Baseball

Speaking with a co-worker yesterday, we both agree that the Mets lineup is deep and that they will be one of the better hitting teams this year.

We also agree that the difference between winning 83 or 90 games will be determined by who steps up to take the second spot in the rotation.

Getting that second pitcher would make Mike Pelfrey and John Maine a solid three and four, respectively. It would also move Oliver Perez to the fifth spot and easier to replace, if his bad habits appear.

Brian Sabean and the San Francisco Giants' front office deserve a hearty round of applause heading into 2010 Spring Training.

Their winter of discontent following a disappointing finish to the 2009 Major League Baseball season could've been Ugly with a capital "U."

Considering how the anemic offense submarined an otherwise exceptional campaign from the starting staff and bullpen, the easy thing would've been to start the ol' printing presses and shell out max dinero for one of the best bats on the market.

But "easy" is all too infrequently synonymous with "smart."

Enough already with whining that the Giants are opening the 2010 season with kid position players.

Well, at least, separate the actual kid prospects from the the fan favorites we suspect have had time to and failed to prove they belong in the big leagues.

First, let's frame the discussion. The average age of big leaguers in 2009 ranged from 26.2 to 28.9 years.  The Giants' roster averaged 26.3 years of age and, well, fans recall what the youthful club did with the bat, right?

Today, the Mets played their first official spring training game, beating the Braves 4-2.

While the score of the game and the wins and losses are irrelevant, it sure is nice to see the Grapefruit League schedule kicking off and real games against other teams starting up again.

Yes, the offseason is officially over, baseball fans. (Unless you're one of the remaining free agents still looking for a home, like Joe Beimel and Kiko Calero.) And that means we are inching ever closer to Opening Day 2010.

The wait is over! The gates of Joker Marchant Stadium unlocked, and spring training is now officially underway.

The annual exhibition against Florida Southern is always a fun game. The rain held off, and despite hurricane-like winds, a good time was had by all.

Rather than spoon-feed the box scores to you, I thought I would share some useless random observations of mine from today's game.

Random Info

* Third baseman Colin Kaline (grandson of Al Kaline) went 2-for-3 with a walk for the Mocs.

Now that Johnny Damon is a Tiger, every major free agent in the majors has been inked to a deal.

There was much activity this offseason: Roy Halladay became a Philly, Cliff Lee a Mariner, Jason Bay a Met, and Matt Holliday was given a deal that will haunt the Cardinals for years to come. 

All eyes are now on spring training and the 2010 MLB season, which promises to be a wild ride.

But let's take a look into the crystal ball for a moment, let's take a look at next year's offseason.

Much has been made of the 2010 Red Sox and their defensive prowess, or potential.

JD Drew, Mike Cameron, and Jacoby Ellsbury comprise a formidable outfield.

Jason Varitek, Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, and Adrian Beltre are all Gold Glove Award winners.

But how do these players match up, position-by-position, with the greatest Red Sox defenders of all time?

Justin Upton is a star.

Apparently, so is Josh Byrnes. The GM reportedly has reached an agreement with the 22-year-old slugger for six years at around $50 million.

Drafting pitchers in fantasy baseball is an art.

The other day I ran a post on 10 problems the Yankees might have this season and some people wondered why I didn’t mention the fifth starter battle. Well, because having two great young pitchers battling over the final spot in the rotation isn’t a problem, it’s a luxury.