Why talk about the Reds in February?

1) Because you'll never get to talk about them in October

2) They hired a new GM this month, stealing from the Twins Organization - one that has seen amazing stability over the last 10-15 years and that is worth reporting.

3) They just fired a guy for reporting to camp overweight. Josh Hancock just reported to camp 17 pounds overweight and the organization believes it does not show a commitment to playing baseball and thus cut him. Now, in theory, I'm fine with this, but what happens in about a week and a half when Adam Dunn shows up to camp 25 pounds over last year's playing weight. Do you think he gets cut? Doubtful...

4) This humorous story is the only reason to talk about the Reds, and in and of itself, it isn't that interesting. End of blog.

The most wonderful time...

...of the year is coming upon on. Pitchers and Catchers have started to report. However, spring training will offer less than it's normal appeal this year as Bud Selig has force fed the World Baseball Classic down the throats of...well...every major league team AND the rest of the world. The idea in and of itself is good, but it could really have an impact on the economies of Florida and Arizona as fans may not flock en masse to their favorite teams complexes when the superstars they want to cheer for and get autographs from are not even around.

Oh, and the fact that no one cares about the WBC is bad for baseball and spring training also. Hockey has figured out the right plan - Olympics every four years - give your players two weeks off to attend and let the best fight it out, and then get back to work. This interrupting spring training to bring together players who are just working themselves into game shape risks injuries while not allowing teams to bring their A competition.

The WBC is good for baseball, don't get me wrong. But it's NOT good for baseball when it happens currently. Fix that, and we could add some legitimacy to whichever team wins it all this year.

Kyle Lohshe. What the...???

Let me get this straight. I'm a pitcher. I have a 9-13 record for not one, but TWO seasons in a row. My fastball dominance and K ratio has been DECREASING over the last three years. I am a number four starter for an average team. I have youngsters chomping at the bit to take my spot in the rotation because, I, well, stink.

But I'm pretty and I've made a deal with the arbitrator devil over the last two years so I'm qualified to make FOUR MILLION DOLLARS!!!

Please, somebody, help me understand.

The Baseball Weasel is home...

The intent of this blog is to highlight some of the important things happening in the world of major and minor league baseball. I'll make no promises that I actually make routine posts related to the world of baseball, but the weasel in me just wanted to grab this blog title before some other weasel did.