercover to avoid the inevitable wisecracks.

But the veteran pitcher wasn’t alone. He’s among the numerous athletes who have turned Vitamin V and its over-the-counter substitutes into one of the hottest drugs in locker rooms. The drug is so widely used now that it has drawn the attention of anti-doping officials.

“All my athletes took it,” BALCO founder Victor Conte said of an over-the-counter supplement he claimed mimicked Viagra. “It’s bigger than creatine. It’s the biggest product in nutritional supplements.”

Supreme Court Rejects MLB Fantasy Licensing Fees

One thing is for sure, MLB players make a lot of money! Unfortunatley, they present a valid point when it comes to Fantasy Baseball Companies using their names to generate a profit. However, the Supreme Court did not agree.

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal from Major League Baseball and its players association, leaving intact a ruling that lets a fantasy-sports company use players’ names and statistics without paying licensing fees.

According to the AP-Without comment, the justices declined to hear the case involving a segment of the $1.5 billion fantasy sports industry in the United States, in which participants manage imaginary teams based on the real-life performances of professional players.

The lawsuit involves C.B.C. Distribution and Marketing Inc., a Missouri company unable to obtain a license from a subsidiary of Major League Baseball to use players’ names in C.B.C.’s fantasy baseball games.

The Missouri company sued, saying it did not need a license to continue to sell its fantasy baseball games on its Web site.

Fantasy sport leagues now generate roughly $500 million a year worldwide in fees, advertising and other revenue, according to Jeff Thomas, president of the 150-member Fantasy Sports Trade Association.

Should athletes be entitled to a monetary cut of revenue in return for their names and talent being used to make a third party profit? What do you think? RBI says no!

Rays sign Scott Kazmir to 3-year extension

Another member of the Tampa Bay Rays has inked a long-term extension with the club.

On Wednesday, starting pitcher Scott Kazmir agreed to a three-year extension with the team through 2011 worth $28.5 million US. The extension also features a club option that could push the contract’s value to as much as $39.5 million over four seasons.

The left-hander will make $3,785,000 this season before his extension will see him earn $6 million in 2009, $8 million in 2010 and $12 million in 2011. Tampa Bay’s 2012 option is for $13.5 million with a $2.5 million buyout. Read More