May 16, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez (16) throws during the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Last night the Miami Marlins took on the Cincinnati Reds in the third game of the three game set. Sadly, the Marlins were just looking to get back on track as they came into the game losing seven out of their last eight games. With the team going through a slump, the Marlins turned to the rookie sensation Jose Fernandez. Throughout the season Fernandez has arguably been one of the most exciting and most efficient players on this depleted Marlins roster. Unfortunately, Fernandez’s strong outing wasn’t enough to put the Marlins back in the win column, as they went onto lose the game in extra innings 5-3.

It didn’t take long for the Marlins to get on the scoreboard, after left fielder Juan Pierre hit his first home-run of the season. However, after Pierre’s homerun to right field, the Marlins offense went cold. Pierre’s homerun was the only run the team was able to put up against the Reds. As usual, the Reds starting pitcher, Mat Latos was dialed in. Other than Pierre’s homer, Latos only gave up one more hit before being pulled in the eighth inning.

May 16, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips (4) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Although they struggled to, the Reds were finally able to take advantage of the Marlins struggling offense, after Brandon Phillips hit a home-run, giving the team a 2-1 lead in the top of the sixth inning. With the Marlins inability to produce offensively, many thought the game was over. However, rookies Adeiny Hechavarria and Marcell Ozuna had something to say about that. It all started when Hechavarria hit an early one out triple to put the Marlins in an excellent position to tie the game. With the top part of the lineup due to make appearances, the Marlins definitely liked their chances of bringing Hechavarria home. Veteran Placido Polanco came to the plate in order to hit for the youngster Derek Dietrich. Unfortunately, Placido struck out swinging, leaving the game in the hands of the rookie Marcell Ozuna. In just his 15^th game in a Marlins uniform, everyone was about to see if he could deliver or not. With a man on third and two outs, the pressure was definitely on Ozuna to bring the run home; and he did. Not only was he able to bring Hech home, he also put himself in scoring position as he hit a two out triple. With Ozuna on third, Marlins manager Mike Redmond wisely had Justin Ruggiano come in to pinch hit for Chris Coghlan who is hitting a mere .210 this season. Unfortunately, the move didn’t pay off and we fans were treated to some extra free baseball.

The Reds came out wanting to end this game and as a result, the free baseball didn’t last long. The Reds quickly took the lead back from the Marlins after Brandon Phillips hit a sacrifice fly to left, scoring Donald Lutz. Apparently the run one run lead wasn’t enough for Jay Bruce as he hit a two run double to score Shin-Soo Choo and Joey Votto. The game quickly got out of hand and the Marlins were once again finding themselves in a difficult position.

Heading into the bottom of the tenth down by three runs, the Marlins had to quickly muster up some offense. With two outs, former extra innings hero Nick Green approached the plate. Many remember Green for his walk-off hit against the Mets a couple of weeks back, in a game that I thought was never going to end. It seemed like he still had some magic left in the tank. Although he failed to get a hit, he was able to get on base via walk, giving some hope to the Marlins and their fans. After what was ruled as a fielder’s indifference, Green was able to get into scoring position. Down by three, with a runner on second and two outs, the Marlins found themselves fighting to stay alive. Outfielder Matt Diaz came to the rescue, after a single to centerfield was able to score Green. Still down two more runs, the tying run came to the plate. The game was left in the hands of Juan Pierre who had hit a home-run earlier in the game. Sadly, he was unable to repeat his first inning at-bat, grounding out to second to end the game.

With yet another game played, the Marlins are still finding it near impossible to get into the win column. They have now lost eight out of their last nine games. With almost all the hope just about gone, the Marlins will turn to Kevin Slowey tonight to take on the second place Arizona Diamondbacks.

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Sep 8, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; NBC tv camera during the game between the New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Saints 42-34. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Momentous times, sports fans! Yesterday, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) introduced the Television Consumer Freedom Act of 2013.  In short, the bill proposes to undo two serious complaints for many of the country’s cable TV subscribers: bundling and sports blackouts.

The bill predicates certain regulatory benefits on providers offering a la carte programming.  In other words, it tells providers that if they don’t offer a la carte programming, they can say goodbye to regulatory benefits such as retransmission consent, syndication exclusivity, and blackouts. Basically, the bill holds some regulatory axes over the necks of providers that will “encourage” a la carte programming.  You can almost hear the FCC now: “Nice Cable TV business you have there.  It’d be a shame if something were to happen to it.”

In short, baseball fans, if this bill gets support and becomes law, you will no longer need to pay for 37 soccer and curling channels for $49 bucks a month just to get the $5 per month MLB Network. Contact links for your Congressman and Senators can be found here and here.

Regular readers will recall my rant of a letter to the MLB earlier this season regarding their blackout policy. Also in the bill is a near-afterthought section that forces the removal of blackout restrictions on sporting events in markets where the event takes place at a stadium funded with public money.  For Marlins fans with MLB.TV subscriptions, that is welcome news indeed.

Apr 25, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Kevin Slowey (45) looks on from the dugout in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

While the NFL had the spotlight last night for the 2013 NFL Draft, the Miami Marlins were in Miami playing host to the Chicago Cubs. Although both the Marlins and the Cubs are teams that are struggling to find themselves in the W column, these two teams always seem to match-up great against each other, giving the fans an exciting game all the way down to the final pitch. Last night was no different as the Marlins and Cubs put on a show for the audience at the ballgame and for the audience watching at home or at a local sports bar.

The opening game of this four game series featured Miami’s Kevin Slowey and Chicago’s Edwin Jackson. Despite a win-less record, Kevin Slowey has impressed many Marlin fans this season with a couple of quality starts early on in the year. Last night however was easily Slowey’s worst performance of the season, giving up three earned in six innings of work. Unlike Slowey, Edwin Jackson has been a bit of a disappointment to Cubs fans. Jackson, who is 0-3 on the season continued to have his fair-share of struggles last night against a below average Miami offense, giving up three runs and four walks in six innings.

Apr 25, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro (13) connects for an RBI single in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Cubs started off the game the right way, after David DeJesus scored off of Starlin Castro’s single to center. With the Cubs holding an early lead, the Marlins needed to counter the Cubs offense. Surprisingly, they were able to do so after Edwin Jackson walked Rob Brantly with the bases loaded, scoring Placido Polanco. For the Marlins, scoring in the first inning has been a rarity this season. Not only were they able to start off by scoring in the first, but they were also able to score twice in the second after Juan Pierre and Giancarlo Stanton had RBI hits. Throughout the season it has not been a secret that the offense is historically bad, ranking last in almost every major category. The quick start was just what the Marlins needed in order to put themselves in a position to win a ballgame.

Unfortunately, the true Marlins offense showed up to play after the second inning, as they managed to only get two hits from the fourth to the ninth inning. The inconsistency of the Marlins offense showed last night. Much like the Marlins, the Cubs had their own problems trying to generate hits.

It wasn’t until late when the game started to get exciting. The ninth inning might have been one of the most exciting innings in a Marlins game this year. The Marlins sent out closer Steve Cishek to pitch the ninth inning. Sadly, Cishek continued to struggle, giving up a home-run to Luis Valbuena. The Marlins yet again were under pressure to score. After being able to match the Cubs run in the first inning, the Marlins felt like they would be able to do it again. The team was in a great position to tie up the ball game as well. With one out in the bottom of the ninth, the Marlins had runners on first and second. Placido Polanco stepped up to the plate with hopes of driving in the game tying run. Throughout the season Polanco has arguably been the Marlins best offensive weapon, as he leads the team in batting average, on base percentage and hits. Unfortunately, Polanco was unable to get the job done, after a fly out to center. With one out remaining and two men on, the Marlins had the right man up to bat; Giancarlo Stanton. Although he hasn’t exactly been money this season, Stanton has been able to get his batting average up over the past couple of games. Marlins fans have seen the clutch gene in Stanton before, but last night we were treated to a strikeout to end the game in a 4-3 loss.

Apr 25, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Darwin Barney (15) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Miami Marlins 4-3 at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Marlins look to get back in the win column tonight, as they will send Wade LeBlanc to the mound to face off against Scott Feldman. Not only are both pitchers 0-3, but both of them also have ERA’s over 4.

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As a baseball fan, I spend a lot of money each year to watch grown men playing a child’s game. A lot of money.  I drop $90 per month for high-speed internet service so I can watch out-of-market games on either my tablet or set-top box.  Over the course of a season, that’s $540.  Add in the $130 MLB premium package as a prerequisite to see those games, and we’re up to $670. That covers me for all the games I want to watch from out of town, like the odd Orioles, Nationals, and Dodger games I watch (It’s gonna be real hard for me to see Vin Scully retire for good.)

I also try and watch as many Marlins games as possible, given the pesky intrusions like work, family, and chores.  In order to do that, I need a TV subscription.  Where I live, I have the option of Comcast cable, AT&T Uverse, and DirecTV. I chose DirecTV.  My $100 monthly bill includes a $22 charge for an additional package unlock that allows me to view the local Fox Sports Florida channel, which carries the Marlins telecast.  That’s another $600 for the season, bringing the annual nut for baseball to $1270.

Let’s not forget the premium I pay my cellular carrier so that I have a high-speed internet connection via the LTE radio in my iPad. Tack on another hondo or two for a season.  Call it about $1500 to feed my baseball jones.

Christ, am I glad my wife doesn’t read my work!

As in most stories, there’s a ”but.” The “but” in this sad story is that if I’m at my office, at my kid’s ballgame, or at the grocery store for a bag of ice, I can’t watch the game!

Unless I am at home, tethered to my WiFi network, I can’t stream my DirecTV feed to my iPad, and because of the Draconian MLB blackout policy, I can’t watch the Marlins via my premium MLB TV feed.

Seriously?

Can it be that complicated for MLB to cross-check my account to verify that I am paying some local TV provider for the privilege of watching their product? I understand the business reasons that necessitate MLB scratching DirecTV’s back. TV providers like Comcast, AT&T, and DirecTV are already feeling a helluva pinch from cable cutters, so they’re not about to give up the ad revenue from live sports telecasts, but since I’m paying for it, why continue to penalize me?

I live a busy, hectic life, and my schedule is pretty compressed.  It’s frustrating to be in a situation where I can catch a few innings of a ball game, only to be stymied by the blackout message. There is no financial reason to bar me from the telecast, as I’m paying for the privilege sixteen ways from Sunday.

Major League Baseball needs to ease the blackout restriction for their premium TV service for those fans that are willing to pay for both a live TV telecast, or for the MLB TV premium package.  They should either allow DirecTV/Comcast/AT&T to stream the telecast through their app, or figure out a way to verify that MLB TV premium subscribers also have an active TV subscription.

I’m not asking MLB to look at why Iowans can’t watch the Cubs, Brewers, Royals, Twins, Cardinals, or White Sox. That’s another argument that is being hashed out by lawyers. I’m just asking MLB to figure out a way to allow premium customers a way to be able to watch the product they’re shelling out a bunch of money to see.

March 21, 2013; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Oakland Athletics catcher Derek Norris (36) celebrates with teammates after hitting a two run homerun in the second inning during a spring training game against the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

As the past couple of days have passed, the madness is now fully underway. No, I’m not talking about the NCAA March Madness tournament, but the realization that the start of the 2013 MLB season is exactly one week away. Next Sunday, the MLB will begin their regular season play, as the Texas Rangers will go into Houston and face the newest American League team, the Houston Astros. The game, which will be the first of many ESPN’s star-studded Sunday line-up, will begin at 8pm EST.

With the start of the baseball season right around the corner and the amount of upsets that have taken place so far in the NCAA basketball tournament, I believe that it is only right to list some teams that I think may surprise the baseball world. Last season it was the Washington Nationals, the Baltimore Orioles and the Oakland Athletics. Every year there is always that one surprise team that emerges as a contender to the amazement of everyone. This year will be no different in my opinion. With teams stocking up on talent in the offseason, we fans will be in for yet another great season of America’s favorite past-time. While there are some teams that I think are a lock in the playoffs, there are some teams that may come out and surprise some folks. In no particular order, I am going to list a few ball-clubs that I think may come out and potentially be this year’s Cinderella teams.

Number 3: The Oakland Athletics

If you’ve ever seen the movie “Money Ball”, you will know exactly how the Oakland Athletics like to do things. Since they are a small market team they must build within the organization and are restricted when it comes to making big time moves. Well last season it appeared that Billy Beane’s way of running the team pulled off yet again as the Athletics we’re able to capture the AL West in a division that features the Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Angels.  Despite their successful 2012 campaign, the Oakland A’s are still being under-looked.  Yes, their division did get tougher; however, they might have gotten tougher as well. During this past offseason the Athletics brought in slugger Chris Young and former Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros infielder, Jed Lowrie. They also brought in Hiroyuki Nakajima, the talented shortstop from Japan. The team also filled a glaring hole behind the plate, after signing John Jaso. Jaso will fit perfectly with the A’s both offensively and defensively. He is an extremely underrated defender and although he might not be the strongest hitter, what does he do a lot? That’s right everyone; he gets on base.

Not too many people think the A’s can repeat their success of the 2012 season. I myself think that if this team can manage to stay healthy and get good pitching in a hitting division, this team could end up finishing atop the division.

Number 2: The Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians are a team that I am really looking forward to watching this season. Although they have struggled in previous seasons, I truly believe that this season is the beginning of a rebuilding process that will finally work in Cleveland.

In the offseason the Indians were able to reel in two time World Series Champion manager, Terry Francona. Francona is arguably one of baseball’s best minds. After taking over as the Boston Red Sox’s manager in 2004, the team that was always one-upped by the Yankees finally began to do the one-upping; as they were able to capture their 6^th World Series title. Just three years after that they were able to win the Fall Classic yet again. Francona is going to help bring a winning attitude to a team and a city that isn’t used too much sports success.

Mar 21, 2013; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians right fielder Nick Swisher (33) reacts after watching a home run by left fielder Michael Brantley (not pictured) during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Along with the signing of a fantastic manager, the Indians were also able to manage to bring in some top free agent talent. On January 4^th, the team signed former Yankee Nick Swisher to a four year contract and on February 15^th, they singed center fielder Michael Bourne to a four year deal as well. Cleveland also signed slugger Mark Reynolds. The Indians also have some talent at the pitchers position.  With ace Ubaldo Jimenez leading the charge in this starting rotation that is made up of Justin Masterson and Brett Meyers and closer Chris Perez expected to be back within the next week or two, this Indians pitching rotation can end up being pretty good.

I also believe that catcher Carlos Santana is going to have a break-out season as the Indians catcher. The young 26 year old has impressed so far in his early career.

The Indians are going to be a good ball club this year. I think they’ll be better than most people think. They have the talent and they also have the right manager. Maybe if Cleveland has a good sports team they can finally get over LeBron James.

Number 1: The Kansas City Royals

Last but certainly not least we have the Kansas City Royals. The Royals have been bad for a long time. How long you might ask? Well, the last time the Royals were in the playoffs it was 27 years ago. Although I wasn’t around to see them succeed, I have certainly been around long enough now to see them fail year in and year out. I think I can finally say that after 18 years of living, I might actually get to watch a successful Royals team.

For the longest time this team could not pitch. Well, that should no longer be the case. This offseason the front office basically turned over this entire pitching rotation. After giving up arguably one of the best prospects in baseball, out-fielder Wil Myers to the Tampa Bay Rays, the Royals added a multitude of really good pitchers. In return for Myers, the team received All Star pitcher James Shields and Wade Davis. On top of that, the team also traded for Ervin Santana, formerly of the Los Angeles Angels. Along with the additions to the rotation, they were also able to re-sign Jeremy Guthrie, who went 5-3 for the Royals last season. Pitching has always been an issue for the Royals, but now, that should just be a thing in the past.

Mar 5, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer (35) hits an RBI single during the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The Royals are hoping that some of their younger players such as Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas can continue their development process this season. Although Moustakas was able to hit 20 home runs last season, while driving in 73 RBI’s, he only hit an average of .242. Hosmer who also was quite successful was only able to have a batting average of .232. The Royals will certainly be looking for these two to step up their game this season.

If the Royals offense can be average or better, this Royals team can easily finish in second place in the American League Central right behind the Detroit Tigers.

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