Hidden “Gems” : James Rhodes, Prospect League Pitching Star

James Rhodes

We at MSF are pleased to feature an “Under the Radar Player” named James Rhodes, a pitcher for the Quincy (IL) Gems, who currently stand at 38-18 overall this summer, best in all the Prospect League.

All-Star Break Update on MLB’s Most Over and Underrated Players

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Way back in February, USA Today’s 2011 MLB Preview Magazine published a piece by Ari Kaufman whereupon he rendered his thoughts on who the most over and underrated players in the game were as we approached the new campaign. In the post, Ari takes inventory of his predictions at the break.

Down on the Farm: “Corny” Illinois, and the Indy Indians continue to crawl back into the race

Mississippi River

This is the third in a monthly series called “Down on the Farm” that will chronicle my visits to various minor league parks throughout the 2011 season. (Part 1 can be found here and part 2 here.)

Update on Baseball’s Most Over and Underrated Players

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Back in February, Ari rendered his thoughts on who the most over and underrated players in baseball were as we approached the new campaign. He is now doing occasional updates on these “predictions,” so as to capriciously praise or condemn himself.

Down on the Farm: Deep in the Heart of Texas and Signs of Improvement in Indianapolis

Dell Diamond

This is the second in a monthly series called “Down on the Farm” that will chronicle my visits to various minor league parks throughout the 2011 season. (Part 1 can be found here.) In May’s edition, I regale you with tales and photos of my journey to Round Rock (Texas) to watch the Express on a lovely [...]

Update on Baseball’s Over/Underrated players

The article

Back in February, USA Today’s 2011 MLB Preview Magazine published a lengthy piece by yours truly, whereupon I rendered my thoughts on who the most over and underrated players in the game were as we approached the new campaign. I figured I might as well do a monthly update on these “predictions,” so as to [...]

Down on the Farm: Victory Field, Bowling Green Ballpark, Lincoln’s Birthplace, and Bryce Harper in Lexington

In today’s Down on the Farm article, Ari regales you with tales and photos of my journey to Victory Field in Indianapolis and a trip down south to Kentucky to see the phenom heard ’round the world: Bryce Harper.

Texas, Oakland, Vernon Wells and the AL Worst

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Ari was one of the few, it seemed, that felt Texas would repeat as AL West champs. As he quickly explains, he simply was not buying into the Oakland or Anaheim hype.

The Indiana Pacers FINALLY return to the playoffs!

Frank Vogel

After last night’s 136-112 steamrolling of the Washington Wizards, at 36-43 overall, the Indiana Pacers are back in the playoffs at long last.

Why is the (east coast) media doubting the Reds & Rangers?

Bronson Arroyo on Sunday, April 3

Considering we’re looking mostly at ESPN, that question may seem rhetorical, but even some guys at the venerable MLB Network (a fantastic channel) were picking the Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, Oakland Athletics, Anaheim Angels and others to unseat the defending NL Central and AL West champs. It’s still quite early, and I don’t gamble [...]

Butler Bulldogs continue to be doubted and disrespected by “pompous” and “foolish” East Coast media

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Despite a 10-1 record in their last 11 NCAA Tournament games, Butler continues to be disrespected by the ESPN-led East Coast sports media. AJ Kaufman has had enough and makes his opinion on the matter crystal clear in this post.

2011 MLB TV Schedule: 10 Best early season MLB matchups on national TV

Here are ten nationally-televised matchups on the MLB TV Schedule to keep an eye on prior to the July All-Star Break in Phoenix.

MLB, unlike NBA or even NFL, does NOT have a problem with parity

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MLB Commissioner Bud Selig is famous — or infamous, depending upon your stance — for often stating that baseball is currently in “another Golden Age.” One of the reasons is the great parity in today’s game.

March Madness 2011: Butler in, but Bulldogs, Indiana State, and other mid-majors will face annual Selection Sunday bias

ISU Sycamores

Last night, the Butler Bulldogs continued their 2011 renaissance with a 9th consecutive win. But I have no idea where Butler will be seeded come Selection Sunday, nor does anyone.

Many Strong Candidates for 2010-2011 College Basketball Coach of the Year [Poll]

matt-painter-purdue-st-marys-midwest-regiona-predictions

The 2010-11 college basketball season has seen a number of excellent coaching jobs, including Matt Painter at Purdue, Steve Lavin at St. John’s, Rick Pitino at Louisville, and many more. All are candidates for National Coach of the Year. Who is your choice?