MLB - Midseason Report

One half of the 2011 MLB season is in the books and it has been nothing short of incredible.  Every division is separated by fewer than 4 games.  There have been multiple surprise teams, including the Cleveland Indians, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Arizona Diamondbacks, all of whom are within striking distance of first place.

After starting the year 0-8, the Boston Red Sox have made a tremendous surge and sit a game up on the New York Yankees in the ultra competitive AL East.

It's been a long time since baseball has seen this kind of parody.  No matter what city you live in, you can feel confident that your team can compete and win a game on any given night. (Unless you are a fan of the Chicago Cubs, in which case it's probably better to just stay home.)

My pre-season predictions are mostly still in play, except that the Oakland Athletics have already fired their manager, so he won't be winning the "AL Manager of the Year" and the A's probably won't be winning the pennant in the AL West.  My predictions for AL MVP and Cy Young are right on the mark as Adrian Gonzalez, of the Boston Red Sox, has been killing in his new home, Fenway Park,  and leads the league in RBI, hits, and batting average.  The Detroit Tigers Justin Verlander, has been nearly un-hittable, and threw a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays on May, 8th, earlier this year.  JV is the early favorite to win his first Cy Young award.

On the NL side of things, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher, Roy Halladay has continued his dominance that we have come to expect and along with Verlander, is the best pitcher in baseball.  Colorado Rockies star, Troy Tulowitzki has gotten off to a lackluster start, but has been amazing with the glove and is one of the most exciting players in the game to watch in person.  My prediction for NL Manager of the Year, Ron Roenicke has the Milwaukee Brewers tied for first in the NL Central.  The second half of the season is going to be exciting to say the least.  But before the second half starts let's hand out some mid-season awards.

AL MVP

Hands down it's Adrian Gonzalez.  The big big big big big trade made by the Boston Red Sox has been paying the Red Sox back with pure gold, batting .354, with 77 RBI, and 128 hits, all tops in the AL. Baseball fans everywhere are lucky that Gonzalez was rescued from baseball purgatory that is the San Diego Padres, and fans across the nation now have the chance to see the awesome talent he possesses.

Honorable Mention
Jose Bautista continues to crush home runs as he did in 2010, proving that his power was no fluke.  To go along with his Major League leading 31 big flys, "Joey Bats" picked up a new trick.  He has learned to hit for average.  Bautista is currently batting .334, almost 75 points higher than his total of .260 a year ago.

NL MVP
There are plenty of deserving individuals in the NL and it's tough to peg down one guy that clearly exceeds his peers as the sole MVP.  If forced to name an MVP today, I'd pick Lance Berkman of the St. Louis Cardinals.  Many thought his career was quickly coming to an end after a couple of disappointing seasons.  But halfway through the 2011 season, Berkman has already eclipsed his totals in Home Runs, RBIs, and runs from a year ago.  The National League Home Run leader has also carried the Cardinals into a tie for first place in the NL Central, while Albert Pujols has battled injuries and an uncharacteristic slow start.  Without Berkman's contributions, the Cardinals would not be atop the standings.  Therefore, Lance Berkman is the MVP in NL.

Honorable Mentions
Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers are both having outstanding years offensively and are too huge reasons why the Brew Crew is tied with the Cardinals for the lead in the NL Central.

Jose Reyes of the New York Mets is having a career year.  He's batting .354 with 124 hits, both bests in the NL.  With the Mets 11 games out of first place, and currently sitting third in the NL East, I can't rationalize Reyes as the MVP.

AL and NL Cy Young

Justin Verlander and Roy Halladay.  Once again it seems to be the year of the pitcher in Major League Baseball.  JV and the Doc are the hottest pitchers in the universe putting up phenomenal numbers.  Both have double digit wins, both have ERAs under 2.50.  More than that, as Detroit Tigers announcer often calls Verlander, these guys are must see TV.  On any given night, one of these guys could throw a no-htter.  There are many pitchers having fantastic seasons on an array of different teams, but none of them can touch Verlander and Halladay.

If the finish to the 2011 MLB season is anything like the first half, baseball fans are in line for a thrilling ride.

*Standings and stats are as of the All-Star break.

The Ice has Melted for Paul Kariya

On July 29th, 2011,  Paul Kariya called it a career after 15 seasons in the NHL.  Kariya missed all of the 2010-2011 season due to a concussion he suffered in December of 2009, in which he took an elbow to the head by Buffalo Sabre's winger, Patrick Katela.  Doctors haven't been able to clear Kariya to play and a recent brain scan showed continued signs of brain damage.  With no choice, Paul Kariya is forced to walk away from the game he loves.


Paul Kariya was drafted 4th overall by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in 1993.  Along with Teemu Salanne, Kariya made hockey relevant in Southern California.  Not exactly the most ideal destination for a NHL franchise, Kariya and Salanne had the then, Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim rocking on a nightly basis.  The exciting duo created a buzz in Orange County, and helped hockey become popular among the young and the old. Everywhere you went in the OC, you would see kids playing street hockey.  Kariya and Salanne jerseys were everywhere and all the kids I knew had a Mighty Ducks duck caller, myself included, that were sold at games and local sporting good stores.

Kariya served as the Ducks team captain for 7 years, before going to the Colorado Avalanche, with Salanne in 2004.  Kariya was a 6 time all-star, won a Gold Medal with team Canada in 2002, and also won the NCAA National Championship at the University of Maine.

Kariya had a solid NHL career, unfortunately it was cut a little short.  I attended many Ducks games in the mid 90's and I will always remember Kariya and the impact he made on hockey and the community. The Ducks should retire his number and I look  forward to it happening.  Quack-Quack-Quack!!!  

NBA Draft Recap- I Want to be like Dirk

The 2010-2011 season is over.  The Dallas Mavericks played the role of Cinderella as they defeated the evil stepmother, LeBron James and the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.  Dirk Nowitzki finally got his ring and will go down as one of the all-time greats.

Great! That was last year.  And for fans of teams not from Dallas, it's time to look toward next season, starting with the draft.  The addition of young guys to build a team around or for some, just adding the missing ingredient and becoming a contender.

The Cleveland Cavaliers had the privilege of having the first overall pick in draft.  The first time since taking Lebron James in 2003.  Unfortunately for the Cavs, there was no LeBron in the draft this year.  No sure thing, no definite game changer, no king.  Nonetheless, they still had to take someone - their pick: Kyrie Irving out of Duke.

Irving might become a solid player some day, but I don't believe he is number one overall pick caliber today.

One, he was injured most of his freshman and lone year at Duke, playing in only 11 games.  He is by no means proven.  The Cavs currently have four point guards on the roster, including Irving.  For a team trying to get past the destruction left by the departure of LeBron James, I think they could have used the pick more wisely.

Say, on the second overall pick, made by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Derrick Williams out of Arizona.  Williams put his talents in the spotlight during Arizona's NCAA Tournament run.  And it was impressive.  The guy can play both ends of the floor, dunks with authority, blocks shots, and plays physical.  If I had the number one pick, I would have taken Williams.  But I don't run an NBA franchise, so what do I know.

The European Invasion - I want to be like Dirk!
Four of the next five picks would be players from overseas.  It appears as though teams are looking for the next European sensation following the epic title run and victory by the German born Dirk Nowitzki.  As Joe Dumars can remind you, it's hard to spot how talent from foreign land will translate into the NBA.  Remember when Darko Milicic was taken second overall by the Detroit Pistons, behind LeBron James and ahead of stars like Dwayne Wade, Chris Paul, and Chris Bosh to name a few?  To say that Darko was a disappointment is an understatement.  He was down right disastrous.  Of course not all European players are going to be flops, but it's a gamble at the highest of stakes.  Good luck to the new wave of Euros joining the NBA ranks, you're going to need it.

Kemba and Jimmer
Kemba Walker, NCAA Tournament MVP and UCONN star was taken eighth overall by the Charlotte Bobcats.  At the seventh pick the Detroit Pistons passed on Kemba and went with another guard in Brandon Knight from Kentucky.  As a Pistons fan, this made me very sad.  Kemba is a proven leader and a winner.  He lead the UCONN Huskies to a perfect post-season record, winning the Big East Tournament followed by the "Big Dance", the NCAA Tournament.  In fact, Kemba beat Knight and the Kentucky Wildcats in the semi-finals of the tournament.  I love Joe Dumars, but his luck has run out and it's time he go.

The next pick at number nine and heading to the Sacramento Kings was Jimmer Fredette out of BYU.  Everyone knows Jimmer can shoot.  And he can also....  Well, he's a good shooter.  He's never played defense.  He can't really create shots without the ball in his hand and he's not a true point guard.  Conclusion: his game doesn't transate to the NBA.  He will be the Tim Tebow of the NBA.  Most people will be rooting for him, but he'll never have a dramatic impact on the game.  However, he's the perfect pick for the Sacramento Kings.  The Kings were trying to leave town following the 2010-2011 season because the owners wanted a new arena.  But, as of now they are staying in California's capital for at least one more year while they try and figure out a solution to the arena problem.  Jimmer will sell seats, jerseys, and popcorn.  He's a fan favorite and following the draft, the Kings season ticket sales saw an increase in revenue.  This will work for the Kings for a season, until everyone realizes Jimmer is more like Adam Morrison than Jim Morrison.

All in all, it was a fairly weak draft year that provided a few story lines and little hype.  Only time will tell exactly how good this years draft prospects are, but I wouldn't hold my breathe in anticipation.
   

Why Isn't Roger Maris in the Hall of Fame?

This question has perplexed me ever since I found out that Roger Maris wasn't in the Baseball Hall of Fame.  I had always just assumed that Maris, rightfully so, was a Hall of Famer.  An assumption I believe is fair and shared by many sports enthusiasts, such as myself.

The obvious reason why Maris belongs in the Hall of Fame, is the fact that in 1961 he broke Babe Ruth's single season home run record by hitting his 61st home run of the year on the final day of the season, besting Ruth by one long ball.  A feat so enormous that Billy Crystal made a movie about it titled 61*. (One of my favorite movies, and I hate the Yankees.)  Maris' record would stand for 37 years, until a chemically enhanced monster known as Mark McGwire, would shatter the record by belting 70 homers in a single season.  Later, an even more drugged up Barry Bonds would hit 73 home runs, and eventually it would come out that all these guys who were hitting 500 foot home runs on the regular, were on steroids, HGH, and estrogen (a female hormone supplement).  McGwire would hit 65 bombs following his 70 homer season, before walking away from the game only a few years before Jose Canseco blew the whistle on steroids and starting naming names, including his long time teammate McGwire.  Bonds, who still holds the single season record with 73, would never hit more than 49 in a season again, even with the assistance of lots and lots steroids, HGH, and whatever else he could get his hands on.

I still consider Roger Maris the single season home run leader.  No player outside of the steroid era has matched or broke 61 home runs in a single season.  Since, Major League Baseball instituted a drug testing policy in 2006, the most home runs hit in a season were 58, hit by Ryan Howard in the same year and only 3 other men, David Ortiz, Alex Rodriguez, and Jose Bautista ever broke 50!

Today's athletes are bigger, stronger, and faster.  They have more access to trainers and state of the art workout regimens and equipment.  Still, Maris' mark, set in 1961, hasn't been touched (by someone not overflowing with drugs) and probably won't be anytime soon.

If the home run record isn't enough to get Roger Maris in the Hall of Fame, then maybe the fact that he won back-to-back MVP awards in 1960 and 1961 while with the New York Yankees.  Only four players have won the award in consecutive years since Maris did.  Of the 5 that accomplished this milestone prior to Maris, all of them are in the Hall of Fame.  He played in 7 World Series, winning the Championship 3 times - twice with the Yankees and once with the St. Louis Cardinals.

It is well documented that Roger Maris and the media didn't get along.  The media, particularly the Baseball Writer's of America, are the ones who vote for the Hall of Fame.  Am I saying Roger didn't get in because of personal differences?  Yes.

He may not have had the lovable personality of Micky Mantle or a modern day Shaq.  He may not have 15 years of remarkable stats and awards.  But what Roger Maris does have is arguably the greatest season ever played in 1961.  A season that consisted of 61 home runs, an MVP, and his first World Series ring.  In my mind that's enough to be called a Hall of Famer.

Maris' name no longer appears on the Hall of Fame ballot.  The only way he can get in now, is if MLB grants him an entry.  If you know anything about MLB, you know it would take hell freezing over, pigs flying, and Alex Rodriguez admitting to using steroids.  Not likely.

Roger Maris: Hall of Famer*

J.OWEN Rants

The Los Angeles Lakers have hired the man that will proceed Phil Jackson, who has won more Championships as a coach than anyone in history.  The lucky individual who will attempt to fill the giant shoes left by Jackson's retirement, is Mike Brown, former Cleveland Cavaliers coach and a former "Coach of the Year" winner.  In light of the hiring, many of the "experts" on ESPN have been making a big deal out of the fact that the Lakers didn't consult with Kobe Bryant before signing Brown to be the next head coach of LA's top team.

Last time I checked, Kobe was an employee of the Los Angeles Lakers and not the other way around.  I didn't think he owned stock in the team.  I don't believe he has an office or a desk.  I was almost certain his responsibilities within the organization pertained to hitting jump shots and playing defense, and not making the hiring decisions.

The Lakers didn't consult with Kobe Bryant before picking their new head coach, because it's not his call.  The cashier at your local Target doesn't get to put his two cents in when the store needs a new manager and Kobe shouldn't expect the luxury of getting to pick his new boss either.

Meet Jose Bautista, He's Good

Jose Bautista of the Toronto Blue Jays, has been flying high since the 2011 Major League Baseball season began and it doesn't appear he'll be coming back to earth anytime soon.  Bautista's numbers through the first 32 games of the season are incredible, insane, inhuman!  Among the many categories he leads the league in are: runs, home runs, and batting average and through 32 games, he has 16 home runs.  That's a home run every other game!  At that rate, Bautista is on pace for 80 home runs!  A number that would shatter Barry Bonds single season mark of 73*.  Or a number that would obliterate the single season record held by someone that wasn't jacked up on steroids and walking around like the Incredible Hulk, Roger Maris' 61.  It's almost impossible for Bautista to keep hitting at this pace, but the numbers are fun to look at nonetheless.

Hitting home runs isn't new for Bautista, he lead all of baseball in 2010 with 54 long bombs.  However, last season, if Bautista wasn't hitting a home run, he was probably recording an out as he finished the year with an unimpressive .260 batting average.  In 2011, he is sporting an astonishing .368 average, best in the American League.  Hitting for power and average is what MVPs are made of.  Bautista finished 4th in MVP voting a year ago.  If he can sustain his current numbers he will be the unanimous choice this year.

Numbers like the ones Bautista is putting up are eye-popping.  Especially since he seemingly came out of nowhere last year, at age 29, and became a power hitter.  In the post-steroid era, such numbers also raise eyebrows.  Fair or unfair, that's the way it is today.  In his defense, Bautista's head does not resemble that of Mr. Potato Head, as did many of the great hitters in the late 90's, early 2000's.  Bautista actually has quite a slim frame.  MLB has a strict testing policy and with the exception of Manny Ramirez, most guys aren't dumb enough to test that system.

I believe Bautista is clean.  He is off to a historic start.  The sporting world should take notice and start watching.

*Steroid Era

Manny Pacquiao: The Greatest of All Time?

Do you want to see a real fight?  A real fighter?  12 rounds of non-stop action?  Then I suggest you order the fight this weekend, when the best pound-for-pound fighter in the universe, Manny "Pac Man" Pacquiao takes on "Sugar" Shane Mosley for the WBO Welterweight Title.

This is boxing!  It is not the UFC or any type of MMA.  It's two men going toe-to-toe using only their fists and their knowledge of the "sweet science".  In this fight, you will not see two men rolling on the mat, hugging each other for half an hour.  You will see punches flying in bunches.  There will be no fluke, the better fighter will win.  There will be no lucky kicks, punches, or reverse naked choke holds.

Pacquiao will go in to the fight as the Champ, and he will exit the fight as the Champ.  But that doesn't mean the fight won't be exiting.  It most definitely will.

Anyone who has ever seen Pacquiao fight will tell you, you get your moneys worth.  If you haven't seen the Pac Man fight, I feel sorry for you, because you've been missing out on arguably the most entertaining fighter of all time, and with apologies to Muhammed Ali, perhaps the greatest of all time.
Long time promoter Bob Arum, who worked with Ali thinks so, as he describes Pacquiao as, "best and greatest boxer of all time".

Pacquiao has won titles in an unprecedented, 8 different weight classes!  He is the only fighter to ever accomplish such a feat, and I would bet my first born that no one will ever duplicate it.  He was named "Fighter of the Year" 4 times and was also crowned "Fighter of the Decade" during the 2000s.

I could sit here all day, telling you why Pacquiao is the greatest.  I could tell you that of his 52 victories, 38 of them have ended in a knock out.  I could also tell you that he put Oscar De La Hoya into retirement after he beat him like a red-headed step child for 8 rounds.  Leaving the "pretty boy" bruised and mangled so bad, that Oscar quit the fight and hasn't fought since.  Instead, just do yourself a favor, call your local cable provider, order the fight, and witness the greatness that is Manny Pacquiao.

Death of a Dynasty: The San Antonio Spurs

This past weekend, as week 9 of the first round of the NBA playoffs came to an end, the San Antonio Spurs became just the third number one seed to lose to an eight seed in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs.  The defeat came at the hands of the younger, more energized Memphis Grizzlies team that proved they are a powerful force and ready to contend.


More devastating than the early exit from playoffs, is the likelihood that the dynasty the Spurs had become over the past decade is seemingly dead.

The Spurs have won 4 NBA Championships since 1999 and are one of only five teams that has taken home the title since the turn of the millennium.

The Spurs have been one of the most accomplished franchises in all of sports over the past 12 years.  The organization is ran with a class and professionalism that is seldom found in the modern world of sports.  And even though the Spurs finished the regular season with the NBA's best record, the veteran laced team ran out of gas, and simply couldn't keep up with the quicker, more youthful Grizzlies.

What now?

Tim Duncan is one of the greatest players to ever step foot on the hardwood, but at 35 he is no longer the player that won back-to-back league MVP awards in 2002 and 2003.  A 35-year-old is young in most professions, but in the NBA a 35-year-old has one foot in the nursing home.  Enjoy the Hall of Fame, Tim.

Manu Ginobili, arguably the Spurs best player, is no spring chicken either, he turns 34 in July.  Still, Manu has had one of his greatest season as a pro and made a case for consideration as the MVP. Unfortunately for the Spurs, Ginobili injured his elbow late in the year and was forced to miss game 1 of the playoffs.  Ginobili would play the rest of the series with the assistance of a gigantic elbow brace that limited his movement, and ultimately handicapped his performance.

Injuries have plagued the Spurs throughout the last couple of seasons.  They looked poised to give it one last hooray in 2011, but came up way short.  With the advanced ages of its core, it appears, for now, the dynasty in San Antonio is no more.

R.I.P. San Antonio Spurs Dynasty - (1999-2011)

Can Red Heads Play Quarterback?

Does the color of one's hair effect the level of success one may achieve as a quarterback?  It may sound asinine, but in this week's issue of Sports Illustrated, Peter King discussed the types of scrutiny that NFL head coaches factor in when assessing possible draft picks, particularity at the quarterback position.  And one NFL head coach, speaking anonymously, wonder if the redheaded QB Andy Dalton, out of TCU, was missing something.

"Has there ever been a redheaded quarterback in the NFL that's done well?", the coach asked.

In a business such as the NFL, where every move and decision is crucial.  Coaches around the league are starting to feel the pressure as the NFL draft is next week.  The future of teams is highly dependent on making the right draft choice.  One bad pick, one wrong assessment and a franchise might find itself in the leagues gutter.  With so much at stake for NFL teams, maybe it is a fair question.  For argumentative purposes, lets take a look.

First, it should be noted that only 1%-2% of the world's population have red hair. And most of them are leprechauns.

Second, of the some 9000 athletes that play college football each year, roughly 2% of them will make it to the NFL.  Go to class fellas!

Given that information, it is no wonder why few, if any, names come to mind regarding redheaded quarterbacks.  The odds are stacked tremendously against the gingers becoming high-profile quarterbacks at the highest level.

The one and only name that came to my mind was Jeff Garcia.  Does he qualify?  Let's see, red head?  The little amount of hair Garcia has left is red.  Check!  Did he do "well" in the NFL?  In his career, Garcia made four pro-bowl teams, played decent for 7 different teams, taking 3 of them to the playoffs, and he is married to 2004 Playboy playmate of the year, Carmella Decesare, despite his debilitating appearance. So yeah, I'd say he's done real well.

I seriously doubt hair color has even the slightest effect on an athletes ability.  On the other hand, being an NFL quarterback can greatly enhance your chances of marrying a supermodel.  Andy Dalton, who is no looker himself, shouldn't worry about his hair.  He should be ecstatic that he will soon be an NFL quarterback and that he too may be able to marry a supermodel.

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Hockey - The Forgotten Sport

Ever since the NHL lockout that resulted in the canalization of the 2004-2005 season, hockey has seemed to be forgotten and the NHL has been lost amongst the thousands of TV channels available today.  NHL games are typically broadcasted on Versus., a network most people have never heard of. And if they have, they probably can't tell you which channel it is found on.  Besides a few minor highlights of the top teams, the NHL rarely makes SportsCenter.  Before the lockout, ESPN had a nightly show dedicated to hockey, NHL Tonight.  They would also televise games on a weekly basis.

Now the powerhouse network cannot be bothered to spend more than a couple minutes a night on the great sport of hockey, but they will spend hours talking about whether or not there is going to be a NFL season.  How about giving some love to a sport that is playing its games, and commend its players for yet another competitive season?  With the NHL Playoffs starting, here's 4 reasons why you should watch the NHL again...

1.  It's the fastest game on the planet.  Players can reach speeds of greater than 20 MPH while out on the ice.  This creates a tempo not found in any other sport.  And with lightning quick speeds, comes devastating collisions.  There is nothing like the sound of a defensemen slamming a forwards body into the boards, causing him to spill onto the ice.  Or an open ice hit that nearly takes a guy out of his skates, hits that would make Ray Lewis proud.

2.  Fighting is allowed!  And even some what encouraged.  Typically the refs will let guys duke it out until their bodies hit the ice.  Since they are on ice skates, that usually doesn't take long.  Win or lose, both guys will be going to the penalty box for 5 minutes.  Sports are obviously highly competitive and emotions run high. With fighting, hockey players are able to unleash some aggression and/or frustration.  After, they get to cool down for a bit, before eventually returning to action.  Let's be honest, who doesn't love a good fight?

3.  So what if you can't pronounce any of their names.  Some people have the belief that hockey isn't as popular as it once was because of the lack of star power and the fact that their names are just too hard to say and learn.  Sure, Anze Kopitar, Valtteri Filppula, and Teemu Selanne might be a little tough to say, and even tougher to spell, but all these guys will be in the playoffs fighting for their respective teams.  Plus, just because you can't pronounce a guys name, doesn't mean you can't respect his skills out on the pond.

4. Anything can happen!  In hockey, the separation between the top teams and the bottom teams isn't as dramatic as you'd find in other sports.  And in the playoffs, that notion is highlighted.  In the NBA it is almost impossible to see an 8 seed defeat a 1 seed in a playoffs series. (The Nuggets beat the Sonics in 1994 and the Knicks beat the Heat in 1999.  Both were 5 games series vs the 7 game format you find in the NHL and in modern day NBA.)  In the NHL playoffs, an 8 seed has beaten a 1 seed in each of the past two years and 9 times since the NHL expanded to an 8 team format.  In the 2011 NHL playoffs, a lot of experts are picking the New York Rangers to upset the Washington Capitals in round one.  The Capitals were also upset as a 1 seed in last years playoffs by the Montreal Canadiens.

These are just a small sample of the countless reasons to watch the NHL.  Over the next two months the NHL's top 16 teams will be competing for the honor of having their names etched on to the Stanley Cup and the right to be called a Champion.  Tune into a game or two and I bet you'll fall back in love with hockey, just as I have.

The Masters: Tiger's Jungle

Augusta, Georgia, home of golf's most prestigious event, The Masters. 

For many players it's the Super Bowl of golf.  The event they circle on their calenders and look forward to all year as if it were Christmas morning.  Augusta National truly is golf's sanctuary, evident by a comment posted on Luke Donald's twitter page after his first round, "Bit up and down today, hated the slow start but loved the run on 14,15 and 16.  Looking forward to another perfect day in paradise [tomorrow]."

After two days in paradise, Donald has gotten himself back on track shooting a 4-under 68 to get him within 6 strokes of the up and coming star, 21 year-old, Rory McIlroy, who sits at 10-under.  McIlroy is the second youngest player to lead the Masters after two rounds. (21 years 339 days)  The youngest ever?  Tiger Woods of course, who was 21 years-old and 100 days, back in 1997.  Tiger would go on to win the Masters and his first of four green jackets, by an incredible 12 stroke margin.

Will McIlroy follow in Tiger's paw prints and claim his first Major this Sunday?  I doubt it. Tiger has found his roar and looks poised to finally silence the critics and reclaim the number 1 world golf ranking.

Leading up to the 2011 Masters Championship, the "experts" have been spitting out ignorant statements such as: "Tiger is not ready to contend.", "His swing just isn't there." etc.  They claim Tiger has been struggling on tour.  Sure, he hasn't won a tournament yet, but he hadn't played in a major yet either.  Tiger's goal, as it has always been, is to win majors and beat Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 career majors.  Tiger doesn't care about winning the Houston Shell Open or the Buick Invitational, now the Farmers Insurance Open.  He cares about the big boys.  While most people watched Tiger in the first handful of tournaments this season, they saw him losing.  I saw him practising - getting his swing together so that he could compete where it matters most, at Augusta.

All that practising has paid off, as Tiger has been dialed in and on target all week.  After two rounds, Tiger sits at 7-under, just 3 strokes off the lead.  There are two men between Tiger and first place.  The combined PGA Tour victories of those men, is 2 with no majors.  Tiger Woods on the other hand, has 71 PGA Tour victories, including 14 majors.

Going in to the most pressure filled weekend in golf, I'll put my money on the man that has been to the rodeo before.  I learned a long time ago, to never count Tiger out.  Sunday, April, 10th, everybody else will learn the same.  The waiting will be over and Tiger Woods will retake his thrown, as the best golfer on the planet.      

MLB 2011 Season Predictions

Playoffs

American League                                                           National League

   East - Boston Red Sox                                                   East - Philadelphia Phillies

       Central - Detroit Tigers                                                  Central - Milwaukee Brewers

 West - Oakland Athletics                                               West - Colorado Rockies

Wild Card - Chicago White Sox                                    Wild Card - San Fracisco Giants

ALDS                                                                            NLDS

Red Sox over White Sox                                                Giants over Phillies

       Tigers over Athletics                                                      Rockies over Brewers

AL Championship                                                          NL Championship

Red Sox over Tigers                                                      Giants over Rockies

World Series

Red Sox over Giants

Season Awards

AL MVP - Adrian Gonzalez                   NL MVP - Troy Tulowitzki

AL Cy Young - Justin Verlander             NL Cy Young - Roy Halladay

Manager of the Year - Bob Green           Manager of the Year - Ron Roenicke

~Below you can find analysis on all 30 MLB teams. 

National League West Preview

In 2010,  the NL West was suppose to be one of the weaker divisions in baseball.  By season's end, it may have turned out to be the strongest.  The surprise San Diego Padres were the feel good story of the year.  They lead the division for most of the year, until they ran out of steam in the final week of the regular season, when they were dethroned by the eventual World Series Champions, the San Francisco Giants.  What's in store out west in 2011?  Let's see...
*Teams listed in predicted order of finish.

The Colorado Rockies
In the off season, the Rockies wasted little time in signing their best player, Troy Tulowitzki, to a contract extension that will keep the 25 year-old shortstop in purple pinstripes until 2020.  Despite missing 40 games last year to wrist injury, Tulo still had 27 home runs and 148 hits.  Coming off career highs in batting average, on base percentage, and slugging percentage, Tulo hasn't even reached his prime yet.  Assuming he plays a full season in 2011, there are no limits to how high his numbers will soar.  Rockies fans should feel blessed knowing that they will be able to go to the ballpark and watch this guy play for at least the next 10 years.

I cannot stress enough how important it is for a team to have a closer it can rely on in the 9th inning to finish teams off.  In 2010, the Rockies played most of their season without the services of their closer, 2005 Rookie of the Year, Huston Street.  At 27 years of age, Street should be able to bounce back from shoulder and groin injuries that kept him sidelined for more than 60 games a year ago.  In case Street goes down again, the Rockies signed an insurance policy in the form of Matt Lindstrom, who was a closer with the Houston Astros in 2010. 

The Rockies are young and talented at almost every position.  It's no secret that the Mile High City is conducive to a team that can hit the ball.  With Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez leading the way, the Rockies will hit plenty.

The San Francisco Giants
Unlike the Rockies, the Giants are mediocre at best with the bat.  Struggles on offense don't seem to matter that much when your pitching staff is lights out.  That's exactly what the Giants staff is, and that is what won them the World Series crown in 2010.  The Giants pitchers gave up the least amount of runs in the Major Leagues and were best in batting average against (opposing teams batting average when facing Giant's pitching).

Unquestionably, the leader of that staff is Tim Lincecum, although you may know him as Mitch Kramer from "Dazed and Confused".  At just 26 years-old, he has already won two Cy Young awards and has at least 15 wins and 200 strikeouts in each of his first 3 full seasons as a starter.  Appropriately nick-named, the Freak, Lincecum says he has worked harder this off season than in any other before.  Coming from a guy that was already nearly un-hittable, that's a scary thought for National League hitters.

The San Diego Padres
Even though the Padres were forced to trade away their best player, all-star Adrian Gonzalez, they can still compete in the west, thanks to their young and efficient pitching staff.  The ace of the staff is 23 year-old Mat Latos, who should have an excellent career.  Their closer, Heath Bell is one of the premiere relievers in the game.  If the Friars can get the game to the 9th inning with the lead, then you can confidently put a W in the win column, because Bell will rarely let a game get a away.

The Padres, who began 2010 with the second lowest payroll in baseball are never big spenders in the off season.  Working with a budget, I think the Padres spent their modest allowance well.  They picked up an array of veteran infielders (Orlando Hudson, Jason Bartlett, and Brad Hawpe) who are capable on both sides of the ball.  They also picked up pitcher Aaron Harang, who struggled in 2010 for the Cincinnati Reds.  Moving to the spacious confines of Petco Park would be helpful for any pitcher.  Petco Park may be just what Harang needs to revitalize his career and winning ways. 

The Los Angeles Dodgers
What has become of this historic franchise?  Divorces used to just ruin lives and bank accounts.  Now they are ruining Major League Baseball teams.  The Dodgers will begin their second season in which they are the child stuck in the middle of the high profile custody battle between Frank and Jamie McCourt.  With the ownership uncertain, it makes it very difficult for the front office to spend money in free agency.  Not to mention the distraction it will cause the entire organization, from the guys in suits, to the men in uniforms.  Hopefully, this mess gets settled sooner rather than later and the Dodgers get back to their championship pedigree.

Another story to watch in Dodger-land this season will be how first time manager Don Mattingly fares.  "Donnie baseball" had been a coach on the legendary Joe Torre squads starting in 2004 while the pair were with the Yankess.  After Torre was fired in New York, Mattingly joined Torre in Los Angeles and will take over the managerial role now that Torre has retired.  As if being a manager for the first time doesn't cause enough anxiety as is, Mattingly will have to lead a team that is surrounded by turmoil.  Good luck to the Dodgers and their new manager, they'll need it.

The Arizona Diamondbacks
Coming off a year in which they lost 97 games, second worst in the National League, the Diamondbacks can't get much worse.  Unfortunately, they didn't get any better either.  They traded away their teams best home run hitter, Mark Reynolds, only months after they signed him to a three year contract extension.  You would figure, upon making a trade involving a power hitter like Reynolds, that the D-Backs would acquire personnel that will have tremendous impact.  Ummm, maybe.  The D-Backs received two young relievers who throw, but are by no means proven assets to a big league ball club.

It's obvious the Diamondbacks are rebuilding.  And it's inevitable that they will finish last in the NL West once again.   

Ladies and Gentlemen, the San Diego State Aztecs

The world of college basketball was introduced to the San Diego State Aztecs in this years addition of March Madness.  The Aztecs won a tournament game for the first time in school history.  They made it to the Sweet Sixteen, where they battled with college basketball royalty, the University of Connecticut Huskies, up until the final minute, before the Huskies would pull away and advance to the Elite Eight.  Although, they did not win the game, the Aztecs proved they can play among the greatest teams in college basketball. 

Coming into the 3rd round game in Anaheim, none of the experts gave San Diego State a chance.  A call here, a different bounce there, and the Aztecs might be the team playing the Arizona Wildcats with a trip to the Final Four on the line.  Unfortunately, this is not the case. 

In 1999, Steve Fisher became the head coach of a program that was basically non-existent.  The Aztecs had had one winning season in the previous 14 seasons before Fisher arrived.  In just his third year as coach, Fisher lead the team to its first Mountain West Title in school history.  This year, he lead them to its first NCAA tournament victory.  Coach Fisher, who won a National Title at Michigan, has made San Diego State basketball relevant and I doubt he will be satisfied stopping there. 

I heard a talk show radio host in San Diego say what the Aztecs were doing was "special".  I agree, it was a special year for the Aztecs, not because this was a once in a lifetime occurrence, but because it was the first of many to come.  San Diego State has arrived and they are here to stay.  San Diego should be excited of what the Aztecs did and even more excited of what they will do in the future.

National League Central Preview

The National League Central looks wide open and could make it the most exciting division to follow in 2011.  Baseball's only six team division has had a different team win the division in each of the last 3 seasons.  Will this trend continue in 2011?  The level of parody in the NL Central is great, and I believe we will see a fourth straight year in which a new team represents the Central in the National League.

*Teams listed in predicted order of finish.

The Milwaukee Brewers

A team that many experts picked to win the division last year, the Brewers were severely disappointing in 2010, finishing below .500 with a record of 77-85.  After an off season in which the Brewers added the power arms of Zach Greinke and Shaun Marcum, the Brewers are ready to live up to their potential and win the NL Central for the first time in team history.  Adding Greinke and Marcum gives the Brewers three aces to their starting rotation, that includes 25 year-old Yovani Gallardo.  Experts say Gallardo has all the makings to be Cy Young caliber pitcher and Greinke has already won the award.  All the talk in baseball is about the Phillies rotation.  This youthful Brewers club may be almost as talented and about a decade younger.  Don't sleep on the Brewers.

While, the Brewers do have much of their core players signed for years to come(Rickie Weeks, Ryan Braun, and Corey Hart),  the time might be now if they are going to bring a Championship to Milwaukee. Superstar first basemen, Prince Fielder is in the final year of his contract and all indications point to him testing free agency at seasons end.  Fielder will definitely draw interest from big spenders such as the Yankees, Cubs, and Angels.  A small market team such as the Brewers won't stand a chance at re-signing the 26 year-old home run machine.  The Brewers have a team that will compete for years to come, but it will be much easier to win with the services of the Prince. 

The St. Louis Cardinals

Everyone in St. Louis is nervous.  And if they aren't they should be.  The biggest news in the off season for the Cardinals, was bad news.  The team was unable to agree on terms for a contract extension for the 3-time MVP, 9-time all star, arguably the greatest ballplayer of all-time, and without a doubt, the best player in the game today, Albert Pujols.  Prince Albert had a down year, for Pujols standards and still led the league in Home Runs, Runs, and RBIs.  He has had at least 30 home runs, 100 RBI, and a .300 batting average in each of his first 10 seasons.  You know who else has compiled those numbers to start a career?  NO ONE! 

I wasn't in the negotiating room, so I don't know what held up getting an extension done, but if a guys puts up the numbers that Pujols has, you give him what he wants.  Pujols has said he will not talk about his contract during the season as to not be a distraction.  Unfortunately, not knowing if your best player is going to be with the team in the future, will prove to be a vital distraction.  If Pujols makes it to free agency, you know the Yankees will throw $30-40 million a year, cars, boats, planes, statues, just about anything to get him into pinstripes.

I can't imagine Pujols not playing for the Cards, and the last thing baseball needs is for him to go to the Yankees.  I'm a little afraid that's where he'll end up a year from now, and everyone outside of New York should be too.

The Cincinnati Reds
The Reds shocked the world of baseball in 2010, winning the division for the first time since 1995.  In 2011 however, teams will be ready to play when the Reds come to town.  No longer under the radar, the Reds won't have the element of surprise to use as ammunition. 

The Reds made little to no moves in the off season and the team remains basically the same.  Sure, they still have the reigning MVP, Joey Votto and a stellar cast of young hitters including: Brandon Phillips, Drew Stubbs, and Jonny Gomes, but I believe it will be a down year in Cincinnati.  Don't fret Reds fans, the Reds are young, talented and will be a contender for many years to come.

The Chicago Cubs
What is going to go wrong for the Cubs this year?  It always seems to be something.  Last year, there were multiple occasions of teammate on teammate violence, usually involving Carlos Zambrano.  Their manager, Lou Pinella stepped down late in the year and more importantly the Cubs finished 5th in the division which includes the lowly Pirates and the struggling Astros.

The Cubs are baseball's most tortured franchise.  They have not won a World Series since 1908.  The last time they played in a World Series was in 1945, when they lost to the Detroit Tigers.  It was in this series in which the Cubs became cursed.  The curse is known as the "Curse of the Goat", and the story goes likes this...

It was game 4 of the World Series and a man by the name of Billy Sianis had two box seats to the game.  Naturally, he brought his pet goat to occupy one of the seats.  Mr. Sianis and his goat got past the ticket collector and security and made it to their seats where they would enjoy the pivotal game 4.  It was a perfect afternoon for the man and his goat, until they were asked to leave, by order of the teams owner.  The cause for ejection was do to the objectionable odor that resonated from the goat.  Outraged by the ejection and the fact the team had insulted his goat, Sianis placed a hex on the Cubs, stating they would never play another World Series game at Wrigley Field.  To this day the Cubs have not been back to the World Series...

The Houston Astros
They are bad... Really bad.... But not as bad as...

The Pittsburgh Pirates
Can you name a single player on the Pittsburgh Pirates?  Me either.  I don't know how the Pirates make a profit year in and year out, but they do.  Their ownership seems satisfied with making that profit and refuse to put any real money into the team.  Winning is not a priority in Pittsburgh.  I feel for the few Pirates that remain, because your team will continue to trade it's best players or let them walk when their contracts are up if it means saving a penny.  The Pirates will likely once again have the lowest payroll in baseball.  In 2010, their payroll was approximately $35 million, or $170 million less than the New York Yankees.  How can they even be expected to compete?  But yeah, baseball not having a salary cap is a good thing.

National League East Preview

Is it really necessary for the National League East to play its games?

The New York Mets are a complete mess, the Washington Nationals are the Nationals, the Florida Marlins spend little to no money, the Atlanta Braves have a new manager for the first time since 1990, and the Philadelphia Phillies are loaded with pitching and tremendous talent.  In the words of Soul Asylum, the Philadelphia Phillies will be a "runaway train never coming back".
*Teams listed in order of predicted finish

The Philadelphia Phillies


They are the favorite to win the World Series.  They are baseball's fastest growing dynasty.  And they will easily take the crown in the NL East for the 5th straight year.  The Phillies have been to two of the last three World Series and won it all in 2008.  Their starting rotation is elite, and may go down as epic.  With the biggest signing in the off season the Phillies added starting pitcher Cliff Lee, to a rotation that already includes 7-time all star and holder of two Cy Young awards, Roy Halladay, 2008 World Series MVP, Cole Hamels, as well as 3-time all star and Gold Medalist, Roy Oswalt.

Phillies shortstop, Jimmy Rollins said he thinks the team will win 100 games and he's probably right.  The Phillies won 97 games last season without the services of Cliff Lee and only had Roy Oswalt for half the year.  With the exception of Jayson Werth heading to this nation's capital to play for the Wahington Nationals, the Phillies line-up is virtually the same.  Each member of their infield has been to an all star game and has won a silver slugger award.  Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard have both taken home MVP awards in last five seasons.  Critics will argue that this infield core are becoming too old to be effective and are injury prone.  In reality, Placido Polanco is the only individual over 32 years old and he has never fallen victim to any sort of significant injury. *knocks on wood*

 Jimmy Rollins suffered a strained calf that landed him on the DL for only the second time in his 11 year career.  Chase Utley battled a sprained thumb as well as a broken finger and still played in 110 games last season.  The truth is these guys are gamers and you can expect to see their names in the line-up more often than not.  This team is filled with veteran experience and they posses more awards than a Golden Globes after party.  In 2011, the Philadelphia Phillies will look to add more hardware to an already crowded trophy case.

The Atlanta Braves

For the first time in 20 seasons, the Atlanta Braves will take the field without legendary manager Bobby Cox calling the shots.  Under the leadership of Cox the Braves went to 5 World Series and brought the title to Atlanta in 1995.  The Braves also won the NL East division a record 11 straight years.  Bobby Cox is 5th on the all time wins list by a manager with 2,504 victories.  Beyond winning, Cox will be missed for his old school attitude and quick temper that put him in the record books for being ejected more times than any other manager in the history of game, quite a feat considering baseball has been played since before 1900.

Replacing him will a be familiar face in Fredi Gonzalez, who was on Cox's coaching staff from 2003-2006 as third base coach, before going on serve as the Flordia Marlins manager for three and a half years until his was fired mid-way through last season after butting heads with Marlins superstar shortstop, Hanley Ramirez.  Remember Jerry Sloan? (See article below) It happens in all sports, folks.  Gonzalez has gigantic shoes to fill and it won't be easy with a team that will exhibit a rookie first baseman, Freddie Freeman and a rookie closer, Criag Kimbrel.

Obviously, the Braves organization have a great deal of confidence in these young men to name them to these critical roster spots.  At 22 years of age, Craig Kimbrel will be asked to finish off opposing teams in the ninth, with the game on the line, all eyes fixated on your every pitch, every movement.  That's enormous pressure for even the most tested big leaguer let alone a kid who still gets IDed when purchasing movie tickets for an R rated film.  

The Florida Marlins

Despite the fact that the Marlins rarely spend money in free agency and almost never resign big name players, they always seem to be in the mix when September rolls around.  They do so through scouting and developing the players from their talent abundant farm system.  They have twice shocked the world and won baseball's ultimate prize behind a payroll that wouldn't pay for all of Lil' Wayne's jewelry.

This off season was no different as Marlin fans watched the team trade one of it's best players, second baseman Dan Uggla to the Atlanta Braves, for super utility man, Omar Infante and pitcher Mike Dunn.  Unlike most trades Florida's front office makes, this one was justified.  They were unable to reach a contract extension with the All Star and instead of letting him walk after the 2011 season and get nothing, the Marlins moved him to Atlanta, picked up Infante, who can play every role from shortstop to left field to nacho vendor.  They also freed up some cash, which they later spent on free agent catcher Jon Buck, as well as locking up the ever improving pitcher Ricky Nolasco to a three year deal.

On paper, the Marlins don't look like the most formidable opponents in baseball, but they never do and they always find a way to compete.  Teams should never overlook the Marlins, because if they do, they will find this scrappy franchise has them hook, line, and sinker.

The New Mets & The Washington Nationals

The Mets organization is in a state of complete discombobulation.  The team may be filing for bankruptcy thanks to their owners possible involvement with the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme.  With claims and settlements pending in the amount of $1 billion, the Mets owner may be forced to sell the team and all its assets.

Word is it has cut its vending staff in half and executives are worried the team might not be able to afford player salaries or even conduct day to day baseball operations.  And I still think they'll finish with a better record than the Washington Nationals.  The Mets front office is a mess, but they have a ton of star power whom can put up giant numbers, as long as they get paid.

The Nationals don't have a whole lot to be excited about either.  Their 2010 number one overall draft pick, phenom Stephen Strasburg, will likely miss the entire 2011 season while he recovers from Tommy John surgery, preformed September 3, 2010.  They severely overpaid Jayson Werth with a $126 million contract over 7 years.  Werth who turns 32 in May, has never had a batting average above .298, has never knocked in 100 runs, has only hit more than 30 home runs once, and has appeared in only one all star game in his 8 year career.  With poor investing like that, it will a long time until we see this Nationals team breakout out of the cellar in the NL West.

American League West Preview

Baseball's smallest division saw a lot of coming and goings in the off season and we'll see some familiar faces in new places out west.  Which of those faces will have the greatest impact, remains to be seen.  The American League West might be the toughest division, in regards to picking a winner, at least for me.  There doesn't seem to be one team that stands out as being superior.  But I like...

*Teams in order of predicted finish.

The Oakland Athletics

Yes, the Oakland A's will win the AL West and they are my team to watch in 2011.  Oakland over-achieved at the start of last season before fizzling out in the second half of the season, finishing with a .500 record and in 2nd place behind the Texas Rangers.  The A's look improved and built for a run at the post-season in 2011.  This year's team brings a nice mix of young players, ready to showcase their talents and the proven veterans, who we know can get the job done.

The A's strongest link will be their bullpen, which looks to be among the best in baseball.  Anchoring that fierce bullpen will be an up and coming star in Andrew Bailey. Bailey managed 25 saves a year ago despite battling an oblique injury.  The elbow should be fully repaired and word is he will be ready to go, come opening day.  What if Bailey isn't ready?  In the off season the A's signed veteran pitcher, former Angel's closer, Brian Fuentes to be the set up man for Bailey.  If Bailey goes down, Fuentes and his 187 career saves will be waiting to step in and takeover the closers role.  And a backup plan to your backup plan is nice too.  The A's have that in Grant Belfour.  The Australian had a 2.28 ERA in 2010 and is good for a little better than a strikeout per inning pitched.  The A's sure hope they won't have to resort to having Belfour close out games, but as a worst case scenario, it doesn't get much better than Belfour.

On the swinging side of the ball, the A's brought in former World Series MVP, Hideki Matsui.  The A's signed Matsui in hopes of adding a star with leadership ability and some extra pop to a line-up that finished with only 109 home runs a year ago.  Godzilla, along with the new outfield, consisting of David DeJesus, Josh Willingham, and Coco Crisp will help produce some runs in 2011, but the A's will rely on their pitching, and this pitching staff is geared to take the A's to the head of the class in the AL West.

The Texas Rangers
The Rangers were unable to resign superstar pitcher, Cliff Lee.  Unfortunately, it is impossible to replace a player of Lee's caliber.  Without a bonafied ace, the Rangers starting rotation is little shaky.  CJ Wilson had a terrific year in 2010 going 15-8 in his first year as a starter.  Can he repeat this performance?  Maybe, but what's beyond Wilson?  Colby Lewis, Tommy Hunter, Derek Holland, and Branden Webb.  Besides Webb most people have never heard of these guys and Webb has pitched a total of four innings since 2008!  Hunter and Holland are young and might become great pitchers one day, but if the Rangers are going to be successful in 2011 that day better be today.

Luckily the Rangers do have reigning MVP Josh Hamilton and a number of other guys, maybe too many, who can hit and score runs.  The  question remains, will there be enough playing time to go around and keep everyone happy.  The big move made by the Rangers in the off season was signing free agent third baseman, Adrian Beltre.  The addition of Beltre displaces longtime Ranger 3B Michael Young, who demanded a trade before spring training started, with no luck.  Young is a professional and did report to spring training with a smile on his face, we'll see if it stays there as the season progresses.  Chances are Young could earn his job back if Beltre struggles.  In 2010, Beltre put up the best numbers of his career, with the exception of the incrediably suspicious power numbers he compiled in 2004 during the tail end of the steroid era, numbers he would never again come close to duplicating.  A few warnings for Rangers fans who are counting on Beltre having a batting average of .321 and knocking 189 hits this year, as he did for the Boston Red Sox a year ago - consider this, any balls that went for doubles or home runs in Boston, will find their way into the fielders gloves in the much more spacious confines of the Ballpark in Arlington.

Last season, Beltre was playing in a contract year, meaning he had a little extra incentive to put up big numbers.  That incentive is non-existent as the Rangers inked Beltre to a five-year $80 million contract.  With that money in the bank, expect Beltre numbers to return to earth and to his career norm, with a batting average of about .265 and  around 150 or so hits.  I can think of better ways to spend $80 million.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Speaking of bad spending, the Angels traded for Vernon Wells and the $86 million he is owed over the next four years.  Wells had a great 2010 and was named an all-star for the first time since 2006.  I would imagine playing in Southern California versus Toronto, where he spent the first nine years of his career, can only help his productivity, but at age 32, Wells isn't getting any younger and that makes it a risky investment for the Angel's front office.

Besides the acquisition of Vernon Wells, the Angels made very few modifications to their ball club.  The Angels have a strong pitching staff and if you've been paying attention, pitching is what wins games.  Fernando Rodney will be the every day closer, after sharing the role with Brian Fuentes last season.  Rodney is capable of getting the job done, he'll just have you biting your nails and hiding behind your t-shirt in the process. 

With Jered Weaver, Dan Haren, and Ervin Santana as your top three starters, the Angels will compete and win a lot of games.  Don't overlook the Halos because they can easily come out on top in the very winnable AL West.

The Seattle Mariners                            

Dear Seattle,

Please set Ichiro free!

Thank You,

Baseball fans everywhere

It is devastating to watch one of the greatest baseball players of all time waste away in Seattle.  Especially since Ichiro played in Japan until he was 27 and deprived us of watching his entire baseball career unfold.  Since coming to America, Ichiro has had 200+ hits and a batting average of .303 or higher in each of his 10 seasons as a Mariner.  He is one of two men to ever win the Rookie of the Year award and MVP in the same season.  Ichiro is 37 and we are running out of time to witness this once in a lifetime athlete.  He hasn't been to the playoffs since his rookie season, and if he remains in Seattle we will never get to see him take his talents to the post-season again.  A free agent in 2013, maybe he will sign with a contender, we can only hope.

American League Central Preview

Consistently one of the most competitive divisions in baseball, the American League Central will not disappoint in 2011.  The Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox both added power to their line-ups.  The Minnesota Twins had very little off season activity and have basically the same look as last year.  Yet, most experts still consider the Twins to be the favorite.  The Cleveland Indians and Kansas City Royals will once again be battling it out for fourth place.
*Teams listed in order of predicted finish.

The Detroit Tigers
The Tigers possess a tremendous mix of young talent and proven veterans on both sides of the ball.  The Tigers worked quickly in the off season to re-sign fan favorites, perennial .300 hitter, Maggilo Ordonez and defensive specialist, Brandon Inge.  They also brought in free agent bat of Victor Martinez at $50 million over four years.  Martinez is expected to share time behind the plate with young catcher Alex Avila and he will DH on days he doesn't wear the armor. 

Detroit also added to their already impressive pitching staff, signing flame thrower, Joaquin Benoit to a three year deal.  Benoit will be the setup man for the charismatic and now healthy closer, Jose Valverde.  Joel Zumaya, whose fast ball has reached 104 MPH, says he too is healthy. Hopefully he can make it through the year without a trip to the DL, a feat he has been unable to accomplish in the first four years of his career.  The Tigers were also able to add depth to the starting rotation, signing veteran starter and former World Series Champion, Brad Penny, who will anchor the staff as the fifth starter.  We already know Justin Verlander is a stud and will continue to dominate hitters in 2011.  The rest of the starting rotation should be solid assuming three things. First, Rick Porcello bounces back from a sophomore slump.  Word is, he has added a curve ball and a sinker to go along with his effective change-up, if true, Porcello should be back to the winning form that allowed him to finish third in his rookie of the year voting two seasons ago.  Second, that at age 26, Max Scherzer  continues to strike guys out and keeps improving. 

Lastly, and possibly the biggest if of all, can Phil Coke transition from the bullpen into the starting rotation.  Coke throws hard, he also plays with a lot of emotion.  Emotion works in the bullpen because a pitcher will only throw for an inning or two.  Starters are expected to pitch between 5 and 7 innings every fifth day.  If he can pace himself, good things are in store for the flamboyant Coke.

Their line-up looks to be the best, 1 thru 9 among the AL Central.  Their pitching staff could rank with the elite if everything goes perfect.  If the Tigers can stay healthy and if Miguel Cabrera stays off the sauce, the Detroit Tigers are the team to beat in the division.

The Chicago White Sox
Of course, Alex Rios disagrees with me on who the team to beat in the central is, as he was quoted saying, "Oh yeah, definitely, we're the team to beat."  Can't argue with his confidence.  The White Sox did sign slugger Adam Dunn in the off season.  Dunn should be good for at least 40 home runs and probably more since he is moving to U.S Cellular Field, which is more conducive for left-handed hitters than his previous home in Washington. 

The Sox signed young outfielder Lastings Milledge, who has yet to live up to expectations, but at age 25 there is still plenty time.  A change of scenery and playing for a team that can actually contend may prove to be just what the young man needs to get motivated and play to his potential.

The White Sox pitching is intriguing.  Matt Thornton takes over in the closers role, with Bobby Jenks moving to the Boston Red Sox.  This is a case of addition by subtraction for the Sox.  Jenks was shaky at best last season recording a career low in saves and seeing his ERA balloon to 4.44.  Thornton has a powerful arm that just strikes people out, 81 strikeouts in 60.2 innings a year ago.  He should be ready for the challenge of being an everyday closer.  The starting rotation is good, not great.  It will be interesting to see how former Cy Young candidate, Jake Peavy returns from surgery.  He hasn't pitched since July and hasn't been dominate since 2008, it's doubtful he'll ever be the lights out pitcher he once was.

The White Sox lack depth, it will be difficult to contend if they lose guys to injury.  GM Kenny Williams is always wheeling and dealing around the trade deadline, so you can never rule out a trade.  It will be a question of how many prospects are left in their farm system if it were to come to that.  The White Sox spent many of their resources over the past few years and may be running out.

The Minnesota Twins
The Twins have more red flags than a Thanksgiving sale at Macy's.  At the top of the list of concerns is Twins first baseman and 2006 MVP, Justin Morneau.  Morneau missed half of last season and hasn't played since suffering a concussion while sliding into second and taking a knee to the dome on July 7th, 2010.  Spring Training is underway and doctors have yet cleared Morneau to participate in game activity - seven months later!  That's one hell of a concussion.  Minnesota should be worried that this may be perminate.

The injury concerns continue with $184 million, 2009 MVP catcher, Joe Mauer.  Mauer has tried to down play his nagging knee issues and the recent reports that he received a lubricant shot, designed to help cushion the joints.  All catchers go through knee troubles and this is not uncommon, but with 7 years left on that contract, it could be a cause for concern.  Mauer has said he wants to remain a catcher and wouldn't want to change positions to say, first base. If the Twins want to keep the four-time all-star in their line up, something has to give.

Francisco Liriano made an improbable return to the mound last year after a dismal season in 2009, in which many thought his days as a big league pitcher were over.  In 2010, Liriano racked up career highs in wins, strikeouts, and innings pitched.  Carl Pavano also made a surprising comeback in 2010, recording 17 wins and an ERA of 3.75, best totals since 2004 when he played for the Florida Marlins.  The Twins will need Liriano and Pavano to prove that 2010 was no fluke and they will need their MVPs to get and stay healthy, if they plan on keeping up with the Tigers and White Sox. 

The Kansas City Royals & The Cleveland Indians
The last time the Royals made the playoffs, Justin Bieber was negative ten.  26 years later and the Royals still aren't going to make the playoffs anytime soon.  Especially since they traded their top pitcher, former Cy Young award winner, Zach Greinke to the Milwaukee Brewers for four prospects.  With the addition of those prospects the Royals have become the number one ranked farm system in baseball, which means they are loaded with young talent.  Hopefully the organization can develop and keep their stable of youthful players, so that in four to five years from now, the action on the field will be just as entertaining to watch as the waterfalls found beyond the outfield walls at Kauffman Stadium.

The Cleveland Indians are another young team with not much to look forward to in 2011.  The brightest note for the Indians this offseason was learning that the South Korean government granted military exemption to their best player, Shin Soo Choo.  South Korea requires all male citizens serve two years of military duty before they turn 30.  Choo, who turns 30 in 2012, helped South Korea win a Gold Medal at the 2010 Asian Games, as a reward South Korea dismissed his military obligations. 

Indian fans will also see Grady Sizemore and Travis Hafner returning to the line-up as they have healed from their respective injuries, for now that is.  Nonetheless, even with Choo, Sizemore, and Hafner, the Indians have little hope of being a realistic contender in 2011. 

The AL Central will come down to Detroit, Chicago, and Minnesota.  As for Cleveland and Kansas City, there is always next year.