2011 MLB Projections and Divisional Analysis

With baseball in the air (the regular season is less than five weeks away), it's time to do what most of us do before the start of every season: projections. Many have the Phillies penciled in to represent the National League in the World Series; I do as well. But, with a few exceptions, pretty much every division this year is up for grabs, and 2011 will surely be yet another exhilarating baseball season, though I'm not so sure it will end with as much of a shock as last season did. So here goes:

AMERICAN LEAGUE:

Manager of the Year: Jim Leyland, Tigers
Most Valuable Player: Evan Longoria, Rays
Cy Young Award Winner: Felix Hernandez, Mariners

Division Winners:
East: Boston Red Sox
Central: Detroit Tigers
West: Texas Rangers

Wild Card:
New York Yankees

American League Champion:
Boston Red Sox

The East is a battle between guess who? Obviously the Yanks and the Sox. But in 2011 the Red Sox have the upper hand, taking the Yankee approach and acquiring two of the top players in the game, Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford. To add to the Yankees' problems, Cliff Lee bolted back to Philly, where he will likely end up facing the Sox in October. If the Yanks want to win, and I'm sure they do, they need to abandon franchise policy and make an in-season deal for a quality starter. Either that or they need A.J. Burnett to rebound or for Ivan Nova to establish himself. 

Three teams have a legitimate shot in the Central this season: the Tigers, White Sox, and Twins. I predicted the Tigers to come out on top, but much of that hinges on youngsters Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello, and of course troubled Miguel Cabrera. Bringing in Adam Dunn will certainly bolster the White Sox' offensive attack, but their starting pitching doesn't seem to be there, especially with the injury liability of ace Jake Peavy. The Twins' rotation features a certifiable ace in Francisco Liriano, but could really be aided by Brian Duensing's emergence as a top major league starter. Having Joe Nathan back will enable Matt Capps to pitch from the setup role and create a quality back-end of the bullpen. The Twins will also need a fluke, career year from an offensive player this year like Jason Kubel's 2009 if they want to advance to the postseason.

Look out for the Oakland A's in the relatively weak West: as they will by no means make the Series, they will likely give the Rangers a run for their money. Billy Beane's acquisitions of Hideki Matsui and David DeJesus give the A's a bit of offense to go along with a staff that led the majors last year with a 3.47 ERA. The Rangers' offense will likely to be too much to handle however, and will offset the subpar pitching enough to lead them to a divisional crown, but the Series seems far-fetched now that Cliff Lee is gone.

If they are able to stay healthy, there is no stopping Boston this year in the American League. Gonzalez and Crawford make them very arguably the most potent offense in baseball, which combines with a rotation featuring two Cy Young candidates in Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz. Their rotation also features John Lackey and Josh Beckett, both aces earlier in their careers. Just one of these guys pitching to their full potential would have this rotation rivaling the Phillies' come the Fall Classic.

NATIONAL LEAGUE:

Manager of the Year: Mike Quade, Cubs
Most Valuable Player: Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies
Cy Young Award Winner: Josh Johnson, Marlins

Division Winners:
East: Philadelphia Phillies
Central: Chicago Cubs
West: Colorado Rockies

Wild Card:
Atlanta Braves

National League Champion:
Philadelphia Phillies

While I expect the Phillies to take home a 5th consecutive East crown, it can't be handed to them just yet. The Braves look awfully strong with their ever-consistent pitching staff and acquisition of Dan Uggla to boost the offense. Jason Heyward will continue to emerge as a star and the heralded Freddie Freeman is a pick by many for Rookie of the Year. But is it really possible for them to counter Halladay, Lee, Oswalt and Hamels? I say not. However, a postseason meeting between the two is a possibility.

Four of the six teams in the Central will likely finish above .500, but neither the Brewers, Cardinals, Reds, or Cubs will be great. Three of these: the Brewers, Cardinals, and Cubs, will battle for divisional supremacy. The Brewers acquired Zach Greinke, the '09 Cy Young Winner; the Cardinals welcome in slugger Lance Berkman; and the Cubs replaced Sweet Lou with Mike Quade, who apparently fits in extremely well with his players. The sidelining of Adam Wainwright will result in the Cards having a tough hill to climb, and ultimately keep them at home in October. The battle that will ensue between the Cubs and Brewers is likely a toss-up. The Cubs need Carlos Zambrano to deliver a gem, and newly-added Carlos Pena to carry the offense. Both Starlin Castro and Tyler Colvin have ridiculous potential, and much of this season's outcome for the Cubs will be on their shoulders.

The Giants are the defending champs, but not fending off the Rockies could result in them missing the postseason altogether. While both of these teams, and possibly the Dodgers as well, will likely finish on top of the Central winner, we could very well see only one playing for a World Series trophy. A scary thought is that Tim Lincecum last year had the 4th-highest ERA of the rotation, and it wasn't bad, either, at 3.43. Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez, and Madison Bumgarner all featured marks below that, and with Lincecum on top of his game, they are a deadly rotation. They also have a top closer in Brian Wilson, who saved 48 games for the champs a year ago. The reason why they might finish below the Rockies, though, is that it is hard to believe their pitching could one again compensate for the offense, which clicked at the right time last season and won't be able to sustain for another entire season. The Rockies feature two MVP candidates in their lineup: Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez, both potential Hall of Famers. They also have a surefire ace in Ubaldo Jimenez, as well as young Jhoulys Chacin who is full of potential. Expect the West race to be down to the wire; a 163rd game isn't out of the question.

While the Yankees will likely take the AL Wild Card without much competition, the fight for the final NL spot will be highly contested. Three of the teams fighting for the Wild Card could all finish above the Central division winner: the Giants, Dodgers, and Braves (or the Rockies swapping in for the Giants).

But when all is said and done, no National League team will be able to take down the Phillies. Their rotation is simply unfair. Four guys with a sub-three ERA? It's possible. Even if the offense struggles slightly through stretches like it did towards the end of last year, the four aces will carry them through it. The only thing keeping them from the Fall Classic would be another catastrophic offensive letdown (last year's NLCS). Even though Jayson Werth is gone, and Jimmy Rollins and Raul Ibanez' best days might be behind them, anything less than a World Series crown for the Phillies would be seem by the entire city as a failure.

Now, though, we sit back and watch. Projections never pan out 100% correct. Who picked the Giants be on top of baseball last October? Probably less than half of the city of San Francisco. There's a reason the game is played, and that is to discover the winner.

EDITORIAL: Personal Thoughts & Travels Through the Grapefruit League

Through February and March, the baseball fields of Florida are a thing to behold. Sprinklers make hissing sounds, chalkers churn as they draw the foul lines, and lawnmowers hum. During practice, bats crack, gloves smack, and players whistle in awe of their batting practice home runs. Those are the sounds of baseball; the soundtrack of Grapefruit League Spring Training.

Such sounds are enough to cause excitement in any baseball fan and I am no exception.

Since 2005, in anticipation of the regular season, I have exchanged the cold snow of the Northeast for the Florida sunshine and ditched my classes to tour the Grapefruit League. I intentionally neglect my school work, fake sick/make excuses to a few teachers/professors (I think I convinced one teacher of a death in the family), skip a few classes, and brag to my friends. I do it all to spend time with my lifetime baseball partner, my father, as well as my grandfather and my buddy, Aaron.

Sure, these carefree weekends have led to flight delays, little or no sleep for classes, a few bad grades on quizzes and tests (darn you, "The Catcher in the Rye"), and even some sunburn, but have created life long memories.

I have yet to visit every Grapefruit League facility. Regrettably, some teams have moved to Arizona. Here is a list of all the Spring Training venues I have been to and some personal anecdotes. Hopefully they will make you feel the warmth of spring.

Bright House Networks Field in Clearwater, FL (Phillies): My favorite current Grapefruit League stadium. Palm trees line the outfield, Phillies fans (honestly, my favorite sports fans) fill the stadium to its capacity, and the entrance is in Spanish Mission style. I attended my first game there in 2005 against the Pirates. I was almost 13 at the time; you do the math as to how old I am now. Behind my dad, my grandfather, and me were three or four 30-year-old guys. They were the typical Phillies fans; loud, enthusiastic, and a bit obnoxious. I loved it. Mid-way through the game one says, "Hey, that's not Kenny Lofton in center field. Who is this guy?" Wide-eyed and confident in my own baseball knowledge, I turn around and say, "That's Jason Michaels." Much to my delight, they responded, "You're right. Hey, man, we are just going ask the kid from now on." One year, my sister came with me and she got a great picture of Chris Coste. He voluntarily posed for her. That was the year before he broke into the majors. After he did break in, we found the picture and were understandably excited.

Chain of Lakes Park in Winter Haven, FL (Indians): Sadly, the Indians have followed several other teams to the dry heat of the Cactus League, so I was disappointed to see this stadium vacated. I am too young to have witnessed Rick Vaughn bean bullpen buddies, Roger Dorn botch ground balls, and Willie Mays Hayes do push ups for popping up pitches. I remember this stadium being very old and small, but very charming. I went here twice: first to see the Astros and second to see the Yankees. I grew up a huge Andy Pettitte fan, so I wore my Yankees cap to the ballpark the day I saw the Astros visit the Indians. The year was 2005, his second season in Houston. An older man saw me and said sarcastically, "Ugh, a New Yorker." I forget who started for the Astros that game, but I remember reading in the Tampa Tribune the very next day that Pettitte was supposed to start the game, but was scratched due to an injury he sustained after falling down a flight of stairs. Boy, was I upset. My sister scored another picture of future Phillie Eric Bruntlett who was playing for the Astros at the time. Yes, he posed.

Florida Auto Exchange Stadium in Dunedin, FL (Blue Jays): This stadium is a bit on the shabby side. The scoreboard is as basic as it gets - no video or anything of that sort. The outfield wall looked broken down like my old high school's baseball field. Still, I had an awesome time. There was this hilarious beer vendor who kept on screaming, "Ice cold Canadian beer in an American can made in China!" I laughed hysterically every time.

Progress Energy Park in St. Petersburg, FL (Devil Rays): When they were the Devil Rays, the Rays called this small stadium just down the road from Tropicana Field their spring home. As beautiful as the stadium was, I don't have fond memories of it. The day I went there was extraordinarily hot - around 90 degrees. Worse, our seats were metal, so it was not a fun experience. I remember leaving early because my grandfather was suffering from some serious facial sunburn. The highpoint of the game was sitting along the third base line and cheering on the Indians third baseman at the time - Aaron Boone. I managed to get a few pictures.

McKechnie Field in Bradenton, FL (Pirates): Another stadium modeled after Spanish Mission style architecture. I sat several rows behind home plate and had a very commanding view of the field. Not to brag, but my family has a history at Princeton University, so I cheered on the Pirates starting pitcher that game: Princeton alumnus and former-Yankee Ross Ohlendorf.

Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee, FL (Astros): Definitely one of my favorite Spring Training venues. My first game I sat down next to three scouts; I eavesdropped on their conversation about, what else? Baseball. Tom Glavine started the game for the visiting Braves and I literally had a front row seat behind home plate to watch the drop on the veteran's changeup. I also got a good view of Ty Wigginton's bulging biceps. He's a lot bigger in person. The second game I saw was against the Astros. I got some good shots of Pedro Feliz and Brett Myers.

Champion Stadium in Lake Buena Vista, FL (Braves): Because of Disney's presence, Orlando can be very difficult to navigate. Champion Stadium is in the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which was a pain to get to, but the stadium did not disappoint. Unfortunately, the rain did and the game was canceled. I got refund for those tickets, so I was not too upset. I am still waiting to get back there and see a full game.

Holman Stadium in Vero Beach, FL (Dodgers): Yes, folks. I have been to the Hallmark of Spring Training stadiums. As storied as some regular season digs, this stadium saw the likes of Jackie Robinson, Sandy Koufax, and Don Drysdale. It was so crowded that standing room was being sold! My dad grew up a Dodgers fan, so he was in awe and it was nice to see him so happy. I remember we enjoyed Dodger Dogs and lemonade together. It was in 2008, the last spring in Vero Beach for the Dodgers, so we just made it before it was gone for good. We saw veteran manager Joe Torre, the oft-used former-Yankee relievers Scott Proctor and Tanyon Sturze, and guys like Russell Martin. If there is one stadium I will never forget, this is it.

After these weekends are over, it is time to return to the cold, dead weather of the Northeast. I throw on my heavy jacket as I leave my dorm room for my 8 a.m. class, resuming life as a mild-mannered, hardworking college student.

I hope you enjoyed my diary of Spring Training. It's just a few anecdotes of my wacky and memorable experiences. Think spring!

Stranded in Texas

Michael Young has played every infield position regularly for the Rangers except for first base. This season, he will be asked to play primarily DH, but also utility infield, first base included. This fourth role change for Young heading into Spring Training (from 2B to SS to 3B to DH/UTIL), is because of Adrian Beltre's acquisition as the team's primary third baseman, displacing Young.

Part of the reason Young doesn't just change back to one of his former positions is the team's talent: they have a (when healthy) star second baseman in Ian Kinsler and an up-and-coming shortstop in 22-year-old Elvis Andrus. Therefore, Young will serve as an upgrade to backup catcher Mike Napoli as the team's primary DH, and bring out the glove whenever one of the aforementioned starting infielders need an off day or get hurt. Kinsler is injury-prone at second base, missing 59 games last season. So while no one is hoping for this reason, Young might receive extended defensive play.

Young has voiced displeasure over his situation, asking the Rangers to search for trade options. There are reportedly eight teams on his contract that he is interested in. But the Rangers were unable to ship him away, and they never wanted to in the first place. They expected him at camp and Young, known widely for his professionalism, didn't disappoint. While he is by no means overjoyed over his defensive status, he has insisted that he will not be a clubhouse distraction and interfere with his teammates' ability to prepare for the upcoming season. Rather, he is just content to be back playing baseball again and being with his teammates, who look up to him as a clubhouse leader.

Whether Young were to stay in Texas or not, the Rangers would still have one of the league's top lineups, but his presence boosts them to once again being a World Series contender. Young is more than just a valuable asset to this team; he will still receive 600+ at-bats and show off the star power he has left, that has made him an all-pro the past decade.

The Phantastic Phour...and Joe Blanton

"How does it feel?" is the question athletes are redundantly asked after winning a championship, losing a pivotal game, etc. But it is guaranteed no one has ever been asked how it feels to be in Joe Blanton's situation; a mere man among beasts, the guy who no one really cares about. The highly acclaimed 2011 Phillies starting rotation includes Roy Halladay, a two-time Cy Young Award winner (most recently this past season); Cliff Lee, the 2008 AL Cy winner who won the only two games for the Phils in the '09 World Series against the Yankees; Cole Hamels, the '08 World Series MVP; Roy Oswalt, while the 4th starter in this rotation, would be an ace on over half of the other MLB teams; and Joe Blanton, who is the definition of an average MLB starter.

"The four Phillies aces...and Joe Blanton," was the way Around the Horn host Tony Reali described the Phillies' staff. And this description is realistic. Blanton has a 4.30 career ERA and no All-Star appearances or distinguished personal awards. He's never won 20 games or had an ERA under 3.50. But what he does do is give a ballclub solid innings (as high as 230 in 2007), and give his team a chance to win almost every start. You won't see him pitching shutouts like Halladay routinely does, but giving six or seven inning, three run starts every five days. For a fifth option, he sure isn't bad.

But how must it feel to be in his situation? It seems as if every time he's brought up as a member of the Phils' rotation, it's by poking fun at him. It was different last year, when there was a Jamie Moyer/Kyle Kendrick in the rotation as well, another "normal" pitcher. But now he stands alone as a symbol of mediocrity. It's said in literature when to bring out a trait in a character, place them next to a complete contrasting one; it will bring out the differences. This situation brings out Blanton's pedestrian credentials as a pitcher. Blanton could do one of three things: let the situation get to him, ignore it, or use it to try and improve, and if possible, become less distanced from his peers.

Many guys in Blanton's situation would simply crumble, back out, let this drastically lower their self-esteem, the "I'm not good enough" attitude. Blanton could give up in Philly, ask for a trade to become a three or a four in another city, but not have a shot at another World Series ring. This in unlikely. He could also be indifferent to the entire situation, just go on his business as a decent MLB starter and make a comfortable living, and be thought of well but generally ignored by the fans in Philadelphia. He could also option to use the situation to his advantage, and learn from the other starters. The glaring problem to this is that Blanton is not a rookie coming up, but a 30-year-old established pitcher, and learning the ways of 27-year-old Cole Hamels would be a punch in the mouth to his pride. What Blanton could do is pick up Halladay's highly acclaimed work ethic, and routinely ask arguably the best pitcher in baseball for advice. However, maybe Blanton really has reached his plateau. Regardless, he hasn't shown any indication of wanting out of Philadelphia, and while he is a rather expensive fifth starter (8.5M), he is welcome to stay.

Melo Watch

He's still in Denver, and as the days go on, the chances Carmelo Anthony will stay in Mile High can only increase. He's voiced that he wishes to play under the bright lights in New York, but the Nuggets and Knicks can't seem to work out a deal, much like the current NFL situation. As the February 24 trade deadline approaches, Anthony might end up once again signing with Denver, or becoming a coveted free agent.

Earlier today Knicks GM Donnie Walsh and coach Mike D'Antoni both declared the Nuggets' asking price for Anthony was to steep. The offer consists of the Nuggets also trading away point guard Chauncey Billups, in exchange for key Knicks players Danilo Gallinari and Raymond Felton, Eddy Curry's expiring contract, a first-round pick, and a third unnamed starter (Gallinari and Felton are the other two).

Indeed the price for the Knicks would be high, trading away most of Amare Stoudemire's supporting cast. They would be in a similar situation as the Miami Heat, but with two superstars instead of three. It'd be like Miami without James/Wade. However, the Nuggets aren't about to just hand over one of game's best, as earlier expected. A few weeks ago, there were rumors the Knicks would acquire Anthony in a three-team deal that would consist of them only having to surrender talented rookie Landry Fields and a few other players not in the rotation.

Will this deal fall through, an eventual historical swap? Only time will tell. For now both teams, and the players involved, are at least saying that they are playing like nothing is going on.  Certainly the thought of them changing cities is constantly on their minds, but that's part of sports. The fans in New York, they would be ecstatic if Anthony arrived in the Big Apple. But the cost to acquire him may be too great, and may even hurt the team in the long run.

Plaxico Burress and a Second Chance

While most of America is spending Valentine's Day at home with their families, former Giants All-Pro wideout Plaxico Burress is stuck in jail. Why? As many may already know, it is because he accidentally shot himself in the leg with an unlicensed weapon of his at a nightclub. He claimed that it "slipped down" his leg, and somehow, miraculously the trigger was pulled, and the gun fired. The firearms charge has held him in prison since September 23, 2009, almost a year after the incident occurred.

Now, with his release approaching (June 6), Plax's agent Drew Rosenhaus reported Saturday that he is in "terrific shape," and has been lifting five days a week in prison. Both he and Giants DE Osi Umenyiora think the 33-year-old is still capable of a substantial impact to an NFL team.

Umenyiora related Burress' future return to that of Michael Vick, which brings up the issue of a second chance. Certainly Plax is more worthy of one than Vick, and more people will be pulling for him than they did for the Eagles quarterback. The only crime Burress is guilty of is not licensing his weapon, while Vick cruelly mistreated dogs with intent. Plax did not hurt anyone, except himself on accident. The fact the gun went off seems to be completely accidental, even if stupid. While Plax certainly was endangering citizens with his illegal gun possession, he did not intend to harm anyone, and he did not, while Vick sent dogs to their death. Vick committed a cruel act and was, for the most part, forgiven for it. Burress made a boneheaded mistake, and come his likely eventual return, he should be as well.

Super Bowl XLV and Its Aftermath

Greg Jennings was able to "put the team on his back" once again in Super Bowl XLV yesterday (from the YouTube video, if you haven't seen it). The veteran receiver had two touchdown receptions from Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers while helping to write Green Bay into the history books, with the storied franchise's fourth Super Bowl victory. Jordy Nelson caught nine passes for 140 yards and a touchdown as well for the Cheeseheads.

The veteran star cornerback Charles Woodson finally will receive the ring he's relished, after breaking down in tears, being so upset that he broke his collarbone in the second quarter and wouldn't be able to return. But his team won the game for him, the man who's been the leader of this defense for years. Green Bay also lost receiver Donald Driver in the second quarter, though this was offset by Jordy Nelson's huge day on the most important one of his career.

Safety Nick Collins made the most vital play of his life twelve minutes into the game, when he intercepted an underthrown pass by Ben Roethlisberger and took it 37 yards to the house to give Green Bay the 14-0 lead. Fifteen minutes later Green Bay would make the score 21-3 on Jennings' first TD reception, and Daniel Tosh's 49-6 Packers prediction looked like a possible reality.

But the always resilient Steelers would work their way back into the ballgame, and came within three points with seven minutes left on Mike Wallace's 30-yard TD reception from Roethlisberger, to make the score 28-25. However, in their final drive, the Steelers  turned the ball over on downs with 50 seconds left, and the celebration began in Title Town.

Schools in Green Bay let out early for today's celebration, and seemingly half of the city was there to greet their team as they arrived home. Green Bay has just over 103,000 residents, and 73,000 will pack Lambeau tomorrow for the official celebration, tickets running at just $5. For the city of Green Bay, Vince Lombardi's trophy is in its rightful place.

While Green Bay is ecstatic, the NFL lockout looms over the rest of the league. Yesterday's Super Bowl is possibly the last game we will see for the next year and a half or so.  Fans may not be able to cheer on their team next season for a Super Bowl victory, a quest for a repeat in Title Town may have to wait.

Sixers' Return to Winning Ways

For the most part of this 2010-2011 basketball season, the Philadelphia 76ers have played in front of home crowds that barely fill a third of the Wells Fargo Center. Those few fans in attendance at first had little to cheer about, as the Sixers started what looked to be a terribly long season at with a 3-13 mark. But the wins this year, after the early misery, have started coming. And steadily, the bandwagon jumpers have decided to go to some games, the WFC is starting to fill, and the atmosphere that should be at any basketball game is beginning to return.

This current 76ers season has certainly had its fair share of heartbreak, completely disregarding the horrific 3-13 launch. There's been at least six games the Sixers have had under their belt, but let get away. Most recently was the game against the Memphis Grizzlies, when Philly managed to blow a 21-point 4th quarter lead.

The Sixers, since the best of the Iverson days, have taken a backseat to the Eagles, Phillies, and Flyers in the City of Brotherly Love. All three of those teams are now consistantly in championship contention; the 76ers far from it. Thus, Philly fans have paid them next to no attention. Even with this current hot streak, many fans still disregard them, and one could argue rightfully so. But some have noticed, while the Sixers still aren't a title contender, that they are playing some quality basketball.

In tonight's 100-98 thrilling win over the Knicks, there was some life in the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers inched within two games of the 6th spot in the East, possessed by New York. Elton Brand looked like the player he was with the Clippers, putting up 33 points (his highest total as a Sixer) as well as 16 boards. Andre Iguodala, the team's centerpiece, had 18 points to go along with 16 assists. Energy came from the bench. Every player contributed, and played with more effort than normally seen in an NBA game. Coach Doug Collins is in the midst of turning around another team, in this case what was a mess left by Eddie Jordan. The Sixers have won six of their last seven, the only loss being the aforementioned Grizzlies game.

Rather than in the midseason, the team's turnaround was supposed to be as a result of the 2010 NBA Draft. When the Sixers drafted Evan Turner, he was considered the savior for Philadelphia basketball, an up-and-coming star who would take the team from Iguodala's grasp. Coming off college basketball's National Player of the Year Award the season before at Ohio State, Turner was expected to take the helm and do what Allen Iverson did: put the team on his back. In the weeks before the season, the city anticipated Turner's debut, talk of him filling the city. He was the hero, receiving a standing O at a Phillies game. Though not yet a bust, this wasn't, or isn't yet, the reality. Turner is not even starting, but coming off the bench behind former Kentucky star, yet far less acclaimed Jodie Meeks. He's shown flashes of stardom, but as of right now his role is a contributor off the bench, whatever is best needed to help the team.

That very same team first aspect is a significant reason for these winning ways, every man on the team putting the common goal of any team in any league before his own personal interests. For example, Elton Brand knows he is no longer consitantly the player he once was. He's accepted the fact that he is no longer an NBA superstar, and has accepted coming off of the bench for a few games in the past. But he rarely sits now, leading the team in scoring and rebounding, and, while no longer at an all-star level he used to be, has become a backbone for this team. Marresse Speights, a guy who can certainly play in this league, scarely saw court time earlier in the year. He didn't sulk at all, but rather worked harder in practice and earned his PT, and now contributes when he's called upon.

Are the Sixers going to win an NBA Championship in 2011? No. Not a chance. But they certainly will at least put up a fight against either the Bulls or Heat, or whoever they play in the first round of the playoffs, even if they lose the series. In watching this team one can see they have the fight that other teams lack, which has led to wins. Which, currently, aren't so hard to come by any longer.

UPDATE: Farewell, Andy

After 240 career wins and 16 years in the Major Leagues, free agent left-hander Andy Pettitte is calling quits, capping off a solid career.

Pettitte, 38, will formally announce his retirement tomorrow, Friday February 4, 2011. The primary reason for his retirement is to spend more time with his wife and kids.

The battle between career and family is always a tough fought one for athletes, and Andy Pettitte was no exception. In the 2003-4 offseason, after 9 seasons with the New York Yankees to start his career, he left for his hometown Houston Astros, inking a 3-year deal to be closer to his family. Pettitte did return to the Yankees, however, signing a 2-year deal in the 2006-7 offseason. Pettitte's battle intensified after the deal expired in the fall of 2008. In the 2008-9 and 2009-10 offeasons, Pettitte returned to his home in Deer Park, TX to ponder is future, eventually choosing baseball. Always a class-act and a true family-man, Pettitte's commitment to his family took precedent this time.

With Pettitte's career in the books, the debate over his Hall of Fame candidacy is full on.

What has Pettitte accomplished?
240-138
3.88 ERA
2251 Ks
.635 WP%
3 All-Star Games
2 20+ win seasons
19 Postseason wins (the most in Major League History)
5 World Series Championships
8 Pennants

That is just a sample of Pettitte's miraculous resume. But will he get in? Yes.

Pettitte, while never dominating, has been a mark of consistency throughout his career and arguably the most clutch pitcher in Major League history. His postseason record is fantastic, having won 5 World Series, all with the Yankees.

To look at similar players, he measures up well. Pettitte won 203 of his 240 games for the Yankees while the all-time Yankees leader in wins and Hall of Famer Whitey Ford won all of his 236 games with the Yankees.

The primary argument against Pettitte is his HGH use in the early 2000s. However, his honesty and acknowledgment of his wrong-doing may earn him a free pass.

Regardless if he makes the Hall of Fame, he will be remembered as one of the greatest southpaws to ever pitch in the Major Leagues, and a beloved Yankee whose #46 will almost surely be retired.

Yankees, Andy Not So Dandy: Pettitte Saga Continues

Consistent, durable, and persevering; all words that can be used to describe the illustrious 16-year career of Andrew "Andy" Eugene Pettitte.

Since making his debut on April 29, 1995, the burly southpaw has been as dependable as they come. Armed with a devastating repertoire, sound mechanics, a deceptive pick-off move, and a frightening over-the-glove stare, Pettitte has been a fixture as one of the top lefties in the game for years. The Deer Park, TX native has won 240 games over the course of his career, 20 games in a season twice, and 19 postseason games, the most of any pitcher in MLB history. Also, he was a key piece in the New York Yankees' 5 World Series Championships between 1996 and 2009. In spite of the Mitchell Report which revealed him to have used HGH in the early 2000s, Pettitte still has a legitimate chance of being inducted into the Hall of Fame, thanks in part to his honesty regarding the matter. Debates regarding Pettitte's chances have already started.

But Pettitte is not finished yet. Or is he?

After spending the first 9 years of his Major League career with the Yankees, Pettitte left for three years to play for his hometown Houston Astros and be closer to his family. He returned to New York, however, signing a two-year deal in the 2006-7 offseason. Since that contract expired at the end of the 2008 season, Pettitte has gone home every offseason to ponder his baseball future. The homegrown Yankee has been faced with a common challenge among baseball players; striking a balance between family and career. In the previous two offseasons, Pettitte has chosen the latter, signing one-year pacts to return to the Bronx. This offseason, however, has been a different story. Less than two weeks away from Spring Training, Pettitte is still a free agent, unsure of what to do. In years past, Pettitte has not taken this long to decide what to do for the upcoming baseball season.

Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman has said many times that Pettitte has told the Yankees not to count on him to return for another season. Although Pettitte has yet to make a concrete decision about 2011 and his career, the Yankees have proceeded as if he will not sign. Much to their dismay, the Yankees will head into camp with a less-than-stellar rotation. A bright spot will be consistent all-star hurler C.C. Sabathia who shouldered 237.2 innings last season, winning 21 games. Following Sabathia will be the talented, but still inexperienced righty Phil Hughes, who did win 18 games in 2010 in spite of some second-half struggles. Next will be A.J. Burnett whose 2010 season was disastrous, to say the least. Rounding out the rotation will be rookie Ivan Nova and the inconsistent Sergio Mitre. After missing out on Cliff Lee to the Phillies, the Yankees rotation is certainly in a flux.

Should Pettitte decide to return for the 2011 season, he has made it clear that it will be his last. Pettitte has not shown any interest in returning to the Astros as he intends to retire as a Yankee.

Recent reports have indicated that Pettitte has been working out in his Deer Park, TX home, but the workouts have been minimal compared to those of previous years.

Neither Pettitte's ability nor his age have been called into question this offseason. Coming off a season in which he posted an impressive 3.28 ERA, Pettitte can still get the job done. This is Pettitte's dilemma and ultimately his decision. If he does decide to return, Cashman said he and the Yankees will gladly welcome Pettitte back.

Only time will tell what the veteran will do.