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Hal Bodley, dean of American baseball writers who joined MLB.com as senior correspondent in 2008, has covered baseball since 1958.
 | When you look closely at the Blue Jays of the past few years, it's amazing they haven't made it to the postseason. They've certainly had enough talent to get there. That's exactly how I look at them as Spring Training gets underway at the picturesque little Florida town of Dunedin. This team has postseason written all over its roster.
More»Gibbons on Navarro, Encarnacion in 2015 |
 | Ryne Sandberg said he could have communicated better in his rookie season as the Phillies' manager, and the Hall of Famer promised to change that this time around. But even though optimism runs high this time of year, Ryno has been dealt a tough hand again in 2015, writes columnist Hal Bodley.
More»Sandberg discusses the state of the Phillies |
 | The fact that baseball stands virtually alone as a sport that isn't governed by a clock sets it aside. But anything to improve its pace is worth a try and experimenting with a pitch clock was and is a bold move.
More»Vogelsong, Cain discuss possible pitch clock |
 | After a busy offseason that included the additions of Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval, the Red Sox have positioned themselves to go from worst to first again in the AL East.
More»Duquette on Hanley's impact on Red Sox lineup |
 | Nearly four years ago, Joe Maddon stood outside his team's clubhouse during Spring Training after the 2010 team was torn apart and boldly stated, "The demise of the Tampa Bay Rays has been greatly exaggerated." New president of baseball operations Matt Silverman hasn't paraphrased his former manager's line this offseason, but maybe he should.
More»Rays' Silverman on adding prospects, Jaso, Asdrubal |
 | Former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz became a Hall of Famer on Tuesday, and a day later reminisced about his remarkable career that went from starter to reliever and back to starter again.
More»Smoltz elated to join Maddux, Glavine in Cooperstown |
 | A second straight year with a class of true baseball legends has the Hall of Fame high above the doldrums of 2013, when Cooperstown opened its doors, but no one was elected.
More»Roundtable discussion on 2015 Hall of Fame class |
 | On second thought, give Matt Silverman, the Tampa Bay Rays' "rookie" general manager credit. What Silverman has done is far more than tweaking the roster. Call it a major overhaul.
More»Silverman talks three-team trade, parting with Myers |
 | Kevin Cash, who was introduced as Rays manager on Monday, is thankful the TV lights and tape recorders will be shut down for a spell. That will give him time to work on the Xs and Os, the real reason he was hired.
More»Kevin Cash introduced as new Rays manager |
 | The thing about John Hart is he's really good at what he does. Make that very good. The Braves president of baseball operations took some time out of his busy Winter Meetings schedule to discuss how baseball and the role of the general manager has changed since his tenure with Cleveland in the 1990s.
More»John Hart joins MLB Tonight to talk future of Braves |
 | If there's a silver lining to Dick Allen and Tony Oliva missing the Hall of Fame cut on Monday, it's that when this fickle committee votes again in three years their chances should be even greater. Allen should be in the Hall of Fame. Period.
More»Bunning, Jenkins on no electees from Golden Committee |
 | Kevin Cash, who turns 37 on Saturday, stepped up to the plate for the Rays on Friday and once again hit the ball out, a sizzling display of energy, enthusiasm and baseball savvy. The question now is will his encore live up to the impressive, yet demanding expectations placed on him as the Rays' new manager.
More»Kevin Cash discusses new role as Rays manager |
 | Walk through the imposing front door at Ava and the first thing you see is former Rays manager Joe Maddon and a 6,000-pound pizza oven. On Wednesday night in Tampa, Maddon opened his arms and Ava's doors for a preview of the long-awaited restaurant.
More» |
 | Dick Allen is one of 10 candidates on this year's Golden Era ballot for the Hall of Fame, and according to veteran baseball scribe Hal Bodley, Allen is the most deserving player on that ballot.
More» Dick Allen throws out first pitch |
 | No matter how hard he tries, Royals manager Ned Yost can't shake visions of that deciding and fateful ninth inning in Game 7. But after a magical postseason run that ended just short of a World Series championship, Yost deserves enormous credit for changing the Royals' clubhouse culture.
More»Yost looks back at Royals' memorable season |
 | Should Ned Yost give "Big Game" James Shields the ball and a chance to redeem himself for his dreadful start in the 7-1 loss to the Giants in Game 1 on Tuesday? Or with the World Series potentially on the line, should he not risk another meltdown by his ace?
More» Yost on Shields' ability to bounce back |
 | Nine managers have won at least three World Series championships, and all of them are in the Hall of Fame. So if the Giants can get past these Cinderellas wearing Kansas City Royals baseball suits, their beloved skipper can count on baseball's highest honor.
More» Bochy on Game 1 vs. Royals, Bumgarner |
 | The Rays kept pushing the pedal to the floor, the engine sputtered and nothing happened. That's how much of their disappointing 2014 season went.
More»Rays' season Recap |
 | It seems utterly foolish, if not stupid, to pick against the Angels as baseball's postseason is poised for its unpredictable October run. But the Orioles have been playing like a team of destiny.
More» Wilson on clinching AL West title at home |
 | The Orioles entered Saturday with a 9 1/2-game lead that was the biggest in any of the six divisions, but they certainly aren't taking for granted the likelihood of their first American League East title since 1997.
More» Chen fans three over six strong frames |
