Soriano Homers Twice, Cubbies Beat Pirates

On average; there are some steals, and some outrages

(NEWSER) - Fans of winning baseball franchises pay for their bragging rights with more expensive beer, the Wall Street Journal reports. On average, a team that wins 6 out of 10 games charges $1.30 more for a 16-ounce beer than a club with a .400 winning percentage. There are, of course, exceptions, allowing for some great deals and some unconscionable gouging. More»

Pittsburgh's futility streak longest in North American sports history

(NEWSER) - Baseball’s Pittsburgh Pirates set a new North American standard for consecutive losing seasons by a major sports franchise, the Post-Gazette reports, with today’s loss to the Chicago Cubs guaranteeing the team finishes with more losses than wins for the 17th year in a row. The Pirates had shared the dubious distinction with the 1933-48 Philadelphia Phillies. “Obviously, I am disappointed,” the team’s owner said. More»

Marlins come bottom in latest ranking of baseball's MVTs

(NEWSER) - The New York Yankees' $1.5 billion valuation lands them solidly in the top spot in the Forbes ranking of baseball's most valuable teams. The crosstown Mets came second, trailing by almost $600 million. The Yanks, however, were one of only two teams to lose money last season, dropping $3.7 million. The Detroit Tigers lost a whopping $26.3 million. More»

(NEWSER) - Chicago Cubs brass expects the team to be sold by spring training, the Tribune reports. The chairman of the team, which is in the midst of a century-long title drought, says it is reviewing bids and could have a deal in place by February. Crane Kenney also shot down rumors that Sam Zell's Tribune Company would hold onto to a big part of the team. “Any interest would be a small interest,” he said. More»

Chicago posted NL's most wins; Tampa Bay had first-ever winning season, reached World Series

(NEWSER) - Lou Piniella and his Tampa Bay successor, Joe Maddon, have been voted baseball’s managers of the year, MLB.com reports. Maddon’s first-ever recognition is no surprise after he led the Rays to their first-ever winning season and the American League pennant. Chicago’s Piniella won the honor—his third, after two with the Seattle Mariners—after leading the Cubs to a National League-best 97 wins. More»