Buckner ball Sells for over $400,000

The ball hit by former Mets LF/CF Mookie Wilson that rolled through former Boston 1B Bill Buckner's legs in the tenth inning of Game Six of the 1986 World Series allowing the Mets to force a Game Seven which they eventually won sold at auction yesterday in Dallas for $418,250 to an anonymous buyer.

Musial's wife dies

Lil Musial, the wife of Hall of Famer OF Stan Musial, has died at 91.  A statement was made by St. Louis chairman Bill DeWitt Jr., the organization with which Stan the Man spent his entire career.  The two were high school sweethearts who married in 1940. 

Stan, also 91, has been in poor health in recent years as well.

Bonds Appeals Conviction

Former Major Leaguer LF Barry Bonds, the all-time leader in home runs, has appealed his conviction of obstruction of justice.  His lawyers filed a 60-page legal brief with the Ninth U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals arguing the conviction was based on an irrelevant and rambling - but truthful - answer he gave during testimony regarding whether his former trainer Greg Anderson ever gave him performance-enhancing drugs.  Bonds was convicted by a jury of his peers last year in a trial of about three weeks when the 12 members decided that the answer constituted an obstruction of justice (Translation:  That one conviction that the federal government is touting as a victory is about to be thrown out).

Marmol Loses Closer's role

Cubs manager Dale Sveum has removed RHP Carlos Marmol from the closer's role after he walked three of the five batters he faced in a blown save on Thursday with a 3-0 lead and only converting two of his five save opportunities.  The decision was made after a meeting between manager and closer in the locker room before yesterday's home game against the Dodgers.  The Cubs will use an ill-advised closer-by-committee involving LHP James Russell, the son of former Major Leaguer RHP Jeff Russell, and RHP Rafael Dolis.

Dolis recorded the save yesterday against the Dodgers.

Dodgers sign Abreu

The Dodgers have signed OF Bobby Abreu after he was released by the crosstown Angels.  He had batted .208 in 24 at-bats in Anaheim/Los Angeles (take your pick).  In his career, Abreu has batted .293 with 284 homers, 1,330 runs batted in, and 393 stolen bases, although he struck out in his first at-bat with his new team.

In other Dodgers news, the team has added RHP Ronald Belisario from the restricted list and added him to the active roster after more than a year as a restricted player following a positive drug test for cocaine.  He was unable to return to the U. S. in all of 2011 from his native Venezuela due to the positive test and was suspended for the first 25 games of this season in accordance with MLB's drug policy.

O's Close to deal with Tejada

Baltimore is close to a deal to bring back IF Miguel Tejada.  He is expected to report to the team's Spring Training headquarters in Sarasota, Florida for a physical on Monday and could be signed then.  Tejada spent last season with San Francisco, batting .239 with four homers in 322 at-bats before being released in September.

Tejada originally signed with Baltimore in 2003 and played for the team until 2007, when he was traded to Houston.  He returned to Baltimore for a second stint in 2010, before he was again traded to San Diego that July.  Tejada is a career .285 hitter with 304 home runs in 15 seasons in the Majors.

Young Returns from Suspended list

Detroit has activated RF Delmon Young from the suspended list after he was suspended for seven days following being arrested and charged with a hate crime assault after throwing a man to the ground and shouting anti-Semitic epithets outside of a New York hotel.  Manager Jim Leyland said that he wouldn't play in his first game back against the White Sox because he wasn't loose after sitting for seven days, but that he would be available to pinch hit and that he would play today.  To make room for Young on the roster, Detroit designated DH Brad Eldred for assignment, who had batted .188 in five games.

Cashman Expects Rivera to Return

GM Brian Cashman is adamant that his team can survive the season-ending knee injury to closer RHP Mariano Rivera.  And the Yankees are unflinching in their prediction that he will return, possibly as early as later this season (though those expectations probably aren't realistic).  Rivera announced on Friday that he will attempt to comeback and is not considering retirement at this time.

Rivera will undergo surgery to repair a torn ACL (he also tore the meniscus in the same knee) sometime next week, an operation which typically requires six months of rehabilitation to return, so it will be - and this is a huge understatement Yankees fans - a long shot for him to return this season.  He has remained with the team in Kansas City.  Rivera will be examined by team physician Dr. Chris Ahmad tomorrow and will then pick a surgeon to perform the procedure.

Rivera's injury has created a domino effect in the Yankee bullpen.  RHP David Robertson will start closing games and RHP Rafael Soriano will remain in a setup role (though with more important innings to handle) and LHP Boone Logan and RHP Cory Wade should see more time in the middle innings.  Robertson struck out the side last night against Kansas City in a non-save situation.  Cashman was eating with his children in a restaurant when he got the news that Rivera was injured.

Swisher to have MRI

RF Nick Swisher left yesterday's game against Detroit after drawing a walk in the third inning due to a tight left hamstring and will undergo an MRI.  He struck out in the bottom of the first and made a putout in the top of the third on a line drive hit by Tigers CF Austin Jackson, a play for which he barely had to move.  Swisher was then walked by RHP Max Scherzer in the bottom of the third and stayed in the game for two pitches to DH Raul Ibanez and a pick-off attempt at first base, but he was then removed for PR Andruw Jones after complaining of the tightness.

Swisher currently leads the American League in extra-base hits and is second in runs batted in. 

Fister to Begin Rehab

Detroit RHP Doug Fister, injured in his first start of the season on April 7, will make his first rehab start on Wednesday with Toledo.  He could rejoin the rotation after only one start.  Fister was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained rib cage in his 2012 debut against Boston after pitching 3.2 scoreless innings.

Fister threw a problem-free bullpen session Saturday.  He went 8-1 with a 1.79 ERA in ten starts for Detroit after being acquired in a mid-season trade from Seattle, normally pitching behind RHP Justin Verlander, who won the AL Cy Young Award last season.

Sherrill to Undergo Tommy John Surgery

Seattle LHP George Sherill will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery on May 4.  He only pitched in two innings this season before being shut down with elbow discomfort after allowing four earned runs in 1.1 innings pitched.  Last season, Sherill went 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA in 36 innings pitched for Atlanta and Seattle signed the 35-year-old former All-Star to a one-year, $1.1 million contract in the off-season.

Seattle currently has LHP Charlie Furbush and LHP Lucas Luetge in the bullpen.

Garcia Removed from Rotation

The Yankees have moved RHP Freddy Garcia to the bullpen.  The announcement was made yesterday, one day after he gave up six runs in 1.2 innings pitched against Detroit and saw his ERA climb to 12.51.  Garcia went 12-8 with a 3.62 ERA last season for New York and he was re-signed in the off-season to a one-year, $4 million contract, although he's been the worst pitcher in a bad rotation so far this season.

In addition, RHP Michael Pineda is gone for the season and RHP Phil Hughes is pitching true to form (in other words, badly).  The obvious choice to replace Garcia in the rotation is rookie RHP David Phelps, a top prospect who made the team out of Spring Training as a long reliever.  Garcia's turn in the rotation won't come around until Thursday, so an announcement is not imminent and if the team is forced to use Phelps out of the bullpen between now and then he likely won't be able to make a start, and with plenty of off days in their schedule the Yankees could presumably skip the fifth starter's spot the next time it comes around and call up LHP Andy Pettitte when Garcia's spot comes up a second time.  Pettitte pitched for Tampa today and could need one or two more starts before he is ready to return to the Majors.

Hamilton Leaves game with Stiff back

Texas LF Josh Hamilton left last night's game against Tampa Bay with stiffness in his back.  He currently leads the American League in homers and runs batted in.  Hamilton also leads the AL in total bases and slugging percentage and was injured while running from first to second on a force-out, although he stayed in the game for two more innings.

Tampa Bay won the game 5-2.

Oakland Signs Inge

Oakland has agreed to terms on a contract with free agent IF Brandon Inge.  Minnesota, Baltimore, and Arizona had also shown interest in the 34-year-old who was released by Detroit on Thursday after spending his entire 12-year career there.  Inge is expected to split time at third base with the A's with IF Eric Sogard, IF Josh Donaldson, and IF Luke Hughes after losing 3B Scott Sizemore with torn left knee ligaments in Spring Training.

Inge lost his starting job in Detroit after they signed 1B Prince Fielder and a domino effect resulted in Miguel Cabrera being moved back to third base, and he was competing for playing time at second base but was slowed down by injuries and bad offense, batting .197 in 2011 and only .100 with six strikeouts and two extra base hits this season.  Oakland is responsible for the pro-rated league minimum for him as the Tigers are on the hook for the rest of his $5.5 million salary.

Inge Released

After a months-long rumored split, Detroit has finally released IF Brandon Inge.  The 34-year-old tried to convert to second base this season but injured his groin and started the year on the disabled list, and he only batted .100 with one homer and two runs batted in after he returned in nine games.  Inge has played his entire 12-season career in Detroit and was named an All-Star in 2009, batting .234 with 140 homers and 589 runs batted in during his career.

Huff Placed on Disabled list

San Francisco has placed 1B Aubrey Huff on the 15-day disabled list with anxiety after he left the team to deal with family issues and announced that he expects to discuss those issues when he returns this weekend.  He is currently going through a divorce and has struggled both offensively and defensively this season, though the nature of his anxiety problems remain a mystery.  Several other Major Leaguers such as Cincinnati 1B Joey Votto, Milwaukee RHP Zach Greinke (then a member of Kansas City), and former Major League LHP Justin Duchscherer (then a member of Oakland) have been placed on the disabled list in recent seasons due to anxiety problems.

Reyes to Continue Leading off

Both 1B Albert Pujols and SS Jose Reyes are struggling with their new teams this season, but Florida manager Ozzie Guillen has said that Reyes will not be removed from the lead-off spot despite hitting only .205 with a .263 on-base percentage so far this season, mostly because he leads the Marlins in most offensive stats despite his struggles.  The obvious choice to replace him is CF Emilio Bonifacio, who is currently batting .263 with a .354 on-base percentage in the number two hole. 

Hudson to make Season Debut Thursday

Atlanta RHP Tim Hudson will make his season debut Sunday against Pittsburgh.  Recovering from off-season back surgery, he went 2-2 with a 3.57 ERA in four rehab starts and led Atlanta's staff in wins, ERA, innings pitched, and WHIP last season.  To make room for Hudson on the roster, Atlanta has optioned RHP Jair Jurrjens to AAA.

Trout will not be Recalled

The Angels will not call up OF Mike Trout.  He is a top prospect who is currently batting .419 with 13 runs batted in at AAA but struggled during his first taste of Major League action last season, batting .220 with five homers, 16 runs batted in, four stolen bases, and a .281 on-base percentage in 40 games last season.  However, Trout will likely be recalled if a starting outfielder - such as CF Peter Bourjos or LF Vernon Wells - is injured or loses his starting job.

The Angels are currently in last place in the AL West and are already nine games behind Texas.

Pelfrey out for Season

RHP Mike Pelfrey has a partial tear in his right elbow and will likely undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the remainder of the season.  The announcement was made almost immediately after yesterday's win over Florida.  Pelfrey had posted no decisions with a 2.29 ERA in three starts this season and has been a remarkably durable pitcher for the Mets - if at times frustrating and ineffective - over the past four seasons.

The news came as a blow for Pelfrey and the Mets after he excelled in his last start against San Francisco and appeared well on his way to a rebound from last season, when he went 7-13 with a 4.74 ERA.  He said he felt tightness on several occasions during his start against the Giants but that it usually went away quickly and that he was prepared for his next start tonight against Colorado.  Pelfrey later said that he thought the symptoms were consistent with tendinitis and was later placed on the 15-day disabled list when an MRI revealed swelling in his elbow.

Pelfrey considered undergoing "alternative therapy" which consisted of an injection, although he was told that there was only a 20 percent chance that the therapy would work and he was afraid that if it were not successful that he would compensate by altering his delivery and mechanics and then putting stress on his shoulder.

Crawford out Indefinitely

It has been announced that LF Carl Crawford has a sprained ligament in his left elbow and is now out indefinitely.  The injury was first diagnosed by Boston's medical staff and was then confirmed by Dr. James Andrews, with the outfielder undergoing blood-platelet spinning therapy (which doesn't work by most accounts) and deciding to sit out during the first phases of treatment.  There is no timetable for Crawford's return, but it has been speculated by joint doctors who work as technical advisers with Boston media outlets that the injury should sideline him for about three months.

Crawford batted .255 with 11 homers, 56 runs batted in, and 18 stolen bases last season, the first in a seven-year, $142 million contract.

PETCO to get Dimension Change?

San Diego is considering moving the fences in at PETCO Park after hearing complaints that the park is too pitcher-friendly since the venue opened in 2004.  CEO Tom Garfinkle said that no discussions about what the new dimensions would be have taken place and that the decision will not be final until October. 

Rays Reportedly Close to Signing Matsui

In a long-rumored deal with no comment from any of the principles, Tampa Bay is reportedly close to signing DH/LF Hideki Matsui to a Minor League contract.  The 37-year-old lefty hitter batted .251 with 12 homers and 72 runs batted in for Oakland last season but didn't draw any interest in the off-season or in Spring Training after having only played 68 games in the outfield over the past four seasons.  The deal would reportedly land Matsui in AAA where he would only be promoted if he were to perform well at the plate.

In nine Major League seasons with the A's, Yankees, and Angels, Matsui has posted a career .285 batting average with 173 homers and 753 runs batted in.

Blue Jays Closer out a Month

Toronto has lost RHP Sergio Santos (their closer) for what is believed to be a period of approximately a month due to discomfort and soreness in his right shoulder. He was examined by Dr. Lewis Yocum and no structural damage was found before being placed on the disabled list last Saturday.  Santos had gone 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA and two saves this season before going down with the injury, after posting a 3.55 ERA with 30 saves last season for the White Sox before an off-season trade brought him to the cold and frozen north.

Without Santos, Toronto will use RHP Francisco Cordero, signed in the off-season and one of the greatest closers of all-time, as their ninth-inning man.

Crawford to Undergo Elbow Exam

LF Carl Crawford will have his sore left elbow examined by the dreaded Dr. James Andrews.  Crawford began the season on the disabled list due to left wrist surgery in January and appeared to be primed for his season debut until experiencing elbow soreness in rehab games.  Manager Bobby Valentine said that Crawford will get a second opinion on the elbow and that the team does not believe the injury to be serious (but that's most likely bullshit if Crawford is visiting Dr. Andrews), although he was forced to admit that Crawford's estimated time of return in early May is no longer realistic.

Crawford batted a slightly disappointing .255 last season, with 11 homers, 56 runs batted in, and a hugely disappointing 18 stolen bases and a .289 on-base percentage, and that in the first season of a seven-year, $142 million contract.  In addition, Crawford's mounting injuries come on the heels of CF Jacoby Ellsbury's assignment to the disabled list (shoulder) with no timetable for a return and the questionable acquisition of CF Marlon Byrd from the Cubs.

Nationals Finally Proving Baseball can work in D. C.?

Washington manager Davey Johnson is predicting that his Nats - one of the earliest surprises in this young baseball season - are transforming D. C. into a baseball town.  But that optimism may end quickly, as RF Jayson Werth (hip), LF Mike Morse (lat), and RHP Drew Storen (elbow) are all on the disabled list, and 3B Ryan Zimmerman (shoulder) appears to be heading in that direction.  Johnson should be worried about more than just turning Washington into a baseball town for the first time since before the Redskins existed though, considering that he said earlier this year that he should be fired if his team doesn't make the playoffs.

Pineda gone for Season

RHP Michael Pineda has been diagnosed a torn right anterior labrum (shoulder) and will undergo arthroscopic surgery next Tuesday.  He is expected to miss the remainder of the season.  GM Brian Cashman said that he was "devastated" over the news. 

Cashman also went onto say that he doesn't believe that Pineda - acquired for four players including former top prospect C/DH Jesus Montero - was damaged goods when he was acquired.  Pineda is not expected to return to a mound until May 2013.  On the bright side, the loss of Pineda reduces the complications for the return of LHP Andy Pettitte in his comeback bid.

Pettitte gave up three earned runs in five-plus innings yesterday against AA batters in his third Minor League start this season.  Pettitte is now 39 and is attempting a comeback after retiring following the 2010 season, and he allowed one walk and had three strikeouts before being pulled after allowing a lead-off single in the sixth.  But don't get overanxious, Pettitte isn't coming out of the Minors anytime soon despite the injury to Pineda, the struggles of RHP Freddy Garcia, and the continued decline of RHP Phil Hughes.

Is Moyer a Hall of Famer?

In case you didn't notice, Colorado LHP Jamie Moyer became the oldest pitcher to ever record a win in Major League history earlier this week at the age of 49, and after the game he donated the hat and glove that he wore throughout the contest to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.  After the game he was offered a spot in the Museum's Steele Internship Program, but he would have to retire to be eligible for that program.  But all of this talk is for naught.

With the win this week Moyer added just another record to his personal sheet of accomplishments, which begs the question, is Jamie Moyer a Hall of Famer?  There's a lot of evidence in his favor.  The win earlier this week made him the oldest player ever to win a game, and most of his records are associated with age.  But it also marked win number 268 in his career.

Think about these things:  Over 250 wins, and approaching 275 at an acceptable rate.  A good win-loss record.  A respectable career ERA.  All-Star game appearances.  20-win seasons.  World Series rings (just one but we'll take it).  A gazillion records, and important records at that.  Years upon years of Major League service.  A huge amount of innings pitched and games started.  The status of a folk hero among the populace.  Huge amounts of respect from the media and - more importantly - from the BBWAA.  The favorite player of the one-and-only Dr. Sean Nice.

What does all that add up to?  A very good player with a compelling argument for the Hall of Fame.  But is Jamie Moyer a Hall of Famer?  LeRoy doesn't think so, not yet at least.  Rickey Henderson and Randy Johnson had to play well into their 40s to record 3,000 hits and 300 wins, respectively, so maybe Moyer will have to play into his 50s to get number 300.  What then?  We don't know, except to say that LeRoy would support Moyer's Hall of Fame candidacy at that point in time.

But now?  No.  Sorry Jamie, but you're not a Hall of Famer yet.  Not in our book at least.  And all that means is that we won't support your candidacy.  But look at two paragraphs above, loyal blog reader, and you'll see a long list of accomplishments.  And that list means that Moyer will have a lot of support when he finally washes out of the game (we kinda doubt that he'll retire voluntarily) and will get enough votes to consistently stay on the ballot.  And that's the biggest battle if you're not going to get elected on the first ballot. 

And if he stays on the ballot long enough?  Who knows?  Certainly lesser pitchers have been elected to the Hall of Fame.  Will Jamie Moyer one day get a plaque in Cooperstown?  It's a distinct possibility.

Replay Discussions Flare up After Blown call in Dodgers game

Los Angeles lost an extra-innings game to Milwaukee on Wednesday night on a close play at the plate that replays showed may not have been the right call, and after seeing the replay on TV Dodgers manager Don Mattingly is calling for plays such as the one which cost his team the game to be replay-review-eligible.  The replays showed what appeared to be Los Angeles C A. J. Ellis tagging out Brewers OF Nyjer Morgan at the plate, but he was ruled safe and Milwaukee won the game by a score of three-to-two.

Berkman Placed on DL

St. Louis has placed 1B Lance Berkman on the 15-day disabled list after re-aggravating a left calf strain on Wednesday which had previously kept him sidelined for a week.  He missed a month in 2009 when he suffered a similar injury while with Houston.  Berkman is batting .348 with no homers, two runs batted in, and a .500 on-base percentage in seven games this season.

Francona Attends Fenway Anniversary

Former Boston manager Terry Francona opted to attend the 100-year anniversary of Fenway Park after all.  He said that he owed it to the fans to show up.  Francona originally turned down the invitation to attend the anniversary celebration after someone in the Boston front office leaked a story to the media alleging that he was addicted to pain killers.

Boston invited every living ex-player and ex-manager in franchise history to attend the festivities, which took place before today's game against the Yankees at 3:00.

Dominican Superstar Signs Contract

Seattle and 17-year-old Dominican superstar OF Hersin Martinez have agreed to terms on a $1.1 million contract.  Already, though, scouts are complaining about a hitch in his swing, with Seattle calling the pause a "timing mechanism."  Scouts have also referred to Martinez as a "decent athlete" who will likely develop as a corner outfielder.

Atlanta Honors Smoltz

Atlanta will retire the number of former star RHP John Smoltz.  The number 29 will be officially retired by the organization on June 8 before a game against Toronto.  Smoltz is the only pitcher in Major League history with at least 200 wins and 150 saves and he spent all but one season of his Major League career with Atlanta, splitting a season between St. Louis and Boston to end his career, but he has recently made amends with the city of Atlanta and with the Braves by purchasing a home in the area and by calling several games in Atlanta on both TBS and the MLB Network, and now the organization is returning the favor by retiring his number after retiring number 31 in honor of former RHP Greg Maddux and number 47 in honor of former LHP Tom Glavine.

Contreras Returns to Majors

Philadelphia has activated RHP Jose Contreras from the disabled list for the first time since last June following an elbow injury and subsequent surgery.  The team plans to go slowly with the 40-year-old as he will be used sparingly out of the bullpen.  Contreras recently completed a rehab assignment at Clearwater where he went 0-1 with an 8.31 ERA.

Contreras started last season as Philadelphia's closer but was limited to only 17 games due to injury.  To make room for the former All-Star, Philadelphia optioned LHP Joe Savery to Lehigh Valley. 

Aybar Close to Getting Extension

Gold Glove-winning SS Erick Aybar appears to be close to signing a contract extension with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.  The two sides have been talking for almost four months.  Aybar, 28, is reportedly asking for a five-year extension worth $50 million, while the team is more content with a four-year contract worth somewhere between $30 and 35 million, very similar to the extension awarded 2B Howie Kendrick in January.

Bad news for the Angels:  Middle infielder salaries have been inflated by the recent extensions given to Texas 2B Ian Kinsler and Cincinnati 2B Brandon Phillips, and the team is playing beat the clock as an extension for Yankees 2B Robinson Cano, which will likely be huge, is believed to be nearing completion as well.  Aybar set career-highs last season in runs scored, doubles, homers, runs batted in, and stolen bases and won his first Gold Glove, although he's only batting .219 with one extra base hit so far this season.  Aybar was eligible for arbitration this year, though he signed a $5.075 million contract for this season to avoid that process.

Bumgarner Latest Pitcher to sign Extension

San Francisco and LHP Madison Bumgarner have agreed to terms on a six-year contract extension that will bypass his arbitration years and his first year of free agency.  The deal includes this year and has options for 2018 and 2019 and will keep him, RHP Tim Lincecum, and RHP Matt Cain under contract for the Giants at least until next season.  Bumgarner, 22, is the team's number two starter and was instrumental in their run to the 2010 World Series and has gone 21-20 with a 3.12 ERA in three plus seasons in San Francisco.

The deal is the latest in a series of steps designed by GM Brian Sabean to keep his pitching staff intact this season.  Lincecum, who has won two Cy Young Awards, signed a two-year, $40 million extension in January, and Cain signed a six-year, $127.5 million extension earlier this season, the largest contract ever awarded a right-handed pitcher.  Bumgarner is 6-5 and weighs 235 pounds and posted a 3.21 ERA last season while bypassing the 200 inning mark and fanning 191 batters compared to only 46 walks.

In addition, Bumgarner posted an 8.40 K/9 ratio in 2011 which was third best amongst NL lefty starters, behind only Los Angeles LHP Clayton Kershaw and Philadelphia LHP Cliff Lee, both of whom have won Cy Young Awards.  Thus far in 2012, he is 1-1 with a 3.21 ERA in two starts.

Burrell to Return to Philadelphia, sort of

35-year-old free agent OF Pat Burrell will return to Philadelphia next month, but only to retire.  He will sign a one-day contract with the Phillies to retire with the team that drafted him in 1998 and saw him play nine Major League seasons as his career has been all-but ended by a foot injury.  Burrell will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the May 19 game against Boston at Citizen's Bank Park. 

Burrell is fourth in Philadelphia history in homers, eighth in runs batted in, and ninth in extra base hits.  He left as a free agent after helping lead the team to a World Series title in 2008 and went on to play for Tampa Bay and San Francisco, winning a second World Series with the Giants in 2010.  In his career, Burrell batted .253 with 292 homers and 976 runs batted in. 

Posey Returns to Lineup

San Francisco C Buster Posey will make his first start in San Francisco in this afternoon's Home Opener since going on the disabled list last May.  The game against Pittsburgh has already sold out.  Posey is currently suffering from shingles but returned to the lineup yesterday in Colorado.

Posey was cheered loudly in a home exhibition game last week against Oakland and should expect louder cheers in his first regular season game back at AT&T Park.  He won the 2010 National League Rookie of the Year Award before suffering three torn ligaments and a broken bone in his left ankle and left leg, respectively, after a home plate collision last year.     

Berkman to miss Home Opener

St. Louis 1B Lance Berkman will miss today's Home Opener with a left calf strain and is expected to return by Tuesday.  He suffered a minor tear of the muscle while legging out a triple last Tuesday in Cincinnati, was removed from the game later on, and did not play in the last game of the series on Wednesday.  Berkman was fearful that he had re-aggravated a more serious injury which landed him on the 15-day disabled in 2009.

Morse out for six Weeks

Washington LF Michael Morse has suffered a relapse of his torn lat and was not able to return for the teams home opener yesterday.  Surgery is not an option and he is expected to be out for another six weeks.  Morse's injury will not effect the promotion time table of top prospect OF Bryce Harper, with IF/OF Mark DeRosa, OF Xavier Nady, and OF Roger Bernadina expected to fill in for him in left field.

In other Nationals news, RHP Drew Storen successfully underwent surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow on Wednesday and is expected to pitch this season.

Rangers, Hamilton Talking Extension

The agent for impending free agent CF Josh Hamilton met with Texas officials earlier this week.  It was reported that both GM Jon Daniels and co-owner Bob Simpson were present at the meeting.  The team had wanted to begin extension talks with Hamilton in the off-season but those talks were stalled after he suffered a sobriety relapse in February.

This is a prime time for extensions in the Dallas Metroplex, as both 2B Ian Kinsler and LHP Derek Holland have agreed to new contracts with Texas. 

Cleveland Makes Damon Signing Official

Cleveland has agreed to terms with OF/DH Johnny Damon on a contract.  Made official after he passed a physical, the one-year deal will give him $1.25 million and also offers an additional $1.4 million in incentives.  Cleveland is off to a 1-4 start and has only scored 20 runs on the season as the team as a whole is batting .178 at present.

The deal includes a no-trade clause and an "out" clause that will allow Damon to become a free agent after CF Grady Sizemore returns from back surgery.  Sizemore is currently on the 60-day disabled list.  Damon is expected to play mostly left field and serve as the starting half of a platoon with OF Shelley Duncan, who had been starting before now.

The 38-year-old Damon batted .261 with 16 homers, 73 runs batted in, and a .743 OPS last season for Tampa Bay, and has 2,723 career hits.

Posey Diagnosed with Shingles

San Francisco C Buster Posey was a late-scratch from yesterday's game as he continues to recover from shingles.  He first noticed the symptoms during last week's Bay Bridge series and has now had three off days in a row.

Baker lost for Season

Minnesota RHP Scott Baker is out for the season.  The impending free agent was being counted on to provide stability to Minnesota's questionable rotation, but all that ended when it was discovered that he would have to undergo surgery to repair the flexor pronator tendon in his right elbow.  Baker has had problems with the tendon for the past couple of seasons but announced he could no longer pitch through the pain and opted for surgery (it's not Tommy John surgery as some media outlets have reported) after getting a second opinion on the elbow yesterday.

Baker, the team's Opening Day starter, went 8-6 with a 3.14 ERA last season.

Greinke, Milwaukee on hold over Extension Talks

Milwaukee and RHP Zach Greinke have tabled discussions regarding a potential extension for the pitcher.  The 28-year-old is in the final year of the four-year, $38 million extension he signed with Kansas City in 2009 before being dealt to Milwaukee in December 2010.  Greinke went 16-6 with a 3.83 ERA last season and threw seven shutout innings against division-rival St. Louis in his first start this season.

Francona will not Attend Celebration

Former manager Terry Francona will not attend the 100-year anniverseray celebration of Fenway Park on April 20.  He is angry over reports that his questionable managing performance during Boston's collapse last season was due to an addiction to painkillers.  Boston has invited every living ex-player and ex-manager in their organization to the event.

Damon Close to deal with Cleveland

Cleveland and DH/OF Johnny Damon are close to agreeing to terms on a one-year contract.  Cleveland is in need of outfield help with CF Grady Sizemore on the 60-day disabled list, and the deal is set to include a no-trade clause for the 38-year-old outfielder and an opt-out clause that would allow him to become a free agent after Sizemore returns.  The left-handed hitting Damon, who batted .273 with 16 homers and 73 runs batted in for Tampa Bay last season, is expected to get most of his playing time in left field.

Carpenter Waiting to Return to Mound

St. Louis RHP Chris Carpenter will undergo a series of tests this week that will help determine when he will be able to return to the mound.  He has been suffering from a nerve condition that has led to both shoulder discomfort and weakness and he has not thrown a pitch in over three weeks since suffering a setback in Spring Training.  If Carpenter performs well in the tests then he will begin a throwing program, with the most optimistic reports having him back in the St. Louis rotation by May, although a more realistic timetable wouldn't have him back in their rotation until June.

Carpenter, 36, went 11-9 with a 3.45 ERA in 34 starts in the regular season and went 4-0 with a 3.25 ERA in four starts in the post-season and pitched a career-high 273.1 innings last season.

Martinez Could Return this Season

Detroit DH/C Victor Martinez could return this season despite reliable reports which suggested that he would miss the entire season after having microfracture surgery on his right knee in January.  After it was discovered that the 33-year-old would not need follow-up surgery on his ACL his prognosis became more optimistic.  However, it will not be know if Martinez will be able to make a return until as late as August.

Martinez batted .330 with 12 homers, 103 runs batted in, and a .380 on-base percentage last season.  In what was probably not a coincidence, Detroit agreed to terms with 1B Prince Fielder on a nine-year, $214 million contract shortly after he underwent surgery.

Torres Placed on DL

For the first time in a long time the Mets had their entire roster healthy on Thursday's Opening Day game.  But it didn't last long, as CF Andres Torres pulled his left calf chasing down a triple hit by Atlanta SS Tyler Pastornicky, re-aggravating an injury that had sidelined him in Spring Training.  OF/2B Scott Hairston replaced Torres in center in the game and OF Kirk Niewenhuis was recalled from Buffalo yesterday.

Torres batted .221 with four homers, 19 runs batted in, and 19 stolen bases for San Francisco last season, and batted .268 with 16 homers, 63 runs batted in, and 26 stolen bases in 2010.

Reds Close to Signing Phillips to Extension

Cincinnati is close to reaching terms on an agreement for a contract extension with 2B Brandon Phillips only days after handing out a ten-year, $225 million extension to 1B Joey Votto.  The extension is believed to be in the range of five years and $60 million.  Phillips batted .300 with 18 homers, 82 runs batted in, 14 stolen bases, 94 runs scored, and a .353 on-base percentage last season, as well as being named to the All-Star team and winning a Gold Glove Award. 

Phillips wanted a contract extension this off-season, but the team compromised by exercising his $12 million option.

Rangers, Kinsler fail to Reach Extension

Texas has failed to reach a contract extension with 2B Ian Kinsler by his Opening Day deadline after they squabbled over money regarding the potential six-year deal.  He will make $7 million this season and has a $10 million option for 2013, although the Rangers had hoped to sign him before Yankees 2B Robinson Cano gets an extension of his own and inflates the second base market.  Kinsler batted .255 with 32 homers, 77 runs batted in, 30 stolen bases, and a .355 on-base percentage last season.

Braun: Brewers Better this year

Milwaukee LF Ryan Braun believes that his team is better without 1B Prince Fielder.  Fielder hit 38 homers and had 120 runs batted in last year for the Crew (Fielder signed a ten-year contract with Detroit in the off-season).  Braun says that the bullpen is much more improved than it was last season and that the team is healthier than last year.

Braun was suspended for 50 games in the off-season after he was caught taking a substance usually prescribed to treat genital herpes (a condition which Braun insists that he has) but is on the MLB banned substance list, but the suspension was lifted after Braun appealed and chain of custody problems regarding his damning urine sample came to light.

Jeter tops in Jersey Sales

SS Derek Jeter, the newest member of the 3,000-hit-club, led all Major League players in jersey sales last year.  Amongst the top-20 players in jersey sales last year, 12 were All-Stars, 14 played on a postseason team, and players from 11 different teams were represented, though the Yankees and Phillies had four players each on the list (including Jeter at number one).

The list:

1.  Jeter
2.  LHP Cliff Lee, Philadelphia
3.  1B Albert Pujols, St. Louis/Angels (signed in 2011 calendar year)
4.  LF Josh Hamilton, Texas
5.  RHP Roy Halladay, Philadelphia
6.  RHP Tim Lincecum, San Francisco
7.  2B Dustin Pedroia, Boston
8.  LF Ryan Braun, Milwaukee
9.  RF Hunter Pence, Philadelphia
10.  C Buster Posey, San Francisco
11.  2B Chase Utley, Philadelphia
12.  C Joe Mauer, Minnesota
13.  RHP Justin Verlander, Detroit
14.  1B Adrian Gonzalez, Boston
15.  3B Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
16.  2B Ian Kinsler, Texas
17.  2B Robinson Cano, Yankees
18.  RHP Mariano Rivera, Yankees
19.  LF Carl Crawford, Boston
20.  3B David Freese, St. Louis

Not much of a Trade Market for Lannan

A day after becoming the highest-paid player to ever be optioned to AAA in Spring Training and subsequently requesting a trade, it appears that Washington LHP John Lannan will not get his wish, as GM Mike Rizzo says that the market for the lefty is low and manager Davey Johnson has been so bold to say that the request for a trade will not be honored.  He was a front-runner to win the fifth starter's job for the Nationals, at least until RHP Chien-Ming Wang was healthy enough to pitch, but Johnson opted to take LHP Ross Detwiler in a surprising move.  Lannan sent an email to members of the Washington media expressing a desire to be traded Wednesday night.

Lannan went 10-13 with a 3.70 ERA last season.  However, after LHP Gio Gonzalez and RHP Edwin Jackson were acquired this past off-season his spot in the rotation became jeopardized.

Kinsler Expecting Extension

Texas and 2B Ian Kinsler are close to agreeing to terms on a six-year contract extension for the team's star second baseman.  He has said that he will cease negotiations during the regular season, which starts today for Texas, so an announcement could be imminent or could stall for the next six months (assuming he's a man of his word and won't negotiate after this morning).  Kinsler is due $7 million this season and has a $10 million option for 2013, but reports say that Texas wants to give him an extension before Yankees 2B Robinson Cano inflates the second base market with an extension of his own.

Kinsler batted .255 with 32 homers, 77 runs batted in, 30 stolen bases, and a .355 on-base percentage last season.

Beckett to Start Sunday

Unlike RHP Andrew Bailey, RHP Josh Beckett's thumb is fine.  The same hand specialist who has recommended surgery for Bailey that will keep him out for at least the first half of the season has pronounced Beckett as good to go.  Beckett has been dealing with thumb discomfort for the past 18 months.

Beckett was 13-7 with a 2.89 ERA in 30 starts for Boston last season.

Outman Injured While Vomiting

Colorado LHP Josh Outman has sustained an injury while vomiting.  Manager Jim Tracy told reporters that he pulled his right oblique muscle after vomiting from food poisoning.  Outman will start the year on the 15-day disabled list.

Outman went 3-5 with a 3.70 ERA and 35 strikeouts last season for Oakland.

Martinez Arrested for DUI

Atlanta RHP Cristhian Martinez was arrested yesterday morning and charged with a DUI by the Gwinnett County Police after he was seen weaving in and out of traffic and later registered a 0.13 BAC level during a breath test.  The 30-year-old reliever is in his third season with the Braves and had secured a spot on the team with a strong Spring.

Francisco Undergoes MRI on knee

Mets RHP Frank Francisco, signed to a two-year, $12 million contract this off-season, had an MRI on his right knee yesterday after having it drained earlier.  He said that the knee was sore earlier in Spring but that it went away after his body toned up in Spring, but that the soreness returned on Saturday after pitching two innings in an exhibition game, although he was able to throw after the draining and MRI yesterday.

Upton Hopes to Return in April

Tampa Bay CF B. J. Upton, who will start the season on the disabled list, says he is making quick progress in his recovery and plans to return to the team later this month, more specifically during the team's April 10-19 road trip against Detroit, Boston, and Toronto.  He has played in only one Minor League game since a collision with LF Desmond Jennings on March 14.  In other Rays news, OF Sam Fuld underwent right wrist surgery today and is expected to miss four or five months.

Pettitte to Start Against Mets Tomorrow

Yankees LHP Andy Pettitte is scheduled to start tomorrow's exhibition game against the Mets in Tampa tomorrow at noon (YES Network, MLB Network).  He is expected to pitch one winning.  Pettitte came out of retirement on March 16 and is expected to be ready to join the team sometime in May.

The decision to let Pettitte start came after he threw his second simulated game since his return on Saturday and a 25-pitch bullpen session yesterday. 

Chapman Returns to Bullpen

Cincinnati LHP Aroldis Chapman will return to the bullpen this season.  The plan had been to let him return to starting (his role in his native Cuba) but they opted to place him back in the bullpen when RHP Ryan Madson (out for season) and RHP Nick Masset (15-day disabled list) went down with injuries.  Chapman had been optimistic to return to starting this season.

Jimenez Suspended five Games After Drilling Tulo in Spring game

Cleveland RHP Ubaldo Jimenez has been suspended for five games after hitting Colorado SS Troy Tulowitzki (the two a re former teammates) with a pitch in a Spring Training game on Sunday.  The incident cleared both benches and Jimenez was later suspended by MLB Senior Vice President Joe Garagiola Jr.  Tulowitzki did not play in Colorado's next Cactus League game on Monday, but he was expected to play both today and tomorrow.

Jimenez insists that the beaning was not intentional and refused to apologize to Tulowitzki.  Colorado manager Jim Tracy and several of their players were upset at the incident because it occurred so close to the regular season, despite the fact that most of them were aware of the ill will between the two players.

Bailey to Undergo Thumb Surgery

Boston RHP Andrew Bailey is set to undergo surgery on his right thumb and is expected to miss a large amount of the season, although there is no set timetable for his return.  The Red Sox announced on Tuesday that he had been examined by two doctors in Boston and was set to be examined by a third that day.  Today, Boston announced that Bailey has decided to undergo surgery.

2012 MLB Division Predictions

Before we start with all the prediction let's take a look at the three teams we cover the most, the Yankees, the Mets, and Boston. 

We'll start with the Yanks.  !!!!SPOILER ALERT!!! I'm going to say where these teams finish in our predictions before we actually name our predictions, so reader beware.  We picked the Yankees to repeat as AL East Champions.  And why not?  They have, more or less, the same team in place as last year and none of the other teams in the Division (with the possible exception of Toronto) has upgraded their personnel.  But don't get too excited Yankee fans.  This team still has all the old problems from last season.  Like their pitching for example.  Or rather, lack thereof.  LHP C. C. Sabathia is a stud and one of the better true aces in the AL, but there's nothing behind him.  Okay, RHP Ivan Nova is pretty good, and I expect RHP Hiroki Kuroda to be decent in the AL and the Bronx, but not great.  RHP Phil Hughes belongs in AAA, and RHP Freddy Garcia's job is only guaranteed until either RHP Michael Pineda (who's well on his way to being a true NY bust) returns from the DL or LHP Andy Pettitte is ready to go again.  The bullpen is good at first with RHP Mariano Rivera and RHP David Robertson, but it thins out quickly after that.  Yanks might get knocked out in the Division Series, and definitely won't make it to the World Series.

Now onto Boston.  We picked Boston to recover from their collapse from last season and finish in second place in the AL East.  And yes, although it's somewhat of a crap-shoot, we picked Boston to win one of the two Wild Card spots in the AL.  !!!SPOILER ALERT!!! We picked the Angels to win the other Wild Card spot.  This would lead to a one-game playoff between the two teams.  A lot will happen between now and the first week of October, but if the two brightest spots on the teams stay the course that would lead to a pitching match-up in the one game playoff between LHP Jon Lester and RHP Jerad Weaver.  You never know what will happen in these one-game playoffs until they're played, but if you were giving us odds we'd put our money on Weaver and the Angels.  Sorry Red Sox Nation, but it should still be a good season.

And finally the Mets.  Yeah, they're going to finish in last place.  Sure, The Dude (RF Lucas Duda) looks like the real deal, but he can't judge fly balls. 1B Ike Davis says that he's healthy, but we don't really know how his ankle is faring and now he has Valley Fever.  3B David Wright has a torn muscle in his rib cage.  IF Ruben Tejada is completely unproven at shortstop.  IF/OF Daniel Murphy can't field ground balls to save his life and he's penciled in to play second base.  C Josh Thole can't hit left-handers and can't catch either RHP R. A. Dickey or RHP Mike Pelfrey (the first being a knuckleballer and the latter needing a personal catcher), and he can't meet the defensive demands of his position.  CF Andres Torres is terrible and injury-prone, and he'll probably start the season on the DL.  But that's only their starting lineup.  They have no one of value in their bullpen.  Their rotation is actually okay, with Dickey, Pelfrey, LHP Jon Niese, and RHP Dillon Gee actually finishing with a near .500 record last season.  But it all hinges on LHP Johan Santana, who's trying to come back from an injury for a full season that no one has ever fully recovered from (Nationals RHP Chien-Ming Wang has come closest).  So yeah, they'll be in last place and Citi Field will be empty by Mother's Day.

The predictions:

AL East:

1.  Yankees (see above)
2.  Red Sox (see above)
3.  Rays:  They're in a tough division and probably won't be able to benefit from another Red Sox collapse again.
4.  Blue Jays:  A ton of offense, decent pitching, and much-improved bullpen, but they won't be able to leapfrog the three strong teams in front of them.
5.  Orioles:  Baltimore sucks.  At everything.  Not just baseball.

AL Central:

1.  Tigers:  Definitely in good position to repeat.
2.  Royals:  The rest of the division is terrible and they're actually looking better; could have a winning record for first time since 2003.
3.  Indians:  They're a mediocre team in a bad division; 75 wins but a third place finish is proof of this.
4.  Twins:  They built their team to win in the Metrodome, then they built a completely different stadium; it could be a long time before they win again.
5.  White Sox:  They're in an acknowledged rebuilding phase and rookie manager Robin Ventura isn't going to be able to do anything special with this franchise. 

AL West:

1.  Rangers:  They've become the new powerhouse of the AL with back-to-back pennants.
2.  Angels:  Should be strong again new additions in Pujols and Wilson; should win one of two Wild Card spots.
3.  Mariners:  They're bad, but still better than Oakland.
4.  A's:  They're rebuilding with a huge fire sale in the off-season.

NL East:

1.  Phillies:  An offense suited for their stadium and top-notch pitching will give them another Division title.
2.  Braves:  They won't collapse again if only because there are two Wild Card winners this season, and we expect them to win one of them.
3.  Marlins:  A new ballpark, shortstop, and manager will help, but it won't help that much, although they may make a strong run at 85 wins.
4.  Nationals:  Look, they're not going to be as good as people are saying, losing record.
5.  Mets:  See above.

NL Central:

1.  Cardinals:  They've lost a lot in player personnel, LaRussa, and the coaching staff, but they should still repeat as division champions.
2.  Reds:  They were there two years ago but slumped last season, they'll be back again and should win one of the two Wild Cards.
3.  Brewers:  It turns out that Prince Fielder was a lot more important than people thought.
4.  Pirates:  They look like they're going to be better, but how good will that really make them?
5.  Cubs:  They're officially rebuilding, they're going to be worse than usual for awhile.
6.  Astros:  They're just waiting to limp their way into the AL West in 2013.

NL West

1.  D-backs:  Hopefully last year wasn't a flash in the pan like in the past with the D-backs, because they looked like they had the most complete team last year.
2.  Giants:  A ton of pitching, but last year their offense was their Achilles' heel.
3.  Dodgers:  The new owners and lack of McCourt distractions will help, but the team still just isn't that good.
4.  Rockies:  I love Jamie Moyer, but when a 49-year-old finesse pitcher attempting to make a comeback is currently penciled into be your number two starter, how good can you expect to be?
5.  Padres:  Proof that baseball is the most humbling sport amongst the big four:  It wasn't that long ago that the Padres were a decent team.

Doubront, Bard Crack Boston Rotation

Manager Bobby Valentine has announced that LHP Felix Doubront and RHP Daniel Bard have won the two open spots in his rotation.  The announcement was made yesterday.  Doubront will be the team's fourth starter and Bard the fifth, behind LHP Jon Lester, RHP Josh Beckett, and RHP Clay Buchholz, if all are healthy.

RHP Alfredo Aceves, who was also competing for a rotation spot, was informed that he will pitch out of the bullpen.  Bard has been a reliever in the Majors and posted a 6.57 ERA in six starts this Spring, but was considered a lock for the rotation all off-season. 

Braden Suffers Setback

Oakland Athletics LHP Dallas Braden has suffered a setback in his recovery from shoulder surgery with a left shoulder strain.  The strain was suffered while he was playing catch following a bullpen session before the team traveled to Japan to open the season against Seattle.  Before the setback, Braden was expected to return by May.

The 28-year-old Braden underwent left shoulder surgery last May to repair a torn capsule after going 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA in three starts.  He went 11-14 with a 3.50 ERA in 30 starts in 2010.  Braden was on a throwing program this Spring, but had yet to appear in an exhibition game.

Atlanta, Cincinnati swap Prospects

Atlanta has acquired 3B Juan Francisco from Cincinnati in exchange for RHP J. J. Hoover.  Francisco was ranked as Cincinnati's top-ranked power-hitting prospect by Baseball America in 2011.  Last season he batted .307 with 15 homers and a .334 on-base percentage for Louisville and also batted .258 with three homers and a .289 on-base percentage with Cincinnati.

Francisco is out of options and was about to be cut by Cincinnati, which is why he was traded as opposed to waived of outrighted, and he is expected to crack the Opening Day roster for Atlanta and should get some starts in place of injured 3B Chipper Jones.  Francisco lost out on the job to back up 3B Scott Rolen to IF Todd Frazier and had no place on the team.  Hoover had a 2.64 ERA in the Minors last season and has gone 25-19 with a 3.14 ERA in his Minor League career.

Cain Signs $127.5 Million Extension with San Francisco

RHP Matt Cain will be staying in San Francisco for the time being.  And why not, Cain has been an All-Star, second ace to RHP Tim Lincecum, and postseason hero in the Bay Area.  And now Cain has been awarded a big contract for his contributions, past, present, and future.

The extension has netted Cain $127.5 million over the next six years, a record for a right-handed pitcher.  Cain had already been guaranteed $12 million this season, but was due to become a free agent at the end of the season.  The extension also gives Cain a vesting option for 2018 if he reaches 200 innings pitched in 2017 and/or pitches a combined 400 innings pitched combined in 2016 and 2017.

This long extension comes after Lincecum agreed to a two-year, $40 million extension earlier this off-season.  Oh by the way, Cain's record deal for a righty is also the third biggest contract of all-time for a pitcher, behind the ones awarded LHP Johan Santana of the Mets and LHP C. C. Sabathia of the Yankees.  The second-largest contract ever awarded a righty was RHP Kevin Brown's seven-year, $105 million contract awarded him by the Dodgers in 1998.

Cain, only 27, went 12-11 with a 2.88 ERA last season and reached 200 innings pitched for the fifth season in a row, after not allowing a run all postseason in 2010 when San Francisco won the World Series.  Cain and his agents had intimated that he wanted "fair value" from whatever team gave him a contract, and he was awarded similar money to that of LHP Cliff Lee of Philadelphia and LHP C. J. Wilson and RHP Jerad Weaver of the Angels.  GM Brian Sabean said that the contract talks with Cain and his agents were constant and professional.

And look out Philadelphia fans, LHP Cole Hamels now figures to be the top free agent pitcher this season, and he'll probably want a bigger contract than Cain.  Not that San Francisco is worried about that, or were they worried about spending top-dollar for Cain, after they signed free agent bust LHP Barry Zito to a seven-year, $126 million deal in 2007.  And Cain isn't worried about either of those two things, he's just happy to be staying in San Francisco.

Votto Signs ten-year, $225 Million Extension

Arguably the biggest off-season splash in the history of the Cincinnati Reds organization came when they acquired CF Ken Griffey Jr. in a trade with Seattle shortly before the start of the 2000 season.  But that won't be the case for much longer.  1B Joey Votto has told reporters that he is close to signing a ten-year, $225 million extension with the team.

If true and the numbers are correct, this would be the fourth largest deal in MLB history, not adjusted for inflation.  And the 28-year-old Votto will be the third first baseman to sign a $200-million contract in the past four months, joining 1B Albert Pujols of the Angels and 1B Prince Fielder of Detroit.  Before this off-season, the only player to ever crack the $200 million mark was IF Alex Rodriguez, who did so twice, once as a shortstop with Texas in 2001 and a second time as a third baseman with the Yankees in 2007.

Just for reference, Votto was already set to make $9.5 million this season and $17 million in 2013.  Also, by opting to build around Votto, this probably means that 2B Brandon Phillips will not be retained by Cincinnati when he becomes a free agent at the end of this season.  The 30-year-old Phillips will more likely get a three-year contract in the off-season, most likely somewhere outside of Cincinnati.

Spring Training cuts

Boston made an important Spring Training cut today, optioning C Ryan Lavarnway to Pawtucket.  There was some speculation that Lavarnway - a top prospect who has torn up Minor League pitching and has looked capable of making the next step to the Majors - would be awarded the starting catcher's job over incumbent C Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

The Mets have also gone through their most recent wave of cuts, beginning on Thursday when they optioned SS Jordany Valdespin to Buffalo.  On Friday, they then optioned RHP Chris Schwinden to Buffalo.  In addition, the team signed LF Bobby Scales, who was released in Spring Training by the Cubs, to a Minor League contract today.

The Yankees have also been tweaking their roster since last Tuesday, when they claimed C Craig Tatum on waivers from Arizona and signed 1B Steve Pearce - a free agent who had been released by Minnesota this Spring - to a Minor League contract.  On Thursday, they outrighted Tatum to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.  He has the option of refusing the assignment and becoming a free agent.  And today, they signed RHP Jason Bulger - who had been released by Minnesota this Spring - to a Minor League contract.

Santana Named Opening Day Starter

LHP Johan Santana has been named the Opening Day starter by the Mets.  He learned that he would be given the Opening Day assignment during a meeting with manager Terry Collins on Thursday.  The rest of the rotation will include RHP R. A. Dickey, LHP Jon Niese, RHP Mike Pelfrey, and RHP Dillon Gee.

There had been doubt about Santana's availability all Spring as he hasn't pitched in the Majors for 19 months, and that doubt was reinforced as he left an exhibition game with shoulder soreness last week, but his strong bullpen session yesterday convinced Collins that he was ready to go.

Robinson's son Commits to Notre Dame

Corey Robinson has committed to Notre Dame.  He picked Notre Dame over Iowa, Navy, Wake Forest, North Carolina, and Kansas.  The wide receiver is the son of NBA Hall of Famer David Robinson.

It appears that Wake Forest was Robinson's second pick.  He committed to Notre Dame after visiting the school on Junior Day and meeting with academic advisers.

Yankees Claim Tatum on Waivers from Arizona

The Yankees have claimed C Craig Tatum on waivers from Arizona after he was cut by the D-backs this Spring.  He spent last season in Baltimore where he batted .195 in 87 at-bats.  A defensive standout, Tatum has spent a large part of this off-season on the waiver wire.

Drafted by Cincinnati in 2004, Tatum was claimed on waivers by Baltimore in 2009 and was then claimed on waivers by Houston this past November, only to waived and claimed by Arizona in January before again being claimed by the Yankees today after being cut in Spring Training.  The Yankees have added Tatum to their active roster and he will be temporarily competing for a job as a backup catcher until the end of Spring Training.

And you guessed it:  If Tatum is cut (and he isn't likely to beat out C Francisco Cervelli for the backup job) he'll likely be waived again.

Spring Training cuts

Boston made another series of Spring Training cuts on Tuesday, with one of them having major ramifications on the makeup of the team in 2012.  1B Lars Anderson was optioned to Pawtucket in a move that was expected all season long.  But in another major move, SS Jose Iglesias was also optioned to Pawtucket.  Iglesias was battling for a position as the team's starting shortstop, but that job now appears to have gone to IF/OF Mike Aviles.

Chamberlain Expects to Pitch this Season

RHP Joba Chamberlain feels as if he let the Yankees down when he dislocated his ankle on a trampoline playing with his son and nearly died to to blood loss, but refused to apologize to the team following the incident.  He was already sidelined following Tommy John surgery and - realistically - probably wouldn't have pitched at all this season.  However, Chamberlain still expects to pitch this season.

Chamberlain said that he and his son were jumping from trampoline-to-trampoline at a Tampa trampoline facility when he landed awkwardly.  GM Brian Cashman has revealed that the injury has been categorized as an open dislocation subtalar joint.  Chamberlain is expected to remain in a cast for a minimum of six weeks and then move to a walking boot.

Baseball Season Opener - if you saw it

Hey in case you didn't notice it, and judging by the TV exposure this came got, you didn't, the baseball season opener happened yesterday morning at 2:00 in Tokyo.  RF Ichiro Suzuki had four hits in the first game he has played in Japan since 2000 and 2B Dustin Ackley hit a homer and drove in the game-winning run with an 11th inning single as Seattle topped Oakland 3-1.  RHP Felix Hernandez combined with two relievers on a six-hitter for the Mariners.  The two teams complete their two-game series in Tokyo this morning at 2:00, with the rest of the league not opening their seasons until April 4 or later.

The game was tied in the fourth when Ackley homered and Oakland C Kurt Suzuki had an RBI double in the bottom of the frame.  Seattle went ahead in the 11th when SS Brendan Ryan doubled and 3B Chone Figgins bunted him over to second, followed by Ackely's RBI single, a stolen base, and a single by Ichiro to pad Seattle's lead to make it easier on RHP Brandon League, who slammed the door for the save in the bottom of the frame.  RHP Tom Wilhelmsen got the win for Seattle following two innings of relief.

CF Yoenis Cespedes, a Cuban defector who signed a four-year, $36 million contract this off-season, was one-for-three with a double and two strikeouts in the game for Oakland in his Major League debut.  The capacity crowd at the Tokyo Dome seemed ecstatic every time Ichiro came up to the plate or touched the ball in the field.  Ichiro has been dropped to the number three hole in Seattle's batting order and singled in his first at-bat when he beat out Oakland SS Cliff Pennington's throw to first for an infield hit.

Ichiro had another infield hit in the fourth and a clean single to center in the sixth before his extra-inning hit in the 11th.  Hernandez pitched eight strong innings in a no-decision for Seattle.  RHP Brandon McCarthy pitched seven strong innings in a no-decision for Oakland.

The A's were 1-for-14 with runners in scoring in position.  Remember my opening?  That's because this game wasn't broadcast live in the U. S. outside of the Seattle market.  I was awake at 2:00, and I checked FOX, TBS, ESPN, and the MLB Network, but nary a game was found (the game was shown on a tape-delay by the MLB Network later yesterday).  Don't get excited for this morning's game either, because you probably won't find it.  The Mets and Cubs played in Tokyo in 2000, and those games were on TV.  So were the Yankees and Tampa Bay (then "Devil" Rays) when they opened in Tokyo in 2004.  And so were Boston and Oakland when they played in Tokyo back in 2008.  Oh by the way, Oakland and Seattle were supposed to play a two-game set in Tokyo back in 2003, but the series was cancelled due to fears over the impending U. S.-invasion of Iraq, and I bet that those games would have been broadcast too.  Epic fail MLB, Ted Turner, Disney, and Rupert Murdoch.

Today's probables are RHP Bartolo Colon for Oakland and LHP Jason Vargas for Seattle.  Yesterday's game featured an hour-long tribute to the victims of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, narrated by former Baltimore IF Cal Ripken Jr., Yankees SS Derek Jeter, and Boston manager Bobby Valentine (who previously managed the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan for years), and absolutely no one from either Oakland or Seattle.

Ownership Group led by Johnson wins bid for Dodgers

An ownership group led by former NBA player Magic Johnson and longtime baseball executive Stan Kasten has agreed to buy the Dodgers from disgraced owner Frank McCourt for $2 billion.  The price would be a new record for a North American sports franchise if the deal goes through, breaking the $1.1 billion Stephen Ross paid for the Miami Dolphins of the NFL in 2009.  In addition to Johnson and Kasten, the controlling owners would also include Guggenheim Partners CEO Mark Walter.

The deal came on the heels of an announcement by MLB that three finalists had been approved for an auction, and the deal is still subject to be approved by a bankruptcy court and is not expected to be completed until late April.  As a strange part of the deal, McCourt will acquire land in Chavez Ravine surrounding Dodger Stadium for $150 million.  The new ownership group also includes Mandalay Entertainment CEO Peter Guber, Guggenheim Partners President Todd Boehly, and oil and gas mogul Bobby Patton.

Johnson, now 52, played 13 seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers and won five NBA championships and three MVP Awards.  He retired abruptly in 1991 after being diagnosed with HIV, although he came out of retirement in the 1995-1996 season and has coached in the NBA.  Since leaving coaching, he has made a living as a public speaker on HIV awareness.

McCourt bought the team and approximately 250 acres of land in Chavez Ravine surrounding Dodger Stadium from News Corp. CEO Rupert Murdoch for $430 million in 2004.  With the sale now all-but approved, it now appears that Katsen will serve as the foremost baseball executive.  Other finalists included a group led by Stan Kroenke, who owns the Colorado Rapids of MLS, the Denver Nuggets of the NBA, the St. Louis Rams of the NFL, the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL, and the Arsenal of the Premier League; the last group of finalists included a group led by SAC Capital Advisors founder Steven Cohen, who owns a small share of the Mets, Patrick Soon-Schiong, a biotechnology entrepreneur, and Wasserman Media Group agent Arn Tellem.

MLB has the right to challenge the sale in bankruptcy court in front of Judge Kevin Gross in Delaware.  MLB and McCourt made a deal to take the team to auction last November, with a schedule outlined to select the winner by April 1, have the agreement submitted to bankruptcy court by April 6, have the trial begin by April 13, and finalize the sale by April 30.  The deal also hinges on the ability of the new ownership group to sell the Dodgers' broadcast rights by 2014.

If the deal goes through it would break the record for a purchase of a Major League Baseball franchise, set in 2009 when the Ricketts family bought the Cubs for $845 million.  The Dodgers filed for bankruptcy protection last June when it became apparent that they weren't going to be able to make payroll.  They finished in third place in the West last season at a respectable 82-79.

Kasten was hired as a legal counsel by Ted Turner for the Atlanta Braves and Hawks of the NBA in 1976 and became the youngest GM in the history of the NBA when he took the helm for the Hawks in 1979, later becoming president of the Hawks, Braves, and Thrashers of the NHL and later serving in the same capacity for the Washington Nationals from 2006-2010.  Following the story of the upcoming sale, Dodgers GM Ned Colleti had dinner with Katsen in Glendale, Arizona.  The Dodgers have won the World Series six times, but never since 1988. 

Colleti admits that he's happy about the upcoming influx of money into the team.

Dickey's book Makes Stunning Revelations

Mets RHP R. A. Dickey has revealed in his upcoming book that he was sexually abused as a child.  He says that he was eight years old when his 13-year-old female babysitter began sexually abusing him.  Dickey has said that it's important to tell others of abuse when it happens.

In addition, Dickey also goes into detail about contemplating suicide after cheating on his wife.  He also alleges that he once saw a syringe on the floor of the Texas clubhouse in 2001.  Dickey only played four games with the Rangers that season, so the fact that he saw a syringe out in the open despite being on the roster for a brief period of time would suggest that steroids were rampant on that team.

The book, Wherever I wind up, written by Dickey and Wayne Coffey, will be released tomorrow.

Former Sopranos star Reportedly Dating Dykstra's son

Former The Sopranos hottie Jamie-Lynn Sigler is reportedly dating Washington Nationals Minor League IF/OF Cutter Dykstra, the son of former Philadelphia OF Lenny Dykstra, now a convicted felon.  A source has told LeRoy that the two have been together for three months and that the relationship is going well.  The LA starlet was introduced to the younger Dykstra by Yankees OF Nick Swisher and his girlfriend, the actress Joanna Garcia.

And Sigler seems to like those athletes, as she had previously dated Jets QB Mark Sanchez, but to be fair she also once dated actor Jerry Ferrara, who was her costar on Entourage.  Sigler is currently set to star in the Jimmy Fallon pilot Guys with kids.  Dykstra tweeted last week that he is happy dating the actress.

Beltran Makes good on Offer

St. Louis RF Carlos Beltran has finally made good on his offer to finance Mets LHP Jon Niese's nose job.  The procedure reportedly cost $10,000.  Beltran joked last season that he would finance the operation if Niese - who formerly had a very distinct and crooked nose - would undergo surgery on his nose.

Niese confirmed to reporters that he had undergone the procedure in October when it became evident that his nose looked noticeably different after he reported to Spring Training in mid-February and had told them that he sent Beltran the bill for the operation.  But don't worry folks, Beltran just signed a two-year, $26 million deal with St. Louis this off-season so $10,000 is peanuts to him.  Although Niese's nose is noticeably straighter than it had been in the past, the procedure has helped him breath easier out of his nose.

In addition, Niese claims that he lost ten pounds in the off-season due to the fact that he was breathing heavier while working out following the nose job.

Spring Training Cuts

The Yankees have made a couple of more Spring Training cuts over the past few days.  On Sunday, The Yankees optioned RHP Dellin Betances to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and on Monday they also optioned IF Ramiro Pena to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Mets Re-Sign Young to Minor League Contract

The Mets have re-signed RHP Chris Young to a Minor League contract.  He is attempting to recover from right anterior capsule surgery - the same procedure that LHP Johan Santana underwent on his left shoulder in September 2010 - after going 1-0 with a 1.88 ERA in four starts last season.  He is undergoing a physical in New York today and will then report to Port St. Lucie where he is expected to throw in front of Mets officials.

Young was reportedly seeking a Major League deal all off-season, but went unsigned due to concerns about his long rehab schedule and preexisting injury history, and the odds are that he will not pitch at all this season, considering that Santana is currently attempting a comeback after 18 months of recovery and rehab, and his potential return would be the quickest yet for anterior capsule surgery if he is successful.  Further complicating matters, Young has only pitched 120 innings in the Majors since 2009 due to injuries. 

Boots Signs Contract with Kings, is Assigned to ECHL Affiliate

Former Oswego State Lakers F Ian Boots has signed a contract with the Los Angeles Kings and has been assigned to play with the Ontario Reign of the ECHL, the AA-level affiliate for the team.  The Lakers were runners-up for the National Championship last week in Lake Placid, New York, with Boots finishing his senior campaign with 28 points in 30 games and being named to the 2012 NCAA All-Tournament Team.  A D-I transfer to the Lakers, Boots finished his junior year with the team in 2010-2011 by winning First-Team All-SUNYAC honors and being named a Second Team East All-American in his first of two years in Lakerland.

Before transferring to Oswego State, Boots played for Ohio State and scored 29 points in 50 games in two seasons in the CCHA.  He played a year in juniors for the Cornwall Colts and Brockville Braves, both of the CJHL, and scored 74 points in 54 games.  He is a native of Akwesasne, New York, an unincorporated native community on both sides of the New York-Ontario, Canada border with roots from a group belonging to the Mohawk Native American tribe, with the New York side resting mostly on the St. Regis Indian Reservation.

Utley opts Against Surgery

Philadelphia 2B Chase Utley has decided to opt against surgery.  Instead, Utley will begin a daily routine that is designed to strengthen both of his balky knees.  The routine has been designed by trainer Brett Fischer, who has worked with numerous other athletes with knee issues in the past, including baseball players 1B Adrian Gonzalez (Boston), 1B Justin Morneau (Minnesota), and RHP Kerry Wood (back to the Cubs).

The routine will include standard therapeutic procedures, strength training, and mobilization of certain joints.  The now 33-year-old Utley is suffering from left-knee chondromalacia patella, which is basically a roughening of cartilage under the knee.  The condition is not believed to be chronic.

Spring Training Cuts

The Red Sox and Mets have made another wave of Spring Training cuts in an attempt to trim their active rosters down to 25 for Opening Day.

Yesterday, Boston optioned RHP Clayton Mortensen, RHP Junichi Tazawa, and C Luis Exposito to Pawtucket.

Also yesterday, the Mets optioned 2B Josh Satin to Buffalo.

Joba Injured Playing with son on Trampoline

RHP Joba Chamberlain has dislocated his right ankle and undergone surgery after rolling it while playing with his son on a trampoline.  GM Brian Cashman said that bone came through the skin when the ankle dislocated and that Chamberlain is expected to be hospitalized for a few days.  The Yankees say that the injury occurred when Chamberlain was playing with his five-year-old son at a Tampa-area hot-spot that has trampoline equipment (the Yankees train in Tampa during Spring Training).

Chamberlain was attempting to return from Tommy John Surgery this season and now he has the ankle deal with, with an MRI and CAT scan set for today.

Red Sox Pitcher Jenks Arrested

RHP Bobby Jenks was arrested after leaving a strip club in Florida this morning and charged with DUI and leaving the scene of an accident.  The accident occurred in the parking lot of "Babes" in Fort Myers, Florida, where Boston trains in Spring Training.  According to the Lee County Sheriff's Office, Jenks was released after posting bond.

Aside from DUI and leaving the scene, Jenks also faces two counts of DUI with property damage.  Jenks was ordered to appear in court on April 9.  Signed to a two-year, $12 million deal following the 2010 season, Jenks spent most of last year on the disabled list and was terrible while healthy, posting a 6.32 ERA in 15.2 innings pitched.

2004 Number one Draft pick Bush Arrested Again

The Florida Highway Patrol has charged RHP Matt Bush with several crimes after a traffic accident yesterday.  Apparently Bush struck a 72-year-old man on a motorcycle yesterday on US 41 in Florida with his 2011 Dodge SUV.  After the accident, Bush left the scene and traveled north on 41 before he was eventually located a short time later after numerous law enforcement agencies were alerted to his vehicle, after which he was arrested and charged with a number of crimes including DUI and was taken to Charlotte County Jail.

The Highway Patrol asserts that Bush hit the motorcycle from behind and then ran over the man's head.  Bush has never made the Major Leagues since being drafted number one overall by San Diego in 2004, but he's currently in the Minor League system with Tampa Bay (his third organization) who have declined to comment on the charges.  He signed with the Rays in 2010 after having played briefly in the Toronto organization.

This is just another in a long-line of off-field incidents which have plagued Bush's career since he was drafted, most of which have involved alcohol.

Yankees Roster Predictions

Starting Rotation:

1.  LHP C. C. Sabathia
2.  RHP Hiroki Kuroda
3.  RHP Ivan Nova
4.  RHP Michael Pineda
5.  RHP Freddy Garcia

Bullpen:

1.  RHP Mariano Rivera (closer)
2.  RHP David Robertson
3.  LHP Boone Logan
4.  RHP Rafael Soriano
5.  RHP Cory Wade
6.  LHP Clay Rapada
7.  RHP Joba Chamberlain*

Starting Lineup:

1.  LF Brett Gardner
2.  SS Derek Jeter
3.  2B Robinson Cano
4.  3B Alex Rodriguez
5.  1B Mark Teixeira
6.  CF Curtis Granderson
7.  RF Nick Swisher
8.  DH Raul Ibanez
9.   C Russell Martin

Bench:

1.  OF Andruw Jones
2.  IF Eduardo Nunez
3.   C Francisco Cervelli
4.  IF Bill Hall

Yankees Bench

The Yankees are attempting to repeat as AL East Champions in 2012.  As such, they are proceeding with a long list of returning players from 2011.  However, there are going to be some new additions on the team's bench.

1.  Fourth Outfielder:  The fourth outfielder role is designed for defensively strong players.  These players typically will lead bench players in games played, though not necessarily at-bats.  They need to be ready to enter into almost every game when their team has a late lead to protect for defensive purposes.  The front-runner for this role is OF/DH Andruw Jones, who is as ideal a candidate for the role as there ever has been, having won ten Gold Gloves in his career.  Jones had an interesting season last year, only batting .247 in 190 at-bats last season, but hitting 13 homers and playing outstanding defense in that time.  Just for kicks, giggles, insurance, and depth, OF Justin Maxwell and OF DeWayne Wise are competing for the role. 

2.  Utility Infielder:  The utility infielder essentially serves as a jack of all trades for the manager, being able and willing to play anywhere, but he must be able to play both second base and shortstop.  The front-runner for this role is probably IF Eduardo Nunez, a top prospect who filled the role well last season.  Nunez batted .265 with 22 stolen bases in 309 at-bats last season and proved that he is capable of playing second, third, and short.  Also competing for the role are IF Ramiro Pena, IF Doug Bernier, and IF Bill Hall.

3.  Backup Catcher:  The backup catcher basically catches day games after night games, comes in for defense late in games on occasion, and makes a spot start every once in awhile when the starter needs an extra day off.  The front-runner on paper is C Francisco Cervelli, but it's not exactly a closed competition.  Cervelli had a good season last year, batting .266 in 124 at-bats, but his season ended in misery with another concussion and his future is definitely in doubt as post-concussion syndrome has crept in.  He's facing competition from top prospect C Austin Romine, C Jose Gil, C Kyle Higashioka, C Gustavo Molina, C J. R. Murphy, and C Gary Sanchez.

4.  Backup DH:  The Backup DH needs to be a platoon-type player who can do some pinch hitting and can provide a degree of defensive versatility.  Being that DH Raul Ibanez bats left-handed, the backup DH figures to profile as a right-handed hitter.  However, there doesn't appear to be a clear front-runner for this role.  A good fit might be IF Bill Hall, who bats right-handed, can play almost anywhere, and has some power.  Hall had a bad season last year, though, batting .211 with only two homers and 14 runs batted in after 185 at-bats with Houston and San Francisco.  Other right-handed options in camp are Maxwell, Bernier, Romine, Gil, Higashioka, Molina, Murphy, Sanchez, 3B Jayson Nix, 1B Jorge Vazquez, and LF Cole Garner.

Spring Training Cuts

The New York Yankees have made another wave of Spring Training cuts in an effort to trim their active roster down to 25 by Opening Day in early April.

Late Tuesday, the Yankees optioned RHP George Kontos, RHP D. J. Mitchell, RHP David Phelps, and 3B Brandon Laird to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Mets Roster Predictions

Starting Rotation:

1.  RHP R. A. Dickey
2.  LHP Jonathan Niese
3.  RHP Dillon Gee
4.  RHP Mike Pelfrey
5.  RHP Miguel Batista

Bullpen:

1.  RHP Ramon Ramirez (closer I guess)
2.  RHP Bobby Parnell
3.  RHP Pedro Beato
4.  RHP Frank Francisco
5.  RHP D. J. Carrasco
6.  LHP Tim Byrdak*
7.  RHP Chris Schwinden

Starting Lineup:

1.  CF Andres Torres*
2.  2B Justin Turner
3.  3B David Wright*
4.  1B Ike Davis
5.  LF Jason Bay
6.  RF Lucas Duda
7.  SS Ronny Cedeno
8.   C Josh Thole

Bench:

1.     IF Ruben Tejada
2.  IF/2B Daniel Murphy
3.      C Rob Johnson
4.  OF/2B Scott Hairston*
5.  ?????

*denotes health problems
?????denotes unknown commodity on roster (translation:  if you can figure out who is going to be on this bench with the players they have in place and all of their injuries then LeRoy officially offers to shake your hand and buy you a Macanudo cigar)

Mets Bench

The Mets are attempting to tread water this season, in the second year of their official rebuilding phase.  With that being said, they're moving forward with an eclectic mix of returning veterans, young players and prospects, and new acquisitions.  One area which should feature all three types of players is their bench.

1.  Fourth Outfielder:  The fourth outfielder position usually goes to a strong defensive player who will typically lead bench players in games played, though not necessarily at-bats.  He needs to be someone who can play all three outfield positions and be ready to enter games after the seventh inning when his team has a lead.  Who is the front-runner for this role with the Mets?  Good question.  GM Sandy Alderson would have you believe that OF/2B Scott Hairston is capable of filling the role, but if you watched the team last year you know that Hairston was used as a pinch hitter and a long-ball threat off the bench most of the year, not as a defensive outfielder.  Moreover, if you watched the team last year you undoubtedly saw Hairston misjudge fly balls in left field on a regular basis and not play center or right at all, and for a good reason:  He wasn't strong enough defensively to play either of those positions.  The fences are shorter this year than they were last year in right field which could make Hairston more versatile in the outfield, but he still can't play center.  Plus, Hairston has an oblique injury and hasn't played in Spring Training yet.  So that's Hairston.  Who else is in competition for the role?  Well there's prospect CF Matt Den Dekker, who right now is probably the most capable person for the role, although I doubt the Mets would use this guy in the Majors for anything that wouldn't give him regular at-bats.  That's about it.  So who will the fourth outfielder be?  Good question.

2.  Utility Infielder:  The utility infielder is typically a jack of all trades who is expected to be willing and able to play just about anywhere.  But the most important things for these guys is that they have to be able to play both second base and shortstop.  The clear front-runner here is IF Ronny Cedeno, who was signed as a free agent this off-season.  Last season in Pittsburgh, Cedeno batted .249 in 413 at-bats as the team's starting shortstop.  But let's not start sucking each other's dicks just yet.  LeRoy still believes that Cedeno will emerge as the starting shortstop for the Mets, and if that happens, IF Ruben Tejada would then become the utility player.  Also competing as longer shots for the role are IF Justin Turner (last year's starting second baseman), SS Jordany Valdespin (a prospect which the team probably wouldn't use off the bench), and SS Omar Quintanilla (a non-roster invitee who may play second base at Buffalo), but none of them are considered to be close to winning the role.  I'd put my money on the job falling to Tejada.

3.  Backup Catcher:  The backup catcher typically catches day games after night games and comes in for defense on occasion, while also giving the starter an extra rest when he needs it.  The job is different for the Mets though.  The backup catcher in Queens needs to platoon with lefty-hitting starting C Josh Thole (meaning that the backup better be right-handed) and he may have to serve as a personal catcher for both RHP R. A. Dickey and RHP Mike Pelfrey.  Who's that person going to be?  If I were a betting man, I'd put my money on C Rob Johnson.  Johnson's not a good hitter, having batted .190 in 179 at-bats last season with San Diego, but he's better at hitting lefties than Thole (which isn't saying much), he's an excellent fielding catcher, and he could probably catch both Pelfrey and Dickey on a regular basis.  C Ronny Paulino left at the end of last season and no one is on a guaranteed contract, but the closest thing to an incumbent the team has is C Mike Nickeas, who probably represents Johnson's biggest competition.  Also in the mix is C Lucas May.

4.  Left-handed Bat:  The left-handed bat usually serves as the team's primary pinch hitter.  A good pinch hitter usually needs to be able to hit fastballs on a regular basis.  Mets fans have complained about the lack of pinch hitters since Alderson took over last season, but the role has been kept conspicuously vacant for an obvious reason:  The best pinch hitter on the team is IF/LF Daniel Murphy.  The Mets are touting Murphy as their starting second baseman this season, but that's not going to happen.  Second base is going to go back to Turner due to Murphy's fielding difficulties.  And then Murph will go back to pinch hitting and that role won't be anywhere near as vacant as it is right now.  Until then though, Valdespin, Quintanilla, Den Dekker, OF Mike Baxter, and OF Adam Loewen are nominally competing for the role.

5.  Right-Handed Bat:  The right-handed bat is typically the 24th or 25th man on the roster.  He usually isn't a very consistent pinch hitter but gets used against lefties on a regular basis and pulls his weight with spot starts and a degree of defensive versatility.  The person for this role is HairstonNickeas, Cedeno, Turner (who we still think will be the starting second baseman), Johnson, May, 2B Josh Satin, 1B Valentino Pascucci, and LF Vinny Rottino.

Red Sox Roster Predictions

1.   LHP Jon Lester
2.   RHP Josh Beckett
3.   RHP Clay Buchholz
4.   LHP Andrew Miller
5.   RHP Aaron Cook
6.   RHP Andrew Bailey
7.   RHP Mark Melancon
8.   RHP Matt Albers
9.   LHP Franklin Morales
10.  RHP Scott Atchison
11.  RHP Alfredo Aceves
12.  RHP Daniel Bard
13.    C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
14.    C Kelly Shoppach
15.   1B Adrian Gonzalez
16.   1B David Ortiz
17.   2B Dustin Pedroia
18.   2B Nick Punto
19.   3B Kevin Youkilis
20.   SS Mike Aviles
21.   LF Carl Crawford
22.   CF Jacoby Ellsbury
23.   CF Darnell McDonald
24.   RF Ryan Sweeney
25.   RF Cody Ross

Red Sox Bench

The Red Sox are attempting to recover from a disastrous collapse in 2011. They have opted to employ the band-aid method, leaving the areas that were successful untouched and attempting to patch up the areas that didn't work.  They have a mix of returning and new players competing for spots on their bench.

1.  Fourth Outfielder:  The fourth outfielder position is designed for players who are exceptionally good defensive outfielders.  These players will probably lead bench players in games played though not necessarily at-bats, and will typically be inserted after the seventh inning when the team has a lead to shore up defense in the outfield.  The front-runner for this position is probably OF Darnell McDonald.  McDonald had a season typical of a fourth outfielder last season, batting .236 in 157 at-bats while playing good defense.  He doesn't essentially have any competition for this role.

2.  Utility Infielder:  The utility infielder is usually a guy who can play almost anywhere, but he definitely needs to be able to play both second base and shortstop.  The front-runner for this role appears to be Nick Punto.  Punto batted .278 last season in 133 at-bats for St. Louis and is an adequate fielder at a number of positions.  He doesn't really have any direct competition for the role, although there are a number of middle infielders in camp including IF Jose Iglesias and IF Pedro Ciriaco.

3.  Backup Catcher:  The backup catcher will serve as the reserve to the starting catcher, catching day games after night games and coming in on occasion for defense.  The front-runner for this position appears to be Kelly Shoppach.  Shoppach had a strange season last year, batting .176 in 221 at-bats, although he hit 11 homers in that time and is probably the best defensive catcher in the American League.  He faces competition from C Ryan Lavarnway, C Luis Exposito, C Dan Butler, and C Max St. Pierre.

4.  Backup DH:  The backup DH is usually a guy who's a platoon-type player and a good hitter that can complement the regular DH.  Given that DH David Ortiz swings left-handed, the backup DH will probably be a right-handed hitter who can start on occasion against lefty pitchers.  The front-runner for that role is probably OF Cody Ross.  Ross had a bad season last year in San Francisco, but he has some power and has always been good against lefties.  He faces competition from Exposito, Lavarnway, Iglesias, Butler, St. Pierre, Ciriaco, 1B Mauro Gomez, LF Alex Hassan, RF Juan Carlos Linares, and LF Jason Repko.