Finally, we get to see some action from our Lords of the Diamond tomorrow as spring training gets rolling. Not that we haven't gotten some already from our peeks at the goofy practices, but after all the off-season antics we're ready for some competition. So here are the top reasons you should be pumped to pull yourself away from college hockey and delve back into the season that truly never ends ...
10. What else are your grandparents who live in Florida going to do? Shuffleboard?
9. In one practice, David Wells will cover first on a ground ball more than he will all season. Earn your money, Boomaahh!!
8. You'll get to hear the annual "Ken Griffey Jr. is healthier than ever this year!" Sure he is.
7. Now another city besides Boston will have to worry about how to pronounce Mientkiewicz, let alone spell it.
6. Sosa's in Baltimore, Pedro's a Met, Bonds might have to lay off the "special cream" for good ... it's a whole new game this season.
5. You'll get one last peek at Millar pre-Queer Eye. Some of you may have grown attached to the small animal that nested on his face last season, but now that he has his ring, we wouldn't mind a little less cowboy.
4. Come on, don't you miss Tim McCarver? Just a little bit?
3. Without the NHL to supply some good, old-fashioned sports violence, things have been a little dull. But give the verbal war a few more weeks, and "Brandon" Arroyo might just be ready to throw high and inside to Alex "Deadbeat Dad" Rodriguez. Who knows, maybe A-Rod has had time to perfect his slapping technique during the offseason.
2. We all know baseball has moments when it's less than stimulating, but now you can amuse yourself by playing "spot the player who's shrunk." Thanks, Jose Canseco!
1. March 7 -- the first Sox-Yankees matchup. Now that the Yankees have the Big Unit and a reason to be bitter back at Boston fans, the Sox-Yankees rivalry will be even more intense (if that's possible).
-- By Jessica Genninger and Tim Whelan<$>
