Postseason Players

 I'll have to admit that my mind has been solely focused on football—on and off this blog—but with baseball season at its peak, it's time for some baseball love. My apologies to those who are completely sick of my everything-football posts, but with the Padres' season long gone, I had to switch my focus to avoid serious depression.

After a crazy past week of baseball, some teams are starting to drop like flies, while others continue forward towards the World Series. 

Tampa Bay celebrates winning the AL wild-card spot

photo via NJ.com

Here's a little run down on the current MLB sitch: Wild-card spots (no freaking clue what a wild card is?—click here) have been won, and there are eight teams left in the running. Four teams from the American League and four teams from the National League. This is called the AL and NL Division Series and which ever teams win three games first move on to the next round, the AL and NL Division Championships.

Here's who's left:

American League

Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Devil Rays 
[Texas leads series 2-1]

 New York Yankees vs. Detroit Tigers
[Detroit leads series 2-1]

National League

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Philadelphia Phillies
[Series tied 1-1]

 Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Milwaukee Brewers

[Milwaukee leads series 2-0]

After this week, four teams will be left (two from each league). There will eventually be one team left from each league and they will play in the World Series—but more on that later. 

photo via You Play Ball

I'm personally hoping for Detroit (shout out to my Michigan fam!) to take home the ring this year, but you can't beat a face like Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels (above). Enjoy the end of baseball and all the babes that come with it!

Cosmo Clue:

The MLB is currently in the AL and NL Division Series of the playoffs.

Schedule of games

Moneyball Premiere

Stranded with no plans on this glorious Friday? No sweat. One of the most anticipated (and sports friendly!) movies of the year makes it debut today and it's the perfect way to start off your weekend.

It's the true story of the broke Oakland A's in the early 2000's and general manager Billy Beane's unique out-of-the-box attitude. The movie has been getting great reviews and critics are even throwing the "Oscar" word around.

Not into sports flicks but your guy is? Here are a couple reasons why you won't be disappointed with Moneyball.

1. The main character is played by the one and only Brad Pitt.

photo via Just Jared

(OK, I know he doesn't quite look like this anymore, but he's still majorly hot.)

2. The newly fit Jonah Hill brings his charming humor to the screen.

 photo via Zimbio

Though he claims this movie is a lot different than his usual roles, he says there are still laughs to be had.

I'm not even a huge movie fan and I plan on spending part of my weekend devoted to this film—popcorn and Milk Duds included, obvi.

Enjoy your weekend! (And don't forget to set your fantasy teams and to spend your Sunday with the NFL.)

Cosmo Clue:

Moneyball comes out today!

Read everything Moneyball and find showtimes here.

Baseball FAQs

The reason I started this blog was mainly because I couldn't find a general sports site geared towards females. There are tons of male-dominated sports sites with loads of too-intense information, but a place where girls could go to learn the basics did not exist. 

Throughout my blog life, I've been emailed some questions, and many of them I see over and over again. I figured if some girls were asking, many were probably wondering. 

Here are some FAQs when it comes to baseball. I'll move on to other sports eventually (football soon), but let's just focus on one at a time, alright?  

 Tell your boyfriends "you're welcome" from me in advance for answering these questions for them. You can also tell them I accept thank yous in the form of cash, clothing and/or jewelry. 

Baseball

photo via Mobile Commons

Q: What is the "wild-card" race and how can teams be a "game-and-a-half out"?

A: Wild-card race: This comes up close to the playoffs and happens in more sports than baseball (you've probably heard it with the NFL as well). Basically, "wild-card" teams are teams that did not finish 1st in their division (1st place teams automatically go to the playoffs), but still did well enough to make the playoffs. In the MLB, the wild-card teams are the teams from each league (2 leagues) who had the best record of a non-division winner. More here.

Game-and-a-half: This has to do with an amount of games played vs. amount of games won/lost. If two teams have won the same amount of games, but haven't played the same about of games, a team can be up (or down) by half-games.

Q: What is a "balk"?

A: Basically, a balk is when a pitcher does an illegal motion. For example, a pitcher cannot fake a pitch to the batter and instead throw the ball to a fielder to catch the runner off guard and potentially get the runner out. There are all kinds of rules, consequences and situations. If you're really intrigued, click here. 

Q: What are the K's the fans put up in the outfield?

A: K represents a strikeout. ("K" comes from the most dominant sound in "strike" and is meant to matchup with the inference to a "knock out".) When you see a K backwards that just means that it was a "called strikeout"—where the umpire called the last strike, as opposed to a strikeout where the batter swung at it.

Q: Why can't you be a Giants and a Padres fan?

A: This is a personal question I seriously get asked at least once a week. Many girls don't understand why people can't like two teams. The first reason is pride—many people have a love for one team and one team only, and that will never change. The second reason has to do with the division that both teams play in:

In the MLB there are two leagues—American League and National League. Within these leagues, there are three divisions per league: East, Central and West. With me still? 

In each division there are teams that make up this division (from 4-6 teams depending on your division/league). 

Well you see, the Padres and Giants are both part of the National League West. Only one team (unless one wins the wild-card spot, see above) can make it to the playoffs. So you see, if I rooted for the Giants I'd technically be rooting against the Padres, and I'll go to the grave cheering for SD. Therefore, go Padres!

I think that's enough sporty information to fill up on for one day. Now that you're totally sport smart, go impress a babe during the next game you watch.

 Keep sending the emails and I'll keep up with responses.

Football FAQ's coming soon...

Petco vs. AT&T

  I grew up hanging at the beach 24/7 and enjoying all San Diego has to offer, but I've lived in Northern Cal for the past seven years and have loved every minute of it.

Though I miss the Mexican food, warm temperatures and laid back feel of San Diego, San Francisco has grown on me more than I could have ever imagined.

Another thing that I left in San Diego were my beloved Padres. But being hundreds of miles away from SD has forced me to settle for Giants games at AT&T Park. At first I was a complete Padres snob and wanted nothing to do with anything Giants, including admitting that I secretly loved their stadium.

As I've gotten older and (slightly) less stubborn, I've decided that it's okay to be in love with a stadium and not necessarily a team. While my heart will ALWAYS be at Petco Park with the Padres, I've come to love and enjoy games at AT&T (though I will never ever ever root for the Giants).

I was lucky enough to attend a game at Petco and a Padres/Giants game at AT&T within the past month and wanted to do a little comparison to see which stadium is actually better.

Food: AT&T

Rated the favorite among all MLB stadiums, the folks at AT&T know the way to a baseball fan's heart. BOMB food.  (Though I wouldn't mind the option of a Rubio's fish taco like at Petco.)

photo via La Vie En Route

Seating: Petco (by a smidge)

Though AT&T has a designated place for rowdy fans (thank you, bleachers!), Petco has a grassy field where you can layout a beach towel and watch the game from the outfield. 

photo via MLBlogs

Location: Petco

Petco definitely has a better pre/afterparty scence by the field. With San Diego's lively Gaslamp within steps of the entrance, Padres fans are spoiled with endless restaurants and bars in walking distance.

Main Entrance: Petco

Sorry Willie Mays statue, but Petco's huge waterfall wall and palm tree walkway is something that can't be beat.

photo via Bae Systems

Parking: Petco

With a lot more room for parking and closer venues to tailgate, Petco beats out the insane traffic surrounding AT&T.

Scenery: AT&T

Nothing can beat the view from AT&T. The bay and Bay Bridge are the backdrop to the field and it's a gorgeous setting at any time of the day.

 

photo via Mopup Duty

Coolness: Tie

Petco has the lively San Diego vibe surrounded by downtown skyscrapers, while AT&T has the beautiful views and lots of pride.

Fans: AT&T

I hate to admit this, but the Giants fans at AT&T put most Padres fans to shame. Even before the Giants won the World Series last year, the energy at AT&T has always been nuts. SF loves their team and the players love their city right back.

 photo via National Post

Both stadiums have their negatives and their positives. In SF you'll enjoy an electric atmosphere full of supportive fans, but you'll freeze your ass off. In SD you'll be in shorts and a tank, but you'll be surrounded by fans of the other team.

But you know what? You shouldn't have to wear a ski suit to a baseball game. Petco wins.

Cosmo Clue:

Whether you're in Southern Cal or Northern, you're in for a treat at a baseball game.

Sweeping Up the Champs

I usually don't like to promote my dislike of teams, but in this case I just can't help it. 

You see, I'm a lifelong Padres fan. That means I've been spending most of my 24 years devastated with the Padres lack of playoff success. Yet again, the Padres are making my life painful, sitting dead last in the NL West. Not only are the Padres in last, but the San Francisco Giants—quite possibly my least favorite team in baseball—are sitting pretty in first. 

To make matters worse, I live in San Francisco. I'm constantly mauled by the orange and black SF logo wherever I turn. To make matters worse times two, the Giants won the World Series last year, my first fall living in the city. It was pretty much the opposite of awesome.

photo via Zimbio

After way too much SF pride last season post World Series, the fans are just as confident this season. Here I am, yet again, surrounded by overly-cocky Giants fans. Catch my bitterness yet?

But...this past weekend I was gifted with a little slice of heaven. The San Francisco Giants were SWEPT (yes, that means they lost every single game of the series) by their Bay Area rival, the Oakland Athletics. 

 photo via Bleacher Report

Now, I'm not a fan of the A's and I'm definitely not claiming that I root for the team, but when it comes to the Giants, I'm a fan of whoever they're competing against. 

The A's (who you should know are almost as bad as my Padres this season, pulling up the rear in their division) left the Giants feeling like big, fat losers. And I couldn't be happier. The A's displayed some major power this series, and newbie Jemile Weeks made the Oakland fans proud.

photo via Bleacher Report

Sorry to all my Giants-loving friends, but I just couldn't resist.

Thank you, Oakland!

Cosmo Clue:

The San Francisco Giants were swept by the Oakland A's this weekend.

For all MLB standings, click here.

Double Dipping

It's no secret that some people are just flat-out better than others. For females, it's the girls who get the good hair, the fast metabolism and all the brains who attract the most envy. And for males, it's the guys who can run the fastest, hit the hardest and make the most three-pointers. 

I'm pretty sure most guys would give up anything (money, steaks, girlfriends) to play a professional sport, even for a day. Making it to the college level is hard enough, let alone going all the way pro.

Some professional athletes have to take it to the next level and try to outshine the competition in more than one sport. Take a look at a few show-offs who have tried to take their game to a new level.

Michael Jordan

Though basketball's legendary star played for a Chicago White Sox farm league, he never actually made a debut in a MLB game. At least he'll always have Space Jam.

photo via Sneaker Files

Deion Sanders

The NFL hotshot played in the MLB part-time for nine years. He is the only person to play in a World Series and a Super Bowl. Now those are some good genes!

 photo via Madtreehouse

Chad Ochocinco

With the NFL lockout looming over his ever-growing head, Ochocinco looked to his "childhood dream" and tried out for Sporting Kansas City, a Major League Soccer team. He didn't make the final cut.

photo via Zimbio

Tony Romo

An avid babe/golfer,  NFL quarterback Tony Romo has been playing in US Open qualifying rounds, hoping to make it to the big competition. I'll pull for this cutie, no matter what he's trying for.

photo via NFLtouchdown

Cosmo Clue:

Some athletes go pro in more than one sport. 

More double dippers here.

Playoffs and beyond

While hangin' at a sports bar last night, one of my not-so-into-sports girlfriends asked me a sincere question: "Wait..why is there a baseball AND hockey game on?!" 

This may sound ridiculous to some of you ladies in love with the game, but I can see where she's coming from. There is a lot going on in the world of sports right now, and it's not always easy to keep up. NBA Playoffs, NHL Playoffs, MLB regular season and an NFL Draft on the horizon...it's a busy, busy time.

Let's get caught up on all the latest sports buzz - short and sweet style.  

NBA Playoffs:

16 teams are currently competing in the first round of playoffs. The series lasts until the first team wins 4 games. More here.

Ray Allen of the Boston Celtics makes a game-winning shot in Game 1 vs. the New York Knicks

 photo via NBA

NHL Playoffs:  

Hockey is also in playoff mode and it runs a lot like basketball. 16 teams are dueling it out in Round 1, trying to win 4 games first. More here.

San Jose Sharks beat the Los Angeles Kings in overtime in Game 3

 photo via Fox News

MLB: 

 The season is in full swing and the Los Angeles Dodgers seem to be the team with the most controversy so far. First, a San Francisco Giants fan was brutally attacked at a Dodger game, and the victim ended up in critical condition. Now, the Dodgers owner is leaving the team $400+ million in debt and in the hands of the MLB. More on the Dodger drama here.

Dodgers owner, Frank McCourt

photo via zimbio

NFL: 

Though the league is in a lockout, as I mentioned in my last post, there is still a draft. The draft will start Thursday, April 28th and will continue until the 30th. Stay posted for a blog post committed to draft day soon! If you want to get ahead of the game, look here.

One of the most talked about players going into the draft, QB Cam Newton

photo via Every Joe

Whether you're a football, baseball, basketball or hockey junkie, you're a happy girl right now. Plan your weekend around the TV and all the sporty goodness that spring has to offer. It doesn't matter if you're couch sluggin' in your favorite sweats, or being a social butterfly at the bar, just don't miss out.

(And by the way, my beloved San Diego Padres have been in somewhat of an early-season slump. Go ahead and say a pray for them tonight. Thank you.)

Cosmo Clue:

Baseball, basketball and hockey are all in season and the NFL Draft happens next week.

Play Ball!

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the best week of the year. The sun is shining. Birds are finally chirping. People have been opening doors me for me, letting me cut in line, giving random smiles as I pass...people are just outright happy.

It can only mean one thing:

Baseball season is here. Hallejuah!

For those of you wanting to pull your hair out if you hear one more basketball remark, don't pull yet - it's time for some baseball!

 (Yes, it's still basketball season, but I've decided to boycott the NCAA Finals since my bracket was complete garbage. For those of you still competing in college ball, click here.) 

Opening Day is happening across the country this week, so check the schedules to find out when your team gets started. For my California girls, let me make it easy for you:

The most amazing team in the world, the San Diego Padres, start their season deep in the Midwest. The Pads take on the St. Louis Cardinals at 4:15 pm ET Thursday, on Cards turf. So leave the 80 degree beach a bit early and catch some baseball. Another rough day for a San Diegoian. (Catch my hint of jealousy?)

Unfortunately, the Dodgers do play in CA, so I'll mention them. The always classy LA team opens the season playing World Series champs, the San Francisco Giants, on Thursday. Giants fans are overly pumped this season (I know from experience, I'm constantly surrounded), so there's sure to be loads of blue vs. orange fists flying at this one. Game time is 8:00 pm ET, at Dodger Stadium.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim will start their season in Kansas City, going head-to-head with the Royals. Game is at 4:10 pm ET on Thursday. Perfect timing for mid-day mimosas! 

The other Bay Area team, the Oakland A's, will kick off their season at home vs. Seattle. If you're a Bay Area fan, catch this game live - it's supposed to be a gorgeous day, even in Oakland!


Time for hot dogs, ball caps and ice cold brews!

photo via SeattlePI


And obviously the babes. Meet David Wright.

photo via NYMag

Dust off your baseball jersey (hopefully not a pink one), get your game face on and enjoy the next seven months of America's favorite past time. Go Padres!

Cosmo Clue:
Spring Training comes to a halt this week, and the regular MLB season starts!

For full schedules and home openers, check this.

Barry Bonds*

One of the best (can't believe I just said that), yet controversial baseball players of our time, is back in the hot seat this week. Barry Bonds took the stand in San Francisco today, where as a former Giant, he was accused of steroid use.

photo via MLB

 In 2003, Bonds went before a jury and swore that he never knowingly took the enhancing drug. Now he is facing federal charges, questioning if he was lying under oath in '03. Some jury members were asked to leave the case, with noted biases towards the big hitter. Both sides have agreed on 12 jurors to ride the case out alongside Bonds & co.

Though Bonds isn't the first, and definitely not the last player to be accused of juicing up, he has some stats that are up for debate. One of those being the record for all-time career home runs, beating out legendary Hank Aaron in 2007. Was Barry clean and worthy of the stat? Were steroids to blame for this record breaker? Jury's still out. 

The trial is expected to last a few weeks and will decide if Bonds gets time in the big house, house arrest, or something else completely. He wore orange as a Giant for 15 years - will he have to wear it again, jailhouse style?

photo via Sports Video Daily

Cosmo Clue:
Baseball star Barry Bonds is currently on trial for perjury and obstruction of justice charges.


Follow the case here

Ballpark Bites

One thing all baseball fans can agree on - we know how to eat (and drink!). I've scoured the web to find fan picked favorites when it comes to baseballs tastiest treats. Looks like I'm going to need to take a ballpark road trip real soon; solely to binge. My apologies in advance for sudden hunger pains. 

PNC Park, Pittsburgh Pirates
Primanti Brothers sandwich
Yes, those are french fries inside the sandwich.

photo via Travel&Leisure

Wrigley Field, Chicago Cubs
Victory Knot pretzel
Bread, salt, cheese - Yes, please!

photo via Chicago Tribune


Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles Dodgers
Dodger Dog
The one thing the Dodgers do well - fire up some heavenly links.

photo via Serious Eats

Petco Park, San Diego Padres
Stone Pale Ale
12 oz. of locally brewed heaven!

photo via Lizard's Lair

Not a beer drinker? No problem - sip on this:

Nationals Park, Washington Nationals

Capital Cooler
If you insist on being classy at a game.

photo via Travel&Leisure

and the stadium food voted #1 among most baseball fans...


drum roll please......

AT&T Park, San Francisco Giants

Gordon Biersch garlic fries
Make sure you have your breath mints on hand after these bad boys.

photo via Travel&Leisure

Thank God I live in San Francisco!

Going to a new stadium and unsure of what to scarf down first? Look here.

Cosmo Clue:
When it comes to baseball - calories shmalories; just eat it. Head to San Francisco for a bloated good time.

Baseball Fever

I'm like a little kid counting down the days 'til Christmas lately. Crossing off day after day on my calendar, heavily anticipating baseball season. I'm spending my days dreaming of rowdy crowds, the feeling of a homerun, booing the other team, cold beer(s) & hot dogs. Anyone with me?

photo via Denver

While I've been getting nibbles at baseball through Spring Training games on the tube, it's still not enough. But thank god, MLB Network is so kindly putting together an in depth look into each baseball team! It's called 30 Clubs in 30 Days and it's a lifesaver. No worries if you're cheap (like me), and don't get MLB Network with your cable package - it's On Demand! (Go to Sports & Fitness, then MLB Network, then choose your team). If you're too cheap to even have a cable box in your house, I can't help you. There are only a few teams focused on so far, but check the listings if your team isn't up yet. Lucky for me, my Padres are already on - and let me tell you SD fans - it got me pumped!

photo via Sulekha

Here is the full schedule of shows to come. 

So delete some episodes of The Bachelor on your DVR and make room for this series. Hope it can tide you over until Opening Day. Let's hope that the days go by fast until then!

The good, the bad & the ugly

One of my favorite things about my roommate is how she chooses the team she's rooting for. If we're watching a game that she doesn't know much about, it's pretty much guaranteed that she'll pick the team with the "cutest uniform" as her fave. 

In dedication to her keen fashion sense, I've picked the best and worst dressed teams in the pro sports world. 

WARNING: Some may be hard on the eyes

*NFL Best Dressed*

San Diego Chargers

Not only are the Chargers my #1 team, but they also look the best. The baby blues, the simple helmets and a lighting bolt - makes for a dream jersey!

photo via SI

*NFL Worst Dressed*

Cincinnati Bengals

I mean really, WHO wants to look like a tiger? Not I. No one looks good in Halloween themed stripes. 

photo via Bodog Beat

*MLB Best Dressed*

Philadelphia Phillies

The All-American color scheme and a classic pin stripe win my vote. (Not to mention, Cole Hamels is a gorgeous model for the uniform).

photo via Renovo Media

*MLB Worst Dressed*

Los Angeles Dodgers

Not sure if I hate these jerseys because of the blah grey or the fans that sport them. Either way, a Dodger jersey looks bad on all. 

photo via WGEM

*NBA Best Dressed*

Golden State Warriors

I like the coordinating colors and fresh design. I like the old school feel with a new school look. And I like the Bay Area. Warriors win.

*NBA Worst Dressed*

Los Angeles Lakers

I know Lakers fans won't be thrilled, but you can't be surprised. Kobe barely pulls of these blinding/clashing colors and he is pretty much flawless.

photo via Internet News

I tried to do a segment on the NHL boys too, but I honestly couldn't pick a hockey jersey worthy of "Best Dressed". The NHL needs a new stylist - ASAP.

Click here to pick up a new jersey, and fingers crossed that you're team isn't one of the worst.

Pre-Partying

In my opinion, MLB spring training can be best compared to a pre-party. It's a time for major league baseball players to get ready for the regular season, just like pre-drinking gets you prepped for a party or the bars. The players have a chance to practice, get to know their team, and get prepared for their season to come. Just like taking shots gets you comfortable with your surroundings, feelin' loose, and ready to conquer a night on the town. Spring training is also a time for new players to try to fill roster spaces and make it on the team to stay. It's a fight of the fittest - just like prepartying; some (those who either took one too many tequila shots, or just can't hang with the big girls) stay home. The players that already have a spot on the roster, get more time to improve. As with pre-parties, the ones who can really throw 'em back, get more practice at that exactly.

photo via Shaping Youth

The players are going to start making their way to training starting this weekend. First come the pitchers and catchers, and about a week later, the rest of the team comes to start practicing. Fans are able to go to games, get drunk in the sun, and root on their teams. It gets fans and players pumped for the regular season and gives you a taste of America's finest pastime. Teams play in much smaller venues than regular season, so it's more of an intimate feel for fans & players. Spring training lasts from this upcoming weekend/week until the end of March, right before regular season. 

 photo via Chief Noc-a-Homa

Spring training takes place in Florida and Arizona - both places that allow you to escape the winter blues. Just like in the MLB, there are 2 leagues - but in spring training they are nicknamed the "Cactus" and "Grapefruit" leagues. (Hope this is a no brainer, but just in case, the Cactus league plays throughout Arizona, and the Grapefruit league plays in Florida.) Teams who train in Arizona play other teams who are also training nearby, and vice versa with Florida. Check out where your team plays, their schedule and tickets here. 

CACTUS LEAGUE

photo via ESPN

GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE

photo via ESPN

No plans for the next month? Book a flight, or take a road trip to go see the boys duke it out. Don't forget that Spring Break takes place over training weeks - look out for the college cuties (only if they are 18+).

If you're new to spring training, here is something that will help. Have fun!

Managers

Congrats to Major League Baseball's Managers of the Year!

American League Winner

Minnesota Twins - Ron Gardenhire

photo via tripleinthegap

National League Winner

San Diego Padres - Bud Black

photo via IGN

READ MORE...

First Timers

The Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year awards were announced today. This is a huge deal to players and fans, so you should probably take note of it! Plus, you'll sound really cool when you bring it up at the office tomorrow. 

An award is handed out to a newbie from the American League & the National League.

American League Rookie of the Year: Neftali Feliz

Feliz is a 22 year old pitcher from the Dominican Republic.

photo via Sports Illustrated

National League Rookie of the Year: Buster Posey 

Posey is a 23 year old catcher, who graduated from Florida State.

photo via NYDailyNews

Congrats, fellas!