Baseball

It wasn’t a matter of if, but more when. Some expected this last off-season and most expected it this off-season. Mark Teahen is officially no longer a Royal, now a rival as a part of the White Sox. Some may not be happy Teahen is gone because he was a valuable player, but Teahen’s impact will still be felt in numerous ways.

The Boston Red Sox made a few moves today to ensure that most of their 2009 roster stays intact for 2010.

According to MLB.com, Boston has picked up catcher Victor Martinez's $7.1 million club option for 2010.

Remarkably inconsistent.

It's a phrase that not only describes Brad Penny, but almost all the pitchers on the free agent market this winter. There are no "sure things" on the market, and any pitcher that Brewers GM Doug Melvin decides to sign will come with a big risk in one way or another for the Milwaukee Brewers.

The run on infielders continues with 2009 draftee and newly appointed "shortstop of the future" Mychal Givens coming in as the 12th best prospect in the Orioles system.

You may remember Givens from his tenuous, down to the last minute draft-deal days. Many, including Dave Stockstill, Joe Jordan and Andy MacPhail had given up on getting a deal done with Givens before the draft deadline.

As faithful baseball fans, we depend on the Hall of Fame to show us who the truly great players are. The players who dominated, not just for a season or two, but for years.

The Hall of Fame began in 1936, inducting Walter Johnson and Christy Mathewson in its first year. Next came Cy Young. Pete Alexander followed.

From 1939 to 1947, while only Rogers Hornsby was elected, the veteran's committee was busy reconstructing 60+ years of baseball history to find those who belonged in the HOF.

Uncertainty is the most unbecoming characteristic of a baseball team, and right now it has emerged as the best way to describe the state of the Los Angeles Dodgers heading into the offseason, both on the field and off.

Owner Frank McCourt is neck-deep in divorce proceedings with his wife and former Dodgers CEO, Jamie, and the decision of a Los Angeles County court could trigger an unwanted sale of the club over the offseason.

As expected, the Red Sox have exercised their 2010 option on C / 1B Victor Martinez while declining their option on SS Alex Gonzalez.

The ballclub now has Martinez—who was acquired from the Cleveland Indians at the trading deadline for RHP Justin Masterson and pitching prospects Nick Hagadone and Bryan Price—under contract at $7.1 million for 2010.

Martinez, 30, was a hit during his two-month stint with the Red Sox, batting .336, with eight HR and 41 RBI, in 56 games with the Sox. For the season, he hit .303, with 23 HR and 108 RBI in 155 games.