Spring Flings

To paraphrase Ice Cube, today is a good day.

Not only is the last day of my least favorite month of the year a bright and sunny day (and a somewhat balmy 44 degrees) in New York, it is also the first day of exhibition games in FLA. and AZ. Box scores are back. Who cares if the home runs are meaningless, if closers start games and starters close them. It is baseball, and it has returned to thaw the land and release us from winter's icy grip.

The Red Sox start it off tonight against the Twins in Fort Myers. According to the Globe, the starting lineup looks like:

1. Julio Lugo (ss)
2. Kevin Youkilis (1b)
3. David Ortiz (dh)
4. Jason Varitek (c)
5. Mike Lowell (3b)
6. Wily Mo Peña (rf)
7. Dustin Pedroia (2b)
8. David Murphy (lf)
9. Jacoby Ellsbury (cf)

It should be fun to watch Murphy and Ellsbury this spring, considering that, along with Peña, they are slated to be the outfield of the future at Fenway.

Alright, enough of that, I need to focus. I am drafting my first team today at noon. What's my strategy? Who is my first pick? Obviously, that will depend on my position, but I have no idea if I should load up on pitchers, load up on hitters or go for a solid mix of both, which I always seem to end up doing. So as of now, there is no strategy. I'll post my results when the draft is done. By the way, doesn't it seem like every portal is now offering free fantasy games this year? MLB.com, ESPN, Yahoo... Now that is more like it. God Bless the Internet.

• The reason why I still own boxes of baseball cards.

• There was also an interesting story yesterday in Sports Illustrated along with an accompanying photo gallery about Barry Bonds and the continuing investigation of his alleged steroid use. But it sure doesn't appear to be alleged to Tom Verducci, who clearly believes Bonds used HGH. And looking at some of those photos and reading about Bonds' increasing shoe size, it is hard to argue with him. I think it is getting to the point now where those of us who are holding on passing any judgements about Bonds and steroids and home run records are just holding onto a thin shred of hope that it was only natural ability. The question for me, though, is not if Bonds used performance enhancing drugs, but how, exactly, it affected his game. The guy hit 35 home runs annually for years in the 1990s. Does taking HGH make your bat swing quicker? Does it make your eyes sharper? Clearly, I need to read "Game of Shadows."

Manny Goes Camping

Manny Ramirez (above, left, with Wily Mo Pena and Daivd Ortiz) reported to camp in Fort Myers today, three days early or four days late, depending on how you look at it. And while his arrival, much like everything else at Sox camp, will spark endless discussion, speculation and useless blathering, it is nice to just stop for a second and look at this photo. Imagine how many potential home runs - long, long home runs - are locked up within this trio. If Pena could learn how to catch a ball (first base!), the Sox could have one of the most prolific and dangerous slugging threesomes in the team's history. If Pena gets 500 ABs, he could hit 40 home runs.

Pair of Aces

News today on two pitchers who seem destined to face each other in a critical game sometime in the next three years:

Phil Hughes, the 20-year old pitching phenom for the Yankees opened some eyes today in Tampa. In the New York Times' bats blog, catcher Ben Davis said to Tyler Kepner:

“Hughes is just special. I’m not mocking anyone on the team; I’m just saying the way the ball comes out of his hand is different than the way it comes out of other people’s hands. I mean, his fastball explodes and his curveball is devastating. That’s the only word I can say: devastating.

“The four-seam fastball away is pretty much your only shot. You miss it, you’re done. He’s got that kind of stuff. The ball just gets on you. I know what’s coming as a catcher back there, and it still surprises me how much it gets on you. He’s definitely blessed.”

Over in Ft. Myers, Daisuke Matsuzaka threw 103 pitches in his bullpen session in front of just about everyone in the Red Sox front office. That may sound like a lot for Feb. 22, but it is nothing compared to the 200 pitches he said he threw in preseason sessions in Japan. Yikes.

Out\Field of Dreams

Outfielders provide the total range of skills for fantasy players: some hit for power, some hit for average, some score a ton of runs while other steal loads of bases. The best do it all, and as a consequence, they are the most coveted players come draft time. Vladimr Guerrero used to be one such player, but a bad back forced him to stop swiping bases. Now Carlos Beltran, Alfonso Soriano, and Grady Sizemore are vying for the mantle of best all around outfielder.

Who's hot in 2007? Here are a few names.

Carl Crawford
Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Is there another player that induces more hyperventilation than Crawford? And how can this guy only be 25 years old? Does Crawford have a ceiling, or will he keep getting better incrementally forever? So far, the evidence points to the latter, and with Tampa Bay's improved lineup, that should send fantasy players convulsing, drooling, speaking in tongues, etc. This will be the last year Crawford is available for a reasonable amount, so grab him.

Expected '07 Output: .315, 210 hits, 21 HR, 79 RBI, 124 runs, 61 SB.

Matt Holliday
Colorado Rockies

The question for Holliday coming into last season was whether his .307, 19 HRs and 87 RBI in 2005 was a fluke or a sign of things to come. His 2006 season erased all doubt: .326, 196 hits, 34 HRs, 114 RBI and 10 SBs should whet anyone's appetite considering he is just entering his prime and plays in Colorado. Even a slight dropoff in production looks pretty good.

Expected '07 Output: .309, 185 hits, 37 HR, 123 RBI, 104 runs, 8 SB.

Jeff Francoeur
Atlanta Braves

After hitting .300 in his rookie year, Francouer dropped to .261 in his first full season. His power improved, though, and he smacked 29 HRs with 103 RBIs for the Braves. Not bad for a 22-year old. Expect another step up for the Atlanta native.

Expected '07 Output: .282, 162 hits, 36 HR, 119 RBI, 94 runs, 4 SB.

Carlos Quentin
Arizona Diamondbacks

Quentin drew raves as Baseball America's top-rated Diamondbacks prospect last year, and then quietly smashed 9 home runs with 32 RBI in only 166 big-league at-bats (four of those HRs came in his first 21 ABs in August). As part of a serious youth movement in AZ, Quentin should build on his short but impressive rookie season. Look for a Vernon Wells-type breakout season.

Expected '07 Output: .270, 151 hits, 28 HR, 88 RBI, 84 runs, 3 SB.

Michael Cuddyer
Minnesota Twins

Cuddyer finally shed the labels of "prospect" and "potential" last season by mashing 24 HRs, driving in 109 runs and scoring 102 runs - all while hiding in the shadows of Justin Morneau's MVP season and Joe Mauer's breakout year. Cuddyer can hit too, and I expect him to reach 30 HRs in 2007. Along with Morneau, Mauer and Torii Hunter, the Twins' bats sure do look dangerous, don't you think?

Expected '07 Output: .291, 169 hits, 31 HR, 112 RBI, 98 runs, 5 SB.

Coco Crisp
Boston Red Sox

Don't forget about Covelli, who, if you remember, was poised to improve on his stellar '05 season before breaking a finger in the first week of last season. The Red Sox were all screwed up last year with injuries and I think now, as he finally emerges from the Damon shadow, he will show Boston fans what they want to see out of him. He'll probably hit seventh or eighth, but he'll finish the season with some nice numbers.

Expected '07 Output: .286, 157 hits, 17 HR, 72 RBI, 89 runs, 27 SB.

David DeJesus
Kansas City

DeJesus had a good season last year, hitting .295 with 145 hits, 8 HRs and 83 runs scored. But it is even more impressive considering he only had eight hits through the end of May! A full season (his mystical "27" year) with the productivity he achieved from June on should yield some sweet numbers.

Expected '07 Output: .307, 187 hits, 11 HR, 84 RBI, 103 runs, 10 SB.

Nick Markakis
Baltimore Orioles

Markakis surprised many with his impressive rookie season, hitting .291 with 16 HRs and 62 RBIs while mostly hitting out of the eight spot. There are several reasons to believe he will improve in 2007: his solid .311, 14 HR, 41 RBI in the second half and a permanent move to the two-hole - right in front of Tejada. He hit .313 with eight HRs in only 67 ABs batting second last year - think he'll get some more good pitches to swing at?

Expected '07 Output: .296, 171 hits, 19 HR, 75 RBI, 112 runs, 4 SB.

Rocco Baldelli
Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Baldelli is an easy choice. If you believe this guy is a .300 hitter (he hit .302 last season) and can hit 25 home runs a year, then he becomes Carl Crawford without as many steals. And that is pretty damn good. Hopefully, his injuries are well behind him.

Expected '07 Output: .312, 190 hits, 27 HR, 96 RBI, 107 runs, 22 SB.

Chris B. Young
Arizona Diamondbacks

Along with Quentin, Young will help make the snakes' outfield one of the youngest and least experienced, It will also make it one of the most talented. Young tore up Triple-A pitching last year and showed some of those skills in a late season call-up to the majors at the end of last year. A 5-tool threat, Young should step in and effortlessly produce.

Expected '07 Output: .276, 146 hits, 17 HR, 81 RBI, 97 runs, 23 SB.

Breaking News: Foulke to Retire

Just in from ESPN: Keith Foulke, 34, the man responsible for getting the final out in the first Red Sox championship in 86 years, is retiring after he felt pain in his elbow while throwing in spring training (he actually never made it to spring training as first reported). Foulke, who signed a one-year deal with the Indians over the winter to compete for the closer role, was hoping to make a comeback from arm troubles that plagued him the last two seasons.

Best of luck, Foulkie. We'll always remember you fondly in Boston.

Show Me Zee Money, Pt. II

• Ok, so Carlos Zambrano was misunderstood. Clearly. He only wants money close to what Barry Zito got from the Giants.


• Speaking of Zito, it is a bit weird seeing him in the San Fran uniform. And according to pitching coach Dave Righetti, the new colors are not the only thing Zito changed this offseason. Cause for concern in SF?

• I haven't mentioned it yet, but here's hoping for a strong, productive and, most of all, healthy season for Jon Lester. His progress, and prognosis, are encouraging.

• Will this guy ever avoid injury??? The Cubs should have a clause in his contract that keeps him away from scissors, knives, or anything that has a sharp edge to it. On the bright side, he is in better shape, so maybe he'll finally win 20 games. Oh wait, he's now a middle reliever. Never mind.

• ESPN has its annual look at the '07 season today. No big surprises, but I was struck by just how depleted the Cardinals pitching staff is as they try to defend their championship, and by how non-existent the Nationals rotation is. As of this moment, there is oft-injured ace John Patterson and four open slots. That ain't gonna cut it in the NL East.


• Kevin Youkilis (right) is a changed man (or is he?). Will his slender physique translate into a .300 season?

• It will be fun to follow the Yankees moves this year from their own back yard, and I am especially glad for the NY Times' Bats Blog. Tyler Kepner has committed to keeping this online journal throughout the season, and it should be interesting (Ben Shipgel will also write about the Mets). Today, Kepner writes about the "surly" Carl Pavano, who, in my opinion, holds the one of the keys to the Yankees success this year. Next to Bernie's absence and Mo's displeasure, things sure seem awfully unhappy around Legend's Field this spring.

• Just watch this.

Sizing up the Indians

It wasn't too long ago that I expected the Cleveland Indians to emerge as a serious World Series contender. Last spring, actually. After their surprising surge at the end of 2005 which left them with 93 wins but shut out of the playoffs, I saw the Tribe - stacked with young, talented positional players and a blossoming pitching staff - as the team to beat in 2006, even in the daunting AL Central. But Cleveland took a step back last season, finishing with a 78-84 record and fourth in the logjam that has become the best division in baseball. What happened?

Well, there was this team from Detroit, which whipped them 13 times in 19 games on its way to the World Series. There was this team from Minnesota that beat them 11 times in 19 meetings on its way to winning the division. There was this other team from Chicago, still potent after hanging its newly minted 2005 World Series banner from the rafters. And there were injuries, subpar performances from those same talented positional players, and, for most of the season, no reliable fifth starter.

But one thing that stood out last year (even more than Travis Hafner's 42 home runs and 117 RBI in only 454 ABs) was the emergence of Grady Sizemore as an elite player. ESPN's Rob Neyer takes a look at the baby-faced Sizemore, at only 23, put together an incredible season: he played in all 162 games, led the league with 134 runs, and collected 190 hits (53 2B, 11 3B and 28 HR) while hitting .290. Incredibly, Sizemore has room for improvement, and with help from a better supporting cast around him this year, he could find himself the league's MVP.

Notes from the storm

A strong wind is lashing sleet and snow at my window this morning, making spring training seem eons away. The truth is quiite different, though, as pitchers and catchers are reporting to camps already. It seems fitting, then, to note some interesting stories about hurlers heading to spring training this week.


• The Globe writes about the Sox' offseason prize playing catch in Fort Myers yesterday, bringing accidental fame to Dice-K's throwing partner - catcher George Kottaras. The slide show of Matsuzaka's first day in camp surrounded by the international media also illustrates just how manic it is going to be in Fort Myers this spring. Yikes.

• As I mentioned yesterday, Carlos Zambrano wants the big bucks, saying he deserves to be paid like an elite pitcher. It turns out his threats of leaving echoed another All-Star pitcher who is also demanding respect in the form of dollar signs. But unlike Zambrano, this guy has earned it, and should get what he deserves.

• I love the stories from this obituary, especially the tales he tells about throwing the ball over the plate from right field and the lineup he struck out in 1967. RIP King - there will never be another like you.

• Good for the Twins. Terry Ryan should be given some sort of award or something.

• Bad for pitchers Kevin Gregg and John Patterson. I guess this offseason hasn't been a boon for every pitcher.

• Real bad for Kris Benson. At least the news wasn't about his wife again. Wait, on second thought...

• Think you have what it takes to play pro ball? Then how does Nicaragua sound?

• And finally, for those of us trapped in the grip of this major winter storm, here is a warmer place far, far away, where young men dream of the major leagues from the shores of a remote paradise and where sometimes, by the ultimate stroke of good fortune, those dreams come true.

Show Me Zee Money!

From the "grossly overpaid and amusingly arrogant about it" department:

Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano wants more money - a lot more money. Sitting back this winter and watching mediocre pitchers like Barry Zito and Gil Meche get paid way more than they probably should have has sparked a serious appetite for the Benjamins in the fiesty righthander, who says he will walk away from the Cubs after this season if a new (obscene) deal isn't reached.


So, with all the money thrown around this offseason, it makes you wonder: just what is Zambrano - a strikeout pitcher who won 16 games for a horrible Cubs team last year - worth? Clearly more than Zito or Meche, but how far do you go? Five years, $90 million? Six years, $110 million?

Clearly, Zambrano thinks that is a steal. For that price, you not only get a pitcher who is averaging almost nine Ks a game while holding hitters to a .208 average, but great third-person quotes like:

"If they don't sign me, sorry, but I must go. That's what Carlos Zambrano thinks."

And honest self-assessments like:

"When you're a great pitcher and have talent, you deserve the money no matter who gives it to you."

Clearly, Zambrano will be wearing pinstripes in 2008, and not the light blue Cubs kind.

Black History Month: Remembering the Negro Leagues

• As a part of its celebration of Black History Month, MLB.com has an interesting article today comparing the 1943 Homestead Grays of the Negro Leagues to the incomprable 1927 "Murderers Row" Yankees. Read all about Buck Leonard, Josh Gibson and Cool Papa Bell.


• There is another good feature on Pumpsie Green (at left on the right), who was the Red Sox's first black player - 12 years after Jackie Robinson began roaming Ebbets Field. There is also a story about the Red Sox celebrating Robinson's legacy, which could have been a Red Sox legacy had Tom Yawkey not foolishly passed on him.

• Speaking of Ebbets Field, I have finally found the location of where the historic park, which is now a public housing complex, used to stand. It is just off Prospect Park, if you were wondering...

• Back to the present, this is simply unbelievable. The excitement is building.

• Excitement is building in Milwaukee, too, as Bill Hall told Buster Olney:

"I think we have a great chance to compete in the Central Division. Health has been a big issue for us the last couple of years. We have Ben Sheets, J.J. Hardy, and Rickie Weeks fully recovered from injury and ready for spring training. Corey Koskie is our only question mark; we have great backups in case he isn't ready for the start of the season. We think we have the talent and depth to win the Central."

• Didn't I say this back in December?

• Oh, how Steve McQuiggan must be losing his lunch over this.

Spilled Milk, Part I

Further proof that the Theo Epstein honeymoon is over, and I am not talking about his recent marriage: Yet ANOTHER Red Sox player discarded by Epstein for a bag of peanuts (albeit it a very large and strong bag of peanuts) is reaping the rewards for a stellar 2006 season. Our favorite pitcher cum rock star Bronson Arroyo has cashed in, signing a $25 million, four-year deal with the Reds. I'd be smiling too.


You can read about it on any sports page today, but be sure to check out ESPN, where the lead story is about the Florida Marlins' infield and features a nice, big picture of Hanley Ramirez, the reigning NL Rookie of the Year and former Red Sox prospect. Imagining the Sox with Arroyo in the rotation and Ramirez at short is enough to keep you awake at night. And that's not even mentioning Freddy Sanchez.

Six days til pitchers and catchers...