Opinion

April 6, 2009.  A day marked on my calendar since November.  And while some will be celebrating National Caramel Popcorn Day, or observing the anniversary of the first modern Olympics, an unofficial holiday takes place that you won't find on your calendar.  I speak, of course, of opening day—the most wonderful day of the year.

On Tuesday, March 31, the Phillies parted ways with veteran outfielder Geoff Jenkins, an underproducing hitter who wasn't worth the eight million dollars he commanded in 2008.

This piece is definitely not meant to show any disrespect for J.D. Drew and what he has accomplished for the Red Sox. 

When he is in the lineup, he is a very good hitter. The obvious problem is, he's not in the lineup nearly as often as he should be and, therefore, should not be holding down the five-spot in the Red Sox' lineup.

The Red Sox lack power in the middle of the order as it is, so it seems unusual that they would stuff Jason Bay, arguably their best, most reliable power hitter, in the six-spot. 

While I know Bleacher Report is not really for full length books, I thought I'd review a baseball book I just read, entitled Theology: How a Boy Wonder Led the Red Sox to the Promised Land.

Red Sox fans, this is your kind of book. Not only does it go into detail on Theo Epstein's early life right up to the present, but it does this in a way that everyone can understand.

Bob Sheppard has been the voice of the New York Yankees since 1951, and has been referred to as "The Voice of God" for equally as long.

His smooth voice has announced virtually every single Yankee immortal, and his eyes have witnessed most of the stadium's greatest moments.

Sheppard will be forced to miss another timeless moment in Yankee history, as an illness will prevent him from doing on Opening Day what he has done for more than 50 years.

I can't wait until the spring training games are over. I'm ready for the season. The Yankees know who they want at certain positions and it's time to play.

A+: Joba Chamberlain

He gave up two earned runs in 5.1 innings, but his velocity was great and he struck out 6 batters. Great joba by him. Get it? Great joba?

A+: Phil Coke

He pitched one perfect inning and struck out two batters. Coke is it.

A+: Melky Cabrera

On most days, 287 big league victories and 3,701 K would get you a plaque in Cooperstown.

So why isn't Bert Blyleven getting his ticket punched?

It's a long-standing dilemma that the baseball writers tangle with on every ballot. Do they value career numbers bulked by longevity over actual dominance and superior individual performance, or vice versa?

During the 2009 season, Luke Jones will present Nine Orioles Innings every Monday, sharing his thoughts on what’s happening with the Baltimore Orioles. It will feature a mix of serious analysis and the lighter side of Orioles baseball.

1. It’s hard to believe it was only two years ago that Jeremy Guthrie was an unknown heading to Baltimore on Opening Day 2007 as a long man in the Orioles bullpen. The Opening Day starter now represents the only safe bet in a rotation that is still deciding on the three starters to fill the back end.

As the baseball season inches closer and closer to the opening pitch many questions are swirling around.

How will A-Rod do? How will the Yankees do? Manny in LA? San Fran looking to make their first real charge since the Bonds’ days.

Many questions, and we’ll have to wait along time for answers.

So let’s speculate!

When you think of the best teams in the Major Leagues, people automatically think about the Yankees and Red Sox...rightfully so.

The fantasy baseball season is here upon us.  We sit Six days away from the first pitch of the regular season and draft boards are filling in everywhere.