Harang and Phillies Defeat Braves, 5-2

Aaron Harang threw 6 innings of 1 run ball on Monday to help Philadelphia reach double-digit wins. The veteran right-hander credited his "perfectly toasted English muffin" that he ate during his usual pre-game routine. "Sometimes I'll leave it in the toaster too long which leads to a burnt E-muffin, and that usually means it's going to be an ugly day on the mound for me. I also substituted butter for strawberry jam as my topping, so maybe that helped too. I don't know," Harang was quoted as saying post-game. 

On the opposing side, Atlanta Braves first basemen Freddie Freeman enjoyed a tepid day at the plate (1-4, RBI, 2 LOB). "When I flied out to left in the first inning, I was actually thinking about Manny Pacquiao's shoulder injury during the entire at-bat," said Freeman. With the loss, the Braves fell to 12-14 and the Phillies narrowed the gap between the two teams in the standings by improving to 10-17.

Craig Counsell Hired by Brewers, Become New Title Favorite

After a 7-18 start, the Milwaukee Brewers decided to part ways with Manager Ron Roenicke and bring in Craig Counsell to coach up the squad. Despite having no prior coaching experience, Counsell is sure to use his vast knowledge that he gathered up from his 16-year big league career. "If these little dweebs think this season is a lost one, then I'll be sure to kick those pansies to the curb. It's time to go to work you sissies," Counsell was quoted as saying at his introductory press conference. 

The Brew Crew had no sense of moxie in them during the first month of the season, and Counsell is sure to change that during his tenure. First basemen Adam Lind was especially excited when asked about the move, "Being able to learn from a future Hall of Famer on a daily basis is going to be pretty neat. I just hope I don't get too starstruck out there in the field while I glance over at our dugout." VegasInsider.com listed the Milwaukee Brewers at 250/1 odds to win the 2015 World Series at the beginning of the season. After the hiring of Counsell, they were moved to 2/1 odds to win it all with 5/1 odds of finishing the rest of the season undefeated.

Celtics Clinch Playoff Berth, LeBron Hides in Fear

(Credit to Reddit user u/saintscanucks for this glorious picture)

Whether you were on Team Rebuild or Team Playoffs regarding this year's Celtics team, there is no denying that they are in an extremely favorable position for the future. After they inevitably win it all this year, free agents are finally going to come in flocks just so they can suit up for Savior Stevens. The team is loaded with young talent, and also owns the rights to the Brooklyn Nets future. With Brook Lopez potentially opting out and becoming a free agent this offseason, the Nets unprotected first rounders from 2016-18 could easily be in the top-5. What a time to be in Green.

We're coming for you LeBron.

Silas Nacita, Once-Homeless, Declared Ineligible by NCAA

From SI.com

I know I might be in the minority here, but I think the NCAA nailed this decision. How dare this kid simultaneously pursue his dreams of playing high-level Division 1 football and putting a roof over his head! Kids these days! Baylor Football is probably relieved they no longer have to deal with this headache of a student-athlete. He was setting terrible examples for NCAA athletes everywhere by desiring a place to live, food to eat, and much needed financial support. Tip of the cap to you, Mark Emmert.

4/8/15 ABPM Post of the Day

Anybody that doesn't remember Turk's necklaces is clearly not a fan of America's pastime. Although his on and off the field antics may have made baseball purists cringe, it made fans like myself huge fans of guys like him. Why would Wendell offer to play for $0? It's because he is the ultimate team player. He had goals of having one title ring for every shark tooth on his necklace. Did that happen? Of course not, but gosh darn he tried.

Average Baseball Player Month Post of the Day

I wouldn't wish a trip to Prestige Auto-Mart in New Bedford, MA on my worst enemy, so the little tidbit about Mr. Clayton was quite possibly the rudest thing I've ever read. Also, if one were to leave 7 pegs on the board in the triangle game at C-Barrel they should be banned from that fantastic establishment for life. Well done Matt and if Royce were to read this, there is no doubt he would try to give you a swirly.

Average Baseball Players Month

What is Average Baseball Players Month (ABPM) you ask? Glad you asked my friend. ABPM is the time of year (April to be exact) where we dust off our collection of 2003 Topps Baseball Cards and reflect on the Ghosts of Sacrifice Flies Past. Instead of honoring superstars that put up gaudy numbers like Miguel Cabrera and Mike Trout, we show appreciation to players that did the dirty work. Whether that was making a tough play up the middle like Pokey Reese or moving the runner over to second with a bunt like David DeJesus, those were the types of plays that made us gush over at ABPM. To give you a taste of what you would be dealing with, here's the Post of the Day from April 2nd.

Consider me rattled that I didn't know about Brian "Banjo-Kazooie" Bannister had a father that played in the bigs. You learn something new everyday during ABPM! 

Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/398943516965129/