Operation Panda: The Giants Offseason Plan for the Postseason?

With the San Francisco Giants first Spring Training game less than three days away, it is more than acceptable to talk some baseball. Operation Panda. What is it you ask? Well, what was supposed to be Pablo Sandoval's get in shape quick scheme, turned into a team-wide Jenny Craig-a-thon. The one problem: Sandoval isn't anywhere near the target weight he set out to reach at the beginning of the offseason. On the other hand, Aaron Rowand is taking his role of leadoff hitter to heart, losing weight to match the stereotype. Rowand hopes that his shedding excess weight will contribute to a much needed turn-around season. I hope so too. Here's to the first Giants Baseball post of many this season. Cheers.

Badass Ballplayer's: Kyle Farnsworth

Yes Sir, Who doesn't like a pitcher who itches his crotch and throws chumps into headlocks...

Our 2nd nominee for most Badass Ballplayer's is journeyman relief pitcher Kyle Farnsworth.  You probably remeber him best for laying the smackdown to Paul Wilson.  Most likely the best baseball-fight in recent memory.  He also through legendary Roger Clemen's under the bus, when Clemens was using his rockstar fame and not going on all of the Yankee's road trips.  Farnsworth is still playing for the Royals and hopefully 2010 will give us another great baseball-fight involving Farnsworth.

ManRam's last year in LA?

In a surprising move, Manny stir's up controversy again...

Ah, What a great time of the year... Snow is going away, 2010 is hastily headed into March and spring training is on the upswing.  That mean's almost 8 months of baseball shenanigans.  Guess who is already stirring the pot... You know him as Manny Ramirez.  Ofcourse, they'll all say it's Manny being Manny.  But, really? Already? Wow he hasn't even taken a pitch yet.  Manny has decalred that he thinks this will be his last year in L.A.  We don't know why he would say that.  They love him their, Maybe he is going to retire...

Johnny Damon's future?

This caveman takes a hack, Oh wait... that is free agent outfielder, Johnny Damon!

Where will Johnny Damon end up?  Right now it is looking as if the Detroit Tiger hold the upper hand on gaining the outfielder's services.  The Chicago White Sox have pulled out of the running and clearly it is down too the Detroit Tigers and Atlanta Braves.  I have always thought Johnny Damon was a great player and leader.  I would definately want him leading in my line up and playing a decent field where ever you stick him.  An interesting note is that Damon has only played in the American League.  He has played for the Royals, Athletics, Red Sox and Yankees.  He has definately climbed the ladder throughout his career.  I will be anxious to see where he signs, I really feel he would do great in a Tiger uniform and make it even a greater chance that they win the A.L Central crown.  Hey, you never know though... The Braves could pull a fast one and make this long drawn out process, into a one day superstar signing.

Reflecting on the career of the Big Hurt

One of my favorite players of the 1990's, Frank Thomas has recently called it quits as a Professional ballplayer.  The "Big Hurt" known as his nickname throughout baseball concluded his career in 2008 with Oakland.  He finished with 521 Home Run and was the 1993 and 1994 AL MVP.  Some questions have been raised about Thomas...

#1: Was Frank Thomas clean?
My take is that yes, he was... And I truly believe that.  Playing in an era marred by performance enhancing drugs, Frank has been connected with steriods and steriod reports.  In today's world everyone associated with the game seems to be a suspect.  Frank, being as big as he was... was always linked to steriods.  When he hit his 500th home run in 2007, he adamantly was proud of how in his words "Did it the right way."  I really think he is telling the truth.  The guy is a big guy.  He played football at Auburn and could hammer the ball.  Some people are just big people.  I will go with innocent until proven guilty with Frank.  I loved the way he played, but in today's game every home run hitter will be tainted and that is just the way it is.

#2: Will Frank Thomas be voted into the Hall of Fame?
Again, I believe he will be and should be.  I don't think he will be a first ballot hall of famer.  He had some down seasons.  Overall, in the 1990's it was the Thomas and Griffey show.  Them 2 players are the players of the decade in my opinion.  Hitting 500 homer's isn't as exclusive as it used to be.  It still is a great accomplishment though.  Hitting 500 proves that you had longevity.  Longevity in my opinion is one of the great things about baseball, You don't see athletes in the NFL or NBA playing 20 year's, like you do in the MLB.  In the next 10 years, I believe you will see Frank Thomas be inducted into Cooperstown.

Frank had a great career which lasted from 1990-2008.  Not all people like Frank and his controversial end with the White Sox in 2005 was pretty much a bad soap opera.  Frank will go down as one of the greatest southsider's to put play the game.  Look foward to seeing Thomas in the Hall of Fame in the upcoming years.

Badass Ballplayer's

Jose Canseco "Juiced"

  What would one suspect... Jose Canseco may go down in history as one of the All-Time most badass player's in Major League Baseball.  The guy was a star from the get go and always had some controversial baggage with him.  He was a home run basher and teamed Mark McGwire in the late 80's to form the "Bash Brothers".  Known for his great home run power and his outfield liablities, Canseco became the face of the A's franchise.  Around the mid 90's after his abilities had diminished, He pretty much flew into obscurity.  Then he released his tell-all tale "Juiced".  The book sold well and also ratted out player's accused of taking steroids.  He has also fought in MMA, What is not more badass than a Home Run hitter fighting and losing to a Korean dude in the octagon.  Despite his many ploy's to make millions after his up and down baseball career, He will be forever known as the first inductee into the prestigoius Badass Ballplayer's fraternity.  Consider this quite the honor Jose!