Aubrey Huff and Hulk Hogan are Bang Brothers?

Once word started circling that the chick Hulk Hogan bedded in that sex tape (don't judge...you all watched it, too) had possibly made more sex tapes with other athletes and celebrities, the baseball blogosphere held its collective breath waiting for someone with Major League ties to be named.

And then, like a drippy, old faucet, the names started leaking and the only name we got was, wait for it...Aubrey Huff.

But, it does make sense.

According to Hogan, he tagged Heather Clem "six years ago" or, in baseball terms, right around the time Huff was dealt by the Rays to the Houston Astros. Overall, the utilityman played seven season in Tampa, hitting .287 and belting 128 home runs...both good for third all-time in team history.

That aside, I think it's pretty safe to say that there must not have been that many high profile members of the Tampa Bay Rays when Clem decided to turn on the video camera and record her, um, sexcapades.

I mean, c'mon...Aubrey Huff?  Granted, dude had some good years in Tampa, but this was still years before we had all heard of the rally thong.

Now, it's just a rumor and, honestly, who cares who Huff is or isn't having sex with. I'm just hoping that dude, if he got with Clem, did it prior to marrying his future ex-wife Baubi (yep, that's the former Mrs. Huff's name) in January 2007.

Tampa Bay Unveils Faux-Back Jerseys

When I heard the Tampa Bay Rays were going retro for their June 30 game against the Detroit Tigers...two things immediately came to mind.

First.  I love the idea!

Second.  Just how retro can a team that debuted in 1998 get?

Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you...the "Faux-Back" uniform of the Tampa Bay Rays.  But here's the big question...does Dan Epstein (author of Big Hair and Plastic Grass: A Funky Ride Through Baseball and America in the Swinging '70s) think of the uniforms?

Tampa Bay to Sign "Godzilla"

After two seasons out west, "Godzilla" has returned to the American League East.

This...according to Jack Curry of the YES Network.

Hideki Matsui is expected to soon sign a minor league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. Matsui hit .251 with 12 hrs and 72 RBI for A's last year

Sure, Matsui heading to the Rays won't make that much of a splash, but this is a guy who, at 37,  can continue to make a little bit of a name for himself.

Last season, you might remember, Matsui entered the 500 home run club...but not in the way that you might suspect.  Dude hit 332 for the Yomiuri Giants before coming stateside.

But, still...pretty cool.

David Price Has an Awesome Bowling Ball

I'm not a bowler.

And, obviously, this is not a bowling site.

That said, Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price has a pretty awesome bowling ball.  So awesome, in fact, the lefty tweeted about it Saturday night.

It's not every day that your face ends up on a bowling ball, but in Price's case...it was all for a good cause.

You see, Saturday night, Price's charity (Project One Four) held its annual bowling event and I, for one, think it is pretty cool that the two-time All-Star is continuing to give back to his hometown of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Johnny Damon Supports Former Teammate; Eyes Return to Tampa

I guess this is what happens when boring teams (yes, I said it) make the postseason.

I mean, no disrespect to the four teams still alive, but it seems that without the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox involved...people are scrambling to find news.

The other day, the interwebs were buzzing with news that Jonathan Papelbon was (gasp!) partying in New Orleans with some friends.

And I know what you're thinking...who cares? 

Apparently the Thirty Mile Zone does.  So much so, they asked the Boston closer's former teammate Johnny Damon about it as he walked the streets of Hollywood Tuesday night.

But...his take on the Papelbon (non) controversy isn't what I found interesting.

Watch!

T-Shirt Company Hopes for Manny's Return

Last week, the baseball blogosphere (or at least, maybe, this site) let out a collective "ugh" when it heard that Manny Ramirez was considering making a comeback.

Seriously, do we really need Ramirez coming back and trying to salvage whatever shred of "Manny Being Manny" swagger that might still exist?  Does anyone even care?!?

The answer to that is a easy one.

You remember URtheFan.com, right?  They're the guys that cooked up the popular "Manny Ray" shirts that hit the scene also immediately after Ramirez inked a deal with Tampa Bay.

They care.

"We're certainly for it," the t-shirt company's head honcho Jacob Reuter said, "sales have suffered and we still out stuck with TONS of inventory that we cant give away!"

But what to do if Ramirez doesn't come back...much less in a Rays uni?

"End of the year, we'll donate what is left for tax purposes," Reuter added.  "Manny hurt us very badly, but we still love him."

Currently, you can snag a "Manny Ray" shirt for pretty cheap and, if you're so inclined, why not show your love for Evan Longoria, Sam Fuld or Ben Zobrist while you're at it?

Reuter and the boys have plans in the works to add some shirts of some other popular Rays players.  Is there one in particular you'd like to see?  Leave your comment below!

It's a Garfoose Giveaway!

Earlier this week, the Tampa Bay Rays cut ties with pitcher Dirk Hayhurst.

Hayhurst had been injured most of the season (he only made eleven starts with Triple-A Durham) and missed the entre 2010 campaign due to shoulder surgery.

But, man, to read the blurb (and, really, does one line constitute a "blurb"?) from the St. Petersburg Times...you'd think the righty was more George Plimpton than, well, Dirk Hayhurst.

Author/pitcher Dirk Hayhurst was released from Triple-A Durham.

Short.  Simple.  To the point.

The popular author of The Bullpen Gospels (and hurler since that is how the newspaper is playing it), is taking his release in stride...by passing the savings on to you!

That's right, dude is having a "Post Release Auction Party".

Well, the best way to make use of bad news is by doing something good with it. Now that I’m done for this season, it’s time to use my old gear for a new cause. Below you’ll see some of the items I will have up for my seasonal charity auction in the coming days, with ALL the proceeds going to good causes.

Every won item will include a signed Garfoose Card or two, and a Rays T-shirt (shirts ar XL. Don’t worry, this is America, you’ll grow into it).

Some of the items up for bid (you can find the full list over at his site):

• This season’s “Mr. Garfoose” glove, with a ball to be Garfoosed and signed to the winner.
• The infamous Star Wars lunchbox, which will have secrets within that only the winning bidder can open.
• A Tampa Bay Nike Dry Fit T-shirt… yes, I washed it.
• A Phiten brand necklace, supposedly imbued with mystical energy that keeps Josh Beckett from turning into a werewolf.

Make sure you follow Hayhurst on Twitter so you can find out how (and when) you can snag some merch and who benefits.

And in the meantime...go buy his book!  Dude needs to eat.

***UPDATE:  Here's the official ebay listing for the "Post Release Auction Party".  Bid early.  Bid often!***

The Legend Continues...Part Deux

A few weeks ago, Hall contributor Lou Olsen presented some reasons why Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Sam Fuld is awesome.

Sam Fuld is so awesome, that Superman asked him to tone it back a little bit so that people would not get suspicious.

Sam Fuld is so awesome, that when he calls a lady, she has to wear a prophylactic.

Naturally, that led to a number of comments from you, the loyal readers of The Hall. My favorite came from the always plucky Allen McCabe.

Sam Fuld is so awesome, heroin shoots him.

And with that, McCabe got himself a "Legend of Same Fuld" t-shirt...courtesy of the boys over at urthefan.com.

But, you know who else has that shirt?

The legend himself. Yet another reason why Sam Fuld is awesome.

***Ever wondered what superhero movies "Super Sam" calls his favorites? Wonder no more...click HERE!***

The Legend Continues...

Thanks to his white hot start to the season, Sam Fuld of the Tampa Bay Rays became an instant star.

He dominated the Twittersphere, got female fans pregnant with every diving catch and even had a night dedicated to him at Tropicana Field.

Alright...I might be partially misinformed about that "pregnant fans" part.

But one guy who always has his facts straight is Hall contributor Lou Olsen.

You remember "Sweet Lou" right? He's the cat on loan from Reviewing the Brew that uncovered some long since lost facts about Ross Grimsley's mustache during The Hall's recent week-long celebration of the 40th anniversary of the pitcher's Major League debut.

Here are ten things that he unearthed about the Rays outfielder and what exactly makes him so awesome.

Sam Fuld is so awesome, that he wears sweaters, knitted out of barbed wire.

Sam Fuld is so awesome, that Superman asked him to tone it back a little bit so that people would not get suspicious.

Sam Fuld is so awesome, that Niagara Falls calls him 'Sir'.

Sam Fuld is so awesome, that New Hampshire could not stop him...or contain him.

Sam Fuld is so awesome, that his glove is made of 100% unicorn hide.

Sam Fuld is so awesome, that when he calls a lady, she has to wear a prophylactic.

Sam Fuld is so awesome, that he once raised Harry Caray from the dead, just to make him listen to Sam sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame". It was so good Harry died a second time.

Sam Fuld is so awesome, that he can smell shark fear, which he plans to launchas a men's fragrance next summer.

Sam Fuld is so awesome, that a certain post-game shower encounter caused Manny Ramirez to retire, not all that other crap Manny spewed in that press conference...and everybody knows it.

Sam Fuld is so awesome, that David Copperfield gave him the keys to the lost city of Atlantis, which Sam immediately swallowed to absorb it's power.

One last thing that makes the 29-year-old awesome is this...the gang over at urthefan.com (click the link to see the shirt) have designed a "Legend of Same Fuld" t-shirt and they want you to have one for free!

Here's the deal. All you need to do is hit up the comments with your own reason why Sam Fuld is awesome and the shirt might be yours.

That's right.  Free. Of. Charge.

So get moving, gang...this offer won't last long.

***Please note...the contest for the Sam Fuld t-shirt has concluded.  A big thank you to all that participated.***

Johnny Damon Makes History

When Johnny Damon hit a walk-off home run in the 10th inning of Thursday night's Tampa Bay Rays-Minnesota Twins game, the 10,042 in attendance probably didn't know that they witnessed history.

How do you ask?

Well...check out this offering from Marc Tompin of the St. Petersburg Times:

Damon became the first major-leaguer to hit walkoff homers for five different teams, having also done the deed for the Royals, Red Sox, Yankees, and Tigers (twice).

I realize I didn't dig up the stat first...but when you bust that out this weekend and tell your friends...please say you saw it here.

So...um, Manny's Done

It was just a matter of time before Manny Ramirez went all (to steal a phrase from EVERY other story written today) "Manny Being Manny" on the Tampa Bay Rays, right?

Well, today is/was that day.  Circle it on your calendars, folks...the once future Hall of Famer is done.

This from MLB.com:

Manny Ramirez is retiring as a player, Major League Baseball announced in a statement issued Friday afternoon.

The statement said Ramirez had "an issue" under MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program and informed the league he is hanging it up rather than "continue with the process under the program."

The statement, in full, reads as follows: "Major League Baseball recently notified Manny Ramirez of an issue under Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment program. Rather than continue with the process under the program, Ramirez has informed MLB that he is retiring as an active player. If Ramirez seeks reinstatement in the future, the process under the drug program will be completed. MLB will not have any further comment on this matter."

And if what Michael Schmidt of the New York Times says is true...the 38-year-old tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug in Spring Training.

Oops.

Ramirez inked a deal this past off season with the Rays and was (along with the rest of the team) struggling to get it going starting the season 1-for-17.  He finishes his 19-year career with 555 home runs, 1,831 RBI and a .312 average.

In 2009, Ramirez was suspended 50 games by MLB for violating the league's drug policy.  If this most recent issue was indeed a drug violation, he would be facing a suspension of 100 games.

BUT...something tells me we might never know.

2011 Milestone Preview: American League East

With the heated contract negotiations between Derek Jeter and the New York Yankees now a distant memory...it is safe to turn our attention to what is probably the biggest milestone on the horizon this baseball season, right?

Let's face it, Jeter cementing himself as one of the (if not the) greatest Yankee of all-time is going to turn a few heads.

And with 2926 hits...I know I'll be watching the boxscores, counting down to 3000 right alongside everyone else.

But enough about Jeter...let's focus on the AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST.


BALTIMORE ORIOLES

When Buck Showalter took over the O's last season, he proved to many that he could still win.  Of course, with 916 career victories...we're probably going to be waiting until the last week of the season to see whether or not the skipper will get to 1000.

Newly acquired Vladimir Guerrero brought his bat to the crowded AL East set on adding to his already Hall of Famer worthy statline.  Right now, dude is on the cusp of 2500 hits, 450 home runs and 1500 RBI...sitting at 2427, 436 and 1433 respectively.

Last season, because of injuries, second baseman Brian Roberts played in just 59 games.  While still plagued by said injuries, the All-Star is looking to get back to form...amassing extra base hits 50 or more doubles at a time. Should “B-Rob” hit that mark again, he’ll be one of only two players (Hall of Famer Tris Speaker is the other) with four seasons with 50 or more doubles.

BOSTON RED SOX

There's been a lot of talk about the Red Sox and their expectations this upcoming season.  That said, the oldest player in the Majors, pitcher Tim Wakefield, is on the verge of a few milestones...both good and, well, dubious.

With 193 career victories, the knuckleballer is staring down 200.  His Wakefield’s 175 wins in Boston is just behind Cy Young and Roger Clemens’ 192 on the all-time Red Sox list. But getting 17 Ws out of Wakefield this season (or the next two for that matter), might be a pipedream. 

On the flipside of the coin...Wakefield is just seven longballs away from becoming just the 12th pitcher to have surrended 400 home runs.

Speaking of the dubious, with 1842 career strikeouts, centerfielder Mike Cameron sits tenth all-time…100 away from cracking the top five.

Hooray?

And since I brought it up with Showalter earlier...it warrants mentioning that Sox skipper Terry Francona is 61 wins away from career victory number 1000.

NEW YORK YANKEES

Every year, the Yankees seem to have something to celebrate and 2011 is no exception.  You've already heard about Derek Jeter chasing down 3000 hits.

How about all the ghosts Alex Rodriguez is chasing?

With 613 career home runs, "A-Rod" is only 18 homers from being fifth all-time.  His 1831 RBI puts him 17th all-time, but should he get to 100 this season (something that's not happened only once), he'll jump into eighth place.  Lastly, Rodriguez is, by far, the active leader in runs scored with 1757.  With 90 runs scored...he'll end the season 13th all-time.

On the other side of the diamond, Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira is closing in on 1500 hits, 300 home runs and 1000 RBI.  Currently, he's at 1321, 275 and 906.  A duplication of either one of his two seasons in the Bronx should push him past the milestones. 

Almost as important (arguably, it might be MORE impressive) as the Jeter milestone is what Mariano Rivera is closing (see what I did there?) in on.  At 559 career saves, he's 43 saves away from becoming the all-time leader in the category.

Can he do it?

He's topped 43 or more six times in his career...so it isn't out of the realm of possibility.

TAMPA BAY RAYS

Thank God the Rays decided to capture 2004 lightning in a bottle when the signed Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon or they would be merely a footnote when discussing milestones.

There's no reason to think that Ramirez won't continue his assault on the record books.  He might not reach 3000 career hits (he's currently at 2573) anytime soon...but with 555 career home runs and 1830 RBI, he's poised to be well entrenched atop many career lists for a long time.

With 2571 hits, Ramirez's partner in crime Damon might get to 3000 for his career.  It won't happen for a few years...but it could happen if a resurgence in Tampa Bay is in the cards.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS

At 6'11"...pitcher Jon Rauch is the tallest player in the Majors.  He now calls Toronto home!  Not good enough for you?  Well...the Jays aren't exactly the most exciting team in the world now are they?

Evan Longoria's Ride Gets "Purloined"

After three years in the bigs...Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria has already experienced plenty.

Three-time All-Star.

Two-time Gold Glove Award winner.

2008 American League Champion AND Rookie of the Year.

And, according to The Arizona Republic...his ride was "purloined" from a parking lot.  Yes...I'm a big fan of the word "purloined". 

Evan Longoria, a star player for the Tampa Bay Rays major league team, was having his classic 1967 black and white Camaro RS, valued at $75,000, upgraded by a Gilbert company, only to have it purloined from an overflow lot in Chandler, police said.

That car and a Buick GSX, valued at $25,000, were stolen between late Saturday and early Sunday from an overflow lot at 260 E. Comstock Rd. in Chandler, said Chandler Police Det. David Ramer.

"In the words of the detective, it was a very sloppy job," Ramer said of the thefts.

Car theft is pretty standard, I guess, maybe, but c'mon, Chandler Police...maybe SEARCH for the dude's car before you drop the "detectives suspect the cars will be sold for their parts" nugget.

I mean, this is this guy's ride...not a lost cat.  The least you can do is make an effort and not give up so fast.

That said...have you seen what "Longo" will do to get his cap back?  Maybe he doesn't need the cops.

Tampa Bay Enlists Damon and Ramirez

Last month, stories started circulating that Johnny Damon was looking to play closer to his Orlando home and sign with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Also part of that story...Gary Sheffield.

Well, here we are, a month later, and the Damon story has come to a close.  According to numerous sources, the 37-year-old outfielder has agreed to a $5.25 million dollar deal (plus incentives) to suit up for the Rays this upcoming season.

And while the Sheffield part of the afore mentioned story didn't pan out...the "Damon to the Rays" headline doesn't end there.

Joining Damon in Tampa Bay...his former Boston Red Sox teammate Manny Ramirez.

That's right.  The Rays, who have been losing players left and right this offseason, opened up the checkbook and inked both Damon and Ramirez.

There's a zillion punchlines to be made here...but I think Jonah Keri summed it up best.

Throw in Kevin Millar, Dave Roberts, and Pedro's little person, and les jeux d'idiots sont fait.

Last season with the Detroit Tigers, Damon hit .271 in 145 games. For his career, he is a .287 hitter and is sixth among active players with 2571 hits...two behind Ramirez and his 2573.

And speaking of Damon's teammate with the 2004 World Champion BoSox...he hit .298 with nine home runs in just 90 games with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox.  With 555 home runs, the 12 time All-Star is third (behind only Alex Rodriguez and Jim Thome) among active players.

What's Next for Manny Ramirez?

Earlier this off season, it was reported that Manny Ramirez would be open to playing for the Toronto Blue Jays, but, apparently, the feelings between him and Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos weren't mutual.

Then, it appeared as though the New York Yankees might have been looking to enlist the services of the 38-year-old slugger.

Now, according to a tweet by ESPN's Buster Olney...Ramirez won't be taking his sideshow to the Big Apple.

Heard this: The Yankees have no interest in signing Manny Ramirez. Jorge Posada will be the full-time DH, and they have three OFers lined up

On the flip side...Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times sees Ramirez as being a potential fit for the vacant Tampa Bay Rays DH hole.

In a real-life version of musical chairs, it would seem the Rays could score a good deal here given the number of openings vs. free-agent candidates. Possibilities include Johnny Damon, Jason Giambi, Manny Ramirez and Jim Thome, with (Dan) Johnson again a fallback option if they get a first baseman.

So what's next for Manny Ramirez and his lifetime .313 batting average and 555 home runs?

The guy can't play the outfield any more so the National League is out of the question and with more and more American League teams publicly saying "not interested"...can the one-time lock for Hall of Fame find a ride for the 2011 or will he be forced to sit it out?

Only time will tell.

Pair of Veterans Look to Join the Rays

In an obvious effort to re-create my 2002 fantasy baseball team, the Tampa Bay Rays are being courted by a couple of veterans.

Yes, similar to the Manny Ramirez-to-the-Blue Jays rumors...free agents (and former New York Yankees teammates) Johnny Damon and Gary Sheffield both said Tuesday night that they'd be interested in signing with the Rays.

This...according to the St. Petersburg Times:

Damon, 37, talked with the Rays last spring before signing with Detroit, but they didn’t have a regular role for him, not with Carl Crawford in leftfield and Pat Burrell at DH. Now the Rays have an opening in leftfield, and Damon - who is looking for a team close to his Orlando home - would like to fill it.

Tampa’s Sheffield, 42, wants to play again after sitting out last season, and very much would like to do so as the DH for his hometown team. Sheffield, who has 509 career homers, said financial terms wouldn’t be an issue: " We can work that out."

Last season with the Tigers, Damon hit .271 in 145 games.  For his career, he is a .287 hitter and is sixth among active players with 2571 hits.

Sheffield sat out all 2010 after not being offered a contract extension by the New York Mets.  He ranks in the top 25 all-time in home runs (509) and RBI (1676) and is the only player in Major League history to hit at least 25 home runs for 6 different teams.

Enter the BRayser!

I'm not sure when exactly the fad started.

I'm not sure what exactly it entails.

All I know is that I'm upset I found out about it just recently. That said, I am glad I found out about it at all...and you probably are as well.

Remember two years ago when the Tampa Bay Rays made the playoffs and those stupid blue Rayhawks were all the rage? Well, this year, the Rays are delivering something better than that accessory, Thunderstix and the Rally Monkey all rolled into one.

Enter the BRayser.

Manager Joe Maddon and his troops have gotten all Herbert Ruggles Tarlick Jr. on the baseball world and BJ Upton wants you to win his awesome WKRP-inspired jacket.

Here's all you need to do!

For a minimum donation of $15 (or the cost of one ticket), your name will be entered into a drawing to win a BRayser worn and signed by B.J. Upton. You can register over at The Upton Brothers website, but time is limited and only 500 tickets are going to be sold.

The winner will be chosen on November 9 and proceeds go to the Childs Park and Wildwood Recreation Centers located in South St. Petersburg to help support the families served by these centers.

Next year, my suggestion is that the Rays (or any team for that matter) dress up as the JabbaWockeeZ when they hit the road.

Fingers crossed.

Twitter Tuesday: David Price

After seeing a mere 12,446 fans in the stands, Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price hit the Twitters Monday night and tweeted the following about what would be his team's fourth-lowest home attendance figure this season:

@DAVIDprice14: Had a chance to clinch a post season spot tonight with about 10,000 fans in the stands....embarrassing

What followed was a mixed bag of responses that, if the internet has taught me anything, will lead to David Price to not only become a trending topic later tonight, but also be mentioned in the late editions of SportsCenter.

That said, here's a sampling of some of the supportive tweets the big lefty got in response. And Hell...even pro golfer Paul Azinger got in on it!

@PaulAzinger: @DAVIDprice14 It was embarrassing. Looked terrible on tv.

@carlhancock: @DAVIDprice14 You spoke the truth David. You guys have a great time and it is a shame you don't get the support you deserve from the fans.

@PeteAbe: Kudos to @DAVIDPrice14 and his teammates for speaking the truth about their embarrassing lack of support. They need a new market.

@alexbussey: Congratulations to @DAVIDprice14 for being an honest ballplayer. Too often we hear just stock answers night in and night out.

@evan_b: @DAVIDprice14 had to be said. You guys deserve better from your fans, especially with how you pitched all yr

And, of course, with every honest outburst...there were the people that had to take to the internets and try to blast the American League Cy Young candidate

@ltsunis: @DAVIDprice14 You would think having less fans in the stands would be better for a pitchers concentration, yet you are complaining about it

@RaysFanGio: @DAVIDprice14.I went to 14 spring games.65 home games.5 road games.took a road trip to durham this season.thanks for making me feel horrible

@justinn1010: It's never a good thing to become the story for what you say or do off the field..guessing @DAVIDprice14 learned that 1st hand tonite

Of all the idiots that had something to say to the Rays hurler, this last dude is right...to an extent. But then again...it needed to be said and hopefully, Price opens some eyes.

Remember 2008 when the Rays were all the rage?

All you saw on TV throughout the playoffs (outside of Frank Caliendo) were Rays fans with their blue mohawks and sellouts at Tropicana Field. Well...their attendance numbers then (an average of 22,370 a night) were virtually no different than they are now (23,047 a night through the weekend).

It appears that regardless how well the Rays do (and they're a damn good, young team, America) they can't seem to garner the support of the Bay area.

But does that really surprise you? I mean, this is an area of the United States that has a population that fluctuates based on how the weather is doing...why wouldn't their fanbase?

Fair weather fever...catch it! And while you're at it, follow David Price on Twitter...homeboy needs all the support he can get right now!

Win Your Own "Sweet Lou" Bobblehead

Alright...enough about Lou Piniella (for now) and on to how YOU can win your very own Lou Piniella bobblehead courtesy of The Hall of Very Good.

It's simple. You have three ways of becoming a winner and all it takes is spreading the good word of The Hall of Very Good!

On Facebook: Change your current status to "I won a Lou Piniella bobblehead courtesy of @The Hall of Very Good and you can too! http://ow.ly/2FDwb"

On Twitter: Tweet "I won a Lou Piniella bobblehead courtesy of @HOVG and you can too! http://ow.ly/2FDwb"

Or...re-tweet the messages that I sent out during the day on Friday.

After it is all said and done (we'll say late Friday night or Saturday morning), I'll randomly draw the winner, contact them and send them the bobblehead...all on my dime.

Sound like fun? Then get to your social media-ing...or whatever you call it. You can enter as many times as you wish.

Check out some other Piniella news from the last couple of days.

Talkin' Lou Piniella with George Castle: Author of Sweet Lou and the Cubs: A Year Inside the Dugout shares his thoughts on the former skipper.

Friday 5: Lou Piniella: Three former big leaguers who played for Piniella weigh in on his Hall of Fame chances.

2010 Milestone Preview: American League East

It would be really, really easy to sit here and write on and on about Alex Rodriguez.

The fact that, at 33, he’s just 17 home runs away from becoming the youngest player to hit 600 home runs.

Too easy.

The fact that he’s about to leapfrog plenty of Hall of Famers as he climbs up the all-time RBI list.

Like taking candy from a baby.

The fact that, last year, by finishing with 30 home runs and 100 RBIs for the 13th time in his career, he broke a tie with Manny Ramirez, Babe Ruth and Jimmie Foxx for the most in MLB history.

Fish in a barrel.

Like I said, coming up with praise for A-Rod would be easy and that’s why I’m choosing to, again, ignore his efforts and focus on the rest of the AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST.


BALTIMORE ORIOLES

In just their 110th year of existence, the Orioles don’t have a ton to talk about this season.

Among the only milestones worth mentioning…newly re-acquired Miguel Tejada enters 2010 with 285 home runs. And with back-to-back seasons with 13 and 14 home runs…it remains to be seen if the 2002 American League MVP can get his old stroke back.

Also of note for the O’s is Brian Roberts and his ability to amass extra base hits 50 doubles or more at a time. Should “B-Rob” hit that mark again, he’ll be one of only two players (Hall of Famer Tris Speaker is the other) with four seasons with 50 or more doubles.


BOSTON RED SOX

When the Red Sox travel to Baltimore May 2, newly acquired Mike Cameron will celebrate the eighth anniversary of becoming just the thirteenth player to hit four home runs in a game.

With 1798 career strikeouts, the 37 year-old centerfielder sits eleventh all-time…18 behind Dave Kingman. With any luck(?), Cameron, could finish the season fifth overall.

Hooray?

And speaking of Ks (weren’t we?), Fenway’s favorite octogenarian Tim Wakefield is a mere 21 punchouts away from becoming the third knuckleballer with 2000 or more strikeouts.

Also within reach for Wakefield is 200 wins. Nestled behind Hall of Famer Lefty Gomez and the awesomely named Brickyard Kennedy and Urban Shocker, Wakefield is sitting at 189…good for third (fifth if John Smoltz and Pedro Martinez find work) on the active list.

Wakefield’s 175 wins in Boston is just behind Cy Young and Roger Clemens’ 192 on the all-time Red Sox list. But getting 17 Ws out of Wakefield this season (or the next two for that matter), might be a pipedream.


NEW YORK YANKEES

The big news last season (for some reason) was Derek Jeter surpassing Lou Gehrig as the Yankees hit king. Now that that is has come and gone…all we can focus on is the All-World shortstop’s countdown to 3000 hits.

Which, unfortunately, won’t come until 2011.

With 2747 hits to his credit…let’s all agree to re-visit this topic a year from June shall we.

And given only one American League pitcher has notched 21 wins or more in the last four seasons, it isn’t likely that Andy Pettitte is going to get the 21 necessary to raise his career total to 250.

What is likely, however, is that CC Sabathia WILL get the 14 wins he needs to get to 150 for his young career. At only 28 (he turns 29 in June), the big lefty has the best shot among all young hurlers to end up in that 250-300 range.


TAMPA BAY RAYS

Carl Crawford is the Rays career leader is just about every offensive category. With 92 triples to his credit, he is third among active players (Johnny Damon and Jimmy Rollins each have 95), but probably the most likely to reach 100 first.

One category that doesn’t see Crawford atop the leaderboard is home runs. Going into the season, for Ray Aubrey Huff is 12 home runs ahead of current first baseman Carlos Pena.

With an average of 39 home runs in each of his years in Tampa Bay, odds are Pena will be the Rays all-time leader before Memorial Day.


TORONTO BLUE JAYS

Now that the constant Roy Halladay trade rumors that plagued the Blue Jays last season are a thing of the past…Toronto fans can focus on Vernon Wells inching toward 200 home runs for his career.

Sure, Halladay and his amazing track record north of the border was something of Canadian folklore, but this is Vernon Wells, people.

Vernon. Wells.

Nevermind.

The National League Central is next on the docket…feel free to check out the National League East HERE.