It was a quick podcast tonight, apparently to save time for the three posts that went up today. You can just feel the baseball in the air!

The formal agenda was the final arbitration update.

• The Astros defeated Valverde in arbitration, but have to wait a couple days to hear the decision for Mark Loretta’s case.
• The Brewers reached a one-year deal with shortstop J.J. Hardy for $2.65 million.
• The Reds signed Brandon Phillips to a 4-year, $27 million contract.

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Welcome to round 2 of the Jason Romano Commemorative NLC’s hottest baller contest. 15 of the best-looking players on NLC (plus one fella in limbo) face off in a single-elimination tournament.

The first match in our second round features two players from the town of Budweiser. Recent Cardinal Jason LaRue took down Brewers prospect Manny Parra to make it to this second round. Always Cardinal Rick Ankiel survived Cubs prospect Sam Fuld and illegal substance allegations to make it to this round.

Jason LaRue
ht: 5-11 wt: 205 dob: 03/19/1974

Rick Ankiel
ht: 6-1 wt: 210 dob: 7/19/1979

[poll=19]