Pitchers and catchers will begin showing up at spring training camps next week. Are you ready for some baseball?

The Texas Rangers have maneuvered themselves into quite a bit of a mess. Signing Adrian Beltre to play 3B and relegating Michael Young to Designated Hitter or utility player status hasn't been well received by the talented Mr. Young. A professional hitter, Young has been moved from 2B to SS to 3B by the Rangers in the past. Now he's being asked to leave the field for a primary role as DH. At 34, Young has had an outstanding career. While he accepted the previous position changes, this time Young is speaking out and asking to be traded.

The entire Michael Young scenario doesn't make much sense to this observer. While I agree he isn't the best defensive player in the league at 3B, I'm not sure it was the time to pull the plug and relegate him to a non-defensive status. Instead of Adrian Beltre, perhaps the club should have looked to bolster their pitching staff beyond the Cliff Lee option. Other pitchers were moved in the off-season including Shaun Marcum and Zack Greinke. I don't know if Texas ever made an offer for either, but it seems that either one would have been able to help the Rangers on the mound. If they do end up trading Young, it will leave a void at DH. At this early stage of 2011, I'm not sure the Rangers have the depth to repeat their 2010 overall performance.

Individuals involved with baseball enjoy a "hot stove" lunch every other week here in Phoenix. Interestingly, the results were mixed when we asked each other if Albert Pujols will sign a contract prior to February 14th? Of the 8 participants, the results were split right down the middle. Most everyone agreed that 6 years X 30MM with 2 option years makes the most sense as a settlement point. If Pujols is allowed to roam around Free Agent Territory, there will certainly be a few suitors waiting to greet him with keys to the vault. Some of those in attendance still question Pujols' actual age. Regardless of his age, he is one fantastic baseball player. I have seen a lot of good players, and Albert Pujols is right up their at or near the top for me.

Count me among those who believe Joe Blanton could end up in New York pitching for the Yankees.

Indians C Carlos Santana has been cleared to perform full baseball functions. That's good news for the woeful Tribe. Reports indicate that Grady Sizemore is not ready to play in early spring training games. He may have to miss a few games at the beginning of the season, but the plan is to be careful with his return to the lineup. For me, he's a very good risk to bounce back.

Colorado has indicated the price to obtain Michael Young has escalated since talks with the Rangers first began.

Can Mariano Rivera last the entire season as the Yankees closer? When does Father Time come in and take a big bite out of his arm strength, or elbow or shoulder or knee or...? I'm just asking.

What to do with Desmond Jennings if your the Rays? They picked up Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez. Damon will get playing time in left. Jennings might a) play right field which moves Ben Zobrist to 1B, or B) play right field which moves Ben Zobrist to 2B or C) move Jennings around and give Damon and Zobrist time off or D) start Jennings in the minor leagues. I think only the Rays know The Plan. We may learn more in spring training, but this looks like a fluid situation to me. Whatever the case-Zobrist should end up playing multiple positions for Tampa during the season, giving him tons of fantasy flexibility and value.

When constructing your fantasy team, don't forget the Twins Tsuyoshi Nishioka as a 2B, SS or MI option. He hit .346 with 206 hits last season for the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan's Pacific League. He is reportedly able to steal bases, but he doesn't have much power. He may be a gap hitter with the capability of getting on base, stealing and scoring. Nishioka is 26 years old and approaching some prime years of baseball maturity. I don't know about you, but in general, I am a fan of the way the Twins front office evaluates players. Sure, they have made mistakes (see the Johan Santana deal) but they've also made some outstanding moves (see the Joe Nathan deal.)

It's difficult for me to believe that Jake Peavy can return as soon as spring training from his shoulder surgery. I think he will be lucky to be at 90|PERCENT| by mid-April at the earliest. Worse case is that he follows in the footsteps of Brandon Webb and has to shut down for quite a while to regain total strength in his shoulder. Shoulder injuries are less predictable regarding total return to form than elbow surgeries. And if Peavy can't make it all the way back, what do the White Sox do? Do they move Chris Sale to the rotation?

Lots of people have asked me about White Sox 3B candidate Brent Morel. I have no idea if he can play. Reportedly, he is an outstanding defender at the hot corner. I do know that he is being given every chance to win the job over Mark Teahen and Dayan Viciedo. I will see lots of Morel in the spring and I'll keep you posted.

Stop me if you've heard me say this before but I think Jed Lowrie will be the Red Sox SS before the season is over. Probably by mid-season Lowrie will take over from Marco Scutaro. I believe Scutaro to be a very good utility player. Lowrie is a star in waiting at SS.

I've indicated that I'm really bullish on the A's. I was concerned about their hitting when I looked at their roster and first wrote of my positive feelings about the club. I've become even more convinced they can win the West. I like their hitting more than I thought I would. The additions of Hideki Matsui, Josh Willingham and David DeJusus give them some added pop and some tough outs in the lineup. Granted, I think they need another bat, but the rest of the West doesn't thrill me. That includes Texas.

The Mets serious $$$ problems could spell continued trouble for their club. A fan base even more disgruntled than last year could mean lower gate receipts than anticipated and cause the club to fall further and further into a green hole.

The Marlins will miss Dan Uggla. Big time. Not on defense, but those homers certainly helped his pitchers.

When you look to draft 1B Freddie Freeman of the Braves, remember that he is coming off a pretty serious thumb injury that sent him home from the Arizona Fall League. He is recovered, but sprained thumbs can be tricky. Watch him in spring training. I'm sure he's fine, but it is worth being cautious about.

Don't look now, but Nyjer Morgan was caught stealing 17 times last season. That could be costly in some fantasy formats.

Rumors persist that Vicente Padilla could be given a chance to close for the Dodgers if Broxton falters. I reported that some time ago and it still isn't going away. Where there's smoke (and Padilla does throw smoke) there could be fire. Watch the progress (or lack of same) by Scott Elbert for the Dodgers pen. I've always liked his stuff and the Dodgers are light from the left side in the pen.

Is Lance Berkman really an every day, day in and day out right fielder? I'm just askin.

I think Jason Kipnis will be the Indians 2B after the All Star game, if not sooner. Lonnie Chisenhall will be at 3B on a full time basis as early as next season. Think of this Indians season as yet another "bridge" campaign to next year. The Tribe is looking at Jeremy Bonderman as a fifth starter. Maybe even fourth. Or third. Or Yikes! And then there's Kevin Millwood who they are also talking to.
Remember, the Indians pride themselves on being Reclamation Central for declining players looking for that last minute contract. Then they can trade the player for an inexpensive option. (see Carl Pavano, Russ Branyan, etc.)

The Orioles are going to be a fun offensive team. I like the lineup and the added firepower with Vlad. It's surprising to me that they added so much age with Derrek Lee and Vlady, but they need to sell some tickets. If any of those young pitchers really come through, they can make life miserable for the Yankees, Red Sox, etc. Chicks dig the long ball. So do I.

That's it for this time. Today's questions: When does Dustin Ackley begin playing regularly for Seattle? What chain has the very best french fries? I need to know these things. Chow (down) baby!