The Back Alley Archives

Man. That's an interesting question, that list. I'm assuming A-Rod is #2 and either Ichiro or the Big Unit is #3?

FUCK! the bullpen has really sucked the cock lately.

Hey Hater, what do you think of the Braves dealing Kotsay to the Red Sox?

I was hoping he'd go to the Phillies, but oh well.

the Texas Rangers of the NL (not complete bottom feeders, but never really good, either).

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays and Ripken Baseball announced on Wednesday that together they have purchased the team that plays in Vero Beach, Fla. The team -- which will serve as the Rays' Class A affiliate in the Florida State League -- will play in Port Charlotte starting in 2009.
"Florida is a baseball hotbed and we have been anxious to have a base of operations here for some time," Cal Ripken, president and CEO of Ripken Baseball, said. "When the opportunity to partner with the Rays presented itself, we jumped at it."

Although Ripken acknowledged that Minor League Baseball is about selling a family product, the former Major Leaguer was equally optimistic in creating a successful team.

"It's awfully great when you have good players, good prospects you can sell," Ripken said. "We're not in for the short term. We're in it for the long term, so we're looking forward to that."

Ripken said he will be an active and visible part in the new team and Ripken Baseball has hired Joe Hart to serve as the team's general manager. Hart was formerly the GM at the Nashville Sounds, the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers in the Pacific Coast League.

Full season seat packages (70 games) start at $285 and the team is taking deposits for seating now. Those interested should call (866) 272-9789. Single game pricing as well as smaller ticket plans will be announced at a later time.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Cal Ripken and Ripken Baseball on this unique venture," Rays president Matt Silverman said. "Ripken Baseball is an established and proven Minor League operator and the Ripken name is synonymous with success."

Prior to Wednesday's Rays game, Ripken was equally impressed with the success of the Major League club.

"I think it's marvelous," Ripken, who threw out a ceremonial first pitch, said of the Rays' success. "There's a lot of energy. They're the talk of the nation."

Man, Hater, are your Braves the Nationals' bitch or what? They can't beat anyone, but Atlanta comes to town, and all of a sudden the Nationals find a way.

braves will beat the Mets this year.

want to re-do the bet we had last year, Manny?

Braves win the NL East, then I win...Mets win the NL East you win...any one else...draw.

how much?

I think we had a case of beer at the BA Gathering on it...I'm game for that...I could always be game to increase the bet pending on what kind of job I end up landing.