Mark Teixeira

As the calendar officially flipped over to May this morning, it became impossible not to reflect on what the past 30 days has entailed for baseball’s reigning “World” Champions.

April had its questions, its uncertainties, and its collective breath-holding, but as the smoke cleared from Major League Baseball’s most volatile month, New York still finds itself where it feels it belongs.

It’s been a very bad week for these power players. When their teams counted on them, they left helmets on the field instead of driving in runs. It’s dark in the basement; maybe they can find the light switch.

1. OF Curtis Granderson NYY

The New York Yankees had started the season red hot but have cooled down as of late. Losers of four of their last five, the Yankees now sit 2.5 games back of AL East leading Tampa Bay. I decided to look back at the past five games and try to find a common theme.

Well, I found one at it was right at the top. The top of the batting order that is. The top four spots in the Yankees batting order have not had much success at all the past five games. These are the guys expected to carry the club and provide most of the pop.

If you missed the game, or our post about it, here’s what happened: In the top of the third inning of Friday night’s loss to the Angels, with Mark Teixeira at second, Robinson Cano singled to right. Tex came around third and there was a collision at the plate with Texas catcher Bobby Wilson. The consequence was a concussion and an injured ankle.

(Click here to view this video).

The Yankees lost in heartbreaking fashion last night as Joba Chamberlain gave up an eighth inning two-run home run that put the Angels ahead for good 6-4. It was, like all games against the Angels, very tough and hard fought. 

As far as some of the Angels are concerned it was a little too hard fought. I’m talking about a third inning collision between Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira and Angels’ backup catcher Bobby Wilson, who was playing in just his second game of the season.

Yesterday there were rumors flying that Mark Teixeira could be the next big name baseball player to be suspended due to performance enhancing drugs. Major League Baseball then made the announcement that it was not Teixeira, but Edinson Volquez of the Reds, that failed a drug test. 

A sigh of relief was taken by the New York Yankees organization and fans. 

With the first game of the MLB season tonight and the full slate kicking off tomorrow, it's time for everyone to make their picks for the season.

NL East: Phillies

The Phillies are the consensus choice to win the National League East for the fourth year in a row. Roy Halladay could win 25 games with that offense backing him up. Their lineup is still one of the best in baseball, and their rotation is good enough to get them back on top of the division.

I know I mentioned it yesterday, but it's really worth repeating: We're less than a week away from Opening Day of the Major League Baseball season. Wow!

But with first pitch just days away, there is still a lot of preparation to be done, and I'm not talking about your favorite team deciding on their fifth starter. Nope, I'm talking about you making the final tweaks to your fantasy team.

So Battle of the Blogs Fantasy Baseball League had its draft last night. My team, Double G Sports , had the sixth pick in the first round—and each round after that was done in a snake format.