SportsNation Blog Archives
Milwaukee Brewers
Ryan Braun has had his drug suspension overturned, but there will be no written decision in the case. Are you OK with this?
- BraunFan1109: "Obviously, I'm a Brewers fan, and there should be a written explination. Broken chain of custody was Braun's argument, but it might not be why he won."
- DaPhunksBack: "The fact that both sides are keeping their mouths shut doesn't sit well with me. Makes me think that something was really wrong with system and the MLB said hey we'll overturn this, but do us a favor and not make the whole process look like joke."
- 7bkohl: "Ryan Braun has denied the fact that he took steriods knowingly and unknowingly and has cooperated throughout the entire process."
- BritInWI: "The only person hurt by this report not becoming public is Ryan Braun. How can it possibly get worse for him?"
- David72218: "MLB needs to give an explanation to reassure the fans that there isn't anything fishy going on with players using performance enhancing substances. You can't just sweep this under the rug."
- JRice3644: "doesnt need to be any written explanation. MLB breached the confidentiality of this case TWICE. the man was vindicated and exonerated. time to let it go and move on."
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Opening Day -- well, Opening Night, really, and we technically already had one of those in Japan, but who's counting? -- is finally here, as the Cardinals will take on the Marlins tonight in the first stateside regular-season MLB game. It's bound to be an exciting season with so many players having changed teams, but has the power structure been altered significantly?
Vote: Pick each division and pennant, and the winner of the World Series
Rank: Baseball's best teams? | Top players in the game?
World Series repeat?
The Cardinals prevailed over the Rangers in the 2011 World Series, but St. Louis lost its biggest gun this past offseason ...
Best player?
... which is a pretty big loss, considering he might be one of the best players of all time.
Odd one out?
The Red Sox missed the playoffs last season after an epic September collapse. Will they be on the outside looking in once again?
AL's best?
Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols were probably the two biggest additions to teams in the American League, meaning the balance of power could shift.
NL's best?
Likewise, the addition of Jose Reyes to the Marlins could give the team a huge upgrade -- offensively with new third baseman Hanley Ramirez, and defensively at shortstop.
A change of scenery?
The latest rumors seem to indicate the Washington Nationals are the leaders in the clubhouse for Prince Fielder's services. Will playing in the nation's capital outweigh whatever the Chicago Cubs possibly offer?
Movin' on up?
The rise of the Tampa Bay Rays has made an already talented AL East even more impressive. But would Prince Fielder's arrival in Washington, coupled with Jose Reyes in Miami, make for an equally dangerous division?
Bigger potential?
The Marlins have been active signing Jose Reyes, Heath Bell, Carlos Zambrano and Mark Buehrle, creating a buzz in Miami, but would the Nationals with Prince Fielder be a bigger postseason threat?
Diminishing returns?
Prince Fielder's 275 pound frame may have some potential buyers worried about how he will hold up over the course of his contract, but the 27-year-old has only missed 13 games in his six full seasons in MLB and just one over the past three seasons.
Where will Fielder sign?
Prince Fielder's reign in Milwaukee will likely come to an end soon, as the free agent has been rumored to be meeting with the Nationals. Will 2012 find him hitting home runs in Washington?
Fielder's rank?
Fielder's hitting prowess is beyond question, but it's a pretty good era for first basemen. Is he really one of the best in baseball?
Fielder or Votto?
Teams looking for a first baseman of the future have two attractive options: sign Prince Fielder now, or wait two years and go after the Reds' Joey Votto. Who would you go for?
The Packers rolled to a Super Bowl championship last season and appear headed back for more this season. Wisconsin rocked Nebraska and Camp Randall Stadium last week to solidify the Badgers as title contenders. Are the Brewers next as Wisconsin takes over the world of sports? It will require a Game 5 win against the Diamondbacks.
- "If the Crew lose this game it will be one of the biggest CHOKES ever! All that swagger. They are the better team by far and they can't be beat at home!" -- SN commenter packerbob74
- "Kennedy doesn't have to lose the game for the Dbacks to lose. Gallardo's performance will have more impact on the game than Kennedy's. If the game is tied or within one run after six, the Brewers win." -- SN commenter maverick8948
Ian Kennedy or Yovani Gallardo?
Kennedy went 21-4 in the regular season but allowed eight hits and four runs in Game 1, while Gallardo allowed just one earned run in eight innings in the opener.
Momentum or a familiar environment?
The Diamondbacks piled up two grand slams and an 18-7 advantage in runs to even the series, but is that more valuable than a season of success at Miller Park?
Root, root, root for the home team?
The Brewers were SN's favorite NL team when the playoffs commenced, but have the Diamondbacks won you over by rallying from a two-game hole?
How do you pick your poison?
Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder have combined for seven RBIs and 23 total bases this series. With the game on the line, how do you deal with them?
ALDS: Tigers vs. Yankees
Jose Valverde was perfect in the regular season, but is he second-best in this series?
Vote: Five questions for Tigers vs. Yankees
ALDS: Rays vs. Rangers
The Rays used one ace just to make it, but does starting rookie Matt Moore on the road make sense?
Vote: Five questions for Rays vs. Rangers
NLDS: Cardinals vs. Phillies
Albert Pujols' slow start turned into MVP-type numbers, but does pitching rule a short series?
Vote: Five questions for Cardinals vs. Phillies
NLDS: Diamondbacks vs. Brewers
Ian Kennedy won 21 games for Arizona, but do the Brewers have the depth?
Vote: Five questions for Diamondbacks vs. Brewers
We imagine it's difficult to stay in the headlines in Wisconsin once the Packers start playing, but the Brewers may be getting a little too creative in their efforts. First, reliever Francisco Rodriguez grumbled about his role. Now Prince Fielder is using the final days of the regular season to effectively announce his impending departure. Imagine if the team wasn't in first.
- "I feel bad for Brewers fans. This is the first great season in a long time for them. This just rains in their parade. Totally unnecessary and avoidable comment by Fielder." -- SN commenter KenM321
- "Life is tough. Axford is the better closer. If K-Rod is so unhappy he can turn down the $$ Milwaukee is paying him, retire and go work at a 7-11. Axford keeps his mouth shut, gets the job done and has class." -- SN commenter JonsZX2SR
Is timing everything here?
We've known Prince Fielder was going to test free agency, and we've known the Brewers were unlikely to find the money to keep him. Is his confirming that now a big deal?
Prince Fielder or Albert Pujols?
Pujols may be more of a lock for Cooperstown, but does age and relative cost make Fielder a better option in free agency?
Which one is Batman?
Fielder talked about breaking up his partnership with Ryan Braun, who the Brewers gave a long-term extension. Did they pick the right guy?
What about Francisco Rodriguez?
The Brewers talked about splitting saves when they acquired K-Rod, but John Axford has converted 39 consecutive chances, making him tough to displace.
Do the Brewers have to reserve postseason rosters spots for Nyjer Morgan and Tony Plush? Morgan's alter ego, a character named Tony Plush, blasted Albert Pujols on Twitter after the Cardinals slugger stepped between Morgan and Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter in Wednesday's game. Carpenter took exception to Morgan's throwing his chewing tobacco on the field after striking out, a rather tame incident in Morgan's history of drama.
- "This kid is becoming a problem. For him to even think Pujols cares about his stupid tweet is ridiculous. Nice job, man. Make you and your team look bad." -- SN commenter rtlahey88
- "Nyjer has a lot of talent, and his energy is great for the game. It's just embarrassing though that he continues to do foolish things like this." -- SN commenter BamaSkins21
Can you count on him in October?
Morgan is hitting .313 in 102 games this season and is third on the team in stolen bases. Does that outweigh his history of unpredictable behavior?
Nyjer Morgan or Ron Artest?
After helping the Lakers win a ring, Ron Artest may be the unofficial spokesman of enigmatic players on championship-caliber teams.
Do you agree with Albert Pujols?
Pujols drew Morgan's ire, but the Cardinals slugger also said he likes Morgan and doesn't mind having guys like that on his team.
Are you a Tony Plush fan?
We liked the fake persona most of all, but is Morgan's alter ego entertaining?
Our tour of baseball etiquette moves to Milwaukee for the Brewers and Cardinals. In Tuesday's game, Brewers reliever Takashi Saito threw a pitch up and in that hit Albert Pujols in the hand as the slugger attempted to get out of the way. Cardinals reliever Jason Motte responded by hitting Ryan Braun in the back after coming inside but missing Braun with the previous pitch. And all that came after Cardinals manager Tony La Russa accused the Brewers of rigging Miller Park and before Yadier Molina lost his mind arguing a called strike.
- "Brewers were not trying to hit Pujuls, but Saito looked stupid coming in that high and tight. I would have sent the same message to Braun and the Brewers. Part of the game, but keep it below the shoulders, boys." -- SN commenter IndianaAce
What's fair in stopping Albert Pujols?
La Russa acknowledged that Saito wasn't trying to hit Pujols, but he noted that the pitch up and in was "aimed right where they aimed it," and was a serious injury waiting to happen.
Do two wrongs make a sore back?
As reported on MLB.com, La Russa had this to say after the game: "We did not hit Braun on purpose. We threw two balls in there real good just to send a message."
Care to shed some light on it?
Pitch selection wasn't the only area of dispute, as La Russa and the Cardinals lodged a protest alleging the Brewers tweak a video board to provide a better background for home hitters.
Did Yadier Molina get the last word?
Molina was ejected after getting into a heated argument with plate umpire Rob Drake, who recoiled and wiped his face during the exchange, as seen in the video above.
We can understand if you don't want to take the time to grade your tech-support help on the other end of the telephone, but when we're talking about the dollars and emotion you've invested in sports, we think it's worth the effort. It's time for ESPN The Magazine's Ultimate Standings, in which SportsNation grades organizations on everything from ticket prices and stadium experience to the talent on the field, court or rink. Which team will end up on top this year? It depends on what you say.
Take part in the 2011 MLB survey
2010 MLB Ultimate Standings
1. Los Angeles Angels (Overall: No. 3)
2. Tampa Bay Rays (Overall: No. 6)
3. Colorado Rockies (Overall: No. 13)
4. Minnesota Twins (Overall: No. 14)
5. Atlanta Braves (Overall: No. 15)
Take part in the 2011 NFL survey
2010 NFL Ultimate Standings
1. New Orleans Saints (Overall: No. 1)
2. Indianapolis Colts (Overall: No. 4)
3. Green Bay Packers (Overall: No. 9)
4. Arizona Cardinals (Overall: No. 19)
5. Baltimore Ravens (Overall: No. 20)
Take part in the 2011 NBA survey
2010 NBA Ultimate Standings
1. Orlando Magic (Overall: No. 2)
2. San Antonio Spurs (Overall: No. 7)
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (Overall: No. 10)
4. Dallas Mavericks (Overall: No. 24)
5. Oklahoma City Thunder (Overall: No. 25)
Take part in the 2011 NHL survey
2010 NHL Ultimate Standings
1. Pittsburgh Penguins (Overall: No. 5)
2. Detroit Red Wings (Overall: No. 8)
3. Washington Capitals (Overall: No. 11)
4. San Jose Sharks (Overall: No. 12)
5. Chicago Blackhawks (Overall: No. 16)
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