Baseball and Stuff

3B Casey Blake on being released by Rockies: - "I understand the decision. I appreciated the opportunity and wish them success." Class act. 

AJ Ellis‏ - @AJEllis17 - No one taught me the importance of clubhouse chemistry and quiet leadership the way Casey Blake did. What a Pro!! 

Jerkoff Twins lefty Aaron Thompson and dickwad Cardinals catcher Cody Stanley were each suspended 50 games on Tuesday for their violations of the Minor League drug program. 

Rockies putting Alex White in the bullpen 

Brewers announce Yovani Gallardo as opening day starter 

 Nick Evans - .111, .143 OBP 

Pitcher Mike Mussina and second baseman Rich Dauer will be inducted into the Orioles Hall of Fame in August 

Jack Hannahan has won the Cleveland starting 3B job

 The Mets have nine Dominican-born players on the 40-Man Roster: RHPs Pedro Beato, Jeurys Familia, Frank Francisco, Jenrry Mejia, Ramon Ramirez and Armando Rodriguez; INF Jordany Valdespin; and OFs Juan Lagares and Cesar Puello. 

The Twins Release Joel Zumaya 

Yu Darvish – Count me among the believers that Darvish will be worth the hype. While it’s dangerous anyhow to evaluate a player merely on his nationality, Darvish does stand apart from his peers who have made the conversion. First, he’s bigger than most of the pitchers who have come over and throws harder. He’s dealt with plenty of media attention, too, so the “rock star” treatment that he’ll get in the baseball press is less likely to affect him. And while Rangers Ballpark in Arlington is less than ideal from a park effects standpoint, in other ways landing with the Rangers is ideal for him. The combination of pitching coach Mike Maddux and Nolan Ryan in the front office has been ideal for the team in developing pitchers over the last few years, and they’ve had success scouting in Japan, too, most notably with Colby Lewis. I have two more shots to land Darvish in my leagues, and I hope to get at least one share of him by the time the drafting is done. - http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/ 

 Reds Top-15 Prospects of 2012: 

1. Devin Mesoraco | C | Age – 23 | Grade – B+ 

 2. Robert Stephenson | RHP | Age – 19 | Grade – B 

3. Zack Cozart | SS | Age – 26 | Grade – B/B- 

 4. Daniel Corcino | RHP | Age – 21 | Grade – B-/B 

 5. Billy Hamilton | SS/2b | Age – 21 | Grade – B- link

 Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka and won the gold medal in the 10th West Asia Baseball Cup at Punjab Stadium on Wednesday. Pakistan beat Sri Lanka 4-1 in the final and secured first position in the event. Iran on Tuesday routed Afghanistan 14-0 to secure the third position. link