Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig and his Capitalist Cronies have come up with a new way to squeeze more money out of the fans for tickets.  They offer you the opportunity to “upgrade” your seat location during a game with a new phone app, Mobile Seat Upgrade.

Here is the party line:

“This is designed to give fans a little more during the game,” Steve Fanelli, Oakland A’s executive director of ticket sales and operations, said of the upgrade app. “We’re just trying to completely engage the consumer, from the purchase process and throughout, through their mobile. If we have inventory, we want to give them something new to try.”

Bollocks!

It is designed to make fans pay extra [$5-$55, avg. $16] and fill the empty seats at a game.  With all the vacant seats in his Oakland Coliseum, Steve Fanelli has a lot of gall to spin it as giving “fans a little more.”

If MLB teams and Selig were not so attached to the bottom line, maximizing profit by wringing every last dime out of their fans, they would allow fans to relocate to any empty seats after the Third inning.  This would allow fans, especially kids, to see the game from the more expensive seats; so, maybe when they grow up and have the money, they might be willing to pay the price for them.

“Should MLB succeed with the ticketing-upgrade feature, other leagues, and just about any ticketed event for that matter, will likely follow suit with their own features or apps.” [http://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/MLB-puts-squeeze-on-sneaky-fans-with-app-4360795.php]

Anyone who has ever played “Dodge The Usher” at a game knows the thrill of “upgrading” and we would bring binoculars to games, so we could spot the empty seats downstairs from our lofty perch on the second or third deck.  Or, we waited near the main exit for well-dressed departing fans and asked for their ticket stubs.

This is another example of how Major league baseball has become another business owned by corporations to turn a maximum profit and why Minor league attendance his breaking records.

Their day may eventually come. But what about a guy who was one of the most consistent pitchers of the 1980’s and early 1990’s but is still waiting for his call to the Hall?  His name is Jack Morris, who spent most of his career with the Tigers but also pitched for the Twins, Blue Jays and Indians.

Oct 16, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers former player Jack Morris waves to the crowd before game three of the 2012 ALCS between the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

To me, it’s a crime this guy is not in the Hall.  Did he have eye popping career numbers on the surface?  No.  But take a closer look at the stats and you will see that from 1979-1992 this guy was as good as any pitcher in baseball.

I think I know a Hall of Fame player when I see one.  And Morris, to me, passes the eye test of someone who should be there because of the following career highlights.

Between ’79 and ’92 he won at least 14 games every season except for one, 1989.  He was the number one starter on his team every season during this same period and won a not too shabby 254 career games with a 3.90 ERA.  He was a five time all-star and four time World Series champion best remembered for pitching a brilliant 10-inning complete Game 7 clincher for the Twins in the ’91 World Series vs. Atlanta.

He has a similar ERA to and more career wins than Curt Schilling, who many say deserves a place in the Hall.  So, even though arguments can be made through the surface numbers to keep Morris out, from where I’m sitting I see a pitcher who was one of the most durable and winning players of his time.

When I think of the period of the 80’s and early 90’s in baseball Jack Morris is one of the first names to come to mind.  His career looks and feels like that of a Hall of Famer.  For those reasons, I think he deserves a place in baseball’s national shrine.  Hopefully, the baseball writers will one day see fit to agree.

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Today, MLB Commissioner Butt Sealing was awakened at 3:33 PM by his secretary, who informed him that Homeland S.S. Director, Janice Neopolitan met with Mets players to urge fans to help keep the country safe by reporting anything suspicious they see, when attending games.

She was in lock-step with N.Y. City Police Department Commissioner Rayon Kelly, yesterday, to announce the security effort. It’s an expansion of the Homeland Security campaign

”If You See Something, Say Something.”

“Gee willikers,” exclaimed Butt, “what should I do?”

“I’ll send an email to the owners and call a meeting to discuss the implications for baseball and how MLB will cooperate with DHS to assure security and safety at games.” she replied.

“Yes, yes, of course…and be sure to remind them all to wear their flag pins to the meeting.”

[A few days later, the Commissioner meets with the Barons of Baseball.]

BS:  Alright gentlemen, let’s get started.  I count 29, who’s missing?

SEC:  Ah, the Dodgers…they called and said that Mr. Colletti was being detained in the Denver airport…”

BS:  “Detained”? By who?

SEC:  Well, Mr. Johnson was planning to attend the meeting with Mr. Colletti…

BS:  Great!

SEC:  But, Mr. Johnson is being detained by the TSA officials at the airport…

Owner 1:  They’re detaining “Conjure” Johnson?

Owner 2:  What the hell…

SEC:  His money clip set off the metal detector…

Owner 3:  Jee-zus! What next!

SEC:  Apparently, Mr. Colletti said:  “You morons! Do you know who we ARE ?”

Owner 4:  Good!

SEC:  That’s when the TSA supervisor intervened and said that Mr. Colletti looked like he might be of Middle Eastern extraction and put him in the detainment room.

Owner 5:  Well, Nick’s Eye-tallyun, but he’s not an A-rab.

BS:  Alright, gentlemen, we will monitor that situation carefully.  Right now we need to focus on how Major League Baseball will cooperate and support the efforts of the Department of Homeland Security, particularly at our games.

Owner 6:  Is this gonna cost us extra money?  Are we gonna have to hire additional security?

BS:  Good news! No. DHS will provide the additional personnel for the gate pat-downs.

Owner 7:  But, we’ll still handle the bathroom security?

BS:  Yes.  Our people will act as a liaison with the Federal security.

Owner 8:  Can you give us an example of how it might work at a game?

BS:  Sure.  We will post “If you See Something, Say Something” signs all around the stadium.

Owner 7:  I suggest we post some right above the latrines…

BS:  Of course…If a fan sees something suspicious he should immediately tell an usher or one of our security people; they in turn will radio one of the Federal agents and help identify the suspect.

Owner 9:  Aren’t we going to be sued, if the suspect is innocent?

BS:  No.  Our role ends once our person identifies the suspect, they stand down and the Federal people take over.

Owner 10:  Good! We’re off the hook!

Owner 20:  Wait! I’m getting confused with this slogan:  “See something, Don’t tell…”

BS:  No, it’s “Say something…”

Owner 20:  “Say something, Don’t tell”?

BS:  No…that’s “Don’t ask…”

Owner 20:  “Don’t ask, say something”?

BS:  No, the slogan is: ”If You See Something, Say Something.”

Owner 20:  But how do you know if what you’re seeing is “something”?

Owner 21:  It means, if you see suspicious behavior…

Owner 20:  You mean like when there are two sets of shoes in a toilet stall?

Owner 16:  Or some guy peeking at you at the latrines?

Owner 22:  Gents, we are not talking about your personal issues—what makes you insecure; we are dealing here in the area of terrorism—not what personally terrifies you.

Owner 20:  I still think removing the stall doors is a good idea!

BS:  Let’s leave those definitions to the Federal folks.  Now, you will each need to identify a secure space for a body scanner…

Owner 11:  Whoa, podna!  You mean scanners, like the ones at the airports?

BS:  Yes.  But, once again, we cannot be held liable; those will be handled by TSA agents.

Owner 12:  Well, that’s where I draw the line!

BS:  Why?

Owner 12:  If we let the Federal government start intruding on our privacy rights and snooping into our financial records, we could lose our Monopoly exemption and…

BS:  I fail to see a connection here…

Owner 12:  T…S…A! Once Tax Sheltered Annuities agents get their nose in our tent, the next thing is…

BS:  TSA is not “Tax Sheltered Annuities”–it stands for Transportation Safety Authority.

Owner 12:  Oh…oh…well, then…never mind…

Owner 13:  Gentlemen, do you fail to grasp the irony that we are willing to place scanners inside our ballparks, while one of our owners, Mr. Johnson is being detained by the TSA…

BS:  Sure, there may be issues, but that will be handled by the Federal security people.

Owner 14:  Maybe we can have them set up a scanner outside the stadium; maybe they could hide it on a large moving van…

Owner 15:  We could make it “fun” by covering the sides of the van with photos of Hall of Famers smiling with talk balloons that say:  “Be a good American like me.”

Owner 16:  How about:  “This is America’s game, so play along!”

Owner 17: Or, “Just like baseball, Homeland Security isn’t just a slogan– it’s a way of life.”

BS:  “Close call? Report it! You never know when it really counts!”

Owner 18:  “Any fan could be a fanatic!”

BS:  I negotiated for a major side benefit with the scanners…one that will save us all money…

Owner 19: Oh…

BS:  If one our pat-down staff at the gate suspects that a fan is trying to sneak food or beverages…

Owner 20:  Thieves!  Taking money out of our pockets!

BS:  I’m thinking that, if they are trying to get to the game in time, they will want to avoid being detained for a scan and will just fess up and turn over their contraband food and beverages…

Owner 21:  Those kids’ juice boxes and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were hard to catch…

BS:  Well, they will show up on these body scanners…

Owner 22:  That’s money in the bank for us!

BS:  And, I also negotiated a savings for one of our shirt give-away days.  DHS will provide khaki shirts for kids attending all our games the week of July 4th.  The shirts will have ”See Something…” on the front and “…Say Something!” on the back.

Owner 27:  What color will they be?

BS:  They said a “neutral” color.  Two-tone, front and back…

Owner 25:  With our MLB logo?

BS:  No. They wouldn’t pay for the rights.

Owner 13:  I’m a little concerned about detaining fans, especially kids…and…

Owner 23:  Nonsense, Peter!  If you’re innocent, you have no reason to object to a scan!

Owner 22:  Exactly!  And, objecting qualifies as  “suspicious behavior.”  It’s simple.

Owner 13:  Suppose a parent objects to having their youngster scanned?

BS:  Gentlemen!  We don’t need to get into these legal “what-if” scenarios.  The beauty of the system is that the Federal agents handle the kids.  If there is a parent who refuses to allow his child to be scanned, that’s the Feds’ problem.

Owner:  Good job, Butt!

[Secretary whispers into Butt’s ear.]

BS:  Ah…Gentlemen, I think the wisdom of our decision to clarify exactly how we will support the efforts of DHS and TSA has just been demonstrated!

Owner 14:  Do tell!

BS:  Mr. Colletti used his phone call to talk to our legal staff and, as a result, Major League Baseball will send a lawyer to appear in court tomorrow to represent Nick and “Conjure.”  If the court rules that, because they are refusing to cooperate, by not being scanned, they must be sent back to jail, we will file appeals all the way up the Supreme Court!

Owner 15:  Wait! Won’t that expose us to losing our Monopoly exemption?

Owner 28:  Nonsense!  This case will get thrown out right away.  Once the judge realizes that they were deemed “suspicious” because Nick is Eye-tallyun and “Conjure” is black—that they were profiled—he will dismiss the case.

BS:  Alright, gentlemen, let’s move on to agenda item #2:  Reappointment of Commissioner…

Owner 22:  I move that we approve!

Owner 23:  Seconded!

BS:  All in favor…

All hands are raised.

BS:  Thank you for your support, gentlemen.  Now, on to item #3:  Supplemental Wild Card Slots for 2013…Essentially this simplifies the current system;  only the SIX teams that finish last in each of the divisions are eliminated from post-season play; the chart on the screen shows how the remaining 24 teams will be seeded for the Playoffs…

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The Red Sox need a front-line starter to compete for a slot in the AL playoffs.

By now every Tom, Nick, and Larry, websites and bloggers, came to a consensus about that weeks ago; last week even GM Ben spoke about the need for starting pitching on Sirius XM with Casey Stern and Jim Bowden of MLB Network Radio.

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GM Ben and the  Red Sox went against the trend toward HS picks with their three choices in Round One of the MLB draft and obtained Arizona SS, Deven Marrero, Florida’s LHP Brian Johnson and RHP Pat Light from Monmouth College.

The good news about Marrero is that he may be ready for Fenway late next season and has a defensive skill set comparable to Jose Iglesias; the bad news is that he has an offensive skill set comparable to Jose Iglesias. At best, he could be the next Red Sox SS and hit for no power, but might match Mike Aviles in BA at around .265.

The good news about Johnson is that he is a LHP from a solid collage program and can throw four pitches for strikes and projects as a middle of the rotation starter. The bad news is he will need time in the minors to improve his curve and changeup. At best, he could be in the #3 slot in the rotation as early as 2014.

The good news about Pat Light is that he has a projectable frame at 6’ 6” and 215 lbs; the bad news is that his fastball is not closer quality and scouts see him as a bullpen guy; his notoriety was achieved at an obscure college in a weak conference [Northeast, Division 1]

In our draft preview post, we suggested that Ben follow this list:

1. Andrew Heaney (LHP)
2. Brian Johnson (LHP)
3. Alex Wood (LHP)
4. Travis Jankowski (OF)

http://bosoxinjection.com/2012/06/01/sox-draft-pix-clip-and-save-list-for-ben-cherington/

BEN: B+

With Heaney off the board, the Sox were surprised to see Deven Marrero still on the board when they were ready to choose at #24. They took the highest rated college SS in Marrero; they may see him sliding in ahead of Iglesias, just behind Mike Aviles on their SS depth chart, since they are still concerned that there’s no way Jose can be a major league hitter. The next SS in food chain is young (19) Xander Bogaerts (ETA 2014), who will most likely outgrow SS and move on to the OF with Middlebrooks and Pedroia fixtures at 3rd and 2nd.

BEN: A+

Since, as anticipated, Andrew Heaney went off the board early to Miami at #9, Ben made a great moveand snagged Brian Johnson, Florida, FL LHP.

BEN: C

The unproven Pat Light is a project for the coaching staff and will likely find a seat in the bullpen, if he makes it to Fenway. In addition to Alex Wood [taken by the Braves at #85]. there were college LHPs were still available:
#63 Twins Melotakis, Mason Northwestern State, LA
#66 KC Vanderbilt, TN
#82 Rodriguez, Steven Florida, FL

Six teams passed on presumed #1 pick Mark Appel [Stanford, RHP] because his agent, Scott Boras, was demanding $6 million.  The Bus may not be able to sign Appel, since their total allotment for bonuses is $6.6 million.  To sign Appel, the Pirates would only have $.6 million to spend on their other draftees.

http://bleacherreport.com/tb/d7Gdm?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=mlb

Here is what the scouts say about the three Red Sox picks:

Deven Marrero, Arizona State, AZ SS R/R JR 6’01″ 194lbs DOB: 08/25/90
Coming from high school powerhouse American Heritage High School in Florida (alma mater of Eric Hosmer, among others) and the younger brother of Nationals’ first-rounder Chris, Marrero has been on radars for quite some time. Three years at ASU certainly has done nothing to hurt his prospect status as he might be the top position player selected in June. Marrero’s defensive abilities are what jump out first as there is no question he will be a shortstop at the next level. He’ll be plus on that side of the ball — arm, hands and range — and it plays up even more because of his baseball instincts. He’s not glove only, though, and he’s improved since coming out of high school when his bat was somewhat in question. Marrero is a line-drive gap hitter, with the potential to develop some power in the future. While he’s only an average runner, those instincts help him be an excellent baserunner. While his swing has been long in the past and his pitch selection isn’t always top notch, it’s not too much of a cause for concern. He has the chance to be a very good every-day shortstop. If the bat develops even more, he could be an impact player in the big leagues. [http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2012/draftcaster.jsp]

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=19997815&topic_id=29113154&c_id=mlb

Marrero is in the midst of an all-around down year, as he’s struggled at the plate all season and grown increasingly frustrated. Arguably the most advanced shortstop in the 2012 draft class, Marrero has developed an outstanding reputation for his soft hands and 60-grade range. His defensive prowess makes him a lock to continue his career there at the next level.

At shortstop, he has soft hands, as well as average range and a plus arm. Scouts remain divided about whether his hit tool profiles as a big-league shortstop, but regardless, he’ll need to improve his contact rate. Marrero will never hit for much power, but should be able to collect 15-25 doubles annually. [http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1199247-2012-mlb-draft-10-best-shortstops-in-the-2012-draft-class/page/9]

Brian Johnson, Florida, FL LHP L/L JR 6’03″ 230lbs DOB: 12/07/90

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=19999625&topic_id=29113154&c_id=mlb

Johnson has gotten looks as both a hitter and a pitcher with Florida and while he can hit a little, most feel he’ll pitch at the next level. The left-hander has four pitches he can throw for strikes. His fastball sits mostly in the average range, though he can run it up to 92 mph, with pretty good sink to the arm side. His slider is his out pitch and should be an above-average offering in the big leagues. His changeup, which he doesn’t always use, has the chance to be at least above-average. Johnson gets high marks for his mound presence and willingness to go right after hitters. [http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2012/draftcaster.jsp]

Pat Light
Monmouth University, NJ RHP R/R JR 6’06″ 215lbs DOB: 03/29/91

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=20930851&topic_id=29113154&c_id=mlb

And, here are the reports on the two that “got away:”

Atlanta #85 Wood, Alex Georgia, GA LHP L/L JR 6’04″ 215lbs DOB: 01/12/91

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=20934847&topic_id=29113154&c_id=mlb

Combine left-handedness, velocity and pitching in a tough college conference and the result is going to be a Draft prospect worth watching. Wood is Georgia’s Friday starter in the uber-competitive SEC, and he’s had some success. Big and athletic, he has a plus fastball as a southpaw that regularly reaches the mid-90s. While his curve is a bit inconsistent, he breaks off enough that have tight, downward rotation to project it as a good pitch down the road. The same goes for the changeup, which is below average right now, but he has a feel for it, and the pitch has the chance to be a Major League average offering. Wood’s overall command needs to improve for success as he moves on, but most of it is caused by some mechanical issues with his delivery. If corrected, he has the stuff to be a very intriguing left-handed starter.[ http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2012/draftcaster.jsp]

Andrew Heaney http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=20000723&topic_id=29113154&c_id=mlb
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With the 2012 MLB draft this Wednesday wafting into our baseball brain cavity, it is time to tell GM Ben Cherington who the Sox should draft in their #24, #31 and #37 slots.

Ben: 2 pitchers, maybe one lead-off hitter OF with some speed.

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May 18, 2012; Philadelphia, PA USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop Mike Aviles (3) doubles in the top of the 1st inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-US PRESSWIRE

The Fantasy League savants at ESPN* have had a second chance to rank MLB players and “Upon further review…” 10 Red Sox made it onto their Top 250, but only three are rated higher now. Mike Aviles made the biggest leap on the rankings, a 99 point increase from 297 to 198. Of all MLB shortstops Aviles he placed 17th, followed by 18th Marco Scutaro and 19th Jed Lowrie.

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Brandthunder.com has worked exclusively with the MLB to design these fascinating themes and are available for any browser you may use.

“Each theme comes styled with team logos and colors along with interactive elements to keep you updated on scores, breaking news & trades, and even links to tickets to games. The themes are FREE to download and we have themes for any browser whether you use Chrome, Firefox or Internet Explorer. This is a great way to show your support throughout the MLB season.” – Mark Subel, Chief Distribution Manager, www.BrandThunder.com.

Be sure to check it out and boast your Red Sox pride.  Hopefully you’ll have a Yankees fan next to you at work who will have to see your home browser everyday.

For all the latest news and analysis from BoSox Injection, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or with our RSS feed.

With two First Round picks at #24 and #31 and a Supplemental round pick at #37* in the MLB draft June 6th-8th, what is the best and worst case scenarios for the Sox?

[*Compensation for the loss of Type A free agent Jonathan Papelbon.]

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Mar 13, 2012; Jupiter, FL. USA; Miami Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen (13) argues a call with umpire C.B. Bucknor and umpire Ed Rapuano against the Atlanta Braves at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-US PRESSWIRE

Along with a new playoff format, MLB was expected to expand their replay rules for the 2012 season. The new rules would have added elements to the current rules put in place in August 2008 including fair/foul down the baselines, trapped balls and fan intereference anywhere in the ballpark. The new reviews needed to be approved by MLB, the players and the umpires (their respective unions) but the sides were unable to come to an agreement.

  We weren’t able to come up with an acceptable set of agreements between the three parties,” MLB executive vice president for labor relations Rob Manfred told The Associated Press. “We hope we’ll be able to do it in time for the 2013 season”

The new timetable for the expanded replay now looks to be 2013 at the earliest, but it doesnt look promising. The umpires want to get something out of this, the Associated Press suggested additional retirement and disability benefits or a seventh umpire for postseason games. The seventh umpire for the postseason is viable to me but additional retirement and disability benefits? For making their jobs easier? As of right now they have to walk into the clubhouse to review plays but thats likely to change. So why do they need added benefits to approve this?

Apparently the other thing the umps are concerned about is varying coverage from stadium to stadium making some stadiums harder to get the right angle than others. This one I agree could be a problem but Im sure the sides can figure something out to fix it. Adding a few cameras to the ballparks that have the least coverage seems like a viable option. Im curious to see how they resolve that issue.

The players union is waiting for the umpires and MLB to reach an agreement before they make their negotiations, if they have any. It looks like its the umpires that are resisting the change the most, so if MLB can satisy them it shouldnt be long before we see a deal struck. Whatever happens, you will know as soon as we do.

For all the latest news and analysis from BoSox Injection, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or with our RSS feed.

With the Red Sox collapse of ’11, you might say that this is a no brainer. You might say of course this is a good idea, after all if it had been in place last season the Sox may have added some new bling under those batting gloves. This is true but there is a big downside to this new format. The two wild card winners will play a one game playoff. Yes I said ONE game.

In a one game playoff anything can happen. If you dont believe me, go ask the 2007 San Diego Padres. In ’07 the Padres tied with the Colorado Rockies in the regular season and then lost the one game playoff while the Rockies went on to play in the World Series. (Losing to the Sox, of course.)

How disappointing that must have been, having your World Series hopes end before they really even started. Its exciting to watch but is it good for the game we all love? Lets look at it even further.

Lets say the American League looks like this in 2012: (These are not projections, just examples)

AL East Winner: Yankees (Just an example, Relax!) 98-64

AL Central Winner: Tigers 95-67

AL West Winner: Rangers 94-68

AL Wild Card #1: Red Sox 97-65

AL Wild Card #2: Angels 92-70

Under the new playoff format the Red Sox would play the Angels in a one game playoff. Winner goes to the Division Series. Now lets say that the Red Sox send Jon Lester to the mound, he is ineffective and the Sox lose the game. Season over, no second chances. Pack up and go home. Nevermind the fact that the Red Sox won five more games in the regular season, their fate rests on just one.

This isnt the way baseball is played. Baseball is full of averages, everything is determined by what teams and players do over the course of many games. Not just one game. There are too many variables in baseball to place the fate of any team on a single game. If the new rule featured even a three game series I would be on board but at this point I cant step onto the bandwagon. Its exciting to watch every few years when teams tie but it should not become a standard.

As Red Sox fans, what do you think? Do you support the one game playoff? Or do you support this format at all? Let us at BoSox Injection know what you think below.

For all the latest news and analysis from BoSox Injection, follow us on Twitter, Facebook

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Mr. Commissioner! Can you hear me now?  ‘This, Bud, is for YOU’!

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Mar 12, 2011; Tucson, AZ, USA; Commissioner of major league baseball, Bud Selig is interviewed by the media during a game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Milwaukee Brewers at the Maryvale Baseball Park. The Brewers won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Chris Morrison-US PRESSWIRE

Although Theo Epstein (B-T/R-R) did not pitch in the Deerfield Academy  Co-curricular league and never played baseball for the Brookline High School Warriors, or the Yale Bulldogs, the Sox may want to put him in the bullpen, instead of “The Other” Chris Carpenter.  How much worse could he be than a C+ reliever with control problems?

So…Yo, Bud, Mister Commish!  Epstein walked out on a legal contract; we say:

“Carpenter? No deal! We want Epstein back! As compensation, the Cubs can have Dicey K and a left-handed shortstop to be named later.”

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It’s Pre-Season Ranking Time and we citizens of Red Sox Nation are interested to know if our team is highly-ranked, injustly ranked, or judged just rank.   And, just as we are smarting for a good argument at the neighborhood tavern, in walks MLB.com Columnist, Anthony Castrovince, and tells us that he has created a Top Ten for three categories: Lineup, Starting Rotation, and Bullpen.

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By now you may have heard that the Red Sox farm system was rated 18th out of MLB’s 30 teams by ESPN Insider’s Keith Law, but the worse news is that he ranks Boston last in the AL East. Among all 30 MLB teams, Toronto finished #2 and Tampa #3, just behind #1 San Diego, while the Yankees finished 8 slots ahead of the Sox at #10 with the Orioles just above then at #17. And, guess how many Red Sox minor league players made the ESPN Top 100 Prospects: just two!

Law said the “Red Sox are very thin at the top of the minor league chain due to the amount that the organization has spent on amateur players. However, he sees some potential breakout candidates in the single A level.” [NESN]

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If you are a Red Sox fan, your answer will definitely be: “Yes!”

The experts at FantasyInfoCentral and CDM ranked all MLB First basemen and their conclusions may surprise you.

But, before you skip immediately to the end of this post for their take, take a moment to consider how you would rank these 10:

Pujols, Fielder, M. Cabrera, Votto, A. Gonzalez,

Howard,  Teixeira,  Berkman, Loney, Hosmer

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Until Prince Fielder officially signs with the Rangers after the Darvish Deadline [next Wednesday, January 18th at 5 p.m. ET], the Texas organization must maintain the appearance of negotiating in good faith with the Japanese pitcher, or risk running afoul of anti-trust laws, which could then cause MLB to lose its sweetheart exemption [or, in Cowboy English “unlimited monopoly.”]

Even just the whiff of the possibility that they are not making a “good faith” offer could bring some self-righteous Congressman out of a bar or brothel to demand a review of MLBs’ special arrangement with the U. S. government.  Baseball is the only sport, or business, in the United States with such a broad exemption. The Commissioner of MLB provides oversight, but is elected by the owners.  Selig, who reluctantly agreed to serve as “Interim” Commissioner in 1992, was just given a 2-year extension by a  29-1 vote. (more…)

Both changes are set to take place in 2013, but the extra Wild Card slot could be inserted next year for the 2012 season.

These changes are not the answer for baseball to try and dig themselves out of a hole when it comes to attracting more fans and trying to compete for ratings with the NFL. (more…)