MLB

(Photo caption: David Ortiz showed off his leaner physique today at spring training camp in Fort Myers. He quipped to reporters: “you should see me naked”.)

David Ortiz started the 2009 season bearing the weight of extraordinary Red Sox Nation expectations. Fellow slugger Manny Ramirez had been dealt to the Dodgers at the previous trade deadline, and while Jason Bay was expected to roughly replace Ramirez’s production, the eyes of the Nation turned to Ortiz.

2010 Top 50 Twins Prospects | No. 13 | Chris Parmelee

Greetings Bleacher Reporters!

I’m Billy and I have been a contributor on this site for a few years now. Anyone who has read any of my articles knows I am incredibly passionate about my teams, especially the New York Yankees .

I am, like many on this site are or were at some time, a college student. I am a Communications Studies major at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA.

Johnny Damon blew it.

And not by signing with the Detroit Tigers a few days ago. That was just more fallout.

No, Damon blew it in December 2005, when he agreed to sign a free agent contract with the New York Yankees.

Let me start by saying this: I’m a Boston Red Sox fan, but this isn't a fan’s rant about how Damon turned his back on Red Sox Nation to join its most hated rival. The thought never really crossed my mind.

This is simply a practical look at a short-sighted decision made by Damon and his camp four years ago—one that will haunt him for years.

This is a great video that really shows off the Old Yankee Stadium in a dramatic way. It’s really moving and it makes you realize what’s at stake—the Old Stadium is coming down and they’re not planning on saving any of it.

I hate to go all cause-head on you, but you should watch this video and give a moment of your time to the Save the Yankee Gate 2 cause. It’s a group trying to preserve a small part of the stadium that still exists from when they first built it in 1922.

February is almost coming to a close, which means America’s Pastime is beginning to dawn on the hearts and minds of fans, players and coaches alike.

For the Houston Astros, they enter 2010 Spring Training with many questions and a new-look squad; along with a new skipper by the name of Brad Mills.

The Cincinnati Reds, feeling they needed a right-handed power bat, decided to bring back a slugger who had a pretty good year for them in 2009.

According to ESPN.com, the Reds have brought back right-handed-hitting outfielder Jonny Gomes on a one-year contract worth $800,000.

The contract also includes a $1.75 million club option for 2011.

The Reds have a pretty interesting outfield situation heading into 2010. They are set in right and center with two phenomenal young players in Jay Bruce and Drew Stubbs.

Spring training has just begun. But the suspense for the 2010 Major League Baseball season is not the same as past years. No huge free agents. No major injuries. No steroid scandals this year.

But what will stand out for many teams this season is the talent of the new generation of players.

As many of you know, I was on the NY Baseball Live radio show with Joe Boesch on Sunday night. For those of you who are not familiar with the show, it’s a program on WGBB 1240 AM in New York that focuses just on baseball.

I was on with Joe for about 20 minutes and we talked about a wide variety of topics.

Here is a recap of the show:

We talked about Johnny Damon signing with the Detroit Tigers and what it means for Detroit.

I gave my opinion on what teams had a good offseason and who are the teams to beat in 2010.