Jul 11, 08 1:30 PM CDT
The American League is just flat out better than the National League, writes Darren Everson in the Wall Street Journal. The AL has had a lock on All-Star games for a decade, has won 11 of the last 16 World Series, and it dominates interleague play. Why the disparity? Everson explains that it's a combination of factors such as the DH rule, a flood of new talent and new stadiums, better drafting, and just plain luck. More »
Jul 2, 08 12:20 PM CDT
Report card time! Here’s how the rambunctious kids of MLB are doing so far, in Yahoo Sports’ Steven Henson’s estimation.
A students—Rays, Red Sox, Cubs, Angels, White Sox
Particular kudos go to the Rays, the poor kid who went to the head of the class.
B students—Cardinals, Brewers, Twins, Phillies, Yankees, Athletics, Marlins, Orioles
The Cardinals have a slight edge in the wildcard race. The Yankees, meanwhile, barely scrape together a B. More »
May 25, 08 3:33 PM CDT
With the help of modern air travel, Major League Baseball should seriously consider expanding across the Pacific, writes Jim Caple for ESPN. Such a move could be both profitable and intriguing, and keep Japan from hemorrhaging its best talent. Though, as Red Sox manager Terry Francona points out, "Saying it would be fun and making it work are two different things." More »
May 15, 08 10:14 PM CDT
Ryan Dempster struck out a career-high 12 and hit a go-ahead single against Greg Maddux during a four-run fifth inning, leading the Chicago Cubs over the punchless Padres 4-0. Jim Edmonds singled in his debut with the Cubs, who won three of four from the team with the worst record in the major leagues (15-27). More »
May 14, 08 11:37 PM CDT
Ted Lilly struck out 11 in six innings to win his third straight start, and Alfonso Soriano and Geovany Soto homered to lead the Chicago Cubs over the San Diego Padres 8-5 Wednesday night. Backed by three RBIs apiece from Soriano and Soto, Lilly (4-4) allowed six hits and four runs in six innings. More »