Manny Banuelos trails only Jesus Montero in the Yankees' prospect rankings. Banuelos is clearly the best hurler the Yankees have in the minors, and he'll get a long look in spring training this season.

If his career minor league statistics are any indication of his future successes, he's going to be a quality pitcher for a long time.

What baseball fan doesn't love Brian Wilson of the San Francisco Giants?

I know I do.

He has elite talent on the mound and seems to understand that baseball is first and foremost entertainment before anything else.

Oh and he has the BEST beard in the universe. It rivals Tom Selleck's mustache for the most famous facial hair known to man.

The Minnesota Twins have started their Grapefruit League campaign without their two big guns—catcher Joe Mauer and first baseman Justin Morneau. 

Granted, we're only in the first week of the Grapefruit League, and there is plenty of time for the Twins to get ready as they look to win their third consecutive AL Central title, and the seventh since Ron Gardenhire took over in 2002.

6. Mark Reynolds, 3B

Mark Reynolds, 27, spent the past four seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks before he was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for starter/reliever David Hernandez. The trade will make him Baltimore’s every day third baseman while prospect Josh Bell will most likely start off 2011 at Triple A Norfolk.

Duke Snider Was A True Dodger Legend

Duke Snider, the famous Dodger centerfielder, passed away yesterday at the age of 84. 

Known throughout the 1950s as "The Duke of Flatbush" (Flatbush was section of  Brooklyn in which the Dodgers home park, Ebbets Field, was located), Snider was one of the greatest players in team history.

Here's a quick look back at the man who hit four home runs in the 1955 World Series, the only championship in Brooklyn Dodgers history. 

There are some ball teams that are genuinely strong. There are others that only look like they may be strong.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are beginning to fall into the latter category. That's already a good bit better than where they have been.

In the most anticipated spring training in Phillies' history, the Phightins opened up Grapefruit League play Saturday and Sunday against the Yankees.

Let's take a look at what we've learned so far...

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Spring training games offer much for the baseball world.  They offer knowledge; they offer glimpses of the upcoming season; they offer looks at minor league up-and-comers; and they offer first looks at those recovering from injury.  

After last year's disappointing finish, Doug Melvin's plan was clear.. Milwaukee needed more pitching in order to compete in the NL Central. The Cardinals had a formidable rotation and the Reds were returning a strong club.

He first traded for Toronto Blue Jays ace Shaun Marcum. A proven innings eater, Marcum can keep hitters off balance and still pitch effectively with a fastball in the high 80's.

Next came the trade for Zack Greinke. The Brewers gave up four top prospects for Greinke and Yuni Betancourt, but Melvin wanted to win now.

Quick, check your calender. OK it's still 2011. Yes, that was the theme of this offseason for your usual big spending, aggressive New York Yankees. I'm not sure if Hank and Hal Steinbrenner know what year it is, because they sure as hell don't know how to construct a team. If I didn't know any better I would of thought Tommy Boy was running this organization.