Cabrera is a shortstop that can give you a good bit of versatility. He is still relatively young at only 34 years old, and the Athletics have been looking for a replacement for former rookie of the year Crosby. Crosby still is a very talented player, and is considered to be in the Athletics plans as a utility player at least. After a fantastic rookie start, Crosby has since faltered particularly with his batting average.

The biggest upgrade the Athletics are getting putting Cabrera at shortstop is in the average and on base percentage categories. Crosby has struggled mightily averaging only .239 over his career. His on base percentages are also quite poor. Cabrera is a solid hitter as shown last season with his .281 avg., eight homers, and 57 RBIs attest. He also is still an effective base stealer having stolen 19 bases last season.

Garciaparra is being sought primarily for depth and flexibility in the infield one would assume. He is far from the player that set the Major Leagues on fire early in his career. Still, he is an effective player capable of having very good stretches. He would be the ideal candidate for infield utility play.

Oakland appears to be making some serious moves towards trying to once again contend. Their anemic lineup the last couple of years has been upgraded in the offseason considerably. The addition of Cabrera, Jason Giambi, and free agent superstar Matt Holliday is sure to jump start an offense that had been struggling to score runs. Adding Nomar to the mix would further enhance that lineup.

Cabrera also gives the Athletics a powerful defensive source at the shortstop position as Cabrera is a two time gold glove winner over his career at the position. While he is not as quick as he once was, he is still better than average and makes all the plays that he should make.

The announcement for the Cabrera signing is expected to take place Monday or Tuesday.

The New York Yankees made their feelings known by telling Alex Rodriguez to keep his cousin, Yuri Sucart, away from all things Yankee. That includes the facilities, as well as the hotels when they are on the road. The simple fact that Alex Rodriguez had to be told this is mind boggling. He just apologized for the offense for heaven’s sake. He just swore that the mistakes of those days were behind them. Then he went and hung out with the guy that freaking supplied him with the drugs.

What is worse, was his statement about the situation. “It’s been addressed,” he said. “And, no further comment.” Well isn’t he just arrogant? Why no explanation about why he was picked up by his former drug provider? Why no heartfelt apologies? Why? Because he thinks he is above baseball. I have always been an Arod fan, and truly loved watching him play his games over the years. Now, I would not watch his game if he was about to break the home run record. He has completely lost the respect of this baseball writer.

I have spent the majority of the last month trying to give Rodriguez the benefit of the doubt. No matter how hard I try, however, I can not give him the benefit of the doubt on this. Why in the heck would he be with this man? There is no good reason. I can, however, think of a number of bad reasons, and so can the Yankees.

If Alex Rodriguez did not deserve a suspension before, he certainly does now. If I were the Yankees, I would sit his butt so fast it would make his head spin. With all the cash they pay this man, he should truly be ashamed of himself. From a fan’s point of view, it has to be a clear cut example of his thinking that he is above it all. He thinks that he can get away with whatever and the fans will continue to flock to his side. Ask Mark Mcgwire if that is true or not. You are mistaken Mr. Rodriguez.

Mark Teixiera – Of all the American League first basemen, Teixiera is the best hitter. He is going to produce some serious runs in the midst of that powerful Yankee lineup. Hitting alongside Alex Rodriguez does that for even an average hitter. Tex is far from average, and is capable of having the once in a lifetime fantasy baseball season that owners are hoping for when they draft him. Teixiera will be very very good in New York. Feel comfortable drafting him very high.

Miguel Cabrera – Cabrera is a picture of consistant excellence. He puts up serious numbers every single year, and you can pretty much pencil in the same for this year. Since his entry into the Major Leagues, he has been one of the best producers in fantasy baseball. He is getting a bit older, but nobody can tell. He is that good.

Justin Morneau – Morneau is one of those hitters that you just know is better than he is showing. He always hovers on the edge of greatness, and one of these years he will cross that line. Justin is going to give you slow, steady results and make you comfortable about that first base position. If he continues on the same path, however, he will not blow you away. He will just give you the usual production, without fireworks. Many owners are quite happy with that and look for the fireworks elsewhere.

Kevin Youkillis – What a season this guy had last year. Unfortunately, I do not see this happening again this year. The guy played a bit out of his mind last season, and a small drop off is to be expected for Youkillis this year. Still, he is better than most first base options out there, and would make a fine draft pick at the position.

Paul Kornerko – Kornerko is kind of the opposite of Youkallis in my opinion. He had a rough year last year, and should be available cheap this year. If you can steal this guy in your fantasy baseball draft, by all means do it. He will return to form this year, which likely means top shelf first basemen numbers like always. He is one of the more steady first basemen in the league much like Morneau.

Albert Pujols – Unless you have lived under a Major League Baseball rock the past few years, Pujols is one of the best players in all of baseball. Last year, Pujols was expected to have a tough time due to injury, and he still came out and posted numbers that would make Babe Ruth envious. Pujols is quite simply a fantasy baseball point machine, and their is no reason whatsoever to think that this season will be any different. Draft him if he is available. Period.

Lance Berkman – Berkman is one of those guys that is simply awesome while nobody seems to notice. The best part with Berkman, and why he ranks higher than Howard or Fielder, is the fact that he gives you double digit steals on top of the power and RBIs. One other bonus is the fact that he also hits for a great average. He is a poor man’s Albert Pujols and the second best option overall at this position.

Ryan Howard – It is hard to believe that I am ranking Howard at number three here, but it is for a very good reason. He runs like a bull, and strikes out as commonly as he hits a prodigious homerun. If not for the bad average and strikeouts, Howard would be second to nobody. He is the premiere home run hitter in either league.

Prince Fielder – Prince Fielder is a carbon copy of Howard in many ways. He actually has the ability to hit for a much higher average, but he has not been able to prove it yet. This guy could be a true sleeper in this area, and it would not shock me to see him put it all together one year soon. Still, he has to remain below Howard until he does as Howard hits in a much better lineup, and hits more homeruns.

Joey Votto – The young Cincinnati Reds slugger is going to get the chance to show his stuff this year, and many beleive he might ascend the ranks of top first basemen in the league. I would not be shocked at all if this young slugger puts up numbers closer to the names above him on this list. He has that type of power, and even better eye to ball contact than a few of them. The one thing that is uncertain is that he has little protection in the Reds lineup. He really needs Jay Bruce to continue to develop beside him, and to find a strong right handed bat to offset the two.

1. Khalil Greene – Green has always shown a propensity for power at the shortstop position, but his move to hitter friendly St. Louis. Petco Park gobbled up many of his potential home runs in his tenure with the Padres. If you look at the numbers, Greene has always played much better away from home, and that bodes well for his trek to St. Louis. Greene is primed for a huge season this year. Do not miss out on this sleeper pick if he comes available at the right time.

2. Adam Jones – This Baltimore outfielder was once considered to be a top prospect, and still should be. He has the everyday job locked up in the Oriole outfield, and has great power and speed. Last season he fought injuries throughout, and that should drop his value in drafts. When he was on the field in Baltimore, he showed flashes of why he was so highly touted. This guy is a perfect example of a player flying under the radar. Grab him and you might get a solid 20-25 man.

3. Johnny Cueto – The fact that this young fireballer made a name for himself rather quickly in Cincinnati might put him on the edge of “sleeper” status, but the fact that he plays in a hitter friendly park will pull some owners off of him. That said, you should draft him right away if you get the chance. This guy is flat out talented and the Reds are a team on the rise.

4. Heath Bell – Bell is in the less than perfect situation of trying to follow San Diego legend Trevor Hoffman as the Padre’s closer. That would be enough to really intimidate other players, but Bell has some serious attitude. Baseball attitude that is. He is ready to step in and with the Padres, they should be able to put him in position to save a number of games this year.

5. Coco Crisp – This guy has been around for awhile, but he is only now getting his shot at the everyday position every player covets. Crisp will now be leading off and playing every single day with the Kansas City Royals after spending three tough years in Boston. Limited to part time play, I expect that he will explode this season. A player has difficult times platooning when they have been a starter every single year. I think his playing time will allow Crisp to get that groove back that made him a blossoming star upon entry to the Major Leagues.

Consider Hanley Ramirez’s power numbers. After a mediocre 17 homers back in 06, Ramirez exploded for 29 bombs in 07. Just to show that it was no fluke, Hanley then hit 33 home runs in 08. What will be the encore in 09? For those that like looking at the more specific slugging percentage, how does .540 and .527 in the last two seasons sound? Ramirez has plenty of power.
When you look at the baseline for any player, you have to look at batting average as well. Hanley Ramirez has batted over .300 for three straight years, and did so while having an on base percentage that hovers around .390.

Another big factor for picking a number one fantasy baseball player would be RBI production. Given that he is a tablesetter type that is not called upon to drive them in as often, Ramirez is still quite the run producer. He drives in about 70-80 runs per season. More importantly, he has scored 125 runs in two straight seasons. That is one tough thing to do for any player. To score 125 runs and still drive in those types of numbers is telling.

Speed? Oh yes Hanley has that. Ramirez is projected to steal around 40+ bases this year as well. That is just the cherry on the top for baseball’s most well rounded batter. Hanley Ramirez also entered the 30 home run / 30 stolen base club last year in only his third true season. That is impressive by any standard.

Hanley Ramirez is heading towards being the best player in baseball, and fantasy baseball along with it. The young star has spent the majority of his career improving, and the amazing thing is that he is just now 25 years old. He is only now beginning to reach his prime. What will he do when he really knows what he is doing?

It is a scary thought for owners that do not own him in their fantasy baseball league. This is the reason that Hanley Ramirez should be the number one pick in fantasy baseball drafts across the country.

While many brush this aside, especially in light of the fact that the test was “confidential”, I find it to be literally heartbreaking. Not because Alex Rodriguez is a particular hero of mine, or even because I actually like him, but because it is beginning to define a harsh reality. The stars of today in baseball are beginning to look really sad. My young nephew idolized A-rod and I am sure that he is going to see this as a sign that even the best of the best look for a cheating edge. This is not the message I want him growing up with.

Throughout the history of baseball, players have looked for that added edge. Spitballs, metal spikes, and the like have been a part of baseball lore for as long as the game has been played. The difference? The players are now willing to risk their lives to be the best, even if it is against baseball or societies laws. A-rod certainly has the talent to do it the right way, and using steroids was almost certainly taking the easy way out if the allegations are true.

Why do it? Why risk your heart, and your career, for an extra five to ten home runs? Was the media attention for Mcgwire and Sosa that much of a draw? Did you feel the need to produce huge numbers cause you to turn to the juice? Almost certainly A-rod gave in to peer pressure….right?

Hogwash. The players that juice like that are simply players that take the easy way out. I refuse to believe that their are no honest players left in Major League Baseball. I firmly believe that the majority of those guys that toil day in and day out and put up honest numbers are just not as good as some of the power mongrels that hit the ball out of the park every other time up to bat. Steroids are a shortcut… Plain and simple.

As tired as I am of hearing about the next steroid scandal, I am glad that MLB is trying to clean up the game again. The game of baseball should be about a team working together to survive and prosper against other teams. It is about a father and son going out for a game of catch, and talking about the game they watched on television or at the ballpark. Not steroids and shortcuts.
If A-rod is innocent, then I am happy about that. The truth is, I know the likelihood of that is slim to none. His silence speaks volumes about his innocence. The truth is, I really don’t care. Give me the everyday player any time over the arrogant superstar that takes shortcuts. They are honest to the trade, and that is worth much more than any home run.

What is going to happen when an extremely high paid player is injured during these games? It is sure to end up being the difference in a team being successful or not simply to put on an exhibition. That is not good for baseball, the teams, or the players. I am all for showing support for your Country and representation, but this is a serious risk.

If I am paying a player 25 million dollars, and they go out and play in the WBC and get injured, what is my recourse? I can sit there and take it for the most part. That hardly seems fair. And what about the team’s season ticket holders that paid large sums of money to see their favorite stars play? They too would be cheated at that point of something that they rightfully paid for. If a player is injured during the course of an actual game in MLB, then that is to be expected. If it happens in an exhibition, then I am going to be rightfully upset.

Many people disagree with my position and that is certainly okay. I am far from being arrogant in saying that I simply have an opinion. But as far as the WBC goes, I think they should tank the idea, or leave it to the younger players that are not in MLB. That would give the younger guys a world stage to help them to get noticed, and also to showcase the baseball talent that is to come. Why risk the big dogs when you do not have to? The Olympics have proven that people will still come and see the amateurs in a given sport, and especially if they are representing their country.

Think it over…

Phil Coke showed has been steady and strong since joining the Yankees five years ago. There were plenty of reasons to rush him through the system, and to bring him to the next level quicker. Rather than giving in to that temptation, they instead allowed Coke to gradually develop through the minor leagues and get a good grasp of what it will take to succeed on the next level. The dividends are paying off nicely as Coke was fantastic in the appearances in 2008.

This is the problem with the majority of the Major League Ballclubs. They get a hot prospect and jump him from the minors up to the majors quicker than you can bat an eye. This can work with some special players, but the vast majority of young players end up taking a huge hit to their confidence levels. This makes the process longer than it would have been had they progressed normally through the farm system. Some players come up to the Show and never recover from the failures that they encounter.

Knowing when to bring a prospect up is very difficult and it is even more difficult when you have only watched the player for a year or two. The exception to this rule is few and far between. If the Major League ballclubs give the prospect time to rise or fall in the minor leagues, then they are much more likely to succeed at the next level. It is far easier to see them grow in this way, and it gives the youngster a chance to adjust to some of the things that ball players do. Adjusting to the schedule is a tough thing to do even in the minor leagues. The travel and the season are long and tiring, and the minor league ball player has to learn to adjust.

That builds character and helps the player mature.

Phil Coke is a perfect example of how to bring a minor league ball player along properly. This year, the Yankees will be rewarded for doing so, and maybe the rest of Major League Baseball will follow suit.

During the period of the eighties and early nineties, Henderson was an absolute beast on the baseball diamond. He could absolutely control a baseball game with his feet as he would often swipe second and third in a single inning. Nobody in the history of Major League Baseball has stolen more bases or scored more runs than Rickey Henderson. Henderson was no slouch at the plate, either. He was about as likely to pop a home run as to hit a slicing triple, and that gave his game an extra dimension during his best years.

It was these qualities that led to Henderson being voted in on the first ballot at a cool 94.8 percent. Henderson is the 44th player to be elected into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot. he will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on July 26th along with Boston slugger Jim Rice. Rice is entering the Hall of Fame on the final ballot, and made it by the skin of his teeth. Others that came up just short included Andre Dawson, Bert Blyleven, Lee Smith, and Jack Morris.

Henderson was easily one of the best leadoff hitters of all time. He would start a game off with a home run 81 times throughout his career, and nobody knows how many times Henderson would reach and steal second to start a game. He generated runs for a team at a record pace throughout his career, and made virtually every team he played for a much better one. In his long and illustrious career, Henderson stole more bases and scored more runs than any player in history. His stolen base record is nearly double the second place Lou Brock. Many feel that his records might not be broken. This includes the single season stolen base record of 130 that he accomplished during the 1982 season with Oakland.

Henderson’s Hall of Fame Resume: