Spring Training Fever

It's nearing the end of February, and that means one thing:

Spring training is in full swing my friends.

Yep, in Florida and Arizona, your favorite MLB teams are gearing up for the 2012 season. A season which is 43 days away, in case you were wondering.

Also? Who here doesn't think spring officially starts with Opening Day?

So grab your mitt and your batting helmet as we survey some MLB notes and notables.

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No Place Like Home

OF Nate Mclouth is once again returning to the Pittsburgh Pirates after spending the last three seasons with Atlanta. I mourned Mclouth's loss from the Bucs roster, but I'm curious to see how he will fit into the current line-up. Nate's return, along with the Pittsburgh's off-season acquirement of pitcher A.J. Burnett from the Yankees should have Pirate fans giddy for the upcoming season.

Speaking of the Yankees, the men in pinstripes just signed Raul Ibanez to a one-year contract as a DH. Ibanez, who beat out free agents like Johnny Damon for the gig, is expected to provide defense for New York.

I get to hang out with Tony Danza, Christopher Lloyd,
and Danny Glover, right?

Also joining a new team this season is Albert Pujols, who is leaving the reigning World Series Champs St. Louis Cardinals for greener, more western pastures. Pujols will be sporting an Anaheim jersey come this April after spending the last 11 years in St. Louis. The Cardinals' loss is Anaheim's gain, since  "The Machine" brings with him two championship rings and countless MLB records. Looks like California might be seeing some Angels in the Outfield....or at least on the first base line.

And finally, SF Catcher Buster Posey is returning to his catcher's position after last season's devastating injury.  One little difference? Posey has been told by Manager Bruce Bochy that under no circumstances should he consider blocking the plate again. Bochy, who is lobbying for stricter regulations concerning contact with catchers, said that he'd rather sacrifice a run or two to keep Posey from getting re-injured.


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MLB fans....excited that spring training is here? Thrilled that Opening Day is just around the corner? Hit me up and let me know!


Images provided by texas.rangers.,mlblogspittpeas, and sportscasm.