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MLB General

MLB’s New HGH Test More Smoke and Mirrors

By Diane M. Grassi

Major League Baseball’s (MLB) latest feat of extended “labor peace” with the Major League Players Association (MLBPA) was reached on November 22, 2011.

And in this latest Basic Agreement between the parties, which will run five years in duration and expire on December 1, 2016, MLB has apparently won out in its attempt to curb illicit use of human growth hormone (HGH), by its players. However, such a test could prove to be little more than a charade, as it stands now.

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MLB General

MLB Files Suit On Manner of Exposed Finances

AS CBA EXPIRATION APPROACHES

By Diane M. Grassi

Major League Baseball (MLB) should be enjoying the fruits of an above average 2011 post-season performance, which will be crucial to the impending expiration of its Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) on December 31, 2011.

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MLB General

MLB Presumes Labor Peace In Approaching Off-Season

By Diane M. Grassi

As we enter the final weeks of the 2011 Major League Baseball (MLB) season, unlike other impending off seasons in recent years, this will be of the collective bargaining kind.

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MLB General

Joe Torre’s Transformation In Executive Suite:

Is His Next Stop the Commissioner’s Desk? 

By Diane M. Grassi

Joe Torre, former Major League Baseball (MLB) manager of no less than five MLB teams as well as a former 17-year MLB player, has been making his way through the maze of MLB executive life in 2011. Torre was appointed on February 26, 2011 by current MLB Commissioner, Bud Selig, as Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations. He also serves as the commissioner’s liaison to general managers and field managers of all 30 MLB teams.

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MLB General

National Pastime’s Future Remains On Shaky Ground

By Diane M. Grassi

As we celebrate America’s birthday this week, it is perhaps a good time to revisit how America’s “national pastime” is doing.

While the term “national pastime” will always historically be associated with baseball, it has arguably lost a lot of its luster in terms of youth participation, general fan interest and attendance at baseball’s Major League Baseball (MLB) stadiums.

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MLB General

The Apple of MLB’s Eye

A FAIR PROCESS TO BECOMING A TEAM OWNER?

By Diane M. Grassi

“Somebody’s property being seized was un-American. There are core values in this country and fairness is one of them…..I think everyone deserves a second chance.”

                                    – Los Angeles Dodgers owner, Frank McCourt (April 2011)

So – is Major League Baseball (MLB) still as American as apple pie? It largely depends upon its commissioner’s preferences at the time, who serves at the behest of MLB’s 30 team owners.

The question needs to be asked as to whether the presiding Commissioner of MLB, Bud Selig, makes such major decisions such as on team ownership based upon sound business acumen or subjective reasoning influenced by his personal relationships, such as with specific MLB team owners or individuals who potentially could become owners.

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MLB General

Eyes Wide Shut

MLB & WALL STREET LAY BETS AT SAME TABLE

By Diane M. Grassi

As all-time Hit King, Peter Edward Rose, celebrates his 70th year, it would seem only appropriate to at least wish Pete a “Happy Birthday!,” on behalf of his still legions of Major League Baseball (MLB) fans.

They – perhaps foolishly – remain hopeful that one day Pete’s banishment from all- things- MLB will be over-turned; at least before he dies.

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Uncategorized

Sports Chained to Big Business, Gambling & Corruption

By Diane M. Grassi

The title of this report may come as no revelation to avid sports fans, business movers and shakers, and the politically connected, but every once in a while, it is worth taking stock of those most prominent in a field ripe for deception, deniability, and its penchant for unaccountability.

While the names Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Derek Jeter need no introduction, even to non-sports fans, few people would ably recognize the name Ted Forstmann. Forstmann reigns over arguably the most powerful agency in all of sports and Hollywood and represents the individual interests of the likes of Messrs. Woods, Federer, Nadal, and Jeter.

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MLB General

Tony Gwynn’s Legacy Could Have Profound Impact

By Diane M. Grassi

This Major League Baseball (MLB) post-season, a direct plea was made by Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ6) to the managements of MLB, the Texas Rangers and the San Francisco Giants.

He requested, in a letter dated October 25, 2010, to “Ban the use of tobacco products during the World Series.” Congressman Pallone was specifically making reference to the use of smokeless tobacco products and the impact upon youth who see MLB players routinely using the product during MLB games.

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Video Games

Curt Schilling’s Rhode Island Hoodwink

By Diane M. Grassi

Curt Montague Schilling, has never been one to duck controversy nor a good game of old-fashioned hard ball.

In fact, in the latter part of his Major League Baseball (MLB) career as a starting pitcher, who many experts believe will be an easy entry into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Schilling became a lightning rod for controversy.