Real Baseball

It's here this week...at last! Players begin reporting to camps this week. We'll be taking a look at each of the teams, but in a piecemeal fashion. First up, tomorrow will be the AL East rotations and then we'll go from there.

Joe Girardi is preparing for his 1st spring training as Yankees manager (and only the 2nd of his managerial career). Girardi had the unenviable task of replacing Mike Stanley when he came here as a player and now he's replacing the man who lead the Yankees to 4 World Series championships in his first 5 years as manager.

Girardi learned some valuable lessons when he replaced Stanley, and he will use it as he replaces Joe Torre.

Mike Piazza is still looking for a team as pitchers and catchers get ready to report. The former Met has looked into Japan, and may still opt for retirement.

With Johan Santana now in a Mets uniform, Willie Randolph will be under extra pressure to - at the very least - deliver a World Series appearance.

Rich Harden has been throwing and the A's pitcher is feeling good...for now. As baseball fans, we can only hope he returns to his dominant form. The same goes for Mark Prior in San Diego.

Manny Ramirez is entering what could be his final season in Boston. The Red Sox hold $20 million annual options for 2009 and 2010, but we can't imagine the Sox wanting to pay Manny 20 mill at ages 37 and 38. Manny will probably get a new restructured contract that will pay him less over a longer period of time.

Nothing is imminent, but the Cubs are still expected to deal for the Orioles' Brian Roberts.

The Denver Post reports that the Billy Beane is asking for Andre Ethier, Andy LaRoche and a prospect from the Dodgers for Joe Blanton.

The Orioles are expecting to have Adam Loewen ready for spring training. The O's are talking to free agent Steve Trachsel about a deal.

The Royals and Rangers have joined the Yankees in showing interest in Kevin Mench. Mench was a member of the Rangers from 2002-2005.

The Reds have signed Craig Wilson to a minor league deal and invited him to spring training.