MLB

For millions of people across this great country, the first month of baseball season is one of the most anticipated times of the year.

It is a time when fans of any team can put the cold winter offseason behind them and, for at least a short while, have a glimmer of hope not only toward the new season but the upcoming spring and summer months.

For me, however, baseball season signifies something else. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I have something to admit. I am one of the saddest creatures ever put on this planet. I am a diehard Chicago Cubs fan. 

Often times, the difference between a playoff team and a .500 team is how many games each wins and loses in the middle innings.

When the skipper lurches out of the dugout to relieve his starter, it's those six to nine outs to close out games that are the hardest to consistently secure. Playoff teams have guys who can bridge the gap from starter to closer, while average teams often find ways to let other squads back in the game.

Please, Bernie Williams, come back to New York City.  You can play.  You are in shape, and the fans will love you. 

It will be very, very good for the organization.

You will help all of the outfielders improve their fielding.

Also, with a fight for the starting center field job, you will push youngster Brett Gardner, who is in need of a push.

Don't worry, we won't tease you for your noodle arm—compared to Johnny Damon, you have an Ichiro arm.

Considering the Phillies are having some pitching trouble this year I thought I'd take a trip down memory lane to remember some of the truly awful Phillies pitchers of my youth.  There certainly are a lot of arms to choose from, and perhaps I'll canonize one a week or so until the Phils turn things around, but I'm starting with the inimitable Joe Cowley. 

The Boston Red Sox organization was unbearably quiet this last off-season, while the New York Yankees roared thunderously a number of times.

The talking heads on every sports network in America, both local and national, said the Yankees' signings of AJ Burnett and CC Sabathia had brought their rotation even with the Red Sox'. Some (mostly in the NY-NJ area) even said that they had surpassed the Sox with their pitching.

Jimmy Rollins is known for a lot of things—great defense, leadership, swagger—and terrible Aprils.

Rollins took a second day off yesterday in a season that has started slowly, even for him. While the theory that he didn't get enough at-bats during Spring Training is still out there, it is losing credibility rapidly as Rollins is over 70 plate appearances for the year and still isn't showing signs of offensive revival. 

The New York Yankees announced Tuesday that they are lowering the prices of many of their premium seats and giving out free tickets to fans in certain premium sections. Fans who have already purchased packages for the affected seats will be able to obtain a refund for the remaining games.

Yesterday, an ice cream man was making his run through my neighborhood, and I decided to treat myself to a cool treat.

"How about a scoop of Strawberry Santana?" he asked. 

"No," I said. "Its taste isn't long-lasting enough."

He tried again.

"How about some Lime Lincecum?" he offered. 

Again, another denial from me.

"The texture is too thin," I replied.

On his third attempt, the flustered ice cream man resorted to his premium flavors.

The past 11 games have been nothing short of amazing for Red Sox Nation.

The Red Sox, who at first couldn't buy a win, won every way possible.

Pitcher's duels? Check.

Yesterday, the teams in Cleveland saw a 0-0 game go into the ninth inning. On Sunday the 19th, Jon Lester turned in a gem, striking out nine as the Red Sox beat the Orioles 2-1.

Offensive blowouts? Check.