Thursday's first pitch

OK, so what if he can't get around on a fast ball anymore? Is barely better than Geoff Jenkins in the outfield. And doesn't have the grace on the base paths. But he's giving us the biggest news of the day.

He's Ken Griffey Jr. Masher of more than 600 homers. A member of the all-century team. So what if he's had a rough nine year absence?
He returned home.

While Junior had to choose between Atlanta and Seattle, The Kid got a little help from The Say Hey Kid.

The Southpaw's take: He's basically a marginal player who's going to need 20-30 games off. But wouldn't it be wonderful if Junior Griffey caught lightning and pulled some of that magic out of the damp Seattle air, took us back to the early 90s, and gave us something to believe in. OK, the Southpaw's gotten that out of his system and promises to stop gushing.

In Alex Rodriguez news, that cousin has been identified. And no it's not Paulie Walnuts. But, yes, A-Rod isn't done answering questions yet.

Now, back to Spring Training, where the sun always shines, the flies are always shagged and Prince Fielder has to run sprints.

• After two years of making predictions and two years of making the playoffs, Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins isn't playing prognosticator any more. No bold forecasts, other than the Phillies will beat the New York Mets. Gotta love this rivalry.


• It's almost a done deal for Brian Roberts and the Baltimore Orioles


• The Baltimore Sun takes a look at the top 5 second basemen in the game. And, surprise, Chase Utley and Brian Roberts make the list.


• The Washington Nationals were duped. But The Washington Post shows why they're not alone.