Yes, I get all the arguments for the new playoff format. I know it was too easy for the wild-card winner to waltz to the World Series. I know there was little incentive to winning a division championship. And I know that even by adding two more teams, Major League Baseball’s postseason still is the … Continue Reading →
Some interesting developments in the American League Central the last 24 hours. The biggest move was a serious head-scratcher. The White Sox have extended the contract for left-handed starting pitcher John Danks, who was strongly believed to be on the trading block as GM Kenny Williams tries to rebuild the franchise. Guess we were mistaken, … Continue Reading →
The Tigers may be having plenty of talks with agents and other clubs, but there doesn’t appear to be anything that’s about to break with them. Two other AL Central teams, however, have started dealing. In a bit of a surprise move, the White Sox this morning in Dallas traded their closer, Sergio Santos, to the … Continue Reading →
Sadly, it might’ve taken his death to get it done, but Ron Santo finally has made the Hall of Fame. The news came moments ago here in Dallas, with the Veterans Committee making the announcement — one year and two days after Santo died at the age of 70 from bladder cancer. It’s the first time he’s … Continue Reading →
The Hall of Fame released its 10-person “Golden Era” (1947-72) Veterans Committee ballot today, and making the cut was Michigan’s own Jim Kaat. Kaat, who turns 73 in a few days, spent 25 years in the major leagues as a crafty left-hander, after growing up in Zeeland, Mich., and attending Hope College. He was 283-237 … Continue Reading →
Give Rick Knapp credit. He certainly didn’t sugarcoat his tenure with the Tigers during a compelling radio interview with The Huge Show this afternoon. With the Tigers preparing for tomorrow night’s do-or-die Game 5 at Yankee Stadium, Knapp touched on several issues in his most revealing comments since his abrupt firing as Detroit’s pitching coach … Continue Reading →
Yes, the Indians needed to do something, anything, to try to keep their fading-by-the-minute postseason hopes alive. And Jim Thome — back where he began his awesome major league career 20 years ago, as a third baseman, no less — is a good addition. They’re without Travis Hafner, maybe for the year. They’re without rookie … Continue Reading →