MLB

For centuries in the United States, a certain groundhog has been granted the power of determining the birth of the spring season and the fate of the waning months ahead. 

However, fortunately for Hawks and Cubs fans alike, the Cactus League home opener has proven this devilish rodent wrong and introduced spring fever like no other can.

Seven former Hawks competed for a roster position against the Athletics Thursday, though Tyler Colvin (2006) made the most noise in route to a six-run win over Oakland.

I am very intrigued by new Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Edwin Jackson , who arrived from Detroit in a massive three-way trade this off-season (the New York Yankees—the third team—received Curtis Granderson ).

Brandon Erbe has come a long way.

Five years ago the scrawny 17-year old was struggling to keep his head above water (not to mention his ERA under 4.00) over three different levels.

Five years later, Erbe found himself spending the last two weeks of February in Major League camp, a spring training invitee.

And it's no fluke. Erbe has gotten very smart, very quick.

In my last article, I looked at the Mariners bullpen candidates.

Continuing my tour of the AL West bullpens, here's a look at the following nine A's bullpen possibilities:

Andrew Bailey
Joey Devine
Brad Ziegler
Brad Kilby
Jerry Blevins
Jon Meloan
Michael Wuertz
Bobby Cassevah
Craig Breslow

Let's have a look!

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Dear San Francisco Giants Management,

Don't make the Buster Posey situation more complicated than it needs to be. History shows that a big—time player can emerge as a star without spending all his time playing one position until he finally earns a big league starting job.

Revolutionize might be a strong word; dominate might be a little more apropos.

With the signing of his new, six year, $51 million mega-deal yesterday, Justin Upton has officially arrived.

He now has his franchise’s backing on his path to greatness and super-stardom.

As we begin this decade, he seems to be one of the best young players in all of baseball. Upton, only 22 years old, is now the face of the Arizona Diamondback franchise and, within time, might be the face of MLB as well.

Imagine if Joe Morgan had spent his prime seasons in Houston instead of Cincinnati.

Picture Kenny Lofton setting the table for Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell during the 1990s.

What if the Astros had re-signed Randy Johnson, which would justified parting with three top tier prospects for what was nothing more than a two-month rental.

Let your imaginations run wild as we look back at five trades that left Astros fans shaking their heads and wondering what was on the minds of the general managers that pulled the trigger.

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