Opinion

The San Francisco Giants' Waldis Joaquin is on the bubble to make the 2010 Opening Day roster.

The ’10 bullpen staff already features a plethora of live arms and young talent, so the 23-year-old may have a tough time cracking the 25-man roster to start the year.

Joaquin began his career in 2005 at the age of 18 for the Giants' Rookie squad. He showed immediate potential, striking out 37 batters in 31.0 innings. 

This spring has brought us more stories of the Joba Rules. It has also created more pitchers likely to go under similar rules and talked about in "Is he (pick your guy) best suited as a starter or a reliever?"

Most relievers are failed starting pitchers. The New York Yankees closer extraordinaire Mariano Rivera is one such example.

Seems like every year at about this time in the season, Reds' fans and their "Pro-Pete Cooperstown" articles pop-up more than Miley Cyrus television appearances—and with equal annoyance.

Pete Rose deserves a plaque less than Billy Ripken.

Anyone who is the least bit familiar with my writings knows that to deny my love for the Cincinnati Reds is akin to a rock 'n roll fan saying, "Yeah, that John Lennon, he sorta knew how to write a song—but Miley is better."

Gambling on baseball is the game's only cardinal sin.  

With just over a week remaining until opening day, the prospects of another long season for Cubs fans is finally starting to settle in.

Spring training helped clear up some minor position battles and lineup tweaks, such as Ryan Theriot serving as the full-time leadoff hitter and Mike Fontenot appearing to be the front-runner at second base. But lots of questions remain in arguably the most overlooked aspect of any ballclub: the bullpen.

Zach McAllister was born on Dec. 8, 1987 and grew up in the town of Chillicothe in Illinois. He was drafted out of high school by the New York Yankees in the third round of the 2006 draft. When drafted, McAllister's size stood out.

The guy is just built like a starting pitcher. He stands 6'6" tall and weighs 230 pounds, although his weight has fluctuated since becoming a member of the Yankees organization.

Listed below, are the points and counterpoints about if we should be as outraged about amphetamines as steroids:

Point: Yes, amphetamines are cheating just like steroids.

Counterpoint: No, steroids enhance performance while amphetamines enable performance. One makes you better while the other gets you on the field to play baseball.

P: Amphetamines do more than just get you on the field.

Remember the days when NBC and ABC televised the Fall Classic and ratings were soaring? The anticipation and excitement for the World Series was something that we could only dream of today.

Not that I'm saying these recent World Series lacked anticipation, but back then it had a Super Bowl feel to it. It's no surprise with broadcasters like Vin Scully, Joe Garagiola, Keith Jackson, and Howard Casell, just to name a few. It was a beauty watching a game listening to Hall of Fame talent. It was like watching an artist working on a masterpiece.

The most successful team in baseball is the Florida Marlins.

Why?

Money.

Professional sports are a business. Businesses make money. The Florida Marlins almost always have the lowest payroll. Last season, the Marlins finished with a payroll of 37 million dollars.

The only team lower then them was the Pirates with 25 million dollars. The Marlins have finished over .500 each of the past two seasons.

How do they keep doing it?

Like the Rays, they stock up on young talent.

Sitting at a solid 14-11 so far in Cactus League play, the Colorado Rockies have gotten off to a quick start in 2010. Throughout Cactus League play, the Rockies have been near the top of league standings, mixing in big league talent with up-and-coming prospects. 

Craig Stammen was all but guaranteed a spot in the Washington Nationals’ starting rotation prior to his Saturday start against the Mets.

Heading into that game, Stammen had a 1-1 record with a crisp 2.89 ERA, striking out eight while walking just two.