Spring Training

It is terribly sad for me, football is done. But while I suffer through basketball there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Baseball is almost here. The boys of summer will shake the dust off the bats and play America's pastime once again. Until baseball starts again, here are just a few things to pay attention to.

1. Phillies pitching staff. The Phillies have amassed a fantastic pitching staff equipped with some of the finest arms in the game. Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hammels, and Joe Blatton highlight the field. Pay close attention to how this rotation develops. In paticular, pay attention to see how effective this group is. It doesn't matter how many "great" pitchers you have if they cannot be effective and win games. Also, see if the rest of the pitching staff can perform well too. In order to be a great team, the Phillies must be able to hold on to the leads their starters give them. 
2. A item of interest will be the urgency and focus of which Boston performs this year. Last year the Red Sox performed below expectations and missed the playoffs. They have their injured players back now, there should not be any more problems. Unfortunately, the division is not getting any easier for the Red Sox. The Yankees and the Devil Rays are still just as good. The Red Sox, however, still need want to redeem themselves this year. Look for a resurgent Red Sox team to appear during spring training.
3. I'm particularly interested in what Texas does to fill the hole Cliff Lee left in the rotation. Pay attention to who steps up for Texas. If the Rangers cannot figure out a good way to fill that gap look for Texas to falter this year and for the Angels to run away with the AL West

These are just a few things to look at. These are just a few things to start. If anyone things of something else important to pay attention too, by all means comment on this blog. It's almost time for baseball! I'm excited.