Baseball

Good teams often have a certain attitude about them, a brashness that often borders on cockiness. That is why I enjoyed New York Mets third baseman David Wright's recent proclamation that the Mets are going to win the World Series.

According to the New York Post, shortstop Jose Reyes also got in the spirit shortly after Wright's bold prediction. According to Kevin Kernan, "Reyes said over in the minor league clubhouse that there is "no doubt" the Mets can make it to the World Series and win it all."

Aroldis Chapman: the savior, the next best thing, or the next Randy Johnson. All things might be true, but it has to start somewhere.

The Reds' prized new acquisition threw a bullpen session for about two hours on Thursday, and to people who witnessed it, said that he threw well and felt well after.

Chapman, who was just recently signed a six year contract worth over $30 million, has been speculated to be one of the best new pitchers in the game, and the Reds are hoping they hit a jackpot. 

One of the clichés you hear in the weeks preceding the opening of spring training camps is that "competition brings out the best in players."

Joe Girardi and Brian Cashman both have said that during the last month. In fact, here is what Girardi said just yesterday:

As the sun rose this morning, a new feeling came over the city of Sunrise, Ariz.

A feeling, an excitement, was in the air that hadn't been there in quite some time.

Today was the day that baseball returned to the spring training facilities all over the state of Arizona.

For the Texas Rangers that feeling was one of possibility. A feeling that they could possibly be the team to beat in the AL West after so many years of watching the Angels run away from everyone else.

In 2009, the Rangers hung in the race longer than anyone expected them to.

Every Yankee fan knows the feeling. Walk anywhere outside of New York wearing the blue and white, and we're greeted with chants of derision. However, unlike what fans of the Red Sox or Mets might endure, we endure insults that challenge not our team, but our fanhood.

"Front-runner."

"Bandwagon-Jumper."

People who have heard these sorts of insults know that they hurt more than other ones, such as "Yankees suck" or chants of that ilk. At least there is a reasonable comeback to that, and inane arguments about whose team is better are a major part of being a sports fan.

He is the longest-tenured player on the Boston Red Sox roster. His knuckle-balls have fluttered in the Boston breeze for over a decade. He is only 17 wins shy of tying the franchise's all-time win record.

However, entering spring training, Tim Wakefield's place within the Red Sox pitching staff is still unknown. 

The roster of the Atlanta Braves has changed drastically from the start of the 2009 season. Key changes at numerous positions will likely decide whether the Braves make their first playoff appearance since 2005. 

2009 Players to 2010 Players (Changes in Bold): 

Predicting how a team will perform before they even gather en masse for spring training is a dicey proposition. Some of the players won’t even be with the team when they break camp in six weeks.

But what’s the fun in being safe?

Ever since Kenny Williams stole Jake Peavy away from the San Diego Padres, I have been dying for the start of the 2010 MLB season.

The White Sox have loads of potential for this new season. They have one of the best and deepest starting pitching rotations in the league. But just how good can this staff be? I dream about the answer every night.

The Sox look loaded when it comes to pitching. But, it can come down to how you want to look at it.

Last season has come and gone. Dreams of back-to-back World Series titles have faded in a sea of despair. Ending like a cheese steak from Geno's, with Phans still salivating for more.

The 2010 season is here. Starting a little over 1,000 miles away from the snow-covered streets or Broad St., the Phightin's begin their defense of their National League title. In the words of J.C. Romero, "Somebody else has a trophy that I want. We have to go get it now."