I know none of you care but ........ (the Baseball thread)

[pmarachi]

Ryan Braun has won his appeal against a suspension for using PEDs


http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7608360/milwaukee-brewers-ryan-braun-wins-appeal-50-game-suspension

Just read the report and it appears that an arbitrator may have thrown out the case because of a "chain of custody" problem (full details of the ruling haven't yet been released).

Its going to be interesting to see how Braun reacts when reporters ask why his sample was positive.

As a semi-Brewers fan, in one way I'm happy that he'll be available to play. However, on first glance, it does look like he might have got away with cheating.

I see that MLB is considering appealing the ruling. Therefore, this specific case isn't over yet.

It may also lead to other players who have failed tests (cough...... Manny Being Manny...... cough) appealing on similar grounds.


The ruling could also have implications in the wider sporting world if it turns out that chain-of-custody and testing procedures have not been adhered to elsewhere.

This has actually been HUGE news on NY Sports Radio all morning.

In all honesty, I am not going to even pretend I know ANYTHING about the science behind drug testing, but here are some things I have heard that make me think Braun may have been innocent.

(allegedly) Braun's levels were 4X higher than anyone else had ever been.

Braun actually WANTED an increase in testing around the league a few years back.

When he found out he failed, he didn't call a lawyer or a press conference, but DEMANDED to be tested again on the spot.  He was and he passed.


BUTTTTTT...

This whole "arbitrator" thing is a scam.  It is literally ONE person's decision. 

Also, Bud Selig, as the Comish has some involuntary ownership in the Brewers and an interest in their success.
As you know, the Brewers recently lost my fellow vegeterain brother, and powerhouse Prince Fielder, and REALLY need Braun...

So many questions...

Maybe this will lead to MANDATORY steroids for all players! ha!

[UK Redsox]

Looks like Jason Varitek will announce his retirement this week.

Tek and Derek Lowe to Boston in exchange for Heathcliff Slocumb going to Seattle, is one of the great lopsided trades of all time.

[UK Redsox]

Brien Taylor, a story of what might have been

http://www.wcti12.com/news/30581998/detail.html

[pmarachi]

any thoughts on this new WC structure?

[UK Redsox]

any thoughts on this new WC structure?

The toilet looks great but I think that the bidet is a step too far.

[The Left Side]

Ahhh Spring Training games... oh how I have missed baseball, welcome back dear friend!

Any predictions or is it too early?

anno catuli!

[UK Redsox]

Any predictions or is it too early?

I hereby predict that we won;t be watching a Mets v Orioles World Series in October.

I'll give my proper predictions some thought as Spring Training progresses.

I'm planning to head Stateside twice this season.

In June, I'll be at Fenway Park for 6 Sox games. I'll then follow them down to Miami to see them play in the Marlins' new ballpark. We're then working our way across Florida watching Minor League games before ending up with a couple of Rays games at the Trop.

In August I'm heading for the West Coast. Major League games in Seattle, San Fran and Oakland plus Minor League games in Tacoma, Sacramento and Reno.

EDIT - I've now added three Red Sox @ Blue Jays games to the start of my June trip.

[UK Redsox]

If anyone is interested in joining a Yahoo based Fantasy Baseball League for the coming season, please PM me your email address.

Its operated by a mate of mine Stateside but its "auto-draft" so time zones aren't an issue.

[UK Redsox]

Monday 26th sees PBS start showing Ken Burns' classic documentary "Baseball". All 18 hours of the original 1990s show and last year's two hour follow up.

I bought the film in the 9 tape VHS box set version in Cooperstown in 1998. I had to lug it around for the rest of my trip and then buy a new VCR that would play NTSC standard cassettes when I got back.

The star of the series turned out to be Buck O'Neil, player and manager from the Negro Leagues. I was lucky enough to meet him a few years later. One of sports true gents.

[UK Redsox]

Chipper will call it a day after 2012 season

http://espn.go.com/mlb/spring2012/story/_/id/7723234/chipper-jones-retire-2012-season

[Chicago_Villa]

For those of you planning to head to Chi-town for the Villa game, the Cubs will be playing the Cardinals in St Louis on 7/20, 7/21 & 7/22. It is not a long drive from Chicago, and these would be good games to see. If you are heading in earlier, the Marlins are in town from July 17 thru 19. Tickets should be relatively easy to get for these games.

[UK Redsox]

$2bn is the Magic Number

Los Angeles Dodgers sold

[UK Redsox]

Happy Opening Day everybody

The first game of the season, Mariners v Athletics, has just started in Tokyo

[The Left Side]

Happy Opening Day everybody

The first game of the season, Mariners v Athletics, has just started in Tokyo

Great stuff, glad it is finally here!

[UK Redsox]

MLB could be coming to London

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/still-seeking-a-home-for-baseball-in-europe-mlb-eyes-london-olympic-stadium/2012/03/28/gIQA8W8egS_story.html