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February 19, 2008

spring (training) is here!


Spring Training has begun. It’s a great sign that spring is near and that this long snowy winter may end someday. Maybe it is not the greatest sign for spring - the Cleveland Indians had snow on inaugural day last year. Besides the weather change there are other great things to look forward to come the first day of baseball. First, baseball can start and all the Roger Clemens trash can stop. Second, the Tigers, Cubs, and (bo)Sox all look like they are going to have decent seasons once again.
The Tigers have picked up some great players over the off-season; Edgar Renteria, Miguel Cabrera, and Dontrelle Willis. Renteria and Cabrera add to an already explosive Tiger offense. Willis, who had a wretched season last year (10-15 record with a 5.17 ERA) will hopefully be back to playing better with a new team.
The Cubs who ended with a horrible post season last year hope to bounce back with the addition of Kosuke Fukudome from Japan. He’s compared a lot to Ichiro Suzuki, of the Mariners. I just hope he hits better than Felix Pie who batted a .215 last year. Some off the field news to make note of include who is going to purchase the Cubs, and if Wrigley Field will have any new makeovers.
The Sox dominated the post season last year and hope to continue that trend into next season as they secured players such as Mike Lowell and Kevin Youkilis. The Sox pitching should continue to dominate with a staff that includes: Josh Beckett, Tim Wakefield, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Curt Shilling (injured), and closer Jonathan Papelbon.
Some other interesting player acquisitions are: Johan Santana to the Mets, and Scott Rolen for Troy Glaus. For other off-season trades go to: CBS Sportsline. It should be an exciting season.

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