Free Republic

WASHINGTON — After the entire Yankees roster knelt before the national anthem on Thursday’s Opening Night, two players took the extra step — or simply stayed down, to express it literally — on Saturday night. Aaron Hicks and Giancarlo Stanton became the first Yankees to make this controversial statement. Before the Yankees and Nationals continued their series at Nationals Park, Hicks and Stanton stood in fair territory in left field and planted their left knees on the ground as “The Star-Spangled Banner” played. DJ LeMahieu stood next to Stanton, on his right. No Nationals players knelt.

Giancarlo Stanton has struck out more than ever, and thus, heard more boos than ever. But with roughly half the regular season remaining, the reigning NL MVP is right where he wants to be — and in position for another historic tear. Homering on back-to-back days for the third time this season, Stanton powered the Yankees to a 6-2 win over the Braves with his three-run shot Wednesday at Yankee Stadium.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Giancarlo Stanton has ruled out the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals as teams he's willing to be traded. The Giants announced Friday they were no longer in the mix to work out a trade for the Marlins slugger and National League MVP after having reached the parameters of a deal with new Miami CEO Derek Jeter and his team. "Our agreement with the Marlins to acquire Giancarlo Stanton subject to his waiving of the no-trade clause will not move forward and it is our understanding that the Marlins and Stanton are exploring other options," the...

If I’m Giancarlo Stanton, I’d feel conflicted about the Steroid Era, too. I’d think Roger Maris’ 61 home runs in a season is the legitimate record, too. “Considering some things, I do,’’ he said Wednesday. If I’m Stanton, I’d note the only three players to hit more than 61 home runs – Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa – had more performance-enhancing drugs in them than an East German swim team. “But at the same time it doesn’t matter,’’ Stanton said. “The record is the record. But, personally, I do [think 61 is the record]... If PED users like...