Shh it's a secret

Hey all I am currently working on a special secret project. I wish I can tell you about it but it will be the end of me if I did. bummer I know but it is going to be great. I will be doing all the pencils and inks on the book.

As far as my series Impossible I am still working on it and pretty soon will be posting more art and information on it. I have started to expand on the story and added more action scenes to it. also a bigger twist to the Jim and Sarah. Wait there is more yes more characters with not so good intentions. kind of like a few friends of mine. Well hope you all stick around on seeing this great series. I do hope to have it off the ground and see light of day on your comic book stores this coming year.

I tell you all it is not easy making a book and getting it onto shelves. lots of hoops and patience and bit of luck.

Stay tuned. I will be bringing it.

John

Another Painting Finished

Here is a painting I did for my sister for Christmas. It is of a lighthouse a friend of mine too a picture of in Maine. I did some creative changes to some of the landscape to make it mine.

Lighthouse in Maine

Turtle Power

I love this piece so much I am reposting it. I want to do an issue of the turtles since I was a little boy. I have watched every cartoon, movie, etc. What IDW is doing with the turtles now is phenomenal. Kevin Eastman is at the helm on this of telling a new and different story of the turtles that really works well. Need to check it out. Maybe one day I will get my dream of working on them.

John

Sent from my Windows Phone

Help

Hey all you out there I am looking for a writer to help on my book. Impossible the Series. I know what my skills are and writing is not one of them. I will be glad to go ahead and split any profits made from this.

please take a look on the Impossible tab to check it out and let me know if your interested in doing so. Give me your ideas on the series and characters and how we should handle them or take them.

I am all ears on this.

Thanks,

John

For Sale

I have several pieces for sale. I have worked on several ideas for commissions and here are the ones that I have left for sale. I am letting these go at a low low price of $25.00ea if buy two then for $40.00

All these are original pieces. Have a Heart and purchase one.

Megatron

I as most others who grew up in the Eighties as a kid watched some great cartoons. Some of which are the likes G.I. Joe, Thunder Cats, Voltron, He-Man and She-Ra, and even the Transformers. Now those were all great cartoons that shaped my imagination and boosted my interest into drawing. Well we have seen these cartoons make comeback to the new generation of kids with movies and newly made cartoon series.
The best and biggest movies of these cartoons made so far has been the Transformers.

Here is my version of  Megatron from now and then split screen.

Raphael Unleashed

Finished. Prints on this one is for sale. $10.00

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Raphael

Raphael looking for the foot. WIP finish inks coming soon.

what do you think? Leave comments.

Wolverine

Here is a quick brush and quills piece on Bristol 11 x 17. Selling this one for $25.00 . Logan has that look of F U as he smokes. Well his middle claw says it all.

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Supergirl

Here is supergirl heading to the fortress of solitude.

Explosions

Here is a finished frame from Impossible the Series. Boom Explosions Jim saves another person. Slowly Jim is finding out that he is important even in the impossible of situations.

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Impossible Update

Finishing up inks on Impossible the Series pages. I need just 3 more pages to do and then scanning in for the Lettering and other effects. I really need a letterer. If any letterers out there want to help please email me.

Something to munch on till it is Finished.

Casey

Thee Casey Jones don't ever piss him off. He has pretty cool friends with a rat. Just telling you not very wise to do so.

More pencils

More pencil practice. Love the head back with the hair flowing everywhere.

Pencil work

Here is a chance at capturing a young artist. This was at the Cincinnati art museum.

Bat Girl Pencils

Here are some Pencils of Bat Girl my way. I love to draw the hair our of the mask and make it flow with the picture. Barbara Gordon is the best Bat Girl and should always be the one. I didn't like the new girl she just wasn't what the character design was to be. So here they are my renditions of Bat Girl. As you can tell she is very different than most other artists have drawn her.











Here is a Full figure shot.

Impossible the Series News

Impossible the Series has a new addition of pages. As I know most people are interested in seeing the completed story you will need to wait. I am giving you a glimpse into what I am working on to bringing forth a new hero to the fold of all heroes. Jim is just a kid like you and me. Well used to be.

Jim finds out that his life has just taken a major turn and you thought like him High school was pretty tough now he has developed super powers. The Story will take twists and turns like no other of how he came to be with these powers and how to use them. The bigger question is how will he keep this a secret and be able to use them? Jim is not one of them comic book freaks that wants to put on tights and roam the streets at night to catch bad guys or super villains. Jim is a normal kid just trying to make it to school on time and getting his halo kills on.

Jim and Sarah

In the first few pages you see Jim is remembering what happened to him last night on his way home. He is trying to cope with all that transpired and process it to where he won't freak out. As he takes a walk he finds himself in deep thought of all the crazy questions a boy at his age would have. Do I need to do homework anymore? What about girls? will they like me anymore? Friends? his only and best friend from birth his neighbor Sarah is given a confidential scoop from Jim about his extraordinary night. She needs time to herself to gather her thoughts and opinions on matters and how she can help and support Jim. She has never turned her back on Jim nor let him take on something so big before. Just like the time that Billy Martsens from down the street like to pick fights with Jim and take his lunch. Sarah stepped in a slugged ole Billy and gave Jim back his lunch. Now that's a friend and Sarah knows she can't let Jim face this alone.

I can't wait to get the lettering on the pages to bring the story to life. stay with me on this and we all will have one heck of a ride with Jim and Sarah doing the Impossible.

Just click on the tab above on the menu bar to Impossible and see the inked pages PLUS there is a Bonus page. yeah it's just pencils but you will see a special guest making his appearance.

Till more news arrive read comics and enjoy.

Guide Book

Here is a sample of what is in store for the Guide Book. This is a page I did. I have three more pages in the book.

enjoy and love some feedback.

Conan

Conan

Here is a quick sketch I am doing of Conan. Just practicing up on some anatomy skills and background effects.
He looks pretty rugged don't you think?

Impossible the Series inked pages

Here are some of the inked pages coming along. I like to say they are looking pretty cool, but who am I to say that I am just the artist. you'll need to decide whether or not they look good.

So give me feedback on them. just put a little comment on the bottom.

Page 1

This story i s like most stories. Jim was just a teenage kid trying to survive those awkward years and have fun doing so. As you know in comics things aren't so normal. Jim is from a mid western town living with his parents. His best friend from birth Sarah totally gets Jim and is always on his side to help. One night Jim encounters a robbery taking place. He gets caught up in the scene and is shot. Something comes over him inside and bursts out. Yeah it is something more than just adrenaline. It is a force of power that has been inside him for a very long time with an event like this it comes out. Jim finds himself  with lighting speed and strength even after a bullet is shot through him. He takes on the robber and disposes of him all the while to saving the distressed woman.

On Page one Jim is a sleep and is being woken by his besty best friend Sarah. As he dreams of what occurred last night.

As the story progressed Jim will find that he can't tell anybody of these changes to him except his friend Sarah. Jim wonders what kind of powers and how long he will have them. Is this just a faze for Jim or is he going to evolve more powers. The big question Jim has is what to do with them and how to control them.

In the coming pages Jim finds answers to some of these questions he has about himself and the newly found powers he has.

This is going to be a fun series and hop all will find it to be also. Come on and take a ride with me, Jim and Sarah as we all come to find out why this is so Impossible.

Impossible the Series: coming soon. Keep reading for updates.

Thanks,

JD

Hellboy in Full Action

Hellboy in action. I have always wanted to do a Mike Mignola Hellboy piece. Well here it is. Give some feed back on what you think about it.

Hellboy

Impossible the series

Here is some new stuff from a small project I am doing for Image.

Next is to ink it, Then letter the script. I think it will turn out to be a pretty good story. Hopefully find its way into print.

Na NA NA NA Batman

One of the all time favorites has made his way on to some of my art. here is a bit of him on this page.

Caught ya Joker

some paintings

Here are some Paintings I have done recently.

UK Baby and her Wildcat

A friend of mine is having a little girl and he is a big fan of the University of Kentucky. I did this picture for his daughter to place in her room.

Dolphins play

As if you don't know when living off the beach in California you get to see the wonders of the world close hand. The best part is seeing Dolphins play this is my view of them.

John Carter

Here is a cover I did for Metahuman Press . It is about John Carter and the Heroes of Mars.
I think the book will sell pretty nicely since the movie will come out a month after the books does.
If anyone wants prints of it please email me at johnd21972@gmail.com

Let me know what you think of it. I will be doing signed pieces also when the comic comes out.

Finished ink

some cool inks

here are some cool inks I have done from many moons ago.

YoungBlood

Check out the Tab of old stuff if want any prints $10.00
Shoot me an email what you want all sizes are 8x10 high quality paper.
Email me at johnd21972@gmail.com and can pay through paypal at the same address.

Pages are in

Look at the tab Tales of the Southies and see the penciled pages. Story by local writer and a fabulous one I might add Kyle Smith.
This story has a five issue story arc and deals with friendships crime and family. has lots of action and drama one needs to satisfy you Mature readers looking for something more than you average super hero genre. My pencils are a bit rough and fine, but still tells the story. I will be doing the inking to them with some help sometime in the future. With that you will see all sorts of detail and depth to the print. Most likely will be printed in B&W if willing will be colored.
Well take a look at the tab Tales of the Southies and leave your feedback. All critics are welcomed.

Here is a sample of one of the pages. Shows different perspective and detail to the story. I am proud of the features in the story and how it does flow. This book will be one never to miss.

Working on stuff

I am currently working on new submissions and other commissions. If you are interested in getting some please email me. I do accept Pay Pal and cash is always good too.

I will be inking my Green Lantern piece and doing some special coloring on it here is a peak of it.

Green Lantern in flight for first light

Creating new pieces for submissions

Haunt sitting in Spawn Throne

Created this piece for Haunt contest. If I am chosen will be published in September issue.

Oh the big day is arriving soon. This Thursday is opening day in baseball, and it's anyone game. Everyone is in first place. So all you Royal fans and Pirate fans don't worry your team also is in first too. As the season wears on we will be looking at the bottom and there you will sit.

As an advid fan of the greatest sport in the world this is going to be an exciting season. The AL EAST is going to be a slugfest with the Redsox bulstering it's lineup and pitching against the Yankees btw who didn't do much in this offseason. Those 19 games this year will be so awesome that no one will fall a sleep till the last pitch is pitched. The NL EAST is going to a one team to watch to see if they will fall or exceed expectations with this dominate pitching staff. The Phillies only need their power hitters to get off of the DL to make a complete team and male another run at the championship. There are so many rookies making a name for themselves this season. Also we see our sophmores taking their skills to the field this season and not having a cursed sophomore slump. This season is one to watch with so many new face and names that will warm your heart to cheer or jeer for. I am excited as you seen a team can come out of nowhere and win it all, it could be your team. What are you excited about this season?

Last weekend

Here we are finding ourselves at the last weekend of spring training.  It is four days till opening day in our great country and the greatest sport ever invented. Baseball, every boys dream to play. It is now back and let the stats start. Aww the fresh smells of the game, the organs playing those baseball tunes, the cheers of the crowds and the cracks of the bats. Aww yes this is baseball at it's best. Let's all stand and look at that flag as we sing our national anthem at our national pastime.

The best of the best will be on display this Thursday with all the aces pitching and all the great hitters doing their best to hit a home run or steal a base. The greatest stat that can never be reached is the hit streak. Not been done since the fifties even with all the extra performance that was done no one even broke that record. Why you ask? Well it is the most difficult achievement to accomplish. Aww baseball talking
Of the greatness of the past and watching greatness happen can't wait. This is America, this is Our National Pastime. This is Baseball.

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MLB The Show 2011 VS. MLB2K11

MLB the Show is the most realistic game to date. This game has so much depth and realistic bodies and movements that real everyday players have and do. The Tattoos and body structures are spot on. The everyday General Manager duties are as real as it gets in this game. If you take a player off the 40 man roster you need to make some sort of moves such as waivers or releasing the player. The Pitching and hitting are so realistic it ain't even funny. You need to do a whole swing motion to make the batter have his timing correct for a hit. You can't just hold back on the controller stick and swing forward to hit like you do in MLB2K11. The Pitching is so particular that you need to hit your spots dead on or the ball will take off on you. You never know were this ball is going unless your control of the controller is on the mark. The Fans now that is what makes it even more real than any other game out there or ever has been. The fans get up out of the seats to look at plays, cheer, play by throwing a beach ball around. the warming up of a Pitcher is important and may take more than just a half inning. I totally love this game and recommend it to any Baseball fanatic.

MLB2K11 has it's own little engine that could. Well it could be great if you add more features and much better control to the game without the lag. The game tends to not respond well. The overall game play is the same as last years game. The only difference is the rosters have been updated. Yeah they have great commercials (too funny Brian Wilson), But that doesn't change the fact that it really doesn't hold a candle to MLB the Show. Both games can be played on the PS3 and MLB the Show is PS3 exclusive. MLB2K11 can be played on XBOX 360. I also find the GM role has limited abilities and game freezes when trying to change the Manager. This game does have it good points like it's Baseball and you can play the minor league games and download special created players from the servers. Yeah I played with Obama in the Outfield and he was pretty good (Homered in the 5th). Both Games have my player mode to bring up through the Minors to get to the Show or the Majors. that is a fun mode to play if you get a chance play it.

All in all both games are great my vote goes to the Show for all of the GM depth and having to make decisions on travel, marketing, expenses, ballpark vending. The Show also has a part that if you run out of money you need to get a loan. you will have to go to the bank and get one with interest of paying back. The Show has a true progress of a player in the game as the season goes on. MLB2K11 does not have any of these features. it is more simpler of a game to play the game and not worry about the other stuff. you have your choice no matter what it is our game thee game of our Nation Baseball.

That is my take on it, what is yours ?

Speaking Japanese

WOW it seems like it's been a millennium since we have seen the first sightings of a Japanese player burst on to the scene in our game. Baseball has seen it's diversity of players through the past 70 years. Now a days we see more and more worldly diverse of players on the field and in the farm systems. You never know where we may find the talent to make our game the greatest it can be.

pitcher Masanori Murakami, was named the California League Rookie of the Year while playing for the Fresno Giants (the San Francisco Giants' Class-A team). Giants executives were impressed with this talent and on September 1, 1964 Murakami was promoted, thus becoming the first Japanese player to play in MLB. Turns out with the Japanese League he was on loan and couldn't stay. Bummer he was good as a reliever.

It took another 30 years before we seen another Japanese born player in American Baseball, Our National Pastime. This second and most influential player that opened the doors wide open for a flood of players to come was no other then Hideo Nomo. Nomo burst on the scene in 1995, He became the 4th Los Angeles Dodger player in a row to be Rookie of the year (followed Eric Karros, Mike Piazza, Raul Mondesi, Followed by Todd Hollandsworth) Nomo went 2.54 earned run average, 236 strikeouts, 13–6 record in 28 games started. That is an Excellent performance to show the Major Leagues that Japan is a place to seek out prospects. No other Pitcher from Japan has achieved as much as Nomo did in his Major League career. Not even the second pitcher to cross over with contract stipulations as Nomo, Hideki Irabu did the same as Nomo did Retire from the Nippon Professional Baseball teams to come to America and play for Major League Baseball (for millions of dollars no doubt).
In 2001 another mega star from the Japanese Leagues stepped foot on American soil with camera bulbs flashing and not a word of English spoken, Ichiro Susuki hit and hit and hit his way into the record books and in the hearts of all of Seattle. Ichiro as we all know him as has had over 200 hits for his 10yr career. Currently has 2,244 hits, .331 avg., 558 runs batted in, 383 stolen bases, 1047 runs. If you combine his career numbers of NPB he has 3522 hits, .342 avg., 1087 runs batted in, 582 stolen bases, 1705 runs. All together in a 19yr Baseball career is Hall of Fame numbers hands down. Nomo threw 2 no hitters one in each league. One no hitter as a Dodger and one as a Redsox. Not since Sandy Kofaux has a Dodger threw a No No. Hideo Nomo has a combined record of 201 wins- 156 losses, 3.695 earned run average,3122 strike outs in a 18yr career. Now that is boarder line Hall of Fame numbers but they have let in some with less credentials. We see a lot of Japanese born Major Leaguers come and go, but who out of the 12 that are currently in the Majors can become the next big thing from Japan. Daisuke Matsuzaka, Hideki Matsui, Hiroki Kuroda, Kosuke Fukudome,Takashi Saito, Hideki Okajima, Junichi Tazawa, Hisanori Takahashi, or the latest new comers this season in Yoshinori Tateyama of the Rangers or Tsuyoshi Nishioka of the Twins (who is deemed the next Ichiro) Who knows all the names on this list have had their names in the spot light and made considerable contributions to Major League clubs that signed them. I see Japan is still untapped with talent and with the contract between MLB and NPB we will never see the greatest Japan has to offer. There is still Yu Darvich the next Randy Johnson.
So I say "am I just speaking Japanese or what?"
That is my take on it, What is your?

30 Days

Swooobp POP!!!! sounds of a baseball being thrown from 66'6" from a mound to home plate right past the hulking presence of man with 33 ounce bat. Strike.... One!!! cried out the Umpire eyeing the strike zone from behind the Catcher in all his pads for protection. These are the pure sounds of my sport, The sport I love, The first American sport. Our National Pastime, Baseball.

Here we are March 1st and just 30 Days away from breaking camp from spring training. Cutting down the rosters to 25. There are tough decisions this spring with bunch of clubs, Who to keep and who to send down to the minors. Who has options who are out of them. These are tough times in Baseball trying to figure out the right formula that will win the World Series. The moves that are made can make or break a club from the start. I have seen clubs go 16 loses and can not get out of the cellar. That club still hasn't recovered from it till this day. So you see making the right moves and getting these ball players ready for the season opener is quit a big deal.

Just 30 Days it comes fast. The Pitchers need to have there timing ready to make their pitch and movement count. Arm speed is a big factor also. This is what the best Pitchers are building up in these past weeks.Speaking of the best as of Today we have seen only one Pitcher who is totally ready and that one is probably the best in the game in Roy Halladay.

30 Days left till bat speed needs to be to hit all them fastballs coming at them. We see timing to be everything in baseball, with a game of just inches that can determine a stolen base or an infield out at first (that robbed Gallaraga a perfect game) game of inches. As just few games played now we see not many hitters having their timing to really get behind the ball and drive it. Yes even Albert Pujols is out of sorts now. Alex Rodriguez needs more work. This is also the time for adjustments to a hitters swing that has been tweeked in the winter to take affect. Derek Jeter made adjustments to pull the ball this season instead of shooting it into right field as he has done in many years past. Jeter is a few hits shy of 3000 and he wants to get every chance and every pitch to reach it this season.

30 days till Opening Day.. I can not wait to see it, the excitement, the popcorn and peanuts and crackerjacks and good old American Baseball. Crack!!! with a big swing of the bat and the ball flying so high and out of reach of the Left Fielder. "Home Run!!" cries out the Umpire. Oh yes Baseball is coming.

That is my take on spring training and the wait till we take the field and here "Play Ball!!". What are your thoughts?

Prospects

This game is set up with a bunch of different leagues with hundreds of "Prospects". We see lots of kids coming and going through the minor league systems and independent leagues being scouted to see if they may be the next top prospect.

Today we find the Next big thing of a Prospect to be Mike Trout in the Angels orginization. This kid is full of heart and can flat out get it. Here is his scouting report: Scouting report:
Trout has pretty much every tool in the box. It starts with his plus, plus speed, which allowed him to swipe 56 bases in his first full season and to play an outstanding center field. His pure hitting ability is a plus as well, wise beyond his years in terms of plate discipline and pitch recognition. While he hit just 10 homers, he did slug .490 for the year and should add more power as he matures. He has a solid, albeit unspectacular throwing arm, though he's always on the money. His makeup and work ethic are off the charts.

Trout was Drafted 25th over all in 2009 by the Angels and is expected to make Full Time in the Majors by 2012 season. The way he is working he just may make the ball club this Season. hitting .338 avg., 3hr's, 16 rbi's and 9 steals in 34 games in Triple A. Trout is making a great showing in just a couple of weeks in spring training. I see him making 25 man roster this Season and being the starting Center Fielder of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

That is my take on the number one Prospect what is yours?

Who is number one?

Who is number one in your eyes?
I see Albert Pujols being number one, MLB Network had a list made up of a five day show "Who are the Top 100 in the game right now". Well they did a great list,but I can agree and disagree with lots of placement and names on the list. I see Top five in the game being Pujols, A- Rod, Halladay, Mariano Rivera, and Miguel Cabrera. Who are your Top 5 in the game?

NL Central

OH were do we start in this Division? Well what we have here is a Division in a Division. There has been for many years the top tier teams and the bottom feeders. This is the largest Division in all of Baseball with 6 teams Viding for the Division championship. The Division consists of particularly 3 top teams that compete and 3 lower teams that say they are competing. Heres how they play out.

The St. Louis Cardinals the team that is looking down on the Division year after year and is the only winner of the World Series in the past 20 years. The Pitching is spot on with the best Pitching coach in Dave Duncan. The rotation is solid and incorperating anyone in under Duncans eyes become Cy Young contenders. Oh did I forget to mention the best Player in Baseball is on this team in Albert Pujols. Oh yeah a game changer is you pitch to him. He has some protection around him so he can get some at bats with Holiday and Jay, Freese, and now Berkman. Yadier Molina is the best all around catcher in the game handles a Pitching staff like no other. I see them being there at the end for the Division once again. They may come up short with other clubs having upgraded their rosters.

Speaking of upgrades to rosters the Millwauke Brewers made some drastic upheaval to their roster. The Pitching rotation and Bullpen have been retooled to compete and sight of winning the Division. With the Trades and Free Agents this staff will do it. You really can't complain with Greinke, Marcum, Gallardo, and Wolf starting and Hawkins, Saito, and Axford finishing games. They have a tough middle relief pitchers also in Parra, Loe, and McClendon. The Bats do come alive with this Brew Crew. They have a Prince on fisrt and some Braun in the Outfield mix in Weeks, McGehee, Gamel, Gomez, and Betancourt you have pretty solid team and hard to beat in a Series. This team has it all and just may win it all in the end.

Moving down south a bit we have the oldest Professional ball club in the Cincinnati Reds. Yeah the Division Champs and that's it. These guys made giant leaps and bounds last year with a bunch of veterans helping the young guys get it together and win. And win they did, but they couldn't get over the hump out of the Division. The pitching is solid and have good young lively arms. With Votto, Phillips and Rolen and few up and comers in Bruce and Stubbs pounding the leather off the ball make a very good hitting team. Kind of reminds you of the old Red Machine from the 70's. I can't see them making the playoffs this season, but I do see them giving it a great shot at it. They do have all the potential of making the Division more tough and anything can happen. This Division is top loaded and The Reds have as good as any chance as any of the other top teams. The Pitching with this team is young and seasoned. Arroyo leading the rotation and having a career year helps these young arms. Volquez, Cueto, Bailey, Leake all have the skills and been through the rough patches of injuries and disappointment in games to now overcome and win. Winning is what this club did last year most one run games wins in all of MLB. The Bullpen is stacked with young lightning arms with some filthy stuff and with Coco Cordero closing it out makes the reds pretty tough to beat in a series. Watch out NL Central the Reds are contenders now.

Oh boy now here come the Cubbies, the longest drought World Series winners. They haven't seen the trophy since 1908 man that is a long time. The Chicago Cubs have as good a chance as the other three mentioned before with line up changes and Bullpen help added and oh Kerry Wood is a Cub once again. His veteran leadership out there makes everyone better even Carlos. Carlos who? well Carlos the nasty big stink'n filthy cheese of a slider Marmol, The closer. If this guy stays healthy and Woods in front of him they will win more games than they will lose. The starting rotation is pretty solid with the bull Zambrano leading the club with a nicer approach to pumping up his team. Dempster, Silva, Cashner and Wells ( who are fighting it out for the 5th spot) hold their own on the mound it's going to be a long season for the other clubs in the Division. Oh no I didn't forget the big acquisition of Matt Garza this is a great piece added to the starting rotation this guy is nasty and adds so much. the big question is is Wrigley going to jinx him and have the wind blow out with all his home starts. we'll see. The hitting and defense is solid and getting better from last season. They have Byrd and Fukodome catching and holding runners in place, and Soriano who is focused on returning to his numbers that got him that contract. The Outfield is going to be pretty good if one of them wants a day off they have one hell of a hitter in Tyler Colvin. This kid can hit and the ball goes very far, one has said to reach the south side of Chi-Town. With Blake Dewitt, Castro, Baker sealing up the middle makes it hard to hit and not hit into a double play. Anchoring the left at Third Base is Fan Favorite Aramis Ramirez, This guy is looking at a pain free season and helping out the club with his power and defense. I think with him a Soriano have their way the baseball needs to be very scared. getting back to his Rookie number is Soto this kid can bring the hits and on base percentage. Geovany Soto is no slouch to RBI's this guy can bring you home if your on, that is the premise of this club getting on base and rounding third. As far as finishing in the top three of the Division it is very debatable on who can hold it all together come October.

As for the remainder of the Division we have the Pittsburg Pirates and Houston Astros it is going to be a tough race on who is not coming in last. Both these teams are in rebuilding year and well the Pirates have been there since 1980. The Astros are in a better position to not to hold that title of finishing last. They have better talent and a good front office. With Hunter Pence and Wandy Rodriguez they can make a good run at it. This small lower Division is relatively home to the Pirates this clubs front office is horrible and ownership needs to sell to a owner that will put a great product on the field and keep it there for years to come. They now have Clint Hurdle managing on the field, but you can only do so much with a triple A club. There it is the NL Central and all its Historic Glory. This is my take on it, What is your?

NL West Forcast

The place were all baseball players want to be in the National League west. The weather is nice the grass is green and the surf is up and the fist pitch is on it's way to home plate. Crack sounds of a bat beating the laces off of the baseball as it soars over the right field fence. Aww yes true sounds of the game that I love, But there are lots of questions in the NL West. Who is the true team to take the Division this year? Well we are going to examine the ins and outs of this years NL West contenders and pretenders, or should we say teams that have it or not.

Let's start with the Champions the San Fransisco Giants. Oh they have the Pitching and Defense looks good. I have a problem with their hitting and power. Yes they do have the same team coming back with exceptions of MVP Renteria and Uribe both of which have signed deals with other clubs. Yes they may have one of the best young Catchers in the game with Buster Posey, but the Outfield is very suspect if a batter hits the ball. The out field consists of has beened prospects and average joes like Aaron Rowand, Pat Burrell, Cody Ross, and Andres Torres. They do Have versatile Mark Derosa coming back off of injury. I don't see speed nor consistant power or a just your plain scary big bat power hitter. Yeah these guys do play as one team and that is why they are the Champs. Like I said they have some nasty Pitching in the Freak Lincecum, Cain, Bumgarner, and Zito leading the rotation and the wild man with the magical beard Wilson closing the games. This is what baseball is about though with this team and the Bay area needs to be proud of what they got. I do not see tem winning the West again though unless they make a big move for a big bat to bring in the runs. Giants will make a run of it and most likely finish 2nd.

The San Diego Padres well they know how to make a run of things all season in 2010. This season will be a big difference of a story for them. The team has had a lot of changes and most for the better. They added speed and defense like no other. The corner outfield is very suspect, but they gained a very good center fielder in Cameron Maybin. As for Eric Patterson and Chris Denorfia they will likely rotate in and out of the out field corners and allow the youth movement to come in and make some noise to see what they can do. The likes of Venable, Cunnigham, and Baxter. We will see what Ludwick has left in the power tank. Now the infield has been much improved we see Bartlett and Hudson scooping up double plays all day. The corner infield is much inproved with another full season under Headley. We see a few choices at 1B with Cantu, Hawpe, and Hoffpauir lots of power from them and stable defensively. The pitching is yes young but have proven to be winners and very nasty. With Heath Bell on the back end of things they can compete and win a lot of games in the West. I for one am scared to say they may have made the right moves to take the Division this season.

The Arizona Diamondbacks well nothing to note except that they are retooling at the Major League level and will be a contender in a couple of years. I do hope that Kirk Gibson and staff can be around and develop these youthful prospects when fruition comes about.

The Colorado Rockies have made great runs in the past few years and with lots of star powered players on roster can make things very difficult for other West contenders. They have a spectacular fire baller in Jimenez and a good closer in Street. The youth movement has arrived in Gonzalez and Tulowitzki and Stewert. I see a bit of holes in the 25 man roster and the 3, 4, 5 starters, but they do over come adversity.

Now For Sunny Southern California's first team of the west the Los Angeles Dodgers. What we have here is a mess in the front office and with the ownership. With all that out in the open we still have a decent club with lots of youth and a few superstars. Pitching has been upgraded a bit. The Starters are being challenged like never before from them. We have opening day starter Kershaw who can be made into a number one starter for years to come. with the other for or five starters we see Billingsly (who is Platoed in his performance), Then followed by Kuroda, Garner, Ely or Padilla. Sounds pretty good. I think they need help there. The bullpen is upgraded and well they need a solid closer who can find the plate and deal. Cause Broxton needs to establish his dominance as a closer. Hitting and defense are suspect and solid at the same time. Let's just say they have there moments in the sun and other times when it rains it pours. Either way some days they hit and some days defense is a no hit day. They do have the young guns in Either, Kemp, and Loney. Who is playing left field and second base who knows. I can see Kuo closing out many more games than Broxton does. Count on it. I see a few trades made to improve those positions to make a run of things. Like usual the Dodgers are not going away. Them Bums don't know how.

Well there you have it may it be called how the west was won. That is my take on things in the West what is yours?

How much is Enough!!

In today's Baseball we see it being about money and more money and contract this and contract that. As of today Albert Pujols turned down a multi year deal worth millions from the St. Louis Cardinals. He is stating that isn't even close to being enough to keep me. As a fan of Baseball I say that is enough and should be a cap made so that this spending spree is stopped. It is getting so out of control that we as fans are paying the price at the gates and in our seats. the concessions are getting way out of control also to pay for these players making millions of dollars and only putting up marginal numbers for one season then next season have a below average one and still making a guaranteed contract. I say if you didn't give the same performance or better you don't get the money. This will alleviate some of the burden to the fans. I say we need to cap things to each position and a valued mark per season stats. This will give the game more competitive and better players for fans to see. I have seen the best baseball played when players didn't have the free agency. I am not saying they shouldn't get paid what they are worth, but what is that number. This is the greatest game ever invented and played in this great country of ours.I do not wish to see it go away just be regulated better with the spending of payroll to their players.

As of now we have several clubs in financial crisis. the New York Mets may need to get a new owner to survive and staying to be competitive. The Florida Marlins have not had a Million fans for the season since 2003 (their last World Series run)and are on the verge of being contracted. The club was made by MLB to raise their payroll so the Union would file grievances for under paying players. Yet they are building a new ball park costing the fans tax dollars to build it.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have no clue on how to build a winning team and lets all their players go when time to have to pay them Major League money. So they rely on the Yankees and Red Sox for luxury tax to have revenue. Not another good way of spending money and costing fans again.

This is way out of control and should be looked at again from the owners stand point and the union to see where the cut off needs to be. I see less and less fans at the ball parks in coming years if these salaries keep getting more out there. We as a nation are in a recession and can't afford thousands of dollars for a seat for a single game and on top of that hundreds of dollars for a hot dog and coke.

Please MLB bring back My Baseball game and bring me some Peanuts and Cracker Jacks at a reasonable price and to see my heroes on the field play.

AL West

Well it's going to turn out as How the West was Won episode. All clubs made some interesting moves to solidify their chances on a Division championship. The Most Improved Team is the Rangers who spent buckets loads of money on free agents and arbitration. The rest of the division made moderate moves to improve their chances.

Well since we started with the Texas Rangers let's dive into their moves and chances at where they may end up being when October comes. First off we mentioned that money turned out to being no object with this years expenses on free agents. They brought in a solid third baseman in Beltre. He is locked in for 5 yrs at a 96 million dollar deal. WOW money I see well spent 3 out of the 5 years. Other free agents signed were Arthur Rhodes who can be that left hand specialist out of the bullpen. Also Brandon Webb,Dave Bush,Yhency Brazoban, but The Main money spent were to keep their young stars there. In likes of Josh Hamilton 2 yrs 24 million dollars and other Arbitration of Napoli. I see the Pitching to be a bit suspect, but if you score more than the other team you win. That's were the Rangers are at. This club has some hitters and big boppers. They have the best chances of repeating as West Champions.

The Angels made a big move to get a Left Fielder and a big bat in Vernon Wells. The Angels have both great starting Pitching and bats with speed. They do have holes in their Closer and catching roles. I see Conger as being their everyday Catcher and Mathis being every fifth day. Closer role is who ever can get it done will be it for that day. With Morales coming off of that leg injury will Solidify First base and give power and contact hitting from both sides of the plate. Third Base is a little weak We will see if that trade for Callaspo turns out to good. If not the Angels have a few options in the Minors. The outfield is so interchangeable with so many options with Well, Willets, Trout, Bourjos, Hunter, Abreu all can hit and all have power. Ok so not all of them are in their youth with speed anymore, but if you hit the ball over the fence you can just jog on home. I predict them fighting hard till the end but coming up short for the Division unless a mid season acquisition's are made to push over Texas.

The Oakland Athletics have made strides and developments to becoming relevant again. Pitching isn't that strong, but can win some games. With all the youth on the field they have become one solid team to feed off one another. They will finish third.

Well here we go again with the Seattle Mariners. No folks their isn't Randy Johnson or Griffey Jr. coming out on the Field. They do have a great Pitcher in Hernandez. Ichiro and Olivo are not enough to help them get out of the cellar. This club needs lot's of help in a bad way. Yes they have a great Manager in Erik Wedge, but he needs to pray that they can win more than 81 games to have a winning season. It's not likely they have way too many questions to fix.

There you have it AL West in a nutshell What is your thoughts?

AL Central

Here's the AL Central report. Top team to be looking at will be the Twins. They have proven time and time again that you don't need all the pricey big name players to build a championship team. You need 9 baseball players on the field to play as hard and good as they can to achieve the goal. Win the Division and the World Series. Well they fall a bit short on the latter part. As we all know they do have the best catcher in the game and solid young pitching staff. This team does the best scouting and developing of any other franchise. That is why they are always at the end in contention of winning the Division. Every position player on this team have came up through their farm system. Mauer, Morneau, Valencia, Span, Kubal, Cuddyer, Casilla. This is how you build a Franchise and with a winning ways Manager in Gardenhire.

The White Sox and Tigers have made big money moves to bolster their clubs to capping the Division. The finish is going to with these three clubs.

The Tigers had made Free Agent moves with Victor Martinez and Benoit and Brad Penny. This team still does develop their talent through out the farm system with Porcello, Boesh, Wells, and Thomas. Yeah they made several trades to bring in youth with talent such as the best young fist baseman in Cabrera. With the youth trades of Austin Jackson, Phil Coke, Daniel Shlereth and Max Sherzer in making those great trades for the future and the future is now.

The White Sox on the other hand spent lots of dough to improve and solidify positions like Adam Dunn, and resigned hometown favorites like Konerko and pierzynski. With in season trades of Peavy and Rios and Edwin Jackson making this club a formidable team to capture the Division and World Series again after a 5 year absence. Manager Guillen with his fiery character to motivate this team of veterans and some youth to achieve every ounce of skills capable of winning that trophy.

As far as the Indians and Royals it is which team try's harder not to be picking up the bottom of the division. Both clubs are in a retooling or rebuilding modes and keeping payroll in line. I see the Royals having the edge here they have more talent in the bigs than the Indians.

That is my take on the AL Central Division What is yours? Can these clubs really compete out of the Division and making a real run at the World Series?
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AL East best moves

We are now just a week away from spring training. There was a monument of movements this winter season. We have seen players move to the AL east to compete against the best. This winter season winners are by far the Red Sox with acquisition's of Adrian Gonzales and Carl Crawford, with an all star cast around them already. The most improved team by far is the AL east bottom feeders the Baltimore Orioles with additions all around the infield and pitching. The major pieces of Derek Lee and Mark Reynolds and J.J. Hardy to go in sync with Brian Roberts. They also added a free swinging DH in Vladimir Guerrero. The outfield is no slouch either with Felix Pie manning left and Adam Jones covering every inch of grass in center, and hovering around in right is Nick Markakis. The Orioles have a real chance with Buck guiding them to being a contender this season and not finishing last in the tough AL east. So Yankees and Red Sox better watch their backs cause those birds from Maryland are heating up and coming for you. Oh if only Cal Jr. could be in the ball park when they clinch their first AL East division championship. I think Billy Ripkin just shed a tear and so did Hal Steinbrenner. What is your thought on who improved the most? Tweet

Same old Indian story

In 1989 a little movie about baseball came out called Major League. Featuring the Cleveland Indians. The movie centered around a few screw balled players. The team consisted of a bunch of no named players that the fans in the movie questioned "who are these guys". We have that same question today. The Indians Rotation goes like this to include Fausto Carmona, Justin Masterson and Mitch Talbot, with Carlos Carrasco having the edge for a fourth spot on the staff. Candidates for the vacant fifth job include Jeanmar Gomez, Josh Tomlin, David Huff, Anthony Reyes, Zach McAllister and Alex White, among others. So who are these guys? We all know Carmona and Masterson but the rest are very suspect to the least. I see that evil bitchy lady that owns the team making moves to insure that the club finishes last. Yes they will finish last even behind the Kansas City Royals. As we talk about the Pitching the Tribe want a veteran leader (just like in the movie with Harris)they are looking at Jeremy Bonderman and Kevin Millwood both who have to use finesse and trickery to get hitters out (just like Harris). It is pretty much safe to say we are seeing the same old Indians.

What happened ?

What is happening to the game I love and breath for. First off the Marlins are being kicked out of the stadium for U2 to play. Now the Mets and Dodgers are in need of some cash. The Mets are selling 25% of stake in the company. What else is going to happen the Orioles win the east? Kansas City goes to the World Series? I think not to both those questions. Baseball used to be king of the sports. Please tell me what is wrong here? I am disappointed in owners a GM's with their foolish handling of my game and our National Pastime. That is my take what is yours?

Can they make it?

hey all,

If you didn't know it is two weeks till pitchers, catchers and injured players need to report (I can't wait). My blog of the day is can the invitees make it on to the 40 man roster before the season starts. I have a few ideas on that.

One is Dontrelle Willis, I personally think he is done in the majors. He has been given a chance a couple of times to show what he has left, turns out... to not have shown. I feel the Reds are reaching with him.

the other is Mike Macdougal with the Dodgers, his funky deliver just like Willis has it's originality but is now ineffective. I see the Dodgers just giving him a chance and when he blows it he is done also. I do have more hope in him than Willis.

As for the hundred others that signed minor league deals and an invitation to spring training are really looking for chances and some have worked out. look at Benoit and Dickey last year, They both have multi year contracts this year and a roster spot.

So who on your favorite team has a chance to resurrect or continue their careers?

Our National Pastime: Count Down

Our National Pastime: Count Down

Count Down

Here we are just 3 weeks before Pitchers and Catchers need to report. I see great things for old clubs with fresh faces. This week we have seen lots of movement and Arbitrations signed.

Signings Like Carl Povano resigning with the Twins, Comeback year for Chris Young with the Mets.

Arbitration signings of B.J. Upton and Asdrubal Cabrera

The free agent market has not just yet went dry only the big names have signed. We still see lot's left there and lot's left to give to clubs with needs.

Besides the declining hitters like Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon both signing with the Rays there still is the speedsters Scott Podsednik, Jay Payton, and Randy Winn who all can give a club a push in the playoffs. All of who have been that winning base runner.

There still are veteran pitchers that needs homes too like Jeremy Bonderman, John Maine, Freddy Garcia,Ben Sheets All who have in the past been winners and Aces for clubs in the past. All of them can still bring it to strike out hitters and win games. No they are not all 20 game winners anymore, but are reliable to be in a rotation. ?Never the less we also still have Big time Andy Petite who is and always will be a Yankee. Yes folks he is still a Free Agent, but will only sign with the Yankees when he gets around to it.

This week we have seen the biggest moves made making clubs more dynamic to their line ups and rotations.

Like the big trade between the Angel and the Blue Jays. To which the Angel got that big bat in left field and the Blue Jays get diversity at catcher and first base with Napoli. Also the Blue Jays get an outfielder in Juan Rivera. I personally like the trade we see the Angels lost out on big time Free Agents and had to go the trade route to sure up some production. I see more moves made right before spring training to bring clubs in position of competing in their divisions.

What do you think the next big moves are? Should clubs be thinking more like money ball or pitching and defense? I don't know but we will see. Tell me your thoughts.

As arbitration comes to an end. Young players have exceeded what numbers were set forth for them want the money now. Some players will get it and some won't. Take MVP Votto getting a new contract. As rocketing contract from 500 thousand to 13 million call that some pay day. Don't you wish you can get a raise like this? Prince Fielder agreed to 15.5 million on a one year deal and he wasn't even top 3 on the MVP voting. Are salaries getting out of control I ask you?

New Year and New Teams

Hey there all,

We have a new season of Baseball coming and lot's to talk about with the everyday changing of players to teams. I am so excited this season from all the free agent moves and wheeling and dealing of players. It is going to be some season to watch. Like the Rangers they went out and got a new owner in Nolan Ryan and opened up a wallet full of cash to get veterans to fulfill a championship team from last year. There are still great gems out there to fill out a roster to make a competing team like

Bonderman, Jeremy Duchscherer, Justin, Pavano, Carl, Robertson, Nate, Wellemeyer, Todd, LaRoche, Adam, Glaus, Troy, Cantu, Jorge, Kennedy, Adam, Cabrera, Orlando, Hairston, Jerry, Damon, Johnny, Guerrero, Vladimir, Thome, Jim.

These free agents can still get it done and be leaders for any club. As for clubs that are in transition

like the Angels and Rays and once again clubs like Pirates and Mariners can fill their young clubs with

Veterans like these. As for the 2011 season we will see a very drama filled season with best pitching in

Philadelphia and best hitting out of Boston and New York ,and surprise me from Minnesota and Chicago,

and show me respect from Cincinnati and Texas and San Fransisco. Those favored clubs from our past

can be looking up to new rivals that are now doing it right and standing tall with pitching and defense to

round out their clubs success.

It's not rocket science but it takes a very keen eye to spot the next big thing to turn a club around and then

become the World Series Champions.