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World Series Game 3 Tonight in Texas

Rick Bengtsson — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 16:21:35 +0000

Jonathan Sanchez

The Texas Rangers return home for tonight’s Game 3 of the World Series against the San Francisco Giants. The Rangers look to avoid going down 3-0 in a series that has been dominated by the Giants.

The Giants will send lefty Jonathan Sanchez to the mound against Colby Lewis for the Rangers. Sanchez has struggled with his control in his last 2 outings during the National League Championship Series. He looks to rebound and try to help the Giants take a more commanding lead in the series.

The Texas Rangers had a 51-30 record at home this season compared to a 39-42 losing record on the road. The Giants were 43-38 on the road during the 2010 regular season. It should be a good pitching match up again, and we will see if the Rangers can get themselves back into the series.

Tonight’s game gets an early start for the holiday weekend. The game will air on FOX TV beginning at 6:57 PM ET.

Heritage Auction Galleries Auctioning Off 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner Baseball Card

Jason Moore — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 19:31:48 +0000

Honus Wagner

The Heritage Auction Galleries is auctioning off an extremely rare and valuable baseball card. It is a 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card. The card that is being auctioned is considered to be in “Poor” condition. It has 3 of its white borders cut off, has been laminated, and has some deep creases. The auction is expected to fetch close to $200,000 when it ends on November 4. It is currently up to $65,000 on Heritage Auction Galleries website at ha.com.

The Honus Wagner card is one of approximately 60 that exist (although the authenticity of many are subject of debate). This particular card which has been authenticated by SGC was donated to Nuns at the School Sisters of Notre Dame, in Baltimore Maryland. Before it was donated, no one even knew of its existence.

The same Honus Wagner baseball card in near-mint-condition sold for $2.8 million back in 2007. It was the highest price ever paid for a sports card. The card was found in the safety deposit box of the man who donated it, along with a note that read, “Although damaged, the value of this baseball card should increase exponentially throughout the 21st century!”

Honus Wagner, whose real name was Johannes Peter Wagner lived from 1874 until 1955. The reason the card is so valuable is because Wagner insisted that the cards stop being produced and distributed by the American Tobacco Company. There are two stories to why he insisted on this. The first claims that Honus Wagner did not want children to purchase tobacco products in order to obtain his card, and the other claims that he believed he should receive greater compensation for his own baseball card. It is believed that less than 200 cards actually made it to the public. Out of those 200, many did not survive the past 100 years.

2010 World Series Schedule, Predictions & Ticket Prices for Giants Vs. Rangers

Timothy Warren — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 14:43:26 +0000

2010 World Series

The 2010 World Series will begin this coming Wednesday, between the San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers. The Giants will get home field advantage since the National League won the All Star Game earlier this season. The teams offer 2 of the best starting pitching staffs in the Major Leagues. Game 1 in San Francisco will feature two of baseball’s best starters in Tim Lincecum and Cliff Lee.

The Giants really surprised the Philadelphia Phillies, who were expected to go back to the World Series for the 3rd consecutive season. While the San Francisco team does not have a potent offense, their pitching staff is arguably the best in baseball.

2010 World Series Schedule

Game 1 RANGERS @ GIANTS – Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 7:30 PM
Game 2 RANGERS @ GIANTS – Thursday, Oct. 28 at 7:30 PM
Game 3 GIANTS @ RANGERS – Saturday, Oct. 30 at 6:30 PM
Game 4 GIANTS @ RANGERS – Sunday, Oct. 31 at 8:00 PM
Game 5* GIANTS @ RANGERS – Monday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 PM
Game 6* RANGERS @ GIANTS – Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 7:30 PM
Game 7* RANGERS @ GIANTS – Thursday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 PM

(* if necessary)

All 7 games (if necessary) will be televised on FOX TV.

2010 World Series Predictions

This is going to be a hard fought, low scoring series. Look for the Rangers to win it in 7 games. The Rangers will win Games 1, 3, 5, and 7, while the Giants will take Games 2, 4, and 6.

2010 World Series Ticket Prices

Prices for World Series Tickets are ridiculously high, if you purchase them through second hand reseller websites like Stubhub, or Razor Gator. Prices for all 7 games are currently selling between $347 for the cheapest ticket, and up to $17,999 for the most expensive. History shows that if you wait until as close to the game as possible, you will get a better deal. If you can wait until the day before or day of, to get a ticket, you should be able to save 10-25% off current prices.

Josh Hamilton’s Story to the 2010 World Series With the Texas Rangers

Rick Bengtsson — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 14:15:33 +0000

Josh Hamilton

Josh Hamilton’s story of making it to the 2010 World Series with the Texas Rangers, is one that was very unlikely.

Hamilton was drafted first overall in the first round of the 1999 Amateur Draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He was thought to be the best prospect in all of baseball, that was not under contract with a Major League team at the time.

In his first year in the minor leagues, Josh Hamilton batted .347 with 10 homers in 56 games with Princeton, which was a rookie level team. He looked to be well on his way to becoming a future Major Leaguer.

In 2000, Hamilton played Single A ball with Charleston, where he batted .302 with 13 homers in 96 games. The following season is when it all began going down hill.

The 20-year-old Hamilton was involved in a car accident. He also began getting involved in drugs and alcohol, while recovering from the injuries. He went to rehab and looked to be doing well, but then again in 2002, when he had lingering injuries, he fell back into his drug and alcohol problems. In 2003, he was using pretty heavily. He was late to practice several times in spring training, and was sent down to Tampa’s minor league camp. He eventually had to take the season off for “personal reasons”, although it was really related to drugs. In 2004, Hamilton failed mandatory drug tests by Major League Baseball, and was suspended. He failed more tests after that, and before long, he found himself out of baseball all together.

During this time, Hamilton straightened his life out, by going to rehab.

Hamilton was out of baseball until mid 2006, when he began to workout with some other Devil Rays minor league players. When the 2006 Rule 5 Draft came around, Hamilton found himself off of the Devil Rays’ 40-man roster. This allowed any team to simply draft him and place him on their roster. The Chicago Cubs drafted him and then traded hm to the Cincinnati Reds for $100,000 in cash.

With the Reds in 2007, he ended up hitting .292 with 19 homers in only 90 games. The following season he was traded to the Texas Rangers, where he remains today.

Now 29-years-old, Josh Hamilton is one of baseball’s best all around players. In 2010 he hit .359 with 32 homers and 100 RBIs, and he has been a major force in helping the Texas Rangers make it to the 2010 World Series. He has become a genuine role model, something he had never imagined he would be 6 years ago.

2010 NLCS & ALCS TV Schedule and Times of Games Announced

Rick Bengtsson — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 23:00:08 +0000

NLCS & ALCS Times Released

Major League Baseball has just announced the complete TV schedule including the times of each game for the NLCS and ALCS. As it stands right now, the Philadelphia Phillies will be playing the San Francisco Giants in the NLCS. In the ALCS, the Yankees will be playing the winner of tonight’s game between the Tampa Bay Rays and Texas Rangers. Both series are sure to get high TV ratings, as Philly and New York are the two teams to win their league’s pennants last season.

The complete 2010 NLCS TV Schedule:

Game 1 – San Francisco at Philadelphia – Saturday, October 16 on FOX at 7:30 PM
Game 2 – San Francisco at Philadelphia – Sunday, October 17 on FOX at 8:00 PM
Game 3 – Philadelphia at San Francisca – Tuesday, October 19 on FOX at 4:00 PM
Game 4 – Philadelphia at San Francisco – Wednesday, October 20 on FOX at 7:30 PM
Game 5* – Philadelphia at San Francisco – Thursday, October 21 on FOX at 7:30 PM
Game 6* – San Francisco at Philadelphia – Saturday, October 23 on FOX at 3:30 PM
Game 7* – San Francisco at Philadelphia – Sunday, October 24 on FOX at 7:30 PM

The 2010 ALCS TV Schedule:

Game 1 – New York Yankees at TB/TEX – Friday, October 15 on TBS at 8:00 PM
Game 2 – New York Yankees at TB/TEX – Saturday, October 16 on TBS at 4:00 PM
Game 3 – TB/TEX at New York Yankees – Monday, October 18 on TBS at 8:00 PM
Game 4 – TB/TEX at New York Yankees – Tuesday, October 19 on TBS at 8:00 PM
Game 5* – TB/TEX at New York Yankees – Wednesday, October 20 on TBS at 4:00 PM
Game 6* – New York Yankees at TB/TEX – Friday, October 22 on TBS at 8:00 PM
Game 7* – New York Yankees at TB/TEX – Saturday, October 23 on TBS at 8:00 PM

* = if necessary
All Game Times are EST

One interesting thing we see here is that, while the National League will get home field advantage in the World Series, if both the ALCS and NLCS go 7 games, the winner in the American League will get one extra day of rest. This will allow their #1 starter to potentially pitch another game in the World Series, which begins on October 27.

2010 NLCS TV Schedule, Pitching Matchups & Picks – Phillies Vs. Giants

Timothy Warren — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 18:28:11 +0000

2010 NLCS Matchups

The 2010 NLCS will kick off between the Philadelphia Phillies, and San Francisco Giants this Saturday on FOX. Out of the National League teams that made the playoffs, this is probably the most intriguing matchup. The two teams sport the best starting rotations in baseball. The Phillies will be sending Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, Cole Hamels, and Joe Blanton to the mound, while the Giants will counter with Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez, and Madison Bumgarner.

The 2010 NLCS TV Schedule is as follows with the predicted pitching matchups:
NLCS Game 1 – SF @ PHI Saturday, October 16 on FOX TV – No time announced yet – Tim Lincecum Vs. Roy Halladay
NLCS Game 2 – SF @ PHI Sunday, October 17 on FOX TV – No time announced yet – Matt Cain Vs. Roy Oswalt
NLCS Game 3 – PHI @ SF Tuesday, October 19 on FOX TV – No time announced yet – Cole Hamels Vs. Jonathan Sanchez
NLCS Game 4 – PHI @ SF Wednesday, October 20 on FOX TV – No time announced yet – Joe Blanton Vs. Madison Bumgarner
NLCS Game 5 (If necessary) – PHI @ SF Thursday, October 21 on FOX TV – No time announced yet – Tim Lincecum Vs. Roy Halladay
NLCS Game 6 (If necessary) – SF @ PHI Saturday, October 23 on FOX TV – No time announced yet – Matt Cain Vs. Roy Oswalt
NLCS Game 7 (If necessary) – SF @ PHI Sunday, October 24 on FOX TV – No time announced yet – Cole Hamels Vs. Jonathan Sanchez

It should be a great series. The Phillies appear to have the advantage on paper, but anything can happen in the National League Championship Series.

Our 2010 NLCS Picks:
Game 1 – Phillies win 4-1
Game 2 – Giants win 5-3
Game 3 – Phillies win 6-0
Game 4 – Giants win 7-2
Game 5 – Phillies win 5-3
Game 6 – Phillies win 9-2

Phillies in 6

Let’s hear your predictions.

Roy “Doc” Halladay Pitches 2nd No Hitter in Baseball Playoff History

Rick Bengtsson — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 17:36:11 +0000

Roy Halladay throws 2nd postseason no-hitter

Last evening, Roy Halladay took the mound for the Philadelphia Phillies, as they opened the divisional playoff series in Philadelphia against the Cincinnati Reds.

Halladay was making his first playoff start of his career. While he had all the reason in the world to be nervous, he certainly didn’t appear like he was. What Halladay did, was something only 1 other person in Major League Baseball history has been able to do.

The last no-hitter in the MLB playoffs came 54 years ago, in 1956, when Don Larson of the New York Yankees threw a perfect game in the World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Last night, Roy Halladay pitched the 2nd. It was also the 2nd no-hitter thrown by Halladay this season. Back on May 29th Halladay threw the 20th perfect game in MLB history against the Florida Marlins. For those of you who do not know, the difference between a perfect game and no-hitter is that a perfect game means that there were also no walks or errors committed in the game. In last night’s no-hitter that Halladay threw against the Reds, he walked only one batter. If he hadn’t walked that one batter, it would have been a perfect game.

The Phillies front office took some criticism this off season when they decided to trade Cliff Lee to the Seattle Mariners and then acquire Roy Halladay. People said that the move was pointless, since both pitchers are #1 starters with the same level of ability. However, last night may show why Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. decided to make the moves this offseason.

Halladay is sure to get some more postseason starts for the Phillies this year. It should be interesting to see what he does in his next start.

Philadelphia Phillies Vs. Cincinnati Reds 2010 Playoff Rosters Set

Rick Bengtsson — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:45:46 +0000

Phillies & Reds 2010 Playoff Rosters

The playoff rosters for the 2010 divisional playoff series between the Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds have been set. Game 1 of the series gets underway from Philadelphia today at 5:07 PM EST. Roy Halladay will be pitching for the Phillies against Edinson Volquez for the Reds.

The two teams have their rosters set for the series. They are as follows.

The Reds pitchers are as follows: Edinson Volquez, Bronson Arroyo, Johnny Cueto, Francisco Cordero, Arthur Rhodes, Nick Masset, Aroldis Chapman, Logan Ondrusek, Bill Bray, Homer Bailey and Travis Wood.

The Reds positions player are as follows: Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, Orlando Cabrera, Scott Rolen, Jay Bruce, Drew Stubbs, Jonny Gomes, Ramon Hernandez, Ryan Hanigan, Chris Heisey, Laynce Nix, Miguel Cairo, Paul Janish and Juan Francisco.

The Phillies pitchers are as follows: Antonio Bastardo, Cole Hamels, J.C. Romero, Joe Blanton, Jose Contreras, Chad Durbin, Roy Halladay, Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson and Roy Oswalt.

The Phillies positions player are as follows: Carlos Ruiz and Brian Schneider, Greg Dobbs, Ryan Howard, Placido Polanco, Jimmy Rollins, Mike Sweeney, Chase Utley and Wilson Valdez, Domonic Brown, Ben Francisco, Ross Gload, Raúl Ibañez, Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth.

You will notice a few things. The Reds have left Jim Edmonds off the roster due to an injury. The Phillies elected to take Greg Dobbs and Rookie Domonic Brown, while leaving Mayberry, Kendrick, Báez, and Worley off the roster. These rosters are set for this series, but may be changed by the team that advances to the next round.

Reds Sign Dusty Baker to Contract Extension

Rick Bengtsson — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 15:32:09 +0000

Dusty Baker will remain in Cincinnati

There has been talk of the Cincinnati Reds signing manager Dusty Baker to a contract extension for some time now. What he has done with the Reds has been great for a city and a team that has not seen the playoffs much in the past 20 seasons. We have heard from sources that a contract extension has been reached to keep Baker in Cincinnati beyond this season.

The announcement of the deal should come sometime today. It is expected to be announced that the deal is for multiple years, possibly 2 or 3.

The Reds finished with a 91-71 record, 5 games ahead of divisional rival St. Louis, to win the NL Central. They will will head to Philadelphia to face off against the defending National League Champion Phillies, behind Dusty Baker’s leadership. The series will begin on Wednesday.

2010 MLB Playoff Schedule Announced

Brian Krassenstein — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 21:43:20 +0000

2010 MLB Schedule Released

With the 2010 Major League Baseball regular season coming to an end next week, MLB has announced their playoff schedule. The Playoffs which will begin Wednesday October 6th are sure to feature some exciting games. Here is a look at the schedule. Please understand that although dates are complete, the teams playing in the games have yet to be set. The Philadelphia Phillies are the only team to lock in a spot, with the best record in the National League, meaning they will have home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

American League Division Series
ALDS Game 1: AL Wild Card @ MIN Wednesday, October 6 TBS TBA
ALDS Game 1: TEX @ AL East Champion Wednesday, October 6 TBS TBA
ALDS Game 2: AL Wild Card @ MIN Thursday, October 7 TBS TBA
ALDS Game 2: TEX @ AL East Champion Thursday, October 7 TBS TBA
ALDS Game 3: MIN @ AL Wild Card Saturday, October 9 TBS TBA
ALDS Game 3: AL East Champion @ TEX Saturday, October 9 TBS TBA
ALDS Game 4*: MIN @ AL Wild Card Sunday, October 10 TBS TBA
ALDS Game 4*: AL East Champion @ TEX Sunday, October 10 TBS TBA
ALDS Game 5*: AL Wild Card @ MIN Tuesday, October 12 TBS TBA
ALDS Game 5*: TEX @ AL East Champion Tuesday, October 12 TBS TBA

National League Division Series
NLDS Game 1: TBD @ PHI Wednesday, October 6 TBS TBA
NLDS Game 1: TBD @ TBD Thursday, October 7 TBS TBA
NLDS Game 2: TBD @ PHI Friday, October 8 TBS TBA
NLDS Game 2: TBD @ TBD Friday, October 8 TBS TBA
NLDS Game 3: PHI @ TBD Sunday, October 10 TBS TBA
NLDS Game 3: TBD @ TBD Sunday, October 10 TBS TBA
NLDS Game 4*: PHI @ TBD Monday, October 11 TBS TBA
NLDS Game 4*: TBD @ TBD Monday, October 11 TBS TBA
NLDS Game 5*: TBD @ PHI Wednesday, October 13 TBS TBA
NLDS Game 5*: TBD @ TBD Wednesday, October 13 TBS TBA

American League Championship Series
ALCS Game 1 Friday, October 15 TBS TBA
ALCS Game 2 Saturday, October 16 TBS TBA
ALCS Game 3 Monday, October 18 TBS TBA
ALCS Game 4 Tuesday, October 19 TBS TBA
ALCS Game 5* Wednesday, October 20 TBS TBA
ALCS Game 6* Friday, October 22 TBS TBA
ALCS Game 7* Saturday, October 23 TBS TBA

National League Championship Series
NLCS Game 1 Saturday, October 16 FOX TBA
NLCS Game 2 Sunday, October 17 FOX TBA
NLCS Game 3 Tuesday, October 19 FOX TBA
NLCS Game 4 Wednesday, October 20 FOX TBA
NLCS Game 5* Thursday, October 21 FOX TBA
NLCS Game 6* Saturday, October 23 FOX TBA
NLCS Game 7* Sunday, October 24 FOX TBA

World Series Series
Game 1 Wednesday, October 27 AL Champion at NL Champion FOX TBA
Game 2 Thursday, October 28 AL Champion at NL Champion FOX TBA
Game 3 Saturday, October 30 NL Champion at AL Champion FOX TBA
Game 4 Sunday, October 31 NL Champion at AL Champion FOX TBA
Game 5* Monday, November 1 NL Champion at AL Champion FOX TBA
Game 6* Wednesday, November 3 AL Champion at NL Champion FOX TBA
Game 7* Thursday, November 4 AL Champion at NL Champion FOX TBA