Baseball

The cleanup hitters. They are the backbone of a big league lineup. They are the home run hitters, the run producers and often the biggest weapon a team can put in the box. The 30 different cleanup hitters have varied success in their role, but they all serve the same purpose-to put runs on the board.

Often times the cleanup hitter is the team's best hitter, other times they are simply the guy who can change the complexion of a game with one swing. Here is a look at the best cleanup hitters in baseball.

Take yourself back to that fateful Thursday October night in 2006 when Flushing was the center of the baseball world, Shea Stadium was filled to capacity and the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals battled in the seventh and final game of the National League Championship Series.

The Boston Red Sox not only ended their 86-year drought of not winning a world title last decade, but they also tacked on another one three years later.

Can they add to their trophy case in 2010? You have to think they will be one of the favorites to do so.

Boston is one of the biggest-spending teams in the leagues, and while they do have to battle through the toughest division in baseball, fans can rest assured that the Red Sox will do whatever it takes to field a winner.

Now let's see how they are going to stack up in 2010.

And the debacle continues.

It was confirmed yesterday that Jose Reyes will be out for two to eight weeks with what the Mets are describing as a “hyperthyroid.”

Ok, fair enough.  No one wants to mess around with a thyroid problem.

The issue here is not Reyes’ ailment, but the way in which the Mets have yet again brought their fans on a bizarre seesaw ride over the past week and we are still left asking what in the world is going on with Jose Reyes.  

Hector Noesi was signed by the Yankees out of the Dominican Republic in 2005 and debuted in the Gulf Coast League at 19-years-old in 2006. He promptly missed most the 2007 season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery.

Noesi is a guy who, due to his age and injuries, managed to stay away from the prospect radar before the 2009 season.

Looking at his 50 or so innings in 2008, it wouldn't have been far-fetched to predict greater success for Noesi in 2009. He was absolutely dominant in 2008, striking out over ten batters per nine innings while walking less than two.

Every year, some unheralded rookies come out of nowhere and end up playing a big role in a team’s season. Be it due to injury, poor performance or a trade, it’s almost certain that some player who was expected to spend the year in the minors ends up helping the big league club.

Here, I have picked out 15 rookies who could potentially help the Atlanta Braves in 2010.

Before I start, let me say that Jason Heyward isn’t included in this list.

The AL East, as it always does, is looking very strong. The defending World Series Champion New York Yankees keep a good pool of talent to try and repeat, a feat nobody has accomplished since the Yankees won three in a row from 1998 to 2000.

It hasn't been the best of springs thus far for the New York Mets.

After being one of the most disappointing teams in baseball in 2009, the Mets and their fans hoped to ring in 2010 with a fast and furious start to the Grapefruit League. It hasn't happened, however, as the Mets have had to deal with many of the same issues this year that plagued the team last season.

1. Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers

.320 average, 32 homers, 114 RBI, 20 steals, 113 runs

Braun has been a stud pretty much since the day he stepped on the diamond in the major leagues and he has officially ascended to the top of the fantasy outfield.  He pretty much does it all and helps you across the board.  He gives you average, power, speed, and scores a great number of runs.

Today's Yankees game against the Atlanta Braves has been rained out, so this is a perfect time to take an updated look at the position battles this spring.

The pitching continues to be a big focus, as Joba Chamberlain has struggled in his two appearances so far. Nick Johnson has come back from a brief injury and is performing well— as is Curtis Granderson. See their battle and the others at Double G Sports.