Friday Fellow: Mike Trout

Me upon seeing Mike Trout on the cover of our newly arrived SI this week: “My gawd, Mike Trout has NO NECK.”

Bee Jr., age 11: “It makes sense, Mom. His name is Trout. Fish don’t have necks.”

You can’t script this stuff.

Seriously, you guys, Mike Trout’s story has been an exciting one to watch this season: a bright spot on an inconsistent Angels team, an adorable first time All-Star appearance (he loves Derek Jeter, so he’s alright in my books) and absolutely sick numbers. Consider this analysis courtesy of Bill Chuck over at Billy-Ball:

There are only three players who finished their season with over 20 doubles, over 20 homers, over 30 steals and a batting average of .340 or above.

Mike Trout is at all those levels and soon he will be able to add scored 100 runs.

Now that’s swoon-worthy! So are these photos! I’ll ignore that he just turned 21 on August 7.

While You’re Waiting for the Fireworks….

Happy 4th, America! Hope you are all enjoying the surrealism of a Wednesday holiday. Here is the US Women’s Soccer Team just after their last Olympic tuneup match.  I’m a big fan of the (new?) striped kits, but I do think Nike missed out on a design opportunity by not making the goalie kit darker blue and covered with stars — just think how cool the above picture would look with Hope over in the left corner.

If you are having to work today (or are perhaps one of our Canadian readers), or if you just are looking for some entertainment before the baseball games and fireworks start, we’ve got you covered….

Hit And Run: (Mostly) Celebrity Edition

As excited as the Ladies get for baseball’s All-Star festivities, we tend to ignore the Celebrity Softball game.  I may have to at least DVR it, however, now that Chris Pratt (Parks and Rec, Everwood) has been announced as one of the celebrities. Chris is in the Moneyball movie as one of the A’s prospects, so he’s presumably had at least some movie prep coaching.  If he brings MouseRat to sing the national anthem, I’ll even watch it live.

Also on the celeb roster:

MLB All-Star Game Shoe Porn

Apparently Mr. Ronaldo was the first futbol player to sport the orange cleats that littered the World Cup this summer. He debuted them back in October of 2009, if my sources are correct.

Shoes seem to be such a hot topic these days.  First, we had the whole orange shoe craze at the World Cup, now the flashy shoes have infiltrated the MLB All-Star Game.  Everyone’s favorite announcers, Chris Berman and Joe Morgan, were all abuzz about David Ortiz’s shoes that they forgot to talk about all the home runs he was hitting.

So join me after the jump, where we take a look at some All-Star Game foot fashion. Forget the long ball, chicks dig the shoes.

Wonder Mullet… What Is The Secret of Your Power?

The Cincinnati Reds are rocking the NL Central, thanks in no small part to Bronson Arroyo.  Having just pitched a complete game and having 2 RBIs of his own, I’m wondering if there isn’t something magical going on with Arroyo.  Perhaps it’s that wonderful mound of business frontage, and party backage!

Write Your Own Caption: All-Star Edition

Thanks to everyone who participated in our All-Star Game Liveblog! Here’s a highlight:
samerochocinco: what if there was a bench-clearing brawl during the ASG game?
Rockabye: Hits For Hunger seems like a nice way to refer to beating up soup kitchen visitors.
samerochocinco: great or greatest ASG if that happened?
Games Mistress: That would be AWESOME.
Raven: GREATEST!
thistlewarrior: greatest.
Lady Bee: I’d be down with that
hawing: I’d want to see who was taken out before judging.
CuteSports: Dude, the AL would have no chance!
hawing: Prince could probably just move around and take people out.
samerochocinco: dustin pedroia would leave his pregnant wife to deck shane victorino
Games Mistress: True the NL does have a size advantage.
CuteSports: Ryan Howard – Prince Fielder – Yadi – Pujols?
Raven: tis the roids

The Complete Statistical List Of Pitchers More Deserving Of An All-Star Selection Than Tim Wakefield

I am going to take so much flak for this, and you know what? If I cared, then I wouldn’t be writing this post. Good morning. I think I’m going to go take it out on the street while the rain still falls.

Listed with RAR and FIP are all AL pitchers who 1) didn’t make the All-Star team, 2) have BABIPs over .250, and 3) have a greater RAR than Tim Wakefield.

After the jump…

The Ladies …go (All) Star Gazing

Albert will be there. Probably doing this.

The All-Star break is fast approaching, but the Ladies aren’t just going to hang out at home like all the non-selected players.  Well, we are, but we’re also going to be at our computers bringing you not one, but two liveblogs: the Home Run Derby Monday night, and the All-Star Game itself Tuesday.  Make sure you bookmark our new Liveblog Central page — better yet, head on over there now and sign up to receive an email reminder in case your weekend gets a little out of control.

There will be baseball, there will be friendly wagering, there will be much mocking of Berman and McCarver on the appropriate days.   We’ll be using Cover It Live, so our lovely, witty commenters can join in on the fun.  Come on, you know you’re watching it anyway.  Why not watch it with us?

It’s good news/infuriating news day here in Phillies country.

Well, it’s all over, including the shouting. Voting in the Final Vote contest has ended and the results have been tabulated. This year’s All Stars, after days of furious campaigning (more on that later) are Philadelphia center fielder Shane Victorino (and his million kilowatt smile) and Detroit Third Baseman Brandon Inge. (This lady is convinced that Inge is actually thirteen years old and potentially ineligible to work, much less in the Majors, but that is neither here nor there.)

Victorino finished with the greatest amount of votes for any single player in the history of the Final Vote campaign with 15.6 million. (The previous record holder was Evan Longoria with nine million. Once again, the Phillies roll to victory over the Rays. Suck it, Tampa.)

All Star Break…Show Us Your Ballots!

It’s that time again! July 14 marks the 80th All Star Game between the National League and the American League, and we the people get to vote who goes (quick, go vote if you haven’t already – polls close Thursday!) Here are the Ladies…  lists of our best of the best and some whys…

All-Star Posts, All-Star Posts, Come And Get Yer All-Star Posts

Good morning. How can you just walk on by without one tear in your eye?

(Incidentally, that song reminds me of this, which I swear only makes me cry because I’m listening to that damn song. Insert “unhealthy obsession” comment here.)

(Yes, I know that you’re getting this post after the afternoon post. It’s still morning in California.)

The current All-MLB RAR leader.

The rest of the All-Star awesomesauce is after the jump, but first: SPOILER ALERT! NO RED SOX OR YANKEES! WHEEEEEEEEEEEEE!.

All Star Shenanigans.

Internet, we need to talk about something very serious. I’m going to paint you a picture of two ballplayers.

Player One is batting .339 with 17 home runs, 44 RBI, an OBP of .402 and a slugging percentage of .707. He’s one of the best clutch hitters in baseball and has effortlessly replaced a fan favorite in a notoriously difficult town.

Player Two has been suspended since May 7 for using a banned substance.

Which player do YOU think is ranked higher in the National League All-Star Game outfielder voting totals?

Crane’s All-Star Picks: American League

Good morning. Please bear with me as I present you with my ESPN-implosion-inducing All-Star team.

1B (a.k.a Base the First, because I’m feeling medieval tonight): Justin Morneau (MIN). I dislike Mark Teixeira. I dislike Kevin Youkilis. I don’t care about Miguel Cabrera. Justin Morneau is both 1) Canadian, and 2) Totally hot.

Hit the jump for more.

The All-Star Break Called… Part Deux

So I’ll admit it, I am a total snob when it comes thinking that the AL is superior to the NL.  I don’t know if its the designated hitter deal, the difference in stadium size (I like my homers in the AL), or the tighter strike zone… whatever it is, I’ve always considered the NL to be the red headed step child of Major League Baseball.  But I set those feelings aside to bring you the All-Star Team of the National League,  Ladies… style.

The All-Star Break Called…

There’s a magical thing that happens every year after the All-Star break… the Yankees start winning!  In an attempt to summon those W’s into our current state of affairs, I thought we’d explore a little all-star action… Ladies style of course!

Earl Weaver would not be happy with our depth at certain positions, but I can’t help that hotties gravitate towards center field and the pitchers’ mound!  There has to be some scientific explanation for this phenomenon.

6-0…Zackkkkkkkkkk Greinke!

I’ve been a Royals fan my entire life. Unfortunately, that’s only 20ish years, meaning the team has pretty much been a laughingstock since I was born. But you know what? The best pitcher in all of baseball – let me repeat that here – the best pitcher in all of baseball wears a Kansas City uniform.

And look! JoePo's 2nd SI cover story, for 2x the Awesomeness!

NHL All-Star Niklas Backstrom

 

Yes, it’s blatant homerism … but at its best, because I’m here to take you through a photo journey of Minnesota Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom – the only player from my home team to make it to the NHL All-Star game coming up.

Michael Young, American (League) Hero

Thank you Michael Young. A nation of sleepy, blurred eyed baseball fans thanks you for putting us out of our misery ending the longest All-Star game in MLB history last night/this morning. You did us a favor because the other options (continuation or a tie) were too sad to discuss. Even if Buck and McCarver kept bringing them up. I have to be honest with y’all, I didn’t tune into the game until the 7th inning and saw J.D. Drew’s homerun. Up until that time I was blissfully pissed off at the world for screwing me over once again. So thank you baseball for taking my mind off of that. And killing my growing fondness for your game.

Anyway, I’m too tired (and still angry) to do anything substantial. So let’s take a look back at the All-Star game that was. Hey, did you guys know that it was the last All-Star game ever in Yankee Stadium? Huh, did ya?

The sac fly from Young…

2008 MLB All-Star Starters … Take A Peek!

The starters for the 2008 Major League Baseball All-Star game have been announced, and the game is a mere week away. It will be the last All-Star game ever played at Yankee Stadium, as the Bronx Bombers move into their new digs next season. While all of the elected starters are obviously talented, only some of them managed to avoid the editing room floor for getting their photos included here - after the jump…

NBA Finals Preview Part 1: The Celtics

The NBA Finals are here! After weeks of triumph (yay Hornets!) and disappointment (I miss my Chris Paul) it has finally been whittled down to 2 teams, in a showdown which is probably best described as David Stern’s ultimate wet dream. The Boston Celtics will face off against the Los Angeles Lakers in a best of 7 series. NBA history, replaying itself during primetime (and in HD!). The NBA, IT MATTERS PEOPLE! This has been a crazy season from beginning to end. KG to the Celtics. Shaq to the Suns. Kobe not going anywhere (and finally stopping the whining which I had thought would be incessant). But for me, the Celtics have been the most compelling story this season (other than the Hornets, but we’re talking the Finals here and sadly my Chris Paul did not make it). A one season turn-around of unprecedented proportions. The acquisition of veteran talent which has put the Celtics back on the basketball map. So here is a run-down of how they got here and how I think they’ll fare in the end (hint: it’s not good). Join me, wont you?

Baseballs. Bats. Berman. Liveblogging the Home Run Derby

What’s more fun than a meaningless Home Run Derby that drags on for 3 hours, broadcast by a Baker-Berman tagteam (and assisted by Kenny Mayne… in a kayak), chockfull of 1,000 player’s kids plus lameass interviews of both Bonds AND ARod? That same Home Run Derby… when liveblogged by the Ladies…!

Ryan Howard doesn’t have time for ballcaps- he’s got HRs to hit!

Each of the Ladies… claimed one of the 8 Derby participants for her very own– and then we all gathered together to revel in the inanity, discuss the intricacies of the hot butts on display, and make fun of ARod. Play along with us after the jump…

MLB All-Star Game Excitement B-I-N-G-O Style

Download Full Page American League Bingo Card PDF Here

Need a little bit more excitement and entertainment for your All-Star game party?

Well we here at Ladies believe that even the most casual of fan should be able to have some fun watching the Midsummer Classic, so we’ve whipped up some All-Star Bingo Cards! No need to try to keep track of pitching changes when you can look for Big Papi to point to the sky, Alyssa Milano in the stands, and players adjusting their junk instead. We’ve got your American League, National League, and Interleague Bingo all here!

The Field Is Set. And It’s Full of Hotties.

The wait is finally over. After Miggy Cabrera got hurt and had to pull out (ahem) of the Home Run Derby, and Bonds and Griffey declined to participate, the Derby roster was up in the air. Now we know. The final slot for the Home Run Derby was just filled, and everyone can now look forward to the presence of smokin’ hottie Matt Holliday, in addition to recent additions Albert Pujols and Alex Rios (who were added over the weekend). Thanks to MLB for picking the most scrumptious forearm-y picture of Matt for the headline photo:

Plus, the starting pitchers for Tuesday’s game have also just been announced- and it will be hotties Dan Haren (AL) from the A’s and Jake Peavy (NL) from the Padres taking the mound. Yet another reason to tune in.

We’ll be liveblogging the Derby tonight – so look for a post detailing all the hottie highlights tomorrow. And for the definitive guide to all the All-Star Hotties, check out Lady A’s post.

All-Star Hotties

I’ll give everybody the gist right from the top: The National League wins the All-Star Hottie game by a nose. Or a well-developed forearm. According to the profoundly accurate scientific formula of Andrea Thinks You Are or Are Not Cute, the NL has 21 Hotties and the AL has 20. Congratulations, NL! Will they win the actual All-Star game? Probably not. The American League has been handily kicking the NL’s ass for the last few years. Nine years, to be exact. 2002 was a 7-7 tie when the game was called and I’m sure that was the NL’s year, but we’ll never know. The last time the NL won, John Smoltz was the starting pitcher. He’s an All-Star again this year, so maybe he’ll bring the NL some good luck.

Come join me after the jump for the Hotties who got bids to the All-Star Fraternity and the candidates for the Final Vote…..

Update:  I could not resist adding a little Astros love at the bottom.  What a starting duo…

Stuffing The Box: Last Call for MLB Hotties

As the voting deadline for the MLB All-Star Game draws close (midnight tonight – so get to voting!), it is time for the Ladies… to make one final plea for votes for all the baseball hotties. Because if we had our way, we’d get an All-Star Hotties game, with two rosters full of nothing but the choicest beef in the major leagues. As it is, where these things are decided based on silly things like “talent” and “popularity”, we’ll just have to do what we can for womankind, and try and get as many hotties out there on the diamond for All-Star week as we possibly can.

I’ve done the dirty work, and put together a complete Hottie Ballot for you after the jump (where the picks are made PURELY based on who is the hottest), with two choices at each position– as it should be. Clare also gave you insightful commentary on who the contenders are. All you gotta do is GO HERE and vote, and help make the dream come true.

Stuff your ballot box early and often

Since the first returns are in on the 2007 MLB All-Star Game voting, we thought we’d take a look at how well some of our hotties are doing in the balloting, and who could use a bit of the Ladies’ help.

Furrow that B&T brow, D-Wright.

Metschick’s boys are leading the races at shortstop, third base, catcher and in the outfield in the NL voting. Jose Reyes has a commanding lead at shortstop over J.J. Hardy. At third, pretty boy David Wright has more than 100,000 more votes than his closest competition, Larry Wayne Jones Jr. (I refuse to call him Chipper. Chipper was cute when you were 12, but now you’re a grown up, LARRY.) Scotty Ro-Ro needs to pick up the pace if he wants to make it to San Fransisco this July — he’s languishing in fourth.

Yankees vs. Mets – Subway Series, baby!

Mets/Yankees is always a big deal, not just in NYC, but to any Mets or Yankees fan. It’s just fun beating your cross-town rival, the one who always pulled down your pants, stole your lunch money, stole your boyfriend – and then got married on the same day as you. (I hate that bitch.)

But the fun really comes in trash-talking with Yankee fans. When I looked around the Ladies… breakroom, I noticed that there was no Yankee fan amongst us. (We did that on purpose.) So I went out and recruited one of our favorite bloggers (we won’t hold it against you that you’re a Yankee fan!), Sportsgirl365 of Strike Zones and End Zones to give us the Pinstriped Point of View.

The Boys of the Banner

When the Ladies… first conceived this site, one of our starting points was a discussion of the most delectable men in sports. One thing led to another (we do love saying that), the lovely J-Money whipped up our beautiful art (don’t stare too long; you’ll go blind), and here we have our first shrine to some of the sweetest eye-candy in America.

We paw at each individual snacktreat after the jump. Don’t go spoiling your dinner, now…

Viewer’s Guide: NBA All-Star Hotties

Some Viewer’s Guides will tell you about who to watch to catch amazing three-point shooting, or outstanding defensive skills, or spectacular rebounding. Not this one. This Viewer’s Guide highlights the hottest All-Stars to keep your eyes on during the NBA All-Star Game tomorrow night. You can find the X’s and O’s anywhere, we’re trying to help you enjoy the scenery along the way.

Something’s happening in my knickerbockers…

Congratulations to David Lee of the New York Knicks for being named MVP of the Sophomores-Freshmen game. It must be hard to score 30 points, (hitting all 14 field-goal attempts along the way), while being so damn sexy.

With this performance, he’s now in the race for this year’s Spring Fling Court and is a lock for next year’s roster in Junior-Senior game.