Insider My 2009 awards picks
Here are my fictional ballots for five of the six postseason awards. I've omitted my NL Cy Young ballot because I had a formal vote on that award and…
Insider Analyzing the early hot-stove deals
I'm shocked and disappointed that the Hot Stove League didn't go on hiatus during my vacation, but I can make the adjustment. Here are my quick takes …
Insider Starlin Castro headed for stardom
Some final observations from my trip to the Arizona Fall League: Chicago Cubs: Starlin Castro is a future star. He won't turn 20 until March but…
Insider Tanner Scheppers looks like the real deal
Andrew Miller is in the Arizona Fall League to work on some changes that Florida Marlins' coaches have made to his delivery, and while he's no longer…
Insider Dustin Ackley and Jenrry Mejia impressive in AFL
While the postseason rolls on at the major league level, I was able to spend the past week at the Arizona Fall League getting a close look at some of …
Insider Nats' Detwiler rediscovering his stuff
Detwiler Ross Detwiler was the Nationals' first pick in the 2007 draft (sixth overall) out of Missouri State, also the alma mater of Toronto sta…
Insider Rough outing doesn't take shine off Rays' Davis
Wade Davis' second big league start, which came in a 9-1 loss Saturday against the Red Sox, didn't go as smoothly as the first, but in his two-plus in…
Insider Brewers need to trade Fielder and focus on future
The Brewers are at a major inflection point at the major league level. They reached the playoffs in 2008 at some cost to the farm system, but given th…
Insider Brewers' Gamel ill-equipped to play third base
I ranked Milwaukee third baseman Mat Gamel 86th on my top 100 prospects last winter despite a strong track record in the minors because of concerns ab…
Insider Mediocre night for Happ, impressive one for Penny
J.A. Happ is probably going to win the NL Rookie of the Year Award, barring some major reversal of fortune in September. He was mediocre Wednesday nig…