Inside The Cage: MLB Pre-Game - A World Series Preview

Baseball is America's past time for a reason

Well, here it is; the World Series. This is what every team in Major League Baseball has been trying to get to. Well, maybe except for the Marlins, I think they're just trying to stay in the Show and not be sent down, designated for assignment.

The last time the two top teams from either league had met up in the World Series, was when I was a sophomore in high school and playing all of the sports my grades would let me play. The Red Sox and the Cardinals seem to be, almost mirror images of each other, at least speaking on behalf of the playoff road taken to get to the World Series.

The Red Sox had taken three games out of four in the NLDS, from the Tampa Bay Rays. For game 1, they completely lit up Rays' left-hander, Matt Moore, scoring 8 runs, 7 earned, off of 9 hits, through 6 1/3 innings. In game 2, David Price did not fare any better, giving up 7 runs -- all earned -- in 7 innings. One has to wonder if that will hurt his market value, come this winter.

The Rays seemed to be coming alive with a dramatic 9th inning win, with a walk-off home run by catcher, Jose Lobaton. But in the end, the Red Sox had proven to be too much for the young Rays, as they handed them a plane ticket each to go to their respective homes; Red Sox take the ALDS, 3-1.

Up next: Detroit in the ALCS. You just knew that this was going to be a series that would, at the very least, go to game 6. If game 1 was foreshadowing the rest of the series, you would have thought that it was going to come down to one thing: the team that scores first, wins. Well, you'd be wrong, as the Bo-Sox managed to score 20 runs in 6 games-- not too shabby.

One teams pitching performance did not overshadow the other, but I guess an argument can be made for the Red Sox pitching staff because they were able to keep the Tigers high-powered offense to a total of 17 runs throughout the series.

Now, you would figure that scoring 17 runs in 6 games would be more than enough to advance to the next round, but that only averages out to about 2.83 runs per game, so that is actually not too bad.

As I've said before, I was rooting for the Bo-Sox since I am a fan of just about anything Boston, but I had thought Detroit would pull it out in 7 games.

Now, onto the NL; the Cardinals had a little bit more of a tougher time getting through the NLDS, as they were facing the resilient Pittsburgh Pirates. Aside from game 4, this series was a slug-fest. The theme was: who can score the most runs?

There was no shortage of runs here, with the Red Birds scoring, roughly, 4.2 runs a game and the Bucs averaging 3 runs a game. However, game 4 was a completely different story; enter Michael Wacha. This 22-year-old took a no hitter into the 8th and absolutely looked like a 6-year veteran that's been pitching a game 7 every year of his pro career; in sports jargon, the kid looked like a stud.

Regardless of how many games it took, the Pirates were just over matched in the series.

The NLCS was a completely different story; this series was a perfect match up on paper. But as we all know, paper is only a distraction on the field, especially in October.

I really don't care what anyone says; Dodgers or Cardinals fan, this was a great series. Yes, Cardinal players and fans had issues with Dodger players and Dodgers players and fans had issues with Cardinal players, but it shouldn't take focus away from an incredibly played series.

For comparison, if you remove game 6 from the series, both teams played a very tight, hard-fought game and as the Red Birds scored 12 runs in 5 games, the Blue Crew had scored 13 runs. But, game 6 cannot be removed from the books and our minds, for that matter, as the Dodgers were thoroughly man-handled in said game and were sent home for the winter.

All that is left is the two BEST teams in the league, which have the records to reinforce the point, and you can bet it's going to go down to the wire. Yes, it's going to be another slug fest and anyone who doesn't watch, for at least one inning, should not call themselves a fan of the game.

It shouldn't matter which team you bleed for, it's still going to be a great series and that's all we, as baseball fans, can ask for. So go ahead, if you’re a Dodgers fan, and cheer for Boston. Or if you’re a Tigers fan, cheer for St. Louis; just as long as you're cheering for someone.

I understand you may be hurting; we all are for those whose teams have been knocked out, but we shouldn't be so scarred that it prevents us from enjoying the game we love.

Especially if it means watching the Cardinals lose. Apologies, I couldn't help myself on that last one.

First pitch is at 7:30 PM EST in Fenway Park. Taking the hill for the rubber match is Cardinals' ace, Adam Wainwright against Red Sox sort-of ace, Jon Lester.

Inside The Cage: MLB Post Game - League Championship Series

Adrian Gonzalez celebrates after a third inning solo home run Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

As the Los Angeles Dodgers look to even up the series against the St. Louis Cardinals in St. Louis Friday night down 3-2, one team is out to take the lead in the ALCS Thursday night, between the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox with the series being tied at 2-2 apiece.

Game 4 brought you the first real offensive surge in the League Championship Series with the Tigers scoring 7 runs off of Boston Red Sox starter and former Padres ace, Jake Peavy, in which he was only able to last 3 innings.

Tiger’s starter, Doug Fister, kept the Red Sox at bay for 6 innings, while allowing 8 hits but only letting one run cross the plate and striking out 7.

Even though there were no balls leaving the yard, the Tigers were still an impressive 4-9 with runners in scoring position. Right fielder, Torii Hunter and Triple Crown winner, Miguel Cabrera both had 2 RBI’s a piece, each coming with two outs.

Both starters had tough acts to follow with veterans John Lackey and Justin Verlander pitching an impressive game 3 and really giving the fans a true pitcher’s duel, something that’s been echoed throughout the entire League Championship Series across the board.

Boston veteran, John Lackey able to conjure up some type of voodoo-magic and keep the Tigers off of the score board for 6 2/3 innings, striking out eight and allowing four hits all on 97 pitches.

Detroit ace, Justin Verlander finished his night off an 8 inning start with 120 pitches thrown, one earned run and ten K's losing-- unbelievably so. But, in that respect, it was also a tribute to the terrific performance of the entire Red Sox pitching staff.

Amazingly enough, David Ortiz has, pretty much, been a non-factor in the series leading up to Thursday night’s rubber match between Detroit’s Anibal Sanchez, and Boston’s Jon Lester.

Although, it hasn't just been him that's been largely ineffective; the entire team seems in need of a serious wake-up call as they haven’t been able to score more than 3 runs in any one game. In the end, the Red Sox were not able to mount a comeback as the Tigers took the game 3-7, and tying the series up, 2-2.

First pitch for game 5 is at 8 PM, EST.

My dream World Series would include the Dodgers against the Red Sox, but unless both teams wake up their respective bats and start scoring some runs when the chances present themselves, my dream will dissipate like water in a sauna.

Speaking of the Dodgers, they seem to always get under the skin of someone in the baseball world. After Monday's game, St. Louis Cardinal OF, Carlos Beltran was quoted as saying, "As a player, I just think he doesn't know [how to act]; that's what I think. He really doesn't know," Beltran continued.

"He must think that he's still playing somewhere else. He has a lot of passion, no doubt about that -- great ability, great talent. I think with time he'll learn that you've got to act with a little bit more calm."

With Carlos saying that he doesn't think Puig is a "bad kid," he should also bear in mind that, only a year and a half ago, Yasiel was living in a communist country. He is being paid to play a game, and Jerry Hairston Jr. had summed it perfectly when he said, "this guy is like a 16-year-old kid playing Little League."

Whether he's slamming into a wall, knocking in the go-ahead run, keeping a rally going, or even starting a rally, I'm sure Puig means no disrespect when he jumps for joy or pumps and raises his hands in triumph on even a simple slump-breaking single.

Cardinal players should not be focusing on Puig and his hip-hop-hooray’s; what they should be focusing on is the arms in the Dodgers pitching staff.

The Red Birds pitching staff have done an outstanding job shutting down the Dodgers threats, but the Cardinals are still giving the Dodgers far too many opportunities to break the game open.

Looking in from the other side of the diamond, the Cards pitching staff has successfully buckled down when the Dodgers were threatening. That is, until Wednesday afternoon, when they allowed four one-run home runs; Kelly gave up two and his bullpen gave up the other two.

In the 9th inning, Kenley Jansen jogged in from the Dodgers bullpen to the tune of "California Love" by TuPac and Dr. Dre, and had had his shakiest outing of the playoffs, thus far.

Matt Holliday greeted him immediately with a double and Matt Adams was able to drive him in with a broken-bat single that. Now, in all other instances, would've been handled routinely, had it not been for the extreme shift that had second baseman Mark Ellis playing alongside Yasiel Puig in right field.

Even with the box-score showing Jansen striking out the side in the bottom half of the 9th, it doesn't tell the complete story, and had locals wondering whether this was the second-coming of Jonathan Broxton before striking out pinch-hitter, Adron Chambers.

With a win Wednesday, it takes the series back to St. Louis, and with some in the baseball world reminiscing of last year, when the Cardinals were up 3-1 in last years' NLCS against the Giants, and were ultimately taken out of the playoffs with a game 7 loss. We'll see how the Cardinals react with the rest of the series winding down in their backyard, and whether the Dodgers can keep the Cards on their heels, forcing a game 7.

First pitch is at 5:30 PM PST, with universal ace, Clayton Kershaw taking the hill against rookie phenom, Michael Wacha.

Inside The Cage: MLB Post Game - Dodgers-Cardinals NLCS Game 2 Review

Yasiel Puig covers his eyes in the dugout during the seventh inning (David J. Phillip/AP)

There seems to be a recurring theme for the Los Angeles Dodgers, so far in the NLCS, and it's not a good one. They had six chances to score one run. Six chances they had, were squandered. One of those chances had left ace Clayton Kershaw, stranded on third.

The Dodgers struck out 10 times today, with five of those strikeouts coming with runners left in scoring position. Yes, there will be talk of Dodgers manager Don Mattingly removing Kershaw in the 7th in favor of pinch hitting veteran, Michael Young, and why he didn't use power hitting OF, Scott Van Slyke.

I found myself asking why he just didn't let Kershaw bat for himself. Yes, I know he's a pitcher and it would have been a lefty/lefty matchup against a pitcher, but Clayton is no ordinary hitting pitcher. In hindsight, it was a baseball move, and I was caught up in the moment of questioning Mattingly's decision, only for the simple reason that Mattingly does not seem to get it when it comes to making strategic, baseball-managing decisions.

In my opinion, he jus doesn't get it, period. I've come to the conclusion that most of the fans are feeling the same way and one thing is for sure: Dodger fans will continue to question any and all of Mattingly's decision because the fans do not trust him, anymore.

Regardless of whether the Dodgers win, or even make it to the World Series, there will always be a distrust between him and the majority of the fan base. It's like staying married to you wife or husband after they've cheated on you and you keep telling yourself, "it's for the children."

However, he is not the one that is standing in the batter's box or misreading fly balls. I am not trying to make it seem as if this loss was entirely his fault, but was a loss that was, just as it was yesterday, a complete team loss. The inability to hit with runners in scoring position is the number one reason; not a managerial error, not a blown call-- it was not anything but sleeping bats that will just not wake up when they need to.

Rookie sensation Michael Wacha had himself another sensational postseason outing, throwing 6 and two-third innings of 5-hit, 8-strikeout, lights-out baseball.

Overall, it was a game of good, old fashion pitching, and nothing else; seriously, nothing else. I mean, honestly, we would probably have some more free baseball today if Dodgers catcher AJ Ellis had not let a fastball get by him, which would have been called a strike.

The series at hand has actually been more than any one side can bargain for with stellar pitching performances all around, especially in Saturday's game. In fact, only difference between the two teams is one capitalizing when they've been given the chance, and the other wasting theirs away.

The biggest threat of the day belonged to the Dodgers; Kershaw led off the top of the 6th inning with a single. OF Carl Crawford followed with an infield single of his own, but with the errand throw of Cardinal second baseman, Matt Carpenter, both runners advanced ninety feet. Runners on second and third with no one out and the heart of the lineup coming up sounds like a surefire chance at, the very least, tying the game up, right?

Well, in the wonderful game of baseball, there is no such thing as "surefire." Soft-hitting second baseman, Mark Ellis, weakly popped up to Matt Carpenter for the first out. Here comes, as the legendary broadcaster Vin Scully would say, the butter and egg man, Adrian Gonzalez, up to the plate-- intentional walk.

Okay, so now, you're a hot-shot rookie playing in the NLCS for the very first time with the bases loaded trying to protect a one-run lead in the top of the 6th; what do you do? Why, strike out another hot-shot rookie and a clutch veteran to get yourself out of, up to that moment, the biggest jam of your professional life, that's what.

And that, right there, sums it up perfectly the direction in which these two teams are heading as they both try to advance to the biggest stage of their respective sport.

Will the Cardinals be able to keep up the amazing pitching, great defense and clutch hitting? Will the Dodgers be able to wake themselves up and remember how they beat another high-caliber team as they did, the Atlanta Braves? I guess we'll find out Monday, October 14th in Los Angeles, California.

First pitch is at 5PM PST. Make sure to tune in, it's probably going to be another heart-stopper, maybe.

Inside The Cage: MLB Post Game - Cardinals squeak by Dodgers In Game 1 Of NLCS; Preview Of ALCS

Carlos Beltran Photo by Chris Carlson/AP

Hitting with runners left in scoring position, that's what the entire baseball world will be looking at when they read the box score for game 1 of the NLCS between the Dodgers and the Cardinals.

People critiquing the game won't look at Zack Greinke's 8 innings of 4 hit, 10 K, 2 earned run baseball; or Joe Kelly's 2 earned runs in 6 innings outing while striking out 5 Dodgers. No, they'll be looking at this stat:

· RISP - 1-10

· LOB - 11.

You're not worthy of playing in a championship game, or even playing on a championship caliber team, if you don't produce with runners in scoring position.

The Dodgers basically shut down the Cardinals high powered offense, just as they did they Braves. Only difference is, while facing the Braves in the NLDS, they hit when they had opportunities; they hit a lot. The Cardinals gave them plenty of chances to break the game wide open, but the Dodgers just couldn't get anything going.

So, in that respect, I tip my hat to the Cards stellar defense for turning double-plays when they needed to. Through all of the walks issued by the Red Birds bullpen, they buckled down and got the grounders they needed to put a halt to any kind of rally or momentum-gaining inning.

Now, everybody will be criticizing Dodgers Manager, Don Mattingly, for opting to pinch-run for clutch first baseman, Adrian Gonzalez, therefore removing him from the game completely. But to be fair, Mattingly wasn't the one struggling at the plate with-- you guess it, runners in scoring position. It was the entire team; one player can't and won't be singled out over the other, it was a complete team loss.

Mattingly summed up the game best while talking to reporters after the game, "You've got to shoot your bullet when you get a chance."

On the other side of the diamond, never removed their best hitter in the clutch, OF Carlos Beltran. He's proven, in October, to come through when the team needed the big hit and always seems to comes through in the clutch. Some are calling him the 2000's version of "Mr. October," and while compiling career numbers like a .345 batting average, 34 RBI's and an OPS of 1.199, it's almost impossible to argue with them.

His supporting cast also brings an important question to the table: do the Dodgers have enough rounds in the chamber to take the NLCS away from the Cards? With key injuries to key players, it seems like an uphill battle.

Yes, the Dodgers have a lot of flair and money behind them, but flair and money can't prevent injuries. Should've-could've-would've-been MVP, Matt Kemp won't be seen in the playoffs, unless you count watching him to his best Bring It On cheering impression. Andre Ethier is still nursing a hurt ankle and has been scratched from tonight's line up. Also a late scratch tonight is Hanley Ramirez, after getting hit in the ribs from Cards starter, Joe Kelly, Ramirez stayed in the game, but watching him swing, you could tell there was a level of discomfort there.

The Red Birds, on the other glove, are without the services of another clutch hitter in Allen Craig, as he is listed day-to-day with a sprained left foot.

Both teams are definitely battling throughout the injuries, however the limelight seems to focus on Los Angeles a little bit more because of their high-profile owners and high-profile players.

Do you see what money does? First pitch is at 1PM PST.

As far as the ALCS, it's going to be between the Detroit Tigers against the Boston Red Sox. Honestly, did anyone think it would come out any other way?

Yes, the underdog stories of Oakland and Tampa Bay were nice and all, but really, it was always going to be these two fighting for a chance to represent the AL in the World Series. Heck, I was pulling for Oakland to make it past everybody simply for the reason of wanting a all-California World Series.

That doesn't mean that I had bet the farm on the A's, it was merely a pipe dream, as I am tired of seeing the same old faces on the same old teams playing for another championship.

Could my previous statement change if it becomes the Dodgers playing for the title every year? Probably, yeah, but that still doesn't mean I can't hope for a change in the AL scenery.

All writers almost always try to be as non-biased as they can, me included. But, since my team hasn't been in a World Series in, what, 20-plus years? I think it's okay for me to be a little biased. I mean, I know Cubs fans and writers will agree with me there. But, one thing I will never do is make excuses for bad play; that's just not who I am. I digress.

Anyway, I really can't call the Detroit or Boston sure-winners because, well, I just don't know. Both teams have clutch hitters, a stellar defense and a great pitching staff. If I am going to make a prediction for who will take the series, I'm going to go with the Tigers.

I think the combination of Verlander/Scherzer/Cabrera/Fielder is just too much for the Bo Sox-- Sorry, Boston faithful! I usually root for the Red Sox in the AL, and will still be, but I think Detroit will take it in 6 games. Don't take my word for it, what would I know, I'm just a doctor...or am I...?

First pitch is at 8PM EST. Who will you be cheering for?

Inside The Cage: MLB Post Game - NLDS And ALDS Updates

Howdy, howdy, partners! There's been a lot going on in the world of-- well, everything to be perfectly honest. The post-season for the MLB is in full swing and there has been no shortage of drama on each side of the pond.

AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

The Los Angeles Dodgers are the first team to clinch a spot in the Championship Series with a dramatic, come-from-behind victory of their own Monday night. In the bottom of the 8th, Yasiel Puig laid off a few good pitches down and away -- AKA his kryptonite -- from Atlanta Braves lights-out set up man, David Carpenter, but was able to turn what would've been a single for mortal men, and stretch out into a double.

Then, Juan Uribe stepped up to the plate and...tried to bunt-- twice?! Yes, that actually happened, to the amazement of Dodger fans everywhere that know he is NOT a bunter; he's a hitter, plain and simple. A sellout crowd at Dodger Stadium saw that first hand, as he launched what looked like a hanging slider into the Dodgers' bullpen area.

This is the first come-from behind win for the Dodgers in the post season, so far, and the first loss to, what's just been a stellar bullpen for the Braves. Maybe it was the bold prediction of former Braves All-Star, Chipper Jones that jinxed them.

In any regards, the Dodgers move on to the NLCS and await a victor from the Pirates-Cardinals showdown, while the Braves face a difficult decision on whether to re-sign All-Star catcher and world-sports police officer, Brian McCann or not.

Photo/Paul Sancya

The Oakland A's are looking to be the first ones in the AL to lock up a spot in the ALCS, and the Detroit Tigers are trying to dig themselves out of a hole by sending right-hander Doug Fister to the mound to try and force a game 5, back in Oakland.

With last year’s Triple Crown winner in Miguel Cabrera and power hitting first baseman, Prince Fielder, along with aces Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, you would think the Tigers would have this series locked up and sealed, but this is baseball; anything can and WILL happen.

Taking the series lead 2-1, the A's will be sending Dan Straily to the hill today and put the Tigers down for good, at least until next year where they'll likely be the favorites to win the Central once again.

Mike Carlson/AP

Those pesky Tampa Bay Rays will just not go away, huh? They're looking to give the Boston Red Sox their money's worth with a hopeful win today to take the series back to Boston and celebrate in front of the Boston loyal. The Red Sox, however, will not let that happen, especially in Boston, as I'm sure they don't want to let Matt Damon and Ben Aflec down.

Those feisty Rays, in a span of nine days, have managed to win four-- yes, you've read right, four elimination games to keep a glimmer of hope for playing in the World Series alive. The Bo-Sox will be trotting out former All-Star, Jake Peavy, as the Rays will counter with average-Joe, Jeremy Hellickson.

AP Photo

Have you ever seen a rookie throw a no-hitter in a Division Series? Well, even if you have, I haven't-- and still haven't, as St. Louis Cardinal rookie right-hander, Michael Wacha, came within five outs of post-season history.

Every update received on my phone about the young pitchers feet was accompanied with one thought: "No, way. He's going to do it." I was legitimately bummed out when I saw that he lost it, especially on a home run by Pittsburgh Pirates big-bopper Pedro Alvarez, but the silver lining in that is; at least he didn't lose it off of a bunt or a bloop-shot, because that would've driven me insane.

I'm still thinking the Bucs will pull it out, but not without a fight from the Cards high-powered offense. Maybe it's just the root-for-the-underdog thing I have, but I think it will be the Pirates vs. the Dodgers in the NLCS (sorry, Cards fans!).

All in all, this post season has been amazing, thus far. I don't believe we, as fans, could've asked for more from the teams that have made it. It's been exciting, dramatic, heart-breaking and nail biting and as a fan of the game, I couldn't have asked for anything more.

Maybe someone can get amnesia and can be the father of their best friends', cousins, roommates' daughter; that'd be the icing on the cake.

Inside The Cage: Man Is Fatally Stabbed After Dodgers-Giants Game

SAN FRANCISCO - This morning, Dodger fans, and sports fans alike, were informed about the death of a Dodger fan, who was stabbed to death near AT&T Park. The incident took place after the Dodgers-Giants game wrapped up, but according to Giants' spokeswoman, Staci Slaughter, the murderer took place several blocks away from the ballpark.

The stabbing may have not taken place in A&T Park, but it's clear the incident was a result of the two rival teams playing each other. Other than informing the general public the murder took place a little after 11:30 PM Wednesday night, police are releasing very few details about the incident.

Apparently, a confrontation took place between two groups of men; however it's unclear whether the three men, who are being detained by police for questioning, were wearing Giants gear. The man who was stabbed to death, whom authorities have identified as 24-year-old Jonathan Denver, was confirmed to be wearing Dodgers apparel. Police are still interviewing witnesses, but other than the three men currently being detained, there have not been any other arrests.

Upon publishing of this article, of the three men being detained for the stabbing, two of the men have been arrested. On March 31, 2011, a Northern California Paramedic was brutally beaten and left with brain trauma and medical bills as high as National Debt. Since then, security has been beefed up at Dodger Stadium and increased police presence has been felt.

The issue made national headlines, and countless fundraisers have been held by both the Dodgers organization and the city of LA. One has to wonder if the fatal stabbing of a rival fan by the Bay will make the same splash as the incident involving hospitalized Giants fan, Brian Stow.

All of this violence by fans turning on each other is completely ridiculous and has no place at any stadium, for any sport. I personally don't the Giants -- I mean I really dislike the team -- but I never approve violence towards another because of their choice of sports team.

This was a discussion I've had with my cousin countless times when the question would come up: "If we were there, what would we do?" As far as I'm concerned-- and this goes for my cousin as well, I'm a man that has never stood by while someone was fighting for their life against a larger group. I'd like to think that I would've intervened, went to his aid, even though it was a Giants fan, and helped even out the odds. Yes, there would be a chance that I would've ended up in the hospital as well, but it would've been the right thing to do.

Violence at sporting events towards one another, while simply trying to go out and enjoy whatever event you're at, needs to stop. This article won't change anything, and it's just the thoughts of one man, but it's something that needs to be stopped; there's already enough violence around the world, we shouldn't have to feel unsafe while we watch a game.

Inside The Cage: Manny Machado's Injury And How It Will Affect The O's

Manny Machado leaving game vs. Rays after injuring his left knee [AP]

The baseball world was shaken up with the freak injury to young Baltimore Orioles third base rising star, Manny Machado. With that injury, O’s fans will begin to lose hope after the team lost both his glove and bat while trying to make one final push for the playoffs.

It was a routine play in the top of the 7th inning; the kind kids like Machado still hustle for and veterans chalk up to a can of corn. What happened next– well, it was hard to watch. Machado stepped on the right side of the bag as do most players in the league, only this time with a much different result than normal; his left knee gave out under the pressure and looked as if his leg had become a wiggly worm.

He fell down almost immediately after stumbling a bit and grabbed his knee. If you were watching on TV, you could see the grimace on his face from the pain. After first base coach Wayne Kirby signaled to the O’s bench, their training staff ran from the dugout and tended to the fallen 21-year-old.

Even concerned Tampa Bay Rays‘ team physician came out to look over Machado, before he was loaded onto a stretcher and driven off the field to be further evaluated.

Veteran second baseman, Brian Roberts, who was DH’ing in this game, was able to give the young infielder a hug in between innings. “I just hurt for him,” said Roberts, “you don’t want to see this happen to anybody, but when you see what kind of special player he is and special kid he is, [it's really tough]. But the great part is he’s 21-years-old. You've got to find a bright spot in it as best you can. You hate to hear people say, certainly the injured player hates to hear people say, ‘He’ll come back and he’ll be fine and this and that’– but they’re not the ones going through rehab and not the ones dealing with it.”

O’s Manager Buck Showalter had his most valiant face on, while talking to reporters after the game, “Crazier things have happened in six games. You know, from being around our guys, it’s– I don’t want to say depressing, it probably is, but more of what’s going on there, now is teammate-to-teammate with two guys who have gone down in the line of the fight.”

Showalter, of course, speaking of the injury suffered by infielder Alexi Casilla, after a head-on collision with teammate Nick Markakis, diving to catch a blooper hit by Rays’ outfielder, Wil Myers. Casilla was able to stay in the game despite being knocked unconscious for a short amount of time and will be kept overnight and monitored at a local hospital.

Machado had X-rays taken immediately at Tropicana Field, but with an MRI and other tests done in Baltimore yesterday, the injury is not looking to be as bad as one thought, originally. According to Showatler, they couldn't find the X-ray film after they were developed. “Doctors weigh in on something they shouldn't be, quite frankly,” said the Orioles Manager. “I've heard some early prognosis, but I think they should wait until they get all of the tests back. Everyone needs to be quick to paint something negatively,” he continued.

Now, I’m no pessimist, but that comment might have been directed towards me– indirectly of course. After all, the first thought that popped in my head was,” Wow, I hope that’s not his career.” I didn't mean that in a disrespectful way, but when I think of knee injuries of that magnitude — granted, we don’t know the complete diagnosis, but c’mon, knees aren't supposed to bend that way — players usually have a very tough road ahead, with the odds not always in their favor. Sometimes, they’re rarely ever the same.

But, looking at Manny’s highlights, his general play, and the fact that he’s never had any major injury aside from the one he suffered a few days ago, I believe he can come back from this; he has to, especially with the silver lining-type diagnosis he received yesterday. His star was just starting to burn bright, as he has yet to physically peak.

He’s still growing as a baseball player– no, as a person that gets paid to play a game that he loves. His rising talent cannot be stopped by the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. He may not be smashing the ball like teammate, Chris Davis, or a hitting machine like Miguel Cabrera, but the tools are there; at some point in his career he’s going to figure it all out, he’s going to put it all together. He’s already a good player, especially for being as young as he is, but when he puts everything together, he’s going to be one scary batter to face.

Until then, the only thing he needs to do is focus on resting his knee, then he can start rehabbing when the time is right. There’s one thing, however, I know he won’t do– lose hope.

The Lock Box: Sons Of Anarchy Review - Episode Poenitentia (Spoilers)

Sons of Anarchy EP Poenitentia

There was a little more happening in this episode in comparison to episode Six One Six; lots of stuff to get to and break down, so let's jump right in it.

Three episodes into season 6 and Clay already looked like he was going to meet the pointy end of Mr. Shiv. Alas, he was able to fend off the Reaper for another week.

All is not what it would appear to be; however, as it seems Jax is keeping Clay alive for a very specific reason: to help him keep the current relationship with the Irish Kings intact long enough for Jax to find a way to get the club out without any more of their blood being spilled.

Still with me? Okay, just checking.

Anyone else notice how strangely Tara has been acting since she was released from jail? It seems that there are either one or two things happening here: either she's actually losing it, psychologically, as the stress of being potentially found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder is pushing her to her breaking point. Or, she's just done with it all and over all of it; Jax, the old-lady lifestyle, the crime, the blood on her hands, being held hostage, having her kids injured or kidnapped-- it's enough to drive any woman, no matter how strong, to the point of wanting to say, "Screw it, I'm done!"

If it was the latter, I would completely understand, no matter how dreamy your outlaw-husband is, because everyone has their limits, and maybe she's well passed hers. Also, am I the only one that thinks the baby she's preggers with is potentially Otto's? It's probably not, but how many of you can say, with certainty, that it's Jax's?

Bobby still looks to be in the midst of starting up his Nomad crew, but he does seem to be running into a couple of obstacles, here and there; especially with him not properly informing Jax of his departure from the Redwood Originals.

As far as Clay is concerned, it appears he's the new Otto of the club. Yes, Jax did set him up for specific reasons as stated above, but killing the prison shot-caller is something Pope's successor obviously wanted to be done. It's entirely within the realm of possibility that the black inmates just could not get to him, so how would they be able to get to with all of the protection he has from his white brothers? A Trojan horse, of course.

And with that action, Clay not only added to his sentence, but also added to his own security issue within the prison. The one question that's been on my mind is: does he now have to watch his back from an attack from black inmates as well as white inmates, now, or just the white inmates?

Regardless, he's on his own with no protection other than a shiv of his own provided by an prison guard. Maybe he'll save us all of the hassle and just off himself, I wouldn't mind that. But with his potential departure from the series, there would be a big gap that would need to be filled.

Tig looks like he's on borrow time, now, with Pope's crew showing up at the warehouse. Will he actually die this time, or will some miracle save him?

With Tig's death looming, I can't help but notice the symbolism in his death. If he does, in fact die, that would close the book on Clay's reign of SAMCRO. Tig is really the last connection to Clay's presidency, aside from Jax. But this is Jax's club, now, and with a new president comes a new direction. At least, that's what Teller keeps telling himself.

Toric is showing how dangerous he can be, accidentally killing his escort but showing little emotion and setting up Nero as the murderer. This only looks to add to the tension between Nero and Jax, as Nero is going to be blasted all over town as a murderer and his ties exposed, publicly to SAMCRO.

Okay, I know this is a point I've made before, but Robocop is still as bad-ass as ever. Slicing the bad-guys throats and just being awesome, he's still plays a scary ex-cop.

In one of the more awkward moments in this season, Jax walks in on Robo-Weller, being ridden like the stallion he still is by Jax's Sancha. That entire scene was as awkward as walking in on your uncle having sex with your whore-business partner that you've slept with while your wife was incarcerated for murderer charges-- yeah, it was that awkward.

What did you guys and gals think? How is this season shaping up in your eyes? For me, each episode is doing a great job of building the tension for the ensuing episode. Agree? Disagree? Let me know.

Inside The Cage: Dodgers Win The Division And Celebrate With Pool Party; Update On Rest Of The League

Dodgers Celebrating Division Win Photo by Ross D. Franklin/AP

I know, I'm late with this article, to tell you the truth I've been pretty busy with work-- so here's the rundown: Looks like it’s a wrap for the NL West; the Dodgers, as of last week, are the division champions and not without controversy.

When they clinched, the Dodgers had won 7 of their last 17 games played, going into the month of September. With only one day off in between that time span, they've been a little banged up. It seems as if someone is always coming out of a game with some kind of, either, new or nagging injury. Regardless if any of the die-hards care or not, it does take its toll on them.

The majority of the fan base doesn't want to see players coming out of a game. One reason is: we've been seeing it since the beginning of the year, starting with Hanley Ramirez. Soon thereafter, Matt Kemp’s stalled, complete with an injury to the non-surgically repaired shoulder and constant leg injuries.

Manager Don Mattingly has been, pretty much grilled by the fans for, what they feel is, poor mismanagement of his ball club. They light up twitter with posts about pulling, or resting players when he feels they need rest, all the while complaining about how the high-priced talent should be playing. I’m very torn on this, as I can understand the wear and tear that comes from playing the game.

After the Dodgers won the division Thursday afternoon, no Dodger fan was complaining. The Diamondbacks and their fans, however, are a completely different story.

Many of the Dodger players celebrated by jumping in the pool that’s located in the Left Field area of the stadium. Why would it matter how a team celebrated a big win like they accomplished, especially with the obstacles the Dodgers have had to jump over, to anyone playing the game?

The Diamondbacks HAD their chance to run away with the division, they had their chances to pull away from everyone within their division, but they didn't. They continued to play like a team that shouldn't be in the playoffs, and the Dodgers did the improbable; they started winning. They started winning a lot of games and playing like a team destined for the playoffs.

Here’s an idea: if you don’t want anyone in your pool, don’t install a pool the first place. Willie Bloomquist was the first, to my recollection, to open their mouths about the pool incident to the media, calling the Dodgers “classless and disrespectful.” I don’t think a team can call an opposing team classless when they have a mascot that’s wearing Speedos, shaking their rump in front of the opposing team’s dugout with the words “Beat L.A.” firmly stitched across its rear. It’s all in good taste and fun, right?

And speaking of tea kettles, Senator John McCain recently offered his two cents on the whole, “pool-gate” scandal, calling players, “spoiled brats.” I’m sorry, but I don’t think anyone from the senate, or in politics in general has any room to stand when calling somebody a spoiled brat; just my two cents.

Anyhow, the Diamondbacks won’t see the Dodgers until next year when they meet up in Australia. Until then, they’ll just have to pout and complain to the Padres about how the Dodgers are a bunch of meanies.

This isn't, at all, the rants of a die-hard Dodger fan, I’m writing this as a fan of the game, in general. If someone does something you feel you wouldn't do, what does it matter to you– especially in pro sports? So, you don’t like the way the other team celebrates? That’ not a big deal, it just makes you come off as a pretentious cupcake. Is that how you want the kids that are watching to turn out; to the point where they can’t celebrate and relieve a ton of stress after an almost disastrous year?

I believe Brandon McCarthy had the right frame of mind; “Celebrating is fun. I don’t care how or where you do it. Only thing to care about is what we need to do to celebrate in our pool next year.” Bravo, Brandon, bravo, you actually get it.

Remember when the Dodgers were in last place, a billion games out of first and everyone had an opinion about salary and chemistry? Those people should understand, more than anyone, else why the Dodgers were celebrating the way they were.

As far as the playoff picture for the rest of the league looks like, Atlanta, Oakland and Detroit are all running away with their respective divisions, with Boston recently winning theirs.

As far as the rest of the division goes, the A's, Tigers and Red Sox have all won their divisions in the AL, where as in the NL, aside from LA, the Braves are really the other team that's locked up theirs.

The Central is a bit more congested, as the Cards, Reds and Pirates are all still within earshot of the division title; I'm still thinking the Cards will take the division and the Reds will win the Wild Card slot over the Pirates in the one-game playoff.

AL Wild Card should come down to Tampa Bay and Cleveland; both teams have been hot as of late, as they both have winning streaks of five games going into Wednesday. I'm thinking it's going to be Cleveland and hopefully it'll be just as awesome as when when they made it in the playoffs in 1989.

Remember, there’s no crying-- there’s no crying in baseball!

The Jock Lock: NFL Pre-Game - Top Matches And Predictions For Week 3

Looks like there's going to be a few games to keep your eyes on for week 3 in the NFL. I'm hoping this weekend will be just as heart-racing just as last weekend was. Let's take a look at the standouts; first up is:

Chiefs vs. Eagles - Thursday night football is actually looking to be a marquee match-up. Andy Reid comes back to Philadelphia with the Chiefs as Michael Vick comes off his, arguably, best game as an Eagle. I normally don't care for Thursday night football, but I might have to go to Buffalo Wild Wings for this one. The Chiefs stingy defense hasn't really been tested so far this season, although Tony Romo was able to go 30/42 and 298 yards in the air, but did hold him to one touchdown. Vick went 23/36 with 428 yards and 2 touchdowns, respectively, so keeping that in mind, this game should be a real treat. PREDICTION: Eagles Win, 17-27.

Michael Vick AP Photo/Matt Rourke

Chargers vs. Titans - Titans Owner Bud Adams has spent a lot of money trying to build a championship team. The only issue is, in my eyes, Jake Locker. Locker hasn't broken the 200-yard throwing mark so far, this season and only has 2 touchdowns, as well. The Chargers' Philip Rivers, on the other hand, is a pretty solid Quarterback; he's already thrown for 7 touchdowns in two games, so I'd say that's pretty solid, as of now. The way I see it, Rivers has more weapons available to him. The Titans have some weapons of their own, it's just a little more of an issue to get the ball to those weapons. PREDICTION: Chargers Win, 30-27.

Philip Rivers AP Photo/Denis Poroy

Lions vs. Redskins - If Reggie Bush is healthy enough to start the game, the Redskins are in trouble. In their first two games, they've allowed over 130 yards on the ground. As far as the Lions air attack, Mathew Stafford is no Aaron Rogers, but with Megatron to throw to, it has the potential to be pretty dangerous, especially with Bush coming out of the backfield. RGIII is no slouch by any means, and he was pretty efficient against the Packers, but questions are surrounding him as far as the health of his knee goes. I, personally enjoy the fact that he wants to establish himself as a passer, first, asking to be compared to the likes of Aaron Rogers more than Michael Vick; this game should be thoroughly enjoyable. PREDICTION: Lions Win, 24-21.

Matthew Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Texans vs. Ravens - The Ravens defense is still as formidable as any top D in the league, but the one question is: will any of their DB's be able to cover Andre Johnson? I'm not knocking on Lardarius Webb by any means, I just don't see him being able to contain Johnson; and if Matt Schaub is able to go deep with ease, Arian Foster, if healthy, might just have another big game, or vice verse. On the other side of the coin, Joe Flacco is an All-Pro Quarterback and does have his own threats in Torrey Smith and Ray Rice. For this game, I'm really on the fence for how this game's going to turn out. As far we know, this game could be a shoot-out by the time the final minute ticks down. I'm just going to throw darts at a dartboard and see who the winner is -- RESULTS: Texans Win, 27-24.

Matt Schaub AP Photo/Denis Poroy

Falcons vs. Dolphins - Am I crazy for thinking Ryan Tannehill can pull off a win against the Falcons? I mean, honestly, am I really thinking Tannehill will be the better Quarterback over Matt Ryan? Now, I've been a fan of Ryan's for a long time; I think he's an outstanding QB, but I just think Tannehill has so much confidence going into this game that he might just turn some heads with, what might be, an amazing game. I'm throwing it out there, love it or hate it, and it very well might happen-- or not. I could absolutely be completely wrong, and in that instance, I'll admit I was wrong, but I'm going to back Tannehill, as I don't see the ground game being very productive for either team. PREDICTION: Dolphins Win, 17-24.

Ryan Tannehill Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

What do you think? Am I off my rocker? Should I not quite my day job? Let me know if you agree with any of my picks, or not.

The Lock Box: Sons Of Anarchy Review - Episode Six One Six (Spoilers)

Sons Of Anarchy EP Six One Six Jax(Hunnam), Nero(Smitts) and Chibbs(Flanagan)

The fallout begins in the aftermath of the school shootings. The club is, in my opinion, disarray, and Jax seems to be filling Clay's shoes a little bit more every week with each decision he makes.

Last week’s season premier was one that's still being talked about, with good reason. Kurt Sutter, who created the series, recently got into it with watchdog group, Parent Television Council, after they called the first episode "an outrage." As for the show, we're learning more and more, little by little, about the issues that will be coming to light as the season progresses.

With the image of the young boy walking into an elementary school and opening fire on a classroom fresh in our minds, we see Arcadio(Navarro) apologize over and over to Nero(Smitts). He informs him that the shooter was "his old ladies kid," Mathew, and the weapon that was used was his KG-9 SAMCRO had sold them in the previous season.

Again, was SOA creator Kurt Sutter and Co. trying to cash in on the recent events that have happened in our own schools, or was it tackling deeper issues with social decay and the lousy parenting that accompanies it? I'm going to go with the latter on this one.

It seems Nero and Jax(Hunnam) are going to come to an impasse at some point this season, and by all accounts should be one hell of an episode. Nero breaks the news to Jax about the shootings and they quickly divulge a plan to get Arcadio's junkie, wife(Samaire Armstrong), out of the city. The fear of a "junkie rat" spilling her guts to the police consumes Jax later in the episode, as he has Juice(Rossi) give her her fix and ultimately fixes their problem as they make it look as if she's OD'd.

What isn't fixed, is the relationship between Tara(Siff) and Jax. It looks like she's asked Lowen(Weigert) to start the divorce process and has given her, from what it looks like to me, everything "she can remember" concerning the club and their activities, as if she's trying to distance herself from them. I guess she's had a change of heart.

The sex scene between Tara and Jax was...nonexistent. There doesn't seem to be anything there, as they were each distant from one another, while being together; going through the motions but their heads just weren't in it.

Retired US Marshal Lee Toric(Logue) is back in action as he convinces San Joaquin County DA, Tyne Patterson(CCH Pounder) to help him with his personal vendetta against SAMCRO. They don't seem to be too concerned with the child-size coffins that will be lowered into the ground, rather to crush the club and add a positive mark to the ol' resume.

With Toric's substance issue, we'll see just how far he's able to go before the club figures out his Achilles heel, or if DA Patterson will find out, first.

As for Clay(Pearlman), he's willing to play ball with Toric and give up everything he has on the club, he just has a couple of demands first; to see Gemma(Segal) and Jax before he signs anything. Once Clay meets with Gemma, he's basically spilling his guts about "always loving her" and whatever goes down, none of it lands on you." It's clear to see she still feelings for him, with her bumbling and mumbling to herself in the woman's bathroom-- crybaby.

Through all of it, we have Bobby(Boone) still trying to build his new Nomad crew riding through place after place, completely in the dark of what's going down in Charming. There's a plus for him; he picked up newcomer to the show, or at least for a couple of episodes, Shameless star Steve Howey, who will be playing new Nomad, Hopper.

Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments below.

The Jock Lock: NFL Week 2 - Post Game

Heck of a week 2, huh? I don't think I've ever seen that many close games as I did this past Sunday. Now, I can't go through every single game, I wish I could but I can't, so I'll go through a basic rundown of the best. Although, it's going to be tough picking out which ones should be covered.

Titans vs. Texans - This was THE best game played this Sunday, by far. It was so back-and-fourth that it was like watching a tennis match. It wasn't an offensive highlight reel, but there was enough drama to make Day of Our Lives look like a day-time soap opera. Just the field goal sequence at the end of the game was enough to make any Titans-Texans fan pull their hair out. YEE-HAW! Texans Win, 24-30 in OT.

DeAndre Hopkins and Matt Schaub Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images

Chargers vs. Eagles - I think this is the game that should solidify Michael Vick as a legitimate Quarterback in the league. Dog fighting issue aside, the Eagles QB has been on his best behavior since he was jailed. Philip Rivers had a great game as he out-dueled Vick, but not by much. This was another game that was decided by the golden foot of a kicker. San Di-E-Go SuperChargers! Chargers Win, 33-30.

Nick Novak Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images

Panthers vs. Bills - Even the Bills official Twitter account couldn't keep up with what was going on in this one. The Bills were the dominant team in this one, clearly. EJ Manuel's turnovers, however, kept the big kitty cats in the game. Mario Williams had 4.5 sacks to keep the mobile Cam Newton confined to within the pocket most of the game. The only touchdown thrown by Manuel to Stevie Johnson ended up being the game winner. Overtime, here we go! -- Not so much. Bills Win (in regulation, Twitter), 23-24.

EJ Manuel Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images

Dolphins vs. Colts - What would you have said, at the beginning of the season that the Dolphins would beat the Colts? What would you say if I told you the Dolphins beat the Colts? Would you think you're dreaming? When will my questions stop? I don't know about my last question, but I would have never thought Andrew Luck would have been out-played by Ryan Tannehill. Okay, so he wasn't out-played so much as he was, kind of stuck in quicksand against the Dolphins D-line. Looks like Flipper got the last laugh on Sunday. Dolphins Win, 24-20.

Ryan Tannehill AP Photo/AJ Mast

Vikings vs. Bears - Anyone order a Polish sausage with a side order of nail biter? Well, if you were watching this game, that's what you got! Jay Cutler had a good game, aside from a few pout-y moments, here and there. Chris Ponder was, well, Chris Ponder. I still don't see it, though; him being a high-caliber QB in the NFL. I'm a Packers fan, but it's not like I hate the Vikings-- while writing this, I'm staying as neutral as possible, but I don't think he's very good. Anyway, blah-blah-blah, Bears win, yatta-yatta-yatta, their fans are happy. Da-a-a-a Berss Win, 30-31.

Jay Cutler and Alshon Jeffery Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Who are you looking forward to see playing next weekend? Hopefully not the Jaguars.

Locker Talk: Kris Jenner - Relevant?

A Kardashian is making headlines, again. Well, kind of.

Courtesy of Kris Jenner

Over in la-la land, Kris Jenner recently shared a picture via Instagram of herself. The hell, you say? Why, yes, it's true. Believe it or not, she's actually posting pictures of herself for all of the public to see, admire and adore.

Now, I know what you're thinking: "Wait a second; the Jenner/Kardashain clans are posting pictures of themselves just for the sake of, 'look at me, now'?"

Surprisingly, yes, she is.

But all joking aside, it's pretty sad how much she needs to feel relevant compared to her children. In the picture, as posted, she's covered in makeup, and probably wearing high heels while in the pool, "swimming."

Jenner wrote, "Last day of summer gonna miss you."

Yeah... Kendall is also getting into the social-vanity mix, posting a picture, as well, that rivals her mother’s steamy post.

Kendall had posed for Agua Bendita swimwear brand, recently. The hip, happening model is currently 17-years-old; settle down, you pervs.

Recently vacationing in Greece, the skinny sister took modeling shots of her own, sharing it immediately on Instagram.

Kendall Jenner Courtesy of Splash News

While it's nice of them to show off their stuff, and mommy dearest should be proud of her body, I wouldn't mind if they all faded off back into obscurity. Although, if that happened, the public would probably be treated to another sex tape; I don't know if I'm quite ready for that, just yet.

Please, Khloe, no!