Do you smell that? Breathe deep, and you can just catch it – a glimpse of leather, dirt, and green grass tickling your nostrils.

Yes, Spring Training 2010 is upon us, my WannaBe Brethren. Baseball is less than a month and a half away. With the approach of each club’s mandatory workouts, we’re getting closer and closer to some of the best months on the American sporting calender.

More than any other, baseball is a game driven by history. It’s been called, “The Haunted Game”, a name which I find to be particularly apt. In no other game will you find the heroes of today compared and competing so closely with the legends of seasons gone by. It’s sport fueled by tradition, by century-spanning passion, and by stories.

So here, without further ado, are some of the biggest storylines to watch in this year’s run toward the World Series. On thing’s for sure, it’ll be a season like no other.

Capable Hands
Seattle, thanks in large part to general manager Jack Zduriencik, has put together a roster focusing almost exclusively on defense and run-prevention. This is not a new strategy, but it’s one that the Mariners are seeking to take to the next level. Despite their AL-low offensive output in 2009, the team managed to finish with a respectable record. Add in a rotation which include Felix Hernandez and Cliff Lee, and you’ve got a possible recipe for success.

Yankee Repeat?
Brian Cashman made some of the best moves in the entire market this offseason, including the addition of Curtis Granderson. With their impressive starting rotation still in place, it’s hard not to pick the Yanks to make yet another October run. Things will have to go very, very badly for the club not to make it to playoff time. Also, be sure to keep an eye on the Derek Jeter situation. Mr. Yankee is in the final year of his contract, and has stated publicly that he has no interest in playing anywhere else. Will the club share his sentiment?

All Eyes On Mark
We all know about the McGwire’s steroid use. And with Big Mac back in the game, he’ll have to field more questions than ever regarding his checkered baseball past. Can he find a way to redeem himself and save his shot at the Hall of Fame? Or will he finally crack, and let slip a few incriminating words? It’ll be interesting to see McGwire back in the company of Tony LaRussa, who has managed some of the most steroid-laden rosters in memory. Canseco, McGwire, Ankiel, and others – Is one of baseball’s best all-time skippers a steroid enabler? We may find out this season

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Tags | Baseball, baseball cards, Derek Jeter, MLB, Tony LaRussa, Yankees