J-Mike Turns 35

A very happy birthday shout out goes to OF Jason Michaels today, who was born 35 years ago in Tampa, Florida. I'm not sure if it's just my crazy imagination, but every time Michaels strides to the plate, I feel like he's going to hit a homer right into the Crawford Boxes. He's always had power potential, but a rash of ineffectiveness throughout his career has reduced him to a bench player's role.

Unfortunately, Michaels will be spending his birthday on the DL, as he's recovering from a separated shoulder that he suffered on April 26th. News has it that he should be hitting in the next couple days before heading to Oklahoma City to start his rehab assignment. All in all, a very happy birthday to J-Mike, someone who's loved and appreciated in the clubhouse. I apologize for depicting him in a Phils uniform, but this Topps was just too good to pass up.

Interestingly enough, May 4th is also the birthday of Sam LeCure, the former Texas Longhorn and current Cincinnati Reds pitcher who was penciled in for the start today against the Astros but will be giving way to Travis Wood to make room for the recovered Homer Bailey.