Manny Ramirez to Join Chicago Today

Left Fielder Manny Ramirez formerly of the Los Angeles Dodgers is set to join the Chicago White Sox today in time for their game against the Cleveland Indians, one of the worst teams in baseball. Manny though, is not expected to be in the starting lineup because of fatigue from the flight. This is a great opportunity for the aging Ramirez because he will be playing the Designated Hitter position for a team that is in the hunt for a playoff spot. Being a DH will take some pressure off of him and his legs, hopefully helping him stay away from the Disabled List to which he has been a frequent visitor this season.

The White Sox, although taking on an amazing hitter in the heat of a divisional battle have taken on an incredible financial burden. Over the remainder of the season Ramirez is expected to cost over 3.8 million dollars. So far Manny has had an off year hitting only eight home runs with 40 RBI but when he has been healthy, he hitting a deadly .311. In Chicago Manny will probably have to cut his trademark dreadlocks though, because although they want Manny to be Manny, both manager Ozzie Guillen and the Sox organization both want him to look professional while doing this. Actions like this could hurt the support from Manny fans, but if they see him playing in the post season this year all would be forgiven.

I can't wait to see Manny back out on the field.

-A

Stephen Strasburg to have Tommy John Surgery

Washington Nationals rookie phenom Stephen Strasburg is likely to undergo Tommy John Surgery to replace an elbow ligament.  After an MRI session on Thursday, a rumor that Strasburg had torn a ligament in his elbow was confirmed, probably the worst news possible for the re energized Nats who were depending on Strasburg to lead them along their rebuilding path.  Strasburg's development, and most likely that path, are going to be delayed another year, pretty much wasting the 2012 for if nothing else, to develop Bryce Harper in the minors and get other pitching prospects ready for a true run. 


Strasburg's injury also greatly hurts the chance that the Nationals will resign slugging first baseman Adam Dunn, who while still powerful, whiffs a lot and is getting up there in years.  The Nats figure, "why should they give an aging slugger a multi- year multimillion dollar contract when they wont even be in contention for a few years?"  And to be honest, I agree with them.  Why would you use money you could use to build your future on a "NOW" type off player, don't get me wrong, I love Adam Dunn and think he is a great player, I just do not see him playing a role in the future of this ball club.


One bright spot for the Nationals on the Day of Strasburg's MRI was that pitcher Jordan Zimmerman made his first start of the season after being out a year for undergoing the same surgery.  It gives the Nats a glimpse of hope and shows them its not a fatal blow to them, its just a minor setback.

-A

Puljols, 3rd youngest to 400

St. Louis Cardinals First Baseman Albert Pujols slammed his 400th career home run on Thursday night against the Washington Nationals.  Leading off the fourth inning at Nationals Park with the home team ahead 3-1, Pujols smashed a pitch from Jordan Zimmerman, who was making his 2010 MLB debut after needing to have Tommy John surgery last year.  With this homer, his 34th of the year Albert became the third youngest player in Major League history to reach that significant milestone and the only player to do so within a decade of their debut.  Sadly for Pujols his great day, 2-4, 3 IBB was slightly ruined because after going into the bottom of the ninth with a 10-8 lead the Cards blew it and ended up losing in 13 11-10.


We here at MVP Sports would like to congratulate Mr. Pujols on this historic and memorable achievement and wish him luck in the future.


-A

Nationals Morgan Suspended 7 Games

Washington Nationals Center fielder Nyjer Moran was fined an undisclosed amount and he was suspended for seven games by Major League Baseball for intentionally pelting a fan in the stands with a baseball. The incident occurred during the ninth inning of a Nationals win on Saturday in Philadelphia, a city widely known for having annoying and profane fans.

When asked about it Nyjer said he could not disclose details but he did say that he was not expecting a suspension for the incident. He has appealed the suspension so while Major League Baseball reviews it Morgan will be allowed to play.

-A

Will we see Strasburg again this year???????

Have we seen the last of Washington Nationals rookie phenom Stephen Strasburg for the season? We might have, yesterday night he was seen walking off the mound in Philadelphia wincing in pain. When manager Jim Riggleman and a team trainer rushed towards Strasburg Nationals fan's eyes were glued to the TV. As he was walked off the field to a chorus of boos in Philly Nats and Strasburg fans alike wondered if we will see the young rookie again this season. I firmly believe that the next time we see Strasburg throw a ball in a Major League game will be in the Spring of 2011.

If this game was his last for the season, he can surely be proud of the year he has had. When he is healthy he has been lights out going 5-3 with a 2.91 ERA, a WHIP of 1.07, and he has help opposing batters to a .221 average. Also if he has thrown his last pitches he would rank second among rookie years behind only another flamethrower, Kerry Wood with a 12.18 strikeouts per 9 innings.

As a baseball fan, I say leave Strasburg in we want to see him play. As a Cardinals fan I say put on the 15 day DL and don’t make us face him. But as a person who wants to see the Nats rebuild I don’t want him further straining his forearm or getting inflammation in shoulder again. I don’t expect to see Stephen Strasburg for the rest of the year, and I actually don’t mind it.

-A

Serena Williams Out of US Open

Serena Williams one of the great American Women Tennis Players has withdrawn from the US open citing that she is still recovering from foot surgery she underwent after she stepped on a piece of glass at a restaurant.  This injury is a big blow to Serena as she was looking forward to redeeming herself after a she threw a massive on court tantrum after a foot fault call by a line judge at last year's Open.  She expressed her feelings in this statement, "It is with much frustration and deep sadness that I am having to pull out of the U.S. Open."  She decided it would be best for her to pull out after being advised by her doctors to sit out the tournament to let her foot recover.  She stated that missing the US Open was "one of the most devastating moments of my career."

This news doesn't only affect Serena, the active leader in singles Grand Slam Championships among women and a three time winner at Flushing Meadows, It also affects her sister and doubles partner Venus.   Venus hasn't competed on tour since Wimbledon because of an injured knee and after this blow she will compete in the singles category.  Tennis Superstars Andy Roddick and Rodger Federer also commented on the loss of Serena and how it will affect the tournament.  Roddick stated that it was a "fairly big-sized hit for the tournament," and "because there's no doubt about who [Serena] the top draw card is in New York City as far as the women's side of the draw."  Federer than said "[Serena's missing it has] got to be disappointing for her and for the tournament. I'm sure it hurts, especially with her being an American."

We here at MVP Sports Talk wish Serena luck with her recovery and can't wait to see her back on the court.


-A