It is becoming painfully obvious that the Washington Nationals are doing everything they can to sign a competent major league first baseman this off season and the two players remaining—Adam LaRoche and Derrek Lee—are doing everything they can to avoid signing here.

I mean, the math isn’t that difficult. The Orioles and Nationals need a first baseman and the only two left are Lee and LaRoche.

Let me start by saying that, while it's non-zero, the chances of Felix Hernandez being traded this winter are pretty small.

Felix has stated many times that he loves Seattle. He has a no-trade clause that we know includes the Yankees. We don't know the other teams, but the team that may be the most willing to give up a huge package is probably out of the running.

Former Chicago White Sox minor leaguer and scouting video technician Oney Guillen responded to former White Sox closer Bobby Jenks recent comments about his father, current White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen on, on his Twitter Tuesday.

hahah memo to bobby jenks get a clue u drink to much and u have had marital problems hugeee ones and the sox stood behind u

Many of the big names in MLB free agency have already signed with teams, and as widely reported, the Yankees haven't had their usual success.

A few names still float out there.  Mostly aging or battered pieces, but there is still intrigue with some of them.

Should the Yankees give Manny Ramirez and Raphael Soriano a look?  Some evidence suggests that maybe it could work out, but a lot of it points in the other direction.

To wrap up my initial positional rankings, let’s take a look at my Top 30 outfielders for the upcoming season. 

Outfield is not quite as deep at the top of the rankings, but the positioned is littered with young players on the precipice breaking out. Players like Jason Heyward, Jay Bruce, Colby Rasmus and Mike Stanton could easily take the next step in 2011 and become some of the best options at the position. 

Where do they stand entering the year? Let’s take a look:

If it wasn’t already clear, the 2010-11 off-season has broadcast to the world the Chicago Cubs’ full-blown dormancy in the National League Central.  I’m not saying the Cubs won’t be heard from in 2011, but they’ll likely make fewer national television appearances than Barack Obama.  Don’t call them the Pirates yet, but also don’t call them the Reds, Brewers, Cardinals, or probably the Astros.  That’s right, the Cubs are officially stuck in .500-ville.  Picture the New York Knicks, except outdoors, and also without LeBron Ja

As we approach the voting results for the Hall of Fame this year, Bert Blyleven's case deserves one more look.  It has been a long and arduous path for Blyleven gaining votes almost yearly until last year he was but five votes short of induction to baseball's highest honor.  This path reminds me of his career — 4970 innings, twice fighting back from injury to reclaim excellence.

When heading into your fantasy baseball draft, you are probably asking yourself whether you should draft Pujols or Han Ram, Holliday or Braun, Lincecum or King Felix.

Though these choices are essential to your team’s success, late-round draft picks are equally as important and can make or break your season. 

Late-round picks are perfect for finding hidden gems. For example, drafting Jose Bautista and his 54 home runs with one of your final picks paid huge dividends for your team last year.

Courtesy of Yankees 'n More

With the acquisition of Chin-lung Hu, let's take a look at some bench options this year for the Mets.

Strong depth is always an important factor for success. Just look at the World Series champion San Francisco Giants.

Usually, National League teams carry 12 pitchers, so that leaves 13 spots for position players. Eight of those will be starters, so the Mets have to construct a bench made up of five players.