MLB

Last week, Rob Neyer challenged someone to find out just how many championships Mariano Rivera has been worth.

In a game where image is heavily compared to the past, the minute intricacies, and similarities are visible throughout all parts of the game.

The history of Word Series winning-shares is limited with the amount of information out there, but courtesy of the Baseball Digest archives, we can get a better understanding;

Less than a week after the New York Yankees beat the Philadelphia Phillies in six games to win their 27th World Championship, the Hot Stove League has begun in earnest.

Even before the general managers meeting in Chicago on Nov. 10-11, trades have been made in the fresh offseason.

The Pirates and the Rays made a deal on Nov. 3, with Tampa Bay sending second baseman Akinori Iwamura to Pittsburgh for reliever Jesse Chavez. Two days later, the Marlins traded outfielder Jeremy Hermida to Boston for left-hander Hunter Jones.

Many heroic male figures throughout history have used their facial hair to persuade, inspire, and seduce legions of followers and admirers. Since the dawn of time, mankind has used many forms of facial hair to not only express themselves, but provide a sense of identity.

Last week the Brewers did the inevitable, trading J.J.

A couple of days ago the Cincinnati Reds dumped $8.5 million by not picking up the option year of catcher Ramon Martinez.  Now let's say that the Reds don't go all nutters and start trading like a stockbroker on crack.

What do we do with this new cash?

Here is a novel idea—one that Reds' owner, Bob Castellini may wish to consider:  Tuck it under the mattress and save it for a rainy day.

Yes, it is a lot of loot.  But it relieves most of the fat wad Scott Rolen is set to earn next season.

So it looks like a couple of long, long-time teammates will be teammates at least a little longer still.

Next week, MLB will announce its award winners for the 2009 regular season. I think it is time to take a look at who the award winners may be.

The American League

Gold Glove Winners

The Minnesota Twins came into this offseason with three major goals:

1) Sign Joe Mauer to an extension
2) Improve the infield
3) Add at least one veteran arm to the rotation

General manager Bill Smith got off to a quick start on his offseason “to do list” by acquiring shortstop J.J.

The Twins need an ace. They unequivocally need a pitcher who can go out every fifth day and shut a team down. They need a pitcher with a Jack Morris mentality. A guy who says, “Give me the ball and I will win this game.”

The Twins need Roy Halladay.

Obviously, every team wants a pitcher of Halladay’s caliber, but the Twins actually have the pieces to make a deal. Odds are they won’t do it, because Bill Smith and company won’t want to give up young talent. The fact is, however, dealing for Halladay is the one thing they absolutely should do.