MLB Network set to launch in 09

Major League Baseball is set to launch the MLB Network on January 1st, 2009, this according to a commerical on ESPN during the home run derby. Tony Pettitti was named as the network's first president, a former executive producer of CBS Sports. The network is expected to launch in over 50 million homes in the U.S.

Baseball fans have been wondering why the NFL, NBA, and NHL have their own TV networks and not MLB. Over the past decade or two, MLB has been primarily an online source for news and MLB.TV, live non-free online games.

The network is expected to broadcast portions of the 2009 World Baseball Classic in March. The network in its first year is expected to host 26 live MLB games, and Saturday night is the most likely time slot for these weekly games. The network will also include highlights, baseball news and stories (similar to sportscenter), and a nightly show similar to ESPN's Baseball Tonight.

Breaking News: Peyton Manning Undergoes Knee Surgery

Colts QB Peyton Manning has just undergone unexpected knee surgery, and will miss 4-6 weeks. This includes the beggining of training camp.

Breaking News: Justin Morneau Wins Home Run Derby

Justin Morneau has defeated Josh Hamilton in the 2008 State Farm Home Run Derby. More to come later.

BREAKING NEWS: Josh Hamilton Breaks Home Run Derby Record

Josh Hamilton has broken Bobby Abreu's 24 home runs in a single round, and has moved into baseball history. He hit 28 Home Runs off of his 71 year old former high school coach. More later.

Kirchen Gives Up Yellow Jersey to Evans After Stage 10

When Stage 11 starts tomorrow, there will be a new rider wearing the yellow jersey. Cadel Evans has overtaken Kim Kirchen for the overall lead after Stage 10. Kirchen fell all the way down to 7th place, where he trails Evans by 1:56. American Christian Vandevelde maintains third place, 38 seconds behind Evans, and 37 seconds behind second place Frank Schleck, another rider from Luxembourg.

Leonardo Piepoli from Italy won Stage 10 with a time of 4:19:27. Juan Jose Cobo Acebo of Spain finished in second a split second behind Piepoli, and Frank Schleck finished in third, 28 seconds behind the first two riders.

Weather Update: The Derby Is On

While it rained for about 4 hours in New York today, it has since stopped with little expected in the forecast, if any. Expect the derby to go down tonight. My prediction: Lance Berkman.

Breaking news: Favre speaks

Brett Favre was interviewed by a Fox News reporter today about his situation with the NFL and a potential comeback. He confirms his wish to come back to the NFL. He says he is "guilty of retiring early", and would like to be released by Green Bay because he no longer feels welcome there.

Ben Sheets and Cliff Lee to Start All-Star Game

With the All-Star Game a good 29 hours away, the starting pitchers for both leagues have been announced.

For the National League, Ben Sheets from the Milwaukee Brewers will take the mound in the 1st inning when the American League steps up to bat. This marks the first time Sheets will pitch at Yankee stadium. Sheets said, "I'm going to take the opportunity to see everything like what do they call them, the monuments?" I'm going to do a sightseeing tour and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it."

But the first pitch of the last All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium will be thrown by Cliff Lee of the Cleveland Indians. Lee, after finding out he will be the starting pitcher for the American League, said, "I'm just honored to be here, to be honest with you. To get the start is just icing on the cake. I'm kind of awe-struck by it."

The 79th MLB All Star game can be seen on FOX tomorrow at 8 PM EST.