http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com en-us http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com N/A john.mccabe@atomicsportsmedia.com Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:59:31 -0500 20 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/791/1/Defending-The-Crown/Defending-The-Crown.html Tony LaRussa is known for wearing sunglasses in the dugout, even during night games. Could it be because his team's future is so bright he has to wear shades? Chris Sokolowski searches for answers to that question and more as he breaks down the Cardinals for the final installment of ASM's 30 in 30. no@email.com (Chris Sokolowski) Fri, 30 Mar 2007 01:00:00 -0500 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/790/1/Waiting-For-The-Rocket/Waiting-For-The-Rocket.html A lot of questions and uncertainties surround the Astros and their chances in the revamped NL Central, but none more than the status of the seven-time Cy Young Award winner, Roger Clemens.  Will he, or won’t he be back in the Houston starting rotation?  The Rocket may not know himself, but expect an entertaining bidding war between the Astros, Yanks and Red Sox. If he doesn’t pick Houston, it might be another October out of the playoffs for the Stros. Pete Giordano takes a look as ASM’s 30 in 30 train stops in Houston. peter.giordano@atomicsportsmedia.com (Peter Giordano) Thu, 29 Mar 2007 01:00:00 -0500 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/789/1/Its-All-Right/Its-All-Right.html Two Reds outfielders, one an all-time great on the downside and the other an all-time great that never was, are making major adjustments in Cincinnati this season. For Ken Griffey Jr., sliding over to right field means the end of an era; for Josh Hamilton just making a big league club is a significant victory. Unfortunately for the two, the team they play for might be the NL's worst in 2007. Steve Schaefer takes a look at the Reds for ASM's 30 in 30. steve.schaefer@atomicsportsmedia.com (Steve Schaefer) Wed, 28 Mar 2007 01:00:00 -0500 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/788/1/Little-Big-Daddy/Little-Big-Daddy.html Cecil's boy is all grown up, and carrying a lineup just like his old man. If the Brewers pitching holds up and the bullpen sorts itself out, Prince Fielder might just be the juggernaut in the middle of a playoff-bound lineup. Eric Horowitz previews the Brewers in this installment of ASM's 30 in 30. eric.horowitz@atomicsportsmedia.com (Eric Horowitz) Tue, 27 Mar 2007 01:00:00 -0500 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/787/1/A-Pirates-Life/A-Pirates-Life.html Jason Bay is one of the best players in baseball, but stuck on the Pirates he's never experienced a winning season. That could change this year with the newly-acquired Adam LaRoche protecting Bay in the lineup and a quartet of young starters that could do great things. Eric Horowitz looks at the Bucs for ASM's 30 in 30. eric.horowitz@atomicsportsmedia.com (Eric Horowitz) Mon, 26 Mar 2007 01:00:00 -0500 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/786/1/Hey-Big-Spender/Hey-Big-Spender.html Alfonso Soriano was merely the most expensive free-agent the Cubs signed in their $300 million offseason, not the only one. Even with all the high-priced talent that will roam Wrigley this summer, Chicago isn't a sure bet to be a playoff team. ASM's 30 in 30 tackles the NL Central, with David Hale taking a look at the Cubbies. david.hale@atomicsportsmedia.com (David Hale) Sun, 25 Mar 2007 01:00:00 -0500 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/785/1/The-New-MM-Boys/The-New-MM-Boys.html Batting champ Joe Mauer and AL MVP Justin Morneau lead a Twins team that made a fantastic comeback to win the Central crown last year. With a pitching staff that should be called 'Johan and pray for rain,' the club needs both to equal their monster 2006 seasons to have a chance to compete in baseball's toughest division. Stephen Stone previews the Twins as ASM's 30 in 30 polishes off the AL Central. no@email.com (Stephen Stone) Sat, 24 Mar 2007 01:00:00 -0500 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/784/1/Kenny-And-The-Kids/Kenny-And-The-Kids.html Elder statesman Kenny Rogers, reigning AL Rookie of the Year Justin Verlander, and the rest of the Tigers young pitching staff have a bad taste in their mouth after throwing away (literally) the 2006 World Series. October glory is always the goal, and Steve Michalovich says Detroit has more than a fighting chance in the AL Central as ASM's 30 in 30 continues. steven.micholavich@atomicsportsmedia.com (Steven Michalovich) Fri, 23 Mar 2007 01:00:00 -0500 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/782/1/The-One-Year-Itch/The-One-Year-Itch.html Jim Thome did his part, but the White Sox had a disappointing third place finish in 2006. One year removed from their Series win in '05, the Pale Hose are looking to get back to the promised land. James Ludes takes a look at the South-siders chances in this installment of ASM's 30 in 30. jim@jimludes.com (Jim Ludes) Thu, 22 Mar 2007 01:00:00 -0500 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/781/1/Teepee-Talk/Teepee-Talk.html Grady Sizemore and the Indians failed to meet expectations in 2006. Can they break the longest title drought among AL teams in 2007? Steve Michalovich takes a look as ASM's 30 in 30 continues. steven.micholavich@atomicsportsmedia.com (Steven Michalovich) Wed, 21 Mar 2007 01:00:00 -0500 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/780/1/The-Crown-Prince/The-Crown-Prince.html Alex Gordon's next major league at-bat will be his first, but the super-prospect is giving Royal fans hope, and many are already anointing him as the heir apparent to former KC third baseman George Brett. Even if Gordon lives up to the hype and wins the Rookie of the Year Award, the Royals won't be in contention in 2007. ASM's 30 in 30 continues as Pete Giordano takes a look at Kansas City. peter.giordano@atomicsportsmedia.com (Peter Giordano) Tue, 20 Mar 2007 01:00:00 -0500 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/778/1/In-A-New-York-Minute/In-A-New-York-Minute.html The Mets were the best the National League had to offer in 2006. Yet, come October, it was St. Louis winning the NLCS and the World Series. Jose Reyes and the rest of the orange and blue are looking to take it all the way in '07. ASM's Steve Michalovich breaks down the Mets as 30 in 30 polishes off the NL East. steven.micholavich@atomicsportsmedia.com (Steven Michalovich) Mon, 19 Mar 2007 01:00:00 -0500 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/776/1/Howard-The-Great/Howard-The-Great.html Reigning MVP Ryan Howard got a big raise and shouldn't have any trouble living up to it. Unfortunately the Phillies have a shaky bullpen and a shortstop with a big mouth that might curtail their chances at a division crown. Phillie fanatic Pete Giordano takes a look at the Fightin Phils as ASM's 30 in 30 rolls on. peter.giordano@atomicsportsmedia.com (Peter Giordano) Sun, 18 Mar 2007 01:00:00 -0500 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/777/1/Brave-New-Ballclub/Brave-New-Ballclub.html Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine are long gone. John Smoltz is pushing 40. The Brave heroes of the future are Jeff Francouer and Brian McCann. That's not necessarily a bad thing, according to Stephen Stone. He previews the Braves in today's installment of ASM's 30 in 30. no@email.com (Stephen Stone) Sat, 17 Mar 2007 01:00:00 -0500 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/775/1/All-Wet/All-Wet.html Dontrelle Willis had a tough time keeping things dry this offseason, but the Marlins return a talented young team that stayed in contention until late last season. With Willis and Miguel Cabrera leading the team, do the Fish have enough to get back to the postseason? Steve Schaefer breaks down Florida for ASM\'s 30 in 30. steve.schaefer@atomicsportsmedia.com (Steve Schaefer) Fri, 16 Mar 2007 01:00:00 -0500 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/772/1/Whos-On-Third/Whos-On-Third.html That one's easy, it's Rookie of the Year runner-up Ryan Zimmerman. The problem for the Nationals is that they don't have anyone else in the lineup or the rotation to give him any protection. In the latest ASM 30 in 30 preview, Steve Schaefer forecasts another last-place finish for the team from Washington D.C.  steve.schaefer@atomicsportsmedia.com (Steve Schaefer) Thu, 15 Mar 2007 01:00:00 -0500 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/771/1/Waiting-For-The-Rocket/Waiting-For-The-Rocket.html Roger Clemens may very well determine this year's AL East race when he finally decides who to pitch for this season. Still, the Yankees are excited about another right-hander--Phil Hughes--they think will be their ace of the future. Steve Schaefer previews the Bronx Bombers for ASM's 30 in 30. steve.schaefer@atomicsportsmedia.com (Steve Schaefer) Wed, 14 Mar 2007 01:00:00 -0500 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/768/1/Alls-Wells/Alls-Wells.html After beating out the Red Sox to finish second in the AL East last season, the 2007 Blue Jays won't be satisfied with anyting but a playoff berth. With Vernon Wells inked to a long-term extension and newly acquired DH Frank Thomas in the lineup, the Jays aren't short of offense, but pitching will be essential in order for the club to take the next step. Stephen Stone has the story for ASM's 30 in 30. no@email.com (Stephen Stone) Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 -0500 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/769/1/The-Other-Guy/The-Other-Guy.html Daisuke Matsuzaka and super-closer turned starter Jonathan Papelbon are getting most of the press, but it's Josh Beckett who will be the pitcher most crucial to Boston's success this season. ASM's 30 in 30 rolls on with Steve Schaefer's look at the 2007 Red Sox. steve.schaefer@atomicsportsmedia.com (Steve Schaefer) Mon, 12 Mar 2007 01:00:00 -0500 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/767/1/Finding-Their-Way/Finding-Their-Way.html In the midst of nine straight losing seasons, it seems the Oriole Way has lost some of its magic. But with a newfound focus on young pitchers like Erik Bedard, Baltimore is heading back toward .500 and contention in the tough AL East. ASM's 30 in 30 continues with Eric Horowitz previewing the O's. eric.horowitz@atomicsportsmedia.com (Eric Horowitz) Sun, 11 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/766/1/The-Lonely-Lefty/The-Lonely-Lefty.html Scott Kazmir is a terrific young pitcher, but unfortunately for the D-Rays, his supporting cast is nonexistent in the rotation. In ASM's 30 in 30, Stephen Stone says the club doesn't have much to look forward to in terms of pitching, but a slew of talented young outfielders should at least make the team watchable. no@email.com (Stephen Stone) Sat, 10 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/765/1/Hoffmans-Heroes/Hoffmans-Heroes.html With an experienced and deep staff in front of him, Padre closer Trevor Hoffman should get plenty of save opportunities. Pitching is the most important thing, but in ASM's 30 in 30, Eric Horowitz says San Diego will need the offense to come around if they expect to improve upon their two conscutive Division Series exits. eric.horowitz@atomicsportsmedia.com (Eric Horowitz) Fri, 09 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/764/1/Holy-Schmidt/Holy-Schmidt.html The Dodgers were active in the free agent market. The club is trying to get Schmidtty with it, and if Jason and the rest of the starters come through this team could make the World Series. Steve Schaefer breaks down the boys in blue for ASM\'s 30 in 30. steve.schaefer@atomicsportsmedia.com (Steve Schaefer) Thu, 08 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/761/1/A-Tale-of-Two-Barrys/A-Tale-of-Two-Barrys.html Zito signed the big deal and Bonds is on pace to break the game's most hallowed record. One is the future in San Francisco and one is the past, but they're linked together in 2007. ASM's 30 in 30 train pulls into San Fran for Nick Kanios' Giants preview. nick.kanios@atomicsportsmedia.com (Nick Kanios) Wed, 07 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/760/1/DiamondBacks-In-The-Rough/DiamondBacks-In-The-Rough.html The Big Unit is back in the desert, but Arizona fans should be happier about the youth movement that's finally showing results. In the lastest installment of ASM's 30 in 30, Steve Michalovich sees reason for excitement but doesn't think the D-Backs are quite ready for a repeat of their 2001 title. steven.micholavich@atomicsportsmedia.com (Steven Michalovich) Tue, 06 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/759/1/Rocky-Mountain-Low/Rocky-Mountain-Low.html Aside from Matt Holliday's monster year, there was little joy in Coors Field last season as Colorado finished dead last in the NL West. Don't expect that to change says Pete Giordano in ASM's 30 in 30 preview of the Rockies. peter.giordano@atomicsportsmedia.com (Peter Giordano) Tue, 06 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/758/1/Never-A-Bride/Never-A-Bride.html Whether it's in the postseason or in trying to sign free agents, it seems that the Oakland Athletics never snag the ultimate prize. Previewing the now Zito-less team for ASM's 30 in 30, Michael Hoffman says that Mike Piazza won't be able to replace the production of Frank Thomas, and the A's will be bridesmaids for another year. michael.hoffman@atomicsportsmedia.com (Michael Hoffman) Sun, 04 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/757/1/Just-Say-Halo/Just-Say-Halo.html Giving Gary Matthews a $50 million was a mistake. A big one. And that was before his name got caught up in the latest steroid ring. Even so, the Angels are still among the favorites to win it all in 2007. Steve Schaefer has ASM's 30 in 30 preview of the Halos. steve.schaefer@atomicsportsmedia.com (Steve Schaefer) Sat, 03 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/755/1/Going-Going-Gagne/Going-Going-Gagne.html The Rangers are crossing their fingers that Eric Gagne can be half the closer he used to be. In ASM's 30 in 30, Steve Michalovich says that even a healthy Gagne won't be enough to get Texas into the postseason. steven.micholavich@atomicsportsmedia.com (Steven Michalovich) Fri, 02 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/754/1/The-Return-of-the-King/The-Return-of-the-King.html With manager Mike Hargrove's job and the return of free-agent-to-be Ichiro Suzuki potentially hanging in the balance, the Mariners are hoping that phenom Felix Hernandez can return to his kingly ways of 2005. To kick off ASM's second annual 30 Teams in 30 Days series, Eric Horowitz assesses Seattle's chances in a tough AL West. eric.horowitz@atomicsportsmedia.com (Eric Horowitz) Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/724/1/Houston-Astros-Coming-March-29.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sun, 25 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/722/1/30-Teams-in-30-Days-is-back/30-Teams-in-30-Days-is-back.html The Cubs broke the bank, the Giants signed Zito, the Yanks stockpiled young pitching, and the Red Sox spent more than $100 million on a guy who has never thrown a pitch in the big leagues. Makes for a pretty exciting and confusing offseason doesn't it? Luckily, Atomic Sports Media's second annual 30 Teams in 30 Days preview starts breaking it all down March 1st. no@email.com (The Editor) Sun, 25 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/753/1/Seattle-Mariners-Coming-March-1.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/752/1/Texas-Rangers-Coming-March-2.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/751/1/Los-Angeles-Angels-of-Anaheim-Coming-March-3.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/750/1/Oakland-Athletics-Coming-March-4.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/749/1/Colorado-Rockies-Coming-March-5.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/748/1/Arizona-Diamondbacks-Coming-March-6.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/747/1/San-Francisco-Giants-Coming-March-7.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/746/1/Los-Angeles-Dodgers-Coming-March-8.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/745/1/San-Diego-Padres-Coming-March-9.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/744/1/Tampa-Bay-Devil-Rays-Coming-March-10.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/743/1/Baltimore-Orioles-Coming-March-11.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/742/1/Boston-Red-Sox-Coming-March-12.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/741/1/Toronto-Blue-Jays-Coming-March-13.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/740/1/New-York-Yankees-Coming-March-14.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/739/1/Washington-Nationals-Coming-March-15.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/738/1/Florida-Marlins-Coming-March-16.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/737/1/Atlanta-Braves-Coming-March-17.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/736/1/Philadelphia-Phillies-Coming-March-18.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/734/1/Kansas-City-Royals-Coming-March-20.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/733/1/Cleveland-Indians-Coming-March-21.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/732/1/Chicago-White-Sox-Coming-March-22.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/731/1/Detroit-Tigers-Coming-March-23.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/730/1/Minnesota-Twins-Coming-March-24.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/729/1/Chicago-Cubs-Coming-March-25.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/728/1/Pittsburgh-Pirates-Coming-March-26.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/727/1/Milwaukee-Brewers-Coming-March-27.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/726/1/Cincinnati-Reds-Coming-March-28.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/725/1/Houston-Astros-Coming-March-29.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/723/1/St-Louis-Cardinals-Coming-March-30.html no@email.com (The Editor) Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600