More ink has been spilled in writing about the Book of Unwritten Rules than in writing the book itself. And half that ink was spilled in the last month in articles criticizing Nyjer Morgan for breaking those rules. After Nyjer Morgan was thrown behind in that fateful Marlins game on September 1st leading up to the "clotheslined" brawl and Morgan's eight game suspension, the Marlins players were quoted as saying Morgan broke "unwritten rules". Hmmm, maybe somebody should write these ... Continue Reading

So while I finish transcribing stuff from today for my hopefully Pulitzer prize winning story (joking!), I thought I'd pass on this tidbit that's been on everyone's mind. Collin Balester will not be growing his mustache back any time soon... "Not right now, I don't think so. I'm just kind of letting it stay off a little bit. When I cut it off, I was able to pitch a little better. You've got to go with the hot hand." He says, ... Continue Reading

Collin Balester knows how to laugh at himself despite having a rough go of it in his handful of call-ups to the big leagues this season. First, he hit two batters in the head over the span of nine days back in July-August, coming dangerously close to earning a reputation as a head hunter. Today, he showed rather ungraceful pirouette moves on the mound and threw two wild pitches in one inning of work, but came back in fine fashion. Balester, ... Continue Reading

First off, many thanks to CSNwashington for holding their first blogger bash last night at RFD in DC! I had a great time meeting new faces and reconnecting with familiar ones. I won't say old! Since I wrote about Nyjer Morgan's recent escapades yesterday [LINK], what I left unsaid was retaliation by the Marlins was surely imminent, particularly since Hayes had been diagnosed with a separated shoulder and is out the rest of the season. I commiserate there [LINK]. While ... Continue Reading

Jordan Zimmermann gave the largest dose of hope since Strasburg was diagnosed as requiring Tommy John surgery throughout his performance last night. He pitched practically flawlessly for six innings, facing the minimum of 18 batters, striking out nine, walking none and only allowing one hit. A perfect display of returning to form from Tommy John surgery (and again, in only twelve months). He should have been the story of last night's game that posted zeros across the line score until ... Continue Reading