Well, baseball season is finally here!!! I am off with the kids on spring break, so I hope to catch some afternoon games today while the two year old is napping, especially the Dodgers-Pirates game with the hope that Vicente Padilla pitches like he did in the playoffs last year, and makes all the nay-sayers look bad for questioning Joe Torre's decision to start him on Opening Day. I mean, he facing the Pirates, not the Rockies or Phillies people.
I also want to know how a 95 win team that loses Orlando Hudson and Randy Wolf is not picked to win the NL West in 2010? Does the fact that that Rockies two best relievers start the season on the DL mean anything? Is the Rockies lineup really that good with 3 guys who hit .240 last season in Ian Stewart, Clint Barmes and Chris Iannetta?
OK, off the soap box, onto the roster moves and boxscores:
The Red Sox topped the Yankees last night 9-7. Manager Joe Girardi says he has not decided who is 8th inning set up guy is yet. Joba Chamberlain worked the 8th last night, down by one run, and gave up 1 runs on 2 hits and a walk. Will Carroll tweeted that the Yankees should deal Joba for a catcher.
Derek Jeter and Brett Gardner pulled off a double steal with Gardner stealing home last night. Gardner batted ninth with Jeter leading off. Could Jeter steal another 30 bags in 2010?
The Nationals apparently are looking to deal for a right fielder. Names thrown around are Corey Hart and Kosuke Fukudome. I could see Fukudome traded once Xavier Nady is healthy. Nady has the better bat.
Giants outfielder John Bowker made the 25 man roster and will start in right field for the Giants tomorrow. He beat out Nate Schierholtz, who may be on his last legs in SF. Bowker is a late round pick in NL-only leagues at best.
Padres third baseman Chase Headley had 23 RBI in spring training, and I can see a breakout season from him this year. Am I going to regret not dealing Tim Lincecum for Ryan Zimmerman and Chase Headley?
The A's designated Jack Cust for assignment on Sunday. Eric Chavez will man the DH spot should he stay healthy. Cust could accept a AAA assignment if he is not picked up, which is pretty likely due to his 2010 salary of $2+ million.
Jake Fox made the A's 25 man roster and will serve as the backup catcher, corner infielder and outfielder. Fox with catcher eligibility could be huge for fantasy owners should Fox get regular at bats this season.