Opinion

In contemporary America, they are known as the Nationals, and to many, as the six year purgatory that Stephen Strasburg, and soon Bryce Harper, will begin their likely long, successful careers in.

In the 1980's, however, these Nationals we know and love (to play) were in Montreal, and were home to some very good players, most notably future Hall of Famers Gary Carter and Andre Dawson.

In Tim Raines, we may eventually see a third Hall of Famer from those 1980's Expos teams, as his support is growing by the year.

For any baseball fan, there is no better time of year. The sun has finally broke through, spring training is in its final days, and it's time to play ball. 

This Sunday will mark the beginning of the 2010 season as the Yankees and Red Sox start off their season at Fenway Park. This matchup should be a great prelude to what will be another great season of baseball.

Drafted: First Round, supplemental, 2005 (Aurora, IL)

Height: 6′3″ Weight: 215 lbs

Born: September 9, 1986

The 23-year-old righty put together another strong season in Triple-A last year, going 4-6, 3.13, in 126 IP…but he struggled in a brief promotion with the big league club (1-1, 9.56).

Bruuuuuce.

It's a sound that Reds fans bellow every time Jay Bruce steps up to the plate.

Outsiders may think the noise is some sort of boo. The reality is quite the opposite—Bruce is a vital piece of the 2010 Cincinnati Reds, and the fans know it.

He has quickly become one of the most beloved players on the team. 

After being touted as a "can't miss" prospect coming up, he has struggled to live up to lofty expectations. After a red-hot start to his pro career in '08, his bat has cooled off mightily.

Every year it's the same old story. "Insert name here" can't find a team willing to meet the demands of the player who was once a star.

This year, it's Jermaine Dye that is among those still without a team.

Look, sometimes these guys need to understand that they are not the players they once were. Sometimes they need to accept a minor league contract or far less money than they were making in the past.

While everyone is talking about Jake Peavy, Gordon Beckham and "The Outfield Situation," the Chicago White Sox No. 3 pitcher Gavin Floyd is seemingly skirting around the media radar.

Perhaps the most intriguing piece of what could potentially be a terrific White Sox team this year, Floyd is poised to build upon his resume and thrust himself into the upper echelon of pitchers this season.

A few of you by now are probably thinking, "You have got to be kidding me! He had a 4.06 ERA last season and was a measly 11-11!" But hear me out.

With an opening night showdown with the defending world series champion New York Yankees looming over Fenway Park, questions remain unanswered regarding the upcoming season. The question that has all of Red Sox nation on the edge of their seats is what kind of production will David Ortiz deliver?

In 2009, Ortiz's early season struggles took him through the 40th game of the year with a batting average under .200 and no big flies. Ortiz was unable to catch up to fastballs and adjust to breaking balls.

Alright, the bold prediction doesn't have to do with the Tigers, it just fit the theme of the title. Kind of. Anyway, Aroldis Chapman will win Rookie of the Year in the National League. There you have it. It's Quick Pitches.

WHAT I'M READING

• My early pick for NL Rookie of the Year? Why, none other than The Cuban Sensation .

Listed below, are the points and counterpoints about whether Adam Dunn can be a competent defensive first baseman:

Point: Yes, he is athletic enough to make the transition.

Counterpoint: No, he hasn't shown the ability to play any position well and it isn't going to start now.

P: Well, he is a former major-college quarterback.

CP: The Texas Longhorns were in the process of moving him to tight end. He would have ended up on the defensive line when it was all said and done.

If you're a true Dodger Blue fan in Los Angeles or elsewhere, Monday morning can't have been a pleasant one. At least as long as Major League Baseball was on your mind.

Sure, you've got the bristling young talents of Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, Clayton Kershaw, and James Loney to go with still-coming Chad Billingsley (I'm not sold on Jonathan Broxton). Russell Martin ain't too shabby behind the dish either.

Of course, you also have an owner in Frank McCourt who seems loathe to part with a penny to better the franchise unless it's for maximum return.