Biography
Phil Rogers is in his third decade covering major league baseball, and has done it for the Tribune since 1997. He covered Sammy Sosa's major ...
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Your Morning Phil: Francona, Axelrod, Shoulders
May 21, 2013
Talking baseball while wondering if the Blackhawks can be counter-punchers.
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Phil Rogers' MLB power rankings
May 20, 2013
1. Rangers (1): How good of a team do you have to be to beat the Tigers when Miguel Cabrera hits three home runs? Texas did that after putting Ian Kinsler on the DL on Sunday. Alexi Ogando is another recent addition to the DL.
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Instant replay will be great for game
May 18, 2013
Is anything cooler than tennis' electronic replay system?
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Your Morning Phil: 17-21, Almora, Astros
May 16, 2013
Talking baseball while hoping the Bulls can avoid leaking talent in the off-season.
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Your Morning Phil: Cashner, draft, Astros
May 14, 2013
Talking baseball while congratulating the Boston Bruins on one of the great playoff finishes of all time:
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Phil Rogers' MLB power rankings
May 13, 2013
Last week's ranking in parentheses
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Mattingly, Scioscia on thin ice in LA
May 11, 2013
How much patience do Mark Walter, Stan Kasten and Magic Johnson have?
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Guillen could be good fit for Dodgers, Angels
May 10, 2013
Talk about a tough choice.
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Don't overreact to umpire's mistake
May 9, 2013
Here's something you might not know about the infamous Angel Hernandez game: The A's had a great chance to win the game even after Hernandez and his fellow umpires twice blew the call on what would have been a game-tying home run.
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Success runs throughout Cardinals organization
May 7, 2013
Almost 10 years. That's how long it has been since the Cubs beat the Cardinals in a series that mattered, not that St. Louis fans would remember it.
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Phil Rogers' MLB power rankings
May 6, 2013
Last week's ranking in parentheses
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Sox must make tough calls on veteran pitchers
May 6, 2013
The bad news has come in for Gavin Floyd, just like it did for John Danks last August.
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Your Morning Phil: Sweeney, Ventura, Sale
May 6, 2013
Talking baseball while wondering if LeBron James and his kingsmen are taking the Bulls seriously.
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Red Sox-Blue Jays series should provide some pop
May 4, 2013
The Cardinals visit the Cubs for the first time this week. Fireworks are not expected.
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Your Morning Phil: Ryu, Jackson, April leaders
May 1, 2013
Talking baseball while hoping that it’s not a bad sign that the Blackhawks had to go into overtime to beat the Wild in their playoff opener:
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Your Morning Phil: Liriano trade, Gregg, Dunn
April 30, 2013
Talking baseball while hoping Kirk Hinrich gets well soon:
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Phil Rogers' MLB power rankings
April 29, 2013
Last week's ranking in parentheses
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Darvish on blistering strikeout pace
April 27, 2013
A.J. Pierzynski had one of the great quotes of the season.
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Your Morning Phil: Dunn, draft, Ozzie
April 24, 2013
Talking baseball while wondering if Tom Thibodeau can make Deron Williams’ homecoming unpleasant:
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Your Morning Phil: Hahn, Peavy, Wood
April 23, 2013
Talking baseball while praising Kirk Hinrich’s grit:
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Phil Rogers' MLB power rankings
April 23, 2013
Last week's ranking in parentheses
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Difference in baseball is striking
April 20, 2013
Javier Baez is considered widely to be the best prospect in the Cubs' farm system. His counterpart for the White Sox is Courtney Hawkins.
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Your Morning Phil: Cooper, Texans, cold weather
April 17, 2013
Talking baseball while wondering if the Blackhawks can sell out Soldier Field.
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Key to Wrigley renovation: Will it lead to a title?
April 16, 2013
Quaint ballparks are cool, no question about it. But they don't win championships.
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Phil Rogers' MLB power rankings
April 16, 2013
Last week's ranking in parentheses
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Pressure on Rangers and Washington
April 13, 2013
Down 2-0 to the Rays in the eighth inning Wednesday, the Rangers got runners to second and third with one out. Right-hander Joel Peralta was on the mound, and the Rangers had switch-hitter Lance Berkman and the left-handed-hitting A.J. Pierzynski on the bench.
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Giants' success more than following lucky stars
April 10, 2013
Before they became the best organization in baseball, the Giants were Barry Bonds' team. They seemed unable to break free from the flawed slugger for a long time, sticking with the disgraced star for six years after his record-setting 2001 season.
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Cubs, Jackson should buckle up for bumpy ride
April 8, 2013
Watching the Cubs' annual opening exercise at Wrigley Field, an event lessened by Chicago politics and low expectations, there was plenty of time to wonder about a question that applies on both sides of town: WWBVD.
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Your Morning Phil: Soriano, Soler, Manaea
April 8, 2013
Talking baseball while congratulating Louisville for getting its men's and women’s teams to the NCAA basketball finals.
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Like Cubs, Astros building from bottom up
April 7, 2013
Like his bosses, Mike Foltynewicz is a baseball optimist. He can see the Astros rising out of the ashes they find themselves in at the beginning of the Jim Crane era.
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Flowers could help usher in new era
April 5, 2013
There were two outs in the ninth inning with the White Sox down two runs and nothing going on. Tyler Flowers stepped to the plate and the game did not end.
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Cubs' interests far afield from Pittsburgh
April 3, 2013
PITTSBURGH — No, you couldn't have gone ice fishing Wednesday in Pittsburgh. That season has come and gone.
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Your Morning Phil: Sale, Jackson, Castillo
April 3, 2013
Talking baseball while wondering if Mark Cuban is serious about the Mavericks drafting Brittney Griner.
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Rizzo brings an attitude to every game — the right one
April 2, 2013
PITTSBURGH — The Cubs have a new tactic, and so far it's working. They have decided to try leading every inning because that's a lot more fun than being behind every inning, as it seemed they were a year ago.
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Cubs clearly losing patience with Marmol
April 1, 2013
PITTSBURGH — Damn you, Dan Haren. You and your mysterious MRIs.
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Your Morning Phil: Rios, Sox, Sveum
April 1, 2013
Talking baseball while congratulating the Louisville Cardinals for winning one for their horribly injured teammate, Kevin Ware.
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Royals like way they are trending
March 30, 2013
The Royals expect James Shields to be a difference maker. But were they close enough to being a playoff team before they added him?
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MLB power rankings
March 30, 2013
1. Tigers: Forget the concern at closer. They were loaded last year, and they're a lot better with Victor Martinez, Torii Hunter and a full year of Anibal Sanchez.
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Good luck trying to buy a World Series
March 30, 2013
There are some things that can be bought.
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Dodgers don't have room for breakout star Puig
March 26, 2013
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Sure, there are qualifiers. There always are.
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A long way from perfect, Humber starts over
March 24, 2013
KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Philip Humber knows perfection eludes him, as it does everyone.
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Ramirez injury puts spotlight on toll of WBC
March 23, 2013
Four more innings. That's all Hanley Ramirez had to get through before the Dominican Republic could return him to the Dodgers in working condition.
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It's time for Wrigley Field scoreboard to …
March 21, 2013
Go ahead. Get the tar and feathers.
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Cano dominates center stage of WBC
March 20, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO — He was 18 when he signed his first contract, 22 when he made his big league debut, 23 when he played in his first All-Star Game and 27 for his first World Series. He's 30 now and as the Most Valuable Player of the World Baseball Classic, he's freshly minted as a legend in his own land.
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Sox's demotion of Carlos Sanchez disappointing
March 19, 2013
So that’s it: Carlos Sanchez, the little infielder I thought would create some excitement in the Chicago White Sox camp, is off to minor-league camp. He was among five players reassigned Tuesday, and it’s almost like he wasn’t there.
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Your Morning Phil: Rodney, all-WBC, Maddon
March 19, 2013
YOUR MORNING PHIL: Plantains, all-WBC, Maddon
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No stopping Dominican Republic
March 19, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO – Is there any stopping the Dominican Republic?
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Puerto Rico reclaiming lost glory with WBC run
March 18, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO — Roberto Clemente was baseball royalty long before dying on a relief mission at the height of his Hall of Fame career.
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No surprise that U.S. is out of WBC early again
March 18, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO — All things being equal …
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The emigrants: Departures for U.S. weaken baseball in Japan
March 16, 2013
Bud Selig would love to see a series between the World Series and Japan Series champions. But among the realities is that as problematic as that idea seems now, it might become even less viable in the future.
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Pro's pro Buehrle just goes about business
March 13, 2013
BRADENTON, Fla. — Thirteen players and coaches have worn No. 56 for the Cubs. Could Mark Buehrle one day become the 14th?
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Dominican Republic taking care of business
March 12, 2013
MIAMI — One victory away from San Francisco, three away from the championship they covet, the celebration has started early for Robinson Cano and his decorated teammates from the Dominican Republic.
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Your Morning Phil: WBC, Appel, Torre
March 12, 2013
MIAMI – Talking baseball while wondering how badly Tiger Woods blows away the field at Augusta:
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U.S. avoids embarrassing exit from WBC
March 10, 2013
PHOENIX — Go ahead, admit it. You care about the WBC, don't you?
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Commissioner envisions true world series
March 9, 2013
PHOENIX — Are you ready for a true world champion in baseball?
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How will Ryan soap opera play out?
March 9, 2013
Look out, below. The Rangers, who not so long ago were morphing into the Yankees, are coming down to Earth before our eyes.
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Rizzo experiencing grand time with Team Italy
March 8, 2013
PHOENIX — Anthony Rizzo was walking out of the Cubs clubhouse earlier this week when one of his friends gave him a parting shot.
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Dickey embraces WBC
March 7, 2013
PHOENIX — Success hasn't come easily for R.A. Dickey. That might make him the perfect pitcher for the World Baseball Classic.
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Sale signing a risky but necessary move
March 7, 2013
PHOENIX -- Chris Sale learned to grill meat over the winter. Now he can open his own restaurant if he wants.
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Camp more mainstay than short stay
March 7, 2013
MESA, Ariz. — Shawn Camp walked into Cubs camp late last March. It was only 10 days before opening day and he knew four people in the room.
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Your Morning Phil: Cubs, Appel, WBC
March 6, 2013
Talking baseball while the Blackhawks keep rolling:
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WBC rich in storylines
March 2, 2013
One thing to keep in mind about baseball: It's all good.
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New Ranger Pierzynski is Ryan's kind of guy
February 26, 2013
SURPRISE, Ariz. — It takes one to know one.
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Cubs' Jackson starts from scratch
February 24, 2013
MESA, Ariz. — He knows what they're saying about him upstairs at Wrigley Field, not to mention at the Cubby Bear and Murphy's Bleachers. He knows he's no longer seen as a candidate to take over center field for the Cubs, not this spring anyway.
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Cubs' triple threat
February 23, 2013
TEMPE, Ariz. — And so it begins.
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Withhold judgment on Gonzalez
February 23, 2013
Gio Gonzalez was 20 when I watched him pitch for the first time. He was at the Phillies' complex in Clearwater, Fla., and it didn't take long to see why Pat Gillick had insisted on him when the White Sox traded for Jim Thome.
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Sox's Sale should employ lesson well
February 16, 2013
You almost never can boil a baseball season down to one game, let alone one pitch. But when I break down what happened to the White Sox down the stretch in 2012, when a potentially great season for rookie manager Robin Ventura turned into a learning exercise, I find a clear turning point.
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Sox putting their money on pitching
February 13, 2013
GLENDALE, Ariz. — So, Rick Hahn, how do you like Jeff Keppinger now?
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Your Morning Phil: Epstein, Indians, WBC
February 12, 2013
Talking baseball while wishing we could fast forward to first-round games in the NCAA basketball tournament:
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Atop Cubs' must-do list: Trade Soriano, Marmol
February 11, 2013
MESA, Ariz. — On the eve of their first workout of the spring, the Cubs suffered a setback.
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Your Morning Phil: Campana, Lake, Buehrle
February 11, 2013
MESA, Ariz. -- Talking baseball while wondering if Brandt Snedeker is the new Tom Watson:
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Cubs' 101-loss season in Sveum's rearview mirror
February 10, 2013
MESA, Ariz. — Dale Sveum is either an optimist or a guy with big bills to pay. He not only showed up for his second season as the Cubs' manager but somehow seems confident it will be better than his first.
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Jeter's ankle could leave Yankees in shackles
February 9, 2013
For 17 seasons, Derek Jeter has been the best reason to keep believing in baseball.
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Latest PED revelations no real surprise to MLB
February 2, 2013
A reputation is a bad thing to lose. Just ask Manti Te'o.
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Brothers Upton could surpass the Waners
January 26, 2013
If they hadn't been able to hit a baseball, Paul and Lloyd Waner probably would have made their living in cotton in their hometown, just east of Oklahoma City. But, man, could those guys hit.
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Flagging U.S. interest reflected in mediocre WBC roster
January 19, 2013
Will the third time be the charm for the World Baseball Classic?
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Sox taking big gamble with Flowers
December 26, 2012
Like the White Sox, the Rangers don't know who is going to catch for them beyond next year. But having recently gone through a transition featuring Gerald Laird, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Matt Treanor and Taylor Teagarden, they aren't turning over the position to someone who hasn't proved himself as a regular on a winning team.
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Cubs counting on college coach
December 22, 2012
The Cubs made news last week, signing free agent pitchers Edwin Jackson and Carlos Villanueva.
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Deals with Jackson, Villanueva shore up rotation
December 20, 2012
Edwin Jackson gambled, and he won. The question for the Cubs is whether he and Carlos Villanueva will win too much next season?
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Your Morning Phil: Jackson, Pierzynski, Floyd
December 19, 2012
Talking baseball while the Bulls keep playing tough defense:
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Your Morning Phil: Sanchez, Porcello, Dickey
December 17, 2012
Talking baseball while hoping Alshon Jeffery learns to use his size:
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Twins biggest winners at winter meetings
December 8, 2012
Terry Ryan has nothing against free-agent outfielder Michael Bourn. Honest.
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Stewart signing a smart, low-risk move
December 6, 2012
Third base was the position that nobody could fill at the winter meetings, and after losing Jeff Keppinger to the Chicago White Sox, the Chicago Cubs were smart to re-sign Ian Stewart.
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Keppinger deal indication Hahn will be patient with young talent
December 5, 2012
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — With midseason approaching last year, the White Sox traded for Kevin Youkilis. They hadn't had a backup plan when Brent Morel flamed out early and were lucky to grab a card as strong as Youkilis in the discard pile from the Red Sox.
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Your Morning Phil: Marmol, Floyd, Appel
December 5, 2012
Talking baseball while wondering if the Chicago Bears can win without Brian Urlacher:
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Cubs working at pace sure to free up prime seats
December 4, 2012
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A friend was at Wrigley Field recently, picking out a location for his 2013 season tickets. He was struck by the abundance of choices.
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Your Morning Phil: Kruk, Flowers, Bowden
December 4, 2012
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Talking baseball while wondering whose stock has climbed faster, Apple or Northern Illinois’ football program:
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Yankees may be yesterday's news
December 3, 2012
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — For Alex Rodriguez and his Yankees teammates, the chickens are coming home to roost, and that's not a good thing. It's a terrific development for the other teams in the American League, however, especially the one that plays in Detroit.
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Quality pitchers at overpriced premium
December 1, 2012
Baseball analysts don't agree on a lot. But for months just about everyone has said that this class of free agents is weak, and that Zack Greinke is the best guy in it.
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Hall must provide clarity for voters
November 28, 2012
The Baseball Hall of Fame ballot was released Wednesday and the list of great players on it is so long that I honestly don't know what I'm going to do with mine when it arrives in the brown envelope from Cooperstown, N.Y.
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Baseball biggest beneficiary of owners' greatest adversary
November 27, 2012
To say that Marvin Miller was as tough as nails is to compliment the strength of nails.
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Your Morning Phil: Miller, Feldman, A.J.
November 27, 2012
Talking baseball while wondering how Tom Thibodeau is going to survive until Derrick Rose returns:
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U.S. should have world-class WBC pitching staff
November 17, 2012
Thirteen pitchers eligible to play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic received points in Cy Young voting.
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Cabrera worthy AL MVP selection over Trout
November 15, 2012
Hey, what do you know? We got it right.
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Commissioner in bad spot regarding Marlins shameful salary dump
November 14, 2012
The best pitch in baseball? It's probably the fastball, although a good changeup is a close second.
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Your Morning Phil: Loria, Selig, Tolleson
November 14, 2012
Talking baseball while hoping Jay Cutler gets well soon.
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Marlins' salary dump shameful
November 13, 2012
Almost 12 years later, the White Sox finally may have made things right with the Blue Jays for sending them left-hander Mike Sirotka, who hurt his shoulder and never made another big league start after that trade.
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Low-risk Baker signing restocks Cubs' inventory
November 13, 2012
Some would say Scott Baker had a better 2012 than the Cubs. He didn’t make it on the field.
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Dodgers flaunt status as game's new spending king
November 10, 2012
While Hyun-jin Ryu is not yet a big name in North America, losing him was a bigger blow for the Cubs than you probably think.
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Baez's potential gives Cubs lot of options
November 8, 2012
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — Go ahead, Theo Epstein.
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Player development key to Hahn's thinking
November 7, 2012
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — Four more years! Four more years!
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Sox and Royals know rotations rule
November 3, 2012
Rick Hahn and Dayton Moore know one of the biggest realities of baseball and wasted no time acting upon it.
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Trusted formula of solid pitching, defense carries Giants
October 29, 2012
DETROIT — New on the job and with a potential playoff team on his hands, Brian Sabean went out to find as much pitching as he could. He targeted the team that had the most to give, and shocked the baseball world by landing Roberto Hernandez, Wilson Alvarez and Danny Darwin in the same trade.
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Tigers never had a chance against Giants
October 29, 2012
DETROIT -- Ryan Theriot is living the dream. Brandon Crawford too.
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Giants look fit to be crowned kings
October 28, 2012
DETROIT — Henry IV had killer instinct. No question about that. But even he knew what Miguel Cabrera will be feeling when he wakes up Sunday.
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Theriot playing in perfect harmony
October 27, 2012
The Giants gather in a tight circle at an end of the dugout before games, always with Hunter Pence somewhere in the middle. They scream, yell and throw things as they prepare for the game in a way that would upset the moms of most Little Leaguers.
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Snap decisions backfire on old friends Lamont and Leyland
October 26, 2012
SAN FRANCISCO — Twenty-seven seasons after their first game together, Jim Leyland was in the dugout, Gene Lamont the third base coach's box.
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Bochy great example of solid manager
October 25, 2012
SAN FRANCISCO — Bruce Bochy could have been an extra for the movie "Lincoln'' with little more than a change of wardrobe. He has the craggy, dark features and straight, slow-talking style of the 1860s.
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Why play it out? Giants have it all going their way
October 25, 2012
SAN FRANCISCO — Why even play three more games?
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Melky Cabrera? Who's he?
October 23, 2012
SAN FRANCISCO — I looked and looked for Melky Cabrera in the Giants' water-logged celebration, and never did find him.
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Oversized ego leads to Ozzie's ouster in Miami
October 23, 2012
Ozzie Guillen asked for trouble when he left Jerry Reinsdorf for Jeffrey Loria, and it came along as part of the package with the $10 million deal he signed to manage the Miami Marlins.
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A bit of magic helps Giants win pennant
October 23, 2012
SAN FRANCISCO — Sometimes you really do have to see it to believe it.
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Journeyman Vogelsong looks like an ace for Giants
October 21, 2012
SAN FRANCISCO — This is the time of year when baseball executives sift through the discard bin, looking for useful, inexpensive pieces that add needed inventory.
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Giants epitomize spirit of 2012 playoffs
October 21, 2012
Here we are again.
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Cardinals continue to thrive through all the upheaval
October 20, 2012
No baseball fans loved their guy more than Cardinal Nation loved Albert Pujols this time last year. But one October later, he has become the civic punch line.
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Molina and Posey at top of list of winning catchers
October 20, 2012
ST. LOUIS — Talking playoff baseball while wondering if Roger Goodell will be the biggest casualty of the Saints' bounty program:
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Zito mixes it up to stop Cardinals
October 20, 2012
ST. LOUIS — If Jamie Moyer was watching Game 5 of the National League Championship Series on Friday night, he must be planning his next comeback.
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Giants leave fate to Zito
October 19, 2012
ST. LOUIS — Six years.
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Your Morning Phil: A-Rod, rain, Giants
October 18, 2012
ST. LOUIS -- Talking playoff baseball while flirting from the doghouse, a la A-Rod.
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Obstacles no problem for Cardinals
October 18, 2012
ST. LOUIS — As the front page of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch said, "No Albert, no Tony, no problem.''
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It's time for more instant replay — for World Series
October 16, 2012
Bad calls didn't put the Yankees in 2-0 hole; the pitching of all Tigers not named Jose Valverde did. Nor did that bad infield fly rule call send the Braves home after one game; three infield errors did.
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Yankees in strange new world without Jeter
October 15, 2012
NEW YORK — In the backs of their minds, the Yankees knew this day was coming. They've known it for a long time and viewed it with the kind of dread we normally reserve for old age, increased taxes and the occasional basement flood.
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Tigers owner has more than paid his dues
October 14, 2012
NEW YORK — Six years. Six long years. Six long, long years.
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Win-or-go-home games becoming norm
October 13, 2012
Once upon a time, the chance to go to Great American Ball Park and watch the Reds play a win-or-go-home game in the playoffs would have been the chance of a lifetime for fans in Cincinnati. The franchise hadn't played one since 1975, and that was at Fenway Park.
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Reds could use a little pop from Votto
October 10, 2012
CINCINNATI — When Joey Votto comes to the plate at Great American Ball Park, the Rolling Stones' "Paint it Black'' plays over the ballpark's speakers. It's a tough song for a tough town, and the Reds' fans love it.
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Hitting woes continue but Giants survive for another game
October 9, 2012
CINCINNATI — Hensley Meulens must be a very happy man.
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New playoff format doesn't do A's any favors
October 7, 2012
DETROIT — So there it is: baseball's biggest kiss-off.
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Showalter baseball's biggest difference-maker of 2012
October 7, 2012
At the risk of messing with the sabermetric lobby, Mike Trout wasn't the biggest difference-maker in baseball this season.
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Verlander gives Tigers all the edge they need
October 7, 2012
DETROIT — On the American League side of October, the handwriting is already on the wall.
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Jones bows out gracefully, but on slightly sour note
October 5, 2012
ATLANTA — The farewell tour is over for Chipper Jones.
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Series foes fighting for playoff lives
October 4, 2012
Life's cruel, sometimes.
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Cabrera wears the crown —the Triple Crown
October 4, 2012
Now I've seen it all. Miguel Cabrera just completed my collection of baseball memories, and probably yours too, unless you were watching closely in 1967.
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Awful season aside, Cubs on the right track
October 1, 2012
Nineteen cents.
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Williams era ending with a whimper for White Sox
September 30, 2012
With their crosstown rivals in an organized retreat for the first time in anyone's memory, the White Sox spent 117 days in first place and went into the last weekend of the season with a division title in their reach.
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Can Maddon magic do it again?
September 29, 2012
Few baseball men are wiser than Joe Maddon. He proved it with this conclusion about the postseason viability of the White Sox after arriving in Chicago on Thursday.
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Peavy does all he can
September 28, 2012
Is that all there is?
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Dunn puts White Sox on his back
September 25, 2012
Adam Dunn couldn't stop smiling. He was floating, levitating almost, as he talked about how all the years of his baseball career — including one of the longest seasons anyone has ever had — had led to two swings of his bat Monday night.
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Phil Rogers' MLB power rankings
September 24, 2012
1. Rangers (1): It looks like they have enough cushion to hold off the A's and clinch early enough to get their rotation lined up for a long October run. Geovany Soto could wind up playing in the World Series.
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Guillen could be Marlins' fall guy
September 23, 2012
Ozzie Guillen is getting what he asked for when he left one of the most loyal owners in sports to work for one of the quirkiest. His job is in jeopardy only one season into a four-year deal, and few will be sad if he is swept out alongside longtime player personnel guy Larry Beinfest as the Marlins limp away from a horrific first season in their new art deco home.
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Little fish making big splash for White Sox
September 17, 2012
Who are the piranhas now?
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Phil Rogers' MLB power rankings
September 17, 2012
1. Rangers (3): No question that this is the deepest pitching staff — starters and bullpen — in the American League. Ron Washington and Mike Maddux are turning Koji Uehara into another weapon for the middle innings.
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Phillies and Brewers back in wild-card playoff hunt
September 16, 2012
When the trade deadline rolled around at the end of July, the Phillies were 46-57, which put them only 21/2 games better than the Cubs in the National League's wild-card playoff standings.
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Odd number of teams in each league forces quirks in 2013 schedule
September 13, 2012
Major League Baseball schedules always have seemed as much art as science. But with the players union pushing for a fairer format, the 2013 schedule — the first with an odd number of teams in each league — is unusual in many ways.
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Sox hopes rest on Sale's shoulders
September 13, 2012
Chris Sale tried to be like a sponge whenever Mark Buehrle was around, soaking up pitching knowledge. It was the same way Buehrle had learned from David Wells, sitting next to him in the White Sox dugout during games in his first full season.
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Phil Rogers' MLB power rankings
September 11, 2012
1. Nationals (3): While the spotlight has been on the highly debated Stephen Strasburg decision, Davey Johnson's lineup came together in late August and rolls toward the first playoff baseball Washington has seen since 1933. Bryce Harper and friends hit 30 home runs in an 11-game stretch, including 15 in four games against the Cubs. And, oh, yes, they're making the right call on Strasburg.
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White Sox need more starts like Quintana's
September 11, 2012
Jose Quintana does not tiptoe into a room. He opens the door and waltzes right in, sometimes to stick around, sometimes to be promptly escorted out.
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Red Sox dismantling Epstein roster
August 26, 2012
There's only one thing to ask about what Larry Lucchino and the Red Sox front office have done to Theo Epstein's legacy in Boston:
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Clemens comeback could help time heal some wounds
August 25, 2012
Seeing Roger Clemens on the verge of becoming a 50-year-old big league starter makes me feel bad for Jamie Moyer.
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Sale-Verlander matchup in offing
August 23, 2012
Does Jim Leyland have a flair for the dramatic?
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Phil Rogers' MLB power rankings
August 21, 2012
1. Nationals (1): Look for the lineup to start clicking soon with Ian Desmond back in the lineup and Bryce Harper heating up. Jayson Werth has been a major contributor since he came off the disabled list.
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Ever-valuable Jeter deserves MVP
August 21, 2012
If a shortstop can do it, Derek Jeter has done it.
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AL stretch run should be a wild one
August 11, 2012
You can't quite see it from here, but the finish line is about to appear in the distance for baseball's oversized pack of contenders.
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Pierzynski's big season no surprise to him
August 7, 2012
Almost two months remain in the season andA.J. Pierzynskialready has a career high in home runs. Does that surprise you?
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White Sox GM Williams making all the right moves
July 29, 2012
It's never easy for Jerry Reinsdorf and the White Sox, but year after year they find ways to stretch the payroll and keep things interesting.
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Sox trade for Liriano shores up rotation
July 29, 2012
You have to hand it to Kenny Williams.
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Santo's induction into Hall of Fame long overdue
July 22, 2012
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Ron Santo had to die to get into the Hall of Fame. It shouldn't have happened but it did, and everyone knows it.
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Santo's attitude in battle with diabetes an inspiration
July 21, 2012
Sam Fuld and Ron Santo didn't discuss their common bond very often. They didn't have to, according to Fuld, because he could feel the affection flowing his way.
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Selig looking to help Cubs with Wrigley restoration
July 14, 2012
While the stadium issues in Oakland and Tampa Bay are viewed as the most critical in baseball, Commissioner Bud Selig quietly is trying to help the Cubs secure funding for a public-private partnership that would allow Wrigley Field to be updated along the lines of Boston's Fenway Park.
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Phillies' fear: Becoming the new Cubs
July 7, 2012
Say this for the Phillies. They got a World Series title and five consecutive playoff seasons out of their payroll escalation.
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Pitching help a long way off for Cubs
June 28, 2012
So much for Anthony Rizzo's victory lap.
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White Sox 3rd baseman has something to prove
June 25, 2012
MINNEAPOLIS — You couldn't have blamed Kevin Youkilis if he wanted a little time to collect himself. But baseball doesn't work like that, not during the 162-game marathon.
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Phil Rogers' baseball power rankings
June 25, 2012
1. Rangers (1): Clinging to top spot a week ago, the Rangers added Roy Oswalt and played well in going 5-1 against the lowly Padres and Rockies. Could Yu Darvish share the All-Star clubhouse with Chicago car dealer C.J. Wilson?
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Steal spotlight: Youkilis deal a no-brainer
June 24, 2012
No-brainer.
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Lackluster City Series
June 21, 2012
It is the BP Cup, right?
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Battered Sox rotation could use stalwart like Buehrle
June 19, 2012
Are Mark Buehrle's old friends about to start missing him?
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LaHair proving to be a keeper, even after Rizzo call-up
June 19, 2012
Problem solved.
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Phil Rogers' power rankings
June 18, 2012
Statistics through Sunday (last week's ranking)
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Unbalanced schedule favors White Sox
June 18, 2012
Can a playoff team vote an opponent a playoff share?
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Tribune All-City team
June 16, 2012
Contact a Hollywood agent, quick. It's time for someone to do the miniseries "Trading Sori: Inside the Cubs' Quest for the Holy Grail.''
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Both Cubs and Red Sox in struggling mode
June 15, 2012
You think Dale Sveum and the Cubs have problems?
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Pirates present test case for draft's rules
June 9, 2012
New rules, new attitudes. That may be what's needed to understand the changes to the baseball draft.
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Cubs and top pick setting up negotiating hardball
June 6, 2012
Lots of people out there are just waiting to see Theo Epstein fail.
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Spending limits change the game in baseball draft
June 3, 2012
A year ago, some team might have made an offer that rocked Alex Young's world. The Pirates, Nationals or Red Sox, maybe even the Cubs, might have dug deep for the left-hander from Carmel High School.
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It's fight to finish (last)
May 26, 2012
It's too early to say who will be the first player taken in the 2013 draft — could be University of Florida pitcher Karsten Whitson or another advanced college prospect or a high school stud like Austin Meadows, an outfielder from Georgia, or Clinton Hollon, a hard-throwing pitcher from Kentucky. Who knows?
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A cautionary tale for Robert Whitenack
May 19, 2012
While the Cubs paid tribute to Kerry Wood in a private ceremony Saturday at Wrigley Field, Robert Whitenack was about 1,700 miles away, throwing on the side in the smothering Arizona heat.
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Hamilton contract situation unique
May 12, 2012
You have to hand it to Josh Hamilton. While he's constantly on guard against his personal demons, he somehow still seems to be exactly what we want all athletes to be -- a big kid playing a child's game.
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Rogers' MLB power rankings: Rangers hold onto No. 1
May 7, 2012
Statistics through Sunday (last week's rank)
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Dodgers new ownership vows to restore luster to tarnished franchise
May 5, 2012
On a windy, foggy Friday, there was a break in the clouds as the Dodgers were finishing batting practice.
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Quite a journey from Rice to perfect game for Humber
April 29, 2012
As surprises go, Philip Humber's not-so-perfect game against the Red Sox on Thursday wasn't exactly Chrysler making a comeback.
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Offensive woes threaten to sink Marlins
April 28, 2012
Did Ozzie Guillen accidentally take Juan Pierre, Gordon Beckham, Mark Teahen, Brian Anderson and Josh Fields with him when he went to Florida? It must seem like it at times.
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Konerko just goes about his business
April 27, 2012
Signs of respect are spotted easily.
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Wicked slider wasn't even in Humber's arsenal early last year
April 21, 2012
That pitch that got away from A.J. Pierzynski to end Phil Humber's perfect game Saturday? The same pitch that Michael Saunders and John Jaso couldn't lay off earlier in the ninth?
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Best-ever ballparks
April 21, 2012
Fenway Park turned 100 on Friday, standing grander than ever. No place does better combining history with technology, and the clam chowder's awfully good too.
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Nationals' pitching has team dreaming
April 21, 2012
Though the Nationals enjoyed a soft schedule to start the season, with 10 of the first 14 against the Cubs, Mets and Astros, their pitching — especially their starting pitching — has been impressive. The Nationals went into the weekend with a 2.08 ERA from Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmermann, Edwin Jackson and Ross Detwiler, the lowest ERA from any group of starters
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Peavy and Sox offer glimmers of hope
April 13, 2012
After the Tigers pounded the Red Sox 10-0 last weekend, Prince Fielder warned reporters there would be some tough days ahead.
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Darvish-Suzuki matchup should make for great theater
April 8, 2012
ARLINGTON, Texas — On the other side of the globe, a nation will turn to video screens big and small at about 7:10 Monday night — or, 14 time zones away, 9:10 a.m. Tuesday in Tokyo.
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Moyer one for the ages
April 7, 2012
Credit the Cubs for keeping Jamie Moyer in uniform.
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Danks might be more than Sox fill-in
April 6, 2012
ARLINGTON, Texas — The torch has been passed, and John Danks did not get burned.
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Marlins open amid carnival atmosphere
April 4, 2012
MIAMI — Now that Marlins Park has been christened, with $106-million shortstop Jose Reyes and some of baseball's most facility-starved fans joining their futures together, with the retractable roof open and the case to move the team to Las Vegas closed, only one question remains about the Florida, er, Miami Marlins.
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Nationals raise expectations
April 4, 2012
Time must fly if you're Mike Rizzo.
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Cubs invest heavily in Cuban prospects
April 1, 2012
MESA, Ariz. — Twenty days after he walked into camp, Gerardo Concepcion faced a team of minor leaguers from the Angels.
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Time for Viciedo to dispel doubts
March 29, 2012
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Not so long ago, Dayan Viciedo would swing at anything a pitcher threw to home plate. He would hit it too, which is why some people compared him to Vladimir Guerrero.
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Time for Americans to embrace World Baseball Classic
March 24, 2012
The World Baseball Classic is coming back next spring, and it's time for the U.S. to remember who invented the game.
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Calm Volstad wants to collect victories
March 13, 2012
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Chris Volstad's heart lies at the beach, not too far, in fact, from where Carlos Zambrano lays his head every night.
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Addition of Pujols makes Angels team to beat
March 12, 2012
TEMPE, Ariz. — Like a fish that refused to be reeled in, Albert Pujols kept slipping off the hook last fall.
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Moyer shoots to make Rockies' roster at the age of 49
March 11, 2012
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A.J. Pierzynski prides himself on not striking out.
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Padres ownership situation a mess
March 10, 2012
Forget the Mets' financing troubles attached to the Fred Wilpon/Bernie Madoff connection. Look past the Red Sox's franchise-reshaping, where these days only the uniforms seem unchanged, and the slow-moving sale of the Dodgers.
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Tuck a coach worthy of the profession
March 10, 2012
There are all sorts of difference-makers in baseball. Theo Epstein touched on them when he was announced as the Cubs' top man in October.
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Darvish's devilish debut
March 7, 2012
PEORIA, Ariz. — The wind howled when Yu Darvish walked from the third-base dugout to the pitcher's mound, blowing almost directly to the center-field wall.
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Valentine right man to right Red Sox's ship
March 4, 2012
FORT MYERS, Fla. — As he starts his job as the Red Sox's manager, Bobby Valentine gets to be one part Tommy Lasorda, two parts James Carville and three parts the guy who walks behind the elephants in the circus parade. And he loves every minute of it.
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Twins now playing by different rules
March 3, 2012
Before they went upscale at Target Field, the word that best described the Twins varied according to whether they made the playoffs. They were efficient in the good years, cheap in the other ones.
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Adding wild cards will increase late-season drama
February 29, 2012
Hear that noise? That's the sound of baseball conservatives and traditionalists gnashing their teeth over the latest positive development for the sport.
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A year later, what was point of Garza trade?
February 27, 2012
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — With a strong breeze blowing through the pine trees and palmetto bushes, the Tampa Bay Rays walked out of their clubhouse and down a stone path, headed toward back diamonds for practice. They walked alone or in groups of twos and threes, and, to be fair, they weren't all former Cubs.
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Ventura's heart into turning around Sox
February 22, 2012
Robin Ventura leads with his heart.
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Is Harper ready for bigs?
February 19, 2012
Bryce Harper isn't looking to get a little more experience and then go back to the Eastern League. He's coming to spring training planning to leave Florida on the Nationals' flight to Chicago, where they will open the season.
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Sox never had chance for La Russa
February 18, 2012
Tony La Russa might be managing the 2012 White Sox if not for one reason — if he returned to Chicago, he would have had to manage against his best friend in baseball, Jim Leyland. That wasn't going to happen, according to some who know La Russa best, and it would be interesting to know if La Russa's aversion to working across the field from Leyland and the Tigers extends into the front office.
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Power rankings: No. 1 Angels
February 18, 2012
Pretty ordinary as a relief pitcher, Jerry DiPoto is a natural as a general manager.
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Power rankings: No. 2 Yankees
February 16, 2012
No. 2 Yankees: 29th in a series counting down to spring training. Next: Angels.
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Power rankings: No. 3 Rangers
February 15, 2012
No. 3 Rangers: 28th in a series counting down to spring training. Next: Yankees.
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Power rankings: No. 4 Rays
February 14, 2012
No. 4 Rays: 27th in a series counting down to spring training. Next: Rangers.
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Power rankings: No. 5 Diamondbacks
February 13, 2012
No. 5 Diamondbacks: 26th in a series countdown to spring training. Next: Rays.
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Power rankings: No. 6 Tigers
February 12, 2012
No. 6 Tigers: 25th in a series counting down to spring training. Next: Diamondbacks.
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Power rankings: No. 7 Phillies
February 11, 2012
No. 7 Phillies: 24th in a series counting down to spring training. Next: Tigers.
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Power rankings: No. 9 Marlins
February 9, 2012
No. 9 Marlins: 22nd in a series counting down to spring training. Next: Braves.
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Power rankings: No. 8 Braves
February 9, 2012
No. 8 Braves: 23rd in a series counting down to spring training. Next: Phillies.
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Power rankings: No. 10 Red Sox
February 7, 2012
Bobby Valentine has managed in the World Series and won a championship in Japan but he never has taken a major league team to a division title in 15 seasons as a manager. It's not likely to happen this year either.
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Power rankings: No. 11 Cardinals
February 6, 2012
No. 11 Cardinals: 20th in a series counting down to spring training. Next: Red Sox.
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Power rankings: No. 12 Reds
February 6, 2012
No. 12 Reds: 19th in a series counting down to spring training. Next: Cardinals.
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Power rankings: No. 13 Giants
February 4, 2012
No. 13 Giants: 18th in a series counting down to spring training. Next: Reds.
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Power rankings: No. 14 Dodgers
February 2, 2012
No. 14 Dodgers: 17th in a series counting down to spring training. Next: Giants.
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Power rankings: No. 15 Blue Jays
February 1, 2012
No. 15 Blue Jays: 16th in a series counting down to spring training. Next: Dodgers.
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Rogers' rankings: No. 16 Nationals
February 1, 2012
No. 16 Nationals: 15th in a series counting down to spring training. Next: Blue Jays
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Rogers' power rankings: No. 17 Brewers
January 30, 2012
No. 17 Brewers: 14th in a series counting down to spring training. Next: Nationals.
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Power rankings: No. 18 Royals
January 29, 2012
No. 18 Royals: 13th in a series counting down to spring training. Next: Brewers.
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Power rankings: No. 19 Rockies
January 28, 2012
No. 19 Colorado Rockies: 12th in a series counting down to spring training: Next: Royals
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Power rankings: No. 20 Indians
January 26, 2012
No. 20 Indians: No. 11 in a series counting down to spring training. Next: Rockies.
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Power rankings: No. 21 Mariners
January 25, 2012
No. 21 Mariners: 10th in a series counting down to spring training. Next: Indians.
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Power rankings: No. 22 Orioles
January 24, 2012
No. 22 Orioles: 9th in a series counting down to spring training. Next: Mariners.
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Power rankings: No. 23 White Sox
January 23, 2012
Ozzieball was always a misnomer.
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Power rankings: No. 24 Twins
January 22, 2012
Fans in St. Louis have it easy. They're merely conflicted about who to blame for Albert Pujols' departure. The feelings of many Twins fans are much more awkward.
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Power rankings: No. 25 Mets
January 21, 2012
Bernie Madoff, meet Ruben Tejada.
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Power rankings: No. 26 Cubs
January 20, 2012
En route to 91 losses last season and a radical regime change, the Cubs were outscored by 102 runs. As it happens, half of those can be put down to talent and half of them to playing the game well.
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Power rankings: No. 27 Padres
January 18, 2012
It's all about Luke Gregerson. Says a lot, doesn't it?
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Power rankings: No. 28 Pirates
January 18, 2012
No. 28 Pirates: 3rd in a series counting down to spring training. Next: Padres.
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Power rankings: No. 30 A's
January 15, 2012
First in a series, counting down to the opening of spring training. First up: the Athletics, No. 30 in Phil Rogers' power rankings.
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Re-signing Mark Buehrle sure looks good now
July 24, 2009
Some rules, like records, are made to be broken. Thank goodness that Jerry Reinsdorf didn't let one of his unwritten ones get in the way of his baseball franchise a few years back.
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White Sox Triple-A skipper Shines razor-sharp
July 5, 2006
Evaluating?
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Examination of bats proves little
June 5, 2003
About halfway through ESPN's two-hour, "Say It Ain't So-sa," special, the broker who owns the authenticated bat that Sammy Sosa used to hit his 498th career home run, did something remarkable. He and another man held the ends of the bat while a third man used a hand saw to slice through the barrel.
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No need for Sosa to cheat
June 4, 2003
Talk about overkill.