AL East

The Toronto Blue Jays had more then a few questions heading into Spring Training this February.

Which two pitchers will fill the rotation? Will the bullpen remain the same as last year? Who will the Jays take for their bench? Who is going to be the backup catcher?

Well, with just five days remaining until the Jays first game against the Detroit Tigers at the Rogers Center, all these questions have finally been answered.

If it already hasn't been confirmed that Matt Bush was a bust, then it was confirmed today.

Bush was released today by the Toronto Blue Jays, for violating their "no tolerance policy."

Bush, who is now a pitcher after being converted from shortstop, was released by the San Diego Padres on Feb. 12, 2009.

He was released after he was charged with allegedly assaulting seven high school lacrosse players.

Toronto acquired him a few days later.

I may have to run out of the house for most of the evening, so here's some links to keep you busy.

First, for a couple articles about something that has not been a bright spot the last few years, but may be taking a turn for the better, the Yankees' defense.

Josh Beckett was shaky in his final spring training start before the Red Sox's season opener against Tampa Bay this Sunday, allowing three runs on seven hits and a walk with just one strikeout.

This start was mainly a final tune-up for Beckett, nothing major. But the Sox's opening day starter takes every start as seriously as he would during the regular season.

Some shocking news came out of the Yankees' spring training camp as they prepare to break in their new Yankee Stadium—one that adds another dash of controversy to a team that needs controversy like Bartolo Colon needs doughnuts.

The news is courtesy of captain Derek Jeter, who now has his loyalty and reputation as a Yankee questioned. The news:

There is only one thing on the minds of Yankee's fans these days, and that is bringing home a 27th world championship. With the additions of CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett, the pitching staff is better then ever. Mark Teixeira brings many tools to the Yankees lineup.

This piece is definitely not meant to show any disrespect for J.D. Drew and what he has accomplished for the Red Sox. 

When he is in the lineup, he is a very good hitter. The obvious problem is, he's not in the lineup nearly as often as he should be and, therefore, should not be holding down the five-spot in the Red Sox' lineup.

The Red Sox lack power in the middle of the order as it is, so it seems unusual that they would stuff Jason Bay, arguably their best, most reliable power hitter, in the six-spot. 

While I know Bleacher Report is not really for full length books, I thought I'd review a baseball book I just read, entitled Theology: How a Boy Wonder Led the Red Sox to the Promised Land.

Red Sox fans, this is your kind of book. Not only does it go into detail on Theo Epstein's early life right up to the present, but it does this in a way that everyone can understand.

I can't wait until the spring training games are over. I'm ready for the season. The Yankees know who they want at certain positions and it's time to play.

A+: Joba Chamberlain

He gave up two earned runs in 5.1 innings, but his velocity was great and he struck out 6 batters. Great joba by him. Get it? Great joba?

A+: Phil Coke

He pitched one perfect inning and struck out two batters. Coke is it.

A+: Melky Cabrera