Opinion

He's done it again.

Adrian Beltre, for the second time in six years, has completely rebuilt his value during a contract year and has earned himself another huge contract.

The Texas Rangers will potentially pay Beltre $96 million over a six-year contract to carry on his mastery of the third base position and to, hopefully, continue hitting the ball like he did for Boston this past season.

The baseball Hall of Fame added two new members to its fraternity today with Roberto Alomar and Bert Blyleven making it in after narrowly missing last year.

It's been a long road for Blyleven to the Hall of Fame, as this was his last year of eligibility. 

Bert has often spoken out about how he feels he belongs in Cooperstown, but his repeated campaigning didn't pay off until this year. Now, Blyleven can be at ease knowing he will be among baseball's greats, but does he belong?

Heading into 2011, few Mets fans, myself included, are expecting much from the team.

With big strides made by division rivals Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals, the Mets haven't been able to keep up, at least not in terms of names.

Financial restrictions have kept the Mets' focus on low-risk/high-reward players, which have been able to find.

The Chicago White Sox, at this point, is like the friend begging for a slice of a pizza he did not pay for. Basically, they are out of money or over budget or in need of a bailout or some kind of term involving spending too much or not having enough money.

Then again, everyone thought that was the case before the Sox signed middle reliever Jesse Crain to a three-year, $13 million deal.

Entering his final year of salary arbitration, Jonathan Papelbon will likely cash in on a big pay day following the 2011 season. 

However, with a declining skill set and Daniel Bard as the closer of the future, there is next to no chance he signs a long term deal with the Boston Red Sox.

Papelbon is due to make roughly $11 million for the coming season.

The presence of Bard and the acquisition of Bobby Jenks makes the possibility that Papelbon does not finish the year with the Red Sox all the more likely.

It was only a couple months ago that the Rangers were (near) the top of the baseball world.  They fulfilled their role as David, when slaying the Goliath Yankees, and endeared themselves to millions of baseball fans across the country with their love of all things hustle.

There has been some recent speculation that the Royals would be willing to trade All-Star closer Joakim Soria for the right price.

Royals GM Dayton Moore has already made some fireworks of his own this offseason when he dealt former Cy Young Winner Zack Greinke and starting shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt to Milwaukee for Alcides Escobar and three prospects.

Did the ball hit the ground?  Does it matter? 

We all saw it, or at least we think we did. 

2005 American League Championship Series, game two, White Sox versus Angels.  It's tied 1-1 in the bottom of the ninth with two outs. AJ "always in trouble" Pierzynski is batting with two strikes.  Angels pitcher Kelvim Escobar throws a low pitch; AJ swings and misses. Strike three, inning over, extra innings here we come...but no.  Pierzynski has advanced to first base. 

The Baltimore Orioles have been busy this offseason. Since the winter began, the O's have been making under-the-radar moves, quietly upgrading several areas of the club.

They finished revamping their infield with the signing of first baseman Derek Lee on New Year's Eve, and on Tuesday, solidified their bullpen even further after agreeing to terms with free agent right-hander Kevin Gregg.

As we all wait for the Washington Nationals to announce the signing of first baseman Adam LaRoche to a two-year contract—what is taking so long, anyway? I thought it might be fun to take a peek into the team’s future to a time when LaRoche will have already come and gone.