Baseball players might be some of the most superstitious people on the planet.  We have all heard stories about Jason Giambi refusing to shave his “porn stache” cause he was on a hot hitting streak, rumors of gold thongs being passed around the locker room for good luck, and so much more.  The thing that players might be the most superstitious about, however, are their baseball jerseys.
Growing up, I played baseball…a lot of baseball.  I had rituals for how I put my socks on, my pants on, my cleats on, …

Baseball News from L.A. Times
The outfielder steers clear of criticizing club management but isn’t thrilled with being a reserve. Gary Matthews Jr. returned to camp Monday, appearing composed during a 10-minute interview in which he expressed his displeasure with his role without criticizing or demonstrating ill will toward his bosses.  Continue reading on L.A. Times

Baseball News from L.A. Times
He says his hamstring feels pretty good after playing three innings.  Manager Joe Torre said he knew it would be useless to tell Manny Ramirez to take it easy. Continue reading on L.A. Times

Baseball News from L.A. Times
He pitches six scoreless innings and has a two-run double in the second inning of an 11-4 victory over the Texas Rangers.  Randy Wolf pitched longer than any Dodger pitcher has pitched this spring, tossing six scoreless innings Sunday in an 11-4 victory over the Texas Rangers at Camelback Ranch.   Continue reading on L.A. Times

Despite Manny Ramirez‘ apparent hamstring injury, he did a promotional spot playing Cricket out in Gilbert, AZ.  This, after reports that he had confined his workouts to the pool.  Can’t say I’m surprised by Manny’s actions, but I would be highly upset if I was the Los Angeles Dodgers since they just promised Ramirez $45m over 2 yrs.
He is not running as he tries to relieve tightness in his left hamstring, which is keeping him out of spring-training games. Manny Ramirez says he is exercising in a swimming pool but …

Baseball News from L.A. Times
Commissioner admits he wonders how the downturn will affect baseball and says his office has advised teams to prepare. With opening day approaching and the economic crisis deepening, Commissioner Bud Selig says he is increasingly concerned about how significantly baseball might be affected.  Continue reading on L.A. Times

Baseball News from L.A. Times
Outfielder Andruw Jones, now trying to catch on with the Texas Rangers, says he’s sorry he ‘didn’t stand up to my reputation’ last season in L.A.  Continue reading on L.A. Times

Baseball News from L.A. Times
The team travels without him and defeats the Chicago Cubs, 5-4, with Jeff Weaver throwing two scoreless innings and Doug Mientkiewicz hitting his second home run in four games.  Manny Ramirez had his first full workout of the spring today with the Dodgers but missed their trip to HoHoKam Park and a 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs.   Continue reading on L.A. Times
After months and months of negotiating what turned out to the the same offfer, the Los Angeles Dodgers have Manny Ramirez under contract.  …

Baseball News from L.A. Times
Prosecutors’ appeal of key ruling on evidence is a setback for defense, which had momentum going into Barry Bonds‘ trial. It also means there is a chance a new judge would be needed.
A decision by federal prosecutors to appeal a key ruling in the Barry Bonds perjury trial could delay the trial for six months or more, a setback for the defense, legal analysts said Sunday. Continue reading on L.A. Times
There have been reports that Barry Bonds could be returning to MLB after suffering a year …

Baseball News from L.A. Times
The deal calls for million this season and million for the next — providing the slugger chooses to exercise the second-year option.  Intending to discourage further questioning about Manny Ramirez‘s absence from the Dodgers‘ spring training camp, Manager Joe Torre said on Wednesday that the All-Star outfielder probably wouldn’t be playing through the weekend.  Continue reading on L.A. Times
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Manny Ramirez are at odds again over their latest contract offer, reportedly $45 million over 2 yrs, including a player option …

Baseball News from L.A. Times
The pitcher said he trained with steroid-linked Angel Presinal in the Dominican Republic during the 2005 and 2006 seasons, but added that he did nothing more, severing ties with Presinal after that.  Angels pitcher Ervin Santana acknowledged that he worked with Angel Presinal, the controversial personal trainer from the Dominican Republic who has been linked to steroids and the Alex Rodriguez scandal. Continue reading on L.A. Times

Baseball News from L.A. Times
Alex Rodriguez‘s explanations for performance-enhancing drug use are unconvincing, but they’re a start. If he becomes an antidrug crusader, he might yet salvage his image.  He squirmed before his inquisitors. He stared back at them. He would not render judgment upon himself.  Continue reading on L.A. Times

Baseball News from L.A. Times
‘The healing has to start now,’ Dodgers manager says of Alex Rodriguez‘s steroid admission.
Perhaps never before has a sport so badly needed an elder statesman the likes of Joe Torre. Friday, he keynoted the first day of the rest of baseball’s life the way few others could.  Continue reading on L.A. Times

The New York Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez announced today, in an interview w/ ESPN‘s Peter Gammons, that he took performance enhancing drugs thru 2003 (for 3 total yrs) while w/ the Texas Rangers. Stating several flaws in his own judgment, including calling himself stupid and naive, the highest paid baseball player comes clean (we hope).
ESPN’s Peter Gammons’ Alex Rodriguez Interview

Rodriguez admits taking performance enhancing drugs
A-Rod admits to taking “unknown drugs” during a few key years after signing a monster $250 million contract w/ the Texas Rangers. Feeling “immense pressure” …

Baseball News from L.A. Times
Federal judge says her ‘preliminary thoughts’ are to exclude evidence that slugger tested positive for steroids three times in 2000 and 2001, as well as BALCO ledgers and calendars.
The U.S. District Court judge who will preside over Barry Bonds‘ perjury trial next month said Thursday her “preliminary thoughts” were to exclude evidence that Bonds tested positive for steroids three times in the months before his record-breaking 73-homer season of 2001.  Continue reading on L.A. Times
While Barry Bonds may escape the punishment that a perjury …