Jim Thome Joins Exclusive Club with 600th HR

Stepping up to the plate in the 6th inning against Rick Porcello of the division-leading Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins slugger Jim Thome found himself in a key situation to not only put his team on top, but to also inch that much closer to making history. With the game tied at 3-3 and a man on first, Thome sent the 89mph offering from Porcello deep to left centerfield for his 10th home run of the season and the 599th home run of his illustrious 21-year big league career. However, the show wouldn't end there as Thome wasted little time before joining an elite class only a select few have been a part of.

With a 6-5 lead in the 7th while facing left-handed reliever Daniel Schlereth, Thome belted a 3-run shot over the left field fence to give his team a 9-5 advantage before eventually winning the game 9-6. By doing so, Thome etched his name into the record books by becoming only the 8th player in Major League history to reach the highly coveted 600 home run plateau, joining Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez and Sammy Sosa. Of those eight members, Ruth is the only player who needed less at-bats than Thome to reach 600 homers. However, one thing the club's newest member can say that nobody else can including the Bambino is that Thome's the only player to hit home runs no. 599 and 600 in consecutive at-bats.

The 40 year old veteran who's career begun in Cleveland in 1991 where he became a mainstay and a fan favorite in the Indians' line-up until heading to the National League to play with the Phillies from 2003-2005 was primarily used as a first baseman, solidifying himself among the league's best power threats. In 2006, Thome would make his return back to the American League for the Chicago White Sox where he saw a shift in positions serving as the team's everyday DH. Despite a 3-year hiatus from the AL, Thome's first season with the club would be a stellar one as he made his 5th All-Star team before earning himself Comeback Player of the Year honors. A late season trade in 2009 would send Thome to the Dodgers where he served off the bench as a pinch-hitter. With little success to show for during his brief stint in L.A., the Twins signed Thome in the offseason, making him their designated-hitter. After proving to Minnesota that he still had some fuel in the tank by belting 25 homers in 2010, the Twins organization and Thome renewed their vows during the offseason with a 1-year, $3 Million, incentive laden contract.

Despite playing most of his career in the heyday of what's been better known as the 'steroid era', Thome has climbed his way up the all-time home runs list without an asterisk next to his name as he's never had any link to steroids or any other performance enhancing drug. And though home run totals aren't looked upon like they once were, one distinction Thome has over his fellow members of the 600 home run club is that he'll go down in history as one of the most kindhearted people in baseball by not only the fans, but by his peers and those associated with the sport. Thome is respected so much so that the 36,211 fans in attendance at Detroit's Comerica Park gave him a standing ovation as he rounded the bases before being greeted by his family at home plate following his milestone.

Among those Thome thanked along his journey was former skipper of his while a member of the Phillies -- Charlie Manuel and his father Chuck who he said would, "beat him" if he ever used PED's. While Thome's future on the field after this season remains uncertain, one thing that's for sure is that his credentials are Hall of Fame worthy. Regarded by his teammates for his work ethic which is second to none coupled with his ability to hit to all sides of the field, the only flaw in Thome's career is his empty trophy case. But he'll tell you himself that not even that would cause him to lose any sleep. The next stop along Thome's journey: Cooperstown.

Five Finger Discount

Last baseball season, Reds pitcher Mike Leake became the first player since Xavier Nady (2000) and 21st ever to go directly from the draft to the Majors. And if you're looking for the last pitcher to reach this feat, you'd have to go back even further to 1989 when Jim Abbott did so. A shorter list however, would be that of Major Leaguers who've been busted for stealing sixty dollars worth of t-shirts at their local department store. This past Monday, Leake was arrested by Cincinnati Police for doing just that. The star hurler out of Arizona State University where he went on to win back-to-back Pac-10 Pitcher of the Year Awards, was caught shoplifting from a Macy's in downtown Cincinnati after removing the price tags and attempting to leave the store with six American Rag t-shirts worth a whopping total of $59.88.

Such an act like this comes as a surprise given Leake's current income of $425,000 and that's not counting the $2.27 Million he received in bonuses when signing with the Reds just a year ago. Leake was charged with theft, a misdemeanor in the state of Ohio and could serve a max of 180 days in jail if convicted. Luckily for him, Leake's criminal record is nonexistent, as this is his first run in with the law. Upon first hearing about this story, I thought he had stolen six shirts that were worth $60 each. Though that doesn't appear to be out of Mr. Leake's price range either, it would make a little more sense to steal...At least I thought so
Choosing to let the legal process run its coarse, the Reds organization released a statement but did not issue any disciplinary actions of their own. Still slated to make his scheduled start today, Leake pitched a strong seven innings against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks, retiring 16 of the last 17 batters he faced to earn the win. Improving his record to 3-0, Leake allowed 3 earned runs on 4 hits while striking out 6 and walking 2 to help the Reds pull even with the St. Louis Cardinals (10-9) who currently share first place in the division. If the Reds plan to win back-to-back division titles for the first time since 1975-76, they better hope last year's NL MVP Joey Votto doesn't get any crazy ideas and pay a visit to his nearest JC Penny's or else they're really in big trouble.

Throwback Thursday x Sweet Lou

With baseball's Opening Day set to kick off the 2011 MLB season, one face that won't be in the dugout for the first time in over 20 years, is Lou Piniella. Better known for his infamous on-the-field tirades that included lots of dirt kicking, base throwing and hat tossing, Piniella was one of the more colorful personalities in all of baseball who I'm sure added a little profanity every now and then. Having spent time at the helm of five different Major League ball clubs, Lou made his stamp on the game winning over 1,800 games and a World Series title with the Big Red Machine in 1990. In his third and final year with the Chicago Cubs last season, the 3-time Manager of the Year decided it was finally time to hang up what will undoubtedly be a Hall of Fame career.

Prior to the 2007 season, Piniella was called upon to help the Cubbies overcome and snap their dreaded 98 year World Series-less drought. However, despite their National League leading 97 wins in 2008, the Piniella led Cubs were unable to win a single Postseason game, as the windy city dry spell has now reached a record 102 years and counting. On the positive side of his '08 campaign, Piniella became only the second manager in Major League history to win 90+ games in a season with four different teams, joining Hall of Famer Dick Williams. Similar to his Postseason misfortunes with the Cubs, Piniella coached the 2001 Seattle Mariners squad that went on to win a record-tying 116 regular season games before getting swept in the ALDS by the eventual American League champion New York Yankees.

What many people forget is that Piniella also paid his dues as a player, where he jump started his impressive resume by earning AL Rookie of the Year honors in 1969 with the Kansas City Royals. A lone All-Star appearance in 1972 and two World Series triumphs while a member of the Yankees highlighted his illustrious career. One of the more celebrated players turned skippers of our time, Piniella was embraced by the fans just as much he was by the players, if not more. And although he announced his retirement and has no intentions on returning to coach, sweet Lou isn't a complete stranger to the game of baseball, and is now working in the San Francisco Giants front office serving as a special consultant.

Though he certainly won't be forgotten, I think I speak for everyone associated with baseball when I say we'll never see another character quite like Piniella. Thanks for the memories Lou!

Buck Wild

When former ESPN analyst Buck Showalter was contacted by the Baltimore Orioles to take over the managerial job in late July of last season, he inherited a ballclub which possessed the worst record in the league at a dismal 32-73. However, the Orioles would finish the season going 34-23 with Showalter at the helm, giving them the best record in the division during that stretch. Helping turn the franchise around for the final two months of the season, many pondered what Baltimore's overall record would've looked like had Buck been the skipper on opening day. With a clean slate and a cast full of well-seasoned newcomers, baseball fans will get to see just how the new-look O's fair against the powerhouse AL East.

Regarded by most to improve by as many as 10 games and perhaps contend for a third place finish, some think Baltimore is only a season away from becoming a threat for the division. Better known as the Bill Parcells of baseball, having turned a number of mediocre franchises into championship caliber teams, Showalter likes his clubs chances this year and isn't refraining from calling out his division foes. First targeted by Buck's onslaught of criticism, was Red Sox GM Theo Epstein. In the soon to be released April issue of Men's Journal magazine, Showalter bashed Epstein by saying, "I'd like to see how smart he is with the Tampa Bay [Rays] payroll." Sox skipper Terry Francona responded to the remarks of his Baltimore counterpart, calling him, "Out of line", and added that Buck wouldn't appreciate his GM being attacked.

The 2-time American League Manager of the Year then took a shot at Yankees All-Star shortstop Derek Jeter, telling the magazine, "He's always jumping back from balls just off the plate. I know how many calls that team gets, and yes, he ticks me off." Just what Jeter needed, some bulletin board material. Though he hasn't responded publicly as you can expect from an 11-time All-Star, you can bet your bottom dollar he'll let his bat do the talking when the two clubs meet next in New York on April 12th. Meanwhile, the Sox and O's will oppose one another for the first time this year on April 26th in Baltimore.

Regardless if you agree with Showalter for going after two of the premiere franchises in the league, you've gotta tip your hat to him for helping them earn a bit of recognition. After all, the last time the Orioles were in any sort of discussion was when Cal Ripken retired in 2001. At least that's what it seems like...

MANNYWOOD Shutdown

Weeks after removing the ever so popular 'Mannywood' signs that stood in left-field of Chavez Ravine, uncertainty was in the air regarding the sluggers final month in L.A. And for good reason, there should have been as Ramirez was released by the team and claimed on waivers Monday by the Chicago White Sox. In what many believed would be his final days in a Dodger uniform, Manny found himself pinch-hitting in a bases loaded, one out situation at Colorado's Coors Field. With a chance to get a hit and drive in a few runs that could have been somewhat of a storybook ending to his tenure with the team that embraced him when no one else would, Manny's days as a Dodger come to an end on a rather sour note.

After seeing only one pitch, home plate umpire Gary Cederstrom called a strike on a ball that appeared to be off the plate. Ramirez turned around and began arguing the call and was eventually ejected moments later. The unsportsmanlike toss from the game might have made the Dodgers' decision to release him a little bit easier as he's been notorious throughout his career for being a virus inside the clubhouse and doing his abnormal antics as seen in his final years in Boston in what became known as, "Manny being Manny." ESPN insider Buster Olney called it the most unprofessional exit he has seen in his 15+ years covering baseball and I'd have to agree.

Before departing Boston for Hollywood in 2008, Manny's final at-bat in a Red Sox uniform ended in a similar fashion. In a game against the archrival New York Yankees and their closer Mariano Rivera, Ramirez took place in a controversial three-pitch strikeout as he never took the bat off his shoulder. While watching all three strikes go right down the pipe, Manny returned to the dugout with the sound of boo's leaving the Boston faithful in disappointment.

Ramirez, who's in his second and final year of a 2-year, $45 Million dollar deal he signed with the Dodgers in March of 2009, now serves as a rent-a-player for a team aiming to gain some ground on the division foe Minnesota Twins in hopes of making the postseason for the first time in two years. With less than a month on the MLB calender and some 3 1/2 games back in the AL Central, ManRam finds himself in a familiar situation similar to that of 2008 when he single handily carried the Dodgers to the Playoffs upon his arrival. If the Dominican born slugger can duplicate what he did for L.A. down the stretch in '08, he may be in store for a lucrative contract with the Chicago based team this offseason.

While Dodger fans begin throwing away the little memories they had of the slugger faster than the team site can remove the Manny dreadlock-wig merchandise, a new chapter of the 'Manny Being Manny' chronicles surfaces. According to sources, he will join the team as early as tomorrow against the Cleveland Indians, the team he broke into the Major Leagues with. And with a hot headed manager like Ozzie Guillen under control, it's only a matter of time before the fireworks ignite between the two. The duo can either be one of the best things for the team or quite possibly one of the worst. Let's sit back and grab some popcorn and watch how this whole thing unfolds shall we? My guess is it'll end up being a recipe for disaster.

Four's Company

Today's Special: 4 Home runs served on a platter with french fried potatoes - One of Baseball's rarities took place this week and believe it or not, it wasn't a no-hitter. Given there's been five of those this season alone, this feat might have been a bit more interesting. With 1-out in the 4th inning and the heart of the order due up to bat, the Arizona Diamondbacks hit back-to-back-to-back-to-back jacks against the hosting Milwaukee Brewers. Starting pitcher Dave Bush fell victim to the barrage of homers which came off the bats of Arizona's 4-7 hitters. First baseman Adam LaRoche started the trend of long balls, followed by catcher Miguel Montero, third baseman Mark Reynolds, and finished with shortstop Stephen Drew.

The quadruple home runs in consecutive at-bats was a franchise first for the D-Backs and is only the 7th time in Major League history four batters have belted long balls consecutively. Making this an even more rare occurrence, is the fact that they all came off the same pitcher in the same inning, which has happened even less times in the sports 100+ year history (3). Also worth mentioning is that the Brewers had some back-to-back fun of their own earlier in the game when Prince Fielder and Casey McGehee both went deep in the 2nd inning. However, that was the only scoring on Milwaukee's behalf as Arizona eventually won the game, 8-2. Ironically, the last time the feat occurred in the National League in September of 2006, Stephen Drew's older brother J.D. Drew who at the time was a Los Angeles Dodger, was part of a back-to-back-to-back-to-back homer fest in the 9th inning against the San Diego Padres.

As a free-agent the following offseason, older brother J.D. inked a 5-year deal with the Boston Red Sox where he would once again participate in back-to-back-to-back-to-back home runs, this time against the rival Yankees in 2007. Oddly enough, Drew served as the second player to homer in each instance. As J.D. remains the lone player to take place in the feat more than once, the Drew brothers are the only brothers to have participated in a string of four straight home runs. The last time Arizona hit as many as three homers in a row, was May of 2002 when the Washington Nationals called Montreal their home and donned the name the Expos. Given the D-Backs last place struggles this year, the feat just might be the most exciting thing the ball club has done all season long. Even more exciting than Edwin Jackson's no-hitter if you ask me.

The Cuban Missile Crisis

Consequences and repercussions often occur after a celebration. Take a wild night of drinking and partying for example. Whether it means waking up naked in the same bed as someone you don't know or waking up in a puddle of your own vomit. Although this story brings a much different circumstance, they can all relate.

Another case of the ridiculous surfaces as L.A. Angels slugger Kendry Morales will likely be out for the rest of the season after his walk-off celebration which ended in the most bizarre of ways. While rounding the bases after hitting his game-winning grand slam and 11th home run of the season against the division rival Seattle Mariners, Morales was seen leaping onto home plate awkwardly and being dog piled by his teammates. But the celebration went from happy to worrisome in a matter of seconds as Morales went from trotting around the field to being carried off of it on a stretcher. Since losing former Angels first baseman Mark Texiera last year to the Yankees in free agency and deciding not to bring back veteran DH Vladamir Guerrero, Morales has become the teams main source on offense.

After positive x-rays revealed a fractured lower left leg, it was learned that the injury would require surgery and keep the Angels' offensive leader sidelined for at least 3-months. With an important player to his team like Morales going down to injury, could we be in store for a different approach on how teams celebrate walk-off victories in the mere future? According to Angels manager Mike Socia, the incident will not only change the way his team celebrates, but also the way every team in the league celebrates. Whether or not that's true, it didn't take long to find out if Socia's Angels were true to their word and made adjustments to their game-winning routines. One day after Morales' freak accident, the Angels had another walk-off win, this time off the bat of second baseman Howie Kendrick and this time much more cautious.

Walk-off celebrations such as Morales' go back to as early as the 1950's when the most memorable walk-off celebration took place when the New York Giants' Robby Thompson hit what went on to be known as 'The Shot Heard Round the World' which sealed the deal and won the team the pennant over the archrival Brooklyn Dodgers. And speaking of the Dodgers, just two nights after Morales' freak accident, the Angels' southern California neighbor and cross-town rivals won in walk-off fashion by a Matt Kemp home run. After rounding third base, Kemp began to tip toe his way to home plate and slowly creeped to the box as if he was mocking Morales and poking fun at the incident while trying to avoid a similar injury. So let this be a lesson learned to all you kiddies out there, always wear protection while celebrating no matter the occasion!

Here's a video of the walk-off celebration/injury and the chaos leading up to it from a fan's point of view:

Throwback Thursday x It's Lima Time

Recently, Major League Baseball lost one of its more colorful characters as it was learned that Jose Lima was rushed to the hospital and pronounced dead at the young age of 37 years old. Lima spent 13 seasons in the big leagues and played for several different ball clubs. The Detroit Tigers (1994-1996), Houston Astros (1997-2001), Detroit Tigers (2001-2002), Kansas City Royals (2003, 2005), Los Angeles Dodgers (2004) and most recently the the New York Mets in 2006. Better known by his teammates for his dashing spirit and provocative behavior by his opponents, the Dominican born right-hander pitcher had a career year in 1999 with the Houston Astros where he went on to win 21-games and made his first and only All-Star appearance.

Despite his mediocre career numbers of a 89-102 win-loss record and a 5.26 ERA, Lima was a fan favorite due to his animated emotion he had while on the mound as his starts became better known as 'Lima Time'. Not only was he an athlete, he was also an entertainer. And although baseball was his main occupation, Lima didn't always have his eyes set on the sport. Growing up as a child, Jose had plans to become a singer. That was until his father convinced him to put down the mic and pick up a glove and a ball. While pursuing a different career, Lima was still an accomplished singer in his native country as well as on the field and in the clubhouse. During his tenure with the Dodgers in '04, Lima often sang the National Anthem prior to the start of the game. And although his presence on the baseball diamond won't live on, his spirit and voice will.

R.I.P José Desiderio Rodriguez Lima
September 30, 1972 - May 23, 2010

Throwback Thursday x Ernie Harwell

MLB is mourning the loss of one of Baseball's giants after receiving news of the death of long time Detroit Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell. With 55 years of broadcasting under his belt and 42 of which with Detroit, Ernie has earned the suitable moniker of 'The Voice of the Tigers'. Most notably remembered for his days in Motown, Harwell also served time announcing for several other Major League teams. The Brooklyn Dodgers (1948-49), New York Giants (1950-53), Baltimore Orioles (1954-59), Detroit Tigers (1960-91, 1993-2002) and the California Angles (1992). Harwell's broadcasting career began in the Minor Leagues with one of the leagues most successful franchises, the Atlanta Crackers.

Harwell's transition from the Minor League to the Major League came in the most intriguing of ways, when GM Branch Rickey of the Brooklyn Dodgers traded a minor league catcher to get him in 1948. A trade that to this day is yet to have been matched, as Harwell remains the only MLB broadcaster acquired in a trade for a player 62 years later. Harwell also called the TV broadcast for one of if not the most famous calls in not only baseball history but in all of sports -- Bobby Thomson's 'Shot Heard 'Round the World' in 1951. But with a large cast of broadcasters calling the game, Harwell's call would be overlooked and left in the shadows as Russ Hodges' call would earn the most notoriety.

Harwell was named Michigan Sportscaster of the Year 19 times and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 1989. Harwell is also a proud member of numerous Hall of Fame's including the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, The Georgia Sports Hall of Fame and the Radio Hall of Fame. The Baseball Hall of Fame honored Harwell in 1981 as he became the fifth broadcaster to receive its Ford C. Frick Award. An award that is given to a broadcaster for their major contributions in baseball. Harwell was also set to receive the Vin Scully Lifetime Achievement Award in Sports Broadcasting in New York City, just one day after his passing.

Comerica Park held an open casket ceremony for Harwell and allowed fans to pass his casket in a public viewing held, as some 10,000 fans showed up to pay their respects to the late broadcaster. Already a proud owner of a statue of himself outside the stadium, a flag with Harwell's initials is expected to be raised at the Tigers home field of Comerica Park, prior to Monday's game against the Yankees.

R.I.P William Earnest Harwell
January 25, 1918 - May 4, 2010

All Eyes on Heyward

MLB Rookie Watch Alert! - One of the league's top rookie stand-outs heading into Spring Training this season, was the Atlanta Braves number one prospect -- Jason Heyward. Selected 14th overall in the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft by the Braves, Heyward has been a player many have anticipated and have been on the look out for, for quite some time given his bright talent and lightning fast bat-speed. Those who follow prospects were already aware of his ability, but for those who still weren't familiar with the name 'Jason Heyward' were given a brief wake-up call when highlights of a 450-foot blast during a spring training exhibition game were shown all over ESPN and the rest of the world of sports. But although he made his presence known during Spring Training, the question of whether or not he could transcend his game to the regular season was soon answered.

After Braves skipper Bobby Cox gave news of his young outfielder making the Opening Day roster, Heyward needed only one at-bat to introduce himself to the big league's. In the first inning of the the Braves 2010 season opener against the Chicago Cubs, Heyward hit a 3-run homer off of Chicago's Carlos Zambrano. The long ball traveled an estimated 476 ft and ignited a roar throughout the crowd in Atlanta's Turner Field. Although a home-run in your first ever big league at-bat could be a memory for the ages, it could also be a backfire as fans can often tend to expect a long ball out of you every at-bat. With less than 2-weeks of big league experience under his belt, Heyward has already been compared to the great Hank Aaron and already dons the nickname "The Jay Hey Kid", similar to the great Willie Mays' nickname "The Say Hey Kid."

Being compared to someone like Hank Aaron in your first big league season could put quite the pressure on someone as young as Heyward is, not to mention in their first few games. But granted he's only 20 years old, Heyward has plenty of time to fill the shoes of some of the best players the game has ever seen. And with both 22-year old Aroldis Chapman of the Cincinnati Reds and 21-year old Steven Strasburg of the Washington Nationals starting the 2010 season in the Minor Leagues, all eyes are on Heyward at the moment for the Rookie of the Year Award. But don't be surprised if and when both young hurlers get the call up to play with the big boys, as they hope to make R.O.T.Y cases for themselves and give golden boy Jayson Heyward a run for his money.

Bling-Bling Part II

When it comes to athletes and their jewelery or as most like to call it "Bling" nowadays, the possibilities are endless on the ridiculous meter. As we've seen about a month or so ago with Boston Celtics guard Marquis Daniels who had a chain customized to fit only him, the bar was raised pretty high. Although I don't think anyone can top just how absurd Daniels' face pendant is, Florida Marlins All-Star shortstop Hanley Ramirez came pretty close. Last season saw the 2006 NL Rookie of the Year win the batting tittle with a .342 batting average, edging out San Francisco's Pablo Sandoval who finished the season hitting .330. But threatening Daniels' reputation for having some of the most head shrugging bling known to man, is the piece Han-Ram was given by Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria prior to the start of the 2010 season.

In rewards to his impressive 2009 achievement, Loria surprised Ramirez with a customized diamond-studded necklace with Hanley's name, number and batting average on it. Paying homage to his coveted feat, the expensive neck piece consists of 394 diamonds and is guaranteed to turn some heads. However, if Ramirez plans to show off his new pendant, it will have to be off the field considering the Marlins have a team policy that bans long hair and jewelery. Ramirez was unhappy with the policy and wasn't afraid to let it be known as both he and the Marlins front office bumped heads around this time of year last season. But with a happy Ramirez and a fresh piece of ice around his neck at the start of the 2010 season, I don't think there will be any issues between last year's NL batting champ and the Fish.

Replica's of Han-Ram's necklace were given out to the first 5,000 fans at the Marlins' home opener on Friday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. As sad as it sounds, I'm sure they still had some left granted the Marlins usually average around 4,000 fans or so per game...

Dodger Blues

MANNYWOOD closing its doors - Just three days before the L.A. Dodgers and the rest of the major league ball clubs take the field for the first time against opposing teams, the Dodgers' clubhouse is hit with another episode of 'Manny being Manny'. Everyone's favorite dreadlock sporting slugger Manny Ramirez who's no stranger to the media, made public in an interview earlier this week when he made his arrival to the team's spring training facility in Glendale, Arizona. "I'm not sure I'll be playing next season, but if I am, I know I won't be here [in L.A.]".

Whether Ramirez is putting an end to his stay in Tinseltown because of personal problems within the organization, is not yet known. But wanting to return to the American League as a designated hitter could also be a possible indication. Given Ramirez is already 37 years old, an everyday job in the outfield could result in an increase to the wear and tear in his legs. But when being asked if he would welcome a return to the AL, Manny simply put it: "I don't know. We'll take it a day at a time. I don't know about tomorrow. I know about today. When the season is over, we'll see where it's at. If they let me play, I play." In other words, he's not too concerned with the future just yet and is taking his baseball career day by day.

As Ramirez makes his own rules and writes his own plans already stating he wouldn't be back for another go around in L.A., Dodger fans have to be the least bit concerned considering his arrival put them over the top down the stretch of the 2008 season, when the team made it as far as the NLCS. The presence of Manny in the line-up has made them an instant division favorite ever since. But at the same time, the Dodgers won't have much to worry about with a young cast of rising star players in the outfield such as Matt Kemp and Andre Either. Both of which have gave credit to Ramirez for helping them transcend their game to All-Star status.


Game Over - In other Dodger related news that has hit the world of baseball as of late, is the return of former Cy Young Award winner Eric Gagne. Gagne who was at one point and time of his career on top of the baseball world and among the league's best in the closer role, is hoping to get his old job back. Gagne who has had his struggles as well as his success, is better known for his days with the Dodgers, who he spent time with for 7 productive seasons spanning from 1999-2006 before signing with the Texas Rangers prior to the '07 season. While battling injuries in Arlington, the 3-time All-Star had a short tenure with the Rangers before heading to Boston where he was shellacked. While the American League proved to be unfriendly to Gagne, he then hoped to revive his career back in the NL with Milwaukee. But again, Gagne would run into trouble as he blew 3 saves in 6 attempts, resulting in a demotion where he became a set-up man.

After becoming a free agent following the 2008 season, the Brewers resigned Gagne to a minor league deal, only to release him midway through spring training in part due to another injury. The year 2009 seen Gagne in the Can-Am League (Canadian American League) where he served as both a starting pitcher and a coach. But as recent as last week, the Dodgers have confirmed that the two have reached a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. During his stardom with the Dodgers, Gagne served somewhat as a cult object, earning the nickname 'Game Over Gagne'. Similar to the popularity 'Mannywood' received, fans embraced Gagne creating anything and everything with Gagne's face and slogan on it. But if you ask me, I think Gagne's "Game Over" days are just that, OVER.

Although it's not for sure if the 34 year old Gagne will find himself donning a big league uniform again, but if he does, it won't be in the closing role he once dominated as All-Star Johnathan Broxton currently holds that position. However, he could serve as a set-up man for the 25 year old Broxton. The Canadian born Gagne who's name was released in the Mitchell Report after testing positive for HGH (Human Growth Hormone), said earlier this week "I took the banned substance for my knee and thought it would help me get better." I think it's a bit comical and can't find anything Gagne could bring to the table, other than maybe help fill a few more seats on 'Gagne bobble head night'. In my opinion, the guy's better days are far behind him. But I guess there's only one way to find out...