Spring training preview: Forget snowballs, it's time for baseball

Screw the groundhog, that negative and depressing little rodent. Six more weeks of winter? I don't think so.

We've got pitchers and catchers (on the field Thursday), flip-flops and coconut oil (in the suitcase now) and Grapefruit and Cactus League games (on the schedule soon).

Red Sox mascot Wally the Green Monster is certainly excited that spring training is around the corner. (AP)

We have extra catchers (reporting now) and we have dinner reservations (but, sadly, not at Richardson's Cuisine of New Mexico, which was gutted by a fire last July and no longer will be serving those great Prickly Pear margaritas and blackened scallops).

Blizzards may be blanketing the East Coast and Midwest, but by Thursday, when the Pittsburgh Pirates officially will have been eliminated, pitchers and catchers from 11 clubs will run through their first workouts, you'd better believe spring will be here. And not a moment too soon.

Five key spring storylines

Batter up ...

1. St. Louis' new hitting coach: If the game has emerged from the Steroid Era, then riddle me this, Batman: Why is this the third consecutive spring that camp will open under its shadow? Mark McGwire as St. Louis' new hitting coach this year. Alex Rodriguez last year. Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte two springs ago.

2. Joe Mauer's contract negotiations: Come on. If he doesn't re-sign with the Twins, it will be the biggest upset in the Twin Cities since Mary Richards and crew were fired from WJM.

3. Age discrimination: Nothing says collusion "wretched economy" quite like high-priced veterans John Smoltz, Pedro Martinez, Jermaine Dye, Russell Branyan, Gary Sheffield and Carlos Delgado all still knocking on doors. On the other hand, turns out Frank Thomas was retired for nearly two years and didn't even realize it until this month. Brother, can't a geezer get a break?

4. War of the McCourts: Two days after the Dodgers were eliminated by Philadelphia in the NLCS last October, owner Frank McCourt fired his wife, Jamie. Within days of that, she filed for divorce. The trial is due in May. They will be auditioning for custody this spring.

5. Team Steinbrenner defends its title: Now that the Yankees have won their 27th World Series, manager Joe Girardi is changing his jersey number this year from 27 to 28. Because tailors just couldn't make "$200 million payroll" fit.

Five best spring storylines

Non-paparazzi division ...

1. The difference between the Twins and Hooters? Imagine the Twins, prepping to move into new Target Field this year, with a $96 million payroll. The cute and cuddly Twins! It's disconcerting, like learning your shy old girlfriend has gone crazy with a Corvette and a boob job. It may take Mauer and Justin Morneau all spring to get over the sight of Orlando Hudson at second, J.J. Hardy at short and Jim Thome making a pit stop here on his way toward the Shady Acres Retirement Home for Designated Hitters.

2. The burgeoning Phillies dynasty: Having just missed becoming the first NL team to win back-to-back World Series since the 1975-1976 Reds, the Phillies bagged ace Roy Halladay and again have positioned themselves as NL favorites. And if closer Brad Lidge bounces back from knee and elbow surgeries and Placido Polanco can play third base, they'll really be scary.

3. Boston's market: Choking yet again on the vapor trails of a Yankees World Series triumph, the Red Sox have reconfigured their club with what they hope will be better pitching -- add John Lackey to Josh Beckett and Jon Lester -- and an improved defense. Mike Cameron in center field bumps Jacoby Ellsbury over to left. Marco Scutaro at shortstop. Adrian Beltre at third. Mike Lowell at ... hey! Wait! They forgot to trade Lowell!

4. Cubs under new ownership: Because the old ownership employed Milton Bradley. Phew, I think manager Lou Piniella is going to get along with the new ownership just fine.

5. The tightening of the AL West: The Angels have won five of the past six division titles, but the Mariners (Cliff Lee, Felix Hernandez, Ichiro Suzuki, Chone Figgins) and Rangers (Neftali Feliz, Derek Holland, a healthy Josh Hamilton, fleet center fielder Julio Borbon, Elvis Andrus) are closing the gap quickly.

Five best spring stops

Who needs Diners, Drive-ins and Dives when you've got me?

1. Le Tub, Hollywood, Fla.: Still my favorite place in Florida. A funky old Sunoco service station turned into a great bar at a gorgeous spot on the Intracoastal Waterway. The burgers were named best in the country in a GQ magazine ranking a few years back. The peel-and-eat shrimp ain't bad, either.

2. Nino's Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant, Fort Myers, Fla.: Great, fresh Italian food, not to mention a sentimental favorite. Graziano and his staff have been running this joint since the very first day I set foot in Fort Myers 16 springs ago.

3. Harry's Seafood Bar and Grill, Lakeland, Fla.: I'm going to have the smoked sausage with red beans and rice tonight. No, make that the crawfish etouffe. Wait, no, make it the jambalaya. For some reason, I think of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil when I look at the trees in the park across from this joint. It's what I image Savannah, Ga., might look like.

4. Pizzeria Bianco, Phoenix: Would be ranked higher if not for the regular two-hour wait to get in. This place exploded after Rachel Ray gave it rave reviews. Among others, I can vouch for the Wiseguy Pizza -- wood roasted onion, house-smoked mozzarella and fennel sausage.

5. Lenny's, Clearwater, Fla.: This is a new entry this year after a couple of readers wrote to scold me last year, informing me that it's annually voted the best breakfast spot in the Tampa Bay area. I put it in my rankings this year based on reader reaction, and after I get there this spring (it's a block from Phillies' camp), maybe it'll jet up the rankings higher next year.

Five intriguing spring storylines

Best part of spring is the unknown ...

1. Aroldis Chapman and the Reds' opening day rotation: Whether the left-hander whose fastball touches 100 mph can win a job this spring will be fascinating, especially to Reds manager Dusty Baker, who's entering the final year of his contract.

2. Stephen Strasburg aims for Nats' opening day rotation: The most ballyhooed top pick in history will tackle the bally and try to live up to the hoo.

3. The sun setting on the Angels' empire? Losing ace John Lackey and leadoff man Chone Figgins are two key blows to the Angels. They're more dependent than they probably should be on free-agent pitcher Joel Pineiro and permanent prospect Brandon Wood at third.

4. Can the Rays get their juju back? Given the usual money spent and headlines earned by the Yankees and Red Sox, it's easy to forget that Tampa Bay remains very dangerous and very talented. As in, there are those who believe the 2010 Rays roster might be the most talented in history. Under-the-radar free-agent signing Rafael Soriano is huge. The Rays had bullpen issues last year, and they're depending on him to fix them.

5. The Mets' mess: Measured against the lack of catching, lack of depth in the rotation, the late surgery on Carlos Beltran, the signing of free-agent slugger Jason Bay resembles window dressing far more than postseason bunting.

Five most improved clubs

Adding Cliff Lee to the mix makes Seattle a contender again. (AP)

While the NL mostly hibernated ...

1. Mariners: Cliff Lee will thrive in a pitcher's park and, for manager Don Wakamatsu, having Lee and Felix Hernandez atop the rotation will be more luxurious than a Lamborghini. Chone Figgins adds a dimension the M's need to score runs and, who knows, maybe even Milton Bradley will thrive under the wing of wise man Ken Griffey Jr.? Or not.

2. Yankees: Two key upgrades in Curtis Granderson and Javier Vazquez. And here's the key with Vazquez: He has a lot better chance to flourish in the No. 4 slot in the rotation than he did in his previous New York tour when he was up higher.

3. Orioles: Kevin Millwood alone is not a savior, but as a piece of a puzzle that includes lots of young players on their way up -- Brian Matusz, Chris Tillman, Matt Wieters, Adam Jones etc. -- he works.

4. Red Sox: The rotation depth is ridiculous: Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, John Lackey, Daisuke Matsuzaka (though I fall asleep just typing his name, let alone watching him nibble at the plate), Clay Buchholz, Tim Wakefield. A defense that is significantly improved. Now all they need is a healthy David Ortiz to top it off.

5. Twins: Not only for the new double-play duo of Orlando Hudson and J.J. Hardy, but because one-time ace Francisco Liriano, now a couple of years past surgery, re-gained confidence in his slider this winter and could be on the cusp of a killer season.

Five least improved clubs

The Pink Floyd division (comfortably numb) ...

1. Blue Jays: They traded Doc Halladay and are in re-tool mode after thinking they could make a playoff run the past several springs.

2. Astros: Good luck, Lance Berkman. A three-year deal to Brandon Lyon?

3. Dodgers: 2009 - Randy Wolf - Juan Pierre - Orlando Hudson + Jamey Carroll = decline.

4. Indians: Oh, if only there were more to talk about this winter than Grady Sizemore's cell phone flap.

5. Royals: Somebody, quick, help. Rick Ankiel? Scott Podsednik? Josh Fields? When Jason Kendall is the key addition ... good luck, Zack Greinke.

Five spring essentials

It's all in the packing. ...

1. Sunblock: Especially if you can talk your way into a convertible at the rental car counter.

2. Sunglasses: See No. 1.

3. iPod: Because, not to say most Florida radio stations are garbage as you're crossing the state, but I'm pretty sure they're run by Waste Management.

4. Bathing suit: Because even if you don't have time for the beach, your hotel has a pool. And even if you don't have time for that, your hotel pool has a Jacuzzi.

5. Appropriate footwear: Usually, flip-flops work just fine.

Five nostalgic storylines

Bobby Cox will roam the Braves bench for one more season. (Getty Images)

Somebody bring the tissues. ...

1. Bobby Cox enters final spring as Atlanta skipper: This story thread is moving up the charts more quickly than Taylor Swift. From No. 4 two years ago to No. 3 last spring to No. 1 this year.

2. Tom Glavine re-joins Braves as special assistant to president John Schuerholz: Memo to self: Take extra box of tissues to Braves camp.

3. Miguel Tejada returns to the Orioles: To play third base, not shortstop. Who's next, Rafael Palmeiro?

4. Pitching coach Rick Peterson re-joins manager Ken Macha: In Milwaukee, where the Brewers still haven't recovered from losing CC Sabathia a year ago. Peterson was the pitching guru in Oakland when Macha was there. Now it's the Brewers who need his magic.

5. Mark McGwire returns to St. Louis: Whoops, maybe this one isn't so nostalgic.

Three potential trade targets

We'll fill out a top five here toward July ...

1. Adrian Gonzalez, Padres: Petco, where the pets go ... and where contenders will visit by July if (when) Padres are out of the race.

2. Mike Lowell, Red Sox: Don't be surprised if that Texas trade isn't re-visited by spring's end once Lowell proves his thumb is healthy this spring.

3. Carl Crawford, Rays: A free agent next winter and Tampa Bay's revenue streams aren't streaming.

Five best offseason trades

1. Mariners acquire Cliff Lee: Paired with Felix "The King" Hernandez, it's so sublime that it's almost enough to make you forget Seattle currently has Ryan Rowland-Smith lined up as the No. 3 starter. Almost.

2. Phillies acquire Roy Halladay: Cushioned in the baby powder-comfy NL, Halladay may pull a Randy Johnson and win three consecutive Cy Young awards.

3. Yankees acquire Curtis Granderson: Must ... get ... younger. And ... more ... athletic. Check.

4. Orioles acquire Kevin Millwood: Not that Brian Matusz and Co. need a babysitter, but Millwood being around to offer advice and pay for pizza on the road will help the maturation process.

5. White Sox bag Juan Pierre: From lockering near Manny Ramirez to listening to manager Ozzie Guillen. What could possibly be next for this classy sparkplug? Wait, don't answer that.

Five geographical double-takes

Ronnie Belliard has plenty of incentive to shed a few pounds this spring. (US Presswire)

Because geography quizzes never get old ...

1. Orioles move to Sarasota: It is impossible to understate how badly Baltimore needed out of Fort Lauderdale and, mostly, to consolidate the major and minor league operations. Seriously.

2. Jim Edmonds in Milwaukee: The Brewers need a wise old hand in case Carlos Gomez, acquired from Minnesota, suddenly develops brain-freeze on the bases.

3. Ben Sheets in Oakland: The A's have had a hard-throwing right-hander with a propensity to get hurt. His name is Rich Harden.

4. Carlos Santana in Cleveland: Look, a Black Magic Catcher? Alas, it's not that Carlos Santana. But this one is going to be really, really smooth behind the plate for a really, really long time.

5. Ronnie Belliard on the scales: True story: The veteran journeyman, vying for the Dodgers' second base job, is guaranteed $825,000 this year if he weighs 209 pounds or less at some point during spring training.

Five comeback stories

Look, they're all pitchers ...

1. Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks: If Webb is healthy -- and he's expected to be -- then Arizona could bounce right back into contention in the NL West.

2. Tim Hudson, Braves: Says this is the best he has felt in eight years.

3. Jeff Francis, Rockies: After he missed all of 2009, Francis is healthy and will join Ubaldo Jimenez, Aaron Cook, Jorge De La Rosa and Jason Hammel in what should be an NL West-winning rotation.

4. Jake Westbrook, Indians: Hasn't thrown a pitch in the majors since 2008. Too bad when he finally does Victor Martinez, CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee, Mark DeRosa and others will be long gone.

5. Chris Capuano, Brewers: Milwaukee can use all the pitching it can get. We'll get a clue this spring whether Capuano can eventually help. The poor guy hasn't thrown a big league pitch since September 2007, and is coming back from two Tommy John ligament transfer surgeries. Here's hoping we see him again soon.

Five best spring venues

Let the games begin ...

1. Scottsdale Stadium, Giants: Beautiful little park nestled in a neighborhood. And when the game's over, you can walk over to the Italian Grotto in Oldtown Scottsdale (but sadly, the historic Pink Pony has closed its doors).

2. Joker Marchant Stadium, Tigers: It's a Valentine's love story, the Tigers and Lakeland. Baseball's longest-running relationship between club and town, the Tigers will open their 74th consecutive spring in Lakeland.

3. Brighthouse Field, Phillies: All of the modern amenities while retaining the cozy atmosphere you expect at spring training. Plus, there's a Frenchy's out in left field, where you can get grouper sandwiches.

4. Tempe Diablo Stadium, Angels: Location, location, location. Gorgeous spot at the foot of Mt. Diablo.

5. HoHoKam Park, Cubs: First class, and always electricity in the air.

Five rookies to watch

Kids. Look at 'em. ...

1. Jason Heyward, Braves: From opening day right fielder to NL Rookie of the Year? You can watch the process develop this spring.

2. Stephen Strasburg, Nationals: The next Washington Monument begins his professional career in earnest alongside the grazing cows in Viera.

3. David Freese, Cardinals: The third base job in St. Louis is there for the taking.

4. Scott Sizemore, Tigers: Watching their dollars, the Tigers let Placido Polanco go and hope Scott will grow into the second impact Sizemore in the AL Central (after Cleveland's Grady).

5. Logan Morrison, Marlins: Look out, this kid could knock Gaby Sanchez clear into the trade market.

Five best spring sights

For purple mountain majesties ...

1. The Tampa Bay glistening in the early-morning sun while driving over the causeway from Tampa to St. Petersburg (or, the Bay while traveling over the Sunshine Skyway).

2. The Arizona desert on the I-10 drive from Phoenix to Tucson. Bonus: You pass the Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch.

3. Sanibel Island, Florida. Just a scenic view away from Fort Myers.

4. Mill Avenue, Tempe, Ariz. The heart of the Arizona State campus and the scenery is incredible, if you get my drift.

5. The Intracoastal Waterway from an outdoor booth at Le Tub. Especially with one of those cheeseburgers in your hand.