2011 MLB Spring Training

As the pitchers and catchers report to their assigned duties and positions, only one thing can be assumed: Spring Training must be just around the corner.  And that assumption would be correct.

But for the Milwaukee Brewers, redemption of an unpleasant 2010 season will be at the top of newly named manager Ron Roenicke's to-do list.

Offseason signings and additions have resulted in serious talks of a postseason appearance for the Brew Crew in 2011.  And with young, prospering talent, who's to say they won't do it?

The football season is over, the basketball season as it is midway point and the NCAA Tournament is still a month away. Yup, it's almost March and that means it's finally time for spring training baseball.

After an exciting offseason, fans everywhere are eager to get the 2011 season going. Pitchers and hitters are scheduled to report to their respective spring training facilities in Florida or Arizona over the next few days, and games will begin in a couple of weeks.

All players report to spring training with something to prove. Veteran's come to show that they still have it and young prospects come trying to break onto the big league roster. 

For a young star with tons of potential, sometimes this pressure is too much to handle. 

Now that teams are getting into their full spring routine, it is now or nothing for some big-name prospects.

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Neil Walker. Jose Tabata. Pedro Alvarez.

Three names Pittsburgh Pirates fans have probably been familiar with for the years leading up to their major league debuts in 2010. 

Whether it has been through trade or by evaluating talent and drafting the appropriate player, the Pirates have amassed some talent once again in their farm system. 

While some prospects are multiple years away from making an impact at the major-league level; others are primed to make their names known to the fans at PNC Park and around the city of Pittsburgh.

This week marked the week highly anticipated by fans across the country, as the unofficial starting point to spring training, and the 2011 baseball season—pitchers, catchers, and then the rest of the squad, all report.

Looking beyond the symbolism, is the literal meaning—it's practically a reunion. Players, coaches, and staff all gather officially for the first time since the end of the season, and for new players, a chance to meet some of your team, most likely for the first time.

Perhaps the greatest statistical achievement for a Major League pitcher to accomplish is that of the Triple Crown of pitching.

In the history of Major League Baseball, only 35 times has a pitcher led his respective league in wins, ERA and strikeouts.

In the American League, 10 pitchers have combined for 15 Triple Crown seasons. In the National League, it has been done 20 times by 15 pitchers.

Walter Johnson, Lefty Grove, Lefty Gomez, Roger Clemens, Christy Matthewson, Grover Alexander and Sandy Colfax are the only pitchers to accomplish the feat more than once.

Curtis Granderson's debut season with the New York Yankees can best be described as one filled with many peaks and valleys.  Judging by his strong second half and impressive postseason numbers, it wouldn't be surprising if Granderson has a 2011 similar to his breakout 2007 season with the Detroit Tigers.

His Yankee career couldn't have gotten off to a finer start.  In his first at bat of the season, he crushed a Josh Beckett pitch into the right-center field bleachers at Fenway Park. 

When Vernon Wells was told by Los Angeles Angels general manager Tony Reagins and manager Mike Scioscia that he would be switching positions in Anaheim, Wells barely batted an eye. He was just happy to be playing on a contender again.

These guys are young, and these guys can throw.  If last year wasn't enough for you, just wait until this season.

The Los Angeles Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw and the Tampa Bay Rays' David Price could break out even more.

Both debuted in 2008, both are left-handed, both have great control of their arsenal and both can throw hard.  Comparisons will be drawn throughout the rest of their careers, and each pitcher will continue to work to be the best.

For 2009 American League Cy Young-award winner, Zack Greinke, trading spaces may just prove to be the best possible career decision he could've made.

As the Milwaukee Brewers report to Scottsdale, AZ for spring training, many players within Milwaukee's clubhouse have much to prove prior to the season.

Others, however, could be granted a hall pass for the time being.