Marlins Call Up Big-Time Cheerleaders

Because baseball needs more plus-size guys jumping around

(NEWSER) - The Florida Marlins are currently holding tryouts for new male cheerleaders—the chubbier, the better. Though the Marlins already have lean pompom girls rooting on the sidelines, the AP reports, they're looking to create a rotund 10-man squad called the Manatees to boost record-low attendance at home games. But these big boys will be chosen just like the girls, officials say: based on how well they shake their, uh, booty. More»

Deal is for 10 years, $250 million

(NEWSER) - The Los Angeles Angels made two huge splashes today, snatching up two of the biggest free agents on the market: Albert Pujols and CJ Wilson. Pujols has agreed to a 10-year deal worth between $250 and $260 million, a source tells Yahoo! Sports . Depending on the exact number, it may be the second-biggest baseball contract ever—behind Alex Rodriguez's $275 million deal with the Yankees—and according to ESPN, it includes a full no-trade clause. More»

Boston may send Ramirez to Florida

(NEWSER) - Red Sox fans are used to "Manny being Manny," but could they accustom themselves to Manny being a Marlin? Talks about sending Manny Ramirez to Florida have turned serious, but many still doubt that any deal will be made by today's trade deadline, sources tell ESPN. Ramirez, for his part, seems ready to leave Boston. More»

Rays at the head of the class—Rockies, Marlins at the back

(NEWSER) - 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»

(NEWSER) - Brett Tomko pitched six innings Friday for his first victory in nearly six weeks, and two unearned runs helped the Kansas City Royals extend their winning streak to five games by beating the slumping Florida Marlins 7-6. Closer Joakim Soria allowed a run for the first time this season when he gave up a two-run homer to Jeremy Hermida in the ninth. More»