Justin Morneau finished 2008 with a whimper. In the offseason, he was cold-called with some advice. It was a call worth taking: Reluctantly, he answered the phone, and a voice brightened his day: “Hi Justin, it’s Harmon Killebrew.” “He knew I was down after we lost,” Morneau said. “He knew I blamed myself for everything, […]

I am happy that I am not single. I am happy that I do not live in Milwaukee. I am especially happy that I am not a single man living in Milwaukee: Gentlemen, do you have the right stuff to be a hip Milwaukee bachelor? Face it: Milwaukeeans are a different breed. Your stuff should […]

The Tigers cut Sheff: The Tigers released designated hitter Gary Sheffield this morning, a startling development since the team had already guaranteed him $14 million this season. It’s the second-highest amount owed to a released player in club history, behind Damion Easley’s $14.3 million in 2003. “You’re going to pay him, one way or the […]

Look, Daddy! Teacher says, “every time a pitcher’s bell is rung, the Angels get us wings!” That’s right! That’s right! There could be a shortage of chicken wings in the greater Phoenix area. The Angels have a promotional tie-in with Claim Jumper, the restaurant offering a free order of “Angel wings” to fans holding ticket […]

Once you got past the sentiment of it all, it was apparent that the Dodgers leaving Vero Beach was long overdue. Now there are some numbers to bear that out (last item): The Dodgers distributed a total of 131,134 tickets for their 14 home games at Camelback Ranch this spring, an average of 9,367 a […]

Matt Wieters had a paper route as a kid: there were no survivors. When he falls out of a boat, Matt Wieters does not get wet: the water gets Matt Wieters. It only takes Matt Wieters 20 minutes to watch 60 minutes. He is that awesome: Baseball scouts and executives like to blame the media […]

Tom Browning pitched a perfect game once upon a time. These days? Things are less than perfect: Former Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tom Browning has been arrested and charged with not paying child support, according to jail records uncovered by the Associated Press. Browning, best known for throwing a perfect game in 1988 and currently a […]

Chipper Jones is about to get a contract extension: It appears Chipper Jones may get his wish to remain with the Braves throughout his entire career. A Major League source has indicated that Jones and the Braves are close to agreeing to terms on a contact extension that could keep the veteran third baseman in […]

There’s a strong engine ahead of that baggage car

The defending World Series champions, now have a bullseye on their chest. How did new GM Ruben Amaro fare in building the 2009 Phillies?