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Joe Saunders, the man who wept when he was traded to the Diamondbacks, has made fans weep this entire spring, and last night was the biggest cry-fest of all.  In a game that Saunders needed to pitch well he fell flat. 

After being inconspicuously omitted when Kirk Gibson was naming the starters earlier in the week the pressure was on Saunders to have a quality outing and show that he deserves to be one of the five.

Saunders answered the bell, for two innings, and then proceeded to allowing five runs, six hits, and four walks in his remaining three innings of work.  More troubling, and something that Diamondbacks fans saw repeatedly with former closer Chad Qualls last season, is that Saunders insists he threw the ball well with a few exceptions.

Compounding matters is the fact that Kirk Gibson essentially called him out after the game, citing that the team needs guys who can deal with pressure.  There appears to be a bit of friction between the hard nosed, old school Gibson and Saunders.

Most likely, Saunders will be in the starting rotation as of Opening Day, and he’ll have one more chance to attempt to have a decent outing before the start of the season. But when Diamondbacks’ fans remember that this is what the team got for Dan Haren, the tears come a’flowing.

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The Philadelphia Phillies cured? Say it isn’t so.

But what if that figment of our imagination came true? What if the World Series favorite Philadelphia Phillies were indeed cursed from here on out?

Looking at the way this team is shaping up for the 2011 season, I’d put my money on the Phillies being cursed… here’s why.

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Yes, it is hard to believe, but the paparazzi/sportswriters who cover the Boston Red Sox have been unable to drum up decent controversy this spring.

The story lines are now falling into the “pathetic” category. Once again, a bunch of seasonal hacks raise the issue of Jonathan Papelbon being washed-up, or worse, wanting to escape the Red Sox.

A few have gone the route of trying to show that Hideki Okajima is riding a bubble ready to burst.

They beat the dead horse again with this tired bit: Where can we play the perennial All-Star Jed Lowrie?

Food Network may prepare a special on Dustin Pedroia’s favorite game-time snack.

A few diehards continue to worry about how Kevin Youkilis will handle switching back to third base this season, or why he always shaves his head, but not his chin.

Speculation is rampant about which of J.D. Drew’s fingers will draw the first hangnail of the spring, potentially putting him on the shelf for two weeks.

Scraping the bottom of the barrel, stories abound. For instance, we have learned that Adrian Gonzalez’s agent is a third cousin removed of Wade Boggs.

A couple of stories revealed that David Ortiz has cursed out those media-folks who wonder if his career will go into the hopper this season.

A few desperate, writing souls have clung like dogs to a bone to the head-bop that Josh Beckett experienced weeks ago, hinting that it may still be affecting his role in the rotation.

When a legitimate controversy entered the spring—namely the barbs passing between Ozzie Guillen and Bobby Jenks—Terry Francona put the matter to rest with a few choice words to both parties, and the only fun story of spring training withered on the vine.

The fact is that this is the most pedestrian group of Red Sox in modern history. Ah, for the days when 25 Red Sox used 25 different cabs to get to a ballpark on the road.

Theo Epstein and Francona have put together the most sober-minded players ever in the history of the Red Sox. Nowadays, they only play baseball, not silly games, in Boston.

You won’t see Manny Ramirez slugging a teammate, or hear that Babe Ruth has tossed a grand piano into the river, or that “Spaceman” Bill Lee thinks his manager is a gerbil.

We won’t hear that a couple of players have jumped the team and were seen heading to Israel.

We won’t have the star giving fans in the left-field stands a gesture of contempt. We won’t have a player refusing to fly on jets.

We certainly won’t see a disturbed Red Sox player climbing the net behind home plate.

Yes, fans, the good old days are gone.

It really leaves us nostalgic for the cellar-dwelling Red Sox, when Fenway Park had empty box seats and tabloid headlines made us giggle about “Dr. Strangeglove.”

Oh, well. Let’s play ball.

We will simply have to be happy with a World Series-caliber team.

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As Spring Training nears its end, Michael Young is still a Texas Ranger. However, it’s not guaranteed he’ll finish with the Rangers even if he lines up on the first base line on April 1 at Texas Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

The main reason Young has yet to change uniforms, is the Rangers are reluctant to pay too much of his salary to play elsewhere.  The asking price for Young has been too rich for opposing team’s liking.

There have been recent reports that the Rangers would be willing to eat up to about $24 million remaining of Michael Young’s contract. If the Rangers go forward with this, a Young trade goes from remote to possible.

Jon Daniels and Young have spoke of the trade request to each other recently behind closed doors, and the entire issue looks to be behind the Rangers and Young as well.  Daniels stated, “Could something change? I wouldn’t rule it out. But I don’t expect a trade.” Alright, now the trade likelihood is back to bleak.

So who would be interested in a utility player and a declining defender at around $8 million over the next three seasons? There are multiple teams that would be interested in Young, but meeting the asking price financially, and in terms of prospects, completely realistically removes these teams from consideration.

If there will be a trade of Young, these three teams would be the likeliest of landing spots:

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The Texas Rangers have a plan as to who will follow C.J. Wilson in the rotation.

While the order has yet to be specified, the rotation to start the season will be: C.J. Wilson, Colby Lewis, Derek Holland, Matt Harrison and Tommy Hunter.

No Neftali.

Neffy will be returned to the bullpen; not for lack of his talent in the rotation, but for the Rangers‘ lack of talent in the back of the bullpen. With ample options for starting pitchers, and an uncertainty of what lies in the bullpen, Neftali Feliz is the more solid selection here.

Neftali Feliz was set to make his final rotation audition Thursday, and possibly stretch out as far as he could go in preparation for the season. But once again, it was someone else’s performance that dictated what Feliz’s role in 2011 would be.

Alexi Ogando, the leader in the clubhouse for the ninth inning had Feliz been allowed to start, blew his opportunity recently. Mark Lowe, who came over from Seattle along with Cliff Lee last Summer, has struggled to show he belongs on the 25-man roster as the closer for a pennant-winning team.

The Rangers are set to go with three lefties and two righties, which is a good move.  Historically, lefties have been more effective in Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. While these five guys will not likely be the five guys who finish the season in the rotation, these are the best five starters for the Rangers, right now.

Right-handers Tanner Scheppers and Eric Hurley, along with left-hander Michael Kirkman, figure to make Arlington auditions at some point in 2011.

Scheppers is expected to make an impact at the back end of the bullpen with his plus curve and fastball. Hurley and Kirkman however, could make their splashes in the rotation or bullpen depending on the need and whenever the Rangers’ brass deems them ready.

Many pundits are picking the Rangers to fall back to the middle pack of the American League, due to the overachievements of the pitching staff of 2010. I personally believe it’s overblown—whatever the Rangers lack in consistent starting-pitching options, will be made up in quality starting-pitching depth.

So while the rotation is more competitive with Feliz included, the sum of the whole pitching staff would suffer. Feliz will not start games in 2011; he will finish games in 2011.

The starting five of Wilson to Harrison may start the season, but there‘s sure to be many alterations to the pitching staff. That includes Tommy Hunter, who is already shaking things up with a groin strain.  It’s unclear what his status is—all he knows is that “it doesn’t feel pleasant.”

In 2010, the Rangers used 10 different starters; 2011 will be likely be no different in the quantity of starters, just the quality and depth.

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The game of baseball can be truly amazing to watch at times—especially when one rookie player completely stuns a veteran so much that he forces an error.

That’s exactly what happened on Wednesday afternoon in an exhibition game between the Los Angeles Angels and the defending champion San Francisco Giants in Tempe, Ariz.

Angels center fielder Peter Bourjos forced 14-year veteran Miguel Tejada into making an error with sheer boldness.

Bourjos started the bottom of the fourth inning by laying down a beauty of a bunt to reach on a single. The next batter, Erick Aybar, blooped a double into right field. As the relay throw came in to the shortstop Tejada, Bourjos was already rounding third base with no signs of stopping.

Stunned, Tejada turned to throw but literally threw the ball directly into the ground, the ball rolling harmlessly toward the first-base dugout as Bourjos crossed the plate.

Speed kills.

Angels fans have known for a while now just how fast Bourjos can be. However now, the rest of the baseball world is seeing how Bourjos and his blazing speed can affect the outcome of any play, offensively or defensively.

Speed can be an amazing thing to watch in baseball. Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson redefined the art of baserunning during his career, shattering every record in the books.

Just two seasons ago, the baseball world watched as Boston Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury successfully attempted a straight steal of home plate during a game against the New York Yankees on national television. Yankees catcher Jorge Posada never had a chance.

Peter Bourjos possesses that kind of speed.

Teammate and right fielder Torii Hunter is awestruck at what Bourjos is capable of as well.

“He’s a freak of nature,” Hunter told MLB.com. “He does things normal guys just can’t do. Me and Vernon (Wells) are here to help him become as good as he can be. The sky’s the limit.”

Not only does Bourjos possess incredible speed, with the ability to get to any ball in any part of center field, he has a bit of pop in his bat as well. Last season, in 181 at-bats, Bourjos hit six home runs, which would project to about 20 in a full major-league season.

As spring training moves to a close, Bourjos is finding his comfort level at the plate as well. “I feel like I’m having good at-bats,” he said. “I’m walking, stealing some bases. I’ve gotten a few good bunts down. As I’m getting more comfortable, I’m getting to know the pitchers better.”

If Bourjos continues on this path, the Angels will have found the leadoff hitter they’ve been searching for since the departure of Chone Figgins, and both Wells and Hunter can just sit back and continue to watch the development of a very special player.

For continuing coverage of the Los Angeles Angels, follow Doug on Twitter @HalosHub.

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Two days ago, the New York Mets made a move that fans believe should have been made a long time ago. After a two-season stint during which he heavily underachieved, left-handed pitcher Oliver Perez was released.  Perez will still be paid the $12 million he was owed this season by the Mets.

All in all, there is only one word that can describe Perez’s tenure with the New York Mets: disappointing.  In his time with the team, Perez was easily the most unpopular player in Flushing.  He signed a minor-league contract with the Washington Nationals yesterday, so perhaps he can resurrect his career there.

Here are 15 players, including Perez, who are unpopular and have worn out their welcome with the fans of their respective teams. 

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The San Francisco Giants may become just a little less crowded in the outfield on Opening Day.

The Giants suffered a big blow during Wednesday’s spring training contest against the Los Angeles Angels, who won the game 8-0. The score and Matt Cain’s atrocious start were the least of the Giants’ concerns, as Cody Ross pulled up lame coming in on a line drive to right field.

Ross left the game in the first inning with a strained right calf muscle. According to MLB.com, his immediate playing status remains uncertain, pending the results of an MRI Thursday, but playing on Opening Day against the Los Angeles Dodgers may be questionable.

Bochy has some interesting options in filling Ross’ spot. Will rookie Brandon Belt or the maligned veteran Aaron Rowand benefit from Ross’ injury?

Assuming Ross is unable to start the season, here is the current state of the Giants’ outfield as the Giants break camp next week.

Andres Torres

It seems as if he is penciled in to be the starting center fielder, even if Rowand replaces Ross on the field. Bochy has inserted Rowand in the corner outfield positions this spring to prepare for a change from his native center field position.

Pat Burrell

Mychael Urban of CSNBayArea.com said he believes Burrell was the front-runner to start in left field before Ross’ injury. Urban also said that Brandon Belt may start at first base with Aubrey Huff moving to the outfield.

Aubrey Huff

With Ross’ injury, Huff just might be patrolling a corner outfield position in next Thursday’s opener. Urban added that the Giants like Belt’s bat and are confident he can handle first base. This appears to be the likely scenario if Belt continues to play well for the rest of spring training.

Aaron Rowand

His hitting is atrocious, but he has a decent glove. He will have a shot to prove himself with Ross’ injury, as the Giants will probably move people around until Ross comes back.

Nate Schierholtz

He is an exceptional fielder with a great arm, but he is out of options. Because of this, Urban said he might be given a shot to start right field. From an offensive standpoint, Huff in right field and Burrell in left make the most sense.

Mark DeRosa

He played some left field for the Giants in 2010, but the team would rather have him bounce around the infield. However, DeRosa has hit the ball hard this spring and could force himself into the lineup, whether in the outfield or the infield (with Huff moving to the outfield).

Cody Ross

Do not completely rule out Ross. If Thursday’s MRI goes well, he might patrol right field on Opening Day after all. However, given how the injury looked, this probably will not happen.

Predicted outfield on Opening Day

LF: Pat Burrell

CF: Andres Torres

RF: Aubrey Huff (with Belt at first)

The bottom line is, the Giants are a versatile team who are well-equipped for a situation like Ross’ injury. If Belt can contribute and continue his good plate approach, the Giants might not miss Ross all that much while he is healing from his calf injury.

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This article was featured on the blog Talking Giants Baseball

Questions or comments? E-mail my blog mailbag at vc4re@yahoo.com. Your questions may be answered on my blog.

Who will finish in last place in 2011? Vote here.

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As a Mets fan I’ve been wondering five things throughout the offseason and spring training:

When will they release Oliver Perez? Done.

When will they release Luis Castillo? Done.

Who is going to play second base? To be determined.

What’s going to happen with the most dynamic leadoff hitter in the game, Jose Reyes? To be determined.

When are the Wilpons finally going to sell the f***ing team? Unfortunately, it’s not looking like it’s going to happen.

So let’s talk about No. 3 to start. It should be Daniel Murphy manning second base for the Amazin’s this year. His fielding, although not superb, and his defense at second have looked satisfactory so far. 

That’s obviously not why he should start. He should start because of his bat. He is a FANTASTIC hitter, and his bat needs to be in the lineup. Especially if they could slot him after Ike Davis.

Imagine a batting order that looked something like this:

1. Jose Reyes

2. Angel Pagan

3. Carlos Beltran (assuming he plays)

4. David Wright

5. Ike Davis

6. Jason Bay

7. Daniel Murphy

8. Josh Thole

How many pitchers would want to face that lineup? With the first three hitters able to switch hit, then alternating righty lefty with good hitters all the way to the seven-hole, that’s a good (and potentially great) lineup if everyone can produce.

Now, moving on to the most important decision the new front office has to make: How are they going to handle the Jose Reyes situation?  What they should do is clear.  

They need to re-sign him.  

How many franchises have a player who, at 27 years old, is their all-time steals leader, can get 200 hits, 15 home runs, 70 RBIs, steal 60 bases, hit .290 and have nobody be surprised?

It’s a no-brainer—they need to keep him.  

Although the farm system is not strong and the Mets are in need of prospects, it’s not worth trading one of the—if not THE—most dynamic players in the game at age 27.

Why trade a super star in his 20s for people who might be solid pros also in their 20s? It just doesn’t make sense.  

With all this in mind, he’s a homegrown player!

The fan base LOVES him. Any Met fans reading this article know exactly what I’m talking about.

Maybe if the Mets were in Kansas City or another small market they could get away with trading him. Not in New York. You’re in the biggest city in the world. The fans expect and deserve better than losing their favorite, and best, player. You need to spend whatever it takes to keep him.

Last, but definitely not least: Wilpons. Sell the team already. Your whole Madoff mess is destroying a once proud franchise.

You’re telling a GM of a New York team to only spend $10 million in an offseason.  The Mets had a LOT of holes to fill and you limited a GM to $10 million. That’s an absurdly low number, ESPECIALLY for the New York market. Fans are fed up.  

Either let Sandy Alderson spend money like he wants (and should be able to) or sell the team. It’s that simple. You don’t even need to look for a buyer; Trump has already said he’d buy the team if you asked! It’s that easy. Stop screwing up the franchise.

So to recap:

Make Daniel Murphy the starting second baseman.

Re-sign Jose Reyes.

Sell the f***ing team, Wilpons!!!!

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With Opening Day nearly a week away, the Philadelphia Phillies pitching staff is still the top topic of preseason predictions. On paper, the Phils should easily pitch their way to the World Series, but so many things can happen over the course of the season that nothing is certain.

Roy Oswalt’s frightening experience on the hill on Wednesday proved that seasons can be altered in the swing of a bat.

Oswalt took a line drive to the back of the neck in the fourth inning of a Spring Training matchup with the Rays. Manny Ramirez‘s blast sent him to the dirt, but fortunately he only ended up with a nasty bruise and was able to walk off on his own without losing consciousness.

His X-rays were negative, but one thing is positive in Philadelphia, things could have been much worse for the most talked up rotation in the MLB.

Oswalt is lucky he didn’t end up with a serious injury. The Phils have yet to rule out a concussion, but Charlie Manuel expects him to make his next start. Nevertheless, Oswalt took a scary shot and it showed how vulnerable pitchers are on the mound.

Chances are the Phillies’ rotation will be the best around, but fans can only hope that freak accidents and injuries don’t send their stars to the DL.

Baseball may not seem as dangerous as football or hockey, but promising players can be sidelined quicker than a fastball passes over the plate. The ability to stay healthy and consistent over 162 games will determine if the Phillies will live up to their great expectations.

Such factors can cause the downfall of credible preseason predictions. Analysts can only guess. Sports are simply unpredictable. 

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