The Mitchell Report

East Coast Bias has been watching all the press conferences and so far, myself, Brendan Canney, am disgusted with Major League Baseball. Even though there is a lot of hear-say in the report, there is enough evidence that points to major players, like Roger Clemens and Andy Pettite, that they indeed took steroids. It truly is a dark day in baseball.

Stay tuned to East Coast Bias as both me and Jason will chime in soon with both of our opinions on what has been said and reported.

Not Guilty, And He's Sticking To It

Bonds' new lawyer entered a not guilty plea in U.S. District Court to the four counts of perjury and one count of obstruction of justice contained in the Nov. 15 indictment.

"Barry Bonds is innocent," defense attorney Allen Ruby said "He has trust and faith in the justice system."

The indictment charges Bonds with lying when he testified he never knowingly used performance enhancing drugs, even though prosecutors say he flunked a private steroids test in 2000. Bonds' personal surgeon, Dr. Arthur Ting, collected the blood sample and is expected to be called as a witness if Bonds take the case goes to trial.

Investigators also say they seized other evidence, including an alleged "doping calendar" maintained by Bonds' personal trainer Greg Anderson, who spent about a year in jail for refusing to help investigators in their perjury probe of Bonds.

I have always been an outspken critic of Barry Bonds so I hope all of these charges stick so we can land this dirtbag in prison. I'm sick and tired of his whining, unprofessional, and "It's all about me" attitude. He broke the most storied record in all of sports and instead of having people embrace him as our new home run king, most people despise him.

Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera Moving To Detroit

The Florida Marlins and Detroit Tigers have agreed in principle on a trade that will send Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to Detroit for key prospects.

The Tigers would send outfielder Cameron Maybin, pitcher Andrew Miller, catcher Mike Rabelo and three other minor league pitchers to the Marlins. The most notable of those prospects obviously is Andrew Miller who went 5-5 in 13 starts after being called up last summer.

A huge move for the Detroit Tigers. They get a hude prospect and RBI machine in Miguel Cabrera (who according to reports is losing the bulk) and Dontrelle Willis, who might see a resurgence in his new city. The AL Central just got a lot more interesting. Perhaps this could lead to a conclusion of the Johan Santana trade talks because it appears that the Tigers mean business.

Phillies Acquire Bullpen Help, Get Brad Lidge

The Phillies appear to have addressed their need for bullpen help by acquiring closer Brad Lidge from the Houston Astros in a five-player trade. In addition to Lidge the Phillies also get utility infielder Eric Bruntlett. The Phillies gave up outfielder Michael Bourn, reliever Geoff Geary and Minor League third baseman Mike Costanzo.

This move now allows the Phillies to move Brett Myers out of the bullpen and into the #2 starters role. A role I believe he will be much more comfortable in. No longer will Myers have the pressure on his shoulders to be the number one guy.

The 24-year old Bourn, a Houston native, hit .277 in his first full season as a Phillies reserve. This proves to me beyond a reasonable doubt that the Phillies will be re-signing Aaron Rowand and are comfortable with Burrell and Victorino as their 2008 starters. Costanzo was once considered one of the organization's top prospects before a down year in 2006. He hit 27 home runs while playing for the Phillies AA affiliate, the Reading Phillies.

Curt Schilling Remains In Boston

Curt Schilling, who said it himself that he might have played his last game in Boston after his brilliant World Series performance, is coming back to the Sox. Schilling agreed to a one-year deal worth $8 million dollars that will also include incentives.

• $375,000 bonus for pitching 130 innings
• $375,000 for every 10-inning increment up to 200 after first 130 innings
• $333,333 each time he maintains his weight after random weigh in

When asked by reporters if he had signed for less money he had this to say, "Did I leave money on the table? Yes. Could I have gotten another year? I think so," Schilling said on his Web site. "Looking at the teams that called, my best guess would be around $14 million-$15 million for a one-year deal with the potential to get $25 million-$30 million for a two-year deal."

Torre Changes Coasts: Heads To L.A.

Two weeks after rejecting a one year contract from the Yankees, Joe Torre agrees to a three year, $13 million deal to manage the Los Angeles Dodgers. The announcement came Thursday and will be officially introduced in a press conference Monday. Torre, the winningest manager in postseason history, agrees to take over a Dodger team that finished 4th in the NL West this season.

Torre should have plenty of talent in a weak National League to compete for a division title. The return of Jason Schmidt from injury and Brad Penny in the starting rotation should be very solid. Talent is evident on offense too with players like Russell Martin, Nomar Garciaparra, and Jeff Kent.

If Torre in anyway matches the success he had in the Bronx, L.A. should be very happy with this move for years to come.

Carl On The Red Sox and Isiah Thomas'

Courtesy of the funny people at Adult Swim.

East Coast Bias- October 29, 2007

Today's Headlines

- Sox Sweep, Changes in the Bronx

- NFL Rundown

- College Football Rundown



On today's show we start with the World Series and the domination by the Red Sox. We wrapup the week that was in the NFL and finish strong with our College Football Rundown highlighting the best games of Saturday. Look for the ECB NBA Preview Show this Thursday followed by our second mailbag!

Also, check out this wild finish to the Trinity vs. Millsaps College Football game.

Boston Red Sox Sweep The Colorado Rockies

The Red Sox won their second World Series crown in four years, sweeping the Rockies with a 4-3 win in Game 4. Jon Lester tossed shutout ball into the sixth inning and gave up just three hits on his way to his first career playoff win. Take into consideration that this kid was undergoing chemotherapy at this time last year for cancer.

Rookies Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury played phenomenal ball all series, especially Ellsbury who ended hitting .438 in the series. What a thrill it must be for them and the two Japanese stars, Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima, to accomplish something in their first years that some veterans never get to celebrate, a World Series crown.

Third baseman Mike Lowell took MVP honors after hitting .400 in the Series with four RBIs, three walks and six runs scored. After battling back from a 3-1 deficit against Cleveland in the AL Championship Series, Boston won seven straight games to earn the seventh championship in franchise history.

Breaking News: Joe Girardi New Yankees Skipper

The Yankees have officially offered their managerial job to Joe Girardi. He is expected to take the deal that is reportedly worth $6 million over three years.

Girardi caught for the Yankees from 1996-99, served as a bench coach in 2005, then managed the Marlins the following year and was NL Manager of the Year. He was then promptly fired apparently for clashing with owner Jeffrey Loria and other management.

The 43-year-old Girardi turned down the Baltimore Orioles' managerial job last summer, choosing to spend time with his father, who had health problems. Girardi, working as a broadcaster Sunday night for Fox Sports from the World Series in Denver, said he had nothing to announce regarding his status as a manager.

Daisuke Takes The Mound With Sox Up Two

The Boston Red Sox are on a roll, having won 5 in a row and owning a 2-0 World Series lead over the Colorado Rockies. After Thursday's game in which the Red Sox won a pitcher's duel 2 - 1, the series is moving to Colorado.

Tonight, Daisuke Matsuzaka will be taking the hill against the Rockies Josh Fogg. Since there is no designated hitter in the National League, Boston's manager Terry Francona decided that he will move David Ortiz to first despite a bad knee while regular first baseman Kevin Youkilis is benched; Mike Lowell remains at third.

Bad news for the Rockies, 27 of 34 previous teams to open 2-0 at home have gone on to win the Series. "If we win, the opponent might be like, 'Damn, we're done," Ortiz said. "And if we lose, that might give them some hope. It is a big game."

Red Sox End Rockies Win Streak

Josh Beckett struck out the first four batters he faced and Dustin Pedroia hit a leadoff homer in the bottom of the first in route to a rout of the Rockies. While the three runs scored in the first inning were enough to win it, Boston piled on the runs in the fifth inning with seven runs

Jeff Francis, who pitched on 12 days rest fell behind 3-0 in the first inning and was finished after four. To say he looked rusty would be an understatement. Francis gave up six runs and allowed 10 hits. Reliever Franklin Morales in relief got just two outs and was charged with seven runs for a 94.50 ERA.

Beckett struck out the first three batters he faced, making him the the first pitcher to strike out three batters in the top of the first in Game 1 of the World Series since Juan Guzman in 1993 (shudder). Beckett lowered his career postseason ERA to 1.73. The Red Sox are the first team in MLB postseason history to score more than 10 runs in 3 straight games.

Mattingly Favorite For Yankees Job

After four seasons as bench coach, Mattingly was interviewed Tuesday to replace former manager Joe Torre. Yankees broadcaster, and former Florida Marlins manager Joe Girardi interviewed a day earlier. First base coach Tony Pena is due to speak with team officials on Wednesday.

Ever since Torre's departure Mattingly has benen considered the leading candidate for the job. Hank Steinbrenner said Monday four or five people will be interviewed, but it is possible the candidates will be limited to Girardi, Pena, and Mattingly. According to ESPN the Magazine's Buster Olney it "is a good bet" that the Yankees will name the team's next manager on Friday.

Drafted in the 19th round in 1979, he batted .307 with 2,153 hits and 1,099 RBIs during a 14-year career diminished by back injuries. He won nine Gold Gloves at first base and the 1985 AL MVP, serving as team captain before his No. 23 was retired by the Yankees in '97.

Red Sox Win ALCS In 7 Games

The Red Sox who were down 3 games to 1 at one point are now on their way to the World Series against the Rockies. This marks the 11th time in MLB history a team has come back from a 3-1 deficit to win a best-of-7 series.


The Indians could not shut the door. After grabbing a 3-1 series lead, the Indians never led at any point in Games five, six or seven. Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched five solid innings while Hideki Okajima and Jonathan Papelbon each tossed two scoreless innings. In addition to the pitching, rookie second baseman Dustin Pedroia added his first career post season home run while driving in five. Boston will hosts Colorado in Game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday.

Breaking News: Joe Torre Turns Down Yankees Offer, Era Over

Joe Torre turned down the New York Yankees' offer to return as manager on Thursday.
The Yankees offered Torre a one-year deal with a base salary of $5 million and incentives that would have increased his salary to $8 million based on postseason performance.

- $1 million dollar bonus for reaching ALDS

- $1 million dollar bonus for reaching ALCS

- $1 million dollar bonus for reaching World Series

The Rockies Are In, The Red Sox Look Done, And Kobe's On The Move?

Rockies In The World Series

With their 21st win in 22 games, the Colorado Rockies beat the demoralized Arizona Diamondbacks 6-4 in Game 4 Monday night to sweep the NL Championship Series at Coors Field.

The Rockies will be heading to their first World Series in franchise history and have 8 days off before the start of the World Series. NLC MVP Matt Holliday hit a three-run homer that lead to a six-run fourth inning. The only team to sweep a NLCS since it went to a seven game format in 1985 was the Atlanta Braves in 1995.



Red Sox On The Brink

Thanks to a seven run 5th inning the Cleveland Indians are now one game away from reaching the World Series. The Indians are trying to make it back to the World Series for the first time since 1997 and minus the Chiacgo Cubs current streak, have the longest drought of no World Series wins.

C.C. Sabathia will likely be starting for the Indians in Game 5. Sabathia's last start was a short one. He last only 4 1/3 innings giving up 8 earned runs on seven hits. The game is in Cleveland so it would the icing on the cake if the Indians can wrap the series up at home.


Kobe Moving On?

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant has missed the last 3 practices and was rumored to have cleaned out his locker the other day. One team source insisted to ESPN.com that Bryant removed his personal belongings, but Bryant and agent Rob Pelinka told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher that Kobe had "merely cleaned up his locker after Monday's practice, leaving plenty behind."

Everything seemed to be honkey dorey when Bryant showed up on time for Lakers training camp. That aura of tranquility seems to be over now though after coach Phil Jackson has been a "no comment" machine regarding anything asked to him about Kobe and owner Jerry Buss admitting that he is "willing to listen to offers" about Bryant. Could Kobe be gone before the season even begins? Let the soap opera continue....

East Coast Bias- October 15, 2007

Today's Headlines

- NFL Rundown

- College Football Rundown

- NLCS and ALCS Review

The Weekly Phil

- Eagles Win 16-9


On today's podcast show we discuss the big games in the NFL and rundown the Top 25 action in the College game. We also get into the exciting MLB postseason games with a review and preview of the NLCS series between the Rockies and D-Backs and the ALCS series between the Indians and Red Sox. And we end the podcast with some Eagles talk following their victory over the Jets in the Weekly Phil.

Guess What The Rockies Did Again?

Arizona reliever Jose Valverde walked Willy Taveras with the bases loaded for the winning run. The Rockies have now won 19 of their last 20 games and it doesn't seem like the Rockies can be stopped.

The Rockies are now part of an excluisive club, they joined the 1976 Cincinnatti Reds as the only NL teams to win their first five games in a postseason. Despite only batting .211 the Rockies find themselves up 2-0 in the NLCS and going back home to Colorado.

The next game in the series will be on Sunday. The starting pitchers will be the Diamondbacks Livan Hernandez and the Rockies Josh Fogg. Can the Rockies make it 20 out of 21? All signs right now point to yes.

Breaking News: Mitchell Reports Will Name Names

The 18 month steroid investigation headed up by Senator George Mitchell, according to ESPN.com, will names names of players, including well-known ones. When clubs asked whether they would be given an opportunity to review the report for accuracy, it was learned that they probably wouldn't be able to.

"This is going to be enormous", said one source familiar with the investigation, "It's going to be a huge story when these names come out."

The Rockies Forgot How To Lose, Win 5-1

Thanks to another stellar effort by Jeff Rancis, the Rockies have won.....again. The white-hot Rockies are 18-1 in their last 19 games. Over the course of 6 2/3 innings, Francis only gave up one unearned run and struck out four. The bullpen did its job the rest of the way, allowing only 2 hits. Brad Hawpe provided all the runs Colorado needed going 2 for 3 with two RBIs.

Brandon Webb allowed four runs on seven hits in his six innings. Consequently the Diamondbacks 3-11 this season when Webb gives up 4 or more earned runs. With the exception of Eric Byrnes, no other Arizona player had more than 1 hit and grounded into double plays twice on the night.

Game two is tonight in Arizona starting at the absurd time of 10:18 EST.