It's About Damn Time

Welcome back to the action, Justin Morneau.

After being sidelined by a season ending concussion just before he was set to play in the All-Star game last July, Justin Morneau FINALLY played ball today. During the first half of the 2010 season, the Twins first baseman was on his way to another MVP caliber season, batting .345, hitting 18 bombs, and 56 RBI before sliding headfirst into the knee of Toronto shortstop John MacDonald.

Our Canadian Crusher played in his first game this spring in a B-squad game against the Pirates. His first at bat was nothing to write home about, other than he actually had a first at bat. But on his second trip to the plate, he cracked a bases loaded double. Welcome back, indeed.

Remember Marky Mark?

Remember when Mark Mulder was awesome?

The St. Louis Cardinals lefty returned to the mound Monday night, not to start (Lohse dominated that position) but to finish. And after two shoulder surgeries, maybe he's just lucky to be back on the hill.

Mulder, 30, made his first career relief appearance, doubling as his season debut against the New York Mets, serving up a scoreless ninth in his team's 7-1 victory. He allowed two hits before getting Jose Reyes to fly out to end the game. Welcome back, buddy!

[USA Today] | [Cards Clubhouse] | [Viva El Birdos] | [Cardinal Twist]

Pitchers and Catchers!!!

Happy Pitchers and Catchers, People!!



It's time for our boys to put down the doughnuts. Goodbye fat, hello bat.

Our gift to you after the jump...


To jump start the season, CBS is offering you readers $50 towards your leagues. Enjoy.

And if you're in our league, we look forward to thoroughly kicking your asses. If you haven't joined yet, get on it!

Oh, and Beckett...this one's for you...

Enjoy Pedrovision

Here's hoping you enjoy Pedro Martinez's return to the mound as much as we will today, when he makes his season debut for the New York Mets against Aaron Harang and the Cincinnati Reds at The Great American Ball Park at 1:15pm ET.

The veteran righty will be limited to 75 pitches with no more than 35 in one inning. Hopefully he'll get a nice quality start out of the deal and fan at least two batters, since he is just 2 K's away from the 3000 strikeout mark.

Martinez boasts a career 206-92 record with a 2.81 ERA in 375 starts.

[Newsday]