Rankings/List

Pretty simple. If I was betting on the season's final standings, this is where my chips would fall. I'm going to pass on predicting all the playoff stuff, but stick to the regular season, with my award favorites as well.

In the AL East...

Boston: 99-63

New York: 90-72

Baltimore: 83-79

Toronto: 77- 85

Tampa Bay: 70-92

With the spring training exhibition season now under way, it would seem that we are that much closer to Opening Day. To clarify, that weird sound you're hearing right now is your humble narrator getting excited.

Indeed, who doesn't love baseball? It's the best sport there is, and it's coming every year brings with it the unofficial start of the warm months.

Every team wants one, he's more important than a power hitter, a shut down closer, or a super utility man.  Every team wants a young No.1 starter at or under the age of 26; a young superstar pitcher you can build your team around, one less spot in the rotation that you have to worry about.

You hold on to these pitchers like your life depends on it, and you overprotect that arm like you overprotect your child.  Because your entire franchise is on that throwing arm, and everybody knows that throwing arms are made out of glass.

MLB Trade Rumors Aren’t Dying Down Yet

MLB trade rumors will keep going strong right up until the start of the new season.

Each team—although some have more than others—has at least one contract on their roster that is virtually impossible to unload.

Whether it was an investment that went wrong, picking up a contract from another club, or a player just aging less than gracefully, each of these players are stuck with their current team.

Spring training is upon us, and for baseball nuts like me, it's time to start scouting for fantasy baseball.  Whether you like the Boston Red Sox, the New York Yankees or even a random team like the Arizona Diamondbacks, there's no denying that fantasy baseball is tons of fun!  Soon, the trash-talking will be flying high in the draft room and new rivalries will be forged.

A few days ago, we covered the top rookies in the National League during the 2010 season that will be looking to avoid the dreaded sophomore jinx for 2011. History clearly tells us that at least one or possibly more will inevitably fall through the cracks and flame out a la Mark Fidrych or Joe Charboneau.

With spring training just starting up, optimism about the upcoming season is at its highest. There is not a better time to make predictions about the upcoming season, which should be a great one.

The American League MVP award is awarded annually to the player who is considered most valuable to his team throughout the year. Recent recipients of the award include Josh Hamilton and Joe Mauer.

In anticipation for the 2011 season, I have decided to rank the five American League preseason MVP favorites.

In today’s day and age, where obesity has become such a concern that the NBC show The Biggest Loser is actually one of top rated shows on the last-place network, even star athletes are taking note.

Over the rigors of a 162-game schedule, combined with six weeks of spring training and the possibility of an extra four weeks of playoff baseball, the human body takes on a heavy toll, so to speak. Stamina becomes a major issue and for players who may be packing on a few extra pounds, late season injuries can certainly become a concern as well.

When it became known that Adam Wainwright was injured and may need Tommy John surgery, virtually every sports media outlet was all over it.

like any serious sports fan, questions from every angle must have come to your mind:

"How exactly did he get injured?"

"How will the Cardinals adapt to his injury?"

"Does this affect Albert Pujols?"

However, one person that may be of particular concern is Chris Carpenter.

With that being said, don't be surprised if he moves on. Take a look.

It was announced today that Adam Wainwright of the St. Louis Cardinals will need Tommy John surgery.

Having been one of the most valuable pitchers in baseball over the last couple seasons, this is a huge blow to a Cardinals team that could be trying to make one last run with slugger Albert Pujols before he tests free agency.

Here's a look at other pitchers who have had the surgery and what it cost their teams.

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