Everyone stand up and thank Torii Hunter for stating the obvious. After learning that home runs were down around Major League Baseball in the biggest drop in 15 years, the Los Angeles Angels center fielder said the following:

“I think the steroid testing has something to do with it,” he said. “If there were any guys who were taking it, they’re not taking it anymore. I’d say it’s a small percentage, but of course it’s going to have an impact.”

We appreciate Hunter bringing this to our attention, but everyone, even non-baseball fans, knew that home run production would drop drastically after MLB instituted this drug testing policy.

According to an ESPN.com story, 2.01 home runs were hit this season, with Detroit Tigers infielder Miguel Cabrera leading the American League (37) and Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard topping the National League (48). Hunter went on to say the NL has advantage in long balls with more smaller parks.

Everyone likes the home run. It’s sexy, flashy and downright beastly, at times. But, what’s wrong with a few stolen bases, hit-and-runs, sacrifice bunts and putting the strategy back into the game. I certainly don’t mind it. But then again, chicks dig the long ball, as Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine remind us.

Image: Newscom

Congratulations to the Los Angeles Angels for clinching the American League West. Here’s a picture of the Angels celebrating in the locker room after clinching. Can you come up with a funny caption? The best caption will win a pack of 2008 Upper Deck First Edition Update baseball cards (10 cards in the pack).

All entries for the prize must be sent in via email (to the right) or using the comments (below) by Saturday (9/13) at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time.

Image: Newscom

The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels decided to mix it up a little Monday night. Torii Hunter was thrown out trying to score and was tagged out after running into catcher Ivan Rodriguez. After Hunter was called out, Rodriguez gave him a little elbow. It was on then.

Hunter went after Rodriguez and gave him a two-handed push to the back that Seinfeld’s Elaine Benes would have been proud of. Rodriguez then turned around and went back after Hunter, throwing a punch but coming up with nothing but air. After about two minutes of separating the parties involved, both Rodriguez and Hunter were ejected.

It wasn’t the most exciting fight to watch, but it’s good to see the Yankees still have some sort of fight left in them.

Yankees-Angels Brawl Video