MLB

Kevin Slowey was magnificent in spring training, but once the games actually counted, he seemed to lose the momentum he had gained in camp.

In both of his first two starts, Slowey gave up five runs while failing to record an out past the sixth inning.

After watching tape of his second start, Slowey worked to correct a mechanical flaw he had found and the results were nearly instantaneous.

After shutting down his second opponent in a row on Saturday, Slowey looks every bit the pitcher who cleaned up in the Grapefruit League.

It's amazing how quickly things can go south.

Just one out from a crisp 4-2 victory Friday night, Mariano Rivera surrendered a two-run homer to Jason Bay, and the New York Yankees went on to lose the first game of this three-game set against the Boston Red Sox.

Then, just one out from taking a 6-1 lead to the fifth inning Saturday afternoon, A.J. Burnett gave up a grand slam to Jason Varitek, and New York went on to lose a marathon 16-11 contest.

Before I even begin with this article, I will state what should be obvious: The ongoing battle between Milton Bradley and the Chicago media has nothing to do with the Cubs' four-game slide.

Sorry, Windy City press, but you play no role in determining what actually happens on the field.

And this larger, so-called "locker room split" is just the media's way of stirring things up. Chemistry is something that's developed throughout the season.  

Baseball's best and most classic rivalries. These are the best of the best. However there are few that receive honorable mention.

Cubs - Brewers Has been shaping up to be a nice rivalry ever since Milwaukee joined the National League Central.
Astros - Rangers is another nice inter state match up. Battle for the Silver Boot, Yeehaw !
Reds - Indians Th battle for the Buckeye State always provides a nice showdown between the two clubs from Ohio.
Orioles - Nationals While this is fairly new, nothing like a little friend competition in our Nations capital.

A dagger digs deeper into the hearts of the Minnesota Twins faithful each time Johan Santana authors another quality start for the New York Mets.

Santana, whom the Twins were forced to deal in February 2008 for four prospects, is off to a fast and furious start this season.

On Friday, the former American League Cy Young winner limited the Washington Nationals to one run over six innings while striking out 10. Thus far, Santana is sporting a 0.70 ERA with a gaudy strikeout-to-walk ratio of six to one.

What do Vanilla Ice, Icky Woods, and Pete Schourek have in common?

They are considered "one-hit wonders" in their respective profession. Vanilla Ice made a living rapping his hit song "Ice Ice Baby" and Icky Woods' Shuffle was the thing to do in 1988 after scoring a touchdown. As for Schourek, he would have a career year in 1995 helping the Reds win the NL Central division.

Yes, I know.  It's a long season.  You have to play 162 and win at least 82 to have a chance (unless, perhaps, you're playing in the AL West) at glory.

And yes, I also know statistics rule baseball with an iron fist.

But let's take a look beyond the numbers with the 2009 Pittsburgh Pirates and recognize some things that make this 9-7 start all the more astonishing and impressive.

The numbers tell the tale of the rejuvenated pitching staff.  There's not much need to dig deeper there to be impressed, but there is something more about this year's staff.

President Barack Obama can't do it all by himself, nor could any other leader of any organization or country.

That is why there is a Presidential Cabinet to assist the Commander-in-Chief. The Cabinet carries out particular functions to allow the government to run smoother.

I decided to have a little fun and come up with the Presidential Cabinet of the MLB.

Who said Bleacher Report was just about sports? Now B/R members can learn about the United States government while reading about sports.

President

Last week I profiled Antonio Bastardo of the Philadelphia Phillies and this week I'm going to be doing Bradley Holt of the New York Mets.

Holt was born in North Carolina on October 13, 1986.

The Mets drafted him in the first round (33rd overall) in the 2008 MLB Amateur Draft and sent him to the Brooklyn Cyclones.

For the Cyclones, Holt had a 5-3 record, 1.87 ERA in four games all of which he started.