OK, it doesn’t have quite the same ring to it as Kevin Youkilis’ nickname, but for now, it’ll do. Has anyone else noticed how Hank Conger, our prized young catcher, has turned into a veritable walking machine down at AA?  It’s apparent that now that Scioscia and Hatcher have found religion, they’re preaching it to the kids. And at least one of them is listening.

Last year, Hank the Bank had only 14 walks ALL YEAR.  Sure, he only played half the season due to injuries, but still.  This year, he has 23 walks in only 37 games since his all-star break, resulting in a post all-star break line of .321/.419/.470.  He had only 19 walks before the break, so apparently, something clicked.  Furthermore, he is striking out less.  Very cool (Overall, his slash stats are .298/.367/.421 – the power IS down this year, but I don’t see a reason to be alarmed…yet).

He is developing nicely and should be ready by 2011.  That way, we can have TWO catchers sitting on the bench behind Mathis.

According to Stephen Smith and Jamey Newburg, the Halos lost Warner Madrigal to a paperwork foulup.  He is now property of the Texas Rangers.  

We seem to be pretty good at losing relief pitchers to other teams...here's another example of just giving away a good arm with nothing to show for it.  C'mon guys...

During the Central Florida/Southern Mississippi game, ESPN reported that Alex Rodriguez has chosen to opt out of his contract. No links could be found, but they broke away from the game to announce this breaking news.

L I N K -to- S T O R Y

UPDATE: The Texas Rangers just got $21 million in salary relief.

UPDATE: Thank you Scott Boras for ensuring that this story is the biggest news in baseball this evening - Heh Heh Heh, Sincerely, fans from 29 teams.