A Moment of Silence for Victims of the Japan Tsunami

As news of a horrific earthquake and tsunami on the Northeast shores of Japan rolled in late this morning, our prayers were with the victims and survivors of this terrible tragedy, while our thoughts moved toward Japanese players in their Spring Training camps in Florida and Arizona.

Hideki Matsui and Ryota Igarashi were awake all night, watching the devastation and praying for the victims and survivors in their faraway homeland. Meanwhile, Daisuke Matsuzaka reached his parents safely in Tokyo, but was unable to get in touch with his grandmother.

Boston Red Sox reliever Hideki Okajima had this to say:

"It’s a tough situation. You can’t control nature, but when something like this happens, you really realize the power of nature."

Matsui shared the same sentiment:

"I am deeply concerned and affected by what is happening in Japan. I pray for the safety of all the people that have been affected and continue to be affected by this disaster."

You're In Our Thoughts, Schoeneweis

Incredibly sad news comes out of Fountain Hills, Arizona today, as Diamondbacks lefty reliever Scott Schoeneweis' wife was found dead in their home this afternoon.

As this story unfolds, we know very few details on 39-year-old Gabrielle Dawn Schoeneweis' death. Even more disturbing, we've read that she was found in the couple's bedroom by their eldest 14-year-old daughter. BLB's thoughts and prayers go out to Scott and their four children, along with Dawn's family and friends through this very unfortunate, faith-challenging time.

Tragedy Strikes Liberty University

Sad, sad news out of Virginia this morning, as another freak accident on the diamond has taken the life of a 44-year-old man.

Jeff Taylor, Sr., a professor at Lynchburg, Virginia's Liberty University, collapsed and later died at the hospital after being hit in the throat area by a line drive on a Lynchburg College field during pitching practice.

Five players, including Taylor's son, Jeff, Jr., who plays baseball for Liberty, witnessed the incredibly unfortunate accident. Taylor was an assistant professor of health sciences and kinesiology.

"Jeff Sr. was one of those guys who was always there. He was at every game and a lot of practices," said LC Vice President John Eccles.

As Hard Ball Times notes, I'm surprised that this sort of thing hasn't happened in the big leagues. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Taylor family and all of Jeff Sr.'s friends and coworkers during this horrible, faith-challenging time.

[Washington Post] | [WSLS]

Baseball Says Goodbye to Nick Adenhart

Awful news out of California today, as Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart was killed in a hit-and-run accident in Fullerton early Thursday morning.

According to the LA Times and TMZ, Adenhart was driving home with three others when a mini-van ran a red light and hit his Mitzubishi, causing it to slam into a light pole. Two of his passengers died on the scene and the third, Jon Wilhite, was in critical condition. A trust fund has been set up in his name. One of the passengers was Henry Pearson, a close friend of Matt Clapp from Sharapova's Thigh. Read his heart-wrenching tribute to his best friend here. The driver of the mini-van fled the scene, but was later apprehended by police and charged with felony hit-and-run.

You Drink, You Drive, You Suck

First of all, I think it's pretty lame that you can kill a person with your car, pay an $11,000 bond, and go home to make a sandwich. Just wanted to make that clear.

Former New York Yankees player Jim Leyritz was charged with DUI manslaughter after doing exactly that -- maybe minus the sandwich -- early Friday morning.

After Fort Lauderdale police put 2 + 2 together when they noticed Leyritz had "red, watery eyes and a flushed face and an odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his person," and that an innocent, 30-year-old woman had died in the crash after she was hurled from the car, Leyritz refused a sobriety test.

If convicted of vehicular homicide while boozed up, which is a second degree felony in Florida, Leyritz faces a fine of up to $10,000 and (one can only hope) up to 15 years in prison. He also would lose his driver's license forever if he does not apply for reinstatement after the mandatory five years. Additionally, he was charged with a count of DUI property damage.

Oh yeah, that 30-year-old woman was Fredia Ann Veitch. She had two children (ages 13 and 5) who are now without a mother because of some drunk asshole's poor decision-making skills. On that note, anyone who is concerned about "The King's" legacy being ruined over this crime ought to be punched in the face. Hard.

[ESPN]