Photo by Randy Stern

Yesterday, most of this country witnessed the power of a team fraught with adversity can lead to redemption and a championship. Six years ago, the Boston Red Sox was that example to the world. This time, it's the National Football League's New Orleans Saints. The culmination of over four decades of futility, combined with the slow rebuilding of a city destroyed by a massive weather event, yielded the franchise's finest moment - a Super Bowl victory on its first try.

Now that the NFL season has closed, it's baseball's turn. Well, we're also joined by the Winter Olympics in Vancouver and the NBA All-Star Game played in Jerry Jones' megachurch of sport as put on by Mark Cuban. All we know is that pitchers and catchers are reporting on February 18.

Looking back at the five players I mentioned in the last post, I am always reminded that there is no "I" in "team." Unless, of course, you're Johnny Damon (amongst other free agents still unsigned) and is looking for one to play on this season...

Let's take a step back and wonder what will really transpire in 2010. For me, that means finding teams to follow that will have compelling storylines and personal investments involved. How so? It comes down to tickets, caps, clothing - you name it! It also comes down to more than a piqued interest in the daily grind of these ball clubs.

Ah, but which five teams will I be able to follow this coming season? I guarantee you some surprises...and some obvious choices.

MINNESOTA TWINS: Target Field is just about ready. A few more installations of ticket booth equipment and other details are to be completed before it gets its first test on the day of regular season single game ticket sales. Though most of the lineup is in tact, the swap of Carlos Gomez for J.J. Hardy had a few heads scratching around here. Things should settle a bit after everyone's Brett Favre jerseys gets put away for the spring - but the Twins appear not to be done with improving the team. The biggest concern is pitching, which Carl Pavano helped by sticking around for 2010. Still unresolved are the futures of Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. If General Manager Bill Smith can get a deal done during the season, the potentially packed houses in the North Loop will continue for years to come. As for repeating as AL Central Champions, it always appears that every team has a shot at dethroning them. The Tigers? Maybe. The Chicago White Sox? Again, maybe. The Kansas City Royals? That could be one that would wreck things for the Twins, Tigers and the Southsiders. I have this feeling that might happen. Still, the new ballpark's impact will be tested for a team that was designed for the Metrodome. I'd say this will be an entertaining season in Minneapolis - Jim Thome, included.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS: I left Wisconsin in 2004 because I simply disliked it. I always dreaded visiting there. Last year, with one of a few remaining friends in the state in tow, I finally enjoyed a nice time at Miller Park - always the third time's the charm. The huge difference has been the overall performance of the team has improved since before Mark Attanasio poured money into the team after acquiring it from the Commissioner's family. At its core, Prince Fielder provided power when needed with a supporting cast of farm system-bred and acquired talent to bring the Brew Crew back to the Postseason a couple of years ago. The biggest challenge for Ken Macha in 2010 is to harness the exuberance of Carlos Gomez into a team player. Macha's system seems like a nice fit for Gomez, which will allow the Dominican a chance to show off his no-holds-barred style of play within the context of Fielder/Braun/Weeks/McGehee. The big concern is pitching. However, having a strategy that enables Trevor Hoffman to save games without the benefit of a powerful rotation may backfire in the face of its rivals - mainly the Cards, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros. I've always said this is an exciting team to watch. It's worth the five-and-a-half hour drive from home to see them again.

BOSTON RED SOX: From 1975 to September of 1986, this was my constant in the American League. The California (Los Angeles) Angels interrupted this love for all things Fenway. Then, I visited Fenway in 1993 - and the love returned. Two World Series Championships later, the love remains. However, I found it interesting that they appeared to "give up" more than they acquired during the off-season. Jason Bay was gone - now a New York Met. Good thing they kept most of the lineup in tact. Theo Epstein did add Mike Cameron from San Diego to resolve the outfield and added John Lackey from Anaheim to augment the rotation. Add Adrian Beltre and Jeremy Hermedia (heading for arbitration, BTW) and the Nation seems to be all right. Yet, I need to call Epstein on the carpet for adding Boof Bonser to the 40-man roster. WHY?!? The dude has diminished his minor league hype since he was called up to the Twins! What miracle can John Farrell and Terry Francona exact in Fort Myers to get this big lump of pathetic pitching to Red Sox standards? (At least they didn't get Sidney Ponson - how low could you go, really?) There are enough arms at Fenway to keep Bonser in Rhode Island and Maine. The big question remains: Can they get back into the Postseason in 2010? Only if they win the AL East outright - the AL West has just gotten stronger.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS: There is a rule of thumb to think about when looking at your home division: Watch out for the most likely rival to screw up the best-intended plans (see above under "Minnesota Twins"). In the case of my home Minnesota Twins, it rotates between the Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox and the Cleveland Indians. Until recently, no one took the Kansas City Royals seriously for the last decade or so. Every year, they keep on improving by adding key acquisitions to augment a farm system-bred core. However, one of their core was sent off to the Southside of Chicago: Mark Tehaen. To replace him is Rick Ankiel, coming across Interstate 70 from St. Louis. Ankiel arrives to help fellow newcomers Scott Podsednik, Jason Kendall, and Brian Anderson, along with returning Royals David DeJesus, Jose Guillen and Billy Butler. However, the universe in Kansas City revolves around this generation's Bret Saberhagen: Zach Greinke. Without Zach, the Royals could be nothing. Trey Hillman's guys are looking for their elusive division title - which is something I fear living in Twins Territory and such. However, let there be no doubt that this Royals team will be the most entertaining group to play east of downtown Kansas City since 1985.

IOWA CUBS: Whoa? I thought this was a Major League blog! Well...not if you consider who's managing the Chicago Cubs' Triple-A affiliate and potentially the Pacific Coast League's story of the year. Ryne Sandberg carries his magic touch up another level after successes in Peoria (A) and Tennessee (AA). One of the most beloved members of the Chicago Cubs of the past generation, Sandberg hopes to get the Des Moines-based ballclub to the level of the Sacramento River Cats, Albuquerque Isotopes and Memphis Redbirds to challenge for the PCL's American North division's flag come Labor Day weekend. To do so, the Cubs will need to improve on their .500 record and ensure that the roster to be decided at Spring Training in Mesa will be ready to run out the gate. That will depend on how many of Sandberg's disciples from Peoria and Tennessee will be promoted to Iowa. This will be a fun season at Principal Park.

Keep on mind these five teams do not represent whether they're the best in their leagues or division - or whether they will make it to their postseasons. These are five ball clubs I intend to examine throughout the year as the season grinds onward. What storylines will come true from these clubs? Come April, we will certainly find out.

That guy on the right...he's one of the players to watch... Photo by Randy Stern

Last night, I celebrated my 46th birthday with a few friends. I know I should expect this, but the conversation turned to baseball. One of the couples at the dinner, who are considerable sports fans, asked whether I got my Twins season tickets for the new building. I said that I couldn't justify getting them for the small amount of games I attend (plus games away from Target Field).

The fact that any discussion of baseball ensued can tell you where my head has been at for the past couple of weeks. The thought of the game coming back soon with Spring Training and single game ticketing looming warms the heart in the fact of below freezing temps in the Twin Cities.

With the Arbitration hearings looming on the horizon, we've already seen our share of Hot Stove deals that would make the average baseball fan's head spin. All of the sudden, teams looking to get better simply went for broke on signing new players - as well as averting arbitration on others.

Would you also believe there were teams that did not dive into the market, if at all? Was Curtis Granderson "it" for the New York Yankees?

Granted, the Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros headlined the Hot Stove season - and it appears these teams may not be done. Let alone, everyone else. That would be determined by the upcoming Arbitration hearings for the San Francisco Giants' two-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum. Even the recently acquired Edwin Jackson is headed for the table with his new team, the Arizona Diamondbacks.

All of this is a whirling dervish to me.

Looking ahead to 2010, I wanted to look at which teams would create the most interest to me, as well as individual players to watch. The reasons are simple: The storylines that grabbed my attention and players that had caught my attention from last season whom I believe will make an impact in the coming season.

There is a rhyme and reason for these five players I'm going to follow closely in 2010. There's also potential outcomes I can see transpire as the spring rolls into summer and into the postseason.

Whom will I follow starting later this month? Well...let's start with one of the biggest deals of the Hot Stove...

CLIFF LEE - SEATTLE MARINERS: He earned a Cy Young Award as a member of Eric Wedge's Cleveland Indians. He helped put the Philadelphia Phillies over the top and back into the World Series last year. Now that he's back in the American League, how will Lee help Don Wakamatsu's ball club? In Cleveland, Lee had C.C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona in his rotation. Once he got to Philly, he was put on the rotation with a pitching staff overflowing with strong arms. At Safeco, Lee will share the rotation with Felix Hernandez providing a 1-2 punch for the M's. Lee is a catalyst, but he's not the solution as his arm is only as good as the team around him. In both Cleveland and Philadelphia, he had the luxury of deep talent in the lineup. The same is developing in Seattle as Ichiro Suzuki and Ken Griffey, Jr. received some needed help around the field. Lee needs another 18-plus-victory year - along with King Felix - to ensure the M's shot at the AL West and/or the postseason.

DENARD SPAN - MINNESOTA TWINS: In the spot where Kirby Puckett showed Torii Hunter how to play the deep part of the outfield, the next great Twins star cultivates his place out in center field. Last year, Span batted .311 and became a catalyst for Ron Gardenhire's offense. Once he became the leadoff hitter, Span simply took control at bat as well as out in the field. His speed alone covers plenty of real estate for the personable and humorous Span - just as you were watching Puckett or Hunter in years past. However, it's easy to forget about Span with Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau grabbing all the attention in the Twin Cities. After you marvel at Morneau's power and Mauer's ability to create on-base opportunities, watch Span hit, run and score at the top of the order. The heir apparent to center field has 2010 to claim as his.

ROSS OHLENDORF - PITTSBURGH PIRATES: Last year, I had a chance to see this guy twice on the road (in Chicago against the White Sox and in Milwaukee). Though he can be hit by some of the better lineups around, he has the potential to improve on his 11-10 season. He is amongst a core of three strong starters for the Bucs, including Zach Duke and Paul Maholm. You may not have heard of these three arms, but I can assure you that you may hear more about them - and, possibly, even more about Ohlendorf. Why Ohlendorf? He's more intimidating than the other two young arms. For the Pirates to break out of the low end of the NL Central, they need to rely on these arms to lower their ERA and win more decisions than losses. For Ohlendorf to become successful, he needs to become a leader amongst the arms and use his size to become more fearsome in his starts. I can certainly see him break out even more this season.

PABLO SANDOVAL - SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: Doesn't he remind you of someone? Maybe he might resemble a slightly svelte Prince Fielder? Which brings up the question as to Sandoval's impact on the Giants' 2010 campaign as the word is out on his bit speed and power. His .330 average is nothing to ignore. Let alone his potential to become a game changer. The Giants always had one throughout their history ranging from Willie Mays to, ehem, his Godson. Granted it would take a sea change to get Bay Area fans to forget about Bobby Bonds' son and fully embrace the guy who can carry this team into the new decade - one who had to overcome his fear on walking on ice at a San Jose Sharks game recently. If this guy can walk on ice, then expect Sandoval's bat will be hotter than a typical summer day in the Sunset District. I also expect his slugging numbers to significantly increase in 2010 as well. Believe me, Sandoval is the biggest single threat in the NL West.

JOHNNY DAMON - ???: Notice that a team has not been designated for the former World Series hero. Since Brian Cashman and the Steinbrenners felt compelled to leave the deal table, Damon is making sure he'll play in 2010. He's got a lot in his tank - and, whoever gets his services will not be disappointed. Damon will be a huge help to a lineup - a veteran outfielder that can cover his field with ease and a bat that can go yard at any time. Neither the Toronto Blue Jays, the Detroit Tigers or anyone else interested in Damon would pass up a guy with a lifetime .288 batting average, 207 home runs and memorable moments during the 2004 and 2009 World Series for his respective winning ball clubs. The New York Yankees may end up regretting leaving Damon at the table. He will come back and haunt them every time he steps up against a Yankee pitcher. In fact, expect him to take 2010 by the horns by making a huge impact for his new team.

In the next posting - I'll talk about the five teams (for me) to watch. Get ready for some surprises there...

Yep, I went to TwinsFest!

Normally, I don't do the Friday night session with the big stars shining. I figured "what the heck" and checked it out instead of my usual Saturday morning visit.

This was a great opportunity to see how the Twins are presenting Target Field before they play their first game there. Needless to say, there's plenty of interactivity there from the usual autographs, photo sessions, regional baseball inducements, and memorabilia and cards sales. There's plenty of stuff for kids of all ages.

Well, this "kid" ended up facing his childhood again. The Ferguson Jenkins Foundation had a booth where for a fee you can get an autograph from five of the greats of my era: Jenkins, Rollie Fingers, George Foster, Vida Blue and Mudcat Grant. That was my most exciting moment. I came home with an autographed ball from Jenkins. It felt like 1973 again.

Incidentally, after talking to a couple of folks at TwinsFest, I have some ideas of what I'll be writing on this season. Since I kept this MLBlog as non-team specific, it gave me some license to cover a lot of the game as possible - including experiences in the minors, semi-pros and independent leagues.

My focus right now is the second week of March as to determine when my first game at Target Field will be. I'm pretty anxious about getting into that new ballpark. TwinsFest certainly whetted my appetite for it.

All photos by Randy Stern

I could recite the lyrics of Maureen McGovern's "The Morning After" from The Poseidon Adventure, but I'll spare you the pain.

Coming off of a purple stupor, I am so glad to see the comfortable surroundings of The Heirloom and the MLBlogosphere again. Has anyone been to a Cinema Grill? It's a fun place where they serve food and a second run movie. Imagine a small one with two screens, filled with 340 people of varying shades of purple making no distinction whether they're at the Metrodome or some joint in an inner ring suburb of Minneapolis. Then, in the end, found themselves short in overtime - walking peacefully to their cars. No riots or engagements with the City of New Hope Police Department. Me, I went across to St. Paul for some venting in the form of karaoke.

Oh yeah, and remind me to never live blog again. That was painful. I'm glad I'm a commentator and analysis guy instead of a play-by-play one.

In the last week of January, there has been so much I haven't covered. Soon, pitchers and other personnel will report to Spring Training. Arbitration hearings are being set - or avoided. The hot stove still burns as the number of free agents is reduced to those who may have to look for work in insurance this season. Believe me, I am trying hard to understand some of the patterns of these deals that went down while Brett Favre was dancing on my MacBook's screen.

As much as I love American Football, baseball is an uncomplicated sport - that's if you take away the palace intrigues, the intricacies of player transactions and FOX's coverage of the game. It's a sport that brings everyone together no matter what part of society you come from. It's a sport that takes a lot of time to complete - from February to November. It's what brings communities together across the country and in various countries around the world.

I'm so glad this NFL season is over for me! Now, I can breathe easier. Even better is the feeling I get whenever I pass Target Field on my way home. I can imagine the place brimming with excitement once the snow and ice melts away from it by Opening Day. That new ballpark smell is alluring!

Besides, I'm glad I don't have to plan a Super Bowl party this year...

Whenever I get out to shovel snow around the house, I have to remind myself that this is only a temporary interruption in life. The want of traction soon will be supplanted by the want of grass growing and left sprouting that signals the end of chances of snow.

Still, I am reminded that I live in Minnesota. Target Field is a few details ready from enjoying its first opening day. The idea of a roofless ballpark could be challenged if un-baseball-like weather appears during batting practice on Monday, April 12. Yet, I must feign ignorance to the weather gods and to the Farmer's Almanac to hope that our fair community will see baseball as intended - Sunshine, humidity, mosquitoes and all.

Yet, the Metrodome still stands. The only tenants remain being the Minnesota Vikings and the state high school athletics administration. The Twins would still use the facility for its annual winter showcase and charity event: TwinsFest.

In TwinsFests past, sales of regular season tickets would commence. Last year, single game ticket sales were pushed back to March to induce season ticket sales with guarantee of great seats at Target Field. This year is no different. It's all about showcasing current, past and future Twins players for autographs (for extra cost) and photographs. Not to mention the swath of collectors items by various vendors in the middle of the dome's field.

But, hey, it's all for a good cause!

There is a want to go. Yet, I am truly disappointed that I would not be able to cement my plans for 2010 with hopes of good seats for the inaugural season in the new ballpark. If that pushes me back to March to get my hands on those seats, so be it.

If I go, what's in it for me? Well, I don't collect autographs and memorabilia. I probably won't have much money to spend on additional Twins goodies, especially the new jerseys. I choose not to do a season ticket package because I don't have many teams I'm interested in seeing this season.

Still, I bought a ticket. I'll go. I'll bring my camera. Besides, the Vikings won't be playing that week. I'll probably be purpled/Favred/"Pants on the Ground"/"We Dat" out by then.

The headlines already seared through my smartphone (a Motorola Cliq, if you want to know). Simply, Mark McGwire finally admitted to using steroids during the 1990s. This was in counter to his testimony to Congress a couple of years ago. This was against everything he has said before and after said hearing.

I'm certain the entire MLBlogosphere will have plenty to say about this. I doubt if I can add anything pithy or intelligent to the conversation. From what I read over several sources, it's been beaten to death. I'm certain there were plenty of archives files of pre-written "I told you so's" waiting for this moment to happen.

What more can McGwire say to Bob Costas tonight on the MLB Network? I'm sure anything McGwire says will be quoted many times over across North America. They've already noted his "sobbing and crying." Was it crocodile tears - the same ones former South African President Thabo Mbeki shed when P.W. Botha died?

How do I feel about it? Disappointed? Not really. Disgusted? Absolutely! I have a better word for all of this: Nonplussed. This was a massive "duh" that was waiting to happen.

What if he gave an apology? He may have already done that, but how can you read/hear it when it's drowned out by the facts? Then again, would we, as baseball fans, accept such an apology? I'm not sure.

There is an apt quote that I'd love to post on here. It's from comedian Kevin Hart who appeared on Jamie Foxx's radio show on Sirius/XM back in August. Sadly, since it has an expletive in it, I won't post it here. Too bad, really - it's exactly how I feel about today's news.

So, Vlad's signs with the Rangers...too bad we didn't catch that with all the screaming for McGwire's head!

Sure, I'll mask my disappointment...but, something has to be said somehow!

In my last post, I reserved any comment about the balloting that was undertaken by the Baseball Writers Association of America and specifically Rik Aalbert "Circle Me Bert" Blyleven.

Bert was short of the 75-percentile threshold by .8 percent. He garnered 400 votes in the balloting. What? Couldn't one member of the BBWAA trade his vote for a guy who had over 3,700 strikeouts?

Just for reference, Roberto Alomar had three less actual votes than Bert.

Of course, everyone wants a change in the balloting. I do. But, how do you change the process? One would hope that the Commissioner's select committee drawn to look at changes to the game would look at this issue along with the Designated Hitter Rule, the quality of umpiring...and so forth.

How can this insipid balloting process change? Where can we draw an example of a transparent and logical selection process that the BBWAA and the Hall of Fame can adopt in the future?

One example is just 357 miles away from Cooperstown - over in Canton, Ohio. As I look over the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection process, they guarantee four to seven enshrines and employ a process that meets these numbers, including ensuring that there is are two "senior" candidates that are examined for final balloting. Each of the final 17 candidates (to be announced on Friday, BTW), are discussed amongst a 44-member selection committee, who whittle the list down to 10 and to the final induction class - the Saturday before the Super Bowl. Each candidate must have an 80 percent approval vote by the committee before induction.

Somewhere between Football's and Baseball's processes is a meeting of the minds. Let's impose a set number of inductions outside of the single Ford Frick and J.G. Spink Awards. Also, let's guarantee one inductee from each Veteran's committee (Players, Managers/Umpires and Builders) so the Hall can continue to build bridges to the past for today's fans. The perfect induction class for July would be with Whitey Herzog, Doug Harvey, Andre Dawson - plus Bert Blyleven, Roberto Alomar and Ewing Kauffman (who led the votes the in the Builder's Committee, but failed to get the magic number of induction).

Why discuss changes to Hall of Fame induction voting (again)? Because, the next possible first ballot shoe-in in another five years away: Randy Johnson.

In case no one was paying attention, The Big Unit retired after 22 seasons of terrorizing the mound with his tall, thin presence and a wicked pitching arm. We're talking 300 wins and 4,875 strikeouts - that's guaranteed admission into Cooperstown!

However, if the balloting does not adjust itself to a more transparent and honest balloting system that guarantees an induction class worth admitting into Cooperstown, Johnson's potential first ballot shoe-in may be for naught.

Let's hope that doesn't happen in the Big Unit's case. Like Blyleven, Johnson deserves his place amongst the greats at Cooperstown. Plain and simple.

The Baseball Writers' Association of America has made their decision on most of the Hall of Fame Class of 2010. Believe me, it's a good class so far.

To start things off, the big attraction for induction is Andre Dawson. A deserved selection, one cannot ignore the slugger's place at Cooperstown. If you ever watched him play, you know that behind the stoic poise and tall presence is one of the most powerful and accurate bats of his time. Dawson also ruled the bases with massive speed and an powerful arm that finds runners on the wrong side of stretching a base hit. Though he made his postseason mark with the Chicago Cubs, Dawson will be remembered as one of the best players to don an Expos uniform. His time in Montreal was launched by his 1977 NL Rookie of the Year nod. No offense to Gary Carter or Tim Raines, but Dawson's mark on the game began at the Stade Olympique exploiting the multisport ovoid's dimensions to its fullest. The Hawk will take his place amongst the plaques at Cooperstown as an Expo.

The White Rat, Whitey Herzog, was deserving of his Veteran's Committee election to the Hall. In the 1970s and 1980s, one manager was feared more than any other from an opposing bench. It wasn't because he had a hothead, like a Billy Martin or Earl Weaver. He was methodical and strategic employing a strong combination of pitching, speed on the bases and defense as his game plan. When he stood at the edge of the dugout, you knew he was up to something to pull his team towards a win. When he lost, he was gracious in defeat and knew he would start all over again - the next day. In taking the St. Louis Cardinals to three World Series - winning one in 1982, Herzog cemented his name as one of the most respected managers of his time. He also piloted the Kansas City Royals to their first three division titles from 1976-78.

Then, there's Doug Harvey. Voted along with Herzog by the same Veteran's Committee, the last great umpire will be enshrined in his rightful place at Cooperstown. As we scrutinize the lack of quality of today's umpiring, we often forget the ones we should never question. Harvey ran a National League field with an iron Rulebook. Harvey was the umpire you trusted through the 1970s (and a bit into the 1980s) to make the right call and defend it to a hotheaded manager looking to argue it.

The BBWAA also awarded Bill Madden their J.G. Spink Award enshrining him into the sportswriters' wing of the Hall. The New York Daily News writer covered the Yankees as well as his involvement with the BBWAA balloting for the Hall.

Though we will not know the Ford C. Frick Award until February, we know who will be on stage in July for the induction ceremony. With Dawson leading the class, it will be another special induction in Cooperstown.

There's probably enough All-Decade teams out there to clog the 'net portal into Kyrgyzstan. Why jump on that bandwagon, really?

Yet, an all-time team list had been swirling in my mind. Last year's All-Heirloom team was a good attempt, but it only reflected the past season. Some of the picks were afterthoughts, really. No substance as to the pick or the personal buy-in to the player's selection.

An all-time team is more robust as it reflects a lifetime of baseball, instead of a single year. This list compiles the most influential ballplayers from my first game in recollection (1970) through today. That covers forty seasons - a stunning thought to be sure!

There will only be one team - no division between American and National League. There is a Designated Hitter on this list - one that had done justice to the position on the batting order. Oh, and I simply could not pick one starter on this list.

So, the All-Time All-Heirloom team is as follows:

1B - WILLIE STARGELL: Leadership. Some earn their place through performance and example. Others were born into it. A rare few have it all. The latter is Wilver Dornell Stargell - "Pops" - of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Stargell led the way through two World Championships, including the seminal 1979 team. Pops was the one recognized the importance of team when it came down to winning. That was way 1979 was special for Stargell and the Bucs. Even before 1979, you knew how much Stargell meant to that team - especially after the loss of Roberto Clemente. They looked for someone to get them through that tragedy. From there, Stargell showed the Bucs what he could do for them - everything!

2B - JOE MORGAN: When you look at Morgan, you'll notice his height. Then you realize that he played a game that befitted his size - even larger than it. Starting with the Houston Colt .45s, Morgan's journey landed him on the Big Red Machine as they accomplished their two World Series championships in the 1970s. Many Reds fans would say that he was the perfect component for a well-oiled machine that dominated the NL at the time. My favorite Morgan moment came years later when he played for the San Francisco Giants where he hit a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers to give the Atlanta Braves the 1982 NL West crown. Morgan was a winner, a spoiler, a two-time NL MVP, Hall of Famer, an excellent second baseman and one of the best ambassadors for the game of baseball.

SS - OZZIE SMITH: Forget the back flips, there's more to one of the best shortstops ever to play the game than that! I remember Oz from the San Diego Padres, where he made his mark before the deal that sent him to the St. Louis Cardinals. He was the perfect combination of fitness, speed, batting, fielding and personality. Rarely do you see a player with all of these qualities at the highest level. Just watch Ozzie on an old video sometime and you'll watch a clinic on how to play shortstop. It is that work ethic and finesse that landed him in Cooperstown.

3B - BROOKS ROBINSON: It is one of the toughest positions in the game. When a ground ball comes to a third baseman, not only should he be able to throw the ball quickly across the diamond, but to be accurate on his throws. At six years old, the Baltimore Orioles' Brooks Robinson demonstrated my idea of how third base should be played. It was the 1970 World Series where Robinson gave a clinic on how to elevate one's game at the corner. From there, I would expect Brooks to dive after a ground ball heading towards left field. I would also expect him to turn a quick and accurate throw to get the runner out at first base. It wasn't just the mechanics that Brooks had to offer - it was the grace and class he gave the position. One moment he had you on the edge of your seat - the next, he implored you to cheer whether you rooted for him or not. He was that amazing to watch. Whenever I see a player trying to master third base, Brooks Robinson will come to mind no matter who is manning the corner.

C - JOE MAUER: Mauer is the evolution of the position that really began with Yogi Berra. It evolved through Johnny Bench and Mike Piazza until the Minnesota Twins found Mauer at Cretin-Durham High School in St. Paul and drafted him. A local boy who was destined to make good, Mauer not only raised the bar for catchers in terms of defensive play - but at bat as well. He became the AL's batting champ in his third year in the bigs. Yet, it was last year's performance that astounded all of us. A Spring Training rib injury almost knocked Mauer out for the year, but it was determined that it was not as season threatening as once thought. After a short layoff, Mauer came back with a vengeance. In the end, Mauer became the AL MVP. Argue for Bench or Piazza all you want, but watch Mauer at the ballpark and understand why he stands with these other great men on this list.

OF - CARL YASTRZEMSKI: When he arrived in Boston in 1961, all eyes were upon him to inherit Ted Willliams' place on the Red Sox roster. The expectations on Yaz were great - even as the Sox floundered through most of the 1960s. In 1965, Yaz was one of the first players to work out off-season. All of the sudden Yaz went from an average ballplayer to a super slugger. The Impossible Dream of 1967 couldn't have been possible if Yaz did not discover the possibilities of his slugging prowess. It also helped to build Yaz's durability going for 23 seasons with only a single club. No one can deny his 452 home runs and .285 lifetime average for a plaque in Cooperstown. If it weren't for Yaz (and Carlton Fisk), I wouldn't have been a Red Sox fan as early as 1975.

OF - RICKEY HENDERSON: Lou Brock exemplified speed before Henderson was drafted into the game. What Rickey did was break the sound barrier. Not only was speed part of Rickey's game, he provided an instant lift of power as he owns the record for the most home runs by a leadoff hitter. Even after the induction into the Hall of Fame, there are still people who forget about his defense. Speedy and agile, Rickey patrolled the outfield unlike any other player before him. And, he wasn't afraid to let everyone know what he can do on and off the field. Yet, the stolen base game has never been the same since Rickey finally hung up his cleats - that is his legacy to the game.

OF - TORII HUNTER: I first encountered him playing center field for the Minnesota Twins. He inherited the position from the late Kirby Puckett to the point of honoring him every time he took the field. When he left for the Los Angeles Angels, a collective sigh permeated over Twins Territory. Though he became a leader with the Twins, the Angels needed his leadership badly. In turn, Hunter was hungry for a World Series slot. Theoretically speaking, it just seems that I handed off one of the most exciting players to play in the Metrodome off to my brother in Orange County - and, frankly, I'd like him back!

DH - REGGIE JACKSON: Why Reggie? Why pick the guy who homered four times in the 1977 World Series against the Dodgers? Why pick a guy who had always been perceived as egotistical and self-centered on-and-off the field. Well, Reggie can back up his persona. He doesn't need to be asked to hit one out of the park - he just does. He doesn't have to love everyone on the spot - he just won't show it in the throes of "war." The Reggie the Yankees fans still love was the same Reggie who gave Charlie O. Finley fits in Oakland to the point of being one of the first free agents in the game. In the 1980s, his arrival into Anaheim helped the Angels towards the dream of a World Series. One would argue that he was less the Reggie he was in the 1970s by that time. If you put it all together - it speaks Hall of Fame. Never humble - just great.

SRHP - BERT BLYLEVEN: Born in the Netherlands, Rik Aalbert Blyleven never thought he would play the national game of his adopted home. That was until his father fell in love with the game. Once the young son caught on, no one would've predicted what would be next for the Dutchman. How about 3,701 strikeouts in his career? I can count on Bert for a solid start regardless of which uniform he wore. I can also count on a slew of strikeouts on even the best hitters of his day. Watching Bert on the mound was indeed a treat - getting his autograph twice was even better. Off the mound (and in the press box), Bert's one of the nicest, most gracious guys around. Now, if we can get that telestrator away from him for a day...

SLHP - FERNANDO VALENZUELA: Until he was called up from Albuquerque, the bulk of the Los Angeles Dodgers roster came from a class of players that began their journey to Chavez Ravine in the mid-1960s. As Los Angeles was changing, the Dodgers needed a fresh face to capture the glory of decades before. From Mexico came Fernandomania. He was shorter than the prototypical pitcher - portlier, too. Yet, he mesmerized batters in his wake. His delivery included a skyward look to the heavens as he delivered some of the nastiest left-handed pitches in the early-to-mid-1980s. Yet, he stood for much more as Southern California's Latino community wanted a hero of their own. Fernandomania was the catalyst for a huge growth in Latino interest in the MLB - a fan base that continues to grow today. I've always found him to be a joy to watch. The way he delivers the ball and the aura he carries everywhere he played.

RP - DENNIS ECKERSLEY: He was voted into the Hall of Fame as one of the most feared closers in the past 30 years. Lest we forget that he began his career as a starting pitcher. He took the mound on the rotations of the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs before landing in Oakland. A's pitching coach Dave Duncan convinced the starter to become a star in the bullpen. Starters rarely rest their ego to live in the bullpen. Sure enough, Eck was up for the challenge. When his career was over, he closed 390 games successfully. In 1992, Eck was awarded both the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards - a rare feat, even for a reliever! Oddly enough, he would end his career where he first gained fame as a starter - in Boston.

Finally! This is the last repost of some old material from my original blog, The Journey, of baseball pieces past. The following was posted on March 19, 2008. Happy New Year...and enjoy!

An old character of Michael Douglas once said that "greed is good." So, was the "boycott" by the Boston Red Sox players a form of greed?

This is an interesting question to pose regarding the brief hold out by the Red Sox at their final Spring Training game in Florida against the Toronto Blue Jays. The circumstances revolved around a player's appearance fee that was presented by Major League Baseball for their season opening series against the Oakland A's in Tokyo. The players were to get $40,000 for their trip to Japan to kick off their defense of last years World Series championship.

Though the roster players were confirmed to get the bonus, that bonus was not extended to Manager Terry Francona, the Red Sox coaches and staff. It was the understanding of the Red Sox that MLB was to cover this bonus for all Red Sox personnel. Supposedly it was not.

In a form of solidarity, the Red Sox announced that they would boycott the final Spring Training game in Fort Myers and the Japan series if MLB did not fulfill their obligation to the rest of the Red Sox organization. Before game time, no answer was given by the Commissioner's Office and the Player's Association was working on negotiations to resolve this issue. The Red Sox came out on time for the national anthems, but left the field afterwards with no resolution on the table. Within the hour, the Red Sox announced that the issue was resolved and the team will resume opening their 2008 season inside the Tokyo Dome with Daisuke Matsuzaka starting Opening Day.

Back to our question: Was this a form of greed that was good? Or, was this greed for greed's sake?

I'm certain there are many responses that answer either or both questions. My take is a combination of both questions. On one hand, this was a good thing for the Red Sox. It not only tested the solidarity of a team known for cohesiveness and loyalty amongst each other, it also pointed out the importance that the team's management and support staff meant to its primary employees: The active roster.

The Red Sox are far from the Yawkey era where players wore their egos on their sleeves and the Manager was held to bare the brunt of the Brahmin's ire if the team failed. John Henry's management team sought to change the environment of this old ballclub and succeeded. This was the latest example of how Henry, club President Larry Lucchino and the Red Sox staff created this "band of brothers (and sisters)" that won two World Series championships in this decade alone.

The critical point that has not been determined as to the exact fault of the misunderstanding between the Commissioner's Office and the Red Sox. What was exactly explained when the Sox signed the contract to go to Japan? What did the Commissioner's Office agree to when they first conceived of the project to start the season in Tokyo? Where was the typo...or, was there one?

That is the part of the story we are not exactly privy to. The "understanding" by the Red Sox was that everyone going to Japan will get the bonus, including Manager Terry Francona and his coaches. There should not be 25 bonuses budgeted, but, at the minimum 35. This not only includes the coaching staff, but trainers, General Manager Theo Epstein and the team's Traveling Secretary. In other words: "Essential staff."

What about the Oakland A's? What were they promised? What did they agree on? At this point, the A's are also discussing the matter with the Player's Association and the Commissioner's Office.

Unfortunately, I do not have the manifest on who is actually going to Tokyo for the Opening Series for either team. If this is the way that MLB wants to globalize the game, then maybe they should reconsider the idea of starting off the season away from their home soil. The sum of $40,000 may seem like a chunk of change to the superstars and ownership of these clubs, but if a contract agreed to pay this to everyone going to these excursions outside of the borders of the USA and Canada, then there needs to be standardized policy that codifies appearance fees.

While the Commissioner's Office is at it, how about that standardized policy on performance enhancing drug use and a testing protocol as stated in the Mitchell Report? Do you want the USA government to intervene in this matter? I hope not!

Now that the Red Sox are en route to Tokyo and this drama is behind us, maybe we can enjoy the first rites of the new season once and for all!