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	<title>We Are Fanatics: Football Fanatics Official Blog &#187; MLB</title>
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	<link>http://www.wearefanatics.com</link>
	<description>Sports news and source for sports apparel</description>
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		<title>Streetwear &amp; Tattoo Inspired Clothing For Sports Fans</title>
		<link>http://www.wearefanatics.com/2009/12/08/streetwear-tattoo-inspired-clothing-sports-fans/</link>
		<comments>http://www.wearefanatics.com/2009/12/08/streetwear-tattoo-inspired-clothing-sports-fans/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:13:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fashion & Celebs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured Products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLB]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NBA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NCAA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NFL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NHL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Streetwear]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wearefanatics.com/?p=2216</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Do you like the MMA style of clothing, but not much of a fighting fan? I have the perfect solution for you, and it's called <a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/Streetwear/browse/source/wearefanatics">Streetwear</a>. We've been amping up our selection of Streetwear over the past few months and now include 200+ luxury Streetwear items. These are tattoo inspired shirts, sweatshirts and hats that are designed with your favorite NFL, NCAA, MLB, NHL and NBA team logos. If you haven't seen the new Streetwear lines then you're missing out.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Do you like the MMA style of clothing, but not much of a fighting fan? I have the perfect solution for you, and it&#8217;s called <a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/Streetwear/browse/source/wearefanatics">Streetwear</a>. We&#8217;ve been amping up our selection of Streetwear over the past few months and now include 200+ luxury Streetwear items. These are tattoo inspired shirts, sweatshirts and hats that are designed with your favorite NFL, NCAA, MLB, NHL and NBA team logos. If you haven&#8217;t seen the new Streetwear lines,  you&#8217;re missing out!</p>
<p>The NFL Streetwear collection is probably my favorite. Check out this New York Giants Black NFL Warrior T-Shirt. This super soft NFL Warrior tee by Reebok is a great new look to watch your Giants battle it out in and is still stylish enough to hit the town in while showing some pride!<br />
<a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/Streetwear/Reebok_New_York_Giants_Black_NFL_Warrior_T-shirt/source/wearefanatics"><img src="http://images.footballfanatics.com/productImages/_257000/FF_257237_l.jpg" alt="" /></a> <a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/Streetwear/Reebok_New_York_Giants_Navy_Blue_Filigree_T-shirt/source/wearefanatics"><img src="http://images.footballfanatics.com/productImages/_352000/FF_352434_l.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>And Streetwear isn&#8217;t just for the men. We have a great selection of  Streetwear for women. Here are a few of our most popular Ladies Streetwear products.<br />
<a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/Streetwear/Majestic_St_Louis_Cardinals_Ladies_Red_Fingertip_Grab_T-shirt/source/wearefanatics"><img src="http://images.footballfanatics.com/productImages/_391000/FF_391273_l.jpg" alt="" /></a> <a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/Streetwear/Reebok_Detroit_Red_Wings_Ladies_Black_Sword_And_Shield_T-shirt/source/wearefanatics"><img src="http://images.footballfanatics.com/productImages/_368000/FF_368862_l.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>Tattoo-inspired graphics are hot right now. If you want to rock some Streetwear to your team&#8217;s next home game or tailgate, check out the following links for a full list of our Streetwear products.<br />
<a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/NFL_Streetwear/browse/source/wearefanatics">NFL Streetwear</a><br />
<a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/MLB_Streetwear/browse/source/wearefanatics">MLB Streetwear</a><br />
<a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/NBA_Streetwear/browse/source/wearefanatics">NBA Streetwear</a><br />
<a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/NHL_Streetwear/browse/source/wearefanatics">NHL Streetwear</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>2009 Holiday Gift Guide &amp; Gift Ideas for College &amp; NFL Sports Fans</title>
		<link>http://www.wearefanatics.com/2009/11/18/2009-holiday-gift-guide/</link>
		<comments>http://www.wearefanatics.com/2009/11/18/2009-holiday-gift-guide/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:16:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured Products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[College]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gift ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holiday Gift Guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLB]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NBA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NFL]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wearefanatics.com/?p=2154</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Looking for the perfect gift for that special someone in your life? The holidays are quickly approaching, so you need to shop now before it's too late. Football Fanatics has a large selection of stockings, ornaments, Santa hats, wreaths and more - for all your favorite teams in all college and professional sports leagues. There's no excuse not to deck your house out this season with new figurines and holiday collectibles. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://images.footballfanatics.com/LandingPage/Christmas/Christmas_header1.jpg" alt="" width="590" /></p>
<p>Looking for the perfect gift for that special someone in your life? The holidays are quickly approaching, so you need to shop now before it&#8217;s too late. Football Fanatics has a large selection of stockings, ornaments, Santa hats, wreaths and more &#8211; for all your favorite teams in all college and professional sports leagues. There&#8217;s no excuse not to deck your house out this season with new figurines and holiday collectibles.</p>
<p>Shopping for men? Consider the following gifts:<br />
<a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/pages/League_T-Shirts/source/wearefanatics">T-shirts</a><br />
<a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/pages/League_Hats/source/wearefanatics">Hats</a><br />
<a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/pages/League_Jerseys/source/wearefanatics">Jerseys</a><br />
<a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/search/grill%20covers&amp;source=wearefanatics">Grill Covers</a><br />
<a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/search/hitch%20covers&amp;source=wearefanatics">Hitch Covers</a><br />
<a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/search/hitch%20covers&amp;source=wearefanatics">License plates</a><br />
<a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/Flags_And_BannersFlags/browse/source/wearefanatics">Flags</a><br />
<a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/search/bottle%20openers&amp;source=wearefanatics">Bottle openers</a></p>
<p>Shopping for women? Consider the following gifts:<br />
<a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/search/earrings&amp;source=wearefanatics">Earrings</a><br />
<a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/search/watches&amp;source=wearefanatics">Watches</a><br />
<a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/search/tank%20tops&amp;source=wearefanatics">Tank tops</a><br />
<a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/search/pajama%20pants&amp;source=wearefanatics">Pajama pants</a><br />
<a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/search/flip%20flops&amp;source=wearefanatics">Flip flops</a><br />
<a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/search/blankets&amp;source=wearefanatics">Throw blankets</a><br />
<a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/search/wine%20glass&amp;source=wearefanatics">Wine glasses</a><br />
<a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/search/socks&amp;source=wearefanatics">Socks</a></p>
<p>Football Fanatics also has a huge selection of <a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/pages/League_Kids/source/wearefanatics">kid&#8217;s apparel</a> and even team logo <a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/pages/League_Pets/source/wearefanatics">pet supplies</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/default.aspx/source/wearefanatics"><img src="http://images.footballfanatics.com/LandingPage/Christmas/Prodbox1a.jpg" alt="" width="590" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/default.aspx/source/wearefanatics"><img src="http://images.footballfanatics.com/LandingPage/Christmas/Prodbox2a.jpg" alt="" width="590" /></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>MLB Trade Deadline Activity</title>
		<link>http://www.wearefanatics.com/2009/07/31/mlb-trade-deadline-activity/</link>
		<comments>http://www.wearefanatics.com/2009/07/31/mlb-trade-deadline-activity/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:02:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLB]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wearefanatics.com/?p=1755</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The MLB trade deadline is today. The day started out pretty slow but has picked up a lot of steam over the past hour. Jake Peavy has been traded to the White Sox, Scott Rolen has been traded to the Cincinnati Reds, Jarrod Washburn has been traded to the Tigers and Victor Martinez has been traded to the Red Sox. With only 7 hours left, will we see Halladay moved as well?]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The MLB trade deadline is today. The day started out pretty slow but has picked up a lot of steam over the past hour. Jake Peavy has been traded to the White Sox, Scott Rolen has been traded to the Cincinnati Reds, Jarrod Washburn has been traded to the Tigers and Victor Martinez has been traded to the Red Sox. With only 7 hours left, will we see Halladay moved as well?</p>
<p>Other than the <a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/MLB_Pittsburgh_Pirates/browse/source/wearefanatics/partnerid/7789">Pittsburgh Pirates</a> who has been trading away every player the own for prospect, the Boston Red Sox have been one of the most active teams this summer, making deals for Adam LaRoche and now Victor Martinez. They&#8217;ve also been trying to grab Halladay from the Blue Jays. If they can pull that off it would make the Red Sox the AL favorite, even though they aren&#8217;t winning their division. Victor Martinez is a great trade for them. He can play catcher and firstbase, plus DH if they need him too. </p>
<p>Jake Peavy to the White Sox is an interesting move considering he hasn&#8217;t pitched since early June and there is no clear time table on his return. Ankle injuries are tricky. The White Sox must hope he&#8217;ll back back in time to contribute down the stretch.</p>
<p>How is your team fairing today on the MLB trade deadline? Post a comment and let us know.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Carl Crawford Is Your All-Star MVP</title>
		<link>http://www.wearefanatics.com/2009/07/15/carl-crawford-is-your-all-star-mvp/</link>
		<comments>http://www.wearefanatics.com/2009/07/15/carl-crawford-is-your-all-star-mvp/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:06:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Carl Crawford]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLB]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wearefanatics.com/?p=1710</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The National League came up just one run short again last night in the <a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/pages/MLB/source/wearefanatics/partnerid/7789">2009 MLB All-Star game</a>. This marks the 13th game in a row they have not been able to win. The NL had a chance to take the league in the bottom of the 7th inning when Colorado Rockie Brad Hawpe launched a shot to deep left center. The ball should have left the yard but Tampa Bay Rays outfielder <a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/MLB_Tampa_Bay_Rays_Jerseys/Majestic_Tampa_Bay_Rays__Number_13_Carl_Crawford_White_Replica_Baseball_Jersey/partnerid/7789/source/wearefanatics">Carl Crawford</a> was there to rob the homerun with a leaping grab at the wall. This catch earned Crawford the 2009 MLB All-Star Game MVP Award.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The National League came up just one run short again last night in the <a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/pages/MLB/source/wearefanatics/partnerid/7789">2009 MLB All-Star game</a>. This marks the 13th game in a row they have not been able to win. The NL had a chance to take the league in the bottom of the 7th inning when Colorado Rockie Brad Hawpe launched a shot to deep left center. The ball should have left the yard but Tampa Bay Rays outfielder <a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/MLB_Tampa_Bay_Rays_Jerseys/Majestic_Tampa_Bay_Rays__Number_13_Carl_Crawford_White_Replica_Baseball_Jersey/partnerid/7789/source/wearefanatics">Carl Crawford</a> was there to rob the homerun with a leaping grab at the wall. This catch earned Crawford the 2009 MLB All-Star Game MVP Award.</p>
<p>Check it out:</p>
<a href="http://www.wearefanatics.com/2009/07/15/carl-crawford-is-your-all-star-mvp/"><p><em>Click here to view the embedded video.</em></p></a>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>Ted Williams .400 Batting Average</title>
		<link>http://www.wearefanatics.com/2009/07/02/ted-williams-400-batting-average/</link>
		<comments>http://www.wearefanatics.com/2009/07/02/ted-williams-400-batting-average/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:44:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Stump Zeke]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[.400]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLB]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ted Williams]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wearefanatics.com/?p=1693</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Not since Ted Williams hit .406 in 1941 has any Major League Baseball player hit .400 or above. There have been several players to get close, but hitting over .400 for an entire season is a remarkable feat. A batter would need to get on an incredible hot streak and continue it for months. Today, I tried to "Stump Zeke" with the question: Since Ted Williams hit over .400 in 1941, who has come the closest?" Check the video below for his response.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Not since Ted Williams hit .406 in 1941 has any Major League Baseball player hit .400 or above. There have been several players to get close, but hitting over .400 for an entire season is a remarkable feat. A batter would need to get on an incredible hot streak and continue it for months. Today, I tried to &#8220;Stump Zeke&#8221; with the question: Since Ted Williams hit over .400 in 1941, who has come the closest?&#8221; Check the video below for his response.</p>
<a href="http://www.wearefanatics.com/2009/07/02/ted-williams-400-batting-average/"><p><em>Click here to view the embedded video.</em></p></a>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>How Good is Albert Pujols?</title>
		<link>http://www.wearefanatics.com/2009/07/01/how-good-is-albert-pujols/</link>
		<comments>http://www.wearefanatics.com/2009/07/01/how-good-is-albert-pujols/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:49:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Albert Pujols]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLB]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[St. Louis Cardinals]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wearefanatics.com/?p=1689</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[So I'm watching the ESPN bottom line this morning as I'm getting ready for work and saw a mention of <a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/MLB_St_Louis_Cardinals_Jerseys/Majestic_St_Louis_Cardinals__Number_5_Albert_Pujols_White_Replica_Jersey/source/wearefanatics/partnerid/7789">Albert Pujols</a> jacking his 29th and 30th homerun of the season last night. That's 30 homeruns and we haven't even hit the midway point of the season. He's on pace for about 62 homeruns, which would be an incredible feat since the steroid eruption a few years ago. No one has hit over 60 homeruns since Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa did it in 2001.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>So I&#8217;m watching the ESPN bottom line this morning as I&#8217;m getting ready for work and saw a mention of <a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/MLB_St_Louis_Cardinals_Jerseys/Majestic_St_Louis_Cardinals__Number_5_Albert_Pujols_White_Replica_Jersey/source/wearefanatics/partnerid/7789">Albert Pujols</a> jacking his 29th and 30th homerun of the season last night. That&#8217;s 30 homeruns and we haven&#8217;t even hit the midway point of the season. He&#8217;s on pace for about 62 homeruns, which would be an incredible feat since the steroid eruption a few years ago. No one has hit over 60 homeruns since Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa did it in 2001.</p>
<p>Because Pujols is still so young (he&#8217;s only 29) and still in the prime of his career it&#8217;s hard to comprehend just how good he is. I challenge anyone to give me a player in history who has been a better hitter than Pujols through the first 9 seasons of their career. Pujols has gone 100 runs &#8211; 30 homeruns &#8211; 100 rbi or better in 7 of his first 8 full seasons, and the only season he didn&#8217;t reach that feat&#8230; he had 99 runs.</p>
<p>Through 78 games of his 9th season, Pujols has 349 total homeruns. Assuming he ends the 2009 season with 370 homeruns, he will have a legitimate shot at breaking Barry Bonds all-time homerun record before the age of 40! I never would have thought that was possible. Pujols has a career .334 batting average and is so consistent at the plate. He draws a lot of walks and strikes out at a much lower rate then other homerun hitters.</p>
<p>Alex Rodriguez generally gets crowned as the greatest baseball player today&#8230; but now that his name is tainted with steroids shouldn&#8217;t that honor go to Pujols? What&#8217;s your take on Albert Pujols? Do you think we&#8217;re witnessing one of the best players the game has ever seen?</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Mark Reynolds = Strikeout King!</title>
		<link>http://www.wearefanatics.com/2009/06/11/mark-reynolds-strikeout-king/</link>
		<comments>http://www.wearefanatics.com/2009/06/11/mark-reynolds-strikeout-king/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:14:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Stump Zeke]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Arizona Diamondbacks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLB]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wearefanatics.com/?p=1634</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Mark Reynolds of the <a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/MLB_Arizona_Diamondbacks/browse/source/wearefanatics/partnerid/7789">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> is off to a hot start in 2009. He's batting .269 with 15 homeruns, 38 runs, 37 RBI and 12 stolen bags. Quite impressive for someone who set one of the worst MLB records to own last season. Today's "Stump Zeke" sports trivia question is: What single season MLB record did Mark Reynolds set in 2008? Check the video for an answer.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Mark Reynolds of the <a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/MLB_Arizona_Diamondbacks/browse/source/wearefanatics/partnerid/7789">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> is off to a hot start in 2009. He&#8217;s batting .269 with 15 homeruns, 38 runs, 37 RBI and 12 stolen bags. Quite impressive for someone who set one of the worst MLB records to own last season. Today&#8217;s &#8220;Stump Zeke&#8221; sports trivia question is: What single season MLB record did Mark Reynolds set in 2008? Check the video for an answer.</p>
<a href="http://www.wearefanatics.com/2009/06/11/mark-reynolds-strikeout-king/"><p><em>Click here to view the embedded video.</em></p></a>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>A Case Against the DH</title>
		<link>http://www.wearefanatics.com/2009/05/18/a-case-against-the-dh/</link>
		<comments>http://www.wearefanatics.com/2009/05/18/a-case-against-the-dh/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 20:59:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLB]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tampa Bay Rays]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wearefanatics.com/?p=1491</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One of the greatest debates in baseball is whether or not we need a designated hitter (DH). The American League has been using a DH since 1973, which eliminates the pitcher from the batting lineup. That is until yesterday when <a href=http://www.footballfanatics.com/MLB_Tampa_Bay_Rays/browse/source/wearefanatics/partnerid/7789">Tampa Bay Rays</a> manager Joe Maddon mistakingly assigned two players to third base on the lineup card. Evan Longoria was supposed to DH, but the error cost the Rays that spot in the lineup... forcing pitcher Andy Sonnanstine to bat 3rd in the lineup.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>One of the greatest debates in baseball is whether or not we need a designated hitter (DH). The American League has been using a DH since 1973, which eliminates the pitcher from the batting lineup. That is until yesterday when <a href=http://www.footballfanatics.com/MLB_Tampa_Bay_Rays/browse/source/wearefanatics/partnerid/7789">Tampa Bay Rays</a> manager Joe Maddon mistakingly assigned two players to third base on the lineup card. Evan Longoria was supposed to DH, but the error cost the Rays that spot in the lineup&#8230; forcing pitcher Andy Sonnanstine to bat 3rd in the lineup. This was the first time since 1968 that a pitcher had batted higher than seventh in the lineup. </p>
<p>From the Tampa Tribune:</p>
<blockquote><p>
&#8220;Pitching coach Jim Hickey came down and told me that I was going to have to hit and I corrected him and told him I was going to get to hit,&#8221; Sonnanstine said.</p>
<p>The Rays&#8217; most dangerous pitcher with a bat in his hands, the lefty-swinging Sonnanstine took advantage, lofting a two-out double over LF Ryan Garko&#8217;s(notes) head to cap a five-run fourth inning.</p>
<p>&#8220;All the other pitchers want to start paying us off now to make the same mistake so they can hit also,&#8221; said Maddon, who took full responsibility for what happened.
</p></blockquote>
<p>Sonnanstine held his own though, going 1-3 with a RBI double in the fourth inning. The Rays won the game 7-5, so you could say for the first time in 30+ years, an AL pitcher in an AL park actually helped his own cause. </p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Manny Busted For PEDs</title>
		<link>http://www.wearefanatics.com/2009/05/07/manny-busted-for-peds/</link>
		<comments>http://www.wearefanatics.com/2009/05/07/manny-busted-for-peds/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2009 20:34:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dodgers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Manny Ramirez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLB]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wearefanatics.com/?p=1424</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Major League Baseball announced this morning that <a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/MLB_LA_Dodgers/browse/source/WeAreFanatics/partnerid/7789">Los Angeles Dodgers</a> superstar Manny Ramirez tested positive for a "Performance Enhancing Drug." When I heard the news I immediately suspected HGH or steroids... after all this guy has been mashing the ball for 15 years. And at this point, I wouldn't be surprised with any name being linked to steroids.
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="margin:5xp; float:right"><img src="http://www.wearefanatics.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/manny.jpg"></div>
<p>Major League Baseball announced this morning that <a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/MLB_LA_Dodgers/browse/source/WeAreFanatics/partnerid/7789">Los Angeles Dodgers</a> superstar Manny Ramirez tested positive for a &#8220;Performance Enhancing Drug.&#8221; When I heard the news I immediately suspected HGH or steroids&#8230; after all this guy has been mashing the ball for 15 years. And at this point, I wouldn&#8217;t be surprised with any name being linked to steroids.</p>
<p>Ramirez released the following statement Thursday morning: &#8220;Recently I saw a physician for a personal health issue. He gave me a medication, not a steroid, which he thought was okay to give me. Unfortunately, the medication was banned under our drug policy. Under the policy that mistake is now my responsibility. I have been advised not to say anything more for now. I do want to say one other thing; I’ve taken and passed about 15 drug tests over the past five seasons.&#8221;</p>
<p>Two sources said the substance Manny tested positive for a gonadotropin. I&#8217;m not going to get into the details of what this drug is used for. The fact is Manny failed the drug test and is accepting responsibility for his actions. He&#8217;ll be suspended for 50 games, costing him around $8 million of his 2009 contract.</p>
<p>What&#8217;s your take on this topic? Is it just Manny being Manny, or is there more to it?</p>
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		<title>Zack Greinke is a Beast!</title>
		<link>http://www.wearefanatics.com/2009/05/06/zack-greinke-is-a-beast/</link>
		<comments>http://www.wearefanatics.com/2009/05/06/zack-greinke-is-a-beast/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2009 15:37:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLB]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Royals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zack Greinke]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wearefanatics.com/?p=1407</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The hottest pitcher in baseball right now isn't a $100 million man (CC Sabathia / Johan Santana). He's a guy on the <a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/MLB_Kansas_City_Royals/browse/source//wearefanatics/partnerid/7789/">Kansas City Royals</a> that a lot of people had never heard of before the 2009 season. Zack Greinke is currently 6-0 with a .40 ERA and 54 strikeouts. He's 25 years old and poised for stardom.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The hottest pitcher in baseball right now isn&#8217;t a $100 million man (CC Sabathia / Johan Santana). He&#8217;s a guy on the <a href="http://www.footballfanatics.com/MLB_Kansas_City_Royals/browse/source//wearefanatics/partnerid/7789/">Kansas City Royals</a> that a lot of people had never heard of before the 2009 season. Zack Greinke is currently 6-0 with a .40 ERA and 54 strikeouts. He&#8217;s 25 years old and poised for stardom.</p>
<p>Greinke played well in 2008 having gone 13-10, with a 3.47 ERA, 183 strikeouts, and 56 walks in 202.1 innings pitched. 2008 was his first full season back in the starting rotation after battling a severe case of depression from 2005-2007. Greinke took his time to return and looks like he&#8217;s overcome all his issues. Through six starts so far in 2009, Zack has three complete-game shutouts. That&#8217;s amazing!</p>
<p>He currently ranks 1st in every single AL pitching category, except innings pitched (he ranks 2nd with 45). It&#8217;s wonderful to see such a great pitcher playing on a small market team like the Kansas City Royals. They just inked him to a four-year contract extension so hopefully he&#8217;ll be there for the long-haul. Greinke may not win a World Series playing for the Royals, but neither did Nolan Ryan for the Astros or Randy Johnson for the Mariners. A great pitcher can stand out and win Cy Young&#8217;s even while playing for a 75-win team.</p>
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