Albert Pujols Joins 500 Home Run Club

Albert Pujols has joined the elite 500 Home Run Club, becoming the 26th player ever to do so.

The Los Angeles Angels first baseman became the first guy to hit his 499th and 500th in the same game, driving in five runs in his team's 7-2 win over the Washington Nationals Tuesday night. Both longballs came off right-hander Taylor Jordan: a three-run bomb in the first inning and another for two in the fifth.

Pujols is the third-youngest player to reach the home run milestone, just two years older than Alex Rodriguez and Jimmie Foxx, who were both 32. He also just so happened to hit his 400th at Nationals ballpark as a St. Louis Cardinal.

Oddly enough, both people who caught the home run balls were Angels fans. Roy Kirkley returned No. 499 to Pujols before Tom Sherrill, also from California, caught Pujols' 500th and gave it back after the game. Don't these people know if you hold out long enough you can get season tickets and signed merchandise? Amateurs.

The three-time National League MVP, who leads the Angels with 19 RBIs, is on quite a tear as of late. All eight of his homers this season have come in his last 13 games.

[ESPN]

Happy Holidays!

In tradition with well, tradition here at BLB, Happy Holidays from D'Meat Hook.

Celebrating a Legend: Happy Jackie Robinson Day

I thought I'd celebrate Jackie Robinson Day today by sharing a few links to some different articles on the legend's career and life, and how we celebrate his legacy today. Enjoy.

Celebrate Jackie Robinson Day at Target Field [Sooze!]

12 facts you may not know about Jackie Robinson [Yahoo! Sports]

Jackie Robinson Day has bigger meaning than just jersey numbers [Rant Sports]

Padres to host 42 youngsters on Robinson Day [San Diego Padres]

MLB diversity slumps to '58 levels [Athletic Business]

Jackie Robinson Day special for Adam Jones [MLB]

Whoopsie: Orioles Ballgirl Fields Live Baseball [VIDEO]

Ever do something super embarrassing and wish you could un-do it? Or at the very least, hide your head in the sand for a little while?

This Baltimore Orioles ballgirl, who we forgive because she is adorable and obviously has the skills to pay the college softball bills later on in life, made a pretty big Whoopsie on Sunday. She fielded a live baseball to result in a ground-rule double.
/sad trombone

[MLB]

MLB and Match.com: It Could Be Love at First Pitch

Are you a lonely baseball fan? Tired of yelling at umpires from your couch all by yourself and having only your cat to high five after those big moments? Sick of attending ballgames with your buddy and his wife? Embarrassed after having to break up with yet another person after they couldn't recite the opposing team's depth chart? I feel you girl.

Well, you're in luck. Match.com has partnered with Major League Baseball to give the popular dating site some baseball flair. It's free to peruse, but you have to register to actually discuss America's Pastime with like-minded fans in your area. It could be love at first pitch.

Obvious first date ideas:

• a public place
• like a ballpark
• or a bar

We'll let you know asap when Tinder wants to help you "meet" the baseball-loving guy or girl of your dreams.

[Match]

Ryan Braun Responds to Boos with 3-Homer Day at Citizens Bank Park

In a very Barry Bonds-esque performance at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Ryan Braun was booed and then booed some more. His response? Three home runs.

In the video below, Philadelphia Phillies fans can be heard calling him a cheater from the stands, unwilling to forgive or forget his purchase of PEDs from Biogenesis, denial of said purchase, and the slap on the wrist that followed.

After only three hits in 20 at bats this season, the Milwaukee Brewers right fielder knocked in a career-high seven runs to tie a franchise record in his team's 10-4 victory. He had not gone yard in 98 plate appearances -- the longest drought of his career -- dating back to last summer. However, it was no surprise he ended his homer slump in Philly, where he has 10 longballs in 21 career games.

[VIDEO] Yu Darvish Becomes Fastest Starter to 500 Strikeouts

Even after missing three weeks, Yu Darvish came back doing what he does best: throw strikes.

Fresh of the disabled list from neck discomfort, the lanky right-hander allowed seven hits over seven scoreless innings Sunday to help his Texas Rangers avoid a three-game sweep with a 3-0 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.

He struck out six and walked one, leaving the Rays hitless in 10 at-bats with runners in scoring position during his season debut.

Darvish got right down to business, accomplishing his 500th career strikeout by fanning David DeJesus and Wil Myers in the first inning. In fact, the 401.2 innings in which he did so was the fewest number of innings for any starter to reach that milestone in major league history. That's just three innings fewer than that of the old record holder, Kerry Wood.

The Rangers are hoping for another stellar season out of Darvish after his performance last year, in which he boasted a 2.83 ERA with a league-best 277 strikeouts and 13-9 record in 32 starts.

[VIDEO] Derek Jeter Slides into 8th Place on All-Time Hits List

With a leadoff single to right field in the third inning of his New York Yankees 6-4 win over the Blue Jays in Toronto on Sunday, Derek Jeter tied Hall of Famer Paul Molitor for eighth place on the all-time hits list. One inning later, he singled a grounder the same direction, again off starter Drew Hutchison, to have sole possession with 3,320 career hits.

In what he has deemed his 20th and final season in the game, the veteran short stop needs only 99 more hits before he passes Boston Red Sox legend Carl Yastrzemski.

It seems Jeter has yet to shake the dust of the offseason after being limited to just 17 games in 2013 due to injury. He sat out of Friday's contest, went 0-for-2 on Saturday, and 2-for-5 on Sunday before entering Monday's game batting just .250 with one hit and one RBI, though he has walked four times.

[VIDEO] Miguel Cabrera Nails 2000th Career Hit in Longball Fashion

Miguel Cabrera is a beast. You know, I know it. He accomplished his 2000th career hit today, and of course it was a home run. Don't be silly.

The Detroit Tigers first baseman notched hit No. 2000 of his career Friday afternoon in the form of a two-run bomb to left field. It came off Baltimore Orioles reliever Ryan Webb in the eighth inning of his team's 10-4 win at Comerica Park, where he enjoyed a 4-for-5 game, including an RBI single in the sixth.

Cabrera is the ninth player in MLB history to have 2,000 or more hits by the age of 31, joining the likes of Hank Aaron, Mel Ott, and Rogers Hornsby.

Jason Kipnis Gets 6-Year Extension Before Home Opener

Just before the Cleveland Indians celebrate 20 years at Progressive Field during their home opener this afternoon, the team announced Jason Kipnis would be sticking around for a while.

The gritty, All-Star second baseman, who turned 27 on Thursday, has agreed to a six-year, $52.5 million contract extension, keeping him in Cleveland through the 2019 season with a club option for 2020.

This, along with the recent signings of Michael Brantley and catcher Yan Gomes, as well as free agents Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn last year to multi-year deals, show the team wants to compete now, not just in the future. That's pretty big news for a club who hasn't won a World Series since 1948.

Kipnis batted .284 with 17 home runs and 84 RBIs last season, stealing 30 bases to lead the Indians in runs, hits, RBIs, steals, and also hotness.

[Let's Go Tribe]

Chris Colabello Has Career Day for Twins

What a day for Chris Colabello.

The Minnesota Twins first baseman had a career-high six RBIs Thursday, including two big doubles in his team's 10-9 win over the Chicago White Sox.

Something tells me that even though it was a bitter 37-degree afternoon at U.S. Cellular Field, the weather wasn't bothering him, considering he could be in Korea right now.

Colabello's three-run double in the third inning gave the Twins a 3-1 lead before he smoked his second two-bagger in the fifth, again off Jose Quintana, to make it 5-1. The 30-year-old added an RBI groundout in the seventh for good measure, probably because he just didn't want to show off.

However, it was the young Venezuelan Oswaldo Arcia who hit the go-ahead triple in the ninth inning to avoid a season-opening sweep and make all of Colabello's effort worth it. Way to go buddy! Former New York Yankees punching bag Phil Hughes snagged the victory in his Minnesota debut while Glen Perkins picked up his first save of the season after blowing it the day before in extra innings.

The Twins head to Cleveland to take on the Indians this weekend in a three-game series where manager Ron Gardenhire hopes to earn his 1,000th career victory.

[Sports Wire]

A's Fan Falls During Amateur Hour at The Coliseum

When a foul ball is headed your direction, most fan's instincts are to simply reach for it - maybe even jump a little. This guy, however, completely sacrificed his face to the concrete gods. For a foul ball. That he didn't even catch. Plus his Oakland Athletics ended up losing 6-4 to the Cleveland Indians.

It's alright to laugh because apparently the fan is okay and... it's hilarious. Welcome to internet fame, guy who bit it at The Coliseum on Wednesday.

[Deadspin]

Diamonds Are Still a Girl's Best Friend

As the old saying goes, diamonds are a girl's best friend. Check out this awesome baseball babe shirt made by former BLB author, Marea Anderson!

Purchase this awesome shirt for yourself or a friend today! There's even a matching necklace.

[Like Marea Anderson Designs on Facebook]

Expanded Instant Replay: MLB Meets the Rest of Us in the Future

Since the first major league baseball game was played in 1871, players and fans relied on umpires to make the right call behind the plate and on the field. For the most part, we trusted their judgement. We didn't really have a choice. However, when human error is a component in any situation, things aren't going to be perfect, tradition or not.

In 2008, MLB turned to replay to resolve disputes on potential home runs (fair or foul) but this season replay was expanded to include anything that could change the outcome of the game if missed. So pretty much any call.

I don't consider myself a baseball purist by any means and I'm not getting my panties in a wad over expanded replay, but like many fans, I was pretty concerned about the amount of time verifying calls other than homers would add to an already lengthy game. So far though, it seems to be working.

How it works: Almost every call can be challenged by a manager. Teams have someone in their clubhouse watching TV replays. That guy then calls the bench with their professional opinion on whether it's worth a challenge. Basically (and rather unfortunately in the spirit of Earl Weaver) instead of running his chicken legs onto the field to throw his cap in a scene and spit seeds into the umpire's face, a skipper can calmly demand a challenge. The final decision will then come from an umpire in the central replay booth in New York... like an umpire desk job. Disputes will then be deemed either confirmed or overturned. If the manager wins the challenge, he gets another.

The first use of the new system happened in Pittsburgh on Monday. Cubs manager Rick Renteria challenged Chicago Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija being called out at first base in the fifth inning. It took two minutes for the umps to hook up a headset on the field and get confirmation from New York that the call was correct. Of course, if the call was correct in the first place, it's going to seem like a giant waste of time to one side.

Later on in the 10th inning, Cubs runner Emilio Bonifacio was called safe at first base on a pickoff play. Pirates manager Clint Hurdle challenged the call and it was overturned. Pittsburgh won that game 1-0. Not such a waste of time after all, says Bucs fans.

Elsewhere in the National League, the Brewers' Ryan Braun was called safe at first base for an infield hit in the sixth inning. Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez successfully challenged the call, which took only 58 seconds to overturn.

What are your thoughts on the expansion of instant replay? Is it good or bad for the game?

[USA Today]

Brewers Fans Welcome Back Ryan Braun in Opening Day Victory

While most avid baseball fans have a general hatred for players who cheat, get caught, lie about cheating, then get caught again, it seems Milwaukee Brewers fans have found it rather easy to forgive Ryan Braun.

The fired up, sellout crowd at Miller Park on Opening Day gave their right fielder a standing ovation as he entered the batter's box. Braun went 1-for-4 with a stolen base in Milwaukee's 2-0 win over the Atlanta Braves, with his base hit and steal nicely setting up a two-run double by Aramis Ramirez in the fourth.

He was involved in one of the first calls to be overturned under MLB's new replay system as well, when his infield single to lead off the sixth was overturned to an out after the call was challenged by Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez. Thankfully, the review took only 58 seconds.

Season's Greetings: Happy Opening Day!

Back from hiatus at last. Bring on baseball season!

Betting Tips for MLB

Please enjoy the following guest post...

With the new MLB season underway, albeit still in its infancy, it is interesting to look at how the pre-season favorites with the bookies are faring now that the action has started. Certainly there is little question that the New York Yankees were considered one of the hot favorites on paper – for both the American League pennant and World Series – before the season started, but they have undoubtedly slipped down the odds rankings since then. They are now rated 7/1 for the American League and 14/1 for the World Series on many sites.

Clearly this hardly makes them a rank outsider bet for either title, but it does show how things can change once the play actually starts, and why futures’ betting is a risky game. The side now at the top of the bookies odds for the World Series are the Detroit Tigers, at 8/1, and given their AL pennant win last season and strong start to the new campaign, they are likely to be a popular bet for any punter who wants to play it reasonably safe. The problem is that betting futures at such an early stage of the season is always very risky, and there is potentially a lot to gain and little to lose from holding fire to see how things progress; especially when there are alternatives like baseball themed slot machines at online casino sites to play while you do.

Probably the best of these baseball slots games is Hot Shot, which offers a lot of the features that have contributed to the popularity of slots, e.g. cheap and easy game play, and a very good chance of securing a payout with an impressive baseball theme at all levels. The backdrop for Hot Shot is a baseball field, while the reel icons are of typical sights like pitchers, hitters, catchers’ gloves and baseball hats. Furthermore when you score a winning reel, this will be accompanied by the sound of a bat hitting a baseball, while reels containing the scatter symbol (the trophy) are sound tracked by roars of approval from the crowd. All in all, Hot Shot is an exciting and atmospheric game, and an ideal way to mix betting and baseball while you wait to place your World Series bets.

Indians' Chris Perez Gets Suspicious Marijuana-Filled Package in the Mail

This story made my day.

Apparently, a "suspicious package" that was shipped to Chris Perez's house on Monday has alarmed authorities.

City police and a regional narcotics unit, along with USPS postal inspectors, investigated said delivery to the Cleveland Indians closer's suburban home, according to Rocky River Police Chief Kelly Stillman. Some evidence was seized from the house during the bust on Tuesday, but there are currently no specifics on what items were taken. Like maybe a giant bong shaped like a unicorn. Or more weed.

Stephen Strasburg Lands on the DL with a Bad Back

Stephen Strasburg is a bit young to be having back problems, but that is apparently what has landed the Washington Nationals righty on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday after he was unable to participate in a bullpen session.

During his most recent start last Friday against the Atlanta Braves, Strasburg was pulled after just two innings with pain on his face while stretching his shoulder. He said after the game that his back had been bothering him during warmups for the past few starts, but the pain would subside once the game started.

The 24-year-old, who has a birthday next month, is 3-5 with a 2.54 ERA -- already halfway to as many losses as he suffered during his 15-6 campaign last year, his first full season following elbow surgery. Currently third in the NL East, the Nationals are one game under .500 and could probably use some healthy pitchers.

Strasburg joins fellow starter Ross Detweiler, out of commission since May 15 with a strained oblique, on the DL.

Minor Leaguer Daniel Tuttle Needs to Pull Himself Together

Cincinnati Reds minor leaguer Daniel Tuttle has screwed up once again.

Just one year and ten months after being handed a 50-game suspension for his second offense under MLB's Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, the 22-year-old right-hander's consequences have doubled for a third drug abuse violation. His 100-game benching without pay is effective immediately. Idiot.

A little statistical background on Tuttle: Selected by the Reds right out of high school in the 5th round of the First-Year Player Draft in 2009, the Randleman, North Carolina native debuted that same year in the Gulf Coast League. He went on to play for three of the club's rookie teams over his first three seasons, including the Arizona League Reds and Billings Mustangs. He made his Class-A debut with the Dayton Dragons in 2011 and managed to make it until July 19 of that year before getting busted doing drugs for a second time. He was 1-3 with a 5.08 ERA for the Dragons last season. I'm sure they will miss him lots.

Turns out he isn't the only moron in the minor leagues, though. Tuttle's was the 19th suspension handed out so far this season. And it's only May. You'd think a young kid given the opportunity to make a living playing a game and possibly earn millions of dollars doing what he loves, would take the rules a bit more seriously. What are the odds he learns a lesson this time? Maybe the third time's the charm.

Or maybe he can turn to something less athletic that requires little to no drug testing... like fishing. Or poker. He will definitely have enough time on his hands to check out the Titan Online Poker Site!