Kuzul

For all the mounting criticism directed at Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr.—he traded Cliff Lee, overpaid Ryan Howard, failed to extend Cole Hamels (so far)—there's no doubt he and the franchise made out beautifully in the just-announced re-signing of incumbent shortstop Jimmy Rollins.The Phillies gave Rollins a three-year deal worth $33 million with a vesting option fourth year. From the get-go, Rollins wanted a five-year deal and the Phillies felt they couldn't go higher than three.In the end, the Phillies got their man at their price. For a team with scant alternatives, the deal validates Amaro's hard line and keeps Philadelphia's window for a third championship open for the next few years.And for those preoccupied with Rollins' shortcomings—pops up too much, doesn't see enough pitches, takes plays off—the stats tell the story.Here are Rollins' ranks among major league shortstops over the last five seasons in the major player value categories:WAR: ...

I come today with proof that everyone, indeed, makes mistakes.Since Major League Baseball instituted the orgy of instant gratification known as free agency in the mid-1970s, every team has at some point succumbed to its seductive bounty against their better judgment.The beauty and hazard of free agency is that it doesn’t ask teams to wait.It simply says: “Come with the cash and I’ll give you your man.”For the impatient, the imprudent and the downright stupid, that deceptively simple arrangement doubles as a trap. And a general manager who operates with his job danging above his head generally fits all three of those dubious categories.Not surprisingly, the price paid is often far too high.So before you harangue the local radio station with demands that your team pay top dollar for a free-agent-to-be, consider the graveyard of ghoulish deals that follow.Begin Slideshow

Last year’s MLB postseason made a bearded hero out of San Francisco Giants closer Brian Wilson.This year the role of emerging scruff sensation goes to Jason Motte, the St. Louis Cardinals’ hirsute ninth inning specialist.While Motte’s beard may lack Wilsonian majesty, the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers are discovering his fastball is just as powerful.It seems every year a handful of relievers emerge from obscurity to dominate big league hitters, and all of it happening before we can learn their names.The guys on this list won’t grace your Wheaties box anytime soon. They will, however, help your team win some ball games.Begin Slideshow

My friend wants an old dog. She doesn’t have the energy or space for a young pup—they’re demanding, unpredictable, and they pee on stuff. She wants the companionship without the hassle, and there is something reassuring in the mellowing progression of years.Unless, of course, the old dog dies, which is an impending and unsettling certainty. Old dog today, dead dog tomorrow.The same holds for old baseball players. They’re reliable, levelheaded, and resourceful—generally more insightful and candid than younger counterparts. There’s a lot to like about old baseball players. Until they die, or the baseball equivalent thereof.All of which motivates me to honor these elder statesman before time whisks them away. Drawing inspiration from Nathan Palatsky’s list of the 23 best players under 23, I’ve compiled a list of the 20 best players over 35 (trust me, 35 was too many).For a special treat I’ve included each player’s favorite memory of ...