Player's Take on Tiger

Photo courtesy of Joe Skinner/EPA

As I was perusing through different websites this morning, looking for topics for my next article, I couldn't help but notice PGA great Gary Player's comments regarding Tiger Woods and his upcoming Masters' appearance. Yes, I know this is a baseball blog, but I'm an old-school kind of guy. When Gary Player speaks, I listen. Over the course of a storied career, Player won 9 major championships, 166 tournaments worldwide, and logged over 15,000,000 miles in travel, and his example paved the way for players overseas to make their name on the PGA tour.

Player, in an interview with Reuters on Tuesday, believes that Tiger Woods will not be distracted by the intense media focus surrounding his extra-marital sexual escapades, and will not only be able to take on the media, but take on Augusta National as well. Tiger, for those of you who may have been living under a rock for the past several months, is making his return to the PGA at next week's Masters', a tournament he was won 4 times. "Tiger will have to deal with a much different kind of media pressure when he returns," Player, 74, told Reuters on Tuesday. "Throughout his career the focus of every interview was his golf game, now it will be on his personal life.

"This will be a challenge for him because he will have to answer questions that he is not comfortable answering, but I don't think that it will have a negative effect on his ability to win.

"Tiger has one of the best minds in the game and when you learn how to master the mind you learn how to win while dealing with distractions," said Player, a nine-times major champion.

Player had to deal with a very different type of media scrutiny back in the 50's and early 60's. The first player ever to win the Masters from outside the U.S., Player knows all about the media spotlight, and its effects. But he also know what it takes to separate the personal from the professional, and he certainly believes that Tiger has the ability to do just that. Player went on to say that "I would much rather see our focus be about events or people who inspire us and help make us better human beings."

Gary Player is absolutely spot on. Unfortunately, we live in a world where people thrive on the comings and goings of every celebrity, and their every movement. Personally, I will choose to watch the Masters because of my love of golf. Augusta National is certainly hallowed ground in the eyes of the golf world, and each and every player will need to be on the top of their game in order to conquer it, Tiger included.

Gary Player spoke, and I listened...

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Are the Pirates Primed to Break Out?

The city of Pittsburgh, once the bastion of the steel industry, has gone through an admirable transformation over the last 20-25 years. Since the steel industry waned in the 80’s, Pittsburgh’s city government and Chamber of Commerce has worked fastidiously to remake the city, with an economy now based on healthcare, education, financial services and technology. The city has even been named as the most livable city in the country, according to some publications.

The Pittsburgh Pirates, on the other hand, have not been so fortunate. With seventeen consecutive losing seasons, the Pirates have the dubious distinction of owning the longest losing streak in North American major professional team sports history. Since mid-season 2008, they have traded away starters such as Jason Bay, Jack Wilson, Xavier Nady, Adam LaRoche, Nyjer Morgan & Nate McLouth, and have received a substantial number of prospects in return. The tearing down now appears to be over, and the Pirates are now committed to the development of their young players.

So, how does this play out in terms of ending the Pirates’ reign of mediocrity?

Starting pitching: The projected 2010 rotation are all players under the age of 27, and all have had a modicum of success at the major league level. Paul Maholm & Zach Duke, the projected Nos. 1-2 pitchers, are both entering their 6th season with the Pirates, and both have yet to realize their full potential, if in fact realized potential hasn’t already been reached. Ross Ohlendorf, Charlie Morton and Daniel McCutchen comprise the bottom of the rotation. Morton just may be the stud of this group, featuring a hard fastball and nasty slider. Ohlendorf, who enjoyed an excellent second half of ’09, will have to prove to naysayers that he can be consistently productive at the major league level. McCutchen appears to be more of a fill-in until another young prospect is major league ready.

Bullpen: A real hodge-podge of characters. Octavio Dotel, who will assume the closer role, has not performed full time as a closer since the ’04 season with the Houston Astros and Oakland Athletics. Former Angels and Red Sox standout Brendan Donnelly figures to add veteran presence as the set-up man, while Javier Lopez, who seemingly forgot how to pitch in ’09, will be given the opportunity to punch out left-handed hitters.

Starting Lineup: Youth, youth, and more youth. At 29, Ryan Doumit and Garrett Jones are the old men of this group. Pirates manager John Russell has decided to shake things up a bit, using the 8th spot in the order for the pitcher, with Aki Iwamura assuming the leadoff position and Andrew McCuthen hitting 2nd. The ninth spot in the order will be SS Ronny Cedeno. "I think we have the personnel to do it," Russell said Monday. "It really seems to make a lot of sense, a way to get more guys in scoring position in front of Aki, Andrew, (Garrett) Jones and (Ryan) Doumit." At this point in time, any edge would probably be a good thing. This is a lineup that will struggle to find power, with no position player ever hitting more than 22 HR's in the majors, and that was SS Bobby Crosby in 2004, during his rookie campaign with the Athletics.

Overall, while the Bucs are certainly trying to make strides in developing the younger talent, I see no reason in thinking they won't add to their consecutive season losing streak. The city of Pittsburgh has transformed itself...but not this year's version of the Pirates...

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Braves Banking on Heyward

With the news that Jason Heyward will be Atlanta's Opening Day right fielder, Braves' fans are now wondering: Are the old days back again?

For the first time in a long time, I am going to be looking forward to watching the Atlanta Braves play again, if for only one reason: Jason Heyward. Heyward, who received the news yesterday that he will open the season as the Atlanta Braves' starting right fielder, is a star in the making. A five tool player, J-Hey Kid possesses raw power, a keen eye at the plate (.500 on base percentage this spring), better than average throwing arm, great speed (3 steals thus far), and solid defense. Braves' manager Bobby Cox, not a man prone to throwing out comparisons, said the pop off Heyward's bat when he makes contact reminds him of Hank Aaron. Many other writers this spring have likened him to Ken Griffey, Jr. Just about everyone who has seen this kid play has walked away impressed. Veteran Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland said, "Obviously a young man with his size, with the strength he has, he looks like a really good looking young player. I was very impressed with his patience at the plate more than anything. He didn't chase any bad balls. (Albert) Pujols was the other guy who was like that.''

Even other Braves' players are excited about the prospects of seeing J-Hey in the everyday lineup. 3B Chipper Jones is relishing the thought of grooming Heyward to be the next face of the franchise. Jones spoke at great length yesterday about Heyward's future with the Braves. Bobby Cox himself has gushed about him all spring, and with this being Cox' last season as skipper of the Braves, he is obviously excited. "He makes us a lot better," said the manager. "He doesn't just hit, he can do it all. And his makeup is off the charts." And see here what other Braves are saying about him as well.

So the buzz is back in Atlanta...

Sprayin' it around: News out of Milwaukee that Jim Edmonds has indeed completed his comeback, and was added to the Brewers' 40 man roster, and will go north as the 4th outfielder. Edmonds, who sat out the 2009 season will be entering his 19th season in the majors, with 382 career HR's. Great move for the Brewers, as Edmonds' presence alone will serve as an example to the young Brewers' outfield.

The San Francisco Giants announced that they have extended the contract of closer Brian Wilson. Considering that setup man Jeremy Affeldt also just recently received an extension, this assures that the Giants will have one of the best setup-closer tandems in all of baseball for at least the next 2 seasons. Combine that with one of the best starting pitching staffs in all of baseball, and an improved offense, this could be a very scary team...

Chicago Cubs SP Carlos Zambrano looked sharp in his outing yesterday, going 6 strong innings. Zambrano, looking to put last season's struggles behind him, gave up 2 runs and had clear command. With the revamping of the Cubs' lineup this offseason, Zambrano's performance, and his mindset, will have a lot to do with the Cubs' chances this season.

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Painting the Black

I'm an old fashioned baseball guy, so the above title was always one of my favorite pitching expressions. I specifically remember the '97 World Series, when Florida Marlins' pitcher Livan Hernandez, then 22 and a rookie, pitched a complete game against the Atlanta Braves in the 5th game of the LCS. He struck out 15 on that day, and repeatedly caught Braves' batters looking at called third strikes. The home plate umpire, Eric Gregg, had a particularly wide strike zone on that day, and while some of the calls may have been questionable, it was a perfect example of "painting the black."

Other expressions that I fondly remember:
-"He put that in his wheelhouse!"- Referring to a pitcher serving up a pitch perfectly within a hitters' desired hitting zone.
-"That shortstop is flashing more leather than an 80's rock band."-Think Ozzie Smith...
-After a hitter swings at a high pitch, the manager approaches him and says, "Son, this isn't a pinata."
-"Blue, flip the plate over, the instructions are on the other side."
-When an outfielder misplays a fly ball: "It's called catch, not fetch!"


Apropos of nothing:

Been a lot of talk lately regarding whether or not the Red Sox should retire #5 for Nomar Garciaparra. Hey, I loved the guy when he was around, but he doesn't even come close to fitting the criteria. Would much rather see Dewey Evans' #24 retired first...

Has anyone else thought about checking 47 year old Jamie Moyer's birth certificate?

I for one can't wait to hear John Smoltz in the broadcast booth or the studio. One of the more articulate men in the game of baseball, he will certainly provide great insight...

Wake up, MLB! The 2012 All Star Game should ABSOLUTELY be played at Fenway Park, the 100th anniversary of the venerable ballpark's birth.

When Bud Selig is flying, please keep all writing utensils away from him. We do NOT need more alignment!

And finally: Frank McCourt should be calling Tiger Woods and offering him lifetime tickets to Dodger games for keeping his name on the back pages lately...

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Old Man Edmonds a Hit With Brewers

On the comeback trail: Jim Edmonds is hitting .286 this spring after one year layoff

Chalk one up for the over-the-hill gang. Jim Edmonds, a 16 year MLB veteran who took last season off, drove in 5 runs to lead the Milwaukee Brewers to a 10-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday, and is now hitting .286 with 1 HR and 9 RBI's in his comeback bid. Count me as a fan. Edmonds, one of the most graceful center fielders ever to field the position, has always led by example. His hard-nosed style and gold glove defense was a tremendous asset to the teams he starred for, specifically the Anaheim Angels and St. Louis Cardinals. His highlight reel catches were often lead-ins for ESPN's "Baseball Tonight", and he was a rare mix of defense and power, hitting over 30 HR's five times in his career. I for one am rooting for him, as the Milwaukee Brewers will surely benefit from his presence in the clubhouse, for his vast experience and knowledge, as well as his "lead by example" persona...

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Has the Angels' Halo Tarnished?

With the departures of Lackey, Figgins & Guerrero, do the Angels have what it takes to continue their dominance in the American League West?

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (can't we just call them the Disney Divine?) were two games away from the ultimate prize in 2009. The dreaded New York Yankee juggernaut got in their way. Winners of three straight division titles and having made the playoffs in six of their last eight seasons, the Angels figure to be in the mix once again in 2010. However, they may have troubles just getting out of their own division, considering the off-season transactions of their rivals, the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers.

The Seattle Mariners were clearly one of the most active teams during the off-season, bringing in the likes of Cliff Lee, Casey Kotchman, Milton Bradley, and the Angels' own Chone Figgins, who signed a multi-year deal with the Mariners. The Texas Rangers were also active, bringing in Rich Harden, Darren Oliver and, once again, the Angels' own Vladimir Guerrero, who will now switch primarily to a DH role. While the Angels will still be a favorite to win the division, the competition clearly got a lot stiffer.

With the departure of John Lackey to the Boston Red Sox, the starting rotation clearly seemed to take a major hit. However, this is still one of the deepest rotations in baseball, with Jered Weaver, Scott Kazmir, free agent signee Joel Pineiro, Joe Saunders & Ervin Santana. While not boasting a clear ace, each pitcher has the ability to shut down opposing hitters. Santana, coming off a 2009 season in which an elbow strain clearly limited his success, is throwing pain free and looks to return to form. The bullpen, one of the Angels' strengths throughout the last decade, should once again be strong, barring health concerns. RP Scot Shields, recovering from June knee surgery, has been one of the elite relievers in the Major League for the better part of eight seasons, and has been throwing pain free this spring. Free agent acquisition Fernando Rodney was added as insurance against Shield's recovery, and will provide a valuable at set-up and spot closing duties, should Brian Fuentes falter.

The starting lineup figures to be solid, if not spectacular. The Angels will be hard pressed to replace the productivity of Figgins at the lead-off position, and will be asking Erick Aybar to fill that role. Aybar, who hit .312 last season, will need to work on patience at the plate, and Angels' manager Mike Scioscia will not be shy to juggle the lineup should Aybar falter. Free agent signee Hideki Matsui should replace the production of Vladimir Guerrero, and 1B Kendry Morales figures to continue to mature as a hitter.

The prediction here is that the Angels will be able to repeat as division winners in 2010. While the Mariners and Rangers certainly got stronger with their off-season transactions, neither of them can trot out a starting rotation as deep as the Angels.

Featured player born on March 23rd: Lee May- May, a solid hitting, slick fielding first baseman, played 18 seasons in the Major Leagues with 4 different teams, with 354 career HR's. A 3-time All-Star, May finished his career in 1982 with the Kansas City Royals, and now spends time doting over his nine grandchildren.

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The Mauer Signing- Good for Baseball?

The love affair between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Joe Mauer can now continue unabated. Mauer, who signed an 8 year, $184M contract yesterday, will not only be the face of the Minnesota Twins' franchise for years to come, he sent a message to all small/middle market teams out there: I don't need the bright lights and the big city, I'm fine right where I am. That's the message that Joe Mauer put out there by signing this deal. A young pitching staff, several players who are under team control for at least the next 2 years, and new stadium. This was a smart deal by Twins' management, and it will pay off in the end. With the recent signings of Denard Span and Nick Blackburn, the Twins are banking on their young stars, headed by Mauer, to fill the coffers for years to come. Yes, they lost Joe Nathan, and GM Bill Smith will have to scramble to find a suitable replacement, however the fact remains that this organization is committed to giving the citizens of Minnesota a product worthy of their respect, and love....

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House of Cards- Built to Last?

Cardinals' slugger Albert Pujols, reigning NL MVP

High hopes abound at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida this spring. The St. Louis Cardinals, fresh off their first Central Division title in three seasons, were left with a sour taste on their tongues after being swept in the NLDS by the Los Angeles Dodgers. During the offseason, their primary objective was the re-signing of Matt Holliday, which they did at a cost of $120M over 7 years. After making the decision not to re-sign Mark DeRosa, acquired at the trading deadline last season, this was an important if not vital transaction, considering the fact that the Cardinals had already given up five prospects in return for the services of Holliday and DeRosa. Holliday, who had a monster second half, and Pujols, the reigning NL MVP, figure to be one of the most potent 3-4 combinations in all of baseball. Now the question arises: Is the rest of the Cardinals' lineup up to the task?

Cardinals' manager Tony LaRussa, entering his 15th season as skipper, has always proven adept at mixing his "old school" managerial style with the use of statistical analysis. This season will certainly be a test of those skills, as LaRussa will be tasked with putting together a lineup that complements and maximizes the abilities of both Pujols and Holliday. 2B Skip Schumaker and CF Colby Rasmus figure to be the Nos. 1-2 hitters, and will be called upon to set the table. Rasmus, coming off a fine rookie campaign, has been working with new Cardinals' hitting coach Mark McGwire to be a more consistent bat against left-handed pitchers. SS Brendan Ryan, also coming off a stellar rookie season, will help to provide punch at the bottom of the order, along with rookie 3B David Freese, who looks to prove that he is the long term answer at that position.

In terms of pitching, the Cardinals roll out one of the more potent staffs in all of baseball. SP Adam Wainwright, tied for the Major League lead with 19 wins, and SP Chris Carpenter, the NL leader in ERA, finished 2-3 in Cy Young Award voting, behind winner Tim Lincecum. Hard to argue that this tandem isn't one of the more potent Nos. 1-2 in the NL. Add to that Kyle Lohse, who is reportedly pain-free after an injury riddled 2009, and free agent signee Brad Penny, also pain free and coming off a stellar 2nd half of 2009 with the San Francisco Giants, and you have a rotation that will be putting fear in the eyes of many an opponent. Closer Ryan Franklin, with 38 saves in his first full season as the ninth inning answer man, will look to repeat his success, while the rest of the bullpen has remained largely intact and looks to serve notice to any doubting Thomas that they will be a strength, and not an embarrassment. I for one am not one to vote against the talents of Cardinals' pitching coach Dave Duncan, who has been with manager LaRussa every season since 1983. Duncan has worked magic with reclamation projects and throwaways (case in point: Dennis Eckersley, Chris Carpenter), and has proven to be one of the most complete pitching coaches in Major League history.

And so, here are the questions that Cardinals' fans are asking:

1) Will free agent signee Felipe Lopez step in and solidify the 3B position, or will David Freese make his mark?
2) Can the top of the lineup consistently provide the proper table settings for the Cards' potent 3-4-5 hitters?
3) Can Ryan Franklin get over the late August-September slump and be dominant the entire season?
4) Will new hitting coach Mark McGwire prove he is worthy of manager Tony LaRussa's loyalty?

Even though the Cardinals are considered heavy favorites to repeat as NL Central champions in a decidedly weak division, they will be out to prove that they have the strength needed to continue a deeper push through the playoffs...

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Unlucky 13 for Wood

Kerry Wood, Indians' closer, headed to the DL for the 13th time in his career.

In earlier times, the Romans thought that the number 13 represented death and destruction. For the Cleveland Indians, it certainly isn't that foreboding. However, the news that Kerry Wood will land on the DL for the 13th time in his career, due to a strained muscle in his upper back, is definitely not a lucky turn of events. Wood, who saved 20 games in 26 opportunities last season, was being counted on to be the stopper once again this season. While the injury itself doesn't involve his surgically repaired shoulder and doesn't appear serious, it alters the Indians' plans for their bullpen nonetheless.

As an organization, the Cleveland Indians have been reeling. The trades last season of '08 Cy Young award winner Cliff Lee and All-Star catcher Victor Martinez basically put the team into rebuilding mode. Unproven youngsters abound on the roster, while Wood was clearly a luxury, possibly to be used as trade bait for other future prospects later on during the season. That will now have to wait, as the Indians will turn to RP Chris Perez to handle the closing duties during Wood's absence.

New manager Manny Acta will certainly have his hands full juggling this bunch of youngsters, and with the absence of Wood, he will certainly stay in shape with his frequent walks to the mound...

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Marlins in '10- Intrigue & Possibilities

An artist's rendering of the new Marlins ballpark, scheduled for completion by Opening Day 2012

I have always had an affinity for the Florida Marlins. Having lived in South Florida for ten years, and being a season ticket holder during their first championship season in 1997, the Marlins have always been somewhat of an enigma when it comes to loyalty from their fan base. In the first decade of the 21st century, the Marlins averaged 16,634 fans for home games, less than half of Dolphin Stadium capacity, in spite of fielding very competitive teams during the latter half of the decade. Even during their championship season of 2003, Marlins attendance was just above 16,000 fans. So Marlins' ownership has always been tasked with finding innovative ways to lure fans to home games, and finally, weeks before the opening of the 2009 season, their long standing wish to open a new stadium was realized, with the approval by Florida legislators to open a new stadium on the grounds of the old Orange Bowl, with construction to be completed by Opening Day, 2012. Will this development energize the Marlins' fan base? That answer could very well be found in how the Marlins stack up on the field...

In 2009, the Marlins were indeed competitive once again, falling just short in the wild card race to finish the season at 87-75, the third best record in Marlins history. There were a number of positives, including Chris Coghlan, named Rookie of the Year in 2009. Coghlan led the majors with 113 hits in the second half, the most in the majors since 1965. SS Hanley Ramirez led the NL in batting for '09, with a .342 avg. and a .954 OBP, his highest since joining the league. SP Josh Johnson, 15-5 with a 3.23 ERA, solidified his status as the ace of the staff, and SP Ricky Nolasco continues to show promise, finishing at 13-9.

In 2010, the Marlins will once again be one of the youngest teams in the majors, and they open the season with several roster questions. First base remains a concern, with Gaby Sanchez and Logan Morrison competing for the starting nod. If neither player stands out, it's conceivable that Jorge Cantu could slide over to play first, with Emilio Bonifacio manning the hot corner. Bonifacio worked this offseason with former Marlins' standout Luis Castillo to raise his on base percentage and elevate his game. 2B Dan Uggla, who signed a one year, $7.8 million deal during the offseason, will continue to provide punch, and the catching tandem of John Baker and Ronny Paulino has proven to be very effective.

The back end of the starting rotation could be the key to the Marlins' overall success in 2010. With Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco secure as the Nos. 1-2, several pitchers are competing for the remaining 3 spots. Anibal Sanchez appears to be regaining the form that showed such promise during his rookie year of 2006, when he was 10-3 and pitched the fourth no-hitter in Marlins' history. Sanchez, along with Rick Vandenhurk, Andrew Miller, Chris Volstad, Sean West and Craig Hensley, are all in the mix. If for nothing else, the Marlins will have depth.

While Opening Day 2012 is still a long ways off, the Florida Marlins will do whatever they can to entice a Marlins fan base that thus far has been fickle in their loyalty. Their play on the field in 2010 could go a long way towards swaying the allegiance of those fans...

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Seattle Mariners: Was '09 an Aberration?

Do the Mariners have the horses to compete in 2010?

The Seattle Mariners are considered legitimate once again. At least that's what one would think after an encouraging 2009 campaign in which the M's increased their win total by 24 over the previous season. 2008 saw the Mariners become the first team in major league history to record 100 loses with a $100 million payroll. The 2009 season brought on a flurry of changes, most notably new GM Jack Zduriencik, Manager Don Wakamatsu, and the return of the beloved Ken Griffey, Jr. David Aardsma (ironically he is the first player alphabetically in the list of all-time Major League Baseball players, having displaced Hank Aaron upon his MLB debut) became a reliable if not spectacular closer, and Wakamatsu, who became the first Asian-American manager in MLB history, replaced the entire coaching staff and proved very capable of guiding with a steady hand.

The 2009 offseason brought even more changes. The Mariners were aggressive in the free agent market, stealing away the highly sought after free agent 3B Chone Figgins from the Anaheim Angels. Figgins, a career .291 hitter, projects as the #2 hitter, behind Ichiro Suzuki. Figgins is also transitioning back to second base, with Jose Lopez moving to third. The Mariners were also involved in one of the biggest trades of the offseason, acquiring former Cy Young winner Cliff Lee from the Philadelphia Phillies. Lee has one year remaining on his contract, and GM Zduriencik has said he will "let the pieces fall where they may" concerning Lee's contract status. The mercurial OF Milton Bradley was also acquired during the offseason, and only time will tell if this move affects overall team chemistry.

Pitching and defense will absolutely tell the tale of this team in 2010. Two out of every five days they'll hand the ball to Cliff Lee and Felix Hernandez. Hernandez, the '09 Cy Young runner-up, and Lee form a scary righty-lefty 1-2 punch at the front of the M's rotation. The rest of the rotation features Ryan Rowland-Smith and Ian Snell at Nos. 3-4, and possibly Doug Fister at #5 until Erik Bedard's expected return from the DL. Jarrod Washburn is still out there as a free agent, and word is that the Mariners may have interest in bringing him back to the fold. Washburn was 8-6 with a 2.64 ERA in his first 20 starts with Seattle last season before his trade to Detroit, and with Bedard's return still somewhat up in the air, the talk could certainly make sense. Considering that the Mariners were last in the league in runs scored in '09, they may need all the help they can get up front.

Offensively, the Mariners will feature of lot of pizzazz, but not much punch. CF Franklin Gutierrez and 3B Jose Lopez may be the only players in the lineup capable of hitting 25+ HR's, so Wakamatsu will absolutely be preaching station-to-station offense here. That, coupled with the cavernous confines of Safeco Field will make pitching and defense that much more important to the success of the Seattle Mariners in 2010.

Here are the questions that Mariners fans are currently asking:

1) Will Milton Bradley's presence in the clubhouse be an unwanted distraction?
2) Can Figgins safely transition to second base and help ignite a stagnant offense?
3) Will GM Jack Zduriencik's theory of "new moneyball" lead to success?

Many pundits are saying that the Mariners didn't improve enough to climb above the Anaheim Angels and Texas Rangers. Zduriencik and Wakamatsu and co. will be out to prove them wrong...

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Minnesota Twins: Does Nathan's Elbow Blowout Dash Hopes?

With Joe Nathan's season in serious doubt, who steps up as Twins' closer?

A new middle infield tandem. A potential Hall of Fame DH/pinch hitter. A brand new stadium. Minnesota Twins' fans had plenty of optimism leading into the 2010 season. Early last week, those hopes turned into doubts, as they saw their sterling closer, Joe Nathan, leave a spring training game with tightness in his surgically repaired right elbow. Tests revealed he has a tear in his ulnar collateral ligament, which will require Tommy John surgery. If Nathan opts for the surgery, his 2010 season is clearly over before it even starts, and the Twins are left scrambling to find a suitable closer.

Many options have been discussed already amongst the myriad of blogs and fan sites, however the fact remains that this version of the Minnesota Twins has been severely weakened. Options within the Twins roster are limited at best. Jon Rauch is on the roster, and he served as the closer for the Washington Nationals for parts of the 2008 season. Matt Guerrier and Jose Mijares are both coming off stellar campaigns last year in the Twins' bullpen. However, the answer could lie with LHP Francisco Liriano. Liriano has been impressive thus far in the Twins' camp, with 6 strikeouts in 4 scoreless innings. Manger Ron Gardenshire, thus far, likes what he sees. "His breaking ball was filthy," Gardenhire says. "This game is all about confidence. Last year, he had just lost his confidence. He was questioning himself about which pitch to throw and all those things. When your stuff gets to a certain point and comes back, and your arm feels good and your body feels good, then everything starts to fall into place."

The Twins will feature a strong lineup, adding 2B Orlando Hudson and SS J.J. Hardy, as well as Jim Thome (564 career HR's), who will be used as a late inning pinch hitter/occasional DH. AL MVP Joe Mauer and 1B Justin Morneau are the triggers for this offense, and a maturing Delmon Young will add potency as well. The starting rotation could be the telling tale for how this season progresses, as no current starter featured an ERA under 4.00 last season. Carl Pavano, 14-12 last season, will look for more consistency as he builds upon a season in which he actually lasted an entire season.

The key could very well be Liriano. If he can return to the form of 2006, when he was 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA, Gardenshire may have his answer to salvage the 2010 season.

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D-Backs.. Cellar Dwellars to Contenders?

Can Brandon Webb return to the form that made him one of the most feared righthanders in baseball?


On opening day, 2009, the Arizona Diamondbacks had high hopes. Facing the Colorado Rockies that day was their ace, Brandon Webb. Having won 22 games in 2008 and finishing runner-up in the Cy Young voting to Tim Lincecum, Webb had high hopes as well. Just four short innings later, Webb felt a twinge in his throwing shoulder. His season was over, and by extension, so was the D-Backs'. They never recovered from that day, finishing 70-92 and last in the National League West.

Fast forward to 2010. Webb, recovering from surgery performed last August, was less than enthusiastic about his progression. However, his attitude changed yesterday, when his shoulder felt "free, loose & easy", while playing catch. Although he is projected to start the season on the DL, he should be ready by mid-April, and the Diamondbacks will welcome his return. "This might not be the worst thing in the world," Arizona starter Dan Haren said. "I think we have enough pitching to at least hold our heads above water until he comes back. And when he comes back, it will be a nice little shot in the arm. If it's May, if it's the end of April, it will be nice to have him back 100 percent.

"No one wants him to come back 80 percent. We want him 100 percent in August, September. Those are the months that are really going to matter."

With the acquisition this offseason of RHP Edwin Jackson, and a healthy Brandon Webb, this is a scary front rotation. Haren and Jackson combined for 27 wins last season, and if Webb can regain the form that allowed him to finish runner-up in Cy Young voting in back-to-back seasons, they will absolutely contend for the NL West crown. Ian Kennedy, another offseason acquisition, and Billy Buckner, are slated as the Nos. 4-5 starters, and the bullpen, with the additions of Aaron Heilman and Bobby Howry, will help to bridge the gap to their closer, Chad Qualls.

Positionally, the D-Backs will feature a refurbished lineup that includes offseason acquisitions 1B Adam LaRoche and 2B Kelly Johnson, teamed up once again after playing together in Atlanta. LaRoche and Johnson will help to shore up a defense that gave up a team record 124 errors in 2009, and LaRoche's presence in the clean-up spot will help a maturing Justin Upton, Mark Reynolds & Miguel Montero.

D-Backs Manager A.J. Finch, entering his first full season as skipper, will help to present a guiding hand, and the players are buying into his style. AJ Hinch "has won over his players with energy, sincerity, exuberance and intelligence. He's an atypical manager, all right, but in a good way, Brandon Webb said. "He had to earn our trust, and he did. I think he's going over real well. We really like playing for him, his philosophies and stuff."

And so, here are the questions that Diamondback fans are asking:

1) Can Brandon Webb return to form and be the dominant force that led the Sporting News to rank him #31 among the top 50 players in MLB?

2) Will the offseason acquisitions of LaRoche, Johnson, Jackson, Heilman & Howry pay off?

3) Can A.J. Hinch be another Bob Brenly?

To many, the 2009 season was a fluke year for the Diamondbacks. With good health, a sounder, more fundamental approach & consistency, this version of the Diamondbacks could clearly prove that 2009 was indeed an aberration.

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Cubs' Veterans Looking to Win Now

Is the 2010 version of the Cubs ready to end the 102 year drought?

When you listen to the Chicago Cubs veterans, you hear the sense of urgency in their collective voices. With several of them playing out the last year of their contracts, and a new ownership group that is looking to build a perennial winning franchise, this will be a very telling season in the North Side.

Oddsmakers from online sports book BroburySports.com have made the Cubs a 20/1 long shot to win the 2010 World Series. They’re also 8/1 to win the NL Pennant and 2.4/1 to win the NL Central. The over/under total for number of wins for Chicago has been set at 83.5 this season. This is in large part related to the 2009 season, with a team that vastly underachieved and was beset by injuries to key players. Now, as spring approaches, and time has healed, the question arises. Is this team good enough to surpass expectations?

Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Ted Lilly... even manager Lou Piniella... all in final stages of their contracts... and all looking to win now. Lee, who enjoyed a resurgence of sorts in 2009, has expressed his desire to retire as a Cub and help this team to the Promised Land. Ramirez is looking to just stay in the lineup, and when he does, the production is evident. Ramirez also chimed in on the potential of the Cubs' top prospect, SS Starlin Castro. Can you see the sense of urgency to win now? Ted Lilly, coming off arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder in November, is not projected to join the rotation until at least mid-April. However, there is no questioning his importance to this pitching staff. And Piniella? Despite a not so subtle non-endorsement by the new ownership group, Piniella is ready, and willing, to guide this current group of Cubs to bigger and better things.

On paper, this is talented lineup. If Ramirez can stay healthy and Lee continues his resurgence, the Cubs have one of the best corner infield tandems in baseball. If C Geovany Soto can overcome his weight issues and his sophomore slump, if Alfonso Soriano can bounce back from his Sept. 15th season ending knee surgery and play to his full potential, if a diamond in the rough can be found from the Cubs' bullpen, then a case could be made that the Cubs can certainly challenge the St. Louis Cardinals for the NL Central crown. With Milton Bradley finally and mercilessly tucked away in another city, the chemistry in the clubhouse will certainly improve, and that is an intangible that can't be overlooked.

My prediction here is that the Cubs will absolutely contend in the NL Central, and for the wild card... This is a team that is just too good NOT to produce, and Cubs fans have suffered long enough....

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New York Mets- "Prevention & Recovery"

In a surprise development to the Mets and his agent, Jose Reyes will open the year on the DL.

Prevention and recovery... So, how's that working out so far? After a disastrous 2009 campaign that saw Jose Reyes, Carlos Delgado & Carlos Beltran all miss significant playing time, the New York Mets adopted the above philosophy for the upcoming 2010 season. Thus far, they have learned that Carlos Beltran will start the season on the DL after undergoing right knee surgery on January 13, Kelvim Escobar will likely start the season on the DL with apparent shoulder weakness after injury plagued '08 & '09 seasons, and now the news that their star shortstop, Jose Reyes, will also likely end up on the DL to settle an overactive thyroid.

This is not good news for a franchise struggling to regain a sense of normalcy after several seasons of unrealized potential. They will now start the season with a rookie shortstop, an unproven first baseman in Daniel Murphy, and a starting rotation where, behind Johan Santana, there is nothing but question marks.

The Mets were successful in providing more punch to the lineup, inking Jason Bay to a long term deal, and the hope is that Bay's presence in the lineup will help David Wright to bounce back from a power outage in 2009.

Here are the questions that Mets' fans are asking:

1) Can the starting rotation be effective beyond Johan Santana, who himself is coming off surgery?
2) Can Jeff Francoeur and Jason Bay provide the punch sorely needed?
3) Can Jerry Manuel properly guide this team through all the pitfalls?
4) Will Omar Minaya survive to see another day if the 2010 season turns out to be a re-run of past seasons?

With the Mets playing their second season in their new CitiField facility, they will be looking for a BIG return on their investment this season, so if all of the above questions aren't resolved to a successful conclusion, you can bet your Art Shamsky baseball card that there will be major shakeups in the front office.

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A Classy Move: Nomar Retires as Member of Red Sox

Former Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, who signed a Red Sox one-day minor league baseball contract, waves to the crowd as he takes the field to throw out a ceremonial first pitch against the Rays at City of Palms Park, in Fort Myers, Fla., Wednesday, March 10, 2010. Garciaparra signed the contract to retire as a member of the team.




Simply a class act. The Boston Red Sox and Nomar Garciaparra came together today, after weeks of pre-planning, to announce that Nomar had signed a minor league contract for the sole purpose of retiring as a member of the Boston Red Sox. Garciappara, who called this moment "a dream fulfilled", will now work for ESPN as an analyst for "Baseball Tonight".

This was a class move by both parties. Nomah, as he was affectionately called during his 8 years in Boston, was the face of the organization during the late 90's and early 2000's, and when his time drew to a close in the Nation, he became the integral piece that allowed the Red Sox to end their 86 year old World Series drought. After 5 years with 3 different teams, numerous injuries and a body that just wouldn't cooperate any longer, Garciaparra contacted the Red Sox, specifically Larry Lucchino and Theo Epstein, to realize his dream.

As one who had the pleasure of watching Nomar through the years, especially his time in Boston, this moment and this day goes beyond baseball. It speaks to doing the right thing, and making things right. Nomar absolutely deserved to retire as a member of the Red Sox, and the current Boston ownership group, who has made it a point over the years to revitalize Boston's baseball past, stepped up and did the right thing...

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