* As amazing as Tampa Bay Rays’ rookie pitcher Chris Archer was last Sunday in his complete game, five-hit shut-out of Houston, he was no less impressive afterward. The 24-year-old might be the most articulate member of the Rays–and they have more than their share of well-spoken sorts. Archer is a rare Rays’ starter who didn’t come up through their system. Recall that the former Chicago Cubs’ prospect came to the Rays in 2011 in the Matt Garza trade–along with Sam Fuld and top shortstop prospect Hak-Ju Lee, among others. Prior to his shut-out of the Astros, Archer’s biggest moment was his win against the Cuban national team in a Pan American Games’ qualifier two years ago.
* Alex Rodriguez continues his hip rehab in the minor leagues–as well as waiting for word from Major League Baseball regarding allegations that he’s directly involved in the human growth hormone scandal at the Biogenesis clinic in Miami. To date, neither his rehab performances nor his attitude have been overly encouraging to the New York Yankees, who still owe him $114 million over the next five years. That’s beyond obscene, but at least it’s happening to the Yankees, who annually outspend everyone in salary cap-free MLB.
* The first-degree murder arrest of former University of Florida tight end Aaron Hernandez just got a bit seamier. Two of his former UF teammates, twins Maurkice and Mike Pouncey, put up animated photos on the Internet celebrating their birthday–while wearing “Free Hernandez” caps. This is beyond poor taste and classless. Somebody died, and a family is still in mourning.