At 37 years of age, it remains to be seen how much Vladdy has to offer.

He is probably Hall of Fame bound as he is a career .318 hitter with 449 home runs and 1,496 RBI. 

Adam Lind will likely be most affected if Guerrero can play his way onto the Blue Jays’ roster.  As of May 15, he is batting just .184 with three homers and 11 RBI in 31 games.

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After a few late shaky starts during the spring, Parker was demoted to AAA Sacramento.  He was able to rebound, however, going 1-0 with a 2.18 ERA, and more importantly, surrendering only six walks in 22 innings.

He was then able to continue that success once promoted to Oakland in late April.  Allowing only two earned runs or less in each of his four starts, he has surpassed expectations thus far this season, but his control is still a concern.  In his last two starts, he has given up a combined nine walks in only 12.2 innings pitched.

If he is to continue this level of success, then control is one aspect of his game that needs to drastically improve.  Otherwise, it's only a matter of time until opposing teams take advantage of all the free passes that Parker gives up over the course of a game.  Should he straighten out his control issues though and live up to his potential, then expect him to join the long line of young talented pitchers that have recently graced the mound in Oakland.

Beginning with Trevor Cahill, the young righty has been mightily inconsistent thus far in his career.  Coming off a 2010 campaign in which he went 18-8 and garnered Cy Young consideration at the ripe old age of 22, Cahill followed that up with an extremely disappointing season last year.  Finishing with an ERA over 4.00, Cahill was repeatedly roughed up late in the season, giving up as many as 10 earned runs in his starts.  This prompted Oakland to move Cahill this past offseason, trading him to Arizona for Parker, among others. 

With Cahill, the ability is clearly there.  Possessing one of the game's best sinkers when it's on, he has put up top of the rotation numbers in years past.  Like Parker, he just needs to remain more consistent.

He needs to focus on repeating the same arm slot with each pitch, throwing more over the top when he throws his sinker, thereby allowing him to get more on top of the ball, resulting in much more sinking movement.  As of now, Cahill has a slight edge over Parker because he has shown that he does possess the stuff to be one of the game's best pitchers.  Parker is still very inexperienced at this point, so his longevity over the course of a season is still unknown.

One player who like Cahill was traded far too soon this offseason was Gio Gonzalez.  Traded to Washington, Gonzalez established himself as one of the game's top lefties last year, finishing with an ERA of 3.12.  He has managed to top that number thus far this year, dominating with an ERA under 2.00.

Like Parker, Gonzalez had control issues early in his career.  Once he was able to manage that aspect of his game, his overpowering stuff was able to shine.  With these two pitchers, it's not a matter of talent, it's merely harnessing it.  

Gonzalez was known to be a bit temperamental while on the mound, occasionally letting his emotions get the better of him.  So far, Parker hasn't shown anything that would leave one to believe that he could lose his cool while pitching, but at this point Parker is still a liability every time he takes the mound. 

Both possess tremendous breaking balls; for Gonzalez it's his curveball, for Parker it's his slider.  If Parker can get an overall better feel for his pitches, then reaching Gonzalez's level is only a matter of time.

The other member of the big three that came up in Oakland a few years ago, and the only one still with the club, is Brett Anderson.  Potentially the most talented of the three, and I say potentially because we've hardly seen him play, Anderson coming up had every look of an ace.

Anderson and Parker do actually share a similarity, but it's an unfortunate one because the similarity I refer to is that they have both undergone Tommy John surgery despite neither being over 24.  It's a pity because in the short amount of time Anderson has pitched for Oakland, the potential for greatness is there.

Like Parker, Anderson has overpowering stuff, possessing a fastball that can reach the mid-90s consistently.  What separates Anderson from Parker, though, is his feel for pitching.  Anderson has much better command with all pitches, being able to throw any pitch in any count.  Hopefully for Anderson, he's able to regain his form just as Parker did when he came back from the injury and be that top of the rotation starter the A's still see him as.

There is no question Parker has the ability to be a dominant pitcher.  With more experience and guidance, there is no reason why Parker can't equal or even surpass the other young pitchers that have come through Oakland in recent years. 

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Going into Tuesday's play, the Dodgers had the best record in baseball at 24-11 and the largest first-place margin among the six division leaders. Perhaps that six-game lead over an increasingly weak-looking NL West is enough of a cushion for the Dodgers to withstand two weeks without their best player.

However, even without that cushion, the Dodgers should be able to get by without Kemp in the lineup temporarily. Obviously, they're a lesser team without him, and no club can enjoy sustained success with their best player on the DL. 

Several things have to go right for the Dodgers to continue winning games while Kemp is out. But these three factors are working in their favor and should keep Don Mattingly's club on the right path until their MVP returns. 

Pitching's Been the Key

The Dodgers have been winning on the strength of their starting pitching all season long. Chris Capuano, Ted Lilly and Clayton Kershaw are currently among the top 15 in ERA in the National League. And Chad Billingsley's 3.32 ERA certainly isn't bad either. 

In their first game without Kemp on Monday night, Kershaw pitched seven shutout innings with six strikeouts, holding the Arizona Diamondbacks to four hits.

Asking for that kind of performance every night is a bit much (though maybe not from the defending NL Cy Young Award winner). But with that kind of pitching, the Dodgers can still win some games even with a Kemp-less lineup.

Look at the other games in which Kemp hadn't gotten a hit while trying to play with a sore hamstring.

Billingsley allowed two runs against the San Francisco Giants. In a three-game sweep over the Colorado Rockies, Capuano and Harang each gave up one run. Lilly gave up five (four earned) in his start, but the Dodgers were able to put 11 runs on the board to give him a win.

Teammates Are Picking It Up

No one is suggesting that Bobby Abreu is a suitable replacement for Kemp in the Dodgers' lineup. But picking him up after he was released by the Los Angeles Angels is looking like a savvy move right now. 

Since joining the Dodgers, Abreu is batting .296/.345/.444 in 29 plate appearances with four doubles and four RBI. When Kemp was taken out of Sunday's game versus the Rockies, Abreu came in and gave the Dodgers a lead with a three-run double. 

But the batters who were already regulars in the lineup have picked up their game while Kemp struggled.

In the five games during which Kemp was either hitless or out with injury, Andre Ethier hit 9-for-18 with three doubles, two homers and three RBI. Catcher A.J. Ellis went 6-for-13 with a triple, home run and four RBI. James Loney hit 7-for-16. 

Can the other batters in the Dodgers' lineup keep up that kind of production? Their history says no, but if they can do so while Kemp is out, his absence won't be quite so glaring. 

Schedule is Favorable

There don't appear to be many great teams in the NL, so the Dodgers may not have run into one over the next couple of weeks anyway. But the schedule looks pretty kind to them while Kemp is out. After finishing a two-game set with the D-Backs, the Dodgers play a pair against the last-place Padres.

A weekend series versus the St. Louis Cardinals will be a test, but the defending World Series champs have lost four of their past five games and haven't played much outside the NL Central. Going out west will be a challenged for them, as well. 

Next week, the Dodgers have three more games against the skidding D-Backs, a trio versus the Houston Astros and a four-game series with a Milwaukee Brewers team that's still trying to find its footing. 

Looking ahead to June, the schedule gets tougher with a 10-game road trip that includes a four-game set with the Philadelphia Phillies. But Kemp should be back in the lineup by then. 

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In his exact words as reported on Twitter:

"It's been difficult. The fire to compete is still there. But it's been fun to be home, be a dad, a husband."

Many baseball players go through this same set of emotions. It must be exciting to finally settle in to a more "normal" life of staying at home and being with the family. However, at the same time, it must be difficult to leave behind a game that has surely influenced his life in such a great way.

Wakefield is definitely not the first baseball player to experience this phenomenon. Just recently, Andy Pettitte tried his hand at the retirement lifestyle, but is back in Major League Baseball after only one year away.

I am not claiming that Wakefield will return next season, but I'm simply using Pettitte as an example of a baseball player who thought that he had called it quits but couldn't stay away.

Baseball is a lifestyle for these men. Most of them have probably been playing since they were five or six years old, and it is hard to break away from such a strong force in their lives.

Tim Wakefield had an excellent career and should definitely be proud of that. The decision to retire must have been incredibly difficult, but now that he has made that choice, I am glad everything is working out so well for him. His new stage of life will certainly bring another great set of rewards; in fact, it already is as shown in this video from NESN.

Whether you think I know everything or nothing about Major League Baseball, you should follow me on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook and keep in touch. I love hearing what you all have to say!

Follow @spinkickers.

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Vote early.  Vote often.

This is not about city council, though.  Nor is it about blue and red states. 

It certainly has nothing to do with the mayor’s office.

The constituency is located in Ashburn Alley.  The candidates wear white with cherry pinstripes.     

Balloting is underway for this year’s MLB All Star game. 

The annual mid summer classic is scheduled to take place on July 10^th at Kaufman Stadium, home

of the Kansas City Royals.

As tradition dictates, baseball fans choose the starting lineups.  The process is democratic, but not perfect. The most qualified players don't always take the field.

Popularity plays a role.  Fans vote according to their hearts, not their heads. 

Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr., for example, was voted a starter in 2000 while hitting .239 during that season’s first half.    

Further complicating things, MLB rules stipulate that each franchise is represented with at least one player on the roster. 

Admittedly, in the not too distant past, this has worked in favor of the Phillies. 

Mike Lieberthal (2000), Jimmy Rollins (2001) and Randy Wolf (2003) were lone Phillies All Stars.

It has worked the other way, though, too. 

Ryan Howard belted 28 home runs and drove in 84 runs before the All Star break in 2008.  It was not enough.  Howard stayed home. 

The final All Star game ever played at old Yankee Stadium went on without Howard there.

This year, at the first All Star game played in Kansas City since 1973, Phillies catcher Carlos “Chooch” Ruiz must be there.

Certainly, a case could have been made before.  Phillies fans know this. 

They know all about Ruiz’s ability to successfully manage the most highly profiled pitching staff in the big leagues.

They know too, all about Ruiz’s propensity for hitting in the clutch. 

This year, Phillies fans and the rest of baseball have learned something new.  “Chooch” has emerged as the best catcher in baseball.

And there is no time like the present. 

The last place Phillies, battling injuries and complacency, have struggled in every phase, except when “Chooch” either is at the plate or behind it.

Check the numbers.  Ruiz leads all MLB catchers in hitting (.337), and slugging (.577) and is tied for second in home runs (6) and RBIs (23).

Defensively, Chooch’s fielding percentage is perfect (1.000).  He leads all MLB catchers in double plays (4), and he is ranked third in runners caught stealing (11).

The “Chooch Train” has left the station.  And, it has been carrying the Phillies all season.

Now it is up to Phillies fans. 

Vote early.  Vote often.  

Clear the tracks.  The "Chooch Train" is right on time.  Next stop Kansas City.

All aboard!

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Sure, the Indians haven't had much success with Matt LaPorta after dealing CC Sabathia to Milwaukee, but how about that Eduardo Perez to Seattle for Asdrubal Cabrera deal?  That was "winning" before Charlie Sheen dropped the catch-phrase. 

Cabrera is an excellent shortstop.  He had a monstrous breakout season in 2011, making his first All-Star team and winning his first Silver Slugger by hitting .273/.332/.460 with 25 home runs, 32 doubles, three triples, 92 RBI, and 17 steals. 

Some wondered how he would fare in 2012, especially after a .244/.310/.419 line in the second half of 2011, but he is doing well so far this season.  Cabrera has posted a .316/.414/.500 line, with three home runs, 12 doubles, 13 RBI, and two steals, but most importantly, he has a 9:17 K:BB, after posting a 119:44 K:BB in 2011.

Cabrera has truly matured into an excellent hitter at a position that increases his value significantly; however, it doesn't stop there.  Cabrera's fielding percentage was higher than the league average last season (.976 to .972) and in 2012 his range factor at shortstop has increased dramatically, up to 5.10 from 3.99 in 2011, while the 2012 league average is 4.93. 

Cabrera has become one of the top players at his position, so what is he worth now?

Cabrera will make $4.55 million this year, $6.5 million in 2013, and $10 million in 2014.  He'll turn 29-years-old prior to hitting free agency after the 2014 season, so he'll have several solid seasons left, but is he worth the investment for the Indians?

Cabrera is a shortstop and the Indians top prospect is a shortstop, Francisco Lindor.  If you think you're moving Cabrera to second base, then what do you do with Jason Kipnis?  Is Cabrera a better third baseman than what Lonnie Chisenhall could become?  Where could Cabrera play and is he worth signing to a long-term deal? 

Consider that Troy Tulowitzki is the measuring tool for shortstops.  He signed through 2020, with a team option for 2021, basically signing a 13-year, $159 million deal.  Jose Reyes just signed a six-year, $106 million deal this winter with the Miami Marlins, but he hasn't stayed on the field consistently in his career, and even in his best seasons, he wasn't putting up numbers like Cabrera did in 2011, but they are different types of players.

Is Cabrera a glorified Jhonny Peralta, a late-blooming talent, or is he taking the steps towards super-stardom?  If the Tribe is going to lock him up, how much is he worth?  If you're a fan, do you think they should keep him as the face of the franchise, or hope that Lindor and the other youngsters work out? 

He seems to be worth the investment, but can the Indians afford to pay between $15 and $20 million per season if Cabrera keeps hitting like he has for the last season and a half?

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No, you are not reading that wrong. Hamilton is throttling opposing pitchers on a nightly basis. He is focused, confident and extremely talented. Hamilton's mind-blowing pace has him chasing an honor only fourteen players in baseball history have ever grabbed: the Major League Triple Crown.

Hamilton has been one of baseball's best hitters for the past three years, but his health has been an issue. If Hamilton can stay healthy, he is a legitimate contender to snag baseball's most coveted honor.

Hamilton's Triple Crown chances hinge on his success and everyone else's. He will need to stay healthy and perform at an extremely high level if he wants to claim this elusive honor.

Let's take a look at Hamilton's batting average, home runs and RBI. Then, we will see why Hamilton has a very real chance at the 2012 triple crown.

Batting Average

Hamilton's torrid pace has resulted in a .400 average. He will not maintain this ridiculous average all season, and in all likelihood he will not need too.

The only player close to Hamilton's absurd average is David Wright. Wright is hitting .398. Behind Wright's mark are Derek Jeter's .367, Rafael Furcal's .359 and Matt Kemp's .359 average. None of these players, outside of possibly Kemp, are talented enough to maintain their scorching pace.

Even Kemp, one of baseball's true five-tool players, is not notorious for his contact hitting.

The AL West is a pitcher-friendly division with plenty of good pitchers available. Hamilton will be tested, and will cool off at some point, but has a very real shot at maintaining a .340-.350 average.

If he can do that, he will be right in the mix.

Home Runs

Hamilton's 18 home runs are five ahead of the next closest mark so far this season. Carlos Beltran has 13. Adam Dunn, Curtis Granderson and Matt Kemp all have 12.

Hamilton's four home run performance against the Orioles on May 8th was a huge part of his current long-ball total. However, he has legitimate 40-50 home run power because of his quick wrists, bat speed and fluid hips.

Hamilton gets his bat through the zone with precise accuracy and lightning-quick speed. he knows how to keep the barrel level all the way through the zone and reaches many good pitches. This makes him difficult to pitch around, or overpower, even for baseball's best pitchers.

If Hamilton stays healthy, his home run total will not slow down. He has a flawless stroke, and could chase Barry Bonds' single-season record, if he plays enough games.

Again, outside of Kemp's 12 homers, no one should chase Hamilton in this department. Dunn has a ton of raw power, but is inconsistent. Beltran and Granderson are powerful, but not that powerful.

RBI

Hamilton's 44 RBI lead baseball. This comes down to timely hitting and a potent supporting cast of players in the Ranger lineup.

Currently, no player is within 10 RBI of Hamilton's current mark. Andre Ethier has 33 RBI. Carlos Beltran has 32, and Miguel Cabrera has 31.

Hamilton will benefit from the Rangers' lethal combination of hitters all season. He is just one of nine players hitting .270 or above, and powerful first baseman Mike Napoli is not one of those.

The Rangers will play meaningful baseball all season. Hamilton will have ample opportunities to deliver big hits and produce more runs for the Rangers offense.

Ethier has only had 100 RBI once in his career, and that was three years ago. Beltran's scorching start will slow down some. Cabrera is the largest threat to Hamilton's hopes of leading baseball in RBI.

What Does This Mean?

Right now, none of this really means anything. Major League Baseball's 162-game season is a marathon of epic proportions. A hot 34-game stretch does not mean anything in the long run.

However, Hamilton is talented, and in a perfect situation to make a Triple Crown happen. He will get offensive support all season and hits in a hitter-friendly park.

Hamilton's health is the biggest question mark moving forward. There is nothing, and no one, Hamilton is not capable of hitting, but he must stay on the field to do it.

All initial signs scream Triple Crown for Hamilton. Now he just has to make it happen.

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Losing pitcher Bartolo Colon allowed four runs on 12 hits in 6.2 innings while striking out four. He is now 3-4 on the season. The A's only managed five hits and could not get a big hit with two chances late in the game.

In the sixth inning, the A's loaded the bases on walks by Cliff Pennington and Josh Reddick and a single by Jemile Weeks. But the threat was ended when Seth Smith struck out. In the eighth inning, the A's had runners on the corners, but pinch hitter Jonny Gomes grounded out to second. Beyond that, the A's did not do much against Santana, who struck out nine. 

Good: N/A. Nothing good about being shut out and having your starting pitcher allow 12 hits in less than seven innings.

Bad: Bartolo Colon. He was not terrible, but another uneven start has his earned run average at 4.13. This is more indicative of the pitcher the A's signed. He is good, but not great.

Ugly: N/A.

Now 19-18, the A's will head to Arlington to face the Texas Rangers for two games starting Wednesday. Tom Milone will start against Japanese sensation Yu Darvish. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05 p.m.

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This time last week, Los Angeles Angels ace Jered Weaver was the clear favorite for the AL Cy Young. The Texas Rangers then proceeded to absolutely destroy him on Sunday.

Weaver's claim to the Cy Young was weakened as a result. Fortunately for him, several other notable AL Cy Young pursuers have also gone through some struggles recently.

All except one. Justin Verlander has been pitching quite well recently, and it's looking now like he may actually be the man to beat in the American League.

That's a question that will be answered within. Here are my updated rankings for the top-five AL Cy Young contenders.

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Players like Derek Jeter, Curtis Granderson, Nick Swisher and Raul Ibanez have been red-hot to start the 2012 campaign, and are really the only reason that the Yankees have managed a 20-15 record at this point in the season.  

The heart of the order has stumbled out of the gate, as has the starting pitching staff as a whole, and when Mariano Rivera went down with a season-ending ACL injury, even the Yankees' greatest strength, their lock-down bullpen, took a major hit.

However, as of late, things have begun to turn around for a handful of key Yankees figures. If these guys can keep moving in the right direction and pick it up, then things are about to heat up in the Bronx.

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