Yes, there was a major league player by the name of Garth Iorg. He is one of only two “Garths” in major league history, the other being Garth Mann, who appeared in one game for the Cubs as a pinch-runner in 1944. Not only did Iorg (pronounced ORJ) have an odd name, but he was […]

Today, one of the most well-known and controversial GMs in sports history celebrates his 50th birthday: Billy Beane of the Oakland A’s. How many sports GMs have ever become the lead character in a major Hollywood movie? Off the top of my head, I can only think of one, Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Beane in […]

Sure, it’s only one game (Mariners 3-1 over the A’s in 11 in Tokyo), but a few players already have set themselves apart from the competition, establishing themselves are early front-runners for the American League MVP and Cy Young awards. Here’s a look at the candidates and their credentials. AL MVP 1. Dustin Ackley is […]

Ten years ago today, the Marlins made a pretty good trade for themselves, though it might not be quite as one-sided as you might think. On that day they sent two players to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for a four-pack. The only established player was journeyman hurler Julian Tavarez. Along with him were two […]

They are almost as popular as spring training elbow injuries. This spring Alex White, Matt Bush, and Bobby Jenks have all been arrested and charged with at least drinking while driving. {exp:list_maker}Alex White—Extreme DUI, twice the legal limit Matt Bush—Injury to man on motorcycle. Bobby Jenks—Hit a parked car. {/exp:list_maker} Now, I am not here […]

News came today that Ryan Madson will have Tommy John surgery and is down for the season. This is a painful loss for the Reds, but it’s mostly an emotional wound. Madson is/was an excellent relief pitcher, but the Reds still have a strong bullpen, even if it isn’t as strong and deep as it […]

The 1980 Topps set has its share of crisp action photography. Tim Foli’s card, which came out just a few months after his Pirates surprised the Orioles to win the 1979 World Series, is a good example of that. We can see Foli grimacing, perhaps even groaning, as he attempts to finish off a double […]

20,000 days ago, a kid went pro. On June 17, 1957, the Washington Senators franchise signed 18-year-old recent high school graduate Jim Kaat. It turned out to be quite a nice signing, as Kaat would play in 25 major league seasons—then a record for a big league pitcher. He also won 283 games, one of […]

Forty years ago today began one of the uglier labor episodes of the era. As is often the case with ugly episodes from the early 1970s, it involves maverick Oakland A’s owner Charles O. Finley. Specifically, on March 16, 1972, star young pitcher Vida Blue rejected a contract offer from Finley. It would lead to […]

Major league baseball has decided to hold off on expanding replay for 2012. I think it is important to look a few quotes from the article: Umpires were concerned the television feeds they received to review calls were not equal at every ballpark. The umps get fewer looks in Oakland, for example, than at Yankee […]