The first time I stumbled across this it simply said MLB pitcher Zambrano. I'm not sure what Carlos' situation is with his family but the number of incidents in Venezuela are shocking. Hopefully this one turns out on the good side.

It seems like there's another story every couple of weeks about a ball essentially being held for ransom. While I'm sure the HOF or maybe even Ryan Howard would want that ball, I can't see it going for some insane crazy amount.

It was only his 200th career HR, sure he was the fastest to 200 but then are we going to do the same for the fastest to 250? 300? Where does it end?

An interesting article about the optics of seeing a curveball and how a batter's eyes interpret what they are seeing. Be sure to click the graphic link in the 4th paragraph for two interactive illustrations.

Baseball cards are obviously not what they used to be and it probably will require some creative thinking to keep any sort of relevance that they do have. Here's an interesting idea from Topps.

I'm not entirely sure of what kind of arrangement the team has with all the rooftop owners and from an outsiders perspective it seems that the sides generally don't like each other.

The Lakeview Baseball Club apparently had to appease it's customers for the Winter Classic because the jumbotron that was installed blocked their view. They offered the customers a free trip to Wrigley this summer and wanted the Cubs to pay the difference. Though, rather than try to work this out with the Cubs they've withheld their entire 2008 payment which was apparently due on 12/31.

If by chance the Cubs tie for the division with Milwaukee, the one game playoff will be in Milwaukee. For everything else though, Milwaukee plays at Philadelphia, at Houston and at St Louis.