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MLB Fastball 08.22.08: The Battle For The NL West Crown
(08.22.2008) - Neil Borenstein
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| It may be considered the worst division in baseball, but the National League West is still receiving a ton of attention for its battle on top. In the latest edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein takes a look at the NL West battle for supremacy between the current leaders, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the team two games behind them, the Los Angeles Dodgers. |
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MLB Fastball 08.08.08: Extensions For Arizona’s One-Two Punch
(08.08.2008) - Neil Borenstein
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| The Arizona Diamondbacks have one of the strongest combinations at the frontend of their starting rotation in the entire MLB. Keeping Brandon Webb and Dan Haren together long-term has to be a top priority. While a big step was taken Tuesday by agreeing to a four-year extension with their No. 2 man, negotiating a deal with their ace hasn’t been as easy. Neil Borenstein discusses in the latest edition of MLB Fastball. |
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MLB Fastball 08.01.08: Assessing The Big Deals
(08.01.2008) - Neil Borenstein
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| The non-waiver trade deadline has come and gone, and some pretty big deals went down over the past week. In this week’s MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein takes a look at some of the biggest trades, including Manny Ramirez’ move to Los Angeles and Ken Griffey, Jr. bringing his World Series ambitions to Chicago. |
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MLB Fastball 07.26.08: The Trade Market Heading Into Deadline
(07.26.2008) - Neil Borenstein
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| Plenty of big moves have already been made, specifically in the department of starting pitching. But with the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline fast approaching, there are still some rumblings about what could go down between now and that day just under a week away. In this week’s MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein takes a look at some of the top players reported to be on the block and the teams believed to be interested in acquiring their services. |
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MLB Fastball 07.11.08: NL Central Race Hits Trade Market
(07.11.2008) - Neil Borenstein
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| The race for the top spot in the National League Central has hit the trade market, with the Milwaukee Brewers landing C.C. Sabathia and the Chicago Cubs taking a chance on the often-injured, yet dazzling when healthy Rich Harden. In this edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein takes a look at the risks associated with these moves, as well as the Mariners cutting ties with Richie Sexson after three and a half years. |
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MLB Fastball 07.05.08: Shopping Burnett For Shortstop
(07.05.2008) - Neil Borenstein
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| The Toronto Blue Jays are last in the American League East and appear ready to be sellers as the July 31 trade deadline quickly approaches. Starting pitcher A.J. Burnett may be one of their big names on the block, as the Blue Jays are reportedly shopping him for an upgrade at shortstop over both David Eckstein and John McDonald. Neil Borenstein discusses in the latest edition of MLB Fastball. |
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MLB Fastball 06.27.08: Slap On The Wrist For Ump?
(06.27.2008) - Neil Borenstein
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| Major League Baseball umpires have long been some of the most egotistical refs in all of sport. Always treated like they’re above the law by the league, umpires have gotten away with quite a bit, including ejecting managers and players for seemingly no reason at all. The MLB was forced, however, to punish one of its angelic authority figures following a bait ‘n bump routine in the Mets vs. Mariners game on June 24 – FOR ONE GAME! In this edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein examines the happenings from that game at Shea, in addition to Shawn Chacon pulling a Sprewell and a little reader feedback. |
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MLB Fastball 06.21.08: Randolph’s Firing Mishandled
(06.21.2008) - Neil Borenstein
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| Omar Minaya had weeks to turn speculation into truth and fire Willie Randolph. Instead of choosing the right time and place, he decided to let the Mets’ 18th manager in team history go one game into a series in Los Angeles in a hotel room at midnight. In this edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein shares his thoughts on the situation, as well as Derek Jeter being labeled the league’s most overrated player and Curt Schilling’s potentially career-ending surgery. |
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MLB Fastball 06.14.08: Indians Might Have Sabathia On Trade Block
(06.14.2008) - Neil Borenstein
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| The Cleveland Indians have something to think about before the July 31st trade deadline. If playoff hopes are slipping and the right offer comes their way, is the time right to deal ace C.C. Sabathia, who is unlikely to be re-signed over the offseason because of the amount of money he can command? In this edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein examines the situation and the potential trade partners with a reported interest in the services of the 28-year old lefty. |
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MLB Fastball 06.06.08: Fighting For Respect
(06.06.2008) - Neil Borenstein
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| In one day, the Tampa Bay Rays were reminded of where they once were, where they are now and where they hope to be. After drafting first overall in the first-year player draft, they brawled with the team currently occupying the first place spot in the AL East they have a realistic opportunity of sitting in for the first time in the team’s 11-year existence. In the newest edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein chimes in with his thoughts on the Rays’ busy Thursday. |
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MLB Fastball 05.23.08: Giants, Rockies and Padres Bringing Down The NL West
(05.23.2008) - Neil Borenstein
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| The National League West grabbed the NL Wild Card playoff spot in each of the last two seasons and even had a representative in the World Series last year. In 2008, however, the NL West has taken a few steps back. In this week’s return edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein takes a look at three of the four worst teams in the entire league right now – the San Francisco Giants, Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres. |
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MLB Fastball 04.06.08: Wakeup Call For Detroit
(04.06.2008) - Neil Borenstein
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| The Tigers took part in one of the biggest trades of the offseason and have increased their payroll to $138 million. But that hasn’t helped them from going 0-5 to start the season, including an opening series sweep to the Kansas City Royals. In this edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein examines the Tigers\' poor start, as well as some other observations from the first week of the 2008 MLB season. |
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MLB Fastball 03.30.08: Angels Pitching Concerns
(03.30.2008) - Neil Borenstein
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| Before the 2008 season even starts, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are without their top two starters and their setup man. Some would see this as a recipe for disaster to the Angels’ AL West crown hopes. But in this edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein takes a look at while despite having concerns in the bullpen, the Angels won’t be too bad in the starting rotation department. |
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MLB Fastball 03.21.08: 2008 Season Predictions
(03.21.2008) - Neil Borenstein
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| The opening pitch of the 2008 season is near and its time to predict how the divisions and subsequent postseason are going to shake out. In this edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein discusses his expectations within each division and picks a World Series Champion for the season ahead. |
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MLB Fastball 03.08.08: The Third Place Rays?
(03.08.2008) - Neil Borenstein
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| The Tampa Bay Rays have finished last in the AL in all but one of their 10 seasons in Major League Baseball. A constant basement team, the Rays have nowhere to move but up. This season could just be the year they not only jump out of fifth place, but go all the way to third behind the Yankees and Red Sox. In this edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein breaks down the 2008 Rays roster, which might finally be good enough to make some noise in the AL East. |
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MLB Fastball 02.29.08: Wrigley Field To Be Renamed?
(02.29.2008) - Neil Borenstein
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| Since Sam Zell purchased the Tribune Company last April, he hasn’t made the most popular moves among the public and his employees. A comment made on Tuesday by Zell has the baseball world especially displeased. In this week’s MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein discusses Zell’s non-hesitance in considering selling the naming rights of the very historic home to the Chicago Cubs. |
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MLB Fastball 2.22.08: Howard Cashes In With $10 Million Arbitration Award
(02.22.2008) - Neil Borenstein
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| The free agent market isn’t the only place to get rich. On Thursday, Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard received the largest award for a first-year arbitration-eligible player at a cool $10 million - $3 million more than what the Phillies wanted to pay. In this edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein discusses this, as well as Chien-Ming Wang’s almost unnecessary arbitration case. |
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MLB Fastball 2.17.08: The Witch-Hunt Continues
(02.17.2008) - Neil Borenstein
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| Following the uselessness of the The Mitchell Report, Congress has managed to once again butt in where its not needed. In this edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein makes yet another plea for everybody to pay more attention to league now and move forward instead of remaining on the mission to name names and stay stuck in the past. |
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MLB Fastball 2.09.08: Trades Signal Another Disappointing Season In Baltimore
(02.09.2008) - Neil Borenstein
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| The Baltimore Orioles are dealing off some of their best stars this offseason, starting with Miguel Tejada, followed by Erik Bedard and perhaps finishing with Brian Roberts in the not-too-distant future. The team is entering rebuilding mode, 10 years after their last postseason appearance. In this edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein discusses the impact trading their three stars will have on the Orioles in 2008. |
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MLB Fastball 2.02.08: Mets Win Santana Sweepstakes
(02.02.2008) - Neil Borenstein
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| After months of being on the trade block, Johan Santana has found a new home in New York. The Mets beat out the rest of the competition, most notably the Yankees and Red Sox, to land the hottest left hander in the Majors. In this edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein breaks down the trade that finally ends the speculation of Santana’s future in the Majors! |
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MLB Fastball 1.26.08: Rockies Re-sign Tulowitzki And Holliday
(01.26.2008) - Neil Borenstein
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| The Colorado Rockies had their most successful season in franchise history last year. Matt Holliday and Troy Tulowitzki were two big reasons for that, and the Rockies re-signed both of them. In this edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein takes a look at both deals, as well as a concern with an unimpressive starting pitching staff. |
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MLB Fastball 1.18.08: Cardinals And Blue Jays Swap Third Basemen
(01.18.2008) - Neil Borenstein
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| Scott Rolen wanted out of St. Louis. Troy Glaus is dealing with steroid accusations. On Monday, the Cardinals and Blue Jays decided to make a swap at the hot corner. In this week’s edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein looks at the trade that will bring a defensive upgrade to Toronto and bring in much-needed protection at the plate for Albert Pujols in St. Louis. |
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MLB Fastball 1.11.08: Mets Take The Lead In Santana Sweepstakes?
(01.11.2008) - Neil Borenstein
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| At a time when the MLB Hot Stove League is an afterthought to Hall of Fame selection and steroid talk, we’re reminded that the Johan Santana Sweepstakes could still be the biggest story of the 2007-08 offseason. With reports that the New York Mets have once again tossed their names into the hat, the Yankees and Red Sox have some competition for the lefty-ace. In this edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein looks at the players being offered and where the package of players stacks up against what the Yankees and Red Sox have put on the table. |
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MLB Fastball 1.05.08: Remaining Starters In Free Agency
(01.05.2008) - Neil Borenstein
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| Teams interested in ace quality pitching need to look at the trade market. But for teams that need good No. 3-5 options, the free agent market is still an option. In this edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein looks at some of the top remaining starting pitchers on the Major League Baseball free agent market! |
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MLB Fastball 12.28.07: Padres December Deals
(12.28.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| The San Diego Padres missed the playoffs by one game last season, and are looking to prevent that from happening in 2008. Transactions made for pitching and offense in the month of December alone have the Padres set to make a competitive run at the division crown in what is geared to be a tough NL West. In this edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein breaks down the Padres’ moves and discusses where they stand right now in the division. |
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MLB Fastball 12.15.07: Did We Really Need The Mitchell Report?
(12.15.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| Major League Baseball stood on its collective head on Thursday as former Senator George Mitchell released his findings about performance-enhancing substance abuse in baseball. He named names and dictated a set of recommendations to Commissioner Bud Selig about what do with this horrible epidemic. In this edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein takes a preliminary look at this massive document and attempts to determine if it’s just a big waste of time. |
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MLB Fastball 12.07.07: Detroit Adds Willis, Cabrera To Stacked Lineup
(12.07.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| The Detroit Tigers are determined to appear in the World Series for the second time since 2006. With a trade for Johan Santana receiving all the hype, Detroit snuck in with the true first blockbuster of the offseason by acquiring both Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera for six prospects. In this week’s MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein examines this deal and the effects it will have on both the Tigers and the Marlins. |
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MLB Fastball 11.30.07: Minaya Assures Reyes Staying In New York
(11.30.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| With the Johan Santana saga heating up, the offers to get one of the best pitchers in the game are sure to include top-end talent. The New York Mets, however, will not be including their All Star shortstop in any deal for Minnesota’s ace, according to general manager Omar Minaya. In this edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein discusses José Reyes’ status with the Mets and looks at what other options the Mets have in order to patch up the holes in their starting rotation. |
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MLB Fastball 11.23.07: Trading Johan Santana
(11.23.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| The Minnesota Twins are faced with the dilemma of dealing the ace of their starting rotation. Two-time Cy Young Award winning Johan Santana can become a free agent following the 2008 season, and the Twins are not ready to fork over the kind of cash he’s going to command. In this edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein examines Santana’s situation, including who are the top suitors and when might be the right time to trade him away. Torii Hunter’s signing with the Angels and the New York Mets’ catching situation are also discussed! |
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MLB Fastball 11.17.07: A-Rod’s Back In Pinstripes
(11.17.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| With Scott Boras in the background, Álex Rodríguez has crawled back to the New York Yankees. What was once a finished relationship is now back on for another 10 years at a whopping $275 million. In this edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein examines this issue as it pertains to Rodríguez, the Yankees and even Boras. |
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MLB Fastball 11.09.07: Two More Stars Headed Out Of Florida?
(11.09.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| The Florida Marlins do not hesitate to let go of stars that are on the verge of making a lot of money. That’s why they are expected to be very busy this offseason, as two big-money players in Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera are going to be very coveted. In the latest edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein discusses the possibilities for these two players, as well as the recent trade that will send Brett Myers back to Philadelphia’s starting rotation. |
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MLB Fastball 11.2.07: Early Changes For The Yankees
(11.02.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| The Hot Stove League has barely started, and already changes are coming across the league. The Yankees have experienced the greatest transition thus far, with one manager out and another already in, while their third baseman chose to opt out of the final three years of his deal. Check out Neil Borenstein’s thoughts on Joe Torre, Joe Girardi and Álex Rodríguez in the latest edition of MLB Fastball. |
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MLB Fastball 10.27.07: Hunter Still Waiting On Twins
(10.27.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| The Minnesota Twins finished 17 games back in the AL Central, and have plenty of players to worry about getting inked in the next few years. One player set to become a free agent this offseason is center fielder Torii Hunter, and he hasn’t been contacted recently by the Twins about a new deal. In this week’s MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein discusses this, as well as the happenings of the World Series through two games. |
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MLB Fastball 10.20.07: Some Changes In Store For Phillies
(10.20.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| Making the playoffs for the first time in 14 years was a big deal for the Philadelphia Phillies. But being bounced by the Rockies in three games proves the Phillies still have some work to do to be a contender. In this week’s edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein takes a look at the potential moves Philadelphia will look into this offseason. |
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MLB Fastball 10.12.07: The Joe Torre Story
(10.12.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| Every year, it seems to be the same theme in New York – a first round playoff exit and Joe Torre’s job is on the line. In this week’s edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein discusses this issue, as well as responds to a piece of two-week old feedback that he just managed to find the time to get to! |
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MLB Fastball 10.05.07: Jones and Braves Cut Ties
(10.05.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| It’s the end of an era in Atlanta. Andruw Jones will no longer be wearing a Braves uniform, as management in Atlanta decided the price was too steep to bring him back. In this week’s edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein examines the situation and ponders what teams might be in the running this Hot Stove season for Jones’ services. |
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MLB Fastball 09.28.07: One More Weekend
(09.28.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| The 2007 MLB season is just about over, with one weekend left before the playoffs get kicking. In this week’s edition of MLB Fastball, Neil Borenstein looks at the potential matchups in the American League and takes a look at the competitive races still going on in all three National League divisions! |
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MLB Fastball 09.21.07: Scamming Over Home Run Balls
(09.21.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| Barry Bonds is public enemy No. 1. But for those that won his No. 755 and 756 home run balls, the publicity and advertising money being obtained through Internet campaigns must have these folks absolutely in love with Bonds. In this edition of MLB Fastball, I look at why at least one of these baseballs is the center of a Web site who’s really trying to scam people, as well as what the future holds for Bonds in San Francisco following this season. |
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MLB Fastball 09.14.07: Padres’ Pitching Not Enough
(09.14.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| Pitching is typically viewed as the No. 1 indicator of which team has the best shot to go all the way in the MLB. But a severe lack of bats can be just as much of a detriment. In this week’s MLB Fastball, I discuss why a strong pitching staff will not be enough to compensate for one of the worst offenses in the league. |
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MLB Fastball 09.07.07: Final Push For Playoff Positioning
(09.07.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| October is looming, and some teams are preparing to make their final pushes toward playoff competition. In this week’s MLB Fastball, I take a look at the divisional and Wild Card situations in each league and predict who is going to come out on top in each with the few remaining weeks left in the MLB regular season! |
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MLB Fastball 08.31.07: Mulling Over The Moose
(08.31.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| The New York Yankees are playing critical games at this point in the season – searching for a playoff berth however they can get it. But one obstacle they didn’t foresee was that of a struggling 17-year starting pitching veteran named Mike Mussina. In this week’s MLB Fastball, I examine Mussina’s current state with the Yankees, as well as the potential for a 2008 Yankees’ starting rotation without “The Moose.” |
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MLB Fastball 08.24.07: Red Sox Rookies
(08.24.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| Josh Beckett, Manny Ramírez, David Ortiz, Jonathan Papelbon. These are some of the names that come to mind when the success of the Boston Red Sox this season is discussed. But the Red Sox have received great production from some of their rookies as well. In this week’s edition of MLB Fastball, I take a look at three of Boston’s first-year players and what kind of impact they have made on the AL East division leaders. |
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MLB Fastball 08.17.07: Giambi Off The Hook
(08.17.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| Jason Giambi is off the hook with commissioner Bud Selig, who had decided not to attempt disciplining Giambi for steroid use after his willingness to speak with Sen. George Mitchell about steroids. Check out my thoughts in this week\'s edition of MLB Fastball! |
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MLB Fastball 08.10.07: MLB Bottom-Feeders
(08.10.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| Some teams seemed destined for greatness even before each season starts. Others seemed destined for failure. Three teams most commonly fall into that latter category. And in this week’s edition of MLB Fastball, I examine those clubs, most specifically the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Kansas City Royals. |
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MLB Fastball 08.03.07: East Coast Trading
(08.03.2007) - Neil Borenstein
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| With the MLB non-waiver trade deadline out of the way, I examine this year’s moves from the teams occupying the East division in both the American League and the National League. Who made the big moves on the East Coast? Check out MLB Fastball to find out! |
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