Fenway 100th anniversary nicely planned, but too bad game isn't fitting Fenway Park's centennial celebration is perfect. But will it make it to another 100 years? Danny Knobler says not if things keep going like this in Boston. Indifferent reception makes Ozzie's return much easier Ozzie Guillen's return to the Marlins bench goes fairly smooth -- no boos, no protest signs. Danny Knobler says it seems he may be forgiven and will stick around as long as they win. A-Rod's next quest is Mays, but will you be paying close attention? To Alex Rodriguez, home run No. 630 is a big deal. But will others see the subsequent ones that way? Danny Knobler isn't sure, given A-Rod's 'roids scandal. Braun greeted with overwhelming support in Brewers' opener If you were wondering how Ryan Braun would be received by Brewers fans after his PED mess, wonder no more. Danny Knobler says the fans are overwhelmingly supportive, and Braun looks relaxed. Verlander starts better than ever, looks like he may stay there By Justin Verlander's standards, April 2011 was unacceptable. After turning in the best performance of his five career opening-day starts, Danny Knobler says the Tigers' ace leaves little doubt against Boston. Cardinals won't be the same without La Russa on the bench There's no doubt Tony La Russa brought mystique to the Cardinals. He's a mad strategist. But he's gone, as is Albert Pujols. Danny Knobler still picks the Cards to win the Central, but says they won't be the same team.
March
Rays camp report: Likes, dislikes Danny Knobler points out what he likes and dislikes about the Rays, whose strength in 2012 is their rotation after boasting the American League's best ERA last season. Rays camp report: Bending baseball's laws the norm in Tampa The Rays should be losers, with their paltry payroll, middling attendance and wealthy AL East rivals. But Danny Knobler says this team is built to win this season -- and next -- and that's no fluke. Orioles camp report: Likes, dislikes Danny Knobler outlines what he likes and dislikes for the Orioles, who will be overmatched in the toughest division in baseball. Orioles camp report: Sure is taking a while for cavalry to arrive Jake Arrieta, Brian Matusz and Chris Tillman look sharp. Danny Knobler isn't getting his hopes up because, three springs ago, he heard that the Orioles' future was on the way and it still isn't here. A's camp report: Likes and dislikes Oakland has issues that no other team in baseball has. Like how to protect a rookie pitching prospect in the batting order. Or the absence of a true third baseman. Danny Knobler says don't expect much from Billy Beane's latest science project. A's camp report: Constant roster change never stops in Oakland After dealing three good, young arms for three younger, the thrifty A's don't expect to compete with the Rangers and Angels. At least, not this year. Danny Knobler says it's business as usual in Oakland. White Sox camp report: Likes, dislikes Danny Knobler outlines what he likes and dislikes about the White Sox, who'll begin their campaign with inexperienced manager Robin Ventura. White Sox camp report: Will this 'nutty' Ventura hiring work? It took some convincing to get Robin Ventura to manage the White Sox. And so far, the team thinks the hiring is a success. Danny Knobler? He isn't so sure, especially when Chicago hasn't played a game that counts. Rangers camp report: Likes, dislikes We're not used to talking about the Rangers' pitching as a strength, but along with a monster lineup, the rotation and bullpen are both stacked. Now, if only they could've signed Prince. Camp report: Rangers get closer and starter in one deal The Rangers can't make Neftali Feliz a starter without a new closer. Enter Joe Nathan, who gets a two-year deal, something Texas doesn't usually do. Danny Knobler says they got two for the price of one. Indians camp report: Likes, dislikes Danny Knobler outlines what he likes and dislikes about an Indians team with the ability to surpass expectations. Indians camp report: Trash in Boston, Masterson now Indians' treasure Justin Masterson, not Ubaldo Jimenez, will be the Indians' opening day starter. Danny Knobler says this should settle the debate over whether Masterson even belonged in a rotation. Angels camp report: Trumbo's switch to third key this season Albert Pujols at first base. Kendrys Morales the DH. Now can you imagine if Mark Trumbo's move to third works out? Danny Knobler says that's exactly what the Angels are hoping. Angels camp report: Likes and dislikes While most of the focus has been on the addition of Albert Pujols, Danny Knobler highlights another strength of the Angels -- their top four in the starting rotation. Jays camp report: likes, dislikes There's a lot to like about the Blue Jays. Young talent. A strong bullpen. And of course, Jose Bautista. But Danny Knobler says the starting rotation needs more depth in the always-tough American League East. Blue Jays camp report: Hopes high for talented Rasmus Nobody questions Colby Rasmus' talent. He had some trouble in St. Louis, but he says he's rejuvenated in Toronto. Danny Knobler says if the Blue Jays make a surge, he'll be a big reason why. Camp report | Likes and dislikes Phillies camp report: Likes, dislikes There are a lot of things to like about the Phillies, namely an other-world pitching staff that includes Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and the new acquisition Jonathan Papelbon. But health is an issue, as is an improved NL East. Phillies camp report: World Series title or bust in 2012 Five straight years the Phillies have won the NL East. But since winning the 2008 World Series, they've gone backward in October. This season, Danny Knobler says anything short of a world title is a failure.
