MLB Sprites

- I don't know what to think about Milton Bradley. I think part of his problem is that reporters are after him, part is that he obviously does have some sort of emotional problem, and part of it is certainly that he's not the greatest guy. In this case, based on his actions so far, I'm going to reserve judgment. He asked his team for help, which is admirable. I 'm a firm believer in second chances.

- The Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays are hot, and I don't know if they'll be fully extinguished before possibly October. Led by two of the greatest young players in the MLB right now, in Evan Longoria and Matt Garza, the Rays lead the league with a 20-7 record. James Shields seems to be settling back down, with a 3.15 ERA, and the kids in the rotation look like seasoned pros: David Price, Jeff Niemann and Wade Davis currently holding 2.34, 2.76, 2.79 ERAs respectively. Andy Sonnastine seems to have adjusted to his bullpen role and can be a useful piece in a trade if the Rays need to bring someone in come July, and they finally have a stud closer in Rafael Soriano (3 R in 12 Innings). Bossman, Jr. and Pat Burrell still aren't back to where they could be, but the line-up is solid. I can't say that this young pitching staff is going to stay sub-3 ERA-wise all year, as they are more than likely to share ups and downs, but it is a tough argument to posit that the Rays will be fading away.

- I have no problem with Tasing the kid at the Phillies game. It would be nice if it was easy to tell who is dangerous when coming onto the field and who isn't, but truth be told, it's not that easy. If someone refuses to be subdued by modest attempts, and continues to run uncontrolled around the field of play, officers need to what they feel is necessary. Taserings have caused a numbers of deaths, but perhaps it's just hopefuly that I think that when used correctly they can be safe. The truth is, it's an alternative to what used to be tackling the offender, which is not the safest of moves either. Needless to say, people should stay the hell of the baseball field. You have no right to that experience, even if it is "once in a lifetime". Anyone who ever enters the field of play, whether subdued quickly or not should NEVER be allowed to enter a Major League stadium again. That is not what the game is about. If you want to be on the field of play, make some money and buy Jack Nicholson's Laker tickets.

- Bob Uecker is out of the hospital after heart surgery. He is one of my favorite announcers, and you may know him from his brilliant work in the Major League movies. He has a magnificent way of making homerism seem harmless. We wish him well here.

- On a similar, but sadder note, RIP Ernie Harwell. He is a Major League icon and will be missed. Our thoughts to his family.

- Doc Halladay is doing exactly what everyone thought he would: coming to the NL and dominating. Despite one sub-par outing, Halladay is still 6-1 with a 1.61 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 48 K's.

- Some players to watch: Marlon Byrd (OF, Chc), Colby Lewis (P, Tex), David Freese (3B, StL), Anyone on the Padres.

Gotta Go

-APT