In the SI.com AL West Blog.  You're famous Rev!

It's interesting to see that "mainstream" media outlets and their writers are getting more apt to mention/recognize some of the fine work that is being done out there by fans.  I think that some of the best analysis is done by people out in the blogosphere compared to the usual stuff being done by big media.

Apologies if someone already posted this, but didn't see anything in the diaries or main posts.  Got this via MLB Trade Rumors.  He appears to post pretty frequently and even says that he might like Butcher do some guest posts on the blog. Seems to be some interesting quick hits from the big guy.

I don't know that this new requirement for 300 characters is all that cool.  Not complaining really, just saying that sometimes someone may want to post something that's a quick hit.  Not a lengthy story.

From Mike DiGiovanna over at the Times re: Suckenbrand.

""We evaluate the team constantly, and if there are options that make you better now and in the future, we'll look at them," Scioscia said. "But I'm still confident that Shea's upside is our best option, and our goal is to see if Shea can be the player we think he can be. Shea swinging the bat to his potential is something this team needs.  We know what Shea can bring when he's swinging to his capabilities, and right now, we want to explore that."

Holy crap...if someone's talking about "upside" you know that a guy is sucking.  Yeah what he's bringing is great when that's what he's actually doing.  Instead of just sucking for 30 games.  Welcome to Steve Finley 2005 all over again.

The entire article is here.  But I'll quote just the Angels tidbit:
"The Rays need major-league-ready pitching as well as a shortstop, and they would consider other possibilities as well. Here's a thought: Crawford to the Angels for Class AAA left-hander Joe Saunders, infielder Erick Aybar and a lower-level Grade A prospect (no, not Class AA righty Nick Adenhart).  Yes, it would be a lot. But man, it's Carl Crawford.

I don't know what the rest of you guys think, but I'd make that trade in a second.  Maybe you could substitute Santana and drop the third prospect needed.  I realize what is really needed is a corner infielder (Helton's looking good right now) but it least it would be a significant improvement from the other OF's to choose from.  The question is would they have the stones to put GA on the bench.  Or even better release/trade him.  They got rid of Appier when they were still on the hook for a ton of money right? I also forgot to mention that Crawford is on a very reasonable contract for the next few years (with options).

But I have an extra two tickets to tonight's game that were given to me.  I wasn't able to find a full four people to go with me on such short notice so I'm wondering if anyone might want them?  The seats are not great (Section 431 Row D if I remember correctly) but they are free.  If anyone is interested I'll be checking here for the next couple hours until I leave for the game.  We can work out a way to get in touch and get you the tickets.  I hope it's OK to leave a message here like this.  If not, apologies in advance.