Good lord, today is full of some crazy news. The latest, is that Major League Baseball has decided to push up the start times of its Playoff games, a full 40 minutes when compared to last year. The official start of the pregame show will be 7:30pm EST, with first pitch coming shortly after 8pm. Via MLB....

World Series games this October will start approximately 40 minutes earlier, a concerted response by FOX Sports and Major League Baseball to concerns about late broadcasts inconveniencing East Coast and young fans.

First pitches will be scheduled for shortly before 8 p.m. ET, following the conclusion of pregame shows now scheduled to go on the air at 7:30.

MLB Commissioner Bud Selig, who recommended the change in starting times to FOX Sports, called it "a terrific announcement, something I have waited a long time for."

"I really feel good about where we are," said Selig, who indicated the American League Championship Series games on FOX also will follow suit and start prior to 8 o'clock. "Our goal is to schedule games so the largest number of people can watch, and FOX has gone to an enormous amount of effort to make this happen. It's been a great joint effort between the two us."

This has been an ongoing debate for years now, and it's great to hear they finally decided to address it. I remember some of those Red Sox-Yanks games going to almost two in the morning, and for us East Coasters...that's just healthy. Hopefully everyone can enjoy most of the games now, and everyone can get some damn sleep!

World Series games will start earlier (MLB)

Two of the more interesting angles that the MLB Network has to deal with, were discussed today by network Pres and CEO, Tony Petitti. Petitti went on Bloomberg News yesterday and addressed not only the plans for covering live games, and how the network learned from the NFL Network, but more importantly how a channel which is owned by Major League Baseball can be critical of the Commissioner and league itself.

Here's the clip....

It's amazing to me just how more successful the MLB Network is when compared to the NFL Network. Obviously the MLB-N had the benefit of learning from the NFL-N, but you would think that the NFL-N could do so in-turn now. In fact, there's word today that with the loss of a deal with Comcast, the NFL could lose almost 2 million viewers (more on that a bit later today). They just simply can't let that happen, if they want to survive.

Sorry for the delay in posting today. I'm a bit under the weather and it's going to be slow going today. Anyway, I found this press release from ESPN very interesting, especially on the heels of Scott Van Pelt's recent suspension. Apparently ESPN has apparently agreed to hook up with Major League Baseball to promote MLB.TV. Via ESPN...

MLB.com and ESPN Digital Media announced today that they are teaming to bring fans an all-access premium content pass to baseball that includes MLB.TV Premium’s unmatched live baseball streaming schedule and ESPN Insider’s distinctive, award-winning content. Beginning February 17, fans can purchase both of the leading premium content services together for a single, discounted price.

For an annual membership fee of $129.95, fans receive:

* MLB.TV Premium: Unlimited access to live and on-demand streams of every regular season game, 100 select Spring Training games and the first two rounds of the World Baseball Classic from MLB.com in 2009 (blackout and other restrictions apply). Among the features coming to MLB.TV Premium in 2009 are: proprietary speed detection allowing a hi-definition quality picture on any screen; live game DVR functionality; live game picture-in-picture capabilities; multi-game viewing options; home and away feeds for every available game; live game radio option; and real-time player tracker alerts for live at-bat look-ins.

* ESPN Insider: Among the most successful premium content services online, ESPN Insider delivers the best in predictive analytical content including exclusive professional level scouting information and the best in draft coverage from ESPN Scouts Inc., Buster Olney’s award-winning blog, and the latest buzz on athletes and teams in Rumor Central. In addition, Insider features exclusive video (including on-demand episodes of Baseball Tonight, Pardon The Interruption, Around the Horn and more), access to ESPN The Magazine through a regularly-updated digital edition, Insider-only chats with athletes and celebrities, special access to ESPN Radio and first-look offerings from ESPN.

ESPN was probably not very thrilled when an employee bashed the commish of Major League Baseball, on the eve of this announcement. I still think a suspension was too much, but we can sort of understand the reasoning behind it.

Here's the audio in case you missed it....

Last week, Scott Van Pelt criticized Bud Selig's whopping $18.5 million salary last week, and through multiple sources, AJ at Deadspin has found out that the anchor and radio host has been suspended. Via DSpin....

Last week, ESPN's Scott Van Pelt hammered Bud Selig about the MLB Commissioner's $18.5 million salary.A little too much, apparently: SVP was suspended from his radio show on Monday, according to multiple WWL sources.

Van Pelt declined to comment on the incident, passing it along to ESPN media relations, who "do not comment about personnel decisions." The story, passed along through several people, was that Van Pelt's rant about Selig was "too personal" for some of the ESPN bosses — comments about his slovenly appearances, something about a "pimp cup" — which led to the suspension. Van Pelt, reportedly on his own volition, called Selig to apologize and was in agreement that his statements were a little harsh.

Selig does have close relationships with many of ESPN's top execs ( they are currently locked in an 8-year, $2.4 billion broadcast deal from 2005 for Sunday Night Baseball and have other contracts with MLB) and the initial story was that Selig himself heard the remarks and was personally offended by them, but that hasn't been confirmed.

Well that's rather interesting, isn't it? I always wondered how much ESPN reeled people in, because of the rights given to them by leagues, and I guess now I know. There's word that the conversation actually WAS over-the-line, but suspending someone who's never had an issue before, seems a little harsh.

I'm looking for the audio now, and if someone knows what day it went down, please shoot me an email.

ESPN Is Giving Scott Van Pelt Some Quiet Time (Deadspin)

The MLB Network took to the air last night after a stirring introduction from Baseball Commish Bud Selig, and while I got the channel clean and clear here at AAHQ, a good bit of America didn't get the broadcast so smoothly. Fang's Bites is saying that customers in Denver, Portland and Phoenix all had issues at the start, and Ken Schott also had problems up in upstate New York.

Cable things aside, I watched a good bit of the first night on the network, and have to say I was rather impressed. Victor Rojas led the roundtable for the night, and had help from Harold Reynolds, Al Leiter, and Barry Larkin at the desk. Hazel Mae and Trenni Kusnierek, as well as "Insiders" Tom Verducci and Jon Heyman, were also on hand with various reports. Each analyst started out by introducing themselves, and the first program "Hot Stove" completed a recap of 2008 and MLB's offseason. After that, the network slowly started bringing guests on to the set for various discussions and deoms.

Jimmy Rollins was on hand for a stolen base discussion surrounding Jackie Robinson's theft of home in 1955. Bob Costas then went onto host a discussion with Yogi Berra and Don Larsen, while airing the pitcher's perfect game from the 1956 World Series. While I still can't the use of "mini fields" on-set, both the Robinson and Larsen features were entertaining and light-hearted.

The only real issue I had with the network was the amount of "jumping around" that MLB Network did, and the amount of people used, but it was the first night and they definitely needed to highlight everyone and everything around the studio. Hopefully in the future they won't feel the need to cater to the ADD crowd.

Here is a little video collection I put together in case you missed the launch....

The First Four Hours of The MLB Network Did Not Necessarily Go Smoothly (Fang's Bites)
Late update on Time Warner/MLB Network problem (Schenectady Gazette)

It was a forgone conclusion that this World Series was going to be the low, but exactly how low? Even with the help of a 3 1/2 inning primetime game, that pulled a the 2008 out of the lowest rated spot in World Series history. The overnight total for last night's Game Five continuation was a 13.4 and when you average all of the game out the grand total should be around the low to mid 9.0's once all the numbers are collected. Not only is that .5 less than the previous low of 10.0 in 2006, but it obviously marks the first time a World Series averaged under 10.0.

I think the ultimate sentiment is that the World Series has just lost the overall luster that it once had. In fact even Peter Gammons thinks that it might be time to overhaul the entire October Event....

In the mid-'90s, several owners went to a Miami Super Bowl and discussed the notion of having a 10-day World Series at a neutral site. They'd have to get local fans to buy into destination and vacation packages. There wouldn't be the feel in Anaheim, San Diego or Los Angeles that there is in New York, Chicago, St. Louis or Boston. But then the Cardinals are the only team since the 2002 Angels to win in front of their home fans. It would be a hard sell, but the notion of a World Series week has some advantages.

May I suggest Punta Mita, Mexico? The Four Seasons would be a perfect headquarters hotel. Anguilla would work.

The World Series is, after all, significant television programming, and the good folks at Fox would love predictability. It's better than the official first dud of the fall TV season, "The Perfect Storm Hits the World Series."

There are a lot of questions that will be weighed after this, the worst World Series in memory. The first? With plummeting television ratings and the collapse of the economy, will the free agent market continue to inflate, or will it cool the market? The impact of this World Series may last right through into January.

Wow. That's pretty depressing. I don't know if something as drastic as Gammons is suggesting needs to be done, but something has to change. I personally enjoyed this World Series because of its overall randomness, both the teams involved and the 3.5 inning shootout, but the majority of Baseball fans don't think like I do. The "Winter Meetings" should be extra interesting come December.

Weather turns Series into worst ever (ESPN)
Rays-Phils Likely To Be Lowest Rated World Series Ever (Awful Announcing)

MLB has just announced that Game Five will be played tonight promptly at 8:37pm and who cares if it's under 40 degrees and winds are upwards of 25mph?! We're getting this thing in! The Phillies will be batting in the Bottom of the Sixth and only do they have the advantage of getting twelve outs to the Rays nine in this thing, but Cole Hamels is the first scheduled batter of Game Five-Version 2.0. Charlie Manuel will obviously get a pitch hitter in the game but it gets interesting from there.

Joe Maddon will go probably "keep" righty Grant Balfour in the game, which will could bring Matt Stairs or another lefty out of the Phillies dugout. Maddon could essentially just walk right out there and bring in any left handed pitcher that he wanted to face Stairs. Manuel also has a big decision for the top of the seventh and that's whether to bring in Brad Lidge, who hasn't played much this Series, right away or save him until the eighth. It's unlikely he would go with him that early, but it's certainly possible. The possibilities for the start of this game are endless!

The more you think about the moves and decisions in this 3.5 inning contest, the more you realize how unprecedented this whole situation is. Bud Selig is a dumbass, but he really lucked out with his decision to delay the game. The ratings should be good, and if the game goes extras, FOX will be kissing his ass for the rest of his days "in office". The Live-Blog picks back up at 8:30pm tonight....BE THERE!

Game Five of the 2008 World Series to be resumed tonight (MLB)

Just a quick post, but for those of you hoping for a closeout of Game Five tonight are out of luck. MLB has officially suspended play until at least Wednesday at the earliest and that the hopes for getting a game in tonight are out of the question. Via NBC in Philly....

Phils phans will have to wait at least another night to complete Game 5 of the World Series.

A wet, muddy field logo tells the story of Game 5’s rain delay.

Major League Baseball has announced that Game 5 has been delayed until Wednesday.

The announcement was made as the Philadelphia area continued to be pounded by rain, wind and even snow in some areas.

Rain and wind suspended Game 5 between the Phillies and Rays in the middle of the sixth inning on Monday night.

Whenever the game continues the Phils will be coming to bat with the game tied 2-2.

Well that's a bummer. I can't imagine the agony that Phillies fans are going through right now, and I have to think it's just the opposite for Rays fans at the moment. The longer this gets drawn out, the better it is for Tampa. This is also good for the NBA who's season tips off tonight. Without a World Series game on, Sports fans are sure to head over to TNT tonight for their doubleheader.

MLB: No Game 5 Tuesday (NBC)

FYI- There's also no word on ratings from last night's water-logged game, but I'm sure it's not going to be a good total. I'll try to get that number to you as soon as I come across it.

Can't believe I missed this yesterday. Bud Selig gets a phone call during a press conference, and he's not happy with the person who called him. His wife....

Wow.....I'm surprised this didn't make the rounds yesterday. Nothing like some domestic violence on a Saturday afternoon, and a nice ring tone too.

Bud Selig Is Going to 'Punch Out' His Wife (The Sporting Blog)
Bud Selig Is Casual About His Spousal Abuse (Bugs and Cranks)
Selig’s Call: “It’s Only My Wife, I’ll Punch Her Out” (Sports by Brooks)

Here we go folks. There's a ton of speculation flying around, and pretty much everyone will be writing something on this as the items break. If you have a live-blog, or an open-thread I'll link you in this spot and hopefully with the videos I'll add we can piece this whole thing together by this afternoon. This should be fun....I mean Jose Canseco is AT the Press Conference!

Already rumored by ESPN and others: Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte, Chuck Knoblauch, Miguel Tejada, Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, Albert Pujols

Around the Blogosphere:

Quotes:

"If I had known there weren't long lasting effects I probably would have taken them."- John Kruk

"As GMs we were handcuffed. What were we supposed to do? Go to a player and accuse them of using and then tell them to go out and win a game for you the next day?"- Steve Phillips

Wow Roger Cossack just called Jason Grimsley.....Jason Priestly. That's a video.

"Clemens obtained Steroid from McNamee (sp?). Bought them from him."- Jeremy Schapp

"The appendices has copies of checks from Paul LoDuca, Denny Neagle, Fernando Vina, David Segui, Miguel Tejada."- Jeremy Schapp

"Each of the 30 clubs had a player or players involved in taking illegal substances."- George Mitchell

"More than half of the players mentioned in the report are no longer playing in Major League Baseball."- George Mitchell

FULL MITCHELL REPORT VIA MLB.COM

Names Found In The Report: Juan Gonzalez (no surprise), Rafael Palmeiro, a huge section on Miguel Tejada

Checks to trainer Radomski....


Larry Bigbie, Howie Clark, Jason Grimsley, Jerry Hairston, Glenallen Hill, Matt Herges, Mike Lansing, Paul LoDuca, Denny Neagle, Jim Parque, Adam Piatt, Dave Segui, Miguel Tejada, Mo Vaughn, Fernando Vina (Nice an ESPN Anchor!), Rondell White, Greg Zaun, Kevin Brown, Eric Gagne,


Press Conference Highlights:

Mitchell is just going through the harms of Steroid Abuse and how it relates to the Nation's youth. Good speech, but nothing juicy yet.

Our first Barry Bonds question. I'm getting bored. Can someone please ask him why there are very few Red Sox players mentioned so we can get this over with?

Mitchell says Radomski was from New York so most of the players that he named were obviously from New York.

He compares this to being Irish and reaching a peace agreement in Ireland.

"Judge me by my work. You will not find any evidence of bias or special treatment of the Red Sox or anyone else."

Around The 'Sphere:

Mitchell Report Live-Blog (Epic Carnival)
Live Blogging The George Mitchell Presser (Deadspin)
Boston Red Sox Knew About Eric Gagne's Steroid Past (Fanhouse)
Now We've Got The Names, Questions Abound (The Big Lead)

List of Names Mentioned In The Report: (Thanks To Fred M. for going putting this together)

Miguel Tejada
Roger Clemens
Lenny Dykstra
David Segui
Larry Bigbie (signed check for drugs on p. 153)
Brian Roberts
Jack Cust
Tim Laker
Josias Manzanillo
Todd Hundley
Mark Carreon
Hal Morris
Matt Franco
Rondell White (once again a signed check)
ROGER CLEMENS
ANDY PETTITTE
Chuck Knoblauch
Jason Grimsley (signed check to Radomski)
Gregg Zaun (poorly copied check)
David Justice
F.P. Santangelo (check)
Glenallen Hill (check)
Mo Vaughn (check)
Denny Neagle (check)
Ron Villone
Ryan Franklin
Chris Donnels (check)
Todd Williams
Phil Hiatt
Todd Pratt
Kevin Young
Mike Lansing (money order)
Cody McKay
Kent Mercker (check)
Adam Piatt (check)
MIGUEL TEJADA (with a check)
Jason Christiansen (check)
Mike Stanton
Stephen Randolph
Jerry Hairston Jr. (check)
Paul Lo Duca
Adam Riggs (money order)
Bart Miadich
Fernando Vina (check)
Kevin Brown (USPS slip)
Eric Gagne (USPS slip)
Mike Bell
Matt Herges (check)
Gary Bennett (check)
Jim Parque (check)
Brendan Donnelly
Chad Allen (check)
Jeff Williams (check)
Howie Clark (money order)
Nook Logan

Online sales: Rick Ankiel, Paul Byrd, Jay Gibbons, Troy Glaus, Jose Guillen, Jerry Hairston, Jr., Gary Matthews, Jr., and Scott Schoeneweis, and former players David Bell, Jose Canseco, Jason Grimsley, Darren Holmes, John Rocker, Ismael Valdez, Matt Williams, and Steve Woodard.

VIDEOS:

90210's Brandon Walsh Involved!

Al Jazeera breaks in on the Conference: