Opinion

Today we are going to look at the “Key” player for each American League Central team. The AL Central is very top heavy, and the top three teams—White Sox, Twins and Tigers—figure to battle it out for the division title throughout the year.

In this division, the player who can come back from injury or provide and unexpected punch will be especially important. This division might be decided by one or two games, so one player can make a huge difference.

On the first day of spring training, all of Philadelphia was excited.  Finally, one of the most hyped pitching staffs ever reported to camp. 

Prognostications were made, and some said the Phillies could even challenge the 2001 Seattle Mariners' all-time mark for wins in a season.

Then the games started, and things started to unravel.  Phillies fans started getting worried.  Domonic Brown broke his hand.  Roy Oswalt got hit in the neck.  Brad Lidge started having problems with his shoulder.

In general, unwritten rules are stupid. That’s why no one took the time to write them down. Think about it. If something really needs to be a rule—and it’s widely agreed that it needs to be a rule—it’s going to be documented, set in stone and thumb tacked to the wall of every minor league clubhouse.

By not making something an official rule, Major League Baseball is officially saying that it is okay, allowable and within the realm of acceptability.

Anyone who has read my very first post to B/R knows that I am not a fan of the unwritten rules of baseball. I am even less a fan of these idioms during a spring training game.

On Monday, Baltimore Orioles catcher Jake Fox incurred the wrath of his own manager, Buck Showalter, as well as the ire of Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland.

The future was looking bright for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2009: 95 wins and a playoff run that fell just short of the World Series.  Legendary manager Joe Torre was just starting to find his groove.

 Things were looking very good for Dodger fans.

Joe Torre’s departure seemed a bit abrupt, which seemed to raise a lot of questions about team management and ownership.

We all know that everyone isn't perfect and that's why baseball is hesitant to put more instant replay in the game. However, it has gotten to the point where it is costing teams games, players milestones/rare achievements, and changing the outcome of seasons. So I feel that baseball should expand replay viewing options to not only whether something is a home run or not, but also to whether someone is out or safe on a bang-bang play, and if someone either caught it or not. Now here is why.

Gwen awakened from a fitful sleep. She was bothered and knew that she would be bothered for a long time. Her idol, her favorite player, the man they referred to as A-Rod, was no longer the best third baseman in New York.

Her mind was immediately filled with A-Rod's 2010 statistics. He was coming off the worst year of his career.

Last year, the New York Yankees fell short in the playoffs, losing to the Texas Rangers in the American League Championship. With a new season approaching and a couple new players to the team, who needs to have a good season for the Yankees to see success?

The St. Louis Cardinals seem like they are going to wait for a decision from Albert Pujols about his future with the ball club.

That is not a smart decision for the Cardinals. We've seen this happen before. 

Here are the top five reasons why the Cardinals should end the relationship with King Albert on their terms.

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From a hardcore Red Sox lifer and armchair Orioles fan (gotta love that Camden Yards), I am a Buck Showalter admirer. Heck, I think he's the best thing to happen for that team since Albert Belle retired.

The results for the Birds after he took the helm last year speak for themselves. Not only did he turn around what would have been an abysmal season, Buck actually got his young crew playing like October meant something other than golf and Xbox 360.