Opinion

As we rapidly approach January, members the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) are filling out their ballots for the 2011 inductees to the Baseball Hall of Fame.  With the Winter Meetings over, January's HOF announcement is the biggest story until pitchers and catchers report in about six weeks.

On a day where the Pirates made some minor moves by signing Garrett Atkins to a minor league deal, acquiring minor league shortstop Corey Wimberly from Oakland, claimed left-hander Aaron Thompson of waivers from Washington, and designated reliever Wil Ledezma for assignment, it's time to take a different look at some of the Pirates needs.

It's the holiday season, so just like everyone else, the Pirates have their wish list for Christmas.

Only time will tell if the Buccos have been naughty or nice.  Maybe some of their wishes can be granted.

The Philadelphia Phillies surprised the baseball world, and perhaps even themselves, when they snatched Cliff Lee on the free agent market a couple weeks ago. 

Not only did the signing seemingly come out of nowhere due to the stealth negotiations, but they undercut the New York Yankees in the process. Ever since Lee appeared headed to test the market, the big money has been on the Yankees to land him for the same reason— big money. 

Mark McGwire was one of the most powerful, exciting hitters to ever step up to the plate. He was a focal point of an era that provided sports fans all over the world with the kind of entertainment that comes around just once in a lifetime.

The Chicago White Sox have completed most of their holiday shopping for the 2011 season. However, there may be one item Kenny Williams desires before he feels his stocking is full.

Has the bullpen situation been fully addressed?

I think the White Sox are at least a piece or two short in the relief corps. Right now, I see the following guys in the bullpen on opening day:

Tony Pena, RHP-our spot starter/long relief man.

Jesse Crain, RHP-7th/8th inning setup man.

When the Yankees began their offseason plan, they probably didn't think it would be this difficult to land starting pitching after making it a priority.

They were turned down by Cliff Lee, and Andy Pettitte is likely leaning towards retirement.

This has lead the Yankees into Plans C, D, E and F.

The signing of Cliff Lee last week leaves Carl Pavano as arguably the most sought-after free agent starting pitcher left this offseason.

Apologies to the rumored to retire Andy Pettitte since it would be a shocker for Pettitte to sign with any team other than the Yankees.

Speaking of the Yankees, ask any Yankee fan, and he or she can tell you the risk of signing Pavano to a multi-year deal. His four-year, $39.95 million deal signed with the Yankees before the 2005 season can be characterized in one word: DISASTROUS!

Sometimes I think the sports world needs characters like Gene Shalit. Perhaps just a anecdotal distraction from the rising ticket prices, off season doldrums, or whatever.  I don't know what I'm talking about.  I just know that whatever Gene does, I don't pay any attention to the point or reviews, I'm just fixated on that silly bow tie, the mustache and his outdated hair do.  

Okay enough of going off the deep end and back to the topic.

The 2011 season can break one of two ways for the Washington Nationals. They can either take that final step towards a .500 season and use it as a conduit to future playoff contention or they can simply suck for a sixth consecutive year.

And which possibility becomes reality is dependent on who trots out to first base next Opening Day.

With Christmas approaching and Santa having decided that Carl Crawford was a better gift for the Boston Red Sox, where do the 2011 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim go from here?