MLB

When you look at the American league this year, it's hard to predict which team will claim any of the divisions. All of these teams have amazing talent on them, which is good.

American League East

I cannot wait to see this battle get underway. This was Yankees' and Red Sox' stomping ground for the past few years, until the worm turned for the Rays.

Each team has a solid rotation, dangerous lineups, and good bullpens.

With Opening Day of major league baseball's 2009 regular season only three days away, commissioner Bud Selig has announced that a new award will be handed out to one lucky player in each league at the end of the season.

This award has been created, said Selig, to reward those who do shady things behind the scenes to become physical specimens and hit record amounts of home runs, ultimately providing obscene amounts of revenue for Selig and his once-great sport.

Last year, if you'd told me a pitcher in the National League was going to have, over 33 games, a 16-7 record with a 3.71 ERA and 123 K and only 20 HR given up, I would’ve said:

"That's a darn good season!"

If you'd then told me the same pitcher would post 4 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, and 3 K in the NLDS and a measly 2 IP after giving up 5 R in the first inning of his NLCSappearance, I probably would’ve said:

Spring Training and Opening Day bring new hope to most baseball fans around the country. Yet for Rangers fans, Opening Day is typically the only sellout of the year and the beginning of a summer of heartbreak.

However, excuse me for beating the dead horse of optimism just one more time. Old habits die hard.

"Sports Illustrated" wrote in a recent edition that, within the next two years, the Rangers could be the next Tampa Bay, and I agree. The keys to Rangers success not only this year, but next year as well, lies in the hands of Jon Daniels and well-executed trades.

Back in February, I previewed the entire spring training for the Cleveland Indians. I thought it would be interesting to take a trip back to the 11th of that month and revisit what was said and analyze it compared to what actually happened.

In case you need a refresher, the entire preview can be read, here.

Keep an Eye On

The three chosen for this section were Michael Brantley, Wes Hodges, and Vinnie Chulk.

As the Philadelphia Phillies get ready to head north and defend their World Series title, there are some questions surrounding the team as they enter the season.

Did the Phillies make the right choice in selecting Chan Ho Park as the No. 5 starter over youngster J.A. Happ?

While both had similar numbers this spring, it is easy to see why the Phillies went with Park—for now.

Face of the Franchise:  Bob Feller

Manager: Lou Boudreau

C - Sandy Alomar
1B - Hal Trosky
2B - Nap Lajoie
3B - Ken Keltner
SS - Joe Sewell
OF - Tris Speaker
OF - Earl Averill
OF - Joe Jackson
DH - Manny Ramirez
Bench: 1B/DH Jim Thome, SS Lou Boudreau, OF Charlie Jamieson, Kenny Lofton

The early morning fog and clouds cleared to reveal nothing but blue sky and sunshine.

The baseball gods would not allow anything to ruin the unveiling of the most remarkable structure its sport has to offer.

Some have already dubbed the Kansas City Royals the Rays of 2009.

While that may be a bit of a stretch, there is plenty of proof around the club that the '09 campaign could be one of their best since 2003.

Since Dayton Moore's arrival as General Manager prior to the 2007 season, there's been more and more anticipation before each season. Right now, it's at an all-time high.