Play Ball

The SEVEN
April 1, 2011


I. Well Hit

So Evan Longoria's AK-47 was stolen last Saturday while the Tampa Bay Rays played a spring training game...but, of course, the fact that he had one almost lends a whole new meaning to the phrase, "Longoria hits a shot down the line." That being said, it may not be too wise at all to try to take his cap.

II. Bad Hit

Meanwhile, it was not a game when the popular television/radio personality DJ Megatron was shot and killed on Sunday, another victim of senseless violence.

III. Jose Can You See

Several sportswriters are speculating that if the New York Mets fall out of contention, they will look to trade their most exciting player, shortstop Jose Reyes. Yes, Reyes is potentially in a "walk year," but doesn't that make this that much more reminiscent of when the Mets let Darryl Strawberry walk after the 1990 season? The results could be similar as well.

IV. Goooaaaaal!

I remember being locked out of my house and having to find something to do until someone was back home. NFL players know that feeling now - which may be why Chad Ochocinco scored a tryout with Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer. Ochocinco got himself a spot on their practice squad, which enables him to work out with them - and, in my opinion, makes the following stats quite impressive:

Average: .202
Doubles: 17
Triples: 1
Home Runs: 3
RBI: 51
Stolen Bases: 30

You may wonder what these baseball stats have to do with Ochocinco or MLS, especially since on the surface they don't seem all that impressive - but guess what: they're Michael Jordan's stats with the minor league Birmingham Barons in 1994...at the age of 31...thirteen years after playing baseball in high school. Some players who had been playing all along didn't do much better. I'm sure that had MJ gone on the baseball diamond at North Carolina, he could have a statue outside U.S. Cellular Field instead of the United Center.

V. National League Predictions

Let's keep it simple...

NL East
Probable Winner: Philadelphia Phillies
Possible Winner: Atlanta Braves
Wild Wager to Win: New York Mets

The Phillies' rotation has a chance to put up some of the greatest collective numbers of recent years, but don't sleep on the Braves. They are officially back.

NL Central
Probable Winner: Cincinnati Reds
Possible Winner: St. Louis Cardinals
Wild Wager to Win: Milwaukee Brewers

Reds are solid and should repeat...but what happens if King Albert Pujols...potentially in a walk year...has an even more Albert year than usual? Cubs should be better.

NL West
Probable Winner: San Francisco Giants
Possible Winner: Los Angeles Dodgers
Wild Wager to Win: San Diego Padres

VI. American League Preview

AL East
Probable Winner: Boston Red Sox
Possible Winner: New York Yankees
Wild Wager To Win: Tampa Bay Rays

If the Baltimore Orioles continue their rise under Buck Showalter, they could make this division the most parity-filled division in the game.

AL Central

Probable Winner: Chicago White Sox

Possible Winner: Minnesota Twins

Wild Wager To Win: Detroit Tigers

AL West

Probable Winner: Texas Rangers

Possible Winner: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Wild Wager To Win: Oakland A's

Rangers could have some dropoff without Vlad and Cliff Lee.

VII. NCAA

Enjoy the semi-finals...and the ultimate David vs Goliath final!