Well, that's something different

I'm really enjoying watching ESPN scramble as the Red Sox refuse to take the field for this afternoon's Spring Training game against Toronto.

For the quick catch-up, the team is refusing to take the field in Fort Myers and says it won't get on the bus to the airport later today until the coaching, training and equipment staffs are paid for the scheduled trip to Japan.

Jason Varitek is in front of the cameras now and is apologizing to the fans - and promising autographs for those in the stadium - for essentially cancelling the game today as ESPN's broadcasters try to make lemonade with the dead airtime.

At 11:16 a.m., the Sox headed back to the dugout - more later if it's interesting.

My work is done until the Florida trip

Making quick work of the gap between this afternoon and my quickly approaching trip to Fort Myers is Bugs and Cranks, who graciously outlined the next few weeks of baseball coverage for all of us from the most self-important newspaper columnist to the lowliest blogger, hacking away at the computer lab at their community college.

Better than that, it's in handy mad lib form. I'll be starting with these three:

* Unsigned beyond this season, veteran reliever _____ _____ says he intends to test the free-agent market, and has no intention of giving a home-town discount to the ______, for whom he’s pitched his entire career.

* Still battling the lingering effects of off-season surgery on his left ______, All-Star _____ baseman _____ _____ plans to go easy this spring, hoping not to exacerbate an injury that kept him shelved for the second half of last season. “It’s a long season, ya know. If I’m going to be a help to my team in October, when we all hope to be playing, there’s no sense pushing myself now.”

* Journeyman pitcher _____ _____, known for his bullpen antics and clubhouse spirit, says the groupies in ______ give the best ______.

(Image from: middlesbroughpct.nhs.uk)

Wishful thinking

Say it with me - Players have reported for spring training... players have reported for spring training.

(Image taken for Siberian Baseball)

Looking ahead to 2008 - Frontrunner Edition

USA Today got into the race early this year and have released their "What to watch" list for the American and National leagues.

Without giving it too much, thought, this is the first season since this blog went live that seem to have clear cut frontrunners in at least one league.

If I was given cash to bet on who would win the three American League divisions and could only spend two minutes to make those decisions, I think it's safe to say that the Red Sox (defending champs, no major losses, young talent and a deep farm system), Tigers (stocked up in the offseason and playing in the weak AL Central) and Angels (reloaded in another division that lacks another clear-cut frontrunner) would all be safe choices headed into this spring.

The National League gets a little trickier, with holes on most teams, but the Mets are practically a new team with the addition of Johan Santana, the Brewers have added pieces to the puzzle, while the Cubs have a total mess in their rotation and the Diamondbacks should be ready to run with their young guys.

In the NL, take a look at the Nationals - that's an impressive haul over the winter.