Mark DeRosa helped the Chicago Cubs to two consecutive division championships in his only two seasons on the North Side of Chicago. During that time, he became popular with the fans for his good nature in winning and accountability in losing -- in addition to good offensive production and ability to play solid defense nearly anywhere on the field. He became even more popular, to almost mythical proportions, this season when the Cubs struggled in his absence. He himself even proclaimed if he ever became a Cub again he'd be a disappointment, due to the fans' excessive adulation.
Thus, when he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals just over a week ago, it seemed to be a slap in the face of Cubbie nation. Fortunately, the Baseball Gods have intervened. DeRosa started 0-for-9 from the plate and fell injured. He's now been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a wrist injury.
CBS Sports' Danny Knobler is reporting on his blog that St. Louis Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak is placing Troy Glaus' odds of returning to the Cardinals' lineup in 2009 as "50-50." Given that Glaus is currently recovering from surgery on a shoulder that's bothered him on and off for six years and the constant changing of his return timetable, this isn't really surprising news, but I don't suspect that that makes it any easier for the Cardinals to hear.
If Glaus can't make it back (and to be fair, a 50-50 chance he doesn't return means that there's a 50-50 chance he does), the Cardinals are going to need more help from someone at third base. Neither Joe Thurston (.224/.336/.364) nor Brian Barden (.259/.315/.414) have been particularly good in Glaus' absence, and Tony La Russa has already chewed up and spit out rookie David Freese, who got 22 miserable at-bats before being demoted back to Triple-A Memphis.
Earlier Wednesday in the power rankings I speculated -- off the cuff -- that Cleveland would start trading veterans. Well, it appears they will, because Jon Heyman of SI.com is reporting the Indians have officially placed Mark DeRosa on the proverbial trading block.
The versatile DeRosa can play adequate defense anywhere on the diamond except shortstop, center field and the battery, which could make him an attractive trade piece for teams with a variety of different needs. One in particular everyone is hearing is the New York Mets.
We haven't even completed two full weeks of the Major League Baseball season yet, but the (arguably) best rivalry in the National League is already giving us a taste of what an exciting race the NL Central could be this year. With all due respect to the Reds, Astros, Brewers and Pirates, and with all due disclaimers about how long the baseball season is, it seems blatantly obvious the two best teams in the division are the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals.
For the past three days, the two teams have put on an entertaining show for anyone fortunate enough to be watching. Each game went down the wire, with both teams showing a flair for the dramatic.
First it was Josh Hamilton, then it was Hunter Pence. Now, it's Diamondbacks third baseman, Mark Reynolds. The 23-year old Kentucky native has vaulted from the depths of the Diamondbacks minor league system to the pinnacle of production in Phoenix, all within the past 10 days. Batting .459 with 10 runs scored and 11 RBIs in 10 career major league games, Reynolds has become the apotheosis of a hot big-league start. Will he be remembered as a legend, or as a caution, nobody knows. But what we do know is that the guy is absolutely mashing.
Getting the call-up when Chad Tracy was placed on the DL, fate was definitely on Reynolds' side. Alberto Callaspo had just been placed on the restricted list amidst wife-beating allegations, and the Triple-A third baseman, Brian Barden, was also hurt. So the D'Backs dug deep, plucking Reynolds from Double-A, and he's been nothing short of magnificent since. Take for instance Friday night. Reynolds led Arizona to a 13-3 win over the Astros, going 5-for-5 with 4 runs scored, 4 RBI, and two home runs. In fact, Reynolds was a double away from a cycle when a line drive of his sailed over the right field wall in the eighth inning.
For a guy who played X-Box all night before he set out to join the big club, Reynolds has certainly been crushing the ball like he's controlling a video game. His power is undeniable, and he's already drawing audiences in batting practice. He certainly won't be able to keep up this pace, but that is not the concern. What matters to Arizona is that Reynolds sticks with the big club, and provides some offensive pop along the way. And so far, Mark Reynolds is taking care of business, and turning heads along the way.
Here's a look around the NL West and what final roster moves your team made to prepare for Opening Day:
Diamondbacks: Infielder Brian Barden and utility man Robby Hammock made the squad. Hammock showed promise in '03 and '04, but missed all of '05 because of shoulder surgery. Right handers Dustin Nippert and J.D. Durbin won the final spots in the bullpen. (via East Valley Tribune)
Dodgers: Matt Kemp made the club as the final outfielder, beating out Larry Bigbie and James Loney (who hit .414 in Spring and didn't take the news well), presumably because Kemp's a right-handed hitter while Bigbie and Loney are lefties. Wilson Valdez will replace Rafael Furcal on the opening day roster. Furcal will start the season on the DL retroactive to March 23rd. Rudy Seanez is the final pitcher on the 11 man staff. (via LA Times)
Giants: They're going with a 12 man pitching staff, the seven men in the bullpen will be Armando Benitez, Vinnie Chulk, Kevin Correia, Brad Hennessey, Steve Kline, Jonathan Sanchez, and Jack Taschner. Scott Munter and candidate for the closer job, Brian Wilson, were optioned to Triple A amongst others. Todd Linden made the team as a bench player, Mark Sweeney was placed on the DL to start the year, and Jason Ellison was traded to the Mariners. (via Giants official site and Contra Costa Times)
Padres: Mike Thompson and Kevin Cameron made the final two spots in the bullpen. Cameron is a Rule 5 draft pick from Minnesota. Paul McAnulty will be the final bench player. (via San Diego Union-Tribune)
Rockies: Veteran John Mabry (pictured) beat out Ryan Spilborghs and Alexis Gomez for the final bench spot. Mabry is a left-handed pinch hitter who can fill holes as a corner outfielder and corner infield. Jeff Baker and Steve Finley are the other bench players in the outfield. Manny Corpas and Ramon Ramirez were awarded the final spots in the bullpen as well. (via Denver Post and Rockies.com)
Mark DeRosa helped the Chicago Cubs to two consecutive division championships in his only two seasons on the North Side of Chicago. During that time, he became popular with the fans for his good nature in winning and accountability in losing -- in addition to good offensive production and ability to play solid defense nearly anywhere on the field. He became even more popular, to almost mythical proportions, this season when the Cubs struggled in his absence. He himself even proclaimed if he ever became a Cub again he'd be a disappointment, due to the fans' excessive adulation. 
Earlier Wednesday in the power rankings I speculated -- off the cuff -- that Cleveland would start trading veterans. Well, it appears they will, because 
We haven't even completed two full weeks of the Major League Baseball season yet, but the (arguably) best rivalry in the National League is already giving us a taste of what an exciting race the NL Central could be this year. With all due respect to the Reds, Astros, Brewers and Pirates, and with all due disclaimers about how long the baseball season is, it seems blatantly obvious the two best teams in the division are the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals. 
First it was 
Here's a look around the NL West and what final roster moves your team made to prepare for Opening Day:
