DownSwinging.com

Every once in awhile we’ll do one of these articles that basically points out other people’s work, and keeps you informed on the day-to-day goings on in either one sports or all sports.

Obviously the big news today was that after the Rockies tough start, their manager Clint Hurdle was fired. Some people are really pumped about it. If you didn’t read about it yet, you can find the details here. Of all the news sources, I decided to give the link to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, pretty much ’cause they could probably use the extra hits on their website/newspaper.

Cubs Pitcher Carlos Zambrano received a six-game suspension today for his ejection and ridiculous outburst. If you haven’t watched it yet, it’s definitely a good viewing, especially the bit at the end when he really decides he hates gatorade. This guy makes a case that it’s unfair that pitchers get a six-game suspension so they lose a start when a hitter only gets one. It’s an interesting point I sort of agree with (I think rather than give pitchers a two-day suspension, they should just give more hitters three-game suspensions).

I always get frustrated when I hear casual fans talking about Derek Jeter’s gold gloves and his amazing defense. Apparently Colin Wyers of the Hardball Times does too, as some of his readers actually thought Derek Jeter’s defensive play was worthwhile.

Another story on Hardball Times caught my eye. This one talks about the winning and losing teams in the selection of the 64-team NCAA Division I baseball tourney, which started today, as well as each team’s statistical odds of making the trip to Omaha. I suspect a particular sect of our readership will be pleased to note that Elon has been given just over a 12 percent shot of making the final eight.

Interesting piece of news regarding Chien-Ming Wang’s injury problems, which might have something to do with a piece of advice from Brian Cashman. I found it particularly noteworthy since I fully expected Wang to recover this season.

Lastly, today brought the much-awaited arrival of Orioles’ catching prospect Matt Wieters. As one writer aptly put it, “Matt Wieters has already been crowned the savior of baseball, the greatest ballplayer that ever lived and a first-ballot HOF’er… .” Needless to say there is a lot of expectation on this kid.