Worst Franchise Ever?

Normally, I don't do baseball stories in the middle of hockey season, but this bit of news from Miami is too much to not discuss.  In a trade that is expected to be finalized today, the Miami (ex-Florida) Marlins will send shortstop Jose Reyes, pitchers Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle, utilityman Emilio Bonifacio, and catcher John Buck to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for shortstop Yuniel Escobar, catcher Jeff Mathis, pitchers Justin Nicolino and Anthony DeSclafani, infielder Adeiny Hechavarria, and outfielder Jake Marisnick.  Based on what you just read, if you are thinking salary dump by the Marlins, then you would be correct.  It was this time last year that the Marlins were actually trying to build a team that would contend for a playoff spot in their new home.  Today, that home, yes, the one with the abomination in center field, will now be fielding what amounts to a minor league team.  Marlins fans, if there are any left (and if you stopped rooting for them, I understand), you now have the worst owner in sports.  When you fall behind the NHL team in your city (one that isn't playing because of the lockout, mind you), it's time to pack it in.

2010 MLB Preview: Part 1

Before I begin the Major League Baseball preview, I'd like to say that the picture included has nothing at all to do with this, I just happen to find it funny.

I can't believe that it is almost a week away until Opening Day of the baseball season. And with the baseball season comes the inevitable storylines, such as performance enhancing drugs, the Evil Empire known as the New York Yankees, and of course, mascots firing hot dogs into people's eyes. Okay, so the last one only happened once...that anyone knows about, anyway. And since I have to at least, start relating the pieces to the "Rocks" part of the title one way or another, I suppose I should begin talking baseball, and what better way to do that than a preview of all 30 teams. Since this may take a while, I will break it down into three segments, with the East of both leagues getting the treatment today. Tomorrow will be the Central and Monday will be the West. Now that I've made all that clear, let me bore you in three sentences or less about each team in the East division from both leagues.

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST:

Baltimore Orioles: In rebuilding mode, they have the pieces to eventually be a respectable club. However, pitching will have to learn on the job, and it remains to be seen if catcher Matt Wieters can follow up his solid rookie campaign from last year.

Boston Red Sox: They are quickly becoming what they've hated for years: The Evil Empire. Only this time, they still have holes to fill, like center field and someone that scares pitchers, and I don't think David Ortiz will regain his former form. At least the pitching will be better...if Daisuke Matsuzaka rebounds.

New York Yankees: The real Evil Empire, they finally made their investments pay off last year. This year looks just as promising, as they got younger in the outfield and maintained the talent level there. Anything short of a title will be a disappointment.

Tampa Ray Rays: They snuck up on no one last year, as they finished a distant third in the division. However, they have the best chance of unseating the Sox and Yanks in the division, and they also know what it means to win when it counts, as 2008 attests.

Toronto Blue Jays: No Roy Halladay, no real offense, what is there for the Blue Jays to hang on to? Well, they will be better...in 2012.

NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST:

Atlanta Braves: Great pitching staff, decent offense, and motivation to win for a manager that is stepping down at the end of this year. Sleeper team that could surprise many in the division.

Florida Marlins: Every year, they get written off as a team that can't compete, and every year, they prove everyone wrong. I would not be surprised if they are still in the playoff race by the end of the season, but stone hands in the infield may be their undoing.

New York Mets: Questions abound, such as whether they can figure out their ball park, health, and the sudden power outage on offense. Mets fans can forget about playoffs this year.

Philadelphia Phillies: All that stands between the Phillies and a three peat of the National League title is their bullpen. The acquisition of Roy Halladay should save the bullpen every fifth day, though.

Washington Nationals: Move along, nothing to see here...until Stephen Strasburg makes his MLB debut this season.