Around the Horn: Hot Stove, Dec.6, 2010

(1) Adrian Gonzalez traded to Red Sox.

(2) Derek Jeter agrees to 3-year deal with Yankees.

(3) Mariano Rivera agrees to 2-year deal with Yankees.

(4) Lance Berkman signs with Cardinals.

(5) Cliff Lee will become insanely rich.

(6) Carl Pavano will hit it big as 2nd best SP on market.

(7) Jayson Werth gets seven years from Nationals.

(8) Adam Dunn signs with White Sox.

(9) Carl Crawford looking for $150 million plus over eight years.

(10) Mark Reynolds now an Oriole.

By Ray Flowers

Around the Horn: April26, 2010

(1) Ryan Howard backs up the money truck, and it’s fully loaded.

(2) Ian Kinsler to hit 5th upon return.

(3) Red Sox lineup in flux.

(4) Miguel Olivo gaining more looks at expense of Chris Iannetta.
*NOTE: After video was made, the club demoted Iannetta to Triple-A in the hopes that he will relax and rediscover his stroke.

(5) Jeff Suppan out of rotation, replaced by Chris Narveson.

(6) D’backs offense looks good with Johnson-Young-Reynolds.

By Ray Flowers

Around the Horn: March 15, 2010

(1) Is the 27 year old breakout season a reality or a myth? See below for links.

(2) Which 1B/2B/3B are being undervalued in fantasy leagues? See below for links.

(3) Yovani Gallardo looked really good on Monday dominating the Indians.

(4) Brian Roberts gets epidural for injured back.

(5) Kerry Wood shut down with back woes.

(6) Joe Nathan to throw on Saturday, test elbow.

(7) Octavio Dotel improving, should pitch in game this week.

(8) Mark Reynolds becomes a rich man in desert.

27-Year-Olds: Hitters.

27-Year-Olds: Pitchers.

Taking Sides: First Base.

Taking Sides: Second Base.

Taking Sides: Third Base.

By Ray Flowers

Around the Horn: March 11, 2010

(1) Jose Reyes thyroid update – out 1-7 weeks.

(2) Brian Roberts (back) ready for BP.

(3) Brandon Webb likely to start year on DL.

(4) Lance Berkman continues to be bothered by knee. Will visit doctor again.
Note: After this video was made, it was announced that Berkman would have minor surgery on his knee and likely miss 2-4 weeks.

(5) Shawn Marcum looking good in camp, might start opening day for Blue Jays.

(6) David Price and his hand are OK after being hit by bat.

(7) Brian Giles decides to hang up the spikes.

Oh, and for those of you out there with teenagers – or for those of you who can’t get enough of vampires or stories of timeless love – the first trailer for The Twilight Saga: Eclipse came out today. Make fun of me all you want, you know you’re clicking on the link to check it out.

By Ray Flowers

Around the Horn: March 4, 2010

(1) Jose Reyes visits doctor, but still healthy. Turns out it had nothing to do with his hamstring.

(2) Hank Blalock deciding between Rays and Marlins. Neither is offering full-time role.

(3) David Aardsma tweaks groin. Not a major issue, but brings up how useful Brandon League might end up being.

(4) Ike Davis Mets’ first basemen of future. Can Daniel Murphy hold him off in the present?

(5) Max Scherzer struggles for Tigers in first outing.

(6) Brandon Webb frustrated with speed of comeback from shoulder surgery. No setbacks reported but he feels like he has “stagnated” in the process.

Here are some links to a few of my most recent pieces at Fanball.com which are free to view.

Crawford vs. Ellsbury.

Average Bases Allowed – Starters.

Average Bases Allowed – Relievers.

By Ray Flowers

Around the Horn: Feb 24, 2010

(1) Russell Branyan to start at 1B for Indians sending Matt LaPorta to left field and Michael Brantley to Triple-A.

(2) Cliff Lee throws for first time since minor foot surgery.

(3) Astros to have 9th inning competition between Brandon Lyon and Matt Lindstrom. You can read my thoughts in Breaking Down: Lyon/Lindstrom.

(4) Josh Hamilton injures shoulder.

(5) Livan Hernandez signs with Nationals for $900,000 plus incentives.

(6) Hank Blalock to Marlins/Rays as left-handed power bat off bench?

(7) Chad Qualls undervalued on draft day with an ADP of over 200.

(8) Olympic anguish with ice hockey being taped delayed. You can witness my frustration at USA Olympic Hockey Delay.

By Ray Flowers

Around the Horn: Feb.11, 2010

(1) Is Johnny Damon nearing a deal with the Tigers? White Sox and Braves still in the mix.

(2) Elijah Dukes signs 1-year deal with Nationals.

(3) Looks like Giants and Tim Lincecum will go to arbitration on Friday.

(4) Stephen Strasburg says his knee is healthy, ready to go for Nationals.

(5) Chad Qualls healthy, a sleeper closing option in 2010.

(6) Who will close for Astros – Brandon Lyon or Matt Lindstrom? You can read more about this battle at Breaking Down: Lyon/Lindstrom.

By Ray Flowers