Today on SI.com, Tom Verducci identified some big name youngsters who are leading candidates for the “Year After Effect.” Topping the list of ten hurlers are Cy Young winner, Tim Lincecum, World Series MVP, Cole Hamels, cancer survivor Jon Lester, and the two brightest names in the Dodgers rotation, Chad Billingsley and Clayton Kershaw. Cole Hamels was not a surprising name to see on this list considering he threw more innings than any other pitcher in 2008, at one point even complaining of d... Read Full Story

Prior to the first pitch of Florida’s opener today, Neyer lambasted Fredi Gonzalez’s decision to bat Emilio Bonifacio in the leadoff spot of the potent Marlins lineup. Two points here, both of them so obvious that perhaps you don’t need me to make them. … One, 30 or 40 or 25 at-bats isn’t really any opportunity at all. Even a good hitter might easily go 8-for-40 (.200) and (by Gonzalez’ logic) lose his job. Two, Bonifacio’s career averages in the majors aga... Read Full Story

How many 16 year-olds can brag about 500-foot home run power? It’s probably about the same number that can say they have Scott Boras as a personal advisor. Bryce Harper has both. At this year’s International High School Power Showcase, a home run derby at the Tropicana Dome in Tampa in January, Harper bashed a mammoth 502-foot home run. Officials said it would have traveled out of the old Yankee Stadium. Maybe even have hit the elevated train. Last year, Harper batted .590 with 11... Read Full Story

The last pitcher to win the National League MVP award was Bob Gibson in 1968.  This year, C.C. Sabathia deserves to be the first pitcher in 40 years to take the honor.  No, C.C. didn’t post a 1.12 ERA and win 22 games.  No pitcher will ever do that again.  But what Sabathia did do was bring a refuse to lose attitude to a franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs since 1982—back when recently fired manager, Ned Yost was their backup catcher. Of course, there are a number obstacles th... Read Full Story

In his nearly 60 years in the organization, John Michael Pesky has epitomized what it means to be a member of the Boston Red Sox.  He’s basked in the tragic losses; he’s celebrated on the diamond during the sweetest victories.  He’s even heard his share of boos.  Johnny Pesky has earned his Sox after scores of years caught up in the bittersweet drama that is Red Sox history. As a player, he set the table for Ted Williams, batting leadoff during the Hall of Famer’s prime.  He was on the bench ... Read Full Story

I have created a new blog that is 100% focused on Boston sports, titled “Oh, Boston You’re My Home.” And yes, we do love the Standells here in Boston. The site will serve as a mini-portfolio to show off my knowledge and passion for Boston sports for a contest hosted by the biggest name in Boston sports media, WEEI. WEEI is looking for the “Next Great Sports Blogger” in Boston. For those that aren’t familiar with the Boston sports scene, WEEI is the sports scene. WEEI-AM is the constant c... Read Full Story

If the Boston Red Sox are facing an elimination game in the playoffs, who do you want on the mound?  While it’s nearly impossible to argue against Beckett, especially with his history in the post-season, Jon Lester can’t be dismissed without debate, and he is looking like he will be a true ace for years to come. Through his battle with cancer (and with high walk totals), the Red Sox stuck with Jon Lester, despite lucrative trade offers.  The Red Sox are one of the few organizations that even ... Read Full Story

Adam Dunn was dealt to the Diamondbacks today in exchange for three prospects, making the race for the NL West crown a little bit more interesting. The D-Backs land a power bat just in time for a slug-fest-ful series in Coors Field. With the Dodgers trade for Manny Ramirez and the Diamondbacks trade for Dunn, the NL East is no longer just a race to a .500 record. Tuesday night will see its share of aces take the mound. Game two of the Dodgers-Phillies series sees two budding lefty aces fa... Read Full Story

An estimated crowd of 8,629 piled into Veteran’s Field last Saturday night for the 46th Cape League All-Star Game. Of the nearly 9,000 fans in attendance, there were probably at least 50 Major League scouts. The entire section of the stands behind home plate was roped off with signage saying “Scouts Only.” If you walked by that section at any point in the game, you would see at least a dozen radar guns pointed toward the mound, clocking the pitches from the fresh meat on the hill. In typi... Read Full Story

On Saturday night, Chatham hosted the CCBL All-Star Game for the first time in ten years, and you couldn’t ask for a better night for the late-summer classic. The weather was perfect, and there was no sign of the infamous Chatham fog that disrupts so many games in the summer. The festivities kicked off with the 20th annual Baseball Factory Home Run Hitting Contest. The first ever CCBL Home Run Derby in 1988 was won by Frank Thomas, as he beat out some notable competition that included the lik... Read Full Story