1. Texas Rangers (8-1)
Wow. The Rangers are off to one of their best starts in club history. Mike Napoli is looking to be a steal of a pickup as he has already belted three home runs in just 14 at bats. The most surprising part about the Rangers start to the season has to be their pitching staff. The injury to Tommy Hunter just before the season might have been a blessing in disguise as Alexi Ogando looks like a force to be reckoned with.2. Philadelphia Phillies (7-2)
While the Phillies lost Jayson Werth in the off-season and had Chase Utley on the disabled list to start the season, the team answered many critics throughout the first week of the season by posting some of the best offensive numbers in the National League. Roy Halladay (1-0, 0.69 era) has looked downright nasty as he looks to repeat his Cy Young performance of 2010.3. Colorado Rockies (6-2)
Carlos Gonzalez has yet to homer this season, Troy Tulowitzki is batting just .214, and Ubaldo Jiminez has and era of 7.50. Despite all of this, the Rockies stand 6-2 and in first place in the National League West. The Reason? The rest of the starting pitching...The Rockies #2 through #5 starters have era's of 3 or less. I've said it all along. If they keep this up, nothing will be stopping them.4. Toronto Blue Jays (5-4)
The Blue Jays should have a record better than 5-4 right now. The Blue Jays +14 run differential is 4th best in the American League. Young starters Kyle Drabek and Ricky Romero are living up to every bit of the hype. Yunel Escobar is looking like a completely different ballplayer than the one that was in Bobby Cox 's doghouse last year. 5. Cleveland Indians (7-2)
Talk about a turnaround. After giving up 23 runs in their first two games of the year, the Indians have now won 7 in a row sweeping both the Red Sox and Mariners. Surprisingly enough, most of the offense has been triggered by Jack Hannahan, Orlando Cabrera, and Asrubal Cabrera. It'll be interesting to see how long the Indians run will last. Grady Sizemore comes off the DL soon to rejoin the team as well.6. Cincinnati Reds (6-3)
Joey Votto (.455 ba, 2 HR) is looking like every bit of the MVP player he was a season ago. The Reds won 5 of 6 at home before losing 2 of 3 on the road to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The starting pitching has been awful so far, but it doesn't mean much when the team has the most runs scored in the National League. Rookie Aroldis Chapman has looked good so far in 4 games of relief.7. New York Yankees (5-4)
The Bronx Bombers started the season out well taking 2 of 3 at home against the Tigers and Twins. Alex Rodriguez, Robinson Cano, and Russell Martin seem to be carrying this team offensively so far as many of the starters have gotten off to extremely slow starts. Mark Teixiera found power in April, but seems to have developed Giambi-itus as the short porch in right taunts him.8. San Diego Padres (4-4)
Who said the Padres couldn't win without Adrian Gonzalez ?....Well...I think I did. However, aside from that, let us not forget how good this pitching staff (both starters and bullpen) can be. The Padres have allowed the fewest runs in the National League so far and have just now activated ace Mat Latos off the disabled list. Chase Headley and Cameron Maybin may finally be realizing their offensive potential as well. 9. San Francisco Giants (4-5)
The champs have simply been unlucky so far with games decided by poor defense rather than pitching and hitting. Pablo Sandoval (.400 ba, 1 HR) is looking very much like the player that almost won the batting title for the Giants 2 years ago. Tim Lincecum (1-1, 0.64 era) has completely dominated opposing hitters so far this year as well. Brandon Belt is looking like he might need another trip to the minors though.10. Chicago White Sox (6-3)
The White Sox offense has been on a tear to start the season scoring the most runs in the American League. Gordon Beckham (.333 ba, 2 HR) is off to a hot start after completely dissappointing in 2010. Edwin Jackson (2-0, 1.93) has looked unstoppable since joining the team late last season. In 13 career starts with the Sox, Jackson has a 3.03 era and 97 strikeouts in 89 innings.11. Milwaukee Brewers (5-5)
If not for the bullpen, the Brewers would probably be at least 7-3 right now. There is no hotter 3-4 hitters right now than Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun. Fielder (.400 ba, 2 HR) looks like he is playing for a 20+ million a year contract next year while Braun already has 4 homers in 10 games. Chris Narveson has been quite the surprise while the team waits for Zach Greinke to return from the DL.12. Atlanta Braves (4-6)
Braves pitching has only given up 35 runs while facing some of the hottest offensive teams in the National League. If only their offense could do the same. Sophomore Jason Heyward (.988 OPS) is carrying this team offensively while new addition Dan Uggla (.158 ba) has struggled out of the gate. Derek Lowe has 2 losses this season in 3 starts despite a 1.45 era. Brutal.13. Baltimore Orioles (6-3)
Baltimore has officially become bizzaro world. Many, including myself, expected the Orioles offense to be much improved, but felt the pitching would hold them back. So far through 9 games, it's been the complete opposite. Anchored by Jeremy Guthrie (1-1, 0.64 era) and Zach Britton (2-0, 0.66 era), the O's pitching has been one of the best in the league while the offense has completely struggled.14. Kansas City Royals (6-3)
Is 2011 the year that Alex Gordon finally breaks out? Gordon is off to a hot start this season batting .357 through 9 games. Coupled with
Billy Butler , the Royals offense has led them to solid start to the season taking 3 of 4 from the Angels, splitting two with the White Sox, and taking 2 of 3 from the Tigers on the road. Jeff Francis (0-0, 1.98 era) is looking like the ace he once was with the Rockies a few years back.15. Oakland Athletics (4-5)
You know the A's starting pitching is solid when the worst pitcher in the rotation threw a perfect game a season ago. Despite the strong starting pitching, the A's have been plagued by bad defense and a lack of offense. Kevin Kouzmanoff and Daric Barton each had 3 errors in the first 4 games of the season. The A's are smart to be locking Trevor Cahill up to a new 5 year deal though.16. Los Angeles Dodgers (5-4)
Despite their 5-4 record, the Dodgers have been anemic offensively scoring the second fewest amount of runs in the National League. Matt Kemp (.438 ba) and Andre Ethier (.353 ba) have carried the team thus far, but the team will have to get more production from the rest of the lineup if they are to continue winning games. They set out to San Francisco this week for a rematch with the Giants.17. Los Angeles Angels (5-4)
Dan Haren (2-0, 1.15 era) and Jered Weaver (3-0, 0.87 era) are as solid as they come. The two pitchers account for all the Halos victories so far with dominating performances each night out. The Angels still have major problems with the offense and bullpen though. Fernando Rodney has been extremely shake at the back of the pen. Meanwhile, Vernon Wells has just 4 hits in 40 at bats (.100 ba).18. St. Louis Cardinals (3-6)
The offense has been non-existent so far without Matt Holliday . Albert Pujols has had no protection in the lineup with Lance Berkman struggling behind him. The starting pitching has been surprisingly better than expected without Adam Wainwright , who had to get Tommy John Surgery this spring. The Cards finish up their west coast road trip against the D-Backs and Dodgers this week.19. Arizona Diamondbacks (4-4)
The Diamondbacks have one of the hardest schedules in the month of April for a National League team. After starting 4-4 against the Rockies, Cubs, and Reds, the D-Backs next 5 series consist of the Cards, Giants, Reds, Mets, and Phillies. If they can get through that, things will get a little easier down the road. Ian Kennedy (1-0, 2.57 era) seems to have found his groove he could never find while with the Yanks.20. Pittsburgh Pirates (5-5)
One of the most surprising teams out of the gate has to be the Pirates. Compared to how this team was playing a year ago, .500 is exceptional. Neil Walker (.300 ba, 2 HR) is the real deal at second base while Jose Tabata (.342 ba, 2 HR) and Andrew McCutchen (.257 ba, 2 HR) are developing nicely as well. We may also see a breakout year from Kevin Correia (2-0, 1.29 era). Stay Tuned.21. Chicago Cubs (4-5)
In almost a reverse of 2010, The Cubs offense has started hitting the ball well while the pitching has lagged behind thus far. Starlin Castro (.333 ba, 7 r) is looking like he will be the catalyst of the teams offense all year. The Cubs schedule has been relatively weak thus far and they will need to start pitching better so they can heat up by the time they face better competition.22. Florida Marlins (5-4)
It's hard to give the Marlins more credit when their first three series have been against the Mets, Nationals, and Astros. They'll get a much bigger test this week vs. the Braves and Phillies. Logan Morrison (.333 ba, 2 HR) is hitting the ball extremely well and he is 2nd in the NL with 9 walks. Mike Stanton missed a few games with an hamstring injury and the Marlins will need him to hit in order to win this week.23. Minnesota Twins (3-6)
It's hard to tell whether the Twins offense is really this bad, or they've just faced a slew of good pitchers. After all, they did face the top 3 pitchers from both Oakland and Toronto and faced the Yankees top 2 as well. Regardless, no one on this team other than Denard Span (.286 ba, 1 HR) is hitting the ball and the starting pitching has been awful up to this point. The good news is the schedule gets much easier.24. Boston Red Sox (2-7)
Wow. I should have known better than to pick the best lineup on paper to win the division. The Red Sox remind me of the Tigers back when they first acquired Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis . The lineup hasn't been hitting and the pitching has been downright terrible. Just about the only consolation the Sox have going for them is the series win against the Yankees last weekend.25. Washington Nationals (4-5)
The Nationals threw big money at Jayson Werth in the off-season and he's off to a terrible start (.200 ba, 1 HR). It was a good gesture to fans that the owners want to compete, but it just wasn't smart. The bright spot for the Nats has to be Jordan Zimmerman (1-1, 3.18). Two years ago, I predicted Zimmerman to be the rookie of the year before he fell victim to Tommy John Surgery. He's looked good so far.26. New York Mets (4-5)
Both R.A. Dickey (1-1, 2.45 era) and Chris Young (1-0, 1.46) are making GM Sandy Alderson look good so far this season for signing them both to contracts. Meanwhile, Ike Davis (.364 ba, 10 RBI) is tearing the cover off the ball and providing the team with most of their offense. For the Mets to stand a chance, they'll need Jason Bay back from injury and better performances from Mike Pelfrey (0-1, 15.53 era).27. Detroit Tigers (3-6)
Justin Verlander (1-0, 3.86 era) is the only starting pitcher on the team with an era below 5.70. The Tigers have struggled out of the gate both offensively and defensively. Miguel Cabrera (.355 ba, 4 HR) and Alex Avila (.280 3 HR) are supplying a lot of offensive firepower so far, but have gotten no help from others. Manager Jim Leyland may be on the hot seat if the Tigers can't get going early on in this season.28. Seattle Mariners (2-7)
After taking the first 2 games of the year from Oakland, the M's have dropped 7 straight. Chone Figgins (.135 ba, 1 HR) has not improved on his miserable numbers that he posted a year ago. The team batting average is just .215 as a whole. Once again, the pitching is left without any sort of run support. Doug Fister (0-2, 2.31 era) and Felix Hernandez (1-1, 2.25 era) deserve much better.29. Houston Astros (2-7)
The 'stros had an extremely difficult schedule to start the season as they faced both the Phillies and Reds on the road and that may play a factor into why the team has had the worst pitching staff in the league so far. At least Brett Myers (0-0, 2.03) has avoided a beating. Carlos Lee (.200 ba, 1 HR) still looks like the same player that struggled for much of last season.30. Tampa Bay Rays (1-8)
Coming into today, the Rays only scored more than three runs in a game only once. With Evan Longoria sidelined and Manny Ramirez calling it quits, this team is in big trouble. Just about the only bright spot for the team has been B.J. Upton (.290 ba, 2 HR). Is this the year Upton finally breaks through and returns to his 2007 form? The Rays can only hope he does...
AMERICAN LEAGUE 
CENTRAL
WEST
NATIONAL LEAGUE 
CENTRAL
WEST
Returning baseball to Brooklyn would be creating the Field of Dreams of the modern era. It would reunite the present fans with one of the most historical baseball areas of the past. For 54 years now, the Brooklyn borough of New York has been without a major league baseball team as the Brooklyn 
The major issue facing Major League Baseball today about whether or not a team should move to Brooklyn is the territorial rights of both the New York Yankees and the New York Mets. Each team, more than likely, would be opposed to such move in fear of a third New York team eating into the teams profits. Major League Baseball's Commissioner, Bud Selig (left), would also likely never endorse such a move. Selig, after all, was quoted as saying that he considered territorial rights to be "sacred".
According to a Sienna College Institute Sports Poll that was released on Wednesday, 
Just as hard as it would be to imagine basketball without Michael Jordan, or boxing without Muhammad Ali, it would be just as hard to imagine baseball without "the Babe". Ruth was a legend in every sense of the word. He was one of the first five players ever elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Ruth helped the Yankees to seven world series, in which they won four of them. His career 714 home runs stood a record for 39 years and his career .342 batting average is 10th best all time. Even to this day, it seems as if as soon as a kid learns what baseball is, they know everything there is to know about the great Bambino regardless of where they live. 
Joe Dimaggio is considered one of the best all-around players of all-time. A 3 time MVP and 13 time All-Star, DiMaggio was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955. The "Yankee Clipper" is the only player in baseball history to be elected to the All-Star game in every single season he played. DiMaggio's 56 game hitting streak in 1941 is one of the baseball records that is likely to never be broken, not even by the Yankees all-time hit leader Derek Jeter.
Mickey Mantle was one of the most feared hitters to ever play the game. He might be the best switch hitting player to ever play the game and certainly the one with the most power. He led the Yankees to 12 world series in his 14 years, something that simply cannot be taken lightly. With that, Mantle still to this day owns the record for the most HR, RBI, Base on Balls, and strikeouts in World Series play. Mantle is also one of the few players in history to win the triple crown, as he did during his 1956 season. While we've seen some fantastic plays from Derek Jeter in his career, there really hasn't been an MVP like season that stood out.
When it comes to New York football, there is no bigger name than Joe Namath. "Broadway Joe" is the reason that the AFL survived contraction and was able to merge. While there have been several other good football players play on New York teams, the spotlight in football has, and will always fall on the quarterback. Especially the one's that guarantee victory. While it might be unfair to compare players of different sports, it can at least be said that Namath was one of the most transformational figures in his league. For that reason alone, his greatest rises above Jeter.
This post wasn't made to discredit what Jeter has accomplished throughout his career. Simply put, Jeter is a great baseball player in every sense of the word. However, to call him the greatest New York athlete ever is a HUGE stretch, especially considering the many greats that have put on a Yankee uniform. Throughout his career, Jeter has led the Yankees to 7 world series appearances (5 victories) and has been an 11 time All-Star. He is one of the very few players around in the modern era that has played for the same team throughout his career and it will be fun watching Jeter this season as he pursues his 3,000th career hit. But let's not glorify the great moments today without remembering those of our past. For it is because Jeter is the most relevant player today that he is considered the greatest and the report doesn't seem to be very objective.
1. 
For the third consecutive season following his 2007 MVP campaign, Jimmy Rollins numbers have dropped. Gone is the player that once would consistently hit .280, hit 20+ home runs, and steal 40+ bases. Rollins used to be the ultimate threat in baseball. He has three gold gloves, three all-star appearances, a silver slugger, and an MVP award under his belt and is still relatively young at age 32. Rollins was the best shortstop in the National League a few years ago, but some feel his MVP season in 2007 may have gotten to him as Rollins hasn't been the same type of player since. After hitting 25 and 30 home runs in the 2006 and 2007 seasons, Rollins power dropped considerably in the seasons that followed. Not only were his home run totals down, but Rollins could no longer hit as many extra base hits as he used to. His batting average has decreased every season as well as Rollins hit a measily .243 last year. Compounding to the problems at the plate, Rollins has had multiple injuries that have held him back. Last season alone, Rollins missed 74 games with injuries to his calf, a bruised left foot, and a right hamstring. While the Phillies picked up Rollins 8.5 Million Dollar option for 2011, Rollins remains without a contract for next season. If his play doesn't improve, there are serious questions as to whether or not the Phillies should invest to keep him around long term. Rollins has the potential to turn his career around. He has the right skillset and considering the lineup and ballpark he plays in, he should be capable of putting up big numbers. Considering Rollins is in a contract year and is coming off the worst season of his professional career, "J-Roll" is and excellent candidate for the NL Comeback Player of the Year Award.
Much of the Houston Astros lack of success last season can be attributed to the team not getting much production from star outfielder Carlos Lee. While Lee still managed to hit 24 home runs and drive in 89 runs, those are his lowest totals since his 2001 season with the Chicago 
The success of the Chicago Cubs season is highly correlated with both the health and the play of third basemen Aramis Ramirez. The Cubs have disappointed over the past two years in large part because Ramirez was either injured or inneffective at the plate. In 2009, Ramirez missed 80 games with injuries to his back, calf, and a dislocated left shoulder. Last season Ramirez missed 38 games due to an injury to his thumb and quadriceps. Meanwhile, Ramirez's production at the plate completely dropped off. Ramirez, a career .282 hitter, hit just .241 and had an on base percentage of just .294. So far this spring, Ramirez has looked good, hitting for a .286 average. Ramirez has a 16 Million dollar for next season that won't be picked up unless he has a big season. Considering Ramirez looks to be fully healthy and will want to be playing for a contract next season, he stands as a good candidate to win the Comeback Player of the Year Award.
Carlos Beltran was once a player that had the complete package of athleticism, skill, and natural baseball instincts. His ability to hit from both sides of the plate for considerable power, combined with his speed on the basepaths made him one of the games most dangerous. That's at least what the Mets thought he would be when he signed a 7 year, 119 Million dollar contract back in 2005. Beltran lived up to the contract for the first 4 seasons, but has fallen off due to injuries in both 2009 and 2010. The former five time all-star and 1999 Rookie of the Year missed 98 games last season with a knee injury. Due to the injury, Beltran has lost some mobility and will be moved to right field for the first time in his career as a regular. In Spring Training so far, Beltran was shut down due to tendinitus in the injured knee, but has since been cleared to play. If Beltran can resemble the player he once was prior to inury, this award may be his for the taking.
After having a breakout season in 2009, Pablo Sandoval struggled mightily at the plate in 2010. Sandoval almost won the National League batting title in 2009, but couldn't manage to hit left handed pitching last season batting just .227 against southpaws. In addition, Sandoval did not show a commitment to improving his conditioning and was considerably overweight. Sandoval's range at the hot corner was one of the worst in the league. After losing his starting job late last season, Sandoval is out to prove that he deserves to be a starter in this league. So far in spring training, Sandoval has shown such commitment losing 38 pounds and dropping is body fat by 11%. With the weight loss, Kung Fu Panda has shown improved range at third and is hitting the ball well. He already has 3 home runs this spring and he remains a great candidate to bounce back in 2011.
1. 
Just three seasons ago Grady Sizemore was an all-star, silver slugger, gold glover, and an MVP candidate. At age 25, Sizemore hit a career high 33 home runs and 90 RBI to go along with 38 stolen bases....Oh how things have changed. Sizemore is a rare athlete. He is what many in baseball would call a five tool player. He is capable of playing solid defense with an accurate arm, hitting for power, maintaining a decent batting average, and can cause opposing teams nightmares on the bases. However, we haven't been able to see Grady at his finest in a long while. 2011 could be the year that Sizemore return to form. Grady has been a frequent visitor of the disabled list over the past two seasons. In 2009, he missed half the season with an elbow injury and last season he sat out 137 games due to a knee injury. It's unclear whether the injury will have any affect on Sizemore's 2011 season. However, Sizemore was running at full speed at spring training and while there is some speculation as to whether or not he'll be ready for opening day, the latest he'd be on the roster is by mid-April. At age 28, Sizemore should have been entering the prime of his career. His young age and previous talent make him a perfect candidate to bounce back in 2011 and a likely contender for the American League Comeback Player of the Year Award.
Before falling victim to Tommy John Surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right elbow, Joe Nathan was arguably the best closer in the game. Now that he's back, Nathan is looking even stronger than ever. Nathan has yet to give up a run in spring training so far in 4 innings of work and seems to have his stuff back. His command has been excellent so far this spring and his velocity has been clocked in the low 90's as he builds his arm strength back. The four time American League all-star has a 1.87 career era for the Twins to go along with 246 saves. He is entering the final year of his contract and will likely be looking to cash in on a payday come next off-season. Because of these factors, Nathan has an excellent chance of bouncing back during the 2011 season and it wouldn't surprise anyone to see the him awarded the comeback honors. 
Aside from several of the no-hitters that were pitched a year ago, one of the biggest news during the season last year came when Angels star first basemen, Kendrys Morales, was injured after hitting a walk off grand slam against the Seattle 
Adam Lind spent the entire 2010 season with a hole in his bat. At least, that is the assumption after Lind hit just .237 with 23 home runs and a lousy .287 on base percentage. It was quite a dropoff from his 2009 season that saw Lind hit a career high .305 with 35 home runs and 114 RBI on his way to a silver slugger award for designated hitters in the American League. Luckily for the Blue Jays, they had one of the best offenses in all of baseball last season. However, with the departure of 
From 2004 to 2008, there wasn't a better pitcher in the National League than Jake Peavy. In that time frame, Peavy averaged a 2.95 era and 1.13 WHIP over those 5 seasons playing in San Diego. However, injuries have caught up to the heavily taxed arm of Peavy. He wasn't as effective in his 2009 season due to a right ankle injury. Meanwhile, last season, the White Sox were expecting to get a healthy Jake Peavy back, but Peavy missed the final 80 games of the season due to a right shoulder injury. Peavy is back in camp ahead of schedule and has looked decent in his outings so far this spring. Peavy is known for being a dominant control pitcher and many experts predict that if Peavy returns to form for the White Sox in 2011, they will easily win the AL Central. In that case, Peavy may very well be the comeback player of the year.
I have been tired of hearing Bud Selig talk about expanding the playoffs to five or six teams as the format of the playoffs wouldn't make sense whatsoever. It seems to me that Major League Baseball is only considering that option to make more money in ticket sales throughout the course of the year. The idea of a 1 game or even a 3 game series among wild-card teams seems ridiculous to me as you still have to consider tie break scenarios as well. Not to mention, the World Series already ended in November this past year to cater to the television companies.