2010 MLB Spring Training

While watching those Spring Training games minutely on a work computer or catching them here and there on the MLB Network, some Red Sox fans may wish the commentary focused more on who these non-roster players are.

Who's that guy pinch running for Jacoby Ellsbury?

He can't possibly get the starting job, so why is he there?

As with my previous article on non-roster invitee infielders, now I offer you a little run down on those young outfielders interloping at Red Sox camp.

Begin

The New York Yankees lost a spring training game to the Minnesota Twins yesterday, 11-0.

Brett Gardner started and got one hit in three times at bat.

His hit came on a bunt. The bunt was fielded by the pitcher, whose throw pulled the first baseman off the bag.

Gardner's speed was the critical element in the play because the pitcher had no time to make an accurate throw with Gardner speeding down the line.

Picture this. You wake up in the morning and stroll peacefully outside. It's mid morning and the sun has already begun to heat the earth. It's not too hot, but certainly not cold. You hop in the car and begin cruising down the highway with the windows down, wearing a baseball cap and matching team jersey.

Previously, I touched on ten National League rookies to keep an eye on. Let's shift our attention over to the American League.

Last year Andrew Bailey took the closer role in Oakland. Bailey finished the season with 27 saves and a 6-3 record, earning him AL Rookie of the Year honors.

The White Sox called on Gordan Beckham to take over at third base. Beckham answered by establishing himself as a consistent hitter with sneaky power and speed.

Matt Weiters stepped in as Baltimore's everyday catcher in June.

The San Francisco Giants found an unlikely enforcer willing to play the role of the old-school tough guy on Thursday.

Remember Prince Fielder's September 2009 walkoff home run that beat the Giants? How Fielder and his teammates enjoyed a choreographed celebration as Fielder crossed the plate?

The Giants, particularly Zito, remember well.

Spring Training is upon us, meaning another MLB season is on it's way. Every season a new crop of stars comes around and alters the balance of the league.

There are no sure things when dealing with prospects. Some "can't miss" blue-chippers never amount to anything (see: Brien Taylor). Other Players come out of nowhere and become Hall of Famers (see: Albert Pujols).

Last year we saw a wealth of NL rookies make an immediate impact on their respective teams.

Tommy Hanson got the call in June and pitched "lights out" baseball from then on.

After all of the excitement of the Hot Stove season and the never ending debates as to what moves the Arizona Diamondbacks should have made, it is now time to see what a difference a year has made.

The long dark days of the off—season are now behind us. Pitchers and catchers have reported and begun their throwing sessions. Position players have arrived and begun dusting off the bats to take a few swings.

One of the few question marks for the Yankees entering the 2010 season is who will fill the fifth starter's role.

While the obvious choice would be Joba Chamberlain because of how the organization has babied the right-hander in preparation for what should be his coming-out party this year, manager Joe Girardi has decided to extend the saga by announcing that five hurlers have a shot at the job.

The New York Yankees played their first spring training game at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa on Wednesday.

Their opponent was the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates, who have remade their team hoping to have their first winning season in 18 years.

The remarks here are just some impressions from watching the game.