MLB

Alex Gordon’s make-or-break 2010 season has been derailed .

A big factor in the Philadelphia Phillies run to a World Series Championship in 2008 was their bullpen. Besides having a closer with an unblemished record when handed the ball to nail down a win, each member of the relief corps found success in a defined role.

What I’m Reading

• Uh-oh. Looks like “Broken” Brandon Webb might be starting the year on the DL. Yes, even after spending the past year on the DL.

• And how about Joe Nathan? Might be too early to tell, but this isn’t a good sign for the hopeful Twins.

The Joba Chamberlain-Phil Hughes beauty contest now playing out in the media and sports blogs everywhere is as fine a sham reality show as has ever been produced anywhere on network television. In the end, when the pre-scripted outcome is revealed, everyone who has voiced an opinion or weighed in on it will be forced to tip their cap to this magnificent charade concocted by Joe Girardi and his staff, and I would like to be the first here to do so.

The Red Sox organization made a calculated decision during this past offseason to trade offense in exchange for pitching and defense. The club had the third-highest total of runs scored in 2009, but failed to measure up in the field.

When you think Pittsburgh Pirates you probably don't think of a sturdy, young, and reliable rotation. What probably comes to mind is 16 straight years of losing, 17 if you want to count the strike-shortened 1994 year. 

Man, I wish I could have been part of the arbitration process for Jeff Mathis. Mathis asked for $1.3 million, the team offered a measly $700,000. Hey that was an insult. The man hit .211, after all!

Since I wasn’t there, I can only imagine how it went. Maybe something like this:

After weeks of positive reviews, free agent to be Brandon Webb has experienced a set back:

Webb initially was going to throw to hitters Sunday or Monday, but that session was pushed back a couple of days. Manager A.J. Hinch said Webb might throw a bullpen session next instead of live batting practice, but did not set a date.

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.

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According to George King of the New York Post , after seeing the team doctor yesterday, Yankees backup catcher Francisco Cervelli plans to meet with a neurologist this afternoon.

Cervelli is recovering from a concussion he sustained after being hit by a pitch in the head the other day.