Minnesota Twins Owner Dies At 93

Carl Pohlad, a billionaire banker whose Minnesota Twins won two World Series died yesterday, January 5, 2009. Mr. Pohlad bought the Twins in 1984 and is credited with keeping baseball alive in Minnesota.
Back in 1984, Pohlad bought the Twins franchise from Calvin Griffith for $38 million. Back in the 80s Pohlad inherited a promising group of baseball greats including Kent Hrbek, Gary Gaetti and the late Hall-of-Famer Kirby Puckett.
Minnesota won the World Series championships in 1987 against the St. Louis Cardinals and in 1991 against the Atlanta Braves.
Over the last 22 years, the Minnesota Twins have had two different managers, three GMS and two presidents. The reason for this is Carl Pohlad hallmarks were loyalty and stability.
Nothing drastic will change with the Twins. They are lead by their president Dave St. Peter and Senior V.P. and General Manager Bill Smith. The Twins will be managed again by Ron Gardenhire.

Team USA Doing It Wright For 2009 World Baseball Classic

The New York Mets All Star Third Baseball, David Wright has committed to the USA baseball squad for the 2009 World Baseball Classic. Wright, wil be the only New York Met playing for the USA in the tournament.
Other Met players are playing in the World Baseball Classic but not for Team USA. First baseman Carlos Delgado and relief pitcher Pedro Filiciano have given their intentions to play for Puerto Rico. Pitcher Johan Santana and newly acquired relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez have stated they will play for their homeland - Venezuela. Shortstop phenom Jose Reyes would like to play for the Dominican Republic.
The addition of David Wright to Team USA will help to attract the MLB fan base to the tournament. David Wright is a downright good guy and a true American patriot - that's what the fans love about him. He gives 100% all the time and doesn't complain like many other primadonas in Major League Baseball.
Team USA disappointed in the World Baseball Classic in 2007, only making it to the second round. They lost to South Korea and the eventual champion Japan.
This year, the Americans will play their opening-round matches in Toronto, within a pool that includes Canada, Italy and Venezuela. The Double elimination tournament opening round is scheduled for March 5 - March 12.



Round One
There are 4 pools in round one:

Pool A - China, Chinese Taipei, Japan, Korea

Pool B - Australia, Cuba, Mexico, South Africa

Pool C - Canada, Italy, USA, Venezuela

Pool D - Dominican Republic, Netherlands, Panama, Puerto Rico


Round Two

Will be be held March 14 - March 19 in a double elimination format

Pool 1 will be played in San Diego, California and consist of:

Pool A Winner

Pool A Runner-Up

Pool B Winner

Pool B Runner-Up



Pool 2 will be played in Miami, Florida and consist of:

Pool C Winner, Pool C Runner-Up, Pool D Winner and Pool D Runner-Up


The Semi Finals

Will be played in Los Angeles on March 21 and March 22 in a single elimination format:

Game 1: Pool 2 Winner vs. Pool 1 Runner Up

Game 2: Pool 1 Winner vs. Pool 2 Runner Up


The World Baseball Classic Finals

Will be played in Los Angeles on March 23. It will be one game

Semi-final 1 Winner vs Semi-final 2 Winner

Manny Ramirez - The San Francisco Treat?

Could Manny Ramirez end up as a San Francisco Giant for the 2009 MLB season? It isn't likely, but never say never.
The Giants front office believe there is no reason not to explore the possibility of Manny Ramirez moving "upstate" to play with the Giants.
The Giants are in a desperate need for a cleanup hitter and Manny fits the bill. Based on his .396 batting average, 17 homeruns and 53 RBIs, he has proven he can carry a National League team to the playoff.
The buzz about Manny to the Giants has risen lately. The Denver Post led the parade by reporting that the Giants were "aggressively pursuing" him. San Francisco's KPIX-TV reported that the team had offered Ramirez a multiyear contract. And SI.com's Jon Heyman wrote that the Giants had "entered the bidding" for Ramirez.
But is it all hype or are the reports true?
Based on the needs of the Giants [they need a offensive infielder desperately] and the price tag [would put them over their payroll limit and might force them to trade another outfielder], a deal isn't likely. And Manny is considered by many to be too much of a defensive liability.
But how does Manny feel about playing in San Francisco? Money talks! Adn the economic times might make him think twice about passing up the possibility. In his heart though, many feel he wants to go back East - close to his roots in Washington Height, NYC.
Regardless of what you hear in the press, expect both New York teams to be in the Manny hunt. The Yankees could maximize his bat by making him the DH and the Mets would certainly welcome his power.
Stay tuned as the Manny saga continues.