Spring Training

Last season, when Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy both started out in the rotation, they combined for an 0-8 record and a 7.45 ERA. This season, it's not likely that either will open up in the rotation.

With spring training halfway done, we are that much closer to baseball season again. The New York Mets, a team that collapsed down the stretch in each of the past two seasons, have made a few great additions.

Two key additions for the 2009 season are Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez and JJ Putz. They fill the biggest need for the Mets—their bullpen.

The definition of collapse is "to break down". That is exactly what the Mets did, especially at the end of games. 27 BLOWN SAVES...that is wayyy too many.

When the Nationals traded Emilio Bonifacio, P. J. Dean and Jake Smolinski to the Florida Marlins last winter for Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham, a couple of things seemed certain.

First, Olsen would become the Nationals No. 2 pitcher; second, Josh Willingham would become a sorely needed offensive weapon for the team, likely in left field.

Over his career, after all, the 30-year-old has been a solid hitter. Since joining the Marlins in 2004, Willingham has averaged .266-25-85 over a 162 game season.

Houston Astros OF/1B Darin Erstad's honor, integrity, and overall approach to the game exemplify the true meaning of baseball.

The Astros signed the two-time All-Star to a one-year contract prior to the 2008 season.

Erstad proved to be a valuable commodity for the club, hitting .276 with four home runs and 31 RBI in 322 at-bats.

The 14-year veteran demonstrates exceptional leadership in the clubhouse and acts as a tremendous role model to the younger ball players.

Not even a month ago, the Rangers and free agent pitcher Ben Sheets seemed to have ironed out a preliminary two-year contract.

Things quickly fell through when doctors performing Sheets’ physical determined that he needed to have surgery on his right elbow.

The contract was thrown out, Sheets went on to have the surgery, the Milwaukee Brewers were responsible for the bill (the last team Sheets played for,) and the Rangers went on to spring training with the pitching staff they have.

In the final piece of this series of articles laying out the players that are going to make up the Texas Rangers’ 2009 season, I’m going to to finish up with the biggest piece of the puzzle for Texas.

Whenever you hear about the Texas Rangers in national media it always seems to be about the pitching, or really the lack there of. 

This season is going to be a huge part on how the team will develop into the next couple of seasons, and I’m going to breakdown this players and what to expect this season and in the future.

Note: Originally posted by Tommy Barbee on BaseballDigest.com (March 6, 2009)

Although there are plenty of questions this season, there’s a palpable feeling of optimism about the young players the White Sox brass has proudly assembled.

That said, there are plenty of position battles that need to be addressed, and with that in mind, here are five things to keep an eye on as Spring Training progresses:

1. Who’s going to lead? (aka the battles at CF and 2B)

I have not made it a secret that I am no fan of the World Baseball Classic. I don't like the general idea that players who have major league contracts and commitments are missing Spring Training in order to play around the world in March.

That being said, the WBC is good for one thing. It is good for minor leaguers and free agents hoping to spark interest from other major league teams looking to fill out their major and minor league rosters this month.

In fact, the WBC has been really good to one man in particular: Pedro Martinez.

For the last preview in the American League West, I saved the favorites heading into 2009: the Los Angeles Angels. I say "favorite," but never has an incumbent—fresh off a 21-game coast to the division flag—worn the mantle while being supported by wobblier legs.

Consider the five player transactions from this winter that figure to make the biggest impact on the new Major League Baseball season:

1.  CC Sabathia inks with the New York Yankees.

2.  Mark Teixeira inks with the Yankees.

3.  The Oakland Athletics trade for Matt Holliday.

Spring Training Game 15

Yankees @ Tigers
Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland, FL
Game Time: 1:15 p.m.
TV/radio: none

Here are the lineups.

YANKEES

Melky Cabrera, CF
Johnny Damon, LF
Mark Teixeira, 1B
Jorge Posada, DH
Nick Swisher, RF
Cody Ransom, 3B
Angel Berroa, 2B
Ramiro Pena, SS
Kevin Cash, C

Pitching: CC Sabathia, Alfredo Aceves, Brian Bruney, Jose Veras, Mark Melancon, Steven Jackson

TIGERS