After three injury-filled seasons, it finally appeared Rickie Weeks was heading for a breakout season in 2009. That ended on a check-swing in St. Louis that saw Weeks tear a tendon in his left wrist.

He was out the rest of the season after playing in just 37 games.

However, it was the best 37 game stretch of his career, and it gave the organization and fans a taste of what Weeks can do when healthy.

With an opening night showdown with the defending world series champion New York Yankees looming over Fenway Park, questions remain unanswered regarding the upcoming season. The question that has all of Red Sox nation on the edge of their seats is what kind of production will David Ortiz deliver?

In 2009, Ortiz's early season struggles took him through the 40th game of the year with a batting average under .200 and no big flies. Ortiz was unable to catch up to fastballs and adjust to breaking balls.

This spring has brought us more stories of the Joba Rules. It has also created more pitchers likely to go under similar rules and talked about in "Is he (pick your guy) best suited as a starter or a reliever?"

Most relievers are failed starting pitchers. The New York Yankees closer extraordinaire Mariano Rivera is one such example.

Seems like every year at about this time in the season, Reds' fans and their "Pro-Pete Cooperstown" articles pop-up more than Miley Cyrus television appearances—and with equal annoyance.

Pete Rose deserves a plaque less than Billy Ripken.

Anyone who is the least bit familiar with my writings knows that to deny my love for the Cincinnati Reds is akin to a rock 'n roll fan saying, "Yeah, that John Lennon, he sorta knew how to write a song—but Miley is better."

Gambling on baseball is the game's only cardinal sin.  

The Yankees jumped out to a 7-0 lead in today’s game before rain ended things. Damaso Marte got the start (that’s right), and Mariano Rivera pitched the second inning. Andy Pettitte , who has only pitched in one official Spring Training game thanks to rain, had his outing cut short after pitching just one inning. He then went indoors and pitched a simulated game, stopping at 100 pitches.

With just over a week remaining until opening day, the prospects of another long season for Cubs fans is finally starting to settle in.

Spring training helped clear up some minor position battles and lineup tweaks, such as Ryan Theriot serving as the full-time leadoff hitter and Mike Fontenot appearing to be the front-runner at second base. But lots of questions remain in arguably the most overlooked aspect of any ballclub: the bullpen.

In a minor move that is nonetheless surprising, the Chicago Cubs dealt backup middle infielder Andres Blanco to the Texas Rangers on Saturday for a player to be named or cash.

Blanco, who will turn 26 on April 11, was the best defensive middle infielder on the Cubs major league roster, but was a lightweight at the plate. In 2009, Blanco batted just .259 with one home run and 12 runs batted in from 123 at bats in 53 games in Chicago.

Zach McAllister was born on Dec. 8, 1987 and grew up in the town of Chillicothe in Illinois. He was drafted out of high school by the New York Yankees in the third round of the 2006 draft. When drafted, McAllister's size stood out.

The guy is just built like a starting pitcher. He stands 6'6" tall and weighs 230 pounds, although his weight has fluctuated since becoming a member of the Yankees organization.

There is some concern over Adam Lind and his ability to replicate his 2009 success.  It’s justified, considering he had seen time in the major leagues from 2006 on, compiling 22 HR in 676 AB.  He also had not shown the potential to hit for an excellent average (.238 in ‘07, .282 in ‘08).  The idea of him being a middle-of-the-order impact bat was almost laughable.

That all changed when he posted the following line in his first full major league season:

For all the nitty gritty, nuts-and-bolts of what to expect from shortstops and your upcoming fantasy baseball draft, you can check out our extensive shortstop composite and ADP rankings.

However, we know how valuable your time is. The significant other has a springtime honey-do list a mile long, and the MLB season is fast approaching. Don't worry, we have your back.