After years of toiling in Montreal, the Expos packed up and moved south to Washington to become the Nationals. While the heritage remains intact, this new bunch is nothing like the old, from the players to the management to the stadium. Even the dedication of the fans is refreshing, and it has all driven the team to what will likely be its second postseason berth in franchise history.

The Washington Nationals’ decision to shut down Stephen Strasburg has been highly criticized in the national sports media, yet it’s a decision made with Strasburg’s long-term health in mind, not a short-term chance to win. It’s a reminder that too often, we look for something to get angry about rather than look for the humanity in a choice.

After a fine start to the season, things could not have gone much worse for the New York Mets. An abysmal July has all-but-ended their season, and it’s now time for the team and fans to look to 2013. With the likely returns of R.A. Dickey and David Wright, things may not be so bad.

With the Pittsburgh Pirates clinging to a Wild Card berth, there’s a very real chance that they could face the Atlanta Braves in the play-in game; the same franchise that was responsible for abolishing the Pirates from competitive play and damning them to 20 years of misery. Perhaps the Baseball Gods will step in and lend a hand.

The 2012 MLB season has been absolutely packed with interesting storylines, but perhaps none moreso than that of the underdogs. Many surprising teams are challenging for playoff positions right now, and if you’re ready to hop on the bandwagon, Harlan Ambrose has everything you need to know about the top contenders for your newfound affection.

Had Roger Clemens not signed with them earlier this week, you likely wouldn’t know who the Sugar Land Skeeters are. Instead, this Saturday night, they may well steal headlines from MLB games when the Rocket takes off as a 50-year-old. Amidst the wild speculation as to Clemens’ motives, it’s also fair to wonder what’s in it for the Skeeters.

Despite such a massive number of games played, playoff races in MLB are often tight. With the addition of a second wild card, things will be even more hotly contested. The AL East is often a very competitive division and with the Yankees leading the way, the Rays and Orioles are hot on their tail. Will a playoff play-in game make the difference for any of these franchises?

Baseball’s war against chewing tobacco is making headlines at the Major League level, but in the Minors, things are a lot more cut-and-dry. MiLB players are not allowed to possess chewing tobacco either on the field or even during club travel. They may believe it’s a “gross habit,” but what gives the leagues the right to say that players – largely adults – cannot possess it away from the eyes of fans?

John Dittrich has been involved in baseball for over 40 years. With a career that began in a rather peculiar way, John has molded a legacy with the Springfield Sliders that has touched countless individuals, both professionally and personally. His legacy is recounted – and honored – by Sliders Director of Community Relations Darin Martin

There’s nothing more volatile in MLB than relief pitching. Despite being baseball’s version of the proverbial box of chocolates, GMs are still willing to pay top dollar for “proven” closers, while those earning fractions of what the big names make prove time and again that they can put up the same numbers. Still, long-term investments in bullpen arms rarely proves to be a wise choice.