ORLANDO HUDSON

This isn't the first idiotic comment about race I've heard. Won't be the last. Is it different because this is the guy who should be manning second for the Mets instead of Luis "El Bano" Castillo? Not really. And I might even think Hudson's racial take on free agency collusion is semi-valid, except for two things: One, Jarrod Washburn is white. Two, it is infinitely more likely that most baseball GM's (not Omar Minaya) have become smart enough to not offer multi-year deals to fading ex-superstars. Maybe Gary Sheffield doesn't have a contract because he's 41 years old, a toxic personality, and is almost incapable of playing the field or staying healthy for more than two months at a time. Also, most AL teams are pretty well set at DH. Maybe because Jermaine Dye is 36, and batted .196 with 4 homers in the last 2 months of the season, it makes teams leery of committing guaranteed millions to him. As a corner outfielder, Dye has little in the way of defensive value or versatility, two things that can prolong the career of an aging player. Hudson himself has failed to get a multi-year deal in each of the last 2 offseasons, which is odd when you consider that he had posted 3 straight seasons of .800+ OPS before last season's .774, and has good plate discipline and gap power. However, his defense, once his calling card, has noticeably slipped-- he was once exceptional, now he's barely average. So, when general managers don't want to commit money to aging players in an uncertain economy, it's racism? Exsqueeze me?

KILLING CONFIDENCE, THE YANKEE WAY

The Yanks came out of Spring Training stating two things:

1. Brett Gardner was the left fielder.
2. Curtis Granderson was batting 7th.

In tonight's game two of the season, with top lefty Jon Lester pitching, Joe Giradi has already squashed that. Marcus Thames is playing left, and Granderson is batting 9th! While Giradi's reasoning is neither of starters hit lefties, you just can't start making changes in game 2! These are guys that need to be instilled the confidence to be able to hit against a Lester. You have to give them a chance. It is too early in the season to be switching them down and out. Granderson hit a homer in his first at bat on Sunday, and Gardner had two hits and stole home! Nice to reward those guys, Joe!

Is this a panic move for losing game one? I hope not, they are coming off of a World Championship, you would think there is some leeway there. I love what both of those players bring to the table, while Thames is a one trick pony, if that. We'll see how it goes tonight, but if this is going to be a platoon, then say so, don't just take an exciting guy like Gardner out of the line-up and move a top player like Granderson to 9th.

My Giradi over-managing gripes start anew!

ALL IS TOPSY TURVY

For one day, at least, the Mets have a better record than the Yankees. While it is unlikely that this fact will remain the same throughout the week, let me note that April 05, 2010 was a very odd day in the 2010 MLB season.

Congratulations on Johan for pitching with characteristic excellence. Also, it's good to see David Wright (a.k.a. Captain Awesome), hit with authority, and Jason Bay to demonstrate that, for today, he is worth the wealthy contract.

NL PREDICTIONS: WHO SHOULD LOSE TO THE YANKEES THIS YEAR?

NL EAST

1. PHILLIES 95 - 67

2. BRAVES 87 - 75

3. MARLINS 85 - 77

4. METS 75 -87

5. NATIONALS 65 -97

NL CENTRAL

1. CARDINALS 90 -72

2. BREWERS 86 -76

3. CUBS 84 -78

4. REDS 82 -80

5. HOUSTON 72 -90

6. PIRATES 62 -100

NL WEST:

1. DODGERS 90 - 72 (That’s right, NOT the Rockies)

2. ROCKIES 88 - 74

3. GIANTS 85 - 77

4. DIAMONDBACKS 80 - 82

5. PADRES 70 - 92

NL WILD CARD: Rockies

NL PENNANT: Phillies

NL ROY : Jason Heyward

NL CY YOUNG: Tim Lincecum

NL MVP: Ryan Howard

KNOW YOUR GEOGRAPHY: NL TEAM BY TEAM BREAKDOWNS

Keystone: See anchor, headstone. A keystone is the central component to the function of a structure. When players do not meet a keystone, the team’s record will suffer accordingly. If a team does significantly better than projected, I betcha it will be because the player significantly exceeded the expectations set below. See: Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera for the Yankees.

Atlanta Braves: Keystone: Chipper Jones and Jayson Heyward, 40 total HRs

Atlanta will have one of the most consistent and best starting staffs in the league with Hanson, Jurrjens, Hudson and Lowe. With Billy Wagner as their closer And Takashi Saito as their setup man, their bullpen will be better than last year (not hard). McCann and McLouth will continue to have decent seasons. The question marks are Chipper Jones and the most hyped hitter I’ve heard of since Darryl Strawberry, one due to inexperience and the other due to injury and the wear and tear of many seasons. If one of the two has a very good season, or both have respectable seasons, this team should be close to a wild card, though not quite. If both get lots of at bats and one were to have monster season, though. . .

Arizona Diamondbacks: Keystone: Brandon Webb and Edwin Jackson, 350 total innings

The lineup will look very good, until two among Montero, Drew, Reynolds and Upton start to slump. Any 15 day DL stint will also show the lack of depth in the Arizona bench and bullpen, outside of a very underrated closer in Chad Qualls. And if Webb is not healthy soon or if Jackson does not go deep into games, the team will do even worse than projected.

Chicago Cubs : Keystone: Geovany Soto, Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Alfonso Soriano, Ryan Theriot, 162 days on the DL (Last year the first four logged 179 DL days).

I’m being charitable and not adding Ted Lilly to that list. The Cubs have a good starting staff. If the team did not have a bullpen and bench that at best is nondescript and is potentially implosi-Marmol-riffic, then I would say 60-65 starter wins was not outside the realm of possibility. That assumes, unfortunately, a decent and healthy lineup, the former the Cubs barely qualify as and the latter they would never be considered for. Of the 5 critical names I’ve mentioned only Theriot hadn’t logged on significant DL time in the last two years. And Derek Lee apparently can’t find a safe place to sit.

Cincinnati Reds: Keystone: Johnny Cueto, 13 wins

Here’s the secret to why Dusty Baker won’t get it together despite having the pieces to a solid team:

Because he’s Dusty Baker.

The Reds are a potentially great team. They will have three almost All-Stars in their lineup with Joey Votto and Jay Bruce. Brandon Phillips gets his own sentence, because if he could learn to walk and a few more of his batted balls dropped for hits, he would have better than former MVP Dustin Pedroia. Aaron Harang will have a very good year or else he may end up continuing his reign as the best pitcher on a bad team. And there’s innings eater Bronson Arroyo and exciting Aroldis Chapman. The guy to look at, however, is Cueto. 13 wins means he’s likely to help his team stay above .500. 15 or more wins and suddenly the team has a chance to be 2^nd in a weak division. And if he has less than 11? I’ll blame Dusty Baker for running him into the ground a la Edison Volquez.

Colorado Rockies : Keystone: Carlos Gonzalez OPS .850

It will be the Rockies ’ playoff spot to lose. Eyes are on Troy Tulowitzki and Ubaldo Jimenez, who will have solid seasons, albeit nowhere near as spectacular as everyone is saying. Expect continued goodness from Hawpe and Helton. But it will need contributions from CarGo to get this offense to, um, proceed. Given Gonzalez’s league average walk rate, he would only need about .280 with 20 homers (ideally with 15 steals) in 500 at bats to meet my expectations. Anything more and the Rockies cement their playoff spot. Much less and given all the other questions I have about this team’s pitching, and a lot of prognosticators will be wondering why they chose this team as the division winner.

Florida Marlins: Keystone: Chris Coglan, Cameron Maybin .300 BA

The Florida rotation will be solid. A decent second keystone would have been Chris Volstad, who I’ve drafted in my deep fantasy league as decent potential for a back end pitcher. Hanley will continue to be the Second Coming for those, like me, who believe in positional scarcity, and the lineup will continue to be chock full of guys with pretty good seasons for league minimum salaries that Florida seems to trip over. Do I expect both to hit .300? Heck, no. Florida should be happy if one of the two hits .300. In fact, based on the lineup, I expect the team not to do as well as everyone is projecting. But if the do make the playoffs, it will be because of these guys.

Houston Astros: Keystone: Hunter Pence 28HRs

Fun fact. Hunter Pence has never hit more than 25 HRs. So basically, he needs to have a career year in order for the team to be a standard deviation away from .500. Yuck. Despite the little love I have for this team as a whole, there’s lots to like about Houston . Lance Berkman, Carlos Lee, Hunter Pence, Michael Bourn, Roy Oswalt (who will have another good but unspectacular year), and despite his spring numbers, Wandy Rodriguez are all solid players. Unfortunately, like the girl in the poem, what’s bad about this team is horrid. Kaz Matsui? Pedro Feliz? Matt Lindstrom? Pass.

Los Angeles Dodgers : Keystone: James Loney 20 HRs

Yes, I think they’ll win the division. If you are really surprised, shame on you.

The Dodgers will overcome question marks in their rotation (that all but about three teams have anyway), to deliver many close games to a relief corps, headed by Jonathan Broxton, the best closer in the NL. At least one Dodger pitcher, I’m predicting Billingsley, will be mentioned in the Cy Young race. And the Dodger lineup is the scariest outside of Philadelphia. Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier will maintain their success (anything extra is bonus). The one to watch for a step up in his development, however, is Loney. The power that Loney has (he hits a solid number of double) will continue to develop enough so that more of those balls go over the fence. Russell Martin and Rafael Furcal will also revert back closer to their three year averages. Manny Ramirez will have a solid year marked with a serious lack of controversy. Shocking I know.

Milwaukee Brewers: Keystone: Corey Hart 22 HRs

Milwaukee has the best three-four pairing in the business in Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder. Yes, Pujols is better than either guy. Arguable, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard will put up comparable numbers, surrounded by better hitters. But, what’s scary about these two is that the numbers they put up are before their ‘prime’ years. What would push this team into the playoffs would be A) Two better starters. Yovani Gallardo, who strikes out a lot of folks, but is otherwise overrated, needs a lot of help. One extra starter won’t cut it, especially since the rest of the team are serious back end only options. B) Corey Hart needs to step up. Perhaps it will be Weeks or McGeehee instead. But my money is on the guy who suffered an injury in the 2^nd half, who has already had two 20/20 seasons. Hart hitting 25 / .280 would be enough. It may not happen. Unfortunately, 18/.260 is more likely. For predictive purposes, I split the difference, and assume that they will be another year of being on the cusp of playoff contention.

New York Mets: Keystone: Jose Reyes, 40 SB

It hurts to talk about them.

I expect a rebound from Wright, Reyes and either Maine or Perez. Beltran will be very good, when he comes back. K-Rod and Bay will be solid. Jacobs may end up platooning with Murphy. Murchy, since he can play the outfield, might as well be the supersub. But the pitching. And the injuries. Oh dear God, the injuries.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Keystone: Ryan Doumit, Jeff Clement, 450 ABs each

My, have the mighty have fallen. Remember when this team had Bonds, Bonilla and Van Slyke? As a Met fan, ‘When I find myself in times of trouble,’ covering the worst franchise in baseball makes me feel better. Yup, that’s right. This is the year that the worst team in baseball finally has the worst record in baseball, again. The only nice things to say about this team is that 1)Andrew McCutchen will be awesome and that 2) Octavio Dotel won’t suck. Wait, I need to revise that. Octavio Dotel won’t suck all the time. Let’s hope that this year the Pirates finally hit bottom and start to let decent young players develop, rather than trade them. What scares me, though, is that Doumit and Clement may not be the youth movement that the Pirates need.

San Diego Padres: Keystone: Adrian Gonzalez, 140 games as a Padre

The Padres have the dubious distinction of being the best of the last place teams. The reason is simple. AGon, the weirdest of these nicknames I’ve seen since Jennifer Lopez started this stupid naming trend. Adrian Gonzalez is the best hitter on a bad team in the NL. San Diego has an option for Gonzalez for 2011 for $5.5 million, which in Major League Baseball is peanuts. If San Diego wants to jettison this season like they did last year when trading Peavy, they could trade Gonzalez for equivalent value. Of course then the Padres will be truly awful, and there will be little reason for anyone to be a fan of the Padres. Well, there are a few minor reasons. Secondary keystones would be Kyle Blanks, 20 HRs; and Everth Cabrera 30 SBs, which would prove that San Diego has a chance of pulling off a Rays ’08 in the next few years.

San Francisco Giants: Keystone: Barry Zito, ERA 4.33 ERA

Everyone who likes the Giants overlooks this HUGE question mark. Lincecum can continue looking like he’s Jesus if he were to ever inhale, given the way he will continue to pitch. Matt Cain will be good, though he will regress to the mean. Jonathan Sanchez will continue to develop nicely. Given the lineup, or lack thereof, after Kung Fu Panda and Bengie Molina (a.k.a. the Molina who can hit the ball, but won’t walk, unlike Yadier, his younger brother and statistical mirror), however, the only way this team could possibly contend is if Zito were to improve to mediocrity.

St. Louis Cardinals: Keystone: Brad Penny, 100Ks

La Russa. Pujols. Holliday. Carpenter. Wainwright. Barring major injury (which is something to think about with Pujols and Carpenter), we can pretty much say that this division has been locked down. When it comes to home field advantage and the playoffs, however, I question whether the supporting cast can manage to maintain a decent level of performance. I don’t question whether Ludwick can hit 30 HRs, or whether Skip Schumaker can hit at least .290. I’m not worried about Kyle Lohse, either. How can I be worried about a guy who’s expected to be league average in just about everything? The pressure falls on Brad Penny to be slightly above average. Dave Duncan just needs to keep this guy healthy and performing into September, and you have your starting four for the playoffs. Penny isn't really a strikeout pitcher, so 100ks signifies a large quantity of innings, OR that he his K rate goes north of 5.0ks/9innings. Now if Penny can be good, maybe we have a serious contender for that team in the other league.

Washington Nationals: Keystone: Nyjer Morgan OBP .340

Can the Nationals break tradition and NOT be the worst team in the league? With Ryan Zimmerman at 3^rd, a decent performance from Josh Willingham and your standard .240+ /40 HR season with 100+ walks from Adam Dunn, the answer this year may finally be YES! Of course, given the traditional crapitude of the Nationals starting staff, they may still need a little bit of help. That help comes from Nyjer Morgan not regressing back into mediocrity. What works against Morgan is that he doesn’t walk often for a top of the order hitter. To prevent becoming Corey Patterson, he will need to hit either .300 or walk more. The league average OBP, by the way, is .336. So, the good news for Morgan is that the expectations are low.

Projected Standings and awards will follow above.

BT'S AMERICAN LEAGUE PREDICTIONS

Welcome to BesTalk's 2010 predictions for the Major League Baseball season. We're going to split this up between myself and Seung. I'll tackle the AL, he'll do the NL, and do them in our own way.

Here now are my AL Predictions...

AL EAST

1-New York Yankees (98 wins)

Well, this wasn't a stretch. Yes, the champs lost two of their clutch players, but they gained a more youthful slugger in center with Curtis Granderson, and a #4 starter that received Cy Young votes last year. Add to that an on-base machine in Nick Johnson, and you have some great elements to be able to repeat for a Division title.

2-Tampa Bay Rays (92 wins)

Having lived through their disappointment last season after reaching the World Series one year prior, the Rays are poised to make a jump in the AL East over Boston. They have youth on their side, and more experience now. They added Rafael Soriano to close out of their bullpen, giving them their first real threat out there since they began their rise. They've tasted the glory, had their comedown, but now are ready for more, too bad the Yanks stand in their way.

3-Boston Red Sox (89 wins)

The Sox solidified their rotation with John Lackey and added Mike Cameron, Adrian Beltre, and Marco Scutaro to help their defense, but I believe their offense won't be as potent as it once was. Maybe I'm blind to the fact that the defensive additions aren't actually that bad offensively, but Jason Bay was brought here to replace Mannywood for a reason, and now he's gone, too. To me, that alone will allow the Rays to move ahead.

4-Baltimore Orioles (80 wins)

Here's a team on the rise, but in this division it'll take a meteoric one to compete with the top three. Their offense is getting better, and may be a piece or two away from really competing. Their pitching is young, but ranked well among prospects, and the addition of Kevin Millwood will deflect pressure off of them. This isn't their year, but they will be a team to watch.

5-Toronto Blue Jays (69 wins)

The Jays have a lot of talent coming, but right now that talent needs to grow-up. Roy Halladay kept them afloat for a long time, but now that he's gone, the next few seasons may be tough.

AL CENTRAL

1-Detroit Tigers (89 wins)

Not much love for the Tigers, but they have enough weapons to take this three team horse race. I like their rotation for one, with Verlander being the best pitcher in the division, Porcello is going to be better, and I'm predicting Willis to make a comeback. They also have an interesting mix of vets sprinkled with youngsters in their line-up. I love rookie Austin Jackson followed by Johnny Damon at the top, and with Miguel Cabrera behind them that's the start of a good offense.

2-Chicago White Sox (88 wins)

Sure, they have the best rotation in the division, possibly the league, and possibly the entire MLB, but I just have a weird feeling that this team will fall short. I'm not a big fan fan of their offense, though, aside from a few players. So can their pitching carry them to at least the Wild Card? Not in this league.

3-Minnesota Twins (86 wins)

The Twins have a fantastic line-up, a very decent, if unsexy, rotation, but the loss of Joe Nathan may be hard to overcome. Jon Rauch takes over, but for how long? Who knows. If they can pull off a trade for a legit closer by the trade deadline, then maybe this team can take this division.

4-Cleveland Indians (73 wins)

Cleveland will be an interesting team to watch this year, a year after getting rid of two of their three major stars. They still have Grady Sizemore, and Shin-Soo Choo may become a star, but they have a lot of question marks and a weak rotation anchored by Jake Westbrook, who hasn't pitched in two years!

5-Kansas City Royals (66 wins)

That said, they are still better than the Royals, who, other than Zach Greinke and Joakim Soria, are a pretty bad team with no real depth. I don't see them climbing out of their hole for a while.

AL WEST

1-Seattle Mariners (94 wins)

Yes, this is the sexy pick of the year, so I'm sorry if I agree with it. I love the combo of King Felix and Cliff Lee even though the rest of the rotation is rather suspect. I like their bullpen with Brandon League now in the mix in front of David Aardsma. Their offense is much better, too, with the speedy catalyst Chone Figgins running after Ichiro, and Milton Bradley adds a bit of pop to the middle of the order. Franklin Gutierrez is getting better and better on both sides of the field, and they also added a good fielder in Casey Kotchman. Why wouldn't I pick them?

2-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (93 wins)

Well, I'd guess the Angels will have something to say about that, but losing Lackey, Figgins, and Vlad are big blows. I predict Joel Pineiro to be a bust, and Matsui, who I love, to decline somewhat; especially if he plays the field. If neither of those happens, then they will still be good, but I still think Seattle pulls it out.

3-Texas Rangers (84 wins)

This team can bop, but can they pitch? Scott Feldman will open with Rich Harden following, but we shall see. They do have a lot of depth there, but they are all unproven kids. Once the pitching matures, this team may cruise to the top. Even now they're going to give it a go.

4-Oakland A's (76 wins)

The kids in Oakland are growing, but they have awhile to go. They have some offense and some pitching, but not enough of both just yet, or rather, not enough with the proper seasoning. So this team will continue to experience growing pains for awhile.

WILD CARD

For once, I think the AL Wild Card comes out of a different division than the AL East. My pick is the Angels. While the Mariners will beat them out, the Angels will win a lot of games and will continue their post season love affair.

MVP

He bludgeoned his post season demons last year, and now seems poised for another MVP. Yep, I'm talking about AROD. This man has gone through all sorts of things in the past year, and as this spring has proven, it's never really quiet for him. He's proven, though, he knows how to shut everything down, and concentrate on baseball. When he does that, he's one of the best in the game. I predict this will be one of those years.

CY YOUNG

I'm pretty in love with Justin Verlander. The guy is a strike-out machine, and just like the Tigers, I think this could be his year to move to new ground. He has the tools to do it, and I can see Greinke and King Felix stepping back a tad this year. If Cliff Lee is healthy, he'll give Verlander his biggest competition.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

My ROY prediction will be Austin Jackson of the Detroit Tigers. The starting CF and lead-off man has the opportunity to literally run away with this award, and show the Yankees the error of their ways. I've looked forward to this kid's debut for a long time, and I believe he will not disappoint.

PLAYOFFS AND WORLD SERIES

A Yankee-Angel rematch seems to be on tap for the Division Series, but once again the Yanks should advance. A Mariners-Tigers match-up could yield some fantastic results, to which I give the nod to the Mariners. So is this the year the Mariners get to the Series? Nope, the Yankees are still too strong, and look to be poised for return to the Series.

As for the NL, as much as I love the Phillies' squad with Roy Halladay leading the staff, I think this is the Rockies' year overall. They have the most complete squad, and a return to the World Series is imminent. I see a Rockies-Yankees series coming, and while I'll be hard-pressed to give Colorado the nod over my Yankees (and definitely not rooting for that), I will go ahead and give it to them. They just remind me too much of the D'Backs and Marlins, both of whom shocked the Yanks.

ADD ANOTHER PLAYER TO THE LIST

According to David Lennon of Newsday (something I don't read regularly, so I'm surprised I caught this article early), Daniel Murphy's right knee injury has been diagnosed as a grade one MCL sprain. Apparently, he will be out for the next 2-6 weeks.

Mike Jacobs and Fernando Tatis (or Chris Carter or Ike Davis. Ike Turner for all I care) are supposed to platoon in his absence. I like Jacobs, but that's from experiencing his amazing first week as a Met. 4 homers in his first 4 games as a Met is pure Captain Awesome. As Ian constantly reminds me, he is no Carlos Delgado (although Delgado himself right now would be no Delgado) He's a low average, decent obp hitter with power. He's a legitimate #6 hitter.

His defense is suspect. Then again so is everyone else mentioned in this article. So, in the end, I must say. . .

Daniel who?

REALIGNING A NEW WILD CARD SYSTEM

In my last Report Card, I touched upon the subject of moving the Astros to the NL West, and moving one of those teams to the AL West. This was in an effort to give every division 5 teams each. I never understood why the NL Central had to have 6 teams, and the AL West, 4, no matter what the reason. Yesterday, we found out, through the great Tom Verducci, that MLB has started preliminary talks about a floating realignment system that would allow teams to leave divisions from season-to-season "based on geography, payroll and their plans to contend or not." This doesn't fly for me at all, too many variables, and much-too-much left up to the owners. Then, today, I heard Don LaGreca of the Michael Kay Show give a realignment scenario that included an AL Northwest that had Seattle, Minnesota, Colorado, and KC. Huh, what?!

My first thought of Astros to NL West and let's say the D'Backs to AL West is simpler and easier than all of that, but if you do want to complicate things, I'll offer up an extended scenario that could be completely exciting. Starting, of course, with the aforementioned 2 moves.

Ladies and Gents, I offer up a new MLB Wild Card and Super Seventh Division. Ah, the Wild Card race, such big topic of debate each and every year, and rightly so, as it offers such a unique aspect to the playoffs. The concept of the Wild Card now is that the team with the best record in each league that is not a division leader at the end of the season becomes the Wild Card team. A variation of that should should stay put, but not as the Wild Card, but as the MLB Super Seventh Division. Why the name change? Because, let's face it, often times this team has a better record than some of the division leaders! That, to me, isn't necessarily a wild card, but another great team deserving of a playoff spot. A seventh super team to add to the division leaders. The variation now would be that all major league teams would be lumped together here to determine this one team, with the winner entering the playoffs of what ever league it came from. It certainly would make inter league play more important!

This would be in play for all but six teams.

See, I want a new Wild Card division that is really and truly made up of wild cards! Let's get to it.

In devising this second new division, I first look to certain other sports around the world (say Italy's Soccer League) where the last place teams in the A division are dropped to the B division each year. Technically that would be equivalent to say the Royals being dropped to Triple A, but we'll just use it as a basis.

Under my new system, every last place team in MLB would be dropped into this new Wild Card Division as a separately aligned division. Six total teams would compete here, more than the others which would now all have four teams (four better teams). Simply, the first place team at the end of the season is declared the Wild Card with a chance to play in the playoffs. Now that would be a true wild card. From last to playoffs! Certainly would make it even more interesting, and I'm sure low-tier owners would salivate at this.

To further it past year one, each season the records of the WC teams are compared to those of the divisions from where they originated, and if these WC teams have better records than those of the last place teams, then they move back to said division and the new last place team moves to the WC.

Let's line it up based on last year's records as an example. What you don't see at the bottom is that I first moved the Astros and D'Backs as planned, but in doing so they became the bottom two teams of their new divisions, and so they are moved to the WCD.


So what would have been different was that the Astros would've made the playoffs and the Rockies would have stayed home. Pretty interesting. You might say, "but the Astros totally don't deserve to be there!" To which I would counter that with, "but they beat 5 other teams to do it, while every other playoff team (save the Super Seventh) only had to fend off three!"

I think this is a much better realignment scenario than what has been "floated", and utilizes the Wild Card system in a new and unique way, not to mention gives fans of even the most bottom feeder of teams new hope that they too can see a World Series in their lifetime!

Well, that's what I've got. Now, I'll wait and see what MLB really does. At least put five teams in each league already! Sheesh!

COPING WITH REYES' THYROID IN 5 EASY STEPS

5. Jose Reyes sucks ___________ (fill in appropriate sphere shaped object here).
In Reyes' career he's had 3 healthy years, and 3 injury plagued ones. . His ankle (2003), his hamstring (2004 and 2009), his calf (early 2009, separate injury) and now his thyroid (2010) have caused him to miss playing time. Since his legs are most often injured, and his value lies mostly in his speed, (and add that he often seems to be playing without his brain) the Mets have a pretty serious liability in the middle of the infield.

For fantasy purposes, if his condition is serious, I'm going downgrade his health from D (injury prone) to F (Rich Harden).

4. Do we blame the steroids?
No. While the thyroid secretes hormones, they aren't the common hormones associated with muscle or athletic ability. And let's not go there. A thyroid problem is serious.

Worst case scenario: If he has thyroid cancer, he'll have to undergo treatment that will take him out for awhile. It's unlikely that thyroid cancer would be life threatening, but it would mean that his body will have difficulty regulating hormone production, which he will then have to regulate with medication. Permanently. And since it affects energy level, it would probably affect his ability to play.

For once, I'd be curious to know how Reyes has been feeling. I'm assuming that he's feeling 'fine,' which is why I haven't read anything about his condition. If he's overly lethargic, it's more likely that there is something wrong. It's Reyes, though, so lethargic for him may be the level of an average 2 year old.

Thyroid cancer is considered common, with about 40,00 cases reported each year, but it's not THAT common, since there are a dozen other forms of cancer that occur in people more frequently. Oddly enough I don't know more than one person with any other form of cancer, but I know three people in NYC who have a thyroid condition.

Should we blame the water?

3. It's probably not that serious.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves. All that was diagnosed was a thyroid imbalance in a blood test. One blood test. They did a follow up and he was fine. Minaya was just being cautious.

See #2 for why if I were Minaya, I'd probably err on the side of caution.

2. Fire the medical staff, already!
You know another reason why I'm not too worried right now?

Because I, like most Met fans, have absolutely zero faith in the Mets training staff. After their abysmal performance at identifying and treating injuries last year, there should have been a reorganization similar the Yankee management response to the flurry of pitching injuries in '07.
Mets management should have, if only to encourage some level of consumer confidence. They didn't. Shocking, I know.

So, if the the Mets medical staff actually figured out that something may be wrong, it's likely that nothing is.

1. David Wright suffers career ending surgery after dislocating his shoulder and tearing back muscles after suffering a freak accident sneezing while carrying deer meat up the stairs of his hotel room. After driving a motorcycle. From a pickup basketball game.
At this point, nothing would surprise me.

Weird stuff has happened to lots of baseball players. The Reyes one isn't funny. But some of the ones I bring up here were. Good luck trying to figure out all the real life freak accidents to MLB players that I pulled from to generate this headline.

HOT STOVE REPORT CARD: NL CENTRAL

And so the Report Card series comes to a close. Amazing that up till today guys were getting signed. In this case Felipe Lopez with the Cards. Anyways, Spring Training is well underway, so enjoy!

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Major Signings: Matt Holliday, Felipe Lopez, Brad Penny, Rich Hill
Major Trade Acquisitions: none
Major Losses: Mark DeRosa, Troy Glaus, Rick Ankiel, Joel Piniero, Todd Wellemeyer
Report: While the Cards shed some players this offseason their aquististions were well spent. Matt Holliday was their giant purchase, but after seeing what he did behind Albert Pujols he was a must have. Assuming they extend Pujols, this will be among the best 3-4's in baseball. Brad Penny was the only major addition to the rotation, although Rich Hill will get a chance to compete for the fifth spot. Can Penny continue what he started in San Francisco late last year? If so, their top four are fairly decent. And bringing back Felipe Lopez is a fantastic late signing.
Overall: Overall, pretty good.
Grade: B+

CHICAGO CUBS
Major Signings: Marlon Byrd, Xavier Nady, Kevin Millar, Chad Tracy, John Grabow
Major Trade Acquisitions: Carlos Silva
Major Losses: Milton Bradley, Aaron Heilman, Rich Harden, Kevin Gregg, Reed Johnson, Neal Cotts
Report: Their biggest move was getting rid of headache Milton Bradley, of course they got Carlos Silva for him, but if he makes a "comeback" he could be a run of the mill 5th starter. Marlon Byrd and Xavier Nady are the outfield replacements. Byrd could surpass Bradley's output with another decent season. Those are all OK moves, but the small signing of John Grabow to a big contract was quite silly.
Overall: OK at best. I think their outfield is stronger than it was last year, but otherwise that's about it. Replacing Rich Harden with Carlos Silva is not good.
Grade: C

MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Major Signings: Randy Wolf, Doug Davis, LaTroy Hawkins, Scott Schoeneweis, Jim Edmonds, Kameron Loe, Claudio Vargas, Gregg Zaun
Major Trade Acquisitions: Carlos Gomez
Major Losses: J.J Hardy, Mike Rivera, Seth McClung, Jason Kendall, Frank Catalanotto
Report: The Brew Crew were pretty crafty this offseason. They strengthened both their rotation and bullpen with the big catch being Randy Wolf. Did they overpay for him? Possibly, but I like his chances for a repeat performance from last year, and Doug Davis provides another solid, if unexciting, starter. They also traded away J.J. Hardy for the speedy Carlos Gomez. Can the youngster realize his potential? If so, this was a fantastic deal.
Overall: Others might not, but I liked Milwaukee's offseason. They had needs and filled them to their means.
Grade: B+

CINCINNATI REDS
Major Signings: Aroldis Chapman, Orlando Cabrera, Jonny Gomes, Kip Wells, Laynce Nix
Major Trade Acquisitions: Aaron Miles
Major Losses: Wily Taveras
Report: They spent their cash on Cuban defect Aroldis Chapman. Oh, and Orlando Cabrera who is declining, but has a ton of postseason experience. Not that this team will benefit from that.
Overall: Meh, the Chapman signing was a lot of risk.
Grade: C

HOUSTON ASTROS
Major Signings: Brandon Lyon, Pedro Feliz, Brett Myers
Major Trade Acquisitions: Matt Lindstrom
Major Losses: Jose Valverde, Miguel Tejada, LaTroy Hawkins
Report: Jose Valverde and LaTroy Hawkins gone, Brandon Lyon and Matt Lindstrom in. The latter replacement made for a good trade, but Brandon Lyon was grossly overpaid. Disgustingly even. The two will be battling for the closer's job, but with the money Lyon is getting (3 years for 15 mil) you have to assume he's the odds on favorite. Either way, it's going to get scary down in Texas. Pedro Feliz replaces Miguel Tejada, mostly with his glove, and Brett Myers looks to return to form on his new team.
Overall: I dunno, these signings have all kinds of red flags. Just on the Lyon signing alone you have to give it a bad grade.
Grade: D

PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Major Signings: Octavio Dotel, Ryan Church, Brendan Donnelly
Major Trade Acquisitions: Akinori Iwamura
Major Losses: Matt Capps
Report: So, I somehow deleted this Pirates entry twice, which is always good to make me nuts. Of course, it's the last entry! Why are there so many teams in the NL Central?! That makes me crazy as well. Can't we realign so that Houston goes to the NL West and one of those teams goes to the AL West? This isn't rocket science!
Overall: Dotel is better than Capps, Aki is equal to Freddie Sanchez. That's a wrap.
Grade: B-

HOT STOVE REPORT CARD: NL WEST

The finish line lies ahead with only two divisions left. First up the NL West where the Dodgers will have even a harder time this year with some improvements around the divisions, and a lack of improvement for themselves.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Major Signings: Jamey Carroll, Vincente Padilla, Luis Ayala, Ronnie Belliard, Russ Ortiz, Nick Green, Doug Mientkiewicz, Brad Ausmus, Jeff Weaver, Brian Giles, Alfredo Amezaga
Major Trade Acquisitions: none
Major Losses: Randy Wolf, Jim Thome, Orlando Hudson, Jon Garland, Juan Pierre
Report: Besides resigning most of their supporting crew and adding to that, this team did nothing. They lost a major rotation piece in Randy Wolf, and didn't even bring back Jon Garland. An ugly off-field divorce of the owners has caused all of this, and that's just a shame. The best thing they did was lock up some of their key young players.
Overall: Locking up your youngsters is definitely a good thing, as at least it guarantees a core, but they seriously needed another pitcher and didn't get that. They will feel that for sure.
Grade: D

COLORADO ROCKIES
Major Signings: Miguel Olivo, Jason Giambi, Melvin Mora, Tim Redding, Jimmy Gobble, Paul LoDuca, Jay Payton, Justin Spier
Major Trade Acquisitions: none
Major Losses: Matt Murton, Josh Fogg, Jose Contreras, Yorvit Torrealba, Jason Marquis
Report: This is a team that really didn't need much, and so they really didn't do much besides adding a bit of depth. Most notably, they brought in Melvin Mora as infield insurance policy, they replaced Yorvit Torrealba with Miguel Olivo, and brought back clubhouse captain Jason Giambi.
Overall: Not much to say here as a solid team didn't do anything crazy, and that's just fine.
Grade: B

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
Major Signings: Mark DeRosa, Aubrey Huff, Juan Uribe, Bengie Molina, Todd Wellemeyer, Guillermo Mota,
Major Trade Acquisitions: none
Major Losses: Ryan Garko, Randy Johnson, Brad Penny, Randy Winn
Report: While the Giants needed some real power, they instead brought in some possible power in Mark DeRosa and Aubrey Huff, the latter coming off a terrible season. For what it's worth, they did try to sign Adam LaRoche for two years only to be shockingly shunned. However, the two signings could help them and they did resign two factors from last year: Bengie Molina and Juan Uribe. Is this enough? We'll see.
Overall: A meh off-season. After missing out on LaRoche I probably would've went for Russell Branyon instead of Huff, but that's just me. Johnny Damon would've been better than DeRosa as well.
Grade: C

SAN DIEGO PADRES
Major Signings: Jon Garland, Jerry Hairston Jr., Yorvit Torrealba, Matt Stairs
Major Trade Acquisitions: Scott Hairston
Major Losses: Kevin Kouzmanoff, Brian Giles, Henry Blanco
Report: Under new GM Jed Hoyer, the Padres quietly made some alright moves. They traded away Kevin Kouzmanoff to bring back Scott Hairston and a good prospect, they signed a much needed veteran pitcher in Jon Garland, brought in Torrealba to platoon with Nick Hundley, and added Matt Stairs and Jerry Hairston Jr. to their bench. Not blow you out of the water moves, but solid, little ones that'll help this team be better this year.
Overall: What I just said.
Grade: B

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Major Signings: Adam LaRoche, Kelly Johnson, Rodrigo Lopez, Bob Howry
Major Trade Acquisitions: Edwin Jackson, Ian Kennedy, Aaron Heilman
Major Losses: Max Scherzer, Eric Brynes, Daniel Schlereth, Doug Davis, Chad Tracy, Scott Schoenweiss
Report: The D'Backs were part of one of the biggest trades, no not the one that brought them Aaron Heilman, but the three team trade that kicked off the Winter Meetings in style. The one that sent Curtis Granderson to the Yankees, Austin Jackson, Max Scherzer, Daniel Schlereth, and Phil Coke to Detroit, and Edwin Jackson and Ian Kennedy to this team. Some say that the D'Backs got the short end of the stick, but they really traded a starter and a reliever for a more developed starter and another starter that could be good in this division, so that's not too bad. They also have a new right side of their infield in Adam LaRoche and Kelly Johnson, both former Braves. If Johnson can turn things around these will be good pick-ups for them.
Overall: They gave up some guys to some guys, they gave up on some other guys, they signed a couple of helpful players, not too shabby.
Grade: B-

HOT STOVE REPORT CARD: NL EAST

Part four in the Report Card series features the NL East, where the Phillies still rule with an iron fist.

**Please note unsigned players do not yet count as a loss.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Major Signings: Placido Polanco, Danys Baez, Ross Gload, Brian Schnieder, Jose Contreras
Major Trade Acquisitions: Roy Halladay
Major Losses: Cliff Lee, Pedro Feliz, Clay Condrey, pedro Martinez, Brett Myers, Scott Eyre, Eric Bruntlett, Matt Stairs, Chan Ho Park
Report: On the surface, it appears that the Phillies did really well for themselves. Coming off a second straight appearance in the World Series, there wasn't much to really do, but then they went and got Roy Halladay. A fanatastic move that unforunately gets kind of negated by the subsequent move of trading away Cliff Lee. This team was on the prescipice of having the best 1-2-3 in baseball, an almost a sure-fire third straight World Series appearance, and the clear favorite to win it all. GM Ruben Amaro apparently didn't want that, however. Since he knew he wouldn't resign Lee to the money he would garner, he opted to replenish a farm system that traded for both stud pitchers within 6 months. Not the worst idea, but none of the prospects in the Lee-to-the-Mariners trade were better than any they gave away, and again he let a sure thing go away. The thing about it is that they would've received 2 draft picks when Lee got signed next offseason anyway, so it didn't make much sense to trade him now. One extra prospect as compared to another Championship is absolutely nothing. Amaro was being too crafty for his own good. Moving on from there, they replaced Pedro Feliz with Placido Polanco in another move I don't like. Adrian Beltre and Chone Figgins were on the market, remember? Weird. Some interesting smaller moves could be good like bringing in Jose Contreras to pitch where ever they need him, and Ross Gload as a bench upgrade to Matt Stairs and Eric Bruntlett. Overall: Again, to me the Halladay/Lee trades are latteral moves, and the only thing that's a positive is that Doc is signed for the next three years. Oh, and duh, he's Doc freakin' Halladay. Otherwise it's been a mediorce offseason.
Grade: B+ *they also extended Joe Blanton, which changes my initial rating of a B to a B+. Thanks, Mike!

FLORIDA MARLINS
Major Signings: Mike MacDougal, Mike Lamb, Seth mcClung, Jose Veras, Derrick Turnbow,
Major Trade Acquisitions: Hunter Jones
Major Losses: Matt Lindstrom, Nick Johnson, Kiko Calero, Ross Gload, Brendan Donnelly, Jeremy Hermida
Report: Well, you really didn't expect the Marlins to do much, did you? They're cheap, and they're going to get by with their growing core of youngsters behind Hanley and Josh Johnson, and see where they go. Can't really fault them with the latter part of that.
Overall: When you know what you're getting into prior, you can't really call it bad, but you can't call it good either.
Grade: C

ATLANTA BRAVES
Major Signings: Billy Wagner, Takashi Saito, Troy Glaus, Eric Hinske
Major Trade Acquisitions: Melky Cabrera
Major Losses: Javier Vasquez, Boone Logan, Rafael Soriano, Mike Gonzalez, Kelly Johnson, Garret Anderson, Adam LaRoche
Report: The Braves made some cost-cutting moves this offseason, but maybe not the right ones. Trading Javier Vasquez coming off his best year was probably a mistake. They should've tried harder to get rid of Derek Lowe instead. Melky Cabrera was the only major league ready component of that trade, and he may finally get a full season to prove himself. In the NL, he may just do that, but will it be worth it for the Braves? We'll see. They also let their prime-time closing team of Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez go to the AL East, and replaced them with the aging, but reliable, closing group of Billy Wagner and Takashi Saito. Was this a wise move? As far as experience, yes since these guys are proven commodities, but Wagner is still returning from major surgery, even though he looked good for the Red Sox down the stretch last year. They also signed Troy Glaus to play first base, a position he has some experience in, but not much. I thought Adam LaRoche should've been resigned here, but he didn't fit into the budget.
Overall: It's hard to say. They've added risk in Wagner, Saito, and Glaus, but when they are on they are very good players. Trading Vasquez, to me, was a mistake, though, and that drops them a bit.
Grade: B-

NEW YORK METS
Major Signings: Jason Bay, Rod Barajas, Mike Jacobs, Hisanori Takahashi, Frank Catalanotto, Shawn Riggins, Henry Blanco, Chris Coste, Fernando Tatis, Josh Fogg, R.A. Dickey, Kelvim Escobar, Ryota Igarashi, Alex Cora
Major Trade Acquisitions: Gary Matthews Jr.
Major Losses: J.J. Putz, Tim Redding, Jeremy Reed, Cory Sullivan, Brian Stokes
Report: Ah, the Mets, what can be said about New York's other team under their current management that hasn't already been said all over the place. They signed Jason Bay, a neccessary, good move, but look at the laundry list behind him. Instead of going out and signing someone of value they decided to put their strength in mediocre and under performing numbers. I mean, how many bad catchers do you need?! Rod Barajas will start, but it's anyone's guess who will back him up. They didn't address the need for a quality starter, so the number 5 starter will be a crap shoot. Carlos Beltran won't start the season because of knee surgery, which caused a mess with the team, so a combo of Angel Pagan and trade import Gary Matthews Jr. will do the honors. Needless to say, there are a bevy of question marks surrounding this team at a time where they could've used some stability,
Overall: They seemed to be in on everyone, and got virtually no one. Sure, Jason Bay gets them points, but the rest of their signings and non-signings coupled with various other issues that went on this offseason brings things down a couple of notches.
Grade: B-

WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Major Signings: Ivan Rodriguez, Jason Marquis, Chien-Ming Wang, Adam Kennedy, Matt Capps, Ron Villone, Willy Taveras, Miguel Batista, Chris Duncan, Eddie Guardado, Eric Bruntlett
Major Trade Acquisitions: Brian Bruney
Major Losses: Austin Kearns, Josh Bard
Report: I think the Nats did well for the Nats. This isn't a team that can easily lure free agents to them, but they did what thaey had to do. First, they remade their bullpen with Matt Capps taking over at closer, and Brian Bruney setting up; that's a hard throwing one-two. To their rotation they added Jason Marquis, a solid innings-eating guy, which is what they needed. He also provides some veteran presence to a young staff. Catching that young staff will now be Ivan Rodriguez, at least till Jesus Flores completely recovers from a torn labrum. That's good wisdom for Flores to absorb as well as the staff. Adam Kennedy, off a decent season with A's, takes over at second base as well, giving them another solid vet. Finally, they added a potential ace in Chien-Ming Wang, who will try to return to form later this spring. If he does, thats a huge boost to their staff.
Overall: Not bad, not bad at all. The Nats will improve this year for sure, and with some hot, young pitchers coming they'll improve even more!
Grade: B+

HOT STOVE REPORT CARD: AL CENTRAL

*Updated 2/21/10 with Johnny Damon to the Tigers and Russell Branyon to the Indians.

Part three in the Report Card series features the AL Central, where the top three teams will still fight for the division, while the last two may switch places.

**Please note unsigned players do not yet count as a loss.

MINNESOTA TWINS
Major Signings: Orlando Hudson, Jim Thome, Clay Condrey, Carl Pavano
Major Trade Acquisitions: J.J. Hardy
Major Losses: Orlando Cabrera, Carlos Gomez, Mike Redmond, Boof Bonser
Report: The always solid Twins made pretty good moves. They traded for J.J. Hardy and signed Orlando Hudson to create a more potent combo up the middle on offense and defense. Jim Thome gives them a strong bat off the bench that could DH regularly if they play Kubel and Cuddyer in the outfield corners and bench Delmon Young. They are also returning Carl Pavano who pitched well for them as he accepted arbitration from them.
Overall: They didn't lose much and gained more, so this team should be right back where they were at or close to the top of the division.
Grade: B+

DETROIT TIGERS
Major Signings: Jose Valverde, Adam Everett, Johnny Damon
Major Trade Acquisitions: Max Scherzer, Austin Jackson, Phil Coke, Daniel Schlereth
Major Losses: Curtis Granderson, Edwin Jackson, Placido Polanco, Fernando Rodney, Jarrod Washburn, Brandon Lyon, Marcus Thames, Aubrey Huff
Report: Some crazy moves for the Tigers this off-season, including a late signing of Johnny Damon! First off, though, they traded their stud center fielder Curtis Granderson and #2 starter Edwin Jackson in a mega three team deal with the Yankees and D'Backs. Not that their returns were bad, Max Scherzer has more upside than Edwin Jackson, Austin Jackson is like a younger Granderson without the power, and Schlereth and Coke will help their bullpen in front of new closer Jose Valverde. Grabbing Damon really helps their offense, although his power numbers will decrease in Commerica Park.
Overall: While many say they didn't like them giving up Granderson, I think AJAX is going make everyone shut up sooner than later. And they got younger in a few spots, saved a tad bit of money (even though they seem to be reinvesting it), got a more trustworthy closer, and added Damon. To me, that's pretty decent.
Grade: A-

CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Major Signings: Omar Vizquel, Andruw Jones, J.J. Putz, Freddie Garcia, Ramon Castro
Major Trade Acquisitions: Juan Pierre, Mark Teahen
Major Losses: Chris Getz, Josh Fields, Octavio Dotel, Scott Posednik,
Report: The South-Siders imported lots of spare parts that may or may not work out. Juan Pierre replaces Scott Posednik, and after Pierre's part-time showing last year, more of that could be beneficial to the Sox. Mark Teahen has a chance to prove himself at his best position (3rd), and Omar Vizquel was brought in to more than be his understudy. Andruw Jones will be a DH candidate unless Johnny Damon comes to camp. J.J. Putz will set-up for Bobby Jenks, and offer a bit of net should Jenks continue to regress.
Overall: No huge moves here, but complementary ones to go with the pieces that are there right now. Pierre and Teahen could really have the opportunity to make this team better. Is it a successful offseason? Quietly, I'd say yes, but again none of these moves bowl you over.
Grade: B-

CLEVELAND INDIANS
Major Signings: Mike Redmond, Mark Grudzielanek, Shelley Duncan, Austin Kearns, Russell Branyon
Major Trade Acquisitions: None
Major Losses: Kelly Shoppach, Jamey Carroll
Report: Hmm, well then there's the Indians, a team going severely backwards as they've shed most of their stars in the last couple of years, instead going with whatever good youth they have. Unfortunately, some of that youth is questionable, and they didn't do anything this off-season to help themselves. Heck Mike Redmond is the only guy listed as a major league signing, I put the other guys in because I felt bad! They brought back Russell Branyon to play first again, and Jake Westbrook is finally coming back to lead their staff, but this may be the year that KC overtakes them.
Overall: A bad offseason will lead to a bad season. Anything else will be a surprise.
Grade: D

KANSAS CITY ROYALS
Major Signings: Jason Kendall, Scott Posednik, Rick Ankiel, Brian Anderson
Major Trade Acquisitions: Chris Getz, Josh Fields
Major Losses: Mark Teahen, John Buck, Mike Jacobs, Miguel Olivo, Coco Crisp
Report: They've basically signed a whole new outfield, but they still have most of their old one! Huh?! I'm not a 100% sure I understand how GM Dayton Moore operates. Not that the signings are necessarily bad, but OK, they also traded Mark Teahen for Josh Fields and Chris Getz, which clogs up their infield as well. I guess Moore is just trying to give Trey Hillman as many options as possible, but more players (like Alex Gordon and Alberto Callapso) need to start establishing themselves on this team. And with all the catchers out there this year, including their own, they signed Jason Kendall...to two years!
Overall: The only thing I can say is that Moore was trying to improve their defense. In that way, good job, but I think these signings were unnecessary overkills.
Grade: C-

HOT STOVE REPORT CARD: AL WEST

Part two in the Report Card series features the AL West, a division that may produce a new king led by a king...

*There are some notable players still out there like Johnny Damon, Felipe Lopez, and Russell Branyon, so we'll update these lists as we go.

**Please note unsigned players do not yet count as a loss.

LOS ANGELS ANGELS OF ANAHEIM
Major Signings: Hideki Matsui, Fernando Rodney, Joel Piniero
Major Trade Acquisitions: Brian Stokes
Major Losses: John Lackey, Chone Figgins, Vlad Guerrero, Gary Matthews Jr., Darren Oliver, Kelvim Escobar
Report: Will this be the season that the Angels finally go down to another AL West team? (Namely the Mariners) With the loss of a boatload of major players, it could very well be. The loss of their ace, John Lackey, will hurt the most. His replacement? Joel Piniero, who I really think will be a major bust outside of Dave Duncan's care. I believe they upgraded at DH with Hideki Matsui over Vlad Guerrero, as long as Godzilla can stay of the DL that is. Chone Figgins will be very hard to replace both at third and at the top of their line-up. They'll once again try to break in Brandon Wood, but Maicer Izturis will probably be there before long. Fernando Rodney gives them a second closer with Brian Fuentes, which may or may not be a good thing.
Overall: This is still a great team, but Seattle has improved alot, and no one really knows how much the Angels will be affected by their losses. The third base situation needs to be clear once they open the season, as it'll affect the line-up as well. Will Scott Kazmir bounce back? And how exactly will Mr. Piniero fare?
Grade: B-

TEXAS RANGERS
Major Signings: Vlad Guerrero, Rich Harden, Khalil Greene, Darren Oliver, Colby Lewis
Major Trade Acquisitions: Chris Ray
Major Losses: Marlon Byrd, Omar Vizquel, Kevin Millwood
Report: Have the Rangers improved themselves? Good question. They brought in Vlad Guerrero, who may or may not have anything left. In this park, though, he may be revitalized. He should provide stability to their DH spot at least. Marlon Bryd's departure clears up their outfield a bit where Josh Hamilton hopes to rebound after an injury-plagued season. They traded away Kevin Millwood, and added the younger Rich Harden, who still has a lot of upside if he can stay healthy. This may be the best change for the team. They also swapped out Omar Vizquel for Khalil Greene as their infield sub. At one time Greene was considered quite the upcoming shortstop, but injuries and issues have led to this role. Adding Chris Ray and Darren Olivier to their bullpen is a boon, and the interesting addition of Colby Lewis fresh off a great Japanese stint could a sleeper of a rotational signing. They've also shed Hank Blalock, who remains unsigned, meaning Chris Davis has one last shot to prove something, as Justin Smoak is breathing down his neck.
Overall: I think this team is indeed better. While none of these moves blow you away, they should help, and with the possible emergence of Seattle, anything helps.
Grade: B

SEATTLE MARINERS
Major Signings: Chone Figgins, Ryan Garko, Eric Brynes
Major Trade Acquisitions: Cliff Lee, Casey Kotchman, Milton Bradley, Brandon League
Major Losses: Carlos Silva, Adrian Beltre, Brandon Morrow
Report: The Mariners have done pretty well this off-season, quite possibly better than anyone else they improved their club by leaps and bounds, mostly because the acquisition of a second ace in Cliff Lee is just a brilliant move. Lee teamed with King Felix gives them the best one-two in baseball. While the rest of the rotation is unproven, the top two will take so much pressure off of them, they may just deliver quietly good seasons. They also replaced Adrian Beltre with Chone Figgins, which gives them a great top of the line-up teaming with Ichiro. Figgins brings speed, a good eye, and good defense to the team. They swapped bad contract and no value in Carlos Silva for bad contract with some value in Milton Bradley. Sure he's a pain, but is bat is still good, and he won't kill you in the outfield. Eric Byrnes was added for defense as a fourth outfielder as well. Their first base situation now has great defender Casey Kotchman starting with Ryan Garko's bat backing him up. Brandon Morrow was traded for Brandon League which helps their bullpen in front of David Aardsma.
Overall: I dug this team's moves quite alot. Again, the Lee trade was fantastic, and the Bradley trade made bad money work. Their defense will be great, and Figgins will totally jump start this team. They may miss Russell Branyon's big bat, but they've done enough to possibly cover that loss. For sure, they are the team to watch this year.
Grade: A

OAKLAND A'S
Major Signings: Ben Sheets, Coco Crisp, Jack Cust, Justin Duchscherer, Gabe Gross
Major Trade Acquisitions: Kevin Kouzmanoff, Adam Rosales, Jake Fox
Major Losses: Scott Hairston, Adam Kennedy, Bobby Crosby
Report: Ladies and Gentlemen, the A's present their 2010 trade deadline chip: Ben Sheets! Is there any doubt about it? I mean why else would they pay Sheets 10 mil? In the meantime, he can throw some real ace wisdom to their burgeoning staff. They traded for Kevin Kouzmanoff to take over third base, while returning Scott Hairston back to the Padres. That cleared their outfield to bring in Coco Crisp, to lead Rajai Davis and Ryan Sweeney to greatness? Maybe? I do like Davis of the three at least. Old favorites Jack Cust and Justin Duchscherer were brought back, and a couple of young back-ups were traded for in moves that saw Wily Taveras pass through their system on the way to unwanted free agency.
Overall: Not the worst moves, but Oakland is in severe need of finding out who their core really is. Sheets may net them more prospects, but at some point these players need to distinguish themselves. I don't see these guys doing too well overall this year, which falls right into Billy Beane's Sheets plan, but some of these pitchers have potential. That's a start.
Grade: C

HOT STOVE REPORT CARD: AL EAST

UPDATED: I started this list a couple of weeks ago as a "progress report", but never had the chance to continue. Now with pitchers and catchers reporting this week, effectively beginning Spring Training, and bringing the Hot Stove season to a close, it's a good time get this out there as a "report card". Again, we'll do these one division at a time. This first one has been updated, but the "needs" part has been taken out, instead we'll go with an expanded "report" section and an "overall" section.

* There are some notable players still out there like Johnny Damon, Felipe Lopez, and Russell Branyon, so we'll update these lists as we go.

**Please note unsigned players do not yet count as a loss.

NEW YORK YANKEES
Major Signings: Andy Pettitte, Nick Johnson, Randy Winn, Marcus Thames
Major Trade Acquisitions: Curtis Granderson, Javier Vasquez
Major Losses: Hideki Matsui, Melky Cabrera, Brian Bruney, Ian Kennedy, Austin Jackson, Eric Hinske, Jerry Hairston Jr., Chien-Ming Wang
Report: The World Champs have been one of the big winners of the off-season while uncharacteristically setting a budget for themselves that they actually stuck to. They re-upped with one of their boys, Andy Pettitte, and brought back Javy Vasquez to the rotation. This gives them a solid 1-4, with the final spot most likely going to either Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain. Vasquez was one last year's better pitchers, having a near Cy Young-worthy season with Atlanta. His first stay in NY ended rather badly, but this is a much more mature pitcher, and I think this was an excellent trade. With fan-favorite Melky Cabrera gone in this deal, center field now belongs to former Tiger, Curtis Granderson. This was the Yanks' biggest splash of the off-season, unloading a few very good prospects to grab a guy who, on paper, seems like a perfect fit for this team. Nick Johnson was also brought back, this time to fill the DH hole created by Hideki Matui's flight to the Angels. Johnson is a fantastic on-base machine and should slot into the number 2 hole Johnny Damon used occupy. To further cement Damon's departure, they brought in Randy Winn and Marcus Thames, both of whom will compete with Brett Gardner to fill the left field spot. I expect the incumbant to beat his older competitors and Winn to be the fourth outfielder.
Overall: I think the Yanks did well to replace Damon and Matsui, although the question remains should they have? There's no doubt that both men fit this team well, but you can't argue with a young player like Granderson, and if Johnson can stay healthy his OBP will make up for any lost power. The Vasquez trade is huge, as you're adding a Cy Young candidate to be your #3 or 4.
Grade: A

BOSTON RED SOX
Major Signings: John Lackey, Mike Cameron, Adrian Beltre, Marco Scutaro
Major Trade Acquisitions: Jeremy Hermida, Bill Hall
Major Losses: Jason Bay, Billy Wagner, Casey Kotchman, Takashi Saito
Report: The Red Sox almost feel like a different team. Their core remains the same with the exception of Jason Bay going to the Mets. The plan is to move Jacoby Ellsbury to left, and their new acquisition Mike Cameron to patrol center. Cameron is an excellent center-fielder, but is aging. If unfazed by that he could be very valuable. They also added Adrian Beltre to play third base, even though they currently still have Mike Lowell on the roster. They were close to trading him to Texas, so don't be surprised if he's gone by Spring Training. Beltre and Cameron should make up for the loss of Bay's pop, and both provide excellent defense. Marco Scutaro finally became an everyday player in Toronto, did very well, and got himself a two year deal with a great team. If he can duplicate last season, Boston finally has themselves a shortstop. Bigger than all three of those is the signing of pitcher John Lackey. The Bulldog is a perfect fit for the Sox and gives them a hell of a rotation.
Overall: Boston did very well, and now has argueably the best rotation in baseball. They will lack some power lost by Bay, but Cameron will be good for 20-25 homers, and if Beltre finds his stroke again, they'll be fine.
Grade: A

TAMPA BAY RAYS
Major Signings: None
Major Trade Acquisitions: Rafael Soriano, Kelly Shoppach
Major Losses: Akinori Iwamura
Report: The Rays didn't do much on the free-agent front, but two trade acquisitions are worth talking about. First off, they traded for Rafael Soriano who will be their new closer, moving J.P. Howell to a set-up role. This gives them a nice one-two to close out games. They also acquired Kelly Shoppach from the Indians, which gives them a good catching platoon if Dioner Navarro can bounce back from a bad year. With the emergence of Ben Zobrist, the Rays shipped out Akinori Iwamura for more bullpen help. Aki was one of faces of their AL Championship team, and I don't think this happens had he not gotten injured last year. The Rays were one of the teams that flirted with Johnny Damon, but didn't have the room for him.
Overall: Another bat would've been good, but the Rays farm system is ripe and ready. Matt Joyce could be their starting Right Fielder, unless a second base prospect pushes Ben Zobrist to the outfield. Their rotation could've used a veteran presence as well, but that hasn't been the Rays' style.
Grade: B-

TORONTO BLUE JAYS
Major Signings: John Buck, Alex Gonzalez, Kevin Gregg, Jose Molina
Major Trade Acquisitions: Brandon Morrow
Major Losses: Roy Halladay, Marco Scutaro, Brandon League
Report: The face of Toronto is gone, but the future looks bright. That pretty much sums up Toronto's off season so far. Roy Halladay, their ace and face of the franchise was finally traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for some very good prospects. Halladay made them credible, but now it will be up to their young pitching to become a force over the next few years. Brandon Morrow, acquired from the Mariners is an interesting acquisition because he can pitch in the rotation or possible anchor their bullpen. They've changed catcher and shortstop, weakening both positions, but again any major player here will come from their system sometime down the line. An interesting late signing has been Kevin Gregg who will compete for the closer role, and may have the best chance of breaking camp with the job. He does have the most experience of the candidates. They also flirted with Johnny Damon, but the team may yet grab a DH. Jermaine Dye or Carlos Delgado could fit in well on this team, performing DH duties while mentoring their young outfielders. Russell Branyon be an interesting choice as well, and a guy that could take over first base next year.
Overall: This one is pretty simple: I can't see 2010 being any good for them, but as early as 2011 you could start seeing a breakout. The Halladay trade brought over some good talent, so it'll be interesting to watch these guys grow.
Grade: B-

BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Major Signings: Mike Gonzalez, Garrett Atkins, Miguel Tejada
Major Trade Acquisitions: Kevin Millwood
Major Losses: Chris Ray, Danys Baez
Report: Quietly, the O's have made some decent moves this off-season. First off, they answered their closer question mark with Mike Gonzalez, who is in his prime and gearing to go. He split a platoon closer role in Atlanta with Rafael Soriano, and funny enough both are now closing in the AL East. They bolstered the top of their rotation with the sturdy Kevin Millwood, who may do wonders for their young rotation. They also signed Garrett Atkins to play first base, and have returned Miguel Tejada to play 3rd. If Atkins can return to form, the O's have made a great cheap signing there. Tejada still has something left in his bat, and he did well in Balto the first time around. Promising rookie Michael Aubrey will get a look at first base as well, so their corner situation should be interesting this year.
Overall: O's fans should rejoice, their team is getting better. While not in the league of the top two yet, they should overtake Toronto this year and challenge the Rays as well. Their core of Markakis, Jones, and Guthrie are joined by the emergence of Nolan Reimold and some young pitching, and also with closer Gonzalez. I look forward to my yearly trip.
Grade: B+

EXPANSION

Just for the hell of it recently, I created an alltime database of team performance, beginning with the formation of the American League in 1901. I assigned 20 points for a championship, 8 points for a pennant, 4 points for winning a division or a division series, and 2 points for losing a division series. I don't exactly remember what I did for 1994 and the years before the World Series, but partial credit was assigned for those seasons.

By this method, the Yankees are shown to have completely dominated baseball for most of their existence. Sal won't have a problem with that, but I'll admit to being annoyed that the Yankees are somehow 2.41 times as successful as the second best team in history, the St. Louis Cardinals. Interestingly, the 8 worst franchises are all expansion teams. Possibly because of the difficulties involved in starting from scratch, possibly because baseball has never expanded into a large-market city unless it already had an existing team. So, if you believe that baseball has overexpanded, like I do, this seems to prove it.

Here's the list of the 30 baseball franchises, ranked by postseason results. The first number is PPPS (postseason points per season), the second is titles won since the expansion era began in 1961.

1. New York Yankees /Baltimore Orioles 6.11, won in 2009, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1996, 1978, 1977, 1962, 1961, etc
2. St. Louis Cardinals 2.53, won in 2006, 1982, 1967, 1964
3. Florida Marlins 2.35, won in 2003, 1997
4. Oakland /Kansas City /Philadelphia A's, 2.35, won in 1989, 1974, 1973, 1972
5. Arizona Diamondbacks 2.33, only title 2001
6. Los Angeles /Brooklyn Dodgers 2.22, won in 1988, 1981, 1965, 1963
7. San Francisco /New York Giants 2.00, last won in 1954
8. Boston Red Sox 1.91, won in 2007, 2004
9. Toronto Blue Jays 1.58, won in 1993, 1992
10. Pittsburgh Pirates 1.47, won in 1979, 1971
11. New York Mets 1.42, won in 1986, 1969
12. Cincinnati Reds 1.34, won in 1990, 1976, 1975
13. Atlanta /Milwaukee /Boston Braves 1.32, won in 1995
14. Detroit Tigers 1.25, won in 1984, 1968
15. Kansas City Royals 1.12, only title 1985
16. Chicago Cubs 1.12, last won in 1908
17. Baltimore Orioles /St. Louis Browns 0.99, won in 1983, 1970, 1966
18. Minnesota Twins /Washington Senators 0.95, won in 1991, 1987
19. Los Angeles Angels 0.94, only title 2002
20. Chicago White Sox 0.90, won in 2005
21. Philadelphia Phillies 0.88, won in 2008, 1980
22. Cleveland Indians 0.73, last won in 1948
23. Colorado Rockies 0.71
24. Tampa Bay Rays 0.67
25. Houston Astros 0.63
26. San Diego Padres 0.54
27. Seattle Mariners 0.42
28. Milwaukee Brewers /Seattle Pilots 0.29
29. Texas Rangers /Washington Senators 0.16
30. Washington Nationals /Montreal Expos 0.15

The expansion success stories are the Marlins and Diamondbacks, though these are in limited sample sizes. Next are the Toronto Blue Jays, who have been stagnant for most of the last 15 years, and the New York Mets... if they're the 4th-most successful expansion franchise ever, having spent most of their existence sucking ass in the largest market in the NL... that only proves the point that expansion franchises tend to get mired in permanent cycles of losing. The Expos / Nationals made the playoffs twice in their entire existence. Maybe baseball moved them out of Montreal out of consideration for their hysterically suicidal fans.

Also, the worst franchise of the original 16 is the Indians, winners in 1920, 1948, and never before or again.

GOODBYE, JOHNNY!

The Yankees have just signed Randy Winn, effectively and finally ending Johnny Damon's run in pinstripes. While I feel a bit sad that the two sides couldn't get together, I'm glad the lid is closed. It's been carrying on all winter, and the endless amount of speculation was exhausting. I don't even think Winn is the best choice, I'd rather have Rocco Baldelli or even Reed Johnson, honestly, but I'm just glad the roster, on the surface, may be done. Now, for all we know Winn could just be a bench choice as his play last year doesn't really warrant much more, but in a platoon with Brett Gardner he may be OK.

Let's get back to Damon, though, a player I've always liked, yes, even when he was pesky and killed the Yanks with Boston. Johnny was a solid player, and when he came to the Yankees, I thought it was a perfect marriage. Although he lost his center-field job within his first two years, he still was outstanding on offense. His stats during his four-year-run here were spot on, with '09 being his absolute best. The combo of the new Yankee Stadium and his switching in the order with Jeter spurred this on. (I'm sure being in his walk year didn't hurt neither!) He also gave us one fantastic World Series memory that will go down in Yankee history, and forever haunt Brad Lidge and Phillies fans. Like Matsui before him, it was a fitting end to his life in pinstripes, and he got another ring, so all-in-all a great 4 years..

Unlike Matsui, though, he lingered too long in free agency, and is still there now. Matsui signed with the Angels rather quickly, starting his next chapter happily, while Damon allowed his super-agent Scott Boras to pass up a two-year offer from the Yankees for 14 million! It amazes me that such disillusions can exist in this economy. Despite his numbers, he is 36 years old and his outfield play has diminished pretty far. He limped out of Game 6 of the World Series, and would've been out of Game 7!

Now the Yankees have moved on, and Damon will have to also. (maybe as a DH in Tampa) He played a game with Brian Cashman and the Yankees and their very real budget, and lost. Even the Yankees have their limits, and so they should. I love that free agents think that the Yankees should pay more just because they are the richest franchise in baseball. Playing for them is a privilege, folks, and I hope this serves as a lesson to everyone else. Yes, I know that screams snobby Yankee fan, but you tell me of a more prestigious franchise in all of sports and then we can talk otherwise!

As for their signing, again I thought there were better options, although Baldelli can still be brought in on a minor-league deal. Winn is going to look to play more, and if he out-plays Brett Gardner or any other choice, then fine, but I'm not a fan right now. His '09 season was terrible and he's aging himself. Maybe he'll turn that around, and change my opinion. Still, I'd like Gardner to get the most at-bats, but whoever helps the team more, I'll be on-board with.

To sum up everything: Damon, you'll be missed here, sorry, and good luck. Winn, prove me wrong. Gardner, kick his butt. Carl Crawford, we'll see you next year in left.

MORE MET MISERY

I'll keep this one brief. CF Carlos Beltran is having knee surgery, and is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day. There are three things this tells us. One, it is high time to fire the Mets entire training staff and replace them with a witch doctor, or maybe Dr. Nick from the Simpsons. Two, the free agent market is, and will always be, an inefficient way to build a contender. Beltran's best seasons were in Kansas City, and he was signed at the same time as Pedro, who left his best seasons in Boston. 170 million dollars and several disappointing (to put it mildly) seasons later, here we are. So sure, let's add 35-year old Bengie Molina. He's sure to lead the stirring charge towards third place. Number three is an anagram of Merri Oaf. Got it?

STILL NO LOVE FOR BERT BLYLEVEN

A pitcher who's 5th on the all time strikeout list can't get into Cooperstown? It seems likely that he'll be elected next year, as he just missed this time, but who are these voters? Do they watch more ballgames than I do? A quick rundown of Bert's career: He's pitching effectively in the majors at the age of 19 for the 1970 Twins. From 1971-1976, he goes 89-81 for Twins teams that are 25 games under .500 when he doesn't pitch, posts ERA's between 2.52 and 3.12, and strikes out 200+ a year. He's traded to the Rangers in June of 1976 and continues to pitch well there. He's traded to the Pirates in December 1977, continues to pitch well, and allows 3 runs in 19 innings in the 1979 playoffs, pitching 4 innings of scoreless relief in Game 5 with the Pirates facing elimination. He has a mediocre 1980, going 8-13, and the Pirates ship him to Cleveland, where he regains his form and goes 11-7 in the strike-shortened season, before missing almost all of 1982 with an elbow injury, and pitching poorly in 1983. Bert comes back to go 19-7 in 1984, and gets traded again, back to the Twins, in mid-1985. In a typical Blyleven season, he goes 17-16 for two bad teams (the Indians lost 102 games that year), pitches 24 complete games, and leads the league in strikeouts. No one notices. At this point, Bert is 35, and with the exception of his age 38 season for the California Angels where he goes 17-5, doesn't pitch all that well again. He gives up 96 home runs in 1986-87, but makes it back to the postseason with the 1987 Twins, and goes 3-1. Finally, Blyleven has rotator cuff surgery in 1991, at the age of 40, and comes back to pitch at 41, though he goes 8-12 with a 4.74 ERA. So, 287 wins, 242 complete games, a 5-1 postseason record, 2 rings, and 3700 strikeouts? That isn't enough?

Oh, and congratulations, Andre Dawson! More on him later.

SUCCESS (Amateur Drafts 1987-1991)

Interestingly, the Yankees had the best record in baseball for the decade of the 1980s, but only made the playoffs twice, losing in the ALCS to the Royals in 1980 and to the Dodgers in the 1981 World Series. The 1987-1991 period was not a good one for Yankee fans; the team's initial response to the rise of the Mets was a tailspin that bottomed out at 67-95 in 1990, and the team wasn't competitive until 1993, under Gene Michael and Buck Showalter. The interference of owner George Steinbrenner was partly to blame for the Yankees' directionless stumbling in the late 1980s, as he hired Billy Martin to manage three separate times, changed GM's almost as frequently, and allowed Dallas Green the rare opportunity to wreck both franchises. He hired Gene Michael, who had managed the Yankees in parts of 1981 and 1982, as GM, and allowed Michael more autonomy than previous GM's. The eventual results were 4 championships. Here are the humble beginnings.

1987
7) RHP Dave Eiland. 12-27, 5.74 career. 6-10, 5.23 as a Yankee. Pitched for Yankees, Padres, and Rays, 1988-2000. Eiland is now the Yankee pitching coach. His playing career was unsuccessful, in part due to the Yankees rushing him to the majors.
Later rounds: CF/LF Gerald Williams, C Brad Ausmus.
Nothing to see here. Move along.

1988
6) LHP Jeff Johnson. 8-16, 6.52 for Yankees, 1991-1993.
9) 2B Pat Kelly .249/.307/.369 career, .251/.300/.365 as a Yankee. Bench player for Yankees, Cardinals, Blue Jays, 1991-1999. Kelly played for the 1996 champs, but didn't make the postseason roster.
10) RHP Kenny Greer. 1-2, 4.85 in 13 innings with '93 Mets and '95 Giants.
Later rounds: 3B Russ Davis, CF/LF Deion Sanders, LF/RF Orlando Palmeiro (did not sign), 2B Fernando Vina (did not sign).

1989
2) SS/2B/3B Andy Fox .239/.324/.338 career, .200/.287/.264 as a Yankee. Bench player for Yankees, Diamondbacks, Marlins, Expos, Rangers, 1996-2004.
5) 1B J.T. Snow .268/.357/.427 career, went 2-for-14 for 1992 Yankees. Played for Yankees, Angels, Giants, Red Sox, 1992-2006. Snow had two 100 RBI seasons, in 1995 and 1997, and had 1509 career hits and 189 homers, in addition to being a great defensive 1B. He batted .327 in the postseason. He was traded for 2 seasons of Jim Abbott, who went 20-22 in a Yankee uniform. Oops.
7) RHP Russ Springer. 36-45, 4.52 career. 0-0, 6.19 ERA in 16 innings for 1992 Yankees. Pitched for Yankees, Angels, Phillies, Astros, Diamondbacks, Braves, Cardinals, A's, Rays. Still active. Had his best seasons for Tony LaRussa at 38 and 39. Fastball/slider middle reliever who took a long time to find his command. Throw-in in the Jim Abbott trade.
9) LHP Sterling Hitchcock, 74-76, 4.80 career. 22-24, 5.15 as a Yankee. Hitchcock proved to be a very valuable commodity. Packaged with Russ Davis, he brought the Yankees Tino Martinez and Jeff Nelson. He pitched well for the Padres in 1998 and 1999, but not nearly well enough to make it worth keeping him. Hitchcock threw hard but straight, and always allowed too many home runs. His career postseason record is 4-0 with a 1.76 ERA. Pitched for Yankees, Mariners, Padres, Cardinals, 1992-2004.

1990
1) CF/RF Carl Everett .271/.341/.462 career. Played for Marlins, Mets, Astros, Red Sox, Rangers, White Sox, Expos, Mariners, 1993-2006. Doesn't believe in dinosaurs. Everett was lost to the Marlins in the expansion draft. While Everett had great tools and had some excellent seasons-- 59 HR's, 216 RBI, and 41 steals in 1999-2000, he was a negative clubhouse influence and he was usually more trouble than he was worth. He finished with 1304 hits and 202 HR's, but was traded in his prime for Adam Everett, which should tell you something.
2) 2B Robert Eenhoorn .239/.260/.328 career. 5-for-32 as a Yankee in parts of 1994-96. Played for Yankees and Angels, 1994-97. The Yanks didn't have much luck with infield prospects until Jeter came along.
4) LHP Kirt Ojala. 3-10, 4.71 with 1997-1999 Marlins.
6) RHP Sam Militello. 4-4, 3.89 with 1992-93 Yankees. Militello lost the strike zone in 1993, and walked 54 in 20.1 minor league innings over the next three years before shutting it down. Militello was a power pitching prospect who made 9 strong starts for the Yanks in 1992. I guess he cancels out Bill Pulsipher.
7) LF Jalal Leach. 12 at bats for 2001 Giants.
Later Rounds: OF Ricky Ledee, LHP Andy Pettitte, C Jorge Posada, LF/RF Shane Spencer. Wow.

1991
3) RF/LF Lyle Mouton .280/.339/.420 as a bench player for White Sox, Orioles, Brewers, Marlins, 1995-2001. Mouton was a righty platoon outfielder, similar to Shane Spencer but got fewer opportunities.
9) LHP Keith Garagozzo. 9.64 ERA in 9.1 innings with 1994 Twins.
This was the Brien Taylor draft. Taylor was the #1 pick of the 1991 draft, who injured his pitching shoulder in a bar fight before the 1994 season. He missed all of 1994, and walked 184 in 111.1 innings with 59 wild pitches while attempting a comeback. Whether Taylor would have made the majors and pitched successfully is unknown. His walk rate was poor even before the injury, and it's easier to project him as a Kaz Ishii/ Damian Moss fringe starter than a #1 or #2 guy.

So, the core of young players drafted by the Yankees in these years looks like:

C Jorge Posada
1B J.T. Snow
2B Fernando Vina or Pat Kelly
3B Russ Davis
LF Deion Sanders
CF Carl Everett
RF Ricky Ledee / Shane Spencer
SP Andy Pettitte
SP Sam Militello
SP Sterling Hitchcock
RP Russ Springer

While this isn't nominally more impressive than the Met drafts of the same era, it does produce a future Hall of Fame catcher, and a near-HOF starting pitcher. Plus some shrewd trading to net them Tino Martinez and Jeff Nelson. The only player on this list that the Yankees gave up on too soon was J.T. Snow.

Also-- I haven't factored in international scouting, but add to the Yankee core Bernie Williams and the Met core Edgardo Alfonzo.