What We've Learned So Far

Position players have now been in spring camp for roughly a week...and we're on the verge of the first pitches being thrown in the 2007 exhibition schedule.

So with the games set to begin in just a couple of days, what have we learned about the 2007 MLB season since camps have opened?

* First, we've learned that it's not easy to pitch with a torn rotator cuff...even if the tear is "just" a partial one. Angels' ace Bartolo Colon is now likely to miss the season opener with his injury, and Baltimore's Kris Benson looks like a lost cause for the entire season. Colon presents an intriguing draft day decision for fantasy owners. You could wind up getting a staff ace at a deep discount, or you could end up with a great big bag of nothing.

* Speaking of nothing, that Manny Ramirez soap opera sure was fun, wasn't it? While I'm not a Red Sox fan, I must admit even I have grown tired of his act. Although it was interesting that a major league player attempted to pull a "Johnny Fairplay" in an attempt to go to a car auction.

* We've learned that the Philadelphia Phillies use Google to look for talent. (OK, sort of...)

* Perhaps the most interesting storyline of spring training so far comes out of Fort Myers, as the investigation into Daisuke Matsuzaka's "gyroball" continues. We've reached the point where the suspense is killing me. Sure, I realize it's probably nothing...but the potential impact of a new pitch unleashed on big league hitters is difficult to ignore.

But what we haven't learned yet is whether or not baseball fans will be able to watch out-of-market games this season on any outlet other than Directv. It's absolutely amazing to me that the season is now nearly a month away and there has been no announcement regarding the Extra Innings package for 2007.

I consider myself lucky, as I'm a Directv customer. But I can understand the frustration of those fans who are wondering if they'll be left in the dark -- or scrambling to activate Directv service -- when the season rolls around.

And as the exhibition season kicks off on Wednesday, let's keep a close eye on Directv (and others) to see if preseason broadcasts are blacked out. In the past few years, most games have been available with no blackout (via the sports package) but one has to wonder if that policy will change going forward.

Here's a simple idea for Bud Selig: As a die-hard baseball fan, Bud, I am prepared to pay you roughly $200 for the privelege of watching out-of-market games on TV. (And, please, don't tell me about MLB.TV...that's a separate issue.) So, Bud, if you wouldn't mind just telling me where to send the check, that would be great. Oh, and while you're at it...how about stepping up to the plate like your NBA and NHL counterparts and making all of the games available? Your blackout policies are absolutely archaic...and the fact that you continue to insist that out-of-market broadcasts of classic games remain blacked out in the off-season is laughable.

The fans are ready to hand over the money, Mr. Commissioner. All we're asking for is a little common sense in return.