Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Today's Topics: AL East, Strasburg, Roddick


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There’s a reason they play the games, all 162 of them.

Before the season, many baseball fans expected the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays to battle for the AL East title.

Replace the disappointing Bosox with the surprising Orioles, and that’s what you have.

Just a few weeks ago, I expressed amazement that this Yankees team, banged up and full of veteran players, led the division by 10 games.

There’s no such amazement now. New York is clinging to its lead, with younger (and hungrier?) Baltimore and Tampa Bay driving hard.

If George Steinbrenner were alive, he surely would be fighting the Giants and Jets for the back pages of the tabloids. :)

The next four weeks are going to be fun … unless your team fails to reach postseason.

Roddick retires

So what’s the over/under on years before Andy Roddick comes out of retirement – 2?

The Strasburg Plan

Washington Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg is scheduled to make two more starts before being shut down for the season. That, despite the Nats being on the verge of an NL East crown.

Earlier this season, the Nationals announced Strasburg’s innings would be limited in 2012, less than two years after the right-hander with the golden arm underwent Tommy John surgery.

Thinking long-term, even with Washington in contention, is difficult to dispute. Talented pitchers such as Strasburg don't appear often.

But if you disagree with Washington's plan, don’t blame general manager Mike Rizzo. He’s in a tough spot thanks to agent Scott Boras.

When Strasburg signed with Washington in 2009, Boras said he wanted an organization that put his client’s health first. If not, Boras insinuated future clients wouldn’t be headed to the nation's capital.

Boras currently represents several Nationals, including young star Bryce Harper.

So, Rizzo's eye on the future is focused on more than just Strasburg.

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