No franchise enjoys losing, but Tampa Bay has managed to make the best of it. The team has consistently scored high picks in the annual MLB draft as a result of its poor play, and few teams can match the Rays' success in identifying and subsequently developing top amateur talent. It's finally paying off in 2008, as the surprising Rays find themselves just a half-game behind the mighty Red Sox in the A.L. East. By Jay LeBlanc.
The Orioles smacked the Cubs around at Wrigley, while American League hurlers Matt Garza of the Rays, Rich Harden of the A's and Cliff Lee of the Indians dominated their Senior Circuit competition. Meanwhile, Edinson Volquez of the Reds proved he's capable of having a bad day just like the rest of us. All that and more in today's Morning Report. By Tim Whitman.
When the dust had settled in the battle of the Bulldogs, Cinderella was dancing well past midnight and the underdogs from Fresno were piling on each other in the middle of the Rosenblatt Stadium after the last Georgia batter was retired. I could write for days about the upsets, clutch hits, amazing plays and record crowds that got far more than their money's worth. Instead, I'll take a look back at the best players and moments from this year's tournament and hand out some hardware. By Tom Stad.
When the dust had settled in the battle of the Bulldogs, Cinderella was dancing well past midnight and the underdogs from Fresno were piling on each other in the middle of the Rosenblatt Stadium after the last Georgia batter was retired. I could write for days about the upsets, clutch hits, amazing plays and record crowds that got far more than their money's worth. Instead, I'll take a look back at the best players and moments from this year's tournament and hand out some hardware. By Tom Stad.
As the Chicago White Sox slumped toward their eventual 70-92 record last summer, the team realized it would need an influx of good young pitching to compete in the A.L. Central going forward and took pitchers with their first six picks in last June's MLB draft. With three major league pitches in his repertoire and outstanding command, third-rounder John Ely looks like he'll be ready to help the big league club sooner rather than later. By Jay LeBlanc.
Jesus Flores lifted the Nats to victory with a walk-off RBI single, while the O's fell at Wrigley despite Jay Payton's two jacks. David Wright had two longballs of his own to lift the Mets over the Mariners, and Joba Chamberlain picked up his first win as a starter for the pinstripers. All that and more in today's Morning Report. By Jay LeBlanc.
Fresno State won the NCAA baseball title yesterday with a 6-1 victory over No. 8 Georgia, putting an exclamation point on an improbable 43-day odyssey that started in Louisiana at the WAC Tournament, moved back across the country to Long Beach for the regional round of the NCAA tournament, continued with a trip to Tempe, Ariz., to shock Arizona State in the Super Regional and then concluded in Omaha's historic Rosenblatt Stadium. By Tom Stad.
Fresno State won the NCAA baseball title yesterday with a 6-1 victory over No. 8 Georgia, putting an exclamation point on an improbable 43-day odyssey that started in Louisiana at the WAC Tournament, moved back across the country to Long Beach for the regional round of the NCAA tournament, continued with a trip to Tempe, Ariz., to shock Arizona State in the Super Regional and then concluded in Omaha's historic Rosenblatt Stadium. By Tom Stad.
Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling announced last week that he was having season-ending shoulder surgery. For the 41-year-old, it may mean not only the end of his season, but the end of his career. So, if this is it, what is his place in baseball history? Never one to shy away from a good baseball debate, National Pastime's Nick Leco takes a closer look at Schilling's Hall of Fame resume.
The Angels got to Nationals starter Shawn Hill early and often as they cruised to an 8-3 win, while the Orioles accomplished the rare feat of beating the Cubs at Wrigley. Meanwhile, all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman gave up back-to-back jacks to two guys named Brendan Harris and Brian Buscher as the Padres fell to the Twins. Catch up on all yesterday's action in today's Morning Report. By Tim Whitman.
It's within sight now. They took the road less traveled, but the Cinderella Fresno State Bulldogs are nine innings away from never waking up from the dream they have been living for the past six weeks. Last night, Fresno State outslugged Georgia 19-10, forcing a third and deciding game to determine the 2008 College World Series champion. By Tom Stad.
It's within sight now. They took the road less traveled, but the Cinderella Fresno State Bulldogs are nine innings away from never waking up from the dream they have been living for the past six weeks. Last night, Fresno State outslugged Georgia 19-10, forcing a third and deciding game to determine the 2008 College World Series champion. By Tom Stad.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling announced last week that he was having season-ending shoulder surgery. For the 41-year-old Schilling, it may mean not only the end of his season, but the end of his career. So, if this is it, what is his place in baseball history? Never one to shy away from a good baseball debate, National Pastime's Nick Leco takes a closer look at Schilling's Hall of Fame resume.
Young pitchers are like Christmas presents: The build-up as you count down the days until their arrival, the hopes and dreams of what could be and the mystery are all similar. You don't know what you're going to get until you unveil them, but the anticipation alone keeps you up at night. Some presents come wrapped in a great big box only to disappoint (Homer Bailey - "D'oh!") but every so often there's a toy you get years of joy from, like these guys. By Sean Raposa.
Angels ace John Lackey shut down the Nats, Ben Sheets did the same to the Braves. Josh Beckett and Dan Haren went toe-to-toe at Fenway, while Felix Hernandez - yes, that Felix Hernandez - slugged a grand slam off Johan Santana before leaving with an ankle injury. Catch up on all yesterday's action in today's Morning Report. By Tim Whitman.
