I'm actually favoring the Braves for the division as well, but not as far as the WS. The Phils have their four aces, but everything else looks like a liability, especially without Utley.

coolmoors wrote:Somebody on MLB Network predicted the Braves to go to the World Series, but be beaten by the Red Sox. Any opinions on the chances of the Braves going on to the WS?

Not sure about the Braves going to the WS this year. They have a good young team that may need another year or two of seasoning. If the Phils don't overcome the injuries to Utley and Lidge the Braves may win the division.

If the Red Sox stay healthy they should win the AL.

Somebody on MLB Network predicted the Braves to go to the World Series, but be beaten by the Red Sox. Any opinions on the chances of the Braves going on to the WS?

The Twins have done it again with their head-scratching moves. They decided not to keep Rule-5 draft pick Scott Diamond on the 25 man roster so they arranged a trade with Kansas City (I think) and sent highly touted prospect Billy Bullock to them in order to be able to send Diamond to AAA.

With the Twins you never know, but I think he's as healthy as one can be. Coming off Tommy John surgery, that is. It can take a few years for some guys to return to normal. I haven't heard any reports of him battling any arm problems -- neither on his blog nor on his bulletin board. He usually will report these things on his BB first to let his hardcore fans know ahead of everyone else.

The unofficial reasoning is that the Twins wanted to send Neshek down to AAA so he can work on returning to form, and in the process clear up a spot on the 40 man for one of two prospects who have been doing well this spring.

By the way -- last year Pat pulled an April Fool's joke on his BB. He said that he was traded to the Padres and he added, "This suck.s." At that time the Padres did suck. Ironicaly they are now a solid contender, if the pitching holds up.

Yep, waivers.. I'm apparently calling everything a release these days. That minor league option was what made it so weird.. I know Neshek hasn't been healthy for a long time, but with a minor league option, and a bullpen that's not exactly strong, he must have some problems I'm not aware of if the Twins decide to basically give him away.

The Twins didn't release Neshek, they put him through waivers in an effort to outright him to AAA. Don't know why they couldn't just leave him on the 40 man roster and simply demote him, since he still has an option left.

A hodgepodge of random news over the past week..

Mets release both Luis Castillo and Oliver Perez, and are on the hook for nearly $20 mil. Castillo signed with the Phillies, not sure where Perez will end up if anywhere. I actually thought there was a chance the Mets would keep Castillo.

Ian Snell retired. Kinda weird because a lot of people predicted a breakout season a couple of years back (he ended up pretty horrendous), and he's still only 29 I believe.

Twins release Pat Neshek, who was then picked up by the Padres. I don't follow the Twins, but they make some pretty weird moves..

Chipper's doing pretty good in ST....

Finally! Spring training games start today.

Yesterday, the Pirates beat up on a college team. Sounds like a new and better system than playing other MLB teams...