Everth Cabrera has the makings of an elite base stealer.

Not only did he have 25 stolen bases in 103 games last year (which projects to 39 in a full season), but he had 73 for Single-A Asheville in 2008. 

The problem is: you’re getting zero power from him.

Good teams often have a certain attitude about them, a brashness that often borders on cockiness. That is why I enjoyed New York Mets third baseman David Wright's recent proclamation that the Mets are going to win the World Series.

According to the New York Post, shortstop Jose Reyes also got in the spirit shortly after Wright's bold prediction. According to Kevin Kernan, "Reyes said over in the minor league clubhouse that there is "no doubt" the Mets can make it to the World Series and win it all."

Aroldis Chapman: the savior, the next best thing, or the next Randy Johnson. All things might be true, but it has to start somewhere.

The Reds' prized new acquisition threw a bullpen session for about two hours on Thursday, and to people who witnessed it, said that he threw well and felt well after.

Chapman, who was just recently signed a six year contract worth over $30 million, has been speculated to be one of the best new pitchers in the game, and the Reds are hoping they hit a jackpot. 

One of the clichés you hear in the weeks preceding the opening of spring training camps is that "competition brings out the best in players."

Joe Girardi and Brian Cashman both have said that during the last month. In fact, here is what Girardi said just yesterday:

As the sun rose this morning, a new feeling came over the city of Sunrise, Ariz.

A feeling, an excitement, was in the air that hadn't been there in quite some time.

Today was the day that baseball returned to the spring training facilities all over the state of Arizona.

For the Texas Rangers that feeling was one of possibility. A feeling that they could possibly be the team to beat in the AL West after so many years of watching the Angels run away from everyone else.

In 2009, the Rangers hung in the race longer than anyone expected them to.

Every Yankee fan knows the feeling. Walk anywhere outside of New York wearing the blue and white, and we're greeted with chants of derision. However, unlike what fans of the Red Sox or Mets might endure, we endure insults that challenge not our team, but our fanhood.

"Front-runner."

"Bandwagon-Jumper."

People who have heard these sorts of insults know that they hurt more than other ones, such as "Yankees suck" or chants of that ilk. At least there is a reasonable comeback to that, and inane arguments about whose team is better are a major part of being a sports fan.

The Rangers have proven that they are willing to push their pitching prospects, as evidenced by their use of both Derek Holland and Neftali Feliz at the Major League level in 2009. The next pitcher who could follow suit is 18-year-old Martin Perez (he’ll turn 19 on April 4).

They pushed him to Double-A last season, where he struggled in five starts (5.57 ERA, 14 K in 21 IP), but he was extremely successful in his time at Single-A:

5 Wins
93.2 Innings
2.31 ERA
1.23 WHIP
105 Strikeouts (10.09 K/9)
33 Walks (3.17 BB/9)
.332 BABIP

Baseball is almost back in full bloom for the Boston Red Sox, as their pitchers and catchers report to spring training. The franchise made several big moves in the offseason in order to make up for their early exit in this year's post season.

One of their biggest acquisitions will arrive with the pitchers and catchers, that is John Lackey.

John Lackey was probably the biggest free agent pitcher out on the market, this offseason. The rival Yankees made an attempt to sign the pitcher, but the Evil Empire fell short.

Jonathan Sanchez strolled into camp looking a bit different this year.

The 6'2" lefty is 12 pounds heavier than in 2009.

Normally that's a reason for face palms, mumbles, and grumbles from an already impatient fanbase.

Now if Sanchez weighed 245 pounds (ahem, Pablo Sandoval), that could prove problematic fatigue-wise down the stretch. The Giants need to stay fit in order to continue producing during September.

But Sanchez’s weight gain is meant to help, not hurt.

It is believed that his velocity and durability will improve thanks to his heavier figure.

The Indians have called a press conference for 1:30 pm today, where they are expected to announce that GM Mark Shapiro will move to a new role as team president and Assistant GM Chris Antonetti will take over the GM role, effective after the 2010 season.

While the news has not been officially confirmed, it is expected to be announced at today's press conference.