The Ryan Report, #04

Fear and Loathinig in Pittsburgh

Hugging Harold Reynolds posted 5/13/2008 from gemmintten.blogspot.com

When popular submarine-sidearm Pirate pitcher Kent Tekulve was traded to the Phillies in April of 1985, many of Pittsburgh's faithful were up-in-arms that their ridiculous looking starter/mascot was so easily disposed of. In an effort to placate the growing hostility at Three Rivers, Pittsburgh brass thought they could simply find another player to wear prescription Blue Blocker aviator glasses.

Poor Joe Smith

TheRopolitansDOTcom posted 5/13/2008 from theropolitans.com

After striking out the side on Monday night, the Mets rewarded Joe Smith with a demotion. The Mets sent Smith back to the minors to make room for a spot starter for Wednesday's game, rather than pitch Johan Santana or Mike Pelfrey on short rest.

Brandon Webb: Pay This Man Right Now

gmcdowel posted 5/13/2008 from sportsyenta.blogspot.com

This isn't the first time I've talked up Brandon Webb. Avid fans (hey, Mom!) will remember that I juxtaposed my main man Barry Zito with Mr. Webb awhile back. I said then it's quite hilarious that Zito makes more than Webb. Well, Webb is about to cash in (and still make less than Zito). His agent is negotiating an extension with the Diamondbacks right now. If he keeps throwing like he did ...

Could the Magowan Tenure with the Giants Be Ending?

Maury posted 5/14/2008 from www.bizofbaseball.com

There are rumblings today that Peter Magowan, managing partner of the San Francisco Giants may be stepping away from his ownership tenure with the club. While the change is unconfirmed, a staunch denial from the Giants organization has not been issued either. As reported by Ray Ratto of the San Francisco Chronicle : Neither Magowan nor his manager/cut man Larry Baer has chosen to respond ..

Bill Conlin: Suddenly there are more experts than strikeouts in Ryan Howard's slump | Philadelphia Daily News | 05/13/2008

BBTF's Baseball Primer Newsblog found this 5/13/2008 on www.philly.com

THEY HAVE SLITHERED through cyberspace like those seed pods from "Invasion of the Body Snatchers." They have aligned themselves into three distinct groups: The "Tell Him to Try This" hitting coaches. The "Get Rid of the Bum" bashers. The "Just Leave ...