Posted: Apr. 1, 2012 | 2:04 a.m.

Here is a listing of events designed for book lovers. Information is subject to change or cancellation without notice. Additions or changes to this listing must be submitted at least 10 days in advance of Sunday publication to Bookmark, Las Vegas Review-Journal, P.O. Box 70, Las Vegas, NV 89125. For more information, call 383-0306.

SIGNINGS

John A. Andres will sign "Rude Buay ... the Untouchable, Vol. II" at 1 p.m. Thursday and 11 a.m. Friday at Barnes & Noble, 2191 N. Rainbow Blvd.

Kelle Groom will do a short reading and sign copies of "I Wore the Ocean in the Shape of a Girl" at 2 p.m. Saturday at Barnes & Noble, 2191 N. Rainbow Blvd.

EVENTS

Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road, will host the Spring Fling Book Fair featuring local and regional authors, lectures and workshops 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Autograph sessions will be 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. Admission is free (507-3458).

The Amazing Reads Book Club meets at 5:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month at West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd.

Book Lovers' Bistro meets at 5:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at Whitney Library, 5175 E. Tropicana Ave.

The Brown Bag Book Club meets at 11a.m. the second Thursday of the month at the Laughlin Library, 2840 S. Needles Highway.

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Bookmark: Signings And Events

SOLDIER OF GOD: MacArthur's Attempt to Christianize Japan, by Ray A. Moore. Merwin Asia, 2011, 167 pp., $35.00 (paperback)

India, the jewel in the crown of the British Empire, the largest the world has ever known, was won mainly by attrition, though some of the later additions to it, like Burma, were taken by force. Almost no attempt was made to interfere with native religion. The enduring image of the 19th-century "scramble for Africa", however, was of rapacious Europeans with a Bible in one hand and a gun in the other.

"Soldier of God" deals, as the subtitle tells us, with Gen. Douglas MacArthur's attempt to Christianize Japan after its own imperial ambitions had been forcefully subdued in World War II. It is a story that the author, Ray A. Moore, has studied for a long time, and which begins in the 16th century, when Catholic missionaries first arrived on these shores. After the closing of Japan to the outside world in the Edo Period (1603-1868), Christianity was proscribed, eventually on penalty of death.

When Japan was forced open again to trade in 1853, the status of Christianity was less certain, though it soon became apparent that the edicts banning it would no longer be enforced, and so the missionaries gradually returned. Initially there was a spread of enthusiasm, with many conversions, though this went into retreat in the 1890s. By then, however, Christians were well established in the fields of medicine and education in which they had attempted to exert influence and win converts.

The largest influence was perhaps in education, but Christian schools and colleges of all stripes came under pressure from growing nationalism in the 1930s. Most of them were encouraged by the government to unite as a single entity, while many foreign missionaries went home. But some form of educational work continued, even though its religious aspect was more restricted: "What really disrupted the Christian church and school activities was the American government's decision to subject all of Japan's cities to destructive firebombing," says the author.

The remaining Christian organizations, though not banned, were under Japanese control during the war, while foreign missionaries plotted their return, with clear encouragement from President Harry Truman. "Reform in every sphere of Japanese society would be required," as part of the re-establishment of civil liberties, and democratization. Gen. MacArthur, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers, had remarked enigmatically on the need for "spiritual recrudescence", and proved to be sympathetic.

Even before MacArthur issued an order allowing the missionaries to enter Japan, some had already come in with the occupation forces. Both Catholics and Protestants were urged to participate and to help "subvert Japan's native religious beliefs and replace them with Christianity." As part of this policy, the emperor was to be spared and the imperial system retained. Stability would thus be maintained, even as extensive changes were made to other areas of social and economic life.

Seeing himself as "an emancipator of an Asian people", MacArthur encouraged missionary endeavor, and presented himself at home as a "'soldier of God'" while exaggerating the numbers involved (at best 1 percent of the population was Christian). The General's notion that Japan must become Christian in order to become democratic produced unease among the Japanese, and was not unchallenged by his American colleagues. Moore is alert to all the nuances of this encounter.

Much of the second part of the book is concerned with moves to save the emperor from trial as a war criminal: "The general's personal belief in the transforming power of the cross added a peculiar dimension to his relationship with the emperor," explains the writer. This was reinforced by accounts of interest in Christianity within the imperial family itself. In part this had to do with the privileged education they had received from missionaries. Thus education had remained important.

Key to the negotiation was an American missionary of long residence and with imperial family connections, Merrill Vories (1880-1964), whose diary is quoted. But a certain amount of mendacity was also involved in the promotion of Christian sympathies, and the suggestion of belief at this high level. Nevertheless, the crown prince (now the emperor) was duly inculcated with such ideas in his private education. That Christianity might also be used as a counter to communism was not at first foreseen.

Read more:
Japan's 'spiritual recrudescence'

March 30, 2012 - South Atlantic League (SAL) Asheville Tourists The Colorado Rockies have assigned 25 players, including 13 pitchers, two catchers, six infielders and four outfielders, to Asheville to open the 2012 South Atlantic League season. The players along with manager Joe Mikulik, pitching coach Joey Eischen and hitting coach Mike Devereaux are scheduled to break camp in spring training in Arizona this weekend before meeting the media in Asheville at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 3, and participating in their first practice at McCormick Field, beginning at 4 p.m.

Mikulik will open his 13th consecutive season at the Tourists' dugout helm, which is the longest current string for a skipper with the same full-season minor league team. He will be guiding five players who have played with Asheville in recent seasons. The returners include relief pitchers Craig Benningson, Taylor Reid and Rafael Suarez, outfielder/first baseman Tyler Massey and outfielder Delta Cleary, Jr.

The tentative Asheville starting rotation is projected to consist of all righthanders in Daniel Winkler, Ben Alsup, Chris Jensen, Alex Gillingham and Vianney Mayo. The Tourists' bullpen will feature closer Nelson Gonzalez as well as fellow righties Russell Brewer, Jefri Hernandez, Geoffrey Parker, Reid and Suarez. Benningson and Kenneth Roberts are the lone southpaws on the Opening Day roster. The hurlers will be working with Will Swanner, the projected starting catcher, and Ryan Casteel.

The projected starting infield has Harold Riggins at first base, Taylor Featherston at second base, Sam Mende at third base and Trevor Story, the Rockies' first-round draft pick in 2011, at shortstop. Rosell Herrera will also see plenty of activity at shortstop, second base and designated hitter, while Massey will divide his time between first base, the outfield corners and DH.

In the outfield, the Tourists are led by Cleary, who will patrol center field and lead off in the batting order. Cleary was with Asheville in 2009 and 2010 before spending last season at Class A Modesto. Australian native David Kandilas is projected to start in left field, with Jared Simon manning right field. Brian Humphries will be a reserve in the garden while also seeing some duty at DH.

Three of the Tourists were ranked among the Rockies' Top 30 prospects over the winter by Baseball America magazine. Story was ranked sixth, followed by Herrera at No. 16 and Swanner at No. 21.

The Tourists open the 2012 season at McCormick Field on Thursday, April 5, against the Delmarva Shorebirds, the first part of a seven-game homestand to christen the campaign. Single-game and season tickets are available at the McCormick Field box office. For more information, contact the Tourists front office at (828) 258-0428.

Discuss this story on the South Atlantic League message board... Digg this story Add to Del.icio.us

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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Tourists Announce 2012 Opening Day Roster

As a child, Dr. Seuss gave me endless hours of entertainment, silly jokes and the perfect bedtime story. Now, as a 21-year-old, Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment has managed to do almost the same thing with their new feature film adapted from the Dr. Seuss classic, The Lorax. The book, originally published in 1971, opened in 3-D format on March 2, on what would have been Dr. Seuss 108th birthday.

While the movie makes necessary adaptations, the messages from the simple childrens book are still abundantly clear throughout and the producers make every effort to captivate the audience with Seuss traditional humor and joy that we grew up reciting.

The Lorax opened to a surprisingly successful start, grossing more money on opening day than any other Dr. Seuss film, including 2000s widely popular How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It grossed $121.9 million between its opening and second weekend.

The feature film explores the trials and tribulations of a 12-year-old boy named Ted who is searching for the love of the girl of his dreams, who he finds in Audrey. In order to do this, he must find a Truffula Tree, as this is the only way to capture Audrey, heart. It is through the Lorax, and his own personal story, that this can be accomplished. Along the way the boy experiences different situations from both the book and the imagination of the studio.

The book, in its original form, was quite different from previous work by Dr. Seuss, which was author Ted Geisels pseudonym. It veered away from his traditional color scheme and used his wife, Audrey, as both a character and as the books inspiration. Audrey Geisel is in fact one of the three executive producers of the film, along with Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul, allowing Dr. Seuss original intentions to shine despite his death.

In order to create a full-length movie out of a short book, the storyline was embellished. These additions both maintained the books legacy and Dr. Seuss original work and sparked new interest for viewers. Through the 3-D technology, the films director, Chris Renaud, accurately brings to life the creatures and environment that had previously been confined to pages and individual imaginations without compromising the storys integrity.

Danny DeVito lends his voice to The Lorax in a wonderful depiction that leaves the audience feeling as though the Lorax is indeed real. The movie also boasts the voices of Hollywood stars such as Ed Helms, Zac Efron, Taylor Swift and Betty White. Through their performance, the audience is thrown into a magical world with the quality animation that viewers have come to expect after the studios impeccable and cutting edge production of Despicable Me.

The animated film does raise a few questions regarding the song choices, and there is an unexpected dark side even with the films PG rating. It is completely animated, and unlike the other recently released Dr. Seuss film The Cat in the Hat, does not leave the audience feeling uncomfortable or questioning Mike Meyers performance.

More:
‘Lorax’ warms audience’s hearts

Running a small business is second-nature to "old" pros like me and my husband. Even with our combined experience of two decades we face considerable challenges. The three biggest challenges facing my small business today are cash flow timing, client diversification and independent staffing. These are issues we have struggled with, and continue to struggle with, as we grow.

Our main small business is a construction and renovation business. Supplies and payroll cost us a big chunk of change. The responsibility of having the cash flow that we need creates a constant source of mental and fiscal strain for the business. Cash flow timing is problematic especially when clients fail to pay in a timely fashion. Tapping back up funds becomes a necessity when jobs grow unexpectedly or when problems arise. An extra $1000 disappears quickly with licensing, permits and hidden costs.

The second largest challenge facing our small business is client diversification. It is easy to become depend on a large client willing to spend on improvement projects. We welcome repeat work and additions to current projects but working these projects solely limits the scope of our small business. During these times, it appears that we are a thriving renovation company, when in fact, we become mere subcontractors. Diversifying the client list makes our business stronger; less dependent than leaning entirely on a single client. Also, some repeat clients tend to "hold you over a barrel" when they offer consistent work. It's not unusual for a customer to ask for a discount when this occurs. There's no discounting payroll!

Another big challenge we face concerns our staffing. We need motivated staffing. We've been fortunate over the years to have skilled labor, even brilliant contractors in our company. However, largely, the old adage is true - good help is hard to find! Once my husband's work truck leaves the crew on the job site, it's a catch 52. He could return to find the work done or not. I don't know if it's lack of motivation or lack of pride but there's definitely a lack in the employee pool. This despite of completion bonuses and competitive pay. This big challenge must be met and conquered to meet the workload required to operating this small business.

*Note: This was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Do you have a small business story that you'd like to share? Sign up with the Yahoo! Contributor Network to start publishing your own finance articles.

More from this contributor:

First Person: My Small Business Is Still Giving Raises

The Four Time I Shouldn't Have Bought Used

First Person: I Never Rehire Employees I've Fired

Original post:
First Person: The 3 Biggest Challenges Facing Small Businesses

Petrobras(PBR) is in a tough spot. Refining losses and production guidance misses have reignited long-standing investor concerns about government influence, investment outside exploration and production, and the company's ability to execute its ambitious growth plans. We believe the concerns about the production guidance miss may be overly focused on the short term, though long-term execution risk remains. Additionally, the refining losses will be a headwind over the next few years. Furthermore, we believe shifting offshore dynamics relating to new Brazilian oil and gas laws have weakened Petrobras' ability to benefit from its world-class discoveries.

2012 Production Growth Is Set to Rebound, but Long-Term Risks Remain Last year's domestic oil production of 2,022 thousand barrels per day missed guidance of 2,100 mb/d (plus or minus 2.5%). However, the miss was not resource-related (geological) but operational in nature, as equipment issues resulted in greater downtime for repairs in the Campos Basin. Planned and unplanned maintenance downtime resulted in reduced production of 67 mb/d (33 mb/d unplanned); production otherwise would have come in at the lower end of guidance. Production was also hurt by a delay in new wells because of late arrival of rigs from international shipyards. This is more concerning to us, considering future production targets and required rigs.

While Petrobras has not provided production guidance for 2012, probably hoping to avoid a replay of 2011, volumes should rebound. The firm anticipates that the ramp-up of previously installed floating production, storage, and offloading units should add about 211 mb/d to full-year production volumes. Meanwhile, plans call for the installation of 414 mb/d of oil production capacity additions in the second half of the year, contributing to 2012 volumes while setting up for a strong 2013. Additionally, fourth-quarter production already marked signs of recovery, posting the highest production volumes of the year as negative production impacts from stoppages on Marlim fell from third-quarter levels (-24 mb/d from -79 mb/d). However, demonstrating what a poor year it was, 2011's production high in December of 2,084 mb/d was below the 2,122 mb/d in December 2010.

As we saw in 2011, production targets are just that--targets. The miss in the first year of a decade-long plan does not inspire confidence, but we hesitate to emphasize one year. At the same time, delays in rig deliveries, which partially contributed to the miss, raise the issue of execution. Petrobras plans to not only double production over the next decade, but also enable the creation of an oil and gas service industry in Brazil. Local content requirements driving such desires could lead to excessive cost inflation as well as project delays. While the recent rig tender with Sete Brasil and Ocean Rig secures attractive, if not even below market, day rates for Petrobras, we think it carries greater on-time delivery risk as the rigs will be built in shipyards that do not yet exist, potentially offsetting the benefit derived from the lower rates. We risk our production forecast to account for such delays.

We Expect More Refining Losses Even With Improving Asset Quality Perhaps the most glaring issue of 2011 was the refining segment's accelerating losses. The fourth quarter registered the largest losses despite product price increases (gasoline 10%, diesel 2%) because of higher-cost imports due in part to depreciating currency. For the full year, U.S. price realizations in reais (proxy for import prices) increased 29% compared with a rise in Brazilian price realizations of 6%. At the same time, demand increases, particularly in gasoline, outpaced supply growth, forcing Petrobras to rely on higher-cost imports to supply the domestic market. While the currency depreciation prompted the sharp acceleration of losses in the fourth quarter, the underlying drivers are likely to remain in place for the next couple of years as the gap between domestic demand and production endures. Additional refining capacity will not be added until 2013, when the first stage of the 230,000 mb/d Abreu e Lima refinery is brought on line. In 2014, capacity will increase with the addition of the second phase in January and the startup of the 165,000 mb/d first phase of the Comperj refinery. Even with these additions, Petrobras estimates a supply deficit of almost 400 mb/d in 2015 in its most recent capital plan. As a result, assuming current conditions hold, we expect Petrobras will record refining losses through 2014 and potentially beyond.

As a result of its downstream positioning, Petrobras is losing its leverage to higher oil prices despite oil constituting 83% of total production. Refining losses during the fourth quarter outweighed the gains of the exploration and production segment, leaving earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization slightly lower from the previous year despite a 26% rise in Brent prices. Full-year results tell a similar story, with total EBITDA rising an anemic 5% against a 40% rise in Brent prices. The fourth quarter merely accentuated a trend that has been in effect since 2009. Theoretically, the integrated model is operating as it should, with upstream gains/losses offsetting downstream losses/gains. In Petrobras' case, it has worked too well, with refining losses swamping upstream gains. Additionally, its current refining configuration does not allow Petrobras to capture the crude differentials with its downstream, another benefit of integration. Instead it is exporting lower-quality crude (at a discount) and importing higher-value refined product to sell at a loss. Granted, this balance will tip in the coming years as production and upstream earnings grow while high-complexity refining capacity is added. In the short term, though, we expect pain to continue with increases in production potentially being offset by refined product demand growth calling for greater imports. Meanwhile, currency depreciation similar to that of the fourth quarter could add to losses.

In light of fourth-quarter results, it's difficult to argue that Petrobras needs to increase investment in refining capacity to reduce reliance on imports. While ceding market share and allowing foreign suppliers of refined products in the Brazilian market would make sense, it is unlikely to happen. As a result, Petrobras will maintain its near 100% market share and need to keep pace with a rapidly growing economy. However, while the increased refining capacity of 1,460 mb/d by the end of the decade should nearly eliminate the need for imports, little is likely to change the pricing dynamics of the Brazilian refined product market. We expect Petrobras to maintain its policy of not passing international price volatility on to the Brazilian market. As a result, in times of volatility Petrobras is likely to see downstream losses.

The additional refining capacity should also better align the upstream and downstream segments by increasing processing of heavier discount crude from offshore Brazil and enabling greater capture of those discounts.

Meanwhile, the higher-quality refineries should operate at lower costs and deliver wider margins thanks to improved yields than Petrobras' older facilities. Ultimately, though, we think the high cost of the refineries is likely to result in returns below the cost of capital. We think this is particularly true of the first refinery to be built, Abreu e Lima, where estimates imply a lofty cost of $65,000 per capacity barrel. However, costs should come down with subsequent refineries Comperj (330 mb/d including petrochemical production) and Premium I (600 mb/d) and II (300 mb/d). A recently announced delayed startup of the first stage of the Comperj refinery will probably increase costs, though.

Regulatory Changes and Non-E&P Investment Will Weigh on Long-Term Returns In addition to the concerns regarding production growth and refining losses, we see two significant factors that will affect Petrobras' long-term performance. First, Petrobras is liable to match potentially economically unattractive future presalt bids as part of the government mandate that it be operator in all new presalt licenses. Second, Petrobras plans significant investment in strategic projects that carry lower returns.

Excerpt from:
Petrobras' Tantalizing Growth Comes With Baggage

March 28, 2012 - Eastern League (EL) Trenton Thunder (TRENTON, NJ) - The Trenton Thunder, the Double A Affiliate of the New York Yankees, announced new additions to its previously announced Promotional Schedule on Wednesday afternoon with a Robinson Ca-Gnome giveaway, celebrity appearances and NASCAR and football theme nights leading the way.

Gnomes were first used in Germany in the 1800's as a way to protect gardens from evil sorcery and bring good luck. On Sunday, July 8, the first 1,800 Thunder fans ages six and older will take home a Collectible Garden Gnome that's worthy of protecting even the lush turf at Yankee Stadium. The Thunder's "Robinson Ca-Gnome" giveaway presented by Black Bear Franks will feature the likeness of former Thunder star and current Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano in traditional gnome attire, complete with a pointy cap.

Thunder fans will have two chances to meet prominent sports celebrities at the ballpark this year. On Tuesday, May 29, MLB Network's Larry Bowa will be the Thunder's special guest. Bowa, a 16 year Major League veteran, is a former All-Star and member of the 2,000 hit club. He spent most of his playing career with the Philadelphia Phillies and also managed in the Major Leagues including four seasons with the Phillies where he won the 2001 NL Manager of the Year award. The Thunder will also welcome Steve Weatherford of the New York Giants on Wednesday, June 20 thanks to Steiner Sports Collectibles. Weatherford is a 2011-12 Super Bowl Champion and Franchise Tagged Punter. Both Bowa and Weatherford will throw out a ceremonial pitch and be available for autographs on the main concourse.

Additional new giveaway items include White Eagle Printing Company presenting Thunder player posters to the first 2,000 fans on Tuesday, June 19 and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey supplying umbrellas to the first 1,500 fans ages 18 and older on June 25. The first 1,000 fans ages 21 and over at the Irish Heritage Celebration on August 9 will receive Pint Glasses thanks to Budweiser. On August 20, Kia Car Mugs will be given to the first 1,500 fans ages 18 and older thanks to KIA Motors.

Macy's will present a pair of Back To School Nights at the ballpark this season. On July 31 and August 28, lucky fans will win valuable gift cards to Macy's. Thunder players as well as mascot Boomer will visit the Macy's locations at the Quaker Bridge Mall, Oxford Valley Mall, Neshaminy Mall and East Brunswick in support of the nights (dates TBD).

On Tuesday, August 1, Thunder fans will be thinking NASCAR as Pocono Raceway sponsors the game. The night will feature cars on display, opportunities to meet drivers and NASCAR Pennsylvania 500 promotions and prizes.

On Sunday June 10, Radio Disney will bring their Interactive Entertainment show featuring music, dancing, trivia, activities and prizes to Waterfront Park's Times Square, the area outside the main gates. The show will be before the game, so fans are encouraged to arrive early and visit with Radio Disney personalities.

The Thunder have several fun theme night promotions in store for fans this year. On April 10, everyone is encouraged to dress in their most unattractive sweater as the Thunder celebrate Ugly Sweater Night (think 1980's Bill Cosby and loud Christmas sweaters). Tuesday, August 7 will be the team's Fourth Annual Mustache Bash - an evening full of facial hair themed fun. Saturday, August 18 will be the Thunder's annual Football Kickoff Game and fans are asked to wear their favorite football jersey. There will be football themed entertainment throughout the evening.

Thunder players will wear special jerseys on two occasions this season. On Wednesday, July 4th, the team will wear the much publicized "stars and stripes" uniforms they wore at last year's Independence Day game. The jersey worn by Derek Jeter in 2011 was auctioned off for charity but the rest were kept and will be worn again this season. On Wednesday, August 22 at 12:05pm, the team will sport desert camouflage themed jerseys in recognition of the men and women of the US Armed Forces.

The Thunder will host a special event for business professionals on Monday, April 9. This event, the second annual "Night of Networking" in the Yankee Club includes a presentation, buffet and the chance to network. A special ticket is required.

Continue reading here:
Robinson Ca-Gnome Giveaway & More Added to Promotional Schedule

Written by The Sports Network

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - There wasn't a better story through the first four months of the season than the Cleveland Indians. But the story didn't end well.

Cleveland stormed out of the gate and into first place in the AL Central by opening with a 14-2 record at home and a 30-15 record through May 23.

It wasn't just that they were winning, it was the way they were winning. Mixed throughout the season were 36 comeback wins and 18 victories in the last at- bat. The Indians enjoyed 12 walk-off wins, including seven that came courtesy of walk-off home runs. That marked the most walk-off blasts in one season for the Indians since the team had nine such shots in the 1995 campaign.

Injuries, though, started to take their toll and the team struggled mightily in the second half, before ending the year 80-82, up 11 wins from 2010, but still a whopping 15 games back of American League Central Division champion Detroit.

The club used the disabled list 22 times and only had Hafner, Choo, Cabrera and Grady Sizemore -- Cleveland's four most established hitters -- in the same lineup for 17 games. In all, Tribe players lost 826 days due to time spent on the DL.

Injuries have already reared their ugly head this year, as Sizemore (of course), is out until June following back surgery, while closer Chris Perez might not be ready at the start of the season because of an oblique injury suffered early in spring training.

Hopefully that is not a sign of things to come for the rest of the team.

Below we take a capsule look at the 2012 edition of the Cleveland Indians, with a personnel evaluation and prognosis included therein:

2011 FINISH (80-82) - Second Place (AL Central)

More here:
Cleveland Indians 2012 Preview

The Major League Baseball season kinda-sorta begins in Japan tomorrow morning at 6:10 am Eastern featuring the Oakland As and Seattle Mariners. I dont think anyone has been able to figure out why the As of all teams were chosen for this marketing excursion, but much like Dick Stocktons hair, sometimes things are better off remaining a mystery. The real season begins on April 4. Why there are no games between the series in Japan and next Wednesday is far beyond me. The guess is Bird Selig and his team of devoted cronies thrive on dishing out blue balls.

To get things started, we respectfully begin with the NL Central and the flukey World Champion St. Louis Cardinals.

2011 Record 90-72, 2nd place, wildcard winner Notable Additions Carlos Beltran, Adam Wainwright (missed all of last season), and J.C. Romero. As for Romero, after being traded to Colorado last season, the journeyman lefty pitched 8.1 innings, allowing 12 hits and a run. Hell be 36 in June. Calling him a key addition is beyond a stretch at this point. Now having said that, any time Ive discounted the Cardinals bullpen it has come back to bite me like a starved piranha. So I fully expect Romero to have an outstanding season in the St. Louis bullpen. Thats just how it works. Tragic Losses Albert Pujols and Tony La Russas winning hair and courteous demeanor. Plus, Dave Duncan and his top secret pitching rejuvenation machine are on a leave of absence. These are all major losses. Pujols departing needs no explanation. Its going to be strange seeing him in a different uniform. The absence of La Russa, at least from a comedic standpoint, will be sorely missed. As for Duncan, hes dealing with his wifes illness right now, so I imagine baseball is extremely far from his list of priorities right now. Lets hope for some positive news on that front. Good News They won the World Series last year and they have reasonable fans who wont be expecting anything close to a repeat. In short, this was a great year for Albert to leave. The thirst has been quenched, at least for the time being. Two titles in five years will often do that. A last place finish is perfectly acceptable in this instance. Bad News Alberts gone. Its the end of a fabulous era. Replacing the legend is Carlos Beltran and his hamstrings that are never quite 100%. Worse than that, he offers daily updates on the percentages of said hamstrings. Gonna be a long season in St. Louis. Outlook An even Steven 81 wins and a 3rd place finish. Probable 2012 Anthem Farewell to Tony and especially Albert means the Cards will be signing Carly Simons Youre So Vain all season long.

2011 Record 96-66, 1st place Notable Additions Aramis Ramirez, Alex Gonzalez and Norichika Aoki. Not exactly making you forget Prince Fielder. They also signed Corey Patterson to a minor league deal. Hilarious. Tragic Losses Another heartbreaking story of a beloved portly slugger leaving for a greener bank account. Yes, Prince Fielder is now a Detroit Tiger. His bat will be missed like a heaping Bratwurst, though the absence of his edible glove is certainly a bonus. Also gone is Craig Counsell? Wow. Probably time to hang it up, dude. Good News K-Rods back! That was kind of a shocker given how perturbed he was with his role last season, but Im not so sure if this should be listed under good news or bad news. Bullpen depth is always a plus, so for now his presence will reside in a positive light. However, I dont expect him to be in Milwaukee the entire season. Bad News A slow start by Ryan Braun will feed the media monster and a mountain of questions will follow him around like a centipede. He needs to get off to a decent start for his own sanity. Thankfully, he plays in a market that wont rake him over the coals the second they have the opportunity to do so. Outlook A healthy step back. 85 wins and 2nd place. Probable 2012 Anthem For this resilient bunch? Chumbawambas Tubthumping.

2011 Record 79-83, 3rd place Notable Additions Ryan Ludwick, Ryan Madson, Sean Marshall, and Mat Latos. Losing Francisco Cordero and gaining Madson was more or less a wash when you look at their numbers. That is, if Madson werent done for the year. (Oops.) Adding Latos is a nice plus, as he threw a career high 194.1 innings last year. Hes still just 23 years old. Tragic Losses Edison Volquez, Edgar Renteria, Ramon Hernandez, Jeremy Hermida, and Francisco Cordero. Not exactly weeping over these departures. The Reds should feel pretty good about where they are considering the other big players in the division will be coping with a couple rather large ditches in their respective lineups. Good News Mat Latos is the name well be hearing instead of Edison Volquez? Yes, please. Bad News If the worst distraction they have to deal with is the reminder that Brandon Phillips becomes a free agent after the season, I would say theyre in pretty good shape. Only time will tell to see how Dusty Baker can screw it all up. Speaking of Dusty, Im really hoping he upgraded to hipster glasses similar to what Amare Stoudemire sports on the court. Outlook 89 wins should get them the division crown. Probable 2012 Anthem Last year was a disappointing step back, so well go with Kickstart My Heart.

2011 Record 72-90, 4th place Notable Additions AJ Burnett, Erik Bedard, Clint Barmes. Tragic Losses The Pirates have lost 483 games over the last five seasons. Enough said. Good News Jeff Karstens, Charlie Morton and James McDonald to go along with Bedard and Burnett really isnt all that bad. I thought Burnett would have a pretty decent year without all the pressure and accompanying media horde, but hes already out two to three months with a facial fracture. Perhaps good news doesnt exist for this franchise. Bad News Theyre the Pirates. Even a pretty great start last year still saw the club finish 18 games under .500. They absolutely fell off a cliff and just laid there. This season I expect more falling and laying. Until the Pirates prove me wrong, the Pirates are still the Pirates and will remain the Pirates until the Pirates do something respectable, like not be the Pirates. Winning more than 80 games would be a nice start. Outlook AJ Burnett fouled a ball off his face seconds after becoming a Pirate. Difficult to avoid the usual pessimism. 75 wins, 4th place. Probably 2012 Anthem The End by the Doors, obviously.

2011 Record 71-91, 5th place Notable Additions Theo Epstein. Young Theo gets the lucky task of cleaning up the mess that is the Chicago Cubs. After Theo and his band of Docker-wearing chums, the notable additions are Ian Stewart, Travis Wood, Chris Volstad, Paul Maholm, and David DeJesus. Woah. Thats ugly, but I have full confidence this new regime will have the Cubs back in order, its just difficult to say how quickly that will happen. Probably wise to avoid thinking short term. The best thing for Cubs fans to know is that it will happen under Theos watch. Considering how bleak its looked over the past couple of seasons, that should serve as music to their ears. Tragic Losses Aramis Ramirez, Carlos Pena, Koyie Hill, Sean Marshall, and Carlos Zambrano. Zambrano should have been gone years ago. His welcomed absence is symbolic to the start of a new era, and a sane one. Its like they finally deleted the number of a late night booty call that offered nothing but headaches and regret the following morning. Good for them. Good News See above. Its a cleansing process. The filthy Cubs have finally taken a shower, now they just need to fill the closet with some respectable new clothes. Even better, Wrigleyville remains a wonderful experience regardless of how crappy the Cubs are. Bad News Alfonso Soriano will make $18 million this season, next season and in 2014. That hurts. Unless they plan on eating 80% of that contract, hes not going anywhere. Outlook Wouldnt be surprised to see a similar finish to last season. 72 wins. 5th place it is. Probable 2012 Anthem High Enough by the Damn Yankees. This ones for you, Theo.

2011 Record 56-106, 1st place (lets see if youre paying attention) Notable Additions A new owner in Jim Crane! The dude has even stated that the team will unveil new uniforms for their move to the AL next year. This is great news. The question is, will they go back to the glorious unis from the 1980s or come up with something completely new? I love the idea of returning to the 80s look because its a reminder of a time when the team was relevant and routinely competitive. I also like the idea of the team introducing new uniforms because it gives us something else to discuss and debate other than the actual team theyre currently putting on the field. Its a pointless topic right now. They got rid of Hunter Pence last year along with Michael Bourn. The team is clearly in please look away, were rebuilding mode, so Im happy to oblige and turn my head. My only question is, when do Wandy Rodriguez and Brett Myers get shipped out of town to contenders? Tragic Losses Pride, tradition, self-respect. Good News Drayton McLane is no longer around to drive the franchise further into the abyss. Bad News Its going to be a few years before order is restored. Even worse, Jack Cust was the teams free agent splash. Oh boy. Outlook Uh, can they top last seasons tally of 56 wins? Can they avoid 100 losses? Whatever happens, itll be last place for sure. Probable 2012 Anthem Suicide is Painless, otherwise known as the theme song to MASH.

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2012 MLB Preview: NL Central

Phoenix Suns update:

Off-day Orange Slices ...

* It has been almost five years since the 2007 playoff suspensions of Boris Diaw and Amar'e Stoudemire. Is all forgotten?

That ruling hangs in Suns fans' memories like a haunting shadow but the flashbacks will come before their eyes Tuesday night. Diaw returns as a San Antonio Spur, of all things, and NBA Commissioner David Stern will attend the game.

Stern has been back in the arena fora private All-Star Game announcement in 2008 and the All-Star Weekend itself in 2009 but the former was a controlled business environment on a non-game day and the latter was more of a national, corporate crowd than a Phoenix crowd. This will be Stern's first time to walk among and be seen by Suns fans at their purple palace, although Stern will watch the game from a midcourt suite and likely not be introduced to the crowd.

Stern is in town on other league business unrelated directly to the Suns.

* You can tell the Suns are back in the playoff hunt when the networks are adding their games.

Earlier this season, two Suns games' national telecasts were dropped as they struggled. Today, ESPN has added the Suns' April 13 game at Houston and TNT added the April 24 game at Utah, changing the Utah game time to 7:30 Phoenix time.

* Today's news that Amar'e Stoudemire is out indefinitely after a MRI revealed a bulging disk goes back to the point made in this story that Managing Partner Robert Sarver perhaps was just in making a maximum-salary contract offer with stipulations that protected him against Stoudemire's health issues.

* The best part of the ongoing free throw swish competition has been the celebrations that now include a championship belt to the winner of the post-practice or post-shootaround contest. Ronnie Price has added a new element. After winning the last swish showdown on the road (first to five swishes wins), Price enlisted rookie Markieff Morris to be his hypeman. Pricegreeted the team once this weekendwearing a robeasMorris carried the belt walking behind him.

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Stern visit, TV additions, more slices